Treasure So Rare (Women of Strength Time Travel Trilogy) by Grace Brannigan

Author:Grace Brannigan [Brannigan, Grace]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Questor Books
Published: 2013-02-14T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Iliana left the sacred circle of trees, drawing deeply of the night air. The night sky was inky tonight, the moon disappearing behind the clouds, then reappearing only briefly. She held the lantern high, away from her face, careful not to get close to the foul odor of the burning oil. Tonight was one of the nights she felt as if events were moving forward. She had seen a cavern in her travels, and a gleaming gem. Why, she wondered as she had wondered before, did she see only bits and pieces of what she needed to know? Why was she not given the entire story so that she could find the gem without further delay? She felt as if someone played with her, allowing her only so much, nothing more.

Most of the men had settled in for the night, and she did not see even a dice game by lantern or candlelight. In fact, the quiet around her as she crossed the first courtyard felt uneasy, causing the hair along her neck to rise. She stopped and turned, moving her lantern to the right and left, but she saw no other person. A small animal moved in the corner of the yard, toward the stables, perhaps a rat. Iliana pulled her light cloak about her, then turned to hurry on her way. She came up against something solid and with a small screech looked up.

"Ulrich! You startled me," she said.

"I am sorry, my lady. I saw a light and came to see who was about. It is my guard tonight."

"Then I am sorry I startled you, Ulrich. I did not know anyone else was about."

"It is late for you to be out, my lady. We keep a watch but there are dangerous animals about. At times they get within the gates."

"Then perhaps we should close the gates," she said, frowning. "They should be closed to keep out intruders. Please do close them."

He nodded. "I will instruct my men."

She looked at him. "Don't you mean Camdork's men?"

"Of course," he said. "My lord Camdork's men."

"Then see to it. I will leave you to your duty."

He bowed his head. "Good evening to you, my lady."

She began to walk away, but suddenly turned back. "Ulrich, have you had your repast? I would see that food is brought out to you, to relieve your hours of watch."

He looked surprised. "Nay, my lady, do not stir yourself. I have already partaken of food."

"One more thing, Ulrich. Why is it you are the only one I see on guard duty?"

He cocked a bushy dark brow at her, as if surprised she had taken note. "I am in command of the men at arms," he said. "I prefer this duty, so I have made it mine."

"Well, I thank you, Ulrich, for your steadfast duty in keeping us safe," she said softly, turning and hurrying across the courtyard and into the keep.

Ulrich sat down on a small wooden bench the washer women used for their washing. His shoulders slumped.

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