Aurius by Catherine Fitzsimmons

Author:Catherine Fitzsimmons [Fitzsimmons, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Fiction
Publisher: Brain Lag
Published: 2010-02-21T05:00:00+00:00

* * *

Hours later, they reached the end of the forest. Far in the distance, they could see Quinlan. The tension in the air seemed palpable as they began approaching the town.

Makaidel continued leading them as they neared the familiar house. Jacob could barely breathe around the lump in his throat. Without a word or any hesitation, Makaidel climbed the stairs leading up to the back door and knocked.

The door opened swiftly and Cassandra beamed at them.

“You’re back already! I’m so relieved… what is it?” Her smile faded as she gazed on all the forlorn and guilty faces looking back at her. Jacob could see a hint of horrified understanding alight in her eyes. He wished he was anywhere but there.

Makaidel held up the notebook. “I’m sorry.” Cassandra put a hand over her mouth and shook her head. “We found the ruins… so did an Alorian who was after something there.” Cassandra drew in a shuddering breath and glanced away, her eyes welling with tears. Looking at her, Jacob’s heart had never felt so small and hollow. He watched, worried, as Serina turned abruptly and began walking away. He gazed at her in desperation, but hesitated to follow.

“Mrs. Deacon,” Makaidel continued. “I know this is hard for you, but I need to see Morrie’s notes.”

“Makaidel,” Kalista protested, gazing at him in shock.

“Please,” he continued, ignoring her. “We have to find out what that Alorian is after… so Morrie’s death won’t be in vain.”

Jacob caught only the briefest glimpse of Cassandra’s reaction before he turned and walked away as well. One thought circled his mind as he strode quickly around the house, unable to outrun it.

I took her husband away. Because of me, a good man is dead.

Rounding the corner, he spun and kicked out, toppling several logs off the wood pile. A gasp drew his attention to the side. Serina perched atop the wood pile further down, hand over her heart as she gazed at him in surprise. He dropped to the ground, covering his face with his hands.

“I should’ve stopped him. I should’ve done something.” He heard Serina approach and crouch beside him.

“There wasn’t anything you could do. It’s not your fault.” She laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder, but he shook his head against it.

It’s a lie, he thought. They’re all lies. It’s my fault. He heard Elias and Shane cry from inside the house and clutched his head tighter. Serina’s hand trembled on his shoulder.

“Let’s go for a walk.” He didn’t answer, but stood and followed as she returned to the town.

Making their way to an inn, they whittled away the rest of the day. Thorn and Kalista caught up to them, but Jacob rarely said anything. He thought he would explode in a flurry of guilt if he said anything about Morrie and so remained silent, even as the others talked about him.

“Let’s just hope Makaidel figures out something,” Kalista said as they sat around a table in the common room of the inn.

“I should’ve stayed with him,” Thorn remarked, gazing absently into his drink.

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