Stone of Love (Stones of Iona Book 1) by Margaret Izard

Author:Margaret Izard [Izard, Margaret]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC027030 FICTION / Romance / Fantasy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Published: 2024-03-03T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Colin changed into his father’s plaid and shirt. He tucked his father’s dirk into his belt, adjusting his sporran. In his father’s clothing, he could conquer the world. He needed the extra confidence for the task he had to face.

John’s gaze traveled over him. “Damn, Colin, if ye weren’t moving, ye’d be that portrait of Roderick in the castle. Yer givin’ me chills.”

Colin slashed his hand to the side. “’Tis not a time to joke, John. We’ve gone over everything, and ye got yer instructions. Check the box hole daily and make sure ye keep the damn thing a secret.” He gazed at the castle. Bree, he had hurt her earlier.

He turned to John. “Bree can’t find out anything about me from the past. She’ll figure out the assignment, get herself caught up in this, and get hurt. I want her kept safe.”

John patted him on the shoulder. “I understand. Ye have my promise and my word. I won’t let ye down.”

Colin glanced one last time at John. Once, as children, when he visited the castle, they had been playmates. Over the years, time and responsibilities had separated them, his in Edinburgh and John’s here at the castle. Now that Colin had returned and spent time here, John had become a good friend. He nodded to John, knowing he could count on him to keep things well while he was gone. It was time.

Colin slung his sword over his back and strapped it in place. “I appreciate that. Please take care of Bree while I’m gone. Promise me, John, see to her.” He placed his hand on John’s shoulder and squeezed it once.

John nodded. “I will.”

Colin shook himself and glimpsed toward the altar. “I can’t fail, John. I must find the stone, bring Roderick back from purgatory, and make it back home.”

John picked up the discarded clothes, headed to the chapel door, stopped, and gazed back at Colin. “Ye have yer da’s drive, his determination, Colin. I’ve got faith in ye—ye will succeed.”

Colin nodded, rendered speechless by this declaration from someone who had worked closely with his father.

John smiled. “Plus, ye gotta make it back. The reenactment is coming soon. We need the laird to kick off the celebrations with the ceremonial toast.” John winked as he left Colin alone in the chapel to face the challenge of his life.

Colin knelt before the altar, bowed his head. He stayed there in silence for a moment. Tinkling bells and light childlike laughter rang through the chapel. Colin glanced around. The sunset cast the chapel in shades of orange and red, making the building appear bathed in blood, chilling his heart.

“Ye are here.” Brigid spoke from the altar.

Colin glanced up. “Aye, I’m here, ye wee sprite. Let’s get this business over with.”

Brigid laughed. “So eager to get started.”

Colin stood. “I’ll ask again, how long am I going to be gone?”

Brigid flew to him and landed on his shoulder. “As long as it takes.”

Colin swiped at her form, his hand passing through her as if she were air.

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