The Adept Book 3 The Templar Treasure by Katherine Kurtz & Deborah Turner Harris

Author:Katherine Kurtz & Deborah Turner Harris [Kurtz, Katherine & Harris, Deborah Turner]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

THE MENTION of his mother’s name clearly startled Adam, but apparently it also defused any uncertainty he might have had about the hint of a ritual bidding phrase Peregrine thought he caught in the general’s invitation. Without looking at either of his companions, Adam inclined his dark head in graceful deference and mounted the four steps up to the gazebo entrance, at the same time making a small movement that might have been a screened gesture of his right hand.

“The invited guest always honors the rule of the householder,” he stated quietly, lifting his gaze unflinchingly to that of their host.

A firm handclasp met him and drew him inside, hazel eyes meeting his in unspoken approval. As Adam turned to call his colleagues to him with a glance, McLeod moved forward, Peregrine following behind him.

“Sir John, may I introduce my Second, Noel McLeod,” Adam said, in a display of candor that surprised Peregrine, based on so short an acquaintance. “And this is Mr. Peregrine Lovat—among other things, an artist of rare talent.”

The general’s handclasp was sure and firm as he drew Peregrine from the last step and bade him welcome with an enigmatic little smile. In the hazy shade beyond lay a glass-topped round table of white-painted wrought iron surrounded by four matching chairs with cushions of flowered chintz. The sunlight filtering through the rose-twined trellises of the gazebo’s supporting walls laid patterns of shadow on the floor like a covering of forest leaves. The sheltering shade provided the same sort of easy sanctuary as a forest glade. The dynamo thrum at the back of Peregrine’s awareness had ceased as he crossed the threshold.

“A formidable Hunting Party,” Sir John remarked, still smiling faintly as he swept a hand toward the chairs. “Please be seated, gentlemen.”

The open identification of who and what they were gave Peregrine a moment’s pause, but neither Adam nor McLeod seemed concerned. As Sir John shifted one of the chairs slightly and prepared to sit, Adam chose the one to their host’s right and directed McLeod to the one at his right, leaving Peregrine to take the remaining one, at their host’s left hand.

“So,” Sir John said, settling himself with his walking stick resting on the floor between his feet, hands clasped atop the silver head. “I see no reason to continue sparring, since we all know, at least in general, who and what we are. Perhaps I ought to clear up one mystery before we go any further. Adam—if I may presume to call you by your Christian name—you’re no doubt wondering how I came to be acquainted with your mother.”

“I confess to a certain curiosity,” Adam said, carefully neutral.

“Don’t worry, my boy. I’m not about to reveal any hitherto unknown details of a sordid past,” Sir John said with a smile. “Without violating any confidences, suffice it to say that your mother and I had business in common during the war—a matter of gravest national security. Philippa was only young then—not even as old as Mr.

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