Beyond Time: A Dark Order of the Dragon Novel (The Dark Order of the Dragon Book 2)

by Sandra Bischoff

  Galahad shrugged off his father’s hand. “Why? Because I have lived my whole life in Camelot and he has not? He and I are not that different. We both care for our charge. Neither of us would ever let her be harmed or imprisoned by anyone, not even her betrothed.”

  Rimmon narrowed his eyes. “Sir Galahad, I am to be her husband. I will be the one to decide how my wife is treated.”

  Galahad did not waver. “Aye, after you are wed. ‘Till that moment, my brother and I make that decision. We are her appointed guards and have been give leave by his Majesty to keep her safe, from all. This includes you, My Lord.” Not waiting to be dismissed, Galahad spun on his heel and left the hall.

  Twenty

  Arthur leaned back in his chair, stroking his bearded chin. He regarded the exchange between Galahad and Lord Rimmon in silence, all the while knowing he should intervene. But what he should have done and what he intended to do were two entirely different things.

  Lancelot rose, intent on following his son. “I shall take care of this.”

  Arthur raised a hand to stop him. “Let him be, Lance.”

  “Sire…”

  “Nay.” He cut a harsh look toward Lancelot. “The boy is right. I gave your sons the task of protecting the Lady Elizabeth. They are merely carrying out their orders.”

  Rimmon slammed his mug on the table, glaring at Arthur. “How dare you allow him to speak to me thus! I should demand he be flogged for his insolence. Is this how you allow all of your men to act?”

  Arthur turned on him. “My Lord, you forget we both know who and what you are. Do not go making demands on us. Sir Galahad is one of her Ladyship’s guardians. If he or his brother deems you a threat, I will most certainly keep your betrothed from you. The contract will be broken. Elizabeth is my family, my blood. That is above and beyond any claim you may think you have on her.”

  The Lord’s eyes flared red. His voice took on a demonic growl. “Do I have to remind you that if Lady Elizabeth is not delivered to me, Camelot will fall? Would you really gamble your kingdom on the whims of two knights?”

  Leaning closer to the demon lord, Arthur flashed him a smile. “Aye, I would.”

  “Then you are a fool. I should destroy you now.”

  Lancelot shot to his feet, sword drawn. “You will have to go through me first, demon.”

  “’T’would be my pleasure.”

  A ball of fire formed in Rimmon’s right hand. All movement in the great hall came to an abrupt halt. The knights and other inhabitants of the realm who joined in the festivities were frozen in time except the three of them.

  “Do your worst. The Lady will see you delivered back to hell where you belong.”

  “I so adore your empty threats, Lancelot.” The demon narrowed his eyes. “Why do you think it was so easy for me to make this deal? The Lady you speak so highly of has abandoned you.”

  “You lie!” Lancelot advanced, swinging his sword.

  “Lance, no!” Arthur put himself between Lancelot and Rimmon.

  As Lancelot’s blade would have made contact he was flung backward into a stone pillar. The force of the blow rendered him unconscious. He lay in a crumpled heap, his sword skidding to a halt on the hearth.

  “What have you done?” Arthur swiftly crossed the room to check his first in command and friend. He felt for a pulse and sat back relieved when he found one.

  Rim tossed the ball of fire up, allowing it to fizzle into nothingness. “I merely took care of a situation as I saw fit.” He rose to tower over Arthur, eyes burning red. “As much as I would rather see otherwise, Lancelot will live. Let this be a warning, Your Majesty. I am in charge here. Deliver the girl to me or watch your kingdom crumble.”

  Before Arthur had a chance to speak, Rimmon vanished. Head bowed, Arthur returned to his seat at the high table. All around him life returned to those who were present. Not one of them knew what had transpired.

  The King waved over Gawain and Percival. “It seems Lance has had more than his share of the festivities. Would you help him find his bed?”

  “Aye, Your Majesty.” They replied in unison. Each slung one of Lancelot’s arms over a shoulder and made their way from the great hall.

  Sitting back with a sigh, Arthur closed his eyes. If there ever was a time for a miracle, now was it.

  How can I give her over to this creature knowing full well she will be condemned to a fate worse than death? Is my quest to hold onto this kingdom worth sacrificing my own flesh and blood for?

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  The dark clouds and scent of rain that was present most of the day were now a memory on the horizon. A full moon rose high in the sky above, illuminating the courtyard. Galahad made for the stables as an errant gust of wind whipped through his heavy wool cloak. The chill it left behind barely fazed him. He was so intent on his destination he didn’t notice the shadow trailing him since he left the castle.

  A heavy hand fell on his shoulder, Galahad spun on the person stupid enough to sneak up on him, sword drawn. His gaze met the glowing yellow eyes of the man behind him and he re-sheathed his sword continuing toward the stables.

  “I thought you were off hunting for your next meal.”

  Zephyr fell into step next to him. “An appealing thought, but sadly, no. Where are you going?”

  Galahad pulled up short. “I cannot let this get any further out of control. Christian and Elizabeth must return tonight.”

  “Why?”

  That one simple word had him reeling. “Why? You dare ask me why? It could be because we have a demon in our midst demanding his bride be brought to him. Or mayhap ‘tis because the lunacy you set into motion will most likely end in the death of my brother. Or perhaps I only wish to ease my own guilty conscience.”

  The vampire grabbed him roughly and forced him into the stables. The doors slammed closed behind them. Zephyr kept his hand over Galahad’s mouth. He placed a finger to his lips motioning for Galahad to stay silent.

  Outside, a group of drunken knights stumbled toward the main gate. The smell of ale drifted through the closed doors. The stench turned Galahad’s stomach. He never understood why others deemed it necessary to become that inebriated. Could one truly enjoy themselves and experience all there was around them?

  The courtyard beyond the door grew quiet. Zephyr removed his hand from Galahad’s mouth. “Are you quite done with your rant?”

  “Aye, I suppose.” Galahad brushed past him, disappearing into the stables. He returned leading three horses.

  “You really mean to bring them home tonight. This cannot wait till morning?”

  “Nay. It cannot.” He placed a saddle on one of the horses and cinched it.

  Glancing over the horse’s back, he saw the vampire enter another stall and return with his own mount. The horse shied away, but continued to follow until they stood nearby. A snap of his fingers and Zephyr had the remaining three horses saddled and ready to go.

  Galahad frowned. “What do you think you are doing?

  “We cannot have you venturing out alone. I shall accompany you.”

  “I am not a child. I am perfectly capable of doing this myself.”

  “Perhaps you can, but I am still going with you.”

  “And you would do this, why?”

  “Because I understand the way demon’s think.” Zephyr flicked a speck of lint off his tunic. Galahad rolled his eyes. “And I know I can be of help.”

  Still Galahad was not appeased. “Do you think Christian needs more of the help you already gave him? Your help may make matters worse.”

  “Not what I have planned.” The vampire patted the pouch on his belt. “I hold something that shall solve their problem.”

  “This I cannot wait to hear. Please, go on.”

  Zephyr opened the pouch and withdrew a thin gold rope.

  “A piece of rope will solve our problems.” Galahad scoffed. “Do you mean to kill him? I do not see that as helpful.”

  “Funny. I see quick wit was not wasted sol
ely on your brother. Nay, Galahad, I intend to marry them.” Zephyr coiled the rope around his hand and slipped it back into the pouch. “I should actually say hand fasting, but you get the idea.”

  “Oh, aye. I can see how that will solve everything.” Galahad paused. He slowly counted to ten before continuing. “Have you lost your mind?”

  “You would like to think so. However, if the Lady Elizabeth were to be wed to another, the betrothal would be no more.”

  Could the vampire be right? It did make sense.

  Oh God. I am actually falling into his madness.

  Galahad shook his head. “Fine, let us say your plan works. Christian and Elizabeth return as man and wife. They speak to King Arthur and explain their plight. What is to say His Majesty chooses not to acknowledge their union? There is nothing that states he must.”

  “He will acknowledge it.” Zephyr pushed the stable doors open wide and surveyed the courtyard with a cautious eye. Returning to his mount when he was satisfied no one still lingered there.

  “Come now, even you must agree this plan is ridiculous.” Galahad tied the reigns of Christian and Elizabeth’s horses to his. He patted the flank of his mount before swinging up onto its back. “I have one better. What if Lord Rimmon decides to handle my brother on his own? Christian may be a passable swordsman, but he would be no match for a demon.”

  Zephyr laughed. “Has anyone ever told you that you worry more than a woman?” The vampire swung up onto his horse. The animal danced beneath him in anticipation of a midnight ride. “Your brother can and will hold his own. He has before.”

  “How would you know that?”

  The vampire only grinned. His fangs flashed white in the moonlight filtering through the open doorway. “Some things are better left unsaid, Du Lac. Enough of this. Let us go bring our star-crossed lovers home.”

  Zephyr kicked his horse into motion. Galahad followed his lead. Together they galloped through the main gate. The guard stationed there stood aside, allowing them to pass although he seemed to keep a close eye on them.

  An uneasy feeling washed over Galahad. He glanced back over his shoulder as the countryside sped by around them. The guard hadn’t moved. He remained staring after them, eyes glowing a faint red. Galahad blinked and the silhouette of the guard faded into a shadow on the castle wall.

  Impossible.

  “Surely I am slowly losing my mind.” He returned his attention to the forest in the distance, pressing his steed into a hard run. They had to reach Christian before dawn or this whole god-forsaken plan would be for naught.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Rimmon pulled his hand from the guard’s chest. He held the still-beating heart in a firm grip. The guard looked down at the gaping hole in his armor and coughed up blood. He grasped at Rim desperately his eyes glazing over. The guard crumpled to the ground. The coppery tang of the human blood filled the air. An evil smile curled across the demon’s lips.

  Through narrowed eyes he watched the two riders weave between the tents. They headed for the trees at the northern most corner of the field at a full gallop; riding like the devil himself was on their heels.

  It was amazing how true that statement could be.

  Such pathetic creatures these humans are. Why do they keep trying to deceive me?

  Rim held the heart up and his lip curled in disgust. Moonlight reflected off the blood and muscle now lifeless in his palm. The guard was a mere casualty. The man he wanted to punish was already miles away.

  Galahad Du Lac. While another man would have shrank back in fear the moment Rim revealed he was more than human, the young knight had stood his ground. Under any other circumstance that would have garnered Rim’s respect, but not this time.

  This time the knight found himself an enemy. A dangerous enemy.

  Fury rose within Rim. They could try and keep the woman away from him, but they would not succeed. Arthur knew the consequences -Elizabeth or Camelot. He had a choice to make. The life of one or the lives of many. He was sure Morgan wouldn’t hesitate in her choice. She craved the power too much. There was only one reason he could think of would make the King second guessing their deal.

  Someone had gotten in Arthur’s ear and broke the spell he weaved over the kingdom. The question was, who?

  The heart in his hand turned to stone. Rimmon crushed it. The dust slipped from his fingers and blew away in the cold wind that rose up over the cliffs from the sea below. The faint melody of a woman’s laughter reached him.

  Rim snarled. “You have not won yet. I shall have what is mine.”

  A disembodied voice echoed in the darkness. “What is yours does not exist here. It never will. Cut your losses and let this be.”

  “Never.”

  “Then be prepared to lose.”

  “I will never lose, especially not to you. I will have my Queen.” He snarled into the darkness.

  Laughter danced around him once more, drifting away over the water, leaving behind a quiet whisper in its wake. “I always win, my son. Your Queen shall be given to you when I see fit.”

  Twenty One

  Lance lay with his arms around Elizabeth, his face buried in her hair. A content smile curled his lips as the scent of heather filled his lungs. He would never get enough of it. Being there with her was like a piece of him had finally fallen into place.

  He was whole.

  Never in his life had he felt this connected to anyone. Not as a child with his parents. Not with Sam in New Orleans. He sure as hell didn’t feel it being the third wheel living in Cornwall with Jared and Alex. During all of those years, there had always been a void inside him, a missing piece. It took traveling back to a place from his childhood to find the one thing to complete him.

  What would happen when they went back to the castle? How would he convince everyone she couldn’t marry this Lord Rimmon? He didn’t know the man personally, but given his first-hand experience regarding the time period, Lance was sure the man would smother her spirit.

  Women in this time period are expected to obey their husbands. Men had complete control. Sure a few exceptions existed, his mother and the Queen to name a few. Unfortunately that wasn’t the norm. To have Beth’s strong will and adventurous spirit broken would most likely kill her.

  Absently, he stroked her forearm. Elizabeth wasn’t meant to live in this world. She was meant to be so much more than a piece of flesh to barter with. He had to bring her back with him.

  She shifted in her sleep. His arms involuntarily tightened about her. Elizabeth sighed and snuggled into the pillow, murmuring in her sleep. Lance kissed her cheek and slipped from the bed. He pulled on his now dry breeches and slipped on his shoes. He didn’t want to destroy whatever it was that grew between them, but there was a complete possibility neither of them would come out a winner in this. He had to face the stark reality that the night would soon be over and everything against them would be in his face.

  A twig cracked on the other side of the door, echoing in the darkness. Lance crept to the window and looked out at the trees surrounding the cottage. There was no movement. Hair stood up on the back of his neck as he sensed they were no longer alone. He pulled on his tunic and cracked open the door. Slipping outside, he made sure to grab his sword on the way out and closed the door quietly behind him.

  Lance stuck to the shadows listening intently for any sound. Another twig and a muffled string of curses drifted to him from beyond the clearing. He frowned. Someone was doing a pretty lousy job of sneaking up on them.

  He inclined his head and inhaled deeply. Lance grimaced. The scent reaching him wasn’t what he expected. He lowered his sword, propping it next to him on the side of the cottage.

  “I know you’re out there. Come out already.” He leaned against the wall, his arms folded across his chest.

  Galahad and Zephyr emerged from the forest leading four horses. Splatters of mud kicked up by their mount’s hooves coated their legs. From the annoyed look on Zephyr’s face, he could tell his brother w
as to blame for their late night outing.

  “Do either of you realize the only thing that saved you from being run through was the fact I could scent you out?”

  “Well, and a good eve to you too, brother.” Galahad tied off the reins on a low hanging branch. “We should definitely thank the powers that be for your gift then, should we not? Heavens forbid we interrupt your little tryst in the forest to save your arse.”

  Zephyr shook his head. “Ignore him. He faced down your female’s betrothed. Let’s say, it did not go well.”

  Galahad dropped onto a stump. “Did not go well is an understatement. Christian, we have a bigger problem than some angry Lord to deal with.”

  “How so? I planned on seeing the King in the morning and explaining everything.” He stared pointedly at Zephyr. “I thought you said . . .”

  The vampire shifted uneasily. “I know what I said, but ‘tis more complicated than simply breaking a betrothal. It seems the man who is here to claim her hand is not a man.”

  “Not a man? You really have to work on your communication skills. What the hell are you talking about?” Lance advanced on Zephyr. He shoved his finger in the vampire’s chest. “And this time don’t leave anything out. I have to know what I’m dealing with.”

  Zephyr nodded. “As I said, Rimmon is not a man, the Lord is a demon. He could be an underling, attempting to make a name for himself. Or . . .”

  A chill ran up Lance’s spine. “Or what?”

  “Or he is very powerful and your Elizabeth is the sacrifice he demanded to keep Camelot alive. Either way, you will have to tread carefully.”

  “This is not what I wanted to wake up to.” Lance ran a hand through his hair and started pacing. He felt trapped. There was no easy answer anymore. When he thought everything fell into place, he was once again thrown into an impossible situation.

  If this was his test, he was failing miserably.