Echoes of Magic

by Donna Grant

  “What happened?” Adrianna asked.

  “The evil and Drogan had been fighting, but the evil had the strength of twenty men. As skilled as Drogan is, he couldn’t combat that.”

  “And?”

  Grayson rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. He wished to God he hadn’t seen the battle. He wished he didn’t know.

  “Serena rushed out to save Drogan, but the evil didn’t take her bait and plunged his sword into Drogan’s chest.”

  “Nay,” Adrianna whispered, a look of pure horror on her face.

  Grayson grinned wrly. “Serena had given Drogan an amulet, which apparently was protected by magic. It saved his life but, in the process, Serena was injured. She lost much blood before Drogan got her back to the castle so Francesca could heal her.”

  “And the babe?”

  He narrowed his eyes on Adrianna. How had she known of the babe? “Serena still carries the child.”

  Adrianna sighed. “Thank the saints.”

  Grayson turned his head and looked at the ceiling of the cart. Herbs of all sorts hung from above, drying. He hated talking about the evil, but worse was not knowing why it was after him.

  Unless it had something to do with his mother.

  “Grayson?”

  “Aye?”

  “Do you know why the evil is after you?”

  “Nay. I knew the men who attacked me weren’t quite...normal.”

  She licked her lips, drawing his gaze again to her full, dusky pink mouth he couldn’t stop thinking about.

  “Did you attack the evil?”

  He shook his head. “Not once. Only Drogan and Serena had any contact with him. Are you sure it’s the same evil?”

  “I’ve no doubt,” she said and wiped her hands on her skirts. “The same stench I smelled the night I met Serena, I smelled on the arrow we pulled from your back. I’m sorry, Grayson, but it is him.”

  Wonderful. He was a good fighter and could hold his own against anyone, but he’d seen Drogan tossed about like a child. The thing that had attacked Drogan wasn’t human, of that Grayson was certain.

  Adrianna’s hand touched his arm sending a spark like lightning through him. He met her pale blue gaze and felt his balls tighten in need.

  “I see the secrets in your eyes,” she whispered. “I cannot discern what they are, but they are numerous. Could any one of those be linked to the evil?”

  Without a doubt. Grayson had been young when he was yanked from his mother’s arms, but he could still hear her begging the man to let her go.

  “I’ve lived most of my life as a secret,” he admitted. “My mother’s parting words to me had been to hide and stay hidden. It’s what I did. What I do. It’s all I know.”

  “Yet you’re on the road to Hawksbridge. What do you seek there?”

  Could he tell her? Did he dare? “Answers,” he finally said.

  “Why there?”

  He covered her hand with his own, loving the feel of her soft skin. “It was the last place I remember.”

  “I must warn you that, if you proceed, it will most likely bring about your death.”

  That made him sit up despite the weakness. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, ignoring the pain in his shoulder as his legs fell on either side of Adrianna.

  “Did you look into my future?” he demanded.

  She hastily shook her head and leaned back. “Nay. It’s only a feeling.”

  He gripped her arms. “Then look into my future.”

  “You don’t really want me to.”

  “I do. I need to know who took my mother.”

  She stilled. “Someone took your mother?”

  He released her and raked a hand through his hair. Saints, he was tired and hurting. “I was only a small child. I don’t remember much.”

  “What do you recall?”

  Her hands lay on his thighs and made his cock harden instantly, painfully. He cursed his body and tamped down the growing desire flooding his blood.

  “I remember my mother being frightened, begging me to get somewhere safe, but I didn’t understand. I didn’t want to leave her. Then men surrounded us. She wrapped her arms around me to protect me, but I was almost immediately yanked from her grasp. She had been so worried about me, but it wasn’t me they took, but her. I can still hear her screams.”

  Adrianna’s heart ached for Grayson. She couldn’t imagine anyone suffering through that, but most especially not a child who couldn’t understand. She cupped his face, wishing she could ease some of his pain. “You’ve been on your own since then?”

  “Aye. I ran as far and as fast I could go.”

  “You were only a child. It’s not as if you could have fought the men.”

  His silver gaze burned with anger and resentment, with a need for vengeance that made her breath catch. “I can now.”

  She dropped her hand and straightened. “Is that what you intend? To charge into Hawksbridge and battle every knight there?”

  “If need be until I have the answers I need.”

  “You won’t gather answers. You’re going to your own death. How will that help your mother?”

  He lifted his chin, his face grim. “Do you have a better idea?”

  Adrianna studied the warrior before her. She had no doubt he would charge into Hawksbridge alone, and the thought of such a man dying left a cold feeling in her stomach.

  “I’ll help you.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she wondered at her sanity.

  His brow furrowed deeply. “Why?”

  “Why indeed,” she murmured more to herself than Grayson. She rubbed her hands together. “Aren’t you the least bit curious as to why the evil that attacked Drogan is now after you?”

  He all but rolled his eyes. “Of course. Lest you forget, I’ve seen that thing in battle. An army couldn’t withstand its attack.”

  “There has to be some connection between you, your mother, Hawksbridge and the evil. I just cannot figure out what it is. Yet. But I can guarantee if you discover the connection between you and this evil, you’ll find your mother.”

  He was silent a moment before he ran a hand down his face. “You may be right. I’ve just wanted answers for so long. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

  She came down on her knees between his legs. Her hands rested on his thick thigh muscles, the heat of him scorching her. “Let me help you.”

  Chapter Five

  Grayson snorted. “Battle is no place for a woman.”

  “I won’t be going into battle, will I?” Adrianna retorted, holding back her anger.

  “I don’t understand why you would want to help me, a stranger?”

  Adrianna dropped her hands and sat on her heels. “I’ve been drifting through life for so long. I’ve not been living it. Serena showed me that. I want to feel useful. I want to do something about this evil, because he won’t stop until you, Drogan and hundreds of innocents are dead.”

  “He’s gone from Wolfglynn.”

  “Is he?” Somehow she wasn’t surprised. “It’s something in Drogan’s past that led the evil to him. It waited years to seek Drogan out. I don’t think it’s done with him yet.”

  Grayson blew out a breath, his agitation and frustration palpable. “I know going to Hawksbridge will bring about my death. I’ve acknowledged that fact, and I’m ready to face it. You’re a woman, Adrianna. Women have no business in wars.”

  “This isn’t a war. Yet. Let me help you while I can. Between my magic and my knowledge, we can get further than you could alone.”

  “I must be daft to even consider your offer.”

  Hope sprung in her chest as she saw him wavering. “Don’t give me an answer now. Think on it.”

  “I cannot do anything without my horse and sword. My damned sword,” he grumbled and fisted his hand.

  Adrianna stood, determination filling her. “Then we find you another horse and sword.”

  “If those men who attacked me find the gypsies...”

&nb
sp; “They won’t,” she interrupted him. “They must have thought you dead, or they wouldn’t have left you.”

  Grayson reached up and rubbed the heel of his hand into his eye. “They didn’t leave me. I escaped.”

  “Oh.” For a moment all Adrianna could do was stand, her mind whirling with the possibility the men could find them.

  She needed to use her magic, if for no other reason than to keep the gypsies safe. They had sheltered her. It was the least she could do for them. But first she needed Grayson to rest.

  She turned, reached for the cup, and poured more water into it then handed it to him.

  He looked from her to the water. “What’s in it?”

  “Nothing,” she said. “It’s merely water. You watched me pour it.”

  His gaze narrowed slightly, but he tilted the water to his lips and drank. Adrianna set aside the cup and gently pushed him onto his back.

  “You need to rest and build up your strength.”

  “I’ve rested enough,” he grumbled but his lids began to close.

  Adrianna took his empty bowl and left the cart to find her own meal. Friendly smiles and the aroma of the meal greeted her when she approached the large fire.

  “Drina.”

  She nodded to Milosh. Even as she walked away she could feel his eyes on her. He had made it known he was attracted to her, but she had wanted nothing to do with men.

  Until Grayson.

  After dishing stew for herself, she moved from the fire to lean against a tree and eat. Before she realized the connection between Grayson and Drogan she was going to let him heal naturally.

  That wasn’t an option for them now. Her magic was needed. She wasn’t a great healer, but with her magic she could speed up the healing. Grayson wasn’t the type of man to want to lie around and let his body slowly mend. He wanted answers and, if Adrianna didn’t do something quickly, she’d wake up one morning to find him gone, healed or not.

  And that would be his death.

  “Is your warrior troubling you?” Milosh asked as he came to stand in front of her.

  Adrianna lifted her face to meet his gaze. “Nay.”

  “May I sit?”

  She motioned to the ground and continued eating. Obviously there was something troubling the gypsy leader and, if given enough time, he would eventually tell her.

  Adrianna wasn’t known for her patience. It was something she had strived for since she was a little girl begging her mother to teach her the ways of her people. Years later, Adrianna still searched for the elusive patience that so many had.

  “I’m worried, Drina,” Milosh finally said.

  She set aside her finished stew and looked into the fire. “About Grayson?”

  “About what he brings to our family.”

  The gypsies considered anyone they allowed to travel with them family. Family was vital to their way of life, and they wouldn’t stand for anything compromising that. Adrianna looked at Milosh. He was a handsome man. Strong, capable, and loyal. Any woman would be happy to have his attention. Any woman but her.

  He hadn’t pushed her but, if she gave the slightest interest in him, he would be hers forever.

  “Grayson would leave now if he were able,” she said. “He isn’t well enough yet.”

  “You will use your magic then?”

  He knew her well, so well. Adrianna nodded. “For several reasons. Grayson cannot stay with the gypsies. Death would come swiftly to us for I am sure those men are looking for him.”

  “You think they will follow him?”

  “They won’t have any choice but to.” She licked her lips, not wanting to tell Milosh too much. The less he knew the better. “Once the men realize Grayson isn’t here, they will continue on their search for him.”

  Milosh considered her words for a moment. “Are these men the evil you speak of?”

  “Nay. They are in league with him, but they aren’t the evil. Pray that evil doesn’t come, Milosh, for not even my magic could help us.”

  The gypsy leader sighed. “You’re going with him, aren’t you?”

  Adrianna blinked. “What makes you ask that?”

  “Ever since you found him, you’ve been more alive than I’ve ever seen you, as if a spark ignited with his arrival. I just don’t know if it’s him or the adventure he offers.”

  She lowered her gaze. “There is much you don’t know of me, Milosh, and I think it’s better that way. I’ll never forget the kindness you and the others have shown me these past years. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

  “So, you are going?”

  “I want to. Grayson would rather I not.”

  Milosh grunted. “I agree with the warrior. You have no business mixed with what he faces.”

  “Grayson said the same thing.”

  Milosh turned to face her. “What is it you seek, Drina?”

  “I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “It’s almost as if I’ve been waiting for something. I feel this is it, that I’m supposed to help Grayson. For without my aid, he’ll most certainly fail.”

  “You think you can fight this evil?”

  She shook her head. “I think I can help Grayson. I think I’m meant to help him. I cannot explain, so please do not ask it of me.”

  “I would rather you stay.”

  Adrianna inwardly winced at the hurt in his voice. “I know too much about Grayson and the evil. If I’m here when those men arrive, we’re doomed. I must leave anyway. Who better to protect me than a warrior such as Grayson?”

  To her surprise, he reached over, took her hand in his, and brought it to his lips. His warm mouth pressed against her bare skin. “You’ve known of my interest in you.”

  Adrianna left her hand in his grasp, not wanting to hurt him more than she already had. “I have.”

  “Is there any hope that you could one day return my affection?”

  Lying to him would only prolong his hurt, and she couldn’t do that to him or herself. “If there was any way that I knew I would be yours, I would never think of leaving. You need someone who will bear you many children and give you years of joy. I’m not that woman.”

  Milosh smiled and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “You will always have a place here with us, Drina. We’re your family.”

  “Words cannot describe how grateful I am for everything you’ve given me.” She took his face between her hands and leaned up to place her lips on his forehead.

  When she pulled back, his dark eyes twinkled. “Want to test what a real kiss from me will do to you?”

  She laughed. How she would miss the easy warmth of the gypsies, of the laughter and the songs and the life.

  “Will you return to us?” he asked.

  She glanced at him to find his smile gone, replaced with a small frown and worry lines around his eyes. “No one knows what the future holds,” she lied.

  He nodded in response. “I wish you’d reconsider. I could give you a good life.”

  “You most certainly would. Any woman would be proud to be your wife. I’m sorry I’m not going to be that woman.”

  And she was truly sorry. Milosh was a good, honest man. He deserved someone who wasn’t cursed, someone who could return his love.

  He said no more as he rose and walked away. Adrianna stared into the shadows where he had disappeared and wondered if the gypsy leader would ever forgive her.

  She glanced at her cart. It was time for her magic.

  Adrianna didn’t want to draw attention to herself, so she walked, when she wanted to run, to her wagon. It was as if she could feel the men who attacked Grayson riding down upon them. How much time they had before they arrived, she didn’t know.

  She glanced at Grayson to find him sleeping peacefully, one arm thrown over his eyes. For a moment, she simply watched him, wondering what it was about him that made her want to risk her life. She had lied to Milosh.

  Though she wanted to leave before the men arrived, there was much more in her n
eed to leave. Aye, Grayson offered adventure, but it was an adventure that would lead to her death. She couldn’t explain how she knew it was vital that Grayson stay alive, only that she did.

  Yet, she wanted to know why. And only looking into the future would give her want she needed. She closed off her cart to prevent anyone from seeing in and arranged herself on the floor. It had been nearly a year since she looked into the future, but she had no doubt her gift was still with her.

  With the sounds of gypsy life outside her cart and the soft breathing of Grayson, Adrianna closed her eyes and focused all her attention on Grayson and his future. She jerked when almost instantly an imagine of him covered in dirt, sweat and blood, a vicious battle yell roaring from him as he charged a group of men.

  Since she had never been to Hawksbridge, she couldn’t know for certain if the battle were there or somewhere more distant in the future. By the way Grayson battled, he was positive of the outcome falling in his direction.

  As curious as she was to see Grayson win, there was something more important that she searched for. Just as she was about to give up, she caught a glimpse of it. It took a tremendous amount of her magic to drudge up the glimpse she had seen.

  Grayson stood facing the sea, the wind sweeping his long black hair away from his face. He didn’t have on armor, but he wore chainmail over his tunic with a sword and shield in hand. No helm covered his face and, in his silver depths, she saw a burning hatred that made her wince.

  A moment later someone bellowed Grayson’s name, and he turned to face the evil Drogan had eluded. The man stood in full armor, sword drawn and ready. In an instant, Adrianna knew what Grayson was about to battle wasn’t a man, but the shell of a man with evil as his soul.

  It frightened her so badly she lost her concentration and broke her link to the future.

  For several heartbeats she sat on the floor trying to even out her breathing. Even now fear pooled in her belly and iced her blood. What Grayson was to face was the purest kind of evil, the kind that nothing could withstand.

  Chapter Six

  Grayson watched Adrianna silently through slit eyes. He didn’t need to ask to know she had looked into someone’s future. Was it his? By the fine sheen of sweat on her forehead and the way her hands shook, whatever she had seen had frightened her terribly.