Chapter 06
A Thousand Times in the Past
Alaura followed Catriona down the stone steps. Her teacher cradled her so-called pet monkey—Isla—in her arms. If events had gone as planned, Alaura should have departed for Petra with the child by now, but when she arrived at the sorceress’ dwelling earlier in the day, she found guards searching inside. After several hours of surveillance, she decided to inquire at Aruam Castle’s gatehouse. There, she learnt about the overnight break-in.
The guard who had secured Catriona’s room all day followed Alaura down the stairs. Wilhelm, the peculiar scribe, walked behind him. She disliked the way the scribe looked at her. Certainly, he couldn’t be interested in a relationship. She cringed at the thought. His interest might stem from her mixed race. Regardless, her birth had dictated her future union. No one could change the course chosen for her.
Corporal Bronwyn Darrow, the chestnut-haired dwarf she had hoped to avoid at the town gates when she made her escape with Isla, led the procession. He reminded her of his mum. Maisie Darrow, a kind and knowledgeable soul, filled orders for special herbs. Though not a magic user herself, she still possessed great wisdom of herb and other plant material. Her son, a polite and respectable guard, behaved unlike many others Alaura had encountered.
Knowing Maisie, Alaura felt guilty putting her son on the spot in the Private Audience Room. She had believed Bronwyn paid attention to the conversation and knew how to properly answer her request. Unfortunately, his mind wandered elsewhere. She felt embarrassed for his twisted tongue. She is pleasurable? She smiled at the unexpected remark. What had he been thinking when he blurted out that? His dark brown eyes had danced for her until the lords forced him to speak the jumbled words.
Realising her focus was drifting, Alaura tried to shake the scene from her mind. Bronwyn remained a simple acquaintance who had vouched for her identity, nothing more. She had already wasted too much time thinking of him. Nevertheless, she wondered about his expression when he arrived at Catriona’s room to escort them to meet with the lords. Why had he appeared reluctant to speak with her? Was he angry because he thought she had placed him in an awkward situation? He wore the blame for failing to pay attention, not her. Unlike the willing smile she’d received when they passed each other at the shop or on the street, it looked as though he would growl at her.
Enough! She had to plan what she’d say when the lords questioned her further about Isla and Catriona. Taking a deep breath, she cleared her mind.
Suddenly, a heavy weight landed on Alaura’s back, and she fell forward. The castle guard slumped lifelessly over her small body. She shouted to alert the others though she couldn’t see past the large uniformed shoulder.
Catriona’s scream penetrated the material, and Alaura struggled to break-free of her baggage.
Shadows in the Stone Page 13
