Legend of the Sorcerer

by Donna Kauffman

  He dragged his gaze away from her. “Well … It’s …”

  “A lump of clay, I know. But I’ll tell you a secret.”

  He moved closer. “I want to know all of your secrets.”

  She grinned slyly, but wisely stayed just out of his reach.

  “There’s a dragon in there,” she whispered. “But not for long.” Her eyes danced gaily. “I’m going to set him free.”

  He shifted at the persistent pressure she aroused so effortlessly, wishing she’d free him as well. He forcefully turned his attention to the clay. “I’m glad you can see him in there. I don’t know how you do it.”

  “I don’t know how you create those stories in your head and transcribe them into words either. It’s magic, I guess.”

  “Magic, yes,” he agreed, though he wasn’t thinking about his writing. “It’s bigger than I’d expected.”

  “Me, too.” She shrugged at his confused look. “I hope Alfred doesn’t mind. But when I started building the armature, he just sort of grew on me. This is just how big he is.”

  “Sometimes my characters lead me instead of the other way around. I guess it’s sort of the same thing.” He wandered around the rest of the room. It smelled of freshly painted walls and of sawdust from the recent addition of shelves.

  “I’m still waiting on a few more things. Dilys said she’d make a run over to Mangrove tomorrow.”

  There was a workbench running the entire length of one wall, with drawers underneath. He pulled one open and there were trays of neatly stowed tools. He removed one, a small curved blade and tested the edge.

  “Careful,” she warned, but it was too late.

  He sucked the small bead of blood from his fingertip. “Remind me to be more careful around you. I didn’t know you were armed.”

  “Maybe we’ll get you to behave in here yet.”

  He raised his hands. “I’m behaving, I’m behaving.”

  She grinned as she tucked the tool back in the drawer. “I saw Alfred this morning. I told him I was beginning the piece today. He was happy about it.”

  “He was sleeping when I went in. So, he seemed better to you?”

  Worry entered her eyes. “Not as good as I’d hoped. I thought he’d be more energized, but he seems just as drained as yesterday, and the day before. He was asleep when I left. I know Dr. Fashel said this wasn’t entirely abnormal for a man his age, but I can’t help but worry.”

  “I know. I wonder if we shouldn’t try and get him over to Mangrove and run some tests or something, just in case Fashel is missing something.”

  “I thought you’d already asked Fashel about that and he said he didn’t think it was necessary?”

  “Well, maybe it’s time to ask him again.” He paced the room to the window overlooking the gardens. “You said he was excited about the sculpture. It was all he talked about before … before he got ill.”

  She came up behind him and wove her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his back. “He asked some questions about it, said he approved, but there was no spark in his eyes like usual.” She hugged him. “I can only imagine how hard this is on you. I’m so sorry, Cai.”

  He was silent for a moment, staring out the window.

  “What about your grandparents? Did you know them?”

  “No. They died when I was young. My dad, too. I was only a baby.”

  “You lost your mom young, too. I can’t imagine not having anyone.”

  Jordy squeezed more tightly. “I’m glad for all the time we did have, though. It was her dream that I graduate and do something with my art.”

  He covered her hands with his. “And you did.”

  “Yes. I did.”

  He tugged her around in front of him. “And you will again.”

  She lifted her chin and looked him in the eye. “Yes. I will.”

  He respected her courage and determination. Yet at the same time, there was a pang deep inside his chest. Her success meant her eventual return to Virginia.

  “I cherish the time I’ve had with Alfred,” he said. “But even now it seems like it’s running out too soon.”

  “He is proud of you, too, you know. You two have created quite a legacy.”

  “I don’t know about that, but I do know he is proud of my work. I’ve never taken that support lightly.” He found a smile. “And now he’s spread that support to you.”

  “I know. It’s somewhat intimidating, having someone like him as a patron, or whatever you’d call it.” She stepped away from him and looked out the window. “I so want to prove to him his faith and investment in me is a worthy one.”

  “You’ve earned his respect. Just enjoy finding your muse again and that will be enough.”

  “I’m doing my best.” She turned to face him. “And I am excited. But I’ll feel even better when he’s up and around again. I guess I sort of figured he’d be out here, popping in and checking up on me. At first I was worried how I’d handle that. I don’t usually like anyone to see my work until it’s done. Now I’d give anything to see him walking up the pathway to the door.”

  For once, the tension in the room wasn’t sexual and Cai felt bad for coming out here with his worries. “Maybe I should go check on him and let you get back to work.”

  “Okay.” But concern was still present in her eyes. “I’ll come up and sit with him later this afternoon, tell him about my progress.” She waited until he was at the door, then asked, “Any word on the investigation?”

  “No.” Cai stood on the threshold and debated telling her that he’d tried to contact Margaron. The e-mail hadn’t worked, so there was no reason to upset her. He realized he wanted to anyway, that he wanted to share all the details of his life with her, important or not.

  She rubbed her arms, as if suddenly cold. “I wish there was something else we could do. This can’t go on indefinitely.”

  “I’m beginning to wonder,” he muttered.

  “Has Alfred said anything about it at all?”

  “No, and I’d like to keep it that way.”

  “Well, I was just thinking that—No, never mind. It’s foolish.”

  “Say it. What?”

  “He was so worked up over the symbol that he collapsed. He obviously knew what it meant since he figured out about the kidnapping.”

  “He saw Margaron’s first e-mail, before she threatened to do that. He just put it together. And we already know what the symbol means.”

  “I know, but I can’t help but feel there’s more to it than that. Remember I told you he acted like he knew her, had known her for a long time.”

  This wasn’t the first time she’d brought up the subject, but Cai had always managed to distract her from it. He didn’t want to think about Alfred’s possible connection to all this, he couldn’t. It would mean believing there was more to Alfred’s ranting than that of a man whose mind was slipping. It was too difficult to consider. He simply couldn’t go there.

  “What are you suggesting?” he asked warily.

  “I think that maybe his listlessness is more distraction than fatigue. Maybe he’s not so much frail as consumed with thoughts of something else.”

  “If that were the case, he’d be busting to get up and do something about it. It’s not like him to just lie down and let something roll over him.”

  “Did you tell him you had the police working on it?”

  “No.”

  “Maybe you should talk to him about it now.” She talked over his refusal. “Something is still bothering him about this, Cai. The more I think about it, the more I’m sure I’m right.”

  “There is no way I’m going to upset him.”

  “But—”

  “No. I’m not going to risk it. And don’t you talk to him about it either. If he wanted to talk about it, he’s had ample opportunity.”

  “He knows more about this. I’m sure of it, Cai.”

  “I don’t see how that’s possible. Just because he recognized the symbol doesn’t mean anyt
hing. You’re reading too much into his fanciful stories.”

  She looked mutinous.

  “Promise me, Jordy. He’s my grandfather and my responsibility.”

  “I think you’re making a mistake.”

  “Then that’s my cross to bear. It won’t be the first one and it likely won’t be the last.”

  “Fine. I understand I’m the intruder here. But I care about him, too. And maybe because I am an outsider I can see things in a clearer perspective than you can.”

  “You’re not talking to him about this. That’s my final word on this.”

  “Final words have a way of coming back to haunt you. If he doesn’t start to come around soon, at least promise me you’ll give this another thought.”

  She was wrong. Alfred needed rest, not more talk about the symbol and the kidnapping.

  “Promise me, Cai.”

  Nothing was likely to make him change his mind, so he spoke the words she wanted to hear. “I promise.”

  And he’d make a promise to himself, too, that he’d find some other way to end this thing, without involving Alfred.

  TWENTY-FIVE

  Jordy wrapped the clay in plastic and gathered her tools for cleaning. When had it grown dark? She’d missed dinner by now, but she’d already instructed Dilys not to interrupt her in the cottage if she missed a meal. She smiled, remembering the woman’s obvious disapproval. Her stomach rumbled just then, making her chuckle. “Guess I’ll have to bow and scrape for leftovers now.”

  She entered the back of the house but heard nothing. She’d seen the light on in Alfred’s room, but he hadn’t been at the window. Hoping that meant Cai was visiting him, she went to the kitchen. Dilys was commanding the stove like a captain would a ship.

  “Coming in finally, are you?” she said without looking up from the giant pot she was stirring.

  The steamy smells emanating from it made her mouth water. Her stomach chose that moment to chime in. Dilys’ jaw tightened as she continued to stir. Jordy had made a private pact with Fred that morning that she wasn’t going to let the woman cow her any longer. Another rung on her self-improvement ladder. It was a big step.

  She moved a foot inside the door. “I tend to lose track of time when I’m working. I really don’t want to upset your schedule though. I don’t mind fixing myself a—”

  “I’ve a plate for you warmin’ in the oven. I’ve done it often enough for Master Malacai.” Dilys pointed the wooden spoon at her. “Don’t be complainin’ if the meat is a bit dry now. It was meant to be enjoyed fresh off the roast.” Properly chastised, she took another bold step into Dilys’ domain. “I’m sure it will be wonderful. I appreciate you going to the trouble.”

  “Have yourself a seat in the dining room and I’ll be in. Or would you prefer a tray in your room?”

  “No. Downstairs is fine. Actually,” she took another step into the room, “I’d enjoy eating right in here, if that wouldn’t bother you too much.”

  Dilys stiffened, something Jordy thought impossible, seeing how rigid she was on a normal basis. “It’s just that, well, I love the smells and warmth of a kitchen. I used to sit and talk to my mother while she cooked. It was the favorite part of my day. This room reminds me of that.”

  In truth, this kitchen was nothing like the tiny, cozy one she’d grown up in. This kitchen was massive, white-tiled, white-walled, with gleaming white and chrome appliances and miles of pristine white counter space. Cold, austere, just like the woman who ran it.

  She purposely didn’t look at Dilys, and went instead to the table that fronted a bay window. She could see across the dark water to the lights twinkling on Mangrove. “Lovely view.”

  The stirring had stopped. Jordy sat down. And waited.

  After an interminable silence, her silverware and a crystal glass of iced tea were placed just so on the table in front of her. The plate of steaming food was delivered moments later.

  She took a bite. “The roast is delicious.” The buttered roll melted in her mouth. The mashed potatoes were perfect. “You’re incredible, Dilys.”

  The silence was deafening. Maybe she’d pushed too far. But now that she was here, in the inner sanctum of the woman who knew Alfred best, she took advantage of the opportunity she’d created.

  “I’m worried about Alfred.” There was a pause in the stirring, then it resumed. She swallowed a sigh, but persevered. Rome hadn’t been built in a day. “His spirit is so vital, I really thought he’d be doing better by now.” Still nothing. She took a measured sip of tea, then turned and faced Dilys.

  Her silver hair was pinned neatly behind her head, not a strand out of place. Her cheeks were a bit flushed from the rising steam, her apron flecked with broth and other bits. If it weren’t for the narrowed black eyes, she’d look the quintessential grandmother. Jordy thought more in terms of the dragon she was presently unveiling out in the cottage. Only unfriendlier.

  She stood and carried her plate to the sink, earning a sniff from Dilys. Apparently she’d crossed another invisible boundary. She didn’t care. If Cai wouldn’t, or couldn’t, see that Alfred needed a strong nudge, then it was up to her. She’d promised she wouldn’t do it herself, but she hadn’t promised she wouldn’t find a proxy.

  She went directly to the opposite side of the counter that ran along the back of the stove and stood straight in front of Dilys. “Has he said anything to you about what upset him that day in the garden?”

  Silence.

  “Dilys, this is important. I need your help.”

  “What you need is to leave it be. Himself will find his way. He always does.”

  “But he’s never been so listless like this, has he?” She pressed her palms on the counter. “It’s not like him, Dilys, is it? To just give up?”

  Dilys slapped the spoon on the counter. “Ye’ll leave him be. Himself will find his way.”

  “Find his way where? You told me I’d be needed, that it would be my courage that would help him. Well, I’m here. And I’m not going away until someone listens to me. Something is wrong, terribly wrong. I can feel it.”

  Dilys’ eyes narrowed and she felt a cold chill race up her spine. “What is it you can feel, young miss? What is it you think you know of Alfred and his woes? Ye’ve been in this home naught but a week and yer tellin’ me what to do about a man I’ve assisted for more years than you can possibly ken. Ye’ll be tested, ye will, but not this way.”

  Jordy was rattled by her ferocity, but she’d seen something flicker in Dilys’ dark eyes besides anger. Fear. She was afraid, but of what?

  “He warned me, just as you did,” she said. “He’s afraid for Cai. He thinks evil is coming for him. Well, evil has already come and we don’t know how to fight it. I think Alfred can help us, but Cai is afraid to ask him, fearing he’ll grow worse.” She leaned over the counter. “It took all of our strength to keep Alfred in bed that first day, to calm him down. Now, it’s as if he’s forgotten the whole thing. Only I don’t think he has. Something is going on. Can you please help me?”

  Dilys held her gaze for what felt like an eternity, before she finally spoke. “There is an evil that has plagued Alfred for many years. By remaining here, with Master Malacai, he has achieved a balance of sorts and protected him from what would harm him.” She looked away, picked up the spoon, then put it down again. After a deep breath, she turned to Jordy once again. “He fears he no longer has the strength to protect, that she knows this and has found her way in.”

  “She who? Margaron?”

  “Is that the name she’s usin’? Always the clever one.”

  Jordy wished she felt happier about being right. This was all beginning to freak her out. Alfred spouting about King Arthur was one thing. Dilys talking about all this like it was fact was almost too much. “There is a task force already on this case,” she said. “If you know anything that might—”

  “The police are involved?”

  “There is a special task force from the State Department working on
it. I don’t know who their counterparts are in Wales. But they aren’t making any headway.”

  “They’ll not catch her like,” Dilys murmured under her breath. But before Jordy could question her, she flipped off the burner and headed out of the room.

  Jordy followed her, but when she disappeared inside Alfred’s room, the door was shut tight and she heard the lock tumble. She put her ear to the door, but heard nothing.

  She leaned against the wall. She’d done the right thing by telling Dilys.

  Dilys and Alfred knew something more than they were saying. Could they really know this woman? Had she been a threat before? A crazed fan of Alfred’s perhaps? It made sense. Maybe Alfred had come to Florida to escape her.

  She was on the right track, she knew it. If she could just get a name from them, something they could send to Kuhn, this whole horrific episode would be over. God, could it have been this simple all along?

  Voices were raised behind the door. Jordy spun around and tilted her head, straining to hear.

  “You must! I’ve done what I can from here.”

  “I willna leave. And neither will you.”

  The latter had been Dilys.

  “We’re fine, right here,” she went on. “And safe.”

  The voices subsided to unintelligible murmurs.

  “Damn.” Jordy paced again. What was it Alfred wanted Dilys to do? She was gratified that Dilys had roused his anger. Any emotion was better than the hollow man he’d been the last couple of days.

  Safe. Dilys wanted them to stay here. Which meant Alfred wanted them to go somewhere. Wales? Back to whomever was threatening them? If they knew who it was, why on earth wouldn’t they just say so and let the police handle it? Dilys was right. They were all safer here. Let the law enforcement people do their jobs.

  She had to go in there and talk some reason to them both. Her hand was raised to knock on the door when her arm was pulled back and she was spun around.

  Cai towered over her, his gray eyes cold as ice and just as hard. “You gave me a promise.”

  “I kept it.” The voices on the other side of the door raised again and she winced. “Sort of.”