Guardian of the Stone

by Amity Grays

  “The white rod vanished into the frightful air from which it had come,” Lucas added, his eyes suddenly wide with remembered disbelief. “The tunnel closed, and the shadows disappeared along with Federic and Edeline.” His eyes lowered to the ground where Hemart had taken a stick and drawn what looked to Dane to be a tunnel into the earth. “We were unsure of what we had seen. But we knew, whatever it was, it was not of our world.”

  They had witnessed the portal, which even to Dane’s more worldly eyes, was still a sight to behold.

  “We searched the rocks below,” Hemart said. “Even if they had made the water, it would have only thrashed them back against the cliffs. By the Lord or by His will, they had been taken.”

  “We assumed the priest’s visions had come to pass,” Roncin said.

  Lucas nodded. “Nicolas Montague, Edeline’s uncle and my cousin, served as a High Priest in the Knights Templar. He was the most honorable and God-loving man I ever knew. Blessed,” he added. “Blessed in spirit, blessed with vision.”

  “It is true,” Hemart added. “He knew about the shores and the tunnel.”

  “Yes,” Lucas said. “It came to him in a dream. Of course, he thought it was Heaven’s gate he was seeing. He saw visions only. Their meanings were not always clear. In his visions, he saw Edeline entering the tunnel a child, but later emerging as a woman.

  “We were not sure what we had seen that night, but Heaven’s gate seemed a logical answer. Of course, we assumed it would be years before she returned.” Turning, he looked back toward the trees where Edeline slept. “It is hard to believe she is the child we held but two days prior. But having witnessed the priest’s vision coming to pass and knowing what we know of the treasure, it is not so surprising.”

  “The treasure?” Dane asked, leaning closer. “You know about the treasure? Can you tell me what it is?”

  There were countless theories surrounding the treasure linked to the Knights Templar. Many liked to believe they’d held and still possessed the Holy Grail and the Ark of the Covenant. Absurd it might seem, but it was hardly surprising—the myths, the mystery, the speculation. The world’s fascination with the Knights Templar wasn’t exactly a fluke. It was the result of a wealth in unusual facts all surrounding an order pledged to the highest power of all: God.

  “We have known of the treasure for some time,” Roncin said. “Only a few, mostly now gone, ever knew its location. But we have all seen a piece of it at one time or another. Some pieces have been used to barter, some in war; others were used often in our worship. But the greatest treasures have remained hidden. We have heard many tales, but there is very little we know for sure.”

  “Tales?”

  “Tales of near mountains of gold and precious gems, riches beyond anyone’s imagination,” Hemart explained.

  “The kind of riches that buy and sell men’s souls,” Lucas added sadly. “Put in the wrong hands, such wealth, such power, could destroy a kingdom.”

  “Put in the wrong hands, it could do far worse,” Roncin said, exchanging a troubled glance with his men.

  Dane closed his eyes, running his fingers roughly across them. He got the picture, and it explained a great deal. Put in the wrong hands, it could bring down a giant, perhaps even one as great as the church they served.

  “Do you honestly believe Edeline is the key to this treasure?”

  Roncin nodded. “Yes. We saw it with our own eyes. When she touches the stone, it changes forms, turning a brilliant brown and shining like the sun. Only the guardian has that kind of power.”

  “Guardian?” Dane repeated. “I’ve heard that term before but never understood exactly how it works. The guardian, the stone, the treasure—how do they all relate?”

  “Legend has it that the stone works as a key to the treasure, but only in its empowered form.”

  Dane looked once more toward Edeline. Could she truly hold such power? It was all a bit farfetched. He wasn’t one to believe in the supernatural. But then, he would have never believed in time travel if he hadn’t seen it for himself. The world was not nearly as black and white as it seemed. He of all people should know it true, as here he was, in the middle of fourteenth-century France, speaking to men of legends.

  “A magical stone? Where did it come from? How many know about it?”

  The three knights exchanged uncertain glances. Roncin shook his head. “This is all new to us. We only learned of the stone ourselves when the knights were condemned and our help was needed. We were told the stone has been with the church for ages as is true with much of the treasure. How it came to be, we do not know.

  “We do know there are those who seek it, not for the sake of the church or its people, but for purposes of their own—purposes both dark and troubling.”

  “The king?” asked Dane.

  “The king seeks all the Templar wealth, but it is doubtful he knows of the stone. If he did, he would have turned over all of France looking for it. He would have demanded it.”

  Hemart snorted. “Which is likely the reason he was never told.”

  “I’m certain that’s true,” Lucas said. “The man’s greed is notorious.”

  “Okay, so if it isn’t the king, then who?”

  “We know neither their faces nor their names,” Roncin said. “We were told about them briefly in warning, that’s all. You have to remember, this was only recently made known to us. We were told only what we needed to know.”

  “Certainly you have an idea?”

  A branch snapped nearby. All four men moved swiftly to form a circle, their backs to each other and their hands hovering uncertainly over the handles of their swords.

  The sound of the waterfall hitting the stream mixed with the hushed mutterings of a nocturnal world awakening to its realm. Within the dense trees, shadows from the day’s end were quickly losing their form as the forest turned to darkness.

  The scurrying away of an animal’s quick steps could be heard in the snapping of more foliage. Relief escaped in the form of four sighs as the men holstered their swords and once again drew together, none of them taking their eyes off the woods for very long.

  “There are many who seek the treasure,” Roncin said. “But how many would know of the stone? That is the real question, and we do not know the answer.”

  “We couldn’t possibly,” Lucas said. “We know too little of the stone’s past, which is where their identities lie. As for those who seek the treasure, Roncin is right. There are many. Our enemies alone count in the thousands, and they would stop at nothing to covet what is ours.”

  “Your enemies?”

  “There have always been the two sides. Good and evil have always walked the earth beside man, using us as weapons in a war where the winner takes all.”

  Hemart’s gaze never left the woods. “We do not always know who we are fighting. They are a varied group, often working for different masters.”

  “We, on the other hand, fight for what is right,” Lucas said. “We fight for our Lord. Who we are is always clear. It is perhaps our greatest disadvantage.”

  “Yes,” Roncin said, “but we fight as one and for one. That is our greatest strength. Our enemies might follow the same path, but they are there for their own selfish reasons. They may be united, but they are not one.”

  Dane took in a deep breath as he struggled to take it all in. It was all interesting history, but it was the threat to Edeline which concerned him. “You said earlier, as long as she lives, there is no access but through her?”

  “Yes, that is true,” Roncin said, “but you would also need the stone and the location of the treasure.”

  “The men who took Edeline most likely hold the stone,” Dane said. “And with such limited time available to them, they either know the location or believe they can obtain it. The good news is we now have Edeline and they’re left with very little time. They’re likely to realize the risk isn’t worth it. Hopefully they’ll leave your world, taking with them all risk. Your enemies, whoever t
hey are, won’t know who Edeline is. Even if they know about the visit to her uncle, they will never connect the child to the woman.”

  “This is all true,” agreed Roncin. “Those of our time would know nothing of Federic’s journey or your journey here. As long as our enemies’ paths do not meet as ours have, we should be safe.”

  It was an unlikely threat, but still an unbearable thought. Dane looked toward Edeline. “What happens if she dies?”

  “I am uncertain. Though I imagine it is possible the treasure could be lost to all forever.”

  “I sure hope they realize that.” Dane looked to the distant hills, feeling for the first time the weight of the world land squarely on his tired shoulders.

  Chapter Eight

  “EDELINE.”

  Dane’s deep chords worked their way pleasantly into her dreams. Too tired to face the dawn, Edeline merely buried her head deeper into the cloak she’d been using as a pillow.

  Her shoulder was grabbed and lightly shaken. “Wake up, Edeline. We need to be going.”

  Funny, it didn’t feel like morning, probably because she’d had such little actual sleep. Between the horribly hard ground, Hemart’s bear-like snores, and fitful dreams of being stalked by four crazed men in tights, she hadn’t probably slept more than a couple hours. Thoroughly exhausted, she was ready to sleep now.

  Somewhere in the distance, the faint crackling of a fading fire played steady behind the rustling back and forth of busy feet. Perhaps the night really had come and gone.

  “Edeline.” This time his voice rang with a hint of impatience, and she found herself far less appreciative of its low melodic tone. Batting her hand blindly over her shoulder, she tried to shoo him away.

  “Come on, Edeline, we need to be moving.”

  Slowly she began pushing away the blanket, but quickly reconsidered as the cool and somewhat damp morning air sank through her clothing to nip at her flesh. She shivered and drew the cover back up around her neck. Cuddling deep into the blanket’s warmth, she prayed he’d have pity and leave her be.

  With a determined tug, the wool cover was grabbed from under her fingers and abruptly pulled away. The brisk air assaulted her full length in one unwelcomed blow.

  “Hey!” she yelled her displeasure as she battled to open her eyes. Finally they opened, but offered her no light. There were still stars in the sky and not a single sign of dawn. “It’s dark.” Wrinkling her nose, she sat up to offer him the full extent of her glare. “It’s still hours until daylight. Have you gone mad?” The words slipped out before intelligent thought slipped in. Covering her mouth with her hands, she giggled. “Sorry, I forgot who I was talking to.”

  He smiled. “You seem to be doing better this morning. Get a good night’s sleep?”

  “Not at all. You?”

  He leaned closer and whispered. “I kept thinking we were getting attacked by grizzlies. I’ve never heard a man snore like that.”

  She couldn’t help but smile back. “My father does. That’s the only reason it didn’t have me running into the woods.”

  Though the night hadn’t brought her much rest, it had at least brought her some peace of mind. These men, whoever they were, whatever nonsense it was they were up to, didn’t seem to want to hurt her. In fact it was exactly the opposite. They seemed genuinely concerned for her well-being. It wasn’t that all doubts were gone. She still had doubts and plenty, but the dark cloud of pending doom had dissipated into something more like a fog of mystery.

  She had hope.

  Hope that eventually normality would find her. Either that or Dane would prove true to his promise and simply take her home.

  “We need to get moving,” he said.

  Running her hands through her hair like a comb, she looked all around their campsite. “It’s still dark. Wouldn’t it be better if we could see where we were going?”

  “Dark is what we’re after, but if you continue to dawdle, we’re going to lose it to the light.” Lifting one of her long blond curls, he unexpectedly grinned. “Come on, Goldilocks, the porridge is warm and ready to be eaten, this bed’s about to move, and your chair’s sitting atop my horse, waiting to be warmed.” He looked back over his shoulder at the three men packing their few but scattered belongings. “They’ve offered to accompany us to Harfleur. All things considered, we’d be fools to turn them down.”

  Edeline peeked around his shoulder toward the three men. Still in tights and wearing their ridiculous capes, they gave her about as much comfort as an airborne plane without a pilot. Biting nervously into her bottom lip, she looked back to Dane. “Are you certain that’s such a good idea? I mean, they may even be crazier than you.” She grinned. “No insult intended.”

  “Mm,” he grunted and began rolling her blanket.

  She watched his bent head. He was very focused for a mad man…and handsome. Her glance fell to his tights, reminding her that the one was more pertinent than the other. She grimaced. “Your tights, though truly a fashion faux pas, are one thing. But your new playmates are not only running around in tights, they’re also wearing long capes and pretending to be Knights Templar.” Placing her hand over Dane’s, she looked deep into his eyes and whispered, “I think they believe it’s true.”

  “It is,” he whispered back before rising to his feet and leaning down and pulling her to hers. “We’re very lucky to have them,” he said as though in reprimand. “Now behave yourself and get moving.”

  “Knights Templar.” She snorted in disbelief as she brushed away the foliage still clinging to her skirt. Wouldn’t her father get a kick out of that one? Taking a step toward Laur, Dane’s horse, she suddenly stopped.

  “Wait,” she said, walking a small circle, searching the ground as she turned.

  “Have you lost something?” Dane asked as he too began to search.

  “I seem to have misplaced my fairy wings and magic dust.” Raising her brows high in animated terror, she covered her cheeks with her hands and gasped. “What will I do without them?”

  “Very funny,” he drawled sarcastically, but his smile was real. Pointing toward Laur, he nodded his head for Edeline to move.

  “What about my porridge?” she complained.

  “Hungry?” Lucas asked as he approached with what did indeed look like a small bowl of porridge. His eyes caught hers and held them with what struck her as true affection. “It was your favorite. I hope you still like it. It will fill your belly and last until dawn.”

  “Ah,” she said, taking the warm bowl in her hands. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, Edeline.” His hazel eyes sparkled as his smile warmed his rough, scarred features.

  A vision, vivid and sharp, played from her memory. Edeline took a deep breath and stared at him in astonishment. She was certain it was him. Same face, same scar, same kind eyes, and, shockingly, the same age. But the memory wasn’t recent. Belonging to a time long passed, the memory was from her childhood. She was but a child reaching for a treat as he held it out in offering. “I remember you,” she muttered in disbelief. “How can that be?”

  Lucas looked toward Dane uncertainly.

  Dane shrugged his shoulders. “She’ll never believe a word. Let her come to it on her own.”

  “We need to be leaving while we still have the darkness,” Roncin called.

  “Finish up.” Dane nodded toward her bowl before stepping past her to Laur.

  Edeline slowly took her first bite of the mush, testing it hesitantly on her tongue. She smiled. “It’s good. Thank you, Lucas.”

  His smile broadened. “All is well, my Edeline,” he said before bowing and turning back toward the other men.

  It was all so confusing. She’d known him, and he’d cared for her—she was certain. And when he and the others had spoken of her father the previous afternoon, it had been with true affection and respect. Looking around the ravine at the tall trees and peaceful surroundings, she could find no point in any of it—the charade, the games. What did they have to
gain, and why in the world was she here? She had a feeling nothing was as it had first seemed. Could it be real? Could they be telling the truth?

  Impossible.

  She took in a deep breath of the fresh earth smell. No manufactured odors, no exhaust or smog. Wherever she was, it was a long way from Los Angeles. She never thought in a million years she would yearn for the smells of the city.

  This wasn’t real. She’d have to keep reminding herself of the fact, or she’d soon be flying as crooked as the rest of these loony birds. And the striking man, who now felt so familiar, was really but a stranger. She would take him up on his offer and scream for help at the very first glimpse of sanity.

  The men were miraculously quiet as they led the horses up the steep incline. Small nocturnal creatures, well hidden by the dense forest, were by far louder as they rummaged through the foliage. Not one man so much as whispered a word. They spoke through silent gestures and nods. Dane, every bit as instinctively as the others, knew when to move and when to pause. Taken in by the sheer intrigue of it all, Edeline sat quietly atop Laur and watched with appreciation as the men moved carefully forward.

  A simple world made beautiful by the touch of God, everywhere she looked nature’s art had produced yet another breathtaking scene. Trees, young and old, wide and narrow, towered into the black abyss of the pre-dawn sky. Their arms, yielding leaves both broad and plentiful, stretched across the horizon, forming canopies of green. As they moved further up the steep slope, the sun began to shine across the magnificent peaks of distant hills. Its soft golden light found its way through the gaping holes of nature’s cover, capturing its brilliance in the moist drops of morning dew. The damp, moss-tangled foliage glistened from the forest floor like a bed of diamonds.

  What an odd place to find herself. A mystic forest untouched by the hands of man, men dressed as knights from an era long buried, and she in the middle of it all. It was surreal. But long having given up the notion of it all being a dream, it was indeed real. And there would be an explanation, perhaps bizarre, but it would come. Then everything would make perfectly good sense. Well, maybe not everything. It wouldn’t explain the reason her eyes always searched for her captor, or why her heart seemed to race whenever he was near.