Lords of Retribution (Lords of Avalon series)

by Richards, K. R.

  “Either option could be possible,” Marrek added. “It seems it would be Gabriel or Trevan he was after.”

  “It was Senny he took. He hit Wenna upon the head and left her in the garden,” Owen offered.

  “It appears he could have been after Gabriel,” Lyon said.

  “But why? Why Trevan, or why Gabriel?” Marrek posed the question as much for himself as for as the others.

  “He showed up four weeks before we found the treasures in Glastonbury. If he is involved with the Knights of the Brown Order, why would he come to Cornwall if they were concerned with finding the treasure in Glastonbury?” Micah posed.

  “Good question, Micah,” Harry said. “It could be something completely unrelated. Does Gabriel have any enemies?”

  “None that I know of.” Marrek shrugged. “But we can’t rule out the possibility that Isaac could have even been after Senny or Wenna. It appears someone shot at Lady Tuesday. Why the ladies would be singled out, I do not know.”

  “The Grand Knights of the Brown Order did threaten all of our families, our women and children. That was well after the Reverend arrived in St. Mabyn. They hurt Lady Wincanton and Lady Amesbury.” Jack thought for a moment then offered, “Perhaps the Reverend was set in place in Cornwall for another reason before Davitt reached Glastonbury, and found it conveniently fit into his plans to court Wenna,” he concluded with a shrug.

  “We can’t rule anything out at this point,” Micah said with a sigh. “We don’t truly know what these brown-coated fiends will do to obtain the scrolls. If what happened to Libby, Sophia, and now possibly Miss Senny and Lady Tuesday is any indication, they have no scruples about harming our ladies.”

  “It would be helpful if we could rule out Gabriel and Trevan have no known enemies first,” Jack began, “then we would know if the women are being targeted. We still don’t know if the incident with Senny and the shot fired at Tuesday are related.”

  “True. Marrek, can you ask Gabriel if he is aware of having any enemies?” Harry suggested.

  “Gentlemen, we cannot ask anything of Gabriel right now. Senny’s condition is grave. We try to give Gabriel hope. My sister, Aunt Morva and myself are beginning to doubt that Senny will make it through this. She grows weaker by the hour,” Marrek offered solemnly.

  The library grew silent. The gentlemen discussed the details of Senny’s abduction, her condition, and their worry for Gabriel until Trevan returned.

  “I saw my mother in the hall while making my way back. Zenny’s condition grows worse still,” Trevan informed them somberly. He shook his head. “Her fever has risen again.”

  Trevan looked to Marrek and asked solemnly, “You and Elowen are gifted in healing. You have both been with her most of the day. Should I prepare Wenna and Robert for the worst, Marrek?”

  “Let’s wait until morning, Trevan. Either Senny will be improved or she will have declined. We will know which direction she is headed by morning. If she weakens, further you must prepare Wenna and Robert. I shall have to prepare Gabriel. When will Lanyon arrive?”

  Trevan sighed. “I do not expect Lanyon to arrive for several days more. After dinner, we will spend time with the ladies then retire early. We’ll meet in the library after breakfast and begin on translating the scrolls providing Zenny’s condition does not worsen.”

  “Let’s collect the ladies, shall we.” Harry rose. The others followed him from the library.

  Jack nearly tripped over his own feet when he saw Tuesday across the parlor. He heard Lady St. Erth offer Tuesday the use of some of her gowns earlier. At her home, and no doubt under the dictates of her mother, Lady Tuesday had always worn modest, plain gowns befitting her station as an unmarried woman.

  Tonight she wore a dark bronze silk evening gown with a far lower décolleté than Jack had ever seen her wear. The gown hugged those breasts he already knew to be beautiful and emphasized her slenderness. Her skirts flared over the curve of her hips. Her hair was arranged in a top knot. Wispy, golden tendrils framed her fine-boned, oval face. Her French blue eyes were large and luminous as they found him. She gave him a brilliant smile.

  Jack made his way toward her. When he reached her side he whispered, “You look lovely, Tuesday.”

  “Thank you, Jack.” Tuesday studied her handsome husband-to-be. His wavy brown hair, the color of rich coffee, was neatly combed. He was clean-shaven. His golden brown eyes darkened to the color of deep amber as they swept across her bosom. Other than when they were alone in the tiny cottage, this was the first time Jack had ever looked at her that way. She liked knowing that Jack thought of her as a woman now and not Charlie’s little sister.

  He was dressed in formal black evening attire. An emerald pin winked from his pristine white cravat. He looked ever so handsome. When he offered his arm to lead her to dinner, Tuesday beamed up at him.

  Jack hoped that his lady would welcome him into her bed tonight. If not, he hoped they could be married very soon.

  The ladies were busy preparing Senny for another cold bath. They had descended upon Gabriel after dinner. He refused to leave the room while they undressed her. He instructed them to leave her chemise on her while he and Marrek lowered her into the tub. He stood to the side waiting for them to undress her when he noticed a flash of glittering silver winking in the light of the lamp on the table beside the bed. It was a chain. He picked it up. A brilliant star sapphire pendant hung from the chain. “What is this?”

  “It is Senny’s. I removed it from her when Marrek first brought her home,” Elowen mentioned.

  “Zenny does not own something like this. I’ve never seen it.” Gabriel studied the fine star sapphire.

  Trevan was helping Wenna into the room at the same moment.

  “That is not Senny’s,” Wenna agreed with Gabriel.

  “I saw Michael sending energy into something that sparkled around her neck,” Marrek mentioned.

  “He did, cousin. I remember that as well.” Gabriel nodded. He felt hope stir in his chest. Had Archangel Michael given the star sapphire to Senny?

  Rowena lifted her chain and sword of St. Michael gifted to her by the Archangel on Glastonbury Tor to compare it to the chain Gabriel held. “The chains are the same, see how fine they are. Give it to me. It does indeed appear to be from Michael. I will put it back on her. She needs to wear it!” Rowena instructed in a hopeful tone.

  Gabriel gave Rowena the chain and watched her slip it over Senny’s head.

  He and Marrek lifted Senny from the bed and lowered her into the tub. She was so still and pale. Her chest rattled with every breath she took. His heart ached as he looked upon his love, so pale and lifeless. They held her in the cold water for some time. Gabriel made certain her wound did not get wet. As they removed her from the tub, Marrek turned his back. Gabriel held her in his arms while the ladies removed her wet chemise. Four ladies hurriedly dried her with soft towels before easing her into a clean nightrail. Gabriel slipped her into the bed. He stoked up the fire. They covered her in warm blankets.

  Gabriel removed to his room to bathe and change into clean clothing while the ladies fussed over Senny. He would stay with his Senny during the night. No one would dare stop him. He had to be there to make certain she survived the night.

  His heart sank as he realized he felt the need to be there with her if she succumbed to the infection as well. He could not bear for her to be alone if – well, he refused to think about such a thing.

  He sighed heavily and willed the negative thoughts away. She was going to live through this – she had to! She would live through the night. He would will her to live.

  He took several moments to pray that she lived. He could not imagine his life without her. He called on Archangel Michael to send Zenny the strength and will she needed to come through this.

  The ladies were gone when he returned. Marrek sat in the chair beside the bed. He rose when Gabriel entered through the connecting door.

  Marrek cleared his throat then spoke, “Gabrie
l, if Senny has not improved by tomorrow morning, I think you should prepare yourself for-”

  “No!” Gabriel’s voice boomed. He held up his hand. He shook his head. “I can never prepare myself for Zenny to leave me. I will not give up on her as everyone else seems to have done.”

  Marrek laid a hand on his arm. “We have not given up on her, cousin. We all want her to live and we are all praying fervently that she does. We all are worried for you too.”

  Gabriel nodded. “Thank you, Marrek. I am sorry I snapped at you.”

  “No apology needed, Gabriel. Were you able to connect with her?”

  “Partially. I saw her walking uphill through a heavy mist this time. She could not hear me. She disappeared over the top of the hill and was nowhere to be seen when I reached the top.”

  Marrek rubbed his jaw as he pondered on what Gabriel said for a few moments. He looked to Gabriel and spoke, “Perhaps I can use my gift.”

  Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. “You speak to the dead.”

  “True, but Senny seems to be in between death and life at the moment. Perhaps if we try together, we can reach her.”

  Gabriel thought for a moment then nodded slowly. “Yes, I see the wisdom in what you propose. Let’s try.”

  Marrek nodded. “You stay where you are. I’ll stand on the other side of the bed. We’ll each hold one of her hands.”

  Marrek took Senny’s hand in his. He saw Gabriel close his eyes. Marrek did the same. He saw only mist. “Do you see the mist?”

  He heard Gabriel answer, “Yes. There she is!”

  “I see her!” Marrek watched as Senny emerged from the mist.

  They both proceeded to call her.

  “Senny. Sennen Penrose!” Marrek called. She turned and looked but did not see them. He saw the gray shadows of souls who had already passed on top of the hill. They beckoned Senny toward them. “Gabriel, let us join hands and see if that helps.” Marrek instructed. He didn’t know if Gabriel could see the souls who beckoned to her. He did not want to alarm him and lose the connection, so he did not mention them.

  They joined their free hands, now making a circle. Marrek nodded as he felt the energy begin to flow. “Do you feel that?”

  “I do.” Gabriel answered. He entered the void.

  He called for Senny. This time she turned.

  She spoke. “Gabriel?”

  Gabriel’s heart soared. “Zenny! You can hear me?”

  “Yes, I do, Gabriel. I can’t see you, where are you?”

  “Zenny you must not leave me. I love you. I want to marry you because I love you! I love you, Zenny. Ardently so. You cannot leave me!”

  Senny brushed a tear from her cheek. “I am so tired, Gabriel.”

  “Zenny!” Gabriel yelled. “You have to fight. I have no life without you, don’t you understand. It’s you I love, Zenny. You I want for my wife. If you leave me I would not seek another woman to take to wife, there is no one else like you. It’s you I love, Zenny, you who I want to be the mother of my children. Only you. Without you, I will be alone. I need you. I love you, Zenny!”

  Senny started to turn away but she stopped and faced Gabriel to ask him a question, “Why would you possibly need me, Gabriel?”

  There was confusion in her blue-green eyes.

  “I need you Zenny because you make me happy. You make me smile. You make me a better man, Zenny. You always have. It’s your purity and goodness. I feel nothing but warmth and happiness when I’m with you. You bring me peace, Zenny. When we kiss, Zenny, I feel things I have never felt before. Good things. I feel loved. Do you love me, Zenny?” Gabriel asked her.

  She flashed him a brilliant smile, “Of course I do. I always have.”

  “I have always loved you too, though I admit I was not always aware that I did. I know it now. Take my hand, Zenny. Come back with me, my love.” In his mind, Gabriel saw his own hand extend to her.

  Senny started to reach for him then stopped. She sighed. “I am very tired.” She looked behind her toward the light and the shadows of souls upon the hill.

  Gabriel could feel her weakness. “Fight Zenny, for me. For us! For the children we could have. Haven’t you ever wondered what our children will be like? I have. I want to see them. To hold them. And love them. I want us to grow old together and see our grandchildren. Please, Zenny, my love, take my hand. I beg you, Zenny. Don’t leave me. My a’th kar.”

  “I love you too, Gabriel.” Senny began to cry. “You have thought about our children too?” Senny asked him.

  “Of course I have. Remember, your mother told us both we would marry!”

  “Yes, she did.” She nodded.

  Then a bright white-gold light rimmed in blue came between them. It took shape and form. Archangel Michael looked from Gabriel to Senny.

  He placed his hand over the star sapphire, which hung around Senny’s neck. Brilliant light moved from his hand to the sapphire. The light was white; it changed to blue, then green. The last stream of light was a pale pink. He lowered his hand and smiled down at Senny.

  “Do you wish to take his hand, dear one?”

  “Yes.” She nodded.

  “Then do so.” Archangel Michael smiled.

  Senny reached out and placed her fingers in Gabriel’s hand.

  Gabriel felt an intense jolt of energy. He gently pulled Senny to him. The mist around them evaporated as he embraced her. “I love you, Zenny,” he whispered in her ear.

  The brilliant light became blinding. Gabriel could no longer see her or the Angel. He panicked. Had the angel taken his Zenny? Please no!

  He no longer felt the connection with Senny.

  Senny looked once again to the souls beckoning her from the summit. The energy the Angel had given her had helped. She did not feel so tired anymore. Gabriel loved her. They would have children. And grandchildren. It was what she wanted, what she had always wanted. It had been her dream since Mama had passed away and Gabriel had come to the summerhouse. He had held her in his arms for hours. She had felt safe and loved. No longer alone.

  If she went back up the hill, Gabriel would be alone. The thought brought tears to her eyes. She didn’t not want him to be alone, she wanted to be there for him. As his wife, and the mother of his children. He needed her. He loved her. Senny ran down the hill to where Gabriel and Marrek stood.

  There was a blinding light. She felt pain in her arm, and her chest felt tight. Still, she wanted Gabriel. She had to find him, she could no longer see him the light was so bright.

  Then she saw his hand, and she took it. The bright light began to fade.

  “Gabriel?”

  Her voice was so weak it was almost a whisper, he wasn’t even sure he’d heard it.

  Gabriel opened his eyes to see Senny looking at him. “Zenny?” He smiled. He pulled his hand from Marrek’s and dropped to his knees beside the bed. He placed a tender kiss to Senny’s forehead as he smoothed her hair back. He then brought her hand to his lips and kissed it reverently.

  Senny smiled at him. “Have you truly thought about our children?” she asked him hoarsely. She coughed deeply.

  “Yes, I have, love.” Gabriel smiled and wiped at a joyful tear that escaped the corner of his eye. “I love you, Zenny, with my whole heart and soul,” he said softly, his voice breaking with emotion. “I always have.”

  She tried to smile, but it was small and weak.

  “I’ll just let the others know Miss Senny has come back to us and leave you two alone for a few minutes,” Marrek said as he turned away, a satisfied smile upon his face.

  “Marrek, thank you,” Gabriel called.

  “I did nothing, Gabriel. It was the angel and Zenny.” Marrek grinned and closed the door behind him.

  Gabriel caressed Senny’s cheek and bent his head. He placed a quick, tender kiss to her lips. He smiled down at her. “Will you marry me when you are well, Zenny?”

  “I will, Gabriel. I’m thirsty.”

  Gabriel chuckled. He rose and poured her a glass of water.
He sat on the edge of the bed and lifted her up far enough so she could drink as he held the crystal to her lips.

  A beaming Morva entered Senny’s bedchamber followed by Trevan and Wenna. Marrek and Elowen came in next.

  “Sennen Penrose you had me scared, child. I’m so happy you are back among us,” Morva lovingly caressed her face and smoothed her hair back. She bent and kissed her forehead.

  “I’m happy to be back,” Senny wheezed.

  Wenna stayed until Trevan carried her back to her bed. Morva insisted on feeding Senny some broth with her own hand. Elowen applied another poultice to her arm and applied the healing salve Sophia had made for her. Soon after, Senny fell asleep.

  Once Gabriel was alone with her, he undressed down to his drawers. He slid into bed beside her. He pulled Senny against him and tucked her head beneath his chin. He took her hand. Her fingers entwined with his. Once again, he could feel the life in her. He thanked Archangel Michael for helping his Senny come back to him. For the first time in several days, Gabriel drifted into peaceful slumber.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “How are you feeling, Wenna?” Trevan asked as he undressed and slid into bed beside her.

  “Much better now that Senny is improving. My head still aches some, but not as bad as it did yesterday. I think it is a very good sign that Senny woke up, don’t you, Trevan?”

  “I do, Wenna. I’ll be the first to admit I feared we were losing her. I hope this means she will continue to improve now.” Trevan looked at her. “You’ll need to take it easy for a few more days. Your bouts of dizziness still have me worried.” Trevan placed a quick kiss to her lips as he gathered her into his arms. “Sleep Wen Pen, you need your rest.”

  Wenna snuggled against his large, muscled frame. She and Trevan had made their peace. She would let nothing else come between them and ruin it. She loved him and he loved her. She was happy and so was he. She wanted it to stay that way. It appeared Senny might be out of danger now. Things were looking up.