Born of Stone

Chapter Seven

Leaving the castle, and more specifically Astrid, was a lot harder than Orestes had expected. For the first time in his long life, he felt apprehension at leaving a woman behind. She was just so small, fragile, and…human. He vaguely wondered how human men could stand to leave their women for more than a single day of work. But they did it all the time and now he must as well. Somewhere out there his brother could be in trouble. He had to find Nel and see with his own eyes Nel still lived. Deep down he was certain he would simply know if that wasn’t the case. But the Twenty could neither confirm nor deny that ability. However, he had always shared a connection with Nel that was stronger than with the others. Right now, his gut told him his brother lived, but there was trouble.

He flew away from the castle swiftly, like ripping off a bandage. Thoughts of Astrid distracted him and he shook his head to clear it. Would it always be this way with her? Why her of all the women he had bedded over the years? She was the most innocent he had ever taken, and the only to sleep in his bed. Perhaps that was why. He felt protective of her after her treatment from Simon. But was that all? With a sigh, he did his best to push her from his thoughts. His strong wings would have him flying to the borders of Halstrid in no time. He had to keep his wits about him.

He watched the changing scenery below him while he flew, enjoying the pointing fingers and expressions of awe on the many human faces he passed. He truly liked the humans and was happy to dedicate his life to protecting them. Part of it surely had to do with the inherent sense of duty the Twenty had created him with, but not all. That thought brought Astrid’s face into his mind once again and he laughed at himself. She was like a fever running though him. One he didn’t care to ever be rid of.

He headed for the border town of Angor. There two of his brothers would meet him after flying in from the western and eastern borders. The Masters’ castle was centrally located in the heart of Halstrid. The King’s castle was farther north as were most of the wizards’ homes. The brothers actually took turns staying in the King’s castle for a month at a time. Orestes still had a few months before it was his turn again.

Could he take Astrid with him?

“Argh!” He shook his head again before laughing at himself. The woman was a sickness all right.

He spotted a trail of movement below within the trees of a small forest. The line of dark shapes was too slow to be animals but a ways from any human village. What were they doing? He found a clearing in the canopy just wide enough for his large frame and landed lightly on his feet. A few of the travelers screamed and fell to their knees. Others simply gaped, but not in a good way. He quickly shed his Gargoyle form to face them as a human man.

“Master! Master, help us, please!”

An elderly man shoved his way through the crowd of gawkers and dropped to his knees before Orestes. He held his hands up to the sky as if in prayer with tears streaming down his dirty face. Orestes grabbed the man’s arms gently and pulled him to his feet.

“I am no god. You need not fall before me so. Tell me what ails you.”

The man wept harder and shook his head, unable to speak. Motion in the crowd drew Orestes’s attention and a young girl ran out to the old man’s side.

“Forgive ’im, sir, please. ’E’s just scared like all of us.”

“And why is he scared? What do any of you have to fear within the realm?”

Murmurs from the crowd answered his question but the young girl looked down at her dirty, bare feet. Orestes was impatient to be off but knew they might have answers he needed.

“Please, tell me what has frightened all of you from your homes. I will do what I can to aid you.”

“That blasted witch and her minotaur!” the old man cried out.

“Minotaur? Here in Halstrid?”

Unfortunately, he knew the creatures were more than myth. He’d even fought them a time or two.

“Oh aye, right here in Halstrid,” the old man said. “Over near Angor and at the border, they was. Big, ugly, foul things. They started burning homes and threatening to take our babes. So we all packed up and ran away, we did.”

Orestes looked around at the group of dirty, frightened faces and saw exhaustion lining them as well. They all nodded in agreement. A tug on his jacket had him looking down at the young girl.

“What is it, sweeting?”

“They killed people too. I think they killed my da.”

Her eyes remained dry but the horrors of what she must have witnessed were plainly written on her small face. Anger boiled up within Orestes and he took a step away from her. With a thought, his body turned to stone and grew by a foot in height and a few inches in width. The crowd gasped and fell back farther.

“They are in Angor now?” he asked.

“Dunno,” the old man said. “We just ran.”

Orestes nodded. “I’ll find them. I’ll try to return to you or send help. Keep traveling to Ilstred. Tell them Master Orestes sends you and expects them to aid you.”

With that, he leapt into the air and once again headed for Angor. He had no worries the people below would find help in Ilstred. As luck would have it, that was the town with his temple at its center. Though he normally didn’t like to be worshipped as a deity, it would come in handy now for the refugees. No citizen of Ilstred would dare defy him.

As he flew away, his thoughts once again turned to Astrid. Seeing the state of the refugees had brought back the image of her as he’d first seen her. He pushed that thought away in favor of her in the peach silk dress she’d worn when he left. The wonder on her face when they entered the library would be forever etched in his memory. He prayed it wouldn’t be the last he’d see of her.

Astrid stretched as high as her limited reach allowed, standing on the tips of her toes. But still, she couldn’t touch the high shelf. It wasn’t even the highest of the shelves in the vast library, just the top of the section she was currently dusting. With a huff of frustration, she turned and eyed the rolling ladder sitting a few feet away. Orestes had shown her how to use it, stressing the need to lock it in place before placing a foot on the lowest rung. She was no idiot. She knew the dangers of such a device. And that was why she had yet to attempt it. To be honest, going so high off the ground terrified her. She wasn’t certain this new job would be worth it.

Then she looked around the library at all the glorious books in her midst. There were thin ones, fat ones, tall ones, short ones. There were books covered in every color of the rainbow and quite a few drab black ones. There were even ancient-looking scrolls locked in a glass case. She was told to wipe the glass down carefully and not to lean on the case at all. She was afraid to get anywhere near it. The wonder of being trusted in this room still hadn’t worn off and she wanted to laugh and cry all over again.

With a sigh, she looked at the ladder again and approached it slowly. Perhaps she could reach from one of the lower rungs rather than going even halfway up? It was certainly worth a try. She kicked up the locking mechanism before setting the ladder in motion, rolling it to where she needed it. Then she carefully put the lock back in place. She tugged on the ladder a couple of times for good measure and was finally satisfied it didn’t plan to move with her on it. She took a deep breath and looked up, duster in one hand while she gathered her courage. With one foot on the bottom rung, she was about to ascend when someone cleared his throat nearby.

“Oh!”

She jumped back and her foot caught on the rung. The duster flew from her hand and clattered somewhere across the room. She would have fallen straight back onto her bottom if a pair of strong hands hadn’t caught her beneath her arms.

“Whoa. Are you all right? I didn’t mean to startle you.”

She stepped away as soon as the strange hands released her and spun around to face her savior.

“Thank you.”

She had to put a hand over her racing heart, but it wasn’t from the near accident alone. The man facing her now was stunning. He smiled with a full set of straight white teeth that looked startling against his tan visage. Thick black hair fell to his shoulders around a thin face. He looked regal, almost feminine, with high cheekbones and a patrician nose. He was too short and thin to be one of the Masters, and she didn’t think she’d ever seen him around the castle before. As if reading her thoughts, he stuck out a hand.

“I’m Albain, one of the Twenty.”

She had already taken his hand when his words finally penetrated her scattered thoughts.

“Oh…forgive me.”

She tried to release his hand so she could bow, or curtsy, or something. But he merely chuckled and held on.

“No need to apologize, and no need for formality either. I’m intruding on you, after all.”

Her face burned in embarrassment at the reminder of her place. She nodded and waited for him to release her hand so she could find her duster. His ready smile faltered but he still held on to her.

“What have I said to embarrass you?” he asked. She simply shook her head and lowered her gaze. “Oh, come now. Surely we can speak as friends? You must be a friend to the Masters. After all, you’re in their home and I know they wouldn’t have missed such a beautiful specimen roaming their halls.”

She swallowed down her apprehension and met his gaze again, though warily.

“I work here.”

One brow rose sharply while he assessed her from head to toe. He took in her fine dress and matching shoes and finally released her hand.

“Do you now?”

“Yes…I was dusting.”

“Dusting.”

“Yes.”

She looked around the room hoping for a way out of this conversation and away from his prying eyes. He was one of the Twenty, one of the King’s own wizards and a very powerful man. He probably could read every single thought in her head. Not to mention he was one of the best looking men she had ever seen. Well…human men at least. His black hair contrasted with light blue eyes that seemed to pierce her every thought.

“I find it interesting the Masters would employ such a lovely woman to dust. But at least the library is one of the better rooms. I’d hate to see you slaving away in the kitchen.”

For some reason, she couldn’t quite trust that smile. She was searching for a response when she was saved by Master Wynnston.

“I fear if we dared put her back in the kitchen, Orestes would have my head,” Wynn said.

Albain turned his attention to the Master and his smile seemed to dim. “Ah, Wynnston. Good to see you about.” He glanced at Astrid again before turning his back to her as if she no longer existed. “And where is Orestes now?”

Wynn frowned and ran his gaze over Astrid quickly. Heat rushed back into her cheeks and she hoped she passed inspection. And where had her duster gone?

“Orestes is traveling to Angor in search of Nel. Have you been told of the attack?” Wynn asked.

Albain nodded gravely. “Yes. The King has been apprised also. He has fifteen of the Twenty searching the realm for other signs of infiltration. How many of your brothers are out there?”

“Ten. Only Petros and myself have stayed behind.”

“To guard the castle?”

“As is our way. You know why we never leave it completely unmanned.”

Albain bowed his head in acknowledgement and turned back to face Astrid. His eyes widened slightly as if he had forgotten her presence. She somehow doubted that was the case.

“And what sweet treats you have to guard at this time,” Albain said.

He stepped closer to her and Wynn was suddenly behind her, grasping her arm and pulling her back. Albain stopped and one brow shot up.

“As I said, Orestes would have my head if anything happened to this one,” Wynn said.

The threat in his voice was clear and shocked her. Would the wizard allow Wynn to speak to him so? Albain simply shrugged and gave Wynn a lopsided grin.

“As you say. I’m surprised to find a human woman has garnered his interest. That isn’t usually his way.”

“It is now,” Wynn said.

His grip on her arm tightened the slightest bit but he wasn’t hurting her. He seemed to be angry and she wondered about it, but she knew when to hold her tongue.

“Pity, that,” Albain said. He waved his hand in the air as if to physically brush away the conversation. “Well, I only stopped by to see how things fared here and know if there was word of Nel. As there isn’t, I shall return to the King. Good day.”

He strode out of the library before either Wynn or Astrid could reply.

Wynn shook his head and looked over Astrid again more thoroughly. Of all the Twenty, he trusted Albain the least. He was the youngest of the wizards and cocky. He had also been the loudest voice in setting restrictions on the Masters from day one. Luckily, the King had overruled all of his suggestions.

“Are you all right? Wynn asked. Astrid nodded but he noticed the color still hadn’t returned to her cheeks. “Did he hurt you?”

“No, sir. I was just startled when he came in. I’ve never met a wizard before.”

He nodded and looked around until he spotted her duster lying beneath a nearby table. He picked it up and took it to her.

“They are an odd lot, and him most of all. It would probably be best if you didn’t socialize with him much. I know this was beyond your control. But in the future, if you find yourself alone with him try to leave the room…politely.”

She immediately nodded her agreement. “Yes, sir. I will.”

“What were you two discussing before I came in?”

“Not much, sir. He asked about me and I said I worked here. He seemed surprised…probably because of my dress.”

He looked her over again and one brow went up. “Indeed. That may be good. I can never tell what that one is thinking or what motivates him. I just pray he hasn’t set his sights on you. Orestes would be most displeased.”

That made her smile though she turned away quickly in an attempt to hide it.

“Are you happy in here, Astrid?”

She moved to the rolling ladder and stopped with one small foot on the bottom rung. “Oh yes, sir. Very much so. I’ve always liked the look of books.”

He chuckled. “Liked the look, eh? I thought Orestes said you can read them also.”

“Oh, well…yes. A little. I’m really not very good at it.”

He walked to the far wall and looked over the titles for a moment until finding the one he wanted. She climbed halfway up the ladder and began dusting the top books. He noticed her arm trembling when she reached out to accomplish the task. He immediately put the book down on a table and closed the distance to grasp her hips and steady her.

“Oh!”

“Never fear. I’ve got you.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

She finished dusting and he simply lifted her from the ladder once she was ready. He placed her on the floor and picked up the book he had chosen.

“This is a children’s book given to us by one of the wizards. When they created us, they implanted much knowledge, including the ability to read in the language of the realm. However, they didn’t know at first how well we could do anything. So, one of them started us off with this book.”

She set her duster aside and took the book gingerly, showing such reverent care he immediately liked her more for it. She opened the book and the wonder on her face was priceless. He had forgotten about the colorful illustrations.

“Oh, Master Wynn, this is so amazing. Surely I can’t handle such a treasure.”

She started to give it back but he held his hands out and shook his head. “Nonsense. I trust you with it completely. And I know it will be a good one to start with. If it is too simple for you, there are many others.”

Her eyes suddenly shimmered with moisture and his heart nearly stopped. Surely she wasn’t going to cry. Orestes would pummel him. Just as he was trying to decide on what to do, she smiled.

“Thank you, sir. I truly don’t know what to say.”

His pulse settled and he returned her smile gratefully. “You’re very welcome. And no thanks are necessary.” He looked around at the shelves and saw she had accomplished much in the few hours she’d been alone. “The books look well dusted for now. Why don’t you sit and look over that book for a bit until dinner? You have some time yet. I’ll make sure someone lets you know when it’s time to eat.”

She beamed at him and he considered how damn lucky his brother was to have found such a beautiful human. He had bedded a few in his time but none lately. Maybe it was time to find a likely bed partner in the nearby village. But not tonight. For now, his duty was in the castle alongside Petros. They had a very important duty here in their home that could not go unguarded for even a day.

It irked him that the Twenty knew the source of the gargoyles’ power, but the wizards were the reason for it. They had created the Masters from stone by using the most powerful stone in the land. Now that stone resided beneath his feet in the dungeon with strong wards and protections. If anything happened to it, he and his brothers would be powerless.

He watched Astrid for a moment while she settled on a small settee near the windows. Once he was satisfied she would be okay for a few minutes, he went in search of Petros. There was something odd about Albain showing up in the castle alone and without announcing himself. He meant to find out why and be certain the bastard was gone.

Albain waited in the shadows as Master Wynn left the library. For the briefest moment, he considered going back in for a second look at the human gem inside. Orestes thought to keep her, eh? He’d see about that. She was beautiful, with innocence shining from her eyes like the headiest beacon. She would be good to bed and even better as a sacrifice to his magic. But not yet.

First he had plans to finalize and plots to secure. Once he knew for certain Orestes and the others were too far away to heed a battle cry, he would strike. And it would be a sweet victory indeed.