Page 50 of An Unlikely Knight

“Yes,” Erin nodded, picturing the events of her dream. “They fight against creatures that look like centaurs. There are dragons in the air and huge beasts battling too.”

Gwen looked into her eyes. “Erin, think. Are the dragons fighting the centaurs and other beasts, or the men?”

“I-I am not sure.” She wanted to cry. Despite the dream having repeated, she’d not considered that some of the mystical beasts could be allies. “They fly in circles, their fiery blasts aimed downward. Closing her eyes, she brought the images of what she saw outside the window to mind. Instantly the fantastical scene came to life. The strange color of the sky and trees that looked like they came out of a Dr. Suess book were more than real. The men fought below her window, swords slicing, shields held up.

Liam and Padriag shot arrows, striking the advancing centaurs, some falling, some continuing forward despite arrows protruding from their bodies. There are hundreds of men in black armor fighting with the centaurs, and the five men were more than outnumbered. She concentrated for a long time, committing as much as she could to memory.

Her eyes flew open. “The dragons are attacking the dark side.”

“I must go,” Liam said then looked at the other men. “As soon as you feel the compulsion, make sure you are armed before returning.

The handsome Englishman went to John and took his hand, together they walked out from the room to say a private goodbye.

“Maybe, I should go with him,” Erin said. “I could help care for Padriag.”

“No!” Aubrey exclaimed, fear making her throat constrict. “You cannot possibly be serious. What if you get stuck there?”

Erin felt as if on the brink of tears. “I want to help,” she said softly.

Gwen covered her hand. “If anything you will be a hindrance at battle, with the men having to worry about keeping you safe while fighting. Stay here with us, at the castle. We will wait together.”

“I’ll have to go to my flat and get clothes.” Erin looked to Aubrey. “Can you cover for me at the studio?”

“Of course. I’ll tell your Mum that you’re doing a yoga retreat at a castle. Last minute thing.” Aubrey smiled widely at having come up with a lie so easily.

They left the castle shortly after Liam dematerialized, both letting out a long breath once ensconced in Erin’s car.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Erin asked her cousin.

Aubrey nodded. “Everything about this,” she motioned to the castle. “Is surreal, but strangely, I have something like a déjà vu feeling about this, as if I have seen it all before.”

“I hope you are not meant to be another part of this. At least the guy, Gunther, didn’t take you, like he did me. I can’t help thinking about what you said. That he seemed honest.”

They sat in the car in silence for a long moment, Erin unsure of whether she should remain at the castle or stay away. After all, either way, there was little she could do to help. On impulse she opened the door.

“Did you forget something?” Aubrey asked.

Erin shook her head. “I feel that you and I should stay together. I think it’s best if we return to your house, I can commute easily both to the studio and to the castle and be at either one in less than an hour.”

The relief on Aubrey’s face confirmed her suspicions. Her cousin was afraid, both for Erin and for herself. Seeing one of Meliot’s henchmen face-to-face was not something one got over easily.