Page 47 of The Last Knight

“I am not very hungry but do wish for something to drink.” She searched his face. “Is it safe?”

“Yes.” He pressed his lips to hers, hoping to convey calm and assurance. Keeping his arm around her, he steered her through the doorway.

Not releasing whatever it was she clung to, Aubrey allowed him to guide her to the throne room. Upon entering, she gasped, her head moving as she took in the high ceiling, the enormous, ostentatious throne and overly ornate furnishing.

Phillippe stood by the table holding two plates piled with food. “I will take my meal in the study.” Not waiting for Gunther’s reply, he hurried past.

“Return to perform your duties as scribe when the generals come back,” Gunther stated and the scribe nodded and disappeared, closing the door behind him.

Gunther led Aubrey to a chair and lowered to sit next to her. He was ravenous, but the hunger was not as important as making sure Aubrey calmed, her fears alleviated.

Taking the only other plate left, he placed it between them. He added thinly sliced meat, a few of the other offerings and gave her a fork. Then he poured cider for them.

“It will make me feel better if you eat. I cannot eat in front of you without feeling guilty,” Gunther gave her a teasing look.

Her brows lowered. “Okay.” She speared a small piece of meat and bit it. After chewing it for a scant second, she ate the rest. “This is very good.”

Tearing a chunk of bread, Gunther dipped it into the gravy, placed a piece of meat atop it and ate.

They ate in silence and then Gunther met her gaze. “Tell me what happened just before you found yourself here.”

“I was in the cellar with the others, Erin, Padriag, Sabrina, Gwen, Gavin and Tristan. They’d found these three items.” She moved back and lifted a bowl with two things in it from her lap. One was a pendant, the other looked to be a case of some sort.

“I picked them up and, next thing I knew, I was here.”

He concentrated on the items, not sensing anything. “What are they?”

Aubrey placed the bowl on the table. “A leather necklace with a pendant.” He held it up for his inspection. “One of those creatures is etched on it.” She pointed to the center of the stone. “In here,” she said lifting an oblong item, “is a jeweled dagger. And then there’s this bowl that matches.”

Indeed, the bowl was made of an amber stone and etched with intricate carvings.

“Take those things. Destroy them.” The darkness’ voice was so loud, for a moment he thought Aubrey had said it. “Destroy her, she is the one who will bring our demise. The one who brings the end to all that are these realms. Every soul, every being, every creature.”

A ringing so loud it was painful filled his head and he cupped both hands over his ears.

“Gunther.” A faraway voice said his name. “Gunther, are you okay?”

The voice grew louder. “What’s wrong?”

It was Aubrey. She cupped his face, worried eyes searching his face.

“I am fine. Considering what to do.” When he slid a glance to the bowl, his body jerked, the darkness urging him to take it.

“A hostile visitor arrives;, I need to get you home before he realizes you’re here. Take the items with you. Do you understand? Put them somewhere only you know and do not give them to anyone.”

“Not even you?” She asked. “What are they used for?”

Gunther shook his head. “I don’t know. I sense they are weapons against the darkness.”

She hurriedly lifted the bowl. “What if you need them?”

“You will know if you can trust me. Listen to your heart.” He met her gaze.

He enveloped her in his arms and willed them to the other realm. Nothing happened. When he tried again, a feeling like that of knives sinking into his flesh made him stop, as he fought the urge to scream at the pain.

Blowing out a breath, he released Aubrey. “I need time to find the way to do it. I have brought people from the other realm and taken them back. I am not sure why I can’t now.

It was best to get her to safety, somewhere she could rest.

He crossed the room to the study and opened the door finding the scribe who was reading through a large tome.

“I am reviewing notes from the Yorian’s last visit, Sire.”

“Take Miss Aubrey, through the back corridor, to my bedchamber. Instruct that no one is to go in there.” The Scribe gave him a questioning look. “I will ward the room, so that if anyone looks in, they will not see her.”

The man visible relaxed. “I will do it immediately. Meanwhile, I suggest you read the notes regarding what we discussed after Indros’ last visit.”

He turned back and found that Aubrey stood right behind him, obviously still nervous. It was hard not to go with her, to hold her until she calmed. Kiss her until she forgot everything but him. Make love to her, imagining it was only them and not the chaotic situation they found themselves in.

“Go with Phillippe. All will be well. If anyone opens the door to my bedchamber, stay calm, they will not see you.”

She leaned her head into his chest. “You promise?”

Gunther cupped her face lifting it so that he could look into her eyes. “I promise.”

Her beauty took his breath away. When he returned Aubrey to her realm, he would never seek her again. She deserved so much better than him.