“You should have left it with him,” Sage snorted. “He needs it more than you.”
Willow lifted her chin. “I like it. I’m honored he gave it to me.” She dropped the reins to put the cord over her head, so it rested around her neck. “I can use all the luck I can get.”
“Yes,” Sage agreed sarcastically. “Because those four-leaf clovers are doing so much good.”
“It certainly was lucky Mercy made it,” Willow said, tilting her head back and narrowing her eyes. “Coincidence?”
Marcus stared at the cross on Willow’s chest. He couldn’t get over the fact that the Templars had been here. True, they had been all over the realm, but why here? In this village? And so long ago? What were they doing?
They followed the directions for three days, finding the split tree and traveling east. As they journeyed, they all cautiously watched for signs of the army that had been chasing them from Maldon, the one Christian believed was from his father. Twice they had to duck into the cover of foliage as large groups thundered by on the road, wearing the heraldry of the English king. With no way of knowing if he was arresting Templar Knights like the French king, they kept riding and rested when they had to. When they took breaks from the relentless trek, Sage studied the parchment. She knew they were on the right path, but she was still nervous about the upcoming directions.
The dead point the way.
The directions took them through a village, complete with a small inn where they decided to stop for the night. Inside, they found a quiet common room and a roaring hearth that provided warmth against the cold night air. After a quick meal of bread and stew, they replenished their supplies and prepared to continue their journey in the morning.
Sage sat at the table, gazing at the parchment in her hands, her eyes lingering on the decoded words.Find the right tombstone. The dead point the way.She shuddered, her skin crawling at the thought of cemeteries and the dead.
Marcus caught her movement as he set a mug of ale before her and sat beside her. “Problems?”
“It’s this passage. It’s been troubling me,” Sage admitted and turned the parchment so he could see it.
He scanned it. “The entire thing is troubling to me. It was amazing we found the dragon.” He reread the words. “I wouldn’t worry about it. When we get there, we’ll figure it out. We have from the beginning.” He took her hand into his and squeezed it. “You’ve been correct with each passage.”
“Of course,” she said, without feeling it. “Did you expect less?”
“Ididn’t.” He leaned toward her. “But I get the feelingyoudid.”
She grinned. After days of self-doubt, she had proven her mettle. Besides, she had repeatedly reviewed the remaining passages to ensure she was correct. But no trace of error was there, and she felt a surge of pride. She sat back with a sigh, collected the parchment, and returned it to her boot. She scanned the room.
Raven and Landyn were seated at a corner table, speaking quietly. Sage’s attention was drawn to the door. Christian and Willow were supposed to be out on patrol, but she had a feeling they weren’t. She saw how Christian looked at her sister with such longing, and she was aware of Willow’s undying devotion to him.
She took a drink of ale and rose.
“Where are you going?” Marcus asked.
Sage took the die from a pouch at her waist. “To make us some coin.”
Unable to sleep, Marcus sat in the inn’s main room near the stairway, sipping ale.
Christian and Willow were on watch outside. Raven, Landyn, and Sage were sleeping upstairs.
Thanks to the coin Sage had made gambling, Marcus could purchase more porridge. He was waiting for the food when the door swung open, and a battalion of soldiers marched in. Marcus stiffened, recognizing the black snake surrounded by red flowers emblazoned on their tunics. Sterling.
He slowly rose and tried to blend in with the shadows as he inched his way up the stairs, eyes darting around to make sure no one was looking at him, recognizing him.
When he was out of their vision, he hurried down the dimly lit corridor, his heart pounding. He glanced over his shoulder to ensure the soldiers had not followed him, then darted into his room and quietly shut the door. “Up,” he said in a hushed whisper.
Sage woke immediately.
Marcus hit Landyn’s foot. “Sterling’s men are downstairs.”
“Where’s Willow and Christian?” Raven asked.
They were supposed to be keeping guard, but Marcus hadn’t seen them. He collected his things and tossed Sage her boots.
In a moment, they were ready and headed for the door. Marcus hesitated with his hand outstretched for the door handle. “We can’t go out the front door. There’s too many of them.”
“We’ll fight if we have to,” Raven said.
