Page 30 of Keeper of the Flame: Orrick

“She is the ward of Lord Corbett and I take it as my responsibility to make certain she is happy,” explained Orrick.

“Well, she is happy, so there is no need for concern,” growled Irwin.

“Are you sure?” asked Sir Rick, taking a sip of wine. “After all, if she were my betrothed, she’d be smiling, not frowning.”

“That’s enough!” Sir Irwin stood up with his hands on the table. “I challenge you to another sword fight on the practice field, Sir Rick.”

“I gladly accept, just to shut you up and put you in your place.” Sir Rick was on his feet as well.

Lord Corbett looked over and scowled. The loud voices of both of the men had everyone looking up at the dais. The men were making spectacles of themselves. Hope had to stop this.

“Nay, please,” said Hope, trying to bring peace between them. “I am only shaken because of Orrick’s magic. It frightened me.”

“Orrick the old sorcerer?” growled Irwin, looking around. “Where is he?”

“The last I saw him, he was up in his tower chamber,” answered Hope.

“He’ll answer for this.”

“Nay, leave him out of this,” said Sir Rick. “He is old and you will not bother him. Besides, he is resting in his chamber.”

“If he upset my betrothed, then he deserves to be disturbed. I think I’ll just pay him a little visit and clear this all up right now before it goes any further.”

“Nay, he’s . . . sleeping,” said Sir Rick. “He cannot be disturbed.”

“Then I’ll wake him up.” Irwin stormed away.

“I am no longer hungry, Sir Rick,” said Hope, wanting to leave the room. “I’m going for a walk if you’d care to join me.” Hope stood up and started to leave as well.

Sir Rick’s eyes flashed from Irwin over to her and he seemed like he couldn’t make a decision.

“Aye, of course,” he said. “Just one moment.” He walked over and whispered something to Lord Corbett before coming back and holding out his arm to escort her. “Shall we, my lady?” he asked, seeming as if he were anxious to leave there.

“Slow down,” she said as Sir Rick hurried her out of the great hall so fast that she nearly tripped on her gown. “What is your rush, Sir Rick?”

“No rush.” His eyes swept back to the castle as they approached the garden. “Have a seat on this bench,” he told her, picking a flower, and handing it to her.

“Thank you,” she said with a smile, sniffing the daisy. “It is kind of you. Please, sit with me so we can talk.”

He sat down, and she decided to lean over and give him a peck on the cheek. He jerked back, seeming anxious about something.

“Is something wrong, Sir Rick?”

“Nay, not at all. I . . . I just remembered . . . I forgot something back in the keep. I have . . . a present for you.”

“You do?” she asked, excited to think he was going to give her a gift.

“I’ll be right back.” He sprang to his feet.

“I’ll come with you.” She got up, but he pushed her back down on the bench.

“Nay. Stay here. Smell the flower. I’ll be right back.”

Then he took off at a mere run for the keep, acting very odd, indeed.

* * *

Orrick ran to the keep, meeting Lord Corbett in the dark corridor behind the kitchen.