Page 64 of Keeper of the Flame: Orrick

“Because I thought I knew who took it, that’s why.”

Orrick sat down and she settled herself across from him. He placed his hands around the crystal orb and released a deep breath, gazing into it. He stared at it for quite a while. She was starting to wonder if it wasn’t working when he pulled his hands away and slowly stood.

“What is it, Orrick? Did you see who stole the flame?”

“I did,” he answered softly.

“Who is it? Was it Lord Irwin?”

“It was,” he mumbled, walking over and gathering a few things from the shelf. “But that’s not the worst part.”

“It isn’t?” She ran over to stand next to him, watching him load potions and odd objects into a leather bag and then slipping the strap over his shoulder. “What do you mean? How can it be any worse?”

“Lord Irwin not only stole the Eternal Flame, but he has hurt your sister and kidnapped Noah.”

Chapter 18

“Grace!” shouted Hope as they made their way down the stairs toward the great hall. Hope’s sister came staggering into the keep, crying and holding her hand over her eye. Her clothes were dirty and her bodice torn. “My God, what has he done to you?”

Hope gathered Grace into her arms, trying to calm her down. A crowd of people started to gather around them.

“Let me see,” said Orrick, making his way to the girl, taking a look at her eye. “Did he – touch you in any other way?” Orrick pulled an herbal potion out of his bag and rubbed some on her swollen face, holding his hand over her and whispering a spell like he did to Hope to help ease the pain.

“Oh, Hope, I am so sorry,” cried Grace.

“Tell me what happened,” said Hope, hugging her sister and smoothing back her hair.

“Lord Irwin tricked me. Before I knew what was happening, he was kissing me and asking me where you hid the Eternal Flame.”

“That wretched man!” spat Hope. “Grace, he didn’t . . . he didn’t . . .”

“Nay, he didn’t assault me in that way, Sister. He only wanted to find the flame. When I discovered he meant to steal it and use it for himself, I fought him and that is how my gown got ripped.”

“What about the boy?” asked Orrick. “Is Noah harmed at all?”

“Nay, Noah is not harmed,” she told them. “Lord Irwin held a knife to the boy’s throat to make sure he got to the stable and out of here without anyone stopping him.”

“Where is he?” asked Orrick.

“I’m not sure but I think they went to the cave.”

“Sir Rick,” called out Corbett, bolting into the keep. “My men just informed me that Lord Irwin has taken Noah at knifepoint and left the castle.”

“Aye,” said Orrick, putting the potion back into his bag. “Get us some horses, because we’re going after them.”

“Me, too,” said Hope, following them out of the keep.

“Nay.” Orrick turned around and stopped her. “It’s too dangerous, Hope. Irwin is immortal now and unstoppable. I won’t allow your life to be in danger.”

“But this is all my fault. If anything happens to Noah, or even you, I’ll never forgive myself.”

“Stay here with your sister.” Orrick reached over and kissed her atop the head. “Grace needs you.”

“But what about you and Lord Corbett?” she asked.

“I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that might distract the man long enough to be able to steal the flame back.”

“Please be careful, Orrick,” she said, calling him by his true name in front of everyone even though he was in the image of Sir Rick. “I love you.”