Page 37 of An Unlikely Knight

Chapter Eleven

After a hot shower—one of the things he missed the most when not in Scotland—Padriag felt renewed. Glad to be fully clothed and with shoes on his feet, he strode from the bedroom he’d woken up in and hurried to find the others. There wasn’t any time to waste, they had to figure out what happened before he felt the pull to return to Esland.

Once on the first floor, he followed the sound of voices into the dining room. Everyone surrounded the table and was eating when he walked in. They looked up.

Erin’s gaze swept over him, which affected him as much as if she touched him where her eyes roamed.

“Join us,” Gwen said, “Discuss while we eat.”

The chair next to Erin had been left empty, so he pulled it back and lowered to sit. “Where are Sabrina and Gavin?”

Tristan replied, “He accompanied her to work, in London.”

“It couldn’t be put off. As much as they hate not to be here to help,” Tammie added. “Gavin will be returning in a couple days. In case he is needed.”

The fact that the pair was doing something besides trying to save him was gratifying. “I am glad. All of you should be living your life instead of putting things off because of me.”

“It will be a battle. You are aware we will never give up, so stop bringing it up,” Liam said walking in and giving Padriag a pointed look. “You could have left a note when you left Esland.”

Padriag returned the look. “I was asleep. Then next thing I know I’m in a strange kitchen wearing one piece of clothing ...” He frowned. “What do you mean by a battle?”

Taking his time, Liam pulled a chair and sat next to Erin’s cousin, Aubrey, who studied him as if he were a work of art. The Brit was attractive, Padriag supposed.

After leisurely buttering a piece of bread, Liam met his gaze. “All I know is that the path to freedom will be hard fought, my friend.”

“Meliot has gained some of his powers back. He is affecting things here,” Tristan stated. “What we cannot understand is how.”

“Davina’s death released her powers into the realm and, of course, since they were dark powers, Meliot must have acquired them,” Liam said, his tone somber.

Tammie blew out a breath. “Is that why it will be hard to free Padriag?”

Liam nodded. “Yes. Then there is the matter of finding a home. We cannot remain in Esland much longer.”

“What about a spell?” Liam asked.

Erin slid a notebook from beside her plate. “We have been working on it while Padriag ... er slept.”

“You slept?” Liam frowned at Padriag and looked to Tristan. “Why did you let him sleep? He has work to do.”

“I had to use magic.”

Liam nodded again, understanding what had occurred. “Let me see.” He read over whatever was on Erin’s notebook.

“I think we should try it,” Gwen said, sliding a look to him. Padriag was almost positive it wouldn’t work. Not after what Liam had stated. There was more the Brit wasn’t saying. When Liam left details out, it wasn’t an indication anything good was to come.

“I agree,” Tammie said. “If nothing else, we will get a sense if we’re on the right path with what we’ve come up with.”

When he turned to look at Erin, it was obvious by her pinched expression that she was as unsure as he was. Despite knowing everyone around the table was serious about saving him, Padriag wanted nothing more than to enjoy the meal and spend time with his friends. Too soon it would be harder and harder to return to Scotland. He was weak, though he did his best to hide it. The magic he’d used to cut through the fog had taken a toll on him.

Erin cleared her throat and looked down at the words she’d written. “Here we go.”

Everyone was solemn, Gwen and Tammie held hands and closed their eyes.

“By love unbroken, by bond unshaken,

I summon the heart that fate has taken.

By moon’s soft glow and sun’s first light,