Page 29 of Keeper of the Flame: Orrick

“Oh, yes. I remember. What did it say?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t have a chance to read it. And yesterday when I went to see Sir Rick, I forgot it there. This morning, I think the sorcerer did something to it. I think he must have put a spell on it, to keep me from being able to read it.”

“Then you’ve got to find another way. Do you think Sir Rick would help you?”

“Mayhap. But I don’t even know where he is. Have you seen him?”

Grace’s eyes lifted and she stared at someone coming down the stairs. “Here he is, now.”

“Oh, good. Grace, I didn’t have a chance to tell you, but Sir Rick’s wounds from the practice field are all gone.”

“Gone?” Grace giggled. “Surely you jest with me, Sister. He had some pretty deep wounds.”

“I know and it confuses me as well. But there is only one thing I can conclude if they are gone.”

“What would that be?”

“That either Orrick healed him, or Sir Rick is a sorcerer, too.”

“A sorcerer? Sir Rick?” Grace made a face. “Nay, I don’t think so. He’s a warrior.”

“Mayhap that is only what he wants us to think.”

“But why?”

“I don’t know.”

“Did you ask Orrick about him?”

“Orrick doesn’t seem to want to tell me much. I am going to have to find out more on my own.”

“Hush now, he approaches.”

“Ladies,” said Sir Rick with a half-bow and a nod of his head. “May I escort you into the great hall for a bite to eat?”

“Aye,” Grace said at the same time Hope said, “Nay.”

“Well, which is it?” he asked with a low chuckle. “Are we eating today or not?”

“Grace is eating, but I am going for a walk to clear my head,” Hope told him. “Would you like to accompany me?”

“A walk? Now?” Sir Rick looked from one girl to the next. “Is something the matter, Lady Hope?”

“She has something she wants to ask you,” blurted out Grace, getting a nasty scowl from Hope.

“I see. Well, mayhap later,” said Sir Rick. “I am famished. Grace, shall we?” He held out his arm to Hope’s sister. Of course Grace took it, only managing to make Hope upset since she didn’t want Sir Rick with her flirty sister. Hope liked Sir Rick and this action didn’t sit right with her.

“My betrothed, where have you been hiding?” Lord Irwin walked up with his two men on each side of him. Hope cringed inwardly to see him. “Join me for the meal.” He held out his arm and Hope had no choice but to take it. She really didn’t want to go with him but had to since he was her betrothed now, even if it was against her will.

As they sat for the meal up at the dais, Sir Rick was positioned between her and Grace, and Lord Irwin was at Hope’s other side. Lord Corbett and Lady Devon were next to Grace sitting at the center of the table.

Lord Irwin leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Have you found the Eternal Flame yet?”

“Of course not,” she snapped. “If I had, don’t you think I would have told you?”

“Lady Hope, is something upsetting you?” asked Sir Rick, glancing at her from the corners of his eyes. “You seem as if you feel shaken. Are you feeling ill?”

“It’s none of your business how she feels,” snapped Irwin. “You don’t need to concern yourself with my betrothed’s state of health or mind.”