Page 33 of Haunted Hearts

“Lady Lillith, wait for me,” called out Milo, causing her to finally slow down. “This horse is too slow, but what’s the big hurry?”

“I just feel like riding fast, that’s all.” She had gone deep into the woods, not even paying attention to where she was headed. The area around her didn’t seem familiar anymore. They were in the forest surrounding Skull Manor.

“Look, my lady. What’s that?” Milo rode up, pointing through the trees.

When Lillith looked where he pointed, she was able to see tall standing stones forming a circle up ahead in a small clearing. She directed her horse toward it, stopping just outside the circle when she realized exactly where she was. It was a witches’ circle. She remembered now, years ago, having seen it. She was racing Blaze atop their horses and ended up here. She had asked him about it, but he had told her it wasn’t important. She hadn’t thought anything of it and actually forgot all about it.

She realized now that Blaze had been lying to her for even longer than she had thought. Why hadn’t he just come out and told her?

“It looks like someone is going to have a bonfire here,” said Milo, pointing from atop his horse to the pyre of sticks and logs stacked up in the center of the stone circle. “I’ll bet it’s where those witches do their spells. Especially since it is so close to All Hallows’ Eve. I’ve heard it said they call it Samhain. It is also said that’s the time when the veil between the two worlds is the thinnest and the dead can come back to roam the earth.”

Lillith had heard those stories too and they had only managed to frighten her. She surveyed the stone circle, not seeing anything but nature. This didn’t seem frightening at all.

“Milo, that’s all nonsense. Those are just stories made up to scare the children on All Hallows’ Eve.”

“I don’t think so,” he said, shaking his head. His eyes were still fastened on the stone circle. “We should go tell your uncle about this. It’s important. This proves the Paynes are witches.”

“I’m sure this is naught but an old structure where hunters warmed themselves for the night.”

“Nay. It’s a place where witches hold their ceremonies. I know it is.” Milo wouldn’t let up. Lillith now regretted bringing him along.

“Milo, I think it’s best we leave here now. It would be better if you didn’t say anything about this. My sister and handmaid are at Skull Manor and are already spooked. Plus, I don’t want my uncle causing trouble for the Paynes. We are trying to make an alliance, not start another feud.”

“I understand,” he said with a slight nod. “I think the road is back that way,” he told her, nodding with his head. “Lady Lillith, we are not that far from Alderwood Castle. Mayhap you could stop back there for your horse.”

Lillith knew exactly why Milo wanted to go back to the castle. He wanted to tell her uncle everything. Well, she couldn’t let him do that right now. She needed more time to figure things out. Actually, she wanted more time to spend with Blaze before she had to marry a man she didn’t want or love. Lillith was not going to let Milo ruin that for her.

* * *

Blaze rode through the woods with the wind in his hair, trying to track down Lillith. When Orvyn told him that she was out riding, he knew it meant trouble. He had to stop her before she returned to her uncle and told him all his secrets. If she did that, he was sure Lord Arthur would find a way to blame him for Lord Henri’s death. He couldn’t have ill-talk and accusations about him now. He was so close to being accepted as a knight by the earl that he didn’t want anything to ruin his chances. Marrying Serena was not what he wanted, but still it would be his ticket to finally getting the title he coveted.

His raven led the way, and Blaze followed. The bird had always seemed to be able to read his mind and know what Blaze wanted.

Finally, he spotted Lillith and her page just up ahead. Unfortunately, they were somewhere they shouldn’t be. This was bad. Really bad. They were right outside of the stone circle.

“Damn,” he mumbled, knowing this was only going to make things worse for him. His mother and some of ‘their kind’ had been preparing for the Samhain festival that was always held here in the center of the standing stones. “Lillith,” he called out, getting her attention. His raven settled itself atop one of the tall stones.

“Blaze?” he heard her say in surprise. He directed his horse up to them. “What are you doing here?” asked Lillith. “Are you following me?”

“Orvyn told me you went out riding and I didn’t feel it was safe for you to be alone.”

“I’m not alone. I’ve got Milo with me, as you can see.” She nodded to the page. When Blaze glanced at the boy, Milo quickly looked the other way.

“Yes. I see. But I don’t think you need the task of protecting him as well if you run across any ruffians.” That got Milo to look directly at him.

“I’m here to protect her, my lord.” Milo sounded extremely insulted. “I have training with weapons, and someday I’m going to be a squire.”

“Of course, you are,” he mumbled. “Lillith, let me escort you back to the manor.”

“There’s really no need for that,” said Lillith.

“We’re stopping at Alderwood Castle before we head back,” announced the boy.

“You are?” He looked over at Lillith and raised a brow. “Whatever for?”

“Nay, we are not,” said Lillith, glaring at Milo. “We were just headed back to Skull Manor.”

They heard thunder and he looked up at the sky that was darkening quickly.