A Warrior's Heart (Shields) (28 page)

Chapter Thirty-One

Aimery pulled at his bonds, though he knew they wouldn’t budge. It was something he did every hour or so, hoping against hope that somehow his magic would free him. He gave another yank and stared in amazement at his hand now in front of him.

His bonds had been released. He pulled at his other hand and also found it free. But was it a trick? Had Theron moved up the execution? Were there guards, his men, waiting outside the chamber for him even now?

Aimery moved away from the hated wall where he had been held for the last day and sat at the open window over looking
Caer Rhoemyr.

“City of Kings,” he murmured into the fading sunset as he heard the door to the chamber open then close. He knew Theron stood behind him. They had been friends for millennia, had trusted each other with their lives, and had fought beside each other.

Though Aimery was saddened by the turn of events, he couldn’t fault Theron for doing his duty. Someone had to pay for the dragon’s death, and by all accounts and purposes, it was Aimery that had killed the dragon.

Too bad he couldn’t find the impostor and impose his retribution.

“You always did like looking over
Caer Rhoemyr
,” Theron said as he moved to stand beside him.

“It’s a magnificent city. The grand architecture of the buildings, the beautiful landscaping, the blue stone and knotwork of the Fae everywhere to behold. You cannot walk into the city and not know you are in the Realm of the Fae.”

Theron sighed and turned to him. “Aimery, I have a plan. It’s a simple plan, but one that could very well work if you agree.”

Aimery looked at him. “You always did have an amazing way of finding plans.”

For the first time in days Theron smiled. “You must leave at once. Go to the Shields, for they need you desperately. The creature that made its way here to pose as you has also been attacking the Shields.”

“And just what creature are they fighting? I thought it was only the Harpy and the Gargoyle?”

“A Shapeshifter.”

Aimery turned and swore viciously. He spun back around to Theron. “Have any of the Shields been hurt?”

“Aye. Hugh, though Gabriel managed to save his life. Your army was poised to step in and help, but they said Gabriel had it all in hand.”

“So Hugh will live?”

“It appears so, though you might want to take a look for yourself.”

Aimery crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned back against the wall. “If I leave, what will happen?”

“I will say that I went through with the execution. Since you were commander of the Fae armies, you are given some privileges, which means –”

“A private execution,” Aimery finished with a smile. “Brilliant, Theron.”

Theron strode to Aimery and clasped him on the shoulder. “Just finish this. I want you returned here with all haste. Your army on Earth awaits you. Go, my friend. And be safe.”

Aimery nodded. “Thank you.”

“Thank me when you return in victory.”

Aimery wasted no more time in returning to the Shields.

Theron sighed as he slumped into the chair once Aimery was gone. The door to the chamber opened, and he looked up to find Rufina. “He’s gone?”

“Just,” he answered. “I pray he’s able to succeed.”

Rufina walked to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Give Aimery some faith, my love. He will succeed. And we’ll have our commander back as well.”
 

“If only we were able to help the Shields more. But the blood rules,” he said as he rose and ran a hand down his face.
 

“I say we go to Earth.”

Theron looked at his wife, unable to believe what he had heard. “What?”

She smiled at him. “You heard me. How many times has the Great Evil broken the rules to suit his purposes?”

“Too many to count.”

“Exactly. He’s doing this to destroy us, my love. I suggest we go and watch. If it appears that the Shields need a little help, well...we help.”

Theron leaned down to kiss her. “You’re brilliant.”

She shrugged her dainty shoulder. “It’s why you married me.

* * * *

Gabriel wanted to stay in his chamber for the rest of the night, but he knew he needed to check on Hugh. Not to mention he and Jayna needed to eat. Once she left his chamber to take a bath, he washed and changed. He was just strapping on his sword when he heard someone give a shout.

He raced out of his chamber to the great hall to find Cole, Val and Roderick. “What is it?” he asked.

“The Gargoyle,” Cole said, his lip raised in a sneer. “I should have known the damn thing would attack this night.”

“We best get ready,” Val said. “The guards have already hidden themselves.”

Gabriel nodded and strode to the solar where Hugh sat up while Mina fed him some broth. “How are you feeling?”

“Better thanks to you,” Hugh said. “I hear you saved my life.”

Gabriel shrugged. “The Shields need a leader.”

“The Gargoyle has returned.”

“Nay,” Gabriel said as Roderick walked in behind him. “A gargoyle has returned. It isn’t the same one. We defeated one, we can defeat another.”
 

“Not if we cannot venture out during the day,” Roderick said.

Gabriel only smiled. “We’ll have to come up with a plan then. Just like we did for tonight. The Gargoyle will have nothing to eat since everyone is safely tucked inside somewhere until dawn.”

Roderick shook his head, though a smile pulled at his lips. “What has you in such a good mood?”

“I’m thinking it has something to do with Jayna,” Hugh teased.

“It most likely does,” Gabriel admitted. “Nonetheless, let’s focus on keeping the Gargoyle guessing.”

Roderick clapped him on the shoulder as he turned on his heel. “I’ll go take my place in the tower. I think I’ll use Hugh’s crossbow to give the little bugger some pain.”

Gabriel was about to turn to leave when Aimery appeared beside him. “Aimery.”
 

The Fae nodded to Gabriel, then turned to Hugh. “Are you in pain?”

“Some,” Hugh admitted. “I was told that every bone in my body was broken. I’m just thankful I’m able to move my fingers and toes.”

Aimery nodded as he moved closer. “You were lucky Gabriel knows as much as he does. Let me relieve you of some pain,” he said as he held his hands over Hugh.
 

Gabriel loved to watch the Fae use their magic, though Aimery wasn’t supposed to help them. Something was definitely going on for Aimery to help heal them twice. As Aimery took away Hugh’s pain, a white light surrounded his hands, illuminating them. Almost immediately, Hugh’s face relaxed.

“Thank you,” Hugh said.

Aimery waved away his words. “The time is at hand. I’m sure you have all wondered where I’ve been. I was held on my realm for several days because it was thought that I killed a dragon.”

“You could never,” Mina said softly.

Aimery inclined his head to her, then looked to Gabriel and Hugh as he walked around the solar. “Theron and Rufina discovered exactly what it was that killed the dragon. There is only one creature that can make itself look like anyone it chooses. A creature so evil that it was hunted to extinction. Or so we thought.”

“What is it?” Gabriel asked. He had a sick feeling in his gut that the Aimery he had spoken with in his chamber was not Aimery at all.

“A Shapeshifter. In order to take the shape of an animal or person, it need only touch a part of you.”

“By the saints,” Mina exclaimed as she covered her mouth in horror.

Gabriel met Hugh’s gaze. “That’s what’s been attacking us in the forest. It has to be. Can the Shapeshifters make themselves invisible?”

“Aye,” Aimery answered. “They can be just about anything they want. You can tell a Shapeshifter has shifted because it leaves an almost clear liquid puddle in its wake.”

“That was what was in my chamber, what we found in the monastery,” Gabriel said as he sank onto a chair in disbelief.

“Then it looks as though the Great Evil has a very powerful weapon,” Val said from the doorway. “What do we do?”

Aimery sighed. “We must be careful. For all we know, the Shapeshifter could be in this room.”

“I’m not liking this,” Hugh grumbled. He tried to swing his legs to the ground, but Gabriel quickly stopped him.

“I might have healed you, and Aimery might have taken away your pain, but it will be several weeks before you’re able to move about like before.”

“What bloody hell use am I then?” Hugh thundered.
 

Gabriel looked him in the eye. “You tell us what to do.”

With a loud sigh, Hugh laid back down. “I don’t have a choice do I?”
 

“Nay,” everyone answered in unison.

Aimery glanced around the solar. “Where are Val and Roderick?”

“In the towers using their weapons to strike at the Gargoyle,” Cole answered.
 

“We need to make sure at least two of us are together at all times. No one is to be left alone,” Aimery said.
 

“Where are the other Chosen?”

“Jayna went to take a bath,” Gabriel answered.

“Jayna?” Aimery repeated.

Gabriel nodded.
 
“Aye.
 
She’s a Chosen.”

Aimery’s smile was slow.
 
“I hadn’t expected that.”

Mina set aside the empty bowl. “Elle was in the bathing chamber a little while ago. Maybe she and Jayna are together.”

“Gabriel, you and Cole go find everyone and bring them in here. We need to formulate a plan,” Hugh ordered.

Gabriel rose and followed Cole out of the solar as they hurried to the bathing chamber.
 

“Jayna?” Gabriel called as they neared it.

“Aye,” she said with a laugh. “I’m nearly done, though you can join me if you like.”

Gabriel heard Cole chuckle. “I cannot,” he answered. “Is Elle with you?”
 

“Nay. Is something wrong?”

He heard the splash of water and knew she had gotten out. “Of sorts. Please hurry out.”

Just a few moments later she stood in front of them, the ends of her hair damp and her face flushed from the heat of the water. “What is it?”

“We’ll explain once we find the others,” Cole said.

Jayna didn’t argue as they turned and started up the stairs. Gabriel was surprised when he felt her hand take his. He glanced at her and gave her a reassuring smile, though he didn’t think it helped her.

Chapter Thirty-Two

It took nearly half an hour before they found everyone else and returned to the solar. By the time Aimery explained everything, there was complete silence as everyone took in the new situation.

“My God,” Elle said. “How do we face something that can turn at will? How do I know it’s really Roderick who climbs into bed with me at night?”

Roderick wrapped an arm around her. “Ask me something only you and I would know, something private. If I answer, you know it’s me. If I don’t, then I think it’s safe to say it’s the Shapeshifter.”

“All right,” Elle said as she nodded. “That sounds like a good plan.”

“It does,” Aimery said. “Everyone is paired up, so come up with private questions. And keep them private.”

Gabriel found his gaze drawn to Jayna. Her gaze searched his, as if she wondered if she could trust him or not. He reached for her hand and pulled her closer to him, uncaring that the others noticed. He might be too much of a coward to tell her and the others the truth, but he would protect her with his last breath if necessary.

“Now that we’ve got that sorted,” Cole said. “What’s next? The Gargoyle even now circles the castle. Are we not going to go out and meet it?”

Roderick shook his head. “To venture out would be folly. We must stay protected.”

“I don’t see how that will work.” Val kissed Nicole on the forehead and raised his gaze to the others. “If the Chosen must destroy the evil, they must be in a situation where they can do what is needed.”

Gabriel glanced at Jayna to see her gaze lowered. “Do the Chosen even know what to do?”

For several tense moments none of the women spoke. Finally, Mina took a deep breath and said, “We could lie to you and say that we do indeed know what to do. But that isn’t the case. Whatever our parents imparted to us is locked away. Our only hope is that it is a part of us somehow. That by being in a situation where we face the evil, we’ll know what to do.”

“You put our realm as well as the Fae realm at risk on hope?” Val asked incredulously.

“Can you think of another way?” Mina asked. “Do you think we’ve sat around and stitched or gossiped these past days? Nay, Val. We’ve all tried in vain to know what we are supposed to do. The truth is, we don’t.”