Part 26
Guests had been arriving all morning; a steady stream of curious nobles and commoners wanting to get a closer look into the inner world of the Lords of Eternity. Who was this girl who had braved the Dark Forest to find Eternity? Who was this girl who’d brought life back to the once dark world of these three feared men?
Samantha and Kevin had spent time that morning talking and being together but afterwards, she’d joined Howard to greet the new arrivals. With each one, she became increasingly nervous. Her family was due to arrive and with them, Brian, the one person she truly ached for. He was an innocent in this battle, used by evil.
Wanting time alone and knowing Kevin would never permit it, Samantha had slipped away and was now walking through the gardens. She was lost in her thoughts of Brian, her family, and her conversation with Kevin that morning. She had no doubt that Kevin, Alex, and Howard would defeat her father but what about Brian? If he was allowed to live, she couldn’t be wed to Howard but to kill him would be evil.
Reaching the gazebo overlooking the lake, Samantha stood in the middle looking out over the water. A lone tear slid down as she thought about Brian’s fate. Kevin had made it perfectly clear that Brian was a threat to Eternity and he had vowed to destroy all threats to his world.
From behind her, he spoke, “Its beautiful here. I understand why you were drawn here.”
She turned to see him standing on the path, his blonde curls glistening in the sun. She knew what she had to do and she knew it would anger Kevin but she could deal with him. “Brian! Does anyone know you’re here?”
“Your fiancé greeted us,” he said as he moved to stand before her.
“Us?” questioned Samantha nervously.
“Your family,” answered Brian as he reached to touch her cheek.
“Brian, you have to leave here. You’re not safe.” Samantha took his hand in hers.
“Why, Samantha?”
“You’re a threat to them and they will destroy you. Please, Brian, I’ll help you and I will keep them from coming after you.”
“They?”
“Kevin, Howard, and Alex. I’m begging you, Brian. Let me help you get away.”
Brian stood steadfast. “No, Samantha. I left here once before and I lost the most precious thing in my life. I’m not leaving you again.”
“Oh, Brian….my soul belongs to them. Kevin, Alex, and Howard will defeat my father and then they’ll come after you. I do care for you, truly, I do, but my life is here, with Howard. Please, let me do this for you.”
“You’re still my wife, Samantha, and I will fight for you….to the death….even if it means siding with evil.”
“And that’s what it’ll be,” growled Kevin from behind Brian. “Your death! Samantha, move away from him.”
Stepping between Brian and Kevin, she said, “No, Kevin! Brian hasn’t done anything wrong.”
“He’s a threat to you and Howard…..and our future. He’s working with your father.”
“He can’t harm us, Kevin. Just let him leave.” Looking back at Brian, she pleaded, “Tell him you’ll leave and never come back, Brian.”
“No, Samantha,” answered Brian with determination. Pulling a dagger from behind him, he took her in his arms and held it to Samantha’s heart. “Now, Lord Kevin, you’ll step aside and allow me to pass. I am taking my wife with me to her father and we will be leaving Eternity within the hour.”
Kevin tensed knowing that the dagger would kill Samantha but he was prepared for this. Closing his eyes and tucking his head as if to allow them by, Kevin’s thoughts flowed on the breeze. “You know what to do, my love.”
“I can’t, Kevin.”
“You HAVE to, Samantha. It’s the only way and we talked about it this morning. You won’t be alone. Howard is watching and Alex and I will be close by. Just lead him to the cottage and Nickolas will be there too.”
Looking back at
him, Samantha said, “Brian, you don’t have to hold a knife on me. I’m not
going to try to get away.”
”Until we’re away from Lord Kevin, I’m not putting it away. Let’s go. Your
father is waiting.”
As the two moved away, Kevin opened his eyes and cast them in their direction. Looking up, he nodded and the falcon perched in the branches overhead took wing. A satisfied smirk danced across his lips.
“Will she be safe?” Alex asked emerging from the woods.
“Perfectly. He loves her almost as much as we do and Howard is following.”
“What about her father?”
“He’ll come for her when Brian doesn’t return and we’ll be waiting for him.”
