Page 25 of The Gargoyle’s Glade (The Gargoyle Knights #3)

Merry

F or someone who had done almost nothing but sleep for the better part of a week, I was unreasonably exhausted. Healing was best done while resting, sure, but I was tired of being tired.

I woke again sometime near midday and forced myself to get up before I slipped back to sleep.

After a very slow, deliberate walk to the bathroom, re-learning how to make my body move how I wanted it to, I returned to the main room and found Coltor napping on my sofa.

I approached him slowly, trying to keep from disturbing him.

I wanted a moment to examine the man who’d cared for me with such gentle dedication.

It was only by luck when I bumped one of the dining chairs, he remained unbothered.

His sharply angled features were softened by sleep, but not by much.

One of his legs had slipped off the cushions, and his booted foot was flat on the floor, the opposite arm flung up over his head.

It was adorable but made me feel bad that someone of his size had to make do with such improperly fitted furniture when he was surely exhausted.

The poor man hadn’t left my side except for short times since my mind had splintered.

I turned and went to fetch myself some of the elixir and more water, cheeks hot with a blush. His tender care had almost certainly helped put me back together, and there was no ignoring how that made me feel.

As I was staring some more, debating whether or not I felt well enough to eat something or perhaps go check my plants, there was a mighty scuffle outside. The heavy beat of hooves against the ground and a distant but familiar whinny had me tripping toward the door.

Coltor woke with a start, on his feet nearly the moment he opened his eyes. “Merry?”

“I’m fine,” I said, my voice still full of gravel and slow to work.

He followed my movements toward the door with his eyes, confusion rapidly changing to concern. “Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

“You took me.”

“I did. But I warned them to keep to themselves first.”

“They didn’t hurt me. Not on purpose.” I twitched a grin at his indignant glare. “Jacks.” My horse’s whinny carried through the open window again.

Coltor moved quickly enough he was out the door before me, an arm around my waist for support as I shuffled onto the porch. My limbs worked but still felt as though they were weighed down by stones.

My horse was misbehaving mightily as he plowed down the path, stomping and causing a terrible scene. Most concerning, it appeared he had a rider while being so erratic.

“Jacks!” I tried to yell, but my damaged throat didn’t allow for much volume.

“ Ophelia ?” Coltor breathed the sorceress’s name with incredulity, making sure my hands were both gripping the porch railing before leaving me to greet the visitors.

The animals had mostly fled from the ruckus, but those remaining were clearly curious about the horse’s presence. Jacks was clearly upset, breaths coming in snorts, and the skin on his back jumping in agitation.

Coltor helped Ophelia dismount, and Jacks settled enough to walk over to where I was standing. He stared at me for a moment, then lowered his nose. Emotion welled up as I pressed my forehead to his.

Never frighten me like that again, mistress.

The voice rang rich and clear in my head, full of authority and power.

I should have come with you straightaway, no matter my disdain for those terrible portals.

And I should have gotten rid of that wrist bangle of yours ages ago, brought you somewhere they could help with your gift long before now.

“Jacks?” I gasped, pulling away. He backed up half a step, meeting my eye with one of his, the intelligence there familiar but also shockingly new. “Saints.” I breathed in and out several times, a wave of dizziness passing through me. “Did you always do that?”

I speak to you often, mistress. You always seemed to understand me fine, even if you didn’t hear me in this way. I am glad you can now, though. Are you alright? Does this hurt you?

“I’m okay.” Tears sprang to my eyes, and I rested my forehead against his again for a moment.

I tried to tell you what they wanted, what you are. I’m sorry.

“Oh, Jacks.”

There will be a ceremony soon. To welcome you properly as Keeper. That’s what they’re all gathering for and waiting on. They all want to officially pledge their loyalty to you. It is a high honor.

Hearing the truth of the matter straight out was a bit jarring, but it was a relief to finally know what was going on. Jacks snorted at my silence.

You can refuse, mistress. It is a big ask. They should not have overwhelmed you. There just hasn’t been one in so long, they were careless in their enthusiasm.

“What exactly does a Keeper do?”

Jacks shifted his weight, wise eyes blinking slowly.

Several of the closest animals perked up, and I could hear murmurs of their thoughts.

They were still apologetic, full of kind greetings .

In simplest terms, they keep the balance.

Between species, between the creatures and the earth.

It’s like maintaining a very large, extended family in many ways.

Occasionally there’s a very big decision to be made, important details to sort out.

Mostly it’s just allowing them to lead their lives, build their families, as long as it’s happening in a way that respects the world around them.

There are the familiar bonds as well, of course.

He clearly saw my hesitation. I will be there with you, mistress.

As will your friends. The stone kin. You will not be expected to do any of it alone.

Heartened, I found myself nodding. I’d never done anything significant before, and this felt simultaneously far too big for me and like it was exactly what I’d been preparing for.

“I’m honored to be chosen.”

I am proud to know you, mistress. I believe you will excel as Keeper .

He made that noise that was oddly like laughter again, then glanced around, judgment heavy in the way he peered at the other creatures.

I have some things to discuss with them.

They should not have frightened you. They should have spoken to anyone willing to listen so as not to overwhelm you. It will not happen again.

“Oh. Thank you, Jacks.”

He turned and ambled off, head swinging back and forth. The animals in his path seemed to snap to attention, gathering around him as he moved away from my yard and down the path toward the meadow and pools.

“Jacks?” He paused, head turned my way. “Are you my… familiar?”

He tossed his head a few times, making a sound that was suspiciously like a laugh.

You are my chosen bonded, mistress. Perhaps you can speak to the demon and have him make us an official contract? Descendants of The Stallion get special permissions.

I choked on a laugh in surprise. “Alright.” I blinked. “Can we please come back to your lineage at some point? I’d like to discuss that.”

He seemed amused. Of course. Jacks bobbed his head Coltor’s direction. I like him. I trust him. He will care for you appropriately. He moved on along down the path, full entourage of animals going with him.

I could only stare after him, too stunned to do anything else.

“Well. Seems we’re on our way then,” Ophelia said, sounding pleased. “That beast was mightily upset about me taking such a long nap. Poked his head in my windows all times of day to be sure I was still there.”

“We were all very worried about you,” Coltor said.

“ Tsk . An old woman should be able to rest if she likes.”

“You were locked in stone sleep for weeks . That’s cause for concern,” he countered.

“So all my wonderful kin have told me, every time they came to visit and make sure I hadn’t yet returned to the stones. Lovely to be so worried over, honestly. Even if it was unwarranted.”

“Why not come out of your rest to reassure someone, then?” Coltor’s tone was downright sassy, and I watched the flash of horror cross his face with amusement.

Ophelia laughed. “Because I don’t owe anyone an explanation for anything I do.

” And what could even be said about that really?

Coltor’s mouth slammed shut, his jaw clenched.

She glanced between us. “Have you figured it out then?” Ophelia asked, the question aimed at Coltor specifically, a lopsided smile on her mouth.

“I have.” He sighed. “Well, the mate part. My gift is still mostly a mystery to me.”

She laughed, reaching up to pat his cheek. “That will come, nephew. In due time.” Ophelia turned to me. “And your recovery?”

“As good as can be expected,” I said with a shrug, glad she hadn’t asked me about the mate bond. I’d heard every word that night, but we hadn’t had a chance to speak of it any further. “Tea?”

She nodded, allowing Coltor to take her by the hand as she climbed my porch steps. “Indeed.” I hoped Coltor had some whiskey at his hut he could run to get for her, otherwise she’d be very disappointed in my brew.

Coltor’s wide eyes met mine as he led her through the door. Without a word being shared, I understood his expression.

The sorceress had left her heavily warded home for the first time in memory. My horse, a descendant of a mythical being, whom I could now hear speaking to me in my head, had used a portal to bring her here. I was the first Keeper in an age. What fresh hell were we in for next?

By the time Coltor returned with a bottle of whiskey from his stash, I had brewed three pots of tea, and the cabin was close to bursting it was so full.