Page 17 of The Ranger
“To help you,” the prince said. “You’re going to need all you can get.”
“I’m well aware of what is coming, Prince Vale. But I assure you, I will do my best to deal with it.”
Vale looked at him, his expression stoic, then laughed. “You say that now…”
“Get the notion ye can get through this alone out of yer head, Markhel,” Dallan said. His hands went to his hips as he looked Vale in the eyes. “Kwaku and Zara will guide ye. Yer to assist them. Meanwhile Shona and I will be helping Melvale with the time disruptions.”
Markhel watched with interest as the young woman Makama glanced between the Time Master and his mate. “Are you sure we’re ready for this?”
“Of course you are,” Shona said. “But there are other things at play now, and Kwaku thought it best if we help Melvale with the time disruptions.” She took Makama by the hand. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, that’s what they all say,” she, shot back.
Shona exchanged a look with Dallan and sighed. “I’m sorry, but this is the first match we haven’t been completely involved with. But Kwaku and Zara are perfectly capable of handling any trouble.”
“Aye, the lass is right,” Dallan said. “The heathen may be strange, but he’s honorable, a fine warrior, and will protect ye.”
“How comforting,” Vale said. He nodded at Markhel. “And will he protect him?”
“It’s why he’s here,” Dallan pointed out. “Shona and I must go now. Kwaku and Zara should be along shortly.”
“Where are you going?” Makama asked.
“To scout around,” Shona said. “Melvale?”
Melvale patted the pockets of his robe. “One moment, Princess.” He pulled what appeared to be a protein bar from one of them and handed it to her. “I apologize but it was all that was handy as we were leaving. I figured you’d be famished by now.”
She grabbed it. “I am, and something is better than nothing.” She ripped the wrapper off and took a generous bite. “Want some?” She offered it to Dallan.
He arched an eyebrow at her. “Nay, lass. Eat up.” He gave Melvale a curt nod, then steered Shona into the passage.
They disappeared and Markhel sat back on the cushions. “Brother, do you have any news?”
Melvale sat next to him. “About what?”
He played with a tassel as he’d seen Shona do earlier. “Maida.”
“Kwaku and Zara are with her now. Can you not sense it?”
“No. The last half hour, my senses have numbed.”
“I’m sorry, brother. I know this is going to be difficult. I wish there was more I could do.”
He looked him in the eyes. “Pay attention to what happens to me. You, too, must go through this and we are similar.”
Melvale gulped. “I know. But cheer up. Clear Creek is a quiet place, and nothing ever happens here. There should be no interruptions.”
“Good. This is going to be hard enough.” He put a hand to his belly. “I find I am hungry.”
“Oh dear,” Melvale said. “I’m afraid I’m out of protein bars. But Kwaku did say to meet him at the hotel. It’s where the three of you will be staying.”
“Hotel?” Markhel said and got to his feet. “Can I not stay here?”
Melvale shook his head. “You cannot hide, brother. Besides, what would Maida’s parents think of their daughter being courted by a man who lives in a cave?”
“That’s a valid point,” Prince Vale said.
Markhel tried not to glare at him. His patience was thin, and he was going to have to work extra hard not to snap at anyone. “Very well. You have brought currency?”