Page 18 of The Ranger
“Of course,” Melvale said. “Be right back.” He disappeared into the darkened passageway.
“Where is he going?” Markhel asked no one in particular.
“Our luggage is right outside,” Makama said. “Along with a few other things like a bag of money.”
He arched an eyebrow as Melvale returned. “Here we are! Everything the three of you need.”
“Three?” Markhel said confused. “What about Kwaku and Zara? Will they not be staying at the hotel?”
Melvale made a face. “They will be nearby. Kwaku has some scouting to do while he’s here. He wants to make sure there’s no trouble camped nearby. One never knows.” He turned to Vale and Makama. “Now, I really must go. There’s a wagon for the two of you, and a horse for Markhel waiting outside. I believe Simon Kells has just brought them. You’ll check into the hotel, then Markhel may go visit Grandma Waller. Kwaku should be done speaking with her by now. She’s also helping with this assignment.”
Markhel smiled. Grandma Waller was not only wise but possessed a strong character. She might help him most of all.
“Any questions?” Melvale asked.
Makama raised her hand. “Yes. What if something bad happens and we can’t find Kwaku or this grandma person?”
Prince Vale nodded and gave Melvale an expectant look. “It’s a good question.”
“Then remember what you went through while bonding,” Melvale said. “Markhel and Maida will be going through the same thing, but it might be more intense.”
Makama’s jaw dropped. “More intense than what we went through? Are you kidding?” She took Prince Vale by the hand and massaged her left temple. “I’ve got a whopper of a headache coming on.”
“I can see why,” the prince said. He gazed at Markhel. “Are you ready for this?”
He shook his head. “None of us ever are.”
Prince Vale pulled his wife into his arms. “That’s not very reassuring.” He hugged her, let go and faced Melvale. “Is there anyone else who can help us?”
“I’ll check. Perhaps the Lord Councilor can come. You already know him and so do the residents of Clear Creek.”
Makama’s eyes lit up. “Will he bring Tylahs?”
“Of course, the two are bonded. Their besties you know.” Melvale headed for the curtained doorway. “Now I must be off. Brother, gather what you need, and get to the hotel. Be sure to divide the money up between you and don’t leave any of it lying around.” He gave Markhel one last look. “You’ll get through this. I know you will. May the Creator watch over you, my brother.”
“And you, Melvale.” He gave him a single nod, then looked at the young couple left to help him. He hoped they lived up to being as much help as his brother thought they’d be.
With a final wave, Melvale swept out of the cave and disappeared.
The prince and his wife faced him. “So, Markhel, are you… hungry?”
“Physically, yes. I need to eat. As to my heart, no. Time Master Dallan made sure I was taken care of while he was here.”
Vale swallowed hard. “Know that I am not Time Master Dallan, that you’ll have to go a little easy on me.
“Me too,” Makama said. “But between the two of us we can probably make sure your heart gets fed.”
He bowed to them. “I thank you.” He straightened, grabbed his black duster he’d tossed over a cushion, the knapsack next to it, then slung it over his shoulder. “Shall we go?”
Vale nodded and was the first to leave the cave. Markhel motioned for Makama to precede him. She gave him a warm smile and did.
Markhel extinguished the torches in the cave and did the same with the ones in the passageway, grabbing the last to light their way.
They walked through the maze of passages that led to a large cavern near the entrance. He picked these caves because they were difficult to navigate and it would be hard for those curious enough to enter them, not to find his living quarters.
He led them through the large cavern, then into a smaller one where the cave entrance was located. When they stepped into the sunlight, they were in the woods where the promised horses and wagon waited along with Markhel’s mount.
“Well, here we go,” Prince Vale said. “Now, we’d better fill you in on the cover story Melvale gave us.”