Page 19 of The Ranger

Markhel nodded. “I can only imagine what he came up with.”

“It’s simple really,” Vale said. “I married an American,” he motioned to Makama. “And we’re traveling through America on our honeymoon. My parents insisted I come to Clear Creek, deliver some letters to a few of their friends, and take in the sights.”

“It is plausible,” Markhel said. “Let us go.” He went to the horse, a large black horse that reminded him of the last one he had and mounted. His stomach growled, and he needed food. But going to town meant he would be closer to Maida, and he wasn’t sure how his heart would react. It was unknown how powerful it would be. That was the big question. Another was, was he strong enough to survive it?

5

They made it to town, and Markhel made sure they entered from the northeast near the hotel. “You can keep the wagon at the livery stable,” he announced and surveyed their surroundings. Nothing much had changed since he’d been here last. That was what? Eight years ago for the residents of Clear Creek, but mere weeks for him.

He dismounted the horse, which he decided to call Clark, based on Makama’s explanation of someone named Superman and his interesting friends.

He tied Clark’s reins to one of the hitching posts outside the hotel and waited for Prince Vale to park the wagon and help Makama down. She was so busy gawking at their surroundings; however, he feared this might take a while.

The prince did too. “Come darling, you can explore later. Right now, we need to get some food into Markhel.”

She let him help her down and brushed at the light blue velvet skirt she wore. “Wow, I can’t believe it!”

Markhel took their luggage from the back of the wagon and began to stack it near the entrance. “You have not been here before?”

“This is my first experience traveling into the past,” she said. “This is all new to me.” She looked at the hotel and smiled. “That is so cool!”

“Darling,” Prince Vale sang. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to curb your usual exuberance. These people won’t understand half of what you’re saying, otherwise.”

“He is right,” Markhel said. “But there is one here you may speak with in the manner you are accustomed to.”

“Who?” she asked.

“His name is Erwin, and he comes from the early part of the twenty-first century.”

Her jaw dropped.

“Darling,” the prince urged. “Pull it together.”

She snapped her mouth shut. “Right, be cool. Don’t draw attention to myself.”

“Exactly.” Prince Vale kissed her cheek. “Now, let’s check in.”

They entered the hotel. Lorcan Brody, the blind hotel manager, sat on a stool behind the front counter. His head came up and tilted to the right as he stood. “I know you.” He came around the counter, his mouth pulling into a smile. “Markhel...”

He crossed the lobby. “Lorcan Brody, you look well.”

“You feel... strange.” Lorcan cocked his head the other way. “Who is with you?”

“Kin of someone you know. His Royal Highness, Prince Vale of Dalrovia, and his wife, Makama. The prince is Andel and Maddie Berg’s youngest.”

Lorcan smiled. “Andel, Maddie! Are they here?”

“I’m afraid not,” the prince said.

Lorcan smiled. “You have an interesting accent.”

“It is Dalrovian. European to your ears.”

“Yes, yes, of course.” Lorcan smiled again and went behind the counter. “It has been a long time since you’ve been in town, Markhel. I take it you’ve been, busy?”

“Yes.”

Lorcan sighed. “Grandma said you went home.”