Page 20 of The Ranger

Markhel glanced at Prince Vale and Makama. “Lorcan knows.”

“Knows?” Makama said.

“About our Time Master.”

“Oh, gotcha,” she said. “Well, um, should we...”

He held up a hand. “Not now.” He faced the counter and Lorcan. “We require two rooms.”

Lorcan smiled. “Of course.” He hit a bell that gave a loud “ding”. After a moment Erwin Brown emerged from somewhere down the hall located beyond the counter. “What is it Da? Oh, guests... Markhel!” He smiled at him. “You’re back!”

“It seems so.” He waved at the others. “These are my traveling companions.”

“That’s Andel Berg’s youngest son,” Lorcan said. “And his wife Makama.”

“Andel Berg!” Erwin gushed. “Da’s told me about him. He used to be the blacksmith here. Are your folks with you?”

“No,” Prince Vale said. “We’re um, newly married and on our honeymoon.”

Markhel sighed. “Erwin also knows.”

The prince blinked a few times. “Oh, terribly sorry. But we are newly married, or rather... joined.” He whispered the last word.

Erwin’s eyes rounded to saucers, and he looked them both over. “Which one of you is Muiraran?”

Makama raised her hand and gave a little wave. “I am.”

Erwin beamed. “Well, is there something special going on that I can help you with?”

“Right now you can take their luggage upstairs,” Lorcan said.

“Oh, sure, Da.” Erwin headed for the hotel doors. He lugged in their luggage and headed for the staircase.

“Rooms three and seven,” Lorcan called. He held out a key to Markhel and one to Prince Vale, who stood several feet away.

“Lorcan is blind,” Markhel explained. “But you will find he can sense things, such as where you are standing.”

The prince took the key. “Thank you, and yes, I can see that.”

Makama stared at Lorcan but said nothing.

“Is Rosie still cook?” Markhel asked.

“She is, shall I tell her you’re here?”

“Please. We will take our things upstairs, then return.”

Lorcan smiled at him, then headed for the hotel’s dining room.

“Wow,” Makama said “It’s like he can see us even though he can’t.”

“He has heightened senses,” Markhel said. “He is also a good man.”

They ascended the staircase where Erwin had deposited their luggage in front of their doors. He waited at room three. “This is your room, Mr. Berg. If you’ll allow me?”

Prince Vale handed him the key. Erwin unlocked the door, picked up their luggage and hauled it inside. As soon as he set it down, he gave the couple a bright-eyed look. “So, when are you from?”

Markhel perked up, sensing something. “We are not alone.”