Page 98 of The Ranger

“You are not here to have fun,” he pointed out. “Still, it is good to see you.”

“We’ve only seen each other in passing. But it’s good to see you too. I hope this all works out, and we’ll do whatever we can to help.”

He looked at Melvale. “You are here in Time Master Dallan’s stead.”

“We are. We’re to assess things, then report back. So, we won’t be here long. After we’re gone, you’ll only have the Bergs and the Lord Councilor to help. The less people on this assignment the better in case a certain ex-Time Master happens to be in the area.”

Markhel closed his eyes a moment. “What are the chances?”

“That’s just it,” Melvale said. “Nobody knows. He could pop up anywhere.”

“I understand.” Markhel sipped his water, enjoying the cool feel of it as it slipped down his throat, and scanned the room. Some of the Joneses had come to town, and he smiled at Ryder Jones who sat at a table on the other side of the room with his wife Constance. His brother Seth was also there along with his wife Eloise. They must have come to town for supplies. He’d not seen them in years and wondered how Cutty and Imogene, the elderly couple that lived with them, were doing. They took to writing adventure stories years ago and made a good living off them.

When the food came Markhel ate slowly at first, then his appetite went into high gear, and he devoured the rest of the meal. By the time dessert came his strength was returning in waves, and he suddenly straightened. He could sense Maida’s inner heart.

“What is it brother?” Melvale asked.

“I feel her. I think her inner heart has woken.” A smile curved his lips. “Thank the Creator.”

“So, this means things will start moving along,” Kitty said. “That’s a relief.”

“Yes,” Melvale drawled. “Problem is, keeping Markhel and Maida in close proximity. We don’t know how strong her heart is.”

“I could camp near the ranch somewhere,” Markhel suggested.

“No, no, no,” Melvale said waving his hands at him. “That will never do. What respectable man camps out on another man’s ranch in hopes of winning his daughter? Think about it.”

Markhel rubbed his tired eyes. “Forgive me. I am not thinking. I feel better, but my head feels as though it is stuffed with…”

“Cotton!” Kitty blurted. “Trust me, I get allergies every spring and have to take allergy medicine. I hate that feeling.”

He arched an eyebrow at her. “I see.”

“You don’t have to do that for me,” she said. “I know you probably don’t know what allergy medicine is.”

“You are right. I do not.” He ran a hand over his eyes, rubbing them, then looked around the room. “We are to be taken to the palace when this is done?”

“I should hope so,” Melvale said. “Where else would you go?”

He bowed his head. “I do not know. But…”

“Yes?” Melvale drawled.

He looked at him. “I do not wish to take Maida from here. I understand the allotted days needed after joining to be with one’s mate. But after that, she will want to come back. She will want to be near her family.”

“Yes,” Melvale agreed. “But that’s a discussion for another day. Right now, we need to take you to her. Finish eating then let’s go.”

* * *

Maida’s mouthwatered at the smell of sizzling steaks. She was busy mashing potatoes when there came a knock at the front door. Her heart leapt in her chest, and she knew it was Markhel. It had to be!

She set the bowl on the worktable and hurried from the kitchen. In the front hall, she quickly smoothed her dress, pinched her cheeks, and swung the door open. “Who are you?”

“Hello,” a young dark-haired woman said. She was pretty, well-dressed, and had a bright smile on her face. “My name is Priscilla Radcliffe.” She smiled again, but it looked forced this time. “I’m here with my brother, Melvale. He’s friends with some of your relatives.”

A tall man peeked around the door jamb. “Hello.” He was incredibly handsome, and oddly was as tall as Markhel and with the same slivery blonde hair. Only instead of crystal blue eyes, his eyes were a beautiful steel gray. “Hello. Won’t you come in?” She stepped aside and the woman entered with a smile, her companion right behind.

“Everyone in the kitchen?” the tall man asked. What was his name again? Melvale?