The Druid Knight Tale II
Ruth A. Casie
Contents
Whispers on the Wind
Knight of Runes
Excerpt
Also by Ruth A. Casie
About Ruth A. Casie
Druid knights Arik and Bran, brothers in every way but blood, return home to Fayne Manor after five years of training ready to take on their familial responsibilities. After years of anticipation, the knights will finally receive their portions at the stroke of the new year, while their sister, Leticia, will release the annual wishes intended for those in need of kindness, patience, courage, and honor.
But during this time of celebration, Bran’s old childhood fears and insecurities about his place in his adoptive family resurface. He sees only one solution—marry Leticia. His perfect plan begins to unravel when he realizes Leticia is in love with another man.
The fates may have other plans for him, though, when he meets childhood friend Caylyn, who stirs feelings in him he’s never felt for any other woman. Will he be willing to give up everything he’s ever wanted for this green-eyed beauty?
Whispers on the Wind was previously published by Ruth A. Casie in Timeless Treasures: Stories of the Heart, October, 2014
Dedicated to ~
Emma Kaye, Lita Harris, Nicole S. Patrick, Julie Rowe, and DC Stone, for reading my words, brainstorming plot points, never judging, and laughing—a lot. You are the best friends ever.
Staci Channing, my daughter, for her strength during adversity and coming out the other side stronger and wiser.
Paul, my husband, for supporting me on faith never having read a word—I love you.
Mallory Braus, my editor, for pushing me and convincing me to be better.
Whispers on the Wind
Arik and I raced through the grove of oak trees, our horses lathered and at full gallop, as if the hounds of hell were nipping at their hooves. A thick blanket of snow had slowed our progress and rather than sleep on the icy ground—or was it a desire to be home?—Arik and I had ridden all night. Now snow flew everywhere as we rushed on toward the manor gates up ahead.
“Open the gate,” the guard called out. “It’s Lord Arik and Lord Bran.”
I waved my gratitude to the man as I rushed past him and stopped at the manor steps, glad to be rid of the saddle after hours of a grueling ride.
“You’ve done well and earned your rest.” I patted my horse’s neck, gave the reins to the stable boy, and headed for the manor door. I didn’t wait for Arik. He would catch up soon enough.
I stomped my feet on the manor porch to rid them of the snow. Anticipation had my heart hammering against my ribs, as if I’d spent all day on the practice fields. I opened the door to a wall of welcoming warmth, expecting to find Jeannie ready to usher us in. Somehow she always knew when we were about. Instead, a woman with the greenest eyes I’d ever seen greeted me. She tilted her head and gave me a smile that sent my pulse racing before she hurried into the Great Hall, leaving me to wonder if I’d seen her at all. Something nagged at the back of my mind. The woman was familiar but where we had met escaped me. I gazed at the empty Great Hall doorway, my mind still pondering the question.
Jeannie, the housekeeper I expected, hurried down the hall toward me. The small woman was wiping her hands on her apron and wore her trademark big smile. I forced myself to refrain from grinning like Nick, the village idiot. My hands itched. I needed to find something to do with them or they would be wrapped around her hugging her like a homesick schoolboy. Although that was what I wanted most, a display like that was out of the question—after all, I’d left a boy and returned a man.
“I thought I heard hooves. I wasn’t certain if they were from horses or the clatter of not-so-little feet.” She dropped her apron into place. “Welcome home, Lord Bran.” I let out a slow breath, trying to keep my face calm and swallow around the lump that lodged in my throat. My emotional reaction caught me short. This would never do. I took a deep breath and fought to get my emotions under control. I had always been “the young master.” Now I was Lord Bran.
“Where is everyone?” I broke the spell and searched the entryway then the darkened Great Hall hoping for the flash of green eyes. The rich smell of the hearth fire wafted to my nose and the chorus of snores coming from the bumps and huddles on the floor and bent over the tables were a welcome sound. I wanted to race into the room and tell them I was home, but I quickly smothered the boyish notion.
Jeannie hesitated long enough for me to see the question plainly on her face—what had I grown into? The council teachings were more than philosophy, history, and chivalry. We trained as druid knights—fighting knights studying war, weaponry, chants, spells, and the danger of dark magick. I wasn’t the skinny boy anymore filching cakes from her kitchen. Now I was a full-grown man and stole young girls’ hearts instead.
Jeannie searched behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to see what drew her interest. Arik filled the doorway. Brothers in every way but blood, we’d left five years ago to train with the Druid Council. Our training complete, we were back to claim our rightful places. As was the custom of our clan, upon returning newly knighted sons received their portions. As boys Arik and I had imagined our ultimate responsibilities often. Unknowingly we had been practicing our responsibilities for years. I played at managing the estate while he played the warrior knight. And now, at the end of our training, when the council chose Arik over all others to continue his studies, groomed to
