Chapter 28

Chapter Twenty-Eight

I n the tension-filled room, Tristan stared blankly at the fireplace. He was home. He never expected it to come to pass. For hundreds of years, it was always an inaccessible dream. Now, he was finally free and couldn’t be happy that the dream finally came true. Not this way. Instead of being relieved, other emotions battled within him—loneliness, confusion, and fear. He hated admitting the last one. He feared the consequences of Gwyneth’s actions. He couldn’t even begin to fathom what Meliot would do to her. If so, he’d go crazy with rage.

Meliot had to be killed.

“I’ll go check on dinner. You must be starved,” Edith said, her brows drawn together.

“Thank you,” Tristan replied, noting that Derrick watched him intently, as if in deep thought.

“I understand how you feel,” he told the young McRainey. “I was two-and-thirty when I was given three days to prepare to leave everything I knew behind. I, too, thought my future was set. I was betrothed, about to become the Laird of the clan.”

Derrick listened without replying, unmoving, his lips pressed in a straight line.

Tristan continued. “The hardest part of the enchantment was turning over leadership to my younger brother. Although he’d be a fair and good laird, it didn’t soften the blow. I was turning over to someone else everything that I’d waited for, my entire life. He even married the woman I was to marry.”

He’d never shared all of this with anyone, but now that he’d begun, he couldn’t stop. “For many years I was angry, in a rage over the unfairness of my destiny. I did not care about anything or anyone for a long time. When I was able to come here to the estate, I saw the changes, the people, children. Everything that had been taken from me. Seeing all the changes only enraged me more. I did not begrudge them, that they had the life I was meant to have—at least that’s what I told myself. But I did. In truth, I hated them, hated the normalcy of their lives.”

“I’m sorry,” Derrick finally replied. The young man seemed sincere. “I can’t imagine what you went through. The loss of my plans seems insignificant in comparison.”

“They are not. You thought your future was set. I won’t give up my home now that I’ve regained it. I’m not even sure what the cost of it is, as of yet. If I have lost my daughter, and if Gwyneth sacrificed herself for me to be here, I cannot turn it over to you.” He had an afterthought. “Where do you live?”

“I live in one of many McRainey homes. My home is not very far from here. It is younger than this estate, built in the 1800s. Not as large either. The lands and home are about half the size. You’ll have to come and see it soon.”

“It will be my pleasure,” Tristan said.

The young McRainey seemed to relax. Tristan wondered if he would be as accommodating once it all sank in.

Edith returned, Sabrina with her. The women announced dinner, and they stood to join them. Throughout the meal, Sabrina eyed him, biting her bottom lip in thought. The expression reminded him of Gwen, and he looked down at his plate.

“My sister told me that during those three days prior to the enchantment, many enchantresses and wizards visited each of you, to try to help. Did any of them mention an arbitrator? Is there someone besides Meliot with the power to oversee the breaking of the enchantment?”

Tristan mulled it over. “In the alter-world, there are three guardians, two Princesses and a Prince, who seem to keep Meliot under control. For the most part they concentrate on their lands and people’s safety. They have never interceded for us. If we request an audience and ask for their help, they have been supportive, and aided in the way of guidance or additional warriors. They have a small army of wolf-shifters and sentinels.”

“Do you think they will help rescue Gwen if she needs it?”

“I’ve already considered that. Upon my arrival here, I called for Gavin to come. My summons has gone unanswered. Perhaps you can try.”

Sabrina was pensive, “I will try. When Campbell came for Gwen, he told us that her magic would be much stronger in the alter-world. Are you aware of that? Is it strong enough for her to stand against Meliot?”

“Yes, it is stronger, although not stronger than Meliot’s. Padraig reported she was able to maintain their invisibility and kept us from being sensed by Meliot and his minions. I am counting on that to keep her safe.”

“I hate to bring this up right now, but it’s necessary,” Edith said, her gentle eyes meeting his. “We must send for the city council; they have to be made aware of your return. Also, we must notify the family. We’ll have to call for the entire McRainey clan.” She turned to Derrick next. “He needs clothes. Can you pick up some things, dear?”

“Of course, Aunt Edith.” Derrick looked at Tristan. “I’ll need to measure you—I’m not sure what to call you; you look too young for Grandfather .”

The moment of levity was needed. “Just Tristan is fine,” he replied. “I agree, Edith. As soon as I am properly dressed, we can meet with the city council. A couple of days maybe?” She nodded in agreement.

“They could request DNA testing,” Derrick said, “Those results will be interesting. He’s probably pure McRainey.”

Tristan had no idea what Derrick spoke about. He returned his attention to Sabrina. “Did you find anything in your book that will help? Can we try to summon Gavin now?” He was anxious to get Gwen out of Meliot’s clutches.

Two hours later, Derrick had left. Edith excused herself to allow Sabrina and Tristan time to work alone on calling for Gavin. Tristan tried first, with no results.

“How do I call him?” Sabrina asked.

“Will him to appear.”

She closed her eyes. Within moments, Gavin stood in front of them. The large Scot’s eyes widened at seeing Tristan. He stood without moving, barely acknowledging Sabrina with a slight nod.

“You’re free.” His words were stilted. “How can that be?”

“I am not sure.” Tristan moved to him, placing his hand on his shoulder. “Has Gwyneth returned?”

“No. We were preparing to go seek assistance from the Princesses when you summoned me. We assumed Meliot had you as well.”

“Go, seek guidance, but don’t go to Meliot’s castle just yet. I don’t want any harm to come to either my daughter or Gwyneth. We must plan this well.”

“Agreed,” Gavin replied, and immediately disappeared.

“I was going to offer my assistance,” Sabrina told him, throwing her hands up. “I’m going to bed; do you need anything?”

Tristan shook his head. Edith had already showed him where the large master bedroom was.

Alone again, he paced the room. If given a choice between his daughter and Gwyneth, he would have to pick his daughter.

What would happen to Gwyneth?

An act of kindness, saving those villagers so long ago, had come at a steep price. He was determined not to have to pay any more. There had to be a way to win.