The Blight of Muirwood (Legends of Muirwood 2)

Her stomach twisted and lurched when she thought about Colvin being in danger. “Aldermaston,” she said. “I know who ruined the Leering in the wood.”

He paused, cocking his head and stared at her in disbelief. “How, child?”

“When I calmed the stone, I touched it. When I did, I saw them in my mind. There were soldiers from Winterrowd – the king’s men. They slept near the stone during the winter for warmth. I could see the snow around them. One came and touched the stone and he is the one who made it start burning. I recognized him because he is the man who tricked me. He brought Colvin to the kitchen and then went to find the sheriff.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “When I returned from Winterrowd, remember I told you of him. He is called Scarseth and he has the sheriff’s medallion. He cannot speak, but he knows about me. He knows I was at that Leering. He knows what I did to the sheriff’s men there.”

The Aldermaston’s face darkened with anger. “Martin, he must be found. The medallion he wears is dangerous. He may not yet realize its powers or what he does with it. But one Leering can lead him to the rest and compromise the Abbey if he penetrates the boundaries I put in place. Find him, Martin. Bring him to me if you can. If not, then do what you must. He must be stopped.”

Lia stood firmly. “I can find him, Aldermaston. The Cruciger orb can lead us right to him.”

He shook his head, equally firmly. “No, Lia. I cannot afford to let both of you leave. I am in need of two hunters right now.” He held up his hand before the protest escaped her lips. “Hush, child. Do as I say. I act with reasons you do not always understand. Have faith in me a bit longer. I need you and your orb here because of the guest the earls brought to Muirwood. Her name is Ellowyn Demont, the niece of Garen Demont and the heir of Pry-Ree, the daughter of the prince of the Pry-Ree who died shortly after she was born. The birthing killed her mother. In the customs of that land, children are named after their mother’s family. Her mother was the only daughter of Sevrin Demont who died at Maseve, and she was Garen Demont’s young sister. It is no secret that the king’s entire family still hates the Demonts. The child was reared in Sempringfall Abbey as a wretched. After Winterrowd, her location was discovered. Pay close attention, for this is important. To the Pry-rians, she is the legitimate heir to their kingdom. They have petitioned Demont to have her returned and to study at their Abbeys. So far, he has not consented. There is great fear that they will attempt to abduct her.”

Martin snorted and Lia noticed his eyes were burning with anger. “Abducted, Aldermaston? You mean returned to her rightful place. She was abducted from Pry-Ree and treated worse than an orphan instead of given her due right. It is wrong to say otherwise.”

The Aldermaston’s face hardened. “I will not argue the point, Martin. I certainly do not have the authority to determine her whereabouts. She resides at Muirwood for a time but then we will move her again to another Abbey. The rumor is spreading that she will linger here for a year. The utmost secrecy is required in this matter. When it is time to move her, we will assist. No one must know where she is going or when. As I mentioned, the king’s family hate the Demonts. While her existence was primarily forgotten, by design, it is in the open now. Friends of the old king may seek her life. That is why, Lia, you must stay here. You are needed to protect the Abbey, protect the earls, and protect this girl. I trust Martin’s abilities. If Scarseth is still lurking in the Bearden Muir, he will be found. But I feel impressions that you must stay near the Abbey.”

Martin leaned back, his arms folded. “You should send the girl to Pry-Ree. There are too many daggers in this land. Too much blood. She would be safer among her own people.”

“Thank you for your advice, Martin. You know I trust you and I respect your wisdom. It is not the time for such a course at the moment.”

Martin muttered under his breath and shook his head. “It is not right. It is not right to play such games with the life of someone so young.”

“Martin,” the Aldermaston warned, his voice growing sterner.

“I have heard you. I will obey. But I do not agree. I cannot agree.” He rose from the window seat. “Pry-Ree grovels for crumbs now when she used to feed princes. That ill-made king destroyed us. He is cold under the soil now, and no one mourns him. This girl is the last chance to make Pry-Ree bloom again, by Cheshu. She is the key to its re-birth.”

The Aldermaston’s gaze was icy. He said nothing, only waited for Martin to finish.

With a sigh, Martin returned to the window seat and sat next to Lia. “I speak my mind, Aldermaston. It is no secret I have my opinions. But I will obey as obediently as Prestwich. You can trust that.” He waved his hand at the Aldermaston. “I have interrupted you. There is more you had to say.”