Page 174 of The Ranger

He slipped off his horse and crept forward. He could sense what was up ahead better now. If the Muirarans were as powerful as he thought, they already knew he was coming.

He didn’t go much further before a man called out. “Greetings, stranger. Do come join us for tea.”

Markhel could feel the power in the man’s voice. He growled in frustration. This wasn’t just a powerful Muiraran. This was a Time Master! He’d have to negotiate with him. He’d never beat him in his weakened state.

He stood to his full height and walked into a small clearing. Maida lay next to Duncan, bound and gagged. She looked frightened, but not as much as he thought she would. Good. Duncan sat next to her weaving side to side. Markhel knew he was injured, but there was nothing he could do about it now.

“Well, well, well,” the man drawled. “What do we have here?”

Markhel studied the man, his eyes narrowing in recognition. He’d seen a portrait of him in the Muiraran library when he was younger.

Markhel was about to face off with the ex-Time Master, Philip Brennan. But for all he knew, he wasstilla Time Master. It all depended on the man’s own timeline.

Brennan slowly approached. “Why you’re nothing but a babe.” He glanced at Maida. “Yours?”

Markhel’s eyes narrowed further.

“Yes, I see she is.”

“Philip, stop toying with him. Leave him alone and let us go. They are not what we are looking for.”

Brennan held up a hand. “Oh, but she interests me, my dear.”

Markhel saw the woman’s shoulders slump as she sighed, resigned to his wishes.

Markhel took a moment to look at Maida. Her eyes had locked onto him, and she smiled through the gag.

He gave her a hint of a smile in return.

“Oh, did you see that, Lissa?” Brennan chortled. “So in love. I’m half-tempted to perform a joining ceremony on the two of you myself. That is, if she were to sing her final Call.”

So, hewas stilla Time Master! But where on the timeline was he? Was he currently serving as one, or had Kwaku taken his place yet? Either way, he doubted the man knew about Dallan yet…

“Let them go, my love,” Lissa said. She took him by the arm. “We did not come here to fight, or to cause trouble. We just want to find our children.”

Markhel’s eyebrows shot up at her words. Time Master Brennan had children?!

He stared at them in shock. It was a mistake.

Brennan’s eyes narrowed. “I’m afraid I can’t do that, my dear. I do believe this young buck knows who we are.” He stepped forward. “Is that not so?” He looked Markhel over, then closed his eyes. “You’re a strong one. Powerful. You’ll do nicely.” He opened his eyes and looked Markhel over again. “Very nicely.”

Markhel cringed in revulsion. So, the Time Master’s heart had already been corrupted. His mate, Lissa, still alive. But she could do nothing. She was his to command. Markhel was going to have to fight.

He took a deep breath to prepare himself.

Brennan still studied him. “You’re different too. But how much, I wonder?” He lunged, but Markhel was ready for it. He jumped out of the way, but not before Brennan clipped him with a fist to his side.

He winced in pain. This was not like fighting twenty or more humans. This would be like fighting an ocean of them.

Thank the Creator he sensed Brennan only wanted to play with him, nothing more. He could stand a beating if it meant he’d leave with Maida and Duncan afterwards.

Brennan lunged again, caught Markhel around the middle and down they went. The Time Master sprang to his feet first, which only served to let him know how weak Markhel was. Things were not looking good for him, and Brennan knew it. The only consolation was, he’d continue to bat Markhel around until he tired of playing with him. So long as Brennan didn’t use the heart he shared with his mate, Markhel would survive this. If Brennan did, he’d kill him for sure.

* * *

Maida struggled in her bonds.That foul Englishman was going to hurt Markhel! Her body jerked as she struggled to get free, her heart lurching in her chest as if it could run to his aid.

She watched as Brennan circled Markhel, striking him whenever there was an opening. It was becoming obvious he was the stronger of the two.

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