Page 80 of Boy of Chaotic Making

“Thank you,” Hulda said, just as Merritt called Owein to him.

And like a good dog, Owein followed.

Chapter 28

March 10, 1847, London, England

Hulda, Merritt, and Owein arrived at LIKER headquarters in the evening. She’d been careful not to tell anyone where they were staying, just in case the culprit was still out for Owein. If this nonsensewastied to the impending betrothal contract, hopefully their disappearance would calm things down.

Hulda didn’t want to believe that Lady Briar, or any of the Leiningens, were responsible for nowthreeattempts on Owein’s life, if that’s what the first two were. The Leiningens were a hospitable and well-bred family. Even Lady Briar, while deeply opposed to the betrothal, contested it in a dignified manner. Then again, Hulda had learned the hard way not to take others at face value. She needed to follow her gut. Perhaps run through some augury exercises tonight and see if the future would give her a peek at the solution for this ever-growing problem.

After meeting with Miss Richards and obtaining keys, Hulda, Merritt, and Owein went around to the back of the building and entered it through a clandestine door, not unlike what she did at the Bright Bay Hotel in Boston. She found one of the spare rooms on the second floor and opened the door. The air had a brisk chill to it, so she quickly swept over to start the fire.

“Owein wants to know how long we’ll be here,” Merritt said, plopping down on the edge of the bed and dropping his suitcase at his feet.

“I’m not sure. At least the night. I’ll send word to Lady Helen in the morning. I’m sure by then there will be news from the palace. No one can use such spells on the queen’s property and get away with it.”

She coaxed the fire to life and took a moment to warm her hands by it. Stood and stretched her back, then crossed to the window to draw the diminutive draperies, letting in some light. It was only then she realized how still the room had become. Glancing over, she saw Merritt and Owein locking eyes, having another of their tacit conversations she would never be privy to.

She sighed. “Well?”

Merritt cleared his throat. “He wants to stay with the Druids.”

She reeled back a little, surprised. “The Druids?” The image of the nude woman—Morgance, apparently—throwing herself at Merritt rose in her mind. She dismissed it sharply. “LIKER is perfectly fortified. The Druids don’t even have a room in the city.”

Merritt paused, frowning, before speaking again, his voice growing hoarse. “I told him as much. He’s insistent.” Another pause, then, to Owein, “I’mgettingto it. He says he wants to see them again before he leaves, and if someone really is after him, they wouldn’t look for him in the middle of a late-winter forest.” He hesitated before repeating Owein verbatim, “‘They’re my friends, and I won’t see them again after we return to the States.’”

“I’d rather you be where we can keep an eye on you.” Hulda folded her arms, as if doing so would quash the uneasiness building in her. “We don’t know enough to make any safe bets.”

Merritt paused, then gave Owein what Hulda could best describe as a “warning” look.

She rolled her lips together. “Go ahead. You needn’t censor him on my behalf.”

Giving her an apologetic look, Merritt said, “He says he’s not a child anymore. And while I may legally be responsible for him in America, he can do as he wants in England.”

Hulda frowned. Waited for a wave of trepidation to pass before speaking. “He is, technically, correct.” A new ache pulsed behind her forehead. She closed her eyes and rubbed it. “How well do you know these Druids?”

“I don’t think it’s a terrible idea.” Merritt spoke softly, as if doing so would ease the situation. “Outside of what happened with Morgance”—Owein perked up at that; Merritt hadn’t shared the information with him—“they seem responsible. Owein has gotten very close, very quickly, with Kegan and Fallon. They said they’d still be in the area, and theydidgive us that communion stone.” He turned sharply to Owein. “Thatis not necessary. If you want to be treated like an adult, act like one.”

Hulda deemed it better not to know what that last exchange was about. “If we use the communion stone and they’re willing, will you return here by noon tomorrow? The last thing I want is to organize a search party scouring the countryside for you.” She strode closer and crouched before the terrier. “We care about you, Owein. You’re our family.”

A soft whine emitted from Owein’s throat. He dipped his head in acknowledgment.

“There’s no guarantee they will answer.” Merritt’s voice wheezed, and he cleared it again. Pulled the selenite rod from his suitcase and activated the rune on it. “Sean? It’s Merritt. Are you still nearby?”

About twenty seconds passed before a rich Irish voice responded, “Aye, Merritt. Have you changed your mind?”

“We’ve a situation at hand I’m sure Owein will be happy to fill you in on. We’ve departed from Cyprus Hall for the moment. Owein was hoping you might have room under your tent for him tonight.”

Another hesitation; Hulda assumed Sean was talking it over with his comrades. “How far out are you?”

Merritt glanced to Hulda, silently asking if they should divulge their location, or perhaps arrange to meet elsewhere. Deeming it safe, she nodded.

Merritt related the address.

“We’ll come to you,” Sean replied. “Make it easy on you. Need a few things in town, besides.”

“That’s very kind of you. Thank you.” Merritt waited for further response, but the communion rune dimmed, ending the conversation.

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