Page 82 of The Guardian's Witch

“I know this story,” she said to him softly. “My mother told me the story of the seventh son of the seventh son and how a great curse befell the family.” She looked into Alex’s eyes. “I had no idea it was your family’s story. She told it to me so often that it is a part of me.” She closed her eyes as if to read it from the back of her eyelids.

“Thirteen hundred years ago, in a time of mist and magic, a feud between two rival chieftains, Tannin the Hawk and William the Brave, turned deadly. Tannin was a mean-spirited, ruthless man. William was courageous and brave. He came to the aid of many. He was also the proud seventh son of a seventh son. A rarity indeed, but one that happened in his family line from time to time.

“Some think it was a disagreement over land rights. Others say a woman was involved. Who’s to say how it started or why? Tannin, in a fit of anger, wiggled his fingers and chanted the words that levied a curse on William. For all eternity every son born to William the Brave would bear one of the deadly sins.

“William worked quickly but was not able to completely undo Tannin’s words. He could only soften them. The curse would not fall on every son, but rather on the seven sons of a seventh son. To end the curse, each of these brothers would be given the opportunity to combat their sin and rise above it. When all had succeeded William would have one chance to vanquish Tannin and end the curse forever.” She ran her hand over the crest and opened her eyes. “You must be the son they have been waiting for.” She looked at the dagger. “I’m not certain of the dagger’s significance, but you are right, it’s connected. See how it glows like the center of the crest.”

Alex removed the stone and the glow faded. “I’m proud of who I am and what I’ve done.”

“And you should be,” she said. “Pride is only a sin when you become arrogant and conceited, like Bryce.”

He took her in his arms. “I have never been as frightened as I was today knowing what you planned.”

“And did you know?”

“Yes, but I didn’t see the vision. I just knew what you were doing and knew I had to stop you.”

“Ramon was the caped creature in my vision. More than not wanting to remember him I didn’t want to remember him killing Father. I needed to show the king who the real traitor was.”

“If you had succeeded, you would have forced Edward’s hand. All I could do was put a haze over the vision so it only appeared to be a great mist. You wagered a great deal.”

“I only wager when I know I will win.” She gave him a smile. “I wagered you would be safe. That was all that mattered.”

“And Bryce. The king, and everyone else, believes it was the poison.”

“Perhaps that’s best.”

“You may be right. I was concerned when you couldn’t complete what you started.”

“On the contrary, the day I removed the blade from your side I saw a vision in the basin. I knew then that you had to vanquish your assassin. If you didn’t all would be lost.”

“I could have lost you forever.” He drew her close and held her tight. “I love you, Lisbeth—more than anything, I love you,” he whispered into her ear. He eased her face up to his and sealed his declaration with a kiss.

Two Weeks Later

Alex’s parents entered the library where he was still fussing with his surcoat and belt.

“Here, let me fix that for you.” His mother adjusted his belt and brushed the hair from his eyes.

Alex chuckled. “It’s been a long time since you’ve straightened my clothes. I think it was the first time you took me to court and presented me to the king.”

“I had no choice. You kept tormenting your brothers so. They roughed you up a bit. When I turned to check on you before we entered, I was appalled to see what you looked like. It seems I was always straightening your tunic and fixing your hair. Well,” she patted him on his chest. “From now on Lisbeth can do it.” She looked over Alex’s shoulder. “Philip, we must go.” She gave Alex a long look. “You’ll do. Your father and I will meet you in the Hall.”

“Are those tears I see?” Phillip asked his wife as they left the room.

“I always cry at weddings. He really is like you—all proud and unbearable.”

“He has a good woman to help him, like I do.” Alex saw his father squeeze his mother’s hand.

“I’m the lucky one,” she said as the door closed behind them.

No, thought Alex.I’m the lucky one.

His brothers came in. Each carried a tankard of ale.

“Alex, drink your last as a single man with us.”

He took the brew and looked at his brothers hard and long.

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