Page 81 of A Highland Gargoyle's Lucky Star
Much.
“What better way for us to protect it?”
Okay, fair point.
Elryk gestures to the walls and the floor. “The runes that were created to activate the castle’s barrier are also here, carved into the very stone with which it was built.”
Well that explains the markings. And it makes a lot of sense they’d create the foundation for the barrier right over the node’s main access point.
But the enormity of it all hits me. “So does that mean the barrier that you maintain encompasses the entire castle?” I can’t keep the incredulity from my voice. Such a monumental task seems nigh on impossible.
“That’s correct,” Elryk says as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.
“Are you sure you even need my power? If you can maintain a barrier big enough to safeguard this whole castle, you’ve got to be pretty damn strong all by yourself.”
“It’s no easy task. In the past, there were usually three or four Barrier Masters in the clan. But over the years, our numbers have dwindled. For a long time, it was just my grandfather and me. Then, after he passed, I was the only one left who could do the job. My powers aren’t enough to sustain the barrier long term, especially against new and deadlier threats. It’s weakened in places that I cannae repair without your help.”
I bite my lip and nod. “Okay. You can count on me, partner.”
Relief washes over his face, making it obvious just how heavily this has all been weighing on him.
I link my arm through his as we finally reach the bottom. “You’re not alone anymore.”
“Ta, mo ghràidh.”
I glance around, but it’s hard to see much down here, even with his lantern flashlight.
To my amazement, he pulls out a match and lights an honest-to-god torch on the wall. He then takes that torch and moves around the circular room, lighting other torches in sconces along the stone wall.
Hell, yeah! This is bringing back all theYoung Frankensteinvibes again. If only we had a Marty Feldman Igor-type henchman at our sides, my life as a cinephile would be complete!
“There’s no electricity down here,” Elryk explains as he returns to my side.
No windows or other discernible access to the outside world either. That’s a smidge unsettling. I’m getting some low-key crypt vibes, or maybe I’ve just seen too many old horror movies.
“We’re deep underground,” Elryk adds.
Which explains the chilly dampness in the air.
The torch’s light illuminates the circular chamber so I can see it much better. There isn’t anything down here except stone walls and stone floors. However, I can discern a number of ancient markings carved right into the granite at our feet. They’re old and worn with the passage of time, but now that I’m here, I can sense the magic under them pulsing like a heartbeat from the bowels of the Earth.
Just like the orc drums deep within in the Mines of Moria.
“There better not be a Balrog down there or we’re fucked,” I mutter.
Although I totally have to bring my dad down here someday. He’d lose his Tolkien-loving mind.
From the quizzical look on Elryk’s face I can tell he has no idea what I’m talking about—again. “Oh for the love of all that is cinematically holy! Are you telling me you haven’t even seen Peter Jackson’sLord of the Ringstrilogy?”
Blasphemy!
He shakes his head slowly. “I usually don’t have a lot of time to watch movies.”
I put my hands on my hips and push out my chest, allowing my stubborn side to come out full force. “Well, with me you’re going to make time, mate. I mean, there is so much sexy-man eye candy in those movies. Viggo Mortenson! Orlando Bloom! Sean Bean! Karl Urban!” I sigh and shake my head sadly. “You’ve been missing out. But don’t worry, I’m already compiling a list of films for us to watch together this winter.”
The shy smile that graces Elryk’s face is like a sledgehammer to my brain, and I can’t think for a second. He’s so damn cute.
“You’re planning for our future together. I like that, mate.”
