Page 26 of Wicked Savior
“It’s cozy,” I tell him coolly, disappointed in the change in subject. I look around the room and sigh. I can’t really be upset he isn’t opening up. I’m not exactly sharing all my secrets either. “It’s really nice. Thank you.” I place my hand on his arm and squeeze. When I find my thumb rubbing the muscles in his forearm, I immediately pull it back to my side.
The hard lines of his face soften. “Good. We have a lot of work to do. I want to know how many Druids are left and why Gabriel fears their resurrection. His sole objective is upholding the greater good. What possible power could the Druids have that would put that at risk?”
I nod in agreement. “I’m not tired, so we can start right away.”
He gestures to the bed. “Are you sure? I don’t really need sleep, but I brought a bed for you.”
Worried now, I can’t help but bite my lip. “I have a bed. Didn’t you see it in my room?”
He shakes his head. “I didn’t go into your bedroom.”
Relief pours through me. “I’m going to change into something more comfortable.” Without waiting for a reply, I head toward my bedroom.
Slowly twisting the knob, I crack open the door. When only darkness slips through the small opening, I release the breath I’d been holding and enter the room. Thankfully, I remembered to close the portal this morning.
ChapterFourteen
EVREN
When I come back to the room, Lucifer’s wearing a pair of loose pants and a long sleeve t-shirt. In black, of course. Does the man own anything in any other color? Black might be the perfect foil for his white-blond hair and golden skin, but it would be nice to see him in some other color. Maybe a shade of blue, like his eyes.
He looks up from one end of the couch where he’s reading and cocks an eyebrow when he sees me. He takes a sip from the mug in his hand. “I made some coffee, although I’ll warn you, it’s strong.”
I nod. “Thanks. I’ve never developed a taste for it. Plus, it makes me bounce off the walls, which is never a good thing.” I wander over to the dining table and grab the slim book I spotted earlier.
Heading back, I debate between the chair and the other end of the couch. The couch it is, not because it’s next to him. Absolutely not. It’s closer to the fireplace, and it’s cold here at night. I don’t know why I didn’t think to get a fireplace. Or furniture. I grimace. Oh, wait. As usual, the science always comes first. Basic comfort is at the bottom of my list.
Lucifer shifts restlessly on the couch, and I find myself unconsciously leaning closer. Immediately straightening, I flip open the cover of the small leather-bound book.
The History of Druids by Tadg, Druid bard. 940 (BCE)
Inside the book is an official-looking document stating the addition of BCE. Contents transferred from the original scroll to parchment in 337 CE. Bound in leather 1620 CE.
I lean over and point to the document. “Look. This book was transferred from a scroll. Did you do that for all the scrolls in your library?”
He peers over my shoulder. “We did. Some of them were almost illegible due to age and handling. They are now kept in a sealed vault to protect them.”
Fascinating. “Is Underworld a scholarly place?”
He hesitantly answers. “No, not yet. I’m working to change it, though.”
“That’s wonderful. I’d love to see your library. It must be incredible and filled with forgotten history.” I murmur with a wistful smile.
His face is sad when he replies. “I wish I could give you a tour. Out of everyone I know, you are one of the few who would appreciate it. But unfortunately, Underworld isn’t viable for humans.”
My mouth turns down. I can’t help but picture all the treasures I could find in there.Like this one. I rub a hand over the book. Bards were the truthsayers and historical recordkeepers back then. This might provide the most accurate and interesting account of Druid history than the books I’ve read so far.
Most of them have been extremely dry, not to mention the fact… I snort… they were full of propaganda. All of the books portray Druids as learned men and scholars, not a race with power. There’s not one mention of magic. How did the Druids keep it a secret for so long?
I flip the page and dive in.
Druid history has been passed in song from one bard to another for four hundred years, but there are fewer bards now. Druids with power want more than to wander the Earth telling the tales of our origin. They want wealth and dynasties. And, of course, more power. If there comes a day when there are no bards, will we lose the knowledge of our history? In order to preserve the words I learned from my bard father, I’m committing the ultimate act of betrayal and writing it down, not for spite, but to ensure future generations know of our origin.
Brennus, legendary warrior and uniter of kings, became the first of us to receive the gift of magic, along with the golden torque. According to the songs sung by my father, a divine being with red hair appeared to Brennus in a dream. She offered to bestow magic upon him. Like the Fae and Elven, the demons from below, and the wolves from the north, he too could wield power, if he so wished.
Brennus asked her why she chose him.
She explained, “The first must be a warrior. Not only a human of considerable strength, but a person who can exhibit bravery, self-discipline, and wisdom in equal measure. A true leader for a new race.”
