Page 107 of Lord of Fortune
Hughes shook his head. “No. He was what we called a Friend of the Order.” He shot a glance toward Penn and smiled. “Like your father.”
Amelia watched the confusion she felt bloom on Penn’s face. Just as quickly, it evaporated when he said, “I don’t think my father would characterize it that way. He might go along with the Order, but he doesn’t necessarily agree with you.”
“Yes, well, that has been a struggle for us over the centuries. We don’t expect everyone to understand.” He nodded toward Amelia. “But your grandfather did—eventually. He didn’t trust as at first, but over time he grew to appreciate our efforts. He took the dagger and kept it safe. Although I understand it’s been stolen.”
“It was, but it is back in my possession.”
Hughes looked pleased. “And now you’re both here to find the heart. Alas, I can’t let you take it.”
Penn chuckled softly. “I mean no offense, Mr. Hughes, but I don’t think you’ll be able to stop us.”
“Not on my own perhaps, but you won’t be allowed to take it.”
Frustration grated through Amelia. They’d come all this way, and now they’d have to turn back empty-handed.
Penn took a step toward the older man, all humor gone from his face. “That heart belongs to the descendants of Gareth, and as it happens, I’m going to deliver it to one so he can keep it safe.”
Surprise flashed in Hughes’s eyes. “That’s what we do in the Order. We protect the treasures from being used for malevolent purposes.”
“In darker times, I understand why the Order would have felt that was necessary. But the Order is no longer the peace-seeking organization it once was. There’s a dangerous faction gaining power. Surely you’re aware of the Camelot group.”
Hughes’s brow creased, and he looked away. “They’re a blight on all of us.”
“I don’t disagree,” Penn said. “I can’t let them find the heart, and they’re doing everything they can to do so.”
Hughes was quiet a moment as he stared off toward the wall. When he turned his attention back to them, he looked a bit…defeated. But then determined. “I won’t stop you; however, I need to know the identity of this descendant.”
“Gideon Kersey. He already possesses Dyrnwyn—and it flames in his grasp.”
“Indeed?” He sounded a bit euphoric, his gaze sparking with delight. “How I should like to see that. I’ll need to write to the Order.”
“Do what you must, just as we will,” Penn said.
Hughes gave a perfunctory nod and walked them back to the door. “Continue down the lane until the path veers off. Follow that to where the River Mellte meets the River Hepste, then go a mile east to the falls. Good luck to you.”
“Thank you.” Penn’s hand grazed the small of Amelia’s back on their way outside. They were silent as they walked to the path Hughes had described.
“I’m not sure what to make of that,” she said at last.
“Nor I. The Order is so damned enigmatic. Are they good, are they bad?” He shook his head. “Sometimes I can’t decide.”
“It’s apparent my grandfather changed his opinion after what he wrote in his journal. I doubt I’ll ever know why.”
Penn looked over at her, his eyes full of empathy. “Is it good to know at least that much?”
“It is.”
They fell silent again as they followed the path. The area was breathtaking, with moss-laden branches stretching overhead and birds sounding their presence from all around them, along with the occasional croak from a frog.
After some time, they reached the junction of the rivers then had to climb up an incline to the path that headed east toward the waterfall of snow. The path followed the River Hepste, descending as they approached the fall, a sheet of water spilling gracefully over the rock.
“It’s so beautiful.” Amelia had never seen anything like it. “But how will we find the heart amidst that?”
“I’m not sure, but in my experience, there is usually a clue or two to be had.” He waggled his brows at her, and she could feel his excitement.
“I think I understand why you do this. The thrill of imminent discovery is a singular emotion.”
“Yes, it is.” He clasped her elbow as her heel slipped on a patch of mud. “Careful.”
The entire area was damp—from the falls and likely from the rain that had fallen that morning. She was quite glad she’d decided to change into her men’s clothing.
They descended all the way to the falls, and the spray coated her in a fine sheen of water.
“Come, we can walk beneath it.” He took her hand and led her beneath the curtain. They stopped in the middle and looked through the water.
“This is astonishing,” she breathed. She’d never imagined she’d see such things, or experience all she had since meeting Penn. She turned to him. “Thank you. For this. For everything you’ve shown me.”
He faced her. “Thankyou. For everything you’ve shown me.”
Overcome, she looked past him. Then she squinted. “Penn, is that a drawing on the rock?”
