Authors: Ruth A. Casie
Knight of Runes (27 page)
She buried her head in his chest. “Arik, I remember. It was all hidden.” She pulled away from him to search his eyes. “I remember it all now. This is my time, this is where I belong.”
She looked at him. “Arik, you knew? Why didn’t you tell me? How did you know?”
“Your staff, it’s inscribed in special runes with your history. And you have my mark.”
Her hand flew to the nape of her neck.
“I planned to tell you. But, if I had, would you have believed me, a woman of the future who didn’t believe in magic? No, you had to want to stay here before I could tell you the truth.”
“Arik, I don’t want to stay here because of the ritual. I want to be anywhere you are.” She pulled away from him again and looked in his eyes. “You are my heart.”
His eyes devoured her face searching for the truth. He saw it clearly in every movement and every breath. He took her in her arms and kissed her deeply.
She drew away and put her hand gently on his lips to prevent him from interrupting her. “You’re mine by contract and by desire. I pledge you my staff and my heart.” She saw the question in his eyes. “I love you, Arik. Not because of some ancient rite. I love you for who and what you are.”
He swept her up and sealed her oath with another kiss.
Logan and Doward let go of the portal and stood back as it snapped shut. Only a sparkling orb remained dancing by the stone.
The air around them erupted with shouting. The battle was over. Arik’s army, victorious, made their way through the stones to see their lord.
“Lord Arik, the victory is ours.” Marcus, bloody and battle weary, shouted for all to hear. Arik stood with Rebeka where everyone could see them and raised his fist in triumph. His men followed his lead, cheering loudly. Arik went among his men, as he always did, thanking and acknowledging them.
Finally, he returned to Rebeka’s side. “We’re ready to leave.”
He held her close to him. He noticed how nicely she fit beside him. It was as if she were made for the spot.
“Take me home, Arik.”
He mounted up his men and started them forward. “To hearth and home.”
As the last man left the stones, a small glistening orb hovered by the center stones.
The portal waited.
Ruth A. Casie is a seasoned professional with more than twenty-five years of writing experience but not necessarily writing romances. No, she’s been writing communications and marketing documents for a large corporation. Over the past few years, encouraged by her friends and family, she gave way to her inner muse, let her creative juices flow and began writing a series of historical time-travel romance novels.
When not writing you can find her at home in Teaneck, New Jersey, reading, cooking, doing Sudoku and counted cross-stitch. Together with her husband, Paul, they enjoy ballroom dancing and, with New York City close by, going to the theater. Ruth and Paul have three grown children and two grandchildren. They all thrive on spending time together. It’s certainly a lively dinner table and they wouldn’t change it for the world.
Ruth is a trustee and on the executive board of Shelter Our Sister (SOS) in New Jersey. SOS is Bergen County’s only shelter for victims of domestic violence. She frequently speaks at various functions around Bergen County on behalf of the shelter.
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ISBN: 978-1-4268-9258-5
Copyright © 2011 by Ruth Seitelman
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