The Scourge of Muirwood (Legends of Muirwood #3)

“The prey is careless,” she answered. “It is safe to pass.”


They crossed the maze and emerged into the garden beyond. In this case, they were not so lucky as before. There was one person in the garden, which forced them to halt and remain hidden. They observed her from behind the hedgerows and trees, meandering down the walkway, lost in thought. The sunlight was fading still, but there was enough light to see her face when she turned and came towards where they were hiding. Her long dark hair and supple walk was mesmerizing – until her face lifted and Lia nearly gasped with shock. It was a beautiful girl, probably her own age with dark eyes and raven black hair. She looked so similar to Pareigis that Lia almost darted from her hiding place and ran as fast as she could. That moment of panic soon passed when she realized that though the features were similar, she was staring at the Queen Dowager’s sister. She followed the path and then started when a voice reached them from the far end. Lia recognized the voice immediately.

“There you are,” Dieyre said. “I was told I would find you here.”

“This is a private garden,” the girl said, her voice sly and sultry. “Which of the girls let you in?”

“I hardly remember her name. You are all alike to me.”

“Is that so? Even my sister?”

“She is…unique. There is no woman like her in the world.”

“Is she still in bondage at Muirwood?” the girl asked with a grin in her voice.

“You know as well as I that no Abbey can hold her. She will seduce them all before Twelfth Night. I am certain of it. How fares the little lark from Sempringfall? When do I get to see her? I hear she is much changed.”

“You will see her tonight at the fete, of course. You have not forgotten our quaint ways, have you?”

He took her hand and kissed her open palm. “I have nearly died of boredom in my kingdom. Dahomey suits me better. I understand your brother the king arrives on the morrow. I will get the princedom he promised me?”

“You will get everything you were promised,” she replied with emphasis. “Including the earl’s sister as your wife. Our spies have seen her. She is being followed.”

“Where?” Dieyre demanded, his voice betraying a hint of anxiety.

“In due time. All in due time. Come – I must change before the fete. I have a new gown I have had tailored. You will like it.”

Still holding her hand, he escorted her back towards the Abbey walls. “I look forward to seeing Forshee’s face when you arrive wearing it. Dahomeyjan customs suit me quite well. I enjoy watching a maston squirm.”

Their voices trailed off, leaving Lia smoldering with anger. Martin appeared at her elbow. “Use the orb,” he whispered. “You must find the girl and the serpent’s mark. It is somewhere here in the garden.”

“The mark is everywhere,” Lia said, untying the pouch strings and pulling out the orb.

In her mind, she pictured the image she had seen in her visions. The coiling double-snakes – the image that burned with fire. The orb swung sluggishly, as if the very air around them was too thick for it to move freely. A dread filled her heart, a deep poignant dread. They followed the trail through the garden, listening for even the smallest scuff of a boot, a sigh or whisper that did not belong to the wind or the leaves. The garden was sprawling, weaving itself around the entire rear of the Abbey proper. Nestled within a maze of hedges, a maze that would have made her hopelessly lost, she found it. The hedge opened and revealed a sunken pit of stone, with a single stone lid as a shield to the opening. Night had fallen fully and she summoned just a little hint of light to observe the area. The feeling was utter blackness. The strength of the Medium in the place startled her – but it was not the familiar essence of Muirwood. It was raw, raging power – a force that made her feel insignificant and loathsome. The power was chained there, like a mighty beast sulking with fury at its captivity. She sensed it brooding beneath the stone.

“This is a fell place,” Martin whispered hoarsely. She looked back at him and saw his teeth clenched, his face twitching with concern as the tide of emotion surged around them. “Great evil lurks here. Do what you must, girl.”