The Bloodstone Oracle (The Dark Gifts Companions) Read Free

across the Ocean has been most taxing in your condition.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Lockheart.  Our journey was tolerable, although quite lengthy.”
    “Call me Randle.  I save Mr. Lockheart for the ruffians and thugs.”  The n turning to her husband, he extended his hand in greeting.  “My sister, Hannah, has much to say about you and your family, Mr. Stafford.  She’s terribly anxious to see both you and your lovely wife.”
    Damien returned Randle’s firm handshake and smiled.  “Hannah and I go way back.  Most of your family has had dealings with mine for many decades now.  It was a great gift to d iscover she’d left the Old Country to join you here.”
    Randle nodded and motioned for Damien to take a seat with his wife.  “Have you eaten?  We have many good items on the menu.”
    Marie shook her head.  “I don’t know that I could have an appetite in this climate.  The heat is near to unbearable.”
    “Mr. Lockheart? ” Damien interjected.
    “Randle.”
    Damien smiled at the exchange.  “Randle, I believe what would best suit our needs at this moment is a cool room and a little rest.  There are also some other requirements we must address, when you have time.”
    “Ah, yes.  In your letter you indicated that you would need a carriage suitable for travel and a guide to the Northern regions.”
    Damien nodded.
    “I’ve made all the arrangements.  Unfortunately, my personal coach is being repaired at the moment.  However, I can offer you several choices of surreys or even a covered buckboard.  As far as supplies, most anything you need may be purchased at the mercantile across the street.  The guide on the other hand, is not so easy a task.”
    “If payment is the issue...” Damien started.
    Before he could continue, Randle cut him off.  “You misunderstand.  Most of the occupants of this area are here because they’ve fled the Northern English and savages.  I’m afraid finding anyone willing to brave the return will be a most arduous task.  Only one has come forward and he’s a most untrustworthy scoundrel.”
    Marie repositioned her ample body and asked, “How so?”
    “He seems well bred and never has less coin than needed for a bill.  However, he shows up when he feels the urge and no one seems to know where he resides.  As if that isn’t enough, he is only available just after dark.  I’m guessing he’s a raging drunk.  Only a man consumed with drink sleeps all day.  If that is what he’s doing.”
    Marie traded glances with her husband.  To most , a man with those oddities would appear a drunken slacker.  But they both knew looks could be terribly deceiving and more likely than not, the man wasn’t human at all.
    Damien cleared his throat.  “And does this man know of our need and where we are headed?”
    “No, of course not.  Only that I was interested in finding a guide into the North Country.  My employees are never privy to the inner workings of my day, Mr. Stafford.  I assure you, as you requested, I’ve kept your needs and business private.”
    With the onset of the first vibration, Marie hurriedly grasp ed Bloodstone.  Her quick movement immediately drew her husband’s attention.
    Standing, Damien implored his host, “It seems my wife is in need of rest.  Is there another room we could continue this conversation in?”
    Randle’s eyes raked over her, taking in her suddenly pallid features and the slight tinge of fear around her eyes.  “But of course.  The room next door is open, let’s move over there and allow the young lady respite.”
    As the door closed behind the retreating men, the Bloodstone burst to life, surrounding Marie in brilliant radiance.  Without conscious effort, her body instinctually reacted to the magic.   Her eyes closed and her head, mouth open, tilted back to allow full access.
    A dark cavern surrounded a pitch black pool.  One solitary drop of water , in the shape of a tear, hung suspended above the underground