The Fourteenth Key (The Chronicles of Terah Book 3) (69 page)

Kevin jerked awake with a start. “Chris? What are you doing in here?”

Chris yawned. “You were sleeping so hard Rupert couldn’t wake you, so he got me.”

“Oh, sorry,” Kevin said with a deep yawn. “What time is it?” He climbed out of bed and started dressing.

“I’m not sure, but it’s got to be getting close to four. I don’t know how long Rupert tried to wake you up before he got me. I didn’t bother to check. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. If you’re supposed to be at Warren’s before four, you’re late.”

“I can’t believe I didn’t wake up,” Kevin said as he struggled into his tunic. “What all did he try?”

“Not too much. Knocked on the door, maybe called you, but I think he was afraid to do anything else.”

Kevin sighed. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry about it. At least I get to go back to bed. So, are you ready to go?”

Kevin sat down on his bed to pull his boots on. “Just about. I hope someone’s got some coffee ready.”

“Wake me up when you get back.”

Kevin nodded as he stood up. “See you in a couple of hours,” he said as he turned the key.

~ ~ ~ ~

It was a couple of minutes before four when Kevin popped into Warren’s kitchen.

“Ah, you’re here,” Torrey said as she picked up the coffee pot, poured a cup, and handed it to Kevin. “I know you’ve got a lot to do this morning, but you’ve got time for a bit of coffee and a pastry.” She folded back a towel from the top of a large basket.

Kevin glanced in the basket as he sipped the hot coffee. She had stacked pastries on one side, cookies on top of brownies in the middle, and slices of cake along the other side. “How many people are you planning to feed today?” he asked as he took one of the pastries off the top.

“Well, all your aunts and uncles will be there, and I’m sure Chris will come by at some point,” Torrey said as she folded the towel back over the top of the basket. “I doubt I’ll have so much as one crumb left tonight.”

“You may be right,” Kevin admitted. “Are you ready to go?” he asked as he glanced towards Warren.

“Whenever you are,” the older sorcerer answered, patting a sack sitting on the table. “Got everything I need right here. I have to admit, I’m looking forward to this.”

“Sitting in the woods all day waiting for an assassin to show up? Can’t say I’d be.” Kevin took another swallow of coffee. “But I’m glad you’re willing to do it.”

“Well, waiting and watching might not be so much fun, but if an assassin shows up, things could get interesting.”

“Not too interesting,” Torrey said with a frown. “Myron said he didn’t want the assassin to know he’d been spotted, remember?”

“I know, but following someone without getting caught is fun, and who knows? I may even get close enough to hear their plans.”

Kevin laughed. “We know their plans. Kill Landis, and kill me too if they get the chance. Rolan’s standing orders.”

Warren frowned. “When are you going to do something about that man? One day one of those guys might get off a lucky shot.”

“I know, but there’s not a lot I can do about it. I can’t challenge him, and he’s not stupid enough to challenge me, although I wish he would.” He finished his coffee. “Thanks, Torrey. Now, we need to go. I’ve got a lot of people to pick up and not a lot of time.”

Over the next hour, Kevin picked up Kyle, Danyelle, Allisandra and Craven, and Dayed and Dara. Everywhere he went, he was offered coffee and food. He was stuffed by the time he was done.

He should have expected it, but he was still surprised when each of his relatives brought food for Kayla to put out for dinner that night. In addition to various cakes and pies, there were soups, stews, meats, vegetables, and breads.

After everyone was settled at Shadron’s, Kevin gathered the spotters in the living room. “It’s time to go. Remember, all we’re after is information. If we’re really lucky, we’ll know who our spy is and where the assassins have their camp by nightfall.” He glanced around for a moment. “Darrell and Cpt. Lawrence would like to join us this evening. Would that be all right?”

His aunts and uncles all nodded, but Warren frowned. “The last time Landis was in Milhaven, Marcus got shot, didn’t he?” he asked. “By the assassin who was out to get her?”

Kevin nodded.

“Then I think he should be here, too. Seems to me he has as much at stake in this as anyone.”

Shadron nodded. “I’m sure we can fit one more around the table.”

Kevin glanced towards Shadron’s kitchen.

“Not that table,” Shadron said. “The big one out in the bunk house. I gave the hands the weekend off. That table will seat twenty easy, more if we squeeze. And from all the food I saw come in, plus what Kayla’s planning to cook today, we’ll have more than enough food.”

Kevin nodded. “Then, if there’s nothing else, let’s get going. I’ll take two of you at a time. And I’ll be back this evening to pick you up, a little after sunset.”

Dayed shook his head. “If an assassin shows up at one of these places, whoever’s there might not be back. The assassin probably won’t leave until sunset, and if you want us to follow him to the hideout, that will take some time.”

Kevin nodded. “Okay, if any of you aren’t where I left you, I’ll check back every half hour. How’s that?”

When everyone nodded, Kevin held out his arm to Shadron and Kyle. “You two are in the same general area. Ready to go?”

~ ~ ~ ~

Chris was on the couch in Kevin’s room when he got back.

“Everyone in place?” Chris asked.

Kevin nodded. “Danyelle’s in Fenway’s carriage house with his horse. Warren’s up a tree, literally, near the driveway to Joan’s house. Dayed’s in Wrenn’s vegetable cellar, Shadron’s in a small cave near Bekka’s house, Kyle’s hiding in the loft of Cira’s barn, and Allisandra’s with Theresa, having tea. As long as no one shows up there, she’ll have a relaxing day.”

Chris laughed.

“What?”

“Murphy’s Law. She’ll be the one who’ll end up with the assassin.”

Kevin closed his eyes and shook his head. “I hope not. Well, guess I’d better get out to my little grove.”

“And I’ll go get us some breakfast,” Chris said as he stood up.

Kevin shook his head. “I know it needs to look normal, but just get what you can eat. Everywhere I went today people fed me. I should have split the list with you. They had muffins, biscuits, pastries, and Sedwin wanted to fix me a cheese omelet.”

Chris groaned. “You didn’t bring even one morsel back for me, did you?”

“Sorry,” Kevin said as he headed out the door. “But you won’t believe all the food they brought for tonight. See you in a bit.”

~ ~ ~ ~

Landis was in Ashni’s living room ready to go when Kevin arrived at Wildcat Mountain. Rhianna was there too, and none too happy about being left behind while Landis was off being bait for a killer.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Rhianna asked Landis for the fifth time that morning.

“Yes,” Landis answered as she put her hand on Kevin’s arm. “By the end of today, we may know who sent Saryn out to kill us.”

“We already know that. Rolan did,” Rhianna argued. “All the person at the castle did was tell him where you’d be.”

“Same thing,” Landis said. “Anyway, it’ll be nice to know who it is.”

“Why? It’s not like you’re going to live there. Whoever this person is won’t have the chance to set you up again if you don’t go back.”

“But he could set someone else up. We need to know who it is.”

“Myron needs to know. You don’t.”

“Let it go, Rhee,” Landis said as she looked at Kevin. “Ready any time you are.”

Kevin turned the key. Right before he entered the energy flow, he saw Rhianna’s eyes. Anger had replaced the worry that had been there moments ago, and it was directed at him.

A few moments later they stood in Kevin’s office.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked.

Landis raised her eyebrows. “Has the plan changed?”

Kevin shook his head.

“Then I’m fine with it. What do you need me to do?”

Kevin picked up four messages from his desk, none of which were sealed. “These are for everyone you’re supposed to be seeing today except Cira and Bekka.”

Landis frowned.

“Cira’s the one with the kitten and Bekka’s the older lady you wanted to take a basket to.”

“Cira and Bekka. Got it.”

“After you and Marcus eat breakfast, he’ll talk to the person who’ll make the basket for Bekka and then the one who’ll make a cage for the kitten. All you have to do is be with him and agree with whatever he says. Oh, and don’t mention anything about your plans for the day. We don’t want anyone but our suspects to know where you’re supposed to be.”

Landis nodded. “We’ll talk about magic at breakfast. I’ve got lots of questions to ask him.”

“Good. Now, any questions about today?”

Landis shook her head.

“Let’s get started.”

~ ~ ~ ~

Ariel was the only person in the reception area when Kevin and Landis walked out of his office. As soon as Ariel saw Landis, he stepped out from behind his desk.

“Welcome back, Landis. Would you care for some tea or coffee?” he asked as he headed towards the table where they kept refreshments ready.

“No, thank you. I think we’re going to breakfast as soon as Marcus gets here.” Then she looked at Kevin. “Right?”

Kevin nodded. “He should be here any minute.”

Right as Kevin said that, Marcus walked in. After greeting everyone, he looked at Landis. “Are you ready for breakfast?”

She nodded and looked at Kevin. “Was there anything else?”

Kevin shook his head. “But I need to see the two of you as soon as you’re done. You have a busy day ahead of you and we need to go over the schedule.”

After Marcus and Landis left, Kevin stepped into the hall where Aaron was on duty. “When do you get off duty, Aaron?”

“Any minute, sir. Kale’s supposed to relieve me after breakfast.”

“Are you done for the day then?”

Aaron nodded.

“Could I ask a big favor?”

“Sure.”

“Would you ride out to Wrenn’s house and give this note to Jana? Landis wants to drop by there this afternoon and I want to make sure she’ll be home. If she can’t be there, be sure you let me know.”

“I will, and I’ll go out there as soon as Kale gets here.” Aaron grinned. “Jana makes good cakes.”

Kevin laughed. “Thank you, Aaron.”

Then Kevin stepped back inside the reception area and looked at Ariel. “I need to see Cpt. Lawrence for a moment. Would you see if he’s in his office?”

Five minutes later, Cpt. Lawrence walked in. “You wanted to see me?”

Kevin nodded and handed him the other three messages, one addressed to Joan, one to Theresa, and the third to Hayley. “Could you find someone to deliver these?”

Cpt. Lawrence flipped through them and nodded. “Anything else?”

“No, that’s all,” Kevin said. “Thank you.”

After Cpt. Lawrence left, Kevin said, “I’ll be in my office if you need me, and send Marcus and Landis in as soon as they get back.”

~ ~ ~ ~

Cpt. Lawrence headed towards the dining room when he left Kevin’s office. Menos was coming out as Cpt. Lawrence got there. “Could I get you to run an errand for Myron?”

“Of course.”

“I guess it’s really for Marcus, but Myron’s the one who asked me to find someone to take this note to Sister Hayley.”

Menos took the message from the captain. “At the chapel?”

“No, she’s out at Wanda’s farm,” Cpt. Lawrence said. “Do you know where it is?”

“Isn’t she the one with a bunch of children?”

Cpt. Lawrence laughed and nodded. “Eight, I believe.”

Menos nodded. “I know her place. Sister Hayley’s out there?”

“Today’s the day they all get checked out. She’ll be there half the day. I think Marcus was planning to meet her there, but Myron’s apprentice is here, so Marcus’s plans have changed. Will you see that Sister Hayley gets his note this morning?”

Menos nodded again. “I’ll take it out there now.”

“Thank you,” Cpt. Lawrence said. As Menos headed towards the front door, Cpt. Lawrence turned and walked through the dining room door.

Carlo, another soldier on the captain’s list, was sitting down with his breakfast. Cpt. Lawrence grabbed a cup of coffee and joined him. “Mind if I sit down for a minute?”

Carlo shook his head.

“I need to ask a favor.” Cpt. Lawrence explained that Myron had asked him to find someone to take a note to Joan at the Governor’s House. When Carlo agreed to do it, Cpt. Lawrence handed him the note. “Be sure you put this in Joan’s hands and wait for her to read it. Myron’s apprentice wants to stop by there for a minute and Myron wants to be sure Joan will be there. If there’s a problem, come right back and let us know, but if it’s all right, you don’t need to.”

Carlo nodded. “I’ll go as soon as I’m done with breakfast. I’ll let you know if she sends a message back.”

Cpt. Lawrence stood up and picked up his coffee cup. “Thank you, Carlo. I appreciate this.”

“No problem, sir,” Carlo answered.

Trevor, the third person on Cpt. Lawrence’s list, wasn’t in the dining room, so the captain headed towards the barracks. Before he got there, he spotted Trevor near the army stable, saddling his horse.

Cpt. Lawrence sped up a bit and reached Trevor just as he was getting ready to mount his horse. “Are you heading into town by any chance?”

Trevor nodded. “Why?”

“I have a note for Sister Theresa. Myron asked me to find someone to deliver it for him. Could you take it to her at the chapel?”

“Sure.” Trevor held his hand out for the message.

“Be sure you put it in Sister Theresa’s hands,” Cpt. Lawrence said. “She’s prepared a special tea for Myron’s apprentice. It’s supposed to make her power stronger or something like that. Anyway, his apprentice will be there later today to pick it up, and Myron wants to be sure Sister Theresa will be there.”

Trevor nodded. “I’ll see to it. Anything else?”

Cpt. Lawrence shook his head. “Thank you.”

~ ~ ~ ~

Marcus and Landis were almost done with breakfast when Marcus spotted Shana gathering empty dishes to take back to the kitchen. He said, “I need to speak with Shana for a minute. Be right back.”