Shadows in the Stone
Book One in
The Castle Keepers
Diane Lynn McGyver
Copyright May 2012 by Diane Lynn Tibert
Summary
Things aren’t always what they seem to be in a small town in the Land of Ath-o’Lea. Magic creeps in the shadows, waiting to pounce…
Corporal Bronwyn Darrow vows he’ll never fall victim to love again after the woman he adored betrays him. He directs his energies to rising in the ranks of Aruam Castle, aspiring to one day command as captain of the guards. Although he treasures his home and family, he is blinded both by his desire to succeed and a mysterious magic lurking in the shadows of the ancient castle.
Alaura of Niamh, a half-breed enchantress with a deadly past, takes refuge in Bronwyn’s hometown. When the two meet, the spell which binds them is stronger than their fears of falling in love. As Alaura’s secrets threaten to separate them forever, outside forces attempt to shatter the security of Aruam Castle and eliminate Bronwyn. When an orphan weaves their lives together, they embark on a journey destined to either destroy or deliver them to the passion living in their hearts.
Please Note
This book was written using Canadian spelling.
Sweet Biscuits…
Isla watched him remove the bridle from the horse’s head to allow it to drink. He dug into his pocket and pulled out a biscuit. Isla stared at the food. She had tasted many types of biscuits in her life, but even the worse tasting ones filled an empty stomach. Her mouth watered. She rubbed the top of her legs and realised her hands trembled; they craved to hold the food.
To her surprise, Tam tossed the biscuit on her lap. She quickly turned to see the hauflin. He dug into a saddle pack and didn’t notice the offering of food. Looking back at Tam, she found him staring off into the forest, eating his own biscuit. Isla cradled the food in her hand. A pang of fear stirred in her stomach. If she ate it, would Keiron beat her? If she didn’t eat it, she’d surely die of starvation.
With a sly glance, she looked again at the hauflin. His search in the saddle bag kept him busy. She put the biscuit between her teeth and took a large bite. The dough rolled around in her mouth as if chocolate on raisins. She’d never tasted a sweeter biscuit. Guarding her mouth, she took another bite. Sensing Tam’s movement, she looked up to find him watching her. She shoved the last bit into her mouth and chewed, savouring the taste. Crumbs stuck in her teeth. She extracted every last one and enjoyed them one more time as she rolled them over her tongue.
Contents
Chapter 01 Maternal Instincts
Chapter 02 Searching the Darkness
Chapter 03 Kissing the Air with Each Leap
Chapter 04 Links of Chainmail
Chapter 05 A Pleasurable Customer
Chapter 06 A Thousand Times in the Past
Chapter 07 Or Else What?
Chapter 08 Stone Collector
Chapter 09 Debris Flew Everywhere
Chapter 10 The Forest Owned Her
Chapter 11 Magic of the Night
Chapter 12 A Cloud of Confusion
Chapter 13 The Enchanting Woman in his Bed
Chapter 14 Life Force of all Beings
Chapter 15 The Maze of his Nwyfre
Chapter 16 Pledge to Unite
Chapter 17 The Moment of Betrayal
Chapter 18 One of 51
Chapter 19 The Aroma of Old Age
Chapter 20 One and the Same
Chapter 21 Hoof Prints Dotted the Road
Chapter 22 His Dark, Blue Eyes
Chapter 23 Sundry Species of Dragons
Chapter 24 Chocolate on Raisins
Chapter 25 I Must Be Plain Stupid
Chapter 26 Illuminated the Shadows
Chapter 27 Hideous Chunk of Flesh
Chapter 28 Here in the Twilight
Chapter 29 The Honour of a Fellow Dwarf
Chapter 30 Fairies in the Wind
Chapter 31 Puffs of White Bubbling Clouds
Chapter 32 A Treat in Your Pocket
Chapter 33 Everyone Who Matters
Chapter 34 One Best Friend
Chapter 35 Blade and Magic
Chapter 36 The Woman Wielding the Weapons
Chapter 37 A Game of Dare
Chapter 38 A Sneak in the Night
Chapter 39 Chorus of the Dead
Chapter 40 A Loyal Man
Chapter 41 To Be Where You Are
Chapter 42 Heart Made of Pebbles
About Diane Lynn McGyver
Dedication
Copyright
Shadows in the Stone
Diane Lynn McGyver