Fabric of Fate

Chapter Nine

Audrey lay in bed and listened hard, trying to figure out what was different. Silence. That was it. The wind was no longer a low moan, beating at the shutters trying to get in.

She sat up and groaned as her body protested. She felt stiff and sore all over, from both her struggle in the storm and her unaccustomed sexual activity. She frowned when she noted she was alone and wondered how long she’d been asleep? She had a vague memory of two hard bodies snuggled up on either side of her, of waking once to use the bathroom and stumble back to bed and into a pair of waiting arms. But she’d lost all concept of time.

She threw back the cover and slid her legs over the side of the bed. The floor was cool against her toes as she stood and padded to the window. It took little effort to open the shutters. The sun was high in the sky but clouds obscured it, giving the day a gray appearance.

What shocked her most were the people. She’d gotten so used to it being just her and the Dannon brothers that she’d almost convinced herself there wasn’t an entire world out there. She heard the bleat of a sheep and the moo of a cow. A dog barked and a man called out to another one.

Audrey yanked the shutter closed, slammed the bolt home and leaned her forehead against the smooth wood. Everything was real, this world and the people in it. There was no denying it any longer. And that meant she was on a time limit. She had no idea how long she’d slept but was filled with a sudden sense of urgency. She had to find Abrah and Heroc.

But first she needed to use the facilities. She went to the bathing chamber and almost groaned in pleasure when she discovered a tub of steaming water waiting for her. She had no idea who had filled it, but she was grateful all the same. A thick washcloth and a bar of sweet-smelling soap sat on a ledge above the tub.

She climbed in and sat back, taking a moment to let the warmth of the water sink into her skin. Bruises still dotted her body, some worse than others, but overall she felt good and rested.

As much as she wanted to, she didn’t linger in the bath, but washed quickly. The scent of the soap reminded her of lavender and she breathed in the wonderful scent. By the time she was done she felt refreshed, her muscles not quite as sore.

There wasn’t much she could do with her hair but she picked out the tangles with a wooden comb she found on a shelf. The curls were wild, as always, but she found she really wasn’t worried. She didn’t have to present a business-like appearance here.

She tossed the comb back on the shelf and made her way back to the bedroom where a bundle of clothing sat on the table next to a jug of water.

There was no underwear among the clothing and she had no idea where hers were. “You’re going commando today.” She laughed at the sheer idea of it. Life here was certainly different.

She shook out the first piece of clothing, curious to see what it was. The pants were similar to the ones the brothers wore and she slipped them on, pulling the laces tight in the waist to keep them from falling over her hips. A long-sleeved tunic, which fell almost to her knees, followed.

There was a pair of boots with soft soles that laced up to her knees. They reminded her of moccasins and were incredibly comfortable. When she was fully dressed, she went to the door and hesitated only a moment before opening it.

The walls of the corridor were about eight feet high and made completely of stone. She marveled at the idea that she really was in a castle. She ran her fingers over the smooth stone as she made her way down the winding, narrow staircase. The place was like something out of a fairy tale book. As she made the last turn, the sound of male voices reached her.

She paused at the entryway to what could only be the great hall. Heroc and Abrah were there but they were not the men she’d come to know. Gone were the two lovers and in their place were two warriors.

Both men were stripped to the waist. Thick bands covered their forearms from their wrists to just below their elbows. Another wide band wrapped around their biceps. With their long hair flowing down their backs, they were wild and untamed. Sweat made their skin glisten as they circled one another in the center of the room.

But it was the heavy swords in their hands that held her spellbound. She’d seen Abrah take one from the wall when he’d stomped out of his room yesterday, but she’d never really imagined him actually using it. The darn things had to be at least four feet in length. And they were deadly sharp. Abrah brought his blade down toward Heroc. Audrey wanted to scream but was afraid to distract them. At the last second, Heroc raised his blade and Abrah’s skated over it. Sparks flew and metal clashed.

She sank down on the bottom step and wrapped her arms around her legs at the shocking reminder of just how different this world was from her own. The skill and athleticism both men displayed as they fought were breathtaking, their movements fluid and quick, their swords an extension of their arms.

This was a wild and vastly untamed land. Heroc had mentioned something about being isolated so they didn’t get many threats from others, but that didn’t mean they didn’t have to be prepared for attack.

She couldn’t imagine the brutality of having to fight another man with a sword, what it would feel like to drive a blade into another man’s body and watch him bleed to death. The cold from the stone leeched into her body and she shivered. This was a primitive world.

But how was that truly any different from the wars of her world? Men killed one another with guns and knives all the time, and sometimes over the stupidest of things. If anything, killing someone in her world was much more impersonal. You had to get up close and personal to hurt someone with a sword. No, when it came down to it, this world wasn’t much different from hers. Violence existed everywhere. It was simply that she’d never been this up close and personal with it before.

This was obviously a practice session but it didn’t look like one. Both men were deadly serious as they swung at their opponent. Several times she buried her face in her lap, unable to watch. But she’d always have to peek again to make certain neither of them were hurt.

A loud woof came from the far end of the room drawing her attention. Audrey couldn’t believe the size of the shaggy, gray beast galloping toward her. She’d seen him before on the night they’d found her. Carn. That was his name. Personally she thought Goliath would be more fitting. The closer he got the bigger he seemed. He was the size of a small horse and showed no intention of stopping.

Audrey jumped to her feet and held her hands out in front of her. Not that she could hope to hold off a beast that size, but she had to try. She prayed he was friendly. She was so focused on the dog’s approach she didn’t realize both men had spotted her and stopped fighting until she heard a shrill whistle.

The dog skidded to a stop, landing on his butt in front of her. His huge head came to the middle of her chest and his tongue was hanging out of his mouth in what she hoped was a doggy smile. He thrust his head beneath one of her hands so she petted him, the dark gray fur rough against her palm. “Nice dog.”

“Carn won’t hurt you.” Heroc, blade resting against his shoulder, strode toward her. Abrah shoved his sword into a scabbard and set it aside before joining them.

A woman raced in from the back of the room. Audrey could see another set of stairs there and wondered where they led.

“Sorry, my lords. That devil beast got away from me. He sneaked in through the kitchen door when Dorn was bringing in supplies.” The woman was breathing heavy and slapped a hand against her chest. She frowned when she noticed Audrey standing just inside the room. “I didn’t know we had a guest.”

It was Heroc who made the introductions. “Tara, this is Audrey Brennan. Audrey, this is our housekeeper, Tara.”

“Hello,” she greeted the housekeeper. The older woman was wearing a long skirt that fell to her ankles, soft boots like the ones Audrey was wearing and a blouse with embroidery around the neck. The clothing was softer, not as rough as what she was wearing. Her dark hair was streaked with gray but her skin was unlined. Audrey could see the questions in her blue eyes.

The woman gave a brief curtsy before looking to Abrah.

“Behold a woman brought at the height of the storm by the tapestry.” There was a mocking undertone in Abrah’s voice that made Audrey uncomfortable. She shifted her weight and Carn moved with her so she wouldn’t stop petting him. She took comfort from the huge beast.

“A tapestry bride.” There was wonder in Tara’s voice. But more than that, there was a thread of hope that Audrey didn’t understand.

“Don’t get excited, Tara. She’s not staying,” Abrah told the housekeeper.

The other woman frowned at her. “Why not?”

Audrey felt as though she was under attack and went on the offensive. “I have a life and a job.” Well at least half of that was true. She wasn’t certain she would have a job waiting for her by the time she got home.

Her chest got tight and her head began to throb. She breathed deep and slow, trying to calm herself. The last thing she wanted was to do was bring on another episode. That sounded much better than saying she might be having a panic attack.

“Enough.” Heroc handed his sword to his brother and hurried toward her. “Are you dizzy? Hurting anywhere?”

Her eyes filled at his concern. He remembered what she’d told him. “I’m not sure. My chest is tight and my head hurts.” She was scared. She hated that her body was so out of control, hated showing weakness in front of anyone. But since she wasn’t staying here she felt freer to be honest about her condition.

Abrah was by her side in a flash. “What is wrong?”

“Audrey was very ill just before she was brought here.” She was glad Heroc made the explanation because she was on the verge of tears. It wasn’t like her to be so weepy. She was disgusted with herself.

“Sit her by the fire and elevate her feet. I’m going to brew her some tea.” After giving them their orders, Tara bustled off back down the stairs at the far end of the room.

Heroc swept her into his arms and carried her to a massive chair in front of a hearth that was large enough for several men to stand upright in it. The crackle and snap of the wood was quickly becoming familiar to her. It was much more inviting than simply turning up a thermostat to heat a room.

Carn trotted alongside them, concern in his dark, doggie eyes. Abrah followed them more slowly, his lips pressed together and his eyebrows furrowed. “Why did you not tell me this?”

Audrey shrugged. “We didn’t talk much.” She felt her cheeks warm but refused to look away. They’d had sex, but they hadn’t really connected on the same level she had with Heroc. And that was a shame.

She settled into the chair and sighed. “I’m sorry to be such a bother.” She hated being dependent on anyone, being weak.

Heroc’s eyes widened. “You are no bother.”

“He doesn’t think so.” She couldn’t resist the dig at Abrah. “Have no fear, I’ll be gone soon and I won’t be your problem.”

His scowl deepened and he looked so fierce she was momentarily afraid of him. The large sword Heroc had handed him still hung from his hand. He could kill her if he chose and no one would stop him. She’d noted the way Tara had deferred to him. They might be brothers, but Abrah was the man in charge here.

Even as she thought it, she dismissed the mere idea that he’d hurt her. Audrey knew in her heart neither man would do her harm. He didn’t deserve that from her. “I’m sorry,” she blurted before she thought better of apologizing. “Ever since I…got ill,” she stumbled slightly over her explanation, “my emotions have been all over the place.”

She didn’t want to tell them she’d had a panic attack, that the stress of her work combined with poor health had simply overwhelmed her. It happened all the time. She was smart enough to know that. But it didn’t happen to her, was something that happened to other people. Except it had happened to her, throwing her entire life out of kilter.

Tara was hurrying toward them and heard her last words. “Of course your emotions are all over the place. Perfectly understandable seeing as though you’ve been ill. You need rest, good food and fresh air.”

She placed a tray on the hearth and handed her a wooden mug filled with what appeared to be tea of some kind. “My husband’s mother had a weak constitution but I got her hale and hearty again. Drink this,” Tara ordered her. “It’s a mixture of herbs that will help strengthen you.”

Audrey sniffed at the brew unable to place the scent. She had no idea if she was doing the right thing or not. It would either help her or kill her. And she truly didn’t think Tara meant her any harm. She sipped the tea and sighed as the warmth hit her belly.

“How long was I asleep?” She still had no idea what day it was or how long she’d been here.

“You slept the rest of your first full day and all night. This is your second day here. Tonight will mark the end of day two. Tomorrow night the tapestry will arrive.” She couldn’t tell if Abrah was happy about that or not. The man was like the Sphinx, giving away nothing.

“You were tired and still injured from your unexpected arrival here. Not to mention you were ill before you arrived.” Heroc brushed his hand over her hair before putting a finger beneath her cup and tipping it toward her mouth.

“Combined with all the other activity it’s no wonder you slept heavily.” Abrah’s gaze skimmed over her body leaving no misunderstanding about what he’d meant. She’d slept with both of them. Heck, she’d had more sex since she’d arrived here than she’d had in the past four years.

She finished the tea and thanked Tara. “May I?” The housekeeper was older than Audrey and there was wisdom and knowledge in her eyes.

“Sure.” Audrey had no idea what the other woman wanted to do but didn’t see any harm in letting Tara touch her.

Tara placed her hands on Audrey’s neck and felt around. She checked her eyes and her mouth. She placed her hand over her heart. Ran her hands down her arms and legs. Audrey winced when she hit several large bruises but managed to keep from crying aloud. The woman frowned and glared at the brothers.

“Not our doing.” Heroc held up his hands in mock surrender. “She had some of them when she arrived here and acquired the rest while stumbling around in the storm the other night. If not for Carn we wouldn’t have found her.”

Tara paled but continued working. She was thorough and when she was done she nodded. “Not serious. Minor bruises. As I said before, rest, good food and fresh air are what she needs to get well.” She stared down at Audrey. “And I think it wouldn’t hurt you to let out some of your emotions. You strike me as a woman who keeps too much inside. The weakness from your illness is allowing them to the surface.”

Audrey was floored by the older woman’s accurate assessment and didn’t quite know how to respond. Thankfully, Tara didn’t seem to require one and turned her attention to the two brothers.

“Go easy today. No exertion.” With that, Tara picked up her tray and bustled back to work.

Such simple advice, yet so hard to follow. Audrey had never been good about resting, or letting out her emotions for that matter. She’d always been strong because she’d had to be, always depended on herself. And who would she let her guard down around? Her coworkers? They’d eat her for lunch and spit her out. She could kiss her job goodbye. Her assistant would see any sign of weakness as an opportunity and pounce on it.

Her head began to throb the more she thought about it. Her life sucked. That was no way for anyone to live. Yet how many people lived just that way? No wonder so many got sick because of prolonged stress. It took a terrible toll over time.

Heroc rubbed her shoulder. “Don’t look so sad. Everything will be fine.”

Audrey glanced at Abrah. He stood with his back to the fireplace, feet shoulder-width apart, arms crossed over his massive chest. Somewhere along the way he’d gotten rid of the sword Heroc had given him. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t holding a weapon. The man was seriously imposing even when doing nothing more than just standing there.

“Why do you want me to stay? You don’t even know me,” she blurted out.

That was one of the things she couldn’t understand. Yes, she realized there weren’t that many women here, but surely there was someone they could claim, some woman who would wed one of them. She was a complete stranger. And, if she were being honest with herself, she’d always felt lacking in the female department. She was hell-on-wheels as an advertising executive, but she’d never been able to hold down a long-term relationship.

Abrah strode forward and crouched in front of her. His wide shoulders and chest blocked her view of the fire. His skin gleamed and his long hair brushed his back and torso. “The tapestry wouldn’t have brought you if you weren’t right for us. That is its gift, its magic.”

He picked up her hand in his and brought her fingers to his lips, placing a tender kiss on each knuckle. For a brief second, she glimpsed his vulnerability, the volcanic need that bubbled just below the calm surface. Then it was gone, hidden once again behind a stoic façade. “Believe it or not. But you wouldn’t be here if you were not suitable.”

“But what would I even do here?” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. What was she saying? What was she thinking? She couldn’t stay here. This wasn’t her world. She didn’t belong here.

“What do you do back in your world?” Heroc seemed curious.

“I’m an ad executive with Claymore and Butler. Basically my team and I come up with slick ways of getting people to buy things. We use print media, television, online and magazine to run our campaigns.” And from the looks on their faces neither man had any idea what she was talking about.

“That is a strange and unfamiliar job,” Heroc admitted, “and from the sound of your voice and the look on your face you do not enjoy it.”

She leaned her head back against the back of the chair and sighed. “Not so much. I fell into it really. I started out as a graphic designer. An artist, of sorts.” She wanted them to understand her life and who she was. There was no logical explanation for it to matter if they did or not, but she wanted them to.

“You are an artist.” Abrah sounded impressed.

“I used to be.” She rubbed her forehead. “I don’t know what I am anymore.” And that was the honest truth. Audrey had no idea what she was going to do with the remainder of her life, but she was very afraid her days at Claymore and Butler were over. She’d changed. Her illness had started the process but coming here had solidified it. There was no way she could go back to the way things were.

She’d have to find a new job. That would mean living off her savings, maybe even leaving the city altogether.

Scary proposition.

Heroc interrupted her internal battle. “The rain and wind have stopped, and while the air is cool, it is not too cold to go outside. I’d like to show you our home.”

She wanted to see it, wanted to experience the world they lived in. “I’d like that.”

Abrah still had a hold of her hand and pulled her to her feet. “We’ll find you a warm cloak to wear. If you get tired, tell us and we’ll rest.”

There was no impatience in his voice, no sense of derision because she was weak. Only concern. When was the last time someone had been concerned only with her and her feelings? Never. Even her mother had expected her to be strong and to do her share. She’d never been mollycoddled or protected from the realities of life.

“Audrey?” Abrah squeezed her hand.

“I’ll tell you,” she promised.

Carn bumped her right leg, almost knocking her over. Abrah caught her and chuckled. “It seems he likes you. You have a powerful and loyal protector in Carn.”

The same could be said of Heroc and Abrah. She’d never met men like them before. There were no games, no subterfuge. You knew where you stood with them. She appreciated their honesty.

Abrah dropped her hand and turned away. She half raised her hand, wanting to reach out to him, but dropped it back by her side. Since she wasn’t staying, she couldn’t let herself get attached to these men. It wasn’t fair to them, or to her.

But, oh, how she was going to miss them when she was finally home again.

Home. The word didn’t hold nearly the same amount of comfort as it did when she’d first arrived. Did she really have a home or was it merely a place for her to sleep? The longer she was here the more confused she became.

Heroc came up behind her and dropped a heavy, fur-lined coat over her shoulders. “This will keep out the chill.” He tucked her arms inside the sleeves and tied the leather lacings that closed the coat. Immediately the warmth of the garment surrounded her like a hug. Or maybe it was Heroc’s tender care as he helped her put it on.

Anticipation flooded her. She was excited about her tour of the keep, wanting to know more about their home and world, to see outside the confines of these stone walls.

“Ready?” Abrah held out his hand.

“I’m ready.” She took his hand and he tugged her toward him. Heroc took up his post on her other side, taking her free hand in his. Together all three of them left the warmth and safety of the castle and headed outside with Carn trotting ahead to clear their way.