Read Online Minstrel's Solstice by Nicole Dennis - Free Book Online Page B

and clasped Kerryll’s hand.
    Using his voice in a different fashion, calling upon his magic, Kerryll sang:
     
    Ancient Muses, ladies fair
    Aid us in this contract we enter
    From the land of spirits wise
    Bless our union and our rite
    To bring magic and music to this solstice night
     
    During his incantation, pale blue wisps appeared and created a rope. The magic wrapped around his wrist, above his tattoo, and did the same with the Duke’s wrist. When the incantation finished, the rope disappeared, and Kerryll stepped away.
    “This is a true minstrel contract, a guild contract,” the Duke said as he touched the sparkling band.
    This knowledge caught Kerryll’s attention. “Have you seen one?”
    “Before the plague swept through, yes, I’ve seen one.”
    “You know how it will disappear once it is finished.”
    The seneschal cleared his throat. “What does this mean for you, my Duke?”
    “Relax, Patryk, the minstrel is correct. The mark will last the duration of the contract.”
    The seneschal studied Kerryll. “Is there a way this could remain?”
    With an exhausted sigh, Kerryll wondered if he had made the correct decision. To console the seneschal’s concern, he said, “If a contract is broken and unfulfilled by either party, yes, it would become permanent. As it turns permanent, there will be broken sections as a signal to another.”
    “We better not have issues.”
    “No, my Duke, there will be no issues….” Kerryll said and wavered on his feet. The incantation and moving through the blizzard took its toll upon him.
    “Minstrel?”
    Kerryll felt his eyes roll toward the back of his head. His knees gave out, and he dropped to the floor. Caught by a strong pair of arms, he lifted his gaze to see a pair of clear blue eyes. The Duke was handsome, gorgeous, and refined.
    Darkness swept across him.
     
     
    D UKE C ULLAN Gryffyn D’Antuono didn’t hesitate to catch the weary traveler within his arms. He dropped to one knee to support the slender figure. The deep cowl hood fell back, revealing the beauty of the minstrel. Kerryll had the golden coloring of the Southern Quadrant, and his honey curly hair and those whiskey brown eyes captivated him. It was different from the darker northern shades with pale skin.
    “My Duke, what shall we do with him?” Donovan asked as he crouched next to them.
    “Help me remove the cloak, Donovan; it’s encrusted with ice,” Gryff said. “Did he have gloves?”
    “They’re on the floor. They must have fallen from his grip,” Donovan said, reaching out and lifting the thick, ice-covered gloves.
    “When the blizzard clears, I want to know what village would let a traveler leave their protection and knowingly enter such dangerous conditions. He should never have been on the path. Anyone within our quadrant recognizes the signs of an incoming storm and knows of my protection of all guild travelers,” Gryff said.
    “I’ll send my guards in the direction he came.”
    “They’ll pay for not showing hospitality to a traveler. I’m tired of the grievances and inhospitable attitudes. I’ll not tolerate this behavior.”
    “As you wish,” Donovan said as he handed off the gloves. He managed to find the row of clasps down the front of Kerryll’s cloak and released them to let it fall. Donovan gathered and passed it to one of the servants. “See what you can do to salvage his garments. They are of fine quality.”
    “Yes, sir,” the servant said.
    “Patryk,” Gryff said as he rose, sweeping Kerryll into his arms.
    “Aye, sir,” the seneschal said.
    “Make sure the chamber next to mine is prepared instead for Kerryll’s stay. I’ll look after his well-being tonight. I want the dual fireplaces roaring, the spring open to fill the tub, extra blankets, and several warming stones heated by our mystic. We need to counteract the ice sickness,” Gryff ordered.
    “It’ll be done. I’ll have his things moved to the chamber,” Patryk said with a deep bow. He