Whispers of the Sea (The Compulsion Bride Series) Book II (Unedited)

Chapter Forty Three

The horse came to a abrupt halt in the dark mist of the night. The horse only stamped its feet as a protest, mostly from the strange rider and the tiredness of the journey. The house was dark before him only a flicker of light touched a glass window in the east wing of the intimidating structure. How many times he had run through the halls, got lost in them with the brothers he had grown to know? Memories came rushing towards him like a soft whisper in the air. It was best not to dwell on them at this moment anyway. The shiver of his body brought him back to the halt in his journey. One gloved hand lifted off the horse's rein, pulling the cloak stubbornly over his head, pressuring it to engulf him like a warm embrace but the small cloak kept at bay and with every movement, it slid from his forehead, exposing him to the full force of the stabbing wind. He cursed the lack of resources due to his hasty departure at the tavern and not to mention Remmy, whom he had to lose during the early morning. Remmy would be gloating over a warm hearth, at how selfish his captain was to leave him in such a haste, without a word.

He sighed, dismounting the horse, the men that stood hovering the entrance each took turns circling the premises, lantern swaying like fireflies. This was highly the time for someone to pay a friendly visit and a confrontation with whomever these men were would only cause more delay. Tying the horse around some bushes concealed from prying eyes. Jake waited until the first guard, made a full circle then ran off towards the direction where he knew the gardens bloom.

***

The light tapping at the bedroom door was what awoke David, rather than his daughter's tiny hand that dropped on his face, languorously. His eyes fluttered opened, greeting the darkness. Anna had not slept in her bedchamber since they came back from the Fisher's. They knew it was only because the baby was in their bedchamber and she felt a little left out and Jennifer had no objections. It was because of her Anna had taken temporary residence in their chamber. The dream she had weeks ago seems to be taking a life of its own, no matter how often he had coax her that they were safe. It was both comforting and torture, he couldn't even touch his wife without Anna or Christopher interrupting. They were everywhere....but he love them more than anything.

"What was that?" Jennifer's voice held concern as she bolted upright. David was not surprised since they had children his wife had become alert at every noise. Even in her sleep. "Is it Christopher?"

David groaned when she rushed to the babe's crib. "I'll see what it is." He shook his head, not even sure if she had heard him as she took their son in her arms. Cautiously he slipped out of bed, pushing Anna's tiny body off his chest, the child stirred a little nestling her tiny head against her mother's pillow. With one hand rubbing at his eyes and the other on the doorknob, the door creaked as he pulled it opened. A gasped left his lungs when rough hand suddenly pulled him out of his chamber.

"My god man! I thought you had died in your sleep or something!"

"Bloody hell!" David pushed at his friend's chest, on impulse. One hand went to rest on his rapidly rising chest. "You scare me! Christ! What are you doing back in England?"

Jake sighed, watching the play of emotions on David's sleepy face. "I'm sorry to have awaken you" He had ridden long and hard to Wellington and couldn't seems to wait any longer, not when soldiers might be on his back. Jake didn't think he would have made this trip, since Remmy was giving him a hard time, with his persistent antics to accompany him. Why couldn't he understand that some journeys are better made alone? It lead to the sneaking out of the inn after getting the man drunk.

David shrugged. "You have always been annoying"

Jake remained silent at his teasing, this seems to sober him to the point where he cleared his throat discreetly. He now notice how dishevelled his friend's hair was, clothes wrinkled and he was starting to grow a beard. "Something's wrong, come to my study." His voice suddenly stern with concern and curiosity.