So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2)(121)

Brigitta ventured a peek inside. Bones, and the faded red leather of a woman’s slipper. With a grimace, she reached inside to touch the shoe.

A deluge of emotions struck her so hard, she withdrew her hand and stepped back. Horror, fear, grief. She steeled her nerves and this time when she touched the shoe, she concentrated on the royal seal.

She squeezed her eyes shut as anxiety and fear enveloped her. She saw the seal, the top portion made of blue lapis lazuli with an arched handle of gold in the shape of a dolphin. Blue and gold, the colors of Tourin, and the dolphin, a symbol of the coastal nation. A woman’s hands were holding the seal, and they trembled as they wrapped it in brown wool.

“We must hide it,” a woman’s voice whispered. Rupert’s mother. She set the seal in a golden bowl and stuffed lamb’s wool all around it. “You must never tell anyone where it is.”

“But Daddy will want it when he comes back,” a young voice whined.

“He…” The woman’s voice broke with a sob. “He can’t come back anymore.”

“What about Ulfie?” the young boy asked.

The woman sniffed. “I hope he can. I hope he’s still…” She quickly stuffed another golden bowl with lamb’s wool. “If Ulfrid comes for the seal, you can give it to him. Understand?”

There was a whimpering sound, then the boy cried, “I miss Ulfie.”

“I know.” With a muffled sob, the woman fit the two bowls together. With a twist, they fastened together, forming a golden orb. She wrapped the orb with more brown wool, then slipped it into a woolen bag. “If something happens to me, you must hold on to this. Remember, Bjornfrid. It is precious. Never let it go.”

“I’ll remember, Mama.”

Brigitta withdrew her hand from the crypt as the vision faded. A golden orb. Her gaze shifted to the church’s altar. Traditionally, all the churches of Enlightenment had a golden sphere or disk at the altar to symbolize the sun god, called the Light. Unfortunately, Gunther had long since confiscated all the golden orbs in Tourin. Churches had been forced to make their sun globes out of brass or yellow-painted wood.

This church was no different, for there on the altar was a yellow, wooden orb on a cushion of blue velvet. Could the seal be inside? Or had Gunther taken the golden orb to his treasury in Lourdon? If he had, he might actually have the seal in his possession without realizing it. Hopefully, the queen had managed to hide the orb containing the seal.

“Well?” Gunther peered at her closely. “Did you see the seal? Do you know where it is?”

“It was buried in a garden,” Brigitta lied. “A castle garden.”

“That’s all you know?” Gunther scowled at her. “Every castle has a damned garden.”

She shrugged. “I believe it would be a castle that belonged to the former royal family.”

Captain Mador watched her carefully. “There are several castles nearby that were owned by the Trepurins.”

“You could try Trepurin Palace,” she suggested. It was a three-hour ride from here. That would give Rupert the chance to check out the local churches.

“I’ll check the palace,” Gunther said. “Mador, you take some soldiers to search the other castles.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Mador motioned for the soldiers to follow him out.

“Are you coming?” Gunther asked Brigitta. “Or shall I have some guards escort you back to camp?”

“If you don’t mind, I’ll go back to camp. I’m really tired of traveling.”

“Suit yourself.” Gunther strode out the church’s door, followed by his personal guard.

Brigitta heard the sound of barking and rushed to the church door to peer outside. The dog Brody was circling the king’s entourage and growling at them.

“Brody!” Brigitta ran toward him as Gunther aimed a kick at him.

“Control that mutt of yours,” Gunther growled as he mounted his horse. “And behave yourself. Remember, I’m having you watched. Don’t go near that damned Seven.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Brigitta curtsied as Gunther and his entourage took off. The sound of horse hooves clattered on the cobblestones of the village square.

She spotted Rupert across the square with his horse saddled and ready to go as he conducted his own search for the seal. There was only one guard assigned to him now. Apparently, Gunther didn’t consider him much of a threat, since he believed he and Mador would find the seal. Nearby, there were two guards watching her.

Kneeling down by Brody, she patted him on the head. Instantly her senses went on alert. Brody was also keeping a great number of secrets. “Now be a good dog, and don’t get in the soldiers’ way,” she said loud enough for her guards to hear.

As she leaned close to hug him, she whispered in Brody’s ear, “The seal was hidden in a golden orb like the ones used in churches. Tell Seven that I’ll check this church, and he can check the others in the area.”

Brody yipped in response, then trotted off down a narrow street.

Rupert strode down a parallel street, his guard trailing along behind. No doubt, Rupert intended to catch up with Brody soon.

As Brigitta headed back into the church, her guards started to follow. “Could you wait out here, please? I’d like some privacy while I pray.”