Druid Knights 02: Knight of Rapture by Ruth A. Casie Page B

knew he hadn’t succeeded.
    Logan nodded. Placing the document on the table, he moved to the wall and concentrated on the new markings. “You expanded the air element to include the stars.”
    “The time portal was Maximillian’s design. Including his power may show us the way.” He hadn’t been this calm in weeks. Was the Great Mother telling him something? Arik examined the formula again. He knew it was right.
    Logan nodded and read the rest of the formula. He, too, knew it was correct. “I see you’re ready to begin.”
    “Aye.” Arik stood next to Logan. “We made great progress last night. You did well with the change you made to the formula. I finished it.”
    Logan took some of the scattered papers. Arik leaned over to take them from him but Logan pulled them out of his reach, glancing at them.
    “Arik, you needn’t resort to this. Dark Magick isn’t the answer.” Logan shook his paper-filled fist at him. “We spoke about this over and over. We decided. We would not use Dark Magick. Do you think you can control it any better than Bran? Stop it from eating away at you, like it does him?”
    Arik had chosen his course. Months ago he was certain of success. Now, each day he faced defeat and he didn’t wear it well. How could he explain to Logan that he would rather die trying everything in his power to find her than live without her? He was determined to find her. Now. Not tomorrow or next week.
    “Look at the wall.” His arm circled the walls around them. “They shout with every attempt we’ve made.” He pulled open his shirt. “I wear the marks of each one. Each time I’ve tried to locate her, each time I used magick, a new mark was added to strengthen the request. If this attempt fails there is nothing left but Dark Magick. We’ve avoided it as long as we can. Bran’s Dark Magick took her away. It may be the only way to bring her back.”
    “No, better you use the enchantment than Dark Magick.” Logan threw the papers to the floor. Logan didn’t try to hide his distaste.
    “The results of the enchantment are temporary. Logan, I want her back permanently.”
    “You must know I do, too. We’ll find her and you’ll bring her back, but not this way.” Logan clapped him on his back.
    “Then how? Do you know another way?” Arik asked. The silence stretched for several heartbeats.
    “I didn’t think so,” Arik said, his voice soft. “Enough. There’s work to do.” Arik opened the large domed topped chest next to the window and rummaged through it. “Today, today we’ll find her.” He cleared his mind of any doubt that plagued him. “While I adjusted the markings I heard the same chant as last night. It varies a bit from ours.” His hands stilled and he beamed at his brother. “Someone works with us.”
    “Arik,” Logan cautioned. His hand stayed his brother’s arm. “Do we rush into this too quick?” Quick? They’d been trying for six months. Had they become so accustomed to failure that success was to be avoided? Or was Logan worried about taking his place?
    “Sniff the air. Do you smell it?” Arik stood straight and took a deep breath, filling his lungs. “It’s success. Don’t fear it.” He stared at Logan. “Never be fearful of success. Be ready for it.” He bent back to rummage in the chest. “I need you to be with me on this. Any doubt weakens our chances for success.” Was he trying to convince Logan or himself? “Now let’s go over things one more time.”
    “I will set the wards before we begin.” One by one Logan ticked off each task on his fingers. “You’ll take your place in the pentagram. I’ll not touch you or speak to you. I’ll lay the last ward. You’ll start the ritual and together we’ll chant as we have practiced. And I’ll wait for you and help you bring Rebeka back through the portal.”
    “Good.” Arik nodded and picked through his armaments. He’d given Logan a good speech. Faith . He didn’t know if he was ready? But he