Read Claimed by a Scottish Lord for Free Online Page B

the sunlight and sit.‖

    Rose set the box on the table, then took her place beside Mrs. Simpson in one of the spindle-back chairs and waited. For what? She didn‘t know, but Mrs. Simpson watched the box, and so did she.

    ―Arthurian legend claims Merlin was a metallurgist,‖ Mrs. Simpson said. ―The source of King Arthur‘s power came from his sword Excalibur. Of course, most people consider the entire legend of Camelot and Arthur a myth. But Merlin did exist. And if Merlin somehow forged Excalibur, then it stands to reason the sword was not his only creation.‖

    ―How did the box come to the abbey?‖

    ―Merlin hailed from Scotland, which means he could have once visited Hope Abbey. Heaven only knows how many times the abbey keep has been rebuilt over the centuries. The vault itself is centuries old. From your own words most of what is down in the crypt has never been catalogued.‖

    As the widow spoke, the various symbols carved into the box began to darken as if someone put a hot poker to the wood. Rose stared in awe at the transformation. The image of the sun on one side became darker and the full moon on the other lighter. Opposite from what Rose would have expected as the sun usually meant light and the moon darkness.

    ―The sun and moon represent the continuing cycle of the seasons,‖ Mrs. Simpson said.
    ―Each side opposite the other yet coexisting, like day and night.‖

    ―With no beginning and no end. The symbols for infinite or eternity.‖

    ―And symbols for happiness and sadness, pleasure and pain, love and hate.‖ Mrs. Simpson cocked a brow. ―A warning to the one who opens the box?‖

    Rose withdrew her hands to her lap, confused by Mrs. Simpson‘s sudden caution. ―Or perhaps the clues are telling us that it takes both sunlight and moonlight to unlock the secrets of the box,‖ she suggested.

    ―Aye, that as well. From what I can interpret from these other etchings‖—her finger traced the Bjarkan symbol , the two sideways triangles touching at the corners, symbolizing phases of life and great change—―the ring has power to pull darkness from a man‘s soul and give it light. But once the ring is on your finger, nothing in your life will ever be the same again. Once the ring is on your finger, it will not come off until your wish is fulfilled.‖

    ―Why would Merlin make such a ring?‖

    ―His grandson wanted a child by a wife who had been barren for seven years. Merlin made the ring for him. Unfortunately, the woman died in childbirth.‖

    Rose leaned over to look at the page. ―Is that what this says?‖

    Mrs. Simpson shut the book. ―The truth is, we do not know what will happen once you open the box. What you think you want may not be what your heart wants, and nothing great is ever accomplished without sacrifice.‖

    ―I am not afraid.‖

    ―Perhaps that is your failing, dear. I have learned that it is wise to proceed with one‘s eyes wide open, especially if you are about to walk into darkness.‖

    ―I can take care of myself in the dark.‖

    Mrs. Simpson‘s tin-gray gaze gentled. ―Is it family for which your heart searches, Rose?
    Or something else? Are you not beloved and needed everywhere you go? Are you so eager to leave us?‖

    Rising to her feet, Rose folded her arms and walked to the window to look outside. ‘Twas not family for whom she searched. How could she explain her heart when she did not understand the thing herself?

    She closed her eyes. ―I have only a vague memory of my mother. Her softness. The way she smelled—like lilacs. I can almost see her face when I look at my own in the glass. Perhaps I am merely searching for myself.‖

    She laughed at the maudlin sentimentality. ―All I know is that ever since I found the puzzle box, the need to be free of the walls surrounding my life has grown into something . something almost violent inside me which I am unable to control. You have lived your life unafraid of who you are. I want .