The Sunstone Brooch : Time Travel Romance Katherine Logan (no david read aloud TXT) 📖

Elliott took a step forward. “How do I know it’s James Cullen?”

“He has a birthmark on the top of his right foot that resembles an Yggdrasil. Does your son have that mark?” Erik asked.

Elliott dropped his head as tears slid down his cheeks. “His mother told him when he was young that it was a sign he’d been blessed.”

“He is blessed, Elliott. You may not believe it, and right now, James Cullen probably would not believe it, either, but in time he will come to accept it.”

“Does yer cloak have healing powers? Is that why he’s completely covered?”

“Like the brooches, it is made of a substance that came out of the sky. You cannot tear this cloak or cut it.”

“But where does the healing power come from?”

Erik went to the stones and ladled more water over them. “It is not for you or me to understand, only to accept what is.”

“I’m surprised ye didn’t say I’d find out on the other side of the door.”

“It is possible you will never know. The cloak is thousands of years old and is the only one of its kind. Each generation has passed it down to the next. Now it belongs to the Keeper’s son. He cannot give it away until he is dying, or it will lose its power.”

The realization of what Erik said weakened Elliott’s legs, and he reached for the chair at the foot of the bed for support. “How can ye give it away, then?”

Erik’s face was gray and lined with a lurking sorrow, and it added to Elliott’s overall sense of gravity. “It has served my purpose, and I do not need it now. It belongs with the Keeper.”

“But James Cullen isn’t the Keeper yet,” Elliott said, wondering if he, like Erik, had served his purpose, and it was time for the next generation to take the lead.

“He will be the Keeper in due time. When his healing is complete, James Cullen will awake. But his mind will not be the same. The cloak cannot heal the terror and pain he experienced. He has to find peace in his way and at his own pace.”

“How?” Elliott asked.

“I do not know, but I suggest Young Paul take James Cullen to the mountains, to the monks, to live there until his mind has settled. But darkness will remain deep in his soul until he finds his true purpose.”

Elliott covered his face with his hands. “Why?”

Erik gripped Elliott’s shoulder. “You walked in darkness for decades to gain the wisdom you have. Now it is your son’s time to walk in the shadow. He will have wisdom beyond his years and will lead the clan into the next century. Be not afraid for him. Have patience. This battle is won, but the war is not yet over. When James Cullen wakes, you can take him home, but he must leave immediately for the mountains.”

“I’ll go with him,” Paul said.

“One more important matter. James Cullen must wear the cloak for the rest of his life. It folds up into a small square that he can wear in a packet around his neck. But while he is at the monastery, he should wear it as a cloak.”

Erik clasped arms with Sean. “You were brave to wait outside this cabin all those years ago. I regret not having time to spend with you. When Elliott takes his family home, you must burn this cabin down, and the land around it must return to its natural state. It cannot be sold or developed. It is now sacred ground. Treat it as such. No evidence of the cabin’s existence should remain.”

“Why?” Elliott asked.

“You will know in time.” Erik then clasped Elliott’s arm. “I will not see you again until you reach the other side.”

“Of the door?” Elliott asked.

“No,” Erik said. “When you take your final breath, I will welcome you to the beyond.”

Elliott shuddered. “I hope that’s not any time soon.”

“There is one more thing I must tell you. Walk with me.” Erik picked up his battle-ax and escorted Elliott out to the porch, then closed the door. “The Council, which included my father, failed to destroy my brother. Since Sten almost killed the future Keeper, the Council owes you a favor. Only one, though. Whatever you ask, the members cannot deny your request. Use it wisely.”

Elliott looked back toward the door. “What could I ever want from them? Every question I’ve asked, the answer has been to wait until we reach the other side of the door.”

“The day may come when I’m not there to intervene on your behalf.”

“Why wouldn’t the rest of the Council be receptive to my request?”

“I am not saying they would refuse it. I only want you to be aware of the possibility. If you come back and I am not there, prepare for a battle.”

Erik ran the ax handle through his leather belt to hold it in place. “Be well, my friend. Do not lose faith in James Cullen. You saw the vision I sent you. He will find joy.”

Elliott blinked, unsure he heard Erik correctly. “I had a vision of James Cullen as an old man standing over my grave, and he radiated a kind of joy I’ve never witnessed before.”

“I sent it so you would have hope.”

Elliott’s eyes watered, and he struggled to see clearly through his tears, trying to understand what Erik was saying. “Ye can see the future?”

“Not everyone’s. But I can see James Cullen’s and my own.” Erik glanced off toward the trees, and a few beats passed before he said, “I have a request that I hope you will honor.”

“Anything,” Elliott said.

Any pretense of presenting a calm front vanished when Erik said, “Treat Ensley, Tavis, and Mark as if they were children of your blood. I will not be here to watch over them. And I trust you to see to their welfare.”

“That’s an odd request. Why them?”

“They are my children. They are Viking warriors by blood.”

Elliott tried