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Shadows in the Stone

  Book One in

  The Castle Keepers

  Diane Lynn McGyver

  Copyright May 2012 by Diane Lynn Tibert

  Summary

  Things aren’t always what they seem to be in a small town in the Land of Ath-o’Lea. Magic creeps in the shadows, waiting to pounce…

  Corporal Bronwyn Darrow vows he’ll never fall victim to love again after the woman he adored betrays him. He directs his energies to rising in the ranks of Aruam Castle, aspiring to one day command as captain of the guards. Although he treasures his home and family, he is blinded both by his desire to succeed and a mysterious magic lurking in the shadows of the ancient castle.

  Alaura of Niamh, a half-breed enchantress with a deadly past, takes refuge in Bronwyn’s hometown. When the two meet, the spell which binds them is stronger than their fears of falling in love. As Alaura’s secrets threaten to separate them forever, outside forces attempt to shatter the security of Aruam Castle and eliminate Bronwyn. When an orphan weaves their lives together, they embark on a journey destined to either destroy or deliver them to the passion living in their hearts.

  Please Note

  This book was written using Canadian spelling.

  Sweet Biscuits…

  Isla watched him remove the bridle from the horse’s head to allow it to drink. He dug into his pocket and pulled out a biscuit. Isla stared at the food. She had tasted many types of biscuits in her life, but even the worse tasting ones filled an empty stomach. Her mouth watered. She rubbed the top of her legs and realised her hands trembled; they craved to hold the food.

  To her surprise, Tam tossed the biscuit on her lap. She quickly turned to see the hauflin. He dug into a saddle pack and didn’t notice the offering of food. Looking back at Tam, she found him staring off into the forest, eating his own biscuit. Isla cradled the food in her hand. A pang of fear stirred in her stomach. If she ate it, would Keiron beat her? If she didn’t eat it, she’d surely die of starvation.

  With a sly glance, she looked again at the hauflin. His search in the saddle bag kept him busy. She put the biscuit between her teeth and took a large bite. The dough rolled around in her mouth as if chocolate on raisins. She’d never tasted a sweeter biscuit. Guarding her mouth, she took another bite. Sensing Tam’s movement, she looked up to find him watching her. She shoved the last bit into her mouth and chewed, savouring the taste. Crumbs stuck in her teeth. She extracted every last one and enjoyed them one more time as she rolled them over her tongue.

  Contents

  Chapter 01 Maternal Instincts

  Chapter 02 Searching the Darkness

  Chapter 03 Kissing the Air with Each Leap

  Chapter 04 Links of Chainmail

  Chapter 05 A Pleasurable Customer

  Chapter 06 A Thousand Times in the Past

  Chapter 07 Or Else What?

  Chapter 08 Stone Collector

  Chapter 09 Debris Flew Everywhere

  Chapter 10 The Forest Owned Her

  Chapter 11 Magic of the Night

  Chapter 12 A Cloud of Confusion

  Chapter 13 The Enchanting Woman in his Bed

  Chapter 14 Life Force of all Beings

  Chapter 15 The Maze of his Nwyfre

  Chapter 16 Pledge to Unite

  Chapter 17 The Moment of Betrayal

  Chapter 18 One of 51

  Chapter 19 The Aroma of Old Age

  Chapter 20 One and the Same

  Chapter 21 Hoof Prints Dotted the Road

  Chapter 22 His Dark, Blue Eyes

  Chapter 23 Sundry Species of Dragons

  Chapter 24 Chocolate on Raisins

  Chapter 25 I Must Be Plain Stupid

  Chapter 26 Illuminated the Shadows

  Chapter 27 Hideous Chunk of Flesh

  Chapter 28 Here in the Twilight

  Chapter 29 The Honour of a Fellow Dwarf

  Chapter 30 Fairies in the Wind

  Chapter 31 Puffs of White Bubbling Clouds

  Chapter 32 A Treat in Your Pocket

  Chapter 33 Everyone Who Matters

  Chapter 34 One Best Friend

  Chapter 35 Blade and Magic

  Chapter 36 The Woman Wielding the Weapons

  Chapter 37 A Game of Dare

  Chapter 38 A Sneak in the Night

  Chapter 39 Chorus of the Dead

  Chapter 40 A Loyal Man

  Chapter 41 To Be Where You Are

  Chapter 42 Heart Made of Pebbles

  About Diane Lynn McGyver

  Dedication

  Copyright

  Shadows in the Stone

  Diane Lynn McGyver