He would never permit such a future to become reality. Chloe’s love had strengthened him and hope burned like a beacon in his heart. Though the darkness was ever growing in him, his resolve and determination had never been stronger.

He glanced at her, drinking her in. For their return, they’d donned the clothing they’d worn in the twenty-first century, and she stood in her slim blue trews and creamy sweater, her tousled curls spilling down her back. Desire quickened in his veins. Anon he would be loving her, and every minute betwixt now and then was a minute too long.

He’d warned her how opening the bridge would affect him.

I won’t be . . . quite myself, Chloe. You remember how I was when we came through the first time?

I know, she’d said firmly. I know what you’ll need.

He’d gritted his teeth. I may be . . . rough, love.

I’m tougher than you think. A pause, then those words he would never tire of hearing: I love you, Dageus. Nothing will change that.

She was so wee, yet so strong and determined. She was, quite simply, everything he’d ever wanted.

“Son,” Silvan’s voice shattered his thoughts, “I’d have a word with you before you go.”

Dageus nodded and made his way toward Silvan, who led him toward the castle. He’d already said his good-byes to his da, Nell, and his brothers, and was impatient to go, lest someone weep again and tear at his heart.

“When you return, son, you must tell Drustan about the chamber library.”

Dageus blinked, perplexed. “But he’ll know. We opened it again, and you’ll be passing the knowledge to Ian
and—”

“I’ll be doing no such thing.” Silvan said calmly.

“But why?”

“I spent some time last eve pondering the possibilities. If the chamber library is made known to the Keltar, it may affect too many things over the next centuries. It must be forgotten. ’Tis too risky for us to restore such a wealth of knowledge to successive generations and think naught else might change. I plan to seal it this very eve and will no’ enter it again.”

Dageus nodded, instantly seeing the wisdom of it. “Ever clever, you are, Da. I hadn’t thought of it, but you’re right. It could indeed cause inestimable changes.” ’Twas good, he realized then, that he and Chloe weren’t remaining in the past any longer. He could trust his father to tidy up any loose ends, if aught were to be found.

Unable to endure a prolonged leave-taking, he turned back toward Chloe and the stones.

“Son,” Silvan said, his voice low and urgent.

Dageus kept his back to him. “Aye?” he said tightly.