Page 53 of Haunted Hearts

“We’re just finishing up,” Emery answered.

“Good. Invite all our visitors as well as the villagers and those who work at the manor to join in the feast. We’ve had a prosperous harvest this year and I’d like to share it with them. I have had the cooks prepare plenty of pork, chicken, root vegetables, and even sweetmeats for our guests.”

“And don’t forget the Barmbrack,” called out Minerva, walking from the stables with Milo and Orvyn. The three stopped in front of Blaze.

“What is Barmbrack?” asked Lillith. “I don’t think I’m familiar with that dish.”

“You’ll see,” said Blaze.

“It’s an old Celtic recipe,” explained Minerva. “It is always eaten during Sam- . . . I mean, this time of year.” Minerva almost said Samhain again, and Blaze was glad she stopped herself from doing so. Tonight was all about All Hallows’ Eve, and he wanted to keep it that way.

“I have a wagon filled with hay to give rides around the orchard,” said Orvyn.

“Orvyn, I have seen you lately exchanging things with one of the village men.”

“My lord?” asked Orvyn, seeming extremely uncomfortable.

“What did that man from the village just give you?” asked Blaze. “It looked like some sort of missive.”

“I – it was nothing, Lord Blaze.”

“You have a sweetheart in the village, don’t you?” asked Milo, teasing him. “I’ve noticed too. You’re sending love notes back and forth, aren’t you?”

“I’d rather not say.” Orvyn looked down at the ground.

Blaze decided it was doing no harm and he didn’t want to ruin the celebration. He would let it go for now and ask Orvyn more about it in a few days.

“Carry on,” said Blaze.

“I’ll drive the children in the hay wagon. Can I drive it? Please?” asked Milo anxiously.

“Sure. Why not,” mumbled Blaze, not really caring. “Just stay near the manor and don’t go out into the woods tonight,” he added, not wanting Milo to show up with a wagonful of people at the stone circle later.

“Aye, my lord.” Milo and Orvyn walked off discussing what path the wagon ride should take.

“What’s the matter, Blaze?” asked Minerva. “You seem worried.”

He hadn’t had time yet to ask Milo not to say anything about the stone circle. Hopefully, with all the excitement of the festivities, the boy would forget about it for now.

“Nothing,” said Blaze.

“If you’re worried about Milo having seen the stone circle and telling others, don’t be,” said Lillith. “I’ve asked him to keep it to himself.”

“Thank you,” said Blaze, never thinking it would be Lillith who was helping to keep a secret such as this.

“Excuse me, my lord,” said Barnaby, interrupting. “The head cook says the food is ready.”

“Fine. Everyone, please take a seat. Lillith, you’ll join Mother and me at the dais they’ve constructed in the courtyard.”

Blaze’s raven flew down and Blaze held out his arm for a perch. It landed with stealth and grace.

“I think Ebony is hungry too,” said Lillith.

“She’s a beggar. Don’t give her a thing. She can find her own food. Go on, now,” said Blaze, jerking his arm and sending the bird back up into the sky.

Minerva’s cat shot between Blaze’s legs next, almost causing him to fall.

“Damn it,” he spat. “Mother, can’t you keep that thing in your chamber?”