The Druid Knight Tale II

 

The Lady and Her Quill

 

Inside Scoop - Lord and Lady Wesley Reynolds

 

Welcome to the first volume of The Inside Scoop, Radio Transcripts of Guest Interviews. My name is Justin Case, host and executive producer of The Inside Scoop, where we interview the characters in the stories created by author Ruth A. Casie.

The interviews in this transcript are for the characters in The Stelton Legacy series and takes place in front of a live audience.

After several years of enjoying these interviews with a few friends, I decided to put our interview transcripts in a book format. It was a labor of love.

I ask everyone to sit back and imagine sitting in a comfortable chair and talking with these heroic people. I hope my interviews are informative and thought provoking and that you enjoy reading them as much as I had conducting them.

If these interviews spur questions of your own, contact me via Ms. Casie at Ruth@RuthACasie.com. She and I will work together to get you answers.

Episode Five

The Pirate’s Jewel

Lord Wesley and Lady Darla Reynolds

Previously Recorded

Welcome to the fifth episode of The Inside Scoop. I am your host and moderator, Justin Case. In our continuing effort to bring you information about the people portrayed in The Stelton Legacy, we’ve been able to pull off a real coup. Today our guests are Lord and Lady Wesley Reynolds, the parents of Lady Lisbeth Reynolds-Stelton. Lisbeth is the wife of Alex Stelton, the seventh son of the seventh son of Phillip and Celeste Stelton, but that is another story.

Tonight we meet Lady Darla Maxwell, a young woman whose father Graeme Maxwell and close friend, Lord Ewan MacDougall were searching for a suitable husband for her. Lady Darla has a … magical background which as a young woman she sought to deny. I hope we can find out more about how her magic influenced the outcome of the story.

Lord Wesley Reynolds, the son of the well-known silk merchant William Reynolds has a most interesting background that I hope he’ll elaborate on today. It’s what made him the man trusted by the King of England as well as the Guardians of Scotland.

One moment, please. I’m getting instructions from our producer. (Listens to instructions over his earpiece). Ladies and gentlemen. Our producer has just informed me our guests have arrived at the studio.

Ah. The lights have dimmed. A hush has come over the studio. I can see into the wings. Yes. The door has opened. The anticipation in the room is palpable. Wait. I see them. They’re walking toward us. They have a stately and commanding appearance, and they’re holding hands. It is very tender and touching.

(Justin rose from his chair as his guests’ approach.)

Justin: Lord Wesley, Lady Darla. It’s good to meet you.

(Chairs scrape the floor, feet shuffle as everyone takes their seats.)

Justin: Lady Darla please sit here next to Lord Wesley.

(Darla and Wesley hold hands. Wesley eases back in his chair and crosses his legs in a relaxed position.)

Justin: Thank you for granting us an interview. Everyone here at Inside Scoop is excited you’re with us.

Lord Wesley: Lady Darla and I are happy to be with you today.

Justin: Our time is short so unless you have any questions I’d like to get right to the questions.

Wesley: I have no questions at the moment. Please begin.

Justin: (Papers rustle as Justin gets settled.) Lord Wesley, you have a very interesting personal history with several twists and turns. Please explain how your background made you the man you are today.

Wesley: As a young man I followed in my father’s footsteps. He was both an excellent silk merchant and business man. He taught me the silk business from cultivating the silk worms, to making the final bolts of cloth, to selling and shipping the bolts. I learned by traveling with him and observing him at his work. He was a well-respected merchant and excellent negotiator. When he passed away, I was ready to take over although I will never be able to take his place.

(Darla squeezes Wesley’s hand, her face full of encouragement.)

Justin: I understand you sailed out of the Cinque Ports in southern Europe, in the service of the King of England. Some say you were a privateer.

(Wesley lets go of Darla’s hand and moves to the edge of his seat.)

Wesley: Why do you ask?

Darla: Wesley. (She touches her husband’s arm.)

Wesley: My Love, it still pains me to think of those days much less speak about them.

(Darla gives her husband an encouraging smile. Wesley turns back to Justin and lets out a slow breath.)

Wesley: I provided the king with the silks he wanted, as I did with many monarchs across Europe. Because of my connections I was a good sounding board for him. I had my own ships and one thing led to another. I had no love for the Spanish. They thought I was a charity, taking my goods without paying for them. So, I simply took from their ships to repay their debt. All in all, a good transaction.

Darla: When Wesley’s father took ill he went to help him.

Wesley: There were certain family incidents that happened. Over the years, my brother told me what happened and why. I believed Darla’s father and Lord Ewan, my father’s closest friends plotted against him and my family. I thought they ruined his business and took his property, circumstances that led to his death.

Justin: You said you thought they conspired against your father. I surmise you don’t believe that now. What made you believe it in the first place and why did you have a change of heart?

Wesley: Simply said, I put my trust in someone close and was deceived.

Justin: Did this have anything to do with the pirate king, MacAlpin?

(Wesley chuckles.)

Wesley: I understand why you ask. The MacAlpin has the reputation of being a ruthless savage pirate. But, in all my dealings with him he proved to be fair and trustworthy. He was instrumental is seeing justice was served. It was difficult after years of believing something so strongly that it became your essence, to have the truth uncovered and recognize you’d been lied to for a very long time.

Justin: I’m sure it is. I understand Lady Darla was at your side.

Darla: From the first moment we met on the docks by my father’s ship and I mistook him for Lord Ewan’s son-in-law, Magnus I was drawn to Wesley. I was relieved to learn he wasn’t Magnus. Very pleased in deed.

Wesley: Darla’s father, Lord Graeme Maxwell--

Justin: The renowned gem and jewelry merchant?

(Darla beamed with pride.)

Wesley: Yes. Maxwell and Lord Ewan were nothing like I expected. After my father’s death I was told again of their thievery, had it stamped into my brain. I didn’t question it. You see, from an early age I was fostered to the Highland Maxwells. When I came back and worked with my father he had already moved the family from our home on Lord Ewan’s island, forced out I was told. I accepted it as truth and when my father died I vowed to take revenge for all the injustices Graeme Maxwell and Ewan MacDougall did to my father and family.

Darla: Wesley thought to use me as a pawn in his effort to hurt my father.

Wesley: (He turns to Darla) That wasn’t one of my shining moments. The more time we spent together and the more I got to know you, your father, and Lord Ewan, the more I knew I had it all wrong, but evil kept buzzing in my ear, pushing me to carry out the plans.

Darla: You found the truth. It’s all over now.

(Wesley holds Darla’s hand and looks into her eyes.)

Wesley: I’m a very lucky man.

(Justin coughs to remind them they aren’t alone. They both turn toward Justin.)

Justin: Lady Darla, I understand you have unique insight—

Wesley: Come Darla. (Wesley gets to his feet.) It’s time to leave.

(Justin, astonished by Lord Wesley’s action looks at Wesley. Darla remains calm and seated.)

Justin: M’lord. I apologize if I have offended you or your lady.

Darla: No, Mr. Case. My husband is very protective. (Darla stands next to her husband.) I do have a unique ability. I have second sight. I see things before they happen. Some people—

Wesley: Unintelligent, witless ones--

Darla: Mr. Case gets your meaning. Some people believe it witchcraft. They say and do foolish things. It is why I kept to myself while growing up. Why I never allowed myself to become attached to a gentleman. How could I get someone I loved tangled in that rat’s nest. Some may see my gift as a blessing, but I assure you it is not. Imagine knowing something terrible is going to happen and you’re not able to influence it at all. I thought I would never marry. I was satisfied with being alone the rest of my life. I was wrong. I had no idea that I waited for the right person, my soul mate. I never saw that coming until I met Wesley. So much for my second sight. When I found him I knew I would never let him go. He is my love, my life.

(Wesley takes his wife in his arms. Justin stands.)

Wesley: As you are mine. (Wesley turns to Justin.) Deception and family honor were at stake.

Darla: So was my heart.

Wesley: Do you have any other questions?

Justin: No, Lord Wesley. Thank you both for speaking to us. (He turns to the audience.) Thank you for coming today. Lady Darla hasn’t told us much about her second sight, but I understand it is quite interesting. You can find out more about Lady Darla’s magic and Lord Wesley in The Pirate’s Jewel. Until next time.

The Pirate’s Jewel

Deception and family honor are at stake – so is her heart.

Wesley Reynolds will do anything to avenge his family’s banishment from Dundhragon Castle even throw in with the notorious pirate, MacAlpin. His plan, ruin Lord Ewan’s trading network. He has a more devious plan for his father’s ‘best friend,’ the man who abandoned them at the eleventh hour. He’ll ruin the man’s most precious jewel, his daughter Darla. Wesley’s so close to ruining the trade network and succeeding he can almost taste it, but revenge is not nearly as sweet as Darla’s kisses.

Darla Maxwell, beloved by her parents has no prospects of marriage. Her father and Lord Ewan search to find her the right husband. Darla’s special gifts are frightening to many. She has visions that often come true. The murky image of a man haunts her, she’s sure it’s Lord Ewan’s soon-to-be son-in-law, but the vision morphs when she meets Wesley. The meaning couldn’t be any clearer to her, her destiny lies with Wesley.

When revelations surface indicating Wesley has been deceived and his revenge misplaced. Will he find the truth of what really happened to his family in time to stop the pirates? Will Darla ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?

Buy Link: Kindle Unlimited https://amzn.to/2Cyrbev

Excerpt from The Guardian's Witch

Her eyes fluttered open. She stood at the lodge door. The mist was everywhere, low and heavy. He stepped toward her out of the forest. His stride was sure and strong. His gray eyes sparkled like lightning.

He drew closer, never taking his eyes from hers. Closer. She could see his strong soft lips. Closer. She reached out-her hand itching to touch him.

He gently took her hand and tucked it through his arm. They strolled the shrouded grounds amidst the swirling autumn leaves. The bare branches were in stark contrast to the one tree which still held late fall blossoms. They stopped under the canopy of blossoms.  

He reached up and picked a bloom and tucked it behind her ear. His hand stoked the side of her face. His eyes never left her mouth. He gently ran his thumb over her lower lip. Her breath caught and she moaned. He eased close to her and encircled her in his arms. A sense of urgency drove her and her body ached for his touch. She leveled her head and was captured by the longing in his eyes. The very thought made her chest tighten.

The blossoms in the tree swayed in the light evening breeze sending a light perfume in the air.

He bent his head closer and tenderly kissed her forehead. He raised her head and captured her lips. Liquid heat roared through her veins. Every nerve was alive. Every touch of his lips made her dizzy with delight. He took her moan into his mouth and completed it with his own.

He kissed her cheek lightly. He worked his way to her earlobe and gave it a gentle nip until he took it into his mouth. His warm breath in her ear sent chills of delight cascading through her. She sank further into his arm. He trailed velvety warm kisses down her neck. Another moan, more guttural than the first, escaped her lips.

The urgency of the wind disturbed the blossoms sending a light dusting of delicate petals raining down on them. The rising wind matched the swirling desire deep inside her.

He pressed his manhood against her leg while his lips seared a path down her neck. She gasped at the sensations and held him tighter lest he disappear. The top of her gown around her waist, his hand covered her breast and she thought she would die from the exquisite joy. His mouth advanced in a warm steady march across her collar bone and down the soft incline of her breast. He hesitated, a thoughtful expression spread across his face. She panicked he would stop. He looked into her eyes. She noted something deep and primal in his. A sense of urgency drove her. She attempted half-heartedly to control the dizzying current racing through her. He dipped his head. His mouth found the softness of her breast. He slowly licked her hardened nipple.

Her soft curves molded into the hard planes of his body. He raised his head and gazed into his passion filled eyes. She closed her eyes as he bent to her neck. His hot breath against her ear whispered, Mine. She listened to the tinkling of the hard shell of her resistance shatter into a million pieces. How would she ever be the same? Her hands raked his back. She threw her head back to give him more room. His long low groan made her hot and wet.

The wind picked up – slowly at first. The white blossoms danced and floated in the air. The faster her heart beat, the wilder the wind blew, the more insistent she became, until the blossoms pelted them angrily.

Trapped between the tree and Alex, Lisbeth was lost and didn’t care. Safe, the horror and guilt were gray shadows. She could conquer them with Alex.

One last gust of wind and the blossoms were gone. Alex pulled away his eyes glistening with unspent desire. He tucked her head against his chest. “Mine,” he whispered. He kissed the top of her head.

She let out a soft sigh. “Forever,” she said softly. The strong steady beat of his heart lulled her to sleep.

Heart

He’d go through the seven circles of hell to rescue Rebeka. “I should have anticipated… I should have warned her,” he said to the empty room. Lord Arik slammed his fist onto the wooden table and set the papers flying. Slowly, he sank into the chair, his elbows on the table-his forehead resting on his clasped hands. “I should have… I should have protected her.” He straightened up, took a deep breath, and wiped away the self condemnation. That wouldn't rescue her from Bran. He raked his hand through his hair and stared blankly at the papers. Another deep breath, then another. Finally, the tempest calmed.

 The crackling of the fire along with the whiff of melted wax and spent sulfur brought him back to the present. Last night the air was tinged with the fragrance of lavender and rose, her scent. The muscle along his jaw tensed. His body hummed with determination.

There was little comfort in knowing she was 400 years in the future, in a time she once knew well. With renewed purpose he spent the next several bent over the table. He rummaged through documents, transcribed arcane symbols, and created new formulas. He checked the books which lay open and scattered everywhere for confirmation.

Tired but satisfied he straightened in his chair and rested against its back. He had checked and rechecked his formulas. He unfolded from the chair, stiff from the long hours of not moving, and surveyed his tower room. His eyes scanned and checked the chalk markings that danced on the walls where once beautiful tapestries hung. Now, runes and formulas covered every inch of the high tower walls. He picked up a piece of chalk and methodically followed the formula while he softly chanted. He reviewed every character, symbol and line. He erased a section and replaced it with a new combination of runes. 

He made the final adjustment and out of the quiet he heard the soft chant of another druid. A sense of fulfillment flooded him. He could taste success.  The new rune tattooed added to the others that ran up his back and over his shoulder gave off a warm sensation. It was the one for his heart, for Rebeka. Dare he hope for success? He gave his body a slight shake as if shaking off restraining hands. No, he would succeed.

The ancient pentagram drawn in gold covered the floor between the hearth and the scrying mirror that hung on the wall. The pentagram had been there long before him, his father, or his grandfather. Now great globs of melted wax and smudges of chalk surround the relic and attested to the many times Arik and his brother, Logan, tried to open the time portal. Carefully, Arik adjusted the markings. Now, all was ready. Now his heart would be whole.

Excerpt from Knight of Rapture