Dark Thorn - Grim Oak Press

S HAWN S PEAKMAN
Cormac knew the captain’s warm bed had a warmer female
body still in it.
“The attacked is the son of Ardall,” Cormac replied instead.
The smile dropped from Finn’s mouth.
“Do I have your attention now?” Cormac questioned, gratified
at the captain’s change.
Finn Arne sat straighter. “Does His Eminence know?”
“The Pope has other pressing matters to contend with. It is
best he know nothing of this—at least, not until it is finished.”
“And the others?” Finn Arne asked.
Cormac thought about the Vigilo. The other Cardinals were
all devout and strong, entrusted with most Vatican secrets. The
Pope led the Vigilo but the Vicar was its true leader. It oversaw
the portals, prepared for any attempt by those on the other side to
return from Annwn. The Church led the Yn Saith knights as best
it could despite the machinations of the old wizard, but over the
centuries the Vigilo had lost much of its power. Cormac breathed
deep. Beyond this new situation there was an opportunity to gain
a power the Church had had only once in its long past.
Including the other Cardinals could disrupt what chance
Cormac had of gaining that power.
Finn Arne would know the truth, as would the Seer.
That would be it.
Cormac returned the man’s icy stare. “You alone will know
of this.”
“The portal here is safe?”
“It is. Cardinal Seer Ramirez and Ennio Rossi protect it. If it
were not safe, I would know.”
“What is it you want me to do?”
“Bring young Ardall here,” Cormac ordered. “This must be
done discreetly and quickly.”
“How did you learn of this? Certainly not from McAllister.”
“From a spy in the employ of Archbishop Glenallen at my
behest. I have had a certain bookstore in Seattle watched for some
time now. Even if the old man avoids capture in one of his places
of business, the Vigilo knows what transpires there,” the Cardinal
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