“I have seen a few. A fifth century Roman chalice set with an eyeball-sized ruby and inscribedMajorian.”
“Emperor Julius Valerius Majorianus?” she asked, wide eyed.
He shrugged. “What do I know? I’m not the historian.”
Oh, if only it were authentic. She had to see it!
“I have also seen a page he claims is from William the Conqueror’sDoomsday Book.”
A short burst of laughter burst from her mouth. She couldn’t help it. It was a bit much.The Doomsday Book.
“You do not believe they are genuine.”
“No,” she answered though his was more of a statement of fact than a question.
“Nor do I, but he is the only man I know who may have heard of your brooch.”
“It’s notmybrooch.”
“Aye, ’tis,” he insisted. “You said your aunt left it to you.”
“She did,” Kes said. “I signed for it. So, it’s mine if I ever find it again.”
She realized that if she ever saw the brooch again, she would only have it for a minute until she rubbed it and spoke the namePendragon. And then it would belong to anyone who had been with her when she disappeared. Most likely that meant Nicholas.
She didn’t mention it to him.
They arrived at Old Walter’s home when the forest opened up and the sky was teeming with stars. In fourteen eighty-five, the stars could be clearly seen.
Kes was searching for constellations and almost missed the short, pudgy fellow stepping out of his doorway.
“My lord Scarborough, is that you?” he called out to them.
“Aye, Walter. I have with me Miss Kestrel Locksley of Bridlington.”
They rode up to the door and Nicholas dismounted before his host. “You are looking well, Walter”
“As are you, my lord.” He waited until Nicholas helped Kes dismount, and then smiled at them both while his stable hand took the reins. “Now, ’tis late, what can I show you?”
“We are looking for a brooch,” Nicholas told him.
“I have many of those. Why did you not say so today when you were here? Ah, let me guess. You want to let her choose. What are you looking for, dear lady?”
“A silver brooch—”
“A woman who enjoys fine things,” Old Walter complimented.
“’Tis an engraved dragon curled up around a golden stone. The name Pendragon must be on it but ’tis worn off and can no longer be seen.”
“You are very specific,” Walter remarked, narrowing his eye on her.
“Yes, I saw one long ago and I have always wanted it.”
“Hmm,” the old historian shook his head. “I do not think I have anything like that but come inside and we will look together.”
She followed him and Nicholas into his home and looked around. There were a number of old items placed carefully on tables and shelves. Kes’ heart began a heavy litany, battering against her chest. What was here? Was any of it genuine?
She saw a magnetic compass on a table. They came from the Far East in the seventh century. How did he get one? It was said King Alfred the Great had one.