Damien's Destiny by Jean Hart Stewart Read Free Book Online

lesson? I purely hate Latin.”
    “We both know you do, Rafe.” Jason grinned “This is about the hundredth time I’ve heard you say those very words. Or maybe it’s one hundred and one.”
    Jason jumped to his feet and held out his hand to Damien.
    “Hope you want to come too, Damien. You’re better than either of us at Latin, blast your hide.”
    They marched away together, Damien with a song in his soul. His friends understood him better and were still his friends. May he always use Merlin’s magic to their advantage.
    And so the three had formed a lasting bond.
    He had never exercised his power in front of them again. He hoped they’d buried the memory far in the back of their minds.
    Damien, Rafe and Jase. The three had become much respected and little challenged at Eton and then at Oxford. Each of them had always known he could ask anything of the others.
    Damien had been forever grateful he’d restrained his mage’s magic during that time. He was never again tempted to turn the bullies to a helpless state just to teach them feeling helpless can hurt. He learned to use his fists in ways he’d not suspected he could, for one thing. Not only had he come to rely more on his own strength but such friends as Jason and Rafe were beyond compare. He didn’t want to chance losing them. He would do anything for either of them.

Chapter Four
     
    Damien now concentrated completely on what Jason was saying.
    “How did it happen, Jase? Where was Rafe when he was captured?”
    Damien’s voice was mild but his knuckles whitened as he grasped the arms of his chair. He didn’t think it necessary to mention he’d just heard Rafe’s voice in his head, asking for help from his friend.
    “From what I can gather the African leader, Lobengula, captured him easily when Rafe went to him in peace. Rafe was actually trying to join Lobengula’s group and help the natives fight against Cecil Rhodes. Rafe seems to often get into trouble taking the side of the underdog. I’d guess Lobengula has been tricked too many times to believe Rafe is sincerely on his side, although at least he didn’t kill him. He seems to have treated him with little respect though. It’s essential to rescue him.”
    Damien winced. Jason didn’t want to tell the women in so many words Rafe was probably being tortured.
    “How much ransom will it take?” Damien asked. He kept his voice quiet but Toria stared at his set face and shivered.
    “A great deal, I’m afraid. Will you permit me to deliver the money for you? I know you can’t go yourself.”
     
    Damien didn’t answer for a while. The others waited, knowing he was debating what to do. As for Damien, his thoughts tumbled one over the other. He longed to go himself to save Rafe. Rafe must have gone to the British part of South Africa, probably Cape Colony and traveled inland to Mashonaland. Damien’s skills, both medical and magical, might make the vital difference. But he couldn’t leave Toria for the length of time it would surely take. The rescuer would have to go deep into South Africa, a hazardous journey and a long one. In no way could he possibly subject Toria to such a journey. The only choice he had was to stay away from her and keep her safe while Jason went in his place.
    He firmed his jaw and finally spoke.
    “We’d better plan, then. I think the quickest way is for you to sail directly from Dover.”
    Jason showed his relief he’d been chosen by a slight loosening of his shoulders.
    Damien continued thinking out loud.
    “My yacht is much too small for such a long trip. However, I’m friends with the captain of a larger yacht renting out for cruises through the Greek Islands. As I recall, his boat has berths for six. He’ll be glad to accommodate me if he can. He happens to feel in debt to me. We’ll hope he’s free. But I’ll phone the harbor master and find out if he’s there.”
    Jason knew better than to ask what the favor had been. To show such complete confidence