Sir Tristan's Estate (Legends Unleashed Vol.1) by Heather Beck Page B

staying.
    Skye looked out the window. Darkness had
fallen and the abundant rows of trees that lined the poorly
maintained road were almost invisible. The road seemed to continue
forever. Fear began to creep into her emotions, adding to the
anxiety she already felt about driving down a deserted road with a
complete stranger.
    I wonder where the nearest house is. Probably
miles away.
    As Skye continued to watch, the large estate
suddenly loomed proudly in front of them. Everything came alive in
an instant; the moon seemingly appeared out of nowhere to cast down
its bright beams, while lights flickered in several rooms of the
estate. The finer details were hard to see despite the enthusiasm
from the moon and the glowing lanterns. This didn’t upset Skye
since her attention was drawn to a more interesting object, the man
standing outside the imposing metal gates.
    The driver rolled down his window. “Hello, I
have a woman here who claims she has some sort of business to take
care of in regards to the estate.”
    Skye felt her cheeks redden at his words. Not
only was the taxi driver making her sound foolish and incompetent,
he was actually putting her in danger. The man at the gate
could be anyone , she thought angrily. He could be a
murderer or a pervert. Was it really necessary for a singular and
feminine pronoun to both be used?
    “Skye Huntington?” the man at the gate leaned
closer.
    The taxi driver turned around in his seat and
looked expectantly at Skye. It suddenly occurred to her that they
hadn’t introduced themselves to each other.
    “Yes,” she said, her voice strong and
confident, just in case the man was a homicidal pervert.
    “I’m Tom Dove,” he replied. “I’ve been
expecting you. I’m your historical interpreter on behalf of the Sir
Tristan Estate.”
    “Then all plans are go?” Skye asked casually,
peering at Tom through the opened window. She remembered being told
that the interpreter’s name was Tom Dove. She’d never speculated
that he would be so handsome.
    The light, which came from the lantern he
held in his hands, highlighted his features. He stood tall at five
foot eleven and had a lean, muscular build. His face carried his
most magnificent features: blue eyes that sparkled with life and
lips that formed a smile with every word he spoke. Tom’s short
brownish blond hair complimented his face in the most beautiful
way.
    “Of course the plans are still active,” Tom
said, breaking Skye’s reverie.
    Not knowing what to say next, Skye simply
smiled and exited the taxi. The driver was about to step out of the
vehicle as well, but Tom stopped him.
    Tom took control, in an efficient yet courtly
manner. “Are the lady’s belongings in the trunk?”
    “Yes,” Skye answered, pointing to the
trunk.
    “I’ll get them,” Tom offered with a
smile.
    Skye smiled back in appreciation and then
paid the taxi driver.
    “Thank you,” Skye said, bidding goodbye to
her short-term companion.
    Skye shivered as the taxi disappeared down
the dark road. I hope there are other people in the estate. She glanced sideways at Tom. He looked like a kind, handsome man
but she didn’t want to be deserted in the middle of nowhere with
him.
    “Let’s get you inside,” Tom said, stealing
Skye’s attention away from the empty road. “Virginian nights can
get very cool.”
    Skye followed Tom as he placed the lantern on
the ground and unlocked the gate with a large silver key. Skye bent
down to pick up the lantern, and Tom had the same idea. They both
knelt at the same time and almost knocked each other’s head.
    Tom laughed. “Would you like to carry the
lantern?”
    “Since you’re carrying my suitcase, it’s the
least I can do,” Skye replied.
    “Sounds fair to me.” Tom smiled as he locked
the gate behind them.
    “Am I correct in saying that you work at the
Sir Tristan Estate?” Skye inquired.
    “Yes. But I’ve only worked here for a few
weeks. Although I’m new around here, I know a lot about