Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

Aaran

T he cut on the bottom of Bert’s foot is deep, but after a good tongue lashing, Nainsi heals it.

I am sorry for the interruption, but perhaps it’s for the best. I’ll need more than a quick tumble with Harper, and there isn’t time for more than that.

A crowd is gathering in the center of the village, and the guest house is only a few steps away from all the commotion.

Late summer brings cooler nights and is reason enough for a large fire to set a party around. Harper’s arrival has lifted the spirits of these people. They see hope where before there were only visions of the end of our lives, our way of life.

Watching her dance with one of the boys, I wish I could spare her all of this. If I had let her mother die, she might have been safe in the human world. An impossible choice, but I still don’t know if it was the right one. Though at the time, it felt obvious to save Maggie and spare Harper the loss of another parent. For my own selfish reasons, I want her back in her strange little connected home, safe from what’s to come.

Her laugh is like music on the breeze.

If I had left her there, she would not lie in my arms as we rest or look at me as if I’m all she sees. Perhaps that need for her attention is even more selfish.

Maybe she hears my thoughts. She turns to me, and her warm smile draws me in. Her hair shines in the firelight with streaks of red and blond in a rare moment when it’s loose about her shoulders. Selina sent Harper a flowing green dress that sparkles with silver threads and hugs her curves.

Like a fish on her hook, I’m reeled in until I’m standing inches from her. “You look very beautiful.”

Her cheeks turn the most delicious peach color. “I’m glad you think so.” She smooths her hands down the soft silk of the dress, accentuating the way it fits along the sides of her breasts and narrows at her waist. “I’ve never worn anything so elegant.”

Three elves with a fiddle, lute, and drum are our entertainment for the evening. They play a slower, softer tune than the jig Harper danced with the boy.

I wrap an arm around her waist and take her hand. “I’m sorry to have dragged you into this. Maybe I shouldn’t say that, or even think it, but I would take you home to safety if I could.”

Her lips are full, and knowing how soft they are, it’s hard to concentrate on the steps of the dance. She cocks her head, and her waves of luscious hair tumble along her long neck. “You have no choice, Aaran. If your oracle is right, all of these people will die without me and the other two human women. Do you think I want that to happen? I’m afraid, terrified actually, but I said I would do this, and I will if I can.”

How had she become this brave soul? Her gaze shifts to the group of young boys playing near the edge of the party, and then to the large group eating at the long tables laden with every kind of food. Everyone is happy and hopeful, while I’m wishing she were home safe with her mother.

Fear and worry reflect in her green eyes before she closes them and presses her cheek to my shoulder. “Let’s just enjoy the night. Tomorrow we can think about shadows and light.”

“Wise as well as beautiful.” I wrap her tightly in my arms. “How will I do without you when you return to your world?”

She sighs against me. “I imagine you’ll go on with your life here. From what I understand, your mother is an important person. You’ll likely have many duties to fulfill. You’ll have no time to think about the human woman you once knew for a short time.”

“I hope you know that’s not true.” Unable to resist, I comb my fingers through her silken hair. “I imagine I will think of you every day of my life, Harper Craig, and elves live a long time.”

“You always say nice things.” Another sigh and then the music ends.

Nainsi grabs Harper’s hand. “Come and eat something. You have never had a true elven feast, and there are many lovely things to try.”

There’s no choice but to release her, though I want to hold her for a lifetime or more.

“She is lovely.” Selina offers me a cup of cider. “I have never seen a human before. I expected them to look more like Nainsi’s mate.” She nods toward the burly dark-haired fisherman.

“Humans are even more diverse than elves, Selina.” I keep an eye on Harper as she tries the fish pie.

“Are they all as brave and noble as the two here tonight?” Selina drinks, and as Jax joins us, she wraps her arm through his.

“I was only there for a few weeks, but I would say they are some brave and some cowardly, some noble and some ignoble. They are as varied as the snowflakes in winter.” I love the way Harper’s nose wrinkles when she doesn’t like the sour wine an elder gives her to try.

“And evil? Are there those who are evil among them?” Jax looks toward the woods that border the land to the east.

I search where he’s looking but see nothing. When I was at Harper’s home, I watched her television each day. It was full of news of such things. “I didn’t meet anyone who felt dark, but I heard stories of murder and chaos in the human world. Not dissimilar to Domhan.”

Jax’s eyes are sharp, and his jaw ticks. “But here we have elves like me who sense the evil in another.”

Patting his arm, Selina soothes, but says, “And yet, with all our abilities, we didn’t stop Venora from becoming a monster, or the people who followed her from being turned into shadow demons. Do not judge the human world, Jax. We know little of it other than they lack magic.”

Not swayed, Jax continues, “Yet I feel the magic in this woman Aaran brought. It is strong.”

“She is in the light.” I shouldn’t have to defend Harper. Even if I did, it shouldn’t feel so ferocious.

Selina steps in front of her husband and presses a hand to his chest. “Do not insult our guests.”

Jax nods once in acceptance.

Turning toward me, Selina’s eyes are bright and sympathetic. “Harper is neither light nor dark. I feel her magic as keenly as Jax does. You would too if you would allow yourself to see.”

“I was sent to find her and bring her here. I’ve seen her magic as she used it to save my life and kill a shadow demon. She is in the light.” I force my hands to relax so I’m not threatening the leader of an elven community. My heart is pounding, and I take a step back as well.

With a soft smile, Selina shows why she is the leader here. “No one is accusing this chosen one of anything, Aaran. We are only noting that she could be turned to darkness, as it too lives within her. I find her charming and true, but her magic is a rainbow of light with all the colors showing. Surely you have seen that.”

Remembering the first time Harper’s aura appeared in the hotel mirror, I can’t deny that there were dark hues as well as light. “I have seen.”

“Then we must pray that her character is as strong as her magic.” Jax’s stance has relaxed, and he wraps an arm around Selina’s waist.

“I believe in Harper Craig. I have staked my life on it.” My heart tightens as I watch her close her eyes in rapture over a sweet bite of dessert.

Harper

The party is still going on late into the night. The bonfire has been fed, and sparks roar into the darkness.

The planets and moon appear smaller and sit higher in the sky. Another has risen, and I’m told that’s another moon. It looks similar to Earth’s moon, and I can’t help admiring other similarities between my world and Aaran’s. This place and these people have burrowed under my skin and into my heart in such a short time that I can hardly breathe from the responsibility of their lives.

Suddenly the party feels too crowded, too close.

Walking out of the circle of firelight, I head for the trees and some peace. I need to think. The orbiting celestial bodies and stars give plenty of light, and soon I’m sitting alone on a boulder with only the trees for company.

What if I’m the weakest link in this impossible chain? What if it’s my fault these people die, or worse, are turned into shadow demons? I’m clumsy and a devout procrastinator. My closets are a mess, and I rarely fold my clothes before I stuff them in a drawer. How am I the savior for these people?

My breath is coming harder and faster, and my head gets light. Leaning forward, I put my head between my knees. “Breathe, Harper. Don’t pass out alone in the woods of a strange world.”

“It would make things easier if you did, as you say, pass out.” A woman’s stern voice cuts the silence.

I stand and put my hands up as if I have some kind of weapon.

A portal with no swirl or wind is open in the trees, and in front of it is a woman with raven hair and large hazel eyes. “You look very ordinary to be a prophecy.”

“Who are you?” I step back, but my calves hit the boulder.

“I can end all your worries, chosen one.” She’s beautiful, but something about her makes my stomach churn. “I am Venora Braddish. You should be honored I came for you personally. I wouldn’t make the journey for just anyone.”

“The witch queen,” I mutter.

Her smile reveals straight white teeth, but even they look wrong. “I am all-seeing, all-knowing. You wish to be released from this unfair burden these elves have placed on you. I can give you that. Come with me, and I’ll spare your world when the time comes.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Her eyes flash with rage, and for a second, she’s not beautiful. Her eyes are sunken black holes in a rutted face and her hair is wiry and thin. Then she’s again stunning. “You doubt my word?”

It’s a glamor. This is what she looked like before she gave in to the darkness growing inside her. I don’t even need to touch her to feel the putrefaction of her soul. “Everything about you is a lie, Venora Braddish.”

She lifts her hand, and dark fire shoots from her palms.

I duck and cover my head while holding my hands up and praying for strength.

The dark magic bounces off me and hits a tall tree behind me. The tree explodes, and raindrop-size shards of wood and bits of leaves rain down.

Screams sound from the village, and soon the sound of running feet reaches us.

Venora narrows her gaze on me. “What are you?”

“Nothing. I’m a woman.” I have no idea what she means or what I’m meant to say. I don’t know why her magic bounced off me, and if I’m honest, I have no business defending anyone against this creature.

“And you accuse me of lying. No one and nothing can stop my magic.”

Aaran, Nainsi, Bert, Jax, and Selina rush into the woods, followed by hundreds of armed elves. Aaran has his sword out and his other hand raised for magic. They stop short at the sight of Venora.

The way she shattered that tree, I fear for them. Standing between the witch queen and the people of Clandunna, I realize she could kill them with another blast, and maybe I could save a few, but not all. “What do you want from me, witch?”

Aaran steps forward.

Shooting magic at another tree, Venora backs him off and shatters the arbor to tiny bits. “Stay back, eldest of the Riordan. I will kill them all. This is between me and your chosen human. Let her decide how this evening of celebration will end.” She looks at me. “Come with me now, chosen one.” She practically spits out the title. “Or I will see this village razed to the ground. I will kill every living thing within the stench of this place. It will be nothing but death for as far as your feeble eyes can see. Choose.”

Aaran watches, his face stricken with pain and worry. Can he know my choices are untenable? He must know. Watch all these people I came here to save die, or go to my death with this evil monster. I focus my thoughts on his. I will hold on as long as I can. Keep them safe.

In return, I hear Aaran’s voice clear and true in my mind. I will come for you, mo chroi.

Gripping my hands together so she can’t see how they shake, I turn my back on the elves and walk into the shadowy portal with the witch queen.

Aaran

Jax and Selina have been arguing for ten minutes over the value of saving Harper, or if it’s even possible. Their four children, all boys, sit on the steps of the cottage, their blond heads turning as they look at their mother and then their father as if they’re at a sporting match.

Nainsi is attempting reason with a compelling speech about the fact that we’ll all die eventually if we don’t save Harper.

Bert remains silent but stays by my side. I have the feeling, despite his lack of magic, he knows what I’m planning.

It’s nice to have someone’s full support.

I’m only half listening. How can I get to the old city quickly and without being detected? Once I get there, how do I reach Harper without being turned into a shadow demon? No elf has ever returned from the old city since Venora and her followers overthrew my mother’s government.

Selina turns toward me. “I assume you’re going no matter what is decided here?”

“Do you have the means to speak to my mother?” My magic is not going to be enough. I have questions only my mother can answer.

After studying me for a long moment, she says, “I can call to her through the scrying bowl.”

Jax shakes his head. “We don’t know if the witch can intercept those messages.”

“We don’t know that she can’t either, and I suspect she’s a bit busy with other matters at this moment.” Selina opens a cupboard under the stairs and pulls a glass bowl nearly two feet in diameter from the shelf. Bringing it to the table, she says, “Broc, fetch some water.”

The eldest boy jumps from the steps and runs to the kitchen. A few moments later, he returns with a pitcher of water.

Taking it from him, Selina smooths his hair. She pours the water into the scrying bowl until the vessel is nearly full, then backs away. “Do you know the magic, or do you need me to begin?”

I stand over the bowl. “I know the magic.” Closing my eyes, I focus my thoughts, pushing the strain and worry over Harper to the back of my mind. It takes all my training to move her out of the forefront, and the image of her stepping through the dark portal is the last thing to budge.

Calling the magic, I open my eyes and think of my mother. The water in the bowl wavers as if someone spilled a drop at the center. My mother’s blue eyes and the feather made of gold that she wears in her hair are the first things I see. Her image is murky but becomes clearer until she’s smiling up at me, as comforting and beautiful as ever.

“Aaran, you are well?” The relief in her voice warms me.

My father’s face slides in next to hers. “We’re happy to see you. Where are you? Did you find her?”

“It’s more than good to see you both too. I’m fine. We came through with Nainsi and her man Bert.” My burden feels a bit easier seeing my parents and knowing they’re well. “We’re in Clandunna. Have Raith or Liam come home?”

Mother shakes her head. “We’ve not heard from either of your brothers yet.”

“Did the human woman come back with you?” My father is all business, even though I know he’s glad I’m alive and well.

“That’s why I’m scrying for you. Mother, Venora took her. She threatened the village to get Harper to go with her. I have to go after her, but I don’t know the magic to get me to the old city without being detected.” The hint of desperation in my voice isn’t something I’m proud of, but there’s no help for it. I feel as if my heart has been torn in half.

Sorrow shines in Mother’s eyes. “That poor woman. Venora will try to change her.”

“She may already be a shadow demon.” My father curses.

Nainsi says, “No. I don’t think it’s that simple to change the chosen one, Brion. If she could have, she’d have done it while we were all watching. That would have ended all our hopes. If should could have made us think Harper ran off, she’d have taken the girl without any fuss. Instead, a tree exploded. One of the very old ones, as if it was giving its last to send out a warning. I think Venora attacked Harper and somehow the tree was the casualty. Whatever magic is in that girl, and I’ve seen the beginnings of it, it may be stronger than the witch queen’s.”

That gets Father’s attention. “You can use the ancient gates. Venora can’t control the magic of the old gods. I’ll warn you, the ride is pretty rough, but you can land less than a mile to the west of the old city. It’s on a hillside, and there will be some cover, but not much.”

Mother nods. “From Clandunna, the nearest gate is twenty miles east. There you’ll find an old stone gate hidden in a stand of trees. Use caution, Aaran. Your magic has to be pure and full of light if you’re to get to her without losing yourself. If Selina can part with a few good soldiers, take a small party.”

“I will give you what you need,” Selina says.

Father’s frown says it all. He knows trying to gain access to the old city and the castle is near to suicide. Once it was our capital, and we called it Priomn Bhail; now it is Tobhtá, ruin. I was born there but feel few ties to the place. The valley where my mother and father hold the peace is my home.

Father says, “Without the chosen ones, we are doomed, son.”

“I promised her I would come for her and protect her. I’ll not waver on that promise.”

Mother cocks her head as if she’s looking inside my soul. Her smile is soft and knowing. “I know you will always do what is right. We don’t doubt you, Aaran. We are parents who fear losing our oldest child.”

I swallow down the knot in my throat. “I’ll see you soon.” As I let the magic go, the water dims, and the images disappear.

Nainsi slaps me on the back. “I thought for a moment you would let her go.”

“No.” I grip the hilt of my sword.

“I didn’t hear you make her any promises in the woods.” Jax slips his sword into the sheath at his side.

“We can speak without words.” It seems personal, but if I’m going to gain a few warriors from Clandunna, I’ll have to be as honest as I can.

Selina steps close and cups my cheeks. Looking deeply into my eyes, she examines me as if I’m new to her. “You have a bond with Harper?”

I nod. “Though I didn’t know such a thing was possible without other intimacies.” Most people only gain such a bond after sex on the night of their promise.

Cocking her head, Selina says, “No. Nor did I. I must stay here and protect the people. Jax will go with you, and he will choose four more of our best warriors. I don’t imagine you will want too large a group.”

I bow. “Thank you, Selina. The eight of us will be more than enough and small enough to slip through unnoticed.”

Jax grips Bert’s shoulder. “The old portals are not meant for your kind. Are you certain you wish to go on this mission, Bert Donaldson?”

“Will it kill me?” There’s no fear in Bert’s question.

Jax smiles wildly. “No, but it may make you wish you were dead for a moment or two.”

“I can live with that.” Bert is a strong man who earned his muscles through hard work at sea.

“Let’s get you a weapon. Do you think you can handle a sword?” Jax starts toward the door with Nainsi and Bert.

“I’m better with throwing knives, but a good dagger might do.”

I watch them go, and I stare at the closed door long after they’re gone. Closing my eyes, I lean my palms on the table. “I should have protected her better. I never saw her leave the party.”

Selina sits and slowly spins the scrying bowl. “You will find her and get her out of there. I do not doubt you or Harper Craig. She is true, and I think her heart leans toward good.”

Selina’s four sons sit with their sweet faces between the spindles on the stairs. I want to save them. Four pairs of blue eyes blink back at me. I pray that my brothers and I will succeed and help save them and the world for them to grow up in. “Even though Jax doubts her?”

Looking at her boys, she smiles. “I long for a daughter for them to dote on. Jax is cautious about things he doesn’t understand. The world of humans is wrought with tales of dishonor, and that is what worries him.”

“There are many stories that tell the opposite. But I understand his concern. We all fear what we don’t know. I thought I would walk into the human world, tell Harper to come with me, and be back at the Watcher’s Gate in five minutes.” I laugh at my arrogance.

“Harper is not a woman to be bullied.” Selina grins.

“No. Nor is she a woman who does anything without reason. She saved this village tonight. Venora knew she couldn’t destroy Harper with the magic at her disposal. She needs something more for that, but she could have killed these people. Harper has known you for only a few hours, yet she traded her life for yours.” I wish I could have talked her out of it, but at the same time, I’m so proud of her.

“She is more than we expected.” Selina dashes a tear away. “My people will migrate toward the new city in the valley. We will join your mother for the battles to come. We have hidden in the safety of my magic for too long. And tonight, it failed. Venora found a way through.” She sighs and looks at the wide eyes of her children. “Regardless of the promises made tonight, she will kill or take who she can. I have no faith in her word.”

I admire Selina’s reasoning and pity her task of moving her home, family, and people. “My mother will be honored by your coming.”

With a final bow, I go back to the guest house and gather mine and Harper’s things.

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