Chapter 10

Elspeth and Ian entered Merlin’s large library from the portal. Ian’s brothers stopped what they were doing, turned, and stared at Elspeth.

“I wish everyone in my family would quit starin’ at my future wife,” stated Ian with a frown.

“Where’d you find such a bonnie woman, Ian?” asked Lauren. “And what did you do to her tae convince her tae marry the likes a you?”

Conall smiled big. “Let her spend some time with me and she’ll change her mind.”

Ian grumbled. “Elspeth, my brothers, Conall,” Conall nodded. “Lauren.” He did the same. “Dougal, and Cameron. This is Elspeth McLellan…my future wife!” He declared ostentatiously.

Merlin cleared his throat, then waited as they all turned to him. “I need to discuss with all of you what I believe to be. Thanks for coming Ian and Elspeth. I have some bad news Elspeth. Please sit you two.”

“What are you yappin’ aboot Merlin? Exactly what’s goin’ on?” Ian had a frown, but he led Elspeth to a seat and sat himself.

Merlin didn’t enjoy telling them what he knew, but he explained everything he and Ian’s brothers had discovered. After bringing Ian and Elspeth up to speed, he turned to Elspeth. “I’ve talked to the Ayriris Angels of the Plelin angel’s court and I’ve found out what happened after your brother was born. Your brother is not yours, but mine. I’m afraid the only true thing that is left of your brother is his body. His soul is gone. Your brother is actually Seamus and he was brought back to life as a baby. He stole your brother’s body.”

“But that’s not possible, my mother was pregnant, she gave birth to Athdar,” she said. He’s alive I can feel it. I don’t know why, I just do,” she said, hysterically not making any sense.

Merlin smiled sadly. “Yes, she was pregnant but Seamus’ spirit or essence if you will, replaced your brother’s. The child you remember as your brother Athdar, has always been Seamus, my evil brother.”

Gods, Merlin hated doing this to her. She wasn’t seeing reason. “Your brother’s body was the only thing left after Seamus’ spirit entered his body. I’m sorry, but when he took over your brother’s body his soul was released. You never actually knew your real brother.”

He didn’t have the heart to tell her they could have imprisoned her brother’s soul, he really didn’t know where the poor soul was, and neither did the Ayriris angels, only the One Great God would know. He couldn’t bring himself to tell her the torture her brother must have endured for the ritual to be completed.

“I’m sorry, I’m afraid…”

“Doona you even say it, Merlin. I willna have Elspeth think the worst.” Ian grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “We’ll find oot, you have my word.”

“I can’t help thinking the worst, Ian. Drakkor seems very bad, and now I also understand why the king laughed when he said Athdar was just like him. But in my heart, I know my brother is still alive somehow. I can feel him. We have to help his soul, Ian.

“But Athdar? I always thought something wasn’t right. I don’t know him well. I wasn’t raised with him, but I never felt comfortable around him.” She began to cry again.

Ian immediately put his arm around her and hugged her close. “Doona cry, sweetling, I’m here. I promise you, we will find oot the truth. Damn it Merlin! Won’t we!” he said, looking angrily at Merlin.

He cringed, but he wasn’t responsible for it, he was just the bearer of bad tidings. Ian and his brothers looked at Elspeth with pity. He felt very sorry for her loss, but not pity. Perhaps she could feel her brother’s spirit somewhere. He would find out where his soul went. If he could. At the very least he was damn sure going to try. “We’ll figure it out, Elspeth. I’ll do my best to find out for you.

“Right now, we have more pressing matters. First, if Seamus, who I’ll call Athdar from now on, gets the chance to take my ether it can kill me. Unless he takes just a fraction, which could give him just enough insight about the book. This is probably what he wants. There are two ethers in each of us, light and dark. The dark ether heavy and oily, the light, well light.”

“Aye,” interrupted Cameron. “From what I’ve read there is one drug for light ether, another for dark. The two can be mixed and used together tae kill or suck oot the soul, but I think Athdar and Drakkor are the ones responsible and are looking at men who are more evil than good,” he said tapping his fingers to the grimoire subconsciously.

“Because, when they use the drug tae remove the light ether, only evil remains. When we are born, we have equal amounts of light and dark, as we grow and take on traits developing who we are, the side we choose grows with it. If a mon lives a good life, his light ether grows, overpowering the dark. The same is true for the dark. What we end up with is either a good mon with a good soul, or a bad mon with a darker soul, or somewhere in between. However, never is either one depleted. People can and do change, so does their balance of ether.”

“So. You’re saying he’s draining good ether from fae and Vampire, tae turn them demon and they keep their powers? How are they changing soldiers into demons?” Ian asked. “Are they draining their ether?”

“Theoretically that is how they are keeping powers of fae and vampire,” continued Cameron. “With only evil left they would be strong leaders in an evil army. No lightness tae balance them oot. We think the kings are taken and changed, then they change their malevolent soldiers into evil demons.

“To change the evil soldiers takes only blood, of course they have tae agree tae give up their souls. Not much trouble there. With good soldiers, perhaps an ether drain, depending on light and dark balance. If a mon is almost purely good, a complete ether drain could kill him, as there isn’t much evil ether left to sustain him.

“With the fae and vampires same story, but they’d never agree, they would put up a fight against it. Ether leaching, if I’m correct, on them as weel. Although it would be much harder tae do. If Seamus and Drakkor are planning such a huge move as tae take over both worlds, they would need the fae, vampire, and demon soldiers. The fae and vampire willna make an army, but leading demons makes sense,” said Cameron. He leaned back in his chair and pulled his light blond hair back off his face.

“The kings are bein’ targeted for their soldiers. This covers great distances and many tae turn. Drakkor and Athdar canna do all the changin’ themselves it would take a tremendous amount of time, so we believe the turned kings, fae, and vampires are doin’ it,” explained Cameron.

“How do we stop this madness, Merlin?” asked Ian.

“First,” Dougal answered instead. “We stop Athdar from killing Merlin, and from gainin’ his knowledge. We have aboot twenty-five days tae prepare. I’m workin’ on some magic spells now. Cameron is still readin’. The angels are oot working on answers, Conall has his eyes open looking for anythin’ unnatural, and we’re waiting on Lauren’s dreams and visions.”

“What I need from you, Ian,” explained Merlin, “is for you to get in Mystic castle and find out what you can. Athdar is there for a reason.”

“How am I tae do that? Walk right up. Hi, I’m Ian McGregor and I want you tae tell me every evil thin’ you’re plannin’ on doin’?”

“I have an idea,” spoke Elspeth for the first time, in a small voice. “I’m wanted for treason so says King Rulm, even though I caught him assaulting and killing a young woman.” She looked around at everyone looking at her. “I didn’t commit treason!”

“I know,” said Merlin. “Please continue, no one believes you of treason. I assure you.” Mumbles of agreement crossed over the table.

“Well, they don’t know who Ian is. He could make up a name and take me to turn me in. They will throw me in the dungeon until a trial is had. It’s the law. He should have just killed me in secret. Saying I committed treason was a mistake on his part. Now that that is out, they will bring me in alive. But I fear the real reasons the king wants me alive…I saw his face, it was pure evil, and the look in his eyes told me he wanted me in the way he had used that poor woman.”

“That will ne’er happen to you, Elspeth! I willna allow it!” said Ian.

“Ian, if I turn myself in it will give you time to see what you can find. By the time my trial comes, you can call on Merlin and he can get us out through a portal.”

“Nae, nae absolutely not! Tae dangerous. We’ll find another way!” he said slamming his fist to the table.

“Ian it’s risky but a good plan,” said Merlin. “We’ll have to work out some details, but I think it will work.”

“Aye, it’s true that Athdar and King Rulm doona ken me, but what if Drakkor is there.”

“I think it’s a chance we have to take,” replied Merlin. “If he is, stay out of his way, but I doubt the three of them are together. There is too much they are doing. I doubt Drakkor will be there.”

“It’s settled then.” Smiled Elspeth. “I need to do this. I need answers. Let’s smooth the wrinkles and figure this plan out.”

“Did I say I love this woman?” asked Merlin.

“Watch your tongue ole man ’fore I cut it oot!” Ian stood up and slapped his hands on the table. “I doona like your plan a bit! But if I find it fairly safe, I’ll think aboot it. Think, mind you, key word. That’s all.”

“Well then, let’s talk this through and see what we can come up with,” said Merlin.

After a heated discussion, with some various ways to do things, they ended up sticking to Elspeth’s plan. “Come,” said Merlin. “Ator and Saphira are waiting for you. I need to check on the boys with Arthur. Go on through yourselves and give my best to the new parents. I’ll drop you some clothes later along with some food fit for people.” He laughed, lifting his arms, flipping his wrists, and opening a portal.

Before they could leave another large portal opened at the end of the library. Ian stepped back from the portal as everyone turned to look at the large circle of rainbow light. From the colorful opening, stepped Kahn of the Akuphis Court, the Dark Angel’s court, and Junius of the Plelin Court, the Light Angels court, the Ayriris angels. The room quickly turned silent as they all stared in astonishment.

Merlin’s face twisted with concern. He’d seen the other angels earlier and knew that this surprise visit from these two did not bode well. He glanced at the grimoire lying on the table. Shite, they were in trouble now.

Merlin could feel Elspeth tremble beside him. The newcomers were a sight. One dressed in flowing robes of white, rainbow highlights woven in straight white hair that fell to his knees. His eyes, a pure silver that almost matched the white of his hair and robes.

The second his opposite. Black robes trimmed in scarlet, with raven hair falling to his shoulders, his eyes an endless black that shimmered red when he moved.

Clearing his throat, Merlin greeted them. His voice calm despite his surprise. “Welcome, Junius and Kahn, to what do I owe this honor?”

“This is not a social call,” answered Kahn.

“We’ve heard about circumstances concerning the Ocrul and Crimson Keepers. We understand some nefarious magic has been changing them into a new breed, a new type of monster. We were concerned about the grimoires.” He glanced at the Grimoire to the Light on the table.

“I see the one you are responsible for, is seeing the light of day, and has been removed from its hiding place. What do you have to say about this Merlin? Why are the McGregors in the presence of the book and who is this lady? You are aware that no one is to know of its existence?”

“Please sit with us and I’ll explain everything I know.”

After being seated, he closely watched the angel’s reactions as he told them what he knew. They nodded and groaned, clearly agreeing with Merlin that there was great cause for concern. When finished, Junius spoke up.

“We were afraid something like this was happening, but we needed to hear the details from you. We are taking necessary precautions to aid in stopping this insanity before it gets out of control. I need to briefly speak with Kahn alone. If you would leave us for a moment. I will call for you when we’ve finished. The hall will be fine for you to wait.” Junius waved his hand toward the door dismissing them without a look in their direction.

Merlin closed the door behind him. “I’m sorry, I may have just signed your death warrants. This isn’t good.” He started pacing and pulling on his long locks of beard.

“Hey,” said Dougal, “We are all doing the best we can tae take care if this. You were only trying tae take care of it without involving those Nyaff bampots!”

Merlin stopped his pacing and broke out in a grin. “I wouldn’t let them hear you calling them irritating idiots if I were you.” He laughed. “You’re right, we are doing what we can, and I’ll be damned if I let them keep you out of this. We need all of you McGregors and Elspeth.” Merlin straightened up, seeming determined.

A booming voice came vibrating out through the hallway wiping the grin from Merlin’s face. “You may return!” They became quiet and one by one filed back in.

Motioning for them to be seated, it was Junius who spoke first, standing. “We have decided, Merlin, that your ideas have merit. Under the circumstances, we will allow you to follow through with your plan, provided no one else becomes involved. I will reiterate that no other shall know or come in contact with this grimoire other than yourself, Cameron, or Dougal.

“We understand Dougal’s need to understand the magic being used, and the need to be prepared with counteracting measures to thwart any kind of unforeseen dark magic. Cameron’s precise memory of what he reads will come in handy and saves time from anyone else having to look it up. He may be called on for a quick spell against an action no one thought of before. All is as it should be, however there will be a change. Kahn?”

“Yes,” Replied Kahn standing. “You will move everything here at Arvendon Hold to Pendragon Citadel in the Wesladus Veil immediately. Merlin, you will take Ian and Elspeth there when we are through. The place will have to accept both of you in order for this to work.”

Merlin stood. “But, it is a place of luxury, for those Ayriris light angels who need peace and tranquility. It is not a place to bring the Myraid Army to train or get ready for war. Why not somewhere in between the inner and outer earth in the Lulara Veil?”

Junius sighed. “First, because we have moved from that location. It was time for a change. Secondly, no one would think to look for you there and most don’t know of its existence, and it is heavily protected. Thirdly, it’s large enough for you to headquarter your new Myraid Army. It has plenty of room for training, comfortable for everyone, and the views and oceans are very therapeutic. The Ocruls, the Crimson Keepers, the Crixiors, McGregors, you Merlin, and Elspeth, all of you working together on this very dangerous undertaking need such a place.

“Most fae, vampires, and good demons have trouble simply being around each other let alone working together. It is the perfect setting to encourage everyone to get along. There are long houses laid out in several rows, enough to house all the Myraid Army comfortably.

“The castle will accommodate the rest of you and the library is large enough to house all your books, Merlin. There’s a large lab for magic, and a greenhouse with herbs for many spells. It’s a dream for any mage, even for the wizard himself. You will find it meets every need. Of course, when things are at rest the McGregors may return home often, and I’m sure you won’t all be going at once. It will work. You will make it work.”

Merlin brushed his hand down over his face in contemplation. “It’s really more than I could ever ask for. Thank you.” He bowed his head.

Ian appeared to be overwhelmed. “How is everathin’ tae be moved?”

Merlin smiled with a wave of his arm around the room. “Magic my dear boy. I can have everything moved and put in its place within a day.”

“So be it,” replied Kahn. “Ian, Merlin, and Elspeth will go now. Moving done on the morrow. Have everyone settled in the day after that. Then Ian and Elspeth will return to their plan of getting inside the castle. They may talk over their plans with the dragons today after you visit Wesladus and set up some help from them should they need it.

“The dragons will be a good addition to the Myraid Army. Ian, see to it that Ator assembles a group of his smartest and strongest. They will also need to move to the Wesladus Veil in the Veater cliffs above Pendragon Citadel.

“We have a warded stationary portal set up to allow travel between the two places. You will use one of the already stationary portals from outer earth to inner earth. The less we do, the less there is for our enemies to figure out. The rest of you continue what you are doing. I think that is all. Are there any questions?”

As the people around the table shook their heads, Junius said, “then this meeting is at a close. I will say this. This new group, the Myraid Army, and all of you will be watched by us closely. At any given time, we feel the need to shut you down we will. Call it a trial period if you will. There will be no room for mistakes. Good luck and may the Gods be with you,” and with that Junius and Kahn walked to the back of the library, opened a portal, and walked through leaving everyone silent, alone with their own thoughts.