Chapter Thirteen

And so it Begins—Family History and Sword of Kilara

Seated at the bar were Hannah and Tristian. Synn sucked in a breath. This was bad, she could feel it. “Looks like your sister and her husband have come for a visit.”

Gavin smiled wide and rushed through the crowd pulling her behind him. Hannah squealed as Gavin snatched her off the barstool. He swung her around in a circle, nearly colliding with several patrons waiting for their pints. Katie narrowed her eyes at him as she cautiously approached the bar and picked up a tray full of drinks.

“Boyo, you make me spill this and you’re a dead man,” she warned, making her way back through the crowd.

“Gavin, put me down,” Hannah demanded.

“What are you doing here?” Gavin asked lowering her to her feet. He gave her a quick hug and kissed her cheek before letting her go.

She backed away to stay clear of Gavin and his sister. The ebb and flow of the crowd pushed her farther and farther away from the bar. Suddenly a hand snaked around her wrist and pulled her through the crowd.

“Don’t be getting lost.” Gavin chuckled. “Guess the weather didn’t make the difference we thought.”

“How long you staying?” He wanted to know.

Hanna shrugged. “Don’t know.” Tristian has business here. I came along to see if I could help Ma and Synn with the wedding plans. Where’d you two sneak off today? Da said Synn’s been helping out here too.”

“No sneaking around. Had the day off. We went sightseeing. Drove by a few ruins on our way to the Blarney Castle where we spent most of the day. The Wishing Steps, Witch’s Kitchen, and Stone intrigued her.”

“Oh, what fun.”

“No…they gave me shivers and—” She gave herself a little shake. “I did enjoy touring the castle. The views are spectacular, especially from the top. The gardens and waterfall were mesmerizing.”

“We were on our way home, noticed the crowd, and stopped in to see if Da needed help. Looks like the staff’s got it well in hand. Synn’s pup is in the truck, so we need to be on our way.”

Tristian’s bar stool swiveled around until he faced Gavin and Synn. “Good to see you too.”

Gavin grinned and offered his hand. “Sorry, didn’t mean to ignore you. So what are you doing here? Or do I need to ask.”

“Probably not. However, I’d like a word with Synn.” He glanced around the pub. “Somewhere quiet.”

Gavin hesitated for a beat and glanced over at her.

She nodded, wiping her sweaty palms on her jeans.

“Sure. Down the hall, past the bathrooms take the first left. That’s our office. She knows the way.”

Tristian got to his feet and held up a hand. “I need to talk to her alone first. Give us a few minutes. Tristian leaned over to his wife, brushed his lips over hers. “I’ll be back.”

“Is your business with them, then?” Hannah narrowed her eyes.

“Unfortunately, yes. Been chatter they should be aware of—and.” He blew out a breath. “A few things Bruce wants brought to Synn’s attention.”

“Anything I should be concerned with?” Her eyes clouded with worry.

“Given the volatility of the world these days, there’s always reason for concern.” His reassuring gaze swept over her and Gavin, then landed for a split second on Hannah. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

A title wave of fear washed over her. Rooted to the spot, her feet wouldn’t move. She couldn’t catch her breath. The Overlord’s assassin wanted a word with her. Was this the end she’d wished for in the early hours of this morning? I’m not ready. She wondered at her change of mind and attitude. What has changed? She knew in her heart but couldn’t come to grips with it.

Adrenaline flooded her system; the fight or flight response was alive and well. What was he saying? Her heart pounded so loud in her ears she couldn’t make out the words.

A wave of nausea hit. Covering her mouth, she ran for the ladies’ room, shoved open the door, rushed into the first stall, and bolted the door. When she turned, her stomach’s contents spewed into the toilet.

After a few minutes there was a soft knock on the stall door. “Synn?” Bridget’s voice was a welcome relief. “Are you all right?”

“Yes. I’ll be out in a minute.” She took a couple of deep breaths. What the hell is the matter with me?

“You sure?”

“Yes.” Waiting until the bathroom door squeaked open, she unbolted the door, walked to the sink, splashed water on her face, and rinsed her mouth out. “This day just gets better and better.” Her words echoed in the empty room. She yanked open the door and glanced down the hall. Tristian and Gavin were waiting for her outside the office door.

“What happened?” Gavin asked. “You all right?”

“Don’t think my stomach liked all the bumpy roads today.”

Gavin looked skeptical but shrugged. “Okay, come get me when you two are finished with your secret meeting. There are a few things I’d like to discuss with Tristian too.”

A wane smile turned up her lips while Tristian’s expression remained unchanged.

Tristian held the door open and closed it behind her. Once inside the office, he motioned for her to have a seat. His gaze fixed on her. “First there is family history Bruce wants you to be made aware. It’s why I asked to talk to you alone. I wasn’t sure if you’d want anyone else privy to that information. The overlord would have come himself, but he’s meeting with the council and time is of the essence.”

As she eased into the chair, her roiling stomach settled a bit. Should I bring up my shared nightmares? No, I’ll wait and see what he has to say.

Clearing his throat, Tristian sat in the black leather chair behind the scarred wooden desk, moved aside a pile of invoices, and began. “When Bruce provided protection for the information you had on Baltizar and the Book of Shadows, he didn’t just take you at face value. It seems your ancestors were members of Andre’s elite guard known as the Guardians Guild made up of magical creatures formed over a millennium ago.”

She looked up from the worn gray carpeting and wrinkled her forehead in confusion. “Who’s Andre?”

Tristian rested his arms on the desk and templed his fingers. “Andre is Bruce’s father. He was the Demon Overlord before Bruce and is married to Matiah, an angel. The Guardians were tasked with protecting those creatures that were not of pure blood. This was before the covenants were put in place to discourage mixed races. But during that time the mixed were still viewed as outcasts. Fear of mixing the magic would create an invincible creature was the reason for the covenants.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t understand. Isn’t the overlord’s mate a witch? Those covenants aren’t enforced anymore, are they?”

“Not in the Western Hemisphere that Bruce controls and many other locations are beginning to see the light.” Tristian leaned back in the chair and rubbed his forehead. “The only way creatures evolve is through new blood.”

She met his glaze. “What does this have to do with me? I’m of pure demon blood.” She paused her eyes rounding. “This isn’t over my seeing Gavin, is it?”

Tristian pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger and muttered an oath under his breath. “No. It’s not.” He drew in a breath and let it out slowly. “You’re not of pure demon blood. Your family is mixed with those of the ancient Fae Warriors. The majority of your mother’s family was Fae with a couple demons mixed in. Your father was demon royalty. The mixing of those Fae and Demon blood lines created an extraordinarily powerful magic. Only one child of their union was born with their combined talents.

“But I have—had—a brother and sister.” She wiped her hands on her jeans again.

“May I continue?” Exasperation seeped into Tristian’s voice.

“Of course.”

“This individual would one day be able to wield and control such magic. Unfortunately, word spread of the possibilities, and your parents were murdered before the extent of this child’s power was determined.”

She rolled her eyes but said nothing.

“Baltizar wanted control of the powerful magic and the one who wielded it as his mate. To his thinking his blood mixed with that of the child, when grown, would create an invincible magic being. His calculations were off. The child wouldn’t come into its powers until fully matured.”

“So the joke was on him. The blood line ended when he killed my parents and siblings.” Her gaze fell to her lap where her fingers picked at the edge of her aqua sweater.

“No, he got part of the equation correct. You were the child with their combined talents. Baltizar didn’t wait long enough for you to come into your powers. Thought he’d made a mistake. While you were extremely talented, it wasn’t what he expected. By the time he realized his error, you’d requested protection from Bruce.”

“Wait—” She paused dragging her bottom lip through her teeth. Her mind was whirling with questions, possibilities, and trepidations.

Tristian held up at hand. “Let me finish. When an old acquaintance brought the matter to Andre’s attention, he contacted Bruce and vouched for you. The overlord accepted your terms. Those of us in Bruce’s inner circle thought he was crazy to trust one of Baltizar’s minions. My boss didn’t see fit to share this little gem of information regarding your heritage with us until recently. Now it’s my job to bring you up to speed.” The irritation in Tristian’s voice belayed his frustration.

She nodded. “Is that why Bruce bound part of my powers when he gave me my freedom?”

“Yep. It was fortunate you wanted to stay in a land where myth and magic are real and most people don’t bat an eye at the unexplained.” He shoved up from the chair and paced the room for several minutes finally settling in the chair next to her. He rubbed the back of his neck.

With wide eyes, she watched him silently waiting for him to continue.

A cell phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he checked the screen, then put the phone to his ear. “Boss. I’m talking with her now.” He paused and listened for a couple beats. “No, I haven’t gotten that far. Only to her family history. Sure.” He reached out and handed the phone to her. “Bruce wants to talk to you.”

With trembling fingers, she took the phone. “Hello.” She willed her hands to still and the tremor in her voice to even out. Get a grip. I keep this up, and I’ll have to turn in my demon warrior card.

“Synn, I’m sorry. This must be quite a shock. I wish I’d been able to be more forth coming when this all went down, but I had to make sure you were made of the stuff my father thought you were.”

“It’s been…unexpected, yes.”

“There’s more. Tristian is there to unbind your powers, to test, and hone your talents. The whispers we are hearing are while Baltizar remains in the seventh level of Hell, he’s using what magic he has left, his minions, and their power in the mortal world to destroy those responsible for his fall from grace so to speak.” Bruce snorted a laugh. “It’s been my experience that displaced demons use the dream world as a contact point. So I’m warning you, the first level of defense needs to be honing your ability to shield yourself and mind while you are asleep, as well as, during your waking hours.”

She blew out a breath. “He’s already made contact. In fact he’s infiltrated my dreams—nightmares—which are somehow broadcast into Gavin’s mind or subconscious. Oh, hell Gavin shares those nightmares while he’s still at his home and I’m in my cottage. How is Baltizar doing that?”

Tristian, his mouth set in a thin line, leaned back in the chair, and shook his head. The muscle in his jaw worked overtime.

“He’s not involving Gavin. You are…” He paused long enough for the statement to sink in. “…by seeking help from the one person you have access to and trust completely.”

“So what I am seeing—will it happen or…” Synn asked.

After a pause, Bruce answered, “We’re not sure.”

“I think we better bring Gavin in on this meeting.” She peered at Tristian.

He nodded in agreement. Getting to his feet he walked to the door. “I’m going to go get Gavin and myself a drink. Do you want one?”

She nodded, still holding the phone to her ear.

“Whiskey or stout?” He turned the knob. The door squeaked open.

“Whiskey. The good stuff.”

Tristian smiled. “You got it. I’ll be back.” He closed the door quietly.

She returned her attention to the phone and Bruce. “Now what?”

“This is where it gets complicated. Your powers and talents have matured without training. We aren’t sure how they will manifest themselves. Tristian can train you to shield your mind.”

“I’ve talked with Erin and Tiarnan,” she blurted. “Well, more Erin than Tiarnan. Erin said if I needed their help, I had only to meet them at the cliffs at dawn.”

Silence reigned for several beats. Unable to cope with the uncomfortable silence, she hurried on. “Erin also said that Gale who owns Pixie Magic, a store here in town, could be of help to me. Also Erin claims my limp is not permanent. Kinda a manifestation of the dark magic I stole from Baltizar.” Shit…why can’t I stop babbling?

“Hmmmm. Sounds like you have learned a thing or two on your own. Good job. Take Erin’s suggestion and visit Gale. Let Tristian know how that works out. Better yet, take him with you, or least keep him in the loop should you or she need help. Gale is a witch then?”

“I believe so. Since she is a descendant of Erin, wouldn’t that make her from a very powerful linage?”

“One would think. I’ve got to get back to the council meeting. Let me talk to Tristian.”

“He went to get drinks and bring Gavin into our conversation. It’s real busy at the pub tonight.”

“Tell him I’ll call later tonight. Be safe and don’t take chances. Visit with Gale, soon.”

“We stopped by Gale’s today. But the sign on the door said she was closed. We’ll go see her tomorrow.”

“Good plan.” He disconnected the call.

The door handle twisted. She stood. Tristian pushed through the door with a tray of steaming bowls. Gavin followed carrying a tray with a bottle of whiskey and three glasses.

She handed the phone to Tristian. “He had to go back to the council meeting. Said he’d call you tonight.”

Gavin poured three fingers of whiskey in the glass and handed it to her. “You might want to eat something before you down that whiskey.” He poured the same amount in the other two glasses and set them on the desk.

She inhaled deeply. “That stew smells great.” She took a bowl and spoon from the tray and slipped a spoonful of stew into her mouth. “Mmmmm.” Taking a piece of brown bread from the tray, she took a bite, dabbed it in the stew, and took another bite. After swallowing, she filled the others in on her conversation with Bruce.

Tristian groaned at the mention of the visit to Pixie Magic, took a swig of the whiskey, then reached across the desk for a bowl of stew and piece of bread. He sauntered behind the desk and sat in the chair. Gavin plopped into the chair next to her, listening intently. When she finished, Tristian took another drink of his whiskey and filled in the holes that she left. He held his glass out for a refill.

Gavin eyed the glass but said nothing, pouring another three fingers of whiskey into Tristian’s glass. “Thought you didn’t drink on the job. Preferred a clear head?”

Tristian gave him an eat shit and die look, took another sip of the whiskey. “Things change. Still have a clear head and you shouldn’t question my abilities.”

“Of course.”

“Synn shouldn’t stay by herself until she gets a handle on shielding her mind and subconscious while asleep. I’ll be working with her on that.” He shifted his gaze to Synn. “Also, Bruce has authorized me to restore your powers to full strength. Not that we expect a battle in the near future, but we have to be ready for anything.”

Her eyes rounded. “Now? You’re going to return my powers here?”

A devilish smirk played at the corner of his mouth. “Not exactly. First order of business, you need to pay a visit to Gale. See what she can do about your injuries. More than likely the repair by magic will release the dark magic unwittingly transferred to you by Baltizar. You’ll have to learn to control his power as well. We’ll do this in phases.”

“I see.” She squirmed in her seat.

“No, you don’t, but you will,” Tristian snapped. “Sorry…sleep deprivation makes me—difficult.”

“You knew about this situation for a while?” Gavin raised an eyebrow, his tone accusing.

“No, the rumblings from our informants got louder in recent days. Then we confirmed that Baltizar was up to something, but no specifics which is why I’m here.”

“Hannah is aware?” Gavin asked.

He swirled the amber liquid in his glass and watched as the light glinted off the drink. “Not exactly. I couldn’t jet off to Ireland without offering to take her with me. Luckily her work load was light enough she could accompany me. She may have to work a couple days a week, but she brought everything she’ll need. Her computer is set up at your parents’. They’re excited to have her here to help with the wedding. The rest is on a need to know basis, and right now, she doesn’t need to know. However, that could change at any moment. I’ll read her in if necessary.”

“Are you planning to stay a while?” she asked picking at the edge of the upholstered chair.

“Afraid so. No telling how long Baltizar will take before acting on his plan. He can’t leave the seventh level of Hell, but I imagine he’s got demons in the mortal world willing to do his bidding.” His gaze pinned her. “You are in no shape to take him on by yourself, even with a gryphon’s help.”

“I understand.” She squirmed under his gaze. “I don’t want to put anyone in danger.”

“Good girl.” Tristian smiled. “Given the new circumstances, I’d prefer you pay Gale a visit before I restore your powers. Deal with one situation at a time. How do you feel about that?” He finished the whiskey and pushed his glass away.

“Sounds like a plan. I have a full shift tomorrow, so won’t be able to visit Gale until Thursday at the earliest. I could be at her place most of the day. So I’d rather do it on my day off. Does that work with your time frame?” She fingered her amulet as she spoke.

Tristian leaned over to get a better look at her necklace. “Do you have more to tell me?”

Gavin glanced at her. “You didn’t tell him about what happened at the Standing Stones and Witch’s Stone at the castle?”

“We hadn’t gotten to that yet,” she snapped.

“Someone want to start talking?” Tristian leaned forward both hands flat on the desk.

She brought him up to date with what happened at Blarney Castle. What she’d experienced and how she’d used a spell and her necklace to protect herself.

“Nice job.” He nodded approvingly. “It’s a good start, but…”