The portal opened on Lord Aten’s magnificent stone terrace. Kailen emerged, taking in the stunning panoramic view. The palatial compound—home to the Aurician race—hovered a mile above the labyrinthine granite peaks of Jebel Gattar. Ages ago, the exalted leader had chosen to build his palace on the foothills of the Jebel Gattar massif because of its remote and aggressive terrain. However, as the Sinai range across the sea attracted a growing number of climbers to Egypt, and the new Red Sea Trail became popular, he floated the compound high enough to avoid human attention. Not a bad outcome, as it turned out. The new location renewed the lost cherished privacy and left the oppressive desert heat below.
His old friend Zuberi, as gnarled and weathered as the last time Kailen saw him, bowed courteously. Two muscular Aurician guards garbed in long white gowns, heavy gold chains, and Eye of Horus medallions made quite a contrast as they flanked both sides of the modestly dressed and unassuming bald male. Except, Kailen had seen, more than once, the tremendous power hiding under the simple short tunic and leggings Zuberi preferred.
“Ii-wey, Lord Kailen!”
“Em hotep, Zuberi.” Kailen bent, pressing his right palm over his heart in a sign of respect.
The tiny man’s eyes crinkled with a mischievous light. “It is good to see you again. I still had hair when you last visited our humble abode.”
“Thank you for receiving me. I’m grateful for your help.”
“Our friendship is old and has been tested to our mutual satisfaction. Thanks are not necessary, Lord. How may I assist you?”
“Please, Zuberi, there are no formalities between us. I’m Kailen of the Titanians. A plain vassal is all. I seek your long vision.”
“Ah…not so plain.” Zuberi looked up to the skies. “You do yourself no justice, Tuath Dé warrior. But yes, your message was clear. Come this way, please.”
Holding out his palm, Zuberi walked on, leading Kailen to the columnar entrance of Aten’s majestic building. They took the steps into an extended open corridor. The posts supporting the straight ceiling had been carved with shapes of lotus flowers clusters and hieroglyphic forms. A soft breeze lifted and moved sheer muslin panels attached to the ornate posts, enhancing the overall airy feel throughout the palace.
Twenty feet inside the structure, Zuberi turned left, zigzagged for another ten, and turned again into a doorless chamber. A cloth curtain tied to the side offered the occupant seclusion when released. Inside the room, a simple sleeping pallet and small end table had been pushed against a side wall, creating an illusion of space. Large woven baskets stuffed with a colorful assortment of silk pillows adorned the four corners of the room. A precious Haji Jalili Tabriz rug, with burgundy and gold motifs was the floor’s focal point. Off to Kailen’s right side, coals inside a dark metal brazier glowed red, a thin plume of scented smoke swirled out.
Zuberi pulled several pillows out of a basket and gathered them together in a comfortable pile. “Sit, please. May I offer you some tea?”
“Thank you, no.” Kailen sat, folding his legs in the lotus position. “Nice room.”
“I do not need much. A bed, food, spiritual fulfillment, my seeing tools.” The diminutive male made another pile of cushions and sat across from Kailen. His dark eyes gleamed. “Tell me more about this matter. Who are you trying to find? Do I know the creatures involved?”
“You know Khnurn.”
“Of course. Has he become a problem for you?”
“He’s not exactly a problem. I can say he’s partially involved. What concerns me is the information he didn’t share with me.”
“Uncharacteristic behavior. I wonder why? Anyone else?”
“There’s Talaith.”
“His protégé. I have heard she shows promise.”
“Yes, her talent has grown through the years. She’s still a little green. With a bit more coaching, her powers will rise. What really brought me here, other than our friendship, is Dubtach.”
Zuberi stopped picking at an errant thread hanging from the hem of his tunic.
“Dubtach?”
“Yes.”
“I do not understand.” Zuberi cocked his head. “Dubtach is locked in the exile realm. Minions and lieutenants can venture out, but only for short periods of time. Astarot and his wizards are imprisoned with unbreakable magic. The spells were taken from Hades himself. After the battle of Svanetia, the races understood the need to expel daemon leadership forever. Wizards from far and wide pooled power and resources to lock them in.”
A tiny spark flickered in Kailen’s mind, then a bright-red flame flared. Knowledge teased him. It was right there, dancing at the edge. He could almost touch it, hold it.
“Magic,” he murmured. “That’s the key to the riddle. Powerful magic helped him escape. But whose?”
“Forgive me, friend. I am lost.”
“The complication is Khnurn. He’s hiding…something. Or maybe I’m being too harsh with him. Perhaps he hasn’t seen the full picture yet.”
“Yet?” Zuberi stood. “Tell me everything. Start from the beginning.” He opened the top drawer from his night table, then walked to the brazier where he dropped the few pellets he held in his palm. The smoke thickened and swirled; the scent intensified.
Kailen sighed. “In a few words, Dubtach has escaped Astarot’s realm. About the same time he did, an old signature appeared on the earthly plane, one Khnurn didn’t expect to see. Plus, he’s sure another war is coming.”
Zuberi waved his hand in and out of the smoke, urging it to rise. “It behooves us to find who is the signature, this creature that has so upset Khnurn.”
“I suspect Khnurn’s mysterious presence and Dubtach are tied somehow. I’ve nothing to go on…”
“Hold.” Zuberi immersed his face in the smoke. Eyes wide, he inhaled, then closed them as he straightened.
Kailen didn’t move. He barely breathed for fear of interrupting the seeing process. Zuberi’s long-vision magic had picked up clues, a trail formed ahead and he was on it.
“Khnurn has reason to be concerned.”
Zuberi’s voice was so low, Kailen had trouble understanding his words. Even so, he remained quiet.
“The signature is indeed old,” Zuberi continued. “With formidable power, which at the moment is in an exhausted, semidormant state due to centuries of captivity. Only a small percentage is awake, enough to keep her alive and functioning.”
“Her?”
“Yes. The signature is female. She has been away from the earthly plane for so long, she has forgotten much. I sense her impairment. She is weakened and confused. Currently, she struggles to recover. I believe you were attached to the Seelie Court when our world came close to burning up. What do you know of the druid Brysys?”
“Nothing at all.” Kailen shifted sideways. “Going by the current human calendar, I joined Oberon’s court in the year 250 BC after my duties to my people were concluded. The Seelie king released me on 1100 AD or thereabouts. I wasn’t exactly counting. Service to Fritiof was my next assignment. No one mentioned this Brysys.”
“It was a bad time. The races wanted to forget the chaos.” Zuberi sat at the edge of his pallet, his expression lost in time.
“The betrayal of a brother is the deepest of wounds. The vampire race began their steady decline ages ago. Eachann and his younger brother, Graeme, were the last remaining members of the Skara Brae clan. Ambitious and jealous by nature, Graeme conspired with daemons to eliminate Eachann. He desired his brother’s power and position, and coveted Eachann’s mate. Graeme had Eachann ambushed on the shores of Loch Maree.”
“Outside Blackstone Manor?”
Zuberi nodded. “Graeme could not attack the manor. Brysys’s magic had made it impregnable. As lieutenants of the horde descended on Eachann, Graeme laughed at his brother, claiming Brysys had pledged herself to him and she had planned the ambush.”
“Gods of the universe,” Kailen murmured. “What happened to Brysys?”
“She disappeared, and Eachann’s killing spree began.”
“How did he escape the lieutenants?”
“It is not known for certain.” Zuberi sighed. “However, all the races are grateful to Adalheidis, Lord Fritiof’s mate. She calmed his frenzy with her soothing powers.”
The Aurician seer fell silent, and Kailen leaned against the wall evaluating the implications and consequences. How would Eachann react when he learned of Brysys’s return?
“Where has she been all this time?”
Zuberi followed his train of thought. “Excellent question, friend. I would like to know myself. We know a lieutenant executed Graeme when the ambush failed. Up to a moment ago, most of us believed she had followed a similar fate.”
“Damn it! I set out with one goal in mind, find Dubtach and kill him. Now I’m not so sure which direction I should take. Can you see Khnurn’s location?”
“That is an easy task.” Zuberi returned to the brazier. “Khnurn is training Talaith deep in the woods of the Black Forest.”
“Interesting. And Dubtach, any clues there?”
The seer hesitated, blinked, and, undeterred by the heat, peered closer to the coals. “A cloaking spell hides him. I can verify he and Brysys entered earth together at the southern tip of the Chilean Patagonia. After that her trail separated and traveled north. His path remains invisible to me. Perhaps Khnurn can find him.”
“If they entered together, my suspicion is correct.”
“You think Brysys assisted Dubtach in breaking the exile spell.”
“She must have. Do you see her present location?”
“Her instincts have guided her to Scotland. I guess she has a need to approach Eachann, but does not know how. She is healing, gathering her power and wits in a small village south of Wester Ross. That much is detailed in the vision.”
Kailen stood. He approached Zuberi at the brazier as his brain quickly evaluated options.
“Knowing Eachann’s temperament, this has the makings of an explosive situation. Is he bitter? Does he hold a grudge? What will he do when Brysys surfaces?”
“Consider Graeme’s claims. You should expect a betrayed vampire’s reaction.” The little man shrugged.
“Well, I can’t work with guesses and suppositions.” He grimaced, still tossing ideas back and forth. “Action and facts are required. My first stop must be Khnurn. Maybe he can sense or see Dubtach’s presence. If he does, that could guide my next steps. Meanwhile, he and I can discuss what to do about Brysys.”
“And Eachann.” Zuberi squinted. “The Titanians, and most specially Adalheidis, should be apprised of these developments.”
“What a mess.” Kailen returned to his cushions. “I’ll take you up on your offer of tea now. Might as well relax a few moments, talk about something pleasant… Before the shit storm breaks out.”
“Of course, friend.” Zuberi rang a little bell on his nightstand. “Tea is on its way.”
The race was on. Four missile-shaped shadows came after her, swerving in and out of pine trees at blinding speed, their elusive nature making the chase even faster. Talaith had already dispatched three, a fourth, separated from the group, flew unseen. A searing sensation pierced her shoulder blade. She dropped to her knees and, with the help of momentum, slid under a fallen tree trunk, gaining a short respite. A dense cushion of leaves silenced her movements when she rolled onto her stomach. Hopefully, this pause would give enough time to summon blasting power to her fingertips.
Above her, buzzing sounds indicated the shadows were shifting positions. They’d lost her, but not for long. Ice cold when first cast, hunting shadows pursued heat with dogged intent. Her efforts to lower her internal temperature had been haphazard and insufficient. Had she not lost concentration, she would have started her temperature regulation process much sooner, ensuring a win in today’s challenging session.
Three days in, and her training had gone from four shadows up to eight.
Gently, Talaith examined the throbbing wound. Her fingertips returned slick and warm with her blood. She restrained the impulse to punch the trunk covering her. Any motion, the faintest of sounds, would betray her hideout.
She’d done well after leaving New York. Throughout the moving preparations from Egypt to Germany, she’d deadened her desires and repressed the yearning memories.
Today had been a surprise: she had crossed a clearing, sunlight bathing her body… The sensation came from somewhere in the ether; her senses were inundated by his presence. His searching eyes, the heat of his skin, his stirring voice, all of him had surfaced in a whirl of images, unbidden and unwanted, a strike to her control.
Fury gripped her. In a real-life scenario, her death would be the outcome of such meaningless gratification.
Her next breath was controlled, slow, silent. Distant chirps reached her ears. In the absence of evil and disruption, fleeing birds returned to their habitat. Talaith flexed her fingers, testing for power. A prickling twinge answered her question. I’m back. Satisfied, she smiled. Roles had reversed. She was the hunter now.
With a light push, she slid from under the trunk, rose to her hands and knees, and listened. Absolute silence surrounded her. Too quiet. Maybe she’d exited too soon. She tensed and mustered her muscles and ligaments to active duty. Summoning renewed power to her hands, Talaith planted a foot forward, and prepared to act.
Several feet ahead, the forest floor burst. A fast-moving, slithering line approached her dead-on. Instead of flying, the cunning lone shadow traveled under the layer of leaves and pebbles. Inches away, the gray missile lifted its tip, aiming for her chest. Hands extended, Talaith pounced. As she grasped the shadow between her palms, the entity multiplied into a myriad of smaller replicas, then all disappeared in a multicolored whorl.
Victory didn’t linger. In the next breath, the four remaining missiles pierced her body through. As she writhed in unspeakable pain, Khnurn’s admonition rumbled in her brain: “Pride and distraction will kill you.”
Slow and never-ending, time passed. Light dimmed in the forest, twilight hinted its presence, and she still lay on her back unable to move. Except for her brain and scant vital functions, the attack had paralyzed her.
When darkness deepened and Khnurn didn’t show, she went into her secondary strategy: prepare for a night alone in the woods. Once, she’d built a temporary shield in practice. It had required focus and patience. Considering her present condition, she should have plenty of both.
Using her breathing as centering aid, she retreated deep into her mind, summoning forth magic and imagination. The image coalesced and came to life, a shimmering protective layer, slowly shrouded her field boots, moved up her ankles, and continued up her legs, infusing a pleasant lethargic effect.
The shield reached her thighs, enclosed her wrists and hands on each side, and moved upward.
Several yards away, a rustling of leaves got her attention.
Her heart pumped. A predator, perhaps? Bad luck and bad timing for her, as the shielding process was only halfway complete. If attacked, she couldn’t defend herself. Instinctively, Talaith tried to turn her head to see. She groaned in frustration at her muscles’ lack of response.
The rustling sounds turned to boots crushing leaves.
Khnurn?
No.
Kailen.
Her heart picked up speed. Wild excitement throttled her. Confusion reigned. He was here. He’d come, to this remote spot in the wilderness…for her. But how…why?
“You’re hurt.” Kailen grasped her arm below the wound. “I’m glad I found you. Under the barrier, you would’ve bled to death overnight.”
“M-Master?”
“Are we back to that again?” He knelt on one leg. “Do you have enough strength to undo the barrier spell?”
“I can manage.” She offered a half smile and blinked. The shield faded in a whispering rush.
With the barrier out of the way, Kailen examined her, frowning as he went. He used his healing fingertips, sensed more than touched, yet he reached deep within her, his searching warmth leaving a soothing trail.
“I’m taking you back right away, and because we’re not far from the cabin, I’m going to walk. There’s some internal bleeding, and I don’t want to risk the scrambling effect of the portal. It will hurt, though. Can you handle it?”
She intended to respond in an unaffected manner. Instead, her mouth sagged, she was so taken by his surprising presence. Efforts to think rationally failed, and she floated in a half-dream, half-reality state.
“Talaith?” he insisted. “Did you hear me? Can you handle the pain? Be honest. If it’s too much, I’ll get Khnurn to help me.”
“No Khnurn. You. Only you,” she murmured.
“Okay.” He slipped his arms under her body, spooning her to his chest as he stood. “How’re you doing? Talk to me.”
“Good.” She did her best to sound encouraging. She’d never admit to the searing internal pain he’d caused when he lifted her, or the desperate need to faint into oblivion.
“You’re such a bad liar,” he scoffed.
Talaith let the comment go. She dropped her head against his chest, relishing the forbidden sensation of Kailen’s closeness, sole palliative to her torment. If this was her reward for losing the shadow challenge, she’d repeat it without hesitation, brave the worst torture in the world or even death for a moment with him.
Khnurn could take his disapproving stares to hell. This temporary happiness, to be wrapped in Kailen’s arms, was worth that and so much more.
Much to her displeasure, the return to the cabin took less time than she remembered. She’d enjoyed being in Kailen’s arms so much that giving him up hurt.
“Almost there.”
His rumbling voice against her ear incited a swarm of pleasurable tingles. A good sign that the paralysis was ending.
“I’m feeling a little better.”
He smiled down at her. “Great. Khnurn will be relieved. Look.”
She was able to lift her head a little. The imposing wizard stood at the doorway. Dressed in his customary black hooded robe, Khnurn’s outline nearly blended with the encroaching gloom. Only his eyes gleamed gold.
“What happened?” Moving forward, he extended his arms. Kailen ignored the gesture. Holding on to Talaith, he walked past the wizard into the cabin.
“Where’s her bed?”
“The one in the corner.” Khnurn pointed at her small, yet comfortable cot. “I’ll get more blankets and throw another log in the fire.”
Kailen deposited her with the same care he’d used while carrying her. He pressed a palm to her forehead, then tucked a loose strand of hair away from her face. His magnetic gaze was gentle. Dare she imagine, tender? She felt cherished, protected, wanted, and… Utterly foolish.
So what?
Even if this was temporary lunacy, the reaction of her addled mind to her injuries, she’d take it. Real or imagined, these happy snippets she’d use as aids, survival tools for the worst of times, when he was gone from her life.
Khnurn pulled two chairs next to her bed, then sat on one and slapped the seat of the other.
“Paralysis?” he asked Kailen, ignoring her.
“Yes. The multiple shadow attack caused paralysis and internal bleeding”—Kailen circled his open palms an inch above her stomach—“plus, a shadow ran through her shoulder blade. If she had fewer injuries, her body might recover on its own. But she’s lost too much blood. I need to speed up her healing process. Help me remove her jacket.”
Khnurn steadied her upper back as Kailen slowly removed the left sleeve of her jacket, then her right. “Did I hurt you?”
“You never do,” she murmured.
Impervious to her meaning, he resumed circling his palms above her stomach. She’d never been at the receiving end of Kailen’s healing magic. A sense of euphoric well-being swept through her. When he stopped and set his hands on the bed, she knew her internal bleeding had stopped.
He spoke to Khnurn. “She was in the midst of a shield spell when I found her.”
“Not good,” Khnurn scowled. “I’m glad you came when you did. I don’t know why I waited to go after her. She’d been gone awhile. Alone, she could’ve bled through the night.”
“I’m here.” She sighed. Both men turned to her. “Stop talking over my head. I’m able to hear and answer.”
“Sorry, we’ve been rude,” Khnurn grumbled. “For the sake of hygiene and to avoid infection, we need to clean any external scratches and abrasions.”
“It’s not a problem, I’m wearing a camisole underneath.”
Even though she tried to sound nonchalant, her face flushed. Being exposed, even a little, in front of Kailen unnerved her. She was embarrassed and excited at the same time.
“Excellent.” In an exaggerated whirl of robes, Khnurn left his chair, walked to the small kitchen, and rummaged through several drawers. He returned holding up a pair of scissors.
“There’s no room for meaningless modesty. However, your nudity wasn’t the issue. You’re about to lose a sweater, and I thought you should know.”
Talaith glanced at Kailen. He’d been silent, but the amusement on his face said a lot. He was enjoying the back-and-forth.
Resigned, she waved a hand at Khnurn. “I understand. Go ahead, cut away.”
“I’m not doing it. He is.” Khnurn chuckled, passing the scissors to Kailen. “Danann, you get started while I gather the rest of what you need. Hungry?”
“Famished,” Kailen said.
“Good. You’ll enjoy my vegetable bean stew. It’s a new recipe. Be right back.” Khnurn clapped Kailen’s shoulder and moved away.
When a concert of assorted sounds came out of the tiny bathroom, she turned her attention to Kailen, who hadn’t made the first cut yet. Scissors in hand, he sat without moving, his water-colored gaze intent on her. As he raised the hem of her sweater and snipped, his eyes remained on her.
The backs of his fingers brushed her stomach, and she shivered. She knew he didn’t mean to touch her, yet she trembled just the same. His elegant nostrils flared a bit, his eyelids flickered and lowered, the corner of his lips lifted in a hint of a smile. Had he been as impacted by their contact as she?
Talaith sent a silent plea to the gods of the universe for assistance. She was melting, slowly turning to liquid under his scrutiny. Her cheeks flushed with heat, and he cocked his head. His eyes searched, a silent question danced on his face… Her mind answered, “Yes, I want you.” But…did he hear her?
“I brought your warm water, antibacterial gel, and bandages.” Khnurn’s return broke the fragile connection. He placed all the items within Kailen’s reach.
“Thank you,” Kailen said.
Kailen examined the items, then set each one next to the other in ordered sequence. “Talaith has been through a lot of misery already and must be exhausted. Can you induce her to sleep while I clean the area?”
“Call me when ready.” Khnurn nodded and returned to the kitchen.
Magic sparked. Their broken intimacy renewed and flared to life. A sigh, a breath, a touch…countless pleasures, endless devotion. A love for the ages, an eternal vow. Kailen’s closeness enticed, absorbed, and aroused. A word from him, and she’d forget her injuries and offer herself to him.
He cleansed his hands, squeezed the excess water off the cloth, and, with gentle gestures, wiped her face, neck, and shoulder. Gently, he pulled her mussed braids up and away along with any rebellious tendrils of hair.
“You’re too weak. The right occasion will come,” he said. His expressive eyes revealed much more than his words. They promised a moment in the future.
Her heart fluttered. Could it be? Had she heard him correctly? He’d offered one time in the future, one unforgettable moment in his arms. She’d have a memory that would last a lifetime.
Starved for more of him, she tried to hold on to his gaze, but the moment had broken. Kailen returned to caring for her, and the private exchange came to an end. He finished cutting her sweater, moved it out of his way, and began cleansing the wound. Wild excitement gave way to the simple enjoyment of his careful ministrations, the delicious pleasure of his gentle touches.
“It’s time,” Kailen said.
“Give me a second,” Khnurn answered from the kitchen.
Kailen squinted. “Talaith?”
She nodded. “I trust you with my life. Your hands are magical.”
“I appreciate your confidence.” He brushed her cheek with the back of his finger.
The pleasure was sublime. She fought back the moan clinging to her throat.
Khnurn came to the side of her bed. “What do you need me to do?”
“Induce her to sleep.” Kailen opened the bottle of antiseptic.
“Of course.” Placing his roughened palm on her forehead, Khnurn blew a wisp of air to her eyes. “Sleep, child. Easy, restful sleep.” His deep voice acquired a soft tone.
A cloud formed around her, she floated at Khnurn’s suggestion. Sighing, she closed her eyes. Sounds around her became muffled…faint. She hovered at the edge of falling asleep.
“What brought you to the Black Forest?” Khnurn’s voice came from afar.
“I need your help to find Dubtach’s location. He’s not escaping, Khnurn. I won’t allow it.”
Kailen’s anger… She remembered long ago, his grief and despair. Reality came crashing down on her. The loss of his woman in Svanetia was as vivid to Kailen today as when it happened. Here was the real reason for his visit, not her, never her.
Foolish, foolish, indeed.
The pain in her chest became unbearable. She wanted to scream, but the sleep-inducement spell was stronger. Releasing all control, she tumbled into the soothing depths.