Elemental Faith

by L. M. Somerton

  “I was beginning to wonder what had happened to you two, it’s late.”

  “Even private jets get held up in bad weather.” Gregory handed Evrain his bag then gave him a one-armed hug. “It’s good to see you, as always.”

  “Hi, Gregory, Coryn.” Dominic waved a spatula. “Dinner won’t be long, so I hope you’re hungry.”

  Coryn dumped his bag next to the table before wandering over to Dominic. “Gregory ate about twenty bags of miniature pretzels on the plane. We are both famished and whatever you’re cooking smells wonderful.” He gave Dominic’s shoulder a squeeze. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “I just need to drain the vegetables. You could open a bottle of wine if you guys would like something to drink, or there’s water or soda in the fridge.”

  “Gregory?” Coryn shrugged off his jacket, hanging it over the back of the nearest chair.

  “A glass of white wine would go down well.” Gregory leaned down to pet Shadow, who was winding in and out of his legs. “We were stuck at the airport for an age before the weather cleared enough for takeoff and my throat is drier than the Atacama.”

  “Because it’s not like there was any water on the flight or anything,” Coryn said, sarcasm oozing from every word.

  “Not the point. I couldn’t have a proper drink because we agreed I would drive here from the airport.”

  “Because you know the route better.” Coryn took a chilled bottle of wine from the refrigerator. “Corkscrew?”

  “On the table. You two bicker like an old married couple.” Evrain grinned.

  “That’s because we are an old married couple,” Gregory retorted. “Sorry, we’re both tired. A good meal and a drink will fix that. Is the guest room set up?”

  “It is. I’ll take your bags upstairs while Dominic finishes up.” Evrain carted the luggage and coats up to the spare bedroom, which he and Dominic had decorated in shades of lilac and silver gray. A deep purple embroidered quilt covered the bed and they had kept his grandmother’s oak wardrobe and chest of drawers. The room was cozy once the lamps were lit and Evrain was pleased with the way they had managed to marry modern and antique. He grabbed some fresh towels from the closet on the landing to leave on the bed then went back downstairs, where Gregory and Coryn sat at the table while Dominic dished up the casserole he had made.

  “I know you’re curious,” Gregory said. “But let’s eat first. We can talk over coffee.”

  “The symbol disappeared just like you said it would,” Dominic said. “I’m glad Evrain saw it or I might have thought I imagined it.” He took his seat. “Dig in, everyone, don’t let the food get cold.”

  Gregory made sure the conversation turned to other topics. He and Coryn shared tales of their exploits on their recent cruise, which brought a blush to Dominic’s cheeks.

  “I can’t believe you two. I’m surprised you didn’t get arrested.” Evrain sipped his wine, pushing away his plate. He patted his stomach. “That was amazing, love. Thank you.”

  “It’s Dominic’s herbs that make all the difference,” Coryn said. “You’re getting to be quite an accomplished chef.”

  The comment made Dominic blush even harder. He nibbled on his lower lip as he gathered up the empty plates to stack by the sink. “I made a cherry pie for dessert and there’s ice cream to go with it.” He slid the pie dish from the oven where it had been keeping warm.

  “You’re spoiling us.” Gregory smacked his lips together. “Not that I’m complaining because… Pie!”

  For a while the only sounds were those of happy munching as the four of them demolished their dessert. Even Shadow got a dish of cat milk so she didn’t feel left out. She licked the bowl clean then settled on Evrain’s lap, communicating her contentment through high-decibel purring. He stroked her, scratching her chin and behind her ears while Dominic made coffee. When they were all settled with drinks, Evrain gave Gregory an expectant glance. “So, are you going to explain why weird magical graffiti appeared on our wall?”

  Gregory drummed his fingers on the table as if trying to decide what to say first. Evrain reached across to take Dominic’s hand.

  “Have you ever thought about why we are the way we are?” Gregory asked.

  “You mean, why we’re warlocks?” Evrain said. It wasn’t how he thought this conversation would go. Gregory nodded. “Of course I have. But I guess I just assumed that if there was some kind of explanation you or my grandmother would have told me. I suppose I thought we were anomalies. Some kind of peculiar offshoot of evolution.”

  “Well, that’s not too far from the truth, to some extent,” Gregory said. “There have been witches and warlocks throughout history—mostly dismissed as ignorant people seeking ways to explain things they didn’t understand. But, as is usually the case, there’s no smoke without fire. So many rumors and stories… How could they all be explained away?” Gregory sipped his coffee. “There are references going back hundreds of years to people apparently able to manipulate the elements. Think about it—Native American rain and sun dances, Wiccan fire spells, Naga the water deity who could supposedly control the weather…the list goes on.”

  “So you’re saying people like us have been around a while?”

  “Indeed. Well-hidden or hiding in plain sight but present on several continents for hundreds of years.”

  “And are you going to tell us why?” Evrain was getting impatient.

  “I’m getting there.” Gregory flicked his fingers and a spark hit Evrain’s cheek. He slapped at the sting, scowling. “Respect your elders.”

  Dominic grinned and Evrain sent him a look that promised vengeance later, when they were alone.

  “Throughout history, disasters have been averted through what has seemed like fortunate timing or coincidence. Elemental warlocks exist to maintain a balance. To stop evil overcoming the world. Our gifts have prevented or curtailed hundreds of incidents, some famous, some nobody’s ever heard about.”

  “I don’t understand.” Evrain massaged his temples.

  “That’s because you’re not using that brain of yours. Think about it.” Gregory drummed his fingers on the table until Coryn laid his hand over them.

  “Give the boy a break, love. He’s still new to all this. You were once, you know. Many, many years ago.”

  Gregory lifted Coryn’s hand to his lips for a soft kiss. “You’re right, of course. It wasn’t that long ago!”

  “Of course I’m right.” Coryn glanced across at Dominic. “We mere mortals often are.”

  “Sorry. Sorry, Evrain. I’m being a grumpy old man.”

  “Nothing new there,” Evrain muttered, but he smiled. “My brain clearly isn’t working so how about you give me the idiot’s guide to warlock history?”

  “Think of a time in the past when the elements have altered the course of events,” Gregory said.

  “I think I should have paid more attention in class,” Evrain muttered.

  “The Spanish Armada,” Dominic contributed. “In 1588 the Spanish attempted to retreat from the British, but unseasonal, violent Atlantic storms threw them off course, and dozens of Spanish ships were lost.”

  “It’s gratifying to know that at least some young people appreciate their education these days. Well done, Dominic, that’s an excellent example,” Gregory said. “Can you think of any others?”

  “Um…” Dominic frowned. “How about the Battle of Long Island in the Revolutionary War? If I remember, after days of fighting the British, Washington decided to cross the East River and withdraw. He started the ferrying process at night, but by morning a large part of the army was still on the wrong side of the river. Had the British seen them, they likely would have been killed or captured but a dense fog concealed the activity. By the time the fog lifted and the British charged, the Continental army was gone.”

  “Very nice example. If Washington had lost those men, it’s highly possible the war could’ve turned out differently. There are so many examples—in 1274 and 1281 Kubl
ai Khan’s Mongol fleets failed to conquer Japan because two major typhoons destroyed his ships. The emperor claimed he had summoned the ‘kamikaze’—or divine—winds to save Japan. Hitler and Napoleon both suffered major setbacks because of extreme weather. The Great Fire of London never spread into Westminster, which it could easily have done, and despite the huge damage, very few people died. I could go on.”

  “So you’re saying our ancestors had a hand in controlling the elements, but what about all the disasters—earthquakes, volcanoes, tidal waves?” Evrain asked.

  “There are limits to our powers, Evrain. How difficult is it for you to pull water through rock? We’d hardly be able to avert a major earthquake once it was underway. However, there are instances when they’ve been delayed to limit casualties. Forest fires can be shifted, floods redirected, but it takes huge effort. Not every warlock is capable of such extremes—we all need to understand our limitations.”

  “Why do I have a feeling this is heading somewhere I won’t like?” Evrain’s trepidation increased, causing his stomach to cramp. He poured more wine into his empty glass, trading it for his coffee.

  “It’s happening very early. You’re far too young and inexperienced.”

  “What is?” Evrain’s frustration was beginning to get the better of him.

  “The test.” Gregory’s piercing stare made Evrain straighten in his seat. “The symbol that appeared on the wall is a call to take a test that every warlock is subjected to once they have found their life partner. I was in my mid-forties when it happened to me, a long time after I’d met Coryn.”

  Coryn rolled his eyes. “The symbol appeared on the bedroom wall while we were…well, I’ll let you work that one out. It put a dampener on proceedings, I can tell you.”

  Dominic snickered. “I’ll bet.”

  “Could we get back to the whole ‘test’ thing? What is it, exactly?” Evrain massaged his temples.

  “I don’t know,” Gregory said.

  “What do you mean, you don’t know?”

  “The test is different for each individual. I have no idea what yours will be. I do, however, know where you need to go because it always happens in the same place…and you must leave immediately. Your response to the call is part of the test. Those who have ignored it have found their powers gradually diminish…it’s as if they were found wanting…not to be trusted.” Gregory shook his head. “Such arrogance. Just because we don’t understand how or why this happens doesn’t mean it can be ignored. Warlock histories, scant though they are, are very clear—the test is a warlock rite of passage. Even Symeon Malus obeyed the call.”

  “What about Nate?” Dominic asked.

  “It hasn’t happened to him yet because he hasn’t found his life partner…though I doubt it will be long before Damon is recognized as such.”

  “What was your test, Gregory? If you’re allowed to talk about it of course.” Evrain stood, his chair too confining.

  “He had nightmares about it for years,” Coryn said. “It wasn’t fun, though my memories of what happened are hazy.”

  “While mine are as sharp as if it had happened yesterday,” Gregory muttered. “Part of the process—the partner is protected, to a certain extent, while the warlock is traumatized enough that the lessons learned will never be forgotten. Perhaps it isn’t such a bad thing that you’ve been called young. Your self-discipline may improve as a result.”

  “You’re scaring Dominic, love. Get on with it,” Coryn scolded.

  “Coryn was taken from me, kidnapped if you like. I had to follow a set of clues to find him. He was chained to a pole in the middle of a circular forest clearing and as I approached, a ring of fire ignited around him. All very dramatic.”

  “And warm,” Coryn added.

  “Quite. There was no obvious water source to put out the flames. I manipulated the air, but it didn’t work so in the end I shook the earth, liquefied the ground until the flames were swallowed, but that wasn’t the end of it. A tornado formed with Coryn at the eye, the loosened rock and debris I had created got caught up in the spinning wind. I fought to control it, to hold it in one place, knowing Coryn would be flayed if it touched him.”

  “Jesus Christ! I’m not sure I want to hear any more.” Evrain stood with his hands on his hips. “If this is what we’ve got to look forward to I’m not getting on a plane to anywhere.”

  “You’re not listening. This isn’t optional, Evrain. Unless you want your powers to fade over time, you will do this. With your strength you have the potential to do a lot of good. I for one don’t want you to waste your talent.”

  “But if it puts Dominic in danger…”

  “You’re a partnership. Anything you do in the future depends on Dominic. He’s a part of you now.”

  “I could go alone…”

  Gregory hissed his frustration. “Don’t be so stubborn. You go together or not at all. Now do you want me to finish telling you what happened or not? Jesus, sometimes I want to put you over my knee…”

  Dominic and Coryn were both trying to hide their laughter. “Alpha male warlocks are a constant source of entertainment,” Coryn spluttered. “Honestly, they are as bad as each other.”

  Dominic nodded his agreement. “I want to hear what happened,” he declared, “if the two of you could stop arguing for five minutes. What did you do, Gregory? How did you save Coryn?”

  “Well, like I said, I was fighting for control and getting tired. It was hard to concentrate but I realized that I had to think outside of the immediate problem and look for something that could help me. Coryn was tied to a wooden stake. I reminded the oak what it was to be alive, coaxing branches from the central pillar. The branches broke the path of the whirlwind and it dissolved. After that, there was an eerie calm and absolute silence for a few minutes. When the birds began to sing again I realized that the test was over.”

  “And I woke up in his arms,” Coryn contributed. “Not that I’d been deeply asleep, just not fully aware of what was going on. It’s still vague in my memory, like a half-remembered dream, all I can recall is having absolute trust that Gregory would do whatever he needed to.”

  “The whole thing sounds terrifying,” Dominic said. “You’re sure there’s no way out of this? Evrain hasn’t been a fully-fledged warlock for very long, it doesn’t seem fair.”

  “Once the symbol appears, that’s it. Your path is set and the only decision is whether or not to accept the challenge.” Gregory swallowed the last of his coffee then gestured for Coryn to pour him another. “If there was anything I could do about it, I would, but this is bigger than you or me, Evrain. Did you recognize the sigil?”

  “It looked familiar,” Evrain said, “but I couldn’t place it.”

  “Check the cover of the family bible some time.”

  “Of course! It’s embossed in the leather, isn’t it?”

  “Yes. Warlocks have been seeing the same thing for a very long time. Not that it has anything to do with religion of course.”

  “Someone has to organize the test, I assume. Who?”

  “A senior warlock gets the call in the same way you did—though it’s a different symbol. It’s a bit like warlock jury service. You may never be called or it may happen more than once. It’s considered an honor…and the more inventive the test, the better.”

  “Have you ever been called?” Dominic asked.

  “Not yet, no.”

  “I don’t like the idea of some other warlock having this kind of control over my life,” Evrain said.

  “It’s not the other warlock that has control of the situation, it’s a much older power that I don’t pretend to understand. He gets a boost from ancient magic so that the test is suitably demanding.”

  “I’m still getting used to what I am and what I can do. I don’t want to lose it—it’s part of me. It’s who I am.” Evrain felt guilty for saying what he was thinking.

  “And I wouldn’t have you any other way,” Dominic said. “You wouldn’t be you if y
ou weren’t a warlock. Wherever we have to go, I’m coming with you. We face this together.”

  “Good, that’s decided.” Gregory took another slurp of his coffee. “I feel a sudden need to get hammered. Is there more wine?”

  Chuckling, Dominic retrieved a fresh bottle from the refrigerator. “When will we have to leave, and where are we going?”

  “I think we can afford to give you a day to sort everything out, but you’ll need to leave the day after that. You’ll be going to Scotland.”

  Evrain stared at him. “I was expecting you to say we had to go to some remote corner of the planet, not back home.”

  “The place you need to get to is in the Cuillin Mountains on the Isle of Skye, not your family’s backyard. Though, if all goes well, you should be able to fit in a visit home while you’re over there. Your mother would string me up if she ever found out you’d been in the country and hadn’t stopped by.”

  “You and me both,” Evrain said.

  “You mean I have to meet your parents?” Dominic looked a little pale.

  “We are facing a test that could result in death for one or both of us, and you’re worried about meeting my mum and dad? I think you need to work on your priorities, love.” Evrain ruffled Dominic’s hair.

  Dominic gave him a sheepish smile. “It’s a big thing. I’ve only ever spoken to them on the phone.”

  “And they love you already, so you have nothing to worry about.” Evrain refilled his glass. “There’s so much to organize. We can’t just jump ship on a whim—we have lives here, obligations.”

  “Coryn and I will help you work everything out. We’ll stay here at the cottage until you’re both back from your trip. It’s too late to make any plans now. Why don’t the two of you go on to bed? Coryn and I will clear up the dishes and we’ll reconvene in the morning.”

  “I’m not sure I’m going to be able to sleep,” Dominic murmured.

  Evrain put his glass on the table and an arm around Dominic shoulders. “I think I can find a way to wear you out, sweetheart. Life with me was never going to be boring, was it?”