by T K Eldridge
Roisin took a sip of her coffee and looked thoughtful. “Tell me more about this council,” she said.
So, I took a deep breath and laid it all out for her. The candidates that were already chosen, the mission statement of equality and community first focus…I had written all of this out over the past week and had the Commander, Grams, and the Royals all read it over, then I took it to Dad and he went over it and made a few suggestions. Drake and I had polished it last night and I slid a printed copy over to Roisin to read as I spoke.
When I was done, I watched her face and waited. My hand shook when I took a sip of my coffee, and then suddenly I felt a rush of confidence and clarity I had never felt before. I put the mug down, laid both hands flat on the table, and took a breath. “This is what we all need. Your siege was a good idea for shifting the status quo, and now it’s time for that shift to bear fruit.”
I watched Roisin’s head come up and she stared at me with a look of surprise, then she smiled. “You’re correct. I agree with this. Do you have one of those candidate sheets? I have two names I’d like to put down.”
I opened my bag once more and slid the paperwork over to her, along with a pen. Part of me was all ‘this was too easy’ but I wasn’t going to say that now. That could wait until after everything was signed and sealed.
“Oh, I need a witness. Let me get Emmeline,” Roisin said and got to her feet. She opened the door, spoke to someone outside it, then sat back down. “Do try those cookies. Cook has been experimenting with some new recipes. I think those are chocolate raspberry with almond slivers,” she said as she pointed to a puffy little square.
The cookie was sampled and I had to admit it was delicious, then Emmeline came in.
“You asked for me, ma’am?” she said.
“Yes, Emmeline, I need a witness for my signature on these documents,” Roisin said as she picked up the pen and signed her name and the date.
Emmeline took the pen, witnessed the signature and date, then seemed taken aback. “You put my name down? As a candidate for what?”
“There will be a council, elected by the community as a whole, and I need to give them two candidates. You are one of the most considerate, efficient beings I’ve had the pleasure to know. You understand our needs and the culture, and I think you’d be an excellent addition,” Roisin said.
“I’m honored, ma’am,” Emmeline replied.
I gave Emmeline a smile. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but if you’re chosen, I think you’ll find that those selected with you have only the best for the community as a whole in mind. The election will be in four months, which is fast – but we need to get this thing up and running.”
“I’ll be ready,” Emmeline said, then left the room.
Roisin turned to me and sighed. “I’m glad of this. I was exhausted. I had always felt left behind. Not good enough. Second best. Bridie was practically my twin, being ten months older. She was so bright and brilliant, and when she died, I felt like a part of me had been destroyed. I blamed your grandparents for the loss, both Liam and Maggie – but I know it wasn’t them. I know the person responsible was James Boudreau – and with him dead, I can’t even get satisfaction from him. So, I took it out on Maggie.” She paused and stared out the window. “I thought I was punishing her, and instead I punished myself. I had no idea all of the bits and pieces that went into ruling over multiple species. She has my respect.”
I didn’t dare look back at Drake because my eyes would have widened and given away my shock at her words. “I’m glad you’re supportive of this council. Now, maybe, you can do something good for yourself? Help your chosen candidates campaign, and go back to your lovely home?”
“I miss my gardens. This place is cold and damp even in the middle of summer. I’ll make an announcement this afternoon that the siege is over and an election is going to take place in the late autumn. Will Fionn and Maggie be returning to the palace?”
“No, they’re going to turn it into a school for the younger ones that can’t board away from their parents as easily as the teenagers can,” I said.
“That’s a brilliant idea, and something the community desperately needs. I’m wholly behind that,” Roisin said. “So, is that handsome man behind you, your partner?”
“Drake is my Chosen,” I said. “He is also experienced in diplomacy and managing a council, so I brought him for his wisdom as well as his protection.”
“A pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” Drake said.
“Let me warn you both,” Roisin said. “There are those who are against any kind of council or meeting of minds. They want elementals and only elementals to rule over all. This is not going to be a smooth transition, by any stretch of the imagination. Be careful, both of you.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Drake said. “I had expected as much. Power is seductive and the illusion of power is even more so. You should be careful, too.”
“I will be,” Roisin said. “I’ll make the announcement in about an hour, and have my staff pack up and head home tonight. I’m beyond done with this place. You will let Fionn and Maggie know?”
“I will,” I said. “If we hurry, we can catch the next ferry.” I got to my feet and Roisin did as well, then she surprised me once more by giving me a hug.
“Stay safe, Sidonie. I want to get to know my sister’s family. From what I’ve learned, they’re a pretty amazing group of people.”
“I’d like to get to know you, too, Auntie. We’ll find the time. Just watch your back until things settle out, okay?” I said.
“If you need me or mine, just call,” Drake added and handed her a business card with his name and contact information.
We left the Dowager House and decided to walk back to the ferry.
“That went too well,” I said.
“It went a lot easier than I thought it would,” Drake agreed. “But you did something. What was it?”
“I did something? I talked to her. What do you mean by something?”
“I felt a wave of acceptance and positivity flow from you into the room and then she was all agreeable and on board,” Drake said.
I frowned. “Like magic?”
“Yeah, like magic. Do you think that’s what Orion blessed you with?”
“I don’t know, but I don’t like it if it is. That’s removing someone’s free will and manipulating them.”
“Or, it’s just reminding them that the greater good is their goal,” Drake said. “But I can see how you’d think it could be manipulative.”
I was furious now. “Fucking Orion and his bullshit. I want to punch him in the face. What kind of crap is this?”
Drake took my hand and squeezed. “Let it go for now, Sidonie. We need to stay aware until we get home.”
My fury stuck in my throat and I did my best to quiet my anger and stay safe, but it wasn’t easy. I called the Royals on the way home and told them Roisin was on board and she would be announcing the end of the siege this afternoon. They were so overjoyed, I didn’t have the heart to bring up Orion’s deceitful ways.
I wanted that little asshole to face me, and I had no idea how to reach a Creator.
But I would find a way.
Chapter Fourteen
Sin
The next morning, Evan and I gave our statements at the station, and then I took him out for a beer at the local cop bar. Hey, it was after noon and he was old enough. Besides, he’d earned it. He’d kept his cool and kept us all safe until I could take the guy out. That was not an easy thing to do and I owed him more than a beer or two. I felt like I managed to cheer the kid up some before we went home. Evan was still kicking himself for letting the guy into the car. I dropped him at his parents’ place and went back up to the main house to take care of a few chores before I wrangled my offspring while Mira got some work done with Mom.
It turns out that Cameron Marius’ intent was to simply carjack us and steal our belongings, but when he heard my voice, he thought he recognized me and wanted
to get down the highway a bit before he dumped us out. At least, that’s what he said. Something about his story didn’t feel right, but I wasn’t in any position to really push any longer.
I had set up my first semester of classes and ordered my lab gear, textbooks, notebooks, and all the rest. There was a definite sense of excitement about finally starting on my chosen path.
The kids had all had lunch, Rohan included, and I had got the four younger ones down for a nap, and gave Ethan some online time to play a game in his room. Dishes done and the floors swept, I felt all kinds of accomplished until Sid called.
“What’s up, sis?”
“I met with Roisin and she signed off on the council idea and ended the siege. But it was too easy. Drake said he felt a wave of magic come off of me that felt like acceptance and positivity- and to me that seems awfully manipulative. I would never intentionally take away someone’s free will, so this really pisses me off.”
“You think this is what Orion did to you?”
“Yeah, I do. I want that little fucker to stand in front of us and tell us exactly what he did. Then I’m going to punch him in the face.”
“Easy, sis. Let me see if Mira’s guardians, or Sir Cedric, have any ideas on how best to contact Orion or any of the Creators.” Sir Cedric was Ethan’s guardian, but I’d conversed with him before, and he was both wise and helpful.
“Okay, thanks. I hate being manipulated, and the thought that I might have inadvertently done the same makes me sick. Am I glad the siege is over and Roisin is going along with things? Yeah. And from what she said, she just really wanted an out that didn’t make her look bad – and we gave that to her. But, gods…”
“I get it, Sid. I’ll get back to you as soon as I know something.”
“Thanks, Sin.” Sid disconnected the call.
Mira and Mom, I knew, were up to their eyebrows in a complex potion today, so I went to find Ethan instead. Nine years old, and he was growing so fast. I watched him play for a moment, then tapped on the door.
“Hey, Ethan. May I borrow Sir Cedric for a moment?” I asked.
“Hey, Da. Sure,” Ethan said and pulled an old coin out of his pocket and handed it to me.
“Not the toy car any more?”
“Naw, I’m too old for that. This looks cooler,” Ethan said.
“Thanks. I’ll bring him back in a few,” I replied and left him to play his game. I went into the kitchen and poured myself a coffee before I held the coin in my hand. “Sir Cedric, do you have some time for a few questions?”
“Of course, Sinclair. Good job with the children, by the way. They’re all becoming strong little beings.”
“Thanks, Sir Cedric. I need to know what you know about the Creators.”
“The Creators are a cluster of energy that take the form appropriate to the moment. They are the energy that began all of life, from what I was taught. What I know now, that I didn’t when I walked your plane, is that they are only responsible for the creation of supernatural beings as a counterpoint to the creation of humans.”
“Huh. So what was their motive for creating the supernaturals?”
“That I do not know. Why are you asking?”
“Because the one called Orion supposedly ‘blessed’ Sid and I, and she inadvertently impacted someone’s free will with a power she’s never shown before. We think it’s because of what Orion did and she’s furious. I’m not too thrilled either because who knows what the hell they did to me?”
“I can see why that would be disturbing, yes. If you go back to the oldest teachings, there is a spell to call the Creators to come to you – but after they negatively impacted some of those that called them, that spell fell out of use. I believe the grimoire that holds that spell is currently being cared for by Sidonie.”
“Thank you, Sir Cedric. You have been exceedingly helpful.”
“One last thing, Sinclair. Your decision to step away from the force and become the healer you were always meant to be has made everyone in your family a lot happier. The worry they never expressed to you, is now gone.”
“I had a feeling, with the way they’ve been interacting with me now, compared to before. It’s nice to have the confirmation, though. Thank you again, Sir Cedric.”
“You are most welcome. Ethan is on his way downstairs for a snack. You can wait and give me back to him then.”
I heard the thud of Ethan’s footsteps on the stairs, and went to pull out a pudding cup and a bottle of water.
* * *
That evening, I headed over to Sid’s to talk to her about the spell that Sir Cedric had mentioned. Mira had been enthusiastic over how much work they’d managed to accomplish and told me to go ahead and see if we could figure this out. I think she was just happy that I wanted to spend more time with my sister.
Drake answered the door and when I stepped inside, Sid came out of the kitchen with the coffee and mugs.
“Thanks for letting me come talk to you about this,” I said.
“No problem,” Drake replied.
“I pulled out the three books I think might have what we’re looking for, but I haven’t gone through them yet. I figured each of us could take a book and start looking. Just…you’ll need to wear these white cotton gloves before you touch the books and the coffee does NOT go near them. I have the books on the table in the kitchen. We can have coffee here and chat, then go look,” Sid said.
“How did you end up with these books?” I asked.
“When the siege started, Oak sent me a few books and scrolls that needed to be accessible but still protected. They were sent magically, so now – only the three of us, Oak, and the Royals know they’re here,” Sid said.
“What books did you select for us?” Drake asked.
“The three oldest grimoires in the collection. One dates back to the 1400’s, so they’re mostly preserved by magic,” Sid said.
“Let’s get started,” I said as I drained my coffee and left my cup on the tray. “Leave this here so I can get more when needed.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Drake replied.
“Gloves are on the table and there are extra lamps to turn on because some of it can be difficult to read,” Sid said as she finished her coffee and joined us. “Don’t worry about the light damaging them, the magic keeps them safe from that, too. We probably don’t even need to use the gloves, but I don’t want to risk any damage to the books – or any latent magic sliding onto our fingers.”
“You’ve learned a lot about archival texts, sis. That’s pretty awesome,” I said.
“I had to. Oak wouldn’t have let me touch some of the books or scrolls if I didn’t use precautions. He’s a good teacher,” Sid said.
We started looking, but the books were thick and the writing was hard to decipher.
“This is slow going,” I said. “I’ve been doing this for two hours and only covered about an eighth of this book. If it’s okay, I think I’ll come back to this after I get some sleep. My eyes are burning.”
“Yeah, I didn’t expect to find it right off,” Sid said. “Just leave that bit of ribbon in your place and close the book. Put the gloves in that basket and you can pick up later, unless I get through it before you can get back here.”
“Thanks, sis. Sorry I wasn’t more help.”
“Don’t worry about it. You were helpful. Give Mira and the kids my love,” Sid said and showed me out.
Drake walked out onto the porch. “It means a lot that you came by to help, Sin. Thank you.”
“It’ll take me some time to make up for being an ass, but I’m going to keep trying,” I said.
“She sees it – and I do, too. Stay safe, brother.”
My brain kept whirling the whole ride home.
Chapter Fifteen
Sid
We didn’t find the spell in those books, or in the next six I pulled out to search in, either. I ran out of places to look, and the new portal link for the Archives was almost done, but not quite – so no access the
re. The election was fast approaching and people were getting hyped up about the changes a council would make in how things were done. The state officials were pleased to see the region had finally come up with a plan to get things under control. The past history of this area did not have a good reputation for a quiet community, and the state level government was tired of dealing with us.
Dad and I were going over the details for the first meeting of the council where I would have to hold an internal election for the council’s primary seat holder and their deputies. After that, I could step back and just be an admin for the council to handle mailing costs, rental for the council chambers, and stuff like that.
Polling showed Dad had a clear lead over Stefano Marroni, a shifter friend of our family. Both Dad and Stefano would be pleased no matter which one of them won, so it made things a little easier for that region of the community. Closer to home, Bastien and a witch named Cecilia were the choices. All told, there would be nine council members, one for every region.
The island nominees were where we had some trouble. Roisin had picked two names, both elementals, and while they were playing along, the rest of the elementals that had supported her siege were not happy. Emmeline Fisk was still on the ballot, but George Mulroney had backed out and Caleb Marius had taken his place. I hadn’t recognized the name, but Dad did.
“That Caleb Marius is causing no end of trouble,” Dad said. “Now he’s saying Sin had his brother arrested to make it difficult for elementals to get elected.”
“Oh, right. His brother is Cameron Marius. Does he happen to mention that his brother tried to carjack Sin and his wife? No? Hmm, maybe I need to slip a copy of the arrest record to Kate Boswick.”
“That’s one way to handle it,” Dad said.
“Do you have a better idea?”
“No, I mean, that is a good way to handle it.” Dad put down his pen and reached for my hand. “Siddie, what’s wrong?”
