by L M Lacee
“So we have been told. Now what I need to know is are you planning to have Clint live with you?”
“Yes.” He saw Ace’s shoulders droop a little. “But only when he wants to. Which seems to be one or two weekends a month.”
“Great!” Ace smiled light-hearted once again, “Harper and I were worried you would be taking him from us. Not that you cannot, he is your family but…”
Hayden looked over the mountains as he said. “His place is with you and Harper. He loves you both and I cannot take that from him, he is happy. Probably for the first time in years, he feels safe and most of all…” He turned to Ace and said. “He sleeps deeply now, he told me he had not done that since I went away. So for that, I thank you and Harper.”
Ace tried to keep the smile from his voice as he said. “Thank you. He is ours as much as Joy is.”
Hayden cocked an eyebrow up. “He told me he wanted to remain with you at least until he moved into his own place.”
“Which will never happen.” Ace told him. “Harper will never allow it.”
Hayden grinned. “I did try to warn him about that. His answer was he is hopeful you two will breed a parcel of hatchlings and he won’t be missed!”
Ace laughed as he spluttered. “Again I say, it will never happen.”
Harper arrived and stood three feet away watching the laughing males, good she would not have to threaten death. She called out. “Did you ask him?”
Ace nodded. “I did, and he said he was staying with us!”
Harper grinned and ran to Hayden. She hugged him, then hugged Ace. “Thank you, I would really miss him.”
Hayden admitted. “I did ask him to stay with us at least a couple of times a month.”
“Oh sure, he is your brother. I don’t want that to change. He loves you heaps.” A happy Harper told him. Hayden smiled at the happy female. “Thank you for keeping him safe.”
“Aww! Hayden, it was easy.”
Arm in arm Ace and Harper said their goodbyes and left happy, animated and pleased their family was intact.
“That was nice, you could have made it harder for them all.” Sparrow told him as she stepped up beside him. Hayden nodded as he turned his head to her.
“I could have but we would have all lost in the end. Did you get your answers?”
She shrugged and started to walk with him beside her. “Yes and no. I decided it did not matter anymore.”
“Can you still follow through with the combat?”
“Yes, she betrayed us, almost got my friends killed. Allowed that male to enter the Gap. She tricked Ocean and nearly got her killed. She needs to face trial.”
“Agreed, she does for those reasons alone, justice should be served. I am asking, is there no one else that can do it?”
Sparrow stopped. “Hayden, do you not think I am capable?”
He took her in his arms and nuzzled her neck under her ear. Then he spoke against her skin causing little shivers of delight to skate over her as he whispered. “My shadow, I worry what this will do to you?”
“Oh, I see!” She gasped as he nipped at a tender spot, then moved closer to his body so he could kiss her better, when they heard a voice call out. “Get a room!”
Fast as lightening they broke apart to see Edith’s smiling face as she and Sharm walked towards the lake. “Really Edee!” Sparrow called back. Hayden pulled her towards the car he had parked waiting to take them to their home and laughed at the blush that was stealing over her face.
CHAPTER THIRTY ONE:
D awn on the day of the trials found the arena filled with spectators who were there to witness justice. Every adult knew what was to happen, this was not a day for winners and losers. Today justice was demanded and would be given. There would be no reprieve.
Sparrow walked in from the opened gates, dressed for combat in a leather vest and trousers, weaponless as was tradition. She looked resolved and every inch the Commander she was.
Ocean walked behind Ciana her hand in hers, since her kidnapping she had not been alone, either Conor the girls or Andre` as well as Ciana and Birdy had stayed with her. No matter that she told them she was well, she had come to the conclusion it was for their comfort more than hers, she knew as time passed they would relax and life would become better.
“Ciana, Ocean, Birdy good morning. I did not think you would be here?” Edith greeted them as they made their seats.
Ocean greeted her in return. “Conor is to fight!” She replied softly. “And I, like everyone else need to see justice done. Otherwise, I will always wonder.”
“I get that.” Claire moved towards her and hugged her. “Hey my friend, how are you?”
“Hey is not a greeting!” Ocean retorted, what she always told Kadee which made Claire laugh. “Ocean you are a pistol.”
Ocean grinned. “Good morning Claire and thank you, I am much better, no more shakes.”
“Good, Kammy is demanding we come to visit, will later today be alright?”
Ocean grinned. “You know you are always welcomed please never wait for an invitation. We are back home after this. So please, all of you come visit. The girls are to go back to school soon, so it is just us. Well Conor, Andre` Kai and Saul as well as Ian and Adam and Birdy and Ciana but other than that, it’s just us, right Ciana, Birdy.”
Laughing they agreed. Ciana whispered to Claire and Edith, “Her shakes were more from the drugs they used rather than from residue fright. She says she doesn’t remember anything, so how could she be scared.”
Edith asked. “Do you believe her?”
Ciana looked away then back to them. “Yes, I think it is what happened afterwards that had her upset.”
“Yes, we have to talk about that!” Edith said, Claire agreed. “Frankie has been withholding secrets.” Harper leaned over and told them. “She plans to share with everyone on Sunday family day.”
Claire nodded. “Just as well, as there are some wild rumors floating around.”
Harper laughed. “I know, I started most of them, so funny.”
Edith shook her head. “You have a very strange sense of humor.”
Harper sniffed. “So says you!”
Changing the topic, Edith asked Birdy. “Birdy why are you not with the other faeries?”
“That was not going to happen. The High Queen and King are here. So no!”
“Chicken!” Olinda said. “I like them.”
“Good for you. Birdy grumbled. “She is not your relation. Kai got stuck being there. He is not pleased.” She could not help the smile spreading across her face. They laughed as Phoebe arrived. “Hello.” She greeted everyone. Ciana asked. “I thought you were with Sage?”
Phoebe grinned. “She was required to be present with the Queens. She is not thrilled, but that is what happens when you are royal.”
Ciana, trying not to laugh asked. “Did you tell her that?”
Phoebe gave an amused look to Ciana and asked “Sure. Was I not meant to?”
There were several grins and scattered laughter. “Anyone seen Frankie?” Ocean asked. Harper shook her head. “She is here, she loves the High Queen and King, who love her. So she and Johner are with them.”
Edith sighed. “I will be glad when today is over.”
“As will we.” Charlie said for everyone else.
Ciana asked. “Where are all your males?”
“With Conor or guarding.” Charlie answered, then asked. “Where is Thorn?”
Ciana pointed to where the royals were. Olinda squinted as she looked across the arena. “How come you are not there?”
Ciana put a fake expression on her face as she said, “Sadly, I have to be with my sister.”
“Oh my Goddess you used your sister?” Harper asked. Ciana looked at her appalled face and back to Ocean. “Don’t get it, do you?”
Ocean frowned as she thought, then said. “No, that is what sisters are for, isn’t it?”
Charlie grinned. “Only in your world, in Harper’s, there are wh
ole other reasons for sisters.”
Harper growled. “And you all have daughters!”
“What do you think?” Olinda asked Charlie.
“Oh, I dump on Harper all the time.”
“You do?” Harper yelped.
“Of course what are sisters for?”
“Speaking of sisters, where are your girls?” Edith asked Ocean and Harper.
Ocean said. “With the young ones and their nannies and a hundred elves and unicorns in the stone apartment.”
“They did not want to come?” Claire asked knowing the three girls and expecting them to be here.
“Of course they did, but there is time for them to see this kind of justice.” Harper told her. “Ocean and I said no, they bitched. Then their fathers said no. They bitched. When their grandparents said no there was no arguing or bitching.”
Claire laughed at the look on Harper’s face. Obviously having to call in the grandparents was not something she liked doing but Claire could detect a small amount of smugness from both mothers.
“I agree with you and if we are lucky we will never need to see it again.” Edith murmured.
“Good morning Ladies.” Grace and Patrycc greeted them all as they arrived.
“Good morning they returned. Olinda asked. “Where is Lady Verity and Lord Rene`?”
Grace smirked as she told them “With the royals.”
“Oh okay.” Ciana smiled. “Is papa there too?”
Patrycc smiled. “Him as well, he is not pleased.”
Ocean asked. “How did you two miss out?”
“We are faster than them.” Patrycc told them. “We were missing when Reighn suggested people for the royal seats.” There were a few snickers of laughter at his smug expression. Harper saw Clint and Hayden with the other dragons. Hayden looked passive, but she knew he was not pleased, he worried at the effect this would have on his shadow. Funnily enough she mused, he was not worried she would lose, he was very confident in her abilities.
Then there was no more time for pleasantries or thoughts as the gate was opened and Loa was escorted in with five guards surrounding her. They halted four feet away from the relaxed, waiting Sparrow.
“What stops them just shrinking and flying away?” asked the curious Olinda.
“Oh yeah good point!” Edith said, as they all looked at Birdy, who smiled and pointed to the royal seats. “The High Queen, she can suppress any faeries ability to use their wings or reduce in size. That is why she is the High Queen.”
Ciana said. “And here today.”
“Yes.” Birdy agreed. They stopped talking when Sparrow turned to the royal seats and bowed as Loa remained standing. She did not move from her position, nor did she acknowledge the Royal Queens and Kings, seated watching her. When Sparrow rose from her bow, she asked. “My Queen, do you still sanction Combaal?”
Queen Scarlett as the reigning Queen of Dragon’s Grove stood, she inclined her head her eyes on Loa, who refused to meet her eyes. “I do! There is no reprieve granted.”
With that the guards left the arena and Sparrow turned to face Loa, who smirked at her. “So it was you after all?”
Sparrow shrugged. “I did tell you?”
“No, you said guess!”
“I am shocked that you, the great Loa could not work that out? I mean the clue was fairly obvious. Maybe I should have spelled it out for you?”
“You cannot beat me Sparrow. I am fitter, faster and way stronger than you!”
Sparrow shrugged. “And yet I will kill you and you will be lost to history as a failed traitor just like your family. You will be another line in a history book, no one will care about. Sad for you.”
Loa screamed her rage and slammed into Sparrow who was waiting for just that move, having studied Loa as any good Commander would have. She knew her moves, knew her tactics. Loa was stronger, definitely faster, and she was just so predictable.
Sparrow absorbed the impact and as Loa wrapped her arms around Sparrow, they fell back against the wall. While Loa was struggling to contain Sparrow. She was slipping her arms from Loa’s grasp. And then with a well-practiced move she broke Loa’s hold and punched her with her feet as she bounced from the ground. Causing Loa to be kicked backwards. Loa landed in the dirt and skidded for a few feet. She flipped over and growled as she stared at Sparrow who stood with her eyebrows raised and her hands on her hips. Loa spat dirt and blood from her bleeding tongue she had bit as she was kicked. “I hate you!”
She raged. Sparrow shrugged. “I know and do not care. Get up Loa so I can end this, then shower off your stench.”
Loa leapt up and paced closer to Sparrow and once within reach, they traded blows for minutes. Loa coming off worse than Sparrow. Loa could not seem to find a way past her defences. Sparrow toyed with the female letting her think she was winning. Finally annoyed, she dropped to the ground and flipped Loa over her head and threw her a distance away.
Loa rolled then snapped to her feet as she landed and swiftly turned then charged Sparrow who stepped to the side. Loa ran straight into the strong outstretched arm of Sparrow which caused her larynx to be crushed by the force of her throat hitting Sparrow’s immovable arm.
Loa dropped to the ground, hands clasping her throat as she struggled to breathe. Sparrow squatted down beside her. She brushed the hair from Loa’s eyes. “You were my friend, my captain. I trusted you.
I want so much to make this last, to watch you struggle for every breath until the final one. To make you regret your decisions and believe me Loa I could so easily.” Sparrow looked up and found Hayden’s eyes on her. “But I will not. My light expects much more from me and I find I want to live up to those expectations.” She looked down at Loa, into eyes haunted with the knowledge she was dying. “Just so you go to the afterlife not wondering. This is my thirty-first Combaal. You never had a chance.”
With that Sparrow hit her with a short hard punch to Loa’s chest, over her heart splitting it in half, killing her immediately.
Sparrow stood bowed to the Royal seats then walked slowly accompanied by silence from the arena, justice was delivered.
In a dim cold room used for dressing by the trainees Dumoh turned to Delfiniao who awaited his trial.
“You are it seems the last of your line. Loa has been delivered justice. I would wish you luck but seriously for you the well of luck has run dry.”
Delfiniao snarled and rattled his chains. “You know nothing. You think your king can best me a full blood faerie.”
“Don’t care how you die. Just that you die!”
“Fool.”
“Yeah…yeah!” Dumoh said as the signal came to get the male ready to meet his fate.
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO:
I t was the first time most of the people of Dragon’s Gap had seen Definiao Kiltern, the master mind behind the attacks against the royal family and peoples of the world. He stood surrounded by guards led by Dumoh as they entered the arena.
Scarlett looked at him then Sage who sighed and mouthed what a waste! Scarlett shrugged maybe but evil was evil no matter what the package looked like.
In saying that there was no denying the male was beautiful even for a faerie male, especially as he was reportedly around twelve hundred years old. Definiao was over six feet tall with shoulder length blonde hair and blue eyes. One had to admire, Scarlett thought how he stood unbent under the weight of his crimes.
As with Loa, Definiao had called for Combaal and as with Loa, they who called for it, did not get to name their opponent, hence Sparrow fought Loa. Definiao’s opponent was not named yet, which did not seem to daunt Definiao.
He stood relaxed, stripped to the waist oiled and defiant knowing there was not one faerie who could best him, male or female. He was not really surprised to find himself here, his chance of being rescued had been slim to remote and a foolish hope of a desperate male.
But as he stood here in this arena in front of this audience and what passed for royalty, those who were no better tha
n he Definiao Kiltern, the last male of his line. He was prepared for his finest performance before he took up the mantle of the overlord, of the universe...
So as the gates to the training arena opened, Definiao was not surprised to see Rumoh enter with Elijah. What did surprise him was the male that walked with them. “What is the meaning of this, he is not faerie?” Demanded Definiao of the High Queen, who ignored him. As the males came to within four feet of Definiao, the three males stopped and turned bowing to the royals. Elijah then rose and spoke to the audience.
“As you have seen here today, this is faerie justice as asked for by the prisoners. Definiao Kiltern asked for Combaal as is his right. Just as it is my right as King of Dragon’s Grove to take up the challenge or in this case to nominate my proxy. Conor Towers, Leo of Dragon’s Gap pride. To fight in my stead.”
“No! This is not right you cannot do that?” Definiao screamed at Elijah.
“I believe I can. And I just did!” Elijah told the male then he bowed his head to Conor. “Fight well my friend.”
He and Rumoh turned about and walked at the same pace they had walked in. As with Sparrow and Loa there was no official. No rules. Just death!
Conor and Definiao waited for the king and his guard to leave the grounds, although Conor suspected the male was stunned and trying to figure a way out of this, rather than waiting for Elijah to leave.
He was right when Definiao said quietly. “I will give you a hundred million dollars to throw this fight.”
Conor kicked up his top lip as he stared at the male out of bright amber eyes. “To do that, I would be dead and what use would the money be to me then?”
“You are right. I will give you two hundred million dollars to walk away. Just turn around and walk away!”
Conor’s lip went up again. “Tempting, very tempting.” Definiao knew he was right. Everyone had a price. He started to relax and plan his freedom. When the giant of a male said. “However my mate, that was the female you and your cousin kidnapped and almost killed with your drugs.”
Definiao’s face fell and his hopes plummeted as Conor told him. “Now my mate would be really pissed, and she can growl, plus my lion likes how she scratches in all the right places, so I will decline the offer!”
