The Rumor (A Secret Past--Volume Two)

by Norah Black

  “He had killed one of the guards, but more were coming. We ran to the end of the dungeon hall, but it was a dead end, so we flattened ourselves against the wall, hoping to remain in shadow. A guard was approaching us with a torch, and I kept repeating in my mind, ‘let us be stone, don’t let him see us’, or something like that. Anyway, he walked right past us with the torch and he never saw us.”

  “Were you touching Garth?” Nadia nodded her head. Julia smiled and touched her forehead lightly. “That is a powerful trick for one completely inexperienced.”

  Foster cleared his throat and pulled Nadia to her feet. “Go ahead and shower. The meeting will start soon.”

  She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and walked back to the house. Foster watched her go, and felt confusion within him. Glamour was not an easy trick for sure. It was unsettling how much more she might be able to do without even knowing it, but right now there was something more he wanted to know from his mother.

  “Sit, Foster, I sense a troubled mind within your head.”

  He snorted and took his seat back on the log tiredly. “Isn’t there enough trouble all around us for my mind to feel it?”

  “Yes, but you wish to ask me something?”

  Foster looked at her steadily for a moment. His mother was poised and beautiful; a true princess. The question would not be easy. “How did you do it?”

  “Do what?”

  “Give all that up for father? How did you two even meet?”

  Julia looked beyond Foster’s head at the shadow of the mountain. Her past was a bittersweet tumult of passions, which she should have shared with her children long ago. “Your grandparents raised me similar to how I have raised the three of you. When I was at a certain age, they let me have a little while to be amongst the humans. Your grandfather, Kheelan, took a great risk to allow me to do that.”

  “Because he was on the throne?” Foster interrupted.

  “Yes. He had ideas about the realm that he still holds to. He felt that all ancient races should be able to access it. He felt it was wrong to judge based on who was Fae, Sidhe, Nephilim, or even some of the darker races. He was the one who started the council. It began when I was but a babe in my mother’s arms. He was also the one who proposed permanent meeting halls on this side of the veil near to Realm doors. It was part of his plan to make the Realm a little more accessible.” She paused and leaned her weight onto on arm behind her. “I didn’t stay amongst the humans for very long. I thought bright lights and a flashy city were the answer, but I was disappointed. Humans can be cruel in a way that is hard to explain. I met your father by accident. I had been robbed in a dirty alley way, and he came to my rescue, before my virtue could be stolen as easily as my wallet.” She sighed and gave him a sad smile. “I had never seen anyone quite like your father. He literally tore the man responsible to pieces. He knew me right away for what I was, and offered to bring me back to the Realm. His family was furious, of course, but he did it anyway. By the time we came back I was head over heels in love.”

  “What about him?”

  Julia winked and held her hand out to him as she stood. “Oh, I think you know the answer to that already.”

  Foster enjoyed walking hand in hand with his mother just like he did when he was a little boy. His mother had always been there with him and his brothers. He felt a pang of regret when he considered that he had taken her for granted.

  Zuzana stepped off the side of the porch and walked quickly to them. “Julia,” she said slightly out of breath, “you must come and do something about Darren.”

  “What is he doing?”

  Zuzana’s face was sober, and it was obvious to Foster that she had not had much exposure to his father.

  “He’s going to kill Darren, I fear.”

  “Why do you think that, Mother?”

  “That little Diana tried to talk to Darren while he was on the porch, and tried to show him the baby, but he acted like a complete heathen to her! He screamed at her to get that ‘bastard’ away from him. Well, the poor little thing took to wailing, Diana kicked him in the shin, and Darren jumped on the porch and jerked Darren off the porch by his pony tail.”

  Julia sighed and briefly closed her eyes. “Where are they now?”

  “I have no idea! He dragged him part way down your driveway.”

  “Where are Diana and the baby?”

  “Nadia has the baby, and Warren took Diana for a walk.” She leaned towards them in a conspiratorial manner and whispered, “I think Warren is smitten by her.” She leaned back and nodded her head solemnly.

  Foster couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, I think you’re right.”

  “Really?” Julia asked.

  “Would it be so bad? She is a full Fae and was born and raised in the Realm. She’s more suited to Warren than Darren.”

  “But, the child....”

  Foster’s eyes became stormy, and he hated the naivety of his mother sometimes. She always thought people should do the right thing. “Darren will never be what that child needs. Let someone else do right by him.” Foster left the women standing in silence as he walked away. He wished his family could see Darren for the monster that he truly was. Darren had been a thorn in his and Warren’s sides their entire lives and his cruelty knew no bounds.

  Nadia was smiling serenely into the face of the sleeping baby when Foster walked into the living room. He leaned against the wall and watched her for several seconds before she noticed he was there. Her eyes were lit up in such a way that only a baby could produce in women.

  “He is such a little marvel!” she said quietly. “I hope we have a baby as beautiful as this one someday.”

  “Me too.” He said and sat down on the floor beside her. Her hair was still wet and Foster could smell his mother’s strawberry shampoo. He wanted to run his fingers through each strand until they were dry. Footsteps stomped heavily up the porch steps and Darren made an ungraceful entrance. His left eye was starting to bruise and his hair looked like someone had rubbed it on rocks. His eyes fell on the baby and he mumbled a curse.

  “I can’t get away from it!”

  Nadia narrowed her eyes. “Pathetic.”

  “What’s that little maggot?” The words left his lips in a venomous drip as he leaned his body forward. “What have you to do with anything here?”

  “I perhaps wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t helped kidnap me, and this little angel wouldn’t be here if you had of kept your dick in your pants!” Nadia handed Foster the baby and stood to her feet. She was shaking and wanted to claw his miserable eyes from his head. Darren appeared in the doorway and crossed his arms.

  “Darren, shouldn’t you be upstairs combing your hair?”

  Darren glared at Nadia before turning and walking angrily up the stairs.

  Darren gave Nadia a steady undecipherable gaze. She lowered her eyes and walked silently into the kitchen. She ran a glass of water and noticed the tremor to her hand as she gulped it greedily.

  Darren approached Foster as he stood with the baby. “She’s a tart one.” He said with a tight smile.

  Foster shrugged. “I think the Realm brought it out of her.” He readjusted the baby in his arms so Darren could see him better. “So, what do you think of little what’s his name?”

  Darren grunted and ran a finger along the baby’s cheek. “He’s of Anak blood that’s for sure. Diana still refuses to name him.”

  “I know. Maybe Warren can convince her.”

  Darren rolled his eyes to heaven. “Stefan was right, she’s batty. I want Warren to stay clear of her. Why do my sons pick the wrong ones?”

  Foster felt his anger kindle. “I hardly think Nadia is the wrong one.”

  “We are in one hell of a mess because of her.”

  “No, we are in one hell of a mess because two love struck Nephilim kidnapped her.”

  Darren’s eyes glinted like steel. “So, you think just because she might be partly one of the ancient races, that makes it alright? You were
going to be with her when you thought she was human.”

  “True, but you have to admit, none of this is her fault.”

  Someone cleared their throat at the still open front door, and they both saw Garth standing there. “We are to go to the meeting hall now; they are ready for us.”

  Nadia set her glass down with a bang and marched out the front door. Darren and Foster looked at each other, and both knew she had overheard everything.

  *****

  The four council members were deep in discussion with Kheelan and Zuzana when they all took their seats. Kheelan motioned with his hands for them to be quiet and take their seats as well. Foster took Nadia’s hand as they sat down, and gave her a reassuring smile. She didn’t return it.

  Two other Nephilim were there and Foster recognized them from other visits to his home.

  Kheelan stood and began to speak. “Just over twenty one years ago, Zuzana and I were dismissed from our home and from my throne by an evil member of the Sidhe who calls herself Lily. I tried to do something good for all residents of the Realm and for all the ancient races that have a right to enjoy it. Lily came out of nowhere after I formed the Council and began whispering her honey laced lies into the ear of any that would hear her. She used my daughter’s marriage to Darren Anak as a platform to stir trouble, indicating that the Nephilim would soon own the Realm. It is now time to right these wrongs.” He paused and looked at everyone present individually. “We also have the matter of Nadia and Diana on our hands.” He indicated them by a nod of his head. “Diana, please come forward.”

  Diana walked timidly to the front and stood beside Kheelan. She was cleaned up and her auburn hair was pulled back in a braid. To those present, although not beautiful, she was attractive and, at the very least, presentable. Kheelan turned towards her. “Diana, you are not completely innocent of your predicament, but you have been wronged. What is it, you would like from the father of your child?”

  Diana looked directly at Darren and Foster watched a sadness creep into her eyes. He felt sorry for her. “I want nothing.”

  Darren looked astonished, which quickly gave way to smug smile. Diana looked back at the floor.

  Kheelan gave Darren a sharp look and then gently turned Diana to face him. “Child, you have the right, before these elders to seek recompense. Why do you not?”

  Diana shrugged and said in a small voice, “I don’t want a pretend father for him.”

  Kheelan looked confused and glanced back to a grinning Darren. He frowned before continuing with Diana. “You mean he isn’t the father?”

  Diana looked up at him with large eyes. “Oh no tricks, sir! He is the father but he would be a fake one because he really doesn’t want us. I want someone to want us.”

  Foster looked at Warren out of the corner of his eye, and saw him smiling at her with pride. Yes, Warren was definitely falling for her.

  Kheelan looked down at her and continued to frown. “Is this your final wish?”

  She nodded her head vigorously. “Yes, sir, it is.”

  “Darren Anak is hereby released from any responsibility for the child and from Diana.” Darren interrupted him with a ‘woohoo’ of happiness. Everyone in the room glared at him, and Kheelan raised his voice to continue. “Unless Darren Anak comes to his senses and does what is right by the child!” Kheelan’s long white hair seemed to quiver with anger at his grandson. Diana reached up and tugged at the sleeve of his tunic. “Yes, child, what is it?”

  “I have a name for him.”

  Kheelan’s eyes widened with surprise, and Foster could hear Darren mutter ‘It’s about time!’ “What is his name, Diana?”

  “Drake. He will one day rise mightily like a dragon.”

  Julia stood and walked to her. She placed a hand on either side of her face and kissed her on top of the head. “You will always be welcome with us, Diana, you and Drake. Please allow me to help you with my grandson.”

  Diana nodded and smiled brightly. “No tricks?”

  Julia shook her head and led Diana back to her seat.

  Kheelan looked at Foster and Nadia thoughtfully. “Now, we must decide how to best protect young Nadia, while we work out a way to retrieve my throne.”

  *****

  Nadia could feel her eyes burning with fatigue. They had been in the meeting hall for over three hours. This last hour they had all pulled out a long table and Warren had brought out large pieces of paper he used for sketching, and taped them together, so one of the Council members could draw a map of this portion of the Realm. All of the Nephilim had their own table, which was littered with weapons, mostly the bladed kind, and Nadia could hear one of them insisting for the third time that in a dire situation they should be able to take a gun into the Realm. Her bleary eyes looked at Foster, who was in deep discussion with his mother and grandparents. She could feel her head begin to dip forward, and she knew she would be asleep in minutes if she didn’t do something about it. As if he read her mind, Warren slipped a steaming cup of coffee in her hands.

  “I hope sugar and vanilla creamer is ok.”

  She smiled up at him, and felt the wonderful warmth of the mug in her hands. It smelled like the best cup of coffee ever brewed. “Vanilla creamer is my favorite.” Nadia had yet to learn about Warren’s special gift of knowing impossible things, things buried deep within one’s mind, so she had no idea that he already knew that about her. She would have liked to talk with this brave younger brother of Foster’s, but she could see his attention was elsewhere. Nadia followed his gaze across the room and saw Diana sitting on a railing with Drake in her arms. She swung her legs gently back and forth so she could rock him to sleep. “I appreciate the coffee, Warren.”

  He smiled down at her. “No problem.”

  “You know, I bet Diana would love a break from the baby. Why don’t you have her bring him to me?”

  Warren didn’t wait for her to change her mind and within a minute he was gently placing the baby in her arms, and he and Diana were happily sneaking outside. Nadia looked down at the sleeping baby and marveled at how resilient Diana was. She was heartbroken yesterday, but standing strong today. Her mind shifted to the Queen, and she wondered what her resilience was like. She shuddered hard enough to make the sleeping baby stir. His tiny fists came up to his face and paused just below his jaw line, before slowly returning to his chest. Nadia wished her life was a simple as his right then.

  She was listening to another heated discussion about guns in the Realm when something caught her eye. She thought it to be a trick of the light and she stood watching the high wooden beams of the ceiling.

  Julia glanced at her and smiled. “Nadia? Would like me to hold Drake?”

  Nadia dragged her eyes away and walked slowly over to her, placing the baby in her arms. She knew Julia had worded it as a question masked with good intentions, but what she really meant was ‘Give me that baby, now’. If she hadn’t been so preoccupied, she might have laughed about it.

  She kept her eyes on the beams and began walking away from the others towards the front of the barn. She gasped when she saw a tiny blue light flit from one beam to another, and finally flew fast downward towards Nadia’s face. Nadia stared at her pixie friend with surprise, and saw her give a sheepish look and shrug.

  “What are you doing here? You can’t leave the Realm!”

  The little blue pixie folded her arms and nodded her head one big time.

  “Ok, I get it. You’re a stubborn little thing!”

  “Nadia, who are you talking to?” Foster asked coming up behind her.

  She turned and gave him a guilty look. “Sorry. My little pixie has come here!”

  Foster smiled at the Pixie before giving her a worried look. “You aren’t supposed to leave the Realm. The farthest you can go is the meadow.”

  The pixie began shaking her head and Nadia could see her eyes glowing slightly brighter with her increased aggravation. She was pointing to the outside and waving her arms. Nadia had no idea what
she was trying to say, but knew it must be important for her to risk coming this far. Foster ran to Kheelan to see if he knew how to translate faster. When Kheelan saw the little pixie, a delighted smile crossed his lips.

  “What a treat! Light pixies are usually very shy.”

  “Try to understand what she is saying.”

  Kheelan watched the little pixie’s animated movements. He nodded his head a few times and looked at Foster. By then, several others had noticed their small huddle and had walked over to see what was happening.

  “She seems to be telling us that there are several coming on horseback.” He glanced at Nadia. “It seems you are given a special privilege. She wants you to know her name is Aurilla.”

  “So she is female!” Nadia said with a smile.

  “It would appear so.” Kheelan turned his attention back to the pixie. “What else have you seen, Aurilla?”

  She jumped to one side and made an angry face, shaking her fist in the air. She then jumped to the opposite side and shrugged her shoulders, pretending to be doing some sort of work. Her final jump was to the front and she imitated riding a horse. Kheelan frowned.

  “Are you saying the kingdom is dividing?”

  Aurilla nodded her head and held up three fingers. She then pointed to Kheelan, pointed towards the forest, and finally shrugged and imitated working again.

  “Some are with the Queen, some are with me, and the rest just don’t care?”

  Aurilla nodded her head and flew to Nadia’s shoulder. Kheelan turned so he could still see her.

  “You must be very tired.”

  Aurilla nodded and slouched her shoulders.

  “Tell me, tiny pixie, which side is greater?”

  She paused and thought with her tiny hand cupping her chin, before pointing a finger at Kheelan.

  Kheelan turned to the nearest Council member. “We need to get a couple of people to the meadow.” He turned back to Aurilla. “Are the ones on horseback trying to leave the Realm and come here?”

  Aurilla shrugged and pointed at him.

  “They are trying to get to me?”

  She nodded.