Warrior

by Jana LaPelle

  “I don’t know. A few hours maybe. I couldn’t sleep so Camoryn and I decided to pop in on the kids and give the others a break. He just whisked Sammy away so you could have some one on one time with the twins. Not to change the subject or anything, but I could tell that you were upset last night after you all met with Justice and that weird thing happened allowing us to see into The Mortal Realm. I know you’re worried about what’s to come, but you know I’ve got your back no matter what happens. Right?”

  Taking her hand in mine, I give it a gentle squeeze and whisper tightly, “I couldn’t sleep either. I had this horrific nightmare. I don’t know what I will do if I lose any of you today. She won’t back down. Not now, she’s taken this vie for power too far, and she has no intentions of losing at this late stage in the game. There are bound to be casualties. I’m not sure if I’m prepared for that. I love you, Jaz. I’m so glad that I met you and that we became friends. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

  For a moment we just stand together, hugging one another with both babies in our arms before she pulls back and quips, “You would be in a hell of a lot of trouble if not for me, so just you remember that. I may be small, but I pack a powerful punch. Now, no more of this, what has you so twisted up? And don’t say nothing because I can read you like a book.”

  “Yeah, Ash,” I hear Lexie approach from behind. I turn to see that they have found Camoryn and she has Sammy in her arms. Her auburn hair confined in intricate braids, a stark contrast to the cloak she wears. “Spill. What’s up?”

  Alaric comes to stand at my side and takes Lillie, so I can take Lachlan back. He gently kisses my temple and I take comfort in his silent strength before I utter, “Alaric has a theory and I’m in agreement with him, I think that Morríganna and I may have a connection from our time in The Overworld that I don’t remember. Why else would she have made this struggle for power so personal to me. I’ve never understood that. Obviously, she has all her memories from that time. How could I have been so stupid as to forego obtaining my memories in this lifetime. I’m so pissed at myself for that idiotic decision. What was I thinking?”

  Lexie’s bright green eyes narrow as she comes to a conclusion, before she offers, “You were thinking that if you had your memories, it could stop you from doing what you needed to do to complete your mission. I know you Ash. You have a heart of pure gold and if she meant something to you in The Overworld then you would hesitate to do harm to someone you once cared about.”

  I mutter, “That’s what I have been afraid of.”

  We spend a little more time with our children, not sure what the next twenty-four hours will hold for us, or when we will be able to get back to them again. All I know now is that I will do anything to ensure that our children will have a future that doesn’t hold desolation and destruction in its wake. Turning to Lexie, I say, “We have got to fix the tear between the realms before it’s too late. Damn her, she’s forcing our hand by dividing our concentration and forcing us to war before healing the land.”

  “Nemus and I have a plan, but it’s going to take a lot of majic from both the light and the dark fae.”

  Chapter 35

  (Alaric)

  Ashlinn is right. I believe that we will finally find out why Morríganna is so hellbent on seeing Ashlinn on her knees before her. I just hope that my kindred is prepared for what she finds out. Our group traces back to the valley just before daybreak. We begin breaking camp, but some will remain here as a base of operations. Lár Domhain is but an hour’s ride to the west. The horses are well rested, and we have made sure that they are well fed and watered for the day to come. Our strategy is a simple one. We meet them head on, but first, the rule in Faerie is that the leaders of each opposing faction will meet on neutral ground prior to rushing into battle. Dagda will oversee the meeting as High King of The Otherworld and as father god and protector of us all. I have no doubt this will be an epic confrontation between Ashlinn and Morríganna. God help us, she holds all the cards right now.

  I hear a commotion and turn to see that Luc and his battalions have arrived. Everyone is up in arms and I call for everyone to back down. Looking around, I call out, “EASY NOW! You all knew they were coming. They are here to help. Stand down!”

  Tarron and his horde are the first to greet Luc and his troops. Of all of us, they are the least taken aback by the appearance of those from The Underworld, probably because some of The Horde more closely resemble those from The Underworld. Ashlinn and I make our way toward Luc and Tarron. We are closely followed by those closest to us. Before we are even halfway there, Pip drops out of the sky and makes his way to us. I smile and clasp either shoulder and pull him to me, and say, “I will never tire of seeing you, Pipperton. Although, I do wish that you would re-think going to battle with us.”

  “Mister, my mind is set. I will fight alongside you and the rest that are gathered here today.”

  I grab the back of his head and pull him in for a hug, his forehead rests on my shoulder. For just and instant, his arms go around me, and he holds me tight before pulling away. About that time Paynga and her brother approach. She watches our interaction, her face unreadable. They are all dressed in their battle gear and ready for war.

  Beside me Ashlinn steps forward and says just above a whisper, “She’s beautiful,” then she turns to Pip and asks, “Is that your mother?”

  “Yes ma’am, that’s Momma.” He grins his toothy grin before reaching for Ashlinn’s hand and tugs her after him. It’s moments like this one that reminds me of the boy I met. I follow, a bit reluctantly. I still feel guilt for what happened to Pip and the image of Paynga cradling her son in her lap is permanently etched in my mind.

  Paynga smiles and greets Ashlinn by bowing before her, standing, she says, “You must be Alaric’s kindred. My name is Paynga. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

  Ashlinn reaches out to take her hand and smiles warmly back up at her, “It’s nice to meet you too. I just wish it were under different circumstances. I want you to know that you and your son are welcome any time in our home if you find yourselves here in The Otherworld. Pipperton here, is really good with the children, especially Lillie Joanna. She was quite taken with him.”

  Before Paynga can answer, I step forward to say, “Paynga, I owe you and Rhynik an apology. I was not able to keep Pip protected. I…”

  She looks at me and smiles, “Alaric, Pip told us what happened. How he followed you and how you planned on making him come back to us before you were abducted by the slavers, and then taken to the citadel. It took me some time, but I’ve come to terms with the fact that my Pipperton is strong willed, and there probably was not anything that any of us could have done to keep him from following you. As it turns out, everything happened for the best. Luc has been very generous.”

  “I told you I would take care of the imps. You should have faith, Alaric.” Luc claps me on the back with a devilish grin, and I glare at him.

  “You could have told me that he still lived.”

  “Yes… I could, but that did not serve my purpose at the time. Besides, you needed to be taken down a notch.”

  “You know? I really don’t like you, Luc, but today and until this is through, we are allies.” Turning back to the imps, I say, “Thank you, for being here today.” Looking over at Pip, I mutter, “Just try to keep Pip out of trouble.”

  Luc just chuckles and strolls away, and I hear, “He’s an imp, trouble will always follow imps.”

  Chapter 36

  (Ashlinn)

  After all the leaders met for a briefing on what was going to happen once we arrive at Lár Domhain, everyone made ready to leave out. There are a few that are staying behind to watch over what is left of our camp. No matter what happens today, this will be the place where we will reconvene. Jasmine, Lexie, and I have had our hair styled by the sprites. How they are able to weave such beautiful and intricate braids, I have no idea, but their work is amazing and necessary as it keeps our hair neatl
y confined.

  Jaz is really the only one of her kind that I have seen transform into her faerie size. All of her tiny counterparts look up at her in utter amazement. Jasmine explained that it has been centuries since the sprites stopped shifting their size and they have forgotten how that part of their majic works. She said that if it were not for her need of a hug that long-ago day, she would never have realized that she could change size. Claire is here too, and she has painted each of our faces in bold sophisticated designs. It feels odd. Like the calm before the storm. This moment is surreal.

  Looking over to my sisters in arms, I see how beautiful and how fierce they look. They are ready, but am I? Sighing, I say, “It’s time. They are waiting for us. Thank you everyone. Those of you that are staying, the druids and witches have worked together to ward this valley. You will be safe here. We hope to see you soon.”

  As we walk out of the tent, I don my own cloak and Lexie and Jasmine flank me on either side. The day is cool, so much so that our breaths form plumes of vapor in the air around us. It’s easy to hide behind the paint on my face, but truth be told, I’m far from ready for this day.

  Lexie is the first to speak, “Ash, we have not heard from Morgwais. I thought for sure that she would have been here by now.”

  “I know, Lexie. It’s okay. It was crazy to think that an old witch would be the key to bringing The Morrígna down. It would not be so bad if we had obtained the Spear of Lugh, but that was not to be. We must be prepared for the outcome. Whatever that is. If we must retreat to fight another day then we will.”

  Jaz is not at all thrilled with that pronouncement and she counters, “Ashlinn Ryllae Faerondarl… we end this today. You know it. I know it. We all know it. What is up with your indecision?” She demands, her hands on her hips as she rounds on me, her eyes sparkle with a fierce determination.

  “I don’t know?!” I counter, my agitation clear, “How about the fact that we don’t have the Spear of Lugh?! They have the power of three?! Morgwais should be here but she isn’t? The Morrígan has cursed and brainwashed her followers? Jaz, it’s all of the above. That… and I have a sinking feeling about what I’m about to learn of my prior relationship with the phantom queen. So, don’t be surprised by what we learn today. Because I don’t think that it will be pretty.”

  “Ash, we’ve got your back. No matter what.” Lexie takes my hand, and I squeeze it in my own. Drawing comfort from her touch.

  “Yeah, that’s right. We’ve got your back.” Jasmine takes my other hand and I struggle with the tears that threaten to fall. I blink them back, as we walk to the front of our not so meager army.

  Letting go of their hands, I put on a brave face and smile at them both before saying, “Thank you. Stay safe. Please. I don’t know what I would do if I lost either of you.”

  Jasmine smirks, “No worries, Ash. I promise pixie dustings for all that stand with the wicked witch. Super ninja Tinkerbell at your service, ma’am.”

  I laugh, “Thank you for that, Jaz.”

  It doesn’t take very long for us to mount up and head toward Lár Domhain. With every mile we cover the more anxious I become. I look back to see that we have a motley crew at best, but it warms my heart to see all matter of races coming to our aid. The Horde is represented, the Underworlders, and light fae, along with quite the number of minor gods and goddesses that have taken up arms to save the realms.

  Alaric gains my attention, “Mo grá, we will arrive in a few minutes. Are you ready? It’s okay if you are not. We can stop.”

  I inhale sharply, looking up at the sky, before replying, “What time of day is it?”

  “We have not yet reached mid-day. Do you want to stop?”

  “No, Alaric. We need to push on. Everyone here is ready for what is to come.”

  “It’s okay if you need time to gather your thoughts, we can take a few minutes. I can sense through our link to one another how tumultuous your thoughts are.”

  “I know, Elf-Man, but ten minutes or ten days is not going to prepare me for what she has to say to me. So, we might as well get on with it, you know? Like ripping the band aid off. I want to get this over with.” I lean over Storm and pat her neck, taking comfort in her presence. Her and my handsome kindred. Smiling back at Alaric, I say, “I love you. Don’t ever forget that. No matter what you hear today.”

  “Never, mo grá. Never…” My handsome Elf-Man lifts my hand to kiss my knuckles. “There are no words for what I feel for you. Never doubt that. I’m here for you and I will protect you and help you through what is to come.”

  Nodding, I hesitate to urge Storm on, even though I know that everyone that stands with us here today are waiting for my lead. The next few steps are crucial. Once we appear over the crest of the rock-strewn hills there will be no turning back. From a distance, I can hear The Morrígna’s assembled army waiting just over the crest of the hill. They are loudly banging their weapons on their shields and from their cries, they are ready for war. Inhaling deeply, I nod, steeling my resolve. I urge Storm forward and as we reach the apex of the hill. I’m greeted by a massive army on the opposite side of the field. One that has been brainwashed by The Morrígan, and my heart almost stutters to a stop at the sight. Her army has all matter of dark fae that have not joined with their king, Fomorians in their berserker form, trolls, even some of the dwarfs have joined her, and what looks like the walking dead. Daerok and his lich stand off to the ride side and I have to wonder what their role will be here today. No doubt it will be majically inclined. To the left I see a mighty king flanked by more Fomorian warriors. The resemblance is uncanny, even from this distance. The regal ruler is Tarron’s father, the King of the Southern Territories. I wonder what he will think of his son’s rise in rank amongst the rulers of Faerie and then again, I wonder what he hopes to gain here today. The Morrígan’s intentions are clear, there will be no other ruler of The Realms but her, and her alone.

  Then my gaze moves to the center of the army before us. I see my nemesis and her sisters in the distance, The Morrígna. They are clearly staged at the center of their masses and appear at the highest most point on the knoll. They are obviously in charge here, their black and silver embossed banners flying for all to see. The Morrígan looks to be thriving but her sisters look a little worse for wear, which surprises me that she would drain her sister’s power so close to the battle. I don’t know why I find that so surprising, they may be her kin in this lifetime, but her agenda has, and always will take precedence. I had expected to come upon a valley but the field in front of me reminds me of the battleground that we fought on back in Ireland. The grass is green and there are rocks and small boulders that litter the field before us. Goldenrod and Chicory flowers are swaying gently in the cool breeze, and in the distance to the north a large tranquil lake glitters under the attention of the sun. My cloak billows behind me as the wind picks up. It has a biting edge to it that is out of place this time of year, and a chill races through me as I take in all that lies before me. This place looks like somewhere I would picnic, not a battleground, but then my attention is drawn back to The Morrígan, to refer to her as Morríganna seems too personal. She is wearing her obscene obsidian crown and is clad all in black, her cape and loose hair flowing out behind her on the whipping wind. The now darkening sky her backdrop. Cú Chulainn is by her side. Ever her vigilant warrior. Her protector. So clueless. I’m surprised that he has not rebelled by now, but then again, he is still under her influence, and I for one feel sorry for him.

  The phantom queen is in her element now that we have arrived. She displays for all to see her deranged madness when she begins to clap and laugh hysterically. She points at me and in mere moments she has morphed into hundreds of ravens, majically pulling Cú Chulainn with her. Their ravens transform once more in a mass of swirling dark mist until she stands before us on neutral ground, waiting for us to join her and her chosen champion. Looking over to Alaric and Dagda, our small contingency dismounts and we stand together before we t
race. We find ourselves standing in front of the masses. We are accompanied by Tarron, Lugh, Nemus, Declan, Lexie, Jasmine, and all of my Guardians. The Morrígan paces in front of me. Her agitation is clear, she is so antsy to get things underway. Cú Chulainn stands vigilantly by her side, although there is an air of indecision about him, if I’m reading him right. He wields the Spear of Lugh. Alaric unsheathes the Sword of Light and the two posture against one another brandishing their weapons in clear invitation, a promise for the battle to come.

  Dagda intervenes and announces to everyone in attendance. His voice is amplified across the grounds. It must be majic. “We are here today to defend The Otherworld! We are here to oppose those that threaten life as we know it. Morríganna, you are guilty of exposing our realm to The Mortal Realm and creating a rift between all Realms that threaten our very existence! What say you?” He demands.

  “What say you?!” Her mocking maniacal laughter rings out. “I have done what I must, what is best for Faerie. This forum is a farce!” She gestures wildly around. “This is beneath me! I, and only I, have what it takes to rule this realm. You have grown weak, Dagda! You are no longer fit to rule The Otherworldly realm. I mean to take your place. Soon my forces will defeat you. Those that stand against me will fall! I will not bow down to this childish-”

  “Childish?!” Stepping forward, I demand. “How about self-centered or self-serving?” I ask sarcastically.

  “I will do what it takes to accomplish my end goal! Whatever that may be. I will take down all that stand in my way. Including you, little goddess. You are but a child in this realm, lacking experience and knowledge of the way of things. You are unfit to your post.” She sneers.

  Needing to know the answer, I demand, “Why do you hate me so? Why so much animosity? It’s like I set you off, every time you see me.”

  “You, my dear, have no memories of our time in The Overworld. How very convenient for you. A conscious decision on your part, I’m sure. Such the little coward. You chose not to remember that we were sisters. Born from the same angel-fire. Just like Michael and Lucifer, and we see how that ended. Michael was the one to drive Lucifer from Heaven. He cared not that they were brothers, he mindlessly did our father’s bidding. They were polar opposites, just like you and me, light and dark. I refuse to follow their lead! I will not allow you to thwart me in this realm.” She announces, her voice devoid of any emotion. She cocks her head and watches me. Her eyes are dark pools of animosity.