Keeper: Book 3 A Realms of the Otherworld Book (Realms of the Otherworld Book Series)

by Jana LaPelle

  Alaric kisses the top of my head, “I’ll let Lexie know that we’re going to be a little late. I’ll be back in a flash.”

  “Tell her I’ll try to make it quick.”

  The moment that Alaric traces away I feel a premonition coming on, and I barely have time to place pillows under Lillie and Lachlan to ensure that they don’t roll to the floor before I’m whisked away. It feels as if the floor beneath me is falling away like I’m trapped in an elevator, and the cable has been cut, and I’m plummeting in a downward spiral. I hardly have time to catch my breath when I feel as though I’m slammed into the body of my future self.

  The chamber is dimly lit, and I can scent the thick coppery tang of blood. The smell of it hangs heavy in the air, and it’s almost stifling. As my senses come online, I hear The Morrígna and their necromancer’s chant as it begins to crescendo in the background. Looking down I see that I’m clad all in black, and I’m standing unnoticed in the shadows. I look around wildly and see the children huddled in the corner not far from me but unlike before I sense the confused souls of Nimue’s deceased sisters. I promised Nimue that I would guide them to The Overworld. There are so many souls that can’t see the light. They are tortured over their actions from the last half a year. I need to help them. A fleeting thought crosses my mind, and I can’t help but wonder where everyone else is, Alaric would never allow me to attempt this without my Guardians, but I feel as if I’m completely on my own for now. My attention switches back to the lost souls around me and I shift my focus to them and allow my connection to The Tree of Life to roar to life within me engaging my Keeper abilities, I can feel the power thrumming through me at the forefront of my being. I reach out to the lost wandering souls, and as my soul disengages from my physical body, I’m able to latch onto each and every one of them. It’s as if a dark fog descends over me when I do this as if my senses are muted to the physical plane. I go about my task and pull them to me, protecting them and showering their souls with the light within me, giving them hope. They are my sole focus, and I stand apart from my body immersed in communing with Nimue’s lost sisters. They are mine to protect, mine to bring peace to, and mine to usher to The Overworld. I will not allow The Morrígan’s influence over the last several months damn their souls to hell.

  Speaking of which, where the hell are my Keepers? They’re supposed to be here, to guide these souls to The Overworld. The chanting has now stopped, and I hear a muted conversation behind me, turning my metaphysical body I see that I’m standing in the shadows, but it’s like I’m looking through water and I have to concentrate and squint to make out what is happening around me. I watch The Morrígan’s henchmen hoist up a large unconscious male. He’s huge, so large in fact that the Fomorian has shifted to his berserker form to throw the male over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry. How did I miss Cú Chulainn’s resurrection? My attention is suddenly sucked back to this metaphysical plane, and I’m drawn back to the souls that are mine to ferry, and to the scared, abandoned children huddled close to where I stand, and I’m helpless but to fulfill my promise. There’s a commotion around me, but my focus has shifted back to the souls that still need my assistance. Suddenly, I’m able to sense my Keepers and Guardians once again, and I begin doling out assignments. I know that in this state my physical body is vulnerable and as I release that very last soul over to safekeeping, I hear a strange strangled sound from behind me and a sword clattering to the ground, the sound of metal and stone coming together. My spiritual self, slams back into my solid form about the time The Morrígan begins in on her cackling laughter before saying, “And now, my little queen, the fun begins. I will bend this beloved to my will, and you will rue the day you made an enemy of me.” Her cruel laughter echoes throughout the chamber as it grows distant. As the fog lifts, I clumsily turn to see boots flying backward through her trace trail and then they are gone leaving the now sobbing children behind. I’m left staring at an empty space before my soul cries out.

  Abruptly I’m back in the present, gasping for breath, I lean back as the vision releases me from her cruel hold. The Morrígan’s wicked laughter ringing in my ears along with her spiteful words. I begin to hyperventilate. Who does she take? It can’t be Alaric, but who else would it be? Tolin? Nym? Surely not Lexie or Jasmine? No, the boots belonged to a male. Trying to catch my breath, I swallow hard and look down to see that Lillie and Lachlan are just staring up at me and both lift a hand as if to offer me comfort and with that simple gesture I come apart. I gather them up as a ragged sob escapes me. I know in my heart that she will go for the throat. She will only take the one person that can bring me to my knees. Alaric. That’s why my soul felt like it was splintering in two.

  Just like he promised he’s back in a flash, and his smile falls from his face as he takes me in and feels my anguish. He is instantly by my side, “Ash, what’s wrong?”

  I can’t physically speak. My throat is clogged with emotion, and I can hardly swallow. Were Lillie and Lachlan subjected to my vision? I pray that isn’t the case, but I think that it’s a strong possibility. I just cradle the twins in my arms and close my eyes as I allow them to comfort me and breathe through my emotions. I look up at Alaric, tears clinging to my lashes and he reaches out to cup my jawline and brushes his thumb over my tear stained face. I can’t lose him. She can’t have him. Not Alaric. My anguish over this last revelation is overwhelming.

  “Ashlinn, if it comes to that, then know this, I will never waver in my devotion to you and our little family. No amount of dark majic in all the realms will ever sway me or break the ties that bind me to you and our children. You and I will survive whatever comes our way. We are strong in our resolve and in our bond to one another. If I know one thing about you, it’s that you will move heaven and earth to protect the ones you love and if and when the time comes you will be more than ready to take back what belongs to you. Agreed?”

  Nodding, I lean into his hand and close my eyes and mutter, “Yes.”

  It takes me a few moments to gather myself together. The whole time I’m caught up in a maelstrom of emotions. Alaric is so sure that we will come out of this on top, but I’m not so sure.

  He takes my hand and smiles at me and says, “I really think you’re going to like Lexie’s surprise, hell, I’m ready to relax and have some fun. Come on mo grá, let’s not keep everyone waiting. We have about five hours before we need to return here to prepare for the evening ahead. I say we enjoy this time to the fullest.”

  I know what he’s doing, he’s trying to change the subject, “Wait, it’s a surprise that will last the entire afternoon? I was kind of planning on taking a nap.” My comment comes out sounding cross and ungrateful and just bordering on a whine. My mood now soured by yet another premonition of the phantom queen’s dastardly intentions.

  “We can cancel if you like, but you would never do that to Lexie, I can tell that she has worked really hard on this, besides it will do us all some good. But if you want, we can hang back here, and everyone else can enjoy the fruits of her labor. We’ll just take a nap…” He trails off, his eyes, dancing with mischief.

  “Just stop. Okay, I get what you’re doing,” a smile begins tugging at the corner of my mouth, he has successfully piqued my interest, “What are you waiting for? We’re already late.” I hand him Lillie, I know in my heart that both of my children love me dearly but Lillie will always be a daddy’s girl and, well, Lachlan will always be a momma’s boy. It’s just how it’s going to be, and our family unit is most excepting of this truth, and it works for all of us. Alaric takes my free hand, and we make our way downstairs with two tiny fox pups trailing behind us. As convenient as it is to trace, we try not to go popping in here and there, willy-nilly. As we get to the entrance to the library, I realize that I have forgotten my sandals and I’m barefoot. “I forgot my shoes. I’ll be back down in a jiffy.”

  “Ash, you don’t need your shoes, I promise, in fact, you will be changing and so will I. Come on.” He pulls me into my
favorite room in the Keep, and I’m surprised to see that it’s entirely empty. Where is everyone?

  Lexie opens the door to the terrace from outside and walks in to scold me, “Where have you been? We’ve all been waiting for you.” She knows me so well and can sense that something is up. Her eyes narrow as she takes in my somewhat strained face, “You know what? Don’t tell me. Save it for later. Unless it’s life or death affecting us right here, right now, then it can wait till later. It’s not that I don’t want to know and will do everything in my power to help, but this afternoon, and for as long as we can, we enjoy the day, and that’s what we’re going to do. Come on Ash!”

  I hand Lachlan over to Alaric and allow Lexie to guide me out the terrace door to see nothing out of the ordinary. “Okay? So where’s the surprise?”

  “Just you wait. Now, close your eyes and don’t peek.” Lexie grabs my hands and leads me forward only after closing my eyes. I can hear whispering and feet shuffling from around the corner as Lexie gets me in place, she leans in and says, “Open your eyes!”

  “Surprise!!!”

  I open my eyes, and they grow wide at the sight before me, we have walked around to the other side of the Keep. The whole area has been transformed into a beach picnic. Tents have been set up, and tables have been pulled out, and the general feeling is one of fun and relaxation. On this side of the island, there is a gentle sloping to the lake with a sandy shore, not like by the terrace to the library and everyone in on the surprise is dressed in swimming gear. I have never, and I mean never in the whole time that I have known these otherworldly individuals seen them so casually dressed.

  Dagda stands head and shoulders above the rest, and that’s saying something. He shoulders his way through the crowd, “Where have you been ceann beag? We have been waiting forever to pull this surprise on you. Do you like? I have never owned a pair of swim trunks from The Mortal Realm before. What do you think?” He turns in a slow circle before me with his arms held wide facing upward like he is a sight to behold. He’s so serious it’s comical, and the grin on my face spreads widely from ear to ear. His trunks are an obnoxious Hawaiian print in a neon blue with a bright orange palm fronds print. The larger than life god before me is thrilled with his choice in trunks.

  I stand close to two feet shorter than his gargantuan stature, so his trunks are quite literally front and center. I sober for a moment as I take him in. In all my time here, I have yet to see him train, so this is the first time I have actually observed how heavily muscled his arms, shoulders and chest are, he really is built like a warrior, and my thoughts give me pause, “Dagda? Do you miss the act of war? Do you miss fighting in battle?”

  “My dear, sweet child, you have never been to war so I will say this, I am a warrior through and through. I was born of fire by my creator, and there is no greater adrenalin rush for me, but I do na wish war on the people of The Otherworld or The Mortal Realm. A warrior is na only someone who bears arms in the face of times of war, a warrior can also be a fierce defender of peace and the voice of our creator. I will bear arms when the time comes and na one moment sooner. I will be here to defend those that do na understand the gravity of what is to come and those that can na defend themselves, but now is na the time to talk of war, now we enjoy fellowship, brotherhood, family, and friends. Now is the time to simply enjoy your day.” He pauses to smile down at me, “So, Ashlinn, I will ask again, do you like, ceann beag?” It’s times like right now when the god before me is so passionate about something that his accent becomes thick, and I love the lilting quality and timbre of his voice.

  I take a moment to contemplate his words and shutting my eyes I allow all my worries to slide to the back of my mind. As my eyes flutter open with a renewed determination to enjoy my day, I’m greeted with the sight of Dagda’s swim trunks, and my laughter bubbles up out of me before I can check myself, “Dagda, you know I love you, right? But those are the brightest blue and orange swim trunks I have ever seen in my entire life. Where ever did you locate them?”

  He grins so broadly that I’m not sure what answer to expect, “Amazon.com. Lexie told us all about Amazon, that’s where we got most of this stuff. We met up for an hour or so to place an order. We were in and out of The Mortal Realm in two blinks of an eye. It also gave us the excuse to check on your property there. We hope you enjoy your surprise. We plan on having some fun this afternoon.”

  I look to Lexie and ask, “Amazon? What else do you have planned?”

  Lexie and Jasmine loop their arms through both of mine. Jasmine is so excited she is practically bouncing as Lexie begins explaining, “Okay, so first of all, you need to eat. Millie and Maith have set up quite the spread with this realm’s equivalent to a picnic fare. No hot dogs but there are brats, hamburgers, grilled chicken breast all hot off the grill, all sorts of fruit, salads, corn, you name it. Once you are fueled up and ready to go, we have a volleyball sand court set up, kayaking races to be had, paddle boarding, and just plain fun in the water if you want a lazy day to relax in the sun. You and Alaric can change in the pavilion tent that has been set up over there, it will also offer both of us a place to nurse the babies in private if that is what you want. There are lounge chairs that are set up for us to just catch some sun and nap. Today is all about coming together to have fun and relax. What do you think?”

  Jasmine is quick to answer, “I can’t wait to get this afternoon underway. After that nightmare of a visit through the stone forest and our dismal trek across that barren land, I’m ready to relax and have some fun.” Jasmine’s wings have sprung out of her back, she is so excited that she’s now hovering about a foot off the ground. Her swimwear is utterly adorable. She’s wearing a blue-green sparkly ensemble. It looks like half of an evening gown with its corset style bodice that laces up the back. Instead of a skirt below the bodice, her behind has a couple of layers of lace.

  Looking around I can see that everyone is enjoying themselves. “This is perfect. It’s just what we all needed. You’re amazing Lexie. Thank you for thinking of this.”

  About that time Declan comes up behind Lexie sporting some rather small spandex swim trucks that show off his well-toned physique. He’s holding little Sammy who is also dressed for the water. Bending down Declan kisses Lexie’s cheek and says, “Yes, she is quite amazing. Why don’t you go change and then Alaric and Ash can see what we got them for today’s festivities and they can get the twins situated. After everyone eats we’re organizing a couple of kayak races, and some of the Guardians want to try their hand at that game you call corn hole. I don’t really understand the name at all, but it looks rather interesting. Everyone seems to think it will be rather easy but I’m not so sure.”

  I laugh, “Even with our wicked aim it’s much harder than it would appear.”

  “I won’t take but a moment to change and Ash, Claire helped me with size on your swimsuit. I had a feeling that your bikini top from before would not provide you adequate coverage if you know what I mean.”

  The snort escapes my mouth before I can help it, “You think? I doubt that I will ever be able to wear that top again. Go on Lex, get changed. You’ve worked hard putting this all together, it’s time to kick back and relax.”

  Alaric strolls up with Tolin and Torin in tow, the brothers are each sporting one of the twins in a football type hold with two little fox pups underfoot. The brothers are wearing, perhaps the smallest set of swim trunks in the history of swim trunks. Tolin’s is blue and white striped with a bright yellow waistband, and Torin’s are a little more tame in a solid navy blue. By the gods, there is going to be enough eye candy to go around for all the females in Faerie. Alaric pulls me into his embrace and practically bends me over backward as he whispers against my lips, “Down girl, I heard that.” The kiss he gives me is scorching, and I hear several people clear their throats as he breaks the kiss.

  Murmuring against his lips, I whisper, “I can’t wait to see what you look like in your trunks.”

  “Same here,
mo grá, same here.”

  Chapter 19

  (Ashlinn)

  By the time we get changed, me in a rather revealing solid white swimsuit with a halter top style top that ties at the base of my neck and an asymmetrical skirted bikini bottom, we can hear things getting underway outside. I take in my kindred, Alaric’s trunks are short and solid black with a white waistband. There are slits on either side of the legs of his trunks that accentuate his powerfully muscled thighs. By the gods, I need to kiss Lexie the next time I see her. Just seeing Alaric looking like a male cover model is surprise enough. I quickly braid my hair like Jasmine has shown me. It has taken a little while for me to learn but I’ve grown to love the look of the elven braided hairstyles. The multi-strand braid is intricate yet simple and hangs heavy down my back but will serve to keep my hair out of my way today. By the time I finish, Alaric has Lillie and Lachlan outfitted for their day in the sun. Lillie is adorable in her blue and white seersucker striped one-piece suit, the top is adorned with pink flowers, and she’s wearing a matching headband. Lachlan’s swim trunks are a matching print without the girly flowers but with an adorable matching hat. Today should be a new adventure for them, and I’m eager to get the rest of our afternoon underway,

  “Come on Elf-Man, I’m hungry, and the twins need their nap. Once we get them put down, we can get this party started. Are we ready? I can’t wait to try out the paddle boards, I’ve always wanted to give them a go.”