The Last Danann (Titanian Chronicles, #2)

by Victoria Saccenti

  The next show of power came a while later.

  Kailen insisted on reinforcing the security loop dedicated to protecting the mansion right away, before they lost daylight. This circular shield was the last line of defense if all others failed.

  By the time they went outside, the mansion’s front double door had already plunged into darkness. The sun, on its descent, had tilted to the west. The barest illumination hit the manor’s facade. Kailen hoped she would see it.

  “The loop dedicated to protect the home is angled up there.” Kailen pointed at an indistinct location above them. He knew what to look for, the faint shimmer of a light teal semicircle. A stranger, even a supernatural, might miss it.

  She nodded.

  Delighted, he continued, “All right, Talaith. I want you to hit that circle with all your power. Demolish the ring.”

  Talaith glanced up and extended her arm. Her black sleeve slid back, revealing her translucent ivory skin and pale blue veins. A sight he found appealing and…sexually exciting?

  Kailen pushed the odd response aside and returned to the urgent matter before him. She mumbled under her breath. Words streamed out soft and steady almost like a prayer in a language he’d never heard before.

  Out of nowhere, a roiling mass of sparks slammed the circle and traveled through it. The electric roll began slowly, then picked up speed. The sparks turned into short lightning bolts as angry zaps and buzzes sounded all over. She raised her other arm, murmured again, and flames roared out of the circle.

  Kailen allowed a small smile of satisfaction to curve his lips. His work was proving more than effective. The electric strike hadn’t worked. She’d switched to fire, and thus far, the protective loop remained intact. Talaith’s hood fell behind her head. She frowned with intensity, her ruby lips making a small circle as she slapped her palms together. Within the ring, an ominous black mass formed. As it rumbled, the amorphous shape pulled within itself the electric and fire attacks she’d sent. A moment later, the mass exploded, vomiting everything it had ingested. The ring remained untouched, pretty teal and all.

  This time, Kailen grinned. “Not bad. Good show, Talaith. Although I suspect you’re holding back.”

  She replaced the hood over her head and nodded respectfully. “The magic used is excellent. The protection is solid. I will hit it once more with Khnurn’s spell. If the loop holds, you should be confident no other mage will break it.”

  As promised, the next day she’d used the full force of Khnurn’s spell against the loop, and to Kailen’s pleasure and hidden pride, the shield circle held.

  “Thank you,” he said to her. She’d shown great magical ability. More powerful than anything Anna would have done. “And, if you’re up to the task,” he continued, “I have three more rings to test, plus I want to create one additional ward.”

  The plump ruby lips, so distracting to him, pursed…just so. “I’m at your service until you have no further need of me.”

  Gods, a million ideas had rushed through his naughty mind… None of which he’d expressed. Not even before the attack to the lab in Alaska, when his chances of not returning had been great…

  The sound of footsteps on grass came from behind, and his memory faded.

  “What troubles you, my friend?” Soren’s voice confirmed the identity of the trespasser.

  Feeling better with every passing minute, the Titanian had managed to walk outside with Maya at his side, ready to help.

  “Do I appear worried?”

  “More like deep in thought,” Maya said. “If I were to guess, I’d say Talaith’s departure is on your mind.”

  “Well, ah…” Kailen sent Soren a quick side glance, hoping the Titanian would understand and help him change topics. He never discussed personal matters with anyone, and he didn’t want to come off as being rude to Maya. His feelings for the sorceress were no one’s business.

  “Right. Well… Looks like Khnurn’s unexpected visit sent your thoughts to some distant place,” Soren intervened, returning the conversation to the original track. “Your mind’s been churning since.”

  “I wish Khnurn had come to me directly.” Frustrated, he kicked loose pebbles on the ground with the tip of his suede boot. “The crafty bastard managed to avoid all my questions when he told Talaith what he should have discussed with me. I hope you’re ready for this, but Dubtach has escaped Astarot’s exile realm. He’s hiding somewhere on the earthly plane.”

  “But that’s impossible.” Soren started. “How?”

  “I don’t have that information yet. Damned old wizard is keeping huge secrets.”

  “Astarot? Who’s Dubtach?” Maya wrapped her arm around Soren’s. “Any history between you two?”

  “An old blood debt stands between us,” Kailen grated. “I intend to exact my due from him.”

  Soren frowned. “I thought you’d put the matter behind you.”

  “Never. He’s been out of my reach in the daemon realm, that’s all.”

  “Come on. I don’t know this story,” Maya insisted.

  “The debt goes back to the fifteenth century and the daemon uprising,” Soren said.

  “Right. Dubtach and Oras, both high daemon wizards, led Astarot’s armies…” Kailen paused. In his mind, Soren’s peaceful garden had changed to mountainous Svanetia. A kaleidoscope of green, red, and golden beams flashed and swept all around him at breakneck speed. Shrieks filled his ears. A fresh wave of pain struck his heart. The ice of hatred hardened in his veins. He wobbled, and the Titanian grasped his shoulder, steadying him.

  “No, my friend. I can tell her,” Soren murmured. “It happened at the beginning of the encounter, sötnos. Our joint forces had pincered the minion army from the southeast and the northwest. Unfortunately, a wolf had fallen at the perimeter, and Brant hurried to help. Two lieutenants of the horde took advantage and attacked. Kailen, always watchful, noticed Brant’s dangerous situation and came to his defense. In fact, had it not been for his timely action, Brant would’ve perished. Kailen eliminated one lieutenant, but the other fired at him.” Soren took a deep breath.

  “And?” Eyes wide, Maya pressed for more.

  “Disaster,” he continued. “Nadrine, Kailen’s lovely mate and talented sorceress, sent a bolt of lightning eliminating the lieutenant. Sadly, one of the wizards, we’re not sure which, saw the magical response and fired at her—”

  “Killing her instantly,” Kailen grunted.

  “Oh, no,” Maya whispered.

  “Yes. And now that Dubtach’s come out of the realm, I intend to make him pay.”

  “But what if he’s not the one who killed Nadrine?” Soren asked.

  Kailen sneered. “Are you implying he’s innocent?”

  “No… I mean, I’m sure you want to get the one responsible.”

  “The way this shakes out”—Kailen glared—“doesn’t matter if Dubtach fired that bolt or not. He and his friend Oras came to annihilate our forces. Dubtach is guilty by association and purpose. When I discover his hideout, he’ll tell me where to find Oras. And once he does, I’ll kill him.”

  “But Khnurn took Talaith without revealing Dubtach’s whereabouts. How will you do this?”

  “I have my methods, and I know a few people.” Tucking his arms into his wide sleeves, Kailen walked toward the house.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The portal opened on Lord Aten’s magnificent stone terrace. Kailen emerged, taking in the stunning panoramic view. The palatial compound—home to the Aurician race—hovered a mile above the labyrinthine granite peaks of Jebel Gattar. Ages ago, the exalted leader had chosen to build his palace on the foothills of the Jebel Gattar massif because of its remote and aggressive terrain. However, as the Sinai range across the sea attracted a growing number of climbers to Egypt, and the new Red Sea Trail became popular, he floated the compound high enough to avoid human attention. Not a bad outcome, as it turned out. The new location renewed the lost cherished privacy and left the oppressive desert heat below.


  His old friend Zuberi, as gnarled and weathered as the last time Kailen saw him, bowed courteously. Two muscular Aurician guards garbed in long white gowns, heavy gold chains, and Eye of Horus medallions made quite a contrast as they flanked both sides of the modestly dressed and unassuming bald male. Except, Kailen had seen, more than once, the tremendous power hiding under the simple short tunic and leggings Zuberi preferred.

  “Ii-wey, Lord Kailen!”

  “Em hotep, Zuberi.” Kailen bent, pressing his right palm over his heart in a sign of respect.

  The tiny man’s eyes crinkled with a mischievous light. “It is good to see you again. I still had hair when you last visited our humble abode.”

  “Thank you for receiving me. I’m grateful for your help.”

  “Our friendship is old and has been tested to our mutual satisfaction. Thanks are not necessary, Lord. How may I assist you?”

  “Please, Zuberi, there are no formalities between us. I’m Kailen of the Titanians. A plain vassal is all. I seek your long vision.”

  “Ah…not so plain.” Zuberi looked up to the skies. “You do yourself no justice, Tuath Dé warrior. But yes, your message was clear. Come this way, please.”

  Holding out his palm, Zuberi walked on, leading Kailen to the columnar entrance of Aten’s majestic building. They took the steps into an extended open corridor. The posts supporting the straight ceiling had been carved with shapes of lotus flowers clusters and hieroglyphic forms. A soft breeze lifted and moved sheer muslin panels attached to the ornate posts, enhancing the overall airy feel throughout the palace.

  Twenty feet inside the structure, Zuberi turned left, zigzagged for another ten, and turned again into a doorless chamber. A cloth curtain tied to the side offered the occupant seclusion when released. Inside the room, a simple sleeping pallet and small end table had been pushed against a side wall, creating an illusion of space. Large woven baskets stuffed with a colorful assortment of silk pillows adorned the four corners of the room. A precious Haji Jalili Tabriz rug, with burgundy and gold motifs was the floor’s focal point. Off to Kailen’s right side, coals inside a dark metal brazier glowed red, a thin plume of scented smoke swirled out.

  Zuberi pulled several pillows out of a basket and gathered them together in a comfortable pile. “Sit, please. May I offer you some tea?”

  “Thank you, no.” Kailen sat, folding his legs in the lotus position. “Nice room.”

  “I do not need much. A bed, food, spiritual fulfillment, my seeing tools.” The diminutive male made another pile of cushions and sat across from Kailen. His dark eyes gleamed. “Tell me more about this matter. Who are you trying to find? Do I know the creatures involved?”

  “You know Khnurn.”

  “Of course. Has he become a problem for you?”

  “He’s not exactly a problem. I can say he’s partially involved. What concerns me is the information he didn’t share with me.”

  “Uncharacteristic behavior. I wonder why? Anyone else?”

  “There’s Talaith.”

  “His protégé. I have heard she shows promise.”

  “Yes, her talent has grown through the years. She’s still a little green. With a bit more coaching, her powers will rise. What really brought me here, other than our friendship, is Dubtach.”

  Zuberi stopped picking at an errant thread hanging from the hem of his tunic.

  “Dubtach?”

  “Yes.”

  “I do not understand.” Zuberi cocked his head. “Dubtach is locked in the exile realm. Minions and lieutenants can venture out, but only for short periods of time. Astarot and his wizards are imprisoned with unbreakable magic. The spells were taken from Hades himself. After the battle of Svanetia, the races understood the need to expel daemon leadership forever. Wizards from far and wide pooled power and resources to lock them in.”

  A tiny spark flickered in Kailen’s mind, then a bright-red flame flared. Knowledge teased him. It was right there, dancing at the edge. He could almost touch it, hold it.

  “Magic,” he murmured. “That’s the key to the riddle. Powerful magic helped him escape. But whose?”

  “Forgive me, friend. I am lost.”

  “The complication is Khnurn. He’s hiding…something. Or maybe I’m being too harsh with him. Perhaps he hasn’t seen the full picture yet.”

  “Yet?” Zuberi stood. “Tell me everything. Start from the beginning.” He opened the top drawer from his night table, then walked to the brazier where he dropped the few pellets he held in his palm. The smoke thickened and swirled; the scent intensified.

  Kailen sighed. “In a few words, Dubtach has escaped Astarot’s realm. About the same time he did, an old signature appeared on the earthly plane, one Khnurn didn’t expect to see. Plus, he’s sure another war is coming.”

  Zuberi waved his hand in and out of the smoke, urging it to rise. “It behooves us to find who is the signature, this creature that has so upset Khnurn.”

  “I suspect Khnurn’s mysterious presence and Dubtach are tied somehow. I’ve nothing to go on…”

  “Hold.” Zuberi immersed his face in the smoke. Eyes wide, he inhaled, then closed them as he straightened.

  Kailen didn’t move. He barely breathed for fear of interrupting the seeing process. Zuberi’s long-vision magic had picked up clues, a trail formed ahead and he was on it.

  “Khnurn has reason to be concerned.”

  Zuberi’s voice was so low, Kailen had trouble understanding his words. Even so, he remained quiet.

  “The signature is indeed old,” Zuberi continued. “With formidable power, which at the moment is in an exhausted, semidormant state due to centuries of captivity. Only a small percentage is awake, enough to keep her alive and functioning.”

  “Her?”

  “Yes. The signature is female. She has been away from the earthly plane for so long, she has forgotten much. I sense her impairment. She is weakened and confused. Currently, she struggles to recover. I believe you were attached to the Seelie Court when our world came close to burning up. What do you know of the druid Brysys?”

  “Nothing at all.” Kailen shifted sideways. “Going by the current human calendar, I joined Oberon’s court in the year 250 BC after my duties to my people were concluded. The Seelie king released me on 1100 AD or thereabouts. I wasn’t exactly counting. Service to Fritiof was my next assignment. No one mentioned this Brysys.”

  “It was a bad time. The races wanted to forget the chaos.” Zuberi sat at the edge of his pallet, his expression lost in time.

  “The betrayal of a brother is the deepest of wounds. The vampire race began their steady decline ages ago. Eachann and his younger brother, Graeme, were the last remaining members of the Skara Brae clan. Ambitious and jealous by nature, Graeme conspired with daemons to eliminate Eachann. He desired his brother’s power and position, and coveted Eachann’s mate. Graeme had Eachann ambushed on the shores of Loch Maree.”

  “Outside Blackstone Manor?”

  Zuberi nodded. “Graeme could not attack the manor. Brysys’s magic had made it impregnable. As lieutenants of the horde descended on Eachann, Graeme laughed at his brother, claiming Brysys had pledged herself to him and she had planned the ambush.”

  “Gods of the universe,” Kailen murmured. “What happened to Brysys?”

  “She disappeared, and Eachann’s killing spree began.”

  “How did he escape the lieutenants?”

  “It is not known for certain.” Zuberi sighed. “However, all the races are grateful to Adalheidis, Lord Fritiof’s mate. She calmed his frenzy with her soothing powers.”

  The Aurician seer fell silent, and Kailen leaned against the wall evaluating the implications and consequences. How would Eachann react when he learned of Brysys’s return?

  “Where has she been all this time?”

  Zuberi followed his train of thought. “Excellent question, friend. I would like to know myself. We know a lieutenant executed Graeme when the ambush failed. Up to a mom
ent ago, most of us believed she had followed a similar fate.”

  “Damn it! I set out with one goal in mind, find Dubtach and kill him. Now I’m not so sure which direction I should take. Can you see Khnurn’s location?”

  “That is an easy task.” Zuberi returned to the brazier. “Khnurn is training Talaith deep in the woods of the Black Forest.”

  “Interesting. And Dubtach, any clues there?”

  The seer hesitated, blinked, and, undeterred by the heat, peered closer to the coals. “A cloaking spell hides him. I can verify he and Brysys entered earth together at the southern tip of the Chilean Patagonia. After that her trail separated and traveled north. His path remains invisible to me. Perhaps Khnurn can find him.”

  “If they entered together, my suspicion is correct.”

  “You think Brysys assisted Dubtach in breaking the exile spell.”

  “She must have. Do you see her present location?”

  “Her instincts have guided her to Scotland. I guess she has a need to approach Eachann, but does not know how. She is healing, gathering her power and wits in a small village south of Wester Ross. That much is detailed in the vision.”

  Kailen stood. He approached Zuberi at the brazier as his brain quickly evaluated options.

  “Knowing Eachann’s temperament, this has the makings of an explosive situation. Is he bitter? Does he hold a grudge? What will he do when Brysys surfaces?”

  “Consider Graeme’s claims. You should expect a betrayed vampire’s reaction.” The little man shrugged.

  “Well, I can’t work with guesses and suppositions.” He grimaced, still tossing ideas back and forth. “Action and facts are required. My first stop must be Khnurn. Maybe he can sense or see Dubtach’s presence. If he does, that could guide my next steps. Meanwhile, he and I can discuss what to do about Brysys.”

  “And Eachann.” Zuberi squinted. “The Titanians, and most specially Adalheidis, should be apprised of these developments.”