The Iron Seal

by J. M. Briggs

  “Yes.” He tried not to shift awkwardly. “It has been. How are you?”

  “Fine.”

  “High school going well?”

  “As good as it ever can,” Aisling said. Then she glanced around the front yard. “Is Aiden here?”

  “He’s around here somewhere,” Bran replied. Turning around, he looked for Aiden, but he was still out of sight. “Uh, give me a second to track him down.”

  “Are you going to use a spell?” Aisling asked. Her eyes lit up a little, a lot like Aiden’s did when he discovered a new combo in a game.

  “No, afraid not. He’s just around the house. I was going to walk around.”

  “I’ll come,” Aisling said. “It’s not like I’m going to see something magical and blow the secret.”

  Something in her voice gave Bran pause. It was tense, almost afraid, and he studied her for a moment. Aiden hadn’t said anything about problems in the family, but maybe he just wasn’t ready to talk about it. Nodding, he smiled again and gestured for Aisling to follow him. They went around the back. Aiden was kneeling on the ground beside the back door. Red magic surrounded his hand, and he was looking at a sheet of paper that Bran knew had the same symbol as his.

  Aisling started to move forward, but Bran put his arm out in front of her. “Let him finish,” he said. “There’s magic around him.”

  It only took another moment for the red magic to vanish from around Aiden. He stood up and stretched his arms. Then he blinked in surprise as he turned and spotted them. There was a flicker of near panic in his eyes, but he quickly smiled.

  “Hey, Sis. What brings you out here?”

  “I wanted to talk to you,” Aisling said. She walked towards her brother. “Haven’t had a chance in a while.”

  “I know, sorry about that.” Aiden smiled bashfully. “Moving into the new place and resuming classes has been a bit rough. You know what they say about junior year.”

  “Not really,” Aisling said. “Freshman in high school, remember?”

  Bran sighed in relief. At least he’d gotten the high school part right. Barely.

  “Well, you’ll learn.” Aiden walked over and opened his arms to his sister. She rolled her eyes but didn’t argue with hugging him. “It’s good to see you though. Are Mom and Dad here?”

  “Nope, just me. I rode over on my bike.”

  “Great,” Aiden said. He stepped back from her. “So… what’s up?”

  “I was going to ask you that,” Aisling replied. She nodded pointedly to the foundation where about half of one of the symbols was visible.

  “Oh, nothing, we’re just-”

  “I’m not an idiot you know,” Aisling said. Her tone was calm, but the undercurrent of anger made Bran look back at Aiden’s sister. His friend was blinking at her in surprise. “Something is wrong… isn’t it?”

  “Something has always been wrong,” Aiden replied. “I told you, Mom and Dad about what happened.”

  “Yeah, but you said that he was gone.” Aisling was watching her brother carefully with sharp eyes. “He’s coming back, isn’t he? Arthur?”

  “Maybe.” Aiden sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. “We aren’t sure what’s going to happen. The Iron Gates are solid and keeping the realm closed, and the problem in India has been resolved, but Arthur is still out there. We have something he wants, or at least something that he used to want.”

  Bran’s eyes jumped over to Alex, who was trying to act like she wasn’t listening. Cathanáil was still on her back, safe in its scabbard with its hilt glittering in the sunlight. But Aisling couldn’t see it.

  “Aiden, you told us about what happened,” Aisling said. “But you never talk about it now. Mom and Dad are really worried. They’ve been worried, but don’t want to push you away. You’ve been avoiding us.”

  “Hey, come on! I’m home a lot, and I’m still helping at the bookstore. I’m not avoiding you.”

  “You don’t like talking about magic.”

  “Look, what happened put me in a coma. That was hell for you guys. I don’t want to bring up bad memories or hurt Mom and Dad.”

  “We know that this isn’t your fault,” Aisling said. She looked ready to shout at him but then took a deep breath. “Sometimes… I wonder what it is like. Being a mage, having magic. I envy you that.” Aisling shrugged, a soft blush coloring her cheeks.

  “Don’t, seriously. The novelty wears off fast. Some of it is still cool, but the whole saving the world thing is scary.”

  “So, there is danger.”

  “Like you said, Arthur is still out there. We think he’s going to try something.” Aiden gestured to the symbol he’d carved into the concrete foundation. Aisling knelt to get a closer look at the small triskelion. “These symbols are magically tied to an alarm system. We’re experimenting with new spells to keep us safer. I promise that we’re trying to stay safe and do what we can.” Aiden dropped down next to his sister and wrapped an arm around her. “I’m sorry if I seem distant, but when I’m home with all of you, I just want to be Aiden. I just want to be your brother and Mom and Dad’s son. I want to forget about all of this for a while.”

  In the corner of his eye Bran saw Alex flinch. His chest tightened and he turned away from the siblings. He hadn’t called his mother in over a week. Now he was certain that it was overdue. Aisling stepped closer and hugged her brother again. Tense silence surrounded them until Aisling patted her brother back. Smiling, she walked over and hugged Nicki, who looked both pleased and uncertain of what to do with the teenager.

  “Good to see you, Aisling,” Nicki said. “Staying out of trouble I hope?”

  Aisling shrugged. “Still learning to navigate high school. Give me a few more months and we’ll see where I’m at.” Turning to look at the gathered group, Aisling’s gaze settled on Avani and she smiled. “Hello there, I’m Aisling Bosco, Aiden’s little sister.”

  “Uh, right,” Aiden said. “Aisling, this is Avani Desai. She’s from India.”

  “I’m a magician,” Avani added. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Aisling.”

  “A magician? So, you can use magic?”

  “Yes, but not like your brother can. I have to use formulas to summon magical energy. Still, it is a long tradition in my family.” Avani’s smile was warm, and Aisling smiled in return, finally allowing some of the tension around them to fade.

  “Do you do lessons?” Aisling tilted her head curiously.

  “Aisling!” Aiden scolded.

  Avani just laughed. “I’m working with Lance and Jenny right now. Once I’ve settled into school and they’ve managed a bit of progress then perhaps you and I can talk.”

  Bran rolled his lips together tightly to keep from laughing. Aiden’s expression was interesting. It wasn’t full-on panic, but he was definitely unsure of how he should feel. On the one hand, Bran was sure that Aisling would have a talent for magic. Her insight was… unusual. Glancing down at his legs, Bran smiled and remembered the first time he’d met Aisling. She’d been sure that he wouldn’t need his leg brace forever.

  Aiden dusted off his hands and looked at Avani eagerly. “How many more symbols do we need, Avani?”

  “I think that should be enough,” Avani said. Her words were cautious as she moved slowly around the back of the house. “There are many symbols now, and we’ve got them around all the portals, but they are also discreet. I think this should do.”

  “You’re doing magic,” Aisling said to Aiden. “I want to see. I’ve barely seen you do anything.”

  “We’re testing a protection spell,” Aiden said. He rolled his eyes at his sister. “And I’m not your entertainment.”

  Aisling grinned smugly, opening her mouth to say something only to blink in surprise. “Whoa,” Aisling said softly. Bran turned to look at the girl: she was pointing into the trees beyond the yard.

  A moment later a bell chimed somewhere in the air around them. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a flash of dark gray at the edge of the founda
tion. An instant later he realized that it had been one of the markings.

  “That’s the alarm!” Avani shouted. The bell chimed again. It was soft and yet rang in his ears all the same.

  Running to Aisling, he spotted figures moving in the trees. They were almost as tall as humans and dressed in long coats with hoods over their heads. He relaxed and touched Aisling’s shoulder as they came closer.

  “It’s some Fae,” he said. “It’s okay. They won’t hurt us.”

  Glancing at Alex, he found the blonde frowning slightly as she peered at the advancing group of Fae. They were close enough now that Bran could see their pale hands and some silver, almost translucent hair. All of them still had their heads down to avoid the sun. He began to move forward to go and meet them in the trees. Alex grabbed his arm and shook her head.

  “No… stay here. Everyone.”

  “Alex?” Nicki called. She was looking between Alex and the Fae.

  “I just... there’s something off,” Alex whispered. Then louder, she added, “Lance, Jenny, Avani, why don’t you give Aisling a tour of the house?”

  Bran braced himself for an argument from Aisling. But instead, the teenager turned and looked hard at Alex. Then she slowly nodded and all but ran to the back door. Jenny and Avani were right behind her with Lance placing himself firmly between them and the Fae. They headed inside, and Aisling only stopped for a moment to look curiously at the approaching group.

  There were five of them in total, and Alex stopped at the edge of the shade. “Hello,” she greeted. “What can we do for you?”

  One of the Fae beckoned her closer without a word. Alex stayed put, and Bran moved forward. They all did. In the corner of his eye he saw some of the symbols still glowing softly, and the bell sound was still chiming. The Fae drew back at their approach and Alex waved her hand, gesturing for them to stop.

  “What’s going on?” Alex asked. “Why are you here? Do you have news about Arthur?”

  “Yes,” one of the Fae said. “Please, the sunlight is too much. Come closer.”

  “We won’t harm you,” Alex said. She stepped forward, and Bran did the same. The Fae retreated further. “They won’t harm you,” she repeated.

  “We want to speak with the Iron Soul alone,” another of the Fae said.

  “I’ll tell them everything afterward,” Alex said. “That’s just how it works. Please, just tell us what you came here for.” She looked into the trees behind them. “You could have just driven up, you know. Or called.”

  “This cannot wait.”

  “Then stop waiting,” Alex said. Her right hand was twitching slightly. “Tell me what you need.”

  The Fae looked at each other. Their hoods still hid their faces, but their behavior had put everyone on edge. Bran flexed his fingers, feeling his magic gathering. They shouldn’t be enemies. The blood protection spell kept any Fae creatures who meant harm out. But Arthur was experimenting with magic, and this group was acting strangely.

  Sunlight reflected off metal. A knife was slashing through the air at Alex. Throwing his hand forward, Bran released a wave of yellow magic, and made the air ripple. The knife was knocked to the side by a few inches and the Fae were thrown back. They scrambled to their feet, swaying and fighting to regain their balance. Alex turned towards them, her right hand grasping at the side of her neck. He couldn’t see if she was hurt, but her eyes were wide and fearful. He hadn’t thrown the knife off target enough!

  Grabbing Alex’s shoulder, Nicki pulled her back from the Fae as Aiden conjured fireballs in each of his hands. Bran wanted to look back and check on Alex but he kept his focus forward. If Alex was hurt, Nicki would tend to her. The Fae started to draw weapons, including a few more knives and three guns. His hands moved before he even thought about it. Yellow sparks spun around the Fae and pulled the weapons from their hands. One tried to grab a gun as it was carried away. A fireball collided with its chest.

  The floodgates opened. Bran pulled the weapons towards him, unwilling to let the Fae even attempt another attack. Three red bolts blasted past him, striking one Fae and pinning it to a tree. The thing groaned, clawing at the bolts as the magic sank into its body. A moment later it began to fall apart into dust. Its cloak and clothing fell to the grass with a soft thump.

  Lightning flashed past them. Bran’s heart jumped. Two more Fae were caught in the lashing electricity and collapsed to the ground as dust and empty clothes. Then a long blue shard of ice hit the last one in the chest. It gasped and fell to its knees. Wide violet eyes looked up at him before they turned to dust. Stepping forward slowly, Bran searched the trees, but there was no sign of any more Fae waiting in the shadows.

  “How the hell were they here?” Nicki demanded.

  “I’m not sure,” Bran answered. He knew Nicki wasn’t really expecting an answer and he turned to check on her and Alex.

  There was a smear of blood on Alex’s neck, but thankfully no sign of a wound any longer. Thank goodness Nicki had reacted so quickly. Alex’s hand was grasping Cathanáil’s hilt as her gray eyes scanned the trees. Swallowing, Bran exhaled and turned back to the piles of clothing.

  “You okay, Alex?” Aiden asked.

  “Yeah: one of them got me, but it wasn’t very deep,” Alex said.

  “Still,” Nicki said. Her voice was thick with frustration. “They got close because we figured they had to be on our side.”

  “Must have been some of those that sided with Arthur.” Now Aiden’s voice was angry. “How did they get through?”

  Kneeling, Bran examined the nearest pile of clothing. He didn’t see any additional weapons, but he carefully picked up the hooded coat. Something tumbled free from the shirt when he moved it and hit the grass with a soft thunk. It was a medallion of some kind. Picking up the small round amulet, Bran carefully turned it over in his hand. It was made of bronze and an unknown symbol was stamped into the metal in the center. He wasn’t the best judge, but it looked well crafted.

  “Drop it!” Alex ordered.

  He did as she commanded on reflex and dropped it on the ground. Alex and the others moved closer to him to inspect the medallion. Aiden stepped around him and kicked at the other piles until he revealed one with each pile. One for each Fae.

  “Don’t touch them,” Nicki said.

  “Alex?” Bran asked.

  “They’re magic,” Alex said carefully. She knelt beside him and leaned over the medallion. “I don’t know the symbol, but I can see the magic. It’s… I’m not sure. Sort of knotted up in the metal. The bronze doesn’t want to hold it, but it is.”

  “Some kind of protection against the blood spell,” Nicki suggested. “They shouldn’t have been able to make it through.”

  “No, they shouldn’t have,” Alex agreed. “Arthur has done something… made something new now. He’s trying to break through our defenses.”

  Bran frowned as he examined the medallion. Not even a full inch in diameter, it didn’t look like anything special, but it did give him an uneasy feeling. Reaching into his pocket, he fished out the slip of paper he’d been using earlier and picked up the medallion. There was no thrum or hum. Instead, it felt cold to his touch. Bran wasn’t sure what to make of that or Arthur’s latest action at all. What was the point? And had it been just luck that he sent them today when they were working on the new protection spell?

  21

  Strange Allies

  Podlasie Province, Poland 983 C.E.

  Nothing bad had happened for over a month. Merlin and Morgana had kept their promise and helped his crops grow. In truth, it was one of the better harvests he’d had in some time. Slavko seemed stronger than he’d ever been and grew a little better every day. For the first time in several seasons, Dobiemir’s boy was growing taller and a bit broader.

  The extra food had been a blessing. The animals were healthy and he had stores of food ready for the onset of winter. He’d been careful in the village with trading some of his harvest for goods and raw materials. People were
still fearful and whispering about the shadow monsters, but they hadn’t been seen for some time. The reprieve was welcomed by all, and thankfully everyone had been able to save a little of their harvest. Still, Dobiemir was using his excess food to buy new tools that he didn’t need yet to share the food around quietly. Directly giving it away was tempting, but would bring far too many questions.

  Late in the evenings he thought he heard something in the distance, a whisper coming down from the hills. But whatever was in the cave hadn’t come forth. Sometimes, he allowed himself to imagine that maybe it had been a dream. Sitting in the sunshine just outside his home, it was easy to imagine that the being of dark and cold was just a nightmare and forget about it.