The Leira Chronicles- The Complete Austin Series

by Martha Carr

  “Hagan!” The troll let out a chirp and a trill.

  Hagan almost dropped the soft pretzel in his hand as he quickly took a look around to see who else might be watching.

  “How in hell do you show up everywhere?” Hagan crouched down, pretending to tie his shoe.

  “Those are Velcro, dude,” chirped the troll.

  “Oh, like you know what Velcro is now. Great. Should I ask what you’re doing here? I’m guessing all that commotion had something to do with you.”

  “A little,” chirped the troll. “I’m fixing our little problem.” The troll held his finger up to the side of his nose with a smile showing his tiny pointed teeth. “Things can go back to normal.”

  “Can you let me in on what normal would look like since magic got here?” Hagan held up his hands, waggling his fingers.

  The troll let out a cackle and scrambled into Hagan’s hand, taking a bite of his pretzel. “Yum….”

  “I’ve taken off a few pounds lately and I swear it’s from all the food I’ve shared with you.” Hagan stood up, brushing off the knees of his jeans and looked up the aisle. “Can’t keep you with me today, little buddy. Rose is along for this trip. These shows are her crack and we’re busy planning her next big garden.” Hagan rolled his eyes. “Ever since Leira did that winter bloomfest for her she’s been on a kick to do it again. She thinks she has a green thumb or something about the Texas dirt.”

  “Sometimes magic will bite you in the ass,” cackled the troll, as he took another bite of the warm salty pretzel.

  “Exactly. Hey, hey, slow down. I’ll give you more if you stop licking the pretzel. Otherwise I guess I’ll give you the whole thing.”

  “I think you have a friend of mine.” Mara smiled and held out her hand. “Thanks for the assist.”

  “So, you’re not working alone on this one. So tempted to ask…” Hagan held out the troll who was clinging to the pretzel. “Fine, it’s yours. I’ll get another.”

  “Got you.” Mara scooped him up and put him in her pocket. “Pardon me a moment. Have to tidy up.” She pulled in enough energy, her eyes aglow and sent all the marbles rolling toward Eric till they came to a stop in a pile near his bag.

  Hagan sputtered in disbelief, patting the top of his head. “What the…”

  Eric looked up at the surprised guards. “Must be a foundation issue. Might want to check into that.” He opened the bag and shoveled the marbles into it with a sweep of his arm, getting to his feet and waving to the crowd. There was even a smattering of applause as he took a short bow.

  “Okay, nothing to see here,” said a relieved guard. He nudged the other guard, tapping him on the arm. “We should find that nut who was breaking apart the displays before anything else happens. What a day!”

  “And you said this would be an easy gig. No problem, Joe. Walk around a bunch of flowers for eight hours, Joe…”

  Toni and Jim came to the end of the aisle, waiting patiently for Eric who was walking toward them, the bag safely tucked under his arm. He was whistling as he walked, a smile on his face. “You look pretty pleased with yourself,” said Toni.

  “Been awhile since I’ve gotten to do a caper of any kind.”

  “You think the Silver Griffins will mind that we used a little bit of magic to cause a little mayhem?”

  “Definitely. Fortunately for us they have more important things to worry about these days. Been hearing plenty of rumors about all the trouble with artifacts. Even weird stuff I don’t know if I want to believe. Hijinks at a local home and garden show won’t rate even a flyover in our direction.”

  “Nice. Flyover. Old school with the whole broom thing.”

  “Thought you’d like that. How’d that one get started anyway?”

  “Probably some Witch levitating holding onto a broom. Who knows? Let’s go get Elmer and head out for something to eat. Beer’s on me.”

  Hagan spotted the group and shook his head. “I don’t know what this adds up to but it looks like a regular Ocean’s Four plus a troll kind of operation.”

  The door to the aluminum shed shook as Blake nervously pried it open, his legs shaking as he came out into the bright light.

  “There he is!” shouted one of the guards, quickly bustling over and taking Blake by the arm. “Hey, look at this. He has a press badge!”

  The guards each took Blake by an arm and marched him toward the offices as Blake babbled about a talking troll. “A talking doll, you don’t say.”

  Hagan’s eyes grew wider. “Isn’t that the reporter…” He put his hands up in protest. “Never mind. I don’t think I want to know this one. I think I see a loaded down dolly being pushed in my direction. That’s my signal to go. Rose has managed to exhaust our savings at last.”

  “We should leave too. Look, I found some moss we can put in a pot for you at home. Nicer place to sleep than in a shoebox wrapped in underwear.”

  The troll shrugged. “Why not both?” he chirped.

  “You’re a weird little dude, but I get that. I come from a long line of women who do things with their own kind of style while kicking a little bit of ass. Leira gets that from our side of the family.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Turner Underwood stood at the entrance to the executive airport building dressed in his favorite dark cashmere coat and black homburg squarely on his head. The mother of pearl cufflinks neatly matched the tie pin in his blue silk tie. “Makes me look a little like Churchill, don’t you think? One of the finest Gnomes I ever had the pleasure of knowing.” He leaned on his favorite cane with a silver robin as the handle.

  “You knew Churchill? Even I know who that is.” Correk looked incredulous. He was dressed in his old boots from Oriceran that went over his knees and his long tunic. The area was mostly empty except for a few travelers waiting for their planes to be ready.

  “I’ve been the Fixer for a long time now. Things come up that required my attention. Those years were particularly busy. Could have used someone like you back then but rules are rules. One Fixer at a time and you were somewhere on Oriceran probably playing a rousing game of Lutea ball.”

  “What am I right now if I’m not some kind of Fixer.”

  “An ordinary Light Elf in training. Were you hoping for a better title? How about Chief Bottle Washer? Keep your humility close at hand, you’re going to need it.” He clapped Correk hard on the shoulder. “I won’t be gone long but till I get back you need to stay close to Leira. Keep her magic in check,” he said sternly, his furry brows knit together as he stared into Correk’s eyes, his chin tucked down on his chest. “There will also be times that I will send you on short missions to help someone else in the magical community and I will stay here to be close to Leira.”

  Correk’s face grew darker but the Fixer cut him off before he could protest.

  “You must start to learn your new role and you can’t learn the entire scope of it by standing next to Leira Berens. Granted, she is a unique case. Once in an Elf lifetime but there are other things that must be tended to as well. Spells to learn, potions to make, energy to channel. And that’s just the beginning. There are worlds under this world teeming with magical folk. All of them fall under your purview and when you are exactly what’s called for, you’ll start to sense it and need to go.” The Fixer held up his hand. “And I will be here to guide and protect Leira even if that young woman is determined to fight her own battles. Although, I must say she has come a long way in asking for help.”

  “What about Jackson and his meddling?”

  Turner smiled, the dimples in his cheeks growing deeper. “He is a necessary element who will fulfill some of his fatherly duties at last, if only to annoy you.”

  Correk shook his head in protest, his blues eyes flashing with anger, which only caused Turner to put back his head and laugh, one hand on top of his impressive black hat. “I’m really looking forward to this stewardship of your learning. Has so many damn flavors to it.” The smile dropped from his face as he lowered h
is voice. “But do not let emotions get the better of you, Elf, in any direction. Anger or affection. Look for balance in all things and you will have a better chance at keeping everyone in one piece and on this side of the veil. Remember there are two hurdles here, neither of them are really enemies.”

  “I wouldn’t call the Dark Mist neutral…”

  “And yet in some ways it is. It doesn’t think for itself. It’s fulfilling some dark, forgotten curse, I imagine…” He tapped his cane against the sidewalk. “It only knows to go toward extreme darkness and extreme light and gather both back into that damnable void. I don’t believe we know the real reason even yet. May we never find out, frankly.” A shudder passed through him and his eyes briefly glowed, startling Correk.

  “You’re afraid of the Dark Mist. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you afraid of anything.”

  “Only a foolish Elf is not afraid of anything. Stay very aware and alert, Correk.”

  “Is the Light neutral as well?”

  “Ah, the Light. That one is even more confusing. It fills Leira with an overwhelming sense of joy and peace. Who wouldn’t call that good? And yet, it asks everything of her. To join with it and become one till she disappears from this plane all together. Beyond that I don’t know what that means. But I don’t wish that for Leira even if I’m pulling her away from what the humans would call heaven. Let it wait a few more hundred years at least for her. Selfish of me, probably.”

  He saw the pain flash across Correk’s face and his expression softened. “The Light serves a purpose but in the extreme it becomes the problem. Some amount of grounding is required. Jackson may prove very useful in that area. He’s a Jaspar Elf after all and he may know more than at least you give him credit for.”

  “He looks like he’s homeless and his magic ran out a long time ago.”

  The Fixer gave a low chortle. “That’s a lifestyle choice. It happens to Elves sometimes. We go big in whatever we do. I have to go but I’ll be back and it’ll be your turn. Don’t hover too much or she’ll refuse your help. Knowing Leira she’d lose you in a crowd. Don’t let that happen. I’ll be back soon. Till I get back keep everyone alive and in one piece. Your first assignment. Last two things I need to tell you and they must stay between us. I’m going to need your word on it.”

  Correk nodded but Turner pressed his lips together in frustration. “Use your words, Correk,” he said in a low tone.

  “Of course you have my word. I’ll tell no one.”

  “That includes Leira and even the troll.”

  “Everything with a beating heart.”

  “Good. The first is that I placed a tracking ball of light under the Mustang that will stay close to Leira in case she gives you the slip. Follow my energy trail and connect with me and you’ll be able to see where she is. The energy will find you if she’s in real danger. Don’t bother arguing about this. We both know she’s a damn good detective and if she senses you’re babysitting her, she’ll make a point of leaving you somewhere desolate just to prove a point and then go looking for trouble.”

  “She’s already done it once.”

  “Funny at any other time. God, I love that girl. The second is even more important and a long held secret among Fixers. If everything becomes a shit show, use this whistle.” He pulled a thin silver whistle the length of his palm out of his coat pocket and held it out to Correk. A fancy F was engraved on one side and on the other was an inscription. Fight with honor and to the end.

  “That’s the Oriceran battle cry.”

  “That was created by the first Fixer a very long time ago. Each Fixer pours a little of his magic into it that keeps it powered and ready to go. The same Fixer gave it only one purpose. To help a Fixer in training if things ever get to the point…”

  “Of a shit show.”

  “Yes, and not before. Not one moment before. Heed that warning.”

  Correk looked down at the whistle. “What happens if I use this too soon?” But when he looked up the Fixer was gone.

  “Hate it when he does that.” He clenched the whistle in his hand. “May I never have to use this damnable thing.” Even though I probably will.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Correk followed the trail and found Leira at her office watching the screen for traces of artifacts. She was wearing her running clothes with her favorite blue and orange shoes and her hair was damp along the back of her neck. She was focused on the symbols, her eyes moving quickly.

  He stayed back by the door, watching her. She’s learned how to read them in no time at all. I wonder if the energy is teaching her.

  She let out a deep sigh and narrowed her eyes, putting her hands on her hips and her chin out.

  He had known her long enough to know that look on her face. She’s determined to get into the fight. “Where’s Hagan? Doesn’t he work on these cases with you?”

  Leira tilted her head to the side watching him, her dark hair tucked behind an ear. “You worried about Hagan or me?”

  “Not worried about anyone. Is there something to worry about?”

  “Nice deflection and if you mean above and beyond the fucking horror that’s already going on, no. But come here and look at this. See those symbols? There’s some increase in activity but it’s hard to tell who’s doing it. I could ask my own energy the question…”

  “Bad idea.” Correk blurted it out faster than he had intended to and tried to cover by striking a casual pose and smiling at her.

  “Oh, now I know something’s up. That’s a pretty creepy look you’ve got going on there. What the fuck are you doing? Who’s been talking to you? Was it Jackson? Nana and Mom wouldn’t bring the drama…”

  “The only one bringing the drama right now is you. Not everything rises to the level of an investigation. Take your beady eyes off me, Berens. This is a normal Light Elf mood.”

  She gave him a crooked smile and waved to him. “Are you actually coming in or are you staying by the door? What is up with you tonight?” Something about him is different. “You’d tell me if something was wrong.” She said it as a fact, waiting to see if he flinched at all.

  He held her gaze, remembering her standing on the battlefield, one leg broken and realizing she didn’t have the energy in her to strike down a fireball from someone as powerful as Rhazdon. It was so easy to make that one decision. He smiled easily at her. “I’m hungry and you’re taking too long.” Partial truth, at least.

  “Pizza and popcorn night?”

  “How does that work? Not both at once, surely. Although…”

  “I don’t food judge. You do you,” she said. “Let’s go get food and take it home. Share with the little furry guy. You seen him lately?” She waved her arm, her eyes glowing for a moment catching him off guard as she erased the screen.

  It’s become second nature for her. A growing sense of something bigger coming for both of them took root inside of him. Then we’ll face it together. Fight to the end and with honor. Leira looked up at him and he forced a smile. Stay by her side. If it’s the last good thing we do. He swallowed hard and felt for the whistle in his pocket. “Good run? Take anyone down on the way.”

  Leira got her coat, breaking into a smile. “That would have made it perfect. It wasn’t bad as it was. Perfect running weather. Just a little cold and the sky seemed so big and wide open, turning all sorts of colors. Gotta love Texas.” She put an arm around him, giving him a hug.

  “You’re very damp.”

  “I earned it. You can take a little sweat, can’t you?” She raised her elbow in the air, doing her best to try and rub more sweat on him.

  “Are you really trying to rub your armpit on me? Back, back.” He put the palm of his hand on her forehead holding her at arm’s length, smiling as he shook off the feeling. Leira let out a snort and a laugh swinging wildly, trying to land a soft blow and only catching air. “I could take you down if I wanted to.”

  Correk laughed bending his arm slightly to let her get closer and pushing her back ou
t again at the last moment. “Fake out!”

  Leira laughed, gulping in air. “What movie did you get that from? My favorite Martian? Are TV antennas about to come out of the top of your head?” Leira swept a leg around catching him in the back of the ankles and sending his legs out from under him. He landed in a sitting position, laughing out loud, the creases around his eyes deepening as Leira fell forward onto her knees, her bangs sticking to her forehead and a broad smile across her face.

  “We make a pretty good team!” She laughed, her head rocking back, her face flushed, nudging him with her foot.

  “Quit kicking my butt!” He sat up taller and pulled her by her foot, sliding across the industrial carpet till she was right up against him.

  Leira found herself inches from Correk’s face, looking closely into his eyes as the smile froze on her face. Correk let out one last laugh as he looked at Leira and let go of her leg. “We should get going,” he said, as he pulled himself back up to a standing position and straightened out his tunic.

  Leira stood up, stretching her tight back, her arms overhead as her thoughts spilled one over the other. Okay, put it away. Back in the little box in the back of my mind. No can do, Berens. “I pick the movie tonight.”

  She picked her jacket up off the floor and slid into it. “No, no.” She put up her hand as she headed for the door. “Last time you and Yumfuck picked I had to sit through a Vincent Price triple feature. I want something from this millennium.”

  “You know, I haven’t seen Yumfuck. Should we be concerned?” Correk glanced back at the screen as a message rolled quickly across the bottom and disappeared. A team was spotted heading for a possible relic site in Wyoming. A PDF team out of Chicago was headed there. He turned back around and kept moving for the door. Let this one fight be someone else’s. We’ll pick the ball back up tomorrow.