Magic Reborn: The Peacesmith Series: Book1, A New Adult Urban Fantasy Novel

by Carly Hansen

  “Alda couldn’t match the offer?”

  “Oh, she had the cash all right,” Twain said.

  “Yeah,” Java said. “Soon as we hit the meatpacking district, up comes this man who said he heard through the grapevine that her Harley was for sale. She bargained hard with him until she was almost swimming in cash.”

  “I was scared being around her with that pile of money that she had,” Twain said. “Thought she was asking to be robbed. But she wasn’t worried, being a witch and all. Said anybody thinking of doing her harm would need only one good look at her to mend their ways.”

  “But money wasn’t enough to convince Ivan to return, huh?”

  “We never even saw him, just heard he’d taken up with this other gang,” Twain said.

  “Yeah, I think that’s what ticked Alda off the most,” Java said. “In the end, it turned out that she sold her Harley for nothing.”

  Twain glanced down at his watch. “I’m going to catch a few winks before that guy shows up to tell us where the vampires are holding your sister.”

  Java yawned and stretched. “Me too.”

  Fenix’s heart sank as she watched them disappear into their rooms.

  They were now one man short on their crew. And the sneaking suspicion that she’d done something wrong bloomed into terror as she thought of how important Micha was to this rescue mission. She’d insulted the one person she was depending upon to even start to know where to look for Catelyn.

  Would he hold that against her and refuse to show up?

  Panic sent her marching to the room where Gaius was in chains. Their eyes met as soon as Fenix entered.

  “Tell me about these peacesmiths,” she said.

  Gaius smiled and beckoned her over with a tilt of his head.

  Fenix crossed the room and sat on the floor beside him. “What exactly can they do?”

  “You mean what powers do you have?”

  As Fenix wrung her hands, her eyes involuntarily fell to the smooth flesh of her palms. She nodded.

  With some difficulty, Gaius lifted his bound right hand and rested it on her palms. She didn’t mind the coolness or the weight of his metal bonds as the chain pressed into her flesh. The weight somehow steadied her nerves.

  She was surprised to find how calmed she felt by the warmth of Gaius’ hand as it touched hers.

  “For starters,” he said, “your genetic makeup allows you to channel the energies that control the four elements.”

  “Earth, air, water, and fire?”

  He nodded.

  “But what exactly does that mean, practically speaking? What can I do?”

  “In principle? Almost anything involving those elements.”

  “You’re not saying I can start an earthquake, for example, are you?”

  “You could if you wanted you.” His expression was matter-of-fact.

  Fenix’s jaw dropped. “And a windstorm? Or a tidal wave?”

  Gaius nodded.

  Fenix exhaled, trying to wrap her brain around all of this.

  “Also, given contact with the right prompts, peacesmiths are able to glimpse beyond the time-space continuum.”

  “You mean see into the past?”

  “And into the present, in another place.”

  “What kind of prompts?”

  “It could be something physical that was dear to someone. It could be just the scent of a person that’s left behind after they’re gone. It could be something that they touched, that carries their DNA.”

  Fenix nodded. That explained the visions she’d had of the murders of the Birstall victims when she touched their blood samples; of Micha as he rode atop the train after she’d sat in his seat; and of Catelyn when she had been grabbed in the transit hub through which Fenix also walked.

  “Peacesmiths also have a healing touch,” Gaius said. “But it can only be used on others.”

  “So, I can’t heal myself?”

  “Unfortunately not.”

  “Bummer! That would’ve been handy. I get pretty banged up running Alda’s errands.”

  “That’s where your fighting skills come in. Peacesmiths often emerge from battle unscathed, and are usually the victor.”

  Fenix snorted. “Well, the street gave me all the fighting skills I need.”

  “You’ve got it backward.”

  “Pardon?”

  “It’s not that being on the street taught you how to fight. You were able to protect yourself out there because of what you are. Peacesmiths are born with agility, a good eye, and keen reflexes,” Gaius said. “But you’ve barely scratched the surface of your skills. As you take up your duties, you’ll come up against more sophisticated and dangerous opponents. You’ll need to learn how to defend yourself against them.”

  “I already told you I’m not buying into this duty crap. And even if I were interested in that, who’d teach me anyway? You?”

  Gaius shrugged and nodded.

  The memory of Micha roughing up this purple-robed youth flashed through Fenix’s mind, and she couldn’t help but double over in laugher. “That’s ludicrous,” she said. “Talk about the blind leading the blind.”

  “I admit, I don’t look like much.”

  “That’s an understatement.”

  Gaius seemed to be pretending he didn’t hear that. “I’m not really a fighter, but I spent many years observing the warriors of our Order. And, like I said, I’m a scholar and I’ve read deeply on the subject.”

  “If your Order wants me to take up duties, why didn’t they send a warrior to train me properly?”

  Gaius’ chest heaved as he took a deep breath. “Unfortunately, the Order is at the lowest point in our history. Our numbers had already dwindled to a couple of dozens over the centuries when there was no one to mentor or protect. When Diabon heard that the peacesmith gene was reborn, he launched a massive attack. He killed many. Others scattered. And, of course, Nostrad, our chief, has been imprisoned of late. I was his apprentice, working most closely with him. He’s still able to reach me through telepathy, and he sent me to help you.”

  “You’re delusional if you think I’m going to join whatever group you belong to after hearing that.”

  “I was hoping it would make you see how serious the situation is and how important it is for you to start your training.”

  “That doesn’t interest me,” Fenix said as she got up and headed to the door. “I needed to know the extent of the powers I have only because I might need to kidnap someone in order to rescue Catelyn.”

  ********

  Alda’s medicine had driven Fenix to her bed, but the next evening, she finally felt back to her old self again. All the rest she’d gotten had given her a chance to formulate a scheme. As soon as Twain and Java appeared for dinner, she cornered them and laid out her plan.

  “I’m not sure we could get away with this,” Java said. “But if you feel we must do it, then count me in.”

  Twain kept his head bent pensively. Then he looked up at Fenix with doubt written all over his face. “I’ve sworn to do all I can to help rescue your sister,” he said, “but this sounds crazy. You really want us to try to kidnap the rich guy’s second-in-command so he tells us where to find your sister?”

  Fenix pursed her lips. “We’re a smart and fearless bunch. We can do this.”

  “And it’s crazier that you expect us to pull off this stunt without any explanation as to why we should even be doing this.”

  “Twain, please don’t make me beg. I need your help. But I can’t go into details.”

  It seemed as if Twain held his breath for an eternity. “Okay.” He sighed. “I don’t like this one bit, but I’ll go along if you think it’s the only way.”

  “Thank—” Fenix began, but she didn’t get a chance to finish as a commotion rocked the hallway.

  The next moment, Gaius tumbled into the kitchen and crashed on the floor. Alda followed and shook her head as she stepped over his sprawled body.

  She kicked his leg
. “Get up, you!”

  Gaius sprang to his feet, dusting himself. “Why’d you push me, witch?”

  Alda looked him up and down hard as she passed by him, then turned to the others. “This one’ll replace Ivan.”

  “I told you already, you didn’t have to force me,” Gaius said, straightening his robe. “I want to find Catelyn, too.”

  Fenix walked over to Gaius. With her back blocking the others, she whispered in his ear, “But Gaius, you’re not a warrior.”

  “True,” he whispered. “However, you need to learn how to use your powers. I can help you.”

  “But this is going to be dangerous.”

  “It’s my duty. I have to be there to help you.”

  Before Fenix could say anything more, Alda approached her. “Where’s Micha already?”

  Fenix stared at the witch. “Don’t know.”

  There was no way she was going to tell Alda about the previous night and why she feared he might not show.

  “I was thinking,” she said, “that it may be a better idea for us to take the Beetle and meet him at his lab.”

  Alda looked at her skeptically.

  “That way we don’t have to be dependent on him to go or return,” Fenix said, her voice rattling.

  Alda stepped closer, arching her eyebrows. “Is something the matter?”

  “No, nothing,” Fenix said, swallowing hard. “Why do you ask?”

  The sudden rumble of an engine outside sent her dashing to the window.

  Chapter 31

  The white SUV pulled up and stopped. Micha stepped out and looked up. His eyes met Fenix’s.

  Her heart skipped a beat, and she immediately drew away from the window. “Well, never mind. Micha’s here.” She beamed at Alda.

  Twain sprung to his feet. “Does that mean we don’t have to kidnap his second-in-command then?”

  “What?” Alda said.

  Fenix quickly tugged Twain’s sleeve and dragged him toward the door. “Let’s get going. We’ve no time to waste.”

  Alda leaped forward and stood in their way.

  She pointed to Twain and Java. “You boys go on ahead.” Clutching Fenix’s shoulder, she said, “You, stay.”

  Fenix’s heart thumped. If Alda questioned her about the plot to kidnap Micha’s second-in-command, she would have to explain what happened between her and Micha the previous night. That was the last thing she wanted to do. It seemed too private to share with anyone else.

  When Twain and Java left, Alda loosened her grip on Fenix’s shoulder.

  “I know you’re one of the most powerful supernaturals,” the witch said softly, “but this is a very dangerous situation for you.”

  Unaccustomed to such a gentle tone from Alda, Fenix simply nodded.

  “It’s a gift to be born with the powers you’ve got,” Alda said. “But it makes you a target of those who feel threatened by you.”

  “Well, I’ll take on whoever I have to in order to rescue Catelyn.”

  “I know you will, but you’ve had some of my strongest medicines and you’re still weak.” Alda dipped into a pocket in her dress. “I want you to take this.”

  She pulled out what looked like a short, white stick. “I shouldn’t be doing this,” she said, handing it to Fenix.

  Fenix widened her eyes. “Is this what I think it is?”

  “Yes, it’s the space-bending wand.”

  Fenix was speechless.

  “I’m the only one who should be wielding it,” Alda said. “But I’ve put a charm on it so it will work in your hands. Remember, though, you can use it only once.”

  Fenix cradled the smooth, shiny stick in her palms. She wondered at something so small and so light containing such powerful magic.

  “To use it,” Alda said, “you have to first picture who you want to transport and where you want them to go. Okay?”

  Fenix nodded.

  “It’s very important that you have a clear picture of this in your mind. And then you need to command the wand by saying this: ‘Wonsuekat!’ You got that?”

  Fenix repeated the word, but Alda wasn’t happy with her pronunciation. She had to try four times again before the witch approved.

  “Close enough,” Alda said. “Now, go find your sister. Bring her back safe, and she’ll always have a home here.”

  When Fenix opened the front passenger door and got into the SUV, Micha said nothing to her.

  He remained silent as the car sped down the highway. The muscles in his jaw moved up and down, as if he was literally chewing on his thoughts.

  With the windows down, the traffic rumbled by. Fenix was sure Twain, Java, and Gaius wouldn’t hear her as she leaned in to Micha.

  “Thanks,” she said. “For a moment back there, I wasn’t sure you’d turn up.”

  “Why wouldn’t I show up?” Micha shrugged, seeming devoid of all emotion. “If what your friend in purple says about vampires is true, it’s my duty to find and punish the kidnappers.”

  His fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly, and he kept his eyes fixed on the road.

  The memory of the night before obviously embarrassed and pained him. There was likely to never be a repeat. She was glad for that, at least for the first few seconds. Then she felt a twinge in her heart as the muscles in her throat tightened.

  What was wrong with her? She should have been doing virtual somersaults to celebrate the distance that had now developed between them. It would guarantee a parting of ways after this mission and an end to her worry that Micha Angelo would discover that she was of a race he had been created to destroy.

  Instead, she had a sinking feeling of regret and loss.

  She couldn’t bear to think about it anymore.

  “Do you have a location on the kidnappers?” she asked.

  Micha shook his head. “We’re meeting Baldwin at the lab to narrow down the possibilities. I have a few suspects in mind, though.”

  “Who?”

  “Two are newcomers to the Eastern Region.”

  “Why are they on your radar?”

  “Both protested vehemently against taking the serum. I even had them visit Angelo Labs, personally showed them around, and sat them down in my office to try to convince them there was nothing to be concerned about.”

  “And?”

  “Couldn’t make a dent. They’ve appealed to the Council to be exempted from having to take the serum.”

  “Where are they now?”

  “They’re allowed to live in Tresmort, but are forbidden to travel to any other part of the Eastern Region while the appeal is being heard.”

  “And the other suspects?”

  “I probably shouldn’t be saying anything about this.” Micha turned to Fenix for the first time since they got into the car. He pursed his lips as his eyes danced about her face. Fenix could tell he wanted to draw her into his confidence. But the memory of the previous night seemed to still sting, leaving him reluctant to open to her.

  She felt anger well up inside of her, both at herself for her rashness the night before, and at Micha for his hesitance now. “Tell me what’s on your mind, damn it,” she said. “I should at least know what we could be in for.”

  Micha exhaled. “It might be a member or members of the Council.”

  “You think someone from your government is behind this?”

  “Could be.”

  “Why would someone from your government want to grab an insignificant teenage girl?”

  “Not everyone on the Council believes in what I’m doing.”

  “You mean with the serum?”

  Micha nodded. “The majority are on board. They see that if we can make vampires no longer a threat to humans, then we would no longer have to live in the shadows.”

  “And the others?”

  “They want to hold on to the old ways. They think the species will become weak if vampires stop feeding. But I know a large part of their opposition comes from fear of loss of their power over others.”

 
; Micha snorted. His muscles tightened in anger. His frustration with the holdouts oozed from every pore.

  Fenix, though, could see things from their point of view. Right now, vampires who fed on humans had abundant supply and the most significant limitations on their access to what kept them going was the Council’s authority over where they were allowed to live and whatever quotas they were permitted to take.

  If vampires became dependent on the serum, whoever produced it would have power over the entire species.

  Micha obviously felt he didn’t deserve their mistrust, but relying on one single source for the lifeblood of the species would require the Council to place a world of faith in the originator of the serum, and his successors.

  If members of the Council were out to sabotage Micha and his experiment, what better way than to draw him into a trap through his work as overlord? A misstep in falsely accusing werewolves of gruesome attacks on humans would lead him to igniting an unnecessary feud between the two species.

  The urge to warn him rose in Fenix’s throat. But Alda’s warning rang in her ears.

  With Twain and Java in the car, Fenix wasn’t prepared to do anything that would lead her to betraying her identity. It could ruin the entire mission, and then she’d never forgive herself if anything she said or did jeopardized the chance to free Catelyn.

  But perhaps there was another way to do this.

  “What do they look like?” Fenix asked casually.

  “Who?”

  “The troublemakers who moved here and the Council members you suspect? You got photos?”

  Micha took his eyes off the road and looked at Fenix curiously. “Yes, as far as the Council members are concerned. In my office.”

  “And the other two?”

  “They would be in our database. We keep detailed records on everyone who takes the serum. There’s a chemical in the mix that allows everyone’s movements to be tracked via satellite. As you can imagine, that’s highly confidential data.”

  No wonder there was objection to Micha’s serum. Talk about loss of privacy. If he could know the movements of all the vampires using his serum, Micha was in a position of incredible power over their lives.