Myths & Magic: A Science Fiction and Fantasy Collection

by Kerry Adrienne

  “What ulterior motive?”

  “You…your father…are the only living members of the bloodline. The Council knew this. They knew if they ended Tarik for attempting to hide Lady Lira, or ended you for your disgrace, the echo and all its brilliance would potentially be lost for all time. If the Council could control the echo…they could obtain the world and all its glory.”

  Carrie turned from Andre. “This gift…this echo…its power is immense but it does not hold the ability to take the world.”

  Stepping closer to her…his eyes widening, Andre rested his hand gently on her forearm. “Carrie…you haven’t a clue of what grows within you. When the Council reconstructed, you and your…situation, were of the first topics discussed. Your absurd request to rescue Charlie…a human of the outside world…was granted so expeditiously because we could not risk your wrath had you possessed the echo and lost your bond to age. It was unanimous. The new Council simply hoped he’d be collected…you’d return and live a simple eternity.”

  “That is all I want.”

  “It appears your father and the former Councilmen long for an alternative future for you. They know of your power. The gift of the echo initially appears during great adversity. Afterward, the gift’s power grows within and is released as emotion. The Council thought surely…your mother’s death would ignite the gift within you. They were thankful it did not.”

  “This entire time! Andre…I’ve respected you my entire life.”

  “Had I told you of this…what good would have come of it? Perhaps your execution or mine?”

  Carrie placed her face within the palms of her hands and wept. She was soon in the embrace of Charlie. She welcomed his touch…scent and presence. “If it were not for you, Charlie…I would return to the fiends with eyes as dark as onyx and end myself. How could my entire existence be comprised of such falsehoods? Nothing holds truth.”

  The flat of his palm rested against her sternum—his lips pressed to her head. “Remember this, Carrie.”

  Almost instantly she felt the warmth of their bond as she peered through blurred vision to her partner, Charlie. “You…you are my family, Charlie.” She looked to Nyrobie and Jerrek. “As well as you.” Turning back to Charlie, an odd idea had her gaze diverting.

  “Andre. You long to secure my eternity of peace and tranquility?”

  “Indeed, Carrie.”

  “Splendid. You are of the Council. Unify the two of us…here and now.”

  Andre smirked. “Now…amongst vespers and masked in the remnants of your recent retaliation?”

  Carrie peered to her dusty attire, and then to a grinning Charlie. “Now…among my dearest friends and my eternal bond.”

  Andre stood poised and firm—his hands clasped in front of him. “As you wish, Carrie.”

  Charlie’s cold lips pressed to her cheek—the hair of his face traced along the side of hers’ as she inhaled. The entire day had been the definition of dysfunctional, and now it was ending in their union. She hadn’t any idea of what the near future had planned for them or if unification would be an option in even a few hours’ time. The time was now. They’d waited long enough. The couple stood to be unified.

  “Since the dawn of our people, nothing has been more sacred or everlasting than the union of two bonded members of our Society. Members that unify, do so because they believe the bond they share is as durable as time itself. Many unified members of the Society have ceased counting their years within the mountain—so staggering is their age that tallying it is tiresome and pointless. Their love and bond is as strong this day as it was the day of their unification.” Andre smiled as he nodded toward Carrie and a shivering Charlie.

  “Today, we are in the presence of yet another bond. This bonded pair believes wholeheartedly that their coupling will withstand all time and they too shall tend to their love as long as this mountain stands tall. As a member of the Council, I am here to unify this bond in the eyes of the Society. Carrie, take the hand of your chosen bond.”

  Carrie confidently reached for the chilled hand of Charlie, bringing it to her lips as their gaze met.

  “Before us now is unification. From this second forward, you are unified under the mountain, before the Council, and within the Society.”

  Charlie’s lips met hers’ as Nyrobie’s soft cries entered her ears.

  “Enjoy this, beautiful…who knows where we’ll be this time tomorrow.” Charlie chuckled—their lips only inches apart.

  She studied the darks of his eyes—each adorned with a touch of inpouring light. “We’ll be with one another always, my love.”

  The enchanted moment was interrupted as Clark approached—his body shivered. “I’m miserable.”

  “Carrie.” Andre looked about the floor of the cave. “They will not be able to last the night without fire.”

  “Build your fire, Andre. You will not reside in darkness long. I’m resurfacing now to beckon my father and his followers. We will return home this very night. I will beckon him alone.”

  “No.” Jerrek stepped forward. “I will accompany you. I feel that is best.”

  “I agree.” Nyrobie confidently stood next to Jerrek.

  “Very well.” Carrie hugged Charlie. “Jerrek and I will end this war…have faith in that.”

  Chapter 15

  She’d never looked upon Evrastill’s entrance in such a way. It was home…yet her home housed a sinister pestilence within it—her father. All that remained unanswered…all the injustices that lingered around his existence were within the same walls she’d resided behind her entire life. She’d hugged the neck of a mongrel—kissed his cheek, and sat down to dine with him for nearly a century.

  The snow was nearly blinding—thick and abundant on the ground and in the sky. The atmosphere was still—no bitter, biting wind—only soft-falling flakes.

  “I’ve never understood the allure of the cold.” Jerrek kicked shin-high snow from his path. “Humans seem drawn to it. They play in it and some even prefer to reside in it continuously. It’s very cumbersome and uncomfortable.”

  “It is pretty…but of all things some humans are drawn to…snow is not the one I find most questionable.” She smiled at Jerrek as they remained still in front of Evrastill—as frozen as their surroundings.

  “It’s nice to see you smile, my friend.”

  “This day has been long. I feel it will live on my heart all eternity, Jerrek.”

  “War is only beautiful in poems and victory cries—never in present tense.”

  As their gaze broke, her smile faded. “War should never be amongst…war should never be.”

  “Carrie…your father is reckless. He would use you to not only further his agenda…but catapult it from some maddened idea and into action…to strike out against mankind. What choice has he left us?”

  “I know, Jerrek.”

  “His following…they’re completely corrupted by his message. How long have they been plagued by these destructive ideas? We must stop them—”

  “He killed my mother, Jerrek.” She assured her gaze was as firm as her tone. “He will die…that is not in question. Please remember it is not your father we are here to end…and it is not your childhood that was a complete lie.”

  Jerrek offered a hesitant half smile. “For…forgive me, Carrie. Might I remind you that your childhood was not a complete lie. I’ve been your friend since you were thirteen years old, and you have been sneaking off to collect ladybugs and play on tire-swings with Charlie since you were fourteen. None of that is false. When this is done…when this day ends…you will have a family…know that, my friend—my sister.”

  She immediately embraced him as the snow collected momentarily on her lashes.

  “Hello.” A voice from behind them cut through the silence—masculine and clear.

  Carrie jumped and turned. “Talan. Why are you here?”

  Talan was younger than Carrie—he had yet to find his gift—yet possessed extraordinary battle skills in a physical
sense. He was strikingly handsome with light-brown hair and green eyes.

  The intense look on his face did not showcase something sinister; rather, he seemed to be hurting…angered. An apprentice of Brennus, Carrie hoped Talan was not there to avenge his former instructor.

  “This is my home.” As he stepped forward, his lip quivered, as did his nostrils as they flared.

  “Talan, what are your intentions? Transparency please.”

  “My intentions?” His fists balled at his sides—veins bulging in his forehead and forearms. “I should ask you that, bitch.”

  “Talan—”

  “He was like my father. If it…if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t even be here. And I knew Elisa…” His hand moved to his eyes, covering them momentarily before wiping his tears. “I know Elisa is gone. She was…she was my friend, Carrie.”

  Watching his tears fall—hearing his voice crack—brought on an immense guilt within her. She’d known Talan since he was a toddler.

  “This is your fault, Carrie. You did all this. My home will never be the same and I hate you for that.”

  She stepped closer. “Talan…you would follow the madness of Tarik…my father? You would strike out against mankind—”

  “This isn’t about your dad! Or humans! I’m friends with Joseph and have been for years! This is about what you have done and the consequences I must suffer because of it. I hope Tarik wipes you from this planet and I hope he does it with a smile.”

  The words leaving his mouth—coupled with the pain in his eyes had Carrie longing only to offer some form of comfort—not engage in battle…but then he was charging at her.

  Before she could raise her arms in defense, Jerrek was in front of her—matching punches and body blocks. Grunts and yelps of pain echoed through the atmosphere as the men fought.

  Talan’s talent was obvious as he was more than capable of matching Jerrek—a man twice his age. He soon tired however. His weakened guard resulted in a debilitating blow from Jerrek’s right fist.

  Talan fell backward—unconscious. The massive strike had his body slamming into the snow-covered earth.

  All was silent momentarily. Carrie watched the breath leave a victorious Jerrek’s mouth in the chilled air and to the sky.

  Her attention was turned to the treetops above them. Hundreds, if not thousands, of grackles peered down upon them. The birds sat silently—all watching from the branches. Carrie shivered at the sight of them. “Jerrek…we’re being…Jerrek!” Carrie looked to see her friend preparing to deliver a death blow to the head of an unconscious Talan. He halted at the screech of Carrie.

  “Yes?”

  “What is this lunacy? You would kill an unconscious man?”

  “He is with them, Carrie.”

  “No…he is understandably distraught. If we end all that oppose our views, we are as monstrous as them…are we not?”

  “Are we not here to end those that oppose our views, Carrie?”

  “We are here to end treachery and collect traitors. This young man is the definition of neither.”

  At their feet, Talan coughed, spit blood from his lip and turned to his side as he whimpered.

  Carrie cautiously crouched to him, touching his shoulder gently. “Talan…I am sorry for your loss. Please know if I could end your suffering, I would. Elisa was kind…I too shall miss her for all eternity. Please…please know that had I not ended Brennus…he’d have ended my friends and all that is dear to me. It wasn’t for sport.”

  Talan’s eyes were pried—pouring a constant stream of tears—his expression stoic with his face flesh to the snow. “I know…yet it doesn’t make it hurt any less.”

  “Talan…I need to know you will not strike out against us again—”

  “Why have you spared me? Why? If you truly have the power to take the world…why spare an insubordinate, gift-less nobody?” He turned to her—his gaze begging for an explanation.

  “I wish not to take the world…but to live in ours and in peace. You are somebody…you are Talan, and I hope to know you centuries from now.” Her words seemed to melt the anger in his eyes.

  Jerrek offered him a hand, assisting him from the ground while Carrie helped him dust the snow from his shoulders and attire.

  “Talan…please, go home. Go to your home and close your door. Sip tea and wait for my visit once this is done.”

  His gaze diverted, Talan merely nodded prior to dashing into the entrance.

  Several seconds later, a lowly chuckle resounded from the shadows of the entrance.

  “Such a merciful Queen…if only you’d shown such control when the life dear Danny was within your grasp.”

  “Father?”

  “Indeed.”

  “Do not be so coy as to compare your puppet Danny to Talan. They are men of completely different virtues. This you know. Danny was as ghastly as you. How long have you been crouching like a common crow?”

  “I am everywhere, Carrie. I am within the lowly fox—seated just beyond your view. I am in the shimmered grackles—high above your head. I am in the rabid bat—frothing and helpless on the cave floor and staring in the direction of the remainder of your party…waiting for reinforcements.”

  “What?” Carrie stepped closer to the entrance as Jerrek’s face developed a look of intense concern.

  “Silly girl, Carrie. You would leave your loved ones at the mercy of the winter’s chill…and all those that dwell about the shadows—now conjured and aching to do my bidding. They will pour down on them numerously…relentlessly…and rip them to shreds.”

  “No! We will go to them.”

  “Tis too late, Daughter. The wolf is at their door. Wolves rather. Wolves, coyotes, great cats, and badgers…all collaborating to devour your precious pet and all around him. Behold my gifts, Daughter…my glory is magnificent too…no?”

  “Father, please!”

  “Please, Tarik! Nyrobie…my bride!”

  Tarik presented himself, grinning smugly. He held his hand up, his index finger summoning them as he turned for the entrance of Evrastill.

  Charlie

  The blazing fire’s heat had Charlie’s cheeks feeling as though they could crack open. His chest, legs, and belly enjoyed a toasty-warm reprieve from the winter’s rampage. His butt, back, and the backs of his arms remained cold—but he didn’t mind. His fingers had sensation, as did his nose—things were on the up and up.

  “So…besides prison…what else is there to do in Evrastill?” Charlie smiled happily.

  Elinor giggled. “Well, we have social gatherings…a community garden…themed dances and several committees.” Elinor was very well-spoken. “I teach humanities and have for years. Charlie, when things…when things settle…perhaps you and I can discuss some of the nuances taking place now. I would love to introduce them to my curriculum.”

  “I would love that. I haven’t seen much of my world…but I can tell you all about the things I’ve heard.”

  Joseph cleared his throat. “Clark and I like to race and jump hurdles…things like that. It’s only with one another as our non-human friends travel at speeds that are incomprehensible to us. It’d be nice to have a third party.”

  “Yes. Definitely. I’d love to.” Charlie looked at the group sitting around him. He felt a sense of belonging—a sense of pride. “I’ve never really…I’ve never really had a place that I felt was home…ya’ know? I want this place to be home.”

  Nyrobie’s smile was large as she reached for his hand. “It will be, my friend. It will be for all eternity.”

  Before he could respond, a splash from the icy river caught their attention. Something had fallen from the opening in the roof of the cave.

  Party members stood in an attempt to identify what it might have been, but it seemed to have been washed away.

  “Snow?” Charlie walked from the fire to the river.

  “I don’t believe so, Charlie. Come back.” Andre grabbed Charlie’s arm and led him back to the fire.

  A rust
ling from the opening above had the party looking toward an onslaught of snouts peering into the cave. Before they could process the oddness of the situation, wolves, bobcats, panthers, coyotes, and badgers began falling through the opening and to the waters below. Many were immediately washed away—yet others were effectively making their way to the bank.

  “What is this insanity?” Elinor’s scream was but a whisper next to the deafening cries of the animals. They continued coming in at a ravenous pace.

  “To the tunnels! Into the tunnels!” Andre guided them as drenched cats and wolves dragged themselves ashore—exhausted—yet steadfast in pursuit.

  Nyrobie, Andre, and Irena lingered behind the scrambling humans as more drenched animals made their way to the rock-slab shore.

  “You sure you don’t want to run away, Irena?” Charlie heard Andre ask.

  “Why not just feed me to them as sacrifice, you cowardly bastard.”

  “Silence! Both of you!” Nyrobie’s demand was solid. “These creatures are guided by the dark hand of Tarik. Their palate will not discriminate…we will all perish if we fail.”

  “Ahead, the smaller cave to the left of the river! Into it!” Andre’s command had the party scrambling as they ducked into the darkened cave. Charlie raced ahead. He, unlike the remainder of the party, was at home in the dark. It wasn’t dark long. They were soon overlooking a small canyon at the opening of the mouth of the tunnel with nothing but a slippery ledge to walk upon along the side of the inner wall of the mountain. If Charlie were to slip—the result would certainly be death by drowning in the icy water at least one hundred feet below—if it were even deep enough to break his fall without significant injury.

  “Move, Charlie! They’re coming!” Joseph prompted him from behind.

  He cautiously slid along the jagged wall, looking over the mystical scene below. Peering back, he was thankful to see the remainder of the party following. Before his gaze returned in front of him, he witnessed a drenched wolf leap from the cave opening to its end below. The splashing sound the creature’s body made when it contacted the water was horrifying—it was followed by another and another. It wasn’t until a sly bobcat attempted to halt and keep from falling that the animals realized the sudden end and certain death at the opening of the cave. Once they collected their wits, they continued their pursuit.