Blue Moon Magic

by Dawn Thompson

  “Under what?”

  Pursing her lips, she pointed at the cloak he wore.

  “This? How could one cloak possibly hide both…” he trailed off. “Ah … I suppose you used your powers to turn us into a rock or something. And it worked?”

  “Well, we aren’t dead yet,” she spat, her green eyes flashing in the moonlight. Suddenly, all he could think of was how beautiful she looked all riled and vexed at him. How much he wanted to pull her back down on top of him and kiss her again.

  “Can you get up?”

  Without answering, he shuffled to his feet. Though his shoulder ached, the wound obviously wasn’t going to kill him. When he rose to full height, the world seemed to ripple a bit. But he managed a few, shaky steps.

  The act seemed enough to satisfy her, for she nodded and stepped forward to take his hand.

  “Come this way. My village is just beyond that ridge,”

  she said pointing to a small hill. “We can rest, get our wound tended to, and—”

  “We cannot go there.”

  “Why ever not?”

  “That is the first place Loki will look,” he said, stepping in the opposite direction. “The trickster would enter your village and change himself into one of your kind. He could easily search for us without being noticed by anyone.” Upon remembering the events leading up to his own demise, he sighed. “Even your own mother would be fooled.”

  “Then, what is your great plan? I suppose you’ll advise we sleep beneath your cloak all eve.”

  Balder stopped and slewed about so fast she almost bumped into his chest. He looked down at the woman, who didn’t even reach his chin. Amazed one so beautiful and fragile could wield so much power.

  “My plan is to use your magic to help me kill Loki once and for all.”

  “Oh no, I’m not helping you defeat some god.”

  Balder shrugged and resumed his walk. “Then he will defeat us.”

  * * * *

  Ember grudgingly followed Balder into a cave he’d scouted. As he set about gathering firewood and feeding the flames, he would hear none of her reasoning about Loki. If all men were as close-minded and utterly maddening as this one, she finally knew why the women of her coven chose to live without them.

  “I won’t help you,” she repeated. “Killing Loki will bring nothing but pain and suffering.”

  He scowled, tossing a stick into the flames. Ember flinched as sparks flew up from the blaze.

  “Blast woman! Don’t you understand? It’s fate. It’s meant to be.”

  “Loki said it’s over. You two are the only gods left. Perhaps your fate has changed.”

  At her words, his eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared. In two strides he stepped around the blaze and hauled her up into his arms. Holding her so close, she thought he might kiss her again.

  “What would you have me do then, witch?”

  Kiss me. She licked her lips. “Bind him.”

  Balder harrumphed, and released her. “Odin already tied him to a rock, it didn’t hold.”

  “No. A spell. It would bind him from doing harm to others or himself. We could make a vexation box, and—”

  “A box! I am not putting stock in some silly box.”

  A noise sounded by the cave’s opening. Ember’s breath hitched as her eyes scoured the darkness. Balder rushed to her side. Grabbing a half-burnt stick from the fire, he held it in front of him, shoving her behind. She leaned against his back and took hold of his shoulders. Thankful beyond words he was here to protect her.

  A shadow crept into the light.

  “Is it him?”

  “There is only one way to find out.”

  She clenched her eyes, as he stepped from her and attacked the creature.

  “You can look now.”

  Ember slowly lifted a lid to peek, only to wince at the sight of Balder skewering an animal on his makeshift spear. He looked at her and chuckled, a rich, cheerful sound that made her stomach flutter.

  “No Loki in here.” He held the carcass to the flame. “Do you have anything to drink in that bag of yours?”

  * * * *

  Balder couldn’t remember ever feeling so alive. He’d savored every bit of meat and most of the wine she’d pulled from a skin in her satchel. The fire by his feet burned hot, but not in the painful way he’d become so used to in Hell. And he sat beside the fairest angel he’d ever seen only to realize he didn’t even know her name.

  “What do they call you?”

  She cast him a sidelong glance and turned her attention back to the flames. “Ember.”

  Just hearing the name sent heat shooting to his loins. “You were named well.”

  “Really?”

  “Indeed,” he murmured, shifting his seat as his swelling desire for her became more uncomfortable. “So, tell me, why is it you were out alone tonight and not at home with your husband?”

  “I’m not married.”

  “Why not?”

  She looked at him as if he’d just painted himself blue and howled at the moon. Then she sighed and bent her knees up before her, tucking the hem of her burnt white skirt tighter around her ankles. “There are no men where I live.”

  Balder choked on the sip of wine. “No men? How is that possible?”

  “It’s a coven of witches who devote their lives to worshipping the goddess.”

  Balder stared at her, until it dawned on him why she wasn’t there tonight.

  “You were leaving them.”

  Her green eyes widened before they turned from him. “Yes.”

  At her soft-spoken admission, a lump formed in his throat. So, she had left this very night to find a husband. And summoned him. He frowned. Could it be? Bah, he scoffed setting down the chalice, too much imbibing.

  “Your powers. Isn’t it hard for these women to let someone of your ability leave them?”

  Ember’s eyebrows shot up. “Ability? Until tonight I’ve never been able to get even one spell right.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  Her face grew pensive at his words. “It’s the truth.”

  “What’s so special about tonight, hmm?” he asked. Though lit only by firelight, he could tell her face went red.

  “The moon,” she blurted. “It’s a Blue Moon. A wishing moon.”

  “Not a good enough reason. Do you know how many gods tried to free me from Hel’s grasp? Have you any idea how much power you must possess to do what so many others could not? Power a moon cannot give, which is why I know you’re the one who can help me defeat Loki.”

  “Enough,” she moaned, brushing off her skirt as she stood. “I already told you, I wouldn’t.”

  “Why not?”

  Rather than responding, she crossed her arms about her chest, which proved only to incense him further.

  “Fine. If you don’t want to help me, then I see no reason to stay.” At that he turned toward the circular opening.

  “Where are you going?”

  “To kill Loki—or, die trying.”

  He’d managed half way down the slope when he heard her footfalls rushing up behind.

  “All right, say you kill him, then what? Will that hole inside you fill or deepen?”

  He turned to her, his gut clenching as he chewed over her words.

  “Think Balder. You were a kind god. Never took sides or doled out punishment. You’re better than Loki. You’re not a killer.”

  “Hell can change a man,” he said in a growl, turning back down the slope.

  “Yes, it can. But even the most wretched creature on earth has value and deserves compassion and love. Even ones who’ve been sent there.”

  Balder stopped in his tracks. Fisting his hands, he stormed back to Ember. “Don’t presume to know me.”

  “Or you me,” she responded. “But something happened out there tonight—something that never happens. I didn’t go to the altar wishing to slay evil. I wished for light, joy and safe travel, and you, the god of light and joy, came to me safe
ly from Hell. I can’t stand here, looking at you, and think it all for vengeance.”

  She stepped toward him. When she cupped a cheek in her soft palm, his heart skipped a beat.

  Balder slapped her hand away. “I am not some answer to your spell for a husband. I am here to fulfill my destiny.”

  He saw the hurt his words caused her etched on her face. Yet he’d dreamed of nothing but killing Loki for centuries and would see it done no matter the cost, he vowed turning from her.

  “Have you stopped to think perhaps this is what’s supposed to happen?” she asked. “That you were supposed to come back as a mortal to be with me?”

  This time he didn’t stop walking into the woods. He didn’t look back either. Maybe he’d been reborn mortal, but he was still Odin’s son. He still had to kill Loki for his trespass against their kind.

  His foot bumped into a rock. Balder paused, noticing his surroundings for the first time. Somehow, he’d managed to walk right back to Ember’s altar. An image of her flashed in his mind. His head dropped in disgust at how he’d left her.

  Something in the grass caught his eye. When he stooped to retrieve it his breath caught. It was Draupnir … his father’s ring. He and the ring were directly in the center of Ember’s circle. His brow furrowed and he looked up at the waning moon.

  “Father, are you telling me she’s right? My destiny truly does lie with her?” He didn’t receive an answer. He didn’t need to. Odin proved it by sending Draupnir down to him. It would be the only reason he would part with it.

  At the thought of Ember, lightness he’d not felt in ages crept over him. Fisting the ring in his hand he smiled, determined to go back the way he’d come to find her.

  “Leaving so soon?”

  The hairs on the back of his neck bristled at the sound of Loki’s sneering voice. When he pivoted and saw Ember in the demon’s evil grasp, a wave of nausea crashed over him.

  “The party’s just begun,” Loki snarled.

  * * * *

  Ember yanked against the arm Loki had wrapped about her neck, but she couldn’t budge him. The blackguard had accosted her as she trekked back to her coven and seemed to enjoy keeping her close to him.

  “Unhand her, Loki.”

  “I think not, but nice try.”

  “Why not? I’m the one you want,” he said stepping forward.

  “And I shall have you. It’s destiny remember?”

  Balder stared at Ember in such a way it made her heart flip-flop and her insides melt. Then he glowered back at Loki.

  “Then release her and come and get me.”

  Ember was slammed to the ground. When she looked up, her heart fell. The men fought like a pair of rabid dogs, bent on killing each other. Shimmying her shoulders, Ember tried to loosen the bonds holding her hands behind her back, but to no avail. Her eyes searched the clearing for a weapon she could use to saw through the ropes, or throw…

  “Ember.”

  At Balder’s call, her eyes went to him.

  “Cast a spell.”

  Ember glanced up to the waning Blue Moon. Would it take all her newfound power with it?

  “Please.” His voice strained as his muscles fought against his attacker. “I love you.”

  Air left her lungs in a whoosh. She stared at the two men. Loki might be backed against a tree, but he had his sword unsheathed. If Balder faltered, he’d be run through. At the notion her heart nearly ceased to beat. She knew she loved him too.

  “Ember!”

  Closing her eyes, she swallowed hard and focused. “Wound and bound, safe and sound, earth ensure my will resound. Bind this evil from Balder and me. And as my will, so mote it be.”

  Ember’s eyes flew open to see the large oak wrap its roots about Loki’s arms and legs, securing him tight. She would have smiled, only Balder bent, retrieved Loki’s sword and pointed it to his throat.

  “Balder, no!”

  “Finish it!” Loki screeched. “Fulfill your destiny.”

  Balder turned to her and then back to Loki. “I’m not going to kill you. I’m going to fulfill my true destiny.”

  He slanted a look at her, his blue eyes shining with the love he’d affirmed moments ago. She beamed as he walked toward her, but it faded as Loki broke through the roots.

  “Balder!”

  He spun about, hurling the sword like a javelin. It went clear through Loki’s heart, pinning him against the oak tree.

  Ember looked away, not bearing to glance up until Balder hoisted her to her feet and untied her wrists. When he took her cheeks in his hands, she gazed into his concerned eyes and felt her heart swell.

  “I’m sorry,” he pleaded. “You saw … I was going to let him live.”

  Ember shook her head. “Did you mean it?”

  For a moment he looked confused. Then a beaming grin crossed his handsome face. He took her hand, placing an intricately crafted gold ring on her finger. A lump formed in her throat so fully, she was glad he spoke first.

  “Yes, I meant it. I love you, Ember. And I’m going to spend every day of our lives thanking you for bringing joy and love back into my heart. What do you say to that, hmm?”

  Eyes brimming with tears, she looked from the ring up at him and smiled. “That my heart’s desire finally came true, thanks to the magick of the Blue Moon.”

  * * * *

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  Spellbound

  by Aysel Arwen

  “If Nessie pops up and eats me, who would know? Nobody, that’s who.”

  The Loch Ness was mysterious enough during the day, but at night it was downright eerie. Emma MacPherson could hear the waves lapping at Castle Urquhart, the water caressing the land. Only, she wasn’t there to appreciate the jaunty ridges of the surrounding mountains consummating with the night and a sky full of stars. The weatherman had predicted clouds and a full moon, so she was more than thankful for the cover of darkness. Emma had crept back down to the stony ruins to find her mother’s wedding ring, the only heirloom of her parents that remained.

  “This is ridiculous. I’m going to get that ring soldered to fit me. Can I help it my fingers are so thin?”

  Thank God the creditors couldn’t take her memories, too. Those were priceless.

  “Looking for something, lass?” The voice came from the darkness. It was beautiful … smooth, husky and lilting.

  “Who’s there?” The castle visitor’s center had long since closed and she’d be fired if she got arrested for trespassing on a national Scottish treasure. Emma knew her small flashlight wasn’t much help. Still, it was all she had.

  “I’ve been watching you for some time and I canna figure out who you’re speaking to.”

  “I’m talking to myself, as it’s plain to see. I lost my mother’s wedding ring earlier today and when I discovered it was missing I came back to find it.” She didn’t want to antagonize the man by shining the light in his eyes—after all she was the intruder.

  “Where’s your da? A lass such as you shouldn’t be out alone. It’s not safe.”

  “He’s dead. So is my mother.” Emma had said the words a thousand times, yet this time it hit her like a ton of bricks. They were gone … forever. They were never coming back, she was never going to see them again this side of heaven.

  “It’s sorry that I am, lass. My own maither and faither are also gone, many years past.”

  “Mine were killed by a drunk driver almost seven months ago. I’ve not got any other family, so her ring is very important to me. Have you seen it? It’s just a plain band of gold, but it’s worth a king’s fortune to me.”

  “Nay, lass, I’ve not seen it, but I’ll help you look for it. Where have you been?”

  “Pretty much everywhere … the tower house, the chapel, the gate house and the dovecot. This place has always called to me. When I feel down I come here and it makes me feel better. I know that sounds silly, only I don’t have a lot left that comforts me.”


  “I’ve seen you more than once here, but I never got the chance to speak with you. You always looked like you heart was heavy and your eyes sad. I ken why now.”

  “I’m Emma MacPherson. I’m a stewardess for British Airways.”

  “My name is Alexander Grant. I’m Captain of the Guard for Castle Urquhart.”

  “Well, I guess since they can’t pay a lot, they gave you a lofty title, huh?”

  “I’ve been a fighter for a long, long time, lass. I’m loyal to me post and dunna fight for coin.”

  “I can’t say I’m much of a fighter, I’m more of a lover myself.”

  “Now, lass, I dinnae say I was only a fighter…”

  Emma laughed. She hadn’t meant to offend the man, in fact, she was starting to like him. He spoke in the old tongue, which made her feel at home and closer to her roots. Being an orphan, even one in her early twenties, made her feel like an island, not attached to anyone or any place. Sure she had friends and coworkers, but they belonged to others. She had no one who belonged just to her.

  Leading the way with her pinpoint of light, Emma picked her way up and down the rolling terrain, searching for a spark of gold in the darkness. Though she could feel Alexander behind her, he seemed to be so familiar with the terrain that he didn’t make any noise, or trip or stub his toes on anything. He was more like a panther than a man—dark, quiet and deadly. Deadly? She had to rein in her imagination before she became hysterical and he arrested her. Then she’d never find her mother’s ring.

  “So, Alex, can I call you Alex?” She could see his silhouette against the water, but his features remained hidden. He worked out, she could tell just by his outline.

  “You may call me whatever you like.”

  A shiver ran up and down her spine. His voice sounded the same, but it felt more intimate, more intense. Chalk up another hallucination for her overactive mind.

  “Alex, what do you do here all night by yourself? It must get terribly lonely out here, walking around in the darkness.”

  “Lass, truer words have never been spoken.” Alex Grant hadn’t spoken to anyone in years. He preferred to keep to himself. It was easier that way. His situation was, in a word, complicated.

  He had been sitting in the tower house, as he did most nights, when he’d noticed the bobbing light in the dark. If she’d been a vandal, Alex would have revealed himself immediately and scared her off. Instead, he found a beautiful woman who talked to herself. At first he thought she was daft. Then he realized she was nervous, scared and angry. He’d seen her before, even walked with her through the ruins. She looked sad. It comforted him to have her near.