Shadows of the Keeper

by Karey Brown

  And all males had agreed, the temptation to rope Xyn to four horses, each galloping in a different direction carrying torn portions of Xyn’s carcass to four corners of the world would be too good for the Elder. Dezenial made mention of what he could do to the Elder’s soul, but Pendaran had warned he’d be forced to defend his father, which would then awaken Emily’s temper, she needing to defend Dezenial.

  “Do no’, we beg of ye’, Daemon,” Reignsfeugh said, hand splayed over his heart, “awaken the wrath of She Who Must Be Obeyed!”

  The hall had filled with laughter, backslapping, ‘aye’s’, and much clonking of pewter mugs filled with ale.

  Kendara suddenly looked at them, her eyes shining brighter, bringing Dezenial back to the moment of laying eyes on his children for the first time. The tiny tot pointed at Dezenial, chattered her shared language with her brother, drawing the little boy’s attention.

  “They have their own language. My father claims its from Mt. Olympus,” Emily muttered, refusing to relinquish the band of arms enveloping her tightly.

  “She speaks the language of gods. I think my father has meddled. Again.”

  “She’s in full rage now,” Emily warned.

  Broc chuckled, the twins forever amusing him. “Oh-oh. Her chest ‘as swelled. Guard yer’ ears.”

  On cue, Kendara deafened the room with shrill screaming. Then looked up at Broc with her little cherub face, unaware several rattled their heads to regain their hearing. “Nay, lass. I canna step in and rescue ye’ this time. You’re the daughter of mi’ heart, but time ta’ meet yer’ true da’.”

  Emily couldn’t keep her tears from spilling over.

  “You’ll continue to be their second father, Forest Lord,” Dezenial’s voice baritoned. The laird nodded, moved beyond words.

  “So now, I’ll ‘ave two of ye’ ta’ battle fer’ her hand, is tha’ it?” Aedan whined. “A conspiracy!”

  Emily laughed.

  Men gasped.

  “That’s what we’ve been missing, lass,” Broc’s gaze swept over her shoulder, nodding and smiling. “It will be good to ‘ave strong allies.” Obsidian eyes narrowed. “Doona ever leave Emily again.”

  Words evaded her. A perfect moment. Her children’s father returned. And Broc’s inner turmoil he’d carried for several millennia dissolved. Even his face looked younger. Rested.

  “My son,” Dezenial whispered. Emily wasn’t sure if he called to Denzyr or said the phrase out loud, awed that he was a father. It had been much the same when she’d first given birth. All she could do was stare down at her newborns, mesmerized.

  “Zyr,” she called. She made to step away from Dezenial, but his hold tightened. “I have not gone to them for a reason.”

  “He doesn’t speak yet, and he doesn’t crawl. He was firstborn, but Kendara seems to have this need to be first for everything and, I swear, he intentionally holds back, allowing her the glory.” Emily sniffed. “He’s so much like you; content to observe, more aware than any of us realizes.”

  “He will come to me. He must be given the chance.”

  Emily looked over her shoulder. Her breathing hitched, still unable to believe this moment was really happening. “You don’t understand. He only speaks to Kendara.”

  Dezenial looked down at her and something in Emily squeezed tightly. His smile was gentle, unabashedly showing his love for her.

  I have much lost time to make up for, Keer’dra. And to remind you of who dominates you. He scowled when her answer was to laugh.

  “Watch,” he commanded. “If you do not allow the butterfly to spread its wings, forever it will remain hidden in its cocoon.”

  Emily frowned, returning her attention to her small son. Reignsfeugh and Aedan moved further into the nursery, pushed from behind until Inzyr came to stand at the foot of Kendara’s bed.

  Denzyr pat his sister’s head. She silenced, mid babble. Contradictory to his character, he crawled off his toddler bed. He used the bed for support and took miniscule steps towards the footboard. Arm outstretched, just the bare tips of fingers kept him in contact with his little bed. For long breath-held-moments, he studied his feet. When at long last he gazed upward, azure eyes glowed brilliant red.

  “Oh . . . my.” Emily’s hand splayed her throat. “He’s never done this.” It took strong will not to laugh, feeling Dezenial’s chest puff out, his son having inherited Daemon eyes.

  Dezenial’s hold tightened. “Desire to take first steps as warrior, confronting one daring liberties with his mother.”

  “Aye, as he should,” Reignsfeugh announced, he and Aedan shoulder wrestling for a better view. “Been teachin’ all I ken.”

  Dezenial’s snowy brow arched.

  “Much will have to be undone,” Inzyr muttered. “They’ve been ruining perfectly good little Lumynaries.”

  Emily giggled. The Celt scowled.

  Denzyr tentatively stepped without aid of his footboard. Little fists rising for balance.

  Kendara babbled loudly, her eyes blazing. Denzyr halted and shouted what sounded like one word. Kendara silenced, eyes wide. Inzyr and Dezenial laughed.

  “Do I want to know?” Emily asked.

  “He commanded silence,” Inzyr said.

  Emily covered her mouth. “Oh, God, he’s gonna pay when Kendara gets her hands on him.”

  Fists raised, Denzyr toddled a succession of little steps, coming to a stop in front of his mother.

  “Broc! Did you see? Those were . . . those were his first . . .” Emily couldn’t finish.

  “Steps. Aye, lass, strong lad. Though, I think his eyes will cause the lasses ta—“

  “Indonin,” Denzyr stated very clearly, staring up at Dezenial.

  Emily squeaked and freed herself from a suddenly slack male hold. Flopping down, she gingerly touched her son’s face, nodding. His eyes extinguished.

  “What did he say?” Broc whispered.

  Emily laughed through more tears. “He . . . he said father in Balkorian.”