Wrath of Aten

by S. A. Ashdown

  ‘Who said anything about carrying you, Ava? You’re wearing Freyja’s falcon cloak.’ He walked into the sky, floating a few feet away. ‘Come on. If you fall I’ll catch you.’ He smiled. ‘I’ll always catch you.’

  Ava stepped onto the ledge without hesitation. As Lorenzo shimmied onto the Craven, he recalled Ava’s dive into the Fae pools while he and Theo argued who would go first. She’s brave. Then again, goddesses are hard to kill.

  ‘I’d be more concerned about Surt’s magical cage breaking,’ she said, joining Theo’s side as Freyr and the coven’s magic finally wore out and the fire-giant shouldered his way back into Alfheim, sending a ton of rock exploding into the sky. Ava held out her arms and glided towards the Land of the Elves, deftly avoiding the stones Surt tossed in their direction. They followed behind her, trusting her foresight and instinct to lead them to the volcano unharmed.

  When they were close enough, Theo called them to a halt.

  What are we waiting for?

  Thunder boomed across the sky. Lorenzo gazed at the billowing clouds as they dumped their load, his superior vision distinguishing the droplets. Surt stormed into the forest, uprooted a handful of trees, and held them over his head as a makeshift umbrella.

  Lightning bolts struck the umbrella and split the trunks down the middle. Surt chucked them aside – taking out an entire village – and ran at Theo, enraged.

  Theo sucked up the sea, channeling it through his body and supercharging it with Gatekeeper magic.

  Surt summoned his reserves of fire, and a flame wall smacked into the electrified tidal wave. Lorenzo cheered as the amber veins of Surt’s rocky body smouldered until finally their heat petered out, his limbs cracking as the descendant of Thor unleashed his lightning again.

  Surt collapsed alongside the volcano, destroying the last remnants of the Forest of Dreams. Well, Lorenzo wouldn’t miss that mind-melding realm of hallucinations.

  Theo dropped the vertical river back into the sea and swivelled round to Lorenzo. ‘Summon Odin’s spear,’ he commanded, a seriousness present in his opal eyes. He wanted this job done.

  ‘You mean my spear,’ he said, focusing his mind. Come to—

  His vampire reflexes gripped the wooden shaft before he could complete his thought. Theo floated over and with a single touch, infused it with his magic. ‘Right in his heart, Lorenzo. Don’t miss this time.’

  ‘One time,’ Lorenzo snapped back, ‘and that was Penny’s fault.’

  The mention of Penny changed Theo’s expression to a thundercloud. Hell, even he kind of missed bitching about her. Returning to the task, Lorenzo directed the Craven between Theo and Ava and narrowed the gap between him and Surt.

  ‘No one threatens Freyr!’ Lorenzo yelled, and he launched the spear at the monster who’d been destined to butcher his lover. For some reason, as the weapon split the air, half of the shaft lodging in Surt’s chest, he imagined it was his father, the heartless man who had almost stolen his mother from him. They shared the same hatred in their eyes.

  Lorenzo heard a crack.

  A hundred more radiated outwards like Aten’s wriggly hands and Surt crumbled from the centre, his terrible mountainous face the last part to disintegrate. He was dust, apart from those huge diamond eyes, which rolled down onto the shore, along with Lorenzo’s spear.

  Theo clapped him on the back, breaking his reverie. He’d really done it. ‘See,’ Lorenzo said, ‘I never miss twice.’

  ‘For what it’s worth,’ Theo said, glancing at Menelaus, ‘I’m glad you missed the first time.’

  57

  Mending the Tear

  When Freyr set foot on his ruined kingdom, his regal exterior cracked and slipped into the ash that covered the beach. He scratched the long noses of my horses – Aurelia had released them from her care with a sad smile – as they nudged his wet cheeks.

  ‘It’s not that bad,’ I said, feeling queasy at Freyr’s obvious distress, ‘I can sweep the ash under a cosmic carpet. I know a good wormhole…’

  My attempt to make him laugh failed and he burst into tears. Lorenzo glared at me. ‘I feel the agony of the animals caught in the forest fires,’ Freyr said. ‘The land absorbed their cries as the flame consumed their bodies.’

  ‘There wasn’t time to evacuate every last creature in Alfheim,’ I said, as softly as I could, ‘but think of the lives we saved, Freyr. Mine included, thanks to you.’

  He nodded, wiping his cheeks, and Lorenzo led him away from the beach with the horses, as Malik and Sayen brought their people over Aurelia’s bridge. The other chieftains weren’t far behind, and as I watched them returning home, I yearned for my own.

  ‘I hope Nikolaj can tear himself away from the Queen of the Fae long enough to say goodbye to us,’ I said to Ava, taking her elbow. ‘I doubt he fancies being the third wheel of Hellingstead Hall.’

  She tugged my chin and pointed it towards Lorenzo and Freyr. ‘Lorenzo is Alfheim-bound, as well,’ she said. ‘You know that, right?’

  I sighed. ‘I’m going to miss that sarcastic Dökkálfar.’ Lorenzo’s ear tweaked as if he heard me, which he probably did. ‘But I’ll have more than enough to occupy me at home.’ I nudged Ava. She rolled her eyes.

  We followed Freyr and Lorenzo to the Sarrow’s territory, and I cleaned up as I went, dissipating boulders and magically transporting fallen trees until we arrived outside Malik’s stone house.

  Sayen readied the hearth for Aurelia’s descent once she and Nikolaj ensconced Nefertiti’s soul and Surt’s diamond eyes for safekeeping. Aurelia had mentioned using them to fuel the new Fae Heart but I only had a vague idea what that meant; it had featured in one of Nikolaj’s tall tales during one of the more exciting nights in the library. Lorenzo looked a little guilty when they had mentioned it though, so I surmised his involvement.

  Ava and I helped Sayen and the other Elves put out the remaining fires in the area, using my ability to suck up water from the Fork River – after I unclogged it.

  I was somewhat relieved when Aurelia’s Fae guard made an appearance, with Rosalia and Menelaus, his two fathers (one in a daylight-suit) and his mother – my aunt – in tow, along with my parents.

  My aunt and I only managed a quick greeting during the wedding, not nearly long enough to express my joy at her revival. Besides, the union between her and Mum had been protracted and impenetrable, proving the strength of the twin bond.

  ‘Auntie Elspeth!’ I called, running out of the forest, grimy from the cleanup operation. I gathered her up for a squeeze anyway.

  She squeaked with surprise, still a little jumpy from her confinement with Akhen. ‘Theo,’ she said, ‘Isobel instructed me to mother you in her place, would you mind?’

  I grinned at Mum. ‘As long as you don’t tell me to wash behind my ears or lecture me on the perils of leaving the house without a coat.’

  ‘The Braecs spend half their lives being filthy and cold,’ Elspeth said. ‘I may insist you don’t leave weapons on the table during meals though.’

  ‘I can accept that, as long as Michele puts his away too,’ I said, pointing to my canines.

  ‘I do not expect you to invite me to dinner, Mr Clemensen,’ Michele sniped through his mouthpiece. I really hated that creepy helmet he wore.

  ‘Shake my hand,’ I said, and Michele debated his options before obeying. A snap of electricity prickled his arm and sparkled across his body. He hopped about on one foot, snarling and hissing. ‘You’re welcome, Uncle. You can take that ugly helmet off now.’

  He suddenly stopped jumping around. ‘What?’

  ‘Consider it a thank you for helping to rescue my aunt. And, you know, sorry that Malachi was a psychopath who tried to kill me and Menelaus.’

  Michele slowly and carefully unlatched his helmet from his suit. The mere fact he dared to attempt it in broad daylight meant he trusted my word. A moment later, he exposed himself to the full sun for the first time in centuries.

  And he didn’t turn to stone.

&n
bsp; ‘Just remember I can take the protection away again,’ I said. ‘So behave.’

  He narrowed his eyes. ‘No fangs at the table.’ He glanced at Julian. ‘While you are in a forgiving mood, Mr Clemensen, perhaps you should consider healing Julian’s hip. Not that I regret smashing it in the first place.’

  Julian lowered his head, guilt rendered perfectly on his oriental features; it had been Julian who’d betrayed Michele and Elspeth’s relationship to the Praefecti in the first place.

  ‘Sure,’ I said. I placed my palm on Julian’s hip and sent the Gatekeeper into the damaged bone and worn cartilage, feeling the echo of Julian’s pain. The magic of the Lífkelda acted as marrow, regrowing what was now lost to time. Julian gasped as I let go. ‘Good as new.’

  ‘Thank you, young man,’ Julian said. ‘Although upon reflection, I shall keep my walking stick. It comes in handy from time to time.’ His moustache twitched with mischief. As he’d displayed in the Golden Court, the walking stick doubled as a sword.

  After that, the wedding celebration turned into a farewell party. Sayen lit the hearth fire and several of the unfortunate animals who hadn’t escaped Alfheim were ingested by hundreds of hungry Elves.

  Freyr did not partake in the meal, a vegetarian through and through. I watched him, straight-backed and hands folded in his lap, sitting on Malik’s throne, his lip protruding in a permanent pout, softening a little only when Hrim and Skin trotted over to flank his throne. Considering a mere lock of Freyr’s hair tempted the wary Jotun equines, Jörð only knew how attractive they found the god in person.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ I asked, moseying up to him as he scratched my horses’ necks. ‘Alfheim will heal. What happened isn’t your fault.’

  He looked up at me under those long eyelashes, his cheeks reddening. ‘I trust in my people to rebuild this wondrous land, safe in the knowledge that it shall last an eternity.’ He swallowed hard. ‘I am sad about you leaving. I am happy that Ava contains my sister’s magical core and yet I must still grieve her.’

  ‘Oh.’ I patted his shoulder. ‘Freyr…by using the crystal to bring me back, you gave up the chance to resurrect Freyja, didn’t you? Maybe I can try…’

  ‘It is too late, Theo. Without the crystal and her heart, there is no way to re-anchor her Essence. Not without taking it back from Ava, which would make her mortal again.’

  I followed his gaze to Ava, who was chatting excitedly with Lolita and Mum. I didn’t have to say anything – Freyr understood. ‘I’m sorry. I’ll miss you too. Although I figure Alfheim is the perfect winter getaway.’

  ‘You’re always welcome, Gatekeeper.’

  ‘Consider them a parting gift,’ I said, saying a mental goodbye to my beloved steeds. ’Hrimfaxi and Skinfaxi prefer it here anyway.’

  Freyr’s frost thawed a little. It’s the least I can do. Then his expression glazed over and the conversation ended, so I joined Ava as the sun disappeared over the horizon. The stars shone brightly between the pockets of polluted sky, and Thor and Sif strolled arm and arm into the gathering, Aurelia and Nikolaj behind them.

  Father grabbed my arm. ‘Sønn, it’s time. The veil has been mended and we must return to the hinterland.’

  ‘I hate saying goodbye to you,’ I whispered, my voice husky.

  ‘If anyone can find a way to bend the rules on occasion, it’s you, Theodore.’

  I hugged my father, hoping it wasn’t the last time I’d feel his silent strength. He moved aside for Mum. I couldn’t hold back the tears. We’d been robbed of so much together. Perhaps the false life I lived in the Maze of Memory was really a gift – it gave me a glimpse of growing up in a complete family. But it also made it harder to let go of her.

  ‘This time you can tell Menelaus that you forgive him yourself,’ I said. ‘I don’t think he believed me.’ I kissed her on the cheek and wriggled away, afraid of what stupid magic trick I might attempt if I stayed in her embrace any longer.

  I wiped my eyes on the sleeve of my cloak as Ava hugged her deceased mother and father-in-law.

  Lorenzo pulled me aside. ‘So…’

  ‘You’re staying, I know. Royal Consorts have to remain with their sovereign.’ We shared an awkward man-hug with lots of back-patting. ‘Just because you’re living in Alfheim now, doesn’t mean you get to be a stranger. I’ll need your help in Hellingstead now and then too.’

  ‘I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me, Theo, and I fully intend to inflict my gratitude for… ’Ere, how long do vampires live for again?’

  ‘Depends on who they piss off.’

  Lorenzo chuckled and we bumped fists. ‘Love you too, buddy.’

  I mimed a gag and that was our goodbye.

  ‘Are you ready, Ava?’

  ‘Yes. Mum asked if she can holiday here a little longer.’

  I eyed Lolita, amused that any pretence she and Glen weren’t an item was now abandoned. ‘He’s a very handsome fairy,’ I said. ‘I don’t blame her.’ I blew her a kiss and wagged my finger at Glen, who hid his face behind a wing.

  We waited for Menelaus’s family to share their parting sorrows, and with Malik’s Elves watching us, I asked Nikolaj to do the honours and open a portal to Midgard, even though I could do it myself.

  Lori – who the others increasingly looked to as they had to Penny – brought our Lamia out of the shadows and slipped around the edges of the clearing towards the portal. Sparks rippled over her skin. ‘Are the sprites doing that?’ I asked.

  ‘It’s hard to tell,’ she said, shuddering. ‘You’re usually the one with electrical discharge.’

  ‘Yeah, but mine is to do with the Gatekeeper interacting with my Vital Essence.’

  ‘And we gave ours to Hel,’ Lori said. ‘But Menelaus and Rosalia destroyed her web. They’re free of the Underworld, so…’

  ‘Maybe your souls escaped with them?’

  ‘We hope so. Our minds are getting crowded though, with the sprites.’

  I hugged her. ‘Thank you, Lori, for standing by me. I’ll honour your stand against Akhen, starting with getting you home. Then we’ll see about those pesky sprites.’

  ‘We stand by our oaths,’ she said, retreating into the clutch of Lamia behind her.

  I turned to my uncle. ‘Nik, before I go…’ I slipped my engagement ring into his cloak pocket. ‘I know that belonged to you. You have my blessing, you know, not that you need it.’

  ‘Theo, you’ll make your old uncle cry. Get gone already and enjoy your bride.’ He gazed at Aurelia and blushed. ‘Sometimes I think it was a mistake to leave her. Life is complicated. But it was worth it, to share the honour of raising you with Espen.’ He pointed at the portal. ‘Enjoy your life. That’s all I want from you, Nevø.’

  I nodded. ‘I expect regular rude interruptions,’ I said, turning away.

  Then with a final tear-filled wave, we left Alfheim behind and arrived on the driveway outside Hellingstead Hall.

  Toby and Jenny stood in the floodlights as if they knew we were coming. ‘I’m guessing the spectacular light show last night was your fault,’ Toby said, handing me Father’s house key, which I had entrusted to Belle for safekeeping. ‘Never seen the Northern Lights this far south.’

  ‘Yup,’ I said, as the portal closed behind us. Jenny’s eyes widened. I turned round and almost had a heart attack; Persephone had slipped through with us.

  ‘I promised I’d bring her back to Midgard,’ Menelaus said, by way of an explanation. ‘Don’t worry, I have the perfect role for her.’

  I raised an eyebrow but I trusted him to act as goddess minder. ‘You’re welcome to stay with us,’ I said.

  Michele interjected. ‘Thank you, Mr Clemensen, but the Old Vicarage shall suit my family just fine.’ He eyed Lori. ‘And the witches, until they decide where they want to be.’

  ‘Don’t go far,’ I said. ‘That’s an order.’

  ‘Yes, Liege.’

  To be honest, the lack of extra house guests was a relief. Ava and I had a lot of cat
ching up to do and ghosts to confront. I swept her up, ready to carry her over the threshold. I stopped next to Jenny and hovered my hand over her belly. ‘By the way, I think Baby is coming early,’ I said. ‘He told me so.’

  Jenny’s jaw dropped. ‘He?’

  With a grin, I walked into Hellingstead Hall.

  And stumbled over the uneven slab for the first time in my life. I just about managed not to fall flat on my face and crush my bride beneath me. The chorus of sniggering from the driveway failed to cushion my ego.

  ‘One of the reasons I married you was so you’d stop things like that happening.’

  Ava giggled. ‘Where’s the fun in that?’

  I pretended to drop her, righting her onto her feet at the last moment. ‘Odin, Thor, and Freyr, is this how married life is going to be?’

  ‘You’ll have to wait and find out.’

  I kissed her, not caring about the audience outside.

  ‘We’ll clear off,’ Menelaus called.

  ‘Drop Jenny at the hospital on your way,’ Ava said. ‘She’s six centimetres dilated.’ Then she slammed the front door shut and we continued our kiss.

  58

  Inundated

  ‘Please wear the falcon cloak to your graduation in August,’ I said, gesturing to the armchair beside our bed where Ava had left it – in a hurry – the night before. ‘And the crown.’

  ‘I suppose you think I should fly onto the stage to accept my diploma as well.’ She bit into the slice of bread and honey I had made for her this morning, as it was the only thing Toby and Jenny had left in the house. When I’d offered to summon an elaborate feast, Ava made me swear off magic for twenty-four hours, and the idea of living as normal newlyweds for a while had a kind of magic in its own right.

  ‘Maybe do a double act with Grace. You’re both in the music and theatre department, right? Everyone will assume it’s some sort of show.’

  Ava tore off a lump of bread and stuffed it in my mouth to shut me up.