by Audra Hart
When they get back to the car, Luca says, “Do you trust this Lila?”
“Honestly, she’s probably alright, but I can’t get a good read on her. So let’s not tip our hand around her, I don‘t want her to know how scattered our allies are and how unprepared we truly are.” Morna admits. “She might be shielding from me, I know she‘s capable, she can see my aura.”
After meeting up with Lila, they follow her back to her house, where Morna quickly showers and changes clothes. When she finishes, she thanks Lila and promises to do her best to find her grandfather. And then they take off for Byrd’s Mill in the old Daytona. Morna is impressed, the 440 under the hood sounds good. With a little work this could be a real dream car for someone into muscle cars.
When they are on their way, Luca looks over her and smiles. “That bra isn’t hiding anything, you know.”
“I was afraid of that. It was the only one they had in my size. It is horribly uncomfortable too. The clothes you bought for me have spoiled me my love.” Morna admits. “But honestly, I am in such a heightened state of … oh well, I am a mess. I should put that button up shirt on that I got to go over this tank top, but it’s too hot for it.”
“I am sure love. It’s about 70 degrees today, and that probably seems very hot to you with your heightened metabolism of a virtual newborn vampire. But I have to admit, I like the look of the snug jeans and tank top on you. You look about 25 years old today.” says Luca.
“Yeah right!” Morna snickers. “I hope the boys, er, men have made it okay.” Morna changes the subject.
“I expect they will be here soon,” Luca says. “What are you thinking we need to do from here on out?”
“I don’t know Luca. Honestly, I am overwhelmed with concern for everyone. I need to get focused on the mission.” she admits as she rubs her throbbing temple. “I have a headache, it’s making serious thought difficult.”
“What would you think about gathering everyone in the Gateway? I noticed there were quarters there. I think everyone would fit. It would be a good place to headquarter.” Luca asks.
“Check with Ari,” Morna suggests. “What would we do with the girls? Is anyone of our group strong enough to put protection spells on them? I doubt that my magic is good enough.”
“Ari and Almeda think the gateway is a perfect spot to headquarter. And as to your second question; Aideen could do it. She could pass it off as physical exams, she could extend protection to your staff too.” he suggests.
“Sounds good.” Morna says. She looks up and sees they are driving past their thicket, and reaches over to squeeze his leg.
“Don’t start that love,” he admonishes. They both laugh happily. He goes up the dirt road until he comes to a parking area. Morna throws some food stuff and drinks in her bag and they take off to explore the area before the others show up. Morna pulls out her phone to call Damian. “Damn, no signal. You?”
Luca checks his, “I’m good. First chance I get, you are getting a better phone. That piece of ancient junk could have got you killed at Brigid’s clinic. Samantha called me because she couldn’t reach you. I can’t believe you have such an old phone.”
“Well, until a month or so ago I rarely used it.” Morna shrugs as she stops to wipe the sweat off her forehead. “Please call Damian and see where the boys, uh, young men are.” Morna asks as she stops to drink a bottle of the water.
“They are about 20 minutes out.” Luca says. “Are you okay Morna? You are really flushed.” Luca asks, looking very concerned.
“Luca, I think I am being attacked again. Or I am just very sick. But something is wrong.” Morna admits. “I feel kind of like I did when I was trying to deliver Aideen.” A sliver of fear crawls up both their spines. Suddenly, Morna collapses.
Luca catches her before she hits the ground. She’s burning up. Obviously running a high temperature. He debates about his best course of action. He is worried to leave her anywhere until she is awake, but he needs to lead the young men to the entrance. He fishes his phone of his pocket and calls Damian. “How far out now?” “Hurry.”
Luca disconnects the call and makes another immediately. “Breena, something is wrong with Morna. Before she collapsed we had decided to set the gateway up as headquarters. I need everyone but Aideen and Carrick here as soon as possible. Please put my daughter or Carrick on the phone.”
“Lucian, what is wrong with Morna?” asks Carrick.
“I am not sure,” Luca answers. “Right before she collapsed she said she felt like she was being attacked. Just now she fainted and she is very, very hot. She has been unconscious at least 5 minutes. But I need you to help Aideen. Before Morna fainted she wanted us to make sure the girls and staff at the Bridge are protected.”
Carrick interrupts, “Lucian, Rinda and I did that this morning. They should be safe, for the time being. I think we all need to come there, now.”
Luca agrees. He hangs up and calls Brigid to fill her in. George says he will ask his grandmother to come check on Morna. As a shaman she is able to counteract some kinds of evil magic. Brigid asks specific questions about Morna’s condition then she says, “Keep us posted. We will join you guys as soon as possible.”
“Fine, the others are on their way. Morna and I thought headquartering in the gateway would be a good idea. See you here when you can get here. Be careful. We have reason to believe our enemies are firmly entrenched in this area. The guard for this gate has been gone 2 possibly 3 days. It’s not a good sign. Well, I need to go, Damian and Bronwyn’s sons are here now. See you soon.”
He hangs up and walks back to the Daytona. Before he tops the ridge where he can see the young men he hears them all admiring the car. Damian is especially enthralled, saying, “I bet it has a 440.” When he tops the hill Damian sees Morna in Luca’s arms. He flies to Luca’s side. Elias and Micah are not far behind.
“What is wrong with Mother?” Damian asks urgently.
“She fainted, but before that she said she thought she was being attacked magically. Let’s get inside the gateway and find her a place to rest.”
Micah looks at Luca, “Isn’t that Morna?” At Luca’s nod, Micah looks confused. Damian figures out the cause of his confusion quickly.
“Morna has sort of adopted me. I am her protector. Apparently I suck at it.” offers Damian, looking embarrassed.
Elias snorts and says, “That sounds like the Morna I remember, adopting a vampire I mean.” The brothers laugh. Then Elias says, “Kid, I am not sure what you could have done to block an evil spell. But I understand how you are feeling.” Then he looks to Luca, “Are you sure she isn’t just ill?”
“No, Elias at this juncture I am sure of very little.” Luca admits.
By now they are inside the gateway, and have found a bedroom in the guard’s quarters. Luca lies her on the bed. She is sweating profusely, very flushed, and breathing very raggedly. Micah takes his backpack off, and removes his stethoscope and thermometer. Elias retrieves the blood pressure cuff. The young men go to work. “Damian has been watching all this with great interest. You guys doctors?”
“Yep,” the brothers answer in unison. “Micah is an OB/GYN and I am an ER doc. Most of our Guild are in the healing or teaching professions. It’s just our thing.” says Elias.
After using the tools of modern medicine to evaluate her condition, Micah holds his hands over her and slowly moves them over her body from head to toe. Micah’s head snaps up and looks at Luca. “How long ago was she exposed to the venom?” “
“Early Sunday morning.” replies Luca as he rakes both of his hands through his hair in a gesture of frustration.
“Venom?” demands Damian. He snarls at Luca, “What the hell did you do?”
“Easy Kid!” says Micah. “He wouldn’t attack her if that’s what you are thinking. Calm down before we have to take you out so we can care for our Godmother and commander.”
Damian calms himself with a visible effort. “Then who bit her wrist?” he demands. Damian
had paid more attention to Morna at the mention of exposure to venom and saw the nearly invisible scar on her wrist from the vampire bite.
“Damian, that happened in the fight with the three vampires that attacked her in Chicago. It didn‘t affect her any more than when you or I are bitten by another of our kind.” Luca reminds him. “But yes, the initial exposure that has changed her physically, came from me. It was inadvertent.” Luca speaks, quietly, calmly.
Morna laughs weakly. “Please calm down Damian. I am feeling better. I have been aware the whole time, just trapped inside my own body. What are you boys doing? Something is working, I can feel it.” she mumbles weakly.
“Morna, ma’am, this is Micah. Elias and I have examined you, we think someone is putting a spell on you to paralyze you, it affecting your heart, all your muscles, your breathing. But Elias and I have been weaving a spell that is rather like an old buffer spell, but it is woven in the tissues and organs of the body. It’s not a cure, just a temporary move until we can trace the source of the spell, and stop the person weaving it. But this really doesn’t feel like weaver magic. It’s very different than anything either one of us have ever encountered.”
Elias moves closer to Morna’s head, he lightly touches her cheek. “Pretty Morna, can you sit up?”
Morna laughs, “I don’t look anything like I did when you used to call me Pretty Morna.”
“You are still my Pretty Morna, our favorite Godmother. Now please try to sit up.” Morna sits up slowly. “Oh my, you boys are absolutely gorgeous men now aren’t you? When did you ascend? Elias? Micah?”
“Later, Pretty Morna. Are you strong enough to weave a spell?” asks Elias.
“Doubtful, I am feeling very weak still and my head hurts like hell.” she replies uncertainly. “Which spell? I am woefully out of practice. I need to be taught the lore again.” Luca is holding one hand, and Elias is holding the other. Morna notices her hands, and looks at Luca, “How come I still look like the 14th model?”
“I don’t know Morna, you didn’t resume your original form when we came down this time, perhaps because you were paralyzed.” suggests Luca.
Elias looks at Luca thoughtfully, and then says, “Luca, how good is your buffer spell?”
“Breena said it was excellent at our home.” offered Damian.
“My magic is sound,” agrees Luca.
“His magic is better than sound. His abilities exceed mine at my peak,” Morna states plainly, looking at Luca with a small smile on her face.
“I assume you are familiar with basic brain anatomy? You are a trained psychiatrist, correct?” (Morna and Damian both look at Luca in surprise.) At Luca’s nod, Elias continues, “I know you are very precise in your thinking. Can you visualize a brain and knit a barrier around it, and imagine it is as durable as your own skin.”
“Elias, you think someone is attacking my brain?” asks Morna.
“That makes sense love,” says Luca. Then he looks at Elias, “I believe I can, but please explain how you shrink the spell small enough to localize it on a specific organ?”
“You just really have to concentrate on your target. You are precise enough, you will be able to do it.” Elias assures him.
“Morna, are you willing for me to try this on you?” Luca asks.
“Of course, love. You are probably more able than any other.” She says confidently.
“Very well,” Luca strokes her cheek and turn his attention to the young healers. “How far down the brain stem should the spell descend?”
“All the way to her spine, just don’t get it too tight. You will do fine, I am sure. You can probably do as well as Brigid could do, maybe better. And I know your concentration to hold it in place will be greater. Unlike a buffer spell on a place, you have to stay connected with this spell because the object is a living, moving target. Make sense?” Said Elias.
Micah speaks up, “Damian, before he starts, you and I should go out to keep watch. Luca doesn’t need any distractions for this. Elias, you can maintain the spells on her heart and lungs, correct?”
“Sure go. Luca and I got this.” Elias assures his brother.
“Damian, you guard the outer entrance. Micah will watch the inside access. Sorry boys, I always think I have to be boss.” Morna laughs weakly at herself.
“Because you are.” All three young men state in unison.
Once Micah and Damian are gone, Luca takes a deep breath and concentrates. Breathes out slowly, and places his hands loosely around Morna’s head. He closes his eyes, and relaxes his facial features completely. After about 30 seconds Morna relaxes visibly because the excruciating pain in her head, and chest has lessened greatly. After a minute it is completely gone!
Luca opens his eyes and drops his hands. “Feel any difference love?” he asks, but her steady heart beat and even breathing tell him that she is feeling better.
“The pain in my head and chest is completely gone. I feel stronger. It is easier to breath.” she says. “Excellent job my love.”
“Indeed,” says Elias. “You should go back to medical school and become a brain surgeon like Auntie Brigid. “You mapped and wrapped her brain in a very, very short amount of time.” Elias is obviously impressed. “I am going to remove our spells, I think yours will suffice. I suspect the brain was the target and our spells, we were just treating symptoms. Okay, they are off. Any change Pretty Morna?”
“No, I still feel fine,” Morna says with a broad smile.
Luca hugs his mate, and kisses her forehead. “Love, I am going to go tell Damian to let everyone in. I could hear him holding them back. I want Elias to stay with you, but I will be right back.” He kisses her again, this time on her lips and walks out of the room.
“Pretty Morna, he should not have been able to do that that fast. Even for a vampire, he is extraordinary!” says Elias.
“Yes he is, but he isn’t an ordinary vampire.” She quickly relates what they have learned about his heritage from Ari and Almeda.”
“Pretty Morna, you said you will have to learn the lore again?” Morna nods to confirm that. “Can I offer some advice that I really think will help?” When she nods he says, “What weavers call magic, I believe is simply enhanced mental capabilities. Think of the rainbows and kaleidoscopes you made for me as a child. As a Spell Weaver, you should not have been able to do those things. But you figured them out. You carefully analyzed rainbows, extrapolated spells you knew how to do, and through logical reasoning, and experimentation, you devised amazing new spells that our magic should not have been capable of.”
“You greatly expanded our repertoire of warrior spells and techniques. I believe you are able to do those things because you have a brilliant mind, a scientific mind. You are very analytical and yet intuitive. A rare combination. As you listen to all of the lore rely on those qualities, follow the evidence, but do not ignore your gut. If you think a spell can be expanded or reshaped, try it. Does any of that make sense to you?”
“I think it does,” she says quietly. “My gaps in my memory worry me. However, my short term memory seems to be fully functional. And one bit of information always seems to trigger recall of other bits. Just like you talking about the rainbows and such, I can now recall how to do those,” she says as she points upwards toward a tiny rainbow that materializes above their heads. “And now I clearly recall how to do a buffer spell, which I could not recall just a short time ago. But I will certainly heed the core message of your advice, follow the evidence, but also pay attention to my gut. Analysis and intuition as partners. Essentially, yes?”
“Yes Pretty Morna!” Elias says excitedly. Then he quickly kisses her cheek and hugs her exuberantly . “You can’t imagine how much I have missed you, my favorite godmother!”
Luca and the rest of their friends come in just in time to see Elias kiss her cheek and hear his last remark. Brian chuckles. “Just like the old days!” and he pats Elias on the back. “Son, I can see you are happy to have our Morna back with us!”
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Enya looks at Morna and says, “What beautiful Amazon you are Mo! Then she looks at Luca and says, “I thought she was almost 50 in this lifetime. She doesn’t look a day over 25.”
Morna scoffs and gets up from the bed. She goes around and hugs all her dear friends. After the friends had all spent a couple of hours catching up, Rinda, Enya, and Carrick decide to go to town to get food.
“Where is Fionn?” Morna asks.
“He should be here later tonight,” offers Bronwyn. “He has a hotrod shop in California. He’s driving out.”
Elias comes up to Luca and quietly asks if he is having any problems maintaining the spell. “No,” replies Luca, “But at times it feels like something is prodding at it from the outside, trying to find a weakness. I can only assume it is the spell, or the person who sent the spell. I am worried. I hope the Shaman can help.”
Damian has gone over to Morna. “Ma’am how are you feeling?”
“Damian, please call me Morna, or you can even call me Mother like you did earlier. Just don’t call me ma’am all the time. It makes me feel ancient, which I guess I kind of am, but you know what I mean.” She laughs feeling silly for her outburst.
“Morna, Enya is right, you look much younger than you did when I first met you. Not that you looked old then… Crap, I am making a mess out of this!” mutters Damian.
Morna hugs him and says, “No you aren’t Damian, thank you.”
“I must admit I am relieved that you don’t smell so delicious any more. You don’t smell bad, very appealing, in fact, just not in a way that makes me so extremely thirsty.” Damian stammers.
Brian looks at the young vampire very thoughtfully and says, “You mean to tell me that you accepted an assignment as her bonded protector even though you, yourself, thirsted for her blood?”
“Easy Brian,” cautions Morna. “Damian would never have hurt me.”
“I assume that is correct Morna. He seems a very honorable and stalwart man. My sons said he was ready to rip Lucian’s head off when he found out you had been exposed to vampire venom.” Brian informs Morna. “I am just amazed at his level of commitment to you that he would accept the assignment when just being around you made him, what did he call it? Thirsty, yes that was it.”
