Fire and Fantasy: a Limited Edition Collection of Epic and Urban Fantasy

by CK Dawn

  Pity. James. “Cole has some things he needs to work out.”

  “I bet he does.”

  “Okay. There’s a new bid from Lord Craven for kitchen support and we need to settle on who to harvest for Dressen’s stable worker bid.”

  Vincent sighed. “Last time I was at the park, I caught wind of a traveler hanging around. I’m meeting Elaina there. I’ll check him out but you’ll have to do a search for Lord Craven’s. This guy didn’t look like the cook type.”

  “You’ve been spending a lot of time with her. How serious is this getting?”

  “Serious. I’m not like someone else I know who uses and leaves ’em. It’d help his disposition to have a steady relationship. But who listens to me?”

  “He has his reasons.”

  A flood of appreciation warmed Cole at James’ supportive words.

  “James, this last woman is the longest I’ve seen him in a relationship since his last wife. Outliving them is just part of being who we are. Even if we’re lucky to have real love for a few years before we lose it, it’s worth it opposed to living life alone.” The deep whiz of a jacket zipper sounded. “By the way, you seeing anyone? Other than escorting every beauty with hopes of snagging you from the nobles present, that is.”

  “I have an interest. But, I don’t need advice from my little brother on how to love a woman.”

  “Right. How do I look?”

  “I don’t suppose you can do anything about that hair. So, you’ll do.”

  Cole chuckled to himself.

  “Can’t help it if I was blessed with Father’s good looks.”

  “Yeah, well, Father let his grow into waves and didn’t leave it to look like Medusa.”

  In true Vincent fashion, his demeanor shifted from night to day. “Elaina doesn’t seem to mind. Gives her something to play with.”

  “I don’t need to know.”

  Vincent laughed. “I’m meeting her family today. Her sister’s in town and they’re having a gathering. I hear her father’s quite an individual, so wish me luck.”

  “Luck.”

  Cole stepped into the hall to get a clearer sense of the discussion. If he knew the youngest at all, this meant he was ready to further the relationship.

  James stepped to the front door with Vincent. “Have you discussed anything with this girl yet?”

  Vincent looked at him, and his features softened. “She knows we manipulate the elements. I got her word of secrecy.”

  “You feel you can trust her?”

  “I trust her, but I’m not stupid.” He pulled a wristlet from his pocket. “I’m gifting her a promise band today.”

  “You are serious.”

  “She’s the one, James. If she accepts the promising, I’m going to tell her everything. And I know she will.” He ran his finger over the cluster of champagne diamonds imbedded in the gold band.

  “Make sure she understands the binding before you place it on her wrist.”

  “I know how it all works. I’ve never had a problem with the women I’ve chosen.” Vincent pocketed the treasure and turned for the door. “But don’t worry. I’ll cover it all. We’ll stroll the park before we head over to meet her family. I’m sure there’s a harvest subject there for Dressen.”

  “You have your scrying lens?”

  He pulled up his jacket sleeve to show the blue sheen of tiny symbols on his watch. “Always.”

  Leaning into his step, Cole let his lazy stride clunk down the hall and then shuffled to a stop. “And where are you off to, Kid?”

  Vincent spun to face him and held his arms wide. “To experience life’s sweet love, brother. My heart is out there and I don’t want to keep her waiting. So, I’d better be off.”

  James smiled, forcing his dimples to crease his cheeks, as Vincent bowed a gilded respect to the eldest of the house. With a flick of his hand, he dispersed into the Smoke of Night. The front door flung open, and his essence shot out onto the sunny grounds as a dark cloud of dust.

  Cole shouted after him. “Be back by dusk! We have work to do.”

  As Vincent circled the center fountain, a distinct sense of mockery flew through Cole. He glared and watched Kid dart across the yard and over the hedge toward town.

  Six

  Vincent stepped from behind the large oak and raked his fingers through his hair. Isles of multi-colored blooms lined the walkway of Shilo Park, welcoming the weekend visitors with a potpourri of spring offerings. Couples strolled along the red brick path hand-in-hand. A small family spread a large blanket on the fresh grass beside the stream. Birds sang and danced along the branches overhead while Center Creek gabbled on its way through the green.

  He glanced at his watch and whispered, “Bhiorus.” The luminescent face throbbed a muted glow and sent a pulse of acknowledgement across his mind.

  Harvest search set.

  Launching into a jog, he dodged a pair of lazy walkers and then followed the footpath around a gentle bend. Elaina stood at the rise of Center Creek Bridge, and he paused to take in the sight. A smile inched up his lips. Could it make a better scene for a storybook?

  A cobbled arch stretched over the water with banisters of columned whinstone. Her lightly freckled complexion framed bright blue eyes, and strawberry blonde curls tumbled down her slender back. As always, she wore a dress that screamed, I’m a modest young woman and as sweet as they come.

  The charm tugged at Vincent’s heart.

  She held to the sand-colored handrail and gazed at the cloudless sky. With a tweak in her cheek, she looked down at her watch.

  I’m late. I knew it. He shifted into a trot and then hopped along the outskirts of a group as he neared. Catching her waist from behind, she gasped as he spun her around and then pulled her into a kiss.

  “Have you been waiting long?”

  She sniggered. “Well, I was beginning to wonder.”

  “Sorry, family matters.”

  A twinkle caught her eye as she winked and then peered at him through her lashes. “Am I ever going to get to meet them?”

  “Very soon. But, trust me we’re just like any brothers living in the same house. Cole, moody. James, all-knowing.” He smiled.

  “There’s more to them than that, I know it.” She tilted her head to accentuate her obvious push of the subject. “Three wizards living in the city’s most historical manor?”

  Vincent glanced to his side. “Three brothers living in an old house.”

  “Uh, huh.”

  Time to tell her more than the simple fact he practiced wizardry, especially if he wanted their relationship to move forward—and that was exactly what he intended.

  He took her hand, leading her to walk. “There are a few other things you need to know before you meet them.”

  She watched him as he searched for a place to begin.

  “Elaina, being a Shilo...means more than just being born into a Founder’s family. Our family is different. We have a role to fill.”

  Dipping his hand into his pocket, his fingers tapped the promise band. It should be on her wrist before he shared much more. His gaze flitted to hers. Presenting it to Elaina before he told her anything seemed like a blatant display of distrust. Her sensitive heart would be hurt, and the stars and planes knew it would tear him up to see that happen.

  I can trust Elaina. I know it.

  Leaving the bracelet stashed in his jacket, he let his hand swing at his side. He opened his mouth to begin and then caught the words before they hit the air. Gods, why is it so much more difficult to tell her than the others?

  “What is it? Do they think I won’t fit because I’m not a royal?”

  Halting his stride, he turned to her and shook his head. “It’s not that. But, you need to realize that what I tell you about my family has to stay between us.”

  Her light brows furrowed. “You can trust me, Vince. I’d never let you down.”

  He brushed her cheek with his fingertips. “Don’t ever let me down, Elaina. You have no idea wh
at that would do to me.”

  “I love you. Nothing you tell me about your family is going to change that.”

  “You were a little set back when I told you about the wizardry.”

  A breath of humor accentuated her words. “Who wouldn’t be? But, honestly, it only makes you all the more special.”

  “My bloodline is foreign, Elaina. We’re not from here.” The words dropped from his lips like lead, and he expected her to consider the comment.

  Her response came instantly. “Well, your accent makes that kind of obvious.” She smiled with a charm in her little wink. “It’s beautiful. It only makes me love you more.” Tilting her head, she sighed. “All our families came from somewhere before here.”

  “Elaina,” Vincent placed his hands on her shoulders. She clearly didn’t understand the gravity of the statement. “Have you ever met another who could cast spells?”

  A laugh punctuated her answer. “No.”

  “So, where do you think I got this ability?”

  “I imagine it’s something certain people can develop. You know, like—you’re probably more sensitive to your surroundings. Maybe.”

  Vincent shook his head. “I inherited it. It’s prominent in my culture. All my people can manipulate the elements.”

  She folded her arms and looked to the side as if pondering the statement. “All your people? I don’t know of a culture that performs magic.”

  He glanced along the walkway and paused, allowing a couple to stroll past. This hadn’t been the best place to hold the conversation. Should he wait? His fingers flexed and then tapped his legs. Anxious energy buzzed around his stomach.

  No. Today, before I meet her family.

  As he opened his mouth to reply, a pulse of information crossed his mind.

  Harvest subject Charlie Lestinger; five-feet-one-inch, age; seventy-two. Consider for stable hand, gardener, or electrician positions.

  Vincent looked at his watch. Acronymic symbols lining the circumference turned green and shifted. He grimaced and glanced at her. “Don’t kill me. I have to adjust something.”

  Sighing, Elaina stepped back and looked away. “You need to replace that watch if it keeps shocking you like that.”

  He cocked a brow and turned, passing his finger over the scrying lens. The image of a slight man seated on a park bench beside the stream appeared. Vincent scanned the grassy knoll on the other side of the creek. Spotting the subject, he faced his love with a smile. “I keep the watch. My father gave it to me.”

  Reclaiming her hand, they resumed their walk.

  “Vince, where are you from? The more I think about it your accent really isn’t like any I’ve heard before. And though I absolutely get lost in those eyes, I’ve never seen any that dark.”

  He looked at her questioning gaze and sucked in a deep breath. “We’re from far away. It’s not as far as you might think, but farther than anyone here has ever been. We must guard our heritage strictly. We are very different from any one born to Terra.”

  “Um...” She quirked her hand. “I know you probably meant that to sound different, but any one born to Terra?”

  Shuffling to a stop, he looked into her blue eyes. “We’re not from Terra, Elaina.”

  She nodded once and scrunched her cheek. “So, you’re saying you’re not from this planet.”

  He couldn’t tell if she was about to laugh or cry by the expression on her face. It could have been sympathetic grace as she thought he was crazy enough to commit into an institution. “I didn’t say I wasn’t from this planet. Just Terra.”

  “Right. Well, Terra is a planet, Vince.”

  “Just as Meridian.”

  “So, you are saying, you’re from a different planet.”

  “Same planet.” His words trailed into a whisper as he watched her for a sign of panic. “Elaina, I’m from a different…dimension.”

  “Dimension.”

  “That’s right. My home is Meridian. All people from the central realm hold powers similar to mine. It’s the oldest, original, sets at the center and inspires the other realms.”

  She glanced to the empty air. “I see. And we’re in the Terra realm.”

  “Yes. Well, actually, Terra is a Cornerstone realm. Its position is called Cornerstone Deep. Your familiar name is Terra.”

  Another nod. “And we all take after Meridian.”

  “In a way. Inspiration echoes from the ancient souls and touches the younger, influencing much of the progression made.”

  “So, we have you to thank for the stinky paper mills and cars.”

  “What?”

  “Since, you know, your dimension inspires us. So, all the other dimensions have paper mills and cars too?”

  Humor puffed past his nostrils. “I guess you could say that, and yes. The cornerstone realms mirror each other, like the midway realms do. I’m sure they have a form of paper mill somewhere.”

  Vincent set his hands in his pocket, delighted at how quickly she seemed to take to the information. “The level of influence is effected by how far down the spectrum the position is.”

  “If we mirror them, is there a me there too?”

  He paused as the odd question halted his explanation. “Well, no.”

  “Not much of a mirror.”

  “Um…” Her frank tone caught him off guard, and he gazed at her with question.

  “But you’re not from any of those places.”

  Exaggerated innocence peered at him. Okay, she’s turned this into a game. “No.”

  “And…your familiar is?”

  He sighed and looked at the red brick path. “Champaign.”

  “And what’s Champaign’s mirror-place?”

  “Champaign doesn’t have a mirror dimension. It’s at the center.”

  “I see.”

  “Elaina, no, you don’t see.” Cradling her face in his hands, Vincent shook his head. “This is completely new, and you don’t believe it. If this is too much, tell me. I need to know you won’t tell anyone.”

  Her playful tone melted. “No offense, but if I told anyone this, they’d think I was crazy.”

  A chuckle burst from his lips and he pulled her close. “You’re right.”

  Elaina held to his jacket and laid her head on his shoulder. “Okay, Vince. Um, I want to believe you, but come on. This is really not believable, you know.”

  “Would it help if I gave you something from my home?”

  Her gaze sparkled beneath the tops of her lashes, and he grinned as he withdrew the champagne diamond band from his pocket. He placed it on her wrist and brushed his thumb along the gems. Tiny spangles followed his touch.

  The delight in her eyes warmed his heart. “It’s a Promise Band. A charm I want you to have.” He cupped her hand with both of his. “It holds magical properties. Firstly, if after I explain its purposes and you accept it, it will become your link to our ways. It will testify of truth and untruth so you know in your heart and mind what you can trust. And when you hear things concerning our lives, it will ensure that you can’t share them with those that aren’t connected to our circle. If you start to speak of them, it will cause you to forget what you’re talking about.”

  He leaned his head to watch for her response. “Accepting the Promise Circlet means you accept the promise of secrecy. Elaina, will you accept this Promise Band?”

  A sweet laugh chimed from her lips. “Of course, I accept it.”

  Vincent smiled and kissed the adornment. It gently altered to hug her wrist, and he looked into her lovely eyes. “Then, I promise to tell you the truth about my heritage. I’m from Meridian, a dimension at the center of the Spectrum of Realms. My people manipulate the elements. And Elaina, we have been here a very long time.”

  Elaina’s nostrils flared as her gaze darted to the cherishment. “That’s amazing. I could swear it just said—truth.”

  He nodded with a smile. “I’m twenty-four.”

  A scowl crunched her face. “Oh, no you’re not. You’re.
.. Gods, you’re thirteen hundred, seventy-five?”

  “Tell me you love older men.” He chuckled.

  “Oh, Vince, you’re amazing! I love you.”

  He framed her cheeks and kissed her lips. “Promise you’ll think of me every time you look at it.”

  “I promise.”

  “Promise me you’ll keep your promises to me.”

  She leaned her head against his palm, and her eyes misted.

  “I promise,” she whispered.

  James settled into the chair in front of Cole’s desk and reached for the Utopian.

  Reincarnation.

  He could think of little else since his conversation with Cole. It changed every view he had of death in Cornerstone Deep. Could it be possible that his father, a renowned realm traveler, had it wrong when he tried to search for their mother?

  Perhaps these spirits stayed near the loving bosoms of their gods for a time before returning to continue their souls’ progression. It would allow time for the God of Conformance to instruct. The Goddess of Love and God of Life could heal their souls from a lifetime of pain. But, their mother...

  He turned the device absently in his hands. Perhaps, the instrument had been created to serve this plane only, to find the souls born here, and couldn’t pick up the advanced details of their kind. Who would know better than Cole if Mianna’s soul had called to him?

  He pinched his lips together and passed his hand over the circlets. The mirrors clicked into place.

  James hesitated, remembering the family’s elation when they’d received their first assignment together…and his disappointment. As much as he’d hoped to find a soul mate before that day, the gods hadn’t granted his wish.

  A smile touched his lips as he remembered the first vows he spoke. A precious, beautiful woman, he’d cherished the moments with Sarah, regardless of the fact their souls hadn’t made the deepest connection possible.

  Heaving a sigh, James softly spoke the command. “Essence trace simplex, rebirth. Sarah Timberlake Shilo.”

  An image of a woman with dark gray eyes, hair the color of sunshine, and porcelain-painted skin appeared above the tulip-shaped Utopian.

  His heart leapt.

  Before his senses could calm, a race of representations flashed before his eyes. He flushed as the calendar of her progressive spirit pulsed across his mind.