by Patti Larsen
“Liander Belaisle and the Brotherhood are preparing to attack a new territory.” Lying through my teeth? Check. Doing a bang up job? Check. Able to back it up?
Yeah, about that.
Gram, bless her, had my back, as usual. While the Council Leaders gaped and Erica opened her mouth to scream blue murder at me, my amazing grandmother tapped directly into the sorcery in the room. I only knew because I was right there with her, her magic taking me along for the ride.
She showed them the connection between the Council Leaders, the pulsing ropes of darkness that was sorcery.
“You might not want to believe,” she said, “but I know you’ve been told. Every living thing has the capacity for sorcery.” Finer threads linked the table, chairs, even the pens and paper, light fixtures, their clothing, until the entire room was a spider’s web of connections. “That is how sorcerers are able to draw on the power around them, through those points of shared energy.”
“Irrelevant,” Erica muttered.
“Not so,” Demetrius said, joining his wife. “Untouched, the magic that binds us together serves as the heartbeat of this plane, maintaining balance and relative peace in weather systems, eco systems, and the health and wellbeing of all living creatures.”
“Too much of a draw on that network,” Gram said, “and everything falls apart.” She held the web another moment before letting it collapse with a sigh of black mist. The Council leaders got the point from the horrified looks on their faces.
“You are a sorcerer,” Erica said. “Why should we trust you?”
“I am Ethpeal Hayle,” Gram told her with so much pride vibrating in her voice I wanted to cheer, “former Enforcer, Coven Leader and now Steam Union representative. I have, I would say, a unique perspective. Wouldn’t you, Erica?”
The Council Leader didn’t respond. In fact, from the flicker of panic on her face, she knew where this was going and I desperately hoped the rapt looks on the other Leader’s faces meant we were going to win this round as Erica feared.
“Speak, Sorcerer Hayle,” Femke said. “I for one am interested to hear what you have to say.”
The others nodded—with one obvious exception—and Gram went on.
“Does this feel familiar?” Gram intensified the dullness Sassafras had first mentioned, tweaking it slightly. Everyone nodded, shivered as she let them go.
“I’ve been feeling rather bored of late,” Yamini said, glancing right and left.
Bindi rubbed her bare, tanned arms with both hands. “As have I,” she said. “Bloody unexciting.”
More murmurs of assent. Gram’s magic sketched out the entire world before them in glowing lights, while the darkness of her sorcery formed the web that was the borders of our plane. “That feeling,” she said, “is everywhere.” Okay, we hadn’t checked that, but I trusted Gram. And as I watched the pinpoint of its beginning form at Harvard and race around the world, I knew she had, if only just now. And there was no denying this wasn’t real. I felt Gram touch each and every one of the souls present, opening her sorcery to their inherent dark power.
No denying it as she dragged me along with them. Not a single person spoke, everyone staring as the tracery of control finally completed its race around the plane and back to Harvard.
Erica lurched to her feet. “I demand their deaths,” she said, desperation clear on her face. “Clearly they are conspiring against a Council Leader.”
“Do be still, Erica,” Sumiko said, face pale. “Go on, Sorcerer Hayle.”
We had them. We really had them. It took supreme effort to hold in my surge of nasty joy at the look of horror on Erica’s face. I kept her locked to me, our eyes holding equal stares, hers afraid and mine vengeful, no matter what I told my coven.
Do as I say, not as I do.
The black lines of power sketched their way across the Atlantic, into Europe. Sick fascination held me still, my eyes—and those of everyone in the room—tracking across the globe, from territory to territory, over the mass of continents. Like a dark spider’s lair, the sorcery net expanded outward from every direction, covering Africa, Asia, the south Pacific, circumnavigating the entire plane until it settled its noose of magic around South America and the circle was complete.
Gram’s face tightened, her magic pulsing once in shock. “It’s begun,” she said. “See there.” We all looked, even me, releasing Erica from my gaze, staring in shock at the giant wash of sorcery heading south toward a new territory.
Ana Maria freaked, pushing her chair back, almost falling into her Enforcer leader’s arms. “Save us! Please, I beg you, save us.”
South America was already pulsing with more power, more control. If they were going to act, to stand as one, it had to be now.
I drew a breath, held it as the group stared, frozen and unsure. Until Femke slammed both hands down on the table.
“This isn’t just a North American problem,” she snapped, jerking her thumb at Erica. “We are all at risk. And we must act immediately.”
Her words set them free in a torrent of shouting, their rage so powerful I took a step back. Erica’s fire flared, blue glow surrounding her. Ana Maria lunged, but too late, Albert, Femke’s Enforcer Leader, latching onto nothing as she vanished.
Sumiko finally called for quiet, shaking and red faced. She bowed to me, ceremonial and slow.
“Sydlynn Hayle,” she said. “We beg forgiveness.” Nodding all around, terrified weeping from Ana Maria. “You have our attention at last.”
***
Sunny sat beside me, Danilo across from me, Gram and Demetrius squeezed in, too. I’d already asked for Meira and the Sidhe to be included, as they had been for conclave, but even Femke said no, though I think she would have agreed if the wave of denial had been less.
“We must focus on our safety,” Sumiko said. “That of this plane. No others are at risk at this time?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea,” I said. “But no, not as far as I can tell.”
“Then we deal with the threat,” she said, “before they are.”
First lick of sense I’d heard from any of them yet. Besides, the fact they were all working together at all was the biggest step. The rest would have to wait.
“Might I suggest,” Gram said, “there have been many mitigating factors that have led us to this unfortunate crossroads.”
How diplomatic, I sent. You can certainly turn a phrase. Okay, so I was a little giddy with relief, not to mention worried about Max and the drach, about what Erica was telling Belaisle and, quite frankly, wiped out to the edge of exhaustion.
All the better to manipulate them, my girl, Gram sent.
“Agreed,” Femke said while the others nodded.
“It is my thought,” Gram said, “that a World Paranormal Council should be formed at once. One that carries the strength and power to enact law and provide protection—not to mention forewarning—should anything like this brew again.”
Wow, I sent. Ambitious.
Hush, girl, she sent, eyes twinkling as she met my gaze, face flat and precise.
They were stunned, clearly, no one saying or projecting a thing.
“And excellent idea,” Femke said.
“Indeed,” Sunny agreed. “It’s not just witches in danger under these circumstances. The blood clans of my people will also be targets—if we aren’t already.”
“Agreed,” Danilo said, deep voice rumbling like the wolf he was, making a few of the Council Leaders shift in discomfort. But he was eloquent when he went on, though his animal core glowed in his angry eyes. “All paranormal races are now at risk. No one is safe unless everyone works together to ensure universal protection against threats like this one.”
Sunny nodded to him with her exquisite grace. “We, too, have felt the lassitude that plagues you. Which means it is only a matter of time before Belaisle’s plan devours all magic on this plane. We, as the leaders of our communities, have an obligation to protect all paranormals who stand to be harmed by such greed.
” She turned to Femke. “It is our wish to eliminate segregation, to unite the races and allow for all paranormals to have equal protection from threats of this nature.”
What would it take to convince them? I could feel the Council Leader’s continuing hesitation, but didn’t give them a chance to back down now.
“Consider it done,” I snapped. “You want my help?” They nodded as a group. “You say yes and be grateful for it.”
I worried as the last word left my mouth I’d gone too far. Wouldn’t be the first time. But Sumiko bowed her head to me.
“I would be willing,” she said. “If you were the leader of such a council.”
Did I mention I was tired? Yeah. Laughed in her face. Long and loud, compulsive, hands clutching my ribs as it went on and on. I couldn’t breathe, could barely squeak out anything, silent hilarity driving tears from the corners of my eyes.
When I finally pulled in a breath, I gasped for air, grinning at her.
“Worst.” I tapped the table top with one finger. “Choice.” And again, for emphasis. “Ever.”
Sumiko looked stunned by my response. But I had a better suggestion anyway.
“You do not want me leading anything,” I said. “Not on this scale.” I shuddered at the thought. Seriously, with my temper and penchant for throwing myself at problems like a bull in a china shop? Hell no. “But I do have a suggestion for the perfect person.” My eyes went to Femke, all humor gone, feeling suddenly sorry for her though I knew she was the only choice possible. Her blue gaze widened and she started to shake her head, too late. “I nominate Femke Svennson.”
So much pressure to put on her shoulders. But, as the other Council Leaders turned to her, murmuring their agreement, I knew she could handle it.
We’ll talk about this, she sent, an edge to her voice.
I’m sorry, I sent. But I’m not wrong.
Her gaze dropped from mine and she drew a breath. Smiled gently, professionally, bowed her head.
“I would be honored,” she said. And cut off their mutters of congratulations. “As interim leader. Until such time as a permanent choice can be duly voted in.”
They seemed okay with that, and so was I. Because I knew, in the end, they’d never let her go.
“Will I be required to give up leadership of the European territory?” She spoke slowly, steadily, voice light but firm. Which meant she was probably freaking out.
“No,” I said. “Not yet. We’ll hammer all this crap out once the threat is taken care of.”
She nodded once, brusque. “Very well then,” she said. “As the leader of the new Paranormal World Council, I decree our first order of business is to march on the North American territory and deal with Liander Belaisle.” Her eyes flashed blue fire. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ve had it up to here,” she cut a line above her head with one hand, “with the Brotherhood. It’s time they knew what taking on the witches of our world really means.”
***
Chapter Thirty Five
I had a clear view of the gathering forces in the courtyard below from the big window on the back side of Femke’s office. While I knew they would stand little chance against the Brotherhood alone, it was a good feeling to see so many witches of so many territories coming together for a common cause.
Each of the councils agreed to commit a small group of twenty or so Enforcers including a representative of the councils. Danilo and Sunny immediately volunteered their own people, too. I worried a little for the vampires, since it would still be daylight when we arrived in Harvard, but she assured me the experiments Sebastian performed should protect them as long as they stayed indoors for most of the time.
I didn’t plan to be outside at all. In fact, my goal was to pick up the lot of us and land us right smack dab in the middle of the council chamber, win big touchdowns and mop up the remains, hopefully in a very short time period. While I knew the likelihood of such success was slim, I hung onto the idea anyway.
I could dream, right?
At least it took a few hours to assemble the forces, leaving me time to run back to the Stronghold and fill everyone in before collapsing for another two hours of sleep. I didn’t normally need much, thanks to my advanced power and immortality, so that two hours did me a world of good. I was even smiling when I returned to Oxford, the magic inside me as refreshed as I was.
Femke looked up at me from the courtyard below. Ready when you are, she sent.
I slipped through the veil and down to her side. I’m really sorry about this, I sent at her cool tone.
She didn’t respond to my apology. “You’re taking care of transport?”
I sighed inwardly and nodded. “Everyone together, now.” The six groups of Enforcers looked awkward as they shuffled closer. “Don’t be shy. Hand holding is not a sign of weakness.” They slowly did as I said, linking together like a giant daisy chain of different kinds of magic. When the last werewolf grasped the hand of the final Enforcer, I turned to Femke and offered my hand. She slipped her fingers over mine, closing them softly.
I know you did what you thought you needed to, Femke sent as I tried to decide how wide to open the veil to accommodate everyone. I just wish you’d said something to me first.
It was my turn not to comment. “Ready? Remember, we’re walking into a hostile environment. I’ll shield you as long as you stay within this circle.” I let the shielding crackle so they could see the dome of power protecting them. “If you choose to leave it, you’re on your own.” I nodded to Piers who nodded back, Gram and Demetrius scattered among the group. “Stay with your sorcerer leader,” I said. “And listen to their orders. They are your safety net if things get ugly.” I’d never really played the role of general before, but had spent enough time as a coven leader and with Max—not to mention in ugly situations—it felt almost natural to give orders like this. “Our first priority is to capture Liander Belaisle. Second is to take Erica Plower alive.” Justice had to prevail, I guess. “And last, the Brotherhood and council members. But as long as we have the two ringleaders the others should fall into line.”
Nods all around, eager, anxious paranormals watching me, waiting for my signal. I recognized faces as I looked around the anxious group. Isabelle and Maksym, the vampire and werewolf lovers I’d first met when I came to Ukraine to rescue Charlotte smiled and nodded to me. Finlay and Gwendolyn, Enforcers under Femke did the same. Those two had almost foiled my plans to save my werefriend, though had proved allies in the end, and not just to me.
No time for a scoot down memory lane. But it was nice to know I had those around me I could trust.
“It’s time,” I said. “Stay together, stay focused and don’t lose your temper.”
Ha, Gram sent to me. I dub thee black, pot.
And you, kettle, I sent with a burst of love.
The veil sighed open, a massive gap wide enough for the gathering to pass through shimmering around the edges with rainbow light. I felt their nervousness and embraced them with my power.
“I’ll keep you safe,” I said. “This will all be over soon.”
Hoping I hadn’t just lied to them, I stepped through the veil, the sound of over a hundred pairs of feet marching behind me.
The moment I hit the veil I felt resistance and starting swearing in my head. My demon snarled, thrashing against the pressure of power trying to tie us down. With a hiss and a slice of spirit magic, my vampire cut us loose, my sorcery joining Shaylee as the family magic pounded back whoever was trying to stop us.
Together, we flared with iridescence, sending a wave of light up and away from the bubble of people I protected. For a long moment the power pressing against me fought, writhing in anger, but finally released and fled.
But not before I felt the familiar tang of maji. And knew who it was that tried so hard to keep me from succeeding. I didn’t have time to deal with them at the moment. But they’d be having a visit now I was at full power again.
Oh, my, yes.
All is well, I sent back along the line through Femke as a pulse of nervousness reached me. They must have sensed the blockage. Count down in three. They tensed. Two. Mass inhale. One. Mass exhale.
And I tore open the veil.
My shields pushed back the handful of sorcerers scattered around the council chamber main floor, sending them sliding backward with frightened shouts. We landed as one on the tile, facing the council bench and the staring faces of the witches who didn’t seem as shocked as they could have.
So they knew we were coming. Of course they did. Wouldn’t save them or anything.
On cue, Piers locked all the doors with whips of black energy, sealing the exits with sorcery. I quickly scanned the place for my targets, easily spotting Erica perched on her seat as Council Leader, staring down at me with a tremble to her lower lip. She looked less certain of herself, much more fragile than she had only a few hours before and I wondered what had changed.
Not that it mattered.
Gram strode forward, her small group of Enforcers behind her, vampires and werewolves fanning out on Demetrius’s command. They pushed the shielding outward, sealing the entire room while I allowed my own sorcery out. I hated to hurt them, but I had no choice in the matter. The blossom bloomed wide, drew in the energy stored in the Brotherhood sorcerers and dropped them to their knees.
The council panicked to a witch, scrambling to escape, only to be controlled and brought to their knees by the Enforcers now free to act. Erica remained where she was, face in her hands, shoulders shaking, but I couldn’t bring myself to feel sorry for her.
Not when I realized Liander Belaisle was nowhere to be found.
“Where is he?” I stalked to the front of the bench, looking up at Erica who dropped her hands and met my eyes with her bloodshot ones. The sound of sorrowful moaning from the captured council kept a counterpoint to her shaking voice.
