The Iron Cursed

by J. M. Briggs

  “Where’s Bran?” Lance asked.

  “Here,” Bran replied. He and Morgana came down the hallway from the bedroom. “Alex is asleep,” Bran offered. “Seems to be peaceful now.”

  Lance didn’t like what that insinuated about earlier, but sat down in one of the chairs by the window. Jenny took the seat beside him and reached across the table between them to take his hand. Squeezing it, Lance focused on the newcomer, who was still standing and looking around the room nervously.

  “I take it Sif is already gone,” Merlin said.

  “Yes… she didn’t think she should be nearby at this time,” the newcomer said.

  “So, where did she bring you from?” Morgana asked. She gracefully sat down in her armchair and took in the newcomer with careful consideration

  “My name is Avani Desai,” she said calmly. Her brown eyes scanned across the room, meeting each of their gazes for a heartbeat before moving on. “I’m from Mumbai, India, and was sent to find the current Iron Soul by Shiva after Sif came to meet with him.”

  “Shiva is awake then?” Merlin asked. He exhaled slowly and looked towards Morgana with worry in his eyes. “What’s your connection to him?”

  “The Desai family are descendants of the Iron Soul incarnation Lokpal,” Avani answered. Her gaze jumped towards the hallway leading to the guest bedroom. Jenny gasped softly in surprise. “We maintain some contact with Shiva and an alliance with the Old Ones, helping them in time of need as much as we can.”

  “Wait, sorry,” Nicki said. “Are you a mage?”

  “No, I’m only a magician I’m afraid.” Avani looked a touch embarrassed now. “My family and I have rituals that we are able to use to gather a little bit of the realm’s magic. I can’t control it like you can.”

  “So that chanting we heard earlier?” Nicki pressed. “That was you?”

  “Yes,” Avani agreed. “I was preparing a spell, but the fight was over too quickly.” She smiled a bit sheepishly. “Sadly, that’s the reality of being only a magician. You have to call the magic to you with rituals; it isn’t just there like it is for mages.”

  “And you’re related to one of Alex’s other lives,” Bran said. Avani nodded again. “That’s unexpected. Not the descendants thing; that makes sense, but that you know about magic. That’s different.”

  “Magical ritual traditions are rare in the modern world, but not completely gone,” Avani replied. Her posture was becoming a little more relaxed. “As I said, my family has maintained contact with the Trimurti, but especially Shiva.”

  “I’m sorry,” Jenny said. She blushed a little but gave Avani an apologetic smile. “I’m not very aware of Indian culture, but the name Shiva is familiar.”

  It was Morgana who explained. “Hinduism is one of the primary religious belief systems in India. The Trimurti is the trinity of supreme power in Hinduism that embodies the cycle of creation, maintenance, and destruction. They are three powerful Old Ones that we have a peaceful alliance with. Shiva, the destroyer, more so than most. He was very close to the Iron Soul Lokpal, who entrusted Shiva with the Iron Artifact he created, the Trishula.”

  “Yes,” Avani agreed. She finally sat down at the far end of the couch. “That’s correct. As my family uses magic to a limited extent and are Lokpal’s descendants, Shiva makes a point of checking in on us whenever he is awake. I’ll be honest: we aren’t the best Hindus, as we know which figures are real and which aren’t, but we do honor those like Shiva who help protect humanity.”

  “Awake?” Lance asked.

  “The three Old Ones: Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu take turns staying awake,” Avani explained to him. “The other two stay in the waters to keep themselves from being corrupted by the energies of our world. That way none of them become a threat to humanity.”

  “Similar to what Cyrridven did and the Norse were doing,” Merlin added.

  “Exactly, and whoever is awake usually wakes Shiva if things become too magical in the area, as he is the best warrior. Hence, the title of Destroyer,” Avani said. “Sadly, that is the case now. Things in India are troubling.”

  “Indeed,” Merlin said. “Avani, what can you tell us about the situation in India? Why would Shiva send you here with Sif?”

  “I can’t tell you much I’m afraid,” Avani admitted. “As you may know Demons and the gods are large parts of Hindu life. Our subcontinent is home to several large conclaves of Demons who originally came from another world. That was before the Iron Gates were created.”

  “Like the Sídhe,” Morgana said. She kept glancing towards the hallway. “And like the Sídhe they created small colonies in our world.”

  “Yes.” Avani nodded and seemed to become more nervous. “Originally there wasn’t too much trouble with these beings as they kept to themselves. According to the stories, before the Iron Gates were created they’d come and go between our world and their own. They didn’t take slaves like the Sídhe, which we believe is why the Iron Soul first incarnated in Europe. The first Old Ones in India often helped to fight them back to keep them from harming people, which formed the foundation of the Hindu religion. However when the Iron Gates were created in the British Isles and their magic spread across the world, it locked many of them here in our world.”

  “The situation became very violent in the Vedic Period,” Merlin said. He gave Avani a warm smile. “Roughly 650 B.C.E, if I remember correctly. Morgana and I went to India after receiving a warning from Cyrridven that a bad situation was growing there. Long story short the Demons in our world had united under a leader and the Old One Shiva was going mad.” Merlin shuddered and shook his head. “It wasn’t the best situation, but it was resolved with Shiva becoming a staunch ally. Later other Old Ones joined Shiva in protecting the area and keeping the Demon population in check.”

  “Hence why we haven’t had many problems with Demons spreading across the world,” Morgana said. “They’ve always been contained to the area. So what is happening now?”

  “It’s difficult to say for certain,” Avani admitted. “Shiva has woken and taken charge once again, but the Demon population…” Avani shook her head and seemed lost. “They aren’t always violent of course; in fact many live amongst humans without much difficulty and have spread throughout Asia. Lately something seems to be wrong with them.”

  “Could the Queen have affected them as well?” Lance asked.

  Avani frowned and looked around at the group. “Sif told us a bit about what happened, but I’m not sure if she would have been able to affect the Demons. Not to mention, I’m not sure if she’d even know about them. While they were both active in ancient times, they came from different branches and invaded very far apart. They didn’t have any contact and are very distinct species.”

  “That’s a fair point,” Merlin agreed. Then he groaned slightly. “This is not what we needed right now. The situation with Arthur and the Queen is complex enough. And Alex-” he cut himself off and shared a look with Morgana.

  “Something is coming though,” Alex’s voice said.

  Lance jumped up first and looked over into the hallway. Alex was standing there with a completely neutral expression. Her lips were pressed tightly together, there were dark circles under her eyes and she looked too pale. Yet there she was, and Lance could only wonder how long Alex had been standing there. Her gray eyes scanned the room as Morgana stood up and rushed over to her. The professor took her arm, silently giving Alex some support.

  “Where’s Sif?” Alex asked quietly. But as everyone else had gone still and silent, they could all hear her. “She’s alright, isn’t she?”

  “Sif is fine,” Morgana promised. “How are you, Alex?” Morgana stressed Alex’s name and Lance frowned in confusion, wondering what he’d missed. “You should return to bed.”

  “I’m fine,” Alex said. She yawned a little, covering her mouth with her hand. “I’d rather sleep through the night at this point.”

  “Yes, well, that will be soon,” Merlin said. He sto
od from his chair and smiled at Alex. “We were just catching up with this young woman.”

  “Avani,” Alex said.

  She stepped away from Morgana and crossed the living room. Avani all but jumped out of her chair, shifting nervously for a moment before relaxing into almost parade rest. Alex stopped right in front of her. She was only about an inch taller than Avani and the two were like day and night beside each other. Then, to Lance’s surprise, Alex reached out and pushed a strand of dark hair behind Avani’s ear.

  “You’re one of mine,” Alex said softly. She was smiling. “Avani, it’s nice to meet you.”

  “It’s a great pleasure, Iron Soul,” Avani replied. Dropping her chin, she bowed slightly to Alex, who shook her head.

  “Please, you don’t need to do that. We don’t bother much with formality here,” Alex replied. “So you’re… Lokpal’s grandchild.”

  “Many generations removed,” Avani said. “But yes, I am. The eldest children of the family have kept magical traditions strong and held onto our history.” Avani studied Alex with intense brown eyes as the rest of them just watched. “Forgive me; I was not aware that you retained any awareness. That was never recorded.”

  “I carry an…. awareness of the others, as you called it.” Alex’s eyes widened a little and her smile tightened. “Anyway, how bad are things in India?”

  “It’s mostly just pranks right now and some protection rackets,” Avani said. “Packs of Demons causing trouble, but nothing Shiva is doing is stopping them. There are always more of them. It’s like the population has tripled all of a sudden. Recently Shiva got information from one of the pack leaders that revealed there is some sort of Demon king rising.”

  “A king,” Alex repeated. She frowned slightly. “This seems familiar….”

  “Well in ancient times when Lokpal was alive something similar happened,” Morgana offered.

  “I don’t think that’s what I was thinking of,” Alex said slowly. She didn’t look distressed, just quizzical. “But maybe it was.”

  “Shiva was hoping that you could come and help,” Avani said. “While he has the Trishula, there are limits to what he can do as an Old One without causing massive damage.”

  “And where is the worst of it?” Alex asked.

  “It seems centered around Mumbai,” Avani answered quickly. “We think it's because the Old Ones slumber in the waters near there. Though they are staying clear of Elephanta Island so far. Uh, that’s where Shiva’s cave temples are located.”

  “Well, sounds like India is now a priority,” Alex said. She was smiling a little again.

  “But Alex, we have the Sídhe returning here and Arthur to worry about,” Merlin protested. “Are you sure you’re up to it?”

  “Not yet,” Alex admitted. Her shoulders slumped and Lance sighed in relief. “You’re right: we need to get some more Iron Gates built here to reinforce the area. Fighting on three fronts is too dangerous.” Alex looked back at Avani. “How urgent would you say the situation is?”

  “It can wait a little while,” Avani said quickly. “I can call my father to let him know what is happening here. I’m not sure how much Sif told Shiva during their meeting.”

  “That’s a meeting I would have liked to sit in on.” Aiden chuckled a little and grinned when Avani looked over at him with a frown. “Come on; those are mythological pantheons that don’t exactly interact often.”

  “I suppose not.” Avani almost smiled at him and then looked back at Alex. “I can serve as a liaison between you and India for the time being while you defend your position here. I fear I don’t know much about the Sídhe: they’ve never really broken through into Asia thankfully, but I’ll help any way that I can.”

  “I’m sorry that we can’t go straight to India,” Alex said gently. She reached out and touched Avani’s shoulder in a comforting gesture. “But we’ll stay aware of the situation, and once I’m sure that the northwest United States isn’t in immediate threat of invasion I’ll go with you to see Shiva.”

  “Thank you,” Avani replied. She bowed her head again. “I’m sorry we did not give you more warning. When Sif offered to bring me through the water tunnel it was too convenient an opportunity to pass up.”

  “We’ll make it work,” Alex said. Lance just stared at her. What had happened? This was not the reaction he’d been expecting. He caught Jenny’s eye and she shook her head in confusion. At least it wasn’t just him. Morgana was frowning slightly and Merlin was outright staring. “Do you have a place to stay?” Alex asked.

  “I was just going to get a hotel,” Avani answered.

  Frowning, Alex turned towards Morgana with an expectant look. Morgana just kept staring at Alex until she widened her eyes and nodded towards Avani. Blinking, Morgana shook her head a little and forced a smile.

  “Uh yes, Avani, why don’t you stay here? I have a guest room. Nothing fancy, but the house does have defenses.”

  “Yes, thank you,” Avani replied. She was looking between Alex and Morgana. “You’re Morgana le Fey, are you not?”

  “Morgana Cornwall, if you please,” Morgana said. “But yes, I am.”

  “You were sister to the first incarnation of the Iron Soul?”

  “Yes, I was,” Morgana replied. Her tone and smile were tight. “And he’s Merlin, but be sure to call him Professor Yates or Ambrose in public.”

  “I’m Nicki Russell.” Nicki jumped off the couch and offered Avani her hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m sorry to say that you’ve caught us at a strange time, Avani. We’re usually better organized than this.”

  “Pleasure to meet you,” Avani replied with a small smile.

  Lance and Jenny stood up as did Aiden and Bran. Everyone introduced themselves to Avani and she thankfully seemed to get more comfortable. It had been a strange night, and Lance kept looking towards Alex. Her gray eyes were bright and yet distant. Every so often, she tilted her head as if listening to something else. Still, she didn’t seem distressed or injured from what had happened with Brekszta. That made him frown: why weren’t they talking about what had happened with Brekszta?

  “Grab your things from the guest room,” Merlin told Alex. “I’ll get you home.”

  “Good idea, it’s late,” Alex agreed. “Come on, Avani, I’ll show you the guest room.” Alex held her hand out to the newcomer, who took it tentatively. “Be right back.”

  Then they were gone down the hall. Morgana moved over to Merlin and spoke with him in a low and urgent voice. Lance looked at Jenny, who shrugged helplessly.

  “Dibs,” Nicki said in a low voice.

  Lance blinked at her in confusion. “I’m sorry, Nicki. What?”

  “I’m calling dibs,” Nicki repeated.

  Next to her, Aiden groaned. “Really, Nicki? Is this the time?”

  “She’s gorgeous,” Nicki sighed. The redhead tilted her head with a dopey smile. “Tall, pretty eyes, beautiful skin, and gorgeous dark hair. Plus she knows about magic already so I’m calling dibs.”

  “I think you might be jumping ahead of yourself,” Aiden said. “There’s no reason to assume that she’s bisexual or gay.”

  “But she might be,” Nicki said. “And I can work with a might be. She’s the one, I know it!”

  Lance looked over at Aiden completely stunned. He knew that Nicki had a dramatic side, but this was a bit different. Aiden didn’t look surprised at all and chuckled softly. That reaction allowed Lance to relax a little and he allowed himself a slight smile. If nothing else, Nicki’s reaction to the newcomer had distracted him from his worry for Alex for a few moments, and he’d take that.

  26

  Lost to Memories

  Morning came and found Alex sitting on a bench looking out over the lake. There was a slight chill in the air and Alex zipped up her fleece jacket, but kept her eyes fixed on the ripples of the water. Around her the leaves of the arboretum trees rustled in the breeze and muffled the sounds of the rest of the world. For a few moments, she was able to forget eve
rything.

  “Alex?” a familiar voice called.

  Turning her head, Alex sat up straighter on reflex. Sif stood a few feet away with a nervous sort of smile on her face. The One Old was still dressed in modern clothes, but for a moment Alex could imagine her clearly in a long gown trimmed with gold and a cloak.

  “Sif.” The name itself tried to catch in her throat. “Uh, good morning.”

  “Would you like me to leave?” Sif asked. She twisted her hands in front of her. “I don’t want to make things worse, Alex.”

  Alex tried to remember what had happened that would make Sif so uneasy. She remembered saying something last night, but it was blurry. “I doubt anything could make it worse at this point, Sif,” Alex said. The name was light on her tongue, almost too easy to say. Shifting over on the bench, she smiled. “Take a seat. I’m glad to see that you’re alright.”