Realms of the Otherworld Box Set

by Jana LaPelle

  ​“Come on Elf-Man, they’re probably in the study.” Turning she leads us toward the large study. Silently, I’m dreading what is to come, because from this point forward, our path is clear. We are heading toward war, whether we like it or not. My time with The Morrígan has affirmed that her intent is clear. She wants nothing more than to see Ashlinn on her knees groveling before her. She wants her to pay the ultimate price for meddling in her affairs. I can’t let that happen.

  Chapter 22

  (Ashlinn)

  ​He’s back. Finally. Our link to one another is open and thriving. I’ve missed him so much, but I don’t even have time to appreciate my kindred’s return. We walk into a filled to overflowing room. The study is not as large and spacious as the library at Glenndale Loch, but it will do. I want Alaric to myself for a few more days before we head back to reality. I know that I’m being selfish, but I can’t help it, damn it.

  ​“It’s about time, you two.” Jasmine exclaims as she bounds our way, Camoryn on her heels. He is so utterly smitten with her. I believe he would forgive her just about any transgression. Jasmine continues, “Dagda would not spill the beans until the two of you were present.”

  ​The imposing god walks our way and I see that Lugh has accompanied him. I squeeze Alaric’s hand in my own and say through our link, “This can’t be good.”

  ​“I was thinking the same thing. Let’s see what they have to say, mo grá.” Alaric clasps Dagda’s hand in his own and the two lean in for a man hug, shoulders bumping together as they smack each other on the back. Pulling back, Alaric asks, “So…, what news do the two of you bring?”

  ​Dagda looks down at Alaric assessing him, “You look well, Alaric. How are you, lad?”

  ​“Better. I’ve had some time to come to terms with everything, but that’s beside the point. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t have news on the happenings in our enemy’s camp. We all might as well hear what you have to say.” Alaric pulls me into his side, holding me close, and I linger there before we both move to have a seat with the others.

  ​Dagda looks to Lugh and says, “We have reason to believe that Cú Chulainn has been compromised and is now loyal to Morríganna since his resurrection. He has been seen very recently on the outskirts of what we believe to be The Morrígan’s fortress, in large part thanks to you Ashlinn. We sent spies to the west to the general location that you described from your dream walking attempts to find Alaric. He travels with a company of Fomorians and they are heading toward the Northern Territories. We have informed your father Alaric, and his army stands poised to take action at the first sign of any kind of trouble, but I believe that Lainn will avoid drawing attention to their group. We believe that he is after the Spear of Lugh.”

  ​He pauses, and I look over at Lugh who is sitting quietly beside Dagda, his features schooled and set in hard lines, before saying, “Lugh, it’s not his fault. Morríganna probably had him drink from her cursed elixir. If that is the case, then he will more than likely follow her bidding, like others have before him. He won’t have a choice, but in the end, he will still have a decision to make. Even if he has been cursed by the phantom queen. Just maybe the curse can be used against Morríganna once he realizes what she has done to bind him to her to do her bidding.”

  ​The sky god’s eyes find my own and he replies, “I do hope you are right, Ashlinn. I know that he will need to make a choice, I just wish that there was something more that we could do to put a wedge in between the two of them. At one time, before Fandra came along, he was completely besotted with Morríganna. The two were an item on and off for years. I fear that even though he is back from The Underworld that he will fall back into her waiting arms, thinking that Fandra is forever more out of his reach.”

  ​“There might be something,” Alaric speaks up and looks to my mother and Dagda, “Luc said something about Lainn learning the truth of his kindred’s demise. He said that once Lainn learned the truth, he would want Morríganna dead. Do either of you know what he was talking about?”

  ​“No…, but I’m willing to bet that she played a huge roll in what went down between Manannán, Fandra, and Lainn. Everyone at the time knew she was the scorned lover.” My mother imparts.

  ​“Well, we need to find out what went down. That could be enough to snap Lainn out of his current devotion to her wicked highness. Now, you said that he was riding north. Why do you think he is heading that way? Is he after the spear?” Alaric asks.

  ​Lugh’s reply is quick, “Yes, you see, I gave the spear over to my son and asked him to take it to the dwarfs for safe keeping. The dwarfs are the only ones that hold the clues to the whereabouts of the spear.”

  ​“Why the dwarfs?” I ask, “and how many days ride to the dwarfs’ territory?”

  ​Dagda assesses me before replying, “They are apparently traveling the lesser known paths. We believe that Cú Chulainn means to stay out of sight, or as close to it as he can. He was heading toward the Dorcha Forest where the trolls and goblins reside. It will take them several days just to traverse the forest and its many winding paths and possible pitfalls. The Dorcha Forest leads upward to Ardland Gap in the Oighreata Mountains. The mountain passes where they are heading are very dangerous to traverse, covered year-round in ice and snow. I believe it will take his company at least a week to reach their destination, possibly longer if they run into trouble. I’ll let Lugh weigh in on why he commissioned the dwarfs.”

  ​We are all eagerly awaiting Lugh to respond. He inclines his head to the group and begins, “You see, dwarfs are master miners and craftsman. They see the value in certain objects. Once they are commissioned to a task they are very dedicated to following the implicit instructions of their new master. You see, I paid the dwarfs rather handsomely for the task at hand and I asked that my spear be hidden away in an underground labyrinth that they were to design to hide the lost city of Gorias. It seemed fitting that the spear would find its final resting place in the city from which it was forged.”

  ​Lexie is the first to speak up, “Wait a minute. Why do you refer to Gorias as a lost city if the dwarfs know exactly where it is? I thought Gorias was lost along with several other cities. Will Cú Chulainn have a free pass to get to the city when the dwarfs see him? Didn’t you say that you tasked your son with going to the dwarfs to accomplish this task?”

  ​“First of all, not many people know what happened to Gorias. Once upon a time, the city was a majical place that floated above the northern most reaches of the Oighreata Mountains. It was reigned by an ice goddess, by the name of Cailleach, and it is said that she fell in love with Belenus the god of summer. They were polar opposites and their love was star-crossed from the very beginning. Cailly, as she liked to be called, was like a delicate snowflake. Her beauty was unique, and she was fated to remain in her city ensconced in ice and surrounded by other winter fae creatures. Whereas, if Belenus ventured into her domain, her city would melt bringing summer with him. It is said that she died of a lonely broken heart, and when she did so, her city lost its majic and slowly began to sink from its lofty height in the skies. As it continued its descent, the earth below it opened up and the city was swallowed whole. Never to be seen above ground again. The dwarfs know of its whereabouts because they were tasked to be its keepers. Gorias now resides under the northern most reaches of the Oighreata Mountains. Not only has it become the resting place for my spear, but Cailleach’s final resting place as well. The dwarfs swore their fealty to their ice queen. They see the spear as an extension of their long dead queen. Anyone is allowed access to the labyrinth, if you know that it’s there. It has been enchanted. It will be difficult to navigate, and most will become forever lost within its confines.”

  ​Everyone sits in stunned silence at the tale that Lugh just spun as we digest what we are up against. I can’t help the sigh that escapes me. Once more we are pitted against almost impossible odds.

  ​Alaric squeezes my hand and pulls me closer to him before a
sking, “When do we need to leave out? The Spear is legendary. If Cú Chulainn gets his hands on that weapon, we lose. Plain and simple. No one has ever lost a battle that wields that spear. You both know that, it’s what we have all been taught of the histories as children. We already know that Cú Chulainn has the advantage when it comes to his battle ríastrad. Even Luc said that he was nigh on impossible to defeat, so he absolutely cannot obtain that spear. If he does, then we have to work on plan B and C to save all The Realms from The Morrígna’s reign, but more than likely, all will be lost.”

  ​Alaric’s words ring ominously throughout the study, until Millie’s voice calls out from the kitchen. “Hot browns are served! Come and get’em while they’re hot!”

  ​“Come on everyone, let’s continue this conversation over dinner. I love my hot browns, but they are best served… hot.”

  Chapter 23

  (Ashlinn)

  ​Dinner was a quiet affair. Even Dagda and Lugh seemed unusually subdued. Which drove home the urgency of the matter at hand. After dinner, we decide to meet back here in four days-time. Dagda is off to meet up with his succubus girlfriend who resides here in The Mortal Realm, shockingly enough, I think he is entirely smitten with the dark fae female. Lugh decides to head back to Faerie, and it is agreed that Dagda will come for him when the time is right, once we all return to The Otherworld. The rest of us are scattered about between Lexie’s house and mine, some have even decided to head back to Glenndale Loch for the time being. We have a few days to reconnect as a family before we head back to Faerie. As thankful as I am for this time, I want more.

  ​How can I have ascended to become a goddess if I’m so selfish? Not for the first time, have I begun to doubt my role for all the realms. My family has become my whole world, and maybe that’s the key. I will do anything to protect them from what I somehow know to be on the horizon. They are all precious to me, that includes everyone here tonight, my Keepers, my Guardians, my kindred, my children, my friends.

  ​Watching from the kitchen, I see that Alaric is finally reconnecting with the twins since his return from The Underworld. It’s only about time, and I can’t help the smile that curves my lips as I watch this utterly obnoxious crew of mine. I’m tidying up in the kitchen when my attention is caught by an early newscast. Reaching for the remote, I turn up the volume and walk around the island over to where Alaric, the guys, and Jasmine are playing with the twins, in order to tucker them out before bed.

  ​“Hey guys, I think we need to watch this.” I say, gaining their attention, pointing to the scene about to play out on the television.

  ​The pretty redheaded reporter appears standing on the cold cliffs of Ireland with the iconic Dunluce castle in the background, the tendrils of her hair riding the obviously chilled wind that buffers her form. Her cheeks and nose are a rosy red, obviously, the footage was shot earlier in the day. The blue caption at the bottom of the screen reads, Unexplained red glow has been detected in Mermaid’s cave below Dunluce’s remains. All heads in the room turn to listen to the reporter as she begins, her Irish accented voice announces, “Earlier today a local fisherman reported to authorities that they had sighted an eerie red glow, pulsating from the cave below the ruins of Dunluce castle, known as Mermaid’s cave. Evidently, word got out about the mysterious red light and all matter of tourist and locals flocked to the sight to see if they could catch a glimpse of this unheard-of phenomenon before the local authorities descended on the scene. Since then, the coast guard has begun patrolling as well as other unnamed authorities. At this point, no one, but the authorities have been allowed entrance to the castle or the cave below, and no one is talking to the press. The closest anyone has been able to get to the cave since the authorities have taken over is by air. As you can see, the sun is about to set behind me, and as always, the ruins are picturesque, but tonight the sky is marred by multiple helicopters as well as ships surrounding the area. All attempting to get a glimpse of this mysterious light that has yet to be explained.” The footage switches from the reporter standing on the cliffs to a camera shot zooming in on the cave below the ruins, and sure enough a reddish, pulsating light can be faintly seen coming from the depths of the dark cave. She continues, off camera, “I have never seen anything like this before, and can only speculate as to what could possibly be the result of this unknown phenomenon. We will do our best to keep viewers abreast of the situation. For now, this is Dawn Walsh reporting from Dunluce castle, Northern Ireland. Back to you.” The local American news anchor picks up where the reporter leaves off, speculation is running high, and apparently no one knows what to make of the recent discovery, so the anchor turns the broadcast over to the weatherman as they discuss our total snow fall over the last several days.

  ​As much as I don’t want to say it, I know I must, I voice what the others are thinking, “Guys, we may need to move up our timeline. The rift has broken through to The Mortal Realm. That’s the only thing it can be, that pulsating glow looks just like the rift left behind in Cú Chulainn’s crypt.”

  ​Tarron hands over Lachlan and we all gather around, Alaric wraps his free arm around me, pulling me close, each of us with a child on the opposite hip, leaning into one another. He places a kiss on my temple and sighs, “We should move up our timeline. Instead of four days, let’s cut that in half. It will give us a little extra time to plan. The rift will not grow as quickly here as it has in The Otherworld. Once we get back to Faerie we will need to head out. Tarron, I can never repay you for coming with Ashlinn to The Underworld, thank you for being here for me and my family, your support means everything. I’m going to be okay now thanks to you all, but Tarron, I think that it's time for you to go be with your Horde. Time to rally the troops, if you know what I mean. Whatever happens when we go to meet with the dwarfs will lead us to battle with The Morrígna’s army and their allies. The Otherworld is about to go to war. We need to be prepared for that. Camoryn can trace you back to Raven’s Claw Keep. Our armies will need to be ready. We will need to march toward Lár Domhain. We decide where this war will take place, and it’s only fitting that it should be on neutral ground between the four territories of The Otherworld.”

  ​Tarron reaches for Alaric and he pulls his arm away from me to clasp Tarron’s forearm in his own. “Then I will make it so, Alaric. We will fight together… as brothers. It’s good to have you back.” Tarron looks from Alaric to me and smiles, “Mo solas…,” he sighs, “I will miss your bright presence, and your sass.” Looking between the two of us, he smiles, “When I get back, I’m going to contact Justice, the Sky Sentinel, I’m going to try to sway his kind to our side. They will be a worthy ally. The Morrígan will not expect their defection, they have always been hers to command, but in this, we may be able to sway their allegiance.”

  ​“Thank you, Tarron. Anything you can do to add to our numbers. Although, I’m not sure that I’m ready to see that Sky Sentinel again, any time soon. I hope that Justice understands.”

  ​“Now, now, mo solas, is that any way to make friends within the lands of Faerie?’ Tarron teases with a wink.

  ​“Do what you must, you incorrigible incubus.” I huff with a sly smile.

  ​Alaric pulls me close and nuzzles my neck, by all that is holy, I love him so.

  ​“Okay, everyone, we meet back here in two days, ready to head back to The Otherworld. Enjoy this time of reprieve. It may be the last we have for a while.” Alaric’s tone is ominous and before long we are left alone as everyone traces away to leave us on our own. Looking around our quiet house, I look down to see that Lachlan has fallen asleep on my shoulder, his chubby little hands clutching at my turtleneck sweater and my hair. My left-hand hovers over the crown of his tiny head, before settling on his dark brown curls as I hold him close to me. I look over to see that Lillie is also sound asleep. Alaric and I quietly make our way back up to their crib and settle the two for the night. We quickly change them into their sleeping gowns and get their two furry companions settl
ed with them for the night, before breathing a sigh of relief.

  ​Looking over at Alaric, I reach out to pull him to me, and sigh, “Finally. We’re alone. I think that these two are down for the night. I’ve missed you Elf-Man.”

  ​“I’m sorry, mo grá.” Alaric holds me close as if I’m a fragile doll that he’s afraid of breaking.

  ​“What are you sorry for, Alaric?”

  ​“I’m sorry for putting so much distance between us.”

  ​Pulling him in to our bedroom and closing the door behind us, I say, “Don’t you dare apologize for grieving. You have every right to grieve the loss of Pip in any way you see fit.”

  ​“Ashlinn, it wasn’t just Pip and you know it. I became withdrawn from you when I began to question my role in your life and that of our children once the binding cuffs were placed on me. I should have been stronger, not physically, but mentally and spiritually.” He sighs, pulling me to him and kissing me gently on the top of my head.

  ​I hold him tightly in my grasp before looking back up into his mesmerizing blue eyes. I search their clear depths before reaching up and taking his face in my hands, to say, “You are not and never have been weak. You had it all wrong when you said that I alone was the glue that held us all together. I’m not whole without you. Alaric, we are the glue. There is no glue without you and me together. I need you and you need me, it is the way of our kindred bond, and don’t you ever forget it Elf-Man.”

  ​His eyes twinkle as he leans down to kiss me. “You’re right. Not ever again, álainn. I seem to remember telling you, what seems like ages ago, that I would be sticking to you like glue. I’m over the self-doubt, mo grá. I promise. I love you. I love our two babes, and I adore our life together. I will never again allow myself to succumb to insecurities that are unfounded. I’ll admit that The Morrígan and The Underworld did a number on me, but you deserve better, and I intend to be better. For you and our children.”