Return of the Starchild (The Divine Inheritance Series Book 1)

by Catriona Murphy

  Dust billowed out from under and it cleared to reveal a dark, dumpy room.

  Who was Terrence? Who was Sires? Who was Zelda? Iliana felt a stab at her heart at the last question. Questions whirled through her mind yet she followed the party obediently, lost in a haze of shock and a kind of fear she never felt before. The fear of being hunted.

  Terrence entered the dingy room first. A whiff of stale oil hit Iliana’s nose and she covered her face with her sleeve. Drooping shelves held tins of used paint, paint brushes with stiff bristles, wrenches and bolts. A toolbox sat in one corner and a tyre leaned against one wall.

  The garage door shuttered behind them and they were all left in darkness.

  Terrence muttered something Iliana couldn’t make out and a light sputtered to life. She could see it was from his fingertip, similar to what she produced earlier except probably not as dangerous.

  He told everyone to make a circle and lights came to life from the rest of the group. Their faces glowed ghostly in the dark.

  ‘Iliana.’

  She looked up at Terrence.

  ‘I need you to move.’

  She looked behind her to make sure there was nothing on the ground to fall over and took three steps back.

  She cast about the party excitedly, wondering if they were going to do some magical ritual to make the arch appear.

  Terrence bent down and pulled at a trapdoor in the ground that Iliana could have sworn wasn’t there a second ago. His fingers gripped a black brass handle and hauled it back.

  She bent over and looked down. She saw a warm light coming from somewhere further below, illuminating a short ladder that stretched down and ended on a rocky floor.

  ‘Ok. Zelda, you first, then Iliana,’ said Terrence.

  Zelda descended the ladder. When she reached the bottom, she looked up at Iliana and smiled.

  Regarding the manhole warily, she followed suit and gripped the sides as she climbed down. When she reached the bottom, she found herself in a squashed tunnel that would only fit the likes of Sires. The entire tunnel looked as if a gigantic worm had eaten its way through.

  At the corner ahead of her, an iron basket was planted into the wall holding a torch and she realised that’s where the light had been coming from.

  When the others had come down, Sires said, ‘I know these tunnels well, a man could easily lose his way in these passageways.’ He gave a sly sideways glance at Iliana. ‘He could wander these tunnels forever and go mad. They’re very tricky you see, the odd time they like to play tricks on you if you don’t keep your wits about you.’

  Sires went forward into the tunnel and the rest had to almost crawl behind in the compressed space. When they got close to the torch, everyone extinguished their lights by a wave of their hand except for Terrence; Iliana noted his just went out.

  Sires took the torch out of the basket and continued on.

  The tunnel twisted several times, and Iliana could practically feel the tonnes of earth weighing down above her head. So much so she started to feel her breath rising. She never thought of herself as a claustrophobe, but right now, she was beginning to feel like one.

  Iliana closed her mouth so her harsh breathing would be less audible.

  They passed a few tiny rivulets of water trickling down the sides of the tunnel, and to Iliana’s relief the ceiling steadily got higher.

  Voices and shouts came from somewhere up ahead, echoing around the tunnel. A pinprick of bright light was also visible ahead, and increased in size as they neared the end.

  Sires stopped at the fore of the group and announced, ‘We’re here.’

  Zelda breathed happily. ‘It looks just the way I’d seen it years ago. It really never changes.’

  ‘Faeries don’t like change much you see, it’s to do with not liking new things...’

  Iliana edged past the two of them and the world whizzed around her to leave her of all her senses. She forgot immediately about the catacomb of hard breathing, and the pursuing Xinger as the tunnel opened into a vast, wide-open space.

  A large cavern below looked like a giant’s hand had scooped out a clump of earth to leave a hollow shaped bowl. It was potholed several times with other tunnel entrances.

  The ceiling rose high above their ledge and was aglow. Thousands of thin strands of crystals hung like icicles. Together, they cast off a yellow effulgence that lit up the entire inside of the hall.

  The floor of the open space was filled with funny looking creatures, all various types that Iliana couldn’t even begin to fathom. It was a mixed breed of faerie race ranging from green like Sires to shrivelled prune faces with pointed ears and pink eyes. One particular type looked almost human except their faces were too long and their eyes were glittering orange. The way they moved was almost graceful and slow, but something in their alien eyes disturbed Iliana. A detached look as though they’d easily watch animals burn.

  She let her eyes trail over the cluster of creatures milling around the cavern floor. The marketplace had stalls with faye yelling at each other, throwing hand gestures bazaar-style. The cavern was engulfed with the clamour of hundreds of tiny voices, chaotic and boisterous to overwhelming degrees.

  Market performers careened and flipped around in candy coloured stripes, juggling torches and impressing gathering spectators with card tricks.

  ‘Right, we need to find Galfen,’ Terrence said, his tone business-like. ‘Remember, the Xinger is our number one threat, but danger can come from anywhere. Keep your wits about you.’

  He turned directly to Iliana and said, ‘I know this all looks strange to you, but be careful. The markets are always full of criminals and tricksters; do not allow yourself to be deceived by anything. Stay close to us and don’t wander off.’

  Iliana crossed her arms. ‘I’m not a child.’

  Terrence stared at her. ‘They can tell, y’know, who's a tourist and who isn’t.’

  She scowled but didn’t argue.

  Sires blew out the torch and tossed it aside so it fell down the slope.

  Zelda let out a noise of disgust.

  He ignored her and raised his foot to step off the ledge.

  Iliana nearly shouted at him to stop but resigned. Nothing was as it seemed here. His foot hit nothing but still looked as if it stood on something. He stepped forward and started to float downwards, hands by his side. He grinned at up Iliana wolfishly as he disappeared down behind the ledge.

  Everyone else followed Sires down. Iliana felt dizzy the whole time, her stomach fluttered at the defiance of gravity, a bit like when she used an elevator.

  She looked at Zelda whose eyes cast about the hall skeptically, her face an expression she might see from actors in an espionage film.

  ‘Unfortunately, we have to pass through the market proper, seems busy enough today,’ Terrence said, his keen eyes roving over every detail exponentially.

  ‘We’re not to talk to anyone; we’re not to gamble and no haggling - I’m looking at you Sires! Galfen’s guards are behind those doors.’

  He pointed to the opposite end of the hall where a set of wide steps led up to two looming closed doors.

  ‘And the arch.’ He added more quietly, but Iliana heard him. She glanced at him and found his expression unreadable.

  He started forward, making his way around boulders that littered the ground towards the market.

  ‘Is it me? Or has he gotten bossier since I last seen him?’ asked Zelda’s aunt.

  ‘Hmph!’ Sires puffed resentfully.

  ‘Oh, by the way, how’s your wife?’ she asked.

  ‘She’s grand, pregnant with our tenth child.’

  ‘Is that all?’

  ‘Well, I’ve been working longer shifts since I became general so I’m not always around her…’ his voice trailed off as they both disappeared behind the boulders.

  ‘Can we get a move on? I don’t want us splitting up,’ said a faint, but frustrated voice from up fr
ont.

  Zelda rolled her eyes and gestured for Iliana to follow.

  The group plunged into the thicket of the market. Immediately all sorts of smells attacked Iliana’s nose at once - spices, heady perfume, incense and vinegar. High pitched voices haggled aggressively and unashamedly.

  The first thing Iliana noticed upon entering the marketplace was the few creatures who cast nervous glances at Sires, taking in his armour and rank.

  Iliana looked more closely at them, some regarded her back with a calculating stare. Their clothing was old fashioned, like it belonged in the medieval era.

  She caught fleeting glimpses of items for sale between pressed bodies. She saw small, unusual black boxes with feathery wings attached to their sides, flapping daintily. At another stall, she saw floating crystal balls that changed colour and nebulous dresses made of fine fabric.

  Between the stalls, she could see faeries playing card games. They were a little smaller than Sires and their skin was a dark brown. She caught one of them slipping an ace up their sleeve, he looked around and Iliana found herself staring into the blackest eyes she had ever seen. He sneered at her and she quickly looked away.

  There was something odd about the market, aside from being surrounded by creatures she only ever read about in fairytale books. There was an undercurrent that drummed away in the condensed crowd, the bargains dealt with and the cavern itself. It tickled at her unconscious and told her of a presence that wasn’t visible.

  A group of creatures she was walking past started laughing and she jumped. Not many of the faeries took notice of her in the same way she did to them, which she was thankful for.

  Zelda assured, ‘The markets are not a pleasant place to be but we won’t be here for long. Just passing through. The only other kinds of places you’d find markets like these are in Erp Surrel.’

  Iliana looked at her. ‘Where’s Erp Surrel?’

  Zelda shrugged. ‘It’s like the capital city of the Otherworld, I —’ Zelda hesitated.

  ‘What?’

  ‘I…come from there.’

  Iliana’s expression looked thoughtful. ‘Zelda?’

  ‘Yeah?’

  ‘Are you an alien?’ she prodded, with all serious honesty.

  Zelda burst out laughing. ‘No! We’ve been on Earth just as long as humans, it’s just as much as our home as is the Otherworld. Although, the Otherworld is more inviting to us since we don’t have to disguise ourselves and our magick.’

  Finally, they reached the marble steps that led up the double doors. Two guards dressed similarly to Sires crossed their lances together to block their way.

  ‘My name is Terrence, Number One of the Temple of Stars. I ask permission to speak to your station’s general, Galfen.’

  A few moments passed and Iliana felt her skin prickle as something passed over her, a light electric current straightened the hairs on her arms.

  One of the guards replied, ‘Permission granted. You may enter.’

  The doors opened inward to reveal a paved passageway made entirely out of granite. When the doors closed behind them, the roar of the marketplace abruptly stopped. A string of crystal lights dangled from the ceiling, lighting their way.

  A tiny door opened from the side, and a small faerie armoured similar to Sires stepped out.

  ‘Terrence! How unexpected! How many years has it been now?’

  Terrence smiled gladly.

  Iliana was surprised. He had a nice smile, but she guessed it was a rare sight to see.

  Terrence dropped to one knee and embraced him. ‘Galfen, it’s been too long.’

  ‘How is everything in the Otherworld? How are you?’

  ‘Fine, fine. Listen Galfen, I need to get to the Otherworld as soon as possible. I’m stating this as an operation Smuggle.’

  Galfen’s eyebrows shot up. He looked behind Terrence at the other faces and his eyes settled on the one face that wasn’t familiar. He scanned Iliana mechanically, almost as if trying to commit her to memory.

  She looked away quickly.

  ‘Galfen. This one can’t go on the books. I never signed myself when I came over,’ Terrence stated.

  Galfen clicked his heels together in a military fashion. ‘Right, follow me.’

  He turned sharply and marched down the passageway.

  They followed him till they came across another set of double doors. Galfen went through a door on the left and came back out with a set of green cloaks.

  ‘Put these on,’ he said and threw the cloaks at them.

  ‘Here.’ Zelda handed one to Iliana.

  Iliana swung it around her shoulders, it was fastened at the front with a brooch shaped into silver, four-pointed star. Iliana stared down at the broach in shock; it looked like her bracelet.

  Zelda pushed her along with the others towards the double doors. The hood of the cloak concealed her face; hiding whatever expression was painted there.

  ‘Iliana, pull your hood up,’ she whispered.

  She did as she was told. Iliana looked down at Sires and silently snorted a laugh. His was too big for him and trailed behind like a wedding dress.

  She looked down and remembered with regret that she was still in her school uniform, her skirt, knees and socks were filthy from the crawl through the tunnels.

  Galfen raised his hands before the double doors, head bowed. The air in front shuddered a ripple and for a minute, nothing happened.

  A sudden fireworks display of ribbon colours flung themselves about the passageway, carelessly tossing themselves everywhere in party popper style.

  Iliana’s eyes glazed over at the burst of colour. They exploded and rained down onto the floor, disappearing.

  The doors creaked open slowly and Zelda had to drag a gawking Iliana through, who was still staring back into the corridor star-struck.

  ‘What was that?’ she asked.

  ‘A defence mechanism. You don’t need to worry about it.’

  They were now inside a big, circular chamber. The floor was clean, hard and well-polished.

  Iliana felt lightheaded here. It was a feeling of being too close to a thunderstorm, or when your hair stands up just before you get struck by lightning. It prickled the skin on her arms into goose bumps.

  Her breath caught when she saw what stood in the centre of the chamber.

  A low well, only two feet high sat at the heart of the room. Towering on top of the well at an impressive height was the arch, casting an imperial pose to all who looked upon it. Huge blocks of stones made up its curved shape and frame. Through it, she could see total darkness dotted with twinkling white lights. To her, it looked like she was gazing through one of Zelda’s telescopes, staring forever into the depths of the universe.

  There were several guards stationed around it, four were trying to traffic a bustling line of faeries that stretched from the left of the arch. The queue circled around the chamber, faeries impatiently waiting for the next crossing.

  Unlike the strands of crystal light that tinkled in the market hall and passageway, the light in the chamber came from one single chunk of crystal encrusted in the centre of the ceiling.

  Encircled around the perimeter of the chamber were statues that reminded her of ancient Greek gods.

  Terrence said, ‘Right, Galfen said that he’s opening the arch in the next five minutes. So, before we go through we need new names. Iliana, your name is Retcha. Zelda, your Firelle. I’m Desmond. Karen, your name is Cleena.’

  ‘Karen?’ asked Iliana.

  ‘Eh, my aunt.’ Zelda replied.

  Iliana nodded distractedly and looked back at the statues. She unravelled her arm from Zelda, who was having a conversation with Terrence and Galfen, and walked over to the nearest statue beside the doors.

  It was made of green stone, Malachite, Iliana guessed, and shone in the warm chamber light. The statue was a woman with a dog nipping at her feet. She was wearing several bands on both her wrists and on
e clasped on her upper arm. A plain tunic stretched from her shoulders to the tops of her knees and she wore gladiator sandals. Her hair was pulled back into a Celtic style braid. Her face was steely set in determination but tinged with a quiet sadness. Cupped in the crook of her right arm was a small sack that bulged with contents. Her gaze was distant and forlorn and so…human.

  ‘Beautiful aren’t they?’ Zelda’s aunt sighed as she walked and stopped beside Iliana, keeping her eyes on the statue.

  Iliana had never really spoken to Zelda’s aunt, she was usually working or in the kitchen whenever she visited.

  ‘Who do you think carved these?’ asked Iliana.

  Zelda’s aunt gave a short laugh. ‘There’s a story behind these statues, like everything else. They’re more than just plain rock, or were apparently a long time ago.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  Zelda’s aunt laughed again. ‘Would you believe me if I told you about the legend?’

  ‘I’ll believe anything now.’

  ‘I suppose you would.’

  She drew in a long breath, as if readying herself to rehearse a passage she had versed many times before.

  ‘Long before the birth of Jesus Christ and his disciples, there was a clan that ruled most of Ireland and Great Britain called the Tuatha De Dannan. They were the most powerful and feared clan in all of Europe and they practised magick openly, and humans worshipped them like gods.’

  ‘For years they fought opposing clans and won. Magick flowed strongly in their veins. But when the word of God and Jesus Christ spread to Europe, the humans turned their backs on the Tuatha De Dannan and surrendered themselves to the rule of God. They were losing their power to the rise of Christianity. Their numbers shrank back as Christianity preached the evil in paganism and the worshipping of more than one God.’

  ‘The Tuatha De Dannan fought for as long as they could to keep the influence from reaching their domain but their attempts failed. Even with their magick, they could not face an entire country of hostile humans, let alone other countries. Their freedom was shrinking by the second, extinction was imminent.’

  She shifted her position, her gaze focused on the woman’s face.