by Lynn Landes
Brynley nods, “I can try, but can’t we stay here?”
Nienna understands the urge. The thought did occur to her, to plead with the angel to help their cause, but she would only be putting his life in greater danger.
“I understand that you feel safe here but we have to get to my brother. Together we will be safer because his magic is much stronger than mine.” Nienna takes her hand and has Edward take her other hand while he holds Farley’s leash.
“Like before, Brynley. Look and see the image of our house. It’s so beautiful. It sits high on a cliff overlooking the forests. It is our safe place. Do you see the waterfall? Listen for it?” Nienna can almost feel the rush of mist as it blows on the wind and the roar of the water as it pounds the mountains into submission.
“I see it, Nienna! It’s so pretty!” Brynley looks into Nienna’s heart and finds peace, but sadness is there too. She doesn’t want to say goodbye to her bird. Not sure what that means, Brynley feels the air around them change, and Nienna laughs adding her power to the child’s.
“Good job, Brynley. You’re amazing!” Nienna stands up and finds they are now standing in the driveway outside of her home. Edward gasps and looks down at his granddaughter with awe.
“Amazing doesn’t quite describe you,” he murmurs and squeezes her hand gently as they hurry after Nienna.
“They’ve arrived,” Syrran says and reaches for Lilliana’s hand.
Lilliana is curious to see the child that has everyone so stirred up.
Syrran greets them outside, he steps close to Nienna, taking her face in his hands and stares deeply into her eyes. “You are well, sister?”
Nienna grins, “I am now, brother. What took you so long?” Her eyes flick to the beautiful female at his side and back to his. Surprise has her stepping in front of the child to protect her.
“Nienna, I would like to present, Lilliana, the Dragon Singer.” Syrran glances at the child and her Grandfather, as his sister gasps.
“Truly? It is an honor to meet you, Lilliana.” Nienna bows at the waist. Lilliana smiles and nods to her before looking to the child.
“It is nice to meet you, Brynley. Though perhaps you remember me better as a snake?” Syrran teases. “You may call me Syrran.”
“Nienna tells us that it was your timely interruption that helped us escape,” Edward says with a smile.
Farley sniffs the air around them and moves to Lilliana. She squats down to pet him and giggles when he licks her face.
Brynley smiles, “His name is Farley. He loves kisses.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Sir Farley.” Lilliana waits for Brynley’s eyes to meet hers and the connection is immediate. The power surrounding this child is obvious, but she will have to be tested to see the true extent of her gifts.
Lilliana reaches out to touch Brynley’s hand but she backs away, unsure. Scared she hurries to Nienna’s side and takes her hand.
“We have had a bad few days. Everything is going to be alright now,” Nienna promises Brynley with a gentle squeeze of her hand.
Edward moves to his granddaughter and places his hand on her shoulder, protectively.
“How about lunch?” Syrran asks and leads them to the front door.
“Make yourself at home,” Syrran says with a smile stepping inside.
Syrran watches the way Brynley stays close to his sister. Nienna is naturally protective of the child and they are in constant contact through touch. They seem to have bonded and that could prove to be a problem. Tough decisions will have to be made regarding this child and what to do with her. How will his sister handle it if she must be destroyed?
Edward waits until they move inside and goes to the bar with a sigh. He is not trained in the ways of magic and swords, but he has a few tricks up his old sleeve. Gently he stands the walking stick at the bar and grabs five bottles from under the cabinet of the strongest alcohol he can find.
“Need some help?” Syrran asks softly. Edward jumps and turns to glance at him.
“Aye, I have spent the last few days trying to protect that child and I seem to be sorely lacking. If you don’t mind it would make me feel better to contribute in some way.” Syrran nods in understanding, remembering how it felt when he first brought Nienna home. Keeping her safe was a task that weighed heavily on his shoulders.
“I understand.” His golden eyes glimmer for a second and he whispers a spell touching each bottle and he turns back to Edward. “Now, you do not need to light them, merely toss and they will ignite.”
Edward grins, “I like it. Thank you.” He picks up two small bottles and drops them into his coat pockets.
Syrran traces his finger over the runes carved into the walking stick. “This stick, where did you get it?” He lifts it and stares closely at it before grinning. “I detect magic in it.”
“Nienna has a friend with an affinity for weapons. I borrowed it until my leg heals fully.” Syrran smiles and faces the older man. He holds the walking stick horizontal and twists the handle. A long eight inch iron blade extends out of the bottom with a snap clink. Edward’s eyes fly open in surprise.
“That could come in handy,” they laugh and he shows him how to twist and lock it back before helping him to place the enchanted bottles in strategic places. One in the great room, one in the bedroom he will share with his granddaughter and one near the back door of the house leading outside.
“Now we should join the others.” He does not mention the two fire bombs still in Edward’s pockets.
Edward follows him and pats his pocket reassuring himself that they are still there.
Chapter 13
Gage wakes with a start and Daniel holds him down to prevent him from opening his wounds.
“Easy Gage! You will damage all our hard work.”
His mouth is dry and head is pounding with every movement. Closing his eyes, he searches his body seeking his wounds and finds that most are healed. His wing is still damaged, but it too will be fully healed soon. Immediately he seeks Nienna’s mind and finds she has him blocked, as expected.
Daniel helps him to sit up slowly and Francesca lands in a rush of wings and wind outside. A spring storm is moving its way through the rainforest. Thunder rolls matching the feeling inside his mind. Anger that Nienna endangered herself to protect him and rage at the ones who tried to hurt her.
Francesca checks his wing and is happy with the way it is healing. “You should be able to fly after the next healing session,” she says softly.
Daniel flips a chair around and straddles it facing his brother with his large auburn wings stretched out behind him.
“How long have I been out?” Gage asks accepting a glass of water from Francesca.
“Two days,” his brother replies. Daniel stares at his brother and watches the emotions beat at him. “Are you under control, brother?” he asks softly.
Amber eyes flick to him and he grins. “Want to find out?”
“This isn’t a game, Gage!” Daniel snarls. Francesca rests a hand on her husband’s shoulder, instantly calming him.
“You scared us, if Nienna hadn’t been there you would not have survived,” Francesca explains.
“I know it. I have to find her, she is in way over her head.” Gage stands up and flexes his wings. They are tight and sore but he can move them.
“You won’t be doing this alone. I spoke to others with connections to the Tiefling, Micah.” He runs a hand through his short black hair, “Gage, Nienna is protecting a human child thought to be a natural born Dragon Singer.” Daniel continues, “Syrran is her brother, contracted by the Elves to bring them the child.”
Gage whirls around and pales, taking in all the information they are throwing at him. “You two have been busy. Tell me everything you know.” Francesca makes him sit and works healing his wounds while Daniel finishes.
“King Riordan, of the Elves, explained that they wish to test the child and protect her from those that would misuse her gifts. Protecting the Dragon Sing
er is what they have always done.”
Gage nods and listens.
“This knowledge is spreading and soon Nienna will have more than a single demon after her. Every creature imaginable, human and immortal will try to take the child from her.” Daniel watches the rage flash across his brother’s face.
Fury beats at him blocking out the calls of the birds outside, the soft patter of the rain and even his own heartbeat. A sweat breaks out on his body and his wings snap close to his back. Fisted hands are pressed to his forehead and Francesca steps close. Her voice calls to him from a distance.
“Nienna,” she whispers, “Think of her, Gage. What color are her eyes, her hair? Is it soft or rough, straight or curly? How does she smell? She needs you. Did she seem frail to you? The half-ling we met protected you from the vampire demon and a cohort of her guards. Weak is not a word I would use to describe her, but if you fall, you will fail her. Then she will become a slave, tortured for eternity. Will you let that become her fate?”
Gage closes his eyes and seeks the tear protected by his heart. It holds her every wish and when he touches it with his mind, he can see her standing over him, fighting to keep him safe. Powerful, spirited and so beautiful.
“Listen to me, Gage. These feelings you are having will consume you if you don’t control them. When an Angel finds their souls flame, our emotions strike so hard and fast that we become volatile. If Nienna is for you, then she will be your anchor. We have to get you to her,” Daniel orders.
“Thank you, both,” Gage says. “I can’t feel her, Daniel. How will I find her?”
Daniel grins and holds up a throwing knife and a sword. “Look what your little guardian left behind.”
Gage smiles and grabs the sword. “This is mine!” Before they can respond he leaps from the window out into the rain and soars over the canopy of the rainforest. His home is on the opposite side of the same forest. She is at his house!
He dips down and circles the house before landing. When he is sure it is safe he moves inside. Instantly her scent teases him. Daniel and Francesca follow and look around quietly. The first thing he notices is the missing weapons from his wall.
“Look at this,” Francesca brings a picture over and it is a childish drawing. “It was on your refrigerator,” Gage grins and stares at the images. “Looks like elves, could it be a clue to where they are?”
Gage hands the picture back silently to Francesca and moves through the long hallway lined with glass. With every step he takes her scent grows stronger. Magnolia blossoms tease him and as he steps into his master bedroom he is slammed by images of her. Taking a deep breath he steps towards his king size platform bed and sees a t-shirt and a note. Picking it up with trembling fingers he reads;
Gage,
I hope this note finds you healed. Thank you for your assistance and letting us find solace in your nest. As much as you would like to help, I beg you to stay away. This is not your fight and I can take care of myself. I’ll not be the reason you are hurt again.
Be well,
P.S. I am keeping the short swords. I think I earned them.
Nienna
Gage laughs out loud and picks up his t-shirt holding it close to his nose. Her scent is amazing and he groans thinking of her wearing it.
“Nice try. I will find you, Nienna.” He returns to his family and shows them the note.
“Now what?” Francesca asks.
“You two will follow the breadcrumbs left to us. Go to the elves and see what else they can tell you. I will wait here and try to pick up her trail,” Gage orders.
“Where are you, Nienna?” he demands after they leave. Closing his eyes he seeks her mind and is frustrated when he gets no response. “I am a natural born hunter, honed in the art of patience. I always catch my prey. I will find you soon, Nienna.”
Chapter 14
Lilliana sits with Brynley as she plays, enjoying the dusk as the sun struggles to stay in the sky for the last few moments of the day. Her innocence coupled with fresh air and childish laughter fills Lilliana’s soul, healing a part of it and she feels the presence of a song pulling at her soul. The pain of holding it in flashes through her body and weighs heavily on her heart.
Brynley looks over at Lilliana with surprise on her face.
Nienna watches with Edward and Syrran as Brynley approaches her. Tiny hands cradle Lilliana’s cheeks and her dark blue eyes shift, turning emerald green.
“Don’t worry, Miss Lilliana, I can sing for you.”
Unshed tears form in Lilliana’s eyes when the child sings a song from her long forgotten childhood. Brynley smiles and dances, spinning in circles and lifts her voice calling to the winged creatures in her mind. Soon a butterfly drifts into view, followed by more. Thirty glittering butterflies of every shape, size, and color join in the moment, swirling around the two singers. Moving her fingers in the air, the sound of a flute, filled with other instruments play a Celtic song of such beauty that all who hear it are touched.
Brynley dances and twirls unaware of the effect of the moment on the adults surrounding her. All she knows is when a heart calls to her full of pain, her song can help them.
The tears flow unchecked down Lilliana’s face and she stares, in shock, at Brynley. When the beautiful little girl finishes the song pointing into the air with her small hand, the butterfly’s swoop up into the sky above taking the pain with them, exploding into a shower of iridescent dust.
Brynley jumps up and down and claps her hands while Farley barks and joins in the fun.
“It doesn’t hurt so much now, does it?” Brynley asks the beautiful lady.
“No, sweetheart. You made it feel better. Thank you.”
Brynley hugs her and runs into the house to play.
No one moves for a moment until Nienna bursts into laughter.
Syrran joins them saying, “You should see her conjure a serpent.”
Edward watches Lilliana closely as she stands up.
“Why are you so shocked?” Edward asks, “If you are a Dragon Singer, her abilities should not surprise you.”
Liliana stands and turns to them, wiping her tears with trembling hands. “Brynley is not a Dragon Singer,” Lilliana explains hoarsely. “I don’t know what she is. Edward tell me everything you have seen her do.”
Edward quickly explains that he has only had her for a short time.
Syrran listens as Nienna jumps up excited, “Each time she sings it is to protect or heal someone.” Turning on Syrran, “She healed the dead garden, wished for a protector, brought us to safety, and helped a wounded heart.”
“It could be she is a Soul Singer. I’ve heard of them in ancient legends but never met one. There are no limits to what she can create because she was never taught to limit her abilities,” Lilliana says thinking out loud.
“That’s wonderful…” Edward starts to say only to be interrupted by Nienna.
“No, it’s not.” With horror filled eyes she turns to Syrran. “They will never stop looking for her. She will never find a moment of peace.”
Syrran feels sick. This is what he was afraid of. Edward listens but doesn’t quite understand. “What am I missing here? Who will come?” he asks.
“Everyone Edward. To control that kind of power, who wouldn’t betray anyone and everything they love?” Lilliana answers.
“It explains why Micah wants her.” Syrran snaps, “We need to get her to the Elves.”
“No!” Lilliana gasps. “Listen to me,” taking Syrran’s hand, she squeezes gently. “There are only two ways into the Elven kingdom. You must be born of the blood or someone must let you in. The last time someone betrayed my people and let Micah inside, she destroyed my entire kingdom. None were spared, not a single soul was left alive. All so that I would sing her a dragon.”
Syrran touches her face, “Alright. In the morning we…”
Farley growls low in his throat and runs inside interrupting Syrran. A low chanting can be heard in the distance and pressure pu
shes on them as the protective wards around the property are attacked, but hold.
“Get inside the house!” Syrran yells.
Nienna leaps up and runs inside, followed by Edward.
“She sent the Triplets. I recognize their presence,” Lilliana whispers. The darkness is creeping in after her, but this time…
“This time, you won’t be alone. Let them come!” Syrran growls.
Her eyes widen in surprise and she smiles. The chanting grows louder and the pressure increases, followed by a bright flash and boom as the wards break.
“Syrran, they are stronger together. We need to separate them, if we can.”
A mist rises up over the steel railing behind Lilliana and the first triplet materializes behind her. He stands shorter than Lilliana at only five feet tall with dusky gray skin, white hair and red eyes. Skilled in battle, he reaches for her only to flinch in shock when a purple shield of light erupts around Lilliana. Syrran surrounds her in Elven fire and the radiant beauty of the light burns bright, causing the creature to back away. Afraid to touch her he turns and directs his attack on Syrran instead.
The Triplets do not have to bite to weaken you, a mere touch will cause excruciating pain and drain the victims of their strength. This allows them to take their time with them, causing the unlucky soul to suffer as much as possible.
Syrian throws a dagger, but it merely passes unhindered through the vampire demons vaporous body.
It grins, showing his fangs and slices at Syrran with a long sword, just missing him as he leaps away.
Lilliana runs in the house, looking for a weapon to use against them. The kitchen! She slams through the cabinets until she finds what she is looking for. Grabbing a jar, she opens it and dashes back outside in time to watch the two immortals battle.
The Triplets have exhausted their magic breaking through the wards on the house. That means they must stay in solid form. Over and over it leaps at Syrran slicing at him with its sword and dagger. The attacks become stronger as the sun sinks behind the mountains.
