Lokai's Curse

by Coulter, J. Lee

  ***

  Athor crept stealthily through the thick brush. As he neared the old waddle and daub hut from the rear, he heard the sounds of digging growing louder. His amber eyes glowed as he spotted Garrick placing damp earth into the grave, his broad back facing him. This is going to be too easy. He smiled wickedly as he raised the bow to take aim. A moment later the bolt was released, hitting its mark as Garrick fell forward, halfway into the grave he had been filling. His life draining from his body rapidly, his mind called out to Seonaid.

  Mo cridhe! Then he slipped into the black void of death.

  Athor whooped loudly and danced a short jig. I got him! He will plague me no more! He was about to move toward the body when he saw the atmosphere vacillate heralding the approach of a Fae. He made all haste to quietly retreat before he was discovered, not seeing Lokai appear next to Garrick’s body and then, disappearing with it. Athor cackled in his thoughts as he made his escape, his eyes rolling wildly with glee. The skies opened up at that moment, releasing the deluge it had been promising.

  ***

  Seonaid was beside herself with joy when Lokai and Diedre appeared in the hall that morn as she broke her fast.

  “Diedre! Lokai! I am so happy to see you.” She rushed down from the dais and embraced each in turn, tears streaming down her face. “Oh my! You two have been busy,” she exclaimed as Diedre’s swollen belly bumped into her flat one. “When is the bairn due?”

  Diedre blushed but quickly recovered. There was no shame in bearing your husband’s child. She beamed at her sister. “About four moons from now…perhaps a fortnight more. We have come for a visit to see your brood and…Garrick.” She glanced about, searching for him before turning back to Seonaid.

  “You have just missed him. He left but an hour ago to visit Hagar. You must stay at least a few days, though, so we can catch up on these last moons apart. He said he would return by the nooning. You will see him then. The bairns are playing in the nursery. Come. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Is your banishment ended?”

  Questions burst forth without rhyme or thought. Her mind whirled. There was so much she wanted to know.

  Lokai smiled crookedly watching his wife’s face light up and become instantly animated as she tried to keep up with Seonaid’s thoughts. It was like watching hens cackling at each other.

  Diedre turned a look of adoration his way smiling genuinely. He was a bit stunned to feel the full force of her love shining up at him. Her exotic aqua eyes mesmerizing. He could deny her nothing at that moment.

  “May we, Lokai?”

  He nodded agreement without knowing what he was agreeing to do. His blood thundered in his ears blocking all sound. He stroked her cheek.

  “It is settled then. You will be our guests for the next fortnight.” Seonaid clapped her hands in glee. “Come. Rest and eat while I finish breaking my fast. Then we may visit the bairns.”

  A short time later they entered the nursery, eagerly trading stories of their pregnancies. Seonaid handed Corinne over to Diedre, showing her the correct way to hold a bairn. She gazed at her beautiful niece blinking back tears at the tenderness that filled her heart. She glanced at her golden warrior. He smiled with approval.

  “Motherhood suits you, Sprite.”

  “Yes, I believe it does.” She returned his smile with one of her own. The door opened just then to allow entrance to one of the bairns nursemaids. Lokai stiffened immediately as a chill raced down his spine. Fae! At least partially. He studied the auburn-haired woman intently. Who is she…and why is she here? He glanced at Diedre but she had not noted the woman.

  What is she doing here? Natasha glared at the princess from the shadowy corner. Her fondest wish was to never lay eyes on her again. She is breeding, too. That will not do. It seems that I will have to deal with this myself. I dare not let Athor get his hands on the spear! She averted her eyes back to her task as she noted Lokai’s intense perusal of her.

  The sisters never noticed the exchange as they were deep in discussion about child-rearing.

  Suddenly, the atmosphere in the chamber rippled. An instant silence saturated the air like a gigantic bubble, bursting a moment later with Garrick’s cry.

  “Mo cridhe!”

  “Garrick!” Seonaid screamed as the babes began to wail instantaneously. All in the room heard his cry though he had only thought it as he fell. “Lokai…?” Seonaid pleaded with the gut-wrenching pain that filled her heart.

  He gave a brusque nod of his golden head as he gave Diedre one command. “Stay here!” He left instantly, not waiting for a reply.

  He appeared a moment later at Garrick’s side. He was dead. Lokai sensed the presence of another Fae but did not have time to waste. He knew that if he acted quickly he could still save his life. Garrick was an Ancient. The last of that noble race. If he gave him the Fae nectar he would yet live. Lokai had to get him to the Realm now and administer the potion. He wasted no time wondering if Garrick would wish it.

  The next twinkling found them in the palace garden with Lokai pouring the nectar down his throat. A few moments later he removed the bolt from Garrick’s back as he coughed…then sucked in a great gulp of air. His sapphire eyes fluttered open.

  “What happened?”

  Lokai grinned widely. “You died, Brother…and now you live.”

  His eyes widened as his memory flashed back. He sat up rapidly. “Seonaid…the bairns…they must be in danger as well! I must return home now!”

  Lokai shook his head slowly. “No, Garrick. You must rest for this day. I will send the king to watch over his daughters and your babes. We must speak about the events of this day in great detail. Something is afoot and I fear there is more going on than we suspect.”

  Lokai whisked their presence to the king’s chamber, startling him.

  “What goes on here, Lokai?” Alred sensed the changes occurring in Garrick’s body as he stood before him on shaky legs. He gestured to a nearby chair and Garrick sat down gratefully.

  “Sire, a Fae murdered old Hagar and…Garrick. I had no time to waste on debate if I was to restore him.”

  He nodded. Glancing at his weakened son-by-marriage he knew that Lokai was correct in his actions. He worried that Garrick would not appreciate the gesture when he learned of the side-effects though.

  “He is not aware of the effects of your actions then?”

  “Not yet.”

  Garrick’s head jerked up. “Effects? What effects? Exactly what did ye do ta save me, Lokai?”

  “It had to be done! Seonaid would never forgive me if I had not saved you when I knew of a way!”

  His sapphire eyes turned black as he glared at Lokai. “What…did…ye…do ta…me?” he roared.

  “I gave you the Fae nectar…I gave you…immortality.” Garrick swayed in the chair as the reality hit him full force. He would live…forever in torment, as he watches his wife die, his children, and every generation till the end of time…and beyond.

  “Nay! I can nae bear it! Ye must change me back!” Pain flooded his eyes at the thought.

  King Alred shook his head. “It cannot be undone, Son. You must accept it. Your Ancient blood does not allow for a reversal. Perhaps you can convince Seonaid to drink the nectar as well.”

  Garrick’s shoulders sagged in defeat. He did not ken if it were possible…but he could try.

  Lokai glanced at the king. “We have another problem, Sire.”

  Garrick and Alred both turned their eyes on him.

  “And that would be…?”

  “A Fae witnessed his death…probably caused it, while another Fae heard his death cry.”

  “That is nae possible,” Garrick shook his head. “I was leagues away and I only thought it. I never uttered a word.”

  Lokai peered at him. “You may not have spoken. But I tell you true. We were in the nursery with Seonaid and the babes and we all heard you cry out ‘mo cridhe’…even the bairns.”

  Garrick was shocked. Where had the power to do that come from?
Seonaid and he have been able to hear each other’s thoughts from the moment they had met but he had never communicated like that with anyone else. He shook his head. How can this be? He reached out in his mind for his wife and found merely a void in place of her answering call. His heart clutched in his chest. He tried repeatedly but it was in vain.

  Tortured eyes turned to Lokai. “I can nae hear Seonaid. She does nae answer me. I must go ta her.” He began to rise from his seat as a wave of dizziness struck him. Lokai placed a hand on his shoulder as he gently held him down, shaking his head.

  “Be at ease, Brother, she is safe. You cannot hear her because you are in the Fae Realm and she is in the mortal one. My wife is with her and the bairns, and I have dispatched six of my most trusted guardsmen to keep watch while we discuss our next move.”

  Garrick released a shaky breath as he sank back onto the chair. “What did ye have in mind?”

  “First of all, it is necessary for you to remain dead. I do not wish for these killers to scurry away into the woodwork. Especially since I have no idea who they are or what their motives may be.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

  “Nay! I will nae allow Seonaid to suffer that pain! Think of something else.” Garrick’s gaze narrowed with determination. “As for intent…” he glanced at the king, “it has ta be the throne. I found the spear missing when I reached Hagar’s abode.”

  Lokai’s frosty eyes darted to Alred.

  “Athor lives! Tis the only logical answer!” Alred’s fist slammed the table. He turned his myriad-colored eyes to Garrick, softening slightly. “As much as I wish to cause Seonaid no more pain…Lokai is right. You must remain dead…even to her. She does not have the guile to deceive anyone. You know this to be true.”

  Garrick’s heart sank as he realized they were correct. He was powerless to do anything while they occupied different realms; all he could do was accept their decision.

  “Why must they believe I am dead? I see nae profit from that deception.”

  Lokai stared intently at him for a moment. “They targeted you with a purpose. With you dead, the king would rush to his daughter’s aid, making him vulnerable to an attack.” A shiver of dread raced through him. “With him and your family together, plus Diedre visiting, they could destroy the entire bloodline in one swoop. We must make haste, Sire. I need to remove my wife.”

  After considerable thought, Alred had to agree with Lokai’s assessment of the situation. His throne had to be the target. He could not understand how more than one Fae was involved though. Athor…yes. But who else?

  “Tell me of this other traitorous Fae, Lokai. What did he look like?”

  “It was a woman, Sire. I do not believe she was pure blood either. She entered the nursery shortly before this treachery began. She was statuesque with red hair and hazel eyes. A striking woman just a few years older than I. She hid in the shadows most of the time…staring at Diedre. I sensed malice emanating from her.”

  The king’s blood began to pound in his veins. It cannot be! She had stayed away for all these years. Why would Natasha make herself known now? He visibly paled.

  “What is it, my liege?” Lokai rushed to his side apprehensively as Garrick’s head snapped up. He had just described the nursemaid, Natasha.

  Haunted eyes met theirs. “You just described Diedre’s mother. If it is truly her then Diedre is in mortal danger!

  ***

  A wicked smile creased her lips as she watched the melee before her. The mistress and her brats were inconsolable as her daughter tried to cajole them from their weeping. Good! She wanted them to feel pain…just as she had when she lost Alred’s attentions. They will feel more pain before I am through with them.

  Although she could not see them, she sensed the guard that Lokai had sent to protect the women. Alred would have to arrive soon. She slipped unnoticed from the chamber as she planned her next move.

  I need to handle the next events very carefully. I cannot let Athor find the spear but I will need it to kill Alred. Mayhap I will set him on Diedre next while I deal with the king. Once he relinquishes the power of his throne to me there is nothing Athor can do about it. Yes…that could work. Natasha rushed through the gates to rendezvous with Athor.

  Chapter VII

  Diedre felt her body begin to tingle as she held her weeping sister in her arms. She glanced about the room, recognizing the royal guardsmen stationed there as the same who guarded the palace. She arched her brow at Moran, Lokai’s second-in-command, questioningly. He remained mute giving a slight shake of his platinum head.

  What is going on? Why did Lokai send his best guards here secretly? I know Moran, as well as the rest. If only I can see them then there must be a traitor amongst us. Oh bother! I need to get Seonaid to calm herself so I may find out what is happening.

  She stroked her sister’s auburn hair in a loving caress. “Come rest in your chambers, Seonaid.”

  She shook her head vehemently. “I can nae rest till Lokai brings me my husband!” Her voice trembled as she attempted to calm her tears.

  Diedre sympathized with her pain. If it were Lokai instead, she would be in the same distress. Still…there were plans that needed to be made. She would need to be stern.

  “Nonsense! Garrick would not be pleased that you are distressing yourself…and the bairns, without knowing if there is cause. They will not calm till you have done so.” She waved her hand toward the children being comforted by Mary and two other maids.

  Seonaid turned tear-filled eyes in their direction and knew that Diedre spoke the truth. She nodded slowly and allowed her sister to lead her out of the room reluctantly. Her heart ached as she reached out into nothingness with her thoughts…searching for Garrick’s essence. There was no response to her cries. She stumbled as reality struck her. Her love was dead.

  “Nay,” she choked out as black dots appeared in her vision. Bile began to rise in her constricted throat as her legs gave out beneath her. Moran appeared and swept her into his strong arms as she fainted, carrying her to her bed. Diedre quickly checked her over and finding nothing amiss, spoke a few words to allow her a dreamless sleep.

  Then she turned to Moran. In her most imperial voice she commanded, “Tell me what is going on!”

  “I cannot, Princess. Lokai ordered us to protect the royal family until he returns. That is all I may tell you.” He bowed low.

  “I am your Princess. Surely you can divulge anything to me that my husband has spoken.”

  He shook his head, his mouth in a grim line. Lokai had warned that she might be trouble. He specifically told him to reveal nothing to her…especially her!

  Diedre’s eyes hardened as she worried her lip. She studied the handsome Fae before her, determined to get answers. She will not allow him to deny her wishes.

  “Tell me, Moran…do you enjoy eating raw fish?” A wicked smile crossed her lips.

  His eyes darted toward her nervously, shaking his head.

  “How about cold salt water? Do you enjoy it?” She plucked imaginary lint from her sleeve nonchalantly as she continued with her inquiries. “Or being pursued by sharks?”

  “What are you getting at, your highness? No one in their right mind would enjoy such torture.” He shuddered at the thought.

  In a flash, she was standing on tiptoe beneath him, glaring. “I am referring to your fate as a sea lion lost in the ocean’s depths if you do not reveal all to me this instant! You know that I can do it…and Lokai would never find you.” She would never do such a thing to anyone…but he did not know that. He had always believed all the rumors about her, whether they were true or not. She smiled.

  Moran was aghast! How was he to deal with her? His blue eyes narrowed as he went nose-to-nose with her. “You would not dare!”

  She stomped her tiny foot and stood her ground. “Try me!”

  Moran flinched. He opened his mouth to respond.

  “Leave us!” Lokai roared. He could not believe his ears. The moment her banishment ended sh
e was back to her old tricks. Anger churned in his gut as he stared at her. Was there no hope for her?

  “Now Lokai…I know what you must be thinking but it is not true. I was not really going to turn him into a sea lion. It was an idle threat to get information. Seonaid believes Garrick to be dead. I merely wanted to…reassure…her.” The look in his eyes made her falter, all but confirming her sister’s fears. She shook her head. “No. He cannot be dead.”

  Tears sprang to her eyes as Lokai wrapped his arms about her. “He rested his chin on her head as he spoke the lie. “We are under attack, Sprite. Garrick and Hagar are the first casualties. I cannot allow any more. I will not lose you or the babe so we must be discreet. It is Fae we fight…including Athor. I suspect that he was the one who pierced Garrick’s heart with an arrow.”

  She stiffened and stepped out of his arms. “Athor is dead! You killed him with your own hands.”

  “He must have jumped to another body as I struck the blow. He has the spear now.” He gazed into her eyes softly. “No one is safe.”

  Diedre shook her head. “Take us to the palace then. All will be safe there. Athor has no magic. He cannot enter the Fae kingdom.”

  Lokai darted his eyes away from her shaking his head. “No, we cannot.”

  “Why not? It is the perfect solution.”

  “We just cannot. You will have to take my word for it.”

  Her eyes narrowed as she studied his face intently. He was keeping a secret! She could feel it in her bones. Her mind searched for a reason that made since and only came up with one. He was hiding Garrick in the palace! If Seonaid entered the Fae realm she would sense him. That had to be it. Garrick was alive!

  “Why do you wish for Seonaid to believe her husband dead? That is why we cannot go to the palace…is it not?”

  He groaned. Matching wits with his wife was a full-time job. She was too smart for her own good. Sighing in resignation, he tried to explain the reasons for the deception.