Realms Gate

by Juliet Anderson

  She stopped in the village of Andragmar and picked up some bread to eat, it was close to midday and she had not eaten anything all morning. She did get some strange looks, obviously not many lone females rode into town fully armed, heading for the Vasmaarian border. Once refuelled she continued on her way. Judging by the squawking the bloody bird was making, he didn’t appreciate the stop. If things went her way, she’d have that damn bird roasted for dinner.

  The terrain started to become much more rocky and mountainous, she guessed she must have crossed into Vasmaar. Her butt was extremely sore from spending most the day in the saddle so she was extremely relieved to eventually see the imposing stone castle in the distance. Erin was surprised she was not more nervous, riding into an obvious trap, but she was tired, fractious and generally pissed off that someone would be willing to put Sasha in imminent danger. She slowed to a trot as the guards stepped aside at the main gate; she was evidently expected. Athena walked across the main courtyard and stopped before a set of sweeping stairs. Heinrekh was standing at the top, dressed in black trousers, long boots and a white shirt, his long blonde hair flowing freely.

  “Welcome to Vasmaar, Erin McLomard.”

  All around the stables, hundreds of troops were waiting to leave. Olav, Wilhelm and Magnus were mounted up and ready to go.

  “We cannot wait much longer for Erin,” Olav announced.

  “Birdie has gone to chase her up,” Magnus responded. He was concerned that he could not reach Erin via telepathy. She had learnt how to raise her shield when she did not want disturbing but now was not the time for that. He felt bad that he had not been there for her if she needed him last night. He smiled guiltily as he recalled what had passed between him and Ingrid. It seemed like an eternity since they were last together. Sense told him to stay away, that he would only get hurt again but his body thought otherwise. She was his one true weakness, like a drug he could not get enough of. No matter how many times he laid with her, his desire never waned.

  Magnus spotted Birdie’s diminutive figure crossing the yard, looking like she could get trampled by horses at any moment. She did not look pleased.

  “She’s gone, Magnus,” Birdie blurted out.

  “Back to Muirhead?” Magnus was surprised. But then Erin was still only seventeen and had every right to get cold feet about going into battle.

  “No. She left a note to say she’s gone to Vasmaar.”

  “What?” Magnus exploded. “Has she got a damn death wish?”

  “She’s not gone to take on Heinrekh. He has Sasha McBride.”

  “Bloody hell,” Magnus swore. “How did Heinrekh know she was friends with Sasha?”

  “I guess your suspicions that we have a traitor in the Circle have just been confirmed.”

  “I must to go after her.”

  “No. You will go with Olav and Wilhelm to the border where Erin says she will join you.”

  “Does she think Heinrekh will let her walk away?”

  “Perhaps she knows more than we do. You have to put your trust in her, Magnus.”

  Magnus snorted loudly and headed over to break the news to Olav and Wilhelm. Wilhelm’s reaction was similar to his. “We must send in troops to guarantee her safe passage back.”

  “Out the question,” Olav responded bluntly. “She chose to cross over to Vasmaar of her own free will. I will not risk all-out war.”

  “But you would risk the safely of the Priestess of Lokranor?” Wilhelm was horrified.

  “I believe Erin knows what she is doing, and you should put a little more trust in her abilities.”

  Magnus leant over and whispered to Wilhelm. “When we are camped on the border, I propose you and I do a little scouting? Two people cannot be construed as an invasion.”

  Wilhelm nodded in agreement. “And when I rescue her, I will throttle her with my own hands.”

  “I can’t let you do that,” Magnus responded. “I get first option on strangling the brat.”

  Magnus would be lying if he said it was an easy ride to the Skarsgaard, his thoughts were preoccupied with Erin. How could she just ride off without letting him know? He was her guardian. But of course had she told him, he would never have let her go. Then he felt even more guilty for spending the evening with Ingrid; had he not been with her, he might have sensed some anxiety from Erin. Twice now she had ridden into one of Heinrekh’s traps. He really was a crap guardian.

  He tried reaching her several times but her shield was up. Damn irritating child. It was kind of ironic though that Heinrekh had tried so many times to snatch her, and now she just rode voluntarily into his home.

  Heinrekh definitely had insider information and when he found out who had betrayed them, he would undoubtedly kill them. His first thought was Angus McBride, he was high up in the Circle and hated him. But even though Angus was a complete dick, not even he would hand his sister over to Heinrekh.

  “You are worried about Erin?” Wilhelm asked as they neared the border.

  “Of course. She is still just a child.”

  Wilhelm gave half a smile. “I think your view might be blinkered. Erin is certainly no child.”

  Magnus scowled at him like an overprotective brother. “She is still seventeen. She has no experience of this kind of life, of what Heinrekh is capable of.”

  “Perhaps my father was right in that we should trust her judgement. She has chosen the path of diplomacy and we should congratulate her for that. It might not be the Viking way, but my father approves of it.”

  “Erin has lived a totally sheltered life. She is not cut out for fighting if she needs to. She could no more kill Heinrekh than a rabbit.”

  “Heinrekh instigated her father’s death, so perhaps she might have a change of heart. Besides, she did kill a wolf yesterday.”

  “Really?” Magnus was shocked.

  “Two took me by surprise at Lokborin. She did, most likely, save my life.”

  Magnus was impressed. But killing a wolf in a moment of panic was very different from running a sword through a man’s body. God dammit, Erin, answer me.

  CHAPTER 23

  Sasha was finding Vasmaar fascinating; Heinrekh was nothing short of captivating. She had woken late and a servant had brought breakfast to her room. The rest of the morning was spent examining some of the fabulous sculptures and paintings in the castle. Later, Heinrekh had put in an appearance and taken her on a tour of the grounds. Despite the layer of snow, the landscape was stunning. Riding through the snow, wrapped in a fur cloak, she felt terrific.

  They stopped at the foot of some rocks. Sasha glanced up at the formation. “Is this a waterfall?”

  “Perhaps a long time ago, but no water flows over it now. I used to play here almost every day when I was young.”

  Sasha glanced over at Heinrekh. She couldn’t imagine him as a young boy. “And how long ago was it that you were young?”

  “A while. Sorcerers don’t age quite the same as mortals.”

  “Are you going to tell me your actual age?”

  His eyes twinkled mischievously. “I can’t tell you all my secrets in one go. There’d be nothing to keep you interested.”

  Sasha felt her pulse flutter ever so slightly; he could hold her interest for a very long time. “Tell me about your family?”

  “What do you want to know?” he asked evasively.

  “Anything. Do you have brothers or sisters? What about your parents?”

  “My mother died a very long time ago. My father not long after.”

  “And you have no siblings?”

  “No,” he gave a rueful smile. “You tend to find that sorcerers only have one child. It stops siblings from killing each other for power.”

  Sasha winced. Vikings could be so brutal. “So you’re all alone?”

  “Yes, it is safer that way.”

  “And you’ve never married?”

  He looked away for a moment. “I almost married once.”

  Sasha saw him clam up, she had obviously hit a
raw nerve. “I’m sorry, I did not mean to pry. I was just curious as to how someone could shut themselves away from the world.”

  “One of my father’s generals had a daughter, Brigid, who was about the same age as me. We grew up together, fought together and were betrothed. She was killed the day before our wedding in a skirmish between Lokranor and Vasmaar troops.”

  Sasha rested her hand on his arm. “I could not imagine what that would feel like.”

  “Like someone ripped out my heart.” He looked off into the distance. “That is why I remain on my own, I could not go through that pain again.”

  “Much as any girl wants to be the highlight of a man’s life, I could not bear to think of the man I intended to marry staying celibate and shut away mourning me forever. It’s romantic, but I would not wish to him end his life with mine.”

  Heinrekh cast his gaze back to her, staring intently into her eyes. She wondered if perhaps she had overstepped the line with him. He spoke eventually. “You are very similar to Brigid, in looks and speech. And she would probably have said the same thing, although not as eloquently.”

  “Then perhaps you should take some female advice and start to live again.”

  “I never said I was celibate, Sasha, just against close relationships.”

  For some reason she was pleased to hear that, but it set her mind wandering too far in a certain direction.

  He gave her that irritating grin as though he could read her thoughts. If he was a sorcerer, the bloody man probably could.

  She turned the horse back towards the direction of the castle. “There seemed to be much troop movement this morning. Are you going to war with Lokranor?”

  “Perhaps. We are camped at their borders.”

  “Why?”

  “Why are we at their borders?”

  “Why go to war with them? Has something tipped in your favour over the last few days that causes you to attack now?” She wondered if it was related to whatever her brother had got caught up in.

  “Apart from the fact I like taunting Olav’s son, Wilhelm, there is another reason. They have a certain guest staying with them who I have been trying to meet for a long time. I am hoping she will visit later this afternoon, if not I will see if she is brave enough to join us on the battlefield.”

  The penny dropped suddenly for Sasha. “Erin?”

  “Yes, my dear. I’ve been waiting to meet with her for many, many years.”

  “But why?”

  “She has a great destiny ahead of her, and will be all but as powerful as myself.”

  “Erin has powers?”

  “Yes. She is acquiring them daily. By the time she reaches her eighteenth birthday, she will be at full capability.”

  Sasha felt dreadful. She was not only insurance for her brother but now bait for Erin. “You’re using me to bring Erin here, aren’t you?”

  “Yes. But that was not the original reason I brought you to Vasmaar.”

  “Then why?” she responded sulkily.

  “I find you fascinating. You are a breath of fresh air to have around.” He reached over and tilted her chin so she had to look directly at him. “I could never hurt you, Sasha.”

  Sasha pushed the horse into canter and headed back to the castle stables. Heinrekh had already hurt her, mentally at least. She felt idiotic thinking that she was there because he actually liked her, whereas in fact she was just bait. Stupid, stupid girl, she told herself crossly.

  Heinrekh took Erin’s hand and led her into a lavish sitting room. It was decorated with rich fabrics and furs and was quite stunning. It was strange that even though Heinrekh was her so-called arch enemy, she felt no fear.

  “Come, my dear. Take a seat. May I offer you some refreshment?”

  “Something hot would be good.”

  He snapped his fingers at a servant and they scuttled off. He stared at her for a long time before speaking. “It feels almost surreal having you here. I have tried so many times over your lifetime to meet with you, and now all of a sudden here you are. Under my own roof.”

  “You have something I want back.” Erin fixed him with a dark look.

  Heinrekh showed his brilliant white teeth. “Sasha is fine. Although I am not sure I want to give her back.”

  Erin caught the look on Heinrekh’s face and did a double-take. He wore an almost dreamy expression when he talked about Sasha. Oh hell, she thought, he likes her. This did not bode well for her friend. “Can I see her?”

  “Later, after our business is concluded.”

  Erin look a large sip of the warm wine that was handed to her, it was really rather good. “What is it you want exactly?”

  Heinrekh’s steely eyes rested on her. “You, of course.”

  “Actually, that sounds really rather creepy. I take it you mean my powers?”

  He laughed. “Yes.”

  Erin shivered; luckily it was just Sasha the guy fancied, which was still kind of weird because he was old enough to be their……well, she didn’t know what because he was impossible to age. “All this is too new to me to make any decisions. Up until a few weeks ago, I had no idea this place existed, that I was to become a priestess.”

  “You’ve been lied to most of your life, Erin.”

  “Tell me about it. But until I figure out what I want to do, I’m not going to get railroaded into anything.”

  “Your tone suggested you might walk away from your powers?” he sounded horrified.

  “Perhaps. I cannot be expected to embrace a world that has been kept secret from me all my life. I believe I too have the right to live.”

  “I don’t need you to give me a lifelong commitment. I would be happy just knowing that you will stand on my side.” His voice was silky smooth.

  “I stand on no man’s side at the moment. When I am of age, perhaps you can ask me again. By then I hope to have a more balanced opinion.”

  He gave a cold smile. “I presume you have been fed the stories that I am this dark sorcerer who wants to wreak havoc on Lokranor and your Realm?”

  “Something like that,” Erin’s mouth twitched slightly. “But I like to make my own mind up about people before I judge them. Although you are widely blamed for the death of my father.”

  Heinrekh winced. “A regrettably accident, I assure you. When you hire mercenaries, they are not always that careful in carrying out instructions.” His gaze reconnected with hers. “I may be ruthless, Erin, but one thing I can guarantee you is that I will never be dishonest with you. Join with me and I will reunite you with your mother.”

  Erin choked on her wine. “My mother detests me. Why on earth would I want to be reunited with her?”

  “Your mother has not seen you for fourteen years. How could she detest you?” he sounded confused.

  “I saw my mother a few months ago.” Erin threw him a pitying look. Poor bloke must have her confused with someone else.

  Confusion turned to realisation in Heinrekh’s eyes. “I’m not talking about your step-mother, Erin. I mean your natural mother, Lodraill.”

  Erin had this horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach that wouldn’t go away. “Lodraill?”

  Heinrekh looked at her in shocked disbelief. “They never told you?” He shook his head. “That is low, even by my standards.” He stood up and crossed to the window, looking out to the courtyard. “High Priestess Lodraill is your mother, Erin. She was married to James McLomard and has been a captive of mine these past fourteen years.”

  “Lodraill is my mother?” Erin repeated.

  “Yes, my dear.”

  “And she is still alive?”

  “As of this morning, yes.”

  “But if she is still alive, how come I am inheriting her power?”

  “You are not just a child of a priest and priestess, you are also born of two Realms. Your powers will be limitless. That is why I want you by my side.”

  Erin stood up and paced around. This could not be happening. Earlier that morning she was all for turning Heinre
kh to dust, now it seemed he might not be as bad as everyone was making out. Sure, he had kidnapped her mother, was inadvertently responsible for her father’s death, but he had not fed her lies all of her life. And how could she have no memory of her birth mother, they had four years together?