“Sorry,” she muttered. “I’ve pissed Dagda off now.”
“He’ll be alright. He has the same problem I do now. We can sort it out together. Stop worrying about it.”
She nodded and asked, “Where are the kids?”
“Inside. They were hungry so I gave them some fruit. Won’t be long until dinner.” Leaning back against the lounger, he said, “They’re going home tomorrow. That gives us ten days, just us four, before they come back.”
“As long as that?” she asked, surprised. “Don’t we have work to do?”
He shrugged but didn’t answer, closing his eyes and resting his head back.
Fair enough. I’m sure they’ll find us if they need us. Markus will summon us himself if necessary.
The children came tearing from the house, shrieking and laughing as they sped towards the water.
“I reapplied their sunscreen before they ate,” Callan muttered as she took a breath to call to them.
She snapped her mouth shut and closed her eyes, considering everything she’d discussed with Ferne, and Dagda’s resignation when he said there was no way around it.
There must be something. Some way…
Fifteen.
Dane sauntered into the kitchen with a low whistle. His eyes settled on her nose. “Hello, freckles! Did you bring me a stick of rock?”
“It was the Bahamas, Dane, not Blackpool,” Charlotte laughed, reaching into a small bowl on the work top and tossing him a small shell. “Here. The kids collected these, if you want a souvenir.”
He studied it and smiled fondly before shoving it into the pocket of his jeans.
Smirking at the sentimental act, she asked, “What did we miss?”
“Petr’s funeral.” Noticing the look on her face, he said, “Oh, don’t worry that you weren’t there. It was kept very private. Father doesn’t do public displays, and well, he was...”
She nodded, remembering how his brother’s death had affected him almost three weeks before.
He was numb. He literally couldn’t react, poor bloke.
“Fair enough. Has Her Crazyship shown her face yet?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Nah, but when she does, it’ll be some grand display. She’s always been a drama queen. How was your holiday?”
“It was amazing! I’ve never seen anything like it. The sea was so warm! It was nice just being away, you know?”
Dane flicked her nose. “The sun likes you. You look loads better with some colour.”
Scowling, she said, “You leave my freckles alone! They took hours of work.”
“Is it classed as work, spending two weeks on your back?” he asked, arching a brow.
Her face heated and she quickly faced the other way, busying herself making Dane coffee.
Dane burst into laughter. “I meant sunbathing! Filthy-minded…” He chuckled as he made his way into the lounge.
She followed with drinks, and shot a warning glance to Dane as soon as she entered the room.
“Where are the kids?” Dane asked, smirking into his mug.
“Upstairs. They’re ready to get back to training. Keep saying they’re bored,” Callan said. “We’ll probably get them back to school after the Easter break. How was the funeral?”
“Quiet. Not like we have a huge family, is it?” he said with a wry smile. “Anything interesting happen while you were away?”
“Ferne decided to research the fountain of eternal youth. That went down a storm with Dagda, so their last day with us was a bit tense. Once they left it was great.”
“What gave her that idea?” A glance to Charlotte gave him the answer and he said, “Your mouth getting you into trouble again?”
Looking down into her mug and shifting uncomfortably, she mumbled, “Might be.”
When Callan laughed, she said, “It won’t be funny when my kids look sixteen and I’m too old to remember their names, will it? I was just wondering and she turned around and made a massive song and dance. Forget it. It doesn’t matter. We don’t have time for all that crap now anyway.”
Callan took a steadying breath and said evenly, “I told you, I’ll get back to it when everything is settled. Stop worrying about it.”
Dane gave her a reassuring smile and said, “He’s right, Lottie. In a year we’ll all be bored rigid. A quest for immortality is right up our street, isn’t it, Cal?”
“Hmm.” Callan sounded sceptical.
“What?” Charlotte asked slowly, frowning at Dane.
“Nothing!”
Callan laughed. “Nothing? You were the one who got Dagda’s arse handed to him by a spriggan, hunting down that ring you were obsessed with. Then there was the incident with the dragon. It took Dad two years to clean up that particular mess.”
Dane raised a hand in surrender. “Okay, so my record of accomplishment isn’t brilliant when it comes to quests,” he conceded with a mischievous grin. “But I’m handy to bring along; admit it.”
“You sound like even more of a liability than I am,” Charlotte snorted. “We’ll discuss it nearer the time, eh?”
Dane pouted as Callan changed the subject and asked, “We’re back to normal tomorrow. What do you want to work on?”
She thought for a moment, not entirely sure what she needed to brush up on.
‘Everything’ isn’t the answer he’s looking for.
“Well, I’m not sure. Suppose I need to work on tapping additional energy to keep my shield up. Now she’s double hard, I need them double strong, don’t I?”
“I can help,” Dane offered. “My power isn’t far off hers, or wasn’t, with us being related. It’ll give yours something to recognise when you come up against her.”
I need all the help I can get.
Will you stop it? You’re fine! It’s all fine.
I’ll feel more optimistic when it’s done with.
Too late then…
Brushing him off, she said, “I’ll need to spend more time with Tyrin and Izak, too. Is Klara back yet?”
“Yeah, she’s back. She works in a more defensive role with her shadow power, but is handy in a fight. Well, you’ve seen her. Will Dagda be available for some sessions, Callan?”
“I can make him available. Anything you need, Charlotte, let us know and we’ll get it done.”
“Running off to that island sounds more appealing the more we discuss this,” she said, leaning into him.
She didn’t see his sad smile as he kissed her head and murmured, “Anything you need.”
“At least you’re guaranteed visitors there. Free holidays,” Dane said, taking his mug into the kitchen. When he came back he added, “I’ll give Blair a shout and tell him we’re all up for training tomorrow. Where shall we meet?”
“Your wards are a pain in the arse now,” Charlotte said, sitting up and turning to Callan. “Is the cairn okay?”
“Should be fine. Thanks, Dane. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Once Dane had left, he asked, “Shall we take the children out for dinner? Finish our holiday off?”
Cuddling back into his shoulder, she smiled. “That would be lovely.”
Callan looked thoughtful. “I want you to try picking us off one at a time today.”
“I’m not convinced the kids should be seeing me practice like that, Callan,” Charlotte said as she cleared away the breakfast dishes. “I thought I’d said I wanted to work on my shield anyway?”
“Why? They do exactly that when they train. You remove the heat from your fire during practice, so that isn’t a problem. It’ll do them good to see how you work,” he countered. “And there’s no better way to test your shield than to have us attack it.”
She chewed the inside of her cheek, unsure.
“They’ll be there. They’ll be watching. If you want Zander to build them a bunker to watch from, fine. But they’re coming,” he said firmly.
“Okay,” she said, taken aback by his tone. “Calm down.”
“I’m calm. You’re fuss
ing over nothing again.” Checking the clock, he got up from his seat. “We have half an hour before they arrive at the cairn. We should get changed.”
I really can’t be bothered. Three weeks off has made me lazy!
Trailing upstairs, she popped her head into the children’s room. “Put your wyvern leather suits on.”
Zander looked confused. “Why? It’s only training.”
“I have to practice and my fire is dangerous,” she explained. “I want you in your armour, please.”
Closing their door, she tipped her head back and took a deep breath before heading to her own room.
Callan had left her armour and dagger on the bed. She glanced at the neat pile and left it there, going into the bathroom to wash first.
Where’s he gone now? I thought he was up here.
“Are you ready?”
“Where have you been? I thought you were up here.”
“Went to get Dagda up. It’s his day off, so I’ve told him he’s coming with us.”
“Is he livid?”
“Nah. He’s downstairs chugging coffee,” he laughed. “Ferne didn’t sound too pleased, but I think she’s gone back to sleep. Once he’s awake, he’s awake, so he may as well come with us now.”
“I’m nearly ready,” she said, fastening her tunic.
“I passed our armoured children on the stairs…”
Securing her Un-Seelie pin, she walked to the door. “Yeah, well, better safe…okay, ready.”
A strong arm pulled her sideways as Callan released her hand.
“Hiya, Tyrin! How’s things?”
“Alright, aye. Good holiday?”
“Fantastic holiday,” she said, grinning. “Where’s everyone else?”
“Coming. Lukas and Dane are trying to get Mark out of his study. Izak went for Klara. I’ll have a run through with the monsters before we start,” he said with a wink.
Tyrin ran as Callan said, “Go on then, you two! Do your worst.”
“Do damage!” Dagda called after them.
They didn’t move with any urgency, casually strolling after him, deep in murmured conversation. Zander nodded enthusiastically as Enya giggled. She took his hand and pulled her after him as she broke into a run. Zander looked up as she said something else, almost losing his footing. She slowed, giving him time to correct his balance, then released his hand and veered off to the right. Tyrin had slowed, jogging backwards as he watched them plotting.
Enya picked up speed, circling around him as Zander stalked forward. Unable to watch both at once, Tyrin placed a protective dome over himself and settled into a defensive stance, his focus on Zander.
Zander smirked as the earth at his feet cracked, the fractures travelling his way. His focus on the ground, he didn’t notice how close Enya had gotten until he caught her moving from the corner of his eye. He spun as she leapt, her hands pressed firmly onto his dome of water, balancing in a handstand above him.
Charlotte heard his snarl from where she stood, the feral sound igniting her instinct to defend them.
Callan took her hand, pulling her to his side. “It’s just Tyrin; it’s only practice,” he murmured, feeling her tense.
Zander reacted, opening the ground at Tyrin’s feet into a huge pit. Stuck between them, Tyrin roared with frustration as he calculated the risk of Zander’s manoeuvre and Enya’s proximity.
Before he had time to react, Enya sprang away, pulling Tyrin’s shield with her. As she landed behind him, she gave him a lopsided smile before pushing his own shield. The solid barrier collided with him, shoving him hard. He braced, pushing it back at her, but she had the advantage. Feet edging to the lip of the crevasse, Tyrin was losing his battle. Zander set the earth trembling, affecting their opponent’s balance further. With a slight upward flick of her wrists, Enya sent the shield right over Tyrin’s head as the edge of Zander’s pit crumbled and Tyrin fell in.
Seconds later, he appeared behind Enya and hoisted her onto a shoulder.
“Fuckinell…” Dane murmured from behind her.
Charlotte turned and said, “They’re getting worse. Did you see it all?”
“They’re a formidable team. They’ve got better strategy than half our army,” Callan said proudly.
“Most of it,” Dane answered. “I wouldn’t want to come up against them, Callan. Imagine if he snapped that hole shut…”
Charlotte gasped in horror. “Don’t give them any ideas! This is bad enough.”
Dagda laughed, nudging her shoulder as he said, “They’re watching you. They’ll be full of ideas in an hour.”
“Charlotte!” Klara pulled her into a tight hug. “I haven’t had the opportunity to thank you.”
“Can’t breathe, Klara,” she gasped in mock discomfort. “Are you all better?”
“I was fully healed within two days. Markus insisted I rest, just in case. Izak said you cleansed me in one go?”
Lowering her eyes, she said, “Yeah, don’t ask me how, but it was done in a couple of minutes.”
She glanced back to the children to see them having an excited conversation with Tyrin. The ground returned to normal.
“Sorry we’re late,” Anton apologised. “Markus isn’t coming,”
Callan nodded in understanding and welcomed Lukas, Blair, and Anton.
“Well, now we’re all here. What’s the plan?” Dane asked, looking from Charlotte to Callan.
“I need help with my shield. Callan thinks the best way to help me with defence is to provide an offense.”
Blair nodded. “At this point, he’s probably right. We can’t teach you anything more; you’ve done all you can to learn to wield it. Now it’s just refining your skill.”
“Well, little sister,” Dagda growled, “us versus you.” He was the first to take a position at the back of the cairn, beyond the stream.
Scrubbing her fingers down her face, she steepled them beneath her chin and looked to Callan. “Tell Zander to protect them. I don’t want any accidents.”
He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Okay. They won’t go easy on you. Not now Blair’s said you’re ready. Think fast.”
She nodded as every one of her friends turned their backs and walked away, leaving her alone.
Okay, Charlotte. War games. You’re the enemy. Act like one.
Sixteen
She hadn’t realised how big the cairn was in previous training. Now they were spread around planning to attack her, she wasn’t sure she could watch such a massive area. Glancing around at them all, she noticed the last of them to choose a position was Callan.
He must have made sure the kids are well out of the way.
A glance confirmed it. Zander had built them a small hideaway that Enya had shielded with water.
Klara and Anton are defence. Lukas is like a sneaky assassin. Shit, he’s gone already.
Her shadow reacted to her observation without prompting, placing a protective barrier around her as she continued to assess her opponents.
Callan, Blair, and Izak are the fire power. Dagda lends his power to theirs. Tyrin, water; watch for Anton tripping me. Dane does a bit of everything. Okay.
The light began to fade. Clouds forming above. Flashes of red, then blue, then red again drew her attention, so she turned and faced the opposite direction.
They aren’t the problem. They can’t touch my shields individually. The defence: I need to take down their defences. Klara and Dane have them shielded. Anton helps Tyrin and Izak. Rain and lightning: get rid of those first. Then Dane. I think…
In answer to Anton’s clouds, she began to leak shadow. Like ink in water it spread, enveloping the cairn in darkness. Certain she was out of sight, she brought up a cloak, drew her dagger, and began to move towards Klara.
There was no need to be careful. They were blind and she was invisible. She turned and walked in as straight a line as she could to where she’d last seen her. A tingling sensation on her left side brought her to a swift halt. Listening, she dropped to a crouc
h.
Draw him out.
Firing a ball of flame into the air directly above her, she looked around. No sign of Lukas, but she was sure there had been a glimpse of Klara slightly off from where she had been heading. Realising she’d given them a hint of her position, she shuffled a few feet to her right. Another tingle in her chest told her Lukas was dangerously close.
She rose and took in a sharp breath, preparing to rush him as an elbow slammed into her stomach. She doubled over.
Shit! I dropped my shield!
The pain faded quickly as she healed the light bruising, then she spun, breaking into a sprint. Away from Lukas, towards Callan, Izak, and Blair. He was right behind her; she could feel him on her back, but she ran on. Unsure of how close she was to Callan, she sent two small orbs of flame back at Lukas and dropped to the ground.
She almost laughed aloud as lightning flashed and Izak struck Lukas down. He’d obviously left himself undefended thinking he could catch her up first.
One down.
With no time to check on Lukas, she moved away. Unable to see, she dispersed the darkness, checking her surroundings. Instantly, they vanished under a fresh shroud.
Dane…
She’d seen Klara off to the left and was about to turn that way when brilliant white lightning pierced the darkness. Her cloak hadn’t had the opportunity to adjust and reflected the light back. She tried to take a step and failed as something closed around her ankles.
Fucking vines! Bollocks!
Callan appeared a few feet away. “You’re caught,” he said, spinning his flaming sword in his hand as more vines wrapped around her legs, pinning her to the ground.
“Yep,” she said as he was thrown back. She didn’t bother to cushion his fall, instead burning through Anton’s vines and scrambling away from where Callan knew she was.
A wind blew, bringing rain with it. Not rain; darts, she realised. Tiny darts that tore the skin of her hands. Blue light told her Blair was on the offensive.
Thunder rumbled and more lighting struck the ground. Then she felt it: the earth trembling beneath her feet. Thunder above and below had her senses reeling, throwing her off balance.
Riftkeepers: Reckoning Page 13
