by Jaye Shields
Pyrrhus stood, his strong body still clutching Sparrow against his chest so that there was little movement of her broken bones. Tera noticed the dragon-demon glare at the vampire. Obviously handing Sparrow over to the leech was against his will. She quickly realized the vampire relations were even worse in other realms than the human one. But after today, she trusted Duncan whole-heartedly; Michelle, the were-jaguar, as well. Duncan disappeared with a limp, Sparrow cradled against his chest. Her heart hollowed as she watched them disappear. Sparrow was like her sister, her daughter, and her best friend all wrapped in one.
Sabin seemed to sense her thoughts, and he brought her to his body and hugged her. She let her face nestle comfortably against his chest. As she heard the other Knights depart, she let her tears escape. Overwhelming emotion set loose the flood that been hiding behind her lids.
Reaching his hands down to where she was nestled against him, Sabin cupped her face, his palms catching her tears. “I love you. Sparrow will heal, and she will be the better for it.” He smiled gently. “After all, she’s a war hero now. I will tell High King Breasal of her bravery, and of yours and the others.” Tera watched his gaze turn dark. “And Chaos will be punished. I will see to it myself this time.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Hours later, Sparrow was miraculously, and magically, fully recovered. Everyone was gathered at the house and now Tera, Duncan, Michelle, and the aunts delighted in her speedy recovery. Sabin had left as soon as Sparrow awakened to return to the Realm of the Fog and meet with King Breasal to discuss the Goddess of Chaos’ actions.
Now Sparrow was up and at ’em with her usual enthusiasm. “See, aren’t I a great hiring director?” She ran her fingers through her straight blond locks. Bowing toward Michelle’s direction, Sparrow smiled appreciatively. “Badass.”
Tera laughed. “Sparrow, someone as angelic as you should really not use language like that.”
Not impressed by her sentiment, Sparrow lifted a quizzical blond brow. “I just fought a demonic war and was nearly killed; I think I get to use profanity.”
Michelle had been shy at first, but quickly became more comfortable with the playful banter. “Anyways, you both were, um, quite badass yourselves,” she assured with a smile.
Tera couldn’t help but chuckle, and gave the young woman a hug. “I’m sorry we had to meet for the first time covered in demon guts. I’m Agrotera. Tera for short.”
“Michelle. That’s long for Ixchel, my Mayan name. Which is news to me as well. But that’s kind of a long story.”
Tera gave the girl a big hug and smiled appreciatively at the vampire by Michelle’s side. “And you. I knew I kept you around for a reason.”
Michelle lightened the mood. “I’m glad you did.” And then the black-haired, blue-eyed beauty leaned against the vampire’s hard body for a kiss that almost made Tera go weak in the knees herself. Instead, she sighed, missing her man. Eventually, Duncan and Michelle left so that Sparrow would finally rest, despite her own protests that she was fine, and Tera was left alone in her bed. Drifting off slowly, she let herself dream of her man who was away in the fog …
• • •
The large boat carrying two Knights sailed magically through the water. Like a magnet, the boat was pulled through fog-shrouded waters toward the mystical Kingdom Hy-Breasal. Located in the Human Realm, the island was in a hidden plane beneath the sea. According to legend, which the Knights knew to be true, the mystical island was only visible to the human eye once every seven years. Only then would it rise from the depths of the ocean somewhere off the coast of Ireland, shedding its mystical shield. On numerous occasions throughout history, traveling seafarers caught sight of the island only to watch it vanish. The island had long driven sailors and archaeologists mad with the desire to find it.
Every other day, the only way the island could be reached was through the Realm of the Fog using a special watercraft, laden with a magickal incantation that allowed it to reach the otherworldly location. When they reached the perimeter of the island, the fog would lift from all around them, and they would be able to land.
“You have been awfully quiet this journey, friend.” Sabin spoke curiously to his friend Rowen as dense fog sifted past them. “What matters are you thinking on?”
Silence followed, but he noticed a change come over Rowen’s face, as if he had been caught red-handed. “It has been an interesting couple of days is all.”
But he recognized the Knight’s preoccupation. “You are thinking on the girl aren’t you? Her name is Sparrow.”
Rowen smiled and looked through the thick haze before him. “She fought bravely for one who looks so sweet.”
He nodded. “It is a good thing that Pyrrhus’ blood healed her well and quick. Do not worry, she was fully recovered when I left.”
At Sabin’s admission, the wood siding on the boat under Rowen’s palm cracked and splintered from the pressure. Sabin lifted a quizzical brow at his comrade.
“I am ashamed to have responded so, but when the demon dragon had its lips on her, a vicious heat stirred within me.”
Sabin laughed at his friend, who seemed truly disturbed. “You’re just used to being the hero, my friend.” He slapped a hand against Rowen’s shoulder. “Do not worry, I’m sure you made an impression mid-demonic battle. If not, her aunts will certainly remind her of your gallantry and good looks. Her aunts are quite playful that way.”
“So, you think I’m good looking?” Rowen winked, but then threw a punch. Sabin received the blow to the gut, smiled and threw one back, happy to pass the time sparring.
Suddenly the fog began to lift and the kingdom came into view. A gigantic castle stood atop a hill, a breathtaking picture of heavy stone and elegant golden towers. An inlet wove through the town toward the hill where the castle lay. The homes that lined the cobblestone streets glittered with golden shutters and thatched roves. The Kingdom of Hy-Breasal was a sumptuous one, all the townspeople dressed in gold-stitched clothing and fine silk. No one was left wanting in the Kingdom of green pastures and fruit-laden trees.
As their boat made its way through the semi-circular waterway, the townspeople waved to the Knights, who were among the few to visit the town. Vibrant shades of mustard and lavender dotted the landscape, and vibrant red tulips were dotted here and there between village homes. When the boat finally reached the end of the waterway, the Knights were received by the villagers — the young female villagers that is.
Sabin tried not to offend as he squeezed through the crowd of lovely young women that descended upon him. The only body he craved to touch was Tera’s. “My ladies,” Rowen placed two of his hands upon two of the young ladies. “Please allow us through. We have pressing business with the High King.”
Sabin continued, “But after, I’m sure that Rowen would be happy to spare some words over an ale recounting our most recent adventures.” Chuckling to himself, he thought he could hear Rowen’s growl coming through the abundant cooing of the women.
Ever the gentleman, Rowen kissed the top of each palm in polite dismissal before joining Sabin in the trek up the hill. “I’m going to get you back for that one, comrade.”
“It wasn’t so long ago that you would delight in the company of the townswomen over ale. What has changed?”
But Rowen didn’t answer, instead motioned to the top of the hill. “He has come to greet us. He must have heard the women.” The Knight smiled as their high King approached.
Standing at the entrance to the grand castle, the High King was a handsome immortal who appeared to be in his late thirties. He had the look of an Irishman, with dark black hair and fierce green eyes. The King wore no crown, but evidence of his nobility was apparent in his stance and fine clothing. The gold thread and cloth stretched across his strong body with great imminence. The High King was not as tall as the towering Knights, but he still s
tood near six feet.
“Welcomes, my friends. It is good to see you again.” Throwing open his arms, Breasal pulled Sabin into a fierce embrace. “I know that bad news brings you to me, but it’s good to see you well all the same.” Releasing him, the High King hugged Rowen. “The Goddess of Chaos is wretched. I will do my best to see her in Tartarus or another plane of punishment.”
“Yes, we have much to discuss that I think you do not yet know.” Sabin said darkly. Anger still simmered within him from the battle the Goddess of Chaos had instigated. But the thought of Eris in Tartarus, the deepest level of the underworld, did offer some light at the end of the tunnel.
Upon Sabin’s admission, a serious, deadly quality came over Breasal’s expression, and for a moment, he looked more warrior than king. “Do not tell me that Eris has lashed out once more?”
Rowen nodded and Breasal breathed in slowly, as if controlling his anger. “The Gods do nothing. They don’t even have a care to control their antics to the demon realms. It disgusts me what they get away with. This is not ancient Greece.”
Through the castle’s marble floors lined with gold Celtic engravings, the trio arrived to sit in a dining hall. Immediately, beautifully tailored servants brought libations for the Knights and the High King. “Now tell me Knights, what has happened?”
Sabin spoke first. “Chaos has done much, but it is the actions of mortals that I would like to describe to you.”
The High King nodded wisely. “Tell me.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
A golden pink sunset seeped through the large window of Tera’s coffee shop. Since it was open mic night, the cozy coffeehouse was packed with locals filling every table, chair and sofa. Gathered at two adjoining tables in the back corner, Tera sat with Sparrow, Melissandra, and Morgana enjoying the show. Duncan and Michelle also shared a chair at the table.
It had been five days from the time when Sabin left to “take care” of Chaos, and he hadn’t returned since. Nothing to kill a battle victory buzz like a lover gone. Not that Sparrow and the aunts hadn’t tried to drag her into party mode. But tonight was many a lime-and-a- coconut nights later, she was still missing Sabin, and the glory of kicking demons out of the Bay Area was fading quickly.
The creaky voice of a young local with hair drooping on both sides of her face crooned along with her guitar. The sad song did little better for Tera’s lovesick mood. That and her new honeymoon status friends.
Michelle’s bright blue eyes sparkled even in the darkness, her long raven hair a contrast against Duncan’s pale immortal skin. “C’mon darling, why don’t you go up there and show these girls how it’s done?”
Duncan hugged Michelle closer to him and kissed the skin along her neck. As he did so, Morgana seconded the notion. “Yes, Duncan, do go up there and sing something a bit more lively since this girl is only succeeding in putting our Tera into a depression.”
“Quit looking so mopey. Why don’t you get us a round of scones?” Sparrow poked Tera a couple times in the ribs to provoke some enthusiasm.
Melissandra swatted the hand away. “Quit being jealous just because you didn’t take your chance when you had it with that hot hunk of dragon-demon.”
Her sister smiled, the lines by her eyes crinkling faintly as she winked toward Sparrow. “He did have a nice wrist, didn’t he?”
“Oh I’m sorry,” Sparrow said sweetly before adopting a more sarcastic tone. “It’s a little hard to appreciate a good wrist-sucking when you’re on the verge of death.”
Morgana laughed and massaged her niece’s shoulders. Tera couldn’t help but smile as well. Leave it to a good ribbing to cheer her up. When the young vocalist was done with her sad song and passed the mic to someone else, she stood up to go get a round of scones and Devonshire cream from the barista.
The next local artist began to play back at the front of the store. Uninterested, she stood facing the kitchen. She stared like a zombie, counting the various teas on the wall like sheep. When the music came to a sudden halt and the coffee shop became quiet, she whipped her head toward the front door. There stood her man in all his glory.
She watched him duck under the door and a smile came to her lips immediately. Sabin was so tall he nearly hit his head as he entered. His hair fell sensually against his shoulders in a shiny silver mass and his aqua-gray eyes stood out like lightning in the dimly lit café. Her heart stopped. Obviously, the audience wasn’t quite used to seeing such a gorgeous, otherworldly specimen of a man either, judging from the silence.
She watched Sabin calmly take in the crowd around him. Turning to the woman on guitar, he extended a palm. “Play on.”
The young guitarist clumsily began her song once again, and Tera could see her blush from across the shop. Despite the crowd, Sabin was tall enough to spy her from across the coffeehouse and made his way toward her. The crowd seemed to part for him.
Ahh, l’amour. Smiling like a lovesick puppy, she let Sabin sweep her off her feet and press a needy kiss deep against her lips. Tera could feel the eyes of the barista on them as Sabin parted her lips with his tongue and took the warmth of her mouth within his own.
Tera’s heart swum with bliss, but she pulled away, bashfully aware that she had an audience. “Wow.” The barista holding the scones looked impressed. “I didn’t even realize you had a squeeze. I’d keep him locked up, too.”
“Melanie, meet Sabin.”
“Nice to meet you.” The young barista with purple hair and a lip-piercing smiled.
“Delighted to make your acquaintance as well. There is much time that I am not here. Do spread the word, Melanie, that Tera is very taken.”
Both Tera’s and Melanie’s mouth dropped, but Melanie finally managed to nod and smile, probably near comedic hysterics. “I can see that. I’ll definitely spread the word.”
Tera heated to ten different shades of red, even in the dark café. “Uh, he’s a traveling salesman from Yugoslavia. They have different ideas on etiquette and possessiveness.”
A laugh finally escaped Melanie. “No worries, boss.” With that, the barista handed over a tray full of scones and a heaping of Devonshire cream.
Sabin took the tray and wrapped an arm around Tera, guiding her back through the crowd. Once at the table, there were no empty chairs, so he scooped her upon his lap. “Good to see all my favorite ladies once again.”
The aunts fawned over Sabin as he spread some cream on a scone and fed a piece to Tera. “I fear we must eat these scones quickly though and be on our way.”
More jaws dropped. Tera looked dumbfounded. “We?”
“What?” Sparrow exclaimed.
The aunts also questioned in unison. “Why?”
Sabin laughed. “Yes, we. We as in all of us. I will take you all on a journey to the Realm of Fog, if you are up for it.” Looking around the table, he pressed, “But I would greatly recommend being up for it.”
The aunts smiled and responded quickly. “We are.”
Michelle spoke up in a concerned voice. “I thought vampires weren’t allowed to travel through the portals?” Beside her, Duncan’s eyes glinted dark, as if he were constantly prepared to deal with the implications of his violent race.
Sabin looked at him with respect. “I have discussed Duncan’s gallantry with my order and my king, and he is important for this journey as well.” Shifting his attention directly at Duncan, he extended an arm. “I have great respect for you, Duncan. And know that I think of you as a comrade for protecting Tera while I was gone. Know that I would always do the same for you.”
Duncan took his hand away from Michelle for a moment and clasped Sabin’s arm in a manly embrace that signified trust and respect, and maybe even friendship. Duncan smiled, “I have grown to love these ladies, but I am definitely grateful to have another man in our midst.” He nodded toward Melissandra playfully, “
Another target for Melissandra’s butt-pinching perhaps.”
Michelle’s eyes went wide and she playfully pushed the aunt’s shoulder. “Heyyy.”
“My ladies, and gentleman vampire, we really should be going now.”
“Now?” Tera exclaimed.
“As soon as everyone has finished their scones, my love.”
At that, Sparrow and the aunts scarfed down the remaining baked goods.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The rag-tag group of Wiccans, vampire, were-jaguar and Dryad came through the portal. Immediately, all eyes in the foggy realm were upon them. Pride swelled inside Sabin as he led the group. All of the Knights were aware of why he brought the travelers; Breasal had informed them of the occasion to ensure their secure and esteemed passage. The Knights looked upon his beloved and the group as warriors now, individuals about to receive a great honor. But that was for later.
Several of the Knights saluted the group just as they manifested in the foggy realm. “Well done.” The tall, handsome, ethereal men applauded the ladies and one of them held out a hand for Duncan. Sabin hadn’t seen a Knight shake a vampire’s hand in, well, never.
“Wow, what a lovely reception!” Morgana held a hand to her heart as the tall, gorgeous Knights of the Fog crowded around them.
Sabin smiled, but began chanting as more Knights introduced themselves. His intention was to put all the travelers to sleep for a time until they reached the mystical passageway to Hy-Breasal.
Sodor came up behind Sabin and patted him firmly on the back. “Good idea.” Looking to the group of travelers, Sodor bowed slightly. “Good to see you again ladies, vampire.” Despite Duncan’s aid in the battle, the Knight still held a tone of superiority when addressing the vampire.
Sabin noticed an irritated glare flare up briefly in Michelle’s eyes, as if she wanted to take Sodor down a notch or two. Luckily, most of the attention shifted to Sparrow, the Knights fawning over her, kneeling in the fog to kiss her palm. If Sabin knew one thing, it was that the only thing Knights loved better than subduing monsters was pursuing maidens. He noticed that Duncan sensed this, and stood protectively near Michelle, as if claiming her from the eyes of the Knights. From next to his muscular form, Michelle’s big blue eyes twinkled with mischief. Sabin clutched Tera’s hand.
