The Sceptre of Power [The Peacekeeper Journals Book 3]

by CJ England

  Danolas looked up at his brothers. “I was worrying about Brianna."

  "Really? I'm shocked,” joked Lucas. “And here I thought you were thinking about the latest Paris fashions."

  "She is going to drive me insane,” the witch grumbled, ignoring the bigger man. “I can't stop thinking of her."

  Benjamin patted Danolas’ shoulder in commiseration. “There's not a man in this room who doesn't know what you're going through, my man. We've all had it happen to us."

  Danolas watched as Gallegar and Kira came in the door, arm and arm. The joy on their faces made his throat tighten in envy. “I don't know what to do."

  "Women often had that affect on me,” Patrick empathized. “Then I died, and it didn't matter any more."

  "Bullshit,” Lucas said bluntly. He smirked at the shade. “I've seen you palling around with some of those female shades in your council.” He waggled his eyebrows at his brother. “And a couple of them are hot!"

  "Do you mind?” Danolas rubbed at his eyes. His stomach growled, reminding him he hadn't eaten any of the scones at teatime. “I was talking about Brianna."

  "You must have really angered her to cause her to reject you publicly.” Koran sat in a chair near Danolas. “Would you care to elucidate?"

  "No,” answered Danolas shortly. “It is between Brianna and me."

  "Not so, brother.” Gallegar glided over, leaving Kira to welcome Aebh when she appeared in the doorway. “You know what affects one, affects us all. She is important to you, so she is important to us."

  "How many times do I have to say this?” Danolas gritted out. “How I feel, doesn't matter. What is between Brianna and I can be nothing permanent. She is not for me."

  "You keep telling yourself that,” growled Lucas. “Maybe you'll start believing it."

  Benjamin shook his head. “I just don't get it. You keep saying she's not for you. How do you know? Hell, she might be your soulmate."

  His words pierced Danolas’ sore heart. Sometimes, he wished with all that was in him it could be true. He shook his head. “No. She and I are too different, and ... there is another, who I'm told, I will love more than I can ever imagine loving anyone."

  Koran's mouth dropped open. “You are in love with another woman?"

  "No!” The witch shot to his feet to pace away and back again. “It's complicated, all right? Let's just say I'm spoken for."

  Gallegar shook his head. “I told you not to concern yourself with the vision, Danolas. By doing so, you may miss what is right in front of you."

  "And what might that be?” Danolas inquired testily, swinging around to face him.

  But everyone had stopped listening. “Ho-ly-Christ,” Lucas managed as he stared over the witch's shoulder to the door. His mouth open and shut twice before he could finish. “Jesus, I don't fuckin’ believe it! How ... about that?"

  Frowning, Danolas turned, and looked to where all the Chosen were now gazing. His heart literally stopped at what he saw.

  It was her.

  He knew it the moment his gaze lit upon her. It could be no one else. His spirit sang in recognition. This was the woman of Kira's vision. She entered the room, then stopped and spoke to Kira and Aebh. She was dressed in a long, flowing lavender robe embroidered with white and silver thread. Beautifully worked designs that denoted healing, power, and strength were placed strategically over all the power points of the young witch's body. They called to attention, rather than hid, the beautiful thrust of her breasts and slender shape of her waist and hips.

  Danolas’ whole body came to attention. He had a brief moment of guilt he could feel this for anyone else but Brianna, but he forced the thought away. She was here ... finally. He waited impatiently for her to turn around so he could see more of her face, but he didn't need to see the purple eyes to know this was she. Long auburn hair, so rich and full it flamed with life, flowed over her shoulders past the middle of her back.

  Turn around.

  The thought escaped him and he gasped as she turned, as if in response to his plea. Vivid, violet eyes met his in a look that was both haughty and afraid. As he watched, her chin went up and she licked her lips.

  And suddenly, everything he knew and believed fell apart around him. He took a convulsive step forward...

  "Brianna?"

  Chapter 10

  "Holy, Mother of God,” Patrick whispered as the vision in lavender came towards them.

  "What has she done to herself?” Benjamin's voice sounded more like a frog than a Suprahuman.

  Danolas was shocked into complete silence. It couldn't be ... but it was. It was her. Brianna. But ... not Brianna. Gone was the dull muddy hair and dirt brown eyes. Gone too, were the deplorable jeans and oversized T-shirts. He couldn't accept it. He didn't understand it. What was going on?

  Gallegar, in true form, took over. Having been privy to Kira's confession, he knew who Brianna was, yet even he was surprised by the pixie-like loveliness of the woman who stopped before him. “Little sister,” he said gently, seeing the trepidation in her eyes and understanding it. “It is good to see you looking so well."

  "Well? Hell ... she looks a lot better than well.” Lucas grinned down at her. “So this is what you've been hiding under those jeans."

  "You are most beautiful,” Koran murmured as he took Brianna's slim hand. “You were a treasure before, but now you please my eyes as much as you did my heart."

  Her violet eyes flicked towards Danolas, but he was too tongue tied by shock to say anything at all. He could only stare rudely at her, as he watched the color rise in her cheeks. Now the freckles and temper made sense. And somehow, the upside-down mouth and turned up nose fit perfectly with this new Brianna. Finally, he understood the flickers of purple power he'd seen surrounding her.

  "These robes are what I wear when I'm not among the humans.” Brianna smiled back at the Chosen. “But I will say; the T-shirts were no disguise, but a favorite of mine."

  "You look just fine, whatever you've got on,” Benjamin said gallantly.

  "I am pleased you have been able to take your true form,” Kira announced as she and Aebh joined the group. “It must have been difficult pretending to be what you were not.” She smiled wryly at her mate. “This I know."

  "But why?” Lucas scratched his head in confusion. “I mean, I like you either way, but why the disguise?"

  "That was my decision,” Aebh answered. “I thought Brianna's beauty and unusual coloring may bring too much notice as she traveled to you. I felt she would be safer using an illusion.” She glanced at the still silent Danolas. “What do you think, little Adonis?"

  There was a telling silence before Danolas finally managed, “You're not real."

  Brianna's eyes narrowed. “I be the same woman I was last night. Just the wrapping is different. Why should that matter?"

  "It matters.” He remembered suddenly what Gallegar had said about the outside of a person being deceiving. Danolas looked at the vampire, anger seeping into his face. “You knew."

  Gallegar inclined his head. “I knew she wasn't what she seemed.” He smiled at Brianna. “But I didn't know she was as lovely as this."

  Danolas turned to Kira. “Did you know?” He stared at her, tension knotting his shoulders.

  "Yes,” she answered simply.

  "Why didn't you tell me?” The witch's anger grew as he stood there. “You knew—” He cut himself off and switched to mind-speech. “You knew I was waiting for the woman of your vision. I have been through hell these past weeks trying to figure out what I was feeling. If I had known—"

  "If you had known, would you have treated her any differently?” Kira mind-asked him. “You had already decided to dislike her because ... how did you say it? She was childish, rude ... and obnoxious. Not the type of woman you dreamed of."

  Danolas turned a dark red. “I had a right to know! I may have acted differently."

  Kira cocked her head. “Perhaps. But perhaps not. You were given an opportunity to get to know th
e woman you are destined for without the pressure of knowing it was she. And she you. It is what you do now that matters."

  "But damn it ... She isn't what I expected ... what I'd wanted..."

  "My seer—"

  "Excuse me,” Aebh interrupted them both, gently. “You are using mind-speech?"

  "Yes.” Danolas glared at his old Priestess, not believing for a moment the illusion was only for Brianna's safety. Aebh was up to something. “What I have to say is for the Peacekeeper's ears only."

  "Then y'all might wanna tone it down a bit.” Patrick floated closer to put a cautioning hand on Danolas’ shoulder. His brown eyes flashed a warning to the witch. “Kira wasn't the only one getting it."

  Danolas jerked around to look at the others. The Chosen were all smiling widely, while Brianna watched him with a puzzled, hurt look on her face. He reddened, remembering too late, how she had sometimes read his mind. How much had she heard? He cleared his throat. “I ... uhhh ... sorry.” Casting a speaking look Kira's way, he reined in his temper. “My lady, you and I aren't finished.

  She smiled gently. “It had to be this way, Danolas. I promise you."

  He gave an inelegant grunt. “We shall see."

  "I think our supper awaits us,” Gallegar put in. He smiled at Brianna and extended his arm. “May I have the honor of escorting you?"

  Brianna blinked up at him. She shot a hurried glance in Danolas’ direction and then nodded. Putting her hand on his strong arm, she allowed herself to be led into the large dining hall.

  "He will come around,” the vampire said softly. “He cares for you ... very much."

  She lifted worried eyes to his. “I heard some of what he said. What vision does he mean?"

  Gallegar sighed and pressed her small hand with his. “That, I cannot tell you. It is his story to relate. But, Brianna ... I ask that you have patience. Danolas is a good man, one of the best I've ever met, but he is used to doing things his way. And he,” he quirked his lips up in a smile, “as are all the Chosen, is a bit stubborn. It has kept us alive in the past, and I believe will benefit us in the future."

  "Stubborn is not the word I'd use,” Brianna grumbled.

  The vampire laughed. “As long as you give him a chance, you can call him anything you like."

  She grinned up at him. “I'll be having your word on that."

  They were all quickly seated. Brianna found herself sitting at a corner with Danolas. They stared at each other for a long moment.

  "You are beautiful,” he said quietly.

  Her eyes filled. “But still not what you want."

  His lips tightened. “Please, Brianna. How I feel about you ... I don't know what to do. And with this new look..."

  "Prettier is more acceptable ... that's what you think."

  "No!” His loud voice caused heads to turn and he swore lightly. “It has nothing to do with being prettier. You ... you were always a pleasure for my eyes."

  She shook her head and sighed. “I don't understand you."

  He reached out and took her hand, making her heart thump wildly. “There are things you don't know. Things I didn't know. All I can ask is you give me a chance to think it through."

  Brianna's chin went up. “What I said earlier in your bedroom stands. I won't be changing my mind about that."

  He surprised her by lifting her hand to his lips. “Leannan, I'm not asking you to."

  Their conversation was stopped as the food was served, but she was completely aware of the man at her side. No matter how much she wanted to scream at him, her heart still melted when he looked at her. All she could remember was how it felt when he held her close. The look in his eyes as he filled her body with his own. She would give him the chance to think because she had no other choice. She loved him.

  "We have much to discuss,” Gallegar said, as he gazed around the room. “Now that we are all together, I believe it is time to talk about the Sceptre of Power."

  "I'm assuming it's safe to talk here?” Patrick questioned. He glanced apologetically at Aebh. “We've had problems in the past."

  The old witch smiled. “Danolas sent the spells for your shielding. We've done the same here, so ‘tis secure."

  "So what do we know?” asked Lucas around a mouthful of flaky lake trout. “Do we have any more information other than what Brianna already shared?"

  "It is said the Sceptre was lost to the north, in the Cuilcagh Mountains. We know not where.” Brianna looked at Aebh. “There's nothing more specific in my family's history."

  "There are documents in the archives that tell the tale. You may find more there.” The older witch looked at Danolas. “But I do believe you all must go there. I feel it."

  "A real quest.” Koran's amber eyes sparkled. “I have not had such an adventure in many centuries."

  "'Twill be an adventure, ‘tis true.” Brianna tossed her head. “But not an easy one. My ancestor traveled far and we've only a hint of the direction he went."

  "We can handle it,” Benjamin boasted. He grinned at Danolas. “Except maybe, my brother here. He doesn't do well in the woods. Remember when we went after the vampire demon?"

  The Chosen all laughed at the High Priest's embarrassment.

  Danolas glared at Benjamin. “I fell in a hole. We will see how well you do when you've fallen on your face."

  Brianna stared at him. “That, I'd have like to seen.” Her mouth quirked up in a mocking smile. “Did you get dirty, I wonder?"

  "Like a pig,” Lucas related with relish. He grinned at the witch. “Maybe you'll want to wait here ... where it's nice and clean."

  "I may not be one for wide open spaces,” Danolas shot a quelling look at his brothers, before turning back to Aebh, “but as I said ... Brianna is under my protection. Where she goes, I go."

  There was another long silence, as they all digested his steely words, then Aebh spoke again. “The mountains are part of a new Geopark. Tourists by the drove, visit there. ‘Twill be difficult to keep your presence a secret."

  "You think we will be followed.” Koran sipped at his wine thoughtfully.

  "Aye."

  "I assume by your expression, you believe it will not be safe.” Kira put her hand into Gallegar's and he squeezed it comfortingly.

  "The enemy who followed Brianna to San Francisco will not give up so easily. They do not want the Sceptre of Power found."

  "That just tells me how valuable it really is,” Patrick mused. “And if Brianna can find it, we can use it to win the war."

  "I believe some time in the archives reading more about this weapon will be helpful,” Koran stated. “I think we should dig into the past before we set out to change the future."

  "Well said.” Danolas toasted the faerie. “The more we know the better. That we have learned the hard way."

  "And,” Gallegar brought Kira's hand to his lips, “we've learned to be honest with each other and communicate all we know. It can make the difference between life and death."

  "It can also make the difference between love and anguish,” Kira returned as she leaned forward to buss a kiss over his lips. “Which is also very important."

  "Then maybe we need to talk about how it is Brianna can mind-speak us all.” Benjamin's comment created a sudden uncomfortable silence. He looked around at the others at the table. “Well, shouldn't we? I mean all of us heard her call for Danolas when she was attacked by the Kraken, even though we couldn't tell where she was. Only he could. And just now, I know she heard Kira and Danolas talking. I heard her hear them ... if that makes any sense at all."

  "Yeah ... in a weird way. Lucas scratched his head. “But how? How can she be mind-linked with us?"

  "Daughter?” Aebh asked. “Is this true?"

  Brianna felt the weight of all their gazes on her as she stared uncomfortably down into her lap. “Aye, ‘tis true. But I only hear bits and pieces. Not everything."

  "But she is not linked with us. And we had to join with Kira to accomplish the mind-speak.” Koran frown
ed. “Why is she is different?"

  "Perhaps, she is not.” Kira's golden gaze touched Danolas. “She has joined with one of us ... in a way."

  "Joined?” Patrick looked at Kira in confusion. “I don't—” His eyes widened suddenly. “Ohhh..."

  Pink flared to life on Brianna's cheeks. While she wasn't embarrassed she'd made love to Danolas, to have it dissected in such a way was discomfiting. “'Twasn't something I meant to do,” she whispered. She went even redder as she'd heard what she said. “Listen to your thoughts ... is what I'm a meaning."

  Danolas was also embarrassed, but he knew the truth needed to come out. He took a deep breath, remembering how Kira and Gallegar felt when their lovemaking had been under scrutiny. This was just as uncomfortable. “When she called for help and we all heard her, I knew something curious had happened. I wasn't sure what it was until later. Once ... after we...” he glanced at Brianna's bowed head, “were ... together, I heard her thoughts, gave her my own to test her. I knew then, she and I had somehow connected. I'd only done that once before with a woman ... when I joined with Kira."

  "So you heard what Danolas and I said earlier?” Kira whispered as she looked regretfully at Brianna.

  Not you so much,” the young witch answered after a moment, “or the other Chosen. Just those bits and pieces, as I said.” She glanced at Danolas. “But I do hear you. Whether I want to or not."

  Danolas groaned at the expression she wore. He remembered his callous words and swore aloud. “Leannan..."

  She shook her head and offered him a trembling smile. “'Tis all right, High Priest. You said nothing you haven't already told me to my face."

  "Still...” He touched her cheek and sent her a tight mind-thought, hoping she'd hear it. “I am no longer sure what I want any more, Brianna. You have succeeded in confusing me, thoroughly.” Danolas knew his thoughts had been heard when her violet eyes widened and warmed. Taking advantage of it, he went on. “I asked you to give me a chance to think it through. I ask you this, again."

  Her lips tightened in concentration. He heard her ... very softly in his mind. “Aye."