by Anthology
“I knew we’d find each other.” He kissed her brow and left the bedroom, closing the door gently behind him. He stoked the fire in the hearth, one Beth must have started when Aideen first arrived, then helped himself to some of the foodstuff and enjoyed a hot cup of tea along with his meal.
The clock on the mantle read six thirty-five. The sun still wouldn’t be up for another hour or so and, just as sunrise was late in winter, sunset came early this time of year—just after four o’clock. The journey to Brecon was at least six hours by horseback, so they would have to leave no later than ten o’clock. Earlier, if they could. He cursed under his breath. He had to speak to Ruben and the elders now if they were to start gathering another rescue party.
Jack downed the last of his tea and set Aideen’s food inside the cooler. He jotted her a quick note, just in case she woke up before he could return. Snatching his coat from the top of his pile of gear, he headed out the door toward Ruben’s cabin, where he knocked.
The door swung open. “Please, come in.” His grove leader stepped aside.
“Actually, I think we need to bring Lady Esme and Lord Jensen to the Table. We have a situation.”
Ruben’s demeanor shifted to concern. “Of course.” He grabbed his coat and fell in step with Jack as they navigated through the village to the hall. “They should be finishing up their business with the newcomers.”
High Priestess Esme and High Priest Jensen were just rising from the council table when Jack and Ruben stepped into the Discussion Room.
“Begging your pardon.” Ruben bowed respectfully. “Jack here has some important information to bring to our attention.” He rounded the Table and took his seat between the two religious figures of the village.
“We’ve heard Aideen is finally free from the vampires.” Lady Esme reseated herself and grinned. “I’m sure you’re glad to have her home, Jack.”
“Thank you, my lady, I am. But there’s a pressing matter that concerns me. Rasheed, the vampire who was the head of the nursery, was the one to set her free and he told her how to find me here at the village. The vampires still think mating two cuspers will produce a spirit Elemental.”
Ruben nodded. “And that’s exactly what we want them to keep thinking. There’s no telling what they would do with a spirit Elemental.”
“Understood, sir.” Jack willed his heart to stop pounding in his chest. “However, not only does Rasheed know our whereabouts, he’s holding Aideen’s children hostage—their safety in exchange for bringing me back. If she doesn’t return with me by sunset tonight, he says he’ll kill them.”
The elders at the table exchanged worried glances.
Jack did his best to steady his voice. “One of them is my son.”
Lord Jensen nodded. “Do you know where the nursery is?”
“Under the city of Brecon.”
“Under the city?” Ruben’s eyebrows shot up toward his hairline.
“Yes, sir. As you can guess, it’s easy to see why we haven’t been able to find this or some of the other nurseries.” Just as Jack could hear voices on the wind, so could earth Elementals gain knowledge from vibrations in the earth, water Elementals see images from touching water.
Jensen sighed. “The cacophony of noise from the city makes it impossible for us to discern their location through any of the elements.”
Jack nodded. “The good news is, if we can gather a rescue party immediately, we can leave no later than ten o’clock and be there before sundown, giving us the ability to liberate the nursery before the vampires can do the children any harm. I can go ahead with a new rescue team and we can dispatch the vampires, then wait for the rest of the razing party with the wagons to bring the survivors home.”
“When did she leave?” Lady Esme pressed delicate fingers to her pink lips, contemplation narrowing her pale green eyes.
“Last night.” Jack gripped his wrist behind his back with hope.
“I know this is something you might not want to hear, son.” Ruben’s charcoal gaze shadowed with regret. “This all sounds a little too convenient.”
Jack clenched his fist. “Aideen was forthcoming with Rasheed’s plan. She admitted she was bait for luring me back to the nursery. If you’re implying that she—”
“Of course not.” Ruben raised his hand in an effort to placate Jack’s irritation. “I don’t think Aideen has done anything to intentionally harm you or us. I think she genuinely believes we can help. But those vampires are not stupid. Rasheed must know we have the ability to return before sunset when he is helpless. I fear for what is waiting for you and your party when you arrive.”
“There certainly won’t be any vampires available to harm us.” Jack paced. “And with the promise of the cure for the werewolves, any number of them should be easy enough to persuade to be on our side. How is this any different from any other rescue?”
“It’s the simplicity of the approach that frightens me.” Ruben’s eyes leveled and darkened. “You have a vampire who is waiting for this liberation. We must expect anything can go wrong. Esme, Jensen…what say you?”
Jensen nodded to Esme, who spoke. “Both Lord Jensen and I meditated once we heard Aideen had returned. Her circumstances were unusual, to be sure—alone and still bearing her chains. However, both of us agree on our visions and divination. Returning to the nursery to liberate it is the only course of action.”
“We could not see a definitive outcome.” Jensen squinted, stroking the trimmed gray beard along his rounded chin. “Except to say this rescue will not only be a trying one, but it will give us an advantage we have never before possessed. There is something very important we will learn from this quest.”
Jack inhaled a deep breath for strength. “And Aideen…should she stay behind or should I take her with us?”
“It is imperative she go on this journey,” Esme urged.
“Death overshadows this quest, Jack.” Jensen’s sorrow-filled eyes held warning. “We will lose more than one person. There is no way to avoid it, so do not let it burden your heart.”
“Do you know who?” It was highly doubtful they could answer that question, but Jack hoped.
Both Jensen and Esme shook their heads.
Jack drowned his rising fear. “Then I will let the fates choose who I take with me.”
Esme offered a comforting smile. “That is a wise course of action.”
“Go and assemble your group.” Ruben rose dismissively from his chair. “I will be in my cabin if you need me.”
Jack bowed and marched from the Discussion Room, only slowing his pace once he emerged from the main entrance of the village hall. He staggered and leaned his shoulder against one of the wooden columns. Give me the strength to bear the loss, Terra, he pleaded to their goddess. And please…don’t let it be Aideen now that I have her back in my arms.
5
Aideen crossed the courtyard of the village center, passing the quaint wooden clock tower with a well at the base. Jack glanced at the time—almost nine o’clock.
“You’re supposed to be in bed, young lady.” His tone was scolding, but he eyed her leather-clad figure with appreciation. “I see you found the clothes Beth left for you.”
She nibbled her bottom lip and sauntered toward him, her presence scorching his heart. “I think I’m going to like wearing trousers. There’s a certain freedom about them.”
“And quite a distraction.” Jack hissed through his teeth as he inhaled. “I knew you’d look good in leather armor, but not that good.”
She chuckled. “I also found the food in the cooler. Thank you.”
He touched a fingertip to her nose. “You could have had another hour of rest. I would’ve roused you just before we were ready to go.”
Aideen bowed her head. “Nightmares.”
He kissed her brow, silently vowing to replace those bad dreams with happy ones. “Well, since you’re awake…” Jack led Aideen to the stables, where he introduced her to Brian and Dylana, his siblings from the
liberated nursery where he was born. A short riding lesson was in order, since Aideen had never been on a horse, and she needed to be able to ride on her own for time’s sake.
“You’re a natural,” he complimented once they’d used up the full hour for her lesson.
“I don’t know about that,” she said modestly as he helped her off the beast. “But I do feel a little more confident about the ride ahead.” She patted the massive neck of her horse and it nuzzled her, knocking her into Jack. She yelped.
“She likes you!” Jack laughed.
“I’m thrilled.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm, but she gave the animal’s flank another stroke.
Jack and Aideen led their horses out of the pen and toward the edge of the village. Brian and Dylana manned two of the three flatbed wagons waiting them. The young man at the seat of the third was one of the newer members of the clan. Many familiar faces sat in the backs of the wagons, all dressed in leather armor, witches and mages prepared for the razing of the nursery.
“There she is!” Gerard’s arms spread wide as he approached.
Aideen swiveled around and frowned at the elder. As the man who had led the escape when Jack left the nursery ten years ago, he could imagine Aideen would be none too happy to see him.
“Hello, Gerard.” The corner of her mouth was all she managed for a grin.
His demeanor deviated to something less enthusiastic, and he nodded. “I know we didn’t leave on stellar terms, but I’m glad to see you safe.”
“Thank you.”
“Gerard will be riding ahead with us.” Jack helped Aideen mount her horse, then launched into his saddle. He nodded to his approaching friend. “And this is Hugh, who’s also joining us.”
Aideen inclined her head to the young man. He was around their age with light-brown hair that hung low over his brown eyes. “Happy to come along. I do love seeing those smiling faces when we set the captives free.” He winked at her and pushed his unruly bangs from his forehead.
Ruben strolled toward the group and patted Jack on the thigh. “Remember, expect anything. We’ll be prepared back here just in case this is a ruse to catch us off guard.”
“Understood.” Jack shook the grove leader’s hand. “Head out!” He dug his heels into the horse’s side and led the first party through the village to the gate of the perimeter wall.
Aideen caught up to him, teetering in her saddle and clutching her reins with white knuckles. “Who was that and what did he mean?” She matched Jack’s casual gait once she was at his side.
“That was the grove leader, Ruben, and he thinks this might be a distraction to launch an attack on the village.”
She gasped and frowned. “I never…Jack, I’m so sorry—”
“Don’t apologize, Spark.” He cocked a lopsided grin. “You’ve been living in captivity all your life. How could you even have a hint of the plans those monsters could conjure? This isn’t your fault.”
Though she nodded, Jack knew that expression of self-condemnation and doubt. He reached over and squeezed her shoulder with assurance.
“Though the trailing group of wagons will be traveling at a slower pace, Brian and Dylana know the route to Brecon. Once you show us the nursery’s location, Hugh will ride back and meet the wagons to lead them into the city.” He winked and chuckled. “Don’t worry, Spark. If all goes as planned, by the time the razing group arrives, the captives will be free and the vampires will be dead.”
Aideen’s shoulders visibly sagged with relief and she offered an easy smile. With her reaction, he almost believed his own words.
* * *
“Down here.” Aideen pointed to the narrow cobblestone street, her heart raging a war against her ribcage. The wattle and daub buildings appeared to lean over them like nosy observers.
“Are you sure?” Jack clopped to her side, catching up. Reaching inside his coat pocket, he produced his timepiece. “There’s at least two hours before sunset.” He snapped the lid shut, replacing the watch with a frown. “Plenty of time to get everyone out and finally kill these blood-sucking bastards…provided we find the nursery soon.”
She nodded and led them down the indicated road.
“You getting all this, Hugh?” Jack called over his shoulder.
“I grew up in this city, remember?” He jutted his chin forward. “I know my way around and I can tell you, there’s probably a quicker way to where we’re going, but I won’t know for sure until we get there. Seems this vampire revealed a confusing route to delay her return. I’m not surprised.”
Jack nodded. “Agreed.”
“Here!” Aideen urged her mount forward. “This is it!” She swung her leg over her horse and jumped from her saddle, then led the animal through the narrow passage where Rasheed had fed from her before sending her on her treacherous path.
“Aideen, wait!” He skidded after her into the passage, which widened into the dead-end alley.
Pipes ran up one brick wall to the left and she approached the iron gate to the darkened passage below. “The nursery is through here.” Her whispered voice hissed into the darkness and she cringed.
Jack left her side for a moment, then returned with Gerard. “Hugh is off to get the others.”
Gerard secured the reins of the horses to the pipes.
Jack placed his hand on Gerard’s shoulder. “Why don’t you gain a knowing about the passage? I’ll do the same.”
A knowing? Aideen squinted with curiosity.
Jack winked. “Just watch.”
Gerard gripped the bars of the gate and jade light smoked from his fingers, small wisps and sparkles floating around his hands. He then placed his palms onto the stone wall and a subtle emerald glow pulsed through the brick. The older man closed his eyes in concentration.
Gerard shook his head. “I don’t sense anyone waiting in the passages.”
“All the same, let’s make our way quietly.” Jack moved past Gerard to the gate.
He placed his fingertips on the small, flat lock box and the metal whined and squeaked as it frosted over.
Aideen’s jaw dropped.
Jack pulled his dagger from his belt and gave the lock a firm tap with the hilt of the weapon. The metal shattered, tinkling to the cobblestones, and he pulled the gate open. With a smile and a waggle of his eyebrows, he put his dagger away and placed a possessive hand on the small of her back.
She couldn’t fathom the capabilities of their powers. “Shall I light the lantern?” Aideen pointed a trembling finger toward the lamp hanging on the wall.
Gerard shook his head. “Not necessary.” He crouched and pressed his palm to the wooden planks under their feet, and mossy light spilled down the stairs, illuminating the path. “No one but Elementals can see our magic. The light is enough for our eyes and gives us the advantage.”
Jack grinned and Aideen gulped her astonishment.
“Since I’m an earth Elemental,” Gerard continued as he gingerly headed down the rickety staircase, “I can touch anything of the earth—wood, stone, soil, metal, what have you—and illuminate the way.”
Jack touched the lock of the next gate, freezing it in seconds, and again tapped it with the hilt of his dagger.
Aideen shook her head, falling in step behind Jack as they skipped down the few remaining stone stairs. “I have so much to learn.”
Single file, the three of them tiptoed along the narrow ledge beside the frozen waterway and Aideen whispered a few directions to them as they approached the occasional junction on the path. They finally reached the stone stairs that led to the nursery entrance. With his hands on the wooden door, Gerard listened before nodding. Jack froze and broke the lock, then pushed the door open.
Oil lamps emitted a warm light. Gerard cocked a grin and proceeded down the long hall bordered by closed doors. Every creak of the floorboards seemed magnified under the tension of running into danger.
“The door at the end of the hall leads into the nursery commons area.” Aideen spoke in a hushed voic
e.
Jack did his magic and the inner mechanism crackled as it crumbled apart when he turned the knob. Gerard preceded Jack through the doorway and stopped short. A gargantuan man stood with his arms crossed over his massive chest, glaring at them.
“Lorn!” Aideen shoved her way in front of her two rescuers and held up her hand. Flaming ruby wisps of light smoked from her palm and fingers, ready to use her magic if necessary. “I’ve returned with Jack, just as Rasheed commanded.”
The large man nodded. “He will be pleased. Come into the gathering room.” As if not trusting to turn his back on them, he pressed it against the wall and gave them room to pass. He jerked his head down the hallway.
Jack cocked an eyebrow and sized up the giant, whose expression was as hard as granite, but moved on. Aideen studied Lorn and narrowed her eyes. Barely discernible tendrils of red, blue, green and yellow magic feathered from the guard’s body, like mist off a frozen lake.
What spell is this man under?
The guard shoved her down the hall before him.
Each nursery had a gathering room where others usually milled and socialized. The large, square room they entered, however, was empty.
“Where is everyone?” She whirled toward Lorn.
As if in response, four other hulking guards entered and blocked the three doorways to the gathering space, their imposing figures stoic and unyielding. Fear burned in Aideen’s gut as she realized they all had that same colorful magic steaming from their bodies.
Gerard addressed them. “We have a proposition for you.”
Lorn smirked. “Can you offer us immortality?”
Aideen gasped and her knees buckled. Most who became vampires were already corrupt and self-seeking. The evil chuckles floating around the room and the mischievous glints in the guards’ eyes confirmed these men were all proper candidates for the ruthless race of bloodsuckers. That’s why they were different from all the other werewolves they’d recruited. We’re too late!
