“Come on álainn, time for a bed time story.”
She smiles at me and asks, “What was that you called me? You used the term earlier tonight, if I recall”
“Beautiful, it’s Irish Gaelic.”
“What is handsome?” She asks.
“Dathúil.” She wrinkles her nose apparently not liking the sound the word makes and says, “Okay, will you work with me on language as well? I’m like a fish out of water.”
“Anything for you, mo grá.”
“What was that?” She asks again with a laugh.
“My love.” I say, watching for her reaction.
“I like that one,” She says smiling, “Okay lover boy, let’s get to the part where you bring me up to speed on your parents.” She says with a cheeky grin and then let’s out a huge yawn.
“I will tell you as much as I can but you need sleep too.” I say as we settle down but before we can get too comfortable I hear the front door down stairs thrown open and someone is running up the stairs. Before I can move there’s a pounding at the door.
“A, we have trouble!” It’s Tolin. I look to Ash and say, “Get dressed quickly and pack. Travel light. Okay?”
I jump out of bed and rush to the door, yanking it open, “Report!”
“Fomorians. They have not found us yet but it’s just a matter of time. The wards hold for now.” Tolin reports.
“Torin is getting Declan up to speed?” I ask. “We all meet down stairs in ten minutes. Be prepared to roll out.” I say.
“Jasmine is at the falls we have to get word to her!” Ashlinn is standing just behind me still in her provocative nightie.
“Get dressed woman!” I say as I see her behind me.
Tolin just grins, “Nice nightie Ash.” He says wiggling his eyebrows.
“Oh for heaven’s sake, you act like you’ve never seen a woman in her night clothes before. Get word to Jasmine, Now! Meet us downstairs in ten.” She says in an authoritative tone.
“Yes my lady!” Tolin turns and runs back down the hallway
“Wow, you handled that well. Let’s gather some of our things together and get dressed. We need to be out of here in no less than thirty minutes.” I say.
“Alaric, this is my home. I want this place to remain safe and secure. How do we make that happen?”
“Nemus is working on it, trust me. Get dressed, we need to hurry.”
In the distance we hear a loud banging sound echoing in the distance. “They’ve found the perimeter that we set up. Nemus’ protection holds for now but we need to go!” Turning I see she is dressed in all black, slim fitting jeans, tight fitting tank, and black combat boots, her hair is pulled back into a high pony tail and I see that she’s armed with a glock as she adjust the shoulder harness. She looks up to see me staring. “What? Mom taught me to always be prepared and yes my aim is just as accurate with a hand gun as it is with the bow. I wish I could take some of my bows with me, especially my favorite crossbow. But I guess I’ll have to make do.” I watch as she checks her magazine and adds several more clips to her harness. “You ready?”
I’m beginning to wonder whose protecting who as we race down the stairs. Bags and gear in hand. Everyone is gathered in the kitchen and we make our way to the vehicle as soon as possible. “We need to head out! We’re heading back to Faerie now. Our time here is up!”
“Wait! What will happen to the house, the property? This is our home! We want to be able to come back to one.” Ashlinn cries.
“Once we leave there will be no need for the Fomorians to continue their assault. It’s you they want and they’ll follow us. Nemus, the wards will they hold once we are gone?” I ask.
“Yes my lord. The wards are strong.” Nemus says.
“Then we’re off, if we time it just right we should be able to pass thru the portal at sunrise if not we’ll be stuck here for another day. Let’s move out!”
Ashlinn and Alexia rush toward Millie and Hank and the four are caught up in hug as I hear Millie say in a solemn voice, “My dears, I wish you safe travel. May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your faces, and until we meet again may the gods and goddesses keep you safe.” The girls pull away and rush back towards the vehicle. Ashlinn says over her shoulder, “Take care of our home and yourselves we’ll see you again, soon.” With that we all climb inside the Hummer and head back to the dolmen in this realm that we came through before. We leave Millie, Hank, Talila, and a few others behind to see to the houses and the land but once we’re gone there shouldn’t be an issue with the Fomorians. I just hope we can get to the dolmen portal before sunrise. I’m worried about Ashlinn. This is the second night in a row without a good night’s rest since her awakening. It’s all going to catch up with her. I hope that we’re safely back in Faerie when that happens. I’ll gladly let her sleep a week if that’s what she needs as long as she’s safe.
Chapter 19
(Ashlinn)
Everything is happening so quickly, “Can we swing by the practice range? I want to pick up my cross bow.” I ask to no one in particular.
“Already done, they’re packed in the storage compartment along with some of our other weapons; we’re ready to head out.” Declan replies. Lexie is sitting in the front with Declan dressed in a similar out fit to mine and yes she is packing some heat as well. It looks as if the two of them have definitely worked things out. Jasmine looks like our unofficial bobble head on the dashboard of the vehicle I think and snicker to myself. I am once again stuck in the middle of Alaric and Nemus and then TNT are in the back. The guys appear to be on high alert as we barrel down the drive to the main road. Declan slows as we take the turn, tires screeching, onto the main road heading southwest back toward Tennessee. We’re confined to highway 80 until we can get to the main interstate. Thank God we’re traveling at night so there will be limited traffic because at the rate of speed Declan is going we could hit trouble.
From the back I hear, “We have company!” I turn to see two black range rovers approaching from behind at a high rate of speed. I swallow hard because things have just gotten real. These guys are really after me and I’m trying to think of how we can possibly get ahead of them.
Alaric shifts in his seat beside me and says, “Declan, we need to lose these guys! They’re gaining on us.”
“Do any of you carry hand guns?” I ask.
“What? No. We prefer our blades and other weapons, more hand to hand combat.” Alaric looks at me curiously. “What are you thinking?”
“Do you think the Fomorians would be carrying hand guns?”
“I’ve never encountered a Fomorian that carries weapons from this realm. What are you planning on doing?” Alaric asks.
“I’m going to attempt to shoot their tires out but I don’t have the height that I need to do it. I’ll need your help. If we open the moon roof and you stand up you can hoist me up giving me the additional height that I’ll need to take aim and fire at the guys behind us. We’ll have to do this quickly. You’ll have to hold me like earlier so that I can stabilize myself, I can wrap my legs around you and aim over your shoulder. It would mean having your back to what’s going on behind you so you’ll have to trust me. Can you do that?” I ask.
He looks deep into my eyes seriously considering my plan and nods, “Okay, let’s do this. Declan open the moon roof. You ready? Tell me what you need me to do.” He says solemnly.
I crawl onto his lap straddling him as the moon roof begins to open. “I need you to stand up holding me and then once you are upright hoist me up a little further so that I have a clear shot over your left shoulder. That should give me the support I need to make the shot. Declan keep it steady.” I say. “Ready?” He nods and I smile and lean in for a scorching kiss. “Let’s do this.”
I hear from the back seat, “This is crazy we’re supposed to be protecting her not the other way around.” Alaric holds me close as he begins to stand at the same time I wrap my legs
around his waist as he continues to rise. I pull my weapon from its holster and release the safety. Alaric is standing upright now and hoists me up a little higher giving me good look at the vehicle behind me. Things seem to slow down as I assess my surroundings. The moon is full and the night is clear as the vehicles behind us are closing the distance between us. My hair is whipping behind me. I have a clear shot and take it. My hand gun kicks back as the shot rings out through the night. Alaric drops us both down into the seat, I’m still facing backward as I’m still straddling Alaric looking out the back window to see that my aim is true. The black range rover swerves right then left and then loses control. The vehicle in the rear has thrown on their brakes skidding to a stop as the vehicle directly behind us begins to roll. I pull my hair back in the vehicle as Declan closes the moon roof. I continue to watch as we put distance between us and the Fomorians. Soon I can no longer see their headlights on the dark road behind us. It remains quiet in the cab of the vehicle as we all digest what just took place.
“Well that’s not something you see every day.” Torin says.
“A, that was kind of hot.” Tolin replies with his usually cheeky sense of humor as he claps Alaric on the back.
“Tolin, that’s enough.” Alaric retorts as he pulls me close to whisper in my ear, “That was totally hot, mo grá, but let’s not do that again any time soon. Okay?”
“I think it may be time that you guys start utilizing hand guns while in the Mortal Realm. What do you say, Elf Man?”
“I think you may be right, Ash.” He says as he moves back to his seat and I slide off his lap and we both buckle in. Everyone’s tired and I begin to shake as the adrenaline rush is beginning to ebb. Alaric takes notice and pulls me back into his chest and whispers, “You were so brave, my little warrior princess, thanks to you and your quick thinking and wicked aim we’ve lost them. Relax and see if you can sleep.”
My favorite water sprite takes flight from the front leaving her bobble head post and comes to hover in front of me, with a serious look on her face. She reaches her tiny hand out to touch my cheek, “You are stronger than you know, my lady. I am honored that you call me friend and I will stand by your side no matter what comes our way. I have seen how you connect to the Tree of Life and I believe you are meant to save the realms.” Then with a midair curtsy she cracks a smile, “You’re going to kick some serious ass once the Guard trains you and I’m going to have a front row seat!”
“Jas, what am I going to do with you?” I smile at her, “Us girls together, girl power?” I ask.
“Absolutely, you, me, and Lexie with the help of these guys.” See smirks. “Seriously though, Alaric is right you need to get some rest, you’ve barely slept since your awakening.” She turns and flies back to her place on the dash and proceeds to lie down. I’m not sure that is such a good idea, what if we come to sudden stop or swerve and she’s asleep?
“Lexie?” She turns and I can see that she is also getting sleepy, “Is there room for your legs if you open the glove compartment and keep it open for Jasmine so she can lie down? That may be a more secure place for her to sleep.”
“Good idea, there’s plenty of room. Come on Jas, in you go, I’ll even make a bed for you with my scarf then we can get some sleep, hopefully with no more excitement for the night.” Lexie is handling all this like a champ and I can’t be more proud of her.
Turning my attention back to the guys beside and behind me I find that they’re caught up in their own conversation and my mind drifts back to moments ago with me staring back at my enemies. I have never had enemies before. Mom taught me to be kind and fair but also to be prepared. Thinking back on all the self-defense classes and the archery and firearms training, I always thought that was Mom’s way of making sure I could handle any situation. Now I know that she was preparing me for what was to come. She insisted that Lexie and I train together telling Audrey it would be good for us. Now that I know the truth of who I am I know without a shadow of a doubt this was her way of helping us prepare for when the time came. I shiver as I realize that time is now and there is no escaping my destiny. Alaric tightens his hold on me and asks, “You okay?”
With wide eyes I look up at him, “I just realized that there is no escaping my destiny. I have enemies. I have never done any harm to any living thing. Ever. Before this is over I will not be able to say that, will I? Target practice is one thing but someone could have been hurt back there and it will be because of me.” I swallow back my guilt at possibly causing hurt to someone I have never even laid eyes on. I feel my eyes prick and try to blink back my tears. Alaric cups the nape of my neck and pulls me towards him to kiss my forehead and then looks down at me.
“Mo grá, you did what you had to back there. I assure you that the Fomorians in that vehicle were not hurt. They are very hard to injure or kill. You chose to shoot out the tire instead of going for the windshield, by doing that you chose to give us the best chance we would have to get away without causing direct harm to someone else. I’m so very proud of you. I know that you have been thrown into all this very quickly and haven’t even had a chance to come up for air. Once we get to Faerie I will be better able to protect you and give you time to adjust. You and Alexia both are going to need that time and hopefully our days will fall into a more normal routine. I promise that we’ll work hard to make sure that you both have the skills you’ll need for what is to come. Just know this, you did very well tonight. You acted bravely in the face of danger and handled yourself with confidence and honor. I embrace my duty to you as Guardian and your kindred. Your destiny is my destiny and we will do this together.”
In that moment I know that I love this male with all of my heart and soul, he is my elf man and I’m never letting go. I look down to see that he has entwined his fingers with mine and I look up shyly thru my lashes and whisper, “I love you. Thank you, you always seem to know what to say to calm my fears.” With a heavy sigh I lay my head on his chest and listen to the rhythm of his heart beneath my ear and it calms my racing thoughts.
“Rest, Declan is making really good time and we’ll be to our destination shortly.” He pulls me close and rests his chin on the top of my head and then whispers, “I love you too, Ashlinn Ryllae Elan.” I shut my eyes and listen to the beat of my kindred’s heart and the low male voices around me as they make plans and strategize as I drift off to sleep sheltered from the world in my kindred’s arms.
Chapter 20
(Ashlinn)
I wake to Alaric’s gentle touch as he pulls me into his arms to carry me to a rustic but charming cabin in a wooded area. Through my sleep blurred vision I can tell that we’re in the mountains of Tennessee. A fog has settled over the trees and mist hangs heavy in the air. Above us in the clearing I can make out the full moon thru the clouds that shroud the mountain. “What time is it? How long did I sleep?” I ask.
“It’s four in the morning and you only slept a couple of hours, we’re going to take about fifteen minutes here and then we head out on foot. It should take us about an hour to an hour and half to get to the top of the ridge to the dolmen portal. Do what you need to do to prepare for the next leg of our journey.” He says as he puts me down inside the front door of the cabin. “Declan is pulling the Hummer into the garage out back and closing up there. We need to secure this place before we head out.”
“Wait. Where’s Jasmine? I saw Lexie make her way down the hallway but I don’t see Jasmine.” I say with concern.
“Damn, I bet she’s still sleeping in the glove compartment of the Hummer, I’ll go…” He trails off as I hear Jasmine’s irate voice before she comes into view.
“You would be sprite killer! I can’t believe you were going to lock me up in that metal contraption. I would’ve died in there! It would have become my coffin! I’m so completely traumatized I can’t breathe.” At this point she’s so upset she’s hyperventilating and her flying becomes erratic. I’m certain she’s going to crash. I can tell that Declan is beside himself an
d keeps apologizing over and over to no avail. Jasmine’s on a roll so I decide to intervene.
“Jasmine, just calm down we were just coming back to see to you. I would never leave you behind. You know that you’re my very first bestest friend from Faerie and no one can ever take your place. Come on over here I need to tinkle before we head up the mountain to the portal. What do you need to do before we take off?” My question takes her off guard and she instantly stills. “That’s better. Even though you’re tiny in stature I believe you to be my big sister.” I say with a grin “Can you oversee the guys while I’m in disposed. I’ll be right back. Time is of the essence and we need to leave here in under ten minutes.” I look over to my kindred and he is watching in fascination as I take control of the situation. Jasmine acquiesces. Lexie comes into the room her unruly auburn hair braided around the side of her head in a French braid that wraps around her head and rest on her front left shoulder. No doubt she wants the heavy unruly mass off of her neck for the trek up the mountain.
“What did I miss?” She asks surveying the room.
“I could have died!” Jasmine starts in again in that shrill voice but with a sharp look from me she says quietly, “Your kindred, that’s what happened. I’ll tell you about it on our way up the mountain.”
I then busy myself by going to take care of business and then readjusting my pony tail. I need to wrap it up so I go out to meet Alaric in the front room as he asks me if I’m ready to go. I look over to the brothers and ask, “I want my crossbow. Is it readily available?”
“We thought you might want it, your weapons are on the table.” Tolin says with a grin and a nod. I walk over and set about securing the brown leather holster around my hips and my thigh and sling the crossbow over my shoulder secure in its holster. Lexie has done the same and we look ready to head out. I look around at Alaric’s Guard, my Guard and they’re all sporting their weapons of choice. TNT have at least four swords strapped to their backs and hips. Nemus has a couple of short swords strapped on and hang from his hips. Declan carries a staff, two short swords are strapped to his back and two to his hips and there are multiple throwing knives strapped to his chest. Alaric has his short swords strapped to his back, long swords secured to his hips and throwing knives are strapped to his chest. Damn, we look like we could be walking into that video game Warcraft.
Kindred: Book 1 A Realms of the Otherworld Book Page 11
