Kindred: Book 1 A Realms of the Otherworld Book

by LaPelle, Jana

  About that time I hear my mother’s enraged voice, “Danu! What did you do?” She demands. She is furious as my father tries to calm her to no avail. “Tell me that you did not make a deal with the devil. Because that’s what it sounds like. How could you?” I had forgotten that there were so many things that my parents had yet to learn. The blood contract was one of them. As agitated as my mother is I can only focus on my mate as she pulls away from me to go to her mother.

  Danu has not moved from the spot in front of the terrace doors. Her head is bowed and her shoulders shake ever so slightly. As Ashlinn comes up behind her she places a hand on her mother’s shoulder and I hear her say very softly, “I forgive you mother.” All eyes turn to them as Ashlinn says again, “I forgive you.” Her voice trembles with unshed tears as Danu turns to her daughter her face damp with tears of regret as Ashlinn opens her arms to take her mother into a hug.

  Danu clings to her daughter and says, “I am so very sorry. I was unaware of the last lines of the prophecy. How can you possibly forgive me? What I have done is unforgivable.”

  “Mother what’s done is done. I know now that you would never intentionally do anything to cause me harm. I can feel your regret and anguish over what you have done and it threatens to overwhelm me. Please accept my forgiveness.” Ashlinn says pulling back and at her words I open our bond and sure enough the emotion that Danu houses somehow Ashlinn is able to feel and it is staggering, I push my strength and love back thru our bond hoping that helps to center Ashlinn. Ashlinn reaches up and kisses her mother’s cheek. “Come we have work to do. We have to figure a way out of this blood contract. There has to be a loop hole or something that we can work with.” Arm in arm they make their way back to the table.

  My parents are talking quietly to themselves as Ashlinn and Danu arrive back at the center of the room with the rest of the group. My mother looks at me and then back at Ashlinn and Danu, she is clearly upset by what she has learned. “Danu, sister, how could you? Did you not think that these two would be up against enough?”

  “Mother, Father, the events that took place leading up to the blood contract took place prior to Ashlinn’s birth. Danu was not aware that we were kindred. At the time, she sought only to gain an ally within The Morrígan’s camp. Like Ash has said, what’s done is done.” I say resolutely wanting to move forward.

  Ashlinn speaks up, “The prophecy foretold of this as a possibility. Therefore, I believe that it would have happened regardless as to who or how. It was and inevitability. The blood contract is at play and we need to find a way around it. Before we dive into that as a problem, Nemus, do you have any thoughts on a lost treasure to the druids? Because I kind of think I know what it may be referring to or rather who.”

  Nemus takes a moment before answering Ashlinn’s question with a question, “You think the lost treasure is Alexia, don’t you?”

  “Yes, but I want to know what you think and if you can validate my thoughts on the matter.” She says.

  Lexie speaks up, “Why would I be a lost treasure?”

  Before Nemus can answer Jasmine pipes up flittering around the table adding her two cents in, “Because Lexie, there hasn’t been a female druid in a very long time. Just because we have male druids doesn’t mean that their offspring automatically are classified as druid and on top of that there hasn’t been a female offspring in forever. If you are who Nemus and Ashlinn seem to think you are, you would be a lost treasure.”

  “But how is it even possible that you would consider me to be of druid descent if what you are saying is true?” Lexie asks.

  Nemus considers his words carefully before continuing, “Druids as a whole have been cursed to only have the guidance of a female druid in times of great need. In that, we are likened to the monks and monasteries of the Mortal Realm. During these times a single female druid will appear to us to guide us and is revered by the druids as Mother to us all. It is a great responsibility and honor, if you are who I think you to be.”

  “Whoa. I’m not sure what to say. How would any of the druids look to me for guidance, you have elders. I’m too young to be look upon as “Mother”.” Lexie protests.

  Ashlinn and Jasmine let out these unlady like barks of laughter as Ashlinn says, “Well doesn’t that just put the icing on the cake. Mom had to of known. I think she was keeping secrets from us. You Lex, Mother Druid and me savior to the Realms? All kidding aside, this is not a coincidence not one little bit. This war that’s coming is going to require that we have absolute faith in one another. Who better than two young women brought up as sisters?”

  “But Ash… I don’t even know what to say. Whoa… Declan are you okay with this?” Lexie turns to her kindred, concern in her eyes.

  “Yes, I have made my peace with what is to come.” Declan says as he smiles at his mate.

  “So when are you going to perform the incantation to determine if we are correct in our assumption?” Ashlinn asks.

  “Well I was speaking with Danu a little earlier and we decided that this evening would work just fine. There is a full moon tonight and we can draw on the energy of the moon to help. We are not only going to perform a rite for Alexia but we are also going to perform a rite for you as well Ashlinn. You should be showing signs of your majic by now. Since the only signs we have seen thus far is your ability to astral project and your ability to shift, we think the enchantment put on your majic to keep it hidden may still be weakly binding your majic. So after the ceremony we will have two additional rites. Are you both agreeable to that?” Nemus asks.

  “Yes.” Both women say in unison. “So it will be.” There is general talking amongst the group before Ashlinn turns to Garrick who has been extremely quiet taking it all in. Ashlinn address the young man, “Garrick, what do you say now?”

  The uncertainty is gone replaced by grim determination. “My lady, I will gladly swear my fealty to you and your quest. I’m sure that there would be others to join your cause. I’m just not sure how to get the word out as to what is really going on with The Morrígan and what will happen to all the Realms if she succeeds. I have no family, no ties to keep me from defecting to your camp.” With that Garrick stands and moves to approach Ashlinn as Lorcan and Ferg firmly step up to block his way. They look to Ashlinn for guidance and with a brief shake of her head the two stand down and allow Garrick to pass. When he gets to be about five steps from us Garrick drops to his left knee and places his right fist over his chest and bows his head, pledging his fealty.

  Ashlinn then takes a step forward laying a hand on his shoulder and asks, “Garrick you have no one that would miss you?”

  His reply is quick, “No, my lady.”

  Ashlinn gives me a quick look and I shrug. This is her deal. We both know that if it were up to me he would still be in the dungeon. I nod for her to continue. I can feel when her decision is made and she speaks up, “Garrick, please join us at the table here. I would like to hear more about you and your service to the Fomorians and their queen. First, how is it that you have no one waiting for you? Help us to understand.” Ashlinn looks around the room to make sure that everyone understands that she wants no interruptions.

  Jasmine comes to sit before Ashlinn and Garrick and says, “I’ve heard tales. Is it true that The Morrígan takes children from their homes and places them in her own personal training facility to train to become her warriors? That she kind of brain washes the lot of you?”

  I speak up at this point, “Jasmine, I’m sure that those are just tales to frighten our children into behaving and staying away from strangers.” I say looking at the Fomorian before me to gage his reaction.

  Then Garrick looks around the table before speaking, his head held high. “I have no memory of anything before my induction into The Morrígan’s warrior in training prep school. I know that I had never fought a day in my life because in the beginning I was really terrible. My days were filled with training and nights were filled with unsettling dreams. I was told that I was eight years
old at the time of my induction. Not once were we treated with kindness even if we sustained an injury that took us to the infirmary. We were treated with indifference and told that if we wanted to make it to the elite training corps we had to toughen up. Four years later, I guess their training worked because I did make it into the elite training corps at the age of twelve. None of the children that I trained with in prep school had any recollection of their past or how they came to be there. After a time and constant reconditioning we all eventually stopped wondering about where we came from and focused more on moving forward and gaining the respect of The Morrígan and her warrior elite. After all, she made sure that we knew that she was responsible for feeding us and housing us. She saw promise in each and every one of us. We were repeatedly conditioned to these facts over and over again until they became truth. I trained hard because I wanted to prove myself to my queen and when it came time for me to graduate into the ranks, I was a skilled warrior. I would have done anything that was asked of me from my squad leader without question because we lived to serve our queen.” Garrick pauses and everyone is riveted into place as his story unfolds, I squeeze Ashlinn’s hand as I know she is on the verge of tears for this young man who has been stripped of his identity. Garrick continues, “I… Well… I don’t remember ever having seen an act of true kindness. Not that I can clearly remember. That day that you came into the dungeons after my team’s attempt on your life, you showed us kindness. A kindness that I did not deserve because if we had succeeded either you or your mate would be dead now, but somehow you were able to rise above what we did. You were like a beacon of light in the darkness that I have been drowning in since they broke me at the age of eight. Your actions took me back to the day I woke up asking for my mother. A mother that I could not remember clearly in my mind but in my heart I knew that she had had a presence in my life. Your actions here today have just reinforced that feeling that you awoke inside of me, telling me that I was on the wrong side of the coming battle. I have to believe that not all of us lost children are to remain lost forever. What they are doing is wrong! She must be stopped. I know that now, my lady. If not for your kindness I would still be lost.”

  Ashlinn looks to me for guidance and I speak up, “Garrick, I have no reason to believe you. How can we know for sure that you speak truth? My mate, she is strong but she is tender hearted.” I in turn look to my uncle, The Dagda.

  “Son, Garrick here speaks the truth. I sense no lies. It would explain how and why a number of children have gone missing around the realm for the last fifteen years or so. It also gives us a time frame for how long The Morrígan has been planning her hostile takeover.” He says.

  “Garrick, out of curiosity, are there any humans among you?” Ashlinn asks.

  “Yes my lady, why do you ask?” Garrick responds.

  “Because there are hundreds of children that go missing every year in the Mortal Realm, never to be heard or seen from again.” She replies. At that the room goes quiet with understanding. There would be an unlimited supply of children in the Mortal Realm as their population has far surpassed ours. With Garrick’s revelation the mood is very somber within our group.

  “I would understand my lady if you find it difficult to trust that I have truly changed sides in this war. Just know that I will do whatever it takes to gain your trust. I would protect you with my life because the Realm needs the light that you bring to us all.” Garrick says stoically.

  “I believe you Garrick but I also know that the warriors here in this room will need a little more time to formulate their opinion of you. It will not be me that you need to convince.” Ashlinn says with a smile.

  “Yes my lady.” He agrees.

  Jasmine takes our break in conversation to steer us all in another direction. “Weeeelll, as fun as this meeting has been the day is getting late and we have two very beautiful young ladies that need to start preparing for their binding ceremonies.” Jasmine says as my stomach starts to rumble. Ashlinn turns to me and a broad grin lights up her face. By the goddess, she is beautiful when she smiles.

  “Thank the gods it’s not just me that’s hungry. If we’re going to make it to the late celebratory dinner we’re going to have to eat before the ceremony. Do you think there will be anything set out in the dining room? I’m so hungry I could eat my shoe leather right now.” Turning to Rhespen she asks, “Father, will this urge to eat all the time dissipate or will we just have to learn how to deal with our hunger pains.”

  “Well daughter if you would listen to me and eat as I have instructed you to, you would be able to make it from meal to meal without feeling as though your stomach is caving in on you.” He says with a crooked smile as he looks over to Danu who is blatantly staring at the shifter. There is definitely unfinished business between the two of them.

  Chapter 29

  (Ashlinn)

  A foreboding of what is to come has taken root deep inside of me and I can’t seem to shake it. Alaric keeps trying to reassure me that all will be well but I can’t help but worry over all that we discovered today. I hate that I cannot shove all my worries aside especially since everyone is so happy about the upcoming ceremonies and planned celebration. In an effort not to ruin everyone’s enthusiasm over the upcoming festivities I promise Alaric that I will push aside my misgivings of what may come to pass. I determine that it’s a waste of my time. Alaric has just left to get ready with his men in a separate part of the keep. I love our bond. It allows me to know exactly where he is and brings me comfort. I say thru our open link, “I love you Elf Man, just in case I haven’t told you today.”

  His reply is quick, “Mo grá, I love you too. I can’t wait to see you again.”

  I laugh, “It’s been all of five minutes. Wait I need to go and let everyone in. See you in a bit.” I’m already feeling better as I move to open the door and push my fears aside.

  It feels like a scene right out of the movies as Lexie, Jasmine, Claire, Danu, Airmed, and a matronly woman from the kitchen staff all sweep into our suite. Claire has multiple bags and the kitchen staff has a whole cart full of finger foods. I practically jump up and down in my excitement when I see an assortment of sliced cheeses, meats, nuts and berries, and breads and crackers. Along with several open bottles of wine, finger sandwiches and mini cupcakes. I have not eaten since lunch and find it hard to curb my enthusiasm as I grab the poor woman and hug her. “Thank you so much! You’re amazing. You have no idea how hungry I am right now. What’s your name?”

  “My lady, you may call me Maith. I run the kitchens here in the Keep.” She says with a smile.

  I hug her again and say, “Thank you! Every bite has been utter heaven.” Maith chuckles but blushes at the praise. “Please stay. I would love nothing more than to get to know you. Millie back home makes the most amazing roast beef and…”

  Before I can continue Maith cuts me off as she says, “Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes, brown gravy, yeast rolls, and what have I forgotten?” She asks with a smile.

  Lexie and I chime in, “Honey glazed petite carrots and garlic roasted asparagus.” And we both laugh.

  “My dears, what do you think will be served tonight? Millie was very specific as to what your favorite meal has always been. I have much to do but, I so appreciate your invitation. Any other time I would take you up on it. Please feel free to visit me in the kitchen any time girls. That is an open invitation.” Maith says with a smile as she leaves the suite.

  Before I can reach for one morsel of food Claire is on me, “Before you stuff yourself and I’m afraid you are getting ready to do so please try on the dress you’re wearing tonight so I can see what needs to be done.” She is so serious that Lexie and I both comply. We both quickly run into the bedroom and change into the gowns that Claire has made for us. I frown as I look at how the beautiful gown hangs on me even though I know it fit two days ago. I look at Lexie and she looks amazing.

  “Lexie you look stunning, that dress is perfect. It compliments your complex
ion and makes your eyes sparkle.” I say with a huge smile.

  Lexie’s huge grin falters as she turns from the mirror to take me in. “Ash, how much weight have you lost? Any other time that would have fit you perfectly. Your father is right. You need to eat more frequently.” Lexie says as we walk out of the changing room together.

  Lexie speaks up as she enters the room, “If Ash says she’s hungry then we feed her. Understood! I have never seen her this thin. She has beautiful curves that are disappearing before my eyes. She needs to eat. Claire, work on her hair as she eats. Jasmine, can you please inform the kitchen staff that she will need more than just finger foods brought up. I don’t care what they send up but she will need more food to tide her over until the meal this evening.” I look up at Lexie with a smile as she has taken on a mothering role.

  “Lex? Thanks for taking care of me.” I say to her. Then I turn to Danu, “Mother? Can you see if Father has anything to add? I think that I may have lost ten or more pounds in the last two days. I’m not sure if that’s normal. This dress fit two days ago and did not hang off of me like it is now.” I’m saddened at the fact that I will not look as appealing in my binding gown as I thought I would have. My face must have betrayed me as Claire steps forward, “I can fix this but it will take a bit of time, Ashlinn I need you to step out of the gown. Ladies, I will need to get someone else to help with hair as I make the necessary alterations to the stitched seams.” Suddenly the suite is a flurry of activity. Jasmine is back with Maith and another of the kitchen staff and they are loaded down with trays heaping with meats, breads, fruits and vegetables and then I spy the huge slices of chocolate cake with thick chocolate icing and a large carafe of chilled milk. I cry out in delight and practically dance on the spot.