“Whoa, there pops. I have no plans on birthing you grandchildren any time soon. There’s way too much at stake. An innocent babe would complicate things for Alaric and me. You guys on the other hand do not suffer from such restraints. Just sayin’…” I say with a smirk.
Rhespen concedes with a knowing glint in his eyes. It’s then that everything around me falls away as I see images flashing before my eyes. Images that give me hope for the future, images that show Alaric and me holding our children laughing with Declan and Lexie, and Danu and Rhespen. We’re picnicking by the lake and Danu, Lexie, and I are all holding babes that are slightly different ages and the guys are chasing toddlers, and children of varying ages. It’s a happy occasion as Alaric swings our daughter up in the air making her giggle. As the vision comes to an end I’m smiling as tears are welling up in my eyes.
My parents are now both in front of me with concerned looks on their faces as Danu asks, “What did you see baby girl?” There’s that term of endearment again and I find that I rather like it.
I look at both my parents and smile brightly, “It’s a vision of the future that I’m going to hold on to with all my might so that in my darkest days I will have something to look forward to, something that will shine a bright light in the depths of my soul. It is the most perfect vision of the future that I could have wished for to get me through all the dark times ahead.” I say as the tears of my happiness over our future spill down my face as I reach out to hug both my parents to me, I whisper, “Our children will be beautiful.”
I’m tired and I’m hungry as I make my way to our chambers. It feels like days since I have seen Jasmine and I wonder what she’s up to. I know Lexie is spending time with Declan and I can’t fault her for that. It’s been a long day of failures mixed with some epic successes. I’m weary and want nothing more than to soak in a warm tub. Our rooms are quiet as I enter and I wonder were my kindred could be. I haven’t seen him for several hours. As I make my way through our rooms I see that the fireplace has grown cold from its dormancy over the course of the day. From my lessons earlier I call on the fire element and a spark of light appears in the palm of my hand dancing and flickering waiting for me to give it direction. I can’t help but dance a little dance of excitement that I have finally mastered one of the elements. I direct the fireball to the hearth and before I turn away there’s a moderate fire burning and shedding some light on the room as dusk falls. The wall sconces begin to illuminate and become brighter the darker the room becomes. I sigh heavily as I shrug out of my leathers and weapons. My life has changed so much in the last few weeks it’s difficult to comprehend.
I realize just how grimy I am, dusty and dirty and I want nothing more than to stretch and soak in a hot steamy tub of bath water. I soon have a tub full of water doused with the bath salts that I have come to love and I lower my aching body down to relax in the hot blissful bath. I lay my head back and allow the bath to work its majic as all traces of the day are washed away. I sigh with relief as I lay soaking in this huge tub. Slowly I sink below the surface holding my breath and listen to the world around me through the muffled sound of the water that I’m immersed in. Instead of completely relaxing I find that my agitation is growing. Alaric is always here. Where is he? I reach out thru our bond to see if I can pinpoint where he is. It’s then that I realize that he is not in the Keep. He’s not anywhere close to the Keep. He’s south! I surge up out of the water gasping for air as I clamor out of the tub on a mission.
I grab a towel and race from the bathroom trailing water after me. I grab a fresh pair of chocolate brown leather leggings, one of my favorite stretch camis and a matching leather vest. I begin pulling on clothes over my still damp skin as I race back to the bathroom to towel dry and brush out my wet hair. There’s no time to dry it properly. It’s long and lays heavy down my back so I pull the mass of it up into a high pony tail. Pulling on the snug fitting vest and long matching boots I grab my crossbow and holster, strapping it around my waist and lower right thigh. The throwing knives that I have grown to love are moved to the many concealed pockets in my vest and are readily accessible. I’m attaching my daggers around my waist as I fly down the stairs as fast as I can. Alaric has gone to confront Tarron and I plan on being there for him. As I fly out the main door into the courtyard I’m met by a wall of lean muscle, TNT.
“Where do you think you’re going Princess?” Tolin asks in a serious tone.
“I’m going to back up my kindred!” I say indignantly.
“I don’t think so. We have strict orders to keep you here until Alaric gets back.” He replies sternly.
“Look Tolin. I know that you have your orders but I’m going whether you like it or not. I can and will shift and run on foot if I need to but I will be there for Alaric. I would prefer that it not come down to that but I’ll do what I must. Now let me pass!” I growl as my feline claws to the surface.
“By the goddess, Ash, please don’t make this any harder than it has to be. If all goes well A should be back shortly.” Tolin looks regretful that he’s the one to hold me back.
“Who went with him and how long has he been gone. I swear. I’m going to string the lot of you up and whip you soundly for keeping this from me!” I rant.
“Ash, he’s only been gone maybe a couple of hours, not even. Settle down, He’ll be fine The Dagda and his father are with him. Your parents agreed to stay behind. Declan, and the rest of the guard are with A. He knows what he’s doing.” Tolin says a bit chagrined.
“Whatever! All I know is that I have a bad feeling and I need to follow it. So you guys can just hang out here or we can go after Alaric. It’s your call.” I say as Jasmine arrives zipping through the court yard out of breath and panting.
“Ash, something’s wrong! The Forrest Elves are in trouble. Normally, Alaric would handle the issue but he’s nowhere to be found.” She says as she gets to me.
“Jas, I don’t have time to deal with the Forrest Elves, Alaric may need me.” I snap out before I have time to listen to my new found ability. Then it kicks in kind of like a homing beacon. Yes. I’m concerned about Alaric going to meet Tarron and yes he should have told me. Can he handle himself? Absolutely. Am I pissed that he did this without discussing it with me? A resounding, yes! But as I focus myself, my worry is for the forest. Jasmine is right there’s something wrong.
Suddenly changing gears I demand, “Jasmine is right, something is not right with the forest. Now that I stop to think about it, I can sense it. Guys you have to take me to the Forrest Elves…” Turning to Jasmine I ask, “What’s going on Jas? What are we walking into?”
“Ash, the trees are failing. The dryads are doing everything in their power but it’s like something I’ve never seen before. The best way I can describe it is as a shadow monster. Whatever it touches withers and dies, it’s leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. I’m not sure how we can stop this thing. It entered the forest not long ago and is heading straight for the Forrest Elves. We can’t let it reach them Ash, they live in the trees.” She says in an agitated tone.
“Take me to them, now!” I demand, rounding on the guys.
“Ashlinn, I cannot! I’m under strict orders to keep you with in the Keep! Stand down! Alaric will lose his shit if you’re allowed outside of these grounds when he’s not here.” Tolin retorts.
“Then he should have been here!” I retort in exasperation. “Mother!”
Danu is standing before us before I have a chance to blink. Well, at least now, I know it works. “I need to get to the Forrest Elves. Something is amiss and Tolin and Torin are obeying orders from Alaric and will not allow me to leave. We need to help them. Can you please get me there?”
“I’ll agree to this on one condition your father, Tolin, and Torin will accompany us as well. I’m sure that we can keep you out of harm’s way as we assess the situation.” My mother says confidently.
“I disagree! You know she is to remain here! I’m sorry but I will follow the direc
tive of my Prince in this matter.” Tolin stands firm.
Torin interjects, “With all due respect my queen, I agree with my brother. If what Jasmine has reported is true then taking Ashlinn to the Forrest Elves will be putting her in direct danger.”
Danu narrows her eyes as she looks between the two brothers and back to me as she asks, “What’s happening in the forest Ashlinn?”
I look at Jasmine and she nods as she recounts her story to my mother. I interject, “We’re wasting time. The Forrest Elves need us. This shadow monster sounds like bad news and my internal radar is going haywire. So when do we leave?”
Danu looks at me through narrowed eyes as she takes in Jasmine’s words, “The Morrígan! She’s raised a Shadow Demon from the Underworld! Damn her. Only light and light majic can conquer a Shadow Demon. It thrives on the life force of plants, animals, and any other living thing in its path. It will only attack at night. Warriors you might as well put away your weapons, they will be of no use against this creature spawn from the depths of Hell. Ashlinn Ryllae, I need you to go get Alexia and her Druids. Jasmine, can you gather as many of your kind as possible? I will go get your father. We meet back here in the courtyard in fifteen minutes. We must send this Shadow Demon back to the Underworld before it accomplishes its mission to find and destroy Ashlinn.
Chapter 35
(Alaric)
We all agreed that I needed to confront Tarron, sooner rather than later. Dagda has made it clear that no matter the outcome weapons are not to be drawn. This is to be a diplomatic visit to negotiate the terms of the blood contract. Not that there is anything to negotiate, that took place long before Ashlinn was born. So we rode out at twilight while Ashlinn was spending time with her mother. The timing was perfect as I have asked that our mission be concealed from Ashlinn, even though I know there will be hell to pay later but this is between Tarron and me. Ashlinn and Danu were walking along the edge of the loch towards the back of the Keep as we rode out which effectively allowed us to quietly leave without her notice. Now as we approach Tarron’s dark estate, Raven’s Claw Keep, I feel Ash searching for me thru our bond. I’ve been expecting it and until this very moment chose to keep our link open as to not alert her to my plans. Now all bets are off and I can feel her losing it as she realizes what I’m up to. Knowing that I need to focus, I close down our bond giving her just enough access as to know that I’m alright, not something I like doing but it’s necessary.
I take in our surroundings and even though dusk has long since given way to the night sky I can see by the light of the waning moon and I’m surprised by what I see. Tarron’s Keep has grown dark and ominous from the last time I visited. There’s a completely different feel to the land as we approach. It’s as if the world around the Keep has taken on the dark aspects of its lord and keeper. Much of the land has an over grown, neglected look about it. Declan and I look at one another as we both are coming to the same conclusion. There’s dark majic afoot. He furrows his brow and I sense that Alexia has just now realized the mission we are on, as my second draws in a sharp breathe. That must have been some more of an angry outburst from Lexie. We’ll both have a lot to answer to when we get back to Glendale Loch.
As we approach a herald calls out, “Halt! Lord Tarron has given strict orders that no one shall pass.”
Dagda paces his mount forward as he declares, “Tell the dark lord that the High King of the Realm demands entrance!” His voice booms across the way. We hear a muttered barely audible, “Yes, my lord.” Several long minutes pass as our mounts shuffle nervously beneath us before the gates are raised and we are escorted in. At one time there were not many that occupied the Keep but I see that is no longer the case as I take in the hoard that has assembled to greet us. Tarron has built his Guard with dark fae, misfits, and Fomorian monsters. Those that seek acceptance just like he does, there are vampires, other incubi, dark elves, as well as trolls, goblins, and the list goes on. Most Fomorians can shift to reveal their darker side. Evidently they are comfortable in that skin in Tarron’s court. They roam freely, looking monstrous and enormous. Most are dark fae so the alliance makes sense in a twisted kind of way. To Ash many would appear frightening and rather alien. I’m filled with dread as I realize that Ashlinn will be exposed to this court if I cannot make Tarron see reason.
The main entrance to the Keep opens as Tarron stalks out of the gaping dark mouth of the interior of the Keep. He cocks his head to the side as he takes us all in; his features are scowling at our intrusion. “Alaric. Why are you here? If you have come thinking you can change my mind then you are wasting your time. Nothing you have to say will make a difference. Did you not get that from my visit the other night?’ He pauses as he deliberates how to continue as a cruel smirk creeps into place. “Did you enjoy my chosen in your bed the other night? I made a point to ensure that the night was rather stormy. It reflected my ill mood rather well. It does make for a rather exciting romp in the sheets. Don’t you agree?” He says with a menacing gleam in his eyes, goading me.
Hell no, he did not even just go there. I take a deep calming breath as I hear Dagda swear under his breath. I know that I’m going to have to take the high road if we’re going to get anywhere with him but screw it, and I get right to the point. “Turnabout’s fair play, as it were. You crash my Keep, I crash yours. What are you possibly thinking Tarron? You have no right to take her from me. She is not some plaything, a toy to be fought over! You have no claim on her! You need to drop this twisted notion that she’s your chosen. What you intend to do will cause her great pain. I really don’t think you want that. The friend I once knew would not ever contemplate doing something as heinous as this. Think of how your mother has suffered. Don’t push that on Ashlinn. She is pure and good and does not deserve this!” I roar as the courtyard stills.
Tarron begins to pace above us in agitation at the entrance to his stone fortress. He narrows his eyes as his mouth twists into a tight line making his jaw tick before he releases his anger on me, “At what point Alaric did you stop paying attention?! You have always been the smart one. Hell, you were my idol for a time, until I grew up and I realized that you would get your due and I would always be the reject! I am the first born son to my father and yet he has denounced me at every turn. I am a grown ass adult male that no longer seeks approval from his friend or from his father. I will take what is mine! I will no longer bow down and let others walk all over me. My claim was staked long before you staked yours. You are right about one thing Alaric, she is no plaything. She is the single most desired female in all the Realm. She is the daughter of Danu. She will be my redemption. She will see me through the darkness that haunts my soul and she will stand by me as my queen! You will have no choice but to let her go as per the terms of the agreement!” As Tarron’s rant comes to a close his men break into a deafening cheer as they beat wildly on shields or whatever else they can find to lend their support to their leader.
In a rage I urge Tempest forward as I retort bellowing above the noise of the crowd, “No! You should know that I will never let her go. Ever! You had better ready your forces because if you take her by force we will go to battle. I will not give her up without a fight. Surely you can see how unreasonable you are being. This is bigger than the deal that was struck. The Tree of Life has blessed Ashlinn and me as kindred souls. Our binding bond is strong.” The noise dies down as everyone waits for Tarron’s response.
“I’m sorry my old friend, we are at an impasse. The blood contract will override your bond. She may never love me but hopefully she will eventually come to accept me. She will be the light to my darkness. I truly cannot allow you to take that from me. I stand firm in my declaration.” His words bring a chill to my heart as what feels like and icy grip is constricting my life line.
“Then we go to war, blood contact or not. I will stop at nothing to keep her safe from the likes of you! Would you give up everything for her? Would you lay down your life for her? I would! I would trade everything that I
have and everything I am just to see that she is safe. None of this means anything without her for me. You want her for what you can gain… you sick bastard. You seek to put her through hell to prove your father wrong. You will tear her apart in your quest of vengeance and greed!” As I conclude the courtyard has gone eerily quiet.
“Enough! You know not of what you speak! You think you know me but you know nothing! Your time here is at an end! I suggest that you enjoy your time with my chosen because she will be mine within a fortnight.” In response to his declaration the entire group, of dark fae take up the chant, “Our queen, our queen…”
I move to dismount as I say, “You pig headed son of a bitch! You will see reason!” Dagda stays my movement with the touch of his hand on my left shoulder. He and my father have moved forward to flank either side of me. Helping to calm the rage I feel toward my childhood friend as I battle my inner beast that wants nothing more than to rip Tarron to shreds because he threatens our mate.
Dagda looks around the courtyard as he makes his presence known. Once again the mob grows quiet. Many bow under the weight of his glare before he directs his attention to Tarron. “Son, I understand that you’re angry. Angry with a man that fathered you but has never been a father to you, angry with a grandfather that would cast your mother aside apparently without a backward glance at the time, but do you think that what you’re doing is any better? Two wrongs don’t make a right. Do you think that by taking an innocent without their consent will make all of this right?” He pauses allowing his words to sink in before continuing, “Tarron I implore you to put your anger and jealousy aside and think rationally for a moment. Yes, Danu entered into this pact of yours willingly at the time, but that was before any of us knew that there would be any more kindred souls. That lass and Alaric are meant to be! Their souls were chosen by the Tree to save the Realms. The prophecy has spoken! If you take her by force then all the Realms will suffer for it. Are you that selfish that you cannot see the bigger picture here? The lad I once knew… he could distinguish the difference between right and wrong. What you are about to do is wrong! I once sought to give you shelter when you were just a wee lad. To give you council, I made sure that you were educated, that your father acknowledged you and your mother by providing for you. I took you under my wing because I saw promise in you. Where is the lad I once knew?” He demands.
Kindred: Book 1 A Realms of the Otherworld Book Page 28
