Enchantment

by Lawna Mackie

  His lips tightened. The others would vote to rid themselves of her, he was certain. Ultimately, their reactions to the uninvited presence would be very different than his. No matter, he’d have to convince them the female needed to stay in Enchantment. She needed to be here, needed to be close.

  The swirling emotion and energy coursed through his body like fire. “I've founded this, worked to protect it. Now it is my time. My turn. I'll not be declared too old for excitement. The decades haven’t aged me that much.” Gripping his crystal cane, he headed toward the bar. Excited about the girl’s arrival, he poured a goblet of Swish with a shaky hand. Celebration deserved an expensive drink.

  From the bar, he glared at the century-old portrait of himself. It hung on the wall above his desk, a reminder of his once youthful appearance.

  The damn thing should be destroyed.

  Thalius didn’t need a reminder of what pride and selfishness had cost him. The prestigious position of Counselor came with a high price. The exalted title was a detriment to his most treasured possession—his youthfulness. His hands, once strong, were now deformed, his knuckles swollen larger than any other joint in his body. Skin hung slack and discolored. His resemblance to a troll disgusted him more every day. Enchanters still bowed to him, not out of respect or desire, but out of habit.

  Thalius squeezed the top of the cane in anger. Only those who used magic for selfish reasons aged—a penance he’d long since come to regret. A slice of his youthfulness had disappeared with each egocentric spell.

  In their own way, the councilors had invited their demise, he most of all—a fact known by the Enforcer. “Damn him. He’s the one problem I’ve never rid myself of.”

  Thalius rubbed his head in frustration. Who wouldn’t be content with a grand mansion, servants to command, and powerful magic? Driven by an uncontrollable need for power, he had an insatiable desire to rule the world. He’d waited endless years for her arrival, and now his brilliant plan would begin to unfold. The time had come.

  She would supply him with the ultimate power, making him invincible against all other forms of magic. Nobody knew who her father was, but he did. She would be powerful. Finally, after decades of dreaming, he would have that power. Nobody could stop him. None of the councilors was equipped with the insight or intelligence to see supreme power right under their noses.

  The thorn in his side would be Kerrigan. The pest should have been killed as a baby. Thalius sipped at his fiery drink and let its heat kindle his own fury, while recalling the day

  Kerrigan’s parents transported themselves into the world—a feat thought impossible.

  The couple materialized into view right inside Todd and Paddy’s lodge. The Council immediately felt the pair’s unusual supremacy, and quickly surrounded them. Thalius and the other councilors were cloaked and prepared to fight. In order to protect themselves, they evoked the Power of Ten. The Power of Ten combined all the Counselors’ ability and strength into one force, shielding all of Enchantment from whatever mischief the interlopers could have planned. Intrigued, Thalius stared in awe at the foreigners. In the woman’s arms lay a small, bundled baby.

  A despised memory etched into his being. It had happened almost two centuries ago, but it seemed like yesterday.

  Kerrigan’s parents tried to explain they meant no harm. Thalius didn’t believe a word they spoke. The counselors clearly stated visitors from other dimensions were forbidden.

  The infant’s father towered over everyone. The woman and newborn child were held against him in the crook of his muscled arm. Apparently, they had the ability to travel from one dimension to another, but this time, shock waves impeded their travel and rendered them powerless. The air in the room sizzled and snapped with electricity while they told the story.

  The baby fussed, and the mother smiled down at the infant, brushing its pure white cheek with the back of her finger. They feared for their baby’s life. Such a tiny life could never survive an inter-dimensional shock storm. They’d decided to take the risk of coming to Enchantment, the closest solid dimension. The male pleaded for understanding and begged for the Counselors’ permission to allow them to stay for a few hours until the storm settled.

  The group telepathically communicated, bickering back and forth, debating amongst themselves. Thalius wanted the trio sent away. He clenched his fists until sticky wetness told him he’d punctured the skin of his palms with his nails. A sick feeling in his stomach warned him any mercy allowed in this situation may come back to haunt him. His thoughts went unheard.

  With leniency granted, the strangers were allowed to stay. Even though the laws were rigid and strict, the Council decided a few hours of discomfort for the sake of an innocent baby would be acceptable.

  Madget, the eldest of the counselors, approached the Beavers to ask if the two strangers could use a room in their lodge for a couple hours. Standing silently, his arms crossed over his chest, Thalius stewed. He hated the stupid animals. Why they’d created them was beyond him.

  Now, so many years later, he cursed his rotten luck and downed his third glass of Swish. He closed his eyes trying to force his thoughts away from the past. He’d been followed by the wretched emotions of regret since that day. He should have fought harder, rid his world of the couple and their whelp. If he’d succeeded, Kerrigan wouldn’t be the mountain in his path now.

  His rage boiled over. Thalius threw the empty crystal tumbler at the fireplace across the room. The memories wouldn’t cease swirling in his head.

  The strange couple settled with Kerrigan in the Beaver’s home. High-pitched screams tore from the room, shattering the silence. Todd and Paddy looked to one another in utter confusion. Shoving the door open, they found the parents gone and the red-faced, squalling baby on the bed.

  “If I had the chance, I’d have calmed him for all eternity.” Thalius rapped his cane on the floor as his eyes narrowed, staring at the cold, empty fireplace. He’d found and read the neatly folded letter before anyone else could. Closing his eyes, he wallowed in the rising bitterness as he whispered what he’d long since memorized.

  “Dearest Enchanters,

  “You cannot imagine how difficult it is for us to leave Kerrigan. You must trust us when we say he is meant to be in your world. Our son is born to be a protector and destroyer. We know you will find this hard to believe, but in time, you will realize we are correct. He’s very special and will need guidance becoming familiar with his particular abilities. His power and strength will grow daily.

  Todd and Paddy, warmth and love emanates from your home. We felt your love; it is what brought us here. The love you share for each other and others around you is what we want our boy to experience. Show him what a family is. You will not be disappointed. You will grow to love him.

  Finally, to the counselors, we respect all you have done for your world, but you will need help. Our son will be the Enchantment Enforcer. If necessary, Kerrigan will die trying to protect this world and all Enchanters. You’ll need him in the future, this we know.

  We are a special breed of creation with the ability to travel to many different worlds ensuring balance and harmony. This child has been chosen to protect your world. You should feel proud. We love him dearly, but what is meant to be cannot be changed. We decided it would be best to leave the situation as you are now finding it.

  Kerrigan is to be part of your destiny, so please keep him safe, and one day the same will be bestowed on you. Without him, your existence will be in great danger. We have delivered you our most precious gift. Please treasure him always. We hope someday he will learn to forgive us for what we had to do, and perhaps in time may discover the true meaning of love and the sacrifices one makes to keep it.

  Vallor and Allegra.”

  Thalius seethed with anger. “Soon, Kerrigan, you will bow to me like all the others.” He wouldn’t let anyone get in the way. The Beavers had been wrong—the girl’s powers would be the most precious gift. Her powers would be his—one way or a
nother.

  In the morning, the Counselors would confront the Enforcer to discuss the girl’s fate and reprimand Todd Beaver for his actions. The dim lights in the opulent home cast shadows on the walls like ghosts waiting to steal souls.

  Thalius smiled. He must ensure her stay. A difficult day approached, and Thalius knew he’d need to watch his step where the Enforcer was concerned.

  Chapter Five

  Kerrigan closed the bedroom door and made his way down the hall to the kitchen. In the spacious room, his parents turned to look at him with a well, did you help? look on their faces.

  He leaned against the counter, contemplating the situation. “I have many unanswered questions,” he ground out. He shuddered at the faint sensation of unease that prickled along his flesh. Every instinct within him screaming that she was in danger, rather than being the dangerous one.

  “Son, did you heal her injury? Will she be okay,” his mom asked.

  “Yes, the healing was successful. Physically, anyway.” He paused, not wanting to get into the details.

  The unasked questions played across her face. She understood he learned intimate details about people during the healing process.

  “You look exhausted. Sit.” She pointed to the chair. “I’ve made you something to eat.” “Mom, I don’t really have time to eat right now. I have to explain this to the council, try to protect Dad and get the questions I have answered. It’s going to be a disaster.” The words tumbled from his mouth fast, jumbled, and sarcastic.

  “I won’t ask you again. Go sit down this instant. You won’t do any of us any good going into your meeting as tired as you are.” Paddy waddled to the counter and fetched the plate holding a sandwich. She gave him one last look, motioning him to the chair.

  Defeated, he sat in the high-backed leather chair. “It’s pointless to argue with you, isn’t it?” She grinned at him, patting his arm.

  Todd pulled up a chair beside him. “The little creature spoke to you?”

  Kerrigan finished chewing. “Yes, she spoke to me. I should rephrase that. The Protector woke up and threatened me. The animal told me its name is Catz, or at least that’s what the girl calls it. The human’s name is Meeka. The humans assume the creature to be a cat, but this is no ordinary cat. Catz is from a species called Lemrens.”

  Todd stared into his son’s eyes, tapping his claws on the counter. “Why did it threaten you? Are they dangerous?”

  “The animal serves as a protector and companion to the girl. It forewarned me, should anyone try harming her. I’m not sure if I should believe what the Lemren told me. It’s quite a story. One thing is certain—the girl, Meeka, will not understand any of this when she wakes. She knows nothing of magic.” Kerrigan felt his anger stir. “I didn’t believe this type of power existed up there, but I definitely sense power in the female. The Council should have told me Upper Worlders had special abilities. I had no idea beings such as Lemrens existed.”

  Kerrigan caught the anxious look between his parents. Other species did exist. He was a perfect example of that. The conversation behind the thought made his stomach roll. “I know there’s a story to go along with the look. I’d like an explanation, but it’s going to have to wait. Right now, I need some rest.” He pushed away from the table and stood. The deep, creased frown lines on his mother’s face troubled him. Paddy seldom worried about anything.

  “Thanks for the sandwich, Mom.”

  Paddy moved away from the kitchen counter and wiped her hands on her apron as she approached her son for a hug. She was so much smaller than him. Her head barely reached his stomach. “Please be careful, Kerrigan. Go home and get some rest. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

  He walked back through the tunnel leading to his house. In a daze, he stumbled over a step, and cursed. What a day. Over a hundred years had passed, with each day pretty much the same as the one before. Then wham, the fates delivered a sucker punch.

  The air didn’t even smell the same. Her scent was attached to him.

  Change was not always good. Control was good—he knew what to expect. A hammer in his hand made sense. Holding her during the healing process had made him feel out of control. The large door opened, allowing his entrance. His world was controllable. He made it controllable. Now, everything seemed uncertain. People and creatures from other worlds did not just appear in Enchantment—or at least, he had been led to believe that.

  Relief flooded him the moment he closed the back door of his home. Comfortable, contained, it was a perfect replacement for the warmth and love he’d had in Paddy and Todd’s home.

  Unlike any other home in Enchantment, the mansion was suspended amongst the trees, giving a whole new meaning to the definition of a tree house. The evergreens that supported the expansive structure were well over two hundred feet in diameter and rose hundreds of feet into the sky. Home was where he thrived. He felt at ease there.

  His stomach rumbled. One sandwich hadn’t been enough. Kitchens were unnecessary. Enchanters had no need for appliances, but like the construction of his home, Kerrigan also loved to cook without the help of spells.

  He knew from the numerous texts he’d read that Enchantment had mimicked a lot of Earthly qualities.

  Do all females look as she does? What does Earth really look like? His mind continued to wander while he prepared a meal of greens. Bowl in hand, he made his way to the den.

  A screeching sound carried down the hall. He could hear Threeo before even opening the door. The know-it-all-pest was perched on the mantel with his all-seeing eyes locked on Kerrigan. Threeo, a Hipodogwl, had been his friend for over a hundred years. To his utter surprise, good ol’ mom and dad had given Threeo to him when he moved out.

  Yellow eyes followed him across the room while the beast’s head turned three hundred and sixty degrees. The sight of the furry feathered friend drew a weak smile. His friend and companion was boisterous but good-natured, and could draw him from a bad mood. His devotion to his parents had been extended to his pet, but not to anything or anyone else.

  “I told you so,” Threeo squawked.

  Agitated, Kerrigan set his bowl and fork aside to pour a glass of wine before sinking into his seat. Oak and peppery smells invaded his senses. It felt good to sit as he stretched out his large frame.

  “I don’t need this from you after the day I’ve had,” he responded.

  Threeo paced to the end of the mantel on his rotund, short legs. The Hipodogwl looked very much like a mish-mash of species pushed together under pressure, but he was loyal and loving. Large, wise eyes surrounded by feathers, a tough, grey-skinned body right down to the legs, and a bushy tail, which might occasionally wag when he was happy. Threeo stood just under two feet tall, and the mantel ledge provided his friend with a sense of security in knowing he wouldn’t be missed by anyone in the room.

  “You never listen to me. I’ve been telling you for months about this unexpected visit,” Threeo said, his entire body trembling in outrage. Kerrigan shook his head, unsure how the critter could teeter from the edge of the mantel and not fall.

  Kerrigan struggled to ignore the creature as he chattered through the entire meal. “What do the visitors look like? I have funny feelings about this visitor. You don’t like change, but that’s exactly what’s coming. I can feel it in my feathers.” With a poof, Threeo’s head doubled in size, each feather standing straight up. “Look! My feathers are not happy. Talk to me. I need to know the details. Why was a stranger allowed to come here?”

  He put his fork down and finished chewing. “It’s a long story, Threeo. One I’m going to have to explain to the council tomorrow. They need to be sent back.”

  Threeo shrieked, wobbled, and almost fell off the end of the mantel. “No! No, Kerrigan friend, you can’t, they mustn’t go back. I knew something was terribly wrong! Todd’s in bad trouble now. What are we going to do? Did you speak with the creatures? Did you, huh, huh? Not good. Not good.”

  “Stop your howling. We aren’t going to do anyt
hing; I’ll take care of it. You always worry too much.” He straightened to stride to the fireplace and stand next to Threeo. Flames of purple, blue, red, and gold sprang to life.

  “The one creature, not from Upper World, calls itself a Lemren. I can feel its power and fierce desire to protect the human female. I don’t believe it means anyone harm, as long as the girl stays untouched.” Kerrigan frowned at the niggling sense of rightness with that thought.

  “Something else is bothering you. Spit it out, tell Threeo,” he demanded, stalking back and forth on the mantel.

  With one eyebrow cocked and his arms crossed, he leaned against the mantel. “If I choose to believe what the Lemren states, I am to be a part of her destiny. Apparently, she will need protection, and will develop special powers. I’m unsure of whom she would need protection from, but I don’t plan on having them here long enough to find out. I need to return them to the Earth pronto.”

  Concern emanated from Threeo’s little body. His feathers puffed out, and his eyes glanced about the room. “Remember my vision, and yes, I know they haven’t always been right, but I’m sure this one is. Just think about it, okay.” Tucking his feathery little head under his stubby front leg, he bid Kerrigan good night and closed his eyes.

  Threeo had many visions, most of which never came true. Occasionally, he blurted out a scene where Kerrigan investigated finding some truths to what the critter reported. The vision he had about the foreigners seemed so farfetched, he refused to believe any of it.

  Chapter Six

  Visions of the girl, with her slender, shapely legs and her wild, silky hair, invaded his dreams. Keen senses forced him awake. The air in the room seemed unsettled, perhaps caused from his restlessness. The sheets were wrapped around his legs as he kicked to free himself. In the fantasy, he’d been wrapped around more than just the sheets, and certainly didn’t need to be freed.