by Gavin Green
*
Within the McCarthy home, Kazimir and Gideon approached each other in warm greeting of clasped arms. Of all the fae, the morphers were ever genial to their own kind, and called one another brother or sister even with no familial bonds. Beyond that kinship, the two fae in the McCarthy's home knew the other well, and had on a few occasions hunted together in their avian forms.
Gideon explained the circumstances to his big friend. He spoke rapidly and without embellishment, a rarity for him. Kazimir asked questions that, while innocent, led Gideon's answers to the subject of innocent Jane. Taking a chance of trust, he told of the girl's ability and explained all of the details of her play room.
The big morpher listened intently, ignoring the McCarthy's as they busied themselves for the coming day while the two fae stayed safely hidden from their mundane sight and hearing. Kazimir wondered at the information given, but then assured his little 'brother' that no harm or reprimand would come to him from the magistrate.
Together, they melded back through the front door and into the rain, where the Fair magistrate and elder dryad awaited them. Kazimir, with his hand on Gideon's shoulder, first acknowledged Aldritch with a nod. Then his features soured into a grim visage when he turned to Devlin. "My brother knows nothing of your motives for being sent here. Nor do I, magistrate. Should you find further reason to question Gideon, then you will have to ask me in his stead. He is now under my protection, and through no debt, which I doubt you could understand."
"How gallant of you, sir," Devlin replied as he crossed his arms. "And who should I call upon if I do have further reason to question him?"
"I am Kazimir of the Callous Ruin, elf." Apprehensive recognition flickered in Devlin's eyes of the warrior shifter's name and title, but the somewhat derogatory term 'elf' was not overlooked. Kazimir smiled at the magistrate's reaction, but it wasn't a happy smile. "So interrogate my brother Gideon again without my presence... please. Then I can demand a challenge combat with you in the Lore. I relish the thought."
The brawny morpher turned to his small friend. "Take your leave now, brother. We shall speak again soon." They gripped hands once again. Gideon bowed individually to all present, and then took form of a soft-feathered barn owl. He quickly took to the air, cutting through the rain with his departure.
Devlin saw that the warrior morpher was watching his little friend take wing to safety. He furtively scanned Kazimir's foremost thoughts while the brawny fae was momentarily preoccupied. The information was scattered but clear in his simple and tumultuous mind; a play room, Jane McCarthy, gifted voice, spaces made in the void, fogged, doors, food. Devlin's rearrangement of the scrambled thoughts was interrupted when Aldritch stepped forward.
A large hand was gently placed on the morpher's shoulder, but Aldritch addressed the magistrate. "I would have private words with Kazimir before we continue our business, Sir Ryder."
After the magistrate nodded his assent, Aldritch led Kazimir across the lawn to its low retainer wall next to a road. In safe distance not to be overheard or otherwise scrutinized, not even by Devlin's large steed, the towering elder looked down to the morpher. Noting the disparity in height, Kazimir stepped up onto the wall, bringing them eye to eye.
Aldritch gave a thin smile. "Ah, better, thank you. Kazimir, I wish a small favor from you that would repay your debt."
"And I have information you would find interest in, elder."
"We can discuss your topic at another time, and what it might cost me to hear it. For now, though, there is a chance I may have to spend some time in the Lore, beyond my choice to."
Kazimir scowled and cocked his head, like an animal hearing a strange pitch. "Elder?"
The line of Aldritch's mouth curved down. "There is one in yonder home named Cora McCarthy. For reasons that are my own, she has been made aware of the fae and left with a clear memory of it. The magistrate would see that breach of the Enigma rectified. And so, if the Circle will hear my petition, I will go to make my case and ask for sanction. They may also simply return my messenger with a note of denial, but might wish my presence for further interrogation. If I cannot gain sanction in any case, then I will fix the mortal's memories myself."
With a nod of comprehension, Kazimir nodded. "And you wish me to accompany you, should you need a champion for battle?"
Aldritch grinned at the warrior's offer. "No, good Kazimir, although I know you would excel in that role. I ask that you go inform the eldest daughter of Cora McCarthy that her mother might be glamoured, and soon. The daughter, Kate, is also aware of us, but for other reasons. The matter is important enough to settle your debt, lest she try to converse with her mother about us… about things Cora may no longer remember. That instance might cause some upheaval. It is early enough yet that the daughter still may be found at her home before she goes to meet her curious vocational obligations. She, like her mother, holds place with me. So have a care and go gently, Kazimir."
"It will be done."
After he gave directions and landmarks to the cottage, and a quick description of Kate, Aldritch took a step back as Kazimir once again transformed into his large avian form and powerfully lifted off.
The tall dryad reluctantly strode back across the lawn to stand in front of Devlin, who waited for him patiently. "I would call for a messenger to carry my petition to the Circle, magistrate."
The Fair fae smiled smugly under his hood. "Of course, elder, that is your right. I happen to have two pixies at my disposal, and reliable to carry your message. As you are unhappy with my presence at this home, I suggest we retire to my temporary holding and wait in comfort for their response."
Inwardly, the magistrate was jubilant at the turn of events in his favor. The assurances of given time he offered to the Drommen oracle were easily superseded with the opportunity to complete part of his mission and to thwart her plots. He considered Enochia's words to be silky rubbish for all her empty swagger.
Neither Devlin nor Aldritch had expected to find Enochia waiting in the magistrate's tent. When she and the tall dryad exited, Devlin sat in a daze, only remembering meeting Aldritch and some barbaric morpher on a random lawn. The oracle had removed the knowledge that it was Cora McCarthy's lawn, and any significant words with Aldritch. What she missed, with no reason to search further, was the information snatched out of Kazimir's head.
