Missing Magic

by Karen Whiddon

  But to do so, they’d have to destroy Natasha first.

  Her two bodyguards rushed them, their solid bodies full of intent. A simple wave of Cenrick’s hand, and they feel like muscular bowling pins, and did not move again.

  “Have a care with my pets.” Natasha’s warning swept over them like a northern wind. Face alight with sickly green and yellows, Natasha raised her hand, pointing at Cenrick.

  They felt the build up of magic, even before she began speaking. When she spoke the words to her spell, using a language so arcane that even Cenrick did not know it, the unintelligible syllables resonating in the large room.

  Cenrick began to fall. Even though Dee’s touch shielded him from the machine, she could not protect against such powerful magic.

  Natasha continued to advance, her grim concentration intense.

  “That’s enough,” Dee shouted, moving forward, Cenrick’s hand still in hers.

  Of course, Natasha ignored her.

  With her other hand, Dee hit her. The blow was a good right hook, under the chin, and knocked Natasha to the floor. When she fell, her elbow caught the edge of the table, and the laptop tumbled after her. The edge of the plastic casing hit stone, shattering. The screen went blank.

  Instantly, the machine went silent. Dead.

  The ominous green glow winked out, leaving the room in partial darkness, with only the light from the flickering torches remaining.

  “No,” Natasha screamed, her face contorting as she pushed herself up on her elbows. “You cannot win. I’m powerful, I’m-—.”

  Cenrick pushed to his feet. He spoke a spell he’d only read of, a spell he’d hoped never to use. Directing all of his and Dee’s combined energy at the other woman, he shouted the words into the awful silence.

  “No!” With a spastic contortion, Natasha writhed on the floor. “What is happening to me?”

  Bubbling, steaming, smoking, the skin appeared to be melting from her bones. Dee and Cenrick watched with horror as the thing Natasha had become dissolved into a puddle of liquid, before dissipating in a poof of steam.

  “She melted,” Cenrick said.

  “Ding, dong, the witch is dead.” Dee stared in morbid fascination.

  Behind them, the machine squawked. The laptop blipped, then made an awful grinding sound. Something inside the frame began to smoke.

  “Father!” They rushed to the still humming piece of metal. With Dee’s hands on his arm, Cenrick pulled his father’s limp form from the restraints.

  Just in time.

  With a horrible screech and howl, the machine folded in upon itself, the implosion sending a shower of glowing sparks and whirling smoke. The green glow dissipated, and the incandescent light blinked out.

  Dragging King Roark across the room to safety, Cenrick faced the mechanical monster, and spoke another spell.

  The machine puffed, smoke and ashes. There was a flash, echoes of the sickly glow, and then nothing. The machine was gone.

  “Magic and machines have never mixed well,” Cenrick said. “That would appear to be true here as well.”

  The instant the machine vanished, color flooded the room, returning in a rush of vibrant warmth.

  King Roark opened his eyes. “What—-?” He groaned. “My head.”

  Cenrick explained what had happened.

  When he’d finished, his father pushed himself to his feet. “Shaky, but standing,” he said. “Don’t worry about me. You must go to the Oracle. Let her know what has happened. And find Mort. If ever there is a time when what has been done to our people can be undone, this is the time.”

  Without waiting for a response, the King clapped his hand.

  Cenrick and Dee went.

  Chapter Eighteen

  THIS TIME when they arrived at the base of the stone steps, the Oracle waited. “There has been a subtle shift in the fabric of existence,” she said, her scarlet eyes glowing steadily from within the shadows of her hood. “What has happened?”

  Quickly, Cenrick told her of destroying Natasha and her machine. “My father has said this is the time to try and heal the others.”

  “Heal them? If you have freed all the captured souls, their inherent magic will bring them home to their rightful bodies. Come.” She turned and hurried away, motioning to them to follow. “We shall move among the Soulless and touch them.”

  “Touch them?” Cenrick asked, as they followed her.

  “By doing so, we may awaken them.”

  When they reached the first cave, at first glance, nothing appeared to have changed. Still the Fae milled aimlessly, nothing behind their eyes.

  “Watch.” The Oracle reached out and grabbed the arm of a tall, slender man.

  “Who?” He started, shaking his head as though to dislodge water in his ears. “What? Where am I?” Cognizance flooded his eyes. “Who are you?”

  Murmuring soothing words of a later explanation, the Oracle turned away from him, motioning Cenrick and Dee closer. “Move among them, touch all you can. If they ask for an explanation, promise one later. But all must be awakened before too much time has passed.

  They did as she asked, going among the crowd and reaching out, grabbing an elbow here, brushing against a hand there. And each Fae they came in contact with started awake, awareness flooding the eyes that before were blank.

  And while helping awaken them, Dee continually searched for the one she most wanted returned to normal. Mick.

  In the middle of the milling crowd, half aware and half still Soulless, they found Peter. When Dee touched his cheek, he clutched at her hand, his expression bewildered. “Dee? Am I in Rune? What are you doing here? For that matter, what am I doing here?”

  Shaking her head, she cupped his familiar face in her hands and kissed him lightly on the mouth, conscious of finally being able to say goodbye to this part of her past. “I’m sorry, Pete. I’m looking for Mick. Someone else will answer your questions later.”

  She let him go, attempting to brush past him, when he caught at her arm. “Dee? Don’t go. We were engaged. I need you now. You can find Mick later. Help me.”

  His demand made no sense to her. “Peter, you were correct to break up with me when you did. We weren’t right for each other. Now let me go. I’ve got to find Mick.”

  “Mick?” His mouth twisted as he tightened his grip on her arm. “Don’t you realize Mick’s the one who sold you out? He tricked all of us, bringing us to that witch and her contraption so she could steal our souls.” He spat. “Mick’s nothing to me.”

  Dee tugged at her arm, trying to disengage herself. “Whatever he’s done, Mick’s my family. He’s all I have. I’ve got to find him. Now, let me go.”

  Peter started to argue, then closed his mouth, looking at something over her shoulder.

  Then Cenrick was at her side. “Do you need help?” he asked, his voice low and menacing, his gaze on Peter.

  Peter let go of her arm, watching as Cenrick took Dee’s hand. “So that’s how it is,” he said. “You certainly didn’t waste any time replacing me.”

  Dee ignored him. Grimly, she scanned the crowd for the one beloved face she couldn’t find. “Cenrick, I can’t locate Mick. Help me find him.”

  They searched among the crowd by the pool, lightly touching each Fae they passed to awaken them, but found no sign of Mick.

  On the other side of the pool they found Mort, doing his part. The Mage told them he’d seen Mick, along with Galyeon, outside the main cave. They’d already been awakened.

  Dee hurried outside, Cenrick alongside her.

  There, they finally spotted Mick wandering alone. He looked bewildered. Dee’s heart clenched with fear as she saw him, stumbling along the edge of the cliffs near the steps.

  “Mick!” She hurried over, gently steering him away from the dangerous precipice. “I’ve been looking for you.”

  “Dee?” His elegant face crumpled. “I thought she had you.” He looked beyond Dee, finding Cenrick standing behind her. “And you as well, my Prince
. Oh, what I’ve done.” I am so sorry. More sorry than I can say.”

  Dee held out her arms and, after a brief hesitation, Mick walked into them. She hugged his slender body, holding him close. “No matter what you’ve done, you’re the brother of my heart.”

  At her words, he pulled away, his face full of shame. “I don’t deserve to live. Not only have I dishonored my badge, but I almost destroyed the Fae.”

  “What did you do, exactly?” Dee asked. “I’m not sure I understand your role in this.”

  He hung his head. “When Natasha first built her machine, she needed Fae to test it on. Then, neither of us knew what it would do. Even knowing this, I led my friends to her like sheep to a slaughter.” He peered up at Dee through his long lashes. “Peter was in this first group.”

  Swallowing hard, she nodded. “I see.”

  Mick raised his head and met her gaze. “Understand this, Dee. Peter wasn’t right for you. He was living a lie. He couldn’t live with his homosexuality, so he was using you as a cover to hide behind. I love – loved – both of you too much to let you get married. In the end, it would have caused too much pain.”

  “But you, Mick. You say you loved me, but you lied to me all these years.” Her voice broke. “How can you claim to love me so much yet keep so much hidden? Especially since you knew how badly I always wanted a family.”

  A trace of regret crossed his handsome features. “You had me, Dee. Brother of your heart.”

  “And brother of my blood, too, as I’m now finding out.” Dee couldn’t keep the bitterness from her tone. “All along, you were my real family and I had no idea.”

  He sighed. “Are you any happier now, knowing the truth?”

  About to murmur answer, Cenrick’s touch on her arm stopped her.

  “Natasha told me why you did this, but I want to hear it with your own tongue. Why, Talmick of Rune? What could have made you do such a thing?”

  “For Jack.” Mick grimaced. “Everything I did, I did for him. He sighed, glancing around again, his expression wary, yet eager. “I wanted to make him Fae. Natasha promised to heal him. How is he? Have you seen him? How is he? He’s been very sick.”

  Dee winced. Somehow, Cenrick’s hand on her shoulder gave her strength. “He’s gone, Mick. Jack’s gone.”

  “Gone?”

  Throat clogged with emotion, Dee struggled to answer. Before she did, Mick read the truth in her expression. “He’s dead?”

  All she could do was nod.

  “Jack.” Mick’s broken voice made her heart break too. “Natasha told me he was getting better, that the magic her machine stole was healing him.” He swallowed, fighting back tears. “Did he die from AIDS?”

  “No, she killed him.” Dee swallowed, hating what she had to say next, but knowing she had to say it. “Natasha lied to you. She wasn’t giving Jack any magic. She was keeping it all for herself.”

  His blank look said he didn’t understand. “But why? Why would she do such a thing?”

  “For power,” Cenrick answered. “She was trying to make herself Fae, and destroy us all.”

  As he absorbed this information, Mick’s face hardened. Once again, he appeared the human cop, well aware of the potential for harm in human nature. “She got that idea from me. I wanted to make Jack Fae.” His earnest look beseeched them to understand. “He was HIV positive, and dying. If I he became Fae, the disease couldn’t touch him. He would live forever.” He broke down, weeping, and turned away, out of Dee’s arms.

  Cenrick came up behind her and put his hand on her shoulder, offering silent comfort.

  God help her, she took it. But, unable to bear watching Mick suffer so, she reached out to him, meaning to offer him comfort.

  He spun away from her touch. “No.” His gaze, full of pain and the awful knowledge of what he’d begun, touched on her face. “Help all the others. I must find a way to atone for my grievous sin.”

  “My father awaits you,” Cenrick told him. “Go to him and explain. He and the Mage will mete out your punishment.”

  “I must straighten things out for Dee first.” Grim-faced, he crossed to her and took her hand. “Natasha was behind those that tried to ruin your reputation. She knew how close we were, and feared you would interfere.”

  Stunned, Dee could only stare. “You let her do this? Knowing my job was all I had?”

  “I was half out of my mind.” He shook his head. “Not an excuse, I know. But I will get your reputation restored, not matter what.”

  “They tried to frame me for your murder.” Still shocked, she began reciting. “Police brutality, taking protection money, and more. Internal Affairs has been out to my place a couple of times now. On top of that, someone tried to shoot me.”

  “I swear I had no knowledge of that.”

  “Did you send the photos?”

  He looked blank. “What photos?”

  Dee told him of the phone call, and the envelope full of photos.

  “I don’t know about that, either. Maybe Peter sent them.”

  “Go to my father, and talk to him. Explain how you must right so many wrongs, and I’m certain he will let you return to the human world. As long as you give your oath to return quickly, and face your punishment.”

  Dejected, Mick nodded. Then, kissing Dee lightly on the cheek, he looked up at the taller man. “Prince Cenrick, I would ask one favor.”

  “What?”

  “Tell her what she is, will you?”

  Cenrick frowned. “Who?”

  “My Dee. My sister. She deserves to know what she is.” His mournful expression spoke of his knowledge of yet another sin he’d committed. “I should have told her long ago, but I didn’t want to lose her. As long as I was all she had, I knew she’d never desert me. Again, I am sorry, Dee.”

  Then, before she could respond, he snapped his fingers and vanished.

  Puzzled, Dee looked at Cenrick. “What did he mean?”

  “I’m not sure. But if anyone can tell us, the Oracle or the Mage can. Let’s go find them.” He tugged on her hand.

  She resisted. “First, let’s finish helping all these Fae. We can’t rest until everyone has been restored.”

  Then they would have their answer. Whether or not they liked it.

  The faces blurred as the time passed. Fae after fae, male and female both, started awake as they were touched, looking at them with confusion and shock. Yet they were aware, themselves once more, and Cenrick knew they would return to the palace and the city as soon as they were able.

  Several hours later, they both staggered into the Oracle’s cave, exhausted. A few minutes later, Mort and the Oracle stumbled in, equally drained.

  “They are all back to normal.” The joy in Mort’s voice made Dee smile.

  Beside her, Cenrick exhaled. “Now we can rest.”

  “Do not think to rest so soon.” The Oracle glided into the room, her white robes once again shimmering. “King Roark has need of his son. He has woken and is calling for you.”

  Immediately, Cenrick pushed himself up. “Send me.”

  Dee struggled to her feet and grabbed his arm. “I’ll go with you.”

  He nodded, covering her hand with his.

  “Leave the woman here.” The Oracle’s voice was solemn. “Let her rest. We can care for her. Go alone to your father. He has things he must discuss with you in private.” Her glowing scarlet gaze met Dee’s, warning her not to object.

  Cenrick started to protest. But Dee, who saw something else in the Oracle’s gaze, silenced him with a squeeze of her hand. “She’s right. I’ll be fine here. Hurry back.”

  Pulling herself free, Dee stepped away from Cenrick. Immediately, the Oracle clapped her hands and Cenrick vanished.

  “Thank you.” The Oracle drifted closer. “The time has come for Cenrick to take his rightful place in Rune. His father will name him heir, I believe.”

  “I believe this as well.” Smiling, Mort crossed to Dee’s other side. “And the Oracle’s prophecies a
re rarely wrong.”

  “Good.” So tired she could barely think, all Dee wanted was a hot bath and a soft bed. And Cenrick, of course.

  Then, she remembered Mick’s words. Tell her what she is. She repeated them out loud to Mort. “Will you tell me?”

  “Of course.” Mort motioned her to sit. When she was comfortably settled on the hard stone ground, he swirled his robes around him and lowered himself beside her. “You are half-Fae, like Mick. You shared the same, Fae mother. Each time she got pregnant, each time she learned she carried a half-human baby, she celebrated. For a time.”

  Joy and fear warred inside Dee. “You know who my mother is?” Could she meet this woman? Did she want to?

  Sometimes, when Fae go to live among humans, they are eager to experience every facet of human existence. Unfortunately, for some this includes drugs and/or alcohol. For others, it’s an all-consuming addiction to sex. When those of our kind lose their way, we try to bring them back to Rune for cleansing. But they must want to go. Your mother refused.”

  “So she left me – and Mick – in an orphanage and forgot about us? Her own children?” Dee could scarcely credit such callousness.

  “The drugs claimed her mind.” Mort’s tone was gentle. “All she cared about was her next high, her next fix.”

  Watching him closely, Dee took a deep breath before she asked her next question. “Where is she now? You speak of her as though she’s dead.”

  “She is. She was killed in your world by a horrible fire several years ago.”

  Dee’s heart sank. “Oh.” She shook her head. “So my mother had no family? No one to retrieve her neglected children from the orphanage? No one cared?”

  “I believe she intended to come back for you. But she was killed before she could return.”

  “What about my father?”

  “No one knows who he is, or even if he also fathered Mick.”

  Dee looked at Mort in horror. “I was left there, in the human world, alone? Is that what you people do to half-Fae, half-humans?” It had been bad enough knowing her parents hadn’t wanted her. Now, to learn an entire race had abandoned her…