Unraveled Homecoming

by J. L. Shelton

  The spell had as little chance against Mattie’s power as a string of thread did against a raging inferno. One second it was there, and it was gone a moment later. Though it didn’t depart without giving Garin some amount of additional pain.

  An enraged snarl came from his mouth, causing Mattie to whirl around! Garin had fallen to the ground, landing sharply on his right knee. His right hand had quickly shot out to steady himself while his bent left leg supported the forearm of his other side. His head hung low while his back started to bend as if a heavy weight was crashing down on him. Angry brown eyes managed to glance up just when Mattie had started to rush to his side, and what happened next had her skidding to a halt!

  The images flashing through her mind made her gasp, as did the raw emotions attached to them. Tears hit Mattie’s eyes, and rage pierced her heart. For if Garin’s childhood memories were starting to cause her head to ache, her husband must feel like his brain was ready to explode!

  The couple no longer wondered how his mother had found him so quickly once he had tapped into his Soul Caller power this time around. The curse was old, as in “put on him when he was twelve” years old. A thing wrought by a paranoid need for control.

  Metis had long ago confirmed Garin had the potential for this gift, done by Iantha’s vehement insistence that she know the truth. The reason for the demand rooted in fear that another one of her children would someday repeat Maximus’ betrayal. And though the little gnome had argued tooth and nail against the very idea, Garin’s so-called mother had gone behind the ancient creature’s back and had set the heinous spell upon her own flesh and blood anyways.

  Garin had been taken to the dungeons under that beautiful castle during his first week there, shackled and held down throughout the process. A terrified youth with little understanding of magic had known damn well that something evil was happening and had fought as hard as he could. Unfortunately, the thrashing, biting, and screaming in the cold dark had been to no avail. His sanity had remained intact just because the curse only worked as a fail-safe if he had no memory of that traumatic event. His deep-seeded feelings about magic, however, made it obviously clear that some part of him had always remembered that awful day!

  Garin’s sudden growl brought Mattie back to herself. She didn’t remember crouching down beside her husband or putting a hand on his shoulder, but at least he hadn’t pushed her away. A faint glimmer of appreciation at her presence flared before it was hidden once again under a blanket of rage.

  “That elf lost the right to call herself anyone’s mother long ago,” he hissed. “And Metis knew what had happened to me! She must have! Why else did she keep reminding me to never use this power? Why in the hell didn’t the gnome just break this curse to begin with!?”

  Having tangled with the spell up close, there was no question in Mattie’s mind when she sighed out the answer: “Because Iantha would’ve felt the spell fall, and who knows what she would’ve done to you next.”

  His growl came from deep in his throat. “In other words, she knows what you just did. Damn it! She’s never going to leave me alone now!”

  “Are you two all right in there?”

  Tobias’ voice bellowing through the air caused Mattie to jump and Garin to flinch. Somehow she had forgotten Leto and the mage were still standing outside the circle. While it seemed they had reached a temporary truce, they could’ve kept on fighting forever for all she cared!

  Garin made a noise of frustration before he called to them in an understandably acerbic tone, “We’re just waiting until it’s safe again to come out! Are you two done arguing?”

  Leto chuckled. “We are. Do you need help with bringing the circle down?”

  Garin’s eyebrow rose at Mattie as if in question. She shrugged in response. Her studies about magically constructed circles were spotty at best, but she had done some amazing stuff with less knowledge.

  “I think we can handle it!” Garin yelled, rising unsteadily to his feet.

  He reached down and helped Mattie to stand. Don’t tell anyone that we learned the full truth about the curse, he admonished after he had pulled both her hands into his own.

  Her reply was a little surly. I sure as hell wasn’t planning on doing such a foolish thing, but why so insistent?

  Taking a moment to stare over at the ancient creature, the expression in Garin’s features hardened. Something he said to me recently. While it’s possible Iantha felt the curse fall, it’s best not to give her confirmation of the event. There’s a distinct chance she has a network of spies running amuck in Menapolin.

  “That could make our trip to the Watchtower fun,” Mattie muttered.

  He chuckled before glancing around. “So, do we perform a song and dance to free ourselves?”

  She snorted. Letting one of his hands go, she pointed towards the waiting duo. “I hope not. Perhaps we can simply walk ourselves past the edge.”

  Nothing but doubt was on his face. “That’s too easy.”

  “Maybe. But we won’t know unless we try.”

  The plan worked, but Garin was also right in his uncertainty at the sound nature of it. Hand in hand, they stepped over the edge of the barrier. It allowed the couple through, but not without a price. While the merging hadn’t been comfortable, the separation of Garin and Mattie’s powers hurt like hell and then some! They both doubled over with intense pain as it felt like a madman with a machete was ripping them to shreds, trying to divide the energies properly and back to the original owner!

  ***

  Why do all of my spectacularly bad decisions end up with me being in an immense amount of pain!? Mattie thought while she stared up at the cloudy sky, grateful that only a massive body-wide ache remained from stupidly walking through that barrier!

  Breathing in deeply, she then took stock. Yes, her powers were back in place—as were the protections against accidentally using the Siphoning ability. Isabelle was bewildered by the events but otherwise just fine.

  Then Mattie’s eyebrow rose because, somehow, her magic had grown stronger! So had Garin’s, if the extensive amount of cursing he was doing through the bond was any indication. He was expressing just how unfair it was that he now had to control even more power; there had already been enough problems doing so before.

  “Remind me to show you a better way to drop a circle,” grumbled Tobias as he helped lift Mattie off the ground. She almost begged him to put her back, hating the fact that her legs were trembling like tambourines. “The last thing you want to have happen in a battle is to find yourself incapacitated.”

  Leto tried to offer the same assistance to Garin, but her husband just snarled at him. The Draconian then rolled his eyes and walked to Tobias’ side, muttering: “I think these two secretly enjoy having to learn everything the hard way.”

  “That they do,” came a familiar voice.

  Glancing in that direction, Mattie saw her father and her brother walking towards the group in a brisk manner. The younger looked worried while the elder appeared resigned. And if Mattie was being honest, their respective expressions did not surprise her at all.

  “We’d hate to disappoint you by doing otherwise, sir,” groaned Garin, finally standing on unsteady feet.

  Luckily Dougal had rushed to his side because the youth soon had to keep the man from toppling back to the ground. Garin reluctantly accepted the assistance and wrapped an arm around Dougal’s shoulders. A bit of sisterly pride at how easily her brother supported her husband entered Mattie’s heart, a strength he had most certainly gained from his many weeks of training with their father.

  Of course, the face of the family taskmaster grew stern, watching how badly Garin and Mattie needed help to stay on their feet. “I don’t know whether or not to weep over the fact that getting into trouble confirms to me that you both are still your usual stubborn selves,” he said with a caustic tone.

  Then he let out a frustrated sigh and turned to Leto. “Is this fiasco going to interfere with our plans for the Watchto
wer.”

  Leto’s craggy head shook. “No. I wasn’t expecting to leave for a handful of hours yet.”

  No relief at that news changed Gregory’s expression. “Good. Now get those two into the house for some rest,” he ordered. The growl deepened when he added, “While I send someone to let that poor elf know that these two are just fine.”

  Chapter 45

  An elf did eventually storm into the house, but it wasn’t Elita.

  The sudden distraction had come at the perfect moment. Garin was passed out on the couch, softly snoring with his arm draped across his face and shielding his eyes from the sunlight. Mattie’s chosen spot was a chair by the fireplace, enjoying the warmth. The frustrating book in her hands was another matter entirely. The Complete History of the Six Great Families was a lie, much to her dismay. The deeds of Roland’s brother, Coleman, stopped after the founding of Waterford. While children had been born of him, three sons and two daughters, by the time the city had been fully established, there was nothing more about that branch of royalty other than that. What in the hell had happened down there in the South?

  That question was interrupted by the front door being thrown open hard enough that it slammed into the wall! The dark hair of an angry elf gave Mattie a start at first until she realized how short the length of it was. Crius stopped for a moment in response to her gasp, gave her a polite nod, and proceeded to head straight for Garin’s sleeping form.

  “Little brother!” shouted the elf while he violently kicked the poor couch. “We need to talk!”

  Garin shot straight up, awakened by both the yelling and the sharp movement of his chosen bed. Blinking his eyes, utter shock lessened into surprised recognition. “Crius?”

  “Glad to see you remember me at last,” growled the elf as he crossed his arms.

  While Garin shook the sleep from his head, Mattie just tried to sink further into the upholstery. Wisdom was to avoid getting in the middle of a sibling squabble. The book in front of her seemed the best shield from the impending fight, even if she wasn’t going to read another damn word in it.

  Her husband brought his legs around to touch the floor. He sat up and stared hard at his brother. “What are you doing here?”

  Crius snarled. “To discover why I had to find out from the local gossip that Esus has Bran! You were the one who was supposed to keep me informed!”

  Garin bowed his head and let out a mournful sigh. “I’m sorry. In all the recent drama, I forgot.”

  “Forgot!?” The elf’s indignation was loud and clear. “Forgot that your brother was going insane with worry!? Forgot that I wanted a part in getting him back? What in the hell is wrong with you!?”

  “Much,” muttered Garin before lifting his head. There was nothing but regret written on his features. “I truly am sorry, brother.”

  “Now you better tell me what you all are going to do about this, or I am going to do exactly what mother wants and let them take me back to hell! Anything to get him out of there in one piece!”

  The ultimatum surprised Mattie, despite what her husband had mentioned in regards to the relationship between Crius and Bran. The elf firmly stood there as if ready to do battle, almost glowing like a fiery brand. He meant what he said; he’d do anything to get her cousin back.

  Mattie felt her husband’s rage flare for a second while the features on his face began to harden. He rose to his feet and glared at Crius. “No,” said Garin coldly. “That insane creature will not get her claws in you again! Nor any other sibling of mine who wants to wash their hands of her!”

  Then Garin laid out the current plan to Crius. The elf’s expression was stuck on disbelief for the majority of the telling. Watching his reaction made Mattie wonder yet again of the sanity behind the scheme.

  A point sharpened by Crius’ comment as his wide-eyed gaze went back and forth between Garin and Mattie, “You’re both completely mad! You do realize that, don’t you!?”

  She rose and walked towards the bewildered elf. He allowed her to put a hand on his shoulder when she pleaded, “But will you stand by the southern border for us, in case this works?”

  He smacked himself right between the eyes. “I must be as crazy as the two of you,” he groused before running his hand over his mouth and to a spot under his chin. Those eyes were flashing with hope and terror. “Of course, I’ll do it.”

  “You need to be in place before tomorrow morning,” said Garin in a firm voice.

  “Believe it or not, I figured that out for myself, little brother,” Crius said caustically. “But if this doesn’t work, I swear I’m going to punch you in the face.”

  Garin wasn’t surprised at that threat and nodded in response. “If this doesn’t work, I’ll let you.”

  Crius then shook his head, looked towards the ceiling and sighed, “Now I’m stuck with the hardest part of all this: having to explain to our already stressed and overworked sister why she might have an extremely busy day tomorrow.”

  “You can’t know that,” said Mattie with an angry huff.

  “Let’s just call it a calculated hunch,” Crius said with a wink before he headed for the door. After opening it, he turned back around and grinned at the couple. “Remember, both Bran and Elita have filled me in on the truth behind some of the spectacular rumors floating around about you two. Believe me—if you don’t end up needing her help before it’s all said and done, then it would be nothing short of a miracle.”

  ***

  Mattie’s hand rested softly on her husband’s shoulder as they sat at the table, wishing she could gather everyone up in a hug. Tobias was in the kitchen washing up after the subdued afternoon meal, and a few quiet sniffs were heard coming from his direction. Though Mattie had seen the utter fascination in his eyes, Leto had wisely offered to go over and help the mage. His attention remained firmly on drying the dishes and putting them away. Dougal sat across from the couple, his face twisted in a manner that screamed a part of him felt betrayed. Next to him, Gregory wore his stoicism like a mask. And Selina…

  Well, Selina had disappeared halfway through lunch. She had thrown her napkin into the middle of the table before storming off to her room. Though she had acted angry, Mattie had seen the glistening tears in her eyes.

  “Are you sure you still want to go through with this?” Garin’s voice sounded calmer than the turmoil of emotions echoing through the couple’s bond. Torn up was the nicest thing Mattie could say about all the sorrow, anger, and reluctance running through him at the moment.

  The cause of all these complex emotions looked at his brother with a calm smile. “I do,” Emory said with conviction.

  Mattie heard a creak and caught a glance of Selina standing in a far corner. The girl was hugging herself closely, a picture of confused sorrow. Her eyes kept flickering between Emory and Dougal, brow furrowed and looking rather lost.

  “The curse is gone,” Mattie offered with a faint hope. “Iantha can’t harm Garin that way anymore.”

  The shade smiled. “Mattie, I appreciate what you’re saying—but I can’t risk my brother’s life any further. Not when I’m the one who is already dead.”

  “So you’re still leaving us,” grumbled Dougal as he leaned back in his seat, hiding his clenched fists under the table.

  Emory sadly nodded. “I must. My time is over, but yours is just beginning. Stick with your training, and I think you’ll be surprised at how far you will go.”

  Then the red-haired youth went over to the black-haired one’s chair. Leaning over his shoulder, Emory began whispering into Dougal’s ear. When Gregory’s face twisted with frustration, Mattie knew he couldn’t hear the words. Garin started to grow nervous, but whatever secret advice was being shared greatly changed the younger one’s mood.

  Dougal’s eyes grew wide with surprise and hope before he turned to Emory and whispered, “Are you sure? About everything?”

  A wide smile was on Emory’s face when he nodded, “I am.”

  The boy’s eyes flickered
over towards Selina’s hiding spot for a second, a blush creeping into his cheeks before his sights returned to the youth standing behind him. “I still wish you didn’t have to go, but thank you.”

  Emory patted Dougal’s back before taking a step towards the Lord Protector. He soon extended a hand in the man’s direction. “Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Gregory. It truly was a pleasure to have met you again.”

  The man only hesitated for a second before firmly shaking the offered hand. “I honestly don’t know what to say at a time like this except, perhaps, safe travels.”

  The youth bowed his head respectfully before making his way into the kitchen. While he was saying his farewells to Leto and Tobias, Mattie’s gaze fell on Dougal. By the far away look in his eyes, she knew her brother was still mulling over the words spoken for his ears alone. What did Emory say to him?

  I hope to hell it wasn’t about the loophole in the treaty!

  Garin’s voice was a growl, and she couldn’t blame him. That information was explosive enough already, what with it being the possible reason her brother had been lost for all those years. The last thing they needed was a young man working towards a dangerous goal.

  Then Mattie’s focus returned to Emory as he cautiously approached Selina. Out of everyone, she appeared to be the most surprised when he bowed to her. Rising back up, the smile on his face was soft and sad.

  “Selina, I wish it had been under different circumstances—but I am very glad to have met you.”

  The response to his kind words soon had everyone’s attention on them; shocked dismay at what they witnessed. The girl’s face twisted with rage a second before she smacked him across the face with all her might! Before he had a chance to recover she punched him in the chest. Her fist stayed where it landed, so Emory used that arm to pull her in close.