Goddess Kindled, page 29
No matter how many times he had tried to warn the Master away from him. As always he would receive the same reply, with a sneer of disgust.
“Never fear the dogs of the earth.”
Before ultimately turning away. It was only a matter of time before this so called dog of the earth would turn on the Master. He just had a very strong feeling it would be himself, however, who would be taking the fallout. That was why he had snuck away from the dungeon. His instincts of self preservation had kicked in with a force, and so he took off.
How was he to know it was the power of the prisoners he was sensing? That their force was the battle he had avoided. Only to feel the wrath of his actions after, from both Briggs and Master. So now he was fulfilling his promise, with a guard dog. To retrieve their newest creation from the shifter kingdom. With hopes of possibly taking both magick beings. If their timing and luck held out.
They were able to make it mostly uninterrupted from the main gate. Why Briggs had insisted on using it, instead of the delivery side of the domain, was a mystery. He had his suspicions though, very like a snub to the kingdom's rulers. Knowing full well his companion thought lowly of the royal families. Still, his knowledge and instincts had gotten them far, and quite quickly too. It was almost too easy.
They had only encountered a few, who were easily subdued with either a sleeping or paralyzing charm. From his hands at least. If his grizzly partner got ahold of them. He had wrapped his massive hands around their head, twisting with such a speed to force a snapping of their necks. To which he would then toss the dead aside like trash after the eerie popping sound. This creature was one he never wanted to get on the wrong side of. So he continued to follow where he led. Attempting in vain to use his charms on anyone they happened upon before big mitts could do more damage.
He still wasn’t sure how he felt about the loss of life. It was more the fact they were leaving a trail. One that could easily lead directly to them. His partner seemed not to care whenever he broached the topic. Nothing seemed to ever bother him. Well, that wasn’t quite true really, he had a severe dislike for the rulers of this kingdom. Perhaps that was why he took great pleasure, and disregard in the deaths of his kind. Or anyone really.
They made it to the palace, this time entering through the back. However, still Briggs led them through the main sections, walking freely. They never encountered anyone. The strange phenomenon was starting to set the hairs on the back of his neck on end. It shouldn’t have been this easy. Something had to be amiss. Still, they had a job to complete, he couldn’t be worrying about such things. Only getting it done.
Entering the wolf shifter's wing it grew eerily quiet. As if time itself were standing still. Odd that. At the transitioning shifter's door, they encountered a protection charm. One that Briggs snarled at the scent of it, though it would not block himself. He was quite adept at spells, and charms. This would only delay them a little. He got to work to remove the magickal lock.
No doubt in his mind of his abilities. They would be walking away from here with the Master's new pet. Of that, he was one hundred percent positive on the subject. With any luck the magick being on the other side of the door would be through most of the conversions by now, and they could just waltz right out of here. Just like they had come in.
Their trek here had been mostly uneventful. Only encountered a few others on the road. Some had supplied a simple greeting while most just continued on their way ignoring them. It surprised her mostly because she had such a strong gut feeling about today, and running into conflict. She had assumed that would happen on the road. It was the easiest place to get to her. Even with the contingent traveling with her.
It would be a straightforward plan she thought. Clearly, however, she didn’t know her enemies that well. Even though she packed a powerful punch in the gifts department, her companions weren’t without their gifts. To her, it made more sense to attack out in the open where they wouldn’t have the aid of the kingdom behind them.
Her instincts were proven somewhat right when the main entrance to the kingdom came into sight. Its doors were wide open, and not a guard in sight. Strange, she had been assured the place was well protected both physically, and magickally. Clearly, something had happened, and that was no longer the case. She had noticed this first and had swung an arm out to halt her two guides. They needed to act fast. While changing or rather tweaking their plan slightly. Turning to her companions, she asked.
”Is there another way in?”
Looks of worry, and concern followed quickly by nodding heads. Acknowledging with a nod of her own, she turned to the rest of the group who had stopped not far behind her.
“Alright, I will go with our guides to enter another way. The rest of you go through the main gates. Be aware, and careful. Clearly, something has happened. Investigate, and help if needed. While we continue on the mission.”
She held up her hand when someone was about to comment.
“I know it’s not ideal or recommended. I am relying on my instincts here ok. I trust them, and I trust you. Now let’s go, we need to hurry.”
With more nods of reluctant acceptance, they each took off to their separate ways. What they encountered when they entered the main palace shocked her. Bodies were lying about, slumped here, and there. All snoring loudly deep in sleep. This had to be a spell of some kind for no one would sleep so deep that they fell awkwardly. Well, there was a good possibility Ozel was here if magick was being used. He along with the shifter were her likely opponents this time. Never having truly battled another magick with gifts before, she hoped she was ready. Not counting her fight to free herself, and her son from the interrogation room.
She was so deep in thought it took a few tugs on her sleeve, and the whispers of “miss” to get her attention on the here, and now. Shaking her head back into focus she blinked a few times, before looking towards the speaker.
“Miss. We know of another way. Follow us this way.”
Indicating a hidden door beneath the staircase.
“It is a more direct way and will give the element of surprise. Come.”
The last was said with a forceful tug of her arm. To which she was quick to follow. Entering the very small door, revealed an opening into a rather large space. Complete with a maze of hallways and more stairs. Spaces blessed with magick were rather wonderful and quite spacious. This world was forever growing on her.
“This way, this way. Hurry.”
As fast as they could they maneuvered their way to Rowan’s room. Stopping at a tall slender door. They could hear the muffled sounds of bodies shuffling, and arguing. Pressing her ear to the door, she could hear who she assumed was Ozel talking.
“You promised me he’d be agreeable.”
Hearing a few more huffs, and puffs followed by groaning.
“Can’t you control him?”
Came a snarl, and an accompanying growl.
“NO. The mutt is an alpha.”
With her emotions rising, in a hurried haste, she stormed through the door, and into the room. Seeing her son struggle against two men she shouted.
“STOP”
Instantly they all froze, letting go of Rowan, causing him to collapse onto the floor. Her attempt to rush to him was stopped by her two guides, as they each grabbed an arm.
With lightning speed, the large galoot shifter grabbed her son. Holding his neck in his beefy hand, and lifting him to his feet. His face lit up with an eerie smile of recognition. With a “tsk, tsk.” He shook his head.
“This mutt is mineeee.”
He emphasized in his slimy voice. His statement and claim caused Harlow to growl.
“Stay calm sister dear.”
Instantly relaxing she focused instead on the other man in the room. She knew this man, he was the one who had tried to take her from Kierans' dwelling. The winy one, this was Ozel. He didn’t look anything like his brother.
“Well, this has worked out better than I had hoped it would.”
He turned to look at his companion, and smiled while turning again to her. Proudly stating.
“Two for the price of one.”
Harlow's emotions quickly filled with fear. Trembles spread through her.
“Stall Harlow. Help is on the way. Get him Talking.”
Feeling an overwhelming wave of assurance, and comfort she did as told. Relaxing her posture she asked.
“What is this, better than you thought?”
Tilting her head for effect.
With his brows together in question.
“Do you not hear? Or are you addled in the head?”
Staring her down waiting for a reply.
As if she would give him one. If she needed to play a part for her son's safety she would gladly do it. After reading so many books, she could easily play the part, what was it called? Oh yes, she remembered, the ditzy one. So she stared right back at him. A dare nonetheless. To which her guides still holding her arms each squeezed gently, either in support or as a warning. She wasn’t sure and didn’t care. All that mattered was Rowan.
“Isn’t obvious. We already got the guard dog, and now we have you as well.”
He said with an air of triumph. As he appeared to stand taller.
“We were tasked to get both of you. We had just planned on getting you each separately. You, my dear, just made it easier, is all.”
With a huff, she pulled her arms free placing her hands on her hips, demanding.
“Oh really. Is that so.”
Again staring him down. This man seemed to like the sound of his voice. She was able to keep him talking, slapping him with one liners, and body posturing. This slimy runt had some serious issues, she almost felt sorry for him. Almost he was Cillian’s brother after all, that should count for something. He just however kept proving, that wasn’t to be. He had made his decisions, and his allegiances known.
“That’s it, Harlow, almost there.”
He sounded out of breath. This time it was her turn to furrow her brow. Confused about how her brother could be almost here? She thought this was just some manifestation of her mind while in the dungeon.
“It’s not.”
She’d done it again, mind wandering, and at a very important time too. The slimy man in front of her did not seem to like her zoning out. He was flailing his arms, and jumping about. He looked like a toddler having a tantrum. Not being able to help herself she smiled letting a giggle escape. Quickly trying to hide it, she covered her mouth with her hand, too late.
Gasps behind her, and Rowan rolled his eyes in front of her. She knew she had gone too far. For now, Ozel was shouting.
“ENOUGH.”
Reaching into his clothes, she pulled a knife free. Quickly placing it too close to Rowan's side for her liking.
“Make your choice. What’s it going to be.”
Anger grew quickly inside her, filling her. Everything instantly becomes brighter in her vision. The blade she could tell would do some serious damage. It had been blessed with charms. Making it almost impossible for a magick to self heal from the inflicted wound. Provided it possessed an anti healing curse. Sucking in a breath she quickly weighed her options.
Before she could respond, however, the door behind the men flew open. In a flash, faster than she could blink the grizzly shifter moved, and Caden appeared. In a dance so smooth he wrapped his hands around the shifter's neck, twisting sharply to the side. An awful cracking sound filled the room followed by the thuds of falling bodies. Ozel in vain tried to peddle himself backward, all the while screaming, and demanding fair treatment.
Standing frozen in place, it was a shock to see her twin. It was like an instant wave of memories washed over her. Past, and present ones all collided at once. Only for her to realize that everything happens for a reason. That reason was to bring all of them to the here, and now. They were right where they needed to be, and supposed to be. That this time it was right.
Again coming back into the now, she wasn’t fast enough to dodge Ozel when he shifted behind her. With a careful pension, he placed the knife to her throat. Feeling the tip puncture her skin, she hissed at the sting. Caden froze in front of her. Through clenched teeth, he said angrily.
“I wouldn’t if I were you.”
Just as her twin spoke, Kieran burst into the room. Scanning the room he quickly tensed at seeing her. Whispering he reached for her.
“Harlow.”
Caden raised his arm and demanded.
“NO”
Halting him.
Looking finally at Caden he studied her twin for the first time. Through their connection, she could feel a wave of confusion before understanding washed over him. Making eye contact she knew instantly she had hurt him by not confiding in him about her sibling.
“His name is Kieran, he is my husband Caden. Please trust him. He only fears for me, and Rowan.”
With his eyes burrowing into hers.
“I know who Kieran is. But let’s take care of this scum, ok?”
With a smirk, and a tilt of her brow.
“Ok, brother mine.”
Caden’s audible snort brought them both back into the moment. As Ozel tugged her backward she grabbed his arm to steady herself while he shouted.
“Who is he? What does he want with you?”
This time it was her turn to snort.
“Well, I don’t know what he wants with me. This gentleman is Caden, my twin brother.”
Attempting to shrug she felt the knife tip penetrate further. Causing both men to hiss in response.
“Plus you already met my husband, Kieran.”
“I’ve had enough.”
Caden growled.
“Release my sister.”
Caden’s stare boar into her, until he finally winked. Using the skin to skin contact she began to pull Ozel’s energy. Taking just enough to weaken him. When she felt the blade start to slip from his fingers she acted in a well rehearsed move. Using both hands she wrapped them around his wrist while bringing her heel up from behind. After making contact with his jewels, and his very loud whine of pain she flipped him around twisting. In a combined move Caden swiftly connected his rather large fist into Ozel’s face. Rendering him unconscious.
Turning she rushed to her son’s side. Rowan was just coming back around. It seemed when he fell Briggs landed on top of him, knocking him out. Kneeling at his side she watched as he blinked a few times trying to focus. Kieran took position behind her saying softly.
“It will take a little time adjusting to your new vision son.”
The fact Kieran saw her son as his, filled her with pride. She quickly opened herself to her husband and pushed her feelings towards him. His gentle squeeze of her shoulder made her smile.
Rowan shifted his attention from Kieran with a simple.
“Got it.”
Back towards her. With a smile that reached his eyes, he said.
“Hi, Mom.”
While he moved to a sitting position he froze sniffing the air only to then relax. Turning his head he said.
“Hi, Uncle Caden.”
In a few more movements he removed a leather wrist cuff he always wore. Revealing a marking.
Caden quickly came to Rowan’s other side to kneel. He too removed a leather cuff he always wore. Revealing the same marking. She had assumed the cuffs had had something to do with the True Guard. Not, that it had everything to do with the Ravens Night. At her shocked gasp, both looked up to her.
Then she too revealed the same marking on her inner wrist.
Caden’s gaze shot straight to her face where he demanded.
“Really, When?”
“While I was here Caden.”
He seemed to instantly relax on an exhale.
“Wow”
He shook his head in disbelief, chuckling.
“I knew we went far back. Just not this far.”
Looking up at Kieran he extended his hand.
“Caden. Harlow’s older brother, and Rowan’s uncle.”
Kieran took the offered hand. The skin to skin contact shot awareness through both of them. Well, and her too. Her connection to both of them allowed her to know. Her husband, and now the two of them knew the fabled prophecy included not just her but Caden as well. Just like her, her twin now knew of Kierans, and her higher God status.
As they pulled back Kieran smiled while saying.
“Wow.”
With gentle hands he cupped her cheeks, drawing her in for a loving kiss. They only pulled back when Rowan started coughing to get their attention. She could so easily get carried away with this man. Smiling at him she turned to look at her son, questioning. When he jutted his head towards Caden’s odd expression. She asked.
“Yes, brother mine?”
As he shook his head, and his eyes regained focus he asked.
“What does he mean wow?”
It was too much to go into now, and here, so she simply shrugged her shoulders while pursing her lips before saying.
“Beats me, brother mine. I have no idea.”
Which caused Kieran to burst out laughing.
Caden rolled his eyes, shaking his head at her.
“He’s perfect for you sister mine.”
Looking then towards Kieran he said.
“Good luck man. Hurt her though, and you’re ours.”
With a puffed out chest, a sunken voice Kieran firmly stated.
“Wouldn’t dream of it. She’s been through too much already.”
With softening eyes, he bent his loving gaze to her.
“Besides I belong to her as much as she belongs to me. I love her.”
To which both Caden and Rowan responded.
“Ew, gross.”
Which was quickly followed by a rather large yawn from her son. His attempt to keep his eyes open was also becoming ever more present. At least now he seemed to be over the worst of the transition process. Now it would be him adjusting to a new way of life. With another yawn he said.
“As much as I love this family reunion, do you guys mind leaving so I can get some shut eye? I’m exhausted.
