Destiny of the Witch, page 45
‘What sort of plans?’ Keely demanded.
‘The school,’ Killian explained. ‘We’ve been talking it over with Sirius and Trinity, and well, they’re looking for a fae teacher, and I guess I fit the bill.’
‘You, a teacher?’ Aidan gasped. ‘Wow!’
‘All right, all right.’ Killian grinned. ‘Time for me to be the responsible married man, I reckon.’
‘We both love the island,’ Harley said, a faint plea for understanding in her voice. ‘We’ve spoken to Sid and Betty about it, and they’re thrilled. Sid’s looking forward to a long and happy retirement in the little cottage we’re planning to set up there. Killian loves being on his boat and we both need to find a purpose. You know how much I’ve missed my job. Well, Sirius and Trinity have said they’ll need a school librarian, and that I’m the perfect person for the role.’
‘I’ll be teaching, taking the kids on boat excursions, and running errands to the mainland when necessary,’ Killian added. ‘It’s the perfect solution for us. Harley needed a more normal life, which scared the pants off me at one point, but this… Well, it sounds like the kind of life I could really enjoy, too, and I know Harley will be happy with all those books.’ He grinned. ‘Besides, I can’t think of a more worthy cause than teaching fae kids to trust witch kids, can you?’
‘No,’ I said, smiling. ‘I really can’t. I think it will be perfect for both of you. I wish you both every happiness.’
‘I can’t believe it,’ Keely said. ‘You’re serious? You don’t want to be part of the Pendragon Alliance?’
‘If you ever need us, we’ll be there,’ Harley promised quickly. ‘You know that, right? But we want a different sort of life now. Please be happy for us.’
Keely was speechless for a moment. ‘I—I—’ She put her arms around her twin. ‘Of course I’m happy for you. It will be amazing, and I know you two will love life on the island.’
‘Thank you,’ Harley said gratefully.
‘Trinity and I will be busy with the school,’ Sirius said regretfully. ‘And to be honest, I don’t think I’ll be much use with this leg anyway.’
‘You’re a gifted witch,’ I told him. ‘You’d be a lot of use. Even so, I can see you have other priorities now and that’s fine. You’re a member of the High Council as well as setting up this school. I didn’t really expect you to join me. Don’t worry.’
‘And next year,’ Trinity said, her eyes shining as she gazed at Sirius, ‘we plan to have our own child, so I’ll be kinda busy. Now I have my magic back there’s no reason to suppose things won’t go well next time. We’re going to set the school up and then see how it goes.’ She turned to me, suddenly looking guilty. ‘Is that okay, Wulfram? I don’t want to let you down.’
‘You haven’t let me down,’ I assured her. ‘As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.’
Star and Benedict had been very quiet, but now Star cleared her throat. I saw the anxious look on Benedict’s face and waited.
‘It’s a wonderful idea,’ Star said hesitantly. ‘And, honestly, I do believe it’s what you’re supposed to do. But the fact is, I have two young daughters. They won’t be little for long, and I want to spend every spare moment I can with them. I want to make sure I’m around to see them grow up. They must be my priority. I’m sorry.’
‘Don’t be sorry,’ I said, seeing the relief in Benedict’s eyes. ‘I think you’ve made exactly the right choice.’
‘But if you ever need an expert fire witch,’ she added, ‘just call me. I’ll be there.’
I smiled. ‘I’ll be sure to remember that.’
My heart, though, was sinking. So far only Keely and I were up for this. My vision of us all banding together to form the Pendragon Alliance was disappearing rapidly. What if no one wanted to join? Where would we find other members?
‘I suppose I ought to be brave and say this out loud,’ Sky said miserably. ‘The thing is, what I’ve realised is, I’m not brave. Not really. I like my nice, quiet life in Castle Clair. I like my lovely house in Hornbeam Close. I like helping Star in the magic shop, or helping Celeste at the museum or the Mother Clipson Experience. I like helping Jethro research his books. I like having cake in Mrs Greenwood’s teashop. And I’ve got a wedding to plan, too, now. I don’t really want to be worrying about threats and danger. I’m just not that sort of person. I’m so sorry, Wulfram.’
‘You don’t have to be sorry,’ I told her. ‘It sounds like the perfect life.’ I sighed heavily. ‘I wouldn’t mind that sort of life myself, but I have a feeling I’m meant to do this. But don’t feel guilty, Sky. I want you and Jethro to be true to yourselves.’
‘Thank you,’ she said gratefully, grasping Jethro’s hand.
Celeste and Hector were sitting quietly together, listening. Celeste reached into her handbag and pulled out a card, staring at it intently for a moment.
She raised her eyes to mine.
‘You know, ever since we first arrived on that island I’ve wondered what this meant,’ she said, waving the card at me. I realised it was the invitation that Meri had sent her. ‘You will find your true purpose in unity,’ she read. ‘What did that mean? And why did the wording never change when everyone else’s seemed to? But when you asked us to be part of the Pendragon Alliance, Wulfram, I checked again. It’s finally changed. Now it says, Your battle is done. You have found your purpose. I guess that’s clear enough. I’m meant to be part of this.’
‘Are you sure?’ Sky asked worriedly.
‘What about the museum and the Mother Clipson Experience?’ Star pointed out. ‘You can’t do everything!’
‘But Sky is perfectly capable of taking over from me. I’ve felt a restlessness for a long time now,’ Celeste admitted. ‘Like I was meant to do something else with my life. I just didn’t know what. It’s hard being married to a Guardian.’ She turned to Hector who gave her an understanding smile. ‘Not that I’d change him for the world. He’s everything to me and he knows that. But knowing what he can do, knowing he’s out there changing things that none of us have any idea about, making a difference without anyone being even slightly aware of it… I’ve felt useless, inadequate. Like I should be doing more.’
‘It’s not a competition,’ Trinity said. ‘You don’t have to feel inadequate, Celeste. You’re an amazingly powerful witch.’
‘Yes I am,’ she agreed. ‘That’s not me being boastful. I’m just stating something I’m finally starting to accept. I do have powers that most other witches don’t, and they’re growing stronger all the time. I don’t know why. But the point is, I can’t waste those powers sitting behind a counter at the museum, however much I love the place. I should be doing more.’
She smiled at me. ‘What you’re suggesting—reforming the Pendragon Alliance—I think it sounds perfect for me. It’s a way I could make a difference. If my purpose is in unity, as it said on the invitation, then what better way to fight for unity than this? I’m in.’
I looked doubtfully at Hector, wondering if he’d raise any objection, but to my relief he seemed perfectly happy with her decision.
‘As a Guardian,’ he said, ‘I can’t officially be involved with the Alliance. You realise that?’
I nodded, understanding all too well.
‘But,’ he added with a twinkle in his eye, ‘if there’s ever anything I can help you with—unofficially naturally—I’ll be there. You only have to say.’
‘Thank you, Hector. Celeste, welcome aboard.’
‘Welcome aboard what?’
We all looked up and shuffled awkwardly as Derwa walked into the room. I eyed her worriedly. I may have been mistaken, but I was almost certain she’d been crying. Her eyes were slightly puffy and red-rimmed, and her previously flawless skin looked a bit blotchy. My heart went out to her, and I saw from Keely’s face that she was thinking the same thing.
‘Come and sit down, Derwa,’ she said, patting the seat next to hers. ‘We were just talking about our new venture.’
Derwa gave Aidan a quick glance, and I saw the sympathy in his eyes and knew he understood how she was feeling all too well. Maybe he was feeling the same way. Maybe I should have fought harder to get their families to call this wedding off. Had I been a coward? Had I let this couple down? I just didn’t know.
‘So what’s going on?’ Derwa asked, trying to sound cheerful.
‘Wulfram has decided to reform the Pendragon Alliance,’ Celeste explained. ‘He’s just been recruiting some of us. Keely and I are going to join him.’
‘The Pendragon Alliance?’ Derwa’s eyes widened. ‘After all this time? Oh! What a wonderful idea!’
‘Is it?’ I mean, obviously I thought it was, but I hadn’t expected her to sound so enthusiastic. Then again, she was one of the Nine Sisters. Their history with Arthur was undisputed. She would know all about the original Alliance, of course.
‘Yes! It sounds amazing. I wish…’ Her voice trailed off and she stared down at her hands, resting in her lap. Her brand-new Irish gold wedding ring sparkled on her finger, and I thought it must feel like a manacle to her, a symbol of the life she was now trapped in. A life she hadn’t asked for and didn’t want.
‘You’re going to need a fae representative in the Alliance,’ Aidan said suddenly. ‘You can’t claim to represent all magical beings if you only have witches on the team. Killian’s got his own life to lead now, and that’s fair enough, but what about me? I’ll happily be part of it if you’ll have me.’
Derwa’s head shot up. ‘Is that right?’
Aidan’s eyes widened. ‘Well… Why not?’
‘So we’ve been married a few hours and already you’re planning a whole life without me?’ There was a distinct spark of fury in her eyes, and I thought hopefully that maybe she wasn’t going to be the submissive wife I’d feared she would be.
Aidan looked flabbergasted. ‘I’ve had to give up my job in The Green Man,’ he said awkwardly. ‘What would you have me do? I can’t just sit around at home all day, doing nothing. I’d go crazy!’
‘But it’s all right for me to stay here, I suppose?’ she said angrily. ‘Stuck in a house that feels strange and unwelcoming, with people I don’t even know and a lifestyle I can’t begin to comprehend. Meanwhile, you’ll be out every day saving the world. Thanks very much.’
‘Do I have to report to you then?’ Aidan gasped. ‘You’re not my keeper!’
‘No,’ she retorted. ‘I’m your wife, may the gods and goddesses help me. Well, I won’t have it.’ She turned to me, defiance in her expression. ‘I’d like to join the Pendragon Alliance,’ she said.
‘You? You can’t!’ Aidan turned to me, a plea in his eyes. ‘Tell her she can’t, Wulfram.’
‘Why can’t she?’ Star demanded icily. ‘She has a right to her own life. She’s not your property.’
‘Did I ever say she was?’ Aidan threw up his hands in despair. ‘It could be dangerous, and you’re…’
‘I’m what?’ Derwa demanded.
‘Well…’ Aidan shrugged helplessly. ‘I mean, look at you.’
‘What do you mean by that?’ Derwa’s chin lifted, and she gave him an angry look.
‘I just mean, well, you’re so graceful and elegant. And you’re one of the Nine Sisters and they just…’
‘Just what?’
Uh-oh. I recognised that tone. I’d heard it in Keely’s voice a few times when I’d annoyed her. Aidan, I thought with some amusement, had better think carefully before he said anything else.
‘Well,’ he said uncertainly, ‘you just sort of drift around Avalon, don’t you? Being all delicate and gentle and—’
‘You really know nothing about me at all, do you?’ Derwa said. ‘That’s what you think I am? That’s all you think I’m capable of? Drifting around? You’re going to get a real shock, Mr O’Brien.’
‘Well,’ he said, somewhat crossly, ‘I’m very sorry I’m sure, Mrs O’Brien. If you think you’re up to being part of the Pendragon Alliance who am I to stop you?’
‘Oh, you won’t stop me,’ she said. ‘And I’m more than up to it.’
‘Go, girl!’ Star said gleefully.
‘Wulfram,’ Derwa said, ‘will you accept me as part of the team? Or do you think I’m incapable, too?’
I wouldn’t dare! ‘You’re my cousin, Derwa. You’ll always be welcome on my team.’
Her eyes softened and she gave me a grateful smile. ‘Thank you.’
Aidan shook his head, clearly dazed by this turn of events. ‘Well,’ he said, ‘do I have permission from my wife to join this team, too, or is it family only?’
Derwa shrugged. ‘It’s fine by me,’ she said flatly.
‘You’re more than welcome,’ I told him, meaning it. ‘You’re absolutely right. We can’t just be a team of witches. This must be a true alliance of magical beings. Having a Shining One with us can only be a positive thing. Eventually, I hope we’ll recruit fae, and maybe other beings, too.’
‘Not vampires I hope!’ Sky said with a shudder.
I laughed. ‘I should think that’s highly unlikely,’ I said. I looked round at them all. ‘Thank you. Thank you all so much.’
Star looked embarrassed. ‘You don’t have to thank us,’ she said.
‘You really don’t,’ Trinity added. ‘I feel we’ve let you down. So many of us have declined your offer, you should be angry with us if anything.’
‘Angry with you?’ I shook my head, amazed they could possibly feel that way. ‘You’ve stuck by me through all this. I haven’t always been easy to live with. It was hard, finding out who I really was, what was expected of me. I was scared, afraid of failing. But you all stayed by my side. You did everything you could to make this easier. I may be the Great Guardian, but I couldn’t have done any of this without your help. You each played a part, and I’ll be forever grateful to you all. You may not be part of the Pendragon Alliance, but you’re part of my heart, and part of my family. Always.’
‘Oh, Wulfram!’
I don’t know how it happened, but suddenly I found myself in a group hug that almost took my breath away.
It was true. We were family. We always would be.
Chapter 57
Wulfram
I sat alone on the garden bench and pulled my coat tighter, gazing up at the dark skies and the gently falling snow. New Year’s Eve. The end of a year I would never forget. The year that changed everything. What, I wondered, would the next year bring?
We’d celebrated at Castle Lodge—our new home. So much had happened, even in the days since the winter solstice wedding, that I could hardly believe it.
As soon as the rest of the family heard about our plans to revive the Pendragon Alliance, a meeting had been called to discuss the future.
Emrick had been delighted to hear what I’d decided, and promised to help us in any way he could. I wouldn’t have expected anything less. As Merlin, he’d guided and mentored Arthur, and been at his side throughout the life of the first Alliance. I couldn’t have been happier or more grateful to have him at my side now.
‘We can’t stay on this island,’ Keely had mused, as we sat around the table in Peloryon House. ‘It’s just not feasible.’
‘I didn’t like to say so,’ Sirius admitted, ‘but with us running the school from here…’ He looked at Ewella. ‘I mean, obviously, this is your island, your house. If you want the Alliance to remain here it’s your call, not mine.’
‘It’s okay,’ I said hastily. ‘Keely’s right, and so are you. We don’t want to get in the way of your school. We’ll find another base for the Alliance, and another home.’
‘But surely,’ Iliana said, frowning slightly, ‘it’s obvious? You must come home to Castle Lodge. Castle Clair is the perfect place to set up the Pendragon Alliance.’
I wasn’t too sure about that.
‘But it’s your home,’ I protested. ‘And what about Castor, and Hector and Celeste?’
Castor had held up his hand. ‘You’ll get no protests from me,’ he said. ‘After everything you’ve done to clear my ancestor’s name and drag my family from the mud I’ll do anything I can for you. If you want to set up the Alliance at Castle Lodge you’ll be very welcome as far as I’m concerned.’
‘And it’s not as if we’d be tripping over each other,’ Celeste pointed out. ‘The house is huge. There’s plenty of space for you and Keely to live there. Why not?’
‘And Aidan and Derwa, too, naturally,’ Iliana added, looking at our other recruits.
Aidan didn’t look too sure about that, and I understood what he was thinking. Aidan was, after all, a Shining One. Working with witches was one thing. Living with them was another. He might have a witch wife, but maybe that was enough for him for now.
‘You know, our house is still standing empty,’ Sirius pointed out. ‘Trinity and I won’t be living there any time soon, if at all. Our place is here now. You and Derwa would be welcome to stay there as long as you like.’
Aidan brightened. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Absolutely,’ Trinity said. ‘You’d be doing us a favour. We really want someone in the place, keeping an eye on things.’
Fortunately, Aidan remembered in time that he was now a married man. He turned to Derwa.
‘What do you think?’
She hesitated, then nodded. ‘I think it’s a great idea.’
‘Brilliant!’ Aidan beamed at Sirius and Trinity. ‘Thank you so much.’
Killian grinned. ‘Can’t wait to hear what the folks back home think about that.’
Derwa’s expression revealed she really didn’t care, and Aidan merely shrugged.
‘They can’t deny I’ll be doing something useful,’ he said. ‘They have to let me live my own life, and that’s all there is to it. After all, I did what they wanted. So did Derwa. They owe us this.’
‘What about the artefacts?’ Hector asked. ‘Do you intend to leave them here on the island?’
I considered the matter. ‘I think they’re probably safest here,’ I decided. ‘The Pendragons won’t be able to land on the island. It will make quite sure of that. And if we’re ever betrayed again, by witch or fae, it’s unlikely they’ll find the second floor of the tower, or the crystal cave.’
