Elemental's Heart

by Ciara Lake

  “I’m famished,” Alma declared then turned and started to lead the way down the street.

  Soon they arrived at a restaurant called Goodies, Sweets, and Magical Treats.

  Terra smiled. “I love this eatery’s whimsical name.”

  When the door opened, she inhaled the delightful scent of the food that rushed at her. It was a wonderful scent, she could almost taste. Terra enjoyed the glorious aroma, savoring the experience. She could smell a combination of meats, breads, and sweets.

  “Doesn’t it smell terrific? You’ll love it here. They have more than sweet things here to eat. So I hope you’re hungry.” Aileen touched Terra’s arm. “Come on, let’s get a table.” His mother radiated with happiness.

  The owner of the restaurant immediately recognized the family and excitedly waved them to the largest table. He eagerly shook Dillon and Aetius’s hands. Then he pulled out the chairs for the two sisters. Aetius helped Terra with her chair, and Dillon assisted his wife. The sisters started to chat and giggle about the young men they’d seen while walking down the street.

  Terra sat and listened to the family talk and laugh. The ease of their comradery was as if no time had passed since Aetius had visited with them last. Aetius’s face was bright with cheerfulness. The family’s wonderful mood was infectious, and soon Terra was fully engaged in their conversations.

  The wait staff brought out drinks followed by several dishes and platters of food. Terra ate her fill, savoring the distinctively foreign flavors. After the meal, the owner brought out a tray of rolls, or what could be described as small cakes.

  Aetius sat up straighter, and when the tray touched the table, he was the first to reach for the rolls. “These are cinnicakes.” He grabbed two off the plate. “Try them, they’re the very best.” He stuffed one into his mouth. His dark eyes gleamed as he enjoyed the sweet taste. “These are my favorite thing about Asterlia.”

  Terra took a cinnicake too. She sat it on her plate and watched the others devour theirs. Then she took a bite of hers. Her mouth experienced pure joy as the buttery flavor mixed with cinnamon and sugar. The glory of it assailed her senses. “My gods, this is excellent. The taste and the texture is unbelievably delectable.”

  “It’s like magic in the mouth, isn’t it?” Aetius greedily took another cake.

  Terra downed her cake quickly and reached for another too.

  “Bring us some more,” Aetius directed the waiter. “And bring us some hot teas to wash it down.” He downed his next small cake. “Also, I want to place an order for a thousand cakes to be delivered on Beltane Eve. I’ll give you instructions regarding delivery before I leave.”

  “A thousand?” Terra’s mouth gaped open.

  “Yes, a lot of people are coming, and as you can see, you have to eat several of them at one time to satisfy the need.” He grinned. “My family alone could down a thousand. Maybe I should order more?”

  Terra shrugged. “I don’t know. They are awfully good.”

  Aetius waved his hand. “We’ll take two thousand.”

  “Very good,” the waiter answered.

  “Oh yes.” Aileen was bubbly with excitement as she smiled at Terra. “We would like to order a Joining cake for you and our son. Do you mind if we surprise you with how it looks and the flavor?”

  “No, I don’t mind. That’s very nice of you. Thank you.” Terra’s stomach was a flutter of nerves and happiness.

  Aileen waved the owner over to their table and talked to him for several minutes.

  By the time they were done eating, Terra was lethargic from eating too many carbs and sugar. She was so stuffed, she could barely move.

  “Let’s go dance some more. I’m ready to meet some of those handsome men I saw earlier.” Aine practically skipped to the door. Terra was amazed how both the sisters could move so fast after eating so much.

  Everyone seemed to approve of Aine’s suggestion, and they headed down the street toward what appeared to be another musical event. This gathering was by the side of a lake. The water was turquoise and reflected the street lights, which were coming on one by one. The moon was high in the sky. It cast a blue light over the festivities. The sisters tapped their feet until two young Fey men approached them, taking them to the dance area.

  “Do you want to dance?” Aetius pulled her into his arms. “It’s a simple dance.” He pointed to his sisters. “Watch them for a moment. You’ll learn the steps quickly.” He pointed to another group of dancers. “See, it’s as easy as can be.”

  “I don’t know if I can move that much.” She touched her stomach. “I’m so full.”

  “Sure you can. It’ll help you digest all the food, and it’s great practice for the Beltane celebration and our Joining party. There will be lots of dancing since there’s going to be a lot of Fey there.”

  Aetius grabbed her hand, and before she realized it she was in the middle of the dancers, imitating their rhythmic movements. Terra was having so much fun she barely noticed the disturbance occurring directly behind her.

  Unexpectedly, the music stopped, and menacing laughter erupted. The sound was so shrill Terra covered her ears to protect her hearing. Others frowned with the pain and irritation of the crude, loud cackle. Terra turned to see what had made the dreadful sound and captivated the dancers’ attention. She watched Aetius’s happiness fade, and a murderous expression appeared on his handsome face.

  “Well, well, well, look at how the happy couple is dancing up a storm. What a party you all are having.” Hecate smirked.

  “You’re not invited,” Dillon yelled at the goddess.

  “I wouldn’t want to socialize with the likes of you. You’re killers of my child.” Hecate pointed at Aetius. “I’m here for revenge,” she screamed. “Vengeance is rightly mine. You vile creatures disobeyed Zeus’s Council and slaughtered my Emaline. Now, I’m going to kill you both. I’m especially going to strike down this little bitch.” She looked directly at Terra. “So, you can suffer like I have over Emaline.”

  Amuliana materialized behind Hecate. “My friend, did you smite them yet? I guess not.” She sauntered toward Aetius and Terra, trying to look alluring to the audience of spectators. Instead of looking alluring, Amuliana resembled a prostitute with her overly tight, scarlet dress and black stilettos. Her hair was black, and it hung to her hips.

  Hecate was dressed all in black. Her hair was silver-white. It was slicked back and held in a tight bun. This day, she truly appeared witch-like, and she was furious. Her face was ashen pale, and her eyes were blood red with anger.

  A sword appeared in Hecate’s hand. She shook the blade at them. “This is the sword Amuliana used to behead Faelan, your sweet, dear sister.” She hissed at those who watched her. “I think it’s fitting to slay another of your loved ones with it.” She sneered at them as she brandished the lengthy blade.

  Dillon roared with rage, and his black wings unfurled behind him. Horns materialized on his head, and his eyes turned fully pitch black. “How dare you, witch.” He seethed with anger. “You dare speak my child’s name and glorify Amuliana’s evil deed? You dare threaten my family again? I don’t care if you are goddesses. You should both be destroyed for what you did to our family,” he bellowed. “Nothing will heal the pain you’ve caused us.”

  “Goddess.” Aetius’s voice was oddly calm. “Put the sword away, before you make war on all of the Fey. And have no doubt, there will be a war if you use that sword against us.”

  “Shut up, you bastard.” Hecate took several steps closer to him. “I’m tired of hearing you talk.”

  “I’m hardly a bastard, and we didn’t kill Emaline. A business owner killed her and fed her to the alligators. We’re not responsible for what happened to her. We weren’t even there. Emaline shouldn’t have been such a predator. Eating humans isn’t permitted. She had been warned, and I’m sure you counseled her to stay out of trouble. Stupidity and greed got her killed, not anything we did.”

  “I still blame you.” Hecate p
ointed the sword at him. Her fury was palpable as she stared at them.

  In response, Aetius unfurled his wings, and his horns grew. Swiftly, the handsome man transformed into a menacing, avenging angel. Inky black eyes completed his demonic appearance, and even Terra felt apprehension.

  The audience of Fey who continued to watch, collectively sucked in their breath at his transformation. Many of them whispered about Aetius, calling him Enforcer. They watched him with awe, respect, and fear. The goddesses recognized the group’s lack of admiration for them, and it noticeably infuriated them even more.

  “I said back down, goddess. I’ll have to teach you a lesson as to who the gods’ Enforcer is and why.” He growled.

  “Shut up, Fey. I don’t care if you’re the fucking Enforcer. I’m going to punish someone, and it’s going to be her.” Hecate pointed her blade directly at Terra. “Then you. And for good measure, I’m going to take out another one of your pretty little sisters. Or maybe both and your mother too. It’ll stop the bitch from adding to the damn population of the Fey. There’s far too many of you. You all multiply like rats.” Hecate cackled.

  “You truly wish to make war with us?” A sword materialized in Aetius’s hand.

  “I’m pissed at you all for having a happy time while my child is no longer...destroyed by them.” She waved the sword at Terra and Aetius. “Your excuses are lies.” She snarled.

  “This will be very entertaining.” Amuliana held up her hand and a sword materialized in her grip. “I’m her backup.” She sniggered. “Not that Hecate needs any backup.”

  “Sure she does, and more.” Dillon now held a sword in both hands. He was poised and ready for battle.

  It was clear to Terra that these men were warriors and unafraid. They would battle the goddesses to the death. The evil bitches were no doubt in over their heads.

  Suddenly, the wind blew with a ferocity. Most of the crowd fled to a safer distance. Dillon positioned himself in front of his family. Aetius pushed Terra behind him.

  Swords appeared in both of his sisters and mother’s hands as well. They held the blades like warriors too. This family was ready to fight and defend their own. All of them bared their fangs and hissed at the goddesses.

  “What are you going to do? Kill us?” Amuliana chuckled like insanity was closing in on her. “You can’t kill us, we’re goddesses.”

  “You’re not immune to losing your heads or going up in flames. Maybe I’ll do both to be sure you’re dead. If it doesn’t kill you forever, it’ll certainly slow you down for a good while.” Aetius stepped closer to the goddesses.

  “You wouldn’t dare.” Despite their bravado, they moved back from his approach.

  “Why wouldn’t I dare? You’ve threatened me and mine. I won’t take any more tragedy caused by the likes of you.” Aetius grew bigger, and he loomed in their direction.

  Rain began to fall, soaking only the goddesses. “Damn you and this fucking rain. You damn Elementals,” Amuliana screamed.

  “Last I knew the elements were part of this world.”

  “Smart mouth, I’ll teach you.”

  A mass murder of ravens appeared out of the sky and dove down to assault all those who watched. There was chaos as the birds unmercifully attacked the Fey who had been caught up in the unfolding drama.

  “That will teach all of you to stand against us. You should bow to us. We are your superiors. Your goddesses.” Amuliana lifted her chin and her hand, and more ravens materialized, diving down and victimizing more of the crowd.

  Aine shrieked as she waved her sword and fought off the birds. Alma fought too, and she was knocked to the ground. Aileen was doing the best she could to stop the birds. Her head was bleeding from their attacks. Dillon speared one of his swords into the ground as he waved the birds away. They were trying to maul his head and face. The birds were maddened. They were diving at Aetius too. He swung his sword, bringing down several birds. They would fall broken and appearing dead and then be revived and attack him again and again.

  The wind picked up, pushing at the birds down and disrupting their flight. Nevertheless, the birds fought hard against the wind and continued with their assaults. Then the rain started to beat down on the birds as another attempt to stop them. Nothing worked, and the birds continued to do Amuliana’s bidding.

  Oddly, the birds didn’t attack Terra. Amuliana noticed Terra was unaffected, and her eyes grew wide with rage. The goddess pointed at Terra and took several steps in her direction. “Why are you immune to my magic?” She hissed. “I’m really going to teach you.” Amuliana lifted her sword.

  Fear rushed through Terra. Following an urge, she raised her hand toward Amuliana. The emerald ring that Goddess Gaia had given her began to glow, casting a bright green light. A warmth surged up her arm. A concentrated beam of green light shot from it. The light hit Amuliana and stopped her dead in her tracks. The birds immediately vanished. Another beam of light shot from Terra’s ring and hit Hecate with full force. The witch nearly lost her balance and then was frozen.

  “Stop this,” Terra shouted. “We’re not responsible for Emaline’s death. And she deserved what she got. Now leave us and never return to this realm. This is a place of happiness. It’s not for the likes of you.”

  She could see Hecate struggle with all her strength to gain her freedom. She failed, as did Amuliana. The hold on them was so strong they couldn’t even speak. Their shock was clear on their now hideous faces.

  The bystanders watched in astonishment at what Terra was doing. No one spoke or made a noise.

  “I’m going to send you away from here.” Fury radiated through Terra, and the beams of green light lifted the two goddesses from the ground. They hovered several feet in the air.

  The rain stopped, and the wind stilled. The earth began to rumble and shake. Thunder boomed, and lightning flashed across the darkening sky. Beneath where the goddesses hovered, the earth opened. Steam rushed out of the holes that formed. Four black shadows slithered out of the earth. They were slight, humanoid forms. They floated like spirits as they examined their surroundings.

  Then the four shadows turned, and their silver eyes focused on Terra. Their eyes glowed bright as they drifted closer to her. “Mistress of the earth, daughter of Goddess Gaia, we’re here to serve you. We are Gaijas.” They glided even closer to Terra. A musty scent followed them. “Tell us your pleasure, dear sister.”

  They spoke in unison. Their voices were eerily sing-songy and high-pitched. The sound produced shivers in Terra. The uneasy feelings raced through her. They observed Terra’s uneasiness and came even closer to her.

  “Fear not, child of the earth, we’re your servants and your sisters. We’re the spirits of the very substance of what makes the earth. You are of the earth too. You’re as a sister to us, and we freely do your bidding. The emerald helped you call upon us. It is a powerful gem, and it amplifies your call. We can hear your call wherever you may be. At least, if you’re on this earth and any of its realms.”

  They turned their silver eyes to scrutinize the others gathered.

  “Good tidings, Fey.” The spirits nodded in greeting to the group gathered around them.

  Terra quickly recovered from her momentary shock. “Thank you for coming. Please, Gaijas, take these goddesses to Hecate’s palace or one of her temples, far from here. Keep them away from all of these good people, especially my family members.” She motioned to Aetius’s family. “Don’t allow them to return to this realm unless called upon.”

  “The Enforcer’s family is now ours as well and under our protection,” the Gaijas informed all of them.

  “Thank you,” Terra replied.

  “We wish to please you.” The spirits bowed their heads to Terra. They turned and grabbed ahold of the goddesses’ arms. The goddesses’ renewed their efforts to struggle. “Stop, you cannot break free of the earth’s hold. It and we are mightier than you.” They hissed as they dragged the goddesses into the large holes.

  Within mo
ments, they were gone, swallowed by the earth. The ground closed and repaired itself, leaving no trace of what had occurred.

  The Fey who had remained applauded in approval, and the music started up without hesitation. As if nothing had interrupted their joy, the Fey danced with abandon and delight. Terra was stunned at how remarkable and resilient the Fey were.

  Chapter 15

  Beltane Eve had finally arrived. The preparation for the Beltane Festival and the Joining Circle had required a lot of time and effort. But every moment of it had been enjoyable, and the results were beautiful. All the work had brought Terra closer to her grandmother, Genevieve, and Aileen, Aetius’s mother. They had laughed, cried, and toiled together in making everything picture-perfect. Many friends and family members, especially Aetius’s siblings, also had given their time to help them.

  Announcements from the guests attending had started arriving two weeks ago. Some came in writing, and others were sent by herald. At last count, there was to be four hundred guests. Due to the size of the group, the Joining Circle was going to be held beyond the woods in the large meadow at the base of the hill. It was about a quarter of a mile walk from the house. The passion of everyone who helped overwhelmed Terra with gratitude. This night was going to be the most joyous occasion.

  Aetius informed Genevieve, Aileen, and Terra that he had obtained the officiant, and it was going to be a surprise. The high priestess they had coming would oversee the Beltane blessings.

  The Beltane celebrants started to arrive around six o’clock. Many more guests would arrive as it got closer to the time for the Joining Circle, which was scheduled to begin at ten-thirty in the evening.

  The weather was perfect. It wasn’t too hot or too cold. There was a subtle, refreshing breeze. The trees and vegetation were lush and green, creating a perfect backdrop to all the blooming flowers. The grass was soft like a plush carpet. Nature and the elements had accommodated all of Terra’s wishes, and she was thankful.

  Everyone was dressed in their finest clothing. Many of the guests brought gifts for the joining couple. Aislinn, another one of Aetius’s sisters, set up a table to greet the guests and collect the gifts. She would also hand out the candles before the processional and the Joining Circle formed.