by Alicia Fabel
By now, Kale had either dismantled the horde or failed. Either way, he hadn’t made it back to Summartir in time to face off with Mother and keep Maiden from leaving. So, Vera would do all she could to take down the witch-bitch herself. Vera took Margory’s hand. The girl’s face was pale and drawn. Vera located Mother’s magic. Mother had squished into a churning mass in the corner of the High Witch’s chest, where she could stay hidden from Maiden. Vera braced herself and pulled. The magic barely touched Vera before she directed it into Margory. Unlike when Mother had forced magic into Vera before, this didn’t fill her up. Margory was taking all Vera gave her. The girl was a bottomless well. A single voice rose from the crowd as a young girl began singing to show Mother the way to them. The crowd joined in. Vera pulled harder, and then went flying as Mother surfaced. The High Witch yanked Vera off her feet and dashed her onto the steps in front of the palace with a sweep of her hand through the air.
Holy mother of bruises, that hurts. The chorus of songs turned to gasps. Lifting her head, Vera saw Mother stalking toward her enraged. Behind Mother, Margory held a hand to her chest where the magic had pooled. The girl stared at Vera in awe.
“You will get that back for me,” said Mother, picking Vera up by the front of her dress. “Now.”
“Not a chance, you old bat.” Vera grinned.
Mother swung back and smacked Vera across the face. Vera’s lip split. Blood dribbled down her chin.
“Do you not care about your bird friend?” threatened Mother.
“You mean my foster dad? He told you not to lie to me, didn’t he? That’s why you never actually said that you’d kill him, because you never had him in the first place. I swear it’s a good thing he’s already dead.”
Mother’s eyes flinched then hardened. The witch swung back to give Vera another blow, but her hand froze in midair, tangled in white threads.
“Release her,” commanded Gage, surrounded by the grown male witches from the Monroe family.
“How are you doing this?” asked Mother.
“The same way we will stop you from destroying Vera’s home,” replied Gage. “With the magic our mothers gave us.” Mother’s eyes widened as Gage made a motion with his arm, sending Mother sprawling.
Gage caught Vera before she fell. “Hey there, trouble,” said Gage with a wink.
“What are you doing?” Vera looked between the men and the crowd that was backing up like they sensed an outbreak of plague. Even the triads shuffled back. “They’ll know your secret now.”
“Pretty sure that one’s officially out of the bag,” Gage said. “It’s time Summartir accepts that men can be witches too.”
“It’s you,” said Mother, crawling to her feet. “That’s why I couldn’t find the last threadbearers. I wasn’t looking for males.”
It can’t be. Vera scanned the men around her. Could the Monroe men be responsible for not one but two world threads? They’d had the perfect hiding place, and now they’d stepped right out and waved their arms to get Mother’s attention.
“Run.” Vera shoved away from Gage. “Why did you come here?”
Gage pulled a white feather, Gus’s feather, from his pocket. “He said you’d need help.”
The man to Gage’s left lifted into the air. Ribbons of black mist wound around his limbs.
“Which of you is the threadbearer?” demanded Mother.
Strands of white flew from Gage’s fingertips and crashed into Mother’s. Mother closed her hand and yanked. Her ribbons around the man constricted. He deflated before falling to the ground in a heap. Mother had killed him.
“It’s not him,” Mother announced. “Which of you is it? Do you even know yourselves? I will figure it out, even if I have to kill every Monroe.”
Just then, Addamas appeared behind the Monroe men whose arms and necks glowed with magic they were not practiced at using. Vera’s heart lifted. She waited for Kale to step out behind the satyr, or Mimi, but no one else came. Addamas spun in a circle like he was lost.
“Right. Look at the state of you,” tsked a cockney voice behind Vera.
Vera swung around. A small man, the size of Vera’s forearm, lounged on the steps. He had a fancy red suit with several rows of gold buttons and a matching triangular-shaped hat.
“The boss may be glad to see you this way,” the little man informed Vera.
No one else seemed to notice the man. The Monroe men stood shoulder to shoulder, shooting strands of white at Mother, attempting to contain her or kill her. The High Witch rolled her eyes. An easy flex and the magic wrapping around Mother snapped and fell away from her. Mother lifted a hand, and another Monroe man lifted into the air.
“Acting like maggots, the lot of them,” said the little man. “Watch this.”
He flicked his finger against his thumb just as Mother stepped forward. Mother’s toes caught on the hem of her gown, and she fell on her face. The Monroe man who’d hung in the air dropped. He was alive. His family caught him. The little man laughed, saluting Vera before poofing away. There was a cry and the triads shifted. One of the witches vanished in plain sight. Then another. The little man was taking them. Mother pushed to her knees and sat blinking at the faces of terrified people around her. Only it wasn’t Mother.
“Vera?” Maiden asked. “What’s going on?”
“Maiden.” Vera made it to Maiden’s side in a few steps while the Monroe men yelled for her to stop. “It’s Mother she—”
Maiden’s hand lashed out and closed around Vera’s throat. Vera choked.
“Time for the Maiden to go,” said Mother.
Maiden’s confused eyes flickered back into view. “I can’t hold on. What’s happening?”
“Don’t leave.” Vera shoved herself over, making room. “Stay with me. Don’t leave.”
“It’s too late, siphon,” answered Mother. “She’s gone.”
Oh no she’s not.
Vera? Maiden asked. How are you doing this?
Look through my memories. I’m a little busy right now.
Mother stood, pulling Vera to her feet as well. Vera reached down, freed the knife from her skirts, and swung it at the witch. A cloud of black smoke stopped Vera’s arm mid-swing.
“Uh uh. Bad siphon,” said Mother.
The magic ripped the blade out of Vera’s hand and flung it behind her. The blade thunked into flesh, and the grunt that accompanied the wet sound was Gage’s. Screaming started. At first, Vera thought it was all in her head, but then she saw the people finally begin to run. Not from the maniac Mother, but from the army of unnaturals cresting the road. Kale led them, sword in hand. As the army reached the market, Mimi melted from the shadows. The mountain lion stepped right in front of the advancing army and roared. At her cry, a band of warriors in black-plated metal interspersed with black cats and birds of every type and size joined her. Mimi was standing against Kale.
The witch dropped Vera beside Gage. He must have been coming for Vera when the witch embedded the blade in his gut. Vera screamed in rage. She gathered all the threads of mist and tossed them across the platform, along with Mother who was attached to them. Mother landed on her stomach, sliding a little before she stopped and looked at Vera with hate. The little man in red poofed onto the back of Mother’s head and jumped. Mother’s head cracked on the steps, and she went still. The Monroe men circled Vera and Gage protectively.
“Gage.” Vera’s voice cracked.
“I’m okay,” he lied. “Okay, I’m not. Looks like I won’t get a chance to try to make you mine after all. By the time I get back, you’ll have given your heart away.”
“I’ll be an old lady when you get back,” Vera said, teasing through her tears.
“I’ve always been mature for my age.” Gage’s breaths rasped through his teeth.
“But you won’t remember me.”
“I want you to hold on to something for me, okay?” Gage slipped Vera’s cloaking charm, the one she had given him, into her hand.
“In twenty
years, I’ll come find the most overachieving boy in Summartir and give it back,” Vera promised.
“Not that. That’s yours.” Gage laughed, and then wheezed. His eyes closed.
“Gage, wake up. Wake up!”
“Tired,” he whispered, shaking.
“All right,” Vera said, her heart shattering. “You go to sleep. I’ll see you again, okay?”
“Maiden,” Gage gurgled, and then he stopped shaking.
Hold tight, Vera, warned Maiden.
Suddenly it wasn’t just Vera and one witch – there were two.
“Gage?” Vera asked slowly, trying to breathe through the crush.
I won’t stay long, promised Gage. I have to give this to you. Gage’s magic hummed as he passed a thread to Vera.
I can’t take your magic, Gage.
Sure you can. You’re who should have it.
No, I mean I literally cannot take it. It’s too much magic for me.
You’ll get used to it, Gage assured. You’ll stretch like a new shoe.
I can help you, offered Maiden, and the magic constricted before settling into Vera’s lower back.
Why don’t you keep it for your next life? asked Vera.
Because of this. Suddenly Vera was following the thread of magic as it flowed outward. Together, she and Gage traced the line with their minds to where it anchored at the meadow. The thread twined around a doorway that Vera had never seen, but the place beyond the door was as familiar as breath for Vera.
You’re the Earth threadbearer, Vera gasped.
Was. Now, you’re the Earth threadbearer. You see why I cannot take it with me.
It would leave Earth vulnerable. You’re saving my realm.
If I’m honest, which I see now I must be with you, I’m mostly doing this for the girl who makes me blush and fumble for thoughts like a schoolboy. At least now I know the odds of you choosing me were not in my favor. I think that makes leaving you a little easier. I would be miserable watching you fall for someone else.
What are you talking about? asked Vera.
I’m sorry, I tried not to look, Gage apologized. But your thoughts were open for the Maiden. I saw what I’m sure you do not see for yourself yet.
The memory of Kale’s arms around Vera at the stream floated forward.
That was nothing, Vera argued. Kale’s just a friend. Vera blushed. It was made worse by having Maiden there watching all that play out. Vera never did figure out what those two meant to each other. And apparently, Maiden heard that thought because she startled and began laughing.
I would call us unlikely friends. Never anything more, assured Maiden.
Before you write the Guardian off as lost, look up, Gage said to Vera.
While the warriors in black had held back the unnaturals, they’d let Kale through. Vera’s heart wrenched with relief to see the man whole. Kale eyed the witches surrounding Vera as she knelt over Gage’s body.
Don’t let him kill my cousins, okay? Gage kissed Vera’s lips softly, sweetly, and then he was gone.
Kale leaped from the horse he rode and cautiously walked to Vera. The witches parted. Kale dropped to his knees beside her.
“I’m sorry I was late,” Kale said to Vera. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save Gage for you.”
“I know. Maiden is still here with me, though,” Vera revealed.
“You’re incredible, you know that?” said Kale.
I cannot transition back into my body unless you weaken the Mother so I can shove her aside.
Vera relayed Maiden’s message to Kale.
“Then it’s a good thing that’s what we’re planning to do,” said Kale.
“Time to end this together.” Vera squeezed Kale’s hand.
“You’re not scared of me, even though I led the horde here.” Kale’s brows pinched in confusion.
“A bet’s a bet. I trusted you would be you.” Vera shrugged a tired shoulder. “That’s not Mother’s army anyway. They were meant to stop her.”
“I found that out too, just before the siphon knocked me out and ran away,” Kale rubbed the back of his head. “I decided to let the horde do what they were made for.”
“If any unnaturals get loose, a lot of innocents could get hurt.” Vera looked at the witches, men, and children hiding and running.
“That’s why those guys came.” Kale winced and pointed up at a pair of dragons headed their way. “Actually, I was getting worried they wouldn’t make it. Mimi’s warriors can’t hold off the horde forever.”
The dragons opened their mouths, spewing streams of fire. They circled behind the horde, laying down walls of flame to corral the unnaturals toward the palace where Mother was beginning to stir. Mimi and the warriors moved, getting themselves on the other side of the flames, a few carried fallen brethren. The dragons continued their path until they’d encircled Mother with the horde. Everyone else was safely outside the arena they’d created. Mother rose to her feet, surrounded by her familiars who had come to guard her while she was unconscious. Kale placed a hand on the ground to steady himself. His brow glistened with new sweat.
“It’s not a pit like you suggested,” Kale said, breathing hard.
“But it will work,” Vera finished. “Are you okay?”
“Monroes, you know your job,” Kale reminded.
The Monroe men raced into action, circling the wall of flames and adding nets of magic across the top.
“Kale?” Vera asked with concern.
“I have to lead the horde,” said Kale. “Or they won’t wear down the High Mother enough.” Kale placed shaking hands on the sides of Vera’s face and pressed his forehead to hers. “I’m so sorry.”
“You’re scaring me.”
“You never have to be scared of me. Never.” Kale groaned, and a horse screamed—Ferrox. “My ride is here. Please forgive me.”
Kale pressed his lips to Vera’s forehead. Vera’s stomach dropped. Kale took off across the grounds without looking back. Ferrox was tearing across the field toward him. Vera covered her mouth. They were going to collide, but neither horse nor man slowed. Maiden flowed forward inside Vera, wrapping around her, holding her together. Kale and Ferrox hit with a crack, folding in on each other. The space between the two blurred, and then they were one. Kale was an unnatural.
“You knew,” said Vera to Maiden.
Of course, I’m one of the witches who selected him to become the Guardian. And I’m the one who separated him from his demon steed. As much as I could anyway. They will always be linked.
Kale lifted his head to look at Vera for a heartbeat, his eyes glowing red before he leaped through the fire to join the horde. Mother had worked her way through a good portion of the horde by using a magic shield to fry any who touched her. Vera thought she saw the red man riding a bucking fox inside the arena before both disappeared. As the unnaturals surrounded her, Mother ripped at the net above.
Vera, you need to help the Monroes, Maiden said urgently. They need another witch to complete their circle.
I’m not a witch.
But you have the magic of one now. I’ll show you how to use it.
Vera was already running while Maiden threw a white thread into the net. The fraying edges of the net healed. Mother howled with fury.
I’ve got the net. You see how much magic you can siphon from the Mother, said Maiden, directing Vera’s attention to the girl on the palace steps. Margory had not run.
Vera tugged at Mother’s mist. It was thinner than before, but there was still a lot of it. As Vera pulled, Mother turned to face her with a snarl. The High witch threw her magic against the flames in front of Vera, even while Vera tugged it from her and threw it into Margory.
“Bloody hell,” said the man in a red coat. “That was a lot of hopping. I’m right tired.” He sat down, leaned against Vera’s leg, and closed his eyes like he was taking a nap.
Vera, do not take the final drops, said Maiden. You have to stop when I say.
Vera wasn’t sure how t
o turn off the current going through her and flooding into Margory. It was like asking her to stop a bolt of electricity.
Now, Maiden screamed.
Vera pictured the magic stopping, saw the flow reverse in her mind, but couldn’t stop the siphon inside her. Then the magic changed. It wasn’t black anymore. It was blue. Vera whipped her head around to look at the woman inside the arena with the horde. It was not Mother anymore. It was Maiden. Vera felt the hollow spot inside her ribcage where the witch had been. Vera was draining Maiden. With a cry, Vera pulled her hands down, closing them into fists. It didn’t stop to flow.
“Plant them in the soil,” suggested the little man.
Vera dropped to her knees and dug her fingers into the dirt. It worked. The little man poofed away. Maiden was still trapped inside a wall of dragon fire with at least a hundred unnaturals, though. They all looked at Maiden like they smelled honey. Kale yelled, turning on the unnatural at his side and sliced him in two with his sword. Kale pushed his way through the mob of unnaturals, destroying them and ducking their blows until he reached Maiden, who stood in a ring of downed unnaturals of her own. Kale picked Maiden up and threw her. Like a freaking shotput. Right through the hole that Maiden had left open in the net when she’d left Vera. Then Kale turned, facing down the unnaturals that surrounded him. The Guardian’s vicious smile matched the remaining horde’s as the monsters converged as one, swallowing Kale in their midst. Vera covered her mouth with one hand. The dragons swooped in from above, gliding through the fire to land on surviving unnaturals. The dragons tore them in half with claws and teeth.