The Maebown

by Christopher Shields

  “I’m sorry,” I said.

  They didn’t reply.

  “I know you have questions for me?” I asked, hoping one of them would break the silence that wrapped us like a suffocating blanket. “Ozara just left, you can speak freely now.”

  Each of them looked at me as if I had grown an extra head, but Poseidon came to my rescue. “Of course we do, Maggie. But, honestly, you haven’t listened to a word anyone has said in two days. I can only speak for myself—I harbor no delusion that you are suddenly ready to take part in a conversation.”

  I strengthened the Air Barrier around us—just the Ohanzee elders, Poseidon, Billy, and me could hear. “I spoke to Bastien.”

  “When?” Wakinyan asked.

  “Earlier today—Billy can verify.” Billy nodded and I continued. “He suggested this course of action.” To Billy’s credit, he didn’t contradict the half-truth. “Do any of you, in all honestly, really want to learn Aether?”

  Poseidon shook his head, but Sinopa answered first. “Privately, we’ve talked about that very subject. The answer is simple. No.”

  “That’s what I guessed. The only people who want it have left—with Zeus’ exception.”

  “Yes,” Poseidon confirmed. “And I was tempted,” he growled, balling his hand in a fist. “I would exact revenge in the name of my clan and in the memory of my people. It is not safe for me.” His voice calmed to a soft, warbling whisper. “Maggie, I do not believe I can do what you would ask of me. And if I can…”

  “Please,” I encouraged him to continue.

  “I believe it was incredibly unwise of you to promise teaching one of us Aether, and then decide to move the date back three days. I cannot fathom what you were thinking, child. You should have known they would leave when you refused their demands to speed up the process. Now we are all at risk. And to promise to teach any of us—I trust none of them. Bastien, of course, perhaps Tse-xo-be, were he still alive, but no one else.”

  “Oh, but I am alive,” Tse-xo-be said, materializing. “I should like to thank you, Maggie, for keeping my presence a secret.”

  I nodded, although before he appeared, I wasn’t sure whether he was here or not.

  Poseidon’s eyes watered. “I assume this will involve a tale that even I will find entertaining. I’m so relieved, brother,” he said, choking up.

  Tse-xo-be gripped Poseidon at the elbow, a reassuring expression on his thick features. “I’m sorry, my brother, we kept my fate a secret from everyone outside of the group seated here. We hope to use it to our advantage,” Tse-xo-be said.

  “I do not care—I love surprises of this nature. What else are you keeping from me?”

  “A few things,” Tse-xo-be said as he raised a stone stool from the ground and took a seat. “Maggie is correct, I have no desire to learn Aether. I have no stomach for clan politics. For longer than any of you have existed, I have been a champion of self-determination, even though I recognize the dangers inherent in it. I could not do what needs to be done. So Maggie and Bastien have designed an unorthodox solution—at least the elders will find it unorthodox.”

  Poseidon shifted his eyes to me. “Yes,” he said. “A younger Fae.”

  I nodded.

  “But that does not come without risks of its own. Power corrupts.”

  “Caorann seemed fine.”

  Poseidon nodded, giving Billy a quick glance. “Let’s hope she was not the exception. I can guess who you’ve picked.”

  “I’ve picked three.”

  “Three?” He paused. “Oh yes, of course. The other two are not in the Weald. None of my business. Tell me, Maebown, are they capable of learning?”

  I shook my head. “So far…not yet.”

  Poseidon twisted his mouth into a frown. “Maggie, I have some advice. If we live through this, you should avoid gambling.”

  “This isn’t a losing hand.” I only half believed my words.

  Poseidon nodded, disbelief splattered across his face. “So, can we expect reinforcements?”

  I nodded. “Tomorrow,” I said. If Bastien heard you, there might be. If the clans are willing to risk death, sure. My breathing accelerated, and Poseidon’s azure eyes searched my face.

  * * *

  “Billy, do you know where Gavin is?”

  “No,” he said. “I haven’t seen him or Sara since we returned.” He reacted to my face, “You really shouldn’t worry. He’ll be back. You could find him.”

  I wiped at my trembling lower lip. “No, if he wants to be alone, I owe him that.”

  “Maggie, I know that look,” he said.

  “Vacant, distant?” I shot back.

  He laughed. “No, you’re beside yourself over Gavin. Go find him. Put your mind at ease. He’s probably practicing Aether, like you showed us.”

  “He didn’t even see it. He wouldn’t look at me.”

  Billy loosed an exasperated sigh. “Sometimes, I want to throttle you.”

  “I’d break you if you tried.”

  “That very fact has saved you from me on more than one occasion over the last month.” He cupped my chin in his broad fingers and looked in one eye, and the next, before exhaling again. “Okay, I’ll go find them. Get a grip.”

  Billy left me in my room. Dinner had been a silent affair. Whether they were uncomfortable from my crazy scene at Doug’s grave, or filled with fear, like I was, it had been horrible. Sean and Candace whispered, Candace and Ronnie exchanged looks doing that wordless conversation thing they always did. The only person who spoke was Ronnie’s dad. He complained about deteriorating American values just before Tadewi compelled him to sleep…face first onto the table.

  After writing in the journal for a few hours, hoping to fall asleep, I surrendered to insomnia. I climbed out of bed, journal in hand. It would be impossible to sleep by myself tonight, so I shuffled across the chestnut-colored floor and tried to quietly descend the stairs. Each creak froze me in place. Two steps from the bottom, I leaned around the corner. The fire had burned to bright orange chunks, casting just a slight glow in the darkened living room. I had insisted on a fire, holding some hope it might warm the chill I couldn’t seem to shake. No effect.

  I wandered through the library and down the copper-topped passageway to Mom’s cottage. Soft, flickering lamplight gave the garden a peaceful aura. Pausing momentarily in the gazebo, I had a flashback from when it all started. That frozen winter morning, when Aunt May explained it all to me. I remembered my disbelief, my teeth chattering as she introduced me to the elements. I thought she was off her rocker, then.

  I ran my fingers across the symbol for Aether in the floor. The smooth stones were cold to the touch, and I recoiled when the shivers crept down my spine. “I should have run screaming from this place.”

  Before any additional memories could come racing back, I continued to the heavy wooden door to Mom’s room. The soft light from a bedside lamp illuminated the right side of her face. She was reclined against the headboard in a mountain of pillows, with Mitch curled up beside her. I thought about turning around, but she’d seen me. She flung one corner of the comforter back and patted the pale blue linens beside her.

  In a silky, soft voice, she whispered, “Looks like you and your brother had the same idea tonight.”

  “Do you mind?’

  Her mouth curved into an elegant smile. “Are you kidding me?”

  When I sat beside her, she said, “You used to do this all the time.”

  I laughed, “Yeah, anytime there was lightning.”

  “The last time was Hurricane Wilma.”

  I nodded. “Mitch was just a baby.”

  “Can’t sleep? Gavin?” she whispered.

  I hunched my shoulders.

  “He’ll be back. Count on it.”

  Somehow it sounded more convincing when Mom said it. I nodded, and curled up next to her.

  “When does it start?”

  I exhaled and refilled my lungs. “Tomorrow.”

  She squeezed me a
nd sighed. “So soon. I’d hoped for more time. You’ve been writing again?”

  “I have—almost caught up.”

  I felt her nod.

  I tried to close my eyes, but that just invited my mind to race. I sat up and leaned into her, resting my temple on her head. “I think maybe I’ll keep writing. Get caught up to today.”

  “I’ll sit up with you.”

  “Mom, if something…will you make sure it gets finished?” I said, thumping the cover with my thumb.

  “You’re going to finish it, Maggie. I’m counting on a good ending.”

  I felt my lips tremble again, and just nodded.

  We talked into the early hours of morning.

  * * *

  “Mitch, do you want bacon or sausage?”

  “Both?”

  Mom turned from the big copper stove and raised an eyebrow.

  He giggled. “Sausage.”

  “Drevek?” Mom asked.

  Drevek looked to Mitch for guidance. Mitch enthusiastically nodded, urging him to try. The young Fae then turned to me. Most Fae in the Coalition didn’t eat meat. He was probably trying to shed the eating habits of the Unseelie.

  “Go ahead. I promise, your secret will be safe with me.”

  He nodded. “Sausage, please.”

  Candace shuffled into the kitchen, staring at me with bloodshot eyes. She hadn’t slept, either. She sat down next to me at the bar, and whispered so that she couldn’t be overheard. “Where were you last night?”

  “I was in Mom’s room.”

  Her face contorted. “All night?”

  “Yeah, most of it.”

  “Okay. I checked your room half a dozen times—your phone was on your dresser.”

  “I haven’t been upstairs, I’m sorry.”

  “No, it’s okay. I was just worried.”

  “And awake all night.”

  She pulled her auburn hair behind her ear, and studied my face. “I wasn’t the only one.”

  “Are you saying I look bad?” I teased.

  A sparkle in her hazel eyes preceded a smile. “Have you seen yourself?”

  “When this is over, we both need a facial.”

  “Facial? Whatever. I need an entire week of pampering—and you’re rich, so no skimping. Massage, body wrap, steam room, facial—that’ll be a good start.”

  “Okay, make a list.”

  “Probably need to book a spot for Ronnie.”

  “Was he up, too?”

  “No, but he’ll never forgive you if you don’t take him along.”

  We stopped talking when Mom sat coffee in front of us. “Looks like rain,” she said, peering out the window.

  The low, dark clouds looked more ominous than usual, and I nodded. Of course it looked like rain. There were always storm clouds when a conflict raged—the Ohanzee were pulling energy to the Weald. This morning, they were all down at the second Seoladán. I let my mind wander—I still hadn’t sensed Sara or Gavin, and this morning Billy was missing, too.

  Candace took a tentative sip. “My parents are sleeping in. Tse-xo-be told them everything.”

  Mom turned and gave her a sympathetic look.

  “No, it’s okay. Mom has been fascinated by the Fae for years, so she had a billion questions.”

  “And your dad?” Mom asked.

  Candace rolled her eyes, and pulled her lips into a half smile. “He’s adjusting.”

  “If things go like I suspect, you will all have to spend some time in hiding,” I said.

  Mom bristled for a moment, but then went back to her pan full of frying sausage.

  “Hiding from whom?” Ronnie said, as he and Sean emerged from the dining room.

  “From them,” I said.

  Candace set her cup down and looked up at me.

  I took a sip of my coffee to kill the dry mouth. It didn’t help. “It may get ugly. So you have a few options. You can leave—one of the Fae can hide you in Berryville, Fayetteville, or some other city close by.”

  “Or?” Ronnie asked.

  “I don’t really think the other options are very good.” I really hoped they’d leave.

  “Ozara can find us anywhere, can’t she?” Candace asked.

  I nodded. “The other option is to stay here. We could find a place to hide you underground, project energy around you. You’d be invisible—for a while.”

  “Underground?”

  “Yes, Mitch. It’s the easiest way to conceal you.”

  “It’ll be okay, Mitch. I won’t let anything happen to you,” Drevek said with authority.

  “Not too deep,” Mom said. “We spent way too long in that cave, and I don’t think I can handle it again. But I do want to stay here.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “Yes,” Ronnie said.

  Mom nodded. “Absolutely.”

  I nearly argued with them, but decided against it. Candace was right. The Alliance could find them anywhere. “Okay, I’ll talk to Tse-xo-be about hiding you.”

  “Don’t worry, Maggie. I will do everything I can to protect them,” Sean said.

  I crossed the floor and hugged him. “Thank you.”

  “No thanks are necessary—you are my family.”

  “Well, find a chair, boys.” Mom said. “Maggie, help me get this to the table.”

  “Ah, time to eat,” Ronnie’s dad bellowed from the dining room.

  Ronnie rolled his eyes, and Mom put her hand on his shoulder.

  “Mr. Mashburn, can I see you in here for a moment?” she said, before looking out the kitchen window and nodding. When he walked past me, she spun on her heel.

  Oh god, pissed-off Cuban mother…he’s toast.

  “Maggie, Air barrier.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  I wasn’t sure what she said, but she said it with emotion. Mr. Mashburn’s face turned red and his eyes bugged out, which caused her to get even more animated. Then she leaned over the island and spoke through her teeth, her finger pounding the marble surface. It looked like he was starting to reply. I read her lips as she said, “Oh, no, no, no, I’m not done. Keep your mouth shut.” Then the only other thing I could make out was “Your son.” The rest she said through clenched teeth. Then she pointed out the kitchen window. He nearly passed out when Tadewi growled and bared her fangs—apparently he’d never seen a Sasquatch before. Mom walked past him, and spun her finger to get me to drop the shield.

  Then in a perky voice that made me laugh, she said, “Great, are we all ready to eat?”

  “Yes ma’am,” Ronnie said.

  She put her hands on his shoulders and kissed him on top of the head. I’m not sure what she whispered in his ear, but his green eyes welled up.

  “Thanks,” he whispered back.

  Each time Mr. Mashburn started to talk, he caught Mom’s stare, and she turned to the window. After breakfast I asked her what she told him.

  “That’s between me, Mr. Mashburn, and the Bigfoot in the window.”

  I refused to take my eyes off of her, and crossed my arms.

  “Oh, I might have suggested he should change his tone with Ronnie…or have his arms pulled off.”

  I fought laughter. “You didn’t?”

  She raised an eyebrow and smirked.

  * * *

  Gavin, Sara, and Billy returned after the first drops of rain fell—they went straight to the first island where the Ohanzee waited. Lightning crossed the sky and cracked across the lake. The storm looked very intense, and Justice forced himself between Mitch and Drevek on the couch.

  Candace paced back and forth through the living room, despite Sean’s repeated attempts to get her to sit. Everyone else tried to keep busy. We were waiting on Tse-xo-be to come and take them into hiding. After that, it would be up to me. My stomach turned.

  Sometime later, exactly when I didn’t know, I jumped when I felt one of them coming toward the cottage. Gavin. I turned to a dozen sets of eyes and shook my head. “Not yet.”

  He moved quickly
up the hill, but it felt like an eternity.

  “It’s Gavin…I’m going to talk to him alone.” I bolted up the stairs before I finished the sentence.

  The massive door groaned on the hinges and clicked shut with a thud. I blew the windows open. Rain swirled in the opening. Drops accumulated on the wide plank floors while I waited for him.

  His black hair soaked, the t-shirt clinging to the muscles of his chest, he stepped over the sill and into the warm yellow light.

  “You’re drenched.”

  He nodded, huge chocolate eyes burning, water running down his perfect features in rivulets.

  “Why didn’t you shield yourself?”

  “I thought the rain might help me connect better.”

  My heart sank. “And?”

  “Sara learned, so did Billy.”

  My knees felt weak. “And you?” I whispered.

  “Not very well, but yes.”

  Dual emotions fought for a place in my mind. I wanted to jump up and down and scream about the victory to the storm. I also felt horrible—like I’d forced his hand.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked. “I thought you’d be ecstatic.”

  “I’m relieved you learned, but I know you didn’t want it.”

  “No, not like this. I learned it to protect you.”

  Tears welled up in my eyes. “You disappeared.”

  “You sped up the timeline.” Pain crossed his beautiful face. “An hour?”

  I nodded. “Are you angry?”

  “Not at you. At the situation, yes.”

  My throat constricted. “Where were you?’

  “Practicing. We thought it best to practice—we didn’t want to spread the knowledge.”

  I exhaled in a rush and sucked in a quick breath. My head spun so I grabbed the wide trim around the door.

  He moved to me, sweeping me into his arms. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t realize last night would be…Billy found us. You weren’t in your room.”

  “You came by?”

  He nodded.