by Tena Stetler
Heat rushed to her cheeks. “I see.”
“I don’t think you do, but here’s what I have in mind.” He took out a large rolled sheet of paper and spread it out on a massive wood table in the center of the room. With a nod from her husband, Hannah fired up her laptop and projected a grid on the stone wall along with a time line. They all gathered around to get a better vantage point.
****
In a star strewn night sky, a few wispy clouds floated across the full moon. She stood in the backyard watching Storm race around like a Tasmanian devil, squeaking a toy and enjoying freedom from the leash. Gavin came up behind her and wrapped an arm around her.
She’d felt him coming and leaned back against his broad chest, tilting her face up to his. “Is he really willing to annihilate a whole race of dark demons to eliminate Baltizar?”
He searched her eyes for a moment, brushed his lips over hers. “I don’t think it will come to that, but to answer your question—yes. If they’ve acted on Baltizar’s behalf, their days are numbered. It’s not like they didn’t know whose bidding they were doing—especially after he was banished to the seventh level of Hell.”
“What if he’s in their mind, controlling them?”
“As he did you? Breaking free is their only chance, as you did. No use rehashing this, it’s not our decision to make. Bruce is determined to end him once and for all, including any followers who might rise up later and challenge. As Bruce stated in the castle, he’s been in contact with commander Nathanial North of the elite legion of angel warriors. Commander North gave his go ahead with offers of assistance if needed. His legion stands at the ready. Baltizar’s days are numbered, one way or the other.”
Her eyes widened. “I guess I missed that briefing.”
He shrugged. “I believe the final straw was his attempt to abduct you in a business establishment full of mortals. Under normal conditions, Tristian and his team would handle the assignment. Since you wield the sword, wear the gauntlets, and have made it clear you want to finish him—”
“How can I be expected to wield Fae magic of the Kilara when I’ve held the sword only once and kinda controlled the gauntlets last night. Yet, never felt their power together. The lives of my friends, family, and others depend on my ability to cause the fatal blow to Baltizar.” She slumped against him. “This is a lot.”
“Aye, it is, but you’ll not be battling him alone. Tristian can end him and will if necessary. Be careful what you wish for—you’re being given the chance.” He took a couple of steps back, gently gripped her shoulders, and turned her to face him. “You got this.”
I sure hope so. Living here had changed her. There was a time when an assignment was given, she’d carry it out without a thought as to harm to herself or the intended victims. Her actions didn’t have consequences, unless she failed—which never happened until Brandy and Stefan.
She rubbed the back of her neck. If she was honest, she’d always known her life in servitude to Baltizar went against something buried deep inside her. The others carried out his commands without consciences or remorse. Yet it seemed she was fighting against herself even though he assured her his bidding was what she was meant to do.
Now she knew why. Deep down, she wasn’t a vicious demon, but half Fae and half demon. She straightened a little and squared her shoulders Her ancestors were members of the elite Guardians Guild protecting man and magic kind—not destroying them.
“Hey lass, where have you gone?” He waved a hand in front of her face then leaned down and kissed her nose. “Your dog is digging up me flower garden. Ma will not be pleased.”
She blinked and searched the yard. Sure enough butt in the air, front paws throwing dirt everywhere was her pup. “Storm. Stop that right now.” Sprinting out to the middle of the yard, she reached down, grabbed the pup by its mane, and shook once. “No. No. Bad dog.” She snatched the pup up holding Storm so the flailing muddy paws faced away from her as chunks of mud went flying in every direction. She kicked the dirt clods into the foot-deep gaping hole. Staring guiltily at the mound of rich, black dirt piled up with bulbs and roots sticking out every which way, she turned to Gavin. “I’m soooo sorry.”
He snickered. “In the grand scheme of things, that’s minor.” He knelt, scooped the dirt into the hole, placing the bulbs and plants upright then tamping the soil down. Pushing to his feet, he brushed his hands together in an attempt to dislodge most the dirt and mud from his fingers. “Let’s get that mud ball in the house and cleaned up. Tomorrow, I’ll replace the fence around the garden. I was going to clean it out anyway. The growing season is over.”
She was silent for a couple of beats. “If we are going to have an on-going problem at the pub with his minions, I can quit.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Your Overlord said business as usual until the veil thins around All Hallows’ Eve and his plan is put into action.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
An Uneasy Calm Settles in Until the All Hallow’s Eve Celebration
It had been over a month since Bruce revealed his dangerous plan at the castle meeting. Since that time, it had been far too calm for Gavin’s liking. On one hand it was good for Synn. Her lessons with Tristian were uninterrupted and met with success after success building her confidence and abilities.
She now wielded the Sword of Kilara and the silver gauntlets power as if she was born to both with only a few hiccups. Like the time she’d blindsided Tristian when he came in though the back door to the pub’s kitchen in unfamiliar clothing and brandishing a warlock’s dagger. She’d used the gauntlets protection with Fae magic and sent him flying back through the door. He was unceremoniously deposited in a bog one-half mile away. She shielded herself and the pub from his powerful magic. A test well completed.
He was so proud of her, but his feelings were tempered with what was to come.
Tourist season brought all kinds of new faces to the pub. The establishment was filled to capacity most nights making it hard to tell friend from foe. He’d allowed only a couple of out of town bands to play at the pub early on in the month. Quinn and his band were booked every weekend through mid-November. Cori did gigs on Wednesday night and joined his band on weekends.
Sometimes Quinn showed up during the week and accompanied her on the guitar or piano. Home life was a bit rough around the edges for Quinn since revealing his true nature to Bridget. He claimed she was taking it in stride, but…
The schedule kept the tourists entertained and coming back for more. However, the bookings were met with grumbles of favoritism from other out of town groups. In previous years, he’d usually booked different bands every weekend through the tourist season. He couldn’t take the chance a new member of an out of town band was a plant.
Under normal conditions, he’d be ecstatic the pub was doing so well. However, unfamiliar faces in the pub set his nerves on edge these days, especially when he had to work the kitchen and couldn’t keep an eye on things out in the pub. There was no doubt in his mind Synn could take care of herself—but still…
All Hallow’s Eve was less than a week away. Bruce, Angie, and Tristian had planned a huge celebration that night at Andre’s castle in hopes of luring Baltizar and his minions out into the open and away from the town. The knot in his stomach grew with each passing day until the night finally arrived.
He stowed the overnight bags in the back of the pickup, along with Storm’s crate, and enough food until they returned. The pup would be spending the night with Katie and her family. Synn wasn’t happy about being separated from Storm, but she didn’t want her in harm’s way either.
She boosted the pup into the back seat with a chew stick, unclipped the leash, hooked Storm’s harness to the seatbelt, closed the door, and climbed into the front seat. “All set,” she said cheerfully dressed in her pixie costume.
He drove by Shaughnessy’s pub which was staffed by mortals tonight with a planned celebration for All Hallow’s Eve, featuring a well-known out of town band, s
ince Quinn’s band was playing at Bruce’s Halloween bash at the castle. He had vetted the band himself. A few of Tristian’s team were providing security. Nothing out of the ordinary here.
He’d been hesitant to include Quinn’s band at the castle. But he and Quinn had grown up with the guys in the band who were all gryphons and one warlock. They knew the score. Besides the band would be gone before midnight.
Ma and Da were fit to be tied when Bruce told them his plan and why their presence was required at the castle. Staff from Bruce’s estate in America and Andre’s home in Tahiti were catering the soiree at the castle. With any luck it would all be over tomorrow and his sister’s wedding could be the focus once again.
Next stop, he dropped off Storm and her crate. Synn left instructions for her care with Katie and explained the food, treats, and chewies. “Synn, come on.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and tugged her toward the truck. “Katie knows how to take care of a dog. We’re only gone one night.”
She arched a brow but allowed him to lift her into the truck. Once settled in the seat, she rolled down the window and waved to Katie and her family. “Bye Storm, we’ll be back tomorrow.” She paused and under her breath said, “I hope.”
“I heard that.”
The cliff-side castle looked forlorn as he drove up the winding road. They followed the same foot path up to the ruins as before. The battered heavy wooden door stood formidably at the entrance. He pushed it open to dank and darkness.
Synn hesitated then stepping inside. “Are you sure—”
The minute the massive door closed with a groan, music, mouth-watering aromas, and laugher assaulted his senses. The enchanted castle was aglow with soft candle light from pumpkins and silver candelabras. A starlit night sky decorated the ceiling, complete with a full moon in the far corner.
“Gale has a way with magical decorations.” Synn pirouetted in a full circle admiring the décor.
“Aye, she does.” Gavin nodded.
Long wooden tables and chairs lined the edge of the dance floor. Quinn and his band played an Irish jig on stage in the middle of the dance floor. Suddenly, Cori breezed out onto center stage playing her fiddle in traditional Irish garb. Her bow was decorated with streamers of different colored ribbon flying about her head as she step-danced across the stage. Her solo lasted only a few minutes, but the performance was breathtaking to an Irishman who could step dance with the best of them.
The famous Irish dance troupe had nothing on Hannah, Gale, Bridget, Tiarnan, and Erin as their feet flew to the lively music. Tristian leaned against the bar beside Mary and Tim, talking to a young man. All were tapping their feet to the beat.
“Welcome,” Bruce greeted him with a hearty clap on the back. “Glad you could make it. Bar is to your left.” He made a wide sweeping motion with his arm. “Buffet is to your right. The food will be ready shortly.”
Angie hugged Synn first then him. “Bags still in the truck?”
He nodded. “I’ll get them later.”
She glanced toward the door and snapped her fingers. “They’ll be in your room, up the stone steps to the second floor first door to your right.” Angie grabbed Synn’s hand and dragged her toward the dance floor. “Looks like fun.”
Synn shook her head vigorously. “Never tried, wasn’t able.”
“Well…you are now. Come on. I’m of the understanding Gavin and his family can put all of us to shame. Besides the exercise will burn off the adrenalin that is rolling off you.” Angie, dressed in a traditional witch’s costume, complete with striped purple and black stockings, also reached for Gavin’s hand. He danced away from them with a kick and a twirl and joined Hannah.
After two more traditional Irish Jigs and Reels, he was winded and searching for Synn. She was sitting with Bruce and Angie. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, then spirited her onto the dance floor for a slow dance before joining the other couples at the buffet.
Waiting for a slice of prime rib, he glanced at the lad dressed in full Scottish highlander regalia standing next to Gale, who was dressed as a faery princess, and extended his hand. “Gavin Shaughnessy. You’re a brave man to come dressed as a Scotsman on Irish soil.” He grinned. “Even on Halloween.”
“Dillon Dunlop,” the lad said with a smile, juggling his plate from one hand to the other and grasped the outstretched hand. “She insisted.” He jerked his chin toward Gale. He recognized the Glasgow bur in the young man’s voice. “Not from around here.”
“Naw. Glasgow. Gale refuses to leave Ireland. I’m here to find us a place to live when we get married. The accommodations above her shop isn’t my idea of a home. My family is not thrilled, but they love Gale—they’ll adjust.” Dillon took the tongs and put a slab of prime rib on his plate and picked up silverware.
“Oh, wow congratulations. Gale didn’t share the good news.” No disguising spell. He’s a warlock.
“Been a little busy.” She paused for a beat and flipped her hair to the side. “Besides, Gavin Shaughnessy, my personal life ’tis none of your business,” Gale teased. “I was savoring the memory of his proposal, before everyone gets to telling us how to plan the wedding.” She wound her arm around Dillion’s waist. “Dillon, this is Synn, Gavin’s lass.” Holding out her plate, she waited until Dillon served a smaller piece of meat and added a roll.
One eyebrow winged up, but he reached out a hand to Synn. “Nice to meet you.”
“Same here.” She shook his hand then released it turning her attention to her friend and squeezed her arm. “Pretty big secret.” Picking up the plate Gavin filled for her, she added a roll and glanced toward the table. “Where do you want to sit?”
“Don’t feel bad. The only person that knew was my cousin Cori.” Gale blushed. “No time to tell ya with all that has happened.”
Synn heaved a heavy sigh. “You got that right. Cori is your cousin?”
“Yep.”
“Dunlop. Huh?” Gavin rubbed his chin. “Any relation to Bessie Dunlop?”
“Aye, she was my great-great-great-great grandmother on my da’s side.” Dillon moved toward the chairs where Erin and Tiarnan sat dressed in their usual attire.
“Powerful line of witches,” Synn chimed in. “Dark time in Scottish history.” She followed Dillon and Gale leaving the chair at the end of the table for Gavin and took the one on the other side where Tristian and Hannah ended up.
“Aye, that it was,” Gavin agreed wiping his brow. “That was quite a workout. Been a while since I’ve danced.” He pulled Synn’s chair out, waited for her to sit, and plopped into the chair at the head of the table, noting his da sat at the other end.
Andre breezed in with Matiah on his arm. “Sorry we’re late. A disturbance in the time and space line delayed our port between.” He waved a hand dismissively. “To be expected on this day. Almost didn’t port but got the all clear from several sources.”
Bruce stood. His chair made a scraping sound as he slid it back. “What can I get you and Mother to drink?” Waving an arm toward the buffet, he grinned. “Help yourself to the food.” He paused. “I wasn’t sure you were going to make it.”
“Wouldn’t miss the first party held here in over a century.” He winked at his wife.
Angie jumped up nearly knocking over her chair in an effort to reach Bruce’s parents and engulf them in a hug. “So glad you came.”
“Son, sit down. I know my way around this place.” Andre stopped and surveyed the room. “Like what you’ve done here.”
Bruce nodded in acknowledgment and eased into his chair.
The conversation was light during dinner. No one wanted to discuss what they were expecting with the band members still there. The band members had all grown up with him and Quinn. They’d learned early on not to ask too many questions. Quinn had been read into the situation because of Bridget.
After dinner the band played a couple more sets. They were out of the castle an hour before midnight.
The knot in Gavin’
s stomach was still there, but no trepidation in his gut. Was it going to happen tonight? Will Bruce follow through with his plan at the stroke of midnight?
Almost as if Bruce had read his mind, he stood. “It’s done. Now we wait. Tristian and I will take the first shift. If anyone wants to get a little shut eye, now may be a good time.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
All Hallow’s Eve Came and Went Without the Expected Result—Now What?
By the next morning, there was no sign that Baltizar had breached the veil between Hell and the mortal world. Even though Synn understood Bruce had lifted the enchantments keeping Baltizar in the seventh level. Creatures with magic signatures were detected near the grounds of the castle, but they didn’t venture inside the boundaries or near the building itself.
By the time she and Gavin descended the stone steps, the couples in attendance last night were in the main hall of the castle lined up in front of the breakfast buffet. She crossed the hall and picked up a plate. Last night her stomach was in knots anticipating the worse and hoping for the best to enjoy the fare provided.
This morning she was famished. Her mouth watered as she surveyed the set up with eggs, bacon, hash browns, various fruits, and veggies along with an assortment of meats. When she lifted one of the warming lids, a mouth-watering aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls burst into the air. The rolls were huge, with melting creamy frosting. She licked her lips.
Angie thrust a piece of bread on her plate. “You’ll love it. It’s Maeva’s world famous coconut bread. Go on, take a bite.”
She looked longingly at the cinnamon rolls but tore off a corner and nibbled on the bread. “Mmm… This is fantastic.” She took another slice. “Is Maeva here?”
“No. She doesn’t care for Ireland’s climate. But she sent several loaves with us.” Matiah smiled. “Never leave the island without it.”
Glancing around, she arranged the bread on her plate making room for the cinnamon roll. Picking up the tongs, she plopped one on her plate. The gooey frosting puddled on the edge of her plate. “For later.” She grinned and grabbed another plate for her eggs and bacon.