A Magic Redemption

by Tena Stetler

  “Hungry?” Gavin chuckled heaping a variety of food on his own plate.

  Tim filled his plate and turned to Bruce who stood next to him. “Where do we go from here. Mary and I have to return to the pub today, as well as the rest of our staff that were off yesterday.” He glanced from Gavin to Bridget and then to Synn.

  “I can stay at my cottage or Gavin’s until the bastard shows himself. I promised to pick up Storm early from Katie’s. Are we sure he knows? Why…” She was babbling, but she couldn’t seem to help herself.

  Bruce held up a hand. “Things didn’t go as we thought last night. But we can’t put individual lives on hold indefinitely.” He paused and glanced at Tristian.

  “We go on like nothing happened. Keep your guard up. It’s a waiting game now. Hannah and I plan to stay through the wedding and probably until after the first of the year.” Tristian balanced his plate on one hand while he poured a glass of orange juice.

  “Angie and I have to return to DC but will be available at a moment’s notice. I expect to be kept in the loop.”

  “Will do.” Tristian leaned over and sipped his over full glass of orange juice.

  Tiarnan, his plate piled full, eased down at the table. “Erin and I will go about our daily routine, ready and waiting.” He picked up the glass of orange juice in front of him.

  “We’ll not be far,” Andre said mysteriously. “Not going home until this is finished.”

  “What about Brandy’s wedding?” Mary blurted. “I can’t be expected to plan a joyous occasion while waiting for the devil himself to destroy all we hold dear.”

  There it was hanging out in the open. What everyone feared most. She paced around the table. The silverware rattling against the china plate she carried. “I could leave…disappear…”

  “No,” Gavin bellowed. “Not going to happen. You’re not the only one on his radar. If you’ll remember, this whole thing started because he programmed you to kill Brandy and Stefan in order to get back at Tristian.”

  “But I failed. He holds me accountable for his downfall and banishment.” She licked her lips. A wane smile turned up the corners of her mouth. “I did defect to the light side.”

  Gavin groaned. “Aye, ’tis true, but you are only one piece of the puzzle. As long as you stay put, we’ll have your back and stand a better chance of terminating his existence including his followers.” Tawny feathers sprouted along his hair line and sticking out through his hair. “Eliminating future risk to Brandy and Stefan. You’re not the only…”

  The feathered effects of his temper were endearing. She’d never tell him that as she bit the side of her cheek in an effort not to smile. “I get it. But I’m still putting everyone in danger—even the innocents in our own little town.” She shook her head. “I can’t be responsible for… I don’t deserve.”

  “Without you, the Sword and Gauntlets of Kilara won’t be part of our arsenal,” Erin pointed out. “A very important part.”

  “You mean if I leave, you still plan to confront Baltizar?” she asked incredulously.

  “Of course.” Tiarnan nodded.

  Still chewing the last bite of bacon, Tristian’s arm shot up. He took a swig of coffee, swallowed. “Enough! This is what will happen.” The room quieted, and everyone stared at him. “Business as usual. Synn and Storm will stay at Gavin’s.” He glanced in Mary and Tim’s direction. “I need Synn’s schedule for the foreseeable future. Try not to deviate from that schedule. If you have to, notify me immediately. Understood?”

  Mary nodded.

  Tristian gave her a thumbs up. “Bridget, stick close to the magic people in your life. Quinn, no out of town gigs until the situation is terminated. The rest of you, stay alert and don’t go out alone. Safety in numbers. Questions?”

  “How do mere mortals contact you.” Quinn’s voice held a note of contempt.

  “You don’t need to worry about it since you’re not a mere mortal. Bridget will need to stay close.”

  Bridget whirled around, hands on her hips and a gaze locked on Quinn.

  There it was. Quinn had been outed to everyone. He ran his fingers through his hair before leaning down and whispering in Bridget’s ear. Her eyes went wide.

  Scrubbing his hand over his face, Tristian paused then pointed to Andre. “Sir, any chance you have a mobile version of your AI, Alish?”

  “As a matter of fact, I have a beta version we are experimenting with. She doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of Alish at home. But she’s workable on my secure mobile phone and tablet. Why?”

  “As a way of keeping track of the necessary players from one location. Can that be done in real time?”

  “Possibly.” He scraped the last bit of egg off his plate and slipped it in his mouth.

  “Andre, I’ll wager you and I can put our heads together and make it work. We could set up a command center in Ma and Da’s house.” Hannah’s gaze switched to her parents who nodded in consent. “Ever been hacked?”

  “Not so far. Magic and distance have kept her safe so far, but here— No guarantees, especially mobile.” Andre leaned back in his chair and put his arm around Matiah’s shoulders.

  “Why don’t you and Matiah plan on staying with us,” Mary said. “We have plenty of room, and you’d be in close proximately to Tristian and Hannah.” She grinned. “They’re a bit overbearing, but they’ll grow on you. Hannah is a whiz on the computer.”

  Hannah rolled her eyes at her ma. “It’s a great idea.”

  “It’s settled. We’ll meet you there after we close up the castle. Don’t want any undesirables taking up residence.” Andre chuckled.

  ****

  “I don’t play the waiting game very well.” Synn dressed in black jeans, a garnet sweater, and black ankle boots. She let Storm out of the crate, leaned down patting the pup’s head, and scratching behind her ears. “It’s off to the pub for us. Don’t get into trouble. We’ve enough to go around as it is.”

  Storm cocked her head to one side, perked up an ear, and leaned into her. It was almost as if the pup was trying to understand what was being said and comfort her at the same time. “Woof, woof.” The pup trotted out of the bedroom to the back door and waited patiently to be let out.

  “What are you complaining to Storm about now?” Gavin sauntered into the kitchen behind her, wrapped an arm around her waist, and kissed her on the cheek. “Oh, you smell fantastic today.”

  “As opposed to what?” She turned in his arms.

  “I merely meant that I like the fragrance you are wearing. That’s all. You always smell delectable. Today you simply are wearing one of my favorites. Don’t read more into that than there is.” He grinned. “Wanta grab a bite at the pub, or fix something here? Larder is nearly empty. Need to stop at the market during our break and stock up.”

  “Any news from Brandy?” She glanced at him.

  “Nothing new. Looks like she and Stefan will arrive the last week of December. Ma suggested your New Year’s Eve wedding idea, and Brandy liked it. So that’s how Ma is proceeding. Hannah will be tied up with the surveillance until all hell breaks loose.” He snickered.

  “It’s not a laughing matter.” She bristled.

  “Aw come on. It’s a little funny.” He jiggled her arm and pulled her in for a more intimate kiss. “I’ve been thinking.”

  “Oh, now that’s something different.” She snickered.

  He ignored her. “You share my house; why not share my bed? We’ve cleared the major hurdles that were in place when you moved into the cottage. Not to mention the unexpected ones. Face it. We’re a couple, and everyone acknowledges it.”

  “Until I meet the bastard face to face and destroy him, I can’t be sure he isn’t able use the magic he inadvertently transferred to me to somehow control me.”

  “I’m sure enough for both of us.”

  “Impossible. You’ve never met him; you can’t know…”

  “The nightmares you were so kind to share were enough to convince me of wh
at he’s capable of. But you’re stronger and smarter now. The awakening of ancient Fae Guardian blood pulsing through your veins, not to mention their awesome weapons at your disposal make you the winner in my book. That magic link to him that you fear is going to be his downfall. Mark my words.”

  “I’ll do that.” She glanced at her watch, then walked to the door, opened it, and called Storm in from the backyard. “Guess we’re eating at the pub today.”

  “If we don’t get to work, Ma is going to have both our hides, and that’s something to worry about.” He snagged their coats off the hooks inside the front door.

  She grinned, clipped the leash on the pup, and sprinted to the truck. “You got that right.” She couldn’t continue dreading each day and wondering if it would be her last or her friends or family…

  From experience, she knew Baltizar would take his sweet time. He’d always told her revenge was a dish best served cold. She was sure he was aware he was no longer shackled to the seventh level of Hell. However, he’d realize it was some type of trap. What was he up to? She straightened her shoulders and climbed into the truck determined not to let thoughts of him consume her every waking minute.

  ****

  Days stretched into weeks and into the month of December without a trace or sighting of Baltizar or his minions. Plans continued for the wedding without mention of the situation to Brandy or Stefan. She was surprised that Mary and Hannah were able to keep that information away from Brandy.

  More and more of Bridget’s responsibilities rested on her shoulders as her friend took over Mary’s duties. Mary devoted most of her time to the wedding arrangements. The added work load helped keep her mind on her duties rather than an appearance by Baltizar. Being ever vigilant had its downfalls too. The full throttle adrenalin feeding her fight or flight response hindered rather than helped the situation.

  Third week of December, Bruce and Tristian went on the offensive using magic in an attempt to flush the bastard out. As a result, rumblings surfaced of Baltizar’s death at the hand of his own demons for putting their entire ranks at risk of annihilation.

  That was pure unadulterated bullshit. Before she switched sides, there were always murmurs of mutiny in his ranks but were rarely acted upon. The few times that a plot was discovered, he terminated the individual leaders and everyone associated with them as an example to others. Knowing the Overlord of the Western hemisphere and his teams were gunning for them might have turned the tide. But she doubted it.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  When You Least Expect it—Are You Still Prepared?

  Synn inhaled deeply enjoying the pine scent from the fresh cut Christmas tree, evergreen garland, and wreath mixed with the mouthwatering aromas wafting from the pub’s kitchen. She sniffed, ohhhh—fresh baked bread and rolls. Mary must be here. She considered sneaking into the kitchen and snatching a few rolls from the warmers while Mary’s back was turned. A trick Gavin used routinely but nearly always got caught.

  Stopping to survey the sparkling holiday decorations, she smiled. Never had she had so much fun. Sunday before last, at Shaughnessy’s, the pub staff and friends had put up Christmas decorations. When all the bows, lights, garland, and baubles were hung, they’d circled the piano and sang carols. Mary baked cookies. Gavin and Tim served stew and fresh soda bread. A far cry from her holiday’s past. She smiled caressing the garland draped around the fireplace mantel.

  The pub was quiet now, and she savored the silence. In the next couple hours, customers would fill the room shouting holiday greetings to each other as the band set up on stage. Cori would perform tonight. The establishment would be filled to the rafters.

  Lifting the pass-through at the end of the bar, she dropped it back into place without a sound. She silently padded to the swinging kitchen door and peeked in. Mary was nowhere in sight. The back door was ajar. Cold air seeped in as she tiptoed her way across the floor to the warmers. She stuffed a fresh-out-of-the-oven roll in her pocket and took a bite out of the one in her hand that was nearly too hot to handle. Heaven.

  The sound of footsteps on the porch had her whirling around and scooting out the swinging doors, careful to still their motion behind her.

  “Synn—Bridget, is that you?” Mary called out as she bustled through the back door. “Katie called in sick.”

  “It’s me,” she said around a mouthful of bread. Busted. “Thought I’d see if you needed any help.”

  “And help yourself to the fresh bread, I’ll wager.” Mary waggled a finger at her.

  “How’d you know?” She pushed into the kitchen.

  “I didn’t until now. At least not for sure.” Mary chuckled and swatted her on the behind. “You’re picking up bad habits from my son, you are.”

  “Storm is in the little corral Tim built for her in the storeroom. Gavin will be here shortly. Tim called and wanted him to stop by the house on his way. So the pup and I walked here. Good exercise.”

  Mary turned and eyed her carefully. “You okay?

  “Yep. Now what can I do?”

  Gavin burst through the back door carrying a couple crates of cider and a paper bag. “Da said you were making hot spiced cider tonight, and we were low on cloves and cider.” He swung the crate up on the counter then tossed the paper bag to her. A bottle of cloves rolled out of the bag and landed on the floor. “Where do you want it?”

  Mary glanced at the crates. “You better have several more of those, boyo.”

  “Da’s got the back end of the truck full.” He strode out the back door.

  Tim came in carrying two crates, sat them down on the floor, and brushed his hands together. “I’m off to pick up Brandy and Stefan in Dublin. See you in a few hours.” He kissed Mary on the cheek. “Sure you don’t want to come?”

  “We’re short-handed as it is. You go on and drive careful.” She put her hands on either side of his face and kissed him full on the lips.

  Tim pulled reluctantly away holding her hands in his. “Aye.” He hurried out the door.

  She looked over her shoulder at Synn. “You can start pouring the cider into the large kettles over there on the stove. We’ll make the first couple batches now, let it simmer, then make another just before opening. The night specials are prepared. We’re ready to go.” Mary dusted her hand off and wiped them on the towel tucked in her waist.

  She opened the bottles and began pouring. “Why didn’t they fly into Cork Airport?”

  “No connecting flights from Dublin to Cork tonight.” Mary jumped as the door banged open.

  “Something smells fantastic.” Bridget sprinted through the door, took her hat and mittens off, and stuck them in her coat pocket. Then she hung the coat on the peg beside Synn’s jacket.

  ****

  Two hours later, true to her prediction, the pub was standing room only. She and Bridget delivered food and drink to the tables. Gale and Dillon had arrived early to stake their claim on a corner booth and ordered. Later in the evening, Tristian and Hannah joined them as Quinn’s band began to play.

  Synn’s feet were killing her as she ducked under the pass through and tapped Gavin on the shoulder. She pointed to the kitchen, then flew through the swinging door for the umpteenth time and skittered to a stop in front of Mary. “I’m going to take a quick break, catch a breath of fresh air out back on the porch, and check on Storm.”

  Mary gave her a thumbs up.

  Two steps onto the porch, she heard screams followed by several loud crashes. The wind slammed the door to the storeroom shut. She raced across the porch and reached for the back door. The silver gauntlets sparkled under the porch light as they made their way up her forearm. “Shit” A weight on her back startled her as the sword of Kilara appeared in her hand, the scabbard weighing on her back. Tristian’s voice in her head. Think before you act.

  Forcing herself to pause, she peeked in the window. The kitchen was empty, but the swinging door was still moving back and forth banging against the wall. Once again making sure her magic wa
s concealed, she crept inside and moved stealthy across the floor. Her breath caught in her throat, and her heart pounded in her chest as she peeked out the kitchen door to the scene in the middle of the pub floor.

  A cloaked figure had Mary by the throat, holding a ball of fire in the other hand, while a dozen or more creatures circled around him. Baltizar? The figure hurtled the fire ball behind the bar. Something snuffed it out. Gavin popped up then disappeared again. A crack of light and the air sucked out of the room like a vacuum. The pub cleared out, leaving only magic kind. The corner booth was empty. Where were Tristian, Hannah, Dillion, and Gale?

  Magic washed over her. She whirled around to see Angie standing in the middle of the kitchen. The witch crept closer. “Tristian transported the mortals out of harm’s way. They won’t remember a thing, except Bridget who is with Quinn overseeing them. You Ready? Gale, Dillion, Tristian, Hannah, and Bruce are positioned in the pub ready to strike. We’re going to take out this joker’s merry band of demons flanking him.”

  She nodded taking one more peek in the room planning her attack.

  Angie slammed the swinging doors open drawing the hooded figure’s attention. Synn squatted down, slipped out the doors, and moved sideways hugging the wall of the pub taking cover behind the other magic kind still in the room.

  Mary struggled. The figure’s hood slipped. His cracked lips pulled away from the yellowed teeth in a menacing grin as he pressed the knife harder to Mary’s throat. A trickle of blood wound its way down her throat. Fury raged inside Synn as she recognized those features. The creature lobbed several more fire balls at the bar laughing maniacally. They exploded one after another.

  A whoosh and intense heat followed as the flames licked the ancient wooden bar, flared in the corners, and spread across the floor. The mirrors behind the glass shelves shattered, bottles of liquid splattered coating the walls and floors feeding the flames.

  She tamped down her temper. Emotions had no place in a battle. Especially during one she was determined to win. Making her way closer to the center of the room where the creature stood, she positioned herself to the side and slightly behind him. The other magic folk in the room continued to run interference. They took his followers out one by one until there was only a solitary creature left standing on the other side of the room.