A Magic Redemption

by Tena Stetler

  Suddenly, she jumped up on the table, crouched and lunged, shoving Mary to the floor with her foot.

  Baltizar howled and grabbed for Mary but was able to only catch hold of her skirt. The cloth tore, leaving him holding a piece of red plaid fabric. He ignited it and threw it on her back.

  Mary rolled, got to her hands and knees scurrying across the floor out of harm’s way. A booted foot stomped on the burning cloth and swept Mary off the floor. A quick glance, she recognized Gavin’s head full of tawny feathers as he disappeared into the crowd with his ma in his arms.

  Baltizar’s mouth opened, and he roared. His eyes bugged out. She saw recognition there. He jerked the table out from under her and slammed it to the floor. Summersaulting backward, she landed on her feet with the sword held in front of her. He raised his arm and shot bolts of lightning toward her. She dodged right then left her sword deflecting the blows. The jagged shafts pierced the wooden floor, and flames erupted.

  A dagger appeared in his right hand. He swung it wildly toward her. She sidled right, lobbing a fireball in his face. He howled in pain covering his face for a beat. Taking advantage of his momentary lapse of focus, she brought her sword up in an arc letting it cut through the air leaving a green phosphorescent trail and severing Baltizar’s head neatly from his body. The gem in the hilt of her weapon pulsed red as his head flew across the room, hit the wall with a thud, and blood spatter coated the surfaces in close proximity.

  With the next downward slice of her sword, she split him from throat to groin. Still he remained upright, though wobbling a bit. What the hell does it take to kill the bastard? She put all her weight and power behind the final slice, quartering his body, and it fell to the floor in pieces. It’s about damn time. Tendrils of smoke curled from the edges of his flesh, as the flames flared and consumed its prey.

  The stench of burning flesh filled her nostrils. She gagged, poking at the burning mass with the tip of Kilara. Stabbing the point in the wood floor, she leaned on the sword for a beat. Gavin’s soot and blood smudged face appeared in her peripheral vision. For the first time, she noticed the battles winding down around her. They’d won. A pang of sadness tore at her heart as she surveyed the damage. She sucked in a breath at the devastation and coughed violently.

  “We gotta get out of here.” He grasped her arm and tugged. She was frozen in place. “Synn, come on.” He scooped her up in his arms and carried her out front door. Sirens wailed in the distance. Flames shot higher and higher consuming the building that for centuries and generations had housed Shaughnessy’s Pub. The burning wood crackled and popped, propelling red-hot cinders into the night sky.

  Her body tensed as anger grew until it was like a living breathing thing. She screamed out. Her hands still fisted around her Kilara. He set her on her feet and backed away. “Darlin’, put the sword down. It’s just stuff. We’re all safe. A bit battle worn, but safe. You did a spectacular job in there.”

  “Bastard! He’s burnt your family’s legacy to the ground.” She paused, her shoulders sagged, and head leaning to the side. It’s all my fault.

  “No, we—you—were prepared. He was consumed by rage, which as you know, has no place on the battle field. In the end it cost him and his follower’s their lives.”

  “And your family—it’s wonderful, loving legacy—destroyed.” She stared sadly at the building engulfed in flames, beams crashing to the floor, embers floating across the night sky. Suddenly she straightened. “Where’s Mary?” Panic seized her, and her gaze searched the chaotic scene. “Where’s Mary?” she wailed. “Mary? Mary? Oh God, where’s Storm?”

  Blue and amber lights of emergency vehicles flooded the night. He pulled her to him, holding her firm as she tried to break free. “Ma’s fine. A few cuts, scratches, and bruises, but she’ll be fine. You saved her life, you know.” He paused, cupping her face in his hands. “Storm is waiting for you in the truck. Hannah had just arrived and came running after the first explosion, saw Storm rush toward the building, and grabbed her.”

  She slumped against him. Battle fatigue hit her hard.

  He stroked her hair. “There’s going to be a lot of questions. We better get our stories straight for the authorities.” A soft rain fell and sizzled against the scorched timbers. The mist settled in obscuring everything but the burning building.

  She stiffened. “What about Bridget and Quinn and their charges.”

  “Tristian instructed them to make sure all the mortals got home safe then meet back here, or where ever we rendezvous to make sure everyone is accounted for.”

  Tim’s vehicle came to a screeching halt in front of the pub. He, Brandy, and Stefan jumped out of the car and rushed over.

  “What the hell happened? Where’s Mary?” Tim looked frantically around the area.

  “I’m here. I’m fine.” Mary pushed through the crowd charging toward him followed by medical personal. She turned and shoved at them. “I told you I’m not going nowhere.”

  Tim enveloped her in his arms. “Thank God.” He focused a stern glance in Gavin’s direction. “I leave you in charge for a few hours.” Tim spread his arms wide. “And I come back to this?”

  Synn felt Brandy’s hot stare on her and turned to face her. “It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry.”

  Brandy swiped at her. Gavin positioned himself between the two. “Sis, before you go jumping to conclusions, you should know that she saved Ma’s life. Without her actions, Ma would be dead. A causality of Baltizar’s fury and revenge. We been dealing with this for months, but Ma and Da didn’t want to worry you.”

  Brandy’s eyes widened, her mouth opened and shut like a codfish, but no sound came out.

  The group of friends gathered around the couples nodding in agreement.

  Tristian strode up with Hannah right behind him. “The good news—all the wedding stuff, including your gown is at the house, safe and sound. The bad news, we’ll have to find an alternate venue for the reception.” He glanced at the smolders mass in front of them. “I believe the pub will be under renovations for a while.”

  Bruce ambled into the crowd his arm around Angie. Both their faces smudged with soot. Their clothing was torn and bloody. “I have several venues in the area appropriate for both your wedding and reception, complete with staff, and can be ready at a moment’s notice. You’re welcome to use any one.”

  “Now that it appears we’re all together and accounted for, why don’t we adjourn to Ma and Da’s house and gather our wits.” Hannah reached an arm around Brandy and hugged her tightly, then included Stefan in the hug. “Sorry about all this. But think of the stories you can tell about the events leading up to your wedding.”

  Brandy burst into tears. “I’m so glad you’re all okay.”

  “No one is going anywhere until we get your statements.” A police officer muscled his way through the crowd. A unified sigh came from the group.

  “Can’t we return to our house? You can interview all of us there out of the rain. It’s been a bloody hell of a night, and I for one want to go somewhere I don’t have to stare at my family legacy and livelihood in shambles.” Tim took his coat off and wrapped it around Mary.

  Stefan stared at the police officer. “Hell man, we weren’t even here for any of the action. We just arrived a few minutes ago. What can it hurt to interview them all in a warm comfortable home? It’s not like you don’t know where the Shaughnessy family can be found.”

  The officer blinked and looked confused. “I guess it would be all right.” He motioned another officer over. “I’m going to allow these people to go over to the Shaughnessy’s house. We can interview them there.”

  The group scattered into various vehicles and caravanned to Tim and Mary’s home. Last to leave the area, Synn and Gavin shuffled to his truck. She paused at the door as he gazed at the pile of burning rubble.

  To her surprise, he wiped his eyes, turned around to face her and bend down on one knee. “I know this is not very romantic.”

  Scru
nching up her face, she wrinkled her nose. “You got that right.” For the first time since leaving the building, she noticed that the sword and gauntlets were gone. A little sigh of relief left her lips. She turned her attention to him.

  “Would you let me finish. I’ve something important to say.”

  “Well, it’s about time.” She smirked.

  “Anyway, as I was saying—with this bunch of renegades, you never know what will happen next. Baltizar is dead as well as most of the bad guys. That being his entire inner circle.” He grinned up at her. “I’ve waited long enough…” He cleared his throat. “We’ve waited long enough. I love you. Will you marry me?”

  “Well—they say for better or worse. Right?” She paused staring down at him. “I’d say it’s not going to get much worse than this.” She reached down and yanked him to his feet, kissed him soundly, then gazed up at him. “Yes. I’ll marry you.”

  He kissed her hand. Bringing his lips to hers, he traced her lips with his tongue as she parted them and poured all his feelings into the kiss. The warmth careened all the way to her toes. A zing of desire shot to her center, and she returned the kiss with reckless abandon. Eventually, she became aware of a crowd gathering around them and insistent barking. They broke apart. She clambered into the truck. Storm, her whole body wiggling with joy, licked her face in greeting.

  “I’m glad to see you too, girl.”

  “We’re going; we’re going.” Gavin vaulted over the truck’s hood, scrambled into the driver’s seat, and grabbed her left hand. “By the way, I’ll put a ring on that finger as soon as we make it home.”

  “I’ll hold you to it.” She laughed. “We better get to the house before trouble finds us again.”

  “Oh, I believe Brandy aka trouble will have her hands full with Ma, Hannah, and the rest of her friends.” He snickered, leaned over and kissed her again.

  When they reached his parents’ home, lights were a blaze in every window. Reflections from the porch light pooled in yellow puddles on the ground. If a house could be considered happy, this one was. She grinned, scooted over, reached an arm around his neck, and kissed him tenderly on the cheek.

  A look of surprise spread across his face in the pale moonlight streaming through the truck window. “What was that for?”

  “For believing in me and showing me it was possible to have a normal life with friends and family.” She sat back against the seat and sighed.

  Gavin snorted. “This says the woman that slayed the demon, burnt down the pub, and …”

  “I didn’t burn down the pub. Baltizar and his minions did.” She protested reaching for the door handle.

  He snapped his fingers. “Just a minute.” Digging through the glove box, he cursed under his breath, then opened the console between the front seats and smiled wide. She leaned over to see what he was doing. He closed his hand over something. “Got it.” When he opened his hand, in the palm was a blue velvet box. He flipped the lid open.

  Her breath caught as she gingerly took the box. Inside a ring with a marquise diamond surrounded by tiny emeralds sparkled in the moonlight. “For me?”

  “You’re the only one I asked to marry me.” He took the ring out of the box and slid it onto her finger. “Perfect.”

  Holding her hand so the ring caught the light, she gazed at it for several minutes, then folded her hand to her heart. It’s really happening. I can’t believe it. When she brought her gaze to meet his, tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “Now there, lassie. You’re supposed to be happy, not crying. At least that’s what I’ve heard.” He tipped her chin up, brushed the tears away with his thumbs, and kissed the corner of her lips. With his mouth over hers, he showered kisses over her lips and along her jaw line.

  She quivered at the sweet tenderness of his touch. Her lips found their way instinctively to his, she lingered, savoring every moment with her arms wrapped around his neck.

  Suddenly the front door banged open, and Tristian called out, “Come on. We’re all waiting on you. The food’s getting cold.”

  Her stomach gurgled loudly. She released him with a shy smile. “Guess we better get in there, or they’ll be out here dragging us in.

  “Aye, you got that right.”

  Once inside, they were greeted by friends and family. A complete smorgasbord was set up in the dining room.

  “Where’d all the food come from?” Gavin grabbed a plate. “I know you keep stuff on hand but not this much.”

  Mary beamed spreading her arms wide and motioning to the table. “Courtesy of Bruce and Angie.” She reached out and pulled Synn into a hug. “Welcome to the family.”

  “Wait. What? How did you know? He only—” she stammered.

  Brandy, her hands wrapped around a mug of steaming liquid sauntered over to her ma. “Did I miss something?”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Change of Venue, Change of Heart, and an Engagement

  Hannah joined the group holding a plate heaped with food. Her eyes rounded and her mouth formed an O before she found her voice. “Wow, would you look at that rock on her hand. Way to go little brother.”

  He grinned like a Cheshire cat. “Go big or go home we Shaughnessy’s always say.” He turned to his blushing bride-to-be.

  She put her hands to her cheeks where red patches bloomed then spread over her entire face.

  Brandy followed her sister’s gaze. The mug slid out of her hand and crashed to the floor. She immediately stooped to pick up the broken glass. Mary rushed over with a mop.

  Angie waved her hand, and the mess disappeared along with the mop from Mary’s hand. “This is a celebration. We don’t have time for menial tasks.” The rest of the women hurried over to garner a peek at Synn’s ring.

  “It’s about time.” Tim wandered over and slapped his son on the back. “Congratulations.”

  “Have you set a date?” Mary glanced at the ring.

  “Nooo…” Synn stammered. “Its all happened so fast.”

  “As far as I’m concerned, the sooner the better.” Gavin grinned.

  “Speaking of weddings.” Brandy sighed. “Unless I’m mistaken, our reception venue just went up in flames.”

  “Aye, it did.” Tim rubbed the top of his thinning hair, then scrubbed a hand over his face. “Won’t be available—may never be…”

  Tristian rested a hand on his father-in-law’s shoulder. “Do you have blueprints of the place?”

  “Aye, in me office here at the house. Glad I didn’t leave them in the pub. Why?” Tim picked up his glass and downed what was left of his whiskey. He held his glass out for a refill.

  “I’ve an idea.” Tristian shot a glance at Bruce who gave a slight nod. “Could you bring them up here? I’ll clear off the kitchen table so we can spread the plans out.”

  “Sure. But I don’t know what good it’ll do.” Tim set the glass down and disappeared down the hall.

  “What do you two have in mind?” He left Synn with the knot of women fussing over her ring and moved into the kitchen. Tristian handed him the Christmas center piece from the table.

  “Don’t get his hopes up. It’s going to take a long time and financing to set things right.” Grabbing a mug from the cupboard, he filled it with coffee and took a gulp.

  “Hear us out. Before you go all dooms day on us.” Tristian took the pot of coffee off the warmer, poured a mug, and rinsed the pot. “Need a new pot. Where do you keep the fresh ground again?”

  Mary bustled into the kitchen. “Here let me take care of that before you break something.” She opened the cupboard door and stood on tiptoe reaching the canister on the top shelf. It bobbled in her hand and fell. Tristian reached out and caught the tin.

  “You were saying?”

  “Oh, get out of my way.” She grinned up at him.

  “May I continue? Magic destroyed it… Magic can rebuild it.” Bruce held his hand up as Gavin opened his mouth to protest. “Using mortal crews during the day will keep up an appearance of normalcy,
and magic personnel will work during the night.” Bruce paused looking at his brother-in-law. “What do you think a week or two tops?”

  Tristian nodded. “Easily.”

  “A week or two for what?” Tim entered the kitchen with a set of rolled up plans. “This is blueprints from the remodel a few years ago.” He paused. “The original hand drawn one isn’t legible anymore.”

  “To rebuild the pub in time for Brandy’s wedding reception. She’s rescheduled the ceremony to December 31st.” He glanced into the dining area in time to see Hannah headed their way.

  “At the stroke of midnight,” Hannah chimed in making her way to the table. “What are you guys plotting?”

  Quinn, Stefan, Dillon, and Andre backed away from the table and held their hands up feigning innocence.

  “A venue for Brandy and Stefan’s reception.” Tristian winked at her. “Including one hell of a New Year’s Grand re-opening bash. The whole town will be at the reception, so…”

  “I like it. But I don’t see how that is possible.” Tim scratched the top of his head. “You were there—you saw.” He took the new bottle of good whiskey, poured three fingers, and downed half of it. “Helluva night.”

  “Like I told Gavin. Magic destroyed the pub. Magic will rebuild it.” He held up a hand. “Before you argue appearances. Let me set out our plans.”

  ****

  Though she’d eaten half of the food on her plate, her head pounded, peripheral vision faded in and out as the women clamored around, asking questions, and admiring her ring. Their faces blurred, voices faded, and her legs buckled. A strong hand at her elbow and Angie’s soft voice whispered. “I think you better sit down. The magic aftermath is hitting you.” Angie guided her to the recliner in front of the fireplace. “Could I get a glass of water over here and a blanket?”