Iron & Wine (The Iron World Series)

by Osmond, Candace

  "This is the kingdom isn't it? The one you ran away from?" I looked to Lattie for confirmation.

  "Yes, it is the old kingdom, how it once was, when Orion ruled the Seelie Court," she replied with saddened eyes. I felt sorry for her. To have lived in a place as beautiful as that and then have your whole world turned upside down and ruined would be awful. I would feel so homeless and alone.

  I sat down on a stool to be more eye level with her. "Lattie, I want you to know that Julie and I love you very much, and you will always have a home and family here, no matter what."

  My tiny blue friend looked at me with tears in her eyes and then smiled at Julie, who was bringing two mugs coffee over.

  "Thank you. You don't know what that means to me." She fluttered over to sit on my shoulder and cuddle into my face, a place where she often found comfort.

  "Avery, we have a problem. Evaine is out to collect you. That means the Queen has reason to be threatened by the fact that you painted this," Julie pointed out.

  I sighed. "I know, but why? It's just a painting. What threat could this possibly pose?"

  "Maybe she thinks that you know things, things that you shouldn’t know."

  "She did insist that I knew where Orion was,” I said. “But, how do I make her see that I don't? Isn’t he dead?" I really don't want to have to encounter Evaine again. It's pretty clear what her methods of persuasion are. And I don't think going to see the Queen herself would be much better.

  Julie appeared to draw a blank. “I don’t know Ave, I think we need help.”

  Who could we possibly burden with the weight of this secret world and the constant danger that comes along with it? I could think of only two people.

  "I think I may know where we can get help," I suggested. Can I tell Julie their secret? Was it a secret? They all belonged to this enigmatic and mythical world didn’t they?

  "Like who?" Julie asked curiously. "Who would believe it? You can't exactly go to the cops about something like this."

  "Yeah, I know. I wasn't thinking about that. Maybe Celadine and Jack could help, at least help protect us from Evaine and the Queen." I saw the confused looks on both of their faces.

  "Explain," Julie simply said. She wasn't naive; she knew I had something big to tell her.

  "Well, Celadine and Jack are special, like you guys," I began hesitantly. "Only, not fey, they are...of a different nature." I didn't know how to say it without sounding ridiculous. But who was I kidding? I was sitting across from a pixie and a sprite.

  "They’re vampires," I said quickly. I figured I would throw it out there and see how they reacted. Apparently, bad is how they chose to react.

  "Are you crazy?" Lattie cried as she flew into the air. "Vampires, Avery, you must not be serious?"

  I looked to Julie, who wasn't speaking at all. She just appeared shocked and nervous.

  "Jules, what's wrong? They're just another kind of mythical being, like you guys.”

  "No, Avery, they’re not,” she reluctantly replied. “Vampires originated from diseased humans, cursed by magic. The live in our world, but they don’t really belong there.” She paused for a moment. “Also, vampires are known as one of the most deadly threats to the fey, it's not your fault, you didn't know. But, it's like we're catnip or something to them, they love to...eat us." I gasped in horror. I tried to picture Jack or Celadine being like that towards any creature. Not possible. I shook my head in denial.

  "No, they’re different. They had a mother. A human mother, who saved them and raised them to love and be kind, Jack and Celadine would never hurt anyone," I argued. Well, they would never hurt me, I was sure of.

  "That's impossible," Lattie accused. "There is no way that two young vampires could live among a human and not kill them. I lost my brother to a vampire. It ripped his head off in one bite and I was forced to watch my brothers’ blood drip down the vampires face and the life drain from his little body.” Tears began to stream down her cheeks as she spoke. I felt horrible that I stood here, defending Jack and Celadine, when my friend was heartbroken because of a creature just like them. “I barely got away. Avery, you cannot associate yourself with them," she pleaded shakily.

  I refused to believe this. "Julie, you've studied this stuff your whole life, isn't there some way that it's possible? I mean, think about it. I’ve worked with Celadine for months now, and nothing has happened. In fact, she cares a great deal about me. And Jack..." I stopped there. I felt a little shy and embarrassed at the thought of sharing my intimate story with the judgemental fey sitting in my kitchen.

  They cocked there eyebrow's in curiosity and Julie crossed her arms. "What about Jack?" she asked. But, she was already guessing the answer. "Where were you last night?"

  "I'm not going to tell you if you’re going to be like that," I replied defensively.

  "Like what, concerned!?"

  "No, Judging! Stop it! Jack is not like what you think, and neither is his sister. I know they would never hurt me."

  The three of us just sat there, not looking at one another, arms crossed in frustration. A few minutes went by when finally someone broke the silence.

  "I guess it could be possible," Julie said quietly. "I mean, you're right. You have been working with Celadine for a while and I met them both. They didn't seem to be affected by me at all; they showed no more interest than any other person would."

  "Thank you. Its true Jules, Celadine and Jack are wonderful. I feel safe with them. If we're in danger from Evaine, and possibly even the Queen, then we need some help. If what you say is true about the myth, then what two better people than vampires?"

  They seemed really unnerved by this idea, Lattie especially. How could I reassure them?

  "Hey, how about I get the two of them over?" I suggested. "I know you've already met them Jules, but not officially. And Lattie hasn't met them at all. That way you guys can see how different they really are. Trust me," I begged.

  My roommates exchanged glances.

  "I don't think I would be very comfortable with that Avery," Lattie admitted and hung her head. "I'm sorry."

  “It’s alright Lattie; you have no reason to be sorry. I won’t make you do something you’re not comfortable with,” I promised her.

  "I'd be okay with it, but if Lattie isn't then maybe we could meet them outside of the apartment?"

  I smiled in appreciation at my best friend. "Thank you. I'll call Jack and see if they’re free later." I went to my room to make the phone call and sat on my bed for a moment. What if Celadine and Jack are upset that I told their secret? They managed to keep it for almost two hundred years. Within twenty four hours, I’ve already blabbed to two people. I sighed and figured I’d deal with it if they were mad, but I had to call.

  "Hello? Avery?" answered Celadine after one ring.

  "Um, yes, how did you know it was me?" I asked.

  "Oh, I always know when it's you darling," she said jokingly. But, now that I thought about it, she probably wasn't kidding. "Is there something wrong?"

  "No, I mean yes. I think so," I stammered. "Celadine, I may need your help. And maybe Jacks too."

  "Anything," she quickly answered. "What is it that you need?"

  "Well, it's kind of hard to explain over the phone. Can Julie and I meet you at your place in a bit?"

  "Of course, you do not even need to ask. Come over when you are ready. Jack and I will be here."

  "Thanks Celadine. We'll be over in a little while." And I hung up.

  Chapter Twenty Four-Reassurance

  I grabbed Julies hand as we walked up the large stone walkway to Celadines front entrance.

  "Thank you," I said.

  "Thank you for what?"

  "Well, for giving them a chance and for trying to understand," I replied.

  She stopped then. "Avery, I trust your judgement. And, plus, I've seen the
m both and I couldn't even tell."

  "What do you mean you couldn't tell? You can see the difference between vampires and humans?" If there was a major distinction then I felt silly for not seeing it right away. They appear to be a little too perfect looking, but not inhuman.

  "Sort of, well, we're supposed to. I have never met one that I know of. But I read that, since they are a threat to fairies, we have a built in defence thing. We should be able to sense one vampire in a room full of humans."

  "And you couldn't?" I asked, sceptical.

  "No, it's weird. Maybe it's because I’ve lived in Iron World my whole life. Perhaps I never developed the extra sense or something." She shrugged like it was no big deal.

  "I guess. It would explain it," I agreed and inhaled a deep breath. "Ready?" I asked, motioning towards the door. Julie happily nodded and I banged the old, gigantic brass knocker. We stood there and waited a few moments until someone came to the door.

  "Hello ladies," greeted the most beautiful voice in the world. Well, in my world at least. I stared up at Jacks magnificent and flawless face. His vibrant blue eyes peered into mine and I wanted him to wrap his iron arms around me.

  "Ahem," Julie coughed interrupting the moment. I almost forgot that she was standing there. Actually, I’d forgotten where I was for a second.

  "Oh, sorry, Jack, this is Julie. Julie Jack," I quickly introduced them.

  "Pleased to meet you Julie, formally," said Jack in his polite manner that he often used. I once thought that he was just mocking me all of the time, and I’m sure that he sometimes was, but now I know that it probably came from his years of living in old Europe. Or maybe his mother raised him that way. Who knows?

  "Please, come in. Celi is waiting in the den."

  We followed him to the den, which was at the far end of the house and, ironically, in a sun room. The white moon light shone through the glass ceiling and illuminated the room in a pale blue glow. Celadine had furnished the place in old Victorian styled furniture, like the rest of the house. Almost everything was white and silver.

  The room was stunning, just like her. My boss sat on a beautiful loveseat, wearing a black pant suit. Her dark dread locks were let loose down around her shoulders and rested in a pool behind her. She smiled and stood to greet us as we entered the room.

  "Avery darling, come, sit by me. I've missed you."

  I went to take a seat next to her, Julie took the large chair next to me and Jack decided to remain standing. He leaned on the door frame looking like a flawless statue, waiting for us to talk about the reason why we came.

  "So, what is it that you need? Is there anything that I should be concerned about?" Celadine asked. "Are you alright?"

  I looked to Julie for answers. I didn't know where to start.

  "Well, it's hard to explain. First I wanted to ask you a few questions," I started. "Before I told you about Julie, did you know? Like, could you tell...what she was?"

  Celadine smiled in relief. "Avery, I could smell fairy all over you the moment I met you," she explained.

  I suddenly felt a little self conscious. "You mean in my interview?" I asked. She just nodded.

  "And Jack, what about you, could you, um, smell it on me too?" I asked awkwardly.

  We all looked to him standing quietly in the doorway.

  "Yes, yes I could. But I had already known that you would," he admitted. "You know, from Celadine."

  "Why didn't you guys ever say anything?" I asked.

  "Like what? It was not my place to say anything. If you wanted me to know then you would have told me," Celadine wisely answered.

  "Well, how come you guys don't seem to be affected by her?"

  I sensed Julie shift in her seat then.

  "Jules, are you uncomfortable? We can go."

  "No, no. I'm fine. But I shouldn't be. I mean, I’m as unaffected by them as they are by me."

  "Avery," Celadine began. "Jack and I are a little different; we would never allow ourselves to become monsters like others of our kind." She put her arm around me and smoothed my hair like a mother would. But, in the corner of my eye, I could see Jack tense uncomfortably.

  "I know that. But, I wanted Julie to know it too."

  "So, now that we have that sorted out, maybe we should talk about the real reason we’re here," Julie suggested.

  "Yes, you said on the phone that you may need our help?"

  "Yeah, it's a long story though. Are you familiar with any fairy culture?" Julie asked them.

  "Somewhat. I do know your rulers and I am familiar with a few that reside here in Iron World, as you call it," answered Celadine.

  "Good, this will make it easier then. Well, there is a really dangerous fairy out to get Avery."

  Suddenly, I felt the air become tight. The two vampires in the room tensed at the thought of me in danger. Jack moved in closer and took a seat. Julie looked to me to see if she should continue. I gave her a slight nod.

  "Her name is Evaine. She’s sort of like the right hand man to the Seelie Queen. When Avery was a little girl she painted a picture of the old kingdom, when Orion once ruled it. Someone bought it at an art fair one summer, and I think I know who, Evaine. And now Queen Mabry has her out to collect Avery because of it."

  "But why would they want her because of that?" asked Jack, now in on the conversation. "I mean, it’s just a painting. And why would they wait so long to come and find her?"

  "That’s what I thought too. But, time passes differently in Faerie. What seems like years here is actually only days or weeks there. And the fact that they are threatened by this painting could only mean one thing. Orion is not dead, and the Queen knows what happened to him, but not where he is, and she fears that Avery knows. Only a monarch could have told her what the old kingdom looks like from the point of view that it was painted in."

  "Wait, what point of view? You never said anything about that before," I interrupted.

  "Avery, that scene is painted as if the artist were sitting on the balcony of the castle, looking out over the kingdom. No regular fey could have told you how to do it."

  I felt sick all of a sudden. "So, Mabry thinks that Orion described it to me, but he didn't!" I cried.

  "But Tess did. Do you think it's possible that she may know where he is?" Julie asked.

  "Don't be ridiculous Jules. Tess believes in all that stuff, but don't you think that I’d know if she was friends with a fairy king? Besides, she didn't even describe that to me. She just talked about the stories and the scenery so much that I made up that painting from my imagination. This is just all a big coincidence."

  "Well, if Mabry is responsible for Orion’s disappearance and she thinks that you may know, then you're in serious trouble," Jack pointed out angrily.

  "Yes, and that's why we might need your help. Evaine has already approached me twice. The second time, I would have died if Jack hadn’t saved me. I don't want to test that whole third time’s a charm thing."

  "Well, it's settled then. You must come and stay here with us. We can protect you. No fairy is going to dare come into the home a vampire," Celadine claimed. "Well, except you of course." She smiled at Julie.

  "Yeah, I’m crazy like that," she joked.

  "Oh Celadine, thank you for the offer, but I can’t stay here forever. I have the feeling that Evaine isn't going to stop until she has me, or has…killed me." No one liked that idea.

  "Then what do you suggest we do? We can't protect you in the day light. The safest place for you to be is here," Jack added, still angry.

  "I know that. But I’m not going to give up my life because of this. I’ll still go to school, and work at the gallery. She only approaches me at night, and it's only when I’m close to the woods. I just want her to leave me alone. She needs to know that I have no information, I pose no threat, she has to give up eventually," I argued desperate
ly.

  "Well, we could purposely look for her one night. I could threaten her to stay away," Jack offered.

  "Maybe, it’s an idea," I agreed. "I didn't really have a plan actually; I just wanted to know that you guys would be there if I ever needed your help."

  "Oh of course darling, I'm offended that you felt the need to ask. I will always be here for you, for anything," Celadine assured me. I rested my head on her shoulder and she softly kissed the top of my head.

  "Thanks."

  "Well then," Julie started as she stood up. "I'd better get going, Latties probably freaking out right about now."

  "Do you mind if I stay here for a while?" I asked while sneaking a peek at Jack from the corner of my eye. He was already looking at me.

  Julie saw the discrete exchange and grinned. "No, of course not, I’ll call you when I get home.”

  "Thank you." I stood and gave her a hug. Her platinum hair smothered my face as it usually did. It felt nice and familiar, comforting in all of this new found chaos. "I'll walk you out."

  After Julie had left, and called me to let me know that she had gotten home safely, I could finally let out the breath that I had been holding in all night. I was sitting on Celadines oversized red couch in her beautifully decorated bedroom, watching her rummaging through a jam packed walk-in closet and throwing each outfit on the floor.

  "What about this one?" She held an authentic black Victorian gown with cream lace and frills to her body and modeled it in front of me.

  "Celadine, it's a Halloween party. You have to wear a costume," I replied.

  She raised her eyebrows. "But this is a costume. You can find cheap replica's in any costume store in the city," she claimed.

  "Yeah, but it's technically not a costume. You probably actually wore that as an everyday outfit once. Didn't you?" I teased.

  She threw the gown on top of the growing pile. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I did." I watched her smile as she recalled a distant memory. "I wore that gown to a magnificent ball in Europe. It was 1918, winter time, and the night was completely silent as I walked down my street. Soft snowflakes lightly fell down around me as I made my way to the ball."