Archdruid

by Tiffany Shand

  Darius had used this place to spend time with his many mistresses and other liaisons.

  Urien moved around the room, checking each wall for a sign. If the vault was anywhere, it would be here. Only Darius could access it; even the servants hadn’t been allowed in here.

  Where is it? It must be here somewhere. Urien ran a hand over the wall, expecting to feel a trace of power.

  Nothing.

  He moved to the next wall, shoving books and other items aside as he ran his hand up and down. Still nothing.

  Static flared between his fingers as he set the shelf aflame. The wood crumpled away into dust. He tore away the wallpaper, why did Darius even have decorative paper on the walls? No one else in Caselhelm use this kind of decoration. Underneath, it revealed cold stone.

  “Argh.” He let out a cry of frustration.

  What makes you think Papa hid the vault here? He wouldn’t make it easy to find, Xander said. Think of all the enemies he had. He wouldn’t risk someone finding it out in the open like this.

  Urien opened his mouth to yell at him but stopped. “Hmm, you could be onto something there.” A smile spread across his face. “I need to think more like the archdruid. Where would I hide something I didn’t want to be found?”

  His mind raced, and more of Xander’s thoughts echoed as Xander tried to distract him.

  Where would Darius hide things he never wanted to be found? Perhaps not here, but then where? One of his other residences? Urien remembered this being Darius’s base of power. It was why Orla had taken control of the palace.

  Urien grabbed another book, scanning the pages as if they held the answers he sought.

  He tossed it aside in disgust. Gods below, I need something to bargain with if I’m ever going to get them onside.

  Xander’s voice faded into the background.

  He needed the elders onside if he were ever to gain true power.

  His mind drifted back to the time he was trapped on the other side. For five long years, his soul had been trapped in the nether realm. At times, he’d been able to glimpse things. There seemed to be few limitations in that land, but Ann’s spell had kept him bound, unable to move or do anything.

  “Death…that’s it.” He smirked.

  On the other side, he’d be able to see. Maybe even spot the vault.

  Urien pulled out his dagger. “Don’t get too excited, brother. You’ll still be bound.” He plunged the blade through Xander’s chest.

  Urien almost shuddered as the mists of limbo surrounded him. Coldness crept into his very soul. This land wasn’t meant for the living.

  If Ann and Xander could wander around here, why couldn’t he?

  Urien made a move, but something held him in place. A tether to Xander’s body.

  Fuck it, Ann moves around all the time! Why can’t I? Still he remained rooted in place. Unable to go anywhere. He growled and muttered words of power.

  Where is that vault?

  Someone laughed, and a shadow darted through the mists. Urien scanned with his senses but couldn’t detect what the presence was.

  “Who are you?” he demanded.

  Xander? No, he’d be trapped inside his body. Urien made sure of that.

  The shadow darted back and forth, flickering in and out of the mist. “You Valerans like to wander in death, don’t you?”

  “Whoever you are, show yourself.”

  More laughter seemed to be coming from all directions.

  Urien raised his hand. No power came to him.

  How could that be? He’d seen Ann use power on this side of the veil. He held out his hand. Nothing, not even a flicker of magic came to him.

  The shadow creature cackled. “You have no magic, do you?” it said. “You, like everyone, are powerless on the side of the veil.”

  “Rhiannon does,” he hissed.

  “You’re not your sister. She’s not a demon or mere druid.”

  He gritted his teeth. “Then what is she?” he muttered. “You still haven’t told me who you are. Are you friend or foe?”

  Another cackle. “Neither, but you want something, don’t you?”

  “Right, I want my father’s vault.”

  The shadow moved closer, and Urien yelped as claws struck his skin.

  “Argh, what did you do that for?” He clutched his shoulder. How could he be injured in spirit form?

  “Because you lied,” the voice growled.

  “I didn’t. I need that vault.” He looked down, surprised to see drops of what looked like blood. Since when could spirits bleed?

  “But it’s not all you want, is it?”

  “No, I—” Urien frowned. “How do you know what I want?”

  “Remember, demon. Blood released you, blood binds you, and blood can bring you what you seek.” The shadow darted away.

  “Wait, come back. Tell me…”

  Urien gasped, rasping for breath. His chest heaved.

  “What’s going on?” he asked. No, he hadn’t spoken. Xander had.

  Gods below, he’s in control!

  Xander scrambled up, stumbling over the to the mirror. He reached up and touched his face. “I’m…I’m myself again.”

  No! Urien roared. I own this body now, not you.

  Xander smiled and took a deep breath. “Now you know what it feels like. To shout and scream but be stuck inside where no one—” Xander doubled over coughing.

  Urien took a deep breath and breathed a sigh of relief. “Little side-effect of crossing over. I won’t let that happen again.”

  No! Xander screamed.

  Urien moved out of the secret chamber, closing the wall behind him.

  Outside his study, he called the guards to bring a servant in.

  A young Ursaie walked in. Her horns peeked out through her hair and her bicoloured eyes shone with fear.

  A demon slave. Even better, Urien thought.

  What are you doing? Xander demanded.

  The woman kept her eyes fixed to the floor. She wouldn’t speak unless spoken to. Ursaie were considered inferior among Magickind. Little more than demons.

  Urien knew the enslaved race still had ancient power in their veins. He ran a finger down her cheek. Funny, he’d always found the Ursaie strangely attractive. Too bad he wouldn’t have a chance to take this one to his bed.

  I won’t let you rape this poor woman, Xander snapped. Forcing a woman—

  I’ve never forced anyone. Urien pulled out his dagger, the blade still slick with his own blood. His sliced it across her throat.

  The Ursaie’s eyes widened in shock as she collapsed into his arms. Urien recited words of power to reveal what had been hidden.

  Blood magic was always potent.

  No! Xander yelled. You—

  Urien stumbled as power washed over him. He caught a flash of the door, but the image faded before he had a chance to see where it was.

  Chapter 15

  Ann knelt outside the great stones the next morning as the first rays of dawn broke through on the horizon. Just as the night before, she found no trace of the strange presence. Damn it, all magical creatures left some trace behind. What was that thing and what did it want?

  “So we’re looking for a shadow?” Ed asked. “That’s new.”

  “It’s not just a shadow. It had power—enough power to knock me out and get through the stones.” Ann ran a hand through her hair and glanced at Ed. “Did you notice anything else?”

  He seemed quieter and more on edge than usual. “No.” Ed shook his head. “It seemed to know me though.” He paused. “I think it might be the thing we saw chasing me in my memories.”

  “What memories?” Jax asked as he came over. “From when you were imprisoned by Orla?”

  “No, Ann has been trying to help me remember my life before I landed on Trin,” Ed explained. “So I can maybe get some control over this damned beast.”

  “Ann already helps you to control it,” Ceara pointed out, taking a gulp of her rakka tea.

  Ed w
inced at the sharp aroma it gave out. “Do you have to drink that stuff? It’s vile and it smells worse.” He covered his nose, then shook his head again. “That’s not enough. I need to know why I lose control and how I can control it.”

  “I think we all know that reason. Your beast told us last night.” Ceara rolled her eyes and sipped more of her tea.

  “That shadow thing felt different,” Ann said. “Urien must somehow be trying to break through the mist into Asral or Lulrien.”

  “There are ways to break through the veil.”

  “Glimpsing the upper realm of Asral is one thing. But he seems to be bringing things through,” Ann mused. “That’s supposed to be impossible.”

  “Darius could have done it,” Jax said. “Demons are supposed to come from beyond the mists. It’s probably how he hooked up with Orla.”

  Ann winced. She hated thinking of Darius being with that demon bitch who’d helped kill both her parents.

  “Maybe.” She pulled up her hood. “I’m going to an old temple not far from here where I’ll focus on finding some answers,” she told them. “Ed will come with me. You two go scan the surrounding area. The other druids are checking if the stones’ power has been breached. Go help. See if you can track where the banelings are coming from.”

  Jax’s mouth fell open. “You want me to work with Ceara?” he gasped. “Uh-ah. You know I’m loyal, yours in life and death and all that, but there are some things that go way beyond my limit.”

  “What’s the matter, bird boy?” Ceara sneered. “Afraid the big, bad Gliss is gonna kick your skinny posterior?”

  “Hey, my arse is fine. It’s not skinny,” Jax protested.

  Ceara glanced behind him. “If you say so. I’ve seen skeletons with finer backsides than you.”

  Jax glared at Ann. “Why does Ed always get to stay with you?” He crossed his arms. “I’m not useless. I could help during a spell if you needed me to.”

  “Because I need someone there to anchor me if the spell goes wrong. He’s more experienced at doing that than you are.”

  “She’s the only one who can stop him from killing anyone,” Ceara added. “That’s why it’s safer if he stays with her.”

  “I’m not going to kill anyone.” Ed scowled at them. “And I am gaining some control.”

  Ann took Ed’s arm as Ceara and Jax continued to bicker.

  “Try not to kill each other,” she told them. Let’s go, she said to Ed.

  “While we’re on the subject, your arse is...” Jax said.

  Ann laughed. “I think deep down they still love each other. They were close when they were younger.”

  “You sure taking me with you is a good idea?”

  “Your beast never threatens me.” She slipped her arm through his.

  “No, I’m more concerned what I’ll do to anyone else it perceives as a threat to you.” Ed glanced around, uneasy.

  “We’ll be fine. I need to work on finding my father’s vault and we need to figure out what that thing is that attacked us last night.”

  They headed away from standing stones and through the forest. Ann raised her hand, forcing the branches aside with her magic. Not many of the druids ever went to the old temple, since the druids themselves didn’t worship any gods.

  “Are you going to unlock more of my memories?” Ed asked.

  “I’ll try. You are the only one who recognises that voice.” She moved more branches aside, glad when nothing snagged on their clothing.

  “I still think it’d be safer if I left,” he remarked. “It could have been after me, not you.”

  “You’re not a threat.” She breathed in the smell of morning dew and fresh grass. It felt good to be out in nature again. Here, her connection to the earth lines—to Erthea itself—was stronger than in any of the other places she stayed over the past few years.

  “Ann, what happens when you’re not there to pull me back?” He spun her around to face him. “I don’t need innocent blood on my hands.”

  “You can control this. I know you can.” She touched his arm. “That shadow thing is connected to Urien too, I can feel it. Whatever evil they throw at us, we’ll face it. Together.” She sighed. “I need you with me. I’ve lost so many people; I can’t lose you too.” She hugged him.

  He’d been her rock all these years. They had a bond that went far deeper than friendship. The three months he’d been held by Orla had been unbearable. She’d find a way to help him and save Xander.

  Ed returned her embrace. “I don’t want to leave you either, but I’m afraid…of myself.” He then pulled back. “Look what I did to Jerome last night. He’s lucky he only got a few scratches.”

  Ann winced. Jerome had barely even looked at her at breakfast earlier. He had avoided her and backed away whenever Ed was near. She felt disappointed. She and Jerome had got close again, but she had more important things to worry about than his feelings being hurt.

  “Maybe that’s the problem. You’re still rejecting your beast side.” She pulled away and pushed through the trees.

  “Acceptance will be a long time coming,” he muttered. “How are you planning on finding the vault?”

  “You’re not going to like it.”

  The old temple was a small stone building once used to pay respects to the spirits. Most of the five lands had stopped such worship centuries ago. Trees grew through the empty windows and up through the open rooftop. Vines crept along the barren walls, yet the air still hummed with power.

  The earth lines vibrated underneath her feet as she moved though the archway. This place reminded her of the times as children when she and Ed had thought all the buildings left over from ancient times were temples.

  Inside, leaves and brambles covered the cracked stone floor. “Soiléir.” Ann raised her hand. The leaves and debris were swept away.

  At the centre of the room sat a small stone altar. Nothing adorned it now. Three rays of the sun had been carved into it.

  “What’s the plan then?” Ed asked, leaning back against the altar.

  Ann drew a circle on the floor with a piece of chalk. “I’m going to the other side and contacting Xander.”

  “How does that answer all our questions?” Ed frowned.

  “My father always said the other side banished limitations, so over there I should see the door to the vault. Maybe Xander can tell me more about what Urien has planned.” She pulled out a vial of black liquid. “I got this from my uncle. It keeps me under, but I need someone to watch over me while I’m gone.”

  “You still trust me after everything that happened last night?” Ed crossed his arms. “What if Jerome shows up and I attack him again?”

  Ann shook her head. “I don’t think Jerome will be a problem. Besides, I trust you more than anyone else. You’ll be there no matter what. I know that.” She laid her coat out on the floor. “I don’t know how long I will be gone.” She sat down.

  “I’m used to watching you lay dead—it never gets any easier.” He stepped into the circle and sat down beside her.

  “What are you doing?” Her eyes widened.

  “For the sake of keeping my beast happy and in control, I’ll stay with you.”

  She pulled the cork from the vial. “If I don’t wake, call Ceara. Gliss are trained to bring the dead back to life.”

  “You will come back. You always do.”

  Ann gulped down the poison, feeling its acrid taste in the back of her throat. “Another way to bring me back is to stab me through the heart. It’ll force my spirit back into my body once you remove the knife,” she said. “Don’t do that unless you have to. I’m tired of ruining my clothes, and we can’t afford to waste good coin.” She felt her heart beat slower and muttered an incantation just before she slumped back into Edward’s arms.

  Ann reappeared in the gloom of the other side. The blackness seemed thicker every time she came here. This wasn’t the final place the dead came to after death. Just a place of transition. She came here every time she almo
st died—for a while at least, until her body revived itself.

  “Xander?” she called. “Xander, are you here?”

  No response came.

  Okay, I have to make good use of my time here. She moved through the gloom and raised her hand. “Come on, Papa, where did you hide that door?”

  Ann saw a flash of the doorway, then it faded. It looked like a simple wooden door surrounded by glowing light. She let it go. She’d come for Xander.

  “Whoa, this is odd,” Ed remarked as he appeared behind her.

  Ann turned and frowned. “What are you doing? You can’t be here. You’re supposed to be my anchor.”

  “I didn’t do anything. Your spell dragged me.” He frowned at the darkness. “Is this where you go every time you die?”

  She nodded. “I don’t understand how you can be here. The spell is only supposed to work on me.” She waved him away. “Go back.”

  “Does it matter? Maybe I can help while I’m here.”

  “Ed, I have no idea how the spell could affect you. I can go back thanks to my father’s spell, but you—”

  “Let’s focus on finding Xander. How does he usually appear?” Ed glanced around, looking uneasy.

  “I call him, but he doesn’t always appear. It’s hard because Urien is always repressing him.” Ann bit her lip. “I think it’s easier when Urien is asleep.”

  “You, Urien, and Xander are all connected by blood. Focus on that.”

  She sighed. It wouldn’t be that easy. “Urien will still block me.”

  “You’re not calling Urien, you’re calling Xander. Try that. Call his spirit.” Ed took her hand. “You can do this. Maybe me being here will make you stronger. My beast seems resistant to magic. Damn thing might as well be good for something.”

  Ann gripped his hand, closed her eyes and muttered words of power to call a spirit. “Spiorad teacht dom.”

  Ann knew from experience magic worked differently here—if it worked at all. “I still don’t know how you help me focus so well, and yet you can’t control your beast.” She smiled.

  “I’m good at being there for you. Have to be after everything you’ve been through.” He took her hand and his touch tingled. Strange how she could feel it even in spirit form.