Aerenden The Child Returns

by Kristen Taber

  Fire consumed all but a few buildings. It cascaded light through the sky, reflecting orange against thick, black smoke. Meaghan traced her gaze along the roofline, past chimneys crumbling under their own weight, and windows exploding from heat. She saw men jumping from balconies, and women wailing over the bodies of their loved ones. She felt numb to it, distanced from the horror and the belief of it.

  Her eyes turned from a brick wall scarred black and splattered with blood, and came to rest on the only face that could soothe her. Her mother stared back at her. Vivian had cut her hair. The long, red locks she had cherished now framed her face as a delicate bob, but her eyes remained the same. They narrowed at Meaghan, and then widened with alarm.

  A scream shattered the sky from their left, another from their right. A child’s cry for his father bounced down a side street, following them as they broke through the back line of houses and chased the moon across the field. They had almost reached the forest. Meaghan wondered how they had arrived here so quickly without a car. It had taken Nick hours the first time.

  She lost his hand as he surged forward, but she kept his pace. She followed him into the tree line, deviating to avoid a log, and her feet hit something solid.

  She tumbled forward. Small stones and twigs bit her palms, and then her body came to rest over whatever had tripped her.

  Rolling off the object, she scrambled around so she could see it, then caught her breath when moonlight illuminated blonde hair and a beautiful face that did not belong here. Tawny eyes stared wide at Meaghan, though they had lost the capacity to see.

  “Cissy,” Meaghan whispered, her voice no more than the small breath she could manage. Her fingers touched the cold, pale cheek of the woman she had met only hours before, and reality settled over her. This was not the past on Earth. This was the present, and the people of Ærenden were dying around her.

  She sucked in a breath, then another, and in her panic, let go of her hold on Nick’s power. May’s grief and anger assaulted Meaghan first, then pain flooded out all other emotions. It burned, a bath of acid, and Meaghan screamed before she collapsed to the ground.

  “Can you carry her?” May asked.

  “Yes,” Nick responded. “The vitalizing salts won’t work again?”

  “I’m afraid not,” May said, though her voice had begun to fade. “She’s too far gone this time. Tilt her head back.”

  Meaghan felt fingers behind her neck before the glass rim of a small vial pressed against her lips. Bitter liquid filled her mouth. She swallowed from instinct and within seconds, the world faded into blackness.

  §

  “WHAT THE hell happened?”

  Meaghan kept her eyes closed. She turned her head, heard the backpack rustle underneath her, and stopped moving, afraid the noise would give her away. Holding her breath, she tried to sense the emotions surrounding her. Aggravation, concern, and fear came from those talking. Pain still came from many different directions, although it had dwindled to only a few dozen people. One stopped and then another dulled into death. She curled her fingers, felt dry leaves crush into her palm, and realized she lay on the ground.

  Pain built within her again. When fresh agony stabbed through her head, she reached for Nick’s power, trusting he would be there and emotional silence rewarded that trust. It washed over her, calming her, and she almost wept with relief.

  “The raid overwhelmed her power,” she heard May respond to the question.

  “She’s unconscious,” said another voice.

  “I gave her something. She’ll be awake soon.”

  “But not able,” a third voice spoke. Meaghan recognized the gravel in it, and realized the Elders were talking about her. “I think we may have introduced her as our Queen prematurely,” Angus continued. “We should have waited to ensure she could do the job.”

  “She’s the Queen,” May told him. “Waiting to introduce her wouldn’t have changed that.”

  “Because of her lineage? That’s not a good enough reason. She isn’t capable. We need to replace her.”

  “With whom?” May shot back. “Or are you volunteering?”

  “I have as much right to the throne as she does,” Angus replied.

  “Not anymore. You haven’t since your mother—”

  “This isn’t up for debate,” Miles interrupted. His voice held a warning that hung in the air, silencing even the song of a bird high in the trees. “She’s our Queen and that’s final. The only thing that needs to be decided now is who will be her Guardian.”

  “Nick—” May began.

  “Has proven his power can’t truly help her,” Miles interrupted. “Since he also can’t control her, we need someone more experienced to take over. We need someone who can train her so something like this doesn’t happen again.”

  “You can’t. They have to stay together.”

  “Why?” Miles asked. “What aren’t you telling us?”

  May sighed. “They’re wed.”

  Meaghan’s eyes snapped open. Nick glanced at her and she realized he had sensed she had awakened. His hand moved a fraction of an inch at his side, and she obeyed his request to stay still.

  Miles stared at May for a moment before he spoke. “That’s not possible. Nick wouldn’t—”

  “They’re prophesied.”

  Miles hissed in a breath of air in surprise at the news, but Angus only smiled. “She no longer has a claim to the throne then,” he said. “As my mother did, Meaghan has to give it up for wedding a Guardian.”

  “Not if their wedding was prophesied,” Sam told him. “They didn’t have a choice in the matter.”

  “You can’t be certain it was,” Angus argued. “There’s no proof.”

  “Nick still has his powers,” May said. “The impossibility of that is proof enough.”

  Angus narrowed his eyes. “He says he has his powers.”

  “How dare you! My son doesn’t—”

  Miles placed a hand on May’s arm to calm her. “I’ve known Nick since he was an infant. I don’t doubt his integrity. He wouldn’t lie if it would put Meaghan in danger.”

  Angus pressed his lips together. “I’m not so easily convinced. He hid the wedding from us for a reason.”

  “He didn’t know about the prophecy yet,” May objected. “The secret was held by the royal family.”

  “He still should have told us,” Miles said. “After seeing the confusion Adelina and Ed’s wedding caused them, I’m willing to overlook his transgression, but it does make me certain of the need to replace him as Meaghan’s Guardian.”

  May shook her head. “Please don’t punish him for that. He planned on telling you today.”

  “I’m not punishing him,” Miles responded. “Meaghan needs more experienced protection. She needs someone who understands the importance of sharing everything with the Elders.”

  “Who did you have in mind?” Sam asked.

  “May. Unless you want the job.”

  “I don’t, but we need to put this to a vote. Nick is—”

  “Lucky to be alive after this past week,” Angus said. “He’s young and foolish, and she’s no different. They’re a good fit. Let him protect her. If he gets her killed, it’s better for all of us.”

  “Angus,” Miles warned.

  “Are you really going to keep defending her?” Angus snapped. “Her presence cost several dozen lives tonight, maybe more. Not to mention your entire family. Is their sacrifice meaningless to you?”

  Anger flashed over Miles’ face, turning the corners of his mouth hard. He grabbed the front of Angus’ shirt. “You don’t think I know what this night cost us? You don’t think I harbor that pain? All of us do. Sam lost his daughter. Nick lost one of his closest friends. But it’s not our Queen’s fault. It’s the fault of whoever let the Mardróch into the village. If anything, the fact they came for her tells us they consider her a threat. Why do you suppose that is?”

  “Because they don’t realize how useless she is,” Angus countere
d. He locked his hand over Miles’ wrist and twisted, forcing the other man to let go. “They will soon. How many lives do you think her incompetency will cost us in the meantime?”

  “She’s not incompetent,” Nick said and stepped into the circle of Elders. Sam moved out of the way to make room for him, but Miles frowned at the intrusion. “She’s only been on this world a week and a half, and she’s learned a lot during that time. More than you could, I’m certain.”

  Angus swept his hand through the air, pushing Nick back with the gesture. “How dare you talk to me that way,” he said. “Have you forgotten your place? Do you truly think you can question an Elder’s judgment because you guard that joke of a Queen?” He moved his hand again, and knocked Nick off his feet. When he raised his hand a third time, May stepped in front of her son.

  “Enough,” she hissed. “You’ve made your point. And so has he. It’s a valid one. Meaghan needs more time.”

  “Time we don’t have,” Angus replied.

  “The final battle isn’t upon us,” Sam told him. “She has time and I’m willing to give it to her. As to her Guardian’s status, protocol calls for a vote.”

  Nick rose to his feet, nodding in concession before stepping back. Meaghan drew up to her knees.

  “A vote then,” Miles agreed. “I think Nick has done the best job he can, but this situation needs a more experienced Guardian. I vote that May takes his place.”

  “Fine,” Angus said, and slipped his hands into his pockets. “I concede to the Head Elder’s judgment.”

  May crossed her arms over her chest. “Well I don’t. Miles is wrong.”

  “Noted,” Miles said and turned to Sam. “And you? Where does your vote lie?”

  “Between the two options,” he responded. “Nick is a good Guardian and I think a lot can be said for the trust he instills in Meaghan.”

  “But?” Angus prompted.

  “But he lacks the experience May holds. I think removing Nick might prove to be a mistake, but for now, it’s a necessity.”

  “Then it shall be,” Miles determined. He turned to Nick and held up his hand. His palm appeared to shimmer white as he spoke. “Nick, from this point forward, you are relieved of your duties as Guardian over the Queen.” He addressed May next. “You are henceforth granted the powers of Guardian over Meaghan.”

  No sooner had the words left his mouth then May frowned and Meaghan realized her new Guardian now sensed her. “She’s awake,” May muttered.

  All eyes found Meaghan. With their focus on her, only Meaghan saw Angus slip his left hand from his pocket. A flash of purple radiated from between his fingers and Nick’s eyes widened with fear and confusion, matching the emotions Meaghan sensed from him.

  He did not have to say anything for her to understand what had happened. She felt it. She felt everything from him and from everyone else.

  This time, there could be no mistake. He had lost his powers.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  “SPYING AGAIN?” Miles asked Meaghan, not bothering to mask the displeasure in his voice. “How long have you been awake?”

  “Long enough,” she responded and stood. She could feel the pain building. It tore at her muscles and pounded within her head, but she ignored it. She fought past it, focusing on the threat in front of her instead. “What did you do?” she asked Angus.

  “It wasn’t his choice alone,” Sam said, stepping forward to lay a hand on her shoulder. “We voted to remove Nick as your Guardian.”

  She kept her eyes pinned on Angus. “Tell me,” she said. “Tell me what you did to him.”

  “I didn’t do anything,” he responded. “You’re mistaken.”

  “Don’t lie to me.” She advanced on him, her steps slow and deliberate. Angus began backing away. She smiled, though the gesture held menace instead of joy, and his Adam’s apple bobbed fast in his throat.

  “You don’t think I can sense your deceit?” she asked him. “Your hatred toward me? Your fear?”

  “I’d never—”

  “Did you bring the Mardróch too? Was the raid your idea?”

  He shook his head. “Please, my Queen, I—”

  “No more lies!”

  Angus backed into a tree and froze. Meaghan pressed forward.

  “Did you think I wouldn’t figure out your plan?” she asked. “Did you truly believe I wouldn’t sense your betrayal?”

  “I haven’t done anything,” Angus protested. His eyes grew wide with innocence, but she could sense the anger and panic he fought to hide.

  She halted her advance in front of him and he shrank against the tree. “If I’m wrong, then show me your left hand,” she said. “Show everyone your hand so they can see what you hold.”

  “But I...” His throat constricted. His panic swelled, and he tore his eyes from Meaghan’s face to seek out May’s. “Please,” he begged. “She’s gone crazy. Control her.”

  “I’d be happy to,” May responded. “Just show us your hand first.”

  Angus tightened his fist around the object in question. His eyes darted to Miles, beseeching. “You can’t expect me to entertain her request, can you? It’s insulting.”

  Miles nodded. “He’s right. Meaghan’s not making much sense. Angus has been with us from the beginning. He’s given us no reason to doubt him.”

  “He hasn’t,” Sam agreed. “But she’s our Queen. Insulting or not, it’s a simple request. Show us your hand, Angus.”

  Angus’ eyes widened again, his fear no longer guarded, and Miles nodded his consent for the request. Angus raised his hand, but rather than open it, he pushed it forward. A wave of power hit Meaghan like a surge of water, knocking her backwards. She landed flat on the ground. Air rushed from her lungs. White stars flashed in front of her eyes. Her head screamed, pain surging from the lump that had formed earlier. She heard Angus running away and rolled onto her side, but did not get the chance to rise to her feet before she began sliding. She flipped onto her stomach, struggling against an invisible force as Angus drew her behind him with his power.

  Clawing at the ground, she sought anything that would slow her movement. Leaves crumbled beneath her fingers. Limbs brushed by, scratching her arms. Nick and the Elders chased after her, but Angus ran faster. Desperate, she dug into the dirt, sifting through grass and pebbles until her hands grasped the withered, brown rope of a dying vine. She gripped hard. The vine wriggled around her fingers, but lost the will to fight as Angus’ pull increased.

  She felt his power tug her ankles, yank on her legs, then finally lock on her waist. She twisted the vine around her arms, using it to anchor her. Pain surged through her body as Angus increased his power, and then the pressure suddenly eased. Nick caught up to her. He pulled her to her feet, unraveling the vine from her arms to show red welts indented into her skin.

  “Angus! You traitor!” Miles bellowed. He raised his hands and Meaghan turned in time to see the air shimmer in front of Angus. Angus skidded to a stop, and then turned to face them.

  “I only do what’s best for the kingdom,” he said. “She’ll bring our deaths.”

  “Don’t confuse her with Garon,” Sam responded. “Meaghan is the rightful heir. She has the blood of your ancestors, and the wisdom.”

  “Not my ancestors,” Angus growled. “My mother was the true heir and now I am. Adelina was an imprudent offshoot of the family line, an impulsive ruler who brought about her own death and the deaths of many others. Meaghan’s no different.”

  “Istera would never have made a good ruler,” Miles said. “She was selfish. She chose your father over the kingdom and its people.”

  “You have no right,” Angus barked, punching a fist forward. Miles staggered back a step, but held his ground. “You betray my mother by speaking of her in that way.”

  “I guarded her for many years,” Miles said. “I knew her better than you did, and I also know she chose her love over the throne because she felt Adelina would make the better ruler. She knew her own selfishness, and s
he had enough wisdom to recognize it. That wisdom would do you well.”

  “You lie!” With a flick of his wrist, Angus launched a rock through the air. It sailed toward Miles’ head, but the Elder did not move. He raised a hand instead, and the air shimmered again. The rock met his force field and fell to the ground.

  “You know I’m telling the truth,” Miles replied. “And you also know you can’t win this fight. If you try, you’ll pay with your life.”

  “We’ll see about that,” Angus responded and lifted his hand. Miles did the same, pushing back a barrage of stones with another quick force field. A boulder and a log met his shield with the same ease. Angus narrowed his eyes. His face flashed red with anger, and then he raised his hand once more. Miles did the same, but before he had the chance to use his power, Angus turned and fled.

  “No!” Meaghan cried after him. She did not care if he escaped justice. Nor did she care that he had tried to kill her. She only cared about the object he still clutched in his hand, and what it would do to Nick if Angus got away. “Use your force field,” she told Miles.

  Miles raised his hand. The air shimmered in front of Angus, but he dodged it. A second force field hit a tree to Angus’ left. By the time a third missed its mark, Meghan realized Miles’ power would be useless in catching Angus. But hers would not.

  She dropped to her knees in the grass, waited until Angus had run a few more steps, then grabbed onto the creeper vine, surging her revival power through it. The thin, brown plant turned green, and then lashed from her grip, snapping in anger. Angus’ next step landed beside the vine. It whipped around his ankle, yanking him to the ground. He writhed, snakelike, as he tried to escape, then grew still when the vine cocooned his body to his shoulders.

  Meaghan jumped to her feet and ran toward him. Bending over him, she dug through the vines to clear his hand, and then pulled at his fingers. He tightened them.

  “Give it to me,” she commanded.

  In response, he spit at her. The vines crawled up his neck. His breathing turned to wheezing. His eyes closed halfway and his grip loosened. The object fell to the ground, but before Meaghan could reach for it, she flew backward.