The comforter tugged across the bed as he joined her, and then his arm rested around her waist.
A cringe tightened her lips. It burned, his gentle touch; the touch of greatness. If only Venus would answer her pleas for a child. It would prove she was worthy of a Meridian man’s love. She could hold her head high and stand at Vincent’s side, proud, knowing with a certainty that her destiny was anchored.
She peered out the window across the room from her, and then beyond. The granite bluff stood proud past the woodlands and held the portal to the other realms.
Could a god from another realm hear prayers when spoken here? Perhaps the reason the goddess hadn’t granted her desire was because it hadn’t reached her. If she were closer to the doorway to Venus’s throne, her prayers would be heard, surely. Her wish was a righteous one, after all. How could a deity who loved to bless mortals with that gift deny the request if she heard it?
Sucking her lower lip between her teeth, Elaina set her plan. As soon as he’s asleep, I think I’ll take a stroll.
A multitude of crickets seemed to have migrated to the backyard along with the loudest peacocks Elaina had ever heard. She trotted across the terrace and halted with a jolt as Anna walked from the topiary entrance. Gods, I didn’t expect anyone to be out here. Especially her! She took a deep breath and strolled across the lush lawn to meet her, hoping her weak knees wouldn’t buckle. “Hi Anna. I’m just going for a walk. Kinda want to think, you know? Nothing special. Just to think. The topiary is beautiful isn’t it?”
She ended her jabber with a tweak of her lips. Could an Angel of Love read through her lie? Lying had never been a talent to begin with.
“Oh yes, the topiary is one of my favorite places when I have things cluttering my mind. The serenity helps me iron things out a bit.” She smiled.
“Right. That’s what I want to do. Iron some things out in my head.” She motioned toward the pathway through the blooms. “So… I’ll just…go.”
“Okay, Elaina. Have a good night.” Anna hesitated as she met Elaina’s gaze, but then headed for the back door to Shilo Manor.
Air rushed from Elaina’s pursed lips and she rolled her eyes. Thank the Gods I didn’t drop and show praise to Iaami on the spot. “Okay, I am going for a walk. Just not in there.”
Her feet crunched the twigs on the forest bed, and her legs twitched with each snap. The world teemed with life; frogs sang while night birds accompanied them overhead. Owls hooted, a community of squirrels scampered across her path and then up the trees, and a myriad of insects seemed to choose that night to be noticed. If Rhune hadn’t told her of the area’s safe enchantment, she’d be shivering from freight instead of the chill.
The light from her lamp reflected off the tall trunks, making them look as if they were painted onto shadow. White petals floated from the overhead branches to her path as she walked. The aroma of apricot blossoms mixed with the dusty scent of dried leaves and the earthy smell oddly comforted her. She walked, veering from her path only to avoid snares and fallen tree limbs.
As she broke through the edge of the arbors, dusk had gone to bed for the night, and the moon shown its bright mid-ascent to the heavens. Beams from the great orb highlighted the landing and made it look like an alien obstacle course created by the Shilos during their fight with Lord Dressen. It seemed a mile long, as she couldn’t make out the large boulder that had landed beside the portal during Vincent’s battle to protect the gateway to the planes. The scene returned to her mind, stunning and vivid; her love’s noble stance, his bold face looking directly at the Grand Marshal as a ribbon of brilliant power arched over his head plied by his fists. Every charge of magic Lord Dressen had fired, Vincent met with a fierce lunge. The collision of magic had shook the atmosphere, and when James caused the boulder that fell from above to veer from its path, the world rocked as it struck the ground. Wild charges had shot from Lord Dressen’s hands as he turned in the center of a whirlwind of rubble that scarred the earth.
A breeze blew from Oberon Sea, and Elaina filled her lungs with the salty air. Recalling the location of the portal, she set her course. Just put one foot in front of the other. I have to make it at some point if I head straight to the mountainside.
She pressed her fist into her palm and flexed her biceps to relieve the nervous excitement. Would Venus speak to her? Show herself? Even a finger would be such a welcomed sight. Elaina could imagine herself fainting on the spot. But one thing she knew in her heart; her prayer would be granted. It had to be.
As she neared, the beam from her flashlight touched a boulder twice her height and just as wide that looked like part of the mountain from a distance. Her heart skipped. Rushing to the right, she scanned the foot of the bluff for anything that resembled the arched doorway she had seen Vincent protect. Scuffs and gouges from Lord Dressen’s charges littered the rock face, but nothing else proved the portal existed.
“This isn’t right. It was here.” She ran her fingertips along the layers of sediment. “How am I going to get to Midway Summit if I can’t even find the portal?”
As she spoke the words “Midway Summit,” neon beams poured through tiny cracks in the rock. She backed away with a gasp as the cracks widened and the rock fell away, creating a tall arch. Light seeped inward, filling the outlined space with a multitude of colors.
Air puffed from Elaina’s lips, and then her lungs refused to take another breath. Squinting to relieve the sting of brightness, she lifted her arm to shield her eyes from the rays.
White light overtook the gateway to the realms as she took a step back and lowered her hand to her side. Her chest ached as she sucked in the sugary scent of the light. “Sweet Venus, it’s beautiful!” And I promise not to throw up. I promise to…
As her mind whirled with ways to plea to the loving deity, her heart longed to be as near as possible. If she hears me at the portal, how much greater would it be in her realm? It would show that my whole soul desires her help. I can always come back after I’ve prayed, after I’ve worshipped the goddess I’ve chosen to be my patron god.
Lost in veneration, her hands raised in praise, her feet moved forward, and Elaina stepped into a white void.
Chapter Seventeen
All eyes turned toward the entrance as Cole entered Dressen’s memorial service, flanked by James and Vincent. The ballroom peaked at the center, support beams meeting at a high arch like a cathedral, and then sloped to host the second and third level balconies. The last time they’d been in this room, Cole had deliver the gift that led to all this. The memory pearl. How could he have known the Grand Marshal shared the same soul his father had? How could he have known it would aid in partially fulfilling a prophecy?
A hush fell over the crowd, and a myriad of telepathic opinions hit him. He attempted to shove them aside. The last thing he needed was to know everyone’s thoughts on what had happened that day in Shilo Park. Obviously, the good people now knew for certain the Founders were more than just those who established their capitol city. They were connected with the gods, and in turn must be reverenced…or at least shown respect beyond the crude nickname of the Wizards of Shilo Manor.
Cole suppressed a snarl at the thought. The Wizards of Shilo Manor.
The fact Cole had a hand in Dressen’s death didn’t seem to faze those in attendance as he couldn’t block out all the mental images going through their minds. Heart attack, the grand fight, magical spells—everyone seemed to have their own ideas of what had happened.
But, none blamed him? Cole cleared his throat. None but the Gods…and himself.
Vincent leaned close, his lips quirked. “Really. Neither of you have seen Elaina? This isn’t like her.”
James shook his head. “I thought you were going to check with Linda.”
“She hadn’t seen her either.”
Cole’s response rumbled in his throat as he didn’t want to speak too loudly. “Mianna was up early. Elaina probably went to the topiary with her. Now let’s get this appea
rance taken care off so we can get back.”
Dressen’s twin sister appeared in his periphery, and Cole straightened with a smile. For as deplorable as the Grand Marshal had been, his sister was just as kind; charity balls, worship to the Gods, soup kitchens for the homeless, all note-worthy contributions.
“Sir Cole, please come in and join the celebration of Kyle’s life.”
“Lady Kendra. I’m honored to have been invited to such a celebration.” He gingerly lifted Kendra’s extended hand and kissed the top of her palm.
“The honor is ours that you have accepted. As it is to have Sir Vincent and Sir James.” She bowed her head to the two as she spoke their names. Her brows rose. “But your sweet Ladies have not joined you?”
“Our apologies. Under the circumstances, Anna felt she must decline. And as Anna’s closest friends, Elaina and Linda felt they must support her.”
“Oh, everybody knows how Kyle manipulated that poor girl. I’m just pleased the whole situation ended happily for her.” She motioned toward the left of the great hall. The exclamatory bar sat nestled within the corner, surrounded by lush lounges and soft lighting. “Do enjoy some of Brother’s fine liqueur. He stocked the best, as I’ve been told.” A soft chortle sounded in her throat as she turned and took a few steps away. Cole followed while James and Vincent took the hint and veered toward the bar.
“I know it’s a little off beat to hold a service such as this in the home of the departed, but I simply didn’t have the room in mine. I’m still at a loss as to what I’ll do with all of his belongings. Being his only living relative, he left it to me.”
Kendra lifted her drink and turned in a small circle. “I mean, look at this place. I told him on several occasions that there was enough room in this hall alone to house every homeless person in the city. And they’d even have a mini topiary to roam, over there in the corner, when they wanted a stroll. Did you know there’s a cathedral on the second floor for worship to Arylin? I never knew him to be the praying kind, but there you have it.”
“We mustn’t judge Lord Dressen by the way he acquired Anna. He treated his servants well. They loved him, in his way, I’m sure. Perhaps he had it built for them. And perhaps it would be an excellent idea to continue his exemplary service, Lady Kendra.”
“What do you mean?”
“Why not turn Lord Dressen’s Mansion into managed housing for the less fortunate? Instead of allowing the people to remember him for his last act of selfishness upon an innocent young woman, let his memory be of service and compassion to the homeless.”
“Why, Sir Cole. That is the most gracious thing I’ve ever heard. He did, after all, try to kill you to have the girl.”
Maybe it was a last attempt at salvaging the soul of his father’s memory, but Cole couldn’t help himself. As much as he hated Lord Dressen and his gaudy taste in flaunting his wealth, patching the man’s reputation could only help these people cope with what had happened to the man they’d admired.
“I’m merely suggesting a positive outcome for all that has happened.”
“And a beautiful idea. That’s exactly what shall be done.” She lifted her glass to him and then drank.
Cole reached into his pocket and removed a brass box. “Lady Kendra, I’m aware of the distance between you and Lord Dressen over the past years. Bitter memories should have no place in our lives when a loved one departs. I’ve prepared a special gift for you.”
Kendra placed her hand on her breasts. “For me? Why Sir Cole, I never expected any form of gratuity here. I’ve done nothing. Lord Carrington and Kyle’s servants arranged everything. I merely showed up.”
Cole shook his head. “This is for you alone, for the comfort of your soul.” He motioned for her to open her hand, and then tilted the lid of the box open. “This gift I give will allow you to call upon any memory you have of you and your brother at any time in your life. I understand you are twins. Twins have a special connection, a bond like no other sibling. They are rare and few know of this. I wish you to have this gift for when you are lonely and seek comfort.”
A tear crested Kendra’s lashes as she breathed an “O.” She opened her hand and Cole pinched at the pale blue cloud within the box. It followed his motion as he led it to settle in her palm. Azure swirled into a little pearl, lighter hues encircling it like clouds from the heavens. With the gem solidified, Cole closed her hand to embrace it with his fingers.
“Keep it close. Any memory of the two of you in this life will come to your mind as if you are reliving them. Let this be a special gift. From the one who caused your brother’s death.”
Her airy response portrayed her astonishment, though Cole sensed insecurity as she gazed at her closed hand. “Oh my. Such an extraordinary gift.”
“Please know this gift is unlike the one I gave to your brother. His memory pearl could call on any memory in his life. And he chose to use it unwisely. This is a simple memory album specialized to call upon moments the two of you shared.”
A smile lit her face and genuine thanks poured from her emotions. “Then I graciously accept with a whole heart, Sir Cole. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
James’s voice came to his mind, and the grave tone sent a chill up his neck. “Cole. We need to talk.”
Cole glanced to his left and found his brothers looking at him, Vincent with a scowl and James pale. “My apologies, Lady Kendra, but I see that I’m needed elsewhere.”
“Oh, I do hope that means elsewhere here at the celebration.”
James and Vincent grasped the edge of their cloaks, and Cole shook his head. “I’m afraid not. But my deepest wishes for your family’s happiness.”
“And yours, Sir Cole.”
Cole bowed his head and stepped back. Turning for the door, he set a long paced stride. His brothers followed suit and together their piqued strides hammered the floor above the din of conversation. Guests backed away, giving the three wide berth as they left the hall. As soon as they crossed the mansion ingress, Cole grasped the edge of his cloak and flung the panel high. On cue, James and Vincent dispersed into the Smoke of Night with him, and they flew into the bright morning sky.
Crisp spring air permeated Cole’s elements as they darted over the neighborhood of elite homes toward the manor. He sent his thoughts to James. “So what’s this about?”
“Lord Carrington, Dressen’s right-hand man. He knows where the portal is; saw Vince defending it from Dressen when he drove Elaina and Linda to the landing in search of him. And he’s been talking. So much so that other noblemen are taking notice. There’s rumor of a planned breach.”
Chapter Eighteen
A deep sigh issued from Rhune’s lips as he placed the family Candle Vignette on the desk in front of him. He willed the first image to appear as he waved his hand at the fissure in the top of the cylinder. A picture of his brother undulated in the flame as it flickered to life.
“How young and confident you were, Sylisan. How sure you were of your destiny among the realms.”
He passed his finger over the flame as if turning the page of a book, and a perfect family shown bright against the rays of the portal to the realms. “The day they arrived, no doubt.”
With each new picture, Rhune’s heart sank further. The innocence in Vincentor’s eyes, the life in Colhart’s smile, and the pride on Jamesuranton’s face as he looked upon the man who posed as his father all seemed a lifetime ago. Yet, it was so close he could hear the joyful banter between the three, feel the pressure of his brother’s embrace, and the tantalizing touch of Lilith; his love and soul mate. What a cruel twist, to find an eternal companion in your brother’s wife.
“If only I’d found you first, my sweet dove. How things would have been different.”
A little voice carried through the foyer and down the hall to the study, and Rhune waved at the Vignette to dim the images.
“But Momma, I like it here. Poppa James plays with us. And Uncle Vincent and Aunt Elaina are here.”<
br />
“I know, Mandy pop,” answered her mother. “But we need to go on a fast trip. We’ll get to see your father. Don’t you want to see him for a while?”
“I…guess.”
Another young tone joined them. “Here, you can take Clifford the Clown Mandy. He’s always there. And I promise I won’t let anything happen to you. Really, I promise.”
There was a pause.
“Okay, girls less chatter and more walking. The cabbie is meeting us half a mile up the hill.” Feet shuffled and Linda’s voice trembled as she spoke quietly. “Okay, girls, let’s play a game. The first one to the taxi gets a chocolate fudge sundae.”
“A chocolate fudge Sunday?” The little girl squealed. “No fair if Kenzie turns into a ghost to get there quicker!”
“This isn’t a trip. This is about not taking me to training. Isn’t it?”
Rhune groaned. “Ah, Linda.” Lifting his hand toward the Utopian, he summoned the mirror-crowned instrument. It lighted on the desk before him. The three circular mirrors clicked into place, and a hologram of the voluptuous blonde and two blondettes formed above the tulip stage.
Mechenzie’s grown up words and tone set pride in Rhune’s heart. “It’s my destiny, Momma. How can I run away from my destiny?”
Linda knelt before her daughter and pulled her close. “Mechenzie May. There is no such thing as a destiny that can’t be changed. We make our own destiny by the decisions we make and the things we do. And right now, I’m making it my destiny to protect you.” She took the girls’ hands in hers. “You and Mandy Kay, you’re the most precious things in my life, and all that matter to me right now.”
Tears brimmed her eyes as she pulled them into a hug. “Now, let’s take a walk to meet the cab. Then, we can stop for ice cream before a nice long drive.”
“But I don’t want to go, Momma.”
“And neither do I.”
Destiny (Cornerstone Deep Book 3) Page 9