Defender's Blood Tatiana's War (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  Everyone relaxed on the grass and it wasn't too long til Thadius appeared back. He had two very large rabbits in his mouth. He dropped them beside Tatiana and then changed back to his human form.

  “Do you want me to gut these now or later?” the large wolf asked his mate.

  “Later, I'll do it when we're ready to cook them, just use the rope and tie them together. I'll carry them on the horse.”

  Thadius did as Tatiana told him and came back and sat beside her. Taking a large drink of the water she offered. He only ate a few berries, he had ate another rabbit while in wolf form so wasn't hungry.

  “Zach, we'll come across a small town then it's open ground to the castle. What do you think we should do?” Tatiana was hoping they would spend the night in the town.

  “Finn, can you go ahead, see what the town's like. See if it's got any hostiles, then I'll decide.” Zach watched as the wolf got up and took off at a very fast run.

  “If the town is safe we'll find somewhere to bunk down but we've still got a few hours left so I think Vlad and I will go see what we can find nearer the castle. Try and find any weak spots or indeed just see what the hell's going on!” Zach didn't want to waste another full day without having much more intel.

  Everyone waited on Finn and it was a good hour before he was back. Zach had just been about to say they were going to move on when Alex shouted. “There he is.” and they looked to see the young wolf running back.

  He moved to Zach and stopped in front of him, sweat shining on his face. “Town's clear. I went all over, I didn't want to take any chances, not with the extra folk to look after. Anyway, nothing in it. Only a few dead bodies too. I checked the other side, it had a clear view to a small castle. Lots of people are in the fields with fences. Lots of those little goblins too and some have swords not just hammers.” Finn stopped talking and took a deep breath. He hadn't stopped running for over an hour.

  “Right, we'll head in and find somewhere safe that can be defended if necessary. Then Vlad and I will go on and check things out. So let's get moving folks.” Zach about turned and started to move, knowing the rest would catch up.

  Everyone else started moving and as Finn was taking in some deep breaths his skin tingled and he looked at his arm. A small delicate hand was pressed to his skin and he looked up from his arm into Glorel's smiling face. She was holding a container with water in it and she held it out to him.

  Finn's breath caught in his throat. Shit why did she make him feel like this. He felt as if he wasn't in control and it scared him, a lot.

  He took the water and smiled. He didn't think he could speak as his throat was playing up. Glorel let go of his arm and turned to walk away and he had the overwhelming urge to grab her and press her to his own body.

  The next thing he felt was Thadius' hand on his shoulder. “Ah laddie, I know it's hard. Especially if what's going on is what I think, but, you need to try and concentrate. I would hate to see you get hurt because your mind was on other things. Soon laddie, soon you can spend time with her and see if she is what I think, and what your wolf thinks too.” Thadius gave Finn's shoulder a hard press and turned and walked away, feeling for the young wolf.

  Finn watched the old wolf walk away. Not sure what he meant and definitely not sure what was going on in his own body.

  Finn finished the water and ran to catch up. He gave Tatiana the empty container, hopefully they would find fresh water to refill it. The fairy smiled at him and her eyes showed a knowledge that scared him, a little. He turned and ran on, getting to the front and moving on. Making sure all was safe for everyone.

  Alex chuckled quietly. “Do you see what's going on with Finn?” She asked, nobody in particular and she got several answers.

  Firstly Zach chuckled too. “Yes dear I do. I hope they can control themselves for a bit though. I don't think the two males were too happy.”

  Then Dmitri,whose chest rumbled. “The poor boy doesn't know what has hit him. He is very confused.”

  Then Vlad, “Bugger! You two are a jinx, you know that! Every time I come on one of your missions and bring one of my men they end up all loved up and mated. Their minds going to mush!”

  Alex laughed openly now and realised that had been true lately.

  “So long as he can do his job, for now. I don't want him or anyone else hurt because he can't think on anything other than the elf.” Zach was sympathetic but realistic. If Finn couldn't concentrate properly then he could get hurt. He sure as hell wasn't going back and telling Donna that her son had got hurt, or worse, under his watch. Not happening.

  “Dmitri can you keep and eye on him. If you think his ability is compromised then tell me. Don't try to cover for him. I know he's a wolf and it's not entirely in his control but I need to know, ok?” Zach was firm and Dmitri nodded. “Da.” was all he said before they all grew quiet and trudged on.

  Alex so wished they had cars or planes here. All this walking was tiresome and she didn't like it.

  Zach placed his hand in hers and she took hold of it and walked on. There was nothing else for it, they had to walk.

  The town came into view as they walked round a bend and that seemed to spur everyone on. Zach could no longer see Finn, he must be in the town making sure things were safe.

  “Dmitri, go see if you can find Finn and find us some place to stay.” Zach saw the large Russian just incline his head before he started to move, using his vampire speed.

  Zach heard the gasps of the elves at the blur which Dmitri became and he smiled. It was a bit weird being somewhere that had no knowledge of vampires.

  As they got closer Finn appeared and they moved in his direction. “Follow me.” The young wolf said and took off again. Not as fast, at a slow jog so that they could keep him in their sights.

  Finn took them to another tavern. A larger one that was in a good defensive position. Nothing could creep up on them without them knowing. It had several ways in and out also and yet another stable attached.

  Alex realised they must use horses and such a lot here.

  Once again the fairies sorted their mounts first and then joined them inside. The elves looking a little uneasy, apart from Glorel. She seemed totally at ease and smiled at anyone who caught her gaze.

  Finn was nowhere to be seen and Zach looked to Dmitri. “He's staying outside, keeping watch. Says it's easier if he can't see her.”

  Zach nodded, that was good thinking on the young wolf's part. He was obviously worried about doing his job too.

  Glorel moved further inside and headed towards what would've been the kitchen. As it was still early afternoon there was plenty of time for her to make some things. She was great in the kitchen and got immense pleasure from cooking.

  She found flour and yeast and started to make bread. It would take a while but time wasn't of the essence. There were plenty of vegetables that were fine to use and Tatiana appeared and started to gut the rabbits that Thadius had caught. They would have a fine meal by evening.

  Tatiana watched Glorel and saw how at ease she was in the kitchen. Good. Wolves liked to eat. A fact that the young elf would find out soon enough if she was Finn's mate.

  “So Glorel, it's really nice to have met you. I'm just sorry about your mother and all that's going on.” Tatiana talked as she expertly gutted the rabbits.

  “Oh Tatiana all this that's going on is only for a short time. I miss my mother, but she has gone to the goddess, she will be safe there.” Glorel's voice was soothing, even as she spoke of the death of her mother.

  “How do you know that? About this only being for a short time?” Tatiana was a little confused as to the young elf's words.

  “I saw it. I have visions Tatiana, though I usually keep them to myself. What I see can hurt others. So I tend to keep quiet. I know that this will be over soon. I also know our Queen is not dead. I saw her. She's in a magical cage, where her powers have been stripped, but I know she will get out.” Glorel continued working and Tatiana gasped.

&nb
sp; “Glorel! Did you not think this knowledge might help myself and my friends? Maybe you should rethink the keeping quiet about your visions.” Tatiana wasn't sure how she felt. She thought she felt more than a bit annoyed. She turned round to look at the girl and her annoyance left her completely.

  Glorel was standing with tears in her eyes and a shocked look on her face. “What's wrong?” Tatiana asked.

  Glorel sniffed. “My mother always said to keep quiet. You know not many have visions Tatiana and some do not like those that do. She always said to keep quiet and not say anything, not draw attention to them.”

  “Oh Glorel, I'm sorry. I'm just upset with all that's going on. I think what you need to do now is if you have a vision and you think that by telling someone you could help then you tell. If not keep quiet. I'm sorry if my words caused you pain.” Tatiana could see the torment in the girl's eyes.

  “Tatiana, I knew mother was going to get hurt, I saw a part of it. I saw her running and knew she was scared. I didn't see from what or where or why so I didn't say anything. If I had maybe she wouldn't have got hurt!” Glorel's voice was shaking now and Tatiana moved to embrace her.

  “Glorel, if you didn't see from what, where, or why, then you couldn't have helped. Don't get upset about that, that was one time you could not have done anything.” Tatiana patted the elf's back and she calmed down slowly.

  When Glorel had gotten a hold on her emotions they both got back to work. “So Tatiana, Finn, is he a good man?” Glorel's tone told of her feelings for the young man she had just met.

  “Yes he is. He is a wolf, most wolves are very loving and protective of their mates. They take that job very seriously indeed. I also know that Dmitri knows the boy well and likes him, and Dmitri is a very honourable man. If he likes Finn then the boy is good of heart. You like him don't you?” Tatiana glanced at Glorel and saw her blush.

  “Uhm, yes, it is very weird Tatiana. The feeling I have inside is very strong. Not like anything I have felt before, not even like my love of my parents or brother. I don't quite understand.” Glorel was now concentrating hard on what she was doing, too embarrassed to look at the fairy.

  “Oh little elf, I'm pretty sure you are his mate. When a wolf finds his mate the feelings are very strong. On both sides. There doesn't seem to be a lot to do about it other than for them to bond. That's what happened with Thadius and I.” Tatiana smiled fondly at the memories of when she had first met her wolf.

  “I don't think my father will be pleased.” Glorel said quietly and Tatiana had to agree, she didn't think so either.

  “We'll sort it out Glorel, don't worry. I think Finn is staying away just now because he has a job to do. A very important job and being near you will send his senses into chaos. Maybe later when he comes in for dinner you could talk and try and get to know each other.” Tatiana was going to keep Mornor occupied so that the two youngsters could sit and talk.

  “Do you think so?” Glorel's smile told Tatiana she was right about the elf's feelings and smiled back. She nodded her head then got back to finish gutting the rabbits.

  Chapter 6

  After making sure everyone was settled in the tavern Vlad and Zach took off. They used their speed to get closer to the castle. Trees were on one side and they headed for them to stay out of sight.

  The distance fell away under their speeding feet and soon they were lying at the edge of the trees, the long grass covering their bodies. What they saw made them angry.

  Hordes of fairies and elves were being held in fields surrounded by fences. There were so many that the vampires were sure they could only stand or sit. They would not be able to lay down to rest.

  Goblins walked around the perimeter and occasionally poked through with sticks or the small swords that many seemed to have. When they did so there would be a ripple as people near the fence would try to get out of the reach of the offending stick or sword.

  The goblins would laugh and do silly little dances. Vlad and Zach were pretty certain they were quite dumb creatures. Probably easy for this mysterious couple to manipulate and, of course, the goblins were strong.

  The way the four they had came across had wielded their heavy hammers proved that they were powerful beings, in brute strength anyway. They would be able to cause some damage if those hammers had struck and now they seemed to have small swords. Shit, if they used those with the same force then they could definitely do damage.

  The gates to the castle were open and a few goblins lazed around. If they were meant to be guarding the gates they weren't doing a very good job.

  Zach thought the vamps could get past them with their speed and they probably would just stand around scratching their heads.

  That was if there weren't so many of the little buggers all around outside. They needed another way in or a way to take out most of the goblins outside.

  The two vampires stayed in place, watching and waiting. They wanted to see what happened as evening fell. What did the goblins do then?

  After another couple of hours of lying perfectly still the night came, fast. Both vampires strained to see what would happen, taking everything in with their enhanced sight.

  The first thing they saw were the fairies and elves, Zach had been right, they couldn't lie down properly. Most sat down and hunched their knees up, a very uncomfortable position to spend a night.

  The worst were the children. Their parents trying desperately to make them comfortable so they would sleep. Cries were heard clearly and Zach's anger intensified. This was barbaric.

  The goblins left their charges, leaving only a few to keep watch. With the high fences Zach didn't think anyone would be able to get out. The other goblins gathered around a couple of fire pits that had been dug into the ground. That must have been where the smoke they saw the day before had came from.

  They ate and drank, what was obviously alcohol, as they started to laugh and dance about in a most ridiculous manner. Finally they fell asleep and there were only two left on guard at the entrance to the castle.

  Vlad nudged Zach and spoke quietly. “Night would be best, I could get down there and place some charges, take out the horde asleep and then we could get inside. Find this couple that we've heard about. What do you think?”

  Zach wasn't so sure. He knew whatever they did would be the next night but he didn't know about killing so many of the goblins. It may be what they deserve but it seemed a little extreme. He would think on it before making a decision.

  “We'll talk about it, let's get back.” Zach slid back for a few feet then raised himself up, turned and took off back to the town and his mate.

  Both vampires moved with such speed that it really wasn't that long until they were entering the tavern and the warmth that was there. A large fire in the fireplace. WTF! Fire equals smoke and that could mean possibly alerting the goblins.

  *****

  After the rabbits were gutted Tatiana and Glorel went to work making the meal. Rabbit stew and home made bread. The smells had Thadius licking his lips.

  Finn was sitting in the corner. Trying to keep a low profile and Dmitri was sitting near the large window. Every now and then sending his senses out to see if there was anything about that shouldn't be.

  The two male elves were sitting with Lilli, Thadius next to them. They kept glancing at the huge wolf and each time they did Thadius would smile. He could scent their fear and he was doing his best to allay that, even if his wolf didn't like Mornor. His wolf was usually quite astute at reading people and if it didn't like this elf there was probably a good reason.

  Lilli was talking quietly, she obviously didn't think they could hear her. Silly fairy. Wolves and vamps had enhanced abilities and it was as if she was shouting from the rooftops.

  “So, that's Tatiana's mate. I tell you I near fainted when I first saw him! But he's been nice and he obviously loves Tatiana so he can't be too bad. The other big one is a vampire. A vampire! Did you ever think we would have a vampire here in the fairy realm?” Lilli was
breathless, whether in fear or excitement she wasn't sure.

  Mornor shook his head. “No Lilli, but if they're here to help they have our thanks. I know we can't do anything on our own. There's too many goblins and whoever this man and woman are, they must be very powerful if the Queen isn't in control. I tell you I'm scared, right down to my bones Lilli!”

  Lilli nodded in agreement and spoke again, not known for her diplomacy. “So what do you make of the looks between Glorel and the other wolf?”

  Mornor frowned and his voice showed more than a little venom. “My daughter is an elf, she should stay here!”

  Lilli blushed but continued on. “Oh but Mornor, from what I can gather this wolf mate thing can't be changed. They don't falter once they find theirs. He won't leave without her if that's what she is. Anyway, Glorel was looking just as doe eyed at him. I don't think it's just on the boy's side. You may not have a choice in the matter.”

  Mornor frowned even more. “We'll see Lilli, we'll see.”

  Mornor jumped as Finn stood up abruptly, nearly knocking his chair over. The strong wolf walked to the door, opened it and went outside. He couldn't sit and listen any longer. His wolf was getting angry and that was never good.

  If that tiny elf thought he was going anywhere without Glorel he had another think coming. Finn would show him exactly how scary a wolf could be.

  As the thoughts entered his head and his anger shot through the roof he stilled. What the hell was going on with him. Finn made a concerted effort to calm himself and finally felt under control. He turned and went back in. This time sitting next to Dmitri and putting distance between him and Mornor.

  Dmitri placed a hand on Finn's shoulder. “Don't listen Finn. If she's your mate you will take her with you, no matter what her father says.”

  Finn smiled at the large Russian, relaxed slightly and sat down. Dmitri always seemed to calm him with his quiet strength.