The Iron Seal

by J. M. Briggs

  “I haven’t been of much help,” he protested. “The villagers won’t-”

  “They are frightened and torn between beliefs,” Merlin said dismissively. “I doubt that anyone could have won us their support. Honestly, we’re lucky that they haven’t sought to drive us off.”

  “That has happened? To you and Morgana?”

  “Many, many times,” Merlin answered. “We travel a great deal. Sometimes together, sometimes apart. Always moving and trying to learn as the world changes. It isn’t an easy life, but there are times when I know that it is worth it.”

  “I’ve never been more than a few miles from my village,” Dobiemir said. “I was born here. I’m not sure I’d like to leave.”

  “It was different when I was young,” Merlin said wistfully. “In my day there was much more travel and trade. People went much further for events, trade, and even peace talks. But the world changes.” He shook his head and looked towards the trees. “As do the beings in it.” Walking forward, Merlin offered his arm once more to Cyrridven. “Come, we need to rest and regroup.”

  They walked past Dobiemir. Cyrridven offered him a gentle and worried look. Odin and Baldr nodded to him before following. Sif and Morgana waited, giving him a moment to recover. Closing his eyes, he tried to sort it all out, but it was too much. Too noisy and loud. Holding back a sob, Dobiemir found the urge to run returning. But then Morgana put a hand on his shoulder once more and gently pushed him forward on the path towards his house.

  25

  Into the Furnace

  Anger was an unpleasant emotion, but when hammering out numerous metal bars as quickly as possible, it was a useful one. She’d gotten up with the sun and stopped only long enough for Timothy to give her some toast before coming to Merlin’s. The old mage had come out in a rush when she started hammering. He hadn’t stayed, still half asleep, but he’d checked on her a few times before the others dragged themselves over.

  Lifting Mjǫllnir, Alex brought it down on the band of narrow iron. The tongs in her left hand glowed slightly, carrying the magic from her hand into the iron as she held it still. Her thoughts were chaotic, but her magic was easily sinking into the metal. Mjǫllnir’s soft glow kept catching her attention out of the corner of her eye.

  Beads of sweat were rolling down her neck. Even the bandana holding her blonde hair out of her face was getting damp. She glanced up, noting that Cathanáil was still leaning up against a worktable, safe and sound. Nicki was also leaning against the table, lingering next to the sword almost protectively. Straightening up, Alex shoved the metal back into the furnace and walked around to the other side where Aiden was pulling out another piece of metal.

  “Take a break soon,” he said. “Please.”

  “Soon,” she promised.

  She didn’t have long. It didn’t take much time for the metal to cool and reheat. Taking a deep breath to regain some strength, Alex slid the iron over the horn of the anvil and started hammering. Under the force of Mjǫllnir the metal began to bend. Alex shifted Mjǫllnir in her hand, turning it so she that was using the small hammer face and began tightening the coil. This part was slower work. More precise, but it also gave her more time to focus on pushing as much magic into the metal as possible.

  The others gave her space to work. She didn’t need them there, but she was grateful for the company. It was one of those days where she didn’t know how to feel and didn’t want to be alone with her thoughts. The churning mix of emotions and whispers was annoying, and only her need to work kept her grounded. Panic was trying to take over, and her mind was clawing over every detail that she remembered from the dream. None of it seemed helpful on the surface, but the information was frightening in other ways.

  Another spiral was done, and Alex backed away from the furnaces long enough to use her magic to seal the pieces together. Aiden jumped forward to help, creating a tiny hot stream out of the tip of his pointer fingers. He looked so pleased with himself that Alex laughed.

  “There’s two done,” Alex said. Setting Mjǫllnir down on a rolling tool bench, she wiped her eyes clear of sweat and dried her hands. “Wish I could wear gloves.”

  “Me too,” Avani agreed. “It doesn’t look right… you being so close to so much heat without gloves.”

  “Dulls the magic too much,” Alex said. “I need full contact with Mjǫllnir.” Rolling her shoulders, she looked over at the waiting pile of iron that Merlin always kept at the ready now. “But that takes care of two houses. Three to go, unless you want one for your family, Avani?”

  “We already have alarm systems,” Avani said kindly. “I’m confident that our home is secure from the Fae.”

  “I don’t know,” Nicki said. “Those Demons were able to attack. It might be worthwhile for us to go there and set up a blood protection spell.”

  “True: Arthur is going to look into who you are,” Bran said. “And the Fae aren’t common in India.”

  “You make a fair point,” Avani agreed. “But my family has defenses. Let’s worry about yours first.”

  “Right.” Alex nodded and grabbed the nearly empty water bottle. She downed the rest and tossed the it back on the table. “Back to work.”

  “So, you’re just going to make more of the symbols?” Jenny asked. She was sitting on the edge of one of the work tables, holding an iced coffee and nervously twisting the straw.

  “That’s the plan,” Alex said. “Make them and use water tunnels to get around quickly. We’ll get them installed in everyone’s homes and hopefully discourage Arthur.”

  She was aware that the others were nervous. Both furnaces were going, and Bran and Aiden were switching out to help her keep the process moving. If they pushed, and her magic held out, then hopefully she could make them all today. They had classes tomorrow, but with Morgana’s help, maybe they could take care of all the houses in a few days.

  “This isn’t going to fix the issue,” Avani said. “The alarm is great, but it won’t stop the Fae with Arthur’s medallions.”

  “I’m hoping that he’ll only send Fae with those after us,” Alex said. The words were true enough. “And maybe I can boost the defenses of the blood spells around the houses.” Even that didn’t really fix it. People had to leave their homes. They had jobs and shopping and lives. “We’ll do everything we can. I promise.”

  The others exchanged worried looks. It made Alex wonder if her speech was slurring or if her hair was greasy. Still, no one said anything. She moved toward the pile of iron. The edges of her vision were spotty, and she shook her head. A dull ache was beginning to set into her muscles and chest. Alex grit her teeth. Maybe she’d overdone the magic in the first two, but they’d need it. Bran caught her arm and Alex blinked. She had started to fall and hadn’t noticed.

  “You need to rest.” Bran’s green eyes were stern as they met her own. “Let us give you some magic Alex. If you’re determined to do this, let us help.”

  “I don’t trust another hammer,” Alex said. “Mjǫllnir is the best hammer.” Her speech was a little slurred. The words were ridiculous. Best hammer. She giggled. Bran nodded and pulled her over to the table. “It has the most magic. Thor made it.”

  “We know, but you’re not made of metal. You need something to eat.” He looked up, and Aiden nodded.

  “I’ll go and raid Merlin’s kitchen,” Aiden said.

  “Where is Merlin?”

  “He said something about going with Morgana to check the Iron Gates,” Aiden said. “Something about a dream Alex had.”

  “Yeah.” Alex didn’t look at them. “Had a dream. Emailed Morgana and Merlin about it.”

  “And?”

  “I don’t know. I think it was real.” She shrugged and glanced towards the furnaces again. “There’s a lot to worry about. The Queen still wants to open the Iron Gates, but Arthur is more interested in conquering with the Fae.”

  “And you’re only telling us now?” Nicki asked. Her expression was dangerous, still part feral from lack of sl
eep.

  “I woke up and wrote it down,” Alex explained. “You were all still asleep when I came here.”

  They all exchanged looks. Aiden was still by the doorway and looked confused. Nicki turned to him and pointed towards the house. Nodding, he jumped into action and headed for the house. Sighing, Alex turned towards the iron and prepared to pick more up.

  “No,” Bran said. He grabbed her hand and pulled it down to her side, keeping a tight grip on it. “Just wait.”

  “I need to finish these,” Alex protested. “We need to secure your family homes.”

  “And we will.” Bran’s hand began to glow, and Alex looked down. She could feel the magic fluttering against her skin. “Just… let us give you some magic. Aiden will be back with some food soon, and then you can tell us what to do to help. I get that Mjǫllnir is your hammer and the seals are strongest when made with it, but tell us how we can help.”

  “Magic,” Alex admitted. “That would be good, and helping run the forges. And Aiden can finish assembling the things after I shape them. They should have enough magic then.”

  The statement got her soft looks from the others. Alex both loved and hated those looks. Bran’s slow transfer of magic was helping. She didn’t even have to pull or focus on it. Her body was so exhausted and starved for magic that she was absorbing it like a sponge. The fog in her head was clearing a little. She’d been stupid to drive out here this morning. She’d been in no condition for it.

  “Better?” Bran asked.

  “A little.” Alex inhaled slowly. Things were clearing a little. Enough that she was embarrassed. “I’ll wait a little. You’re probably right.”

  “Good,” Nicki said. “So, what is this about the Queen? What is she up to?”

  Closing her eyes, Alex focused on the flow of magic from Bran. He wouldn’t be able to do it long, but she suspected that Nicki would take his spot when needed. The dream was hazy, but Alex could remember enough.

  “I saw Arthur and Queen. It sounded like they’d been trying something and it failed. They didn’t discuss the details, but Arthur was angry that she was still focusing on opening the Iron Gates. It was weird: I always thought he wanted that too, but it didn’t sound like it.”

  The door opened and Aiden came in bearing a plate of sandwiches. Carrying them over to her, he gave her a firm look. Alex chuckled and obediently picked up a ham and cheese sandwich. It was the best thing she’d ever tasted. Bran snorted softly, and she knew that he was judging her.

  “Let me know when you need to swap out,” Aiden said. Bran nodded, and Alex felt a little rush of relief and happiness.

  Taking another bite of her sandwich, Alex looked towards the furnace and the finished symbols. There was still a lot of work to do, and she should be focusing on that. But now her mind had some fuel, and she couldn’t help but think more about the dream.

  “Every villain is the hero of their own story,” Alex said.

  “Pardon?” Nicki asked. Leaning closer, she gave Alex an uneasy smile. “Did you say something?”

  “Yeah, something I’ve heard before.” Alex stared down at the sandwich. She wanted to eat more, but suddenly her jaw tingled in a subtle threat of illness. Ideas in her mind were trying to reorganize into something coherent. “Every villain is the hero of their own story. The Queen… she is afraid of something. Of whatever made her homeworld die. She thinks it’s part of other branches.” Alex forced herself to take another bite, chewing slowly this time.

  “That’s silly though,” Aiden said. No one agreed, and his shoulders slumped. “Isn’t it?”

  “No; I mean, I don’t know if that’s true,” Alex admitted. “But she is certain of it. That’s why the Sídhe embraced conquest, even if they all aren’t aware of it.”

  “How could they not be aware of it?” Jenny asked.

  Nicki frowned at her and raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? You think we’re always aware of why our government pushes for something? You add a monarchy structure and propaganda to that, and maybe you could pull it off. Push forward and leave the dying world behind. Jump to world after world until people forget. How long has this been going on?”

  “I don’t know,” Alex said. “Morgana said once that the Queen hadn’t been in power long. I don’t think she started the conquest thing, but if she discovered the truth, that might have been what spurred her into seizing absolute power for herself. She sees herself as delivering her people.”

  “Delivering her creepy, child snatching, murdering, and rapey people,” Aiden snarled.

  Alex shivered, remembering too clearly the sight of the Queen kissing Arthur despite being his mother. Her stomach turned, but she pressed on. “Different species,” she managed. “Different cultural rules. No matter how gross they are to us.”

  “Yeah,” Nicki agreed softly. She shuddered and didn’t look happy about it. “Add maybe centuries of warfare to that and … well, you get the Sídhe as we know them.”

  “So, they want to get into the trunk,” Aiden said. He slumped into a chair, throwing one leg over an armrest. “I get that they might die if they don’t get here, but we still have the issue of the physical differences. Opening the way could have bad repercussions for Earth.”

  “True,” Nicki said. “Only a few lived in our world. The modern Fae are their descendants. Their presence means that there is always a little bit of magic, just from fighting them off, but I have no idea what the whole population would cause.”

  “Plus, the Fae have adjusted to living around humans,” Aiden said. “I’m not saying that’s right, but I doubt the Sídhe and humans would mix well.”

  “And maybe it’s natural,” Avani suggested. Her voice quivered a little, and Alex grimaced in sympathy. The poor woman had been pulled into the deep end. “Life and death go hand in hand. Shiva is the destroyer because death is necessary for life. While frightening, this may be a natural process, and the Queen is simply afraid of the natural order.”

  “Maybe not,” Bran said. He had the thoughtful expression on his face. “The Tree of Reality takes the form of well, a tree. But unlike what most people think, most of the mass of a tree comes from the air — about 90% in fact. So maybe thinking of Earth as the trunk and base is wrong. It’s the core, but external energies and changes to the system would come into the trunk not from the bottom but from the branches. I suppose it could be a natural process, but that’s not necessarily good for us either if it is spreading.”

  “Now I’m worried,” Jenny said. “I think I understand what he’s getting at.”

  “If something is happening then we need to care about it,” Bran said. “The trunk won’t survive without the branches.”

  “So, if the Queen is right and this is a far-reaching issue, then we have a real problem,” Alex said. She looked up at Bran, hoping for him to smile and reassure her. Instead, he nodded. “Shit. That’s not another problem I want.”

  “But this has been going on for thousands of years,” Aiden pointed out. “It’s hardly mission critical.”

  “Except that no mage has been paying attention to it for thousands of years,” Bran said. “At least not as far as we know. Merlin and Morgana admit that they haven’t been everywhere. We know about some of Alex’s lives, but I doubt we know about all of them.”

  “No, we don’t,” Alex said. Closing her eyes, she inhaled slowly and replayed some of the faces that had appeared to her in the past. The line of people who had greeted her when she touched Arto’s skull. “Not even close. And without something pulling the memories to the forefront, it’s hard to sort the flashes into any kind of order.”

  She opened her eyes to find the others were giving her sympathetic looks. Alex didn’t like it, and it didn’t help anything. “So, what do we do? How do we deal with this? Are there ways to check on the other branches? Maybe this is a Sídhe branch only problem, and it isn’t an issue for us beyond refugees trying to get in.” Grimacing, Alex sighed. “I wish I hadn’t described them that way. Now I feel h
orrible for not trying… something to help them.”

  “I know,” Bran said softly. “But we don’t know what letting them all here would do to Earth. They are all made up of molecules from other worlds, whole other universes. Matter cannot be created or destroyed, but more keeps entering our world. I worry that at some point… there’s going to be more consequences to that than our world releasing energy.” He looked at the ground and sighed loudly. “After all, it’s not a culture or a government saying they don’t belong here, it’s the physical world around us flinching at their existence. I understand Merlin and Morgana not hunting down all the Fae, but maybe they should have. Maybe they are just making things worse; corroding the world.” Rubbing his eyes, Bran finally sat down. “I don’t know. Sorry, but I don’t know.”

  “So, we have to keep the gates closed,” Nicki said. “But… it might be worthwhile to see if we can learn more about the other branches. If something is happening in them then maybe it is important to us. For the health of the whole weird interconnected universes system that we’re stuck being a part of.”