Shadow of the Mark

by Leigh Fallon

  Sebastian stood and half bowed in our direction before sitting back down. He was probably in his late twenties, with a large, stocky build, and white-blond hair that fell over a somewhat unattractive face. His big blue eyes had a softness to them, like they belonged in the body of someone who had a less kick-butt job.

  Adam took the lead once more. “I guess there’s no point in introducing ourselves, since everyone here seems well acquainted with us.”

  “This is true, Adam, so let us speak. We owe you an apology. Isn’t that right, Chloe?” Cú glanced to his right.

  Chloe looked up sheepishly from under her long eyelashes. “Yes, we do.” She met Rían’s eyes before he dropped his again.

  “It was unprofessional of my daughter to befriend you,” Cú continued. “Our code is strict and clear; the Knights are not meant to interact with the Marked. But now is neither the time nor the place to discuss our internal affairs.” Cú paused, looking at each of us in turn. “We find ourselves in the very unusual position of having all four Marked at our Trohet banquet; never before has this occurred. Regardless of how it came to be, we’re all here now, so let us enjoy it.”

  Adam must have decided he liked Cù, as he let go of his tight grip on my hand and raised his goblet. “To our future.”

  “To the dawn of a new chapter in the lives of the Marked and the Knights,” Cú said, clinking his goblet with Adam’s.

  Adam seemed encouraged by the toast. “Why hasn’t Fionn ever mentioned you?”

  A shadow seemed to pass over Cú’s eyes. “When your parents died, Fionn cut off all communication to the Order. As a guardian, it was the right thing to do.”

  Adam leaned into Cú and spoke quietly for a moment. “Does Fionn know he has a niece?” He looked at Chloe, but she was sipping her wine and watching Rían.

  “No. I didn’t know about her myself until she was nearly eight, when her mother could no longer care for her. I raised her as a Knight. She excelled in all aspects, climbing the ranks at amazing speed, but I fear now that might have been a mistake.” He raised his voice, so Chloe and Sebastian looked toward him. “She lacked female companionship growing up. It’s the only excuse I can think of as to why she’d get too close to you. Again, it’s not the Knights’ way.”

  Chloe glared at him. My mind raced; something wasn’t adding up. Cú’s apparent dismay over Chloe being discovered and us having followed her here didn’t quite cut it. And judging from Chloe’s reaction to Cú’s comments, she wasn’t too worried about it either. She only seemed concerned that Rían was annoyed at her.

  “Enough of me and my family problems. This evening is traditionally a night of enjoyment for the Knights. Let us celebrate.”

  Cú stood up. “My friends,” he addressed the enraptured audience. “We celebrate our Knighthoods, who we are and those we serve.” He turned and looked at the DeRíses and me. “The Marked Ones sit here amongst us as our friends, as our family. Let us raise our glasses to a future that is set out before us, more luminescent now than ever before.” He raised his goblet. “To honor! För att hedra!”

  “För att hedra!” the Knights repeated joyfully. Chloe stood with them, but her face was drawn, and her eyes kept flicking to Rían. More Knights entered the great hall, carrying a freshly roasted full pig. A delicious smell filled the air, and my stomach growled. I usually avoided eating anything with a face still attached, but I’d make an exception tonight.

  Cú turned back to us. “Enjoy the feast with us. Now we celebrate—later we will talk.”

  “För att hedra means ‘to honor,’ right?” Adam asked.

  “Yes. To the Knights, honor is everything.” Cú bowed his head and reverently picked up the medallion that hung from a blue-and-black ornate ribbon around his neck. It was a fist-sized star made up of hundreds of little stars all intricately woven together. At the center was a royal blue Celtic knot, supported on each side by a golden lion. “This is the Star of the Mark. It represents a Knight’s honor. When we die, it comes with us to the grave. This particular star has been in my family for generations and is the only remaining original star in existence. The rest were destroyed by the Order after the Knights were disbanded.”

  Adam raised his eyebrows. “I thought you said a Knight is buried with his star?”

  “Only if he takes his honor to the grave. The Knight who owned this one was denied that.” Cú’s face hardened for a moment, and then he continued. “New stars are crafted each time a Knight completes his extensive training and five years in residence. Even then, only the very truest of our members will receive the accolade. It’s an honor we take very seriously.” Cú ran his finger around the edge of the gold star and placed it gently down to his chest. “So you see, you’re in safe hands.”

  The Knights near us hovered a few feet away until Cú invited them forward. They lay platters of the most exquisite food at our table with a flourish while careful to keep their distance. I noticed the Knights serving us wore robes of lighter blue. Cú dismissed them, and they disappeared into the shadows as silently as they had come.

  “Juniors,” Cú explained. “They are eager to earn their colors. Only the senior ranks will remain overnight for Trohet. The rest will be back on watch and dispersing through Europe tonight.”

  “Why?” I asked.

  “Trohet is only for the truly committed. When a Knight is ready for his colors, he comes forward to take the Test of Truth.”

  I leaned in. “What is that?”

  “You’ll see it during the ceremony. It’s a test of a Knight’s purity, their belief in themselves and the greater good. If there were any cause for doubt, it would be foolish to drink from the cup. Any darkness, doubt, or fear is exposed, and it leaves its mark. Once a Knight is sure that his heart is true, he is ready for Trohet. Until then, he must be patient.”

  I felt myself paling. “What do you mean ‘leaves its mark’?”

  Cú held my gaze for a moment. “Don’t worry about that, Megan. It’s been a long time since a Knight has failed the Test of Truth.”

  Cú called for another platter to be brought to the table. The foxes that were obediently snoozing in huddles around the wall perked up their heads as the plate of meat passed by. “Áine, would you mind releasing my foxes? I’m sure they would like to join in the feast.”

  “Oh, sorry,” she said, dragging her eyes away from Chloe. She’d been staring daggers at her since we sat down. “I’d forgotten I still had them in my head.” She smiled apologetically, closed her eyes, and whispered something. The foxes promptly stretched and ran to Cú’s side, forming a big circle around him.

  “Amazing animals, foxes,” said Cú. “When the Knights disbanded, the foxes remained here at our ancestral home awaiting our return, and are as loyal now as they were to our forefathers. It’s beyond understanding, really.” He rubbed the heads of the adoring animals and then dispersed the platter of meat among them.

  Áine smiled and looked up at Cú. “They feel compelled to be near you. It’s strange for such a solitary animal. It’s like they’re connected by the echoes of their past.”

  Cú’s eyes widened, and he appeared speechless for a moment. “We have much to learn from each other.” Áine, unfazed by Cú’s awe, went back to staring at Chloe.

  I was just about to dig her in the ribs when I realized she wasn’t looking at Chloe at all. Her eyes were fixed on the third in command, Sebastian, who was focused on his food.

  I leaned into Áine and whispered in her ear. “Of all the times and places to start drooling over a guy!”

  “I’m not drooling,” she replied. “He’s just so . . . I don’t know, he has . . .”

  “A ginormous appetite?” I offered.

  “No! He’s sort of beautiful; he seems so pure, clear. Look at those eyes,” she said dreamily. “I feel like I can see into his soul. And I have to admit, it’s nice to finally be attracted to a guy.”

  “What?” I whispered back at her, still looking at Sebastian’s far-from
-beautiful face as he gnawed on a big bone.

  “It’s just that I’ve been feeling strangely attracted to you lately. You know . . . the hand-holding and stuff.”

  You’re not the only one. I laughed nervously. “You are seriously weird.”

  I was relieved that her misplaced affections were now directed at Sebastian, but I was pretty sure she had picked the wrong guy to crush on. He was looking loyally at Cú, and I got the feeling there was no way this guy would break the Knights’ “no interaction” rule.

  Adam nudged me. “Cú was just saying that we should join them for Trohet and stay here tonight. He has plenty of room and would feel a lot happier if we were under his roof instead of unprotected in Gothenburg.”

  Rían turned slowly and let his eyes fall on Adam. They were dark and still tinged with orange. “We don’t need protection. We are perfectly fine staying in a hotel.” His voice was deliberately slow and pointed.

  Cú glanced nervously at Chloe, then back at Rían. “Please, Rían. I know you are upset right now, and rightly so. I can explain, but it has to be in private.” I looked at the three of them and felt everything clicking into place. Cú wanted Chloe’s relationship with Rían to stay a secret.

  Adam and Áine gave Rían pleading looks too, but each for very different reasons.

  Rían stood up, pushing his chair back sharply. “This is bullshit! You guys might have bought into this love-fest, but I’m not forgetting the real reason we came here. I need some air.” He stalked off toward the steps. The foxes all jumped up and watched his hasty exit with sharp eyes.

  “No!” Chloe was standing up with her hands on the table. She leaned forward, her face torn. “Rían, don’t go. Just let me explain.” She followed him up the stone steps that hugged the wall.

  Rían’s glowing eyes turned to her. “Then explain,” he growled.

  “Not here, Rían.” She angled her head away from the Knights, but I could see her mouth. “They can’t know about us.” Her eyes pleaded with him. “Please, just come with me. We can go up to the house.”

  “Why not here?” he demanded. “I’m sure everyone wants to know the full story.”

  Cú banged his fist on the table. His expression changed to one of outrage. “Chloe, I’m warning you as your father and as your Grand Master, end your conversation now.”

  “Please,” she repeated to Rían, her face now deathly pale. Her almond eyes didn’t blink.

  Rían’s glare faltered a little, and the amber glow dulled back to his usual soft green. He ran his fingers through his hair. “Oh, whatever. I don’t give a toss,” he spat, brushing past her and walking back down the curving stone steps to the floor level.

  Chloe stared at the spot where Rían had been standing. She took a deep breath and surreptitiously wiped away the glistening path that a tear had left on her cheek.

  “Thank you, Rían,” Cú said, looking relieved. “After Trohet, I will explain all I can. If you can just bear with us.”

  We were asked to remain seated at our table while the Trohet ceremony took place. Atop the altar, a fire burned brightly. On one side was a golden chalice with intricate engravings representing the four elements; on the other, a golden plate. Each Knight put his hood up over his head and bowed toward the stone altar. Their ancient druid roots became apparent as they stretched out their hands, letting their fingertips touch each other. Silence fell as Cú threw something on the fire that made the flames grow and burn bright green. The Knights’ voices rose up around the circle, and the melodic tone of their chant reverberating around the cavern gave the illusion of a different time and place.

  Cú’s voice rang out around us. “Our solemn oath is binding and strong. We as Knights vow allegiance to the Marked. We bind ourselves to the elements within. We bind ourselves to duty and honor. Let the will of the spirits guide me tonight, tomorrow, and ever after. May my judgments be pure, may my thoughts be honorable.” He picked up the chalice.

  Áine leaned into Adam and whispered, “Is that the—”

  “Cup of Truth,” Adam muttered over her, his eyes focused on the golden chalice.

  As Cú took a sip, a gentle light illuminated his face. He closed his eyes and raised the cup above his head, turning his face toward the cave ceiling. He then passed it to Chloe.

  I wondered for a second if she would be able to drink from it. I held my breath, and my heart skipped a beat as she raised the cup to her lips. She sipped and was bathed in the same warm, golden glow. I sighed inwardly. She was pure of heart, despite the fact that she had lied to all of us. I couldn’t wait to hear Cú’s explanation for everything. Once the chalice had worked its way to all the Knights, Cú picked up the golden plate and held it in front of him. Four Knights lined up, each holding an offering. The first poured a small handful of earth. The second, a burning ember. The third, a goblet of water. The fourth, a handful of nothing.

  As the fourth blew the contents of his empty hand onto the plate, Cú murmured, “Nourished by earth, warmed by fire, quenched by water, and enabled by air, bound are we until the circle comes full.”

  He ran his hand through the contents on the plate, mixing them together, then pulled back his robe, smearing the concoction over a trinity-knot tattoo on his collarbone, just like the one on his star. “With my body I protect; with my soul I defend.” Cú then stepped out of the circle.

  Chloe went next. She exposed her tattoo and smeared it, all the while staring at Rían. Each of the Knights took a turn with the plate until the circle was complete again.

  Cú put both hands up to his hood and lifted it away from his face. “To another successful year, my brothers. Let us celebrate.”

  The Knights pushed back their hoods and cheered.

  Adam came up from behind me and put his arms around my waist. My stomach flipped, and warmth radiated to the rest of my body. “We’ll be back under Fionn’s scrutinizing eye again tomorrow, so we should make the most of tonight,” I murmured.

  “We will,” he promised, kissing me softly.

  I suddenly realized the room had gone quiet.

  Cú’s face was strained and serious. His eyes swept over the Knights, and then he cleared his throat. “We know of your situation, Megan and Adam. You should know the Fifth Prophecy—the foretelling of your union, and the death and destruction that will follow—is the darkest fear of the Knights.”

  Adam scowled. “There is nothing to indicate that Megan and I have anything to do with the Fifth Prophecy. People weight their argument too heavily on the Scribes, which are well known to be nothing more than ancient ramblings.”

  Cú dropped his voice and turned away from the prying eyes of the crowd. “Personal opinions aside, it is our job as Knights to protect your elements, no matter what the consequences. Your union jeopardizes all that we strive for and exposes your elements to the darkness.”

  “What darkness?” Adam asked.

  “We can discuss that later. It would be best not to antagonize the other Knights with too much physical contact. Others may be watching.”

  “Others?” Adam asked.

  “People who don’t necessarily have your best interests at heart. Once your element has been exposed to the darkness, even the people you hold dear can’t be trusted,” Cú said with a grim look on his face.

  “Not even you?” Adam asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Especially not me,” he said, allowing his lips to curl into a crooked smile.

  Sixteen

  THE KNIGHTS

  How about a nightcap before we retire for the evening?” Cú proposed as he led us into his house. “Maybe Jägermeister?” He smiled and held out a rather ominous-looking bottle. Exhausted, Áine and I both slumped down on the couch. I landed awkwardly on my phone in my pocket, and I suddenly realized I’d never turned it on after we got off the plane. Crap!

  It beeped four times as it powered up. I quickly read the texts, discarding the ones informing me of Swedish networks and roaming charges, and took a deep breath whe
n I saw two voice mails from Dad. Yikes.

  “Can you ever pick up your phone? I can’t believe you planned this with Petra without me knowing! We’re on the plane now. I’ll call you when we land.” His voice lowered. “They’re telling me to turn off my cell—I better go. Love you. Bye.”

  “And you’re still not picking up,” he sighed. “We’re in Paris now. I can’t believe I’m in Paris! How could you have kept this a secret from me? Anyway, I tried calling you at the DeRíses’. Fionn says you’re out with Adam for dinner and a movie. Have fun, and call me when you get this message.”

  My thoughts were jarred for a second. Petra said she’d cover for me, but taking him to Paris? Seriously?

  Adam looked over at me. “Everything okay?”

  I nodded, still trying to understand why Petra would do this for me.

  Rían stood across the room, looking at Chloe. She walked toward him and reached out to run her hand down his bruised face, but he flinched away.

  “What happened?” she whispered.

  “Like you care,” Rían replied.

  “You know I care. I care a lot more than I wan—” Chloe stopped abruptly and turned away as Cú caught her eye.

  Cú filled up a small glass of brown liquor. “Are you going to join us, Rían?”

  Rían stepped farther back and leaned against the wall. “I’m fine where I am.”

  “Suit yourself.” Cú sank into an armchair beside Chloe with a sigh. “You must have many questions for us. I’m not even sure where to begin.”

  Adam leaned forward. “What are you doing here? Wouldn’t it make sense for you to be based in Ireland?”

  Cú shrugged. “Not really. We only intervene with the Marked when absolutely necessary. Anyway, the Marked haven’t always lived in Ireland. They’ve moved around Europe over the centuries. When the Knights were at their strongest, this was the obvious location.”

  Adam frowned. “So why are you intervening now?”

  “The Knox were moving in on you.”