She met them in the foyer of the house just in time to hear Constantine’s report. “Lugus and Vega are in the vicinity. It would be best if Finn and his woman leave first.”
He spoke as if she wasn’t there, Ali sighed in exasperation. “What about you and Cian?” Seeing how startled Constantine was at her direct question was a sight Ali would file away in her memories. The guy really needed to loosen up, and he needed to start using her name instead of calling her ‘woman’.
“We will provide protection.” His gaze held hers effortlessly despite his initial shock. “Cian seems to be back in fighting form.”
It was her turn to be surprised. Constantine almost sounded—normal. Cian meanwhile must have been feeling coddled. “Gee, thanks dad.”
Ali had to bite her lip to keep her laughter at bay. She had to give Constantine credit though, his feathers remained unruffled. Although, she swore she detected a tiny quirk of his mouth—a smile maybe? There was no time to investigate. It was time to go.
They never got a chance to move, the building was rocked on its foundations. Cian yelled at them to leave. The ground shook again. Pieces of the ceiling crumbled down around them. Before she could fully register what was happening, Finn’s arms came around her and they were moving—fast.
Cian shot a look over to Constantine. “Shall we welcome our guests?”
They found Lugus and Vega in the driveway of the house. While the demon seemed to be lounging on the sidelines, Lugus was preparing to hit the building again. Neither heard the warriors approach. Constantine shoved Lugus with an airstream, sending him flying backwards.
Stunned, Lugus managed to make it to his feet. His bellow rang out into the still air. “I am here for the Fragment and to cleave my revenge!”
With legs spread and arms ready to block anything Lugus threw at him, Constantine responded. “Your thirst for revenge will bring your end, Lugus.”
Letting out a battle cry, Lugus lunged forward.
Watching the action, Vega crept back; she was not familiar with this warrior. It was time to cut her losses and escape while she could. Lugus would have to fend for himself. Preservation was her only thought. She had told Lugus it was too soon for another attack, had warned him against coming back here. The buffoon would now suffer the warrior’s wrath.
Her path was blocked by Cian. “Leaving your party so soon, Vega?”
Screeching, Vega called for her demons. They poured up from the ground.
Cian struggled to get a clear shot of the chaotic demon, but his attention was taken up by the hideous creatures she had set upon him. Cursing, he blasted one after another. But when one fell, there were two to take its place. He found himself being forced back.
Seeing how effective her pets were, Vega took a moment to gloat. It looked like she would be able to get herself and Lugus out of here after all. “Aww—I wish I could stay and watch, but we have some place we need to be.” Raising her arms, Vega shouted out a charm.
Ready for Lugus’ attack, Constantine was taken aback when the other man was suddenly gone. Only his echoing curses remained. He wasn’t given time to ponder how or where he had gone. The sounds of battle reached him then, and he rushed to give Cian aid with the creatures left behind. With a single burst of fire, Constantine rendered them to dust, and then called upon the wind to carry the blackened ashes away.
Dark with his frustration, Cian cursed, and rendered a nearby tree to a pile of tinder with a blast of energy. “They’ll hit Finn and Ali before they reach the second Fragment.”
Constantine nodded his agreement. “Go help your kin. I will go assist Drake and Tristan.”
*****
Finn ran along the forest path with Ali in his arms, as they moved, he pictured them fading. Before it had taken help from Cian to accomplish this; with the return of his magick, the task was simple. Or at least it would be, without the interference of an outside source. The foreign energy surrounded them, preventing him from disappearing. Coming to a stop, Finn set Ali on her feet. Pushing her behind him, Finn murmured a quick spell of protection. If he fell, at least he would be giving Ali the chance to flee. Knowing they only had a few moments, he turned to her. Framing her face, he lowered his mouth until it met hers. Lifting his head, he smiled at her. “You must go. You know where the second Fragment is. Tristan and Drake are no doubt already there.”
Her heart leapt. “Not this time, Finn. I’m not running.”
“Ali—”
Too late.
“Strange, I always seem to be interrupting some disgusting display of affection. Luck is such a prickly thing. One minute, you’re out of it, the next, it showers over you.” Vega sauntered towards them, her face lit with twisted delight. “While our little side trip was—fun, this is like taking candy from a babe. We were of course, on our way to a simple little cabin in the woods before all of this happened.” At Ali’s intake of breath, Vega’s smile grew. She spread her fingers out and wiggled them. “Surprise—you thought those little journeys of yours were solo, didn't you?” She then turned to Finn, “You were so concerned that she was safe, I was undetected.”
Finn swore.
“Aww—don’t be mad, Finn, all men fall for a beautiful face, right Lugus?”
Finn stepped back, pushing Ali further away.
Lugus came out from behind a tree. “It is time to settle the score.”
The light in Lugus’ eyes was flat and cold. Finn knew he was no longer the man he once knew. Reaching back, he gave Ali the briefest of touches, wishing it were more. Ali, get ready
Her breath lodged in her throat. She heard what Finn said, but her body wouldn't accept it. A fire began to heat up within her. It pushed through body, swam in her veins. She tried to push it down, she wanted to listen to him, but her heart—her heart ordered her to protect him.
Finn felt the change in her and immediately tried to counter it. Ali, no—you must not engage
His order went unheeded. Ali stepped out from behind him and was now standing as a warrior. His heart plummeted to his feet.
Vega clapped her hands, her eyes danced with mirth. “The mortal is going to battle? This should be fun.”
Mustering up the valour she didn’t feel, Ali shot back. “You know, I'm getting tired of your mocking.”
Finn’s eyes fluttered closed in vexation. She wasn’t going to back down. He tried once more to get her to heed him. Ali, cease this now.
She bristled at his tone. She understood that it came from concern for her, but she was tired of being viewed as a nuisance by these crazy people. She stood her ground, not flinching when Vega’s eyes flashed at her.
“You dare speak to me? I can have you writhing on the ground with just a whisper. I could make your ears bleed, have you beg me to stop.”
From her peripheral vision, Ali saw Lugus gather himself for an assault. She had to time this right so that she and Finn could escape. Remembering what she had done against Mikel in the forest, she reached for that same source. Power rose up, as if it was rejoicing in her willingness to use it. Finn’s disapproval also came through, but she had to ignore it. “I dare, yes.”
If possible, Vega’s eyes grew darker. They began to glow. Uh oh, that cannot be a good sign. Ali set her feet, hoping like hell whatever it was she had, would be enough to fend off a demon.
Finn—I am nearly there.
Finn kept his face void of the relief he felt at hearing Cian’s voice. Ali has provoked the demon—she is about to strike, Lugus as well. Only Cian—well, Drake too, would find humor in such a situation.
Vega was beyond outraged. The mortal dared to speak to her, mock her? Flinging her arms out, she called to the wind, stirring it up until it enclosed them all—like being in the center of a tornado. “I will crush you. I will grind your bones under my heel, but not before I hear you beg for your worthless life.”
Cian saw the funnel, knew it was going to take a great amount of energy to breech it. Focusing, he headed straight for the wall of debri
s. Branches, dirt and stone ripped at him, but he kept pushing through.
Vega pulled her arm back, but before she could follow through, she was hit with a fireball of blinding white. It engulfed her, and held her prisoner in its heat. She screamed as the flames burned her. Dropping to her knees, she tried to counter the flames but the more she fought, the stronger they got. Her skin was seared; the stench of flesh, choking her.
Ali shook from the force of energy leaving her body. Her hair flew about her head and crackled with snaps of energy. Her hands were spread wide, palms facing out. Light—white hot light, flowed from them, hitting the demon with so much might; it had sent her to the ground. Lugus had also been affected. The blast had sent him hurling backwards. It was hard to stay focused when all she wanted to do was understand what was happening. Her vision became tunnelled, seeing nothing but her foe.
He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The screams coming from the demon echoed throughout the forest, her wind tunnel, dissipated. Finn watched, as Vega clawed at her skin. Cian’s order came through the confusion.
Finn, move—now.
As much as he would have loved to take Ali to safety, Finn knew what must be done. I need you to take Ali back to my place.
His cousin showed little surprise at his decision. Slowly, Finn approached Ali, he was careful not to startle her. “Ali, you have done enough.”
She shook her head. If she stopped, Vega will attack; she couldn’t allow that to happen. But she was getting tired—so tired. Her vision cleared and she saw the demon writhing on the forest floor. She pulled back, her arms shaking from the strain they had been under. She wasn’t given a whole lot of time to reorient herself before Finn was urging her back.
Vega’s scream of rage echoed through the air before the she slipped beneath the ground. She was pushed back more, but Ali’s eyes remained on the scarred ground where the demon had stood. Then, Finn was shaking her gently to gain her attention.
“Cian will take you to back to the house, once this is done, we will join the others.”
That shook her out of her daze. “What? No, if I go, you go too.”
He only had seconds before Cian was here and before Lugus recovered. “Lugus must be dealt with. You spoke of our enemies multiplying. This is my chance to eliminate one. Trust me Ali, and go with Cian.”
His mind was set; she could see it in his eyes. Nothing she said would sway him. Sighing, Ali nodded, took several steps away from him and waited for Cian. “If you return with so much as a scratch, I will be very angry with you.”
Chapter Twenty-two
With Ali safe, Finn turned his attention to the combatant who now stood a few feet away from him. The energy in the air was sharp and full of fury. Even with the distance between them, he could see the insanity in Lugus’ eyes. This would not be an honorable death. Calling for his blade, his fingers curled around the well worn hilt. The strength of the blade vibrated up his arm—it was if it knew what was going to be asked of it. He shut out the memories of the man he had once known, closed the sounds of the past that wanted to echo in his mind, and made his affirmation. “Only one will leave this place, Lugus.”
The other man laughed; his madness on full display. “For once you have the right of it, Finn O'Shea.” Bringing his own sword into view, Lugus spat at his opponent. “You think because I was once friend to your family, that I will not take your life? I have thirsted for it—dreamed of it, as I have of my son. His life meant nothing to the mighty warriors of Agrona. Once I kill you, I will take out the others.” As he spoke, he threw up a barrier. “No one will be able to come to your aid now.” Lugus began the steps of the ancient dance of war.
Finn mirrored Lugus. Soon, the two warriors were sidestepping in a circle, crouched, ready to strike. “I did not know your son was there.” It was the truth, but he knew Lugus was too far gone to care. “We were all trying to survive the approaching darkness. Had I—had any of us known, we would have protected him.”
His words were like throwing fuel on an already out of control fire. With a bellow, Lugus lunged forward. Finn deflected the blade, grunted under the force of the attack. The weight of Lugus’ grief gave him the strength of ten men. Lugus spewed the words that had burned in his soul for so long. “Agrona knew—she knew that he followed her, and her infamous warriors. I beseeched her to shield him from war, but she refused.”
He came again. This time, his attack had more control. Soon, the air was filled with the sound of steel on steel. With both hands now on the hilt, Finn blocked each blow, delivering his own and immediately put Lugus on the defensive. Something in Lugus’ accusation rang false; he couldn’t put his finger on it. Again he met his opponent’s blade. He pushed the nagging doubt from his mind, and concentrated on his defensive countermoves.
Blinded by rage, and thirst for blood, Lugus met Finn’s sword, sending it arching upwards. It left the other warrior’s middle open and he took advantage and quickly brought up his foot. He landed a solid kick, sending Finn to the ground. With a shout of victory, Lugus went in for the kill.
Finn rolled just as Lugus’ sword came down. It whistled down his side before becoming embedded in the ground. Rolling to his feet, Finn charged, shoulders down. He tackled Lugus, carrying him towards the ground, slamming him into it. He heard the crunch of bones and knew he had broken his back. Finn quickly gained his feet, and stared down at the broken warrior. Regret overwhelmed him and had him offering the warrior redemption. “Cease this madness, Lugus. It is not too late. Mikel has twisted the truth to serve his own agenda. Agrona would have never left an innocent unguarded. Your son would not wish this life for you. I remember him, he was a bright lad.”
Hatred shone in Lugus’ eyes, his breath rattled through his wrecked body. “Do not speak of my boy!”A cough wracked his body, turning his head to the side, he spit out blood. He knew he was beaten, yet, he still could not stop. He spun a spell in his mind and threw it at Finn, locking him in place. “There is more than one way to win a battle.” His words stammered, and were weak. Blood trickled out of the corner of his mouth. He could heal himself, but his grief went too deep—his anger, knew no bounds. He’d rather see the warrior in hell. Raising a hand, Lugus closed it into a fist. He smiled at the sound of Finn’s shout of pain. “Mikel was always a great teacher. Now, it is your turn to feel the crushing weight of your body closing in on itself, to know that no matter what you do, it will never be enough.”
His body constricted, and burned from the inside out. Finn tried to counter it, but every attempt seemed to give the spell more power. He felt dark energy enter his body. It attacked his cells, extinguished the light that tried to stop it.
Lugus’ laugh came out as a gurgle. His words were laboured, but still venomous. “That’s it warrior—fight against it, you cannot help yourself. It’s what you’re trained to do. Not even your magick can help you.”
Finn felt himself weakening. His body was becoming sluggish, his vision, blurry. In his head, he could hear Lugus’ laughter. He gritted his teeth, he dug down deep for every ounce of power he had. Whatever Lugus had cast was impossible for him to penetrate. Then, just as he thought it was over, that he’d lost, he felt a fire ignite. This one battled the other, pushing it back, overtaking it. It was Ali. Her essence filled him, giving strength to his tired body.
Lugus’ bellow of outrage added to that strength. He broke free of the spell. Breathing deeply, his chest expanding wide, throwing off the remnants of Lugus’ charm, Finn reiterated his earlier offer “It’s not too late, Lugus. As I remember your son, I remember the days you spent with my family. You were a great friend to my father.” Finn saw something flicker in the older warrior’s eyes. It came through the madness. Lugus stared into the distance, like something had caught his attention. All the fight, the rage, seemed to melt out of him. Then, he brought his gaze back to Finn.
“For so long I have feasted on the knowledge that I would one day kill the great warriors of Agrona.” Another cough
overtook him. When he again could speak, he accepted his fate. And, in an act befitting the man he used to be, he gifted Finn with a sliver of knowledge. “The written word is just a sharp as a blade; they can weave and break the strongest spell. Come; deliver me my salvation, Finn O’Shea, I long to see my son.”
Seeing the acceptance in his eyes, Finn staggered to him. Holding out an arm, Finn called his sword. He stared down into the eyes of a man who had, at last, found peace. He stepped forward. Blocking out the past, he brought the mighty blade down, and ended Lugus’ life.
*****
Vega stumbled into the cave, her body twitched and burned. Looking down at her arms, she saw the angry red welts that the mortal’s magic had left. She had no idea what had become of Lugus, had the flames reached him as well? Waving a hand, she produced a bowl and it filled with liquid. Rotating a finger, she stirred it until it began to change color, then she lifted the bowl and drank deeply.
At once, the pain subsided. However, the marks remained. The mortal had hit her with light magick. There was no erasing those marks. Things had not gone as she had planned. All her work had been for naught. It was going to take a few days before her energy was back at full strength. In the meantime, she needed to figure out a new strategy. Until she knew what had happened to Lugus, she was going to assume that she was on her own.
A mist rolled across the dirt floor. It glided over her booted feet, and wrapped around her ankles, making its way up her legs. It was cold as ice. Vega stilled. Her breathing slowed. The mist thickened as it climbed up her legs. A ribbon stretched out, and up, encircling her throat, another teased her ear. Another wrapped itself around her body. Her mind filled with the chilly tones of her benefactor.
I have underestimated you, Vega. You've managed to weaken my spell, and lure Lugus into believing your lies.
The ribbon around her torso tightened, concentrating on her injured side. The pressure was excruciating, but Vega refused to cower. Turing on the charm, she responded. It made her skin crawl to convey contriteness, but her survival was at Mikel’s mercy. “It has been the folly of many.”
The Compass Page 20