by Martha Carr
He grimaced and squeezed her hand, holding it tight. The mist grew in volume, billowing out till they were surrounded and everything glowed purple and the mist swirled and stretched. It was billowing out, making an air pocket around Leira and Correk. From the outside they looked like they were in a little girl’s idea of large snow globe in an Iowa farm scene. All that was missing was a pony with a rainbow-colored mane.
The purple layer kept growing and stretching till it was almost opaque, pushing back the bees.
The small army was pressing against the bubble battering away as a group. Their humming grew loud enough to drown out everything else. The sound was mixed with a metallic high-pitch clinking that made Leira want to grit her teeth. The bees circled the purple globe, batting their wings against it as the magic responded, turning into a layer of sticky goo, wrapping them up inside until the bubble popped, dragging the swarm to the ground.
Leira let the symbols fade on her arms and looked over at Correk. The image of him grew blurry and she blinked, wondering if something else was going wrong. Everything around her faded for a split second and her head swam. She shook her head hard, willing the feeling to go away. She raised her hand, trying to keep her voice steady, about to say something when her vision cleared, leaving her with a ringing in her ears that slowly faded.
Not going to wonder what that was all about just now. Weirder things to wonder about first like who was driving that magic bus.
“I didn’t do that.” She shook her head in disbelief.
Correk was busy looking out over the landscape as far as he could see, a worried expression on his face. “This is worse than we thought. Let’s get as many of these artifacts as we can and get out of here. I have a feeling the bees were just the advance party.”
“Correk, I didn’t do that. That wasn’t me. I mean… my magic, sure. But the magic took over. That bubble thing. That was the magic thinking on its own. Is that a thing?”
Correk stopped scanning the horizon and looked at Leira. “I’ve learned to accept the never seen before with you. I saw the magic do it but no, I’ve never heard of that before.” He ran to different sections of the acreage they were standing on, gathering the artifacts into a pile. “Get moving Leira. Time is not our friend right at the moment. We may not get quite as lucky with the next assault.”
“The energy worked independently to save me… save us. Like it knew who were the good guys.” Leira shook her head to clear it. Have to get moving. She sprinted easily from section to section gathering artifacts and throwing them into the center pile. “Go get the car and drive it up onto the field. I think we’ve earned the right to mow down a few stalks with a rental car. I’ll keep gathering as much as possible. Let’s get back to Hagan at the motel and call the general from there.”
Something bigger than me out there picked a side again and this time I won. That’s new.
Chapter Thirteen
Leira and Correk arrived home late that night. Leira drove the green Mustang from the Austin airport park and zoom lot. She looked over at Correk staring out the front window, surrounded by oversized candy wrappers.
“There are different rules about snacking when you fly. It’s not the same as road trips.”
“What?” He looked over at Leira.
He looks tired. “You can eat fast food in the airport but not so much on the plane. Stinks up the cabin. The five-dollar bag of candy is allowable but not in the quantity you went for.”
Correk arched an eyebrow. “I caught on that things were different when the waitress handed me the tiny bag of dry pretzels.”
“Flight attendant. Not a waitress.”
“That explains the looks I got when I asked how long she had been waiting tables. You have to admit it seems like a flying restaurant.”
Leira rolled her eyes. “Then it’s a really terrible one. I’ve always thought of them as flying tin buses.”
“You know we’ll find our rhythm again. It’s not gone for good. And quit looking at me like I’m laid out for a viewing of the dead. Yes, I’ve noticed. Hard not to. You look me up and down like you’re sizing me for a coffin. I’m not going anywhere. Not for a long time.”
Leira punched him in the arm.
“Ow… Why do you resort to physical violence to say you’re worried? Use your words! I’d believe you. One minute you’re looking at me like you need to remember my face forever. The next you’re pushing me a little closer to the edge. It’s a mixed message.” He looked up at Leira who gave him a dead fish look for a moment but couldn’t hold it.
She started snickering, trying to hold it in. Correk looked at her confused but smiled in spite of himself. Leira looked away, staring at the traffic, hoping that would distract her but a giggle escaped her followed by a loud guffaw.
“Attractive Berens.” Correk let out a laugh, watching Leira struggle to maintain her composure.
Leira slowed down at the exit out of the airport behind a line of pickup trucks too high to see over and leaned her head on the steering wheel, shaking with laughter trying to hold it in. Correk couldn’t stop himself from laughing as he watched her, glancing out at the driver in the car next to them. Everything just made him laugh harder till both of them were laughing out loud. Leira was barely able to catch her breath, grateful the traffic had slowed down to a crawl as she pressed her hand against her stomach. Correk put his head back and let it all out, laughing as loud as he could.
It took minutes before Leira wore herself out, wiping her eyes on her shirt sleeve. Correk slowed down to a chuckle, still bursting into a laugh. Leira looked at him and smiled. I want to say this thing I’ve been carrying around for months inside of me. “I really thought you were dead.”
Correk looked at her, still smiling. “I know. Me too. There were a few moments I was hoping I would.” The creases around his eyes deepened as he smiled harder. “I didn’t die. You’re going to have to accept that or I can’t stay. It’s too hard and definitely too dangerous if you think you have to look over your shoulder all the time and take care of me. I was sent to take care of you. Or at least guide you.”
Leira looked at him and her smile softened. “Fair enough. I’d kick someone’s ass if they did that to me.”
“I’ve missed that potty mouth. It’s become like poetry.”
“I’ve missed that slightly shocked look you get when I swear that you try to hide.”
“That must just be my face because if you’re breathing you’re swearing.”
“Seriously, you have to stop eating like that. It’s not natural, even for an Elf. It’s not even food.”
“Stop counting the number of bags around me and you won’t have a problem.”
“Stop leaving such a trail and make it a little harder for me.” She held up her hand to stop him from countering. “It’s what family does. It’s not exactly healthy all the time, but it’s what we do. We get in each other’s business. You’re the one who taught me that the Elves are all family.” Leira took the 5th street exit toward Rainey Street.
Correk scooped up the empty candy bags, stuffing them in the glove box.
“That’s not a solution. This is still a government owned vehicle. Besides, that’ll attract bugs.” None wearing metallic parts…hopefully.
“We are going to live to be hundreds and hundreds of years old. The way you get into trouble there will probably be a lot more drama ahead of us. You’re going to have to learn to let your older cousin who’s a lot bigger than you are and has been handling magic far longer take care of himself. I did manage to take on a fireball and live to tell about it.”
“I’m going to live to be hundreds… what?”
“How did that part miss you? You’re part Elven. Settle in, Cousin and get your snacks in the bulk size. It’s going to be a long ride.”
Leira let out another laugh as she pulled up in front of Estelle’s, easily finding a parking space near the gate. Correk opened the door to get out.
“When I was a kid I used to t
hink we always got good parking spaces because of a poem I used to say.”
“Oh, okay, we’re going to share now.” Correk nodded, shutting the car door again. “Sure, why not now.”
“Angel, angel with the meter face. Help me find a parking place.”
“Of course it worked. You set an intention. You’re a Light Elf, not a Witch. You were sending a belief out there. Cute poem though.” Correk opened the door as Leira rolled her eyes.
“We should have stopped for pizza,” he said.
Leira shook her head as she got out of the car. “You know, I think you may actually be worse at the touchy-feelie things than I am. That’s saying something. I didn’t know there was something less than zero.”
“Hilarious. You think the food trucks are still open?”
“Massive candy infusion followed by carbo loading covered in cheese and pepperoni. The real magic is that you haven’t passed out from lack of protein.”
“That’s what the pepperoni is for.”
“It’s like you’re trying to do your own runner’s high without the running.”
Leira walked passed the twenty-somethings hanging out on the sidewalk in front and headed to the side gate. She walked onto the patio and stopped suddenly as Correk ran right into her back.
“Why did you stop?” His voice trailed off as he looked in the same direction as Leira and saw a large group of people playing corn hole on the far side of the patio. The regulars were all bunched around one end of the patio watching all the magical community from the Jackalope at the other end, getting ready to toss a bean bag.
Craig looked up and saw Leira standing there. “Leira!”
Both sides looked up together and shouted, “Leira!” in unison, the game forgotten for the moment. Leira slowly picked up her hand and waved at them.
“Who’s winning?” she yelled.
“They’re beating the pants off us.” Mitzi held up her little dog, Lemon, and smiled. “Where’s tall, blonde and just got back to town going?”
“Someone should check on Yumfuck.” He whispered to Leira while waving to Mitzi.
“The troll has proven he can more than take care of himself. You’re just worried he found your new hidey hole for your Cheetos stash. If he did, they’re already gone. Come on, you’re in this. When worlds collide. I think this was an episode of Seinfeld.”
“We’re winning! Three games to one!” Molly smiled and waved at Leira.
“You think they’re cheating?”
“No, I think Oricerans are naturally gifted athletes, especially Elves. I told you that before. No magic necessary.”
Correk went over to the regulars’ side and picked up a bean bag. He waved at Leira and mouthed, go on, pointing at the other side.
Leira went and stood next to Toni. “Honey, where you been?” Toni threw her arms around Leira drawing her in close for a tight hug, her soft afro brushing against Leira’s cheek. She smelled like roses and incense. “You like that? I mixed it myself. You want to take the next turn?” She leaned in and whispered, “and no cheating. Gotta earn the win,” winking at Leira.
“You guys are hanging out together now? How’s that going?” Leira gave Toni a crooked smile.
Toni looked up at Leira and shook her head. “It’s going just fine. You know, we are allowed out in the wild unchaperoned. We all get the rules and play nice with the non-magical and uninformed.”
“Yeah, sure, of course…” Leira gave a short nod. “I just didn’t know y’all traded phone numbers.”
“Of course we did! We all have you in common.” Toni frowned but she was still smiling as she took Leira by the shoulders. “Honey, when it comes to feelings you’re still a little on the slow uptake. Girl, you’re good people and you attract other good people who want to be together. It’s like you naturally go around attracting little pockets of family everywhere you go. Two of your little groups met and of course we liked each other instantly.” She laced her fingers together. “Like a good instant soup when you add water. Yum.”
“You had me till you did the soup thing.”
“Yeah, that might be because I’m hungry. We need nachos.”
Estelle came barreling out the door from the bar, carrying platters of wings and nachos.
“Spooky how she does that especially for a mere mortal.” Toni let out a laugh. “Yes, I checked.”
“Everyone does. I get it.”
“But kinda cool. She’s the reason we’re all gathered here, you know. She made the phone calls. Said something about thinking of forming a league.”
“Yeah, that checks out.”
“Leira! You’re up. Stop the chin waggin and throw!” Scott was waving his arm from the other side, his forehead wrinkled in frustration.
“Right!”
“Keep your pants on and eat a wing. Hey, these are pretty good. Estelle, any chance I can get the recipe for the Jackalope.” Jack took another bite and looked expectantly at Estelle.
Estelle blew out a steady stream of smoke with one eye shut, without taking the cigarette out of her mouth. She sized Jack up and took a pen out of her bouffant, pulling an order pad out of her apron and started furiously writing. “Won’t be the same but you can try.”
“I smell a wings contest brewing!” Kimberly pumped her fist in the air. Cassidy, a younger member of the regulars stepped forward, her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, clapping her hands.
“I’m in!” Jack smiled and held out his hand.
Estelle tilted her head to the side, eyeing Jack. Her bouffant stayed perfectly still, shifting as one large red structure with the tilt of her head. She stuck out her chin and took out her cigarette, blowing a perfect O. “Challenge accepted. We’ll be the Hot and Saucy. I’ll front our shirts.”
“I’m pretty sure she agrees to form teams so she can come up with the names,” yelled Paul over the cheering and clapping.
“Cool. Our team is the Kickin Ash. Meet back here next Saturday. I’ll drag my smoker here before dawn for our side.”
“I think we have ourselves a Texas cook off. Good luck with my recipe.” Estelle smiled, the cigarette clamped between her teeth. “We can toss the beanbag around for extra points.”
“You’re in trouble now!” hooted Mike.
“You wouldn’t leave something out, would you little lady?” Jack eyed her good naturedly.
Estelle raised a perfectly drawn on eyebrow. “I’d like you to know when you lose that you lost fair and square.” Ash fell off the end of her cigarette.
“I think the wrong team got the name Kickin Ash,” said Toni.
“Can we get back to the game?” Craig tossed a bean bag in the air, waving a hand at the corn hole board near him. “You’re up, Leira. Still.”
Leira looked at the hole and gave a laugh, winding her arm up like Cassidy did to see if it would help.
“We take winner.”
Leira stopped in mid-wind up and looked over at the five young men standing nearby. The one who shouted was wearing a UT sweatshirt, drinking a Shiner Bock. “We call next.”
Toni looked at Leira and smiled. “Well, maybe we cheat just this once,” she whispered and let out a cackle. “Momma gonna have some fun tonight. They think we’re a bunch of old nerds. Let’s show ‘em a thing or two.”
Leira threw the bean bag and hit just shy of the hole in the tilted wooden board. A cheer went up from the regulars. Correk gave her a crooked smile and shrugged as Jim handed him a beer.
“Come on Cassidy, your turn.” She wound up, spinning her arm in circles and tossed, making a neat arc as the bean bag slipped effortlessly into the hole. Scott and Kimberly patted her on the back as she smiled shyly and took her seat again behind them.
“Nicely played,” yelled Eric as Jim grabbed a bean bag to take his turn.
“Hey, Leira, there’s a tribute for Larry at the Jackalope on Sunday. Finally, a full moon so Jack can pull off the spell. Just us folks. Bring a dish.”
“I’ll be there. I’ll bring
my mother and Nana too. You can get to know them a little better.”
“Off a battlefield,” said Jack, wistfully. “We’re going to dance our asses off and try every cheap magic trick we know,” he whispered. “That’s what Larry would have wanted. Gonna boogie all night and toast our friend!”
Jim wet a finger and held it up in the air, testing the wind direction and getting a laugh out of both sides. The man waiting to play gave an annoyed grunt and took a swig from his beer. Leira looked up at them and measured their level of boozed up and ticked off. It was a useful gift to have when she was an Austin police detective. Gave her a sense of how fast things might go south and just how stupid the trigger would turn out to be.
Jim artfully pressed down each eyebrow with his finger, smiled and gave a sideways toss to the beanbag, his tongue between his teeth. The bag spun in two slow revolutions through the air, hitting the top of the board and sliding into one of the holes.
“Nicely played.” Jack patted him on the back.
“That’s game,” said Mike, smiling as he stepped forward to shake his hand. The other players pushed their way through the regulars from Estelle’s to the front, interrupting the smiles and handshakes.
“Our turn,” said their frontman, letting out a loud belch.
Leira pressed her lips together and narrowed her eyes. The trigger was going to be pretty low for this kind of stupid to go off.
“We still don’t cheat, right?” Leira stepped closer to Correk who looked at two of the other team’s members swaying on their feet.
“Won’t be necessary.”
Toni leaned closer to them. “Doesn’t mean we don’t have a little fun, though.”
The regulars from the bar moved out of the way and went and took seats at the nearby tables closest to the magical community. They cheered them on by stomping their feet and doing drum rolls on the table.
“Two more!” One of the young men barked at Estelle. She lowered her eyelids to half mast, blowing out a large puff of smoke, blurring the details of her face, without moving a muscle.