Concentric Circles

by Aithne Jarretta

  “Just so happens we’re here.”

  “Where?”

  “Can’t you feel it? This is the ward border.” Meekal faced her from the driver’s seat. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to drive any closer. He probably has a ward that indicates whether someone magical has crossed the line.”

  “Who?” Shayla studied his cautious features. “Oh. So you’ve brought me to meet an ancestor?” She returned her gaze to the countryside and forced new emotions back into the closet. “That’s why you wouldn’t tell me.”

  “Aye. I’ve seen what you can do when you’re angry. But, my love, you need to face this. He is a part of who you are—body and even soul. The tricky part will be getting past his ward. Like I said, it’s probably set to let him know if someone magical has crossed into his property.”

  “Well, that makes sense. But, how are we going to get closer?”

  “Do you trust me?”

  “Trust you?”

  “I mean it. I have to know if you fully trust my judgment on this.”

  “It’d be nice to know why you ask that all of a sudden. I assumed you knew I trust you.”

  “What I believe we need to do in order to get through the ward requires specialized enchantment. You haven’t been practicing magic long enough, so I’ll have to perform the spell. That requires perfect trust.”

  “You still haven’t said what you plan.”

  He turned away, facing the windshield and shoved a hand through his hair. “The only way through a magical ward of this tremendous power is in animal form. We don’t even know if you have one.”

  “What?” Shayla cringed, her voice bounced around in the car, filling her with apprehension. “How do you know?”

  “Shayla, I’ve been doing this since I could first talk and walk. Magic is a way of life. Do you trust me?”

  “What animal?”

  “That’s just it. Since we don’t know for sure if you have an animal form, I need to be extra careful. I believe the best way to do this is to allow your own magic to choose whichever animal best suits you. It’s tricky though because what if you’re a ferocious dog who hates cats?” The evening sun slanted across his humorous expression and he wagged his brows.

  “Why can’t we just wind-ride through the ward?”

  “Because that’s magic performed.”

  She chewed her lip and sat back in the leather seat. “Okay,” she said, drawing the word out. “Isn’t transforming me into an animal ‘magic performed’ crossing the line?”

  “Actually, utilizing Fae magic—most Fae have an animal form— it won’t be detected.”

  “That’s crazy. If he wants to keep magic out, why wouldn’t it include animals with a magical origin?”

  The corners of Meekal’s mouth lifted, showing off sexy dimples. “Because, my love, most people who are trained in the art of magic don’t know that little tidbit of information. I’m counting on him not realizing there’s a thoroughly trained wizard with Fae training on this side of his tricky ward.”

  Shayla swallowed a knot of nervousness. “I think we should do it. We’ve come this far.”

  “All right then.” Meekal opened his car door.

  She followed suit and watched as he shrunk the car to pocket size. The sun, now below the horizon, a brisk night wind whipped hair across her face. She twisted her long locks into a bun and wrapped a scrunchy around it to hold the errant strands in place. Neck newly bare to the cold elements, she shivered and watched Meekal place his car into an inside pocket and pat it protectively.

  He took her hand and led her to a boulder next to the roadside tree line. His strong hands on her waist, he positioned her atop it and shared a quick kiss.

  She moaned, leaning in for closer contact. “Tease,” she whispered against his enticing mouth.

  His soft laughter titillated her desire. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes.”

  “Magic forces superimpose, take my love and give her newfound form. Magnify, ground and transpose.”

  A cough erupted. Shayla pounded on her chest, and then a swooshing sensation beginning in her heart and bursting outward sent her into a spiral of emotions.

  “Electrical and magnetic energies swarm, give Shayla her perfect animal form.”

  Every part of her body jagged with energy. “Ahh!” The sound flashed from her mouth, changing tenor. Hands disappeared and became paws. She shuddered and leaped down from the stone, stumbling on all fours. “Ugh. This feels funky.”

  Meekal laughed and squatted, sitting on one heel. “Well, aren’t you cute? Pointy ears and all,” he added, scratching one ear playfully.

  She put her nose in the air and turned to see her tail. “Yeah, right.” She arched into his hand as it traveled along her back.

  “Interesting—a white cat. We’ll have to work on this some more later.” He transformed easily and nuzzled her. “Come on. The estate is this way.”

  She followed him, flicking her long tail and stumbling slightly, trying to coordinate four paws. A rustling noise stopped her progress. “What’s that?” She twitched her nose to catch a scent.

  “It’s just a mouse. You need to resist the urge to follow your cat instincts. Sorry we don’t have time for proper training. Look.”

  They had followed the road another hundred feet from their previous position. The magical energy from the ward brushed along her fur, giving off a strong sense of tingling. She stopped and faced north. A broad ironworks gate spanned a wide driveway. Shayla looked through the narrow bars. The outline of a large house stood in the early evening’s moon glow. “Wish it was daylight.”

  “Aye. Your cat vision should kick in soon. Sometimes, the first time takes a little longer for everything to acclimate itself.”

  “He doesn’t have any lights on. Do you suppose he’s home?” She craned her neck back and read the curlicue letters spanning the gate top. “Wyndemere.”

  “Aye, it’s Fae—changing wind. I noticed that no light shows from within. Maybe a charm? Something’s off.”

  “What do you mean by off?”

  He sniffed the air and glanced around. “There’s got to be a way in, even if we have to climb. There’s no room between the bars and the bottom of the gate is too close to the ground. Do you feel comfortable enough to climb?”

  She looked down at her paws. “I guess. What’s off?”

  He didn’t say anything else, just turned and began walking toward a large tree to their left. A fast movement, he skirted the trunk easily and hopped onto the top of the brick wall around the estate. He looked down at her, amusement in his shiny blue eyes. “You can do it.”

  “Fine,” she grumbled, eyeing the bark of the tree. She hesitated and decided to take a running leap. If she fell, well, she would figure out what to do later if that happened. “Here goes.” She bounded up to the tree, leapt and clung with all her cat might several feet from the ground.

  The rough bark against her paw pads irritated her sensitive skin. Resisting the urge to jump back to the ground, she pushed upward with her hind legs and progressed to the wall. Cold brick soothed her delicate paw pads. She paused and licked the ache.

  “All right?”

  “The bark was rougher than I expected.” She scanned the yard that stretched between the house and the high barrier that cut the estate off from the rest of the world. Eyes now accustomed, she said, “Bit run down, don’t you think?”

  “That’s what’s off.” He blinked, flicked his tail, and then scanned the grounds with a practiced eye. “It’s an illusion. Can’t seem to get past the magic of it. We need to get closer.” He guided her toward a small tree located inside the wall.

  “Um, Kal.”

  He paused, looking back over his shoulder. “What?”

  “What if he has a dog?”

  “Don’t worry, I was just joking before. I can handle dogs.”

  “Pfft. Why do you suppose he let the place get so run down?”

  He stepped off the high wall and
walked along a branch to the trunk of the small maple tree. “I think the illusion is in place to deter the Semple Folk from exploring. The front gate has a security system. That means he’s up to modern standards.”

  “I didn’t see a security system.”

  “It’s hidden in the right pillar. The keypad is barely visible through the vines growing up the stone. Bet he uses magic or a door opener—like a garage.” He landed in a garden bed and looked up at her.

  Shayla sent her tongue out and licked up to her nose. She eyed the tree and ground with trepidation. “Kal, I’m not sure.”

  “You’ll be fine. Just go slow.”

  She stepped onto the overhanging branch and moved toward the tree center. A crawly sensation skittered over a back paw. “Ahh!” She scampered to the trunk and ran down its length, then jumped. She shuddered, grateful that she made it to the ground.

  Meekal laughed.

  “Spider. Eugh!”

  “You’re still bigger than the spider.”

  “But not big enough to stomp on it.” She sniffed the air and headed toward the house. “I smell food cooking.”

  “Aye,” he said, brushing up against her playfully.

  A squeak penetrated the stillness. She paused and gave Meekal a frown. “If Wyndemere is Fae and means changing wind, how can he be truly hidden? I mean, well face it, Brinawell isn’t a common name.”

  “Perhaps no one knows him locally as Brinawell. Maybe he uses an alias. The only reason we know about him is through the diaries mum showed you.”

  “Yeah, well, it’s going to be a real shock for my mom.” Shayla sidestepped a dried up plant and moved around a corner of the old brick Victorian styled house. “The place is really big. Mom always said the back yard was more telling about the occupants than the front. Let’s explore.”

  “Why’d she say that?”

  “The front yard is for show off. The back is a reflection of the owner’s attitude about home. You know, toys for the kids, the pet area, a barbecue, that sort of thing.” She pounced up onto the back porch, blinking in the golden light from the bug bulb. “Ugh. Always hated those things. Doesn’t he know bugs are gone in November?”

  “Waste not, want not. Besides, it’s a clue. Remember there were no lights in the front.”

  She walked the porch rail, eyeing the yard. “Look. Neat as a pin.”

  The door opened.

  She swiveled her head. “Meowrrr!”

  Water flew from a bucket, deluging her with nasty dishwater remains. She yowled again and jumped to the floor.

  “Where did you come from, missy?”

  Meekal protectively stepped between Shayla and the old man.

  “Ah, quite a pair. Light and Shadow.” The man stepped to the side and indicated the open door. “Come in.”

  Shayla shivered and shook her wet fur, glaring up at the old man.

  “I’ll no harm ye,” he said gently, slipping into a soft brogue. “Come in and have some cool cream? I can fix ye right up.”

  She moved with slow deliberation toward the door. Meekal nosed her, whispering, “Don’t talk, he may understand.” She swallowed and blinked once in understanding. The kitchen light, shone brilliantly, accentuating a pristine environment. The only discrepancy was the slight odor of old dishwater. She crinkled her nose.

  The old man chuckled and opened the refrigerator. “I’ll get yer cream. Dawn, my new helper, apparently doesn’t know how to work the kitchen sink. Everything’s clogged.”

  Shayla blinked up at him.

  He poured cream into a bowl and placed it on the floor. Meekal approached first. Shayla hesitated, still angry about the disgusting shower. A wave of an old gnarled hand and her fur came clean and dry. She shivered at the magic. “Meow.”

  “You’re welcome,” he said thoughtfully. “Bit amazing ye got past Ruff. He must be in the south pasture chasing possums.”

  The old man studied them briefly, and then returned his attention to the sink. “Never saw such a walking calamity before,” he muttered. “Dawn.” He plunged the sink, head tilted slightly as he eyed Shayla with speculation.

  She ignored his curiosity and began lapping the cream. “Oh my,” she whispered low.

  Meekal laughed. “You can have the rest.”

  A warm fuzzy feeling filled her belly. It rumbled about, and then she realized she purred to the perfect timing of her tongue tasting ambrosia. She sang her happiness. Finished, she licked her face and paws.

  “Vain little thing, aren’t ye?” He wielded a broomstick and grumbled indiscernible words while struggling with the disposal’s odoriferous clog. “Both sides. Bloody hell. How’d she?” Water running and the mechanical sound of grinding filled the kitchen with grating sounds.

  Shayla glanced around the kitchen, and then trotted toward an open doorway. Out in the hall, she paused to glance around at the fine old antiques. The hallway gleamed dust free in the low light. At the end of the hall, a double front door gave a clear view of the outside veranda—clear as day. Yeah, a charm to make the place look deserted.

  The next room appeared to be a combination library and music room. She entered, resisting the inner urge of caution. She studied the book-lined walls, cozy fireplace with reading area, and an antique baby grand piano. Something on the top of the piano drew her attention. Can’t be.

  She jumped to the padded bench. Elegant luxury. Bloody hell.

  She then jumped to the top and stared at the photo to her left. A lump the size of Ohio lodged in her throat. She turned and glared at the other photo which was a fine family vignette shown off with pride upon the priceless antique baby grand. You bastard!

  Anger raged through her, standing the fur on her neck straight up. She could feel the electricity of it. She rushed back to the kitchen and headed straight to the back door. “Meow.”

  “Time to leave, lass? Ah, they come and they go.”

  The door opened and she bolted. Out in the yard, she made a mad dash for the front yard, the wall, and freedom. Moisture blurred her vision. Frost bitten plants grabbed and snagged in her fur. She didn’t care. The only goal that raced through her mind—get out of here and as far away as possible before her emotions caused an inescapable disturbing blow up.

  “Shayla! Wait, what’s wrong?”

  “LOOK OUT!”

  CIARANLEXISS’ voice stopped her in her tracks. She skidded, sliding through the garden mulch, ending nose to nose with a nasty big dog. Big didn’t begin to describe. She backed up, hissing in heated anger.

  He growled, showing off yellowed fangs, his eyes narrowed menacingly.

  Meekal jumped between them. “Run! Shayla, run!”

  She didn’t hesitate. Three more feet and she bounded up the maple. On the wall, Shayla turned.

  Meekal morphed. “Back off, Ruff.”

  Ruff whimpered and turned tail.

  Shayla jumped to the ground and ran toward the ward border. A screeching sound filled the air. She realized the magical ward alarm sounded. A strong hand grabbed her up.

  “Hang on,” Meekal whispered, tucking her into his leather jacket and spinning in perfect tandem. They arrived in her bedroom on the chill wind of change. He waved his hand, transforming her.

  “Is the privacy charm still in place?” she whispered, voice ragged with fury.

  “Aye.”

  Fingers clenching her hair, Shayla screamed and screamed. Finally the tears flowed. “He knew. The bastard knew!” Sobs erupted. Strong arms encircled her.

  “Shush. Hey love, it’ll be okay.”

  She drew away. Hand held over her heart, Shayla tried with all her stubborn resolve to strengthen her heart against the pain. “He knew,” she repeated. “He—he has a photo of mom’s college graduation. And of mine.” She collapsed on the end of the bed and stared into Meekal’s emotional eyes. “The bastard knew. Let’s get out of here. I need some fresh air.”

  [16] Brinawell Surprise

  The clear, bright water sang, dancing over the rocks in th
e Cuyahoga River. New morning sunshine fed its energy, sending the earth’s life source into the river below.

  Shayla sighed. Standing at the apex of her life brought a commingling of emotions to the surface. Change happening at a fast rate, the fear of losing her mother’s love, pulled a mournful gasp from her. Despite her growing resolve over her destiny, she still had not faced the last issue, her mother.

  Shayla knew she only had to speak the White Lady’s name and she would materialize.

  The voices from within the rapidly flowing water soothed her. The movement of the white lacy froth enchanted in the same manner as it had charmed so many people in history. It must be the power of the glacier’s molding of the earth passed down through the ages.

  The White Lady was already there. Shayla knew this, even as a needle of doubt traveled from her mind to her heart. Omnipresence, she thought.

  A black cat brushed up against her leg, purring.

  “Bored with chasing chipmunks?”

  Arching against her, he purred, “Not really. I could sense your renewed distress.”

  Shayla sighed and leaned on the banister. The powerful waterfall expressed its majesty through sight and sound. A mist rose up from the contact point of the falls lower level. The stones across the river glistened with sparkles of diamond water drops. “Kal, I just don’t know how I’m gonna tell Mom.”

  CIARANLEXISS spoke up from her boot. “THE RANGER APPROACHES, SHAY.”

  She turned quickly.

  Meekal bounded up onto the top deck rail, eyes focused on the man coming down the wide stairs. “What do suppose he wants?”

  “Not a clue,” Shayla said, and reached to pet him. The ranger’s deep frown tipped her off to coming trouble.

  Meekal observed the interaction of the ranger and Shayla.

  Stepping down the last step, the ranger motioned to Meekal. “Pets are supposed to be on a leash,” he said with authority. His frown intensified and his jaw set with anger as he looked from Shayla to the black cat. “This is your second infraction in two days.”

  Shayla stiffened. “I realize he should be on a leash. I just got him, haven’t had a chance to buy one yet.” What she really wanted to say was that a leash would not hold Meekal. Instead, she leaned casually back on the rail, placing her booted foot on the bottom crossbar.