Celtic Mist: The Calm Before the Storm (Battle Raven Series)

by Isabelle Stewart

  Taking in a breath Lara stood back and examined the armoire. A carving of a large phoenix was engraved on the doors, the symbol of Badb’s lover. Not certain if she wanted to open it she walked over and placed the dagger on the desk. Her hand ached as she opened it and an impression of the dagger was on her palm. The handles on the armoire were carved talons of the phoenix.

  Pausing for a second she placed her hands on the handles and pulled. The doors easily opened and she stood speechless looking at what was inside. A beautiful white gown. From behind Lara heard an “Oh my.” she turned to see Kiara walk the rest of the way through the hidden door.

  Kiara picked up the candle off the desk and brought it over to where Lara was standing. The light glittered off of the dress and created a prism of color around the room.

  “I believe that Badb had more plans for her lover than we knew.” Kiara said.

  Lara reached out and touched the stones. “Diamonds.”

  “Try it on.” Kiara said

  Lara looked at her in disbelief. “What? No.”

  “Why not? It is meant to be worn. Badb never had the chance and you do.” Kiara lifted the dress off of it’s ornately carved hanger and held it up to Lara. “Try it on.”

  Taking the dress Lara looked it over. “It might fit. Shut the door and you can help me with the buttons.” Lara changed into the dress and frowned.

  “What is the problem?” Kiara asked confused.

  “It fits almost too well.” Lara said as she leaned from side to side looking over the fit.

  “It is as if it was made for you.” Kiara said wiping a tear away.

  Lara looked down at the dress wishing for a mirror and remembered the one in the bedroom. “Could you go lock the bed room door? Just in case. I don’t want Aodhan to see.”

  “Of course.” Kiara said as she quickly went into the bed room.

  Patiently waiting Lara stood still until Kiara gave the ok. She walked into the room as Kiara was lighting the last candle. She walked up to the vanity and looked into the mirror. It was a perfect fit and she couldn’t ask for a more beautiful wedding dress. She smoothed the dress and examined the diamonds on the bodice.

  A knock at the door sounded and someone tried to open it. They heard Kedryn and Aodhan on the other side.

  “That was good thinking.” Kiara said and unlocked the door as Lara hurried back to the secret room and shut the door.

  The door slid open and Kiara walked through. “Both are wondering why you are hiding. I wasn’t sure if you wanted to tell them about the dress and told them to wait.”

  “Thank you.” Lara said as Kiara started the process of

  unbuttoning the back of the dress and Lara quickly changed placing the dress back into the armoire. She examined the inside and found a pair of pure white shoes and a box that was very similar to the one Eion had given her only it was solid gold. She picked up the box and placed it on the desk while Kiara shut the armoire. Hearing a click Kiara tested the handles and they would not budge. They walked out and Lara picked up her pack placing it on the bed and started to pull out some breakfast. She gave everyone food and motioned for them to come into the hidden room.

  Lara took Aodhan’s hand. “I opened the armoire and got a surprise.”

  “What would that be?” Aodhan asked.

  “A wedding dress.” She couldn’t help but grin at him.

  “Truly?” Aodhan walked over to the armoire and tried to open it.

  Lara walked up to him and tugged on his arm. “No you don’t. You can not see the dress before the wedding it is bad luck.”

  He looked at her and grinned. “I love you my heart.”

  “I love you my heart.” Lara said and wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down into a kiss ignoring the fact that Kedryn and Kiara were in the room with them.

  “What is this?” Kedryn asked as he hefted up the gold box Lara had found.

  Reluctantly unwrapping her arms from Aodhan’s neck she kissed him one more time and walked over to Kedryn who handed her the box.

  “This looks to be the same as the other.” Lara said as she pressed down on the emerald eyes of the raven on top and the lid lifted open.

  As she carefully lifted the lid, Kedryn held a candle close so all could see inside. Lara pulled out a necklace that was a tier of diamonds and two large teardrop earrings. Lastly Lara pulled out a small velvet pouch. Tipping the pouch into her hand two bands fell into it. Turning to Aodhan Lara handed him the rings and he raised his eyebrow at her.

  “It seems your ancestor was planning a wedding. I wonder if this is how her sisters found out about the seriousness of her feelings for a mortal man.” Aodhan said as he handed the rings back to her.

  Lara placed the rings and jewelry back into the box. “It seems so.”

  Kedryn looked at his mom’s hand. “You two do not have rings except for mom’s engagement ring. How about using those? I think many great grandma Badb and grandpa Nolan would like that idea.” Kedryn said

  Kiara stepped up and took Kedryn’s hand. “That is a wonderful idea.” and realized she got caught up in the moment of Aodhan and Lara and quickly released his hand. Kedryn gave her a quick grin and crossed his arms in front of him.

  “What do you think?” Aodhan asked.

  “I think she would love the idea.” Lara said

  “Now that it is settled I believe we should look for the portal. Where should we start?” Aodhan asked as he took the leather scroll that held the blueprints back onto the desk.

  They examined the map and Kiara pointed to the small throne room. “Would it not be in the throne room?”

  “That would make too much sense.” Lara said

  “Lets check it out first anyway to eliminate the possibility.” Kedryn said.

  Lara picked up her dagger and followed them out closing the hidden door. The map led them down the hall and when they passed the armory Lara sensed a touch of magic. She paused and then followed the rest around another corner where two large doors stood ajar. She could feel the magic in the room roll out around her. Large smooth round marble pillars lead up to three thrones. In between each pillar were large marble and bronze braziers. Aodhan and Kedryn took their torches and walked on each side lighting them all.

  Lara stopped at the foot of the three long steps leading up to the thrones. She could feel the dagger vibrate at her side. “Stay here.”

  Lara took Aodhan’s torch and lowered it to the stairs. She lightly stepped onto each step testing them and walked up to the thrones. Each throne bore the symbol of each sister. Lifting up the torch higher towards the wall runes shined in the light forming an arch on the wall.

  “Seems safe enough.” Lara said as she turned to the others.

  Kiara walked up to the runes and reached out her hand. Lara felt a strange jolt and before she could say anything Kiara touched a rune. A strong breeze blew past them. A large crack sounded with a burst of what felt like energy knocking Kiara back against a throne. Lara flew up

  in the air landing on the edge of the bottom step. Aodhan and Kedryn flew in the air landing flat on there backs. The room went black.

  Kedryn groaned and strained to sit up. He rubbed the back of his head and felt around for his torch. Slowly standing he looked around. “Apparently that was not a good idea.”

  “No it was not.” Aodhan said as Kedryn helped him up.

  They heard a groan and Aodhan walked up to Lara who was on her side. He leaned down to her and she pushed him away.

  “Go see to Kiara I think she is worse off than I am. Kedryn please relight the fires.” Lara said as Kedryn helped her sit up.

  A blinding bluish white light pulsated from behind the thrones making Lara and Kedryn look away. The bright light filled the throne room for more minutes than Lara could count. The light faded away and Kiara appeared from behind the thrones. Aodhan leaned up against her as they walked down the steps.

  “You are hurt.” Aodhan said as he sat down with a loud thud by he
r side.

  “I’ve had worse. Just a couple of ribs.” Lara said and Aodhan stretched out his hand. Lara gently pushed his hand away. “No. You need to rest.” she motioned to Kedryn. “Take him to your room. Kiara and I will stay here.”

  Kedryn gave his mom a look “Just be careful.”

  “Hey. It’s me.” Lara said and stood trying not to cringe at the pain and waived them off.

  “Is this wise?” Kiara asked.

  “Lets just not touch the runes this time.” Lara said

  Kiara shook her head. “Apologies, I moved without thinking.” she noticed Lara holding her side as she walked up the steps to the throne. “You should get some rest too.”

  Lara ignored her worries. “They are written in the old War Goddess language. Cha d’dhùin doras nach d’fhosgail doras. Fuil. Análú tarrthála.” Lara said as she rearranged her hair.

  “No door ever closed, but another opened. Blood. Kiss of life.” Kiara said and looked to Lara who’s breathing had become more shallow. “You look pale.”

  “I’m ok.” Lara sunk to the floor. “Maybe not.”

  Kiara helped her up. “I’m taking you back. If this gets worse Aodhan will have to heal you.”

  “He is too weak.” Lara closed her eyes trying to take in shallow breaths.

  “We shall see.” Kiara said and she gently led her down the hall to their room and insisted that Lara lay on the bed. “I will see to Aodhan.”

  The door opened and Kedryn came in and lit a couple of candles in the room. “How are you holding up?”

  “Nothing that I can’t handle. Probably just a couple of cracked ribs.”

  “Will you be ok for a while? Aodhan is asleep. Kiara had cracked her head open and nearly twisted her neck. I have not seen a healer this drained since Kaylee.”

  Lara shifted and let out a moan. “I can wait. I think there may be some aspirin still in the pack. Could you find them for me and some water?”

  “Sure.” Kedryn said as he looked for her pack and then after a few moments pulled out the bottle of aspirin. He found her canteen and held her up so she could drink.

  “Thanks. You two stay out of trouble while Aodhan and I rest.”

  “Trouble? Who me?” Kedryn gave her a lop sided grin and bowed.

  Lara tried not to laugh and willed herself to sleep. As Lara and Aodhan rested Kedryn talked Kiara into going back into the throne room.

  “Do you really think that this is a good idea?” she asked.

  “No harm ever came from just looking.” Kedryn said as he made sure all of the fires were still lit. “Besides, we know now not to touch them.”

  Kiara hit his arm. “Ouch” he said and she laughed. Her laugh echoed in the room and it was followed by an eerie sigh. Both startled they looked around and saw nothing. Kedryn walked to the throne room door and looked to the hall seeing no movement. He walked back to where Kiara was standing stalk still.

  “Do you suppose there are spirits here?” She glanced around.

  “If you believe in that sort of thing and I wouldn’t be surprised if there were.” he said

  “It would not be of the sisters. Theirs would be in your realm. Right?” Kiara said nervously looking around taking Kedryn’s arm as he walked up to her.

  “Who knows.” Kedryn said as he looked up at the arching runes. “No door ever closed, but another opened. Blood. Kiss of Life. What do you suppose that means?”

  A light breeze blew by them and Kiara shivered pressing herself against him. “I believe we should wait.”

  He looked around and the firelight flickered. “I believe you are right. Besides my mom is the one who is the best at solving puzzles.”

  Kedryn led her out of the throne room and around the hallway. Even with the firelight it seemed like the creepiest and slowest walk back to their rooms. Relief shown on their faces as the bedroom doors came into sight. Kiara squeezed him and kissed his cheek.

  “Wait until Aodhan is rested enough to heal your mother. Then we can find the kitchen and have a meal.”

  “Will do.” Kedryn said and pulled her into a kiss

  Kiara let out a muffled protest but did not push away until he backed off. With her face beet red she spun around and nearly sprinted in to the bedroom. Kedryn watched her and stifled a laugh. Shrugging he turned and walked into the room.

  When Kiara entered the room she looked to the bed and Lara was not there. She let out a long sigh and headed straight to the secret room and found her sitting at the desk.

  “You really should be resting.” Kiara tisked at her.

  “If I was resting I would not have found something interesting.” Lara said and cringed as she shifted in the seat and looked up to see Aodhan walking in.

  “You really should learn to slow down.” Aodhan said.

  “Can’t, my head would explode.” she said letting out a laugh and then grimaced as she shifted in the chair.

  Aodhan kneeled beside her and placed his hands over her ribs. A healing light filled the room. When he was done he stood and looked her over. Aodhan leaned against the edge of the desk and his knees gave out. Lara carefully stood and helped him up.

  “You need more rest.”

  “I believe a good meal will help.” he said running a shaky hand through his hair.

  “A room to eat in besides the bedrooms would be nice too.” Kiara said and walked out of the bedroom to grab their food provisions.

  Kedryn followed her out to give his mom and Aodhan some time alone. He started to pick up the food she was pulling out. “I should apologize.”

  Kiara handed him a bottle of water. “If I did not want to kiss you I would not have let you.”

  “What about the age thing?” he asked and nearly dropped the food she quickly handed to him without answering. He ignored the fact that she did not answer him.

  Aodhan and Lara walked out and she shut the hidden panel behind them. Kedryn noticed Aodhan was deathly pale as his mom led him to the bed. Aodhan sat down on the edge and placed his head in his hands.

  “Lets find the kitchen. Make sure you grab the coffee.” Lara said.

  “I need to eat.” Aodhan said as he stood.

  “You need to rest.” Lara said giving him a concerned look.

  Kiara walked up to him. “Lie down. It can be brought to you.”

  “Nonsense.” Aodhan said as he swayed a bit and headed to the door. Kedryn blocked his path. “At least lean on me so you don’t fall again.”

  “If you insist.” Aodhan let Kedryn support him as they walked down the hall.

  They walked down the hall and past the throne room with its doors still ajar and the fires still lit. Lara could have sworn she saw something move around the thrones but dismissed it as a trick of the light. Kiara stopped holding up the map and walked a bit further. She turned to a door and opened it. Kedryn stepped through first and lit sconces on the walls. Kiara immediately walked over to the sink where a pump faucet was in place. She tugged on it and it seemed to be stuck. Kedryn walked over and hit it on top and tugged it loose. Black sludge and brown water started to run out and Kiara gave him a look of disappointment. He pointed back to the water that had started to run clear.

  “Thank God.” Kiara said and rummaged through the drawers on the sides and found some cloth and immediately started to clean the large table in the center. Kedryn picked up a cloth and placed it under the water. He walked over to the table and helped clean off the chairs.

  Aodhan sat down and leaned back with his eyes closed. Lara placed a water skin in his hands and he took a sip.

  “Coffee would help.” Lara said

  Aodhan looked at her through slit eyes. “Is that your cure all for everything?”

  “That, chocolate and baths.” Lara said as she walked over to what looked to be a cast iron stove. “You don’t suppose?” she said and she pulled opened the two doors and reached inside pulling out some ancient but usable wood. She looked around and realized that they had forgotten the tea pot from her pac
k.

  “I will be back.” she said and stopped by Aodhan giving him a peck on the cheek. “Eat something.”

  “Yes Maam.” he said and picked up the salted pork Kiara had placed on a plate in front of him.

  Lara walked out of the kitchen and into the torch lit corridor. When she passed by the throne room a shadow caught her eye again. Taking out her dagger she slid it apart and entered the throne room. She was not going to play the games of whoever or whatever was in the there. Walking in with daggers ready she carefully started walking towards the thrones and paused at each pillar looking past the fires. As Lara reached the thrones there was still nothing that appeared to be out of the ordinary. A slight cold breeze blew by her and she shivered.

  “I know that you are here.” she said slowly spinning around examining the whole room.

  A shadow appeared and slowly made its way to her. Lowering her daggers she knew they would have no effect. This was not the first spirit she had encountered. She remembered something. The daggers were made of iron. According to the Winchesters iron works an she might just be able to test that TV theory out now. Lara raised her daggers into a defensive position as the shadow reached the first step.

  “That is far enough.” she said and watched as the shadow slowly turned from gray into a white mist and the outline of a man slowly took shape.

  “Badb, my love. Is that you?” the spirit asked and floated high above the first step looking her over.

  Lara lowered the daggers. “No. I am her descendant. Who are you?”

  “I am Nolan. Descendant? Please tell me. What has happened to her?” he floated up to her with a look of distress on his face. “I must find my love.”

  “She turned into a banshee in my realm.”

  Lowering his head the spirits form started to fade. “Then she will not return.”

  “You expected her to?”

  “That I did. She was going through the portal to trap her sisters. After she was to return to bring me back. Descendant?” he floated up to her and slowly looked her over. The ghost looked even more sad. “She found another in your realm.”