Eddie shrugged. “I’m easy. As long as you’re with me, I don’t care where we are. And you’re still nervous about your mother’s magic. It can’t all be sex related. Let’s go, see what we can learn.”
Jackie nodded. “All right.”
Toryn held his tongue. Eddie seemed far more accepting of everything than her. Used to be the other way around, but Jackie did have a couple major shocks. Her parents, who were thought to be dead, were alive, and now she was a princess. And Isa could help her with that side of things.
Chapter 31
Tempting as it was to slap that smirk off Xander’s face, Isa didn’t. She stared a moment, then said, “One thing. We need to stay in the room Reance takes us to until we start the spells. Saressa is hiding in the volcano above the castle.”
Xander frowned, then nodded. “Okay, so you know where she’s at?”
“Yeah, I can see what she’s doing. I’m not sure why. I couldn’t before, but now…I don’t know. She’s perched above it. Yesterday, she was trying to rebuild the castle herself, but it wasn’t responding. The dragons didn’t have answers for her. But if we show up where she can see us, we may have to stop to put her and the dragons down and I wasn’t sure how you all felt about that.”
Laughing, Xander shook his head. “And why don’t you want to put them down now?”
“Oh, I do. Though, ensuring the realms survive seems more important than my revenge, which will come sooner or later.” Isa glanced at her father, who managed a grim smile.
“Right, should have thought of that,” Xander muttered. “Then I’m ready if you all are.”
Isa looked at Reance. “You had a plan on where to start, right?”
“Of course.” He came around and opened the portal into a dark room. Not a sliver of light. Reance stepped through and whispered a word. Torches along the walls lit up.
Isadora followed with Toryn on her heels. The air was stuffy, a breeze coming from the portal. “It’s sealed off right now. The tunnels collapsed, but if you’re right, we should be able to restructure the building.”
“I need your memories of the layout,” Isa answered, as the rest of the group joined them.
Reance dropped his hands with a smile. “Of course.”
Isa touched his temples and closed her eyes, following the memories as he ran and played with Saressa through the tunnels, and up into the castle.
Releasing Reance, Isa stepped back and turned to Xander. “I’m going to start by warding the entire castle foundation and walls. When I give you the signal, I need your help solidifying the walls and stone. That doable?”
“We can try,” Xander offered. He didn’t look too confident.
Isa needed backup and had a feeling once he saw what she was doing, he’d be able to help where needed.
Without warning, she started the spells. Toryn and Lonny immediately jumped in to assist with the wards, without her mentioning it, but she’d seen them work together to create wards enough times she hoped they would join in. Aeryana and Marielle also fused their magic to the wards.
Xander started to say something, but Reance hushed him and added his voice. Xander finally joined in while Isa finished the wards.
She looked around the room and moved to the tunnel leading out. It had collapsed long ago. “Going to be moving as I work, so watch for what needs to be done,” she explained.
Putting her hands on either side of the entrance, she started chanting. Light glowed through her skin as she funneled energy into the castle.
There were a lot of shifting and grinding sounds as things moved and resituated.
* * * *
Xander stared wide-eyed at the princess. She did as promised, rearranging the structure with ease. And he even saw what she meant by him needing to help solidify the stone.
Isadora started walking through the tunnels, trailing her fingers along either side of the cracked walls. Dirt and pebbles shifted into place.
Xander put his hands out, following close behind her. Isadora’s magic rolled off her in waves, a heady scent drawing him closer, tempting him to push his luck.
He resisted, knowing Toryn walked inches behind him.
Xander fused the walls, amazed by the fact they smoothed out to look seamless. They probably were.
This woman was a force to be reckoned with. Hopefully he hadn’t tested her too far? She wasn’t pleased with him, any idiot could see that. He hoped he could make that up to her. Somehow.
How the hell did Toryn land a woman like her? Bastard bounced from one bed to another for as long as he could remember, never showing signs of love. And then her. Then again, shit, Xander would change his ways for her too.
Isa led them through a castle she’d only seen in ancestral memories and her father’s head, putting it back together stronger than it was before, with minimal help from him.
She could have probably done it on her own.
Simply amazing.
By the time they made it to the throne room, which was still collapsed when she stepped into the open air, the sun blazing down from above, he started to worry.
Then the walls lifted up, moving into place, the domed ceiling rising into the air and settling into place with a symphony of noises.
Xander placed his hands on the floor and filled the last of it with his magic.
A radiant smile greeted him when Isadora turned back. “Thank you.” Her emerald gaze flashed to Marielle. “If I create a fountain, will you infuse some of your magic into it?”
“My pleasure.”
“A fountain?” Xander asked. “On the edge of a volcano? Where they had to bring water in?”
Her eyes sparkled as she moved to the center of the throne room. Splaying her hands out on the floor, she reshaped the stone, creating a crystal fountain with streaks of red through the clear stone. Next thing he knew, water spewed from the top, falling into the basin below.
Marielle’s head tipped as she stepped forward, pushing magic into the fountain, protecting the castle in a way.
* * * *
Power pulsed from the castle below. The elements came to life, swirling. She couldn’t see it yet, but felt magic flowing from the ruined castle.
Saressa slipped down the steep trail. She hit a wall of nothing and was thrown back. Sparks lit up the barrier before her.
Pain ripped through her as the ground rumbled and the castle shook. The sun was blotted out by a shadow, then she was hefted into the air. Gebiet had hold of her as he flew her away from the castle and volcano.
“What’s happening?” Saressa hissed.
Gebiet snorted. “Something I didn’t foresee. The castle is being reclaimed, but not only by Reance. I feel all the elements bristling through the castle. The wards will prevent you from entering, and the volcano is no longer ours. We were forced out.”
“Isadora. Only a Storm Mistress could manage such a spell.”
“Perhaps, though I have a feeling we’ll be barred from the major realms. You have another plan?”
“Land. I’ll take us to the house you found me in. From there, we can figure out where to go.”
* * * *
Reance looked up at the sky as Isa and Aeryana worked their magic to keep a breeze rolling through the castle, cooling the dry desert air.
An earth and fire dragon flew by, leaving the volcano above. Gebiet and Kasai, probably carrying Saressa away. Torn, he watched them flee. Before long there would be no safe place left in Faery for them, and there would be no stopping Isadora once she found her.
Right now, Isadora was helping to ensure all four realms were protected and united. Something he hadn’t envisioned. Was it because he didn’t realize it was a possibility?
Fly away, Sister. If you’re wise, you’ll give up your quest for power and revenge. Though I suspect I’ll mourn your loss soon.
He turned back to find Isadora approaching him.
“And my part?”
She sm
iled. “The torches along the halls will always be lit, with a little magic from you.”
“And what will they burn?”
“Magic. The flames won’t consume anything. Nor will they add heat.” She started her magic and the torches lit up with a whoosh.
He added his magic, ensuring they continued to burn bright.
Isa finished the spell and swayed on her feet.
Toryn caught her, turning her to face him. “You okay, Princess?”
A smile lit her face. “It worked.”
He swept his fingers through her hair and laid a kiss on her lips. “It did. You okay for three more castles?”
“I promised, didn’t I?”
He grunted. “You did, but if you needed a rest, I think they’d understand.”
“Not the prickly one.” She leaned back and opened a portal to the Earth Kingdom.
“If you need rest, I won’t argue. After what we just witnessed, I get it,” Xander offered, his entire demeanor relaxed now.
“Nope. We’re doing yours, then stop for a snack, or lunch, then we can continue on to the Water Realm. Unless you have an argument.”
Xander walked toward her, studying Isa. “You’re sure you’re okay for another?”
“Won’t be as much work as this one. And the sooner we seal them from all, the sooner Saressa flees Faery.”
“Don’t overtax yourself because I’m an ass,” Xander warned.
Isa smirked. “I’m not. Though you were the one most concerned, I figure it’s best to get this portion out of the way.”
Huffing in exasperation, Xander stepped through the portal. He seemed to understand his mistake at least. Everyone else seemed clearly impressed.
Isa followed with Toryn at her side. Reance came next.
Chapter 32
Stubborn as always, Isa took a look around the abandoned Castle of Stone. No one had set foot in it since before Henroyld’s death. Though the Fire Kingdom had been empty since Saressa won the great battle between fire and water over a century before.
Toryn admired her determination, though sometimes he wished he could drag her back home, fuck her silly, and let her rest. Maybe after this kingdom, but she had a point.
Leaving any of the realms open for too long would give Saressa an opening they couldn’t afford. Though no one would force Isadora to push past what she could manage.
She turned to Xander. “I assume you know the castle the best. Where do we start?”
He paused a moment. “Other than the west tower, the structure is sound. The warding we need. And if we’re all helping each other, a lava moat might be nice, if that’s a possibility. Shoot, water? Uh, there’s the underground stream that feeds water through the castle. As for air…I don’t know.”
Isa spun slowly, taking everything in. Toryn loved watching ideas dance through her eyes. “The lanterns could have constant lighting with my mother’s sparks.”
Aeryana smiled. “Perfect.”
“Is there anything you can’t do?” Xander asked.
Isa snorted. “Keep my books straight for my bar.”
“A bar?”
“Like an inn,” Toryn provided. “Music, dancing, and lots of alcohol.”
“You own a bar?”
Isa nodded. “Though I don’t run the business side of things. I tend to make a mess of the books.”
Xander chuckled. “Well, you’re impressive either way. Come, I’ll show you the tower. And perhaps, if you can manage, I think I know what my touch should be.”
“Of course.” Isa followed Xander.
The more the brute interacted with Isa, the more he fell under her spell. Much like most people. At the bottom of the tower, Isa looked up at the crumbling wall.
She placed her hands against the wall and started the process to repair the damage. The fallen stone rose up, swirling through the air to fit itself back together.
Xander nudged Toryn. “You’re one lucky man.”
“Trust me, I know.”
Drawing a breath, Xander placed his hands against the wall and fused his energy. The rose bushes climbing the walls surged, growing stronger. Flowers filled the windows.
Isa stepped back, her head cocking as she looked up, following the windows. Even the top windows had roses peeking through. She turned and winked at Toryn before continuing on.
* * * *
Reance opened the portal to the Water Realm, and the Castle Below. Isa stepped through and walked to the side as she took in the sights. Beautiful marble rose up. Coral decorated various things. There was a pool in the center of the throne room.
Immediately, Isa looked around, trying to figure out how the elements could be involved. Reance touched her shoulder. “Start with the wards. Saressa doesn’t know how to get here, but if she found out, it may prove bad.”
Isa dipped her head and walked to Marielle. Then she knelt to place her fingertips into the water and started casting. Marielle joined her with Xander, Reance, and Aeryana. The wards snapped into place.
The Water Kingdom was so much more interesting than she’d considered. Well, this Water Castle. The other was something out of a nightmare. And maybe it wasn’t once upon a time, but Saressa’s hatred had warped the entire landscape.
It made Isa want to know why the Fire Realm was a desert.
Jackie smiled. “I have an idea.” She looked at her mother. “If you don’t mind.”
“Of course not,” Marielle said.
Jackie walked to Isa. “There’s this room of pools and tubs, we could do everything there. Make it interactive.”
“Lead the way.”
Jackie linked her arm through Isa’s and leaned over to whisper, “You’re my idol.”
Isa giggled. “You were able to play all week. It’s my honeymoon and Toryn has me training, and my dumb ass volunteered to strengthen all four castles.”
“Overachiever. Please tell me you two are having amazing sex every chance you get.”
Nodding, she whispered, “Top of the Eiffel Tower.”
“Oh, those portals sure are handy, aren’t they?”
“Yes, they are.” She glanced over her shoulder at Toryn.
His heated gaze made her want to stop everything, drag him into a room, and take a ride. Of course, she still needed to finish up with two more castles.
In the room Jackie mentioned, the walls were made of coral and went straight up to the dazzling dome up above. There were a variety of pools. And in moments Isa had a plan.
* * * *
Definitely friend and ally. Whether or not she realized it, Isadora was binding Aeryana, Reance, Xander, and herself together. Marielle continued to be impressed by the princess. She had no design on ruling, and she was making sure those chosen by the Elder Guardians could ensure peace throughout all of Faery.
And she wanted to stay on Earth, away from it all. A concept she only understood after falling for a human mage, and then conceiving Jackie.
Maybe Isa would change her mind about where she wanted to live. Then again, there were things about Earth Marielle missed.
Isa and Jackie enchanted the pools. Reance heated some of them, and Aeryana created the equivalent of bubble jets in several of the tubs. Xander formed a tunnel that led from the outer water into the courtyard and into the throne room. There had always been submerged tunnels with rooms for the underwater creatures who needed or preferred to stay submerged.
Before anyone could suggest she rest, Isa opened a portal back to the Air Kingdom. And the interesting thing, she seemed more energetic, rejuvenated even.
Marielle touched Aeryana’s shoulder. “She seems to be drawing strength as she weaves the magic.”
“She’s embracing parts of her magic she hadn’t yet.” Aeryana smiled. “And it helps she doesn’t have the preconceived ideas we were trained with. I’ve seen her use air in ways that baffle me. If she can imagine it, she can do it.”
“News will spread about
what she’s done today. People will come for her.”
“She’s a Storm Mistress. The secret has already spread. People will challenge her. Unfortunately, I can’t do anything about my daughter’s power. Though, I think she even gained Xander as an ally.”
“Feel sorry for him. He missed his chance.”
Aeryana laughed. “Toryn was always meant for her. Reance knew it before Isadora was even conceived. And one day, Xander will find his queen.”
* * * *
One last castle. Isa stood in the hall before the throne room, but faced the portal. Once her mother came through, she smiled. “I want to cast the wards from here to ensure Saressa can’t see anything in the throne room.”
Reance nodded. “We’ve been at this for hours. Still think she’s watching?”
Isa shrugged. “Doesn’t hurt to be careful. Unless there is something important about where we start.”
He shook his head, a smile on his face. “No, there’s not. Go ahead. And might I suggest Toryn take you somewhere special afterward?”
Toryn’s head tipped. “What were you thinking?”
“The oasis. The hut is still there.”
Toryn pulled Isa into his arms. “I think you’ll like it.”
Her eyes lit up. “All right. First, I have a little more to do.”
Isa turned to her mother and took her hands. She started the spell to ward the palace, and Reance, Marielle, Xander all touched her shoulders. Power flared and popped. Gold dust floated out, drifting to every surface before blowing away, and out the windows, through the air.
Reance chuckled. “There hasn’t been a spell like that in eons. The lands have been reconnected. The scars of war can heal now.”
Isa turned to her father, her head tipped. “What do you mean?”
“There are places in the realms where nothing grows from the devastation caused by various wars and events. The land can mend.”
Twisted Bonds Page 21