A Sacred Magic

by Yasmine Galenorn

  My stomach lurched. “Rape culture.”

  “You know the gods aren’t immune to stupidity. Or to cruelty.” Herne gave me a dark look, then shook his head. “That’s why I suggest that we stick together. I have no clue who else might happen to be staying in Brighid’s Castle, and the last thing we want is any sort of incident that we can’t control or fix.”

  My giddy mood took a nosedive. Herne was right. For all we knew, Brighid could have visitors who would happily harm us, and if they were powerful enough, there wouldn’t be a thing we could do about it.

  Aimee led us to a staircase, which we began to ascend. It was a side staircase, but still wide enough for four or five people to go abreast, with room to spare. She led us up to a landing, then turned, and led us up two more flights of stairs. By the time we got to a long hallway, Angel was grumbling.

  “They need elevators.”

  I nodded. Even though I wasn’t hurting, I would have happily jumped in an elevator at this point. “I totally agree.”

  Talia let out a cackle. “You two are far younger than I am, far younger. And you’re complaining about a few steps?” She wasn’t even out of breath.

  Aimee turned back to glance at us, a sneer on her face. “I apologize if this is taxing for you.” By her tone of voice, the apology was only a formality.

  “Not at all,” Herne said, giving us a look that said shut up. “We’re fine.”

  Aimee led us down to the hall to a suite of rooms. There were three. She stopped in front of the first, and turned to Herne. “The Lady Brighid bids you and your consort to stay in this room.”

  Startled, I glanced up at her. Usually when Herne and I were out of town on a job we stayed in separate rooms to keep things on a professional level. But apparently Brighid didn’t care about that. The footman closest to me, who was carrying my gear, moved forward, along with another who handed him Herne’s backpack. The footman opened the door and entered, followed by one of the maids. Aimee ushered us in with a wave of the hand.

  “If you find anything amiss, or need anything, just tell the footman or the maidservant and they will attend to your needs. I’ll be back to fetch you before lunch.”

  I paused at the door, watching as she led the others down the hall. The next suite was for Angel and Talia, and the one after that for Viktor and Yutani.

  I glanced around the room. It was beautiful and spacious, with a bath to one side and a sitting room to the other. The bed itself was a huge four-poster, draped in green and white linens, with a green velvet bedspread. There was a loveseat, a few chairs including a rocking chair, a table and four dining chairs, a desk, and a bookcase full of books in the room. A giant fireplace crackled merrily, but the room still held a chill that the fire couldn’t seem to touch.

  The maid and footman unpacked for us while I glanced into the bathroom. There was a toilet with a chain attached to it, and a large marble bathtub.

  “Does the tub have running hot water?” I asked the maid.

  She shook her head, dipping into a curtsey. “If you would care for a bath, I will have hot water brought up for you.”

  I shook my head. “Maybe later. Thank you.”

  Herne turned to the footman. “I assume that bell over there summons you?”

  The footman nodded. “Yes, your Lordship. Is there anything else we can do for you and your lady?”

  “Since I doubt it’s long till lunch, no, I think we’re fine.” Herne waved at them, and they curtsied and departed. As the door shut behind them, he turned to me.

  “Do you like the room?”

  I nodded, feeling overwhelmed by everything. “It’s beautiful. Huge. Although running water would make a nice addition.”

  Herne laughed, opening his arms. “Come give me a kiss, you greedy wench.” As he enfolded me in his embrace, I felt better. I felt protected when I was with him, especially since we were in his world, not mine. He rocked me back and forth, nuzzling my neck. Finally, after a moment, he pulled away. “While I’d like to keep this up and see where it goes, we’re probably not far off from lunch. Change into one of your nice dresses. It will be formal.”

  “You should tell the others, then. I doubt if Angel and Talia will know that.”

  He nodded, waving at me as he headed toward the door.

  “I’ll be back in a moment,” he said. “Go ahead and dress.”

  As the door closed behind him, I went over to the dresser where I found my things neatly placed. My dresses were hanging in the armoire. I had brought two—one an elaborate gown that I had bought when I figured out that I’d probably have formal occasions where the gods were involved. The other was a pretty wrap dress, warm enough for the winter but with embroidered embellishments against the teal blue. As I began to change clothes, it occurred to me just how strange my life had become. Pushing the thought from my head, I focused on changing clothes and fixing my makeup.

  Apparently I was going to join the ladies who lunch brigade.

  When we were all properly attired, Aimee escorted us down the stairs. Herne was dressed in the formal colors of his father and mother’s courts. He was wearing a pair of deep blue trousers with an ornate green tunic, cinched by a silver belt. Over that, he wore a cape. It was black with embroidered swirls of sparkling gold and silver. A bronze brooch held the cape shut, and he was wearing black leather boots, highly polished.

  He had plaited his hair back into a long French braid, entwined with silver and blue ribbons, and he wore a circlet around his head. The circlet was bronze, with oak and maple leaves vining around it, and sparkling emeralds and sapphires inset into the leaves. He looked like a king, I thought, and I felt terribly underdressed.

  He held out his hand, and I placed my fingers in his as we descended the stairs. The others were behind us, and they were all dressed to kill. Angel looked absolutely stunning in an orange sheath dress, belted at the waist with a thin brown leather belt. Talia was wearing a purple swing dress with a silver belt. Viktor and Yutani were both dressed in suits. Compared to them, I measured up, but none of us matched Herne’s extravagance.

  I leaned close to Herne, hoping Aimee wouldn’t hear me. “Are we dressed up enough? I mean the rest of us? You look great.”

  “Don’t worry,” he whispered, leaning down to nuzzle my ear. “You look beautiful, and so do Angel and Talia. Viktor and Yutani look great. Everything’s fine.” But as he said the last, a veiled look crossed his eyes, and I once again felt on edge.

  Aimee led us into a long hall, where a massive table sat ready for lunch. It was covered with a light green cloth, and china dishes and crystal goblets were placed around the table. I tried to count the number of settings but couldn’t tell how many there were from where we stood. At the end of the hall, a large seating area with lounges and sofas gathered around the fireplace. Flames crackled in the hearth, but like the fire in our bedroom, they didn’t seem to take the edge off the chill.

  It occurred to me that if all castles were this drafty, I was grateful I lived in a modern house with a thermostat that could be easily adjusted.

  There were people gathered in the seating area, and I recognized Cernunnos and Morgana, along with Brighid. Another man sat with them, obviously a god by his glamour. He had fair hair and a strong, firm jaw. He was dressed in white and gold, with a sword that looked like it was made from gold hanging from his belt. As Aimee led us over, Cernunnos and the man stood, as did Brighid and Morgana. Herne dropped to one knee and I followed suit, curtseying deeply. Behind us, the others did the same.

  “You may rise,” Brighid said.

  She was as I remembered her from over on the Olympic Peninsula, as tall as Cernunnos, with copper hair that fell in waves down to her ass. She was pale as cream, with vivid green eyes. Brighid again wore a gown of velvet, only this time it was burgundy. Last time I had seen her she’d been clad in green. This gown was gathered at the waist with a golden corset, and the ends of her sleeves draped down to the ground. Her voice echoed like chimes on t
he wind as she greeted us.

  “Welcome, my fair friends. Welcome, Lord of the Hunt. So we meet again. Events are moving in both our worlds.” She turned to me. “Ember Kearney, do you remember the promise you made to me?”

  I nodded, trying to find my voice. “Yes, Lady, I do. And I honor it. As long as my Lady Morgana has no objections.” I blinked, realizing that the promise I had given Brighid was being called in. I owed her a favor but somehow, I hadn’t really expected her to call in her marker.

  “Good. But first, we break bread and enjoy a meal together. Solemn discussion and long thoughts can wait until after luncheon. Let us eat and enjoy each other’s company, before we discuss the events to come. A last chance to be merry before we must face the future.”

  I was silent, as were the others. I glanced at Herne, but his expression was unreadable. But I knew that he already had some idea of what was going on.

  “Where are my manners?” Brighid said. “You know Cernunnos and Morgana, of course. But please allow me to introduce you to Lugh the Long Handed.”

  The man in the white and gold outfit turned to us and I felt a sudden flutter in my throat as Herne reached forward to take his hand. I could say nothing as they spoke, but as I looked up I felt Cernunnos’s gaze fixed on me. I looked at the Lord of the Forest, and he gave me a solemn stare in return. He almost looked sad, and the nerves I had been feeling over the past couple of days exploded in my stomach. I felt faint, and started to waver.

  “Come,” Cernunnos said holding out his hand to me. “Let me escort you to your chair.”

  I took his hand, my fingers dwarfed by his massive palm, and allowed Herne’s father to guide me over to the table. He was half holding me up, and as we approached the chair with my name on a card next to the plate, he leaned down to whisper in my ear.

  “I know you are afraid, and right you are to be. But I have faith in you. And so does my Lady Morgana. And our son Herne will be here to help you along the way as much as he is allowed. Don’t be afraid, Ember.”

  As I sat down, I realized that he thought Herne must have told me about what they had discussed. I started to explain to him that I didn’t know what he was talking about, but at that moment Brighid stood at the head of the table and rang a bell. The servants began to carry in lunch as we began to eat. And all I could do was sit there, wondering what I was about to face, as they filled the table with the most wonderful-smelling food in the world.

  Lunch was exquisite, I could say that much about it, with smoked pheasant and freshly roasted beef, and very thinly sliced cold ham, and salmon, freshly caught and cooked with dill and lemon. The table was covered with tureens of soup, and platters of roasted squash and potatoes, and baskets of freshly baked bread that filled the air with a yeasty smell that made my mouth water.

  Between each course the servants handed around sorbet, light and cleansing on the palate. And then, for dessert, bowls of cold stewed fruit and a rich assortments of cakes and pies. I felt as though we had just come through a lavish Thanksgiving feast by the time we finished.

  As dishes made the rounds, I kept wondering what the hell I was in for. Cernunnos had spooked me and I was antsy all the way through dinner. Morgana was engaging Talia in a discussion, while Cernunnos was talking to Herne and Viktor. Brighid was talking to Yutani, but I noticed that Lugh hadn’t spoken to anybody. Or at least, not more than a few words. I glanced over at Angel, who was sitting across the table from me. I had the feeling she was doing her best to go unnoticed. I tried to give her an encouraging grin but it came out forced, and she just stared back at me and shook her head.

  After everyone had eaten their fill, Brigid stood once again. “Shall we adjourn to the fire? We have so much to discuss.” Before anybody could say a word, she snapped her fingers and several servants came running. “Clear away the dishes and food. Bring us wine—a light honey mead.”

  The head waiter bowed. “Is there anything else, my lady?”

  “Chocolates and nuts and dried fruit.” She led us back over to the overstuffed seats. I sat down next to Herne and took the chance to whisper, “Your father thinks I know whatever it is you wouldn’t tell me. He was encouraging me not to be afraid of what I was facing.”

  Herne raised his eyebrows. “That’s my father, all right. I don’t think he believed I could keep my mouth shut, even though he ordered me to.” He motioned for me to be quiet as the servants once again gathered around us, pouring tall goblets of mead, and setting bowls of nuts and fruits and chocolates on the center table.

  I glanced at the flames. A few moments later, Brighid began.

  “Welcome to my home, and thank you all for coming. There are two subjects we need to discuss tonight, and we’ll tackle the larger one first. We’ve told Herne this. Your friend Raven already knows because of her mother and she’ll be working with you on this.”

  I perked up. This sounded interesting.

  “Do you remember Herne telling you that Corra, the great serpent oracle of Scotland, had woken?” She didn’t wait for a response. “She has warned us that an ancient evil is rising. A creature out of the ancient age of Greece has begun to stir. His name is Typhon, and he is the father of all dragons. He brings darkness and danger with him.”

  I blinked. This was something new, all right. I glanced over at Herne, who was staring solemnly at Brighid. Morgana and Cernunnos both had grave expressions on their faces. Whoever this Typhon was, this was serious business.

  “Typhon carries the powers of Tartarus in his blood, for Tartarus was his father.”

  “Who’s Tartarus?” Angel asked.

  Cernunnos glanced at her, a look of approval on his face. “Well you should ask, if you do not know. Tartarus was at the core of the world when it was born. He is one of the primordial ones, along with Chaos and Gaia. He’s the father of pain. Together with Gaia, he engendered Typhon, a monstrous entity. While dragons of today are fearsome and some are up to no good, Typhon is the worst, following in his father’s path rather than his mother’s. He fuels the dead, allowing them to escape from the Netherworld.”

  “Dragons. Okay. I wish I hadn’t asked,” Angel said, grimacing.

  I stared at the gods, dinner no longer sitting easy in my stomach. “We’re going up against a dragon?”

  “Not exactly. But Angel is correct—it’s best to fear Typhon. Do not underestimate his powers,” Brighid continued. “You will not be fighting him—you’d perish in seconds if you showed up to confront him. But when he rises, the spirit world will be in turmoil, and the dead will walk among us. They’ll break out of their graves, and I’m not talking just on the spirit realm. I’m talking zombies, and ghouls, and wights. The powers of the undead will be greatly increased. This will be a war like none other. Typhon feeds on fear, and the dead will naturally gravitate toward him, for he exists within their world.”

  “So we’ll be picking up after the collateral damage,” Viktor said.

  “Correct, you’ll be taking care of as much of the fallout as you can. So will the other agencies—Mielikki’s Arrow, Odin’s Chase, all the others. This war cannot be fought directly, and it may continue for a long, long time until the gods figure out how to drive him back into his slumber. For one thing, Tartarus will be encouraging his son, and some of the other gods who are less…caring about humans, let’s put it that way. So it will come down to god against god.”

  “So, can you clarify? You mean Typhon can affect the Netherworld?” Talia asked.

  Brighid shook her head. “No, I’m speaking of the Aether. The realm where the restless dead exist. Raven will be fighting, along with a number of other necromancers that we can pull in. So will her mother—Phasmoria—and the other Bean Sidhe ruled by the Morrígan.”

  “And there’s nothing we can do to stop him from waking up?” Talia asked. “What about Zeus and Hera? Will they help?”

  “They’ve already tried and failed. That’s when they brought this to the attention of the Council of Gods. And Corra woke at that t
ime. Typhon will wake, there is no doubt of that,” Cernunnos said.

  “But how can he be defeated if even the gods can’t touch him?” It seemed hopeless to me.

  “That’s something the Council of Gods will have to figure out. But for now, be prepared for when we call you. In other words, you’re going to be hunting around graveyards a lot.” He shook his head, looking rather disgusted.

  “A question,” Angel asked. “Will Typhon be able to influence vampires? Are they at risk for being caught up in this?”

  Morgana frowned. “That’s actually a good question. What do you think?” She turned to Cernunnos.

  He pursed his lips, thinking. After a moment, he shrugged. “I don’t know. If Typhon can affect the vampires, that puts the entire Vampire Nation at risk, as well as the human community. The vampires have integrated themselves fully into society. I can’t imagine what would happen if Typhon were suddenly able to exert his influence over them.”

  That silenced us all. The thought that the entire Vampire Nation could be affected by this was terrifying. Cernunnos was right in that the integration of the vampires into society had been so successful that if we had to somehow pull at the threads, so to speak, the process would be extremely messy and dangerous. I wasn’t even sure it was possible.

  “Do you have any idea of how long we have until Typhon’s active?” Viktor asked.

  Brighid shook her head. “Not long, that we know, but we can’t pinpoint a time. All we know is that he’s reaching a conscious state and when he does, he’ll let loose on anything and everyone that stands in his way. He’ll be hungry for energy and since he feeds off fear, we think he’ll instigate as much havoc as he can.”

  “It’s because of this that we must take care of the matter of Nuanda as soon as possible.” Herne turned to me. “This concerns you, my love.” He looked back at Cernunnos. “She doesn’t know anything yet. I did as you asked and kept silent.”