by Dana Davis
“She has been waiting all day to show you that,” Jakon said. “Magic has truly been restored, Nobles. Several children are already showing signs. Small magic so far, nothing dangerous.”
Kepriah got to her knees, the scepter floating beside her, and took the child by the arms. Her hands tingled when she touched the tender flesh. “She is talented.” The girl giggled again and Kepriah offered a stern look. “No more practicing magic until you are properly trained. Understand?”
The child frowned. “But—”
“You heard First Noble, Shiam,” a woman called.
The little girl looked over her shoulder at the woman, who gave her a pointed gaze. When she turned back to Kepriah, she uttered, “Yes, Noble. No practicing magic until I am trained.”
“Good girl.” Kepriah released the child. She swiped the moist cloth across her face, neck, arms, and hands to remove sweat and grime.
After Larisa and Patrice had washed up, the children took the rags and ran off. Kepriah watched a moment, then stood and took in a long breath. She had not thought much on the implications of returning magic to Selenea, other than to save the world. Every person had the potential for some magic, especially now, though no one would be as talented as the Trine. She studied the little girl, who now sat playing with three other children. Little ones were especially open to new ideas, which was probably why some already demonstrated powers. Perhaps magic would start with them and get passed down to future generations.
Another woman stepped close with a baby in her arms. This one tiny, less than a month old from what Larisa, who now stood at her side, uttered in her mind. “Please, Noble,” the woman said. “Will you bless my child? She cried and cried until I brought her out here today.” She held the infant out to Kepriah, and innocent, dark eyes peered from beneath a blanket. Patrice and Larisa moved close.
Larisa’s voice sounded in Kepriah’s mind, Well? What are you waiting for? Take the baby, Kepriah. She will not bite. She has no teeth, yet.
Very funny. What in hell and Hollow do I know about babies? But she took the bundle. As soon as she had the infant in her arms, a distinct flutter tapped her senses. Her body tingled and she looked at her sisters. The magic felt different than with the previous child, broader and stronger, yet murky.
Larisa reached out and placed a hand on the baby. Nyanan.
Are you certain, Larisa?
As sure as I am standing here. This is the future Nyanan.
Patrice stepped closer and inspected the child. Worry caressed Kepriah’s senses for just a moment, but her sister relaxed when she realized this was just an infant. Kepriah studied the babe’s eyes, windows to the soul, and realized this was not Honor. Nyanan, yes, but a different soul, with none of the memories of the previous one. Honor could have been reborn by now, maybe in the last day or two, or she could still be in transition between death and her new life, but she was no longer Nyanan.
Honor is still preparing for rebirth. Kepriah turned to Larisa when she heard the woman’s thoughts. Her blonde sister had a hand on the talisman that hung around her neck. Far from here.
Your talisman connects you to the dead. That thought unsettled Kepriah. Larisa was about life, a healer.
Yes, but not in a troublesome way. I will be able to use this power to help the dying, to soothe them, on their journey to the Guardian. Do not worry, sisters, I am at peace with it. I understand the cycle of life must include death. I will heal those I can and comfort those I cannot. She smiled.
Patrice nodded and turned to the mother, who was oblivious to the silent conversation. “She’s beautiful.”
The woman beamed. “You are very kind, Noble.”
“We give our blessing to this child,” Kepriah said to the mother, relieved both her sisters accepted their Trine powers. “But she is special, gifted. She will live in the palace.” I do not want Nyanan out of my sight, infant or not. I will not let this babe turn out like the last one. She felt her sisters’ approval. “Royal Damon will find an apartment for you and your family. And work if you need it.” She handed the baby back to the mother.
“Thank you, Nobles. Oh, thank you!” She curtseyed and fled to a group of women, who cooed over her proclaimed special infant.
You going to tell her who her baby is? Patrice’s voice said.
Not yet. Then another thought hit Kepriah like an anvil to the stomach. Jabber shit on a hot day! We will need to start a school. We need rules and laws concerning magic.
My thoughts, exactly, her sisters responded in unison.
Kepriah stepped to her brother. “Damon, we will need to start a school. Children need to learn proper magic techniques, and new laws will have to be instated for everyone.” We will get a list made at once. Everyone who yields magic.
Yes. Patrice smiled. We’ll be the magic police. Her silent laughter rang out in Kepriah’s head. Can’t have people going around wreaking havoc with spells and such, attacking each other when they get pissed off.
Point taken. This magic would create an entirely new set of challenges. So much for taking up my warrior ways again. She held out a hand to her scepter, which had been obediently floating nearby, and it slapped against her palm. Strange sensations had crept up on her senses, not counting the vibration of magic all around her. She felt the people, those who could touch magic and those who could not. One odd sensation came from Gail, a tickle in Kepriah’s belly, as though she had a tiny worm squirming around in there.
Nice image. Patrice joined her. But I feel it, too.
Larisa stepped to the new royal couple and gazed down on them. One hand rested on her talisman. “What exactly—oh—I see. Consumed your marriage already, did you?” Gail flushed and smiled.
“It was our wedding night,” Damon protested behind a grin. “You three were busy, so we decided to take advantage of the situation just in case Selenea—well—in case—”
“In case we failed,” Kepriah said.
“Yes. No offense, big sister.”
Larisa turned raised brows to Kepriah. “We are going to be aunties.” Larisa’s gaze went back to Gail and she smiled. “The royal couple is with child.”
The two royals exchanged glances and broke out in laughter, while cheers erupted from those close enough to hear. Murmurs followed as the news made its way through the crowd. Jakon stood nearby with a huge grin on his face and nodded in approval.
Patrice sighed and Kepriah studied her youngest sister.
“Are you all right, Patrice?” Larisa said, voicing Kepriah’s thought.
Their Earth sister raised a brow. “I had a vision. As we were returning.”
This worried Kepriah. “A vision? I did not see anything.”
“It was meant for me. I saw my brother, married and with children. I saw my parents as grandparents. They were happy again.” A melancholy look crossed her face for a moment before she smiled. “That’s what the Fates want me to know, that I can stop worrying. That life will move on.” She took in and let out a long breath filled with relief.
“I am very glad, Patrice.” Larisa caressed her arm. “And we do not know what our next lives will bring. Perhaps you will see them again.”
“I believe that now. And I have two sisters who will remind me if I forget.” Patrice smiled as she turned to Kepriah. “A school means we’re going to need books. Lots and lots of books!” Her smile widened to a full grin.
Relief and acceptance met Kepriah’s senses and she felt her own worry drain out like a sieve. All the books you want, little sister. All the books you want. She let the scepter float beside her and took Patrice into a strong embrace.
About the author
Dana Davis is an award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction, with an entertainment background in stage and television. When she's not writing, she loves to read, travel, spend time at the beach, and research her family tree. Dana lives in Los Angeles with her husband, where she is currently writing another book. She invites readers to visit her website.
www.danadaviswriting.com