Renounced: The Shelean Moon, Book Two

by J. Lilley

  “Is that human or witching wisdom?” Leira asked, hoping her smile showed Ali that all was forgiven.

  Ali laughed. “A bit of both—oh, wow—this is awesome.”

  Seven leopards stood in front of them, fur silky and shiny in the sun, spots proud and defined.

  “Do you know who is who?”

  Leira nodded. “I recognize them by their rosettes…er…spots—and the stupid grins sometimes. From our left in order of hierarchy in the Sept are Dad, Bri, Donny’s dad, Donny, and then Rach, Andy, and Troy. Troy and Rach are only half Shalean, but Rach’s mum was high up in the Sept—so, I guess that’s why she’s before Andy and Troy.” And she was Brios’s chosen one. Leira didn’t think it was the time to point that out—or how Rach and Brios’s spots were a perfect match.

  Ali nodded and moved even closer to Leira as the leopards began to circle both girls before they headed to the base of the stone. “And Troy is a halfling, so that could have something to do with it as well, maybe?”

  “Guess so. This is all new to me, but I’ll tell you what I can. Pity I can’t sense, but I’ll do my best.”

  Each leopard advanced and retreated as they circled. Low growls could be heard. To anyone not-in-the-know, the sounds would make the hairs on their arms stand on end…to Leira it sounded apologetic.

  Giving our apologies…swearing to improve…showing she’s right.

  Trust Brios to know she needed reassurance about what was happening. Briefly, she passed the details on to Ali.

  “Bloody bugs me that Armin thinks we’re not capable of running our own lives though,” Leira whispered. “So stone-ageish. For God’s sake, this is the twenty-first century. Women don’t sit at home knitting and waiting for their men to come back from war. They’re out there with them—winning the war and running the world.”

  Ali nodded. “Not that I really know what all this is about. However, she seems to think women lead men into evil or something. But I guess when all this started, life was different. In those day’s most women ruled in subtle ways. Now we do it openly.”

  “True. Mind you, let’s face it, the only way someone can be led into evil is if they’re weak enough to let it happen. Anyway, if appeasing works, let them do it. Then, we can carry on showing the men how to run the world.”

  No. Never…She will not be appeased, and neither will I. You’re mine—No one else’s—Never.

  What? Shit…sod off, Struan. You’re dead…drowned…ten feet under—get out of my head. She knew he’d pick up her thought.

  The laugh she heard made all the hairs on her body stand on end and crackle with static. Ali looked at her in alarm.

  “What’s wrong? Why are you… Hell, Lei, look out, look out.” Ali’s body slammed into Leira.

  Leira felt herself thrown backwards into the air. Lightning struck the ground where moments earlier she and Ali had stood. She screamed. Seven leopards stopped in their tracks, turned, and ran towards them.

  The air was burnt. An acrid stench filled her nostrils and made her feel sick. She was flying again. For sixteen years her feet had been firmly on the ground, now she soared all over the place. Leira realized her rescuer this time was Ali. She held her tight as they soared ahead of the rolling thunder and flashes of lightning. She muttered in a harsh and guttural tone. Leira decided she didn’t need to be a witch to understand swear words—no matter the language.

  Below them, she saw the thunderclouds roll close over the floor of the glen until they reached the leopards who stood firm and together. She watched as the clouds dispersed and slunk back across the grass to the loch. They skirted the stone and left the area not touched by the recent flooding before they sank under the water. For a moment, the loch sizzled and became calm and still.

  “Okay, we can go down now.” Ali began to angle earthward.

  Leira, can you ask Ali just to fly you both home? It would be much easier, and safer. We’ll see you there.

  She relayed the message to Ali who whooped with joy. “Oh, yeah, let’s do it. You ready for a bit of fun? After this, you’ll never get motion sick again—I promise you.” She began to do cartwheels.

  23

  What are they up to? Donny watched as the two figures whirled around the sky. He heard yells and squeals of happiness float down to them.

  Playing, Troy replied.

  There was a moment of peace, and Brios projected loud and harsh…

  Dad, behind you. Watch out. Look.

  The Armin Stone was encircled by sparkles of rainbow colors that flashed and twinkled red, blue, and silver. The colors were so bright even Donny knew if he hadn’t shifted, he would have felt them imprinted on the back of his eyes.

  Then, the stone pulsed. Fire shot from it and arced into the sky, filling the air like sparklers on bonfire night. There was a howl of pain from somewhere in the distance.

  Struan, hit by Armin. Donny was appalled by the satisfaction he felt. Actually, nope…I’m not. He deserves all he gets for what he put Leira and Rach through. I hope she keeps him well away from anything good and engulfs him once and for all. He was glad he had the sense not to project that last thought. He was supposed to be an envoy for good and not get satisfaction for repelling evil in such a terrible way.

  Gradually, they began to circle the stone again and repeated ancient words handed down through the ages. He saw the colors dim, and the stone once more became its usual grey and quiet self. Donny found that the more the stone settled, the more he did. By the time the lights disappeared, he felt total peace.

  Whatever was to happen—whether Leira renounced or not, accepted or rejected his friendship—he knew he would cope…and cope well. Even if his future didn’t follow the lines he had mapped out. If he found himself alone or if, heaven forbid, Leira found someone else she wanted to be with, he would survive. He would support the Sept and long for her. He would keep watch, surrounding her and hers with support and caring. How things would work out, he had no idea. Nevertheless, he’d just do his best at what was needed…and get by.

  Have faith, Donald Farriday. You are one of those who need not repent, have faith. I, Armin, do thus declare. You are true.

  Shit. I’d better remember to tell Marok and Brios about this.

  Almost by memory, he finished his part of their penance and waited with the others until Marok gave the blessing before they moved away from the stone. Their paws trod softly on the grass so as not to leave a telltale imprint of a pad and claw for some unsuspecting visitor to delight over.

  Shift, and we’ll head out. Marok said. As with the others, Donny began a slow process of rearranging bones, changing his shape, and carefully reverting back into his human form. He stretched his hands high above his head and relaxed as the shimmer zone dissipated. Soon all seven of them were once more human.

  “Right. We need to get back to the house as soon as possible. It seems we have problems over and above Struan and the Rogues. Troy…you, Andy, and Rach will come with me. Brios you will take Donny and Saul,” Marok directed.

  Donny thought Brios looked ready to argue at being parted from Rach—and having to drive him and his dad instead—but he obviously knew better than to make any comment.

  “I’ll get into the back,” Donny said quickly, as they moved towards Brios’s car. They waited until he was settled before his dad climbed into the passenger seat. Brios walked to the driver’s side and did the same. A few minutes later, they followed Marok’s 4x4 down a bumpy track towards the village.

  “What’s going on then?” Donny’s dad twisted around in his seat to give what Donny privately called his squirm and don’t lie look. “What mess have you two got into? Why are the Armin Stone and witchery involved?”

  “I really don’t know,” Donny answered for them both. “Struan targeted Leira. Ali was a pest towards me, but somehow we all ended up at the little loch.”

  “Hmm.” His dad didn’t sound convinced. “Well, no doubt when we’re in council, we’ll find out more. The main thing is, ar
e you okay? Both of you?” Donny watched as Brios nodded, and he did the same.

  “Yeah…really, Dad…nothing to worry about.” As long as you didn’t count the odd bruise and burn anyway, he mused. Luckily, his dad didn’t ask anything else, and with a quick smile in the mirror, Brios changed the subject.

  “Any idea who won the match?”

  That was enough to keep his dad occupied until they reached the village and took the lane towards the Parde’s home.

  Brios drove past the house and parked outside the old Coach House—which housed Shala’s workshop and the council room where the elders of the Sept met, and decisions were made. The others were waiting for them. As Donny unfolded himself from the car, he saw more elders were also in attendance.

  Rach looked interested. Leira unsure, and Ali downright worried. It must feel decidedly odd to her, what with being in unknown territory. He watched as Troy gave her arm a squeeze. Ali smiled gratefully. If only he could do the same for Leira.

  Well, you can’t, so stop thinking about it—about her. She’s got to be on her own now.

  He turned towards Marok who held his hand up in greeting. Next to him, Shala had appeared and also greeted everyone in the Shalean manner. Marok waited until she’d finished and had acknowledged the greetings given in return.

  “Shaleans…and guests.” He smiled at Ali and Leira, who looked startled at being singled out as a guest.

  Donny imagined it must be a different feeling and maybe not one she could be totally happy with. He reckoned she was going to have a few more months of new experiences now, and only she could decide how to cope with them. There, he couldn’t help.

  “Let us go into the council room and speak of the events that have occurred,” Marok said as he turned and opened the door, letting the others follow him.

  Donny found himself next to Leira as they walked in.

  “Okay?” he asked softly as they stepped inside the big candlelit room. He could at least ask that, surely?

  Leira nodded. “I think so. Strange to think the first time I get to see in here, it’s as a guest and not at my age ceremony. Ah, well, let’s see what’s going on. What do we do?”

  He nodded to a semi-circle of chairs which were set facing a carved and ornate table. “The head elders will sit behind the table, your mum and dad in the center, and others— depending on their position—on either side, Brios sits next to your dad, then my dad. I’m next to your mum. The rest of the council sits here. Tonight, I guess so will you, Troy, Rach, Andy, and Ali. It’s an honor and a sign of how serious things are. Melinde would be next to me if she were here. No idea why she isn’t. Right, I’d better go and sit down. Don’t worry. Just watch and listen. Then, hey, even if you renounce…you’ll still have been to a council meeting.” She clutched his arm.

  “Donny, I’m shit scared.”

  “Well, there’s no need to be. How about you reassure Ali? At least you and Rach know a bit about Shalea. Poor girl, all she knows is what her grannie told her.”

  He thought Leira looked a bit happier as her mum ushered her, Rach, and Ali to three chairs at the center of the semi-circle, with Andy and Troy on either side of them. The rest of the council entered the room and took their seats. Donny moved to take his place touching the table briefly as he did so. He felt its power as he stood and waited for Marok to stand at his chair and indicate they should all sit.

  “Fellow Shaleans and honored guests, welcome. We gather not…in joy and pleasure…but in sorrow and pain.”

  Marok indicated the empty chair next to Donny. “Melinde is no longer with us. She has gone, we fear, to the Grey Side.”

  Rach gasped. Oh, shoot, poor dad, he really likes her.

  Marok looked at her and Rach went pale. Donny guessed she hadn’t meant to project that bit of information.

  “She left Leira in danger, and Troy was Leira’s savior.” He nodded to Troy, who merely stared ahead.

  “Troy Conlan was asked to come to Scotland from our sister chapter in Australia to help us with our quests. To wit, to watch Struan Scott, and also help investigate what the Rogues are up to. Donny Farriday has more than acquitted himself and proved he is a worthy second to Brios Parde. As our senior elders know, he put himself in danger, upset his life to pretend to become a Rogue at my bidding. His perfidy—as they see it—is now known and his life may well be in danger.”

  This time, it was Leira who gasped.

  Donny almost felt sorry for her—except there was enough human in him to be secretly pleased at her embarrassment. He watched as Rach touched her hand, and gave it a quick squeeze. He risked a quick thank you to Rach. Leira would need her friend’s sympathy. He noticed Ali wasn’t at all fazed by what was going on. She merely looked around her expectantly. He bet the members of the council chamber had never experienced anything like this night for a long while—if ever.

  Marok spoke again. “It seems, that judging by what happened at the Armin Stone, Struan Scott possibly didn’t drown. In our gods’ truth, it would be difficult for that to happen. His evil allies would have protected him.”

  He paused to sip from a glass of water.

  “We have three more items to discuss. One—I was not going to bring up yet. However, now I feel I must. As for the others, well…First, we must give our grateful Shalean thanks to Alison. Although she is not one of us, her powers are equally as valid, easily as ancient, and definitely as powerful. She used them on behalf of Shalea, and for this, we give our thanks and our protection.” He moved around the table and touched Ali on the head. Donny reckoned that Ali seemed ready to cry. Troy sat close to her, and Donny could feel the strength flow between them. He thought they would be good for each other.

  Marok resumed his position at the table’s center.

  “Next, Andrew Fairmain has asked to speak to the council. Struan Scott has threatened him for interceding on Leira and Rach’s behalf. I gave him our assurance we will listen to what he wishes to say.” He bowed towards Andy, who stood. He appeared pale but resolute.

  Shit, he’s going to come out. Why now? Donny asked Brios.

  He could sense Brios’s puzzlement as he answered him. No idea. Due to marking Struan maybe? They had no time to project anything else before Andy spoke.

  “Fellow Shaleans…Tonight I went over and above my remit. I marked Struan Scott as a traitor. He threatened one of ours, and I wasn’t prepared to stand back and let him. Now, he’s threatening me. I told him to go ahead because anything he could do to me was on his head, not mine. However, because of his threats, well…I need to stand here in council and say to you—my elders—” his voice wavered. “I need to reveal a truth to you—I’m gay.”

  There was a stunned silence.

  Way to go, Andy. We’re here for you. Brios’s projection was loud and clear. Donny could see Rach nod and whisper to Ali and Leira.

  “Gay? Does he mean happy? Och, that’s good,” Old Murdo MacDonald asked the elder next to him.

  Donny hid his smile with difficulty. Trust Murdo…

  “No,” Andy’s voice strengthened. “It means I’m homosexual. I don’t want to have a woman as a partner—I prefer a man. And as it seems I’m making a full-blown confession here, I might as well say, the man I hope I can match with is not Shalean. So, if that’s a problem…Well, sorry, that’s the way I am.”

  Marok stood. “It is not a problem, Andy, and we thank you for your openness and honesty. Struan and his evilness will still be a worry for us all, for as long as he is as he is. Therefore, as with the Rogues, we need to be vigilant. If and when you take a partner—make your match—we will honor and respect your choice.”

  “Is he not happy then?” Murdo sounded confused.

  “Turn your hearing aid on.” The elder next to him sounded exasperated. It was all Donny could do not to smile. “He’s happy, but he’s…er…” The elder searched for a description Murdo would understand. In the end, he whispered something in the old man’s ear. The man blinked.

  �
�Is that all? Och, well why did you not say so? I’ve been inclined that way even before it was legal.”

  The laughter that rippled around the room lifted the atmosphere. Marok waited until it died down before speaking again.

  “The other subject is deep and compelling. Leira Parde has chosen to renounce.”

  This time the gasp was universal. Leira went red, then white, and then red again.

  “As is usual, she is in Cadal until Shalean Moon when she can choose to fully renounce and leave all things Shalean…or remain in the Sept. Therefore, before we shift and run, the full council of elders will convene here before Shalean to see what she has decided—unless you chose to tell us now?”

  Leira stood up. Donny knew her well enough to know she would feel sick and be trembling. She hated to be the center of attention. However, she stood and walked forward.

  “Um…” She cleared her throat and started. “I haven’t had the chance to see what it truly is like to not be Shalean. I mean, since I said I wanted to renounce, I’ve had bl…um…Struan Scott and the Rogues pestering me and had to have the use of some of my powers. So, I still have no idea how to be a human. There’s no way I can decide before Shalean. Especially, if you think Struan is still on the loose. If I’m being honest, I hope he is, and I can give him good non-Shalean justice. I…er…think schoolbags are good for doing that.”

  There was more than one hastily smothered laugh from those who remembered Rach shoving her schoolbag into a very sensitive area of Struan’s anatomy.

  “So, you have not made your choice?” Marok asked her.

  Leira shook her head. Why did she have to choose now? In fact, why did she have to choose ever? She had no idea what was right, or wrong for her.

  Heck, I don’t even know how I feel about Donny, spots, chosen ones, or life anymore. I’m sixteen—not sixty. I’m too young to map out my life. Well, except for my art, and who knows about that? No one except Mum, Dad, Bri, and Rach. Does Donny?