Riftkeepers: Prime

by Carrie Whitethorne

  “That's them. Drink?” she whispered.

  He shook his head and closed the bathroom door.

  Suit yourself.

  She poured the remaining glass from the wine she had started earlier and went into the lounge. Flicking on a lamp in the corner of the room she sank into the sofa with a huff, sipping her wine.

  Druids. Water magic. Ridiculous.

  She hadn't noticed Callan until he sat next to her on the sofa, “Where were we?”

  “My mother was a druid, my daughter is a water mage, you're clearly an alien and I need another drink.”

  He got up and left the room.

  And now he walks away. Typical.

  She heard a cupboard door close and he came back in the room with a fresh bottle of wine.

  Oh, ye of little faith, Charlotte. Unless he's trying to get you drunk. And you're letting him.

  “Thank you,” she said, curtly.

  “You're welcome. Yes, your mother may have been a druid,” he continued, “There are ways of finding out. I assume your father was, is too? That doesn't explain the children. My kind can't procreate with druids. I've no idea why but we just aren't compatible. It's probably a safeguard in nature to prevent the two kinds of magic from merging to create…” He trailed off. “You think I'm mental.”

  She snorted into her glass.

  His kind? Magic?

  “I know it sounds, well it sounds impossible,” he sighed. “I can prove it to you, I can show you, if you'll let me. We need to find out how Enya can protect herself and Zander. Because that's what she did, Charlotte. I was stood right there with them and I saw what she can do. It was incredible, I've never seen anything like it in all my years.” He sounded excited. He really believed Enya had done that.

  “In all your years. Just how old are you? I know seven years have passed, I'm not nineteen any more. So how old are you?”

  “Old. We'll just say, old,” he muttered, frowning. “I didn't realise you were only nineteen when we met.”

  “What's wrong with that?” she asked indignantly.

  “Nothing. Just, the responsibility of twins at that age, alone,” he said, sadly.

  She didn't respond as she gulped her wine.

  Uncomfortable in the silence that was growing between them, she asked, “What are you, exactly?”

  He shifted in the seat, turning sideways to face her, and said, simply, “Fae.”

  She spat her drink back into the glass and glared at him.

  He thinks he's a bloody fairy!

  “Fae? Like, a fairy? An elf? A magical creature with pretty wings, that lives in forests and dances round toadstools?” she scoffed.

  He sighed through his nose and answered, “Yes. Well. No. None of that. I have certain powers. I'm long lived, I'm fast, I live in another kingdom and any more than six months living solely among humans will cause my powers to diminish and eventually disappear. Hence my walking away seven years ago, had I known anything about you I would have done things very differently. I thought you were human. I thought… It doesn't matter what I thought. I was wrong.” A look of sadness passed over him.

  Why do I care how he feels? He's the one spouting fairy stories as fact and expecting me to buy it!

  “What sort of powers?” she asked, slowly.

  A muscle ticked along his jaw as he clenched his teeth. He considered her for a moment and raised his hand, palm up.

  “Well there's this,” he said as a tiny flame leapt up from his skin. It danced round his palm in circles. Sputtering out then igniting again. Charlotte knew she should be afraid, but she couldn't tear her eyes from the pretty little flame.

  Shit. What the hell is that? How is he doing that?

  “Okay,” she said slowly, unable to say anything else as she gazed at his open palm. He closed it, quashing the little flame. Before she could speak again he said, “And there's this.”

  He disappeared. None of the twinkling and glitter left behind that the films from her childhood had taught her to expect, he was just, not there. She leapt out of her seat, into the middle of the room.

  “Callan!” she hissed.

  He could disappear at any moment. Well he has now. How did he do that?

  Seconds later he popped back onto the sofa, holding another bunch of flowers. Charlotte shrieked.

  “Shh! Don't wake them,” he said pointing to the ceiling, smirking, eyes full of mirth.

  “You just… you were… what was that?” she whispered.

  “Magic,” he shrugged and filled her glass.

  He's enjoying this! What have I walked into?

  Placing the flowers on the side table he went on, “Sit before you fall, you've gone a bit pale. You see, Enya has a power of her own. She can shield herself and Zander when the need arises. We need to find out how. Fae and druids aren't compatible. Fae and humans are but the magic is lost and the offspring have no powers. Not that Fae and humans have married often.”

  “My dad wasn't like my mum. That's why he left. They just didn't get along.”

  “Okay,” he nodded, “that makes you half druid then?”

  He fell into a thoughtful silence for a minute or two. Charlotte sipped her wine, glancing his way every few seconds to see if he was going to do anything weird again.

  Eventually, he spoke. “I need to see someone. I'll leave tomorrow, if that's okay, and see what I can find out. You're welcome to come with me, of course. And the children. I'll keep them safe,” he added, noting the look of horror on her face. “But, we really do need to find out as much as we can about Enya and her abilities before there's an accident.”

  “Like a sink exploding in a school toilet,” she murmured to herself. “Oh god, she blew up the sink.”

  Callan nodded and filled her glass.

  Yep, definitely wants me drunk.

  “Who do you need to see?” she asked, drinking even more deeply.

  “Aoife. She's a druid elder, lives on Arran. She'll know more.”

  This is too much.

  “I need some fresh air,” she said, standing. He watched her leave the room.

  It was cool outside. Charlotte sat on the small bench under the kitchen window and took a deep breath. Her head spun.

  You're hammered, genius!

  This must be a wind up. You'll wake up in the morning and he'll have gone. It'll be back to normal. No silly fairy stories.

  As if we could all just disappear for however long to Arran. Work. School. No such thing as a term time holiday the third week back at school after the summer. He's either insane or had lived a very sheltered life on that little island.

  She heard movement in the kitchen.

  Better get back to it, whatever this is.

  Callan had brought her empty glass and wine bottle into the kitchen.

  Two bottles? Charlotte he's going to think you're… Oh, like I care what he thinks!

  “Thanks,” she said closing the kitchen door and locking it.

  “I know it's all a bit much to take in,” he said. “Please, come and meet Aoife. We can be there and back by the weekend, all four of us. You're long overdue a break, you can stay in my cottage on the island, I'll make other arrangements. Enya needs help controlling this. Zander will like the island, nothing but open spaces. I can speak to your manager, to the school. Please, Charlotte, let me try and handle this, let me help,” he pleaded, his eyes searching hers. He'd taken her hand in both of his.

  She sighed, “Okay. No longer than a week. And she isn't to be treated like some sort of freak.”

  Callan leaned in, held her, and whispered, “Thank you.” The feel of his breath on her neck sent tingles down her spine. She closed her eyes and swayed, almost losing her balance.

  “I think you need to sit down,” he murmured and picked her up. She laughed to herself as he carried her back into the lounge and set her on the sofa. He went back into the kitchen and brought a glass of water and two paracetamol tablets. “Pre-emptive strike,” he said, handing her them. She took
them and drained the glass of water. Putting it down she tipped her head back.

  Crazy day. Crazy decade!

  Her eyes brimmed with tears. That split second, letting the last seven years flood her thoughts tipped her. Pulling her knees up she hugged them, tears falling freely.

  And now you're the teary drunk. Making a great impression tonight, bravo.

  Callan sat beside her and pulled her into his lap. Too exhausted to do anything else she settled her head on his shoulder. He held her, she had no idea how long for, his broad chest and warm arms lulling her closer to sleep. She felt so safe here. She didn't usually feel safe. She was usually waiting for something bad to happen, always on edge, waiting for the next hurdle to present itself.

  “It's been so hard Callan,” she whispered. “I didn't want to keep them from you. I wanted you to know about them and I didn't know how to find you. I'm so sorry. You didn't ask for any of this.”

  He swallowed but didn't speak.

  The tears continued to fall until she fell asleep, safe in his arms. Sometime later, she was vaguely aware of being moved as he silently carried her up to her bed. As she drifted into deeper sleep he tucked her hair behind her ear, leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I'm never walking away from you again. No matter the cost,” he whispered before silently leaving the room.

  Chapter 6

  Her eyes fluttered open. When did she come to bed? She'd been so drunk. She grabbed the alarm clock from the bedside table and squinted.

  09.45.

  Shit! Where are the kids?

  Diving out of bed, she checked their room before going downstairs.

  “Enya? Zander?” she called, panic raising the pitch of her voice.

  “In here mummy,” Enya answered.

  How long had they been up? Alone! Crap mother of the day goes to you, Charlotte.

  Enya was draped on the sofa, feet on Callan's lap, watching cartoons. Zander was laid on the floor, watching a video of someone unwrapping chocolate eggs on his tablet. Callan grinned up at her from where he was sitting and said, “I thought you could do with a lie in. Breakfast was a success, we all had cereal. Enya helped. Tea?”

  “Oh. Err. Yeah, I'll make my own, don't get up. Thank you…”

  She flicked on the kettle and listened to it boil. Callan coughed from the doorway, making her jump.

  “Sorry. Are you okay? Do you need some paracetamol?” he asked, heading for the table.

  “No, thanks, I'm fine. Did you stay the night?”

  “On the sofa,” he said. “I hope you don't mind, but I didn't think you'd be up too early and I wanted to be here to make sure you were okay. You were really upset last night.”

  He disappeared then reappeared in the middle of that room. He used magic to create that dancing flame, it really happened! Oh, no. you agreed to go to Scotland!

  “I'm fine, I need to discuss our plans with Zander and Enya if we're still visiting Arran. I need to speak to the school and work and…”

  “All done,” he said. “You have a week's emergency leave given the incident on the beach, same for Enya and Zander. I've discussed the possibility of a holiday with them both, Zander likes the sound of the beaches and the mountains.” He looked very pleased with himself.

  Her brows rose. “Wow, Zander doesn't usually like… change. Looks like I better pack.”

  Holiday. It's a holiday. Not a trip to Wonderland. It's time for them to get to know their father. They have over six years to make up for. They clearly like him, he obviously cares or he would have slipped away last night and not looked back.

  Leaving the kettle steaming, the tea unmade, she went upstairs to pack some bags before she could reason her way out of it.

  “Charlotte?” Callan called up the stairs before climbing them two at a time.

  “I'm just putting the last few bits in a bag and I'll be ready. The kids need lunch and then we can set off.”

  “Are you sure? I don't want you to feel you must come with me. I'd rather you did, obviously. But, well you know…” he trailed off awkwardly.

  She kind of wanted to go. She hated to admit it, but she was enjoying having him around. All these crack pot magic theories and tricks aside, he wasn't bad company and he was really trying with the children.

  His kids. They need this.

  “I've always wanted to go back to Arran, the kids will love it there, and you can speak to your friend and see if she has any explanations for Enya's odd behaviour.” She zipped the hold all, and sighed, “all sorted. I'll make lunch and we can head off.”

  “I won't stay for lunch. I need to check out of the travel inn and pick up my car. I'll drive. It's at least four hours just to the port from here. I'll pick you all up at about twelve thirty?” He picked up the hold all and left the room.

  Charlotte followed him down the stairs. Callan placed the bag on the floor and turned kiss her cheek, “I'll be back for you after lunch, see you both soon.”

  “Bye Callan,” both children called as he closed the front door behind him.

  “Mummy are we really going on holiday with Callan?” Enya asked excitedly.

  Zander looked up from his tablet waiting for a response.

  “Would you like to?” she asked, tentatively.

  “Yes!” they both shouted excitedly.

  “Then we're really going on holiday with Callan,” she smiled.

  How did this happen? They really like him. There isn't much to dislike, granted, he's friendly and kind. He gets Zander and seems to genuinely care about them both. And me.

  She thought of all the brief moments. How he would hold her hand, kiss her cheek.

  No, he was just being friendly. It's just how he is. Stop looking for something that isn't there.

  After a quick lunch and a last check round to make sure everyone had chargers and any toys they really must bring with them Callan knocked on the door.

  Enya and Zander went bounding out to get into the car.

  He was leaning on the door frame, arms folded. In his now familiar plain T-shirt and jeans, hair falling forward into his eyes and his muscular arms looking even bigger with them folded, he looked like something from a book cover.

  “Ready?” he asked, her eyes shining. “I've had seats put in for them both so no need to transfer yours.”

  “Oh, thanks. All sorted, just need to lock up. I'll be there in a minute.”

  He took her bags and made his way to the car.

  A brand-new Range Rover sat outside her house, the glossy paintwork reflecting her distorted image.

  “Wow, nice,” she said climbing into the passenger seat.

  “I just picked it up. I don't usually drive, but given the number of us I thought it'd be a bit easier than answering questions,” he gestured over his shoulder to the children in the back.

  Zander already had his headset on and was watching something on his tablet. Enya was listening to music on her iPod.

  “I'll pay half on the rental,” she offered. She was serious when she had said she wanted nothing from him.

  “It isn't a rental. Since I plan to see the children as often as I can, it'll come in handy,” he shrugged.

  Who just goes out and buys a brand-new range rover?

  “Oh. Good thinking. We'll need to stop half way for a stretch and toilet break. Is that okay?”

  “Of course, I was planning on it,” he smiled.

  She settled into the seat as Callan put it into drive and pulled away.

  As they reached Carlisle both children were asleep.

  “Are you okay?” he asked quietly. “I wasn't sure how you'd taken it all last night. One minute you were laughing at me, the next you were upset. I know it's a lot to take in. I need to know you're okay.”

  He was watching her, waiting for her answer with what she assumed was worry.

  She looked out of the window, not wanting to meet his eyes and said, “Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. My concern is the kids. They're most important.”

  Fiel
ds separated by hedgerows sped past as they hit the motorway. The views were beautiful, farms and rivers as far as she could see. She glanced to check the sleeping children in the back.

  “That isn't true, Charlotte. You're important. I need to know you're all okay, that you're safe and happy,” he said, earnestly. “What I showed you last night would have sent most people running. What I told you. You've just, sort of, accepted it. I didn't expect that. I need to know you're okay.”

  He reached over the centre console and took her hand. She looked down, at his strong hand covering hers, and sighed.

  “Callan, I,” she cut herself off.

  You what? Don't want that? You're a damn liar. You know you do.

  She squeezed his hand. “I'm fine. Honestly. Yeah, it's all a bit, well it's a bit mental. But I can't explain any of it. You looked after them after the… events at the cave. You've been nothing but kind and considerate toward me. Despite the whole 'hello, nice to see you after seven years, by the way these are yours' thing. I've no reason not to trust you.” She hoped her honesty would help ease some of his concern.

  “We'll work through it together. I'll get answers and all the help I can. I'm here now. I can help now.”

  “What you said last night. About not being able to stay away from your home for long without losing your, your…” She couldn't say it. It was still absurd.

  “We'll work around that too,” he said with a small smile, eyes firmly on the road ahead.

  They travelled in silence for a while before Enya woke up.

  “Are we nearly there yet, mummy?” she asked.

  “Do not start that!” Charlotte laughed.

  After a break at the services they were back on the road. Radio playing, Enya singing along, it was just like any other trip. Zander didn't emerge from behind his tablet until they arrived at the ferry terminal at Androssan.

  When he saw the huge ferry, he was glued to his window. She was a fair size, for a ferry.

  “There's a restaurant on board, we should manage a snack and drink in the hour it takes to cross. Then it's just a short drive to the cottage. I called ahead, the fires are lit and it should be all ready for you.”

  “That's really kind of you, thank you.”