Riftkeepers: Prime

by Carrie Whitethorne

  “What time is it?”

  “Just gone midnight. I had to go out. There wasn't time to let you know, sorry.”

  Flicking on the bedside lamp she turned to face him. “Another? What's he done this time?”

  “Little Meg is drained,” he frowned.

  Mum took me there once, it's only an hour from home.

  Fear gripped her. “Why is he all the way up there?”

  Callan sighed. “It's either the age and power in the sites or, he's looking for something.” The words hung in the air.

  No, he has no use for me. He only killed mum out of revenge and for her daring to leave, didn't he?

  “I don't think there's a pattern, I think he's just picking sites based on the power they hold for him.”

  “Oh…”

  She rolled onto her back and closed her eyes. Feeling a finger run along the belt of her dressing gown a smile tugged at her lips. “You need some sleep if you're going to work in the morning,” she chided.

  He leaned over her, trailing gentle kisses down her neck. “I'll manage,” he mumbled into the hollow of her throat.

  There was no urgency, he took his time exploring every inch of her before they fell asleep as the sun rose.

  “Mummy aren't we training today? Granddad's here,” Enya said, standing by the bed.

  “Sh… Callan we've slept in!” she gasped, jumping out of bed.

  She rushed to dress, Callan took Enya and made her and Zander a quick breakfast before dressing and leaving for work.

  Perfect start to the day. Just perfect!

  “Sorry Taran. I'm ready now. I hope Blair isn't too annoyed,” she apologised.

  “He'll be fine. He's very laid back,” his expression was kind as he patted her arm. “Are we ready?” he asked, offering a hand.

  “This isn't my favourite method of transport but these adrenaline junkies love it,” she explained.

  Zander was already laughing as they all held hands and left the palace.

  “Mummy slept in.” Enya sang, running to Blair.

  “I expect punctuality Lady Charlotte,” he joked, laughing as Charlotte saluted. “I see we have an audience again. Your Majesty,” he bowed his head in greeting. “Let's see what we can do to impress your grandfather shall we?” he said, taking the children's hands, and leading them to the stream.

  This mix of formalities is confusing.

  “Is it boxes again?” Zander asked, excitedly.

  “Not exactly. Today you'll be working together. I want you to combine your skills to form a solid defence, use your imaginations. What can you do to protect yourselves?”

  Charlotte and Taran Walked back a little further and left them to their lesson.

  “How are you settling in, Charlotte? Is there anything we can do to help?”

  Surprised at his concern she didn't answer at first.

  “Umm, okay, I think. The kids love it here, they're very happy. This is Callan's first day back at work since we arrived so we have to entertain ourselves.”

  “How are you? At the council meeting you learned there was a different future for your children than you'd planned. It must be difficult for you. You handled Dane wonderfully, by the way.” His smile met his eyes as he recalled her outburst. “You must forgive his matter of fact approach. He's under a lot of pressure given the current threat.”

  “I was probably a bit sharp,” she admitted turning to watch the children. She didn't finish what she had planned to say. The ground was rumbling.

  The children disappeared as a dirt wall rose around them. She heard the crunch as the structure set, solid. Blair walked over and tested it.

  “Okay, Enya what can you add? Remember, you're inside, defend yourself. I'm coming at you with fire.”

  The stream bubbled as droplets rose into the air. They slowly moved over to cover the structure and hung there.

  What's she doing?

  There was a rush as the stream rerouted. The water rushed around the base of Zander's walls, tumbling over itself as it formed a turbulent moat around them.

  “Well, that's something,” Taran chuckled. He turned his full attention to the scene unfurling before them.

  Blair summoned a fire at his feet and gave no warning as he shot a flaming ball at the wall. The water shot up to meet it, steam rising as it fizzed out.

  Blair moved, igniting another fire. He launched another ball, Enya blocked it.

  When the whole structure was surrounded by small fires, Blair took a deep breath. From each of his fires rose a flaming arrow. They hung there while he assessed their defence, looking for a weak spot.

  Oh god, this is getting dangerous.

  “He won't harm them. He can extinguish the flames before they come into physical contact with anything, even the walls. Looking at that, he isn't getting in anyway. They're very talented, Charlotte.”

  Blair raised his arms. The arrows rose with them then shot at all sides in unison.

  Charlotte had forgotten about the canopy Enya had formed. As the flaming arrows approached the little droplets merged into a dome that quickly snapped down over them, fizzing out the arrows as they landed. Water arrows fired from the dome in all directions, in answer. Blair quickly sent flames to chase them down, raising his eyebrows at Charlotte as he crossed the space to her.

  “Okay out you come, put back what you've taken,” he called before another barrage emerged.

  “That was impressive, Blair, you're doing an excellent job,” Taran exclaimed.

  Blair bowed his head. “Honestly, they're doing it all themselves. Once I'd explained how to summon, and they'd picked that up, they've used their imaginations and come up with some unique ways of using their talents. I'm simply supervising.”

  The children came bounding over. “Was that okay?” Zander asked.

  Charlotte smiled down at him. “It was perfect. I can't believe you can do all these things. You're so clever, both of you.”

  He grinned and looked at Enya. “We should do the other thing next time.”

  Oh, perfect, they have battle plans.

  “What 'other thing'?” she asked, slowly.

  “Nothing.” They answered too quickly.

  Chapter 18

  After their lesson, Taran invited her for tea and ported them back to the palace. The children played on the patio with Taran, practicing their magic with buckets of sand and water he'd provided. Sitting with Caoimhe at a table by the doors she asked, “How's Alayna? I haven't seen her since the ball.”

  “She's been terribly distracted. I think she's worried about the troubles we've been experiencing recently,” Caoimhe admitted, concern shadowing her eyes. “How are you? It must be upsetting for you.”

  Why is everyone worried about me? I'm fine! I've done what's needed to be done, I'm moving here, the kids are training, I'm marrying Callan… okay that isn't what has to be done. That's a nice bonus.

  “I try not to think about it. There's nothing I can do about it really is there? I just concentrate on keeping them safe and happy,” she said, quietly.

  That really is my only concern.

  “You really are remarkable, Charlotte. You just let it wash over you and concentrate on what's most important to you,” Caoimhe smiled, briefly squeezing her hand.

  Laughing gently, sipping her tea and answered, “No, I'm nothing special. I'm just a mum.”

  “They seem to be doing well with their training. According to Dagda, Blair has never trained anyone so young with such a natural flair for defence as they have,” Caoimhe went on.

  She really loves them.

  “I couldn't believe what I was seeing this morning. I don't know how they think this stuff up.”

  Nodding, Caoimhe said, “They were born with the knowledge. They're the first of their kind. Who knows what they'll achieve.”

  Charlotte didn't respond, and looked down into her cup.

  “Oh, now don't worry about that! They're of this earth, they're ours and that's all that matters. We don'
t care if they're fae, druid or human, we love them.”

  Looking up, she gave a grateful smile and said “Thank you. They don't seem to realise they're different from everyone else here. They don't even notice the difference in appearances anymore and it's only been a few days. I suppose it's having the magic in common. They feel at home here.”

  “But you don't.” It wasn't a question.

  “I'm okay. I'll be visiting my friend soon. You've all made me so welcome, Caoimhe. If they're happy, I'm happy. Anyway, I have Callan, I'm not…” She swallowed the lump forming.

  I'm not alone any more

  Caoimhe smiled warmly and looked around to the doors. “Oh, here's Alayna!”

  The door opened seconds later.

  “Is your hearing that good?” Charlotte laughed.

  Alayna looked exhausted. “I'm fine Ma,” she stated before Caoimhe could ask and went straight to Enya and Zander. Taran glanced over and raised his eyebrows in question.

  “Why don't you go back and relax for an hour? The children can have lunch here with us and we'll bring them home later,” Caoimhe suggested.

  Alone in the suite, she sat on the sofa and enjoyed the silence for a few minutes. She wasn't used to being without the children when they weren't at school. It was odd, leaving them with people who were practically strangers.

  Sighing, she went into the small kitchen and cleaned up after their rushed breakfast then went to make the beds.

  Shortly after lunch, Callan ported into the lounge.

  “Sorry,” he laughed as she took a sharp intake of breath. “What have you done today?”

  “Your dad was impressed with the kids at training. I think they really surprised Blair.”

  “He came to tell me. He's more than impressed. He's still amazed I asked him to train them. I don't know who he expected me to choose, he's the best we have,” he said as he pulled her into his arms. “Where are they?”

  “With your parents and Alayna having lunch. I was tidying up. Do we have internet here?”

  “Yes, why?” he asked, puzzled.

  This place is mental. How do they have phone lines and internet? We aren't even on the planet… are we?

  “I don't know much about everything that's going on and I wanted to see if I could dig up any old legends and stuff to get some sort of understanding of it all.” She felt stupid but he nodded in agreement.

  “There's a laptop under our bed. I'll get it.”

  Our bed? I suppose it must be now. We're a we…

  He left her to her research and went to find the children.

  After a few hours, she gave up. She learned nothing that she hadn't already been told.

  He's a madman who accidentally found out about the magic hidden in the world and wanted it for himself. That's it. How far is he going to go? Will he really target the underworld?

  Shuddering, she closed the laptop and headed into the kitchen to see what she could prepare to eat. It was her turn to cook.

  The fridge was well stocked. Pulling what she needed she set to work preparing lasagne.

  “Smells great!” Callan called from the lounge.

  Zander and Enya cleared their plates as they told her about their day. They'd been practicing with Alayna and Taran all afternoon.

  “Aunty Alayna uses light, mummy. It's so pretty,” Enya said.

  “I built a sand castle and Enya put a moat around it,” Zander added. “Granddad tried to blow it down with wind but he couldn't.”

  “You're getting really good at it, aren't you?” she asked. “I'm so proud of you both.”

  They both grinned at her. “I like it here, Mama, my head isn't fuzzy anymore.”

  Callan was quiet as he watched their exchange.

  Okay.

  “Listen. I know a lot's changed and we're still settling in, but I need to ask you something,” Charlotte said as she put down her cutlery and leaned an elbow on the table, her fist under her chin. “How do you feel about us staying here? All of us. As a family?”

  Zander looked at Enya. Enya was grinning.

  “Daddy asked me to marry him. I've told him I'd love to. We can be a proper family, all four of us, if you want. But, it's a decision for us to make together.”

  They looked thoughtful for a minute. Casting a worried glance around the table, Charlotte sat back in her chair.

  “Forever?” Enya asked, her voice rising by several octaves.

  “Forever,” Callan answered her softly.

  Zander was grinning now. “Enya?” Charlotte asked slowly.

  “Yeah! Please can we?” she squeaked.

  She let out a shaky breath and laughed. “Looks like I have some packing to do next weekend.”

  The week passed in much the same way. Enya and Zander trained, practiced, and spent their time between the family. Charlotte adjusted to having so much time to herself. Having no work to go to was difficult, she'd been so used to juggling life on her own. Callan was always home at lunch time giving them time together.

  Music played softly in the background as she lay on the sofa, head on Callan's lap. The children were asleep, their training wearing them out every evening as it became more intensive.

  “I need to go and explain myself at work on Friday, hand in my notice. I won't have any money to keep the house going so I need to plan around that. How am I getting everything here?”

  “I'll keep your house funded for now. Do you want to live here or back at the house?” Callan asked.

  “Is the house an option? What about the children's safety?” she asked, uncertain.

  “It's warded. The whole island is. It'd give you more options, more freedom.”

  “I love it here, but it doesn't feel like home. I don't know. Is here better for you for work?” she knew it was a stupid question before she'd finished asking it.

  “It makes no difference. If you're more comfortable at the house, shall we move the bulk of your things there and let it work itself out?”

  “Yeah. Yeah that sounds like the best idea for now. I can't believe I'm doing this,” she laughed.

  “Why?” he asked, frowning.

  “It's just happened so fast. It isn't normal you know.”

  It has been fast. In the space of a few weeks my life's tipped upside down.

  “We aren't a normal family, not by any standards,” he laughed as he stoked her hair.

  “No. About that, how is it going to sit, you marrying a… well a human?” she asked.

  “Well. You're my choice. I'm yours. That's respected. Our society isn't like the one you grew up in,” he shrugged. “We already have the children. They're a unique gift to the world. One you gave us. Our marriage will be celebrated.”

  “Do we have to have a huge wedding?”

  He heard the worry in her voice and said, “No. There'll be a ball, probably. But other than that, it can be a private affair. Whatever you want it to be.”

  “And you. It's your day too,” she said, firmly.

  “It's one day. I'm not interested in the one day, if we're spending our lives together.”

  He really means it. He just wants me.

  “Thank you,” she whispered as he wiped her tears gently and they sat quietly together for a while.

  “Want to watch TV?” he asked.

  I haven't watched TV in weeks.

  “I've lost track of all my programs now. You choose something.”

  “Be good. Don't take any silly risks practicing just because I'm not here. Are you sure you'll be okay?” She held them both, kissing between instructions.

  “Yeah,” Zander groaned, wiping wet kisses from his face.

  Enya was trying to pull away. “We're going to have a sleep over with Aunty Alayna. She's bringing cake!”

  “If she's sick it's on you,” she jokingly warned Callan.

  “I'll be home soon, I'm just dropping mummy off.” He kissed them goodbye and picked up her bag. Turning to Charlotte he asked, “Ready?”

  Not really, I' never b
een away from them.

  Alayna hugged her. “Please be careful,” she whispered.

  Why is she so worried? She's been a wreck since the ball.

  “I'll be fine. I won't be going anywhere. My house and my friends' that's it. See you on Sunday afternoon,” she said, taking Callan's hand quickly before she changed her mind.

  Her lounge was as she'd left it. Jackets discarded over the back of a sofa, a few of Zander's toys on the rug in front of the fireplace, Enya's books in a stack on the coffee table. The silence was eerie.

  “Are you sure you'll be okay?” Callan asked, kissing her cheek, and embracing her from behind.

  “Yep, I have my weekend planned. I'll have a cup of tea and go into work. Once that's done I'll nip into town for some boxes and sort through some stuff to bring back with me. Then, I'll probably go to Ferne's for the evening. I'll be busy,” she said, forcing a smile. The thought of being apart from the three of them was torture, it was easier to just get on with what she had to do and relax for the evening. She'd really missed Ferne.

  “I'll come for you at ten, Sunday morning. Do you have our number in your phone?”

  “I'll ring around five to speak to the kids, I'm really going to miss you,” she murmured, lowering her eyes.

  “It's two days, it'll fly. Try to have fun.” He kissed her gently and left.

  It's freezing in here!

  Making her way into the kitchen she flicked on the central heating and went to make a cup of tea.

  “No bloody milk,” she muttered into the silence.

  Grabbing her car keys from the top of the fridge she stomped out of the house.

  Driving the familiar route to work, she couldn't help feeling sad. This had been her home for almost twenty years and she was just walking away.

  Her stomach tightened as she pulled into the car park. She sat there for a while, wondering how she was going to explain. “I've met up with someone I had a one weekend fling with years ago, and now I'm running off to Scotland to marry him. Thanks for the job,” wasn't going to cut it. She laughed to herself at how ridiculous it sounded.

  She left in tears. They'd been surprisingly supportive, wished her luck and told her she could expect a glowing reference should she need one in the future. Wracked with guilt she dried her eyes and drove down into town.