Lost Wanderer Awakened - Book One of the Airendell Chronicles

by Audra Hart

  “No, nothing like that. It’s a migraine,” she admits. She shrugs and gets a second Lortab. She goes into the bathroom to get a drink of water. She rinses her mouth out and sprays the breath spray. The putrid taste is back in her mouth and she knows the cigarette smells stays with her. She feels bad about kissing Luca with stinky breath. When she comes back Luca has her purse and his suitcase, he kisses her again. “I didn’t mind, by the way.” Morna looks doubtful at that but doesn’t say anything. Luca indicates he will follow her out of the bedroom. “We had better go Darling,” he says quietly.

  Once they are on the stairs Morna says, “I am glad we are taking the BMW, I was afraid we would have to take the Jeep. All that bouncing over rough roads won’t help my head and stomach one bit.” She rubs her temples again, and struggles to make her eyes focus.

  “We can only take the car so far,” Luca says. “Damian and I will have to run the rest of the way up the ridge. I know the envoys are magical beings, but I am surprised they picked that location, what with Ari’s condition.”

  “They can take any form they want, you know that right?” Morna says. “They can teleport too.”

  “Yes, I know. But the form we saw today is Ari’s natural form. Apparently he reached ascension at a very young age,” says Luca.

  “Interesting,” says Morna. “How do you know that?”

  “I asked him when you fainted. I was angry because he appeared to you looking so much like Aiden. I thought it was cruel. But it seems your son just took after his ancestors.”

  “Oh, I do recall you asking him about it.” Morna rubs her temples again and says, “Do you think my children were like me?” she whispers.

  “I don’t know, we can ask the envoys,” he says, his voice soft and soothing. “But right now we better hurry. It sounds like Samantha is trying to cozy up to Damian downstairs. Damn, that girl is truly fearless isn’t she?”

  “Fearless, or really stupid. I‘ll be damned if I know which,” Morna mutters crossly.

  The young ones are waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs. “Okay folks, we better hurry if we are going to be on time,” says Morna as she checks the time on her phone.

  Morna and Sammy get in the back seat while Luca gets behind the wheel and Damian gets into the passenger seat. Damian turns back to Morna and says, “Wouldn’t you be more comfortable up here? I promise I can control myself. I won‘t let you down Morna.”

  Morna looks at Sammy. “Can you? Control yourself I mean?” she asks pointedly.

  Samantha smirks and replies, “I will.”

  Morna nods, and gets out to trade places with Damian. She pats his face and thanks him for being so considerate. He ducks his head and hurriedly gets into the car.

  “She has a way of making you feel ten feet tall and like you are the best man on the planet, doesn’t she?” Luca smiles at Damian in the rearview mirror.

  Damian ducks his head again, and says very quietly, “She makes me feel like I can be the man she believes me to be.”

  Samantha says, “She has a similar effect on me.”

  “Yeah sure. You just need someone to believe in you so you will believe in yourself. There’s nothing special about me. I just try to see the best in everyone. Okay guys, let’s go,” Morna scoffs as she blushes a deep red.

  On the forty-five minute drive to Luca’s hunting range in the Arbuckle Mountains Samantha outlines the visions she has been having about Morna. About her life before the crash, teaching at her school, at home with her children. Then she shares what she saw when Aiden died, at his funeral and at the crash, as well as the role Kyera played in all three events. Kyera was at the hospital the night Aiden died, she was actually masquerading as a nurse. Samantha also relates how she saw her at the hospital recovering from the crash, saw Luca looking after her, and how she finally saw Morna working at The Shack.

  “That’s why I was hanging around the bar all the time Morna. I was trying to figure out why I was always having these dreams of you. But when I heard that your family had really been killed in a crash, and you had really been nearly killed yourself, I knew they were visions of things to come, not just weird daydreams or hallucinations. I gotta tell ya, I was relieved, not that all that horrible stuff had really happened, but that I wasn‘t crazy. I had been thinking I was crazy for a very long time. Everyone around me thought I was crazy too. Oddly, all of my visions have been centered on you.”

  Morna is very thoughtful while Samantha is talking. Finally she says, “Samantha, I don’t recall just how it works, but sometimes a Weaver of the First Order will have a personal seer that watches over them. Apparently, you are my seer.”

  The rest of the trip goes by in virtual silence. Everyone is busy with their own thoughts.

  CHAPTER 16 - MARCHING ORDERS

  “We are here,” says Luca. “Well, at least as far as the car can go. Damian, we must run the rest of the way in. We are still twelve miles out and should already be there. I know the envoys are magical beings, but I am surprised they picked that location, what with Ari’s condition.”

  “They can take any form they want, you know that right?” Morna says. “They can teleport too.”

  “Yes, I know. But I still wonder why they chose this location,” Luca says thoughtfully. He takes out his phone and dials Breena’s number. “Bree, you ready for this?” He chuckles when she cracks a joke about meeting royal envoys overlooking a cattle ranch.

  Morna shrugs and says; “Samantha, you are in for a treat. Get on Damian’s back, and hang on tight. If you get motion sick, you might want to close your eyes.”

  Sammy looks at Damian with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Are you fast, vamp boy?”

  “Oh yeah,” he promises with a huge grin on his face. The grin is suddenly replaced with a look of concern; “Just don’t puke on me, okay? Mac has a couple of times. It’s not fun.”

  Luca laughs and then turns to Morna, “You running or riding my dear?”

  “Riding, I can barely see,” she admits as she rubs her right temple gingerly.

  “Can you hang on alright?” he asks, feeling very concerned about her worsening headache.

  “Yes, I just don’t trust myself to maneuver around the trees, my vision isn’t as sharp as it should be, nor are my reflexes keen enough right now,” she says.

  Luca helps her onto his back, looks to Damian and says with a grin, “Try to keep up kid.” To which Damian only laughs, but a few seconds later after they take off he realizes that Luca wasn’t kidding. Lucian is FAST!

  They cover the 12 miles in a matter of minutes. Sammy jumps off Damian’s back with a “Yahoo! That was soooo cool!” She looks at Morna and says, “You can do that too?”

  Morna smiles weakly, “I am not quite that fast. But yeah, I can be much faster than any normal human.”

  When Morna crawls off Luca’s back she staggers and nearly falls before Luca can scoop her up into his arms. “Morna, what is it darling? Is your head still hurting?” She nods weakly. “I can try a healing spell,” Luca says doubtfully, “But they usually don’t work on these headaches when the memories are forced on you. That’s why I never just reveal everything to you. We made that mistake in Verona, I have never done it again. I am sorry the Elves chose to take this approach. But they must have their reasons.”

  Sammy looks at Damian to see if he has any idea what Lucian is talking about, “I’ll fill you in later,” he whispers. “Well, at least I will tell you what little I know.” He looks at the top of the ridge where Almeda and Ari are waiting, and says, “But now I think we have to go get our marching orders.” He looks at Luca, who meets his eyes and nods.

  Luca helps Morna to climb the rest of the way up the ridge. When they join the Elves Ari says; “Morna, you are ill?”

  “It’s just a horrible headache.”

  “I can help. Will you allow me to help?” Morna nods and Ari places his hand on her face, with his fingers splayed and whispers a few words. Morna is amazed she understands ev
ery word, even though it’s not a language she remembers ever hearing before. “Since the dawn of time, this child’s aura will ascend and shine. May peace and comfort lighten her burden, as she rises up to save her brethren. Strength and knowledge I bestow, as my aura to her now will flow.” Ari moves his hand and looks into her eyes. He raises both hands, and holds them over her head and then slowly moves down her body, Morna knows he is taking a reading of her, much like the Spell Weavers of her clan take a healer’s reading of a person’s body. He then places a kiss on her forehead and says, “You should feel a little bit better now my dear.”

  Morna is amazed to see his aura expand to encompass her. The pain is immediately lessened until she barely notices it. She holds her hands out before her. “Wow, I knew Elves could share their auras, but I never thought to see it for myself, much less experience it,” she whispers in awe.

  She looks to Luca to see his reaction to the aura, but he is looking at her with a puzzled look on his face. Almeda speaks quietly, “Morna, your man of light is an amazing creature, but he cannot see what you see. Ari has recharged your aura, step away from him and you will still be able to see the glow. But now it is your own, the same one you carried around with you since you were a resident of Airendell, Ari has simply recharged it. It has always been with you, but your travels through the different life times has taken a toll on its strength. But the more your remember of your past lives, and the more magic you regain, your aura‘s strength will continue to increase.”

  Morna complies and steps back toward Luca. She is utterly amazed that her companions who came to ridge with her cannot see it. “Luca, did you understand the words of the spell?” He shakes his head no. Morna looks at Ari and asks, “How come I could understand, or at least I think I did. You spoke in ancient light Elvish, correct?”

  “Yes Morna, it was the most ancient light Elvish language. The language of our deep magic. The reason you could understand is simple, you are the true head of the Spell Weavers, not your mother. You understand many magical and non-magical languages. You even understand every language that you spoke during your past lives. You can speak several of these languages as well. Each will come to you when you have need of them. You have many more talents and more power than you understand right now,” he informs her.

  Almeda speaks again, “Ari, let us allow Morna a minute to regain her strength. I think we should address some of the questions the young ones have.”

  Ari moves to stand before Damian, “Do you have any idea why you are here young blood drinker?”

  “Luca said he thought I might make up part of the gathering that will break the curse on Morna. I will do anything to help her. Just tell me what I need to do, I will give up my existence for her if need be,” says the beautiful boy sincerely.

  “No way! Don’t ask that of him,” Morna says as she steps forward with her hands out to stop them.

  But Ari raises his hand, and says commandingly; “Peace child! Morna, I can see you might be beginning to understand his destiny. Do not interfere.”

  Morna falls silent at Ari’s command, but it’s obvious she is troubled by what she expects will be said next.

  “Damian, you may be called upon to do that very thing. You are to be Morna’s body guard. This is a permanent duty, if you choose to accept it.” informs Ari.

  Morna steps forward and says, “Kiddo, by permanent they really mean permanent. We will be connected throughout our entire lives. Wherever our lives might take us, you will always be bonded to me as my protector. You really up for that gig?”

  “Definitely.” Damian says without hesitation.

  “You will be part of the gathering, if you survive that long. There are too many variables for me to reliably predict. Listen to Luca and obey his instructions. With his guidance, you should be able to keep Morna and yourself alive throughout the ordeal ahead. Morna is not without her own defenses as you are probably aware, however, she must undergo the training and rituals of ascension again. She will be vulnerable during that time and you must stand guard over her when Luca is performing his other duties. You must be firmly resolved to keeping your darker nature in check. Do you believe you are up to the task?”

  “I will do whatever I can for Morna,” he declares strongly, with deep feeling. “I regard her as my mother,” he confesses.

  “Excellent!” says Almeda and Ari in unison.

  Then Almeda speaks, “Ari will bestow the moonlight blessing on you, like Luca has. That way you will draw extra strength from the moonlight, and you will be able to go out in the sunlight, just as Luca does.”

  Ari stands before Damian, splays his fingers in front of his face and whispers a few words so quietly that even the vampires could not hear them. When he moves his hands Damian’s eyes are now the same luminescent blue as Luca’s. Ari steps away and smiles at the young vampire, turned bonded protector. “It is done. You and Morna are forever linked.”

  Morna walks over to Damian and puts her hands on both sides of his face and draws him down to her face, where she kisses his forehead. “Damian, it’s a grave undertaking you have agreed to and I am grateful for your devotion.” Morna then takes him into her arms for a long embrace. Her aura shines even brighter as the love in her heart for this young blood drinker intensifies. Almeda and Ari smile indulgently at them.

  “Awesome!” says Samantha enthusiastically because she can see the aura, but doesn‘t understand what it is that she is seeing.

  Almeda turns to Samantha and says, “As for you young seer. Morna has already figured out your role in all this. You are indeed to be her seer. Ari will put a spell on you to help you gain greater clarity and accuracy in your visions of her, and he will add other people to your second sight. You will have to actively seek visions of these new additions and it will take a toll on your physical strength every time you chose to do so. Do you consent to this? Are you willing to take on more visions? We know it’s a burden, but you can be very, very helpful to Morna if you agree to this.”

  “Well yeah, I’m the girl for the job! Damian isn’t the only one who has adopted Morna. I am not real crazy about the idea of seeing more visions and having to keep up with other people, but if it will help her, I’ll do it.”

  “You will be of great service to Morna. You will probably not have to face as much danger as Damian, but you will be at risk. Are you still willing to take on the role?” asks Ari solemnly.

  “Yes, I am willing,” Samantha agrees solemnly. Morna is looking at the young girl thoughtfully thinking that there is truly much more to Sammy than meets the eye.

  Ari nods and says, “There is an added benefit, through Morna, you will be reunited with your true family and heritage.” Samantha looks hopeful and then fearful by turns. Almeda pats her hand, and says, “But that is all that I can say about that for now.” Morna gives Sammy’s hand a reassuring squeeze.

  Almeda speaks again, “Samantha, you need to model yourself after Morna. Her passion is actually stronger than yours is and yet she keeps it under check, well most of the time anyway,” she chuckles. “But learn from her, let her be your mentor. Do I make myself clear?” Sammy nods. “Luca can teach you a chant that will help you to achieve greater focus. Learn the chant and practice it regularly.”

  “Yes ma’am,” whispers Sammy. “I understand. What do I have to do now?”

  Ari comes to stand before her and says, “Just stand still young one.” Then he splays his fingers before her face as he did the others. He speaks a few silent words, then says four names loud enough for all to hear: “Lucian, Aideen, Breena, and Damian.” It is clear to all that these are the names of the extra people that Samantha will see visions of.

  Morna looks at Ari in surprise and asks, “Who is this Aideen? I have heard that name before.”

  Luca steps up quickly, “Please do not tell her yet. She will figure it out quickly, I am sure of it. I will tell her if she doesn’t come to it on her own. I just don’t want this knowledge to cause her physical pain on
top of everything else,” he begs earnestly. “Please.”

  Almeda and Ari look at each other for a brief moment, then concede. “Do not take too long Man of Light. We know how much you love her and hate to see her suffer, but time is very short. Do you understand?” questions Ari.

  “Yes my lord,” Luca bows his head to Ari.

  “Morna, you do need to know one thing about Aideen though, we think she should be your lore mother and ascension guide. She is the second highest, right below where you will be. She is a very skilled spell weaver and healer. Do you understand?” Morna nods uncertainly, a lore mother is usually a close relative or dear friend. Morna doesn’t even know this Aideen.

  “Now Luca, your role is much, much greater in this than you understand. We don’t have time to cover that tonight, but the important part you are to play will unfold over time. Rest assured, you are the right man for the duties ahead of you. You are much more important and have a much greater heritage than you realize. We are going to bind you to us so that you may communicate with us and receive guidance from us when you feel you need it. Do you consent to this?” asks Almeda.

  “Yes my lady, you both have my consent,” Luca agrees as he bows his head to Almeda. Almeda then reaches up and splays her fingers before Lucas face and speaks the silent spell that will bind him to her. She steps away and Ari steps up and repeats her actions.

  The elves step away from Luca and look at each other. “Tangy,” says Almeda, “but not nearly as distasteful as I expected it to be.” She looks at Luca and says, “Your heart is truly much more pure than I ever expected a vampire’s heart could be. Amazing!”

  Morna smiles, and says, “I could have told you that.”

  Everyone laughs quietly, but Luca is moved by her absolute confidence in his goodness. He take her into his arms from behind and whispers in her ear, “Thank you my love.” He nuzzles her neck lovingly before looking at the Elves.

  “Luca, all you need do when you need to communicate with us is weave the finding spell, and speak our names. It will not bring you to us, as finding spells usually do, but it will open up communications between us so that we can answer questions and offer counsel, as the need arises. We are the only two Elves that you will be able to contact that way, but now you have an open avenue to contact us, when necessary.”