Lost Wanderer Awakened - Book One of the Airendell Chronicles

by Audra Hart

  Almeda’s face again becomes very serious and she says, “Morna, we will come to you in one week’s time in Chicago to check your progress. If you have not progressed enough, we will have to force the rest of your memories onto you. I am sorry, I know this course of action will cause you a great deal of pain. But your body, mind and your magic are already much stronger already than you realize, so take heart. Remember, we don’t have a lot of time, our seers back in Alfheim believe the confrontation will take place very soon. Your enemies are closing in on you and you need your memories to be truly prepared. Your Guild and it‘s true mission to protect mankind is depending on you.”

  Morna looks the elf envoy in the face and says clearly, “I understand my responsibilities Almeda. I will endeavor to regain all of my memories and achieve ascension again as soon as possible.”

  Almeda nods her approval of Morna’s promise. Then the elf woman says, “What have you been able to figure out on your own so far?”

  “I suspect that my mother was behind the attack on Luca and she sent Kyera to curse me. Am I right?”

  Almeda says, “I am sorry, but yes we are quite certain that is correct.”

  “I was supposed to take over for Magdrid wasn’t I?” Almeda nods, and Morna closes her eyes for a second to truly absorb this information before continuing. “She was behind all the problems the Elders gave me about marrying Luca in the first place wasn’t she? And she was behind the Elders wanting to exile Luca after the vampire attacked him.” Almeda nods again.

  “So I am thinking that she has probably gathered a force of dark magical beings, vampires and who knows what else to stop me from ascending back into immortality. She must be keeping tabs on me and knows that my power is returning. Am I right?” Morna asks, dreading the answer.

  “Sorry child, yes we believe that you are right in all of your suppositions. Except we suspect there may be someone behind your mother… Someone corrupted her. She wasn’t always an impure seeker of power. We just don’t know who it is, or why they are doing it.” Ari looks to Luca, “I think you might be correct. She may very well be able to put all of this together without any external force from us. She is already getting a good grasp on things, and I suspect that she is already what your kind calls an Immortal. Ascension may just be a formality. But she does need to relearn the lore and the history of your Guild.”

  Morna looks at the two elves and says, “I am so afraid to ask this next question, but I need to know… Did Magdrid send Kyera to kill my children?” Morna sees the truth in their eyes before either one of them can speak. Morna silently resolves to make her mother pay for killing her children.

  Luca watches the cold, hard look come over Morna’s face. He shudders as he recognizes the hatred and the determination to make Magdrid pay for her crimes that he sees in his mate’s eyes. He knows the feeling all too well, for he too experienced it firsthand nearly 600 years ago when Morna died, the first time.

  Ari gives Morna a moment to collect herself and then says, “Child, I want to apologize for meeting you earlier in that form. That is my true form, but I know it caused you pain. It must be obvious to you that your children were destined to be Immortals, and I am thinking you probably think that Magdrid and Kyera stole this away from them.” Morna nods and Ari continues, “Take heart, child, your babies’ reside in Alfheim. We were able to dispatch sprites in the nick of time to snatch each of them away before death came upon them, even your little Aiden. His premature death was brought on by another of the witch’s spells. But when you are successful we will be able to safely restore them to you. Right now there is just too much danger for them, so we are keeping them in our care at Alfheim.”

  Morna collapses under a wave of relief and gratitude. The tears overtake her and she sobs openly. These are not the hopeless tears she has shed for her ’babies’ in the past, but tears that cleanse the pain away and make her stronger, purer and whole again. Luca kneels with her and holds her in his arms as she weeps openly for several minutes.

  Almeda says with a smile, “Morna, you have a plane to catch.”

  Morna arises and wipes the last of the tears from her eyes. She faces the elves and asks, “Would it be permitted for me to embrace you? You have given me the greatest gift imaginable, the knowledge that my children live. I want to express my gratitude, but I do not want to offend.” Morna knows that most elves consider themselves far above other magical Immortals, even their descendants, the spell weavers.

  Ari says, “Child, we would be honored to be embraced by one such as you.”

  Morna quickly embraces them both in turn, then looks at Luca and asks, “Do we have enough time for me to run back to car with you, or should I ride?”

  Luca laughs out loud, takes her up into his arms and spins around with her. Then he says, “We have time my love, we have time. Let’s go enjoy a run together. It’s been far too long since we last ran through the woods together.”

  Morna looks over at Samantha and says, “Little Girl, get on Damian’s back, it’s time for us to run like the wind!” Then she turns to Almeda and Ari and says, “See you in a week’s time, I will try not to disappoint you.” She nods confidently and then turns and takes off so fast Samantha wonders what happened to her.

  Damian says, “Hurry up Sammy, she has gotten a head start!” Luca laughs happily and takes off after Morna and Damian as soon as Sammy is on his back. Once they are on their way back to the car Damian’s says to Samantha, “Do you have any idea who Aideen is?”

  “No, but Lucian does and he‘s keeping it from her,” says Sammy, “But I think that when they mentioned that name Aideen, it really did something to her. That name, Aideen, is very significant I think. I will have to keep a close eye on that individual to see if I can figure out who she is. All I have right now is a vague impression of her. Morna’s son’s name was Aiden, do you think there might be a connection?”

  “I don’t know Sammy,” but something up there, that’s for sure. I saw her face too. And did you see Luca begging them not to tell her. It must be huge part of her past that she hasn’t been able to piece together yet. That‘s why he wants to protect her from being told about it. He told me that if she can remember on her own it isn‘t nearly as painful for her.”

  Morna is about five miles from the car when she hears Ari’s voice in her head, “Child, I almost forgot to tell you how to severe the connections with your sister and with Aideen. Just say the person’s name and then say sever (in ancient light Elvish). The connection will be immediately suspended. Anytime you need to establish a connection like that again, simply say the person’s name and then say link (in ancient light Elvish). You can connect with anyone who has been touched by magic, but I warn you don’t try to connect with your children until Magdrid and Kyera have been dealt with. We don’t want to weaken the protection that is around them right now keeping them safe. Do you understand child?”

  “Yes Ari, I understand. Again, thank you,” Morna says aloud as she runs.

  Morna says, “Goodnight Breena, goodnight Aideen. It’s time for me to take my life back. Be sure to share all you have learned tonight, and we will see everyone at 10:00 am.”

  “Breena - sever! Aideen - sever!”

  After that Morna just enjoys the run. She feels like she is faster than she has ever been, but suspects that is just the euphoria brought on by the news that her children are not dead. By now Luca has caught up with her and she knows he could out run her easily, but is holding back just to enjoy the run with her. When Damian pulls alongside Morna, she is surprised that he too holds back and runs alongside her. Morna can’t help but think, “This is nice. I have family again.”

  When they get back to the car she helps Samantha down and asks, “Well, how’s that for fun?”

  Sammy says, “Great, but I wish I could run like that too. But riding is great too!”

  Morna reaches out and takes her in a loving embrace. “Thank you Samantha, for taking on that extra burden on my behalf. I know it
’s going to be tough, but you will be a great service to us all by doing this. Just keep your concentration, and get plenty of rest. Being exhausted makes it hard to keep track of the visions when you are watching multiple persons. One of the Guild Elders, Maggie Fine is a seer, she told me a great deal about the gifts and struggles of being a seer. I am sure that you are capable of doing this very well.”

  Sammy kisses her cheek, and says, “Thanks Mom, I will keep that in mind.”

  Everyone laughs happily. Luca wraps his arms around Morna and kisses her. For a fleeting moment, Morna is nearly overcome by the urge to plunge her tongue into his mouth and kiss him deeply, exploring his depths, savoring his taste and running her tongue along the sharp edges of his teeth. She is shocked at herself by this. Not that she is surprised by the urge to kiss him like she used to, before the change, but that she deeply desires the touch of his razor sharp, venomous teeth. A strong thrill of fear moves up her spine like lightning that rocks her to her core and ignites her passions in her body. She pulls back and looks at her mate.

  Oddly, he too looks unsettled by something. She kisses him again, gently, to reassure him and herself. Once she has suppressed the radical urge she smiles lovingly at him, he says, “I love you, Morna Michaels.”

  She replies fervently, “As I love you, Lucian Michaels.”

  The lovers reluctantly release each other and then they all load up in the car and head for Will Rogers Airport so that Morna and Luca can catch their flight to Chicago. Luca and Morna use that time to fill Damian and Samantha in on the curse, and the essentials of the Spell Weavers guild, and their role in protecting humanity. It’s only a forty minute drive and they arrive in plenty of time to clear security and board their plane.

  When the conversation in the car lulls, Morna’s thoughts travel back to the crash and the hatred that she had harbored in her heart for the driver of the semi. About a month ago, she let go of it and went to see him. She forgave him, but that’s not enough. None of this was truly his fault. “Luca, we have to figure out a way to help Edgar Jennings. The crash wasn’t his fault, but he’s going to be in jail for a very long time. Can we help him?”

  “Carlisle and I already have a plan in place to do just that. But I wasn’t going to move ahead with it until it either became obvious that you weren’t going to get your memories back or you got them back and decided to help him. I knew you would.” Luca says quietly.

  “Well we can’t let him rot in jail any longer! Get him out!” Morna says with feeling.

  “Morna, there’s no way we can get his conviction overturned. He will have to escape and be taken to one of the magical realms. Carlisle has set up a place for him at Airendell. It seems to be our best course of action.” Luca says.

  “Well, I forgave him before I even knew that it wasn’t his fault. When I thought it was just a horrible accident. I went and told him so one time, but I think I caused him more pain than I helped. But I definitely can’t let him live with the consequences now that I know he was cursed.” Morna gets her phone out of her purse and calls Carlisle.

  “Carlisle, hello this is Morna. How are you kiddo?”… “Me, I am great! I just found out my babies are safe…. Elves…. No joke…. Hey I need to talk to you about Edgar Jennings. He must be freed as soon as possible. The poor guy has suffered way too long for something that wasn’t his fault. I know he has no family. But I read the transcripts from the trial. His co-workers and his friends all said he was a good man and would never do anything reckless or careless to endanger other people. Luca told me that you have a plan, can you get rolling on that. Thank you Carlisle. That’s a load off of my mind. I just wish I could tell him myself that it isn’t his fault. Thank you, I will leave it in your very capable hands.” Morna hangs up and smiles hugely. Luca pulls the car over onto the shoulder of I-35 and kisses her soundly.

  Morna smiles when he’s finished and strokes his face, “What brought that on?”

  “You! It didn’t take you long at all to absorb everything that has been happening to you and start trying to take care of others. My Morna is truly back!” Luca says as he strokes her face lovingly.

  “Well, your Morna should have thought of it before now. As soon as I realized Kyera was behind the accident.” Morna says sadly. “I have been too focused on just me.”

  “Bullshit Morna! You have been dealing with some crazy stuff right now. You should give yourself a damned break!” Samantha says enthusiastically. Morna smiles when Damian and Luca concur. Morna blushes and changes the subject. They continue with small talk the last leg of the trip to the airport, but Morna is vastly relieved to know that Edgar will be taken care of.

  Before parting from the “kids” at passenger drop off, Luca looks at Damian and Samantha and says, “Damian, take Sammy right back to The Bridge. I called them earlier and told them she would be with us, but I don’t want them to worry. And make sure you two trade cell phone numbers so you can contact each other if need be. And Sammy, leave Damian alone. He is far too dangerous for any of your games, do you understand me?”

  “Samantha ducks her head but says, “Yes, I understand. Honest Luca, I think that crap is all behind me. I know I have value now, I don’t have to do that anymore. Does that make any sense to you?” she asks.

  “Yes kiddo, it makes plenty of sense. But you have always had value, and don’t you forget it,” Luca admonishes. He hugs her quickly and shakes Damian’s hand, then steps back so Morna can tell them goodbye. She hugs them both and promises that one or both of them will be calling often with updates.

  Once they are in the air and the flight attendant has given Morna a coke she says, “Just in case you are interested, we don’t have an audience anymore.”

  Luca leans over and kisses her passionately. “Oh I am very interested.” he whispers against her lips.

  She revels in the ice cold feel of his hard lips and his hand behind her neck. A fire starts to burn deep in her belly. “I need you Luca!” Morna whispers fervently into his slightly parted lips, while she struggles to resist the same urge that she felt overwhelmed by when they were standing next to the car in the Arbuckles. At the same moment, Luca resolves to call Brigid to make sure the connection is severed with Aideen before he does any more than kiss his Morna though. He can’t face the thought of Aideen being an unwilling participant in their passion.

  Luca finally breaks off the kiss saying, “We better stop before you convince me to join the mile high club,” he chuckles and takes her hands into his.

  Morna is enjoying the feel of his hard cold hands on hers when a thought occurs to her. “Luca do you think I may have known about the children? Do you think that’s why I didn’t go through with suicide all those times, why I constantly search for them in my dreams?”

  “I don’t know Morna, but I do honestly I think that was your strength of character that kept from taking your own life. Baby, I share in your joy at the news that your children are alive. I look forward to meeting them once we have sorted this whole mess out,” he replies sincerely.

  “I know you do darling, and I know they will love you,” she gushes.

  “I hope so, but you know not everyone accepts what I am as well as you do. You should be prepared for that, darling,” he says gently.

  “Oh nonsense, it only takes five minutes around you to know what good man you are,” she insists.

  “Well, I’ll take you at your word on that matter my dear. Why don’t you try to get a little rest before we land at O’Hare?” he suggests.

  Morna snuggles up to him, and says, “Yeah a catnap, that’s what I need.” Morna quickly drifts off the sleep and dreams of loving her mate wildly and of Luca’s razor sharp teeth slashing into her skin. Oddly, the dream doesn’t fill her with fear or dread… it just feels meant to be, necessary even.

  Luca watches his mate sleep on the flight with longing. He is getting impatient to get to Chicago, he wants to hold his mate and love her like she deserves to be loved. “Who am I kidding? I just want
to love this woman every chance I get.” He thinks to himself with a chuckle. He tries to stifle an unbidden, wild urge to change her and wonders if he should trust himself to make love to her. Lucian has always strived to protect her from what he has become. Other worries soon crowd out that unreasonable fear as he tries to sort out how to help Morna regain all of her powers and memories.

  CHAPTER 17 - INTERLUDE IN CHICAGO

  After they check into their suite of rooms at the hotel, Morna excuses herself for the human necessary. Luca quickly dials Brigid’s number to make sure the connection between his mate and Aideen has been severed. He is relieved and excited to learn that Aideen no longer sees, hears, and feels everything that Morna does. He promises Brigid that they will be on time to her offices in the morning and then he hangs up his phone and lays it on the bedside table. He looks up and is surprised that Morna is standing there watching him with an inquiring look on her face. He did not hear her come out of the bathroom. He chuckles to himself thinking that she gets more and more vampire like every day.

  “Why was it so damned important to you that the link is severed with Aideen? What‘s so blessed special about her?” Morna asks a little stiffly.

  “Because I don’t like the idea of having an audience while I make love to my mate,” he says casually.

  She eyes him thoughtfully, then says, “Luca I know there is more to it than that, but I will let it go for now. But soon, you will explain who this Aideen is and why is so important that she be kept out of our love life. You only seemed mildly embarrassed that Breena was connected, but this Aideen, that really seems to bother you.”