Luathara - Book Three of the Otherworld Trilogy

by Johnson, Jenna Elizabeth

  Tully made to say something else, but then closed her mouth and gave a short nod.

  “Can we come visit you?” Robyn asked eagerly.

  I grinned despite my sadness. Yes, now that Robyn was willing to believe my crazy story, she would be the first one to hitch a ride through the dolmarehn. If only she could . . .

  I sighed. “You can’t come visit me. Humans can’t cross into the Otherworld.”

  Her face fell and I could almost feel her disappointment weighing heavily in the air.

  “But Meghan, what about that demon you guys killed,” Thomas said. “There must be more of them in the Otherworld.”

  I regarded him and gave a small smile. He was worried about me. It was a nice change from the distrustful anger. I took a deep breath to answer him, but Cade beat me to it.

  “I won’t let anything hurt her.”

  His voice sounded determined, fierce even. My smile broadened. “Besides,” he continued, “Meghan is extremely strong. She has more glamour than most Faelorehn and as soon as we get to Eile, her magic will grow even stronger.”

  That caused everyone to pause and look at me with great awe.

  “Magic?” Will practically breathed. “Oh Meghan, can you show us?”

  Cade shook his head. “She’s been in the mortal world too long. She needs to spend some time in the Otherworld in order for her magic to work properly.”

  “Oh, darn.” Will sounded so disappointed, but then Cade released a soft chuckle.

  “She can’t,” he said, moving to stand up, “but I can.”

  What followed was a modest, yet impressive, display of Faelorehn magic. Cade simply gathered his glamour in the palm of one hand and proceeded to make a dark green flame flicker and dance and take on the shape of various images: a bird, a leaping fish and a raindrop splashing into a puddle to name a few. I merely sat back and enjoyed the show alongside my friends. I had seen Cade do so much more, but I appreciated this little offering. It helped to ease the tense mood and took my mind off of what had passed earlier in the night.

  By mid-morning we had packed up our sleeping bags and taken down the tent. Before leaving for home, I wandered down to the lakeshore and just stood there, staring out over the water as the breeze tugged at the loose strands of my hair. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply through my nose, my thoughts wandering off into the Otherworld.

  “You know, I always thought there was something special about you Meghan Elam.”

  I jumped, then turned to look at Tully. She was smiling, but her eyes were sad.

  “Oh Tully,” I said quietly, lowering my head and returning my gaze to the lake. “I can’t believe you still want to be my friend after the way I’ve treated you these last few years.”

  Tully didn’t say a word. She merely stepped forward, bent down to pick up a flat rock, and threw it out across the lake. We watched it skip four times before it dove below the surface. Eventually she shrugged.

  “Sometimes the measure of a good friend is knowing when to simply be there in case you’re needed.”

  “Tully,” I said, my voice harsh, “I practically ignored you for the last year and a half! What kind of a friend does that?”

  She reached out and pulled me into a hug. I couldn’t return it because my arms were crossed, but I let my chin rest on her head.

  “You didn’t ignore me Meghan,” Tully murmured. “You just didn’t know how to tell me what was wrong, and I knew that.”

  She released me and stepped back. “I’ll miss you,” she said, sniffling a little, “but I’ll just pretend you’ve gone away for college. Promise you’ll come back and visit?”

  I took a deep breath and placed my hands on Tully’s shoulders. “I promise.”

  We both turned back to watch the small waves ripple across the lake once more.

  “So,” Tully said, all traces of sadness gone from her tone. “Cade. Was he your reason for being such an emotional wreck last year?”

  And just like that, we were teenage girls once again, talking nonsense and giggling with reckless abandon. Soon I would be facing down the worst Eile had to offer, but at that moment I just wanted to be young and carefree one last time.

  -Six-

  Luathara

  Cade and I left for Eile the next morning. I tried to hold it together as I packed what I could carry into the Otherworld with me. Most of my stuff would be left behind, and Mom had told me it was because I would need somewhere to stay when I came to visit. Every weekend. I had smiled at that. I would try to come back as often as possible, but I was sure that getting settled in to my new life would take a while. After all, I had to learn how to use my magic, somehow make peace with my birth mother, and avoid the Morrigan all at the same time.

  I sighed, gave my room one more remorseful glance, and headed upstairs. Cade was in the living room, standing at attention with my family gathered around. I gulped. It felt like I was going to my execution.

  “I guess this is it,” my mom said with a trembling lip.

  No Meghan, you will not cry . . .

  And then Aiden ran up and gave me a fierce hug, followed by the rest of my brothers. It took me a long time to compose myself enough to speak.

  “It’s just like if I was going off to college,” I assured them as I sniffed. "As soon as I've got my life in order in Eile, I'll come back for a visit. I promise."

  “Cade, a word if you don’t mind,” Dad said, opening the door and gesturing for Cade to follow.

  My mouth went dry and my stomach plummeted. Oh no.

  Cade gave me a calm look and used shil-sciar to speak to me. It will be alright Meghan.

  I took a deep breath. I had to believe him. He was the son of a goddess and could turn into a faelah-killing superhero on a whim, but I feared for his safety when he was alone with my dad.

  They were gone for twenty minutes, twenty agonizing minutes. While we waited, I helped Mom and the boys make some cookies, one last family activity before I left. When Dad and Cade finally returned, we all stopped our laughter and chatter. Dad’s eyes had a misty quality to them and Cade looked the same way he had before he left. I bit my lip to keep the tears from coming.

  Before Cade and I started down the horse path, my brothers handed me a picture album my family had put together for me. The photos depicted scenes from my life. My mortal life. I hugged everyone for a long time, crying silently as I hung on to them one last time. I would miss them, but I would come back to visit. They were still my family.

  Cade whistled for Fergus, who had been keeping a low profile in the bushes, and I called out to Meridian. She swooped down from the treetops to settle on my shoulder, nibbling me affectionately to try and cheer me up.

  Sorrow? she sent.

  Yes, I answered, but it will get better.

  I smiled. Mind-speaking with Meridian seemed less colorful, less complicated than the shil-sciar method with Cade, but her words were comforting nonetheless.

  We reached the dolmarehn fifteen minutes later. I took a deep breath and tried to will my tears to stop falling. Cade looked at me and I was tempted to ask him what my dad had said to him. Tempted but currently too afraid. Maybe someday I’ll get the nerve to ask him, I thought to myself.

  “Are you ready, my love?” he asked gently, stepping up once again to take my face in his hands, my heart singing at his term of endearment. He wiped away the tears with his thumbs, a gesture that I was quickly becoming addicted to.

  I nodded and he leaned in to give me a gentle kiss. He dropped his hands and reached one out to me. I took it and he carefully led me into the small cave. Fergus had run ahead of us and I could feel Meridian’s talons digging into my shoulder as she hunkered down.

  We moved slowly through the dark and my mind kept itself busy by thinking about where my life was headed. I had left my family behind and I was going home, to the world where I belonged. I was terrified and depressed, but I was also filled with excitement and wonder. I’d learn how to use my glamour properly, now
that it was fully awake, and I would have Cade by my side. I allowed myself to smile through the tears, but before I could contemplate another thought, that familiar tug of Otherworldly magic latched onto me and we were pulled into the deep darkness of Eile.

  * * *

  The Otherworld was the same breathtaking sweep of green rolling hills and ancient forest I had grown used to, welcoming me in that cool rush of ancient magic that could never be found on Earth. We quickly made our way towards Cade’s castle, and once there I gaped at the difference. The ruined fortress was alive with activity. Men worked at replacing old crumbled stones and broken windows. Women and children were interspersed throughout the fields, tending to what looked like a combination of potatoes, carrots, onions and several grains. As we took our time walking up the dirt road, I got a full view of the side of the castle facing us. The stone wall that surrounded it was being patched up, but a narrow gap that still needed attention gave me a glimpse of a small kitchen garden that I hadn't noticed the last time we'd visited the castle.

  I looked up at Cade and he merely smiled down at me.

  “I wanted to make Luathara ready for you, so you'd have a place to stay in case you didn't want to live at the castle in Erintara,” he said.

  I shivered at the idea of staying with my mother, under her suppressive rules. I didn't think she'd allow Cade to visit me even if I asked nicely. No, I wasn't ready to jumpstart a working relationship with my birth mother, the high queen of Eile. Best get my bearings in my new world first.

  I sighed and let my eyes sweep the castle once more, then I remembered what Cade had said. I blinked up at him. “You did this all for me?”

  Cade nodded.

  I regarded the old castle, the one that had somehow worked its way into my dreams those many months ago. Luathara Cade had called it. I liked that name.

  “The construction isn’t quite complete, so after tonight we'll be staying with the Dagda for a while.”

  My face split in a huge smile. I loved Cade’s foster father and I couldn’t wait to see him again. The Dagda was an overwhelming presence, but he had shown me nothing but cheer and acceptance since the moment I'd met him.

  "Unless, of course, you'd rather go to Erintara," Cade added with a smirk.

  I punched his arm. "No, I wouldn't. I mean, yes, I eventually want to go see my mother again, try to make peace with her, but I'd much rather stay with the Dagda for now."

  As we passed through the castle gates and stepped into the noisy courtyard, we were welcomed by a man Cade introduced as Briant, his steward. He was a kind looking man, tall, middle-aged with brown hair and intelligent eyes. Like all Faelorehn, he had a handsome quality to his looks.

  “So this is the young Miss Elam. Welcome, my lady.”

  I blushed, as usual, but took his hand and allowed him to escort me deeper into the courtyard. All around, people in work clothes were bustling about. Men and women both hauled stones in wheelbarrows while those who were younger carried baskets full of berries and fruits to be prepared and stored for later. My head swiveled on my shoulders as I tried to take it all in and Briant laughed, a hearty, strong chuckle that reminded me of the Dagda. Cade strolled leisurely by my side, and when I glanced up at him I realized he was watching me with a soft smile on his face. I recognized that look. It was a look of pure bliss. I returned the smile, unable to help myself.

  At the large door leading into the castle’s main hall, a tall woman with strawberry blond hair, snapping blue eyes and perfect posture greeted us. She came off as stern at first, and when Briant caught her glance he dropped my arm and handed me off to Cade.

  “Melvina!” he exclaimed. “Cade has come back with the Lady Meghan!”

  The woman lost a little of her sternness and her rigid face melted into a brilliant smile. The result was enchanting.

  My distraction at the change in the woman standing before us was short lived when the steward spoke next.

  “High Queen Danua’s daughter. The princess.”

  I flinched so hard Cade felt it. He glanced at me, one eyebrow arched and a look of amusement painted across his face. I glowered at him.

  Melvina’s bright eyes widened and she descended into a graceful curtsy that would do my birth mother proud.

  I gritted my teeth. When I managed to find my voice I said, “Please, I’m the furthest thing from a princess.”

  Cade detected my distress and stepped in closer to me, the cloak he had thrown on that morning sweeping his sides and partially blocking me from those who had been close enough to hear Briant’s loud announcement.

  He pulled my head close, pressing his lips to my hair, and whispered, “Technically, you are a princess.”

  I reached out and grabbed the loose fabric of Cade’s shirt with my hands and drew him closer.

  “A princess is someone who grows up in a palace, wears expensive clothes, has nannies to raise her and servants at her beck and call. You saw where I grew up,” I hissed.

  You are the daughter of Eile’s high queen, Meghan. I know you don’t like it, and I understand why the title grates at you, but it doesn’t matter where you grew up. Danua’s blood runs in your veins and you are her daughter.

  The silent words were soothing, and I understood Cade's point. Didn’t mean I had to like it. I released a deep breath and pulled away, glancing up at him.

  Fine, I returned, but please, could you ask them not to call me ‘princess’? Just because I’m the daughter of a queen doesn’t mean I want to be treated differently than anyone else.

  Cade grinned and kissed the top of my head again.

  “Briant, Melvina,” he turned to both of them. “Meghan would be eternally grateful if you would forget who her mother is while she’s at Luathara.”

  They both widened their eyes in horror, but Cade stiffened his jaw and gave them both a stern look.

  “What will we call her then?” Melvina asked, her voice warm and welcoming. The very tone made me relax.

  “Meghan, just call me Meghan, please,” I said, stepping away and holding my hand out to the woman at the top of the stairs.

  She took my hand as if she had no idea what to do with it. I shook, and she quickly caught on.

  “It's nice to meet you,” I said.

  “And I you, Meghan.”

  She smiled again.

  “As Briant said, my name is Melvina and I am the head cook here at Luathara. If you have any complaints with the food, please let me know and I’ll do all I can to improve it.”

  Briant huffed and said, his voice full of pride, “No one can make a better meal than my wife.”

  Melvina pulled a dish towel from the belt she wore around her waist and smacked him with it.

  “Hush you!” she hissed, her cheeks turning slightly pink.

  I turned and looked at Cade. First a steward, now a cook? Where had all these people come from? They hadn't been here the last few times I'd visited the castle. I asked him using shil-sciar.

  They all have homes in Kellston, but I invited them to live in the castle and aid me when I started the construction. Melvina and Briant have an older daughter who is married and she now lives in their old house. We can’t live in a castle without the proper staff.

  I swallowed. We. Living together . . . in a castle. Sure, he had said it was up to me whether I lived with Danua or stayed with him, but it really hadn't hit me until just now. Was this really happening? Had he discussed this with my dad? Was I really going to live in the Otherworld with Cade in a castle? I snorted inwardly. And to think, I had just told him I wasn’t a princess.

  Once we were properly ushered inside, and my wayward thoughts were left for another time, I discovered more wonderful changes. Colorful rugs decorated the floor and detailed tapestries hung on the tall, stone walls. All the windows were repaired and clean, making the place feel bright and airy. Melvina excused herself, claiming she had to prepare the evening meal, something that would be grander than usual since I had arrived. I tried to tell her not to
worry on my account, but she only brushed me off and disappeared down one of the many hallways branching away from the entrance hall.

  “Well, I shall leave you two alone then,” Briant said, clapping his hands together. “But there are some missives in your study you might want to look at, my lord.”

  He bowed to Cade and then turned to leave.

  I arched a brow and gave Cade a questioning look. He only smiled.

  “My lord?”

  He shrugged, unbothered by the comment.

  “When you own a castle in Eile, you officially become the lord of the castle and the land belonging to it.”

  “How much land?”

  Another shrug. “Several thousand acres.”

  I dropped my arms and gaped. Several thousand?!

  “Cade! Why did you never tell me any of this?”

  He backed away slightly, stepping out of the ray of light streaming in from one of the tall windows. Some of that smugness he’d been exuding a few moments ago vanished and he looked uncertain. He ran his fingers through his hair and took a breath.

  “For the same reason I never told you about the riastrad and my own heritage. I was afraid you would realize I wasn’t good enough for you.”

  Tears sprung into my eyes, not because I was hurt he hadn't trusted me enough to tell me these things, but because he had been afraid to do so.

  “Oh Cade.”

  I stepped forward and pulled him close, wrapping my arms around him beneath his cloak. Cade returned the embrace and rested his cheek against my hair, one hand placed behind my head.

  “How could you ever think you weren’t good enough for me?”

  “You are the daughter of our high queen, and I am the son of her worst enemy,” he whispered.

  I cringed, remembering the conversation he had overheard the last time I’d talked to, no, argued with, Danua.

  I pulled away just enough to look him in the eye. I lifted my hands and held his face, the way he often held mine. “Nothing will ever convince me to stop loving you Caedehn MacRoich, nothing.”

  He sighed and I reached up to kiss him, a gentle brush of our lips that left me wanting more. I dropped back down to lean into him again, resting my head against his chest so I could hear his heartbeat. We stood like that for goodness knows how long, the bright mid-day light streaming down into the massive entrance hall, bringing the brilliant earthy reds, greens and golds of the rugs and tapestries to life. The sounds of men shouting, children laughing and stones being fitted into place rung throughout the castle, but I didn’t mind. This was my new home and I wanted to soak in every last detail of it.