by Patti Larsen
“Mabel didn’t return yet?” I was hoping to talk to her, too.
“Not yet.” Meira sounded slightly sad. “Keep me posted, would you? The drach are…”
I nodded. “I know,” I said. “I’ll let you know what I find out.”
“And I’ll see what I can find out from this end.” She opened her hands, the palms filling with a mix of black and white smoke, swirling together before she closed her fingers around them. “Maybe my power can call to his.”
Might be a way to find him. “I’ll keep that in mind,” I said. The soft patter of feet behind me half turned me around. Gabriel stood at the bottom of the stairs, waiting patiently for me.
I’d forgotten he was here. Guess I wasn’t winning Best Mom of the Year this time around.
“Hey, handsome.” Meira wiggled her fingers at him, attitude entirely altered. It wasn’t hard to tell she was a mom, though guilt ate at me I’d had so little time to play auntie to her daughter, Zuza.
“Hi, Aunt Meems.” Gabriel waved back.
“I should go.” She nodded to me, all business again. “Keep in touch.” And she was gone, sealing the veil between us.
I turned to my son whose eyes settled on the hand in my arms.
“You found one,” he said, voice deep with a hint of sadness.
“No,” I said. “You did. This was one of the pieces Belaisle stole from us.” I motioned with a jerk of my head for him to come closer. When he did, the piece, complaining in the back of my mind the whole time, fell silent. Gabriel’s fingers slid over the stone and it sighed.
Gateway, it whispered.
“I’m glad you’re safe,” he said, patting it gently. “Are you going home now?”
I should hope so, it sent, all huffy again.
Sigh.
Mom. I reached for my mother while my son gently traced the lines of the fingers on the hand in my arms.
Syd. She sounded slightly worried but hid it well. Not well enough. I knew my mother.
Gabriel’s fine. Guilt again. I should have let her know long ago. More than fine. I smiled down at my son who beamed up at me. But I need a favor. Can you come get him?
You’re in Wilding Springs? I felt her moving, spotted her hurrying down a hallway. Harvard, not Hong Kong. So she was close. I’ll be right there.
Mom was gone even as I reached for Max next. Gabriel frowned up at me, happiness fading.
“I want to come with you,” he said. So stubborn suddenly. Showing his mother’s influence at last?
Elements help me.
The veil opened, Max stepping through. The grimness that plagued him the last little while was gone, a look of vast relief washing over his face even as a flare of blue fire burst into life across the basement and Mom and Quaid appeared on Enforcer flame.
Well, crap. I hadn’t meant for her to bring my husband along. And from the angry look on his face, the way he glared at me and Gabriel, he wasn’t in the mood to kiss and make up.
Like I cared at the moment. I wouldn't let him ruin this.
I looked up at Max. “Gabriel wants to come.”
The big drach smiled at my son. “I think that’s an excellent idea.”
Gabriel’s hazel eyes lit with green flares. Mom stepped forward, bending to scoop Sass into her arms.
“Perhaps it’s time I saw what all of this was about?” She left it hanging, a question, not a request. Before Max could comment, I nodded.
“Great idea,” I said. “The whole family should come.” I offered that olive branch to Quaid who didn’t comment. But his face did soften, the hard edge of his magic loosening a little, no longer choking the thread holding us together. I sent a soft pulse down the length toward him and was momentarily stricken with a tight throat and burning eyes when he answered in kind.
Hope for us after all? Yes, please.
As I turned to Max, his diamond eyes now troubled, Gabriel opened a Gateway, though the veil would have worked just as well. My kid, taking initiative. I grinned down at him, gestured for him to lead us through as best I could. And followed my son into the large cavern on the other side of his Gate.
The statue of Creator waited, not as huge as I remembered. Had I been so overcome by the idea of it the first few times I’d imagined her much bigger and overwhelming than before? But no, surely not. Had she shrunk, then? I looked down at the hand in my arms and made the connection. The statue I’d first seen had been massive. There was no way I’d be able to simply cradle the hand of that figure in my arms this way. It would have overwhelmed me.
“Creator’s making it easier for us,” I whispered.
Max sighed gently next to me while Mom and Quaid stared up at the statue in awe, Sassafras purring like mad as he kneaded Mom’s arm.
“I certainly hope so,” the drach said as my son turned to me and held out his arms.
I gave it to him without hesitation. Somehow this felt like his job, though I had no idea why that was the case. The piece was as large as his little torso, but he held it with ease, turning to cross to the statue. He had to climb the knee, sitting in Creator’s lap as he set the hand in place.
The chamber erupted into song, vibrating with music as the piece of the statue returned home. A line of light burst from the seam, sealing itself while the thread, the silver thread I’d though dead and lifeless, the one we’d found with it, rose from beside my son and spun in the air in a spiral of delight, turning from frosty silver to the brightest blue, so bright I had to look away.
A tall, broad shouldered drach appeared, raising one hand to Max who saluted back, before the image vanished and the thread, now sparkling with new life, spun upward toward the ceiling and vanished.
“Free,” Max whispered. I looked up at him, finding tears on my cheeks as he wept. “My brother, you are finally free.”
***
Chapter Fifteen
Gabriel hopped down from Creator’s lap after another soft pat for the hand, joining us with a beaming smile on his face.
I hugged him, kissed the top of his head, breathing in his little boy scent and wrapping him in my power, heart hammering in my chest. So much love for him in that moment poured through me I could barely stand it.
“Very well done, Gabriel,” Max said, wiping at his face with both hands, completely unselfconscious about his tears. “My heart thanks you.”
“I didn’t do anything,” Gabriel said, blushing faintly, smiling though. “Mom found the piece again. Did Belaisle tell you where to find it?”
“What?” Mom stood frozen next to me, Sassafras’s ears flopping sideways, whiskers drooping as her power flared. Quaid’s magic burst open in answer, blue flames licking out across the stone floor, the choking pressure once again smothering the connection between us.
“He did not,” Max said.
“Apollo did,” I told Gabriel, then Mom. “He stole one of the pieces back and gave it to me when we invaded the Brotherhood stronghold.” And I was digging myself in deeper and deeper with every word, wasn’t I? Mom’s scowl turned to a cold mask of rage, Quaid’s magic retreating, though he vibrated with his own anger.
“You tackled the Brotherhood without alerting me?” Mom took a step back while Sassafras twisted in her arms, paws on her cheeks.
“The Steam Union did,” he said with more gentleness than I could have mustered. “Syd was just along for the ride, Miriam.”
My mother shook off his touch, setting him down, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. “And Liander?”
“In custody,” Max said, calmly and precisely. “In this very Stronghold. Under the care and control of the drach.”
Oh, crap.
Mom reacted instantly, anger cracking like a whip. “You will turn him over to me immediately,” she said. “To stand trial for his countless crimes against all paranormals.”
Max didn’t waver. “I can’t do that,” he said, still firm, but with kindness. “He is far more important to the salvation of the Universe to risk handing him off to a si
ngle plane for punishment.”
Mom’s teeth ground together. I knew her stubborn face. This was above and beyond.
“I understand that,” she said. Okay, so she was trying to be reasonable. Awesome. “But he has much to answer for, Max. Far more than I’m willing to let go because you feel the need to control him.”
“You would sacrifice the safety of the Universe itself for revenge?” The big drach stared her down while my husband glared in return, ignored. “I had thought you more in touch with the truth than that, Miriam Hayle.”
Mom drew a deep breath, visibly pulled herself under control. “You know it’s not that simple,” she said. “I have those I must answer to. And when they discover Liander Belaisle is in custody they will demand his return to our plane for judgment.”
“When this is over,” Max said, “and he is of no further use to us, you may have him. Until the Universe is safe and the pieces of Creator returned where they belong, no power on any plane will compel me to release him.” The giant drach seemed to swell, gray tinted skin scaling over, diamond eyes glowing. “No power, Miriam Hayle. You understand me?”
She nodded even as my chest compressed with tension.
Mom, I sent, tight and worried. Please don’t challenge him.
I’m not that stupid, she sent in return. But this is a disaster, Syd. I can promise you it won’t end well. And there will be repercussions.
I knew very well how unreasonable the paranormals of my plane could be.
“Of all people,” Max said, “you, Miriam, should understand how much bigger than your plane this is. While his crimes against your people are terrible, he is also the mouthpiece of Dark Brother. He has had in his possession stolen pieces of Creator. We have no idea what that possession has meant, or if the piece his people still hold could be the downfall of our Universe.” Mom nodded, backing down further, though my husband continued to scowl. “This Universe must be our priority.”
“We could have both and you know it.” Quaid’s anger finally snapped. “He could be standing trial even while you question him. This is a power grab and nothing more.” Quaid turned to Mom like he wasn’t after a snatch of his own. “This is all we’ve ever been to the drach, Miriam,” he said. “Lesser beings who don’t matter until we’re needed for something.”
My mother tsked at him in irritation but I opened my big mouth before she could.
“You have no idea how much sacrifice has occurred for your protection,” I said. “None.” I jabbed a finger at the statue watching us in silence. “Max’s brother has been imprisoned for thousands of years, since Creator split her physical form, all to keep us safe.” Anger crested in a wave of burning through me, washing out toward my husband. “So forgive him, lesser being, if Max understands better than you do what’s actually important.”
Whoops.
“I’d expect that from you,” Quaid said, holding out one hand to my son. Gabriel looked up at me with hurt in his eyes, hesitating. And, I have to admit, I was tempted to hold him back, to say screw you to Quaid and keep my son with me. But I needed him safe and protected, and I had things I had to do. The story of my life. And so, with a soft touch to his cheek, I let him go.
Gabriel crossed to Quaid but refused to accept his hand. Instead, he crossed his little arms over his chest and looked away. Sassafras joined my son, perching on his feet.
I’ll watch over him, the cat sent. He’s pissed, though.
I hardly blamed him. And just stood there, trembling with compressed anger, as Mom spoke.
“I have to tell the Council.” She sounded torn, regretful suddenly. “I have no choice. And they will demand justice.”
“They will have it,” Max said. “In due time. When we are all safe.”
Mom jerked a nod even as Quaid’s Enforcer fire flared to life. Her blue eyes locked on mine as they vanished.
I’ll do what I can, she sent. But I’ll be back, Syd. With an ultimatum.
***
Chapter Sixteen
I turned on Max, knowing he was right, but still pissed about the whole thing. “We could send drach guards,” I said even as he turned away from me, marched toward the stairs. I had to hurry to keep up, hating I felt like a little kid at her disapproving father’s side. “They could have their mock trial while we continue to question Belaisle.”
Max ascended the stairs, broad back stiff. “You know that is impossible,” he said.
“Why?” I pushed past him until I was in front of him, one hand on his chest to stop him. At least the stair I stood on gave me some height, though he still had six inches on me, easy. I was lucky he decided to stop and not just stomp his way over me. I might be practically invincible, but so was he. “Why can’t we be flexible and allow them their small comfort?”
He shook his head, sadness in his eyes even as his jaw tightened. “You’ve heard nothing of what I’ve said. Nothing.” Max looked down, exhaling. When he looked up again, his old patience was back, but none of his gentleness. “Listen to me, Sydlynn, and hear me well, if it’s even possible for you.” Grrr. “What they want? Immaterial. What they need? Irrelevant.” His voice deepened, filled with the song of the drach as he went on, rainbow light flooding the staircase as his magic rose to punctuate his points. “What they fear? Not ours for concern.” I wanted to argue, but the weight of his magic, the pressure of his mind, the truth of his words, all combined to leave me weak and shaking. “War is coming, Sydlynn Hayle. Can’t you feel it?” He gestured vaguely but I did feel it, the tension in the veil though I remained outside it, the vibration of unhappiness in the very threads of the Universe. “I know you can. You have to be ready. We all do. And if that means we deny those who don’t have a part in the larger battle, then we must. They will understand and forgive. Or they won’t. Either way, we must do what we must do, and their trials and fights must be theirs. Not ours.” He released me from his magic, the rainbow light retreating. “I beg you to hear me,” he said at last, voice thick with sorrow. “Our lot is not their lot. And though I, too, have been guilty in the past of meddling in the lives and needs of those who should have remained ignorant of the greater Universe, I must choose. As you must. The battle we face has to come first or there will be no one and nothing to protect.”
I knew he was right. I wasn’t stupid. I’d been part of the “greater good” long enough to see the light at the end of the tunnel wasn’t safety but an oncoming army of indestructible warriors and Dark Brother.
But.
Damn it, I was a Hayle witch. And my mother taught me too well.
Max gently moved me aside and marched past me, up to the main level. I stayed where I was, breathing deeply, heart slowing eventually as I felt myself settle after such a huge outlay of energy. Max and I had our moments in the past. But I’d never felt anything like that.
“Are you recovered?” I looked up to find Mabel standing a few steps above me, her bulk blocking the light. I was so wrapped up in what happened I hadn’t even noticed her approach.
“I’m okay.” I took the steps slowly, body aching, muscles tight and unhappy. She offered me her large hand, long, black hair hanging to the floor, brushing over my sneakers as she guided me up to the first floor and into the large foyer entry. So many memories here, of my first time sneaking through the stronghold to talk to Ameline. Of my family taking refuge here after the Brotherhood attack on Wilding Springs and the rest of North America. I settled onto a bench, staring at the giant glass portal that had been the main entry to the stronghold when the Enforcers occupied this place, my mind taking me to lines of witches, covered in ash. Hurt in body, mind and soul by the destruction of sorcery on their covens. Could almost smell the smoke and blood of their passing.
Mabel settled beside me, still holding my hand, cradling it in her giant palm.
“You’ve only known Max a short time,” she said at last, breaking our silence. “Though it might feel like a long duration to you. I’ve known him all of my life.”
I nodde
d, leaning my head back against the stone wall, exhausted and a bit broken. “I know,” I said. “And you don’t have to lecture me, Mabel. I get it. I understand. But I can’t help my loyalty to those I care about.”
“I would never ask you to release that,” she said. “I have grown exceptionally fond of your sister and her family in the short time I’ve known her.” So much warmth in her voice, in the small smile on her face. It eased my own hurt to see it. “Max has the same feelings for you, you know.”
I shrugged, uncomfortable with this line of thought. Part of me wanted to be angry with him right now, the rest of me chastising myself for being childish while the girls remained quiet and pensive. Fighting their own consciences, obviously.
“He has known endless ages of loss.” Mabel stared at the glass portal, diamond eyes slowly whirling with emotion I couldn’t read. “He has led us despite his crushing guilt and regret. Done everything he can to maintain the safety of the Universe while his massive compassion has led him to care far more than he should for those who have no impact on the priorities of all planes.”
Thanks for making me feel guilty too, Mabel. But, she wasn’t done.
“I’ve seen him sacrifice an entire plane to save a single race,” she said. “Struggle with the decision to let another die off when the time came. Though all drach have endured our own griefs, he carries them all with him, Sydlynn. All of them. And will until the day he is done.”
“Maybe I’m just too human for this.” I tried to pull my hand out of hers, but she refused to release me, still gentle as she turned her big head, met my eyes.
“Or,” she said, “you’re just human enough. We drach forget what it is like to be finite. And though you are as long lived as we, you have only begun your journey, still retaining ties to those who you will lose in short order.” She sighed gently, the gust of air passing over my face, smelling of fresh cut grass and the open sky. “We need your perspective. Especially now. But please, be gentle with him.” Mabel’s free hand rose, fingers that could crush rock stroking softly over my cheekbone, making me shiver. “As our destruction approaches, Max feels it more keenly.”