The First Spell Weaver of Airendell: Book Two of the Airendell Chronicles

by Audra Hart

  Luca kisses her and says, “Nothing we can’t handle.” They both chuckle. “He seems to have retained his empathic abilities. He was reading you pretty well.”

  “He has always been able to do that. Or at least I suspect that he could. It was hard to tell when he couldn’t talk to me.” Morna reaches out and pulls her mate to her and snuggles into him. “I am just so grateful that he is better, he can walk. I don’t have to lie awake at night wondering if he will live to see his teenaged years, his twenties, and so on. He is on equal footing now with other children.”

  “Morna I can only imagine your relief. You have essentially carried this burden by yourself for his entire life. But you are not alone anymore in this, my love.” He assures her.

  She kisses him tenderly, “I know that, darling. I am grateful for that. I can‘t tell you what it means to me that you love my children with Rolan so well.” Morna stands up and says, “Let’s go find Damian and Breena. I want to know what Micah found out.”

  After they exit the office they encounter Reagan. “Thank you for the meal and the other refreshments,” Morna says with a wry smile. “I will strive to stay on top of this. In fact, I will pass this information on to my assistant. She is incredibly efficient and takes good care of us all.”

  “Yes, my Ingrid is indeed amazing. We are to be wed in a year’s time,” says Reagan with a huge smile on his face. “It was Ingrid that brought the food and the blood for you Madam. Not me.”

  Morna laughs and says, “I should not be surprised to hear that. Congratulations on your engagement. Ingrid is amazing. I was wanting to check on my sister. Can you tell me where she is?”

  “Micah and Mr. Summers took her back to your residence. She seemed a little overwhelmed to find that she is actually pregnant.” Reagan informs her.

  “Yeah I bet. She finally meets a man she can love, has sex and promptly ends up pregnant. That’s a lot to take even, not even counting the whole vampire spawn thing. Thank you for all you have done today.” Morna turns, and looks at the door into the room where her sons are. She is frustrated that she can’t go in there. She wants to know that they are okay. She wants to help. Instead, she is standing out here feeling useless.

  Suddenly Luca chuckles, “Morna, you are needed.” He takes her by the arm and leads her back into the treatment chamber. They are met by their sons. Aiden hugs his mom and then turns to Luca and hugs him too. “Hey Mom, hey Dad!”

  “What? How did you get your memories back? Are they all back?” Morna sputters happily

  “Collingwood.” Says Aiden with a huge smile on his face.

  Collingwood joins them saying, “I wasn’t able to restore all of his memories, but he remembers his family. We will still have to fill in a lot of gaps. Unfortunately, he has lost the memory of how to communicate via telepathy, however, he should be able to relearn that skill fairly easily.”

  Morna hugs Collingwood and says, “Sir I will never be able to repay you for all that you have done for my family.”

  “Morna, your family has done a great deal for me. I am reclaiming my personal power, because of you and your family. When my mate died, I gave up on living in many ways, and just went along. That is changing. Thank you,” Collingwood tells Morna with a happy smile on his face.

  Mordir joins the little group and Luca asks, “Is it okay for us to take Aiden home yet?”

  “I don’t see why not. I would like the opportunity to monitor his progress, but he will be surrounded by very talented healers.” Mordir says happily. “When you return from Airendell, I would like another opportunity to examine him and hear about his progress.”

  “Thank you Sir. Your expertise and the equipment here was invaluable. Thank you for welcoming so many healers with such diverse backgrounds to work in your facility. You reignited my interest in healing. You are so passionate about your craft and so knowledgeable. Thank you.” Luca tells Mordir as he shakes his hand.

  “Perhaps when things calm down for your family and your Guild, you would consider interning with the Asgard healers. I would happily sponsor you. Your knowledge, your precision and focus certainly fascinate me.” Mordir tells Luca with obvious sincerity.

  “I am flattered and will give it serious consideration. I am honored by your offer.” Luca replies.

  Morna chuckles and says, “If he had not had to chase me through my different incarnations he would probably be the strongest healer in our Guild’s history by this time.”

  “Speaking of your different incarnations Lady Morna, I would love to spend some time with you someday to get some data about your different life times, magical skill levels you were able to achieve in each incarnation, medical histories, family histories, and the like. I am curious as to whether or not you evolved through the incarnations.” Mordir says.

  “Sounds like a fascinating project. Did you know that I was autistic in one of my incarnations?” When Mordir shakes his head ’no’ but looks very interested, Morna continues. “I still retain a few mild sensory processing issues in this incarnation. I would very much like to undertake this project with you. I think it might have some applications in special education. I am a firm believer that the mind, the heart, the soul, if you will, plays a huge role in how well someone with disabilities can overcome biological limitations.” Says Morna excitedly.

  “Wonderful! I look forward to working with both of you. Hopefully sooner, rather than later.” Mordir replies happily.

  After the group returns home they spend a lazy afternoon enjoying their success. Morna organizes the weavers to prepare a huge barbeque. The venison is a big hit with everyone. Morna teaches Auggie how make southern style potato salad and baked beans. Bronwyn prepares corn on the cob over the open grill, as well as string beans with mushrooms and pearl onions. Rinda makes a huge batch of fluffy dinner rolls and Fionn bakes a variety of pies. The group of family and friends celebrate late into the evening. Heimdall, Mordir, Reagan, Odin, Thor, Frigg and Sif also join the celebration.

  Morna spends much of the evening enjoying watching her son walk around and get acquainted with her family and friends. She worries that he is doing too much, but Mordir assures her that he is stronger than she believes. She watches her other children shadow Aiden, knowing they worry about him as well.

  Collingwood gets Morna off to herself and he spends an hour teaching her about some of her abilities that the Elves bestowed on her when she was twelve years old. Morna asks her Elvish mentor if that gift from the Elves is the reason she can do magic without spells. “No, not at all. You could do that before we came to you. You have very powerful, deep, ancient magic in your body, even before we made the Talismans part of your body. Your ability to heal will come from that source.”

  When Morna argues that she is not much of a healer he just shakes his head, “Morna, there are types of healing that only you will be able to do. Time will reveal all. I am not really sure what it is myself, but be patient. You are not just a killer, but a life giver and powerful healer as well.” Morna nods and tries to accept Collingwood’s words at face value, but she doubts she will ever be much of a healer. She rejoins the gathering of family and friends then and looks for Luca, she finds him engaged with Odin.

  Odin had gotten Luca by himself at one point and engages him in small talk. “I am so happy for our Baby Girl that her son is well. I know how much she loves her children. She has a strong mother’s heart and a strong warrior’s heart.” Says Odin as he leads up to what is really on his mind. Luca suspects the Norseman is building up to something and waits patiently for him to get to what is really on his mind. “When Morna was recovering from that battle with that hybrid creature, I heard you refer to her children as your own. You truly mean that? You truly accept Morna’s children as your own?”

  “I do.” Says Luca simply.

  “That is good. I have been studying the prophesies that we believe pertain to Morna and her children. Those children will be vital to neutralizing Kyera and Valgullveig. Besides, they deserve
a Father who truly loves them.”

  “They do indeed.” Luca agrees wholeheartedly.

  Morna and Luca take Nora to bed at 8:30. The little girl is so excited that it takes her a long while to go to sleep. Ingrid had acquired several children’s books for Nora and a few sketch pads and artist’s pencils. Nora shows her parents some of her drawings. Morna smiles happily at one. It depicts Morna and Luca standing side by side holding hands, under their ancient oak tree in their glen. George is standing before them holding his hands over their hands. Their children, other family members, and friends are there too.

  Morna recognizes a group of people that she knows are the Guild’s elders, and she recognizes many of the ‘gods’ from Asgard, but there is one woman that Morna has never seen before. She is standing between Frigg and Sif at the edge of the Asgardian group. She is just a little shorter than Morna, with long curly auburn hair. She has pale blue eyes, a broad forehead and strong jaw. Her stance and features are regal and strong, but her expression is kind and merry. Beside her is a tall, powerful looking man, but he is turned slightly and Morna cannot see his face.

  Morna points the woman in Nora’s drawing and asks her daughter, “Who is this?”

  “She told me to call her Grandmother in my dream,” says Nora.

  Luca and Morna look at each other in surprise. “You didn’t hear her name?” asks Luca.

  “Bellona,” says Nora with a huge yawn. “Mom, I am sleepy now. Can you say my prayers with me?” Morna happily prays with her daughter and then hugs her before kissing her good night. Luca tucks the tiny girl into bed with a kiss on her forehead. “Good night Daddy, Good night Mom.”

  Once they are in the hall and have shut the door, Luca turns to his mate and takes her into his arms. “Amazing! My first look at my mother comes from the talented hand of our daughter. Do you think that picture really depicts our vow renewal at Airendell?”

  “It must. She drew our glen and the ancient oak tree perfectly and she has never been there. And the Guild elders? It must be a product of second sight. Your mother is going to come to our ceremony!” Morna says excitedly.

  “Honestly Morna, I am not sure how I feel about it. Why has she never made herself known to me before now?” Luca says stonily. “Why did she not come when we first married? Or when I ascended into immortality. Or when our children were born? To the best of my knowledge she has been completely uninvolved in my life, except when I was changed into a vampire, and she bestowed the Moonlight Blessing on me. Even then she did not spend any time with me.”

  “Well, if the so called Roman gods are anything like the Norse gods, they don’t reckon time as we do. Perhaps she had other duties that kept her away? Perhaps her father keeps her away? By all accounts he is a cruel, harsh, and controlling being.” Morna says thoughtfully.

  “True. Well, I guess I may get some answers soon.” Luca acknowledges. Morna kisses her mate gently and then holds him closely. Luca tilts her face upwards and gazes lovingly in her eyes. “How are you feeling? I have noticed tonight that you have consumed three cups of blood. Is your thirst that great?”

  “Persistent might be a better word for it.” Morna says quietly. “I am starting to suspect that I crave the hunt as much as the blood.” Morna adds with a quiet chuckle. “That or what comes afterwards.”

  Luca laughs too and kisses her passionately. “I am beginning to suspect that your hunting is like your more carnal urges during pregnancy. Perhaps it is all tied to strong emotions. Today has certainly been a day for strong emotions. Do you want to go hunting later tonight?”

  “Not really, love. To be completely honest, I would like to sleep about ten or twelve hours.” Morna says with a sigh. “Sleep has always seemed like such a waste of time to me, but at this moment, it beckons to me like a lover.”

  “Well my love, let’s go see that our children are settled for the night and get you to bed.” Luca says with a gentle kiss on her lips.

  The couple spend another hour with their children and guests. After a while, Luca notices that Morna is not among the revelers outside or in the main hall. He goes into the kitchen in search of Ingrid to ask her if she has seen his mate. He finds Morna dozing on a stool in the corner. He gently picks her up and carries her to bed. He undresses her and tucks her into the covers. She snuggles into her pillow happily and mumbles, “Love you, Luca.” He gently kisses her forehead and goes to inform the children that their mother is already asleep.

  Luca finds Maria and Aiden deep in discussion. When Luca tells them Morna has fallen asleep, Aiden smiles. “She must really trust that you will look after me and Kyle, Dad. I can’t imagine she would have ever slowed down long enough to doze when we lived in Ada. She knew she didn’t have any help and she always made sure we were well cared for.”

  Luca smiles at Aiden and says, “She has tons of help now, don’t fret over that.” Aiden hugs Luca. “Don’t worry about Mom so much, Aiden. She is much tougher than you can imagine and I will always do my best to support her.”

  Maria offers to help Aiden settle in for the night. “It’s getting late little man,” she says to the frail boy. “You have had a big day and should rest yourself.”

  “I know Maria. I am just afraid that when I wake up I will find that it all has been a wonderful dream.” Aiden says quietly.

  “Well little man, I can assure you it has all been very real and you will still be able to walk and talk when the sun rises again tomorrow. Besides, you have a big day tomorrow. Your mother has to go before the Guild elders and we have a wedding ceremony to arrange for.” Maria says happily.

  Kyle comes up and says, “Hey bro, let’s call it a night. It’s after 11:00 and we have big plans tomorrow.” The brothers say their goodnights and make their way to their rooms. Luca makes the rounds to say good night to departing guests, and friends as they make their way to their own quarters. Rinda and Heimdall promise to be back early. Rinda will be returning to Airendell with the Spell Weavers, but Heimdall will remain in Asgard until right before the ceremony on the 22nd.

  Finally, Luca is able to make it to his wife’s side by midnight. She is snoring softly when he checks on her. He showers quickly and puts on a robe. He debates about joining his mate in their bed, but decides to use this time to do something he has been meaning to do for a while. He had obtained copies of all prophesies from Collingwood, and sees Morna’s sleepiness as an opportunity to familiarize himself with the ancient texts. He settles down in the small study and begins to pore over the documents. He monitors Morna’s breathing and heart rate while he works, and will know if she wakes.

  At about four o’clock he hears her breathing change and then hears her go to the bathroom. She washes her hands and face and then brushes her teeth. She putters around in the bathroom a little longer and then finally runs a tub of water. He walks into to check on her after a few minutes and she is soaking a steaming hot bath. “Baby, you okay?” He asks as he kneels by the tub and kisses her forehead.

  She opens her eyes and smiles at him. “I’m fine. I was just too tired to bathe earlier. I was planning on going back to sleep after the bath. I can’t believe how tired I am.” She says with a big yawn. She laughs a little at that and closes her eyes again.

  Luca starts rubbing her neck and back for her as she soaks in the tub. He lovingly caresses her rapidly growing belly. He is amazed that it seems as though he can almost see it growing. She is obviously now in the middle of the second trimester and there is no doubt to even the most casual observer that she is pregnant. He massages her hips, buttocks, and thighs. He smiles when she tenses slightly and gentle tremors ripple through her body.

  Morna opens one eye, smiles sleepily, and says, “I can’t believe you can do that to me even when I am half asleep.”

  He chuckles and says, “I think that’s more on you than me, my love. Your nature is so passionate and your body’s reactions so sensual. It takes very little on my part to give you an orgasm.” He kisses her lips tenderly and then asks,
“Are you thirsty?”

  “Yes, I am. I dreamed about hunting while I slept.” Morna admits.

  “I will go get some blood for you.” He says as he strokes her face lovingly. He rises and leaves the bathroom quickly. Morna enjoys the bath for a few more minutes and then gets out and dries off. She finds another robe in the closet and puts it on before walking out to the study to see what he has been working on. She quickly skims his notes and the original texts. What she reads chills her and exhilarates her at the same time.

  Morna smiles happily when her mate comes up behind her and kisses her neck. He reaches around and hands her the cup with the blood in it. He lovingly caresses her belly while she drinks and moves up to knead her breasts. The scent of the blood she is drinking fuels his lust for her. When she finishes drinking and sets the cup down on the desk, he turns her to face him. He growls softly in triumph when he sees that her eyes already have that glassy look that indicates she is fully aroused and enthralled by his attentions.

  She strokes his cheek and traces his lips with her fingers. He kisses her fingertips and then leans down to nip the swollen, erect nipple of her left breast through the thin robe. She reaches out and unties the belt at his waist and smoothly peels the robe off of his body. She practically purrs at the sight of him. She loves every contour and line of his perfect, hard, pale body. She strokes his powerful shoulders and works her way down the hard planes of his back to his exquisitely formed buttocks.

  He quickly removes her robe and cups both breasts and then kneads them roughly. She firmly grips his buttocks and pulls him closer to her. He bends his knees slightly and grinds his hard shaft into her pelvis. The wildfire burning in her blood consumes her, and she urgently whispers, “I need you now!”

  He lies her on the floor, and she hisses in frustration when he starts kneading her breasts again and moves his mouth down her body. He moves his hands down and pushes her legs open wide and growls softly as her scent further fuels his arousal. He nips her pubic mound with his sharp, venomous teeth. She moans as the familiar burn and sting set in. He moves lower and nips the swollen lips of her labia and chuckles when she hisses, “YES!” He roughly sucks the tiny swollen nub of her clitoris, and moves his eager tongue lower to taste her juices.