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

by Audra Hart

  Rinda finally gets up to go. “I need to throw some things in a bag before we go to Airendell. Morna, go soak in a hot tub again to keep you from getting stiff, and don’t worry Luca, she can be as active as she wants. It will do no lasting damage. At most she will ache some.” Rinda kisses them both and leaves.

  Morna continues to watch her mate thoughtfully until Luca asks, “What is the matter my love?”

  “Many things and nothing.” Morna says cryptically. “Sorry, hormones, I think. I should go find the kids. I can’t believe I haven’t checked on them yet. I bet they think Mom has become very selfish.”

  “No, they don’t. They are glad you are taking care of yourself, for a change.” Luca comes up to her and kisses her. He backs her into the wall and says, “I have to confess, I kept tabs on your conversation with Rinda.”

  “That’s fine, Darling. If I wasn’t okay with that I would have put up a buffer spell.” Morna says as she wraps her arms around him.

  “I am not a prude, Morna. You do not shock me or offend me or anything even remotely like that. I have just worried about hurting you for so many years, it is a hard habit to break. Plus I can’t help but feel that what I am has corrupted you somehow.” Luca says honestly.

  “Well I don’t feel corrupted.” Morna can’t’ help it, she giggles like a girl. “Luca, I have always had a wild side. Battle exhilarates me, and I sometimes like to play rough. You know that. I just feel freer in it now. More natural. I honestly feel like I am exactly what I want to be, what I am meant to be. I should want to be less selfish and more altruistic, but I like what I have become. Does that make me a selfish or bad person?” Morna asks earnestly.

  “Not a chance!” Luca says assertively.

  “Good!” Morna says and kisses him passionately. “I am sorry that this morning bothered you, but I am not sorry we did it. I thought it was amazing, and would happily do it again, anytime. But if you don’t want that, I am fine with that too. Now I should get dressed and go find the kids so we can go to Airendell.”

  She considers the matter closed and starts to walk past him to the bathroom. He blocks her way and pushes her back against the wall. “Dammit Morna, you know how much I liked it. I just don’t want my venom to cause you pain.”

  She laughs and says, “No problem.” And nips her left shoulder before he realizes what she intends. “There’s an easy fix. I don’t want to do it all the time, darling, I just want to feel free to do whatever feels good to both of us. It excites me beyond description that you were actually able to taste my blood today. I know exactly how invigorating it is. And I know how much the scent of my blood, in particular, has tortured you for centuries. I am finally your physical equal. And mating with you in that equal standing stimulates me more than I can express.”

  Luca growls low in his throat he leans down and licks the oozing blood and moans in deep satisfaction. Morna twists her fingers of her right hand roughly in his hair as he gently sucks at the tiny, oozing wound. She eagerly pulls his face towards hers and they kiss deeply. Morna strokes his cheek tenderly and their kiss turns gentle. Morna breaks the kiss and looks her mate in the eyes as she continues to stroke his cheek lovingly. “You see? Neither one of us are out of control.” She kisses him again gently and says, “I need to get dressed. I want to fix my hair and dress nicely to go before the Guild elders. We can pick this up at a later time or never. It’s entirely up to you Luca.”

  CHAPTER 12 - THE FIRST SPELL WEAVER OF AIRENDELL

  Luca laughs heartily and allows her to pass. “Well played my love. You proved your point. Now let me heal that scratch on your shoulder.”

  “No need love, it is already healed. But thank you.” Morna saunters into the bathroom. Luca follows to watch her. She quickly applies her make-up and starts taming her hair. She looks into the mirror and meets Luca’s eye. “Would you mind getting that black pantsuit out of the closet for me?”

  “I will, but I think the grey Chanel will suit the occasion better.” Luca says softly.

  “Sounds fine to me. You are certainly better at dressing me than I am.” Morna says with a laugh. Luca brings the pantsuit back. Morna is amazed that he changed while he was in the closet. He is now wearing a dark gray pair of slacks, and a pale blue linen shirt. He has rolled the sleeves of his shirt to ¾ length. He is wearing a pair of black Italian leather loafers. Morna thinks he looks good enough to eat. But more importantly, he looks just as strong, capable and level headed as he is.

  Morna is pleased with the way the grey suit looks on her. “Good choice, my love.”

  Luca chuckles and kisses her gently. “You wear it well.” Luca leads the way to join the rest of their group. Everyone is assembled in the main hall. Morna makes her way to her children. She is nearly brought to tears at the sight of Aiden. He stands tall and straight. Looking so handsome in his navy slacks and light grey sweater. He meets his mother and hugs her tightly. “You look totally awesome, Mom!”

  “I was thinking the very same thing about you three.” Morna laughs happily. She looks around and sees everyone but Heimdall assembled. “Heimdall isn’t coming?”

  “He will stay here and keep watch until time for the ceremony.” Rinda supplies helpfully. “You look great, Morna. I have never seen you looking stronger or more competent.”

  Agnar is the only Asgardian not dressed in their traditional garb. He is dressed simply and stylishly like Aideen. They look like the perfect power couple. Morna wonders momentarily what her grandchildren will look like. She smiles at herself for her musings and goes to greet her father and grandfather. Both are gloriously decked out in their armor and helmets. Ganessa too is dressed like an Asgardian, and looks lovely in the traditional robes of the Vanir.

  Morna is surprised to see Odin, Thor and their wives. When she greets them Thor says, “Baby Girl, we come mostly for moral support. But if those damned fools you call your elders insist on making the wrong decision, we fully plan to explain the error of their ways. We are going as an official envoy from Asgard. Albriech is sending a contingent as well. Today is very important to all of the magical world. Maria says the Anasazi are sending a contingent as well. I have personally invited the Romans, the Greeks and two Asian groups. Lootz will be there, as will a dwarf envoy. I am afraid the Spell Weavers might think they are being invaded.

  “Not at all,” says Morna. “Fionn has been in charge of keeping the Elders and the other members of the Guild informed, and bringing information to me and Elias about goings on there. I won’t let my Guild be caught off guard, or go in blind myself, you know that.”

  Odin chuckles and looks at his mate, “I told you she had this well in hand.”

  Morna smiles at the Asgardians and goes to join the group of Spell Weavers. She greets each one with a kiss. “Before we go I want to thank each of you for your support, your love and your friendship. However today goes, I am blessed to have friends like you.” They all smile back at Morna and she continues, “However, I am not sure today will go smoothly. With so many arriving at Airendell at once, it is bound to be chaotic. Also, be on guard. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kyera or Valgullveig try to use this as an opportunity to cause trouble.”

  Elias clears his throat, “Morna if we are going to get this many transported to Airendell in time for the meeting we better get a move on for the Bi-frost.”

  “Yes, yes Elias. You are indeed correct.” She pulls him off to the side and says, “Elias, are you sure you do not want to be the Guild’s leader? You would be excellent at it.”

  “Morna, I know I am competent and would lead the Guild fine during normal times, but these aren’t normal times. Besides, you are destined to be the Guild’s greatest leader ever. Prophesies indicate you will lead us into a new age of growth, and evolve us into something that is truly beneficial to the modern world.” Elias says firmly. “I know you are not trying to get out of your responsibilities, so can you tell me why you brought this up again?”

  “Because I want to make sure we a
re doing what is best for the Guild. I trust you wholeheartedly, Godson.” Morna says easily. Morna hugs her godson and looks around for Luca. He joins her immediately and beckons the children to come. When they go outside Morna chuckles at the sight of fifteen chariots waiting to transport all of them to the Bi-frost. Everyone loads up into chariots and sets off for the six mile drive to Heimdall‘s.

  Once they arrive, Ingrid, Brynhold, Auggie, Tena, Surt and Skjarr are waiting for them with boxes and bundles, including several large canvas bundles that Morna suspects are huge tents. Heimdall greets Morna with a huge hug and kiss. “Where do you want me to set this group down in Airendell, your cottage in the glen?”

  “No Heimdall, set us down in the square in front of the Guild hall. I want to arrive at the exact appointed time for the meeting.” Morna says quietly. Ingrid comes up and whispers in Morna’s ear. Morna chuckles and says, “My wise assistant suggests that you set her, Brynhold and the others down in the glen with all of their supplies so that they can set up the tents and begin to prepare the evening meal. She is excited to begin decorating for the wedding as well.”

  “Very well, Baby Girl. Godspeed! And good luck! You will be amazing. I will be watching and can send reinforcements if necessary.” Heimdall says with a chuckle.

  Morna looks around and says, “I think this bunch could have repelled the Huns. Reinforcements will probably not be necessary.”

  “Never the less, the garrisons of Valhalla and Thunder Mount are on standby.”

  Morna takes a deep breath, squeezes Luca’s hand and motions for Elias to stand beside her. “Godfather, please open the gate. I have an appointment with the Elders of my Guild.”

  Heimdall opens the Bi-frost and Morna steps out on the Rainbow Bridge, knowing that her loved ones and supporters follow behind. Morna steps out into the square in front of the Guild Hall. She looks around with a smile on her face. It has been centuries since she has been here, in the village square, but very little appears to have changed.

  A tall man with a shock of short red hair and a bushy beard steps out of the Hall to greet her. “Morna Glynn?” he asks uncertainly.

  “Morna Glynn Michaels. Shamus Kennedy, you know that.” Morna says with an indulgent smile at the leader of the Elders.

  “My apologies lass. I expected you would look different and you do, but you look much the same too. It’s strange. It’s like our little warrior Morna grew up into a regal Amazon.”

  “In a way I did just that Shamus. It took fourteen lifetimes to get me here, but here I am.” Morna says with a chuckle.

  Another tall man with neatly trimmed jet black hair comes out of the hall and smiles hugely. “Morna! So good to have you back lass!” He takes her into his arms and hugs her happily. He turns to Luca and Elias to shake their hands.

  “Rylan O‘Neal, it’s wonderful to see you,” says Morna with true feeling.

  The other Elders emerge from the hall. Morna is pleased to see them all. These people all played a huge role in her life for many, many years. There is Maggie Fine, Rinda’s mother, Breena Murphy, Brian Stone, and Flynn Fine, Rinda’s uncle. All six members look exactly as Morna remembers them. Maggie and Flynn step forward to hug Morna and Rinda moves forward to happily greet her mother and uncle. Finally Maggie looks at Morna’s children. “Are these your babies love?”

  Morna smiles happily and says, “This is Aideen, Kyle, Aiden, and Nora.”

  Maggie claps her hands together and says, “They are fine looking children. Talented too, or so I hear. The wee one looks just like you did at that age.”

  Nora comes up to Morna and tugs at her hand, “Mom, why is everyone here so hard to understand?”

  Morna laughs and says, “My girl, speak a little slower. Our Okie accents are just as tough for them to understand as their thick Irish brogue is for you to understand. People who come from different places often sound differently when they speak. Listen closely and concentrate. You will easily be able to understand everything they say.” Morna assures her daughter with a hug.

  Rylan steps forward and takes Morna’s hand. “Madam, the contingent from numerous other magical clans have gathered inside. There is even a contingent of those Italian vampires here. We weren’t quite sure what to make of them when they first arrived. But we quickly escorted them into the hall. They have been seated for over an hour. I am sure they are getting impatient.”

  “Probably not Rylan. Vampires can sit and wait until hell freezes over, if they so wish.” Morna says with a chuckle. And then she asks, “Is it the three brothers or the tiny blond leading the group?”

  “There are only three of them, the tiny blond female, her brother and that hulking bodyguard of hers. Not that she needs one.” Rylan says with a chuckle. Morna is pleased that Rylan knows what they are dealing with. “I assume all the Spell Weavers have woven iron-lions.

  Shamus grunts and says, “Aye, those of us who remember how from the days of Kylor the eldest, and when you handled the training. Shall we get started?” He turns without waiting or a reply and goes into the hall. The other elders and Morna and her entourage follow. Morna nods to the envoys inside and stops before the small blond vampire. She is truly beautiful with her child-like, angelic face and bright crimson eyes, but Morna knows the little creature is evil through and through. The tiny blond rises confidently and bows her head negligently at Morna. “Lady Morna, so good to see you today.”

  Morna nods slightly and says, “You and your entourage are welcome as long as you understand that you are only observers and have no standing among us. And don’t even think of pulling your parlor trick on anyone at this gathering.”

  “But Lady Morna, you are now one of us, and therefore, you fall under our purview.” The small blond says haughtily.

  “Not even in your wildest dreams, little girl. I am a Spell Weaver, first and foremost. I am the daughter of a Vanir witch, and an Aesir god. I am great granddaughter of Odin Allfather, king of the Norse gods, and descendant of the Giantess Rind. I am the First Warrior of Airendell, Ireland and Wales, and The First Protector of the Gateways of Ari and Almeda. I am sister to two Stone Breakers, can you honestly think that I fear you?” Morna says softly.

  “Perhaps, but you are still one of us, as is your mate.” The tiny blonde insists petulantly.

  “Oh really? One of you? I am one of a kind!” Morna neatly slashes her finger with her razor sharp teeth and watches as the blood oozes from her finger and collects in her palm. The three vampires hiss and struggle against the binding spell Morna is holding them in. “I am a living, breathing magical being with a mighty heartbeat, who just happens to have all of the physical prowess that your kind has. But I am not a Stone Cold vampire and do not fall under your purview. Make sure the brothers are fully informed of this fact. As to my mate, my unborn child, and my bodyguard, they too, are none of your concern. Do you understand me?” Morna weaves the spell to heal her lacerated finger and licks the blood off of her hand with slow deliberation. Morna negligently waves her hand and releases the binding spell holding the vampire entourage. When the tiny blonde nods, Morna says, “Don’t force me to prove these facts further. You should have behaved today and this would not have been necessary. You need to learn that it is not possible to behave as a bully among one‘s superiors.”

  “Yes Ma’am. My sincerest apologies. My masters would not be happy to know that I inadvertently offended you.” The tiny blonde mutters while refusing to meet Morna’s eyes.

  Morna snorts derisively, and says, “I hope you enjoy your brief visit to Airendell. Next time, you will wait for an invitation before entering our realm.” Morna glides away regally and hears a chuckle from the group behind her and knows it came from George. She prays he behaves as he walks past the little bloodsucker and her coven mates. She hears them hiss as George and Maria walk by. “Stand down little girl, they are my friends.” Morna hisses so quietly only the vampires in the hall can hear.

  Morna slowly walks toward the Elders at the end of the
great hall. Her attention is rapt on the three members of the Roman contingent. Finally, she shakes her head and focuses her attention on the Elders. Morna comes to stand before the Elders. She bows low and speaks humbly. “I am grateful for the opportunity to address this esteemed council today. I have long been away from my people and I am thankful to be here, in my home, once again.” After the council of Elders extend their official welcome Morna continues. “I have sad news to officially report, my mother Magdrid Glynn, former First Spell Weaver of Airendell is dead. She died by my hand.”

  Shamus clears his throat. “As you know, Fionn has, at your bidding, informed us of this tragedy. Are you willing to face our inquiry so that we might determine if this slaying of our leader was justified?”

  Morna lifts his chin slightly and says, “I am. I immediately submitted myself for judgment at Asgard, but I recognize this body’s jurisdiction in this matter and will willingly submit to your inquiry.”

  Shamus directs his attention to Odin and Thor, “Lords of Asgard, may I ask what your findings were?”

  “Lady Morna is innocent of any wrong doing. That is our final decree.” Odin says solemnly.

  Shamus nods and says, “Will all who were present step forward and allow us to convene a private inquiry?” Spell Weavers, Stone Breakers, vampires and Norse gods alike step forward. Shamus turns his attention to the other envoys present. “We will return shortly.” With that he puts up a buffer spell around the assembled witnesses. “We have already heard the details of the slaying, we simply need to hear Morna’s testimony and make sure the witnesses support it. This won’t take long. Morna, tell us in your own words, how it is that you came to take the life of your mother, our leader.”