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

by Audra Hart

  “As you know my mate was attacked by a vampire and converted five hundred and seventy-seven years ago. At that time I was cursed to be repeatedly reincarnated by the witch Kyera, a former Spell Weaver, for killing the vampire who attacked my mate. Since that time I have been reborn thirteen times. This is my fourteenth and final incarnation. We heard evidence from Magdrid herself that she was behind these actions. We also heard evidence from her that she had placed a curse on myself and my sister, Breena Glynn that was killing us. The Vanir’s were unable to remove the curse and the only way to stop it was for Magdrid to choose to release us or for her to die. She refused to release the curse, so I killed her.”

  “If the curse was truly killing you Morna, how is it that you were able to plunge your sword into her chest and decapitate her?” Shamus asks skeptically.

  “The Elf Almeda, the daughter of Ari the Eldest, gifted me with her aura and life force. It gave me enough strength to deal with my mother,” Morna says evenly.

  Rylan looks at the assembled witnesses. “Do any of you dispute Lady Morna’s version of the events leading up to the death of Magdrid Glynn?” When none of the witnesses speak up he continues. “Excuse us for a moment while we make our decision.”

  Rylan puts up another buffer spell around the Elders and Elias whispers to Morna, “I did not know that it was possible to put up a second buffer spell inside of an existing spell. Incredible.”

  “Not everyone knows how to do it.” Morna answers noncommittally.

  Breena laughs and says, “Morna taught the Elders how to do it when she was eleven years old. It occurred to her that they had need for private deliberation within private deliberations. They accepted her ability to expand spells when it suited their needs.”

  At that moment the Elders reappear, and Shamus gives Breena a hard look. She lifts her chin and meets his judgmental stare evenly, in effect defying him to deny what she said. Shamus smiles slightly at the feisty Spell Weaver and turns his attention to the assembled group before them. “We find that Morna Glynn Michaels acted in good conscience to defend her life and the life of her sister. She is innocent of all wrong doing. Shall we rejoin the others assembled in the hall and share our findings?’ Without waiting for a reply he drops the buffer spell and addresses the assembled. When he finishes he turns to Morna, “Lady Morna, do you have anything else that you wish to report to this council?”

  “I do Sir. Allow me to introduce my children; this is Aideen Michaels, daughter of myself and my mate, Lucian Bellona Michaels. This is Kyle Montfort Michaels, Aiden Montfort Michaels, and Nora Montfort Michaels, these are my children with my mortal husband of this latest incarnation. Morna rubs her rounded, protruding belly and says, “And this is my son with my mate. He is due sometime next month.” Morna looks back at the Roman envoys and bites her lip. She looks like she wants to say more, but turns back to the Elders and nods.

  “Welcome children of Morna Glynn Michaels. This is your homeland and we hope that you will take the opportunity to learn your heritage and come to embrace our ways.” Says Rylan pleasantly. All of the other Elders nod their agreement.

  “We convened a quorum of Spell Weavers on two occasions in Asgard to address matters pertaining to my children, and I would like to respectfully report our decisions to this council.” Morna says in a stately voice, “Aideen is already a fully ascended First Order Spell Weaver. Breena served as her lore mother and ascension guide because I was unable to do so due to the curse. Aideen has requested to become a Warrior of Airendell. The quorum approved this and I have begun her training. When her training is completed she will undergo the fealty ceremonies and rites.” Morna says proudly.

  Maggie Flynn smiles and says, “The Elders confirm this decision.”

  “During the first quorum we also appointed Lucian Michaels as Kyle’s lore parent and ascension guide.” Morna says with a smile.

  “But Lucian is not a First Order Spell Weaver,” interrupts Shamus.

  “It is not by law or rule that lore parents and ascension guides are First Orders, it is simply a tradition. Besides, we all know that it was only because of my mother’s prejudice that he is not a First Order. He is certainly pure enough and skilled enough to achieve that rank.” Morna says firmly.

  “Even after his conversion Morna?” Brian Stone asks quietly.

  “Yes Brian, especially so now. His magic is sound. He is still a skilled healer, a Valliant warrior for our realm, and he is still one of the purest souls to ever ascend through our Guild.” Morna answers without emotion.

  The council members nod and Brian Stone says, “We accept your assessment of Lucian Michaels and confirm this decision. At this time we would also like to correct the mistake we made in 1265, and confer on him the correct status of Spell Weaver of the First Order of Airendell.” All members of the council of Elders say aye to signify they approve this change.

  Morna smiles and nods at the Elders. About damned time! “We convened the quorum one more time and it was decided that Rinda Fine and I will share the position as Nora’s lore parents and ascension guides. She is a seer should begin her preparations as soon as possible.” Morna says proudly.

  “We confirm this decision as well Morna. Anything else? What of the boy Aiden?” Shamus asks curiously.

  Morna smiles and says, “As his parents, it falls to Luca and me to decide what training suits our children. However, we did get quorum approval for this next decision as a show of respect for the ways of our Guild. My son Aiden wishes to train as a Shaman of the Gila Order of the Anasazi Stone Breakers. We have arranged to have Maria Welborn provide for his training, and that of Breena Glynn, as she has been made a Stone Breaker. This was a gesture of kindness extended by the Shaman Maria to save her life when we were being attacked by Magdrid. Breena would have died before I could stop Magdrid if Maria had not intervened. The quorum of Spell Weavers discussed these matters at great length and they respect my son’s motivations and approved the plan. I would appreciate it if the Elders would do the same.” Morna says humbly.

  Flynn speaks up for the first time. “Morna, Aiden is the child that was healed only yesterday, am I right?” When Morna nods he continues, “Aiden, are you strong enough to answer a few questions from us?”

  Aiden steps forward and speaks slowly, “I am capable of answering your questions. However, my powers of speech are new and not as clear as I would like yet. I can project my answers telepathically if you would permit it.”

  Flynn looks at the other council members and they all nod, “We consent to that. Aiden, why do you want to join the Gila Order and not your Mother’s Guild? We respect the Anasazi, but we would like to understand your reasons,” Flynn says kindly.

  “The Gila Order approach their magic as a service to God. They are simply more spiritual in their approach than the Spell Weavers, who have a more mechanical approach to magic. When I first decided this, it was in large part because I was trapped in a body that didn’t function properly. But I still want to join their order. I respect my mom’s Guild, and all that the Spell Weavers stand for. I simply believe I would be a better fit with the Anasazi.” Aiden informs them.

  “It is obvious that you are an intelligent, level headed and very moral young man. It is our loss. But bear in mind, you can still become a Spell Weaver at some later time if you so choose. I vote to confirm this decision.” Says Flynn and the other Elders nod their approval. Flynn returns his attention to Morna. “Morna, you have fine children. You are blessed, as you obviously know. Do you have anything else you wish to share with us?”

  “No sir, that is all. I serve at your pleasure as a First Order Weaver, the First Warrior of Airendell, and the First Protector of the gateways and talismans.” Morna says humbly.

  “Yes Morna, you do.” Says Shamus. “You have served us well. We have been blessed each time you would convene a meeting with us in the gateway. Do you understand why it is that you were able to function in your ascended form inside the gateways, here in Airendel
l, and in Asgard, but anywhere else you would revert to whatever current incarnation you happened to be trapped in?”

  “No, I recall coming to this gateway on Protector Business over the last nearly six hundred years, but when I returned to my mortal incarnation I would have no memory of it. I did not recall any of this until I returned to Asgard recently.” Morna admits.

  “Well that was Flynn’s and Maggie’s doing. They came across Kyera when she cursed you. Flynn drove her off, and Maggie tried to reverse the curse.” Shamus informs them.

  “I am sorry Morna, I mucked it up,” says Maggie sadly. “I was not strong enough to completely reverse it. But I was able to modify the curse. As you are now aware, your power, both physical and magical essentially increased with each incarnation. Sorry, but it was the best I could do for you, dear Morna.” Morna smiles her gratitude at Maggie. Maggie nods and says, “I am not sure if you are aware of this, but Magdrid had held us all in various curses for centuries. In many ways, we were essentially her puppets. We could not directly go against her. We had to resist in small ways that she was too arrogant to look for. Once she died, we were all freed from her curses. Shamus learned how to safeguard us from future curses and we are all now protected. We all owe you a huge debt of gratitude. We are all thankful that you are always willing to do your duty, whatever the personal cost to you.”

  Morna nods thoughtfully. This explains so much that has happened over the years.

  Shamus speaks again, “Morna, Magdrid decreed that Elias would be her successor, however, ancient prophesy tells us that you are destined to be our leader.” Shamus looks at Elias and says, “No offense, son. You would be a good leader, but Morna will be a great leader.”

  Elias laughs and says, “I heartily agree.”

  Shamus continues, “With your permission, we would like to verify that you are still an ascended Immortal and install you as our official First Spell Weaver.”

  “Shamus, this is not my ascended form. I am not even certain how I am in this body in this realm.” Morna says cautiously.

  “Morna, we believe you ascended in this form spontaneously. But we can easily verify it if you will submit to the testing. As strong as you are, we believe it will only take fifteen or twenty minutes to verify your ascension,” Brian Stone informs Morna and the gathered witnesses. Morna nods and steps forward. Shamus erects another buffer spell and the council and Morna are suddenly hidden from the view of all assembled in the hall.

  The Spell Weavers who came with Morna from Asgard gather around Luca. “What do you make of that?” asks Rinda.

  “I am not sure,” says Luca. “But she is indeed more powerful than she ever has been. I wouldn’t be surprised to find that she has ascended spontaneously. Who knew that was even possible?”

  Agnar chuckles, “Well actually any Vanir could have told you that. It is how we ascend. We are not born so called immortals. When we achieve the appropriate level of power, we ascend spontaneously. Many magical clans do the same. She is part Vanir, part Aesir, part Spell Weaver, part giant, part vampire, hell how could she not be an Immortal?”

  “How indeed?” says Luca thoughtfully? He is watching the Roman envoys. He is fascinated by the woman he believes is his mother, but mostly, he is wondering why Morna has been so interested in the group. She has only seemed mildly curious about his mother in the past. Now suddenly, she can’t keep her eyes off of her.

  Rinda takes Luca’s hand and asks, “What’s wrong Luca? I saw Morna watching them too.”

  “I don’t know Rinda.” Luca admits. But he is soon distracted by stirring in the back of the hall. “Dammit George! Now is not the time.” He mutters under his breath before going to the defense of his mate’s ‘brother’.

  George had sat behind the vampire entourage from Italy. They tried to ignore him and he acted like he was ignoring them until the big one asked out loud how the Spell Weavers could disappear like that. And then George can no longer restrain himself and says, “Spell Weavers are mighty powerful beings. They have many spells that vampires can’t defend against. Spells I have learned from my time with them. I have shared them with other Stone Breakers. Consider your kind on notice; any vampire that chooses to feed on humans in our territory will be easily destroyed.”

  The tiny blonde female loses her temper and turns on George. She has a supernatural ability to inflict crippling pain on any living being with her mind. She does this to George, and he falls to the floor, writhing in agony. Luca, Damian, Breena, Maria and Rinda go to his aid. The tiny crimson eyed vampire orders them to stay back or they will face the same torture. Morna hears all of this from inside the buffer spell and darts out of the protective spell and into the full view of the hall. She strides up to the tiny blond vampire and says, “Release my brother or I will destroy you.” When the other two vampires act like they are going to attack Morna she weaves a binding spell and levitating spell. She casts them against a wall and Elias holds them in a heap on the floor in his binding spell.

  The blonde turns her attention to Morna, and smiles a smug little smile that eventually changes to a look of incredulity. Morna smiles coldly at the diminutive vampire and says, “I specifically forbade you to use this ability in my realm. Release George immediately,” Morna picks her up by the throat and continues, “Or I will gladly break you into tiny pieces and send the ashes home to your masters, with my regards.”

  The vampire hisses viciously and releases George. Morna smiles and says, “I see I forgot one little lesson for my brother, the Stone Breaker. I will quickly correct that oversight. Now I am going to release you and send you on your way. Do not enter any of my realms ever again, and that includes any territories near a Gateway of Ari and Almeda’s offspring. Oh, and by the way, heed my brother’s warning, Luca, Damian, and I are all living proof that a vampire can live powerful existences without taking human life. I suggest you and your kind seriously consider becoming civilized.” Morna sets the blonde down and waves her hands at the other two crumpled against the wall. “Remember, you brought this upon yourself, now RUN!”

  Morna sends a detachment of warriors to make sure the vampires leave Airendell and Ireland all together and then she turns to her mate and friends. When they are sure the vampires are out of hearing range, Morna sits down and wipes her forehead. “Morna what spell do you need to teach me?” asks George.

  “Nothing brother. There isn’t another spell. I just wanted that little bitch to think we were all immune to her power. But the iron-lion does dampen its effects somewhat. I have already taught you how to weave that spell,” Morna says honestly. “I just don’t want her coming around any of us again.”

  “How are you immune to that power? Let me tell you, I have never felt agony like that in my life.” George admits.

  “I am not immune George. Her power worked on me,” Morna admits and shudders.

  Kyle, Aiden and Breena all look deathly sick as they hover around Morna. “It’s true George. Mom was in absolute crippling agony. I have no idea how she remained standing, much less functioning and weaving spells.” Kyle informs George.

  “Morna, how?” Asks Luca as he takes her into his arms.

  “I used what you taught me, Darling.” Morna gives Luca a small smile. “Now if you will excuse me, I must return to the council of Elders. I left them without their permission.”

  Morna strides confidently back into the buffer spell at the front of the hall. Damian looks at Luca and says, “What the hell did you teach her?”

  “I suggested that she imagine putting pain in a compartment of her brain and shut the door. I can do that with emotions and such, but I can’t believe she can do it with that much pain.” Luca says in awe. “I sure as hell couldn’t do it, not like that. That little witch used that power on me once. I can promise you, it cripples you with pain. There is no escape, no defense. And yet my mate acted as though she was completely unaffected.”

  “Luca, she wasn’t unaffected,” Breena and Agnar both assure Luca.

>   Luca looks at his sons and asks, “Are you two okay?”

  Aiden weakly sits and shakes his head no. “Dad, I felt that pain so clearly it was like she was attacking me. I am still weak from it. Mom is really one of a kind isn’t she?”

  Luca nods and says, “Yes, but we shouldn’t discuss it here.”

  “It’s okay Luca, I put up a buffer spell. No one in this hall is sure what has been transpiring.” Rinda says quietly. “Morna ordered me to do it as she ran by me when she came out of the Council’s buffer spell.”

  Luca chuckles, “Just like her not to want to tip her hand in front of all of these beings from other magical realms. Well, we can talk about this later. Rinda please drop the spell. We are being rude to our guests.” Rinda chuckles and complies.

  The group walks back up to the front of the hall just in time for the Council to drop the buffer spell and indicate all should rise. Morna notices Aiden’s ashen face and asks him telepathically if he is okay.

  “I will be fine soon Mom. Are you okay? You got that directly,” Aiden asks his mother telepathically.

  “Honey, I am fine. We are almost finished here and can go to the cottage where you can rest. I don‘t know about you, but I am starving.” Morna tells her son with a big smile and then turns her full attention back to the Council of Elders. Shamus and the entire Council stands as one. Shamus clears his throat and says, “The Lady Morna Glynn Michaels is indeed a fully ascended magical being. We found her to be pure enough and powerful enough to lead our Guild. She has already been confirmed by popular vote of our Guild members. So without further ado, Family and Friends, Envoys, and otherwise interested parties; we are proud to present our newest First Weaver, Morna of Airendell.”

  Thunderous applause and shouts of approval fill the massive hall. Shamus holds up his hands to indicate that there is more. “We are arranging a banquet to be held in her honor in her glen. Also, Morna has requested the right to select a governor to act as her second in charge. We granted that request and she has selected Elias O’Toole, son of Brian and Bronwyn O’Toole. Elias is a First Order Weaver, and one of the best healers our guild has ever produced. He is also a Warrior of the First Order of Airendell. He will ably serve as Morna’s right hand man.” More thunderous applause and shouts of approval fill the hall.