by Audra Hart
Luca takes his mate into his arms and holds her. Verona starts to reach for his mother, wanting to comfort her. But remembers that they may not be alone. He meets his father’s eyes over his mother’s head and they silently agree to do whatever it takes to take care of the woman they both adore. This commitment forms a bond between the men that all the centuries apart cannot weaken. Luca smiles at his son when Morna straightens up and says, “I am being an overly emotional, hormone driven ninny.”
Bellona pats her arm and says, “I remember that, and I only went through it once. But it was so worth every second of it. I managed to keep us hidden from Mars for a few years. Lucian you were a wonderful child. I was afraid he would kill you, but I guess even Mars wouldn‘t stoop that low. You were four years old when Mars forced me to leave you at the orphanage. I kept in touch with Father Michael as he watched over you. I was proud when you took the surname Michaels in his honor. I am sorry I wasn‘t able to be a real mother to you.”
Luca strokes his mother’s cheek and says, “I know you did what you could. Please, don’t blame yourself, Mother.”
“I have never loved you more than I do right now.” Morna whispers so quietly that Verona and Bellona cannot make out what she says.
“Why do you do that Moth.. Morna?” Verona asks. “You did it earlier. Can he hear you when you speak that softly?”
“Yes, and I can hear him. I can hear your heart beat, I can hear your blood push through your body. I can smell the sausages and flatbread you had for breakfast. I can see your pupils dilate to let more light in as the sunlight fades. I am much like Luca. We are not typical Spell Weavers,” Morna says softly.
“I can’t wait to learn more about you mother.” Kylor whispers inaudibly.
Morna nods and smiles. She mouths “Me too.”
Morna turns suddenly and takes off running at an unbelievable speed towards the gathering in the glen. Verona looks at Luca for an answer; “She’s going to meet our youngest children.”
Verona nods and strains to get a glimpse of his siblings. Suddenly Morna is standing several feet before him. She is holding a lovely and tiny young girl in her arms and has a rather frail looking young boy riding on her back. Beside her is a teenager, who amazingly ran as fast as Morna did. He helps the boy off his mother’s back and smiles at the people with his Dad. Morna sets the tiny girl down and they all walk towards Luca, Bellona and Verona.
Kyle walks up to the trio and smiles. “Dad, Mom said your mother is here! Ma’am are you our grandmother?”
Bellona smiles happily and looks at her son proudly, “Yes, young man I certainly am. And you are Kyle. Am I right?”
Kyle steps forward and embraces Bellona. “Yes, I am Kyle. Welcome Ma’am. I am pleased to meet you.”
Kyle motions his siblings forward, “Ma’am this is Aiden and Nora, the Tyrant. Guys this is Dad’s mother, Bellona.”
Nora barely acknowledges Bellona, she has eyes only for Verona. He feels like he jumps out of his skin when he hears a tiny girl’s voice in his head. “I know who you really are. Welcome back big brother.” Nora smiles at him happily, and he smiles back.
“Kids, this is Verona. He is Bellona’s companion.” Luca says quietly.
Kyle steps forward with a huge smile on his face, and shakes Verona’s hand. “Welcome Kylor.” Verona hears the teen’s voice in his head. “Nice to meet you, Lord Verona,” Kyle says out loud.
Verona hears another voice in his head. “Sorry about all the telepathy. Mom says we have to keep who you are a secret. But we are really, really happy to meet you.” And then Aiden steps forward and says, “Welcome,” in a difficult to understand voice.
Ingrid excuses herself from the group and goes to find Breena and Rinda. Luca excuses himself and goes to find Gullveig. “I will catch up with you in a few minutes Mother.” He tells Bellona before he leaves.
“Aiden underwent a massive healing yesterday. He tires easily.” Morna turns her attention from Verona to Aiden. “Hop on little man, and don’t argue. Soon you will be strong enough to cart me around, but for now, indulge the old lady.”
Verona and Kyle both laugh at Morna calling herself an old lady. Verona helps Aiden get on their mother’s back. The group walks toward the celebration. They haven’t gone far when Breena and Rinda join them. “Ingrid said that Luca’s mom is here.” Breena says excitedly, but she is looking at Verona. She tears her eyes away from his face and looks at Bellona. Rinda too is staring at Verona. She looks like she is on the verge of tears. She tears her eyes away from him and looks at Bellona. They struggle through the introductions, but their eyes keep straying back to Verona and then to Morna. Kylor suspects there is some more telepathy going on, but he’s not sure who is doing it.
Morna sighs and says, “Bellona, Verona this is my sister Breena and my best friend Rinda.” Now Kylor understands why these girls are looking at him like he is a miracle. To them, he is just that. They have thought him dead for centuries. He extends his hand to his Aunt Breena. “I am honored to meet you, dear Breena.” He places his right hand over hers and smiles happily at her face. She smiles back and her voice breaks when she tries to speak. She squeezes his hand and reluctantly lets go when it would look awkward to anyone watching. Kylor turns his attention to Rinda. She is smiling from ear to ear and keeps looking at Morna like it was their child that had been recovered. “Verona, I am happy to meet you. I look forward to getting to know you.” Rinda strokes his hand and looks at him lovingly. Kylor knows that he would have been one of the most well-loved children in history had he not been the target of a murderous aunt.
Rinda bends down and picks up Nora and hugs her happily. “Today is a good day Nora!” Nora laughs happily and kisses her ‘Aunt’ Rinda. Breena wraps her arm around Kyle’s waist and smiles hugely. “We have all been blessed.”
Morna looks at Rinda. “Please take Aiden to the cottage. He needs to go to bed. I am going to make my excuses at the banquet. This little family of ours needs to spend some time getting to know my mate’s mother and her companion.” Rinda sets Nora down and takes Aiden from Morna’s back. Morna looks at everyone and says, “Meet you at the cottage in a bit.” Morna takes off so fast that Kylor misses seeing her leave.
He looks at his Aunt Breena and asks, “Is the Lady Morna a vampire like her mate?”
“Virtually. Physically, she is pretty different. She still bleeds, breathes, eats food and the like. But she is fast and powerful like he is, and she has many of his other characteristics. It’s pretty involved. But she is the same person on the inside that she has always been. Her body has been through many changes, but her heart and soul remain intact.” Breena assures her nephew. Her arms ache to hold the man before her. Joy is overflowing from her heart and she wonders how Morna is acting so nonchalant about all this. Breena desperately wishes she had asked Morna to teach her telepathy. She is eager to get to the cottage and get everyone inside so that they can put up a buffer spell.
Breena gets the group settled into Morna’s cottage. She tucks Aiden in bed and kisses the top of his head. “I am not a baby, Aunt Breena.”
“I know that, my love, but I missed out on the days when you were a baby. Indulge me, please. You children are a precious gift to those of us who love your parents.” Breena says with great honesty.
“I know that. I can feel it. I can also feel how much everyone worries about me. But Nora says I will be very strong, very soon. Within a year.” Aiden says, struggling to make his speech clear. “But Collingwood is not sure if I will ever be able to speak as clearly as others.”
“Well, it is a good thing you have your telepathy. God enables us to do all things we are intended to do, when we trust in Him, and follow Him. I know Morna taught you that.” Breena says.
“Of course she did. She worked herself into the ground to keep me strong and healthy, but ultimately, she knew God was in control. And whatever came, he would remain in control. She finds much of her strength and comfort in that sure knowledge. I gue
ss knowing something for hundreds of years makes having faith easier?” Aiden asks.
“Well, at times it can make it more difficult. When one lives for a very long time, one sees a lot of suffering. One may even have to endure a lot of suffering, like your mother and father. But if we are strong enough, we can maintain our faith, if we just trust in Him. Long life is sort of a double edged sword. All of the good things last a long time, as do all of the bad,” Breena says thoughtfully.
“When we get back to Asgard, I will teach you telepathy. I could sense how badly you wanted to speak your heart earlier. I will teach you, Auntie,” Aiden says with a huge yawn.
Breena kisses the boy’s forehead again, and says, “I look forward to that, sweetheart. But now, you rest, little man. Those who love you will remain near.” Breena remains with the boy until he is sleeping deeply and then she quietly goes into the main room. Verona and Bellona are seated near the hearth. Nora is on Verona’s lap, fast asleep. Kyle is sitting on the floor beside Rinda. They are all speaking about Bellona’s work. She is officially a Roman goddess of war, but she has made it her life’s work to use her meager powers to try to help women and children affected by the horrors of war.
Verona has worked tirelessly with her in this mission. His natural healing abilities have been honed over centuries of practice. “I am eager to learn the tools of your craft. I have developed my abilities, but without the knowledge of the Spell Weavers, therefore I am limited in what I can do.”
“He is modest,” says Bellona. “He is a natural at magic, and at healing. He also spent many hours observing Mars’ warriors at work and learned that craft too. He defeated Mars in a challenge, which is why Mars allowed us to leave and live where we wished. I am surprised he let me go. He must know I will want to live near my son and his family.”
Verona is thoughtful for a moment before saying, “I believe Lord Luca could earn his respect. He respects strong warriors. Perhaps the Lady Morna as well. If they both earn his respect, perhaps he would leave them and their Guild to live in peace.”
“I have thought of that too.” Bellona admits. “I believe they might even gain him as an ally. Mars is not adverse to supporting family that he respects. But it will be nearly impossible for Morna to truly gain his respect. He views all women as lesser beings. Only good for child bearing and entertainment.”
Rinda chuckles at that. “If any woman could disabuse Mars of that notion it would be our Morna. She is like no other. Truly, she is unique, physically, emotionally, magically, in every way.”
Kyle rises and says, “Nora is asleep. Let me take her and put her in bed with Aiden.” He reaches out to take his sister out of his brother’s arm.
Verona smiles at the teenager and says, “May I?”
Kyle smiles and says, “Sure thing, bro.” He follows them into the bedroom. He watches as Verona tenderly lies the tiny girl beside her frail brother. He can’t help but smile when Verona kisses both children tenderly on the forehead. He can only imagine the pain he has had to endure, knowing who his family was and being unable to come to them. Verona meets Kyle’s eyes and indicates they should join the others in the main room.
“They are beautiful children,” Verona says happily to Kyle. “I don’t just mean in appearances. Lady Morna did a fine job in raising all of you. Even living as a mortal she was a remarkable woman.”
“You don’t know the half of it bro.” Kyle says. “Our father wasn’t a really good guy. Mom shouldered the burden of Aiden’s care on her own. Mom taught school too. She was a teacher to special needs kids. You should have seen her with them. She made them feel confident and brave. Encouraged them to always work hard and be the best they could. Her students often made surprising gains.”
“I watched her one time on a field trip with her students. I think I know what you mean. I also saw her take you guys out to eat dinner at a restaurant that evening. Your father wasn’t with you. Nora was a baby, maybe a year old. I watched her manage the wheelchair and Aiden, and the baby. You were trying to help, but you weren’t very old yourself at that time. She juggled it all with good grace and skill. And she was so happy spending time with you children. There was no doubt about how much she loves you,” says Verona with a melancholy, faraway look on his face.
Kyle can sense his brother’s sense of loss and reaches out to put his hand on his shoulder. “She would have been exactly the same way with you Kylor, had she had the opportunity. She still mourned for you up until this day,” Kyle tells him telepathically. “She is overjoyed you are alive.” Verona nods is thanks to his young brother and turns his attention back to his Grandmother and Aunts.
“I wonder what is keeping the Lady Morna and Lord Luca.” Verona asks.
“First Weaver business I would think.” Rinda says with a chuckle. “Morna loves her family fiercely, but she does her duty first, in all things. She has always been that way.”
Kyle chuckles and says, “Yes, but she is really ticked off about it, or about something anyway. She is really worried about something too. But she is shielding and I can’t get a good… Oh well, she is having to play diplomat. Most of the envoys will not be staying, so she is having to make the rounds tonight.”
“How do you know that?” Asks Bellona.
“Telepathy and my empathic abilities. Mom can transmit her thoughts over long distances, and I can pick out her emotions in a huge crowd, over a few miles. But she is shielding tonight, so I can actually only pick up vague impressions,” Kyle says with a shrug, like it’s nothing special.
“Amazing!” Says Bellona.
“Do the other children have powers?” Asks Verona curiously.
“Aiden is empathic like I am. But Mom says the natural magic in him is the strongest she has ever felt. Maria, she’s an Anasazi Shaman, agrees with Mom. They say that his condition has kept the magic from manifesting, until now. Maria said that if Aiden had not been so powerful, he probably would have died long ago.”
“What is wrong with Aiden? I can feel his body mending itself. What is it repairing from?” Verona asks.
“Cerebral Palsy and a serious seizure disorder. Mom’s regular doctor was sick the night that Aiden was born. The doctor on call really botched his delivery. The guy was on pain pills for a back injury. Unfortunately he was high as a kite when he delivered Aiden. It was a tough delivery, and I heard Mom say once that almost everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong. She has blamed herself for years for not realizing the doctor was high. But Mom nearly died delivering him, and Nora. She was in no shape to realize anything.”
“Our Father wasn’t there. He had gone fishing with some of his buddies. He didn’t come back until six days after Aiden was born. They had flown Aiden to the children’s hospital in Oklahoma City, and Mom was stuck recovering at the local hospital. When Dad made it back, he was mad because Mom was at the City with Aiden. Later I heard my father tell Mom that she was the one who wanted another kid and she could deal with his problems. It wasn’t his concern.”
Kyle takes a deep breath to calm his emotions and then continues, “Nora is a seer. Nothing has ever surprised that little girl since she was a toddler. The night Mom took Aiden to the hospital when he was having those seizures, Nora told me that Aiden was going to live with Angels. She wasn’t sad, she saw him with the Elves and knew he was well cared for. She just didn’t know the difference between an angel and an elf. When the crash happened and we were supposed to die, Nora took my hand seconds before the truck hit us and said, “Hang on, we are going to Aiden.” When we were recovering in Alfheim, Nora just started laughing and clapping, four days after the crash. She told me “Mom’s real husband has found her and she will be happy again.”
“Wow!” Says Rinda. “We had no idea she was that powerful. All of Morna’s kids are strong like her. Even the ones that are half mortal.” Rinda looks at Verona and says, “This one,” Rinda indicates Kyle, “wove his first spell without being taught how to do it. Morna could do that too.”
/> “Mom has taught me other defensive spells too. Elias and Micah taught me the iron-lion too. Luca says he will teach me the lore before he teaches me any more spells. He says I need to understand the magic and myself before I can be a truly good healer and Spell Weaver, but I don’t think I am destined to be a powerful healer like he is. But I don’t have an inclination towards teaching like Mom does. So I am not sure what I want to do,” Kyle admits quietly.
“There will be plenty of time for you to decide that, Son,” Luca says from the doorway. He joins the group and kneels between Verona and Bellona. “I am sorry our cottage is not very comfortable. We didn’t build it to sit around in. Morna and I rarely stayed inside when we lived here. I started construction on it when I found out Morna was carrying Aideen. I had been changed into a vampire by then, and I never sat down early on. I don’t need to. It took me many years of practice to be able to act like a human again. Morna died the day Aideen was born, so I never did any more work on the cottage. But now I plan to enlarge it to accommodate all of us, I am sure there will be times when we will want to live here, in Airendell.”
Luca stands and goes to stand by the door. “Aideen and Agnar are coming. The Stone Breakers read the bird’s last memories, he had already reported into his mistress before I killed him. We suspect she will inform Mars of your secret soon. She will welcome an ally against us.” Luca sighs and runs his hands roughly through his hair. “I guess we don’t have to keep your real identity a secret now Kylor. Morna will be here soon as well. She has Elias and Shamus getting the envoys who are staying for the ceremony settled in for the night and Morna is bidding the others farewell, and thanking them for coming.” He chuckles, “Her new role as First Weaver will demand that she deal with leaders of other realms. She’s probably not too crazy about all of the diplomatic nonsense, she has always been very blunt and plainspoken.” Luca chuckles at the thought of his mate smoozing leaders of other guilds and magical realms.
“Who is Agnar?” Kylor asks.