by Audra Hart
“I won’t, but I too am hopeful. I need to find out exactly what she has been doing since she disappeared. Her being out for my blood just doesn’t make sense. And I didn’t get the sense that she was insane.” Morna adds.
Morna tells the others telepathically about her conversation with Heimdall, and then a thought occurs to her, “Godfather, please check on the children at home. Keep an eye on them. She or someone else may go after them since we are busy here.”
“I will, Morna. Focus on what’s before you. Let me watch the babies and your back.” Heimdall encourages his goddaughter.
Morna breathes a little easier when they leave the gates of Mars’ palace grounds. But she knows the worst may yet be ahead. If Mars is bringing other fighters he may intend to force each member of Morna’s group to face a combatant. Morna is seriously worried about her decision to bring Aideen along for this confrontation.
Morna hopes they have truly seen the last of Kyera because destroying her almost seemed too easy. And the prophesy said that Aideen and Morna would destroy her together, surely that didn’t just mean that Aideen would be in the group. Morna shares her worries with her mate and he admits he has been worrying about the same thing.
“Aideen, I am certain that you are still at risk. Perhaps Kyera went down too easy. You better have that iron-lion spell on.” Morna says softly over her shoulder to her daughter.
“I do mother. I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed taunting that witch while you toyed with her. But you really surprised me when you actually ripped her throat out,” Aideen admits quietly.
“Why? Because it was a savage, animalistic act? She didn’t deserve that honorable of a death. I thought it was poetic justice. The foul act her mate committed almost six hundred years ago against my mate, gave me the means to destroy her today.” Morna takes a deep breath and looks hard at her daughter, expecting a dig of some sort.
“Mother, I was only surprised that you didn’t use your sword. That is all that I meant,” Aideen says softly.
Morna scrutinizes her daughter, searching for the truth in her words. She nods, satisfied her daughter is being sincere. “Sorry kiddo. You were taunting her? How?” Morna asks.
“Telepathy. Aiden is a good teacher.” Aideen grins happily.
“Yes, but it was little sloppy, I could feel it,” says Agnar. “Don’t get cocky angel. We aren’t done yet. Remember what I told you about keeping your focus and following Morna’s lead.”
“Hey Mo, you know what that reminded me of?” Asks Lou.
Morna giggles, “Those bikers from L.A.?”
“Yep. Morna faced down four Hell’s Angels when she was a mortal. Two of them were actually dimensional demons, but as a mortal she was unaware of that. She hit them so hard and so fast with a barrage of insults that they couldn’t even think straight. They thought they could come into town and everyone would be afraid of them because of who and what they were. Deidra, I mean Morna knocked two of them out with a pool cue. Mike took out one with a ball bat and I got the final one with a beer bottle. We were pretty lucky none of them had a gun. We loaded ‘em up in the back of my truck and dumped ‘em at the edge of town with their bikes. I put a little spell on them that made them scared to death of ever setting foot in El Paso again.” Says Lou happily.
“I always wondered why they never came back. I looked over my shoulder for months,” Morna admits. “It just didn’t make sense that they rode on without getting revenge.” Morna says thoughtfully.
Valliant laughs, “Dammit Morna, you were reckless even as a mortal.”
The group has arrived at the designated meeting place. Morna takes her jacket off before answering her Father, “I wasn’t trying to be reckless Father. Today, as in El Paso, I was pushed into a corner. One of those slime balls tried to rape my best friend Tracy. And Kyera posed a threat to my Guild, and my family,” Morna says earnestly. She smiles when the baby kicks and then stretches in the womb. Morna strokes her belly absently. “I would rather be back home playing with our kids or planning for our vow renewal ceremony. I haven’t even picked out a dress to wear yet.” Aideen snickers at that, and Morna wonders what is up with that, but quickly drags her attention back to the present.
Something has been troubling her ever since they stepped off the Bi-frost and she can’t put her finger on it. Suddenly she realizes what it is. She looks at the group and asks, “Does anyone sense another being here? Not a human, not a god… I don’t know, but it’s familiar and it is in trouble.” Everyone shakes their heads no. Even Heimdall is totally ignorant of the presence Morna is sensing. She shakes her head lightly and hopes she can sort it out soon. She returns her attention to the matter at hand. “I will try to talk to Mars before our match. I don’t know if he will really engage me in conversation, but I can lay ground work before our match.” Morna says to the group at large.
“Morna, I did not detect any animosity from Mars, except towards Quirinus when you dumped him at Mars’ feet.” Agnar informs Morna. Agnar chuckles, “The only emotion I sensed from him in regards to you and Luca was amusement and perhaps a little admiration.”
“I concur.” Says Annie.
Morna shrugs and says, “Well, it is possible that he simply sees us as too unimportant to feel any animosity towards us.”
Kylor clears his throat, “Father, Quirinus will cheat, there is no doubt about it. He always cheats. Watch out for magic, especially hiding spells, he loves those. He will often have his cohorts jump in and out number his opponent. While they keep his opponent busy he will use a hiding spell and attack them from behind. Mars makes fun of him for doing it, but he keeps letting him do it.”
Morna laughs and says, “I think I just figured out how I will lose my thumb.”
“Yes, my love, it has occurred to me too. Quirinus will have his cohorts distract me, use the hiding spell, and you will come in because you will be able to see his aura and challenge him head on, losing your thumb in the process,” Luca says with irritation.
“But Nora said we all walk away,” Morna says with a flippant smile.
“Mother, please remember that seers aren’t always spot on. Sometimes they are only seeing one possible outcome,” Kylor reminds his mother.
“Regardless, son. Anyone who takes an unfair advantage and poses a threat to any that I love, I will give them no quarter.” Morna says stiffly.
“Kylor, we have done this sort of thing before son.” Luca says with a chuckle. “Trust us.”
Kylor nods and says, “I know you can handle yourselves, I just know Mars and Quirinus are dangerous foes.”
“We know that too son,” Morna says with a smile. “We also have some practice dealing with talents and egos such as the ones we face today.”
Luca wraps his arm around his beloved’s waist. “We know when to taunt, when to negotiate and when to fight.”
“And when to run.” Morna snickers. Luca, and the three Norsemen roll their eyes knowing full well that Morna doesn’t run.
“I am afraid that you may need all of those skills today,” Kylor says quietly.
“Perhaps you are right,” Luca says quietly. He too is worried about his mate, but he knows how capable she is. She is very talented at reading people, and Agnar can relay, telepathically, any information that he ascertains via his specific set of skills.
Morna looks at her son thoughtfully and says, “Mars seems rather fond of you. He didn’t seem even remotely surprised or angry to find that you are his great-grandson. I am wondering if he is just playing some kind of game with us, and knew who you were all along.”
“Mother, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to find that is true. He truly seems to enjoy the struggles of others. Bellona believes that is why he causes wars, to watch the struggles, the manipulations, to watch people do horrible things that they wouldn’t normally ever do.” Kylor says.
Morna and Luca look at each other for several moments. “Perhaps we are just playing right into his hands. Giving him what he wants.�
�� Luca looks thoughtful as he says this.
“Do you think that my challenging Mars to combat is just playing into what Mars wants?”
“Morna, every one of us thought this was the best course of action. And it probably is. I am just not certain that it is unavoidable. However, at this juncture if we change our tactics, Mars will likely take it as a weakness. I do doubt that we have placed ourselves at a disadvantage. Head on is usually your best strength. We should go with our strengths,” Luca says with a wry smile on his face. He hugs his mate and says, “I wonder if that was truly Valgullveig that warned you about Kyera?”
“I am certain that it was. I don’t know how I know, or why she did it. But I am certain it was my sister that spoke to me.” Morna says quietly, and she laughs and kisses her mate. “Well, they certainly have us second guessing ourselves. I guess we just have to see how it plays out. We still must make sure Mars doesn’t pose a threat to our children and our Guild. If we can accomplish that without a fight, I will happily do that.”
“Baby, Kyera didn’t give you a choice. She attacked us, she would have gladly killed any of us, especially you or our children.” Luca says as he strokes his mate’s face.
“I know love.” Morna sighs. “I hear Mars and his entourage approaching. Let’s just play it by ear.” Morna puts her jacket back on and turns her attention to Mars’ entourage.
Valliant chuckles, “Baby Girl, I think Guild leadership is making you waver like an old woman.”
Aideen looks at her Grandfather and says, “Grandfather, I think it is my presence causing her to second guess herself.”
Morna laughs and says, “You are both right. Get your game face on folks. I am sure Mars still wants to play.”
When the Roman party arrives Quirinus is laughing and says, “I am surprised that you are still here, Airendell trash. I half expected your little group to make a run for the Bi-frost.”
Morna scoffs, “So, you are stupid and a coward. Interesting.”
Quirinus makes a threatening move towards Morna, she simply steps forward and hisses, “Feeling froggy Little Man? Go ahead and jump I would love to play with you.”
Mars laughs heartily, “Lucian your woman has a colorful way with words. But may I ask, don’t you tire of cleaning up her messes?”
Luca laughs, “Mars, do you really think insulting my mate will get to either one of us?”
“Not really, but it is a fun tactic. Morna is rather good at it as well.” Mars says with a chuckle. He looks Morna up and down and his expression changes to a lecherous leer. “I am just wondering what else she is good at.”
“Tread lightly, Mars,” Valliant growls. “That is my daughter that you are talking about.”
“Yes, yes. And Vali’s and Odin’s grandchild. I got the message of Odin‘s pendant. But she is a grown woman, who came here of her own volition. I did not seek her out. Although, I can understand why she would have chosen to come here and face me head on. She has spent many, many years with her enemies using trickery to attack her in secrecy, and through her loved ones. Those enemies were sniveling cowards. I, however, am not. But I can see why she would choose to be proactive, and not wait to see if I would come after her son in some sort of fit of rage.” Mars says flatly. “But I still look forward to meeting her on the field of combat.”
“Gee, Mars, I am all aquiver with anticipation as well,” Morna purrs sarcastically.
“Damn, wench, I am going to enjoy having you in the family. Your mate is much like his mother, too damned dignified to be much fun. However, you have a reputation as a passionate little minx. I am eager to see if that passionate nature translates onto the battlefield,” Mars says with a chuckle. “Well enough small talk. Quirinus, I am eager to test the mettle of my grandson, the Stone Cold vampire.”
Quirinus nods to his father and pulls his sword from its sheath, nods towards Luca and says, “Shall we, nephew?”
“By all means, Uncle,” Luca says with a smirk.
The combatants walk out onto the plain and bow slightly to each other. Quirinus tries to catch Luca off guard with a sneak attack before the bows are completed. Mars chuckles and says, “I wonder why he tried that. He knows his nephew has lightning fast reflexes.”
“I am curious Mars; why are you using your grandson to rein in your son?” Morna asks thoughtfully.
“What makes you think I am using your mate for that purpose? Perhaps I just enjoy watching my progeny go head to head,” Mars says with a chuckle as the contest between Luca and Quirinus heats up quickly.
“Oh I am sure that you do enjoy that, but there is more going on here than you just getting your jollies,” Morna rests her hands on her hips and smiles at Mars with some genuine appreciation. “I suspect you have every intention of either siding with us in our conflict with Valgullveig, or at the very least, you plan on not aligning yourself with her. You know she’s a lost cause, and her allies will go down with her.”
“It will be an effective lesson for my devious little son. As you might say my dear, he has gotten a little too big for his britches.” Mars says with a chuckle. “But don’t assume, just because I like you my dear, that I have any intention of going easy on you.”
“I would be thoroughly disappointed if you did,” Morna laughs and Mars gives her a friendly slap on the back.
“I wouldn’t dream of disappointing you, girlie,” The god of war chortles merrily.
The battle on the field is quickly turning in Luca’s favor. He is his uncle’s superior in strength, speed and tactical acumen. As though by prearranged signal, two of the huge soldiers with Mars draw their swords and join the combat. Morna bares her teeth at Mars and snarls, “Stupid move!”
“I agree,” says Mars matter of factly. “Quirinus is fond of dirty tricks.”
Morna telepathically orders Agnar to protect Aideen as Kylor runs onto the field and takes up a position at his father’s back. Valliant puts a hand on Morna’s shoulder. “Luca is not helpless, Baby Girl, I suspect Kylor can hold his own as well. Don’t humiliate your child, let’s see what he can do before you jump in.” Morna growls, but heeds her father‘s words.
Luca is successfully holding off one of the newcomers and Quirinus. Kylor is pushing the other newcomer backwards, when he makes a sudden lunge and disarms the combatant, and then brings the hilt of his sword down on the man’s head, knocking him unconscious.
Luca separates Quirinus from his cohort, and is driving hard at him in an attempt to disarm him. Two more soldiers join the fray just as Kylor engages the soldier assisting Quirinus. One of them advance quickly on Kylor‘s flank, while the other one lunges at Luca from behind with a sword. Luca’s attention is diverted by the attack from the rear and Quirinus uses that as an opportunity to move out of Luca’s reach, and suddenly disappears.
Kylor receives a flesh wound to his left side and Morna lets loose her battle cry and runs into the melee and quickly disarms one of the soldiers attacking Kylor. She roars as she spins a vicious kick into the man’s head, slashing his face with her stiletto heel, knocking him unconscious, and sending him flying twenty-five feet. Morna smiles when she hears Mars chuckling. Morna takes a position at her son’s back after the soldier lands in a heap, and watches the progress of Luca’s attackers.
She is scanning the field for any sign of Quirinus, she spots his aura advancing on Luca’s right side. “On your right!” Morna telepathically shouts at Luca just as the third attacker strikes at Kylor, who deflects the blow, causing it to glance off of Morna’s left hand holding her sword. She had shifted it to that hand to free her right in case she needed to place Quirinus in a binding spell.
Luca sweeps his leg outward and makes contact with Quirinus, bringing him down. The Roman ‘god’ is caught off guard and drops the hiding spell. Luca knocks his uncle unconscious and turns on the soldier advancing on him as Kylor bears down on the soldier that struck his mother’s hand.
“Your master is down, no need for you to die,” Luca growls. Both of th
e remaining soldiers drop their swords, and beg for quarter. Kylor walks around and picks up all the swords and drops them on the ground before his great-grandfather.
Morna quickly removes the vampire made ring and heals the nearly severed thumb before Luca walks over to examine her hand. He brings the hand up to his lips. “I smelled the blood, your healing skills are improving, my love.” Morna smiles at her mate, returns the ring to her thumb, and the pair turn and walk toward the Roman god of war.
Morna nods at Mars, but her attention is on her son. She gives the wound on his left side a cursory examination and quickly weaves a healing spell and smiles as the wound begins to mend neatly. She pats Kylor’s cheek and turns her full attention back to Mars.
“Were you aware of this plan to cheat in this match?” Morna demands.
“I was not. I do not need to cheat. I told you my son has become impertinent. But I am sure his defeat at your mate’s hands has brought him down a notch or two,” Mars says with a chuckle.
“Mars, I think I could come to respect you. But know this; if any of your flunkies pull that crap on me, I will tear their throats out. I am not as patient or dignified as my mate. I am sick of games,” Morna says flatly.
“I believe you Madam, and I give you my word; none would attack you but myself. I simply don’t need the help,” Mars drawls arrogantly.
“We shall see,” Morna says with a smile.
Mars laughs happily and gently pats Morna on the back. “Morna, I think we should postpone our little match. I too, am tired of these games. I am thinking that you should go home to feed and rest before your wedding tonight. Don’t look so damned surprised girl, I want that child you carry to be safe and healthy,” Mars says sincerely. “Besides, I have accomplished what I wished to do today.” Mars looks down at his still unconscious son at his feet with a sneer on his face. “I did not allow my son to face you Morna because you would have killed him for cheating, not once, but twice. My grandson is more reserved. I was confident that if you or his children were not at risk, he would spare Quirinus’ life.”