The rest of the day was blessedly quiet for a change. Polly and I took a long walk on the beach with the dogs. We laughed while we reminisced about our life in Yuma and brainstormed about ideas for the menu at the bakery. Robert and Katya were wrapped in each other’s arms on a blanket near the house talking quietly and laughing. I was grateful that he didn’t hover over me, especially today, which was my last day of freedom before the Fae arrived.
I tried to ignore the time that was ticking away. I wanted to enjoy these last few precious moments before everything would change. Even if we somehow survived this war I couldn’t help, but wonder what would become of me. I didn’t know what my future held. I had no idea what would happen with Mathias and if we even had a shot at a normal life together.
When the sun started setting low in the clear blue sky we all changed for the family dinner and took off towards the castle. As we approached my nerves went into overdrive. All day I had been trying not to think of Mathias, Julia and Riah but being here made me face the reality that I had been putting off in my mind.
We entered the dining room, and I pasted a smile on my face. I wanted to rush downstairs and ask Milton what was going on, but I couldn’t. My fake smile quickly turned into a real one as my grandfather approached me.
“Willa,” he said. “I’m so glad you came. Everyone else has been treating me with kid gloves. It’s driving me batty. Please use that razor sharp tongue on me that I have been hearing so much about.”
“Sorry Pops.” I said regretfully. “We just met and besides we’re related. It’s a little gross.”
Archie let out a great laugh and hugged me. We went around the room together and greeted everyone arm in arm. For some reason, his presence calmed me. When we finally sat down to eat I was in a much better mood. We all looked up when Jeremiah came rushing in with Veronica closely behind him.
“They’re on their way,” he said without preamble. “They should be here soon.”
“Did they get the paintings?” Winifred and I asked at the same time
Jeremiah nodded and sat down across from me. “They retrieved the paintings but that’s all I know.”
“Well, this is the cause for celebration.” Oliver said
“We have no idea what those paintings depict Oliver.” Cormac said. “So let’s be cautiously optimistic.”
“Stop being such a stick in the mud.” Cuddy said. “This is great news.”
“Cormac is right.” Gussie put her hand on her husband’s arm. “We do not know what’s in those paintings.”
“Even though I know we should be cautious I’m still excited.” Rhoswen said her eyes alight. “Growing up, I heard many stories about the Fae Sanctities. They have always seemed more like a mythical legend. To think that they might be real is incredible.”
“A mythical legend, huh?” I asked. “Kind of like fairies and vampires?
“Touché,” Rhoswen said as she lifted her wine glass towards me in mock salute
“I just pray we finally get some answers.” Cecily said
The rest of the meal was fairly quiet. It didn’t seem like any of us were in the mood for small talk or conversation. I finally gave up on my beef tenderloin about halfway through. My stomach was way too unsettled to continue eating.
When the door to the dining room burst open we all looked up in anticipation. I focused right on Mathias, who gave me a quick nod before speaking.
“We got them but there is a slight complication.” he announced
“What?” I asked rising up from my chair. “What is it?”
“It’s bound by magic.” Julia replied wearily. I finally took a good look at her and noticed her normally perfectly coiffed hair was in tangles and her face looked exhausted. Riah didn’t look much better. Only Mathias appeared perfectly put together as usual.
“Winifred.” Riah said. “You, Cecily and Willa need to look at the paintings. Julia couldn’t make heads or tails of them.”
“I tried!” Julia yelled, surprising all of us. Julia never yelled. She may shriek with excitement when her latest issue of Vogue came in the mail, but that was about it.
“I tried,” she repeated again calmly. “It’s not like anything I have ever felt before.”
“Is it black magic?” Winifred asked suddenly
“No.” Julia answered. “It’s just feels complex. I don’t know how to describe it.”
“Do you have them with you Mathias?” my mother asked
“Yes, of course.” he answered. Mathias pulled out of his jacket four yellowed pieces of paper that were tied up like scrolls. “I think it may be wise to view these in a more secure area.”
“Yes, you are right.” Winifred agreed. “The tower room will work best.”
My grandmother has a tower room where she keeps all her magical books and instruments. The first time I walked in there I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants. She actually has a black cauldron in the corner where she brews up her potions. She kicked me out and told me not to come back until I could show some respect.
I still haven’t set foot into the place since that day.
“Before we head up there, I think now is a good time while we are gathered to go over some of the safety measures that will be in place starting tomorrow.” Mathias said
I groaned. “You have got to be joking? We have to do this right now?”
“I can assure you that I am dead serious.” Mathias said. “Winifred, Robert will be with you at all times. I believe that the flat across from your apartments is ready for him and Katya?”
“Yes it is.” she answered. “There is a safe room for you Robert if you need to rest.”
“Thank you, your Majesty.” Robert said respectfully
“Archie, I have assigned Gabriel to be your Guardian.” Mathias said. “I know he is young but you two already have a bond. Since I’m sure, you will be with Winifred most of the time; Gabriel can shadow Robert and learn a tremendous amount.”
“Thank you Mathias.” Archie answered. “I appreciate that very much. Gabriel is a fine young man.”
“Augusta and Cuddy, your Guardians will be with you at all times,” he continued. “Cecily and Cormac, your Guardians, Frank and Leona, will be with you as well. Please no teleporting Cormac, without one of them accompanying you.”
“Oliver and Rhoswen, the same goes for both of you.” Mathias said before turning to Julia. “Julia, your grandmother and I have discussed new assignments for you and Jeremiah.”
“What do you mean new Guardians?” Jeremiah asked. “But Timothy has been with me for years?”
“Timothy will still be your Guardian during the day, but at night I am assigning Veronica to stay with you for the next few weeks.” Mathias announced
“What?” Veronica asked in disbelief. “Surely Timothy is a much better solution?”
“I need Timothy in the office at night and you there during the day.” he explained. “I am also putting Christopher with you Julia during the day and then Riah will be taking over at night.”
That got a reaction from Riah and Julia real quick. I listened as both yelled denials over each other.
“That’s ridiculous.” Julia said. “There is no reason for Riah to be with me at night. Both of my parents Guardians will be in the apartment, and Riah needs to be with Willa.”
“I’m Willa’s Guardian Mathias. I don’t see why anything has to change in my duties.” Riah said
“This is awesome.” Polly whispered as she came to stand next to me. “Look at the two of them.”
“I know.” I whispered back excitedly. Mathias gave me a sharp look before returning his attention back to Julia and Riah.
“Winifred and I both discussed the fact that you and Jeremiah are very much at risk. Both of you are close to Willa, and both of you are very powerful.”
“I don’t know about that.” Jeremiah grinned
“Your mind is what’s powerful.” Mathias answered. “I’m assigning Veronica to you because you both have
a great love of books and are outstanding at research. Veronica is also extremely fast. If something does happen, she can get you quickly to safety.”
“But what about Willa?” Cormac asked. “Pulling Riah off his duties at night is crazy.”
“Mathias will be with Willa at night.” Winifred answered. “During the day he needs to be on call for any security threats but at night he is the only one I want to guard her.”
“Well, that makes sense.” Cecily said. Around the room everyone but my father and Riah nodded their heads in agreement
“Julia.” Winifred said. “You are the most powerful sightseer we have had in many years. Your safety is crucial. I shudder to think what they would do with your powers if they kidnaped you.”
Julia nodded slowly. Even Riah looked thoughtful at Winifred’s words. The thought of Julia or Jeremiah captured made me sick. I wanted them to be safe at all costs. That’s when another idea hit me.
“What about Polly and Katya?” I asked
“What do you mean?” Mathias asked.
“Polly is my best friend.” I said. “If you wanted to get to me or lure me out whom better to grab than the unguarded wood Nymph?”
“I can handle myself.” Polly said confidently
“You can handle yourself against a Fae Lord or a powerful witch?” I asked. “Not even you my bad ass friend can take them on by yourself, although I would feel sorry for them if they tried.”
“Why did you mention Katya, Willa?” Robert asked. “Surely she is in no danger?”
“Of course she is in danger. You’re the Queen’s Guardian.” I answered
Robert swore before turning to Mathias. “Damn it, she’s right.”
“I believe I have a solution.” Winifred said. “Kathleen would be perfect to guard both Katya and Polly.”
“Kathleen?” I asked. “She has a job. She’s a school principal.”
“Not to mention I’m not exactly a spring chicken Winnie.” Kathleen said in amusement
“Kathleen is off for spring break and need I remind you she is very smart herself as well as fast.” Winifred said fondly. “Not only will she keep these girls occupied and out of trouble the next few weeks I am confident she will keep them safe.”
“Will I have to go to school?” Polly asked. “I’m pretty sure it’s against the law for me to be around young, impressionable minds.”
“School will not be in session.” Kathleen reminded her. “I’m sure there are plenty of other things we can do to occupy the time.”
“Thank you Kathleen.” Robert said
“Yes, thank you Kathleen.” I said. “Can you take a video camera with you and record your time together?”
“Funny.” Polly said before she flipped me off
I laughed. “Now that this stuff is all taken care off can we please go look at the paintings?”
We all climbed the two flights of stairs to the tower. Most of the Guardians stayed outside with only Mathias and Riah entering the room with us. Mathias pulled out the scrolls and set them down on my grandmother’s worktable.
“For some reason I thought they would be bigger.” I mused
“That’s what all the ladies say.” Riah said in mock exasperation.
I giggled before catching my mother’s disapproving glance. Winifred and Cecily stood over the scrolls, and they both looked at them curiously.
“Well, Winnie can you get them open?” Cuddy asked
Winifred just shushed him before muttering a chant under her breath. I knew the opening spell she was performing and moved my lips along with her. When she was done we all looked expectedly at the scrolls, but nothing happened.
For the next hour, Winifred and my mother tried every magic spell they could think of together. Finally, Winifred looked up at me. “Willa, come over here. Maybe you can see or feel something we’re missing.”
As I walked over slowly, my heart started beating out of my chest. My breathing became shallow, and I felt like I was going to pass out. When I placed my hands over the scrolls, I swayed on my feet, and Mathias reached out to steady me.
“Willa,” my mother said. “What’s wrong? You’re white as a ghost.”
“Only Willa can open the scrolls.” Julia said in a trance. “She’s the only one. They’re meant for her but what is depicted on them will shock her when she finally opens them.”
“What do you see Julia?” Winifred asked frantically
“I see Willa standing over them. She’s in this room alone I think. She opens the ribbons and is looking down at the paintings in disbelief.”
“How did she open them Julia?” Mathias asked. “What spell does she use?”
“I don’t know.” Julia answered. “I don’t think she used any spell to open up the paintings. But they are waiting for her. She’s not ready yet. They’re not ready for her to see them.”
Julia almost fell to the floor in a heap, but Riah dashed over and swept her into his arms. I backed up until I hit the wall and stared at the scrolls. I could almost hear them call to me in whispers. I knew they were mine. They were put on this earth for one thing and one thing only.
This is what I had been looking for all this time. These paintings were done for one reason. They were done to guide me and show me who I was, but I wasn’t ready yet, so they were pushing me away. That’s why I felt so light headed and dizzy. Patcoena used powerful magic to make sure no prying eyes were to look upon the paintings. They were bound until I could understand them.
I tried to explain this to everyone as best as I could but I when I looked up I could see they thought I was crazy. Julia finally came around and reiterated what I had told them, but everyone still seemed skeptical.
“You’re talking about them like they have a mind of their own.” Jeremiah stated
“In a way they do.” Julia said. “Patcoena must have put some spell on them. They will only respond to Willa.”
“They will only open when she is ready?” Winifred asked. “That kind of magic is old and powerful.”
“It also borders on dark magic.” Cecily said. “Can a Fae perform such magicks?”
“They can but it takes a great deal of time and patience.” Cormac answered
“All of this sounds very scary and dark.” Gussie said.
“I think we should all go home and get some rest.” Oliver said. “Tomorrow is a big day.”
Oliver, Rhoswen, Gussie and Cuddy left leaving the rest of us in silence. I finally spoke a few seconds later.
“Has Milton translated the last line in the diary yet?” I asked Mathias
Mathias whipped out his phone and began barking at Milton. I didn’t have to hear the answer. I could tell from the agitation in Mathias’s body language that the answer was no.
“I guess not.” I muttered
“This is all a little freaky deaky for me.” Polly said. “Are you coming or hanging out for a bit?”
“I’m going to stay.” I said. “Take the golf cart but try not to crash it, please.”
“I’ll try.” Polly grinned. “Catch you on the flip side.”
“Milton hasn’t been able to translate the text.” Mathias said. “He’s going to keep working on it though.”
“I’ll go down and help him.” Jeremiah said before he pulled me into a hug and whispered. “Thank you. I know you had something to do with my new Guardian assignment.”
“I’m thinking if being a Gypsy-Fae hybrid freak bakery owner doesn’t work out I’ll buy a Cadillac and a fedora.”
“Willa the Pimp,” he whispered back.
“That’s got a nice ring to it.” I smiled and watched him leave. I glanced at my parents who seemed genuinely troubled. “What’s the matter?”
“What’s the matter?” my father exclaimed. “What isn’t the matter?”
For some reason that made me start laughing hysterically. “You’re right, this is so messed up.”
“We’ll figure it out together,” my mother said. “Now go home and get some sleep
.”
“Yes, I have to bright eye and bushy tail to greet my murderer as he walks through the portal.”
“We discussed a different plan.” Winifred said
“Oh great,” I replied. “When we’re you going to tell me about this?”
“Mathias and I thought it would be better if you were not there to greet the Fae as they come through the portal. We think it will be more dramatic and better for us to observe them all at the reception later on in the afternoon.”
“You know I’m getting sick and tired of you and Mathias making plans without consulting me.” I said rubbing my tired eyes
“We only made them a few days ago.” Mathias said. “To be honest I wasn’t aware that this was the final decision.”
“I just want to go home.” I announced. “I’m tired.”
I closed my eyes and was about to teleport when I felt someone grab my arm and stop me. I looked up and saw Mathias glaring at me.
“You will not be teleporting on your own anymore.” he said through clenched teeth
“Bite me.” I said nastily. “Oh, wait, probably not a good thing to say?”
“Jesus Mathias.” Riah breathed. “How did you move so fast?”
“I’ve never seen a vampire, Guardian or Rau, be able to stop a Fae from teleporting.” Cormac said, almost suspiciously. “When we teleport we become a vapor. It’s impossible.”
Good going Wolfie. If you’re not careful you’ll expose yourself
Then don’t piss me off. You are not allowed to teleport by yourself from here on out.
“Is this another rule that nobody felt the need to tell me about?” I asked
“If you had any sense you would have realized that teleporting on your own, even now, is too dangerous.”
“I still want to know how you stopped my daughter, Mathias.” Cormac demanded
“He’s freakishly fast and strong.” I answered. “Can I go now?”
“I have to check in with Milton first. Then we will go home to discuss more of the rules that will be in place for you.” Mathias said
“Sounds like a fun filled night.” I replied. “Is this a regular date for you?”
Julia, Winifred and even my mother chuckled. My dad’s expression grew more thunderous while Riah looked almost bored.
The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* Page 48