by JK Ensley
Daichi’s awesome roar caused the tiny pebbles beneath their feet to vibrate. “Master Yui! Release her at once. I can teach her all she needs to know. You are not her Sensei. You are mine. You have no cause to touch her and your obvious desire for her is unacceptable. I will not give you another warning. Trust me.”
“Daichi, all is well,” Jenevier said. “Yui would never harm me. He would die first. I do not fear him. He is my ever loyal friend and companion. I love him. Always will I love him.”
At her words, Yui’s grip upon her tightened slightly. He buried his nose in her curls until it lightly touched her ear. His warm breath tickled.
“And I love you, my Princess.”
The tingling sensation caused her to giggle.
“Enough!” Daichi roared. “Step away from her now, Master Yui. You, sir, are close to crossing a line you will not be able to step back over… because dead men can’t walk.” His look was cold, steely. “If you wish to play, Naga, play with me.”
Daichi raised his sword and took one step toward them before he saw a sparkle in her magical eyes, such as he’d never seen before. Jenevier ran toward her second born, flipping into the air only inches before their blades touched. He slid to a halt. She landed lightly behind him and nonchalantly laid her dulled steel upon his shoulder.
“That’s one for me.” She flashed a mischievous smile.
Daichi spun with such ferocity that when their blades met, the impact caused her to stumble back several paces.
“Shall I claim a point as well, Naga? Or do the rules call for touching the flesh?”
She had seen that same pious smirk displayed proudly upon her warrior brothers’ faces many times before. When a wicked glint flickered in those steely blue eyes, she knew she had her hands full with this one. Son or stranger, Daichi would never go easy on her, would never pull a punch. He would give as good as he got. And he was exactly what she needed in a training partner.
“My sons may look the same…”
“But do not be fooled by the wrapper,” Daichi said, finishing her words.
Her smile matched his when their blades next met. The rapid sounds of their battle rang throughout the secret valley.
“I can sense you, Naga,” he whispered. “We are connected, you and I. I feel what it is you feel.”
She smiled. “I know you can, Daichi. I sense you within me, and it is amazing. You are precisely what I need, lacking in nothing. Our sparring will be epic. I have never felt more alive. Are you my equal, Angel? Come. Let us see.”
“Perhaps I should be asking the same of you, Naga,” he taunted. “We are two halves of the same whole, are we not? Perfectly matched in every way, you and I… as it should be.”
Her smile widened. “Only one other man has ever dared boast such a claim. Careful you don’t get burned, little one.”
Daichi chuckled. “Little, am I? Very well, Naga. Best me if you can.”
He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before pushing free of their locked stance, resuming their deadly play. Completely drenched in sweat, neither dared give an inch.
He is unlike any warrior I’ve come up against, she thought. I will never admit it to him, but he could already best my brothers. He could very nearly best his father.
Daichi paused for an instant, focusing on something behind her.
Jenevier’s maternal guard went up, heightening her trained skills, elevating her angelic senses to a surreal level. Her whole body tingled when she heard the strange voice.
“My, my. What colorful warriors you both are. Did you fall from the heavens or sprout from the ground?”
Without flinching, she flipped backwards—spinning in the air, bringing her practice sword crashing down upon the stranger. He stopped the blow with his forearm, but she heard the bones crack within, saw the pain flicker across his colorless face.
She backed up slowly, arms spread wide, intending to protect her son from the odd looking stranger.
Mika stepped out from behind the man.
Chapter 37
Jezreel
(zhez-REEL)
“That was an extremely kind, surprisingly human thing for you to do, Izadori.”
“I know not of what you speak, Kias.”
“Of course you don’t, dearest sister. Erase my careless words. Blow them away from here. Just as you blew the smell of death from Tamar Broden.” He smiled and affectionately bumped her shoulder with his.
“Why are you here, Kias? Didn’t Father tell you to stay away from the affairs of men?”
“His orders were the same to me as they were to you, sweet sister.”
“We’re not very obedient children, are we?” She smirked, looking at him sideways. “If we’re not careful, some may question the validity of our noble blood.”
“I don’t believe you fear such murmurings. Not for a moment,” he chided.
“I can tell you what I do believe, Kias. I believe these people are the most resilient in the whole of this universe. No matter what has been thrown at them, the remnant forges on. They not only demand happiness, they reach out and take it.” She balled her fingers into a fist in front of her. “They snatch hope and joy and peace and love, right out of the mouth of hell… and hold it close to their bosom, desperately close.”
“Where it grows and flourishes,” Kias added. “Yes… I stand in awe of them, especially her.”
Izadori knew who Kias spoke of without following her brother’s loving gaze.
“I shuddered when I saw what they did to her,” she whispered. “It would have utterly broken me.”
“I know not where I got the strength to remain within these trees. It was not by my own power. Of that I am certain. I wanted nothing more than to tear their heads off… after I had tortured them for a couple eons.”
“Your raw passion is a much needed breath of life in this dreary forest.” Izadori took her brother’s hand and squeezed it.
“I came to you with reason more than confessing mere rage,” he admitted. “I came with confession of secret desire.”
“I do not believe your desire to be all that secret, dearest brother.” She winked knowingly.
“Perhaps not. But my intended action upon said desire is.” Kias looked his sweet sister in the eye and held her questioning gaze. “Seven days,” he whispered.
She nodded. “Seven days.”
The Elven Prince and Princess kept their hands firmly clasped as they looked back to the destroyed land of Ashgard, looked back once more upon the two grieving friends holding on to each other for sanity’s sake, bitterest sobs causing their weary shoulders to tremble. And on that day… flowing Elvish tears perfectly matched those of man.
*****
“Shall we say a blessing over your beloved family?”
“That would be the greatest honor you could possibly bestow upon me, Jezreel. I am truly grateful.”
“I will return shortly.”
She squeezed Alastyn before she headed back to the little rose-covered cottage that held as many good memories as it now held bad.
Her first step through the splintered front door brought a flash of the recent carnage she’d somehow lived through.
The creatures had come without warning. Some had appeared as men, some as animals, and some seemed only as shadows. But their claws hurt all the same, be they shadow or flesh.
She first heard poor Margy Trinken’s horrified shrieks. She ran to the back door but didn’t get the chance to see what had befallen her dear friend. She wished now she had never seen what those monsters did to the truly wonderful older couple she had come to count as family.
Barring Jezreel’s way was an otherwise normal looking man, minus eyes and tongue. He could only grunt, forcing inhuman sounds from his putrid throat. He grabbed her and raped her right there on Marlise’s old kitchen table.
It all came rushing back—the pain, the stench, those hellish gargling sounds. But that life-changing violation almost paled in comparison to the vicious dog g
rabbing mouthfuls of her hair, ripping it from her head while the demon molested her. The beating started before the rape had ended.
Jezreel braced herself upon the door frame, trying to steady her swaying mind before she entered the kitchen to retrieve the needed herbs from the apothecary. She shook her head… but the disgusting scenes continued to play on in her mind. When she released the frame, her hand stayed there for one sticky instant. She saw the still tacky remains of blood, her blood.
She took a deep breath, ran into the room, hurriedly gathered all she would need, and ran back out into the warming sunlight before she paused to fill her lungs once more.
She found Alastyn, not kneeling over the graves of his young family, but over those of his loving parents. He cried openly, without shame.
She knelt beside him, placed an arm across his trembling shoulders, and spoke not a word.
“I came to see them,” he cried. “I already knew them to be dead. Otherwise, the bodies of my precious children would have been seen to before my arrival.” He sniffed, rubbing at his burning eyes. “I wonder who did this. I wonder who took the time to bury my parents during all this loss, all this chaos.”
“I did,” she softly whispered.
“You?”
“Yes. I saw to the Trinkens first. I was on my way to inter Willow and the little ones. That’s when I found you there.”
He wrapped his arms around Jezreel and hugged her, really hugged her, for the very first time in their long, tumultuous relationship. Gone were the sarcastic comments and petty fighting. Only respect and mutual empathy remained between them.
“Gratitude… forever,” he whispered through his sobs.
“Apologies… forever,” she responded.
After a long moment, they proceeded with the ancient burial blessing, bestowing it upon each and every person who had so miserably fallen in their once joyful little village.
All accounted for, there were less than fifty left standing of the nearly six hundred souls who had claimed Tamar Broden as their home. It took days, but the survivors worked diligently until every fallen friend had been properly buried and blessed.
“It saddens me anew,” Alastyn said. “Knowing that all these good people have been deprived of the glorious Life Celebrations they deserve. The same selfless honor they so lovingly bestowed upon so many of their friends and family.”
“Let us now make a pact.” Jezreel took his hand and that of the nearest villager. “The few of us who yet live should vow to start a new tradition in Tamar Broden. Let us promise to honor them each year on the anniversary of our near destruction with a grand Feast of Friends. We will ensure that the ones we’ve lost so violently… will never be forgotten. As long as this village yet stands, we will honor their memory.”
After promises and handshakes were shared by all, Jezreel stretched her back and sighed.
“I must go now and try to cleanse my own home. I tire of sleeping in borrowed beds or under the stars. I must face my ghosts if I wish them vanquished. I will reclaim what is mine. Take back what was stolen from me.”
“I’m not as strong as you, Jezreel. I cannot muster the will to even step foot within my home or that of my parents,” Alastyn admitted.
“I am minus the strength as well, my friend. I only proclaim such aloud to borrow strength from the gods.” She looped her arm through his. “Come with me. The nightmares that yet remain shall surely flee at the sight of your handsome face.” She laughed and crinkled up her nose. “I’ll return the great favor. When you are ready and the time is ripe, we will see to your home as well.”
“Gratitude, Jezreel. I selfishly accept your gracious offer in the hopes I may find some small comfort in returning the great favor you have already shown me and my family.”
“And let us not be coy, dear brother. A small sliver of Jenevier yet remains there. Comfort can come from that as well.”
She tugged on his arm as they headed toward the little rose-covered cottage, last house on the left, marking the corner of the town square.
Chapter 38
Munenori
(moo-nah-NOOR-ee)
“Mika, what are you doing, child? Get over here now.”
The girl didn’t move. She looked shyly at Jenevier before dropping her gaze.
“Mika, get away from him.” Her voice was stern, unusually motherly, scoldingly so.
Jenevier started toward the girl but stopped short when the stranger placed his hands upon Mika’s shoulders.
Tenshi growled. He stood dripping by the water’s edge, eyes firmly fixed on the man now touching Mika.
“Remove your hands from the child,” Jenevier said coolly.
The stranger didn’t speak. His eyes were hard, cold, and firmly fixed upon her.
She took one step closer. “Remove your hands from the child… or die.”
His eyebrow slightly arched, a smirk tugged at one corner of his mouth.
Jenevier spoke no more. She matched his level stare. Saw the tiny hint of doubt play across his stoic features when he took note of the wicked spark she allowed him to see within her magical pink eyes. Then, she was gone.
He stiffened when he felt her warm breath on the back of his neck, the very tip of her nose, grazing him there as she spoke.
“Would that I still commanded my claws,” she whispered.
Snatching Mika with one hand, she all but threw the girl behind her. Tenshi moved like the wind, catching her, wrapping her up in his arms. He went to stand by his brother’s side. Daichi slid the frightened girl behind them.
Jenevier remained fixed behind the strange man, one hand lightly around his throat, the other firmly grasping his left hip. She pulled him back against her, hard.
“How do you come to find yourself in this place?”
He spoke not, neither did he move.
She sniffed his skin, inhaled his sweet scent. A knowing smile parted her lips.
She licked him. He shuddered.
“How did you find me, Brother?” Her words were but a whisper. Her grip upon him tightened.
“You name me brother?”
The shock in his tone amused her. Vareilious had taken special care when teaching her the most powerful of all the Vanir senses—taste. She excelled at it, mastered this invaluable skill.
Lick a being once and you have their scent forever. Every emotion, every thought, every intention… they all lay there upon the tender spot pulsing in your neck. Lick a man there, tiny warrior, and they can never defeat you. Desire you, yes. But defeat you, never. She chuckled at the fond memory.
The stranger grabbed the hand she had clamped over his sharp hipbone, pulling it up to his eager mouth. She let him. He hesitated, waiting for her denial. None came. He inhaled deeply, running the tip of his nose up the inside of her blue-tinged wrist. His eyelids fluttered.
Daichi growled and took one step forward. Tenshi put his arm up, halting his brother’s advance.
The man very carefully touched the tip of his tongue to her wrist. His shudders were visible to all. Daichi’s growls increased as the man ran his tongue up the length of her arm, pausing to savor the inside of her elbow.
“Ahh… Naga,” he whispered.
Daichi roared as he charged the man.
Mika screamed. “No! Daichi, don’t hurt him,” she pleaded. “He is magic.”
The sounds of their swords meeting echoed through the valley. The two men glared at one another. Neither would back down.
She released her hold upon the stranger. “Come, Daichi. Let us return to our play. He was just leaving.” Cutting her bright pink eyes toward him, she glared at the man.
Jenevier lightly touched her son’s elbow, only then did the snarl leave his face. He stepped back and smiled, viciously.
“See yourself out,” Daichi snarled. “We do not require additional magic. Oh, and the wards you placed within your feeble mind…”
With this little revelation, the stranger tore his heated gaze from Jenevier, locking it u
pon Daichi.
“Yes, those wards,” Daichi continued. “They’re cute, but worthless here. Hold such thoughts toward this revered woman once more and find yourself minus a head.” He leaned in closer. “Touch her once more, and death will be your nightly prayers.”
“Milady, please don’t send him away,” Mika pleaded. “You need him. I know you do.”
“I need him not,” Jenevier replied casually. “Why did you leave this place, child? Why did you bring a stranger amongst us? You knew no one was to enter here.” She crossed her arms and the girl sank under the weight of her stare. “You are not our prisoner, Mika. You may leave whenever you wish. Why did you feel the need to betray me, little sweet cake? What have I ever done, save love you?”
The girl fell to her knees and began shaking as her tears flowed freely.
“Mother, what she did was wrong, yes,” Tenshi said. “But ill intentions were not part of it.”
“You dare defend this girl’s actions to your mother’s face?” Daichi demanded.
“Do not turn upon your brother, dear one. I will never ask him to choose me over his heart.” She smiled lovingly at her firstborn. “For a mother to do thus would be a selfish sin, indeed.” She turned her attention back to Daichi. “If he leaves with Mika, I will mourn him throughout eternity. Yet I will not stop him. A heart loves who a heart loves. Do not toy with such things, my son.”
All noise ceased. No one dared breathe.
“You… you think I would ever leave you, Mama?” Tenshi’s voice sounded so tiny and frail.
She turned back to her beautiful son. “No, my heart. But I would never force you to stay.”
“No one, not even Daichi, means more to me than you do, Mama.”
“I know, my son. You are still young and I am your mother. That is how it should be. But as I said before, you’re growing up too fast.”
“My Princess, you mistake intent. I would sacrifice my life for yours. Never doubt that.” Mika remained prostrate before Jenevier, unable to bring herself to meet the woman’s gaze. “You are broken, Milady. I do not claim to understand it, but I do know you need great magic. Driven only by love and nothing else, I brought Master Munenori to your door. Speak with him for one quiet moment and you will see. Read my thoughts, search my mind… you need him.”