Realms of the Otherworld Box Set

by Jana LaPelle

  Luc is right I need to take a look below. He apparently wants me to see the rift before I leave. I should have been back here before now. It’s time to see what The Morrígan has wrought. Now that Cú Chulainn has been brought back from the dead, the entrance to the crypt below remains open, a large round gaping dark hole that is just waiting to swallow me up, in the blink of an eye, I’m underground standing before the shadowy chamber. Memories of what happened here rebound around my mind, and everywhere I look I see ghostly images as I relive that night all over again. I realize that I could have gone a thousand lifetimes without ever seeing this place again. Inhaling deeply, I move forward into the chamber, and that’s when I feel it. The signature of leftover dark majic, but it’s something more than that. There’s an eerie crimson pulsating glow that is illuminating the back of the chamber, and I find that I’m pulled toward it. I know that this is how I will get to Alaric and gain entrance into the realm of the dead, I can feel it. The angry looking fissure runs along the opening of the tomb but looks as if it has moved upward along the back wall in its jagged intent to expand and grow. What I’m seeing is a tear between the realms. It’s an abomination. We have to find a way to stop this rift from growing out of hand, but for now, it’s my way into The Underworld, my way to Alaric. With every moment of every day that passes this rift will continue to grow, and I have no doubt that The Mortal Realm will be brought into the war that looms in our near future. I need to plan, and I need to get to Alaric, I allow my dream walker form to head back to Glenndale Loch as quickly as absolutely possible, and the world around me blends to ribbons of color as I speed back to my physical form.

  I wake with a start, sitting bolt upright. I look around me to see Lexie and Jasmine hovering over me with worried expressions. “How long have I been out?”

  Lexie looks at me, her green eyes flash with concern, “Not more than an hour and a half, but your heart rate picked up, and we became worried, but we couldn’t wake you. Where have you been?”

  “I found Alaric, and you are not going to believe this. He’s now with Lucifer or Luc or whatever the hell he goes by nowadays. He took Alaric from The Morrígan as payment for what she took from him the other night, mainly Cú Chulainn. He has taken Alaric to The Underworld. Gather everyone together. I leave here as soon as possible to go after Alaric. He’s hurt. He’s been tortured just like I feared. The Morrígan has flogged him repeatedly over the last several days. His back… I swear I’m going to hurt her; his back is laid open and is one massive wound from all the whippings she has delivered. I need to get to him. I need to bring him home!”

  Lexie and Jasmine look at one another and Lexie nods, “Okay. We’ve been preparing for this. Not for The Underworld but for going after Alaric. I’ve already informed Declan, and he’s calling everyone together.”

  Jasmine flutters over to my side, “I’m going with you, Ash. Cam and I are in agreement on this, besides a satyr and a sprite could come in handy where you are headed. On a more serious note, Lillie, Lachlan, and the pups, do you want them here or in Taisclainne Anam.”

  I stop to slip out of bed and pad quietly into the nursery. My little angels are napping, and their constant companions lift their furry little faces to look up at me, their ears twitching as if waiting for instructions. I reach down and pet both Cara and Bán and say quietly, “I need you two to look after Lillie and Lachlan while I’m away. I’ll be back to make the necessary arrangements, you will be going with them to The Twilight Realm, that way I know you will all be safe. Rest easy for now, I’m so happy that they found you both. The two nuzzle into my hand licking my palms and fingers before settling back down beside the sleeping twins. Turning back to Jasmine and Lexie, “I’ll follow Alaric’s wishes on this, they go to Taisclainne Anam with their protection guard. Now is everyone ready?” Looking down at my attire I think that I should probably change into something more appropriate than jeans and a yellow halter top, but I don’t have time. “Come on let’s get downstairs.”

  As we make our way to the outer chambers, I spy the letter that Alaric left for me, and I’m steadfast in my determination. Looking toward Millie, I say, “I know where he is Millie, and we’re going to get him and bring him home. Can you prepare to take the children to Taisclainne Anam until I get back with him? I’ll be back after I meet with everyone to prepare for our trip to The Underworld.”

  “By the gods, The Underworld? How, Ashlinn?”

  “That’s a long story, and we’ll bring you up to speed in a bit, I promise. I’ll be back soon to spend some quality time with the twins before I have to leave out. I have no idea as to how time runs in The Underworld, but I have a feeling it will be different from what we are used to.”

  Lexie and Jasmine round on me and take both my hands as we make our way down to the library, our meeting place. I look over to Lexie and ask, “Morgwais, have you heard from her?”

  “It’s so strange, no one has heard from her,” Lexie relays as we rush down the stairs to the main level of the Keep, our footfalls echoing around the open stairwell.

  “There is something there that we’re missing here, mark my words.” I look around as we rush into the library and see that everyone is in attendance, and I look back to Lexie and Jasmine, “We need to find her. I feel it deep down in my being that she is key to our winning against The Morrígan. That and a few dozen other things.” I inhale deeply before turning and addressing everyone in attendance, “I know where Alaric is!”

  “Well, Little Bit, don’t keep us waiting. Where is he?” Tolin’s voice booms out.

  I can’t help the sob that escapes me when I answer him, “T…, Alaric has been taken to The Underworld.”

  “Bloody Hell!” I hear several people exclaim around the room.

  I quickly relay my encounter with Luc, and Alaric’s current predicament to everyone in the room, then shifting my focus to Dagda and Lugh, I implore, “I need to assemble a small team to go with me to extract Alaric from Luc’s realm.” I turn to look to see who all are assembled, before asking, “Is Tarron here? Was he called to this meeting?”

  “I’m here now, mo solas.” I hear his resounding voice from the hallway.

  I turn to see the handsome incubus stride into the room. He’s sporting his leathers, a bare chest with crisscrossing sword harnesses. He is a vision of pure masculinity and will make some lucky female a sexy as hell mate. I smile before blurting out, “Tarron, I need you to go with me to The Underworld to collect Alaric. Luc has him. Luc, Lucifer, whatever the hell he is going by these days, he has retrieved Alaric from The Morrígan and taken him to The Underworld as retribution for her taking Cú Chulainn from him. I’m supposed to navigate the rift between the realms to find him and negotiate the terms of Alaric’s release. I know you are supposed to be gathering your horde, but I feel as though I need you on this quest. I have no idea as to how time will run in The Underworld, and I have no right to ask this of you, but he needs us, all of us that are closest to him and that includes you, Tarron.”

  “Of course I’ll go with you Ashlinn, and don’t worry about The Horde. I’ll send word to Jericho to continue his directive and lead The Horde in my absence. I may have to head back to speak to my counsel, but it shouldn’t take any time at all if Dagda can trace me there and back.” Tarron takes my hand in his own and gently squeezes my fingers, “We will get him back, mo solas.”

  I lean into Tarron, and he pulls me in for a hug where I linger for just a moment before saying, “Thank you Tarron. I know that this comes at a bad time for you and The Horde. I just know that if we are to succeed in bringing him home that you need to accompany me there. By the way, who’s Jericho?” I ask, my curiosity getting the better of me.

  Tarron looks around the room and announces, “I have named Jericho as my second. In times like right now, The Horde will look to him for guidance and leadership in my absence.” Tarron turns his attention back to me, “Ash, remember the vampire family when I was introducing you to The Horde back in Ire
land? Well, Jericho is the eldest son. He should be able to continue our work of gathering The Horde together and gaining their fealty in my absence. Hopefully, we will not be gone too long, but no matter, Jericho should be fine with the backing of my council.”

  Dagda clears his throat gaining all of our attention, “Time really should not be a problem, once you enter The Underworld, days or weeks could pass there, but it will be as if no time at all will have passed here when you return. Time is subjective, Ashlinn, and in The Underworld, the goal is to draw out time so that the dead are left to the devices of The Fallen for an endless eternity.” Dagda imparts.

  From the doorway I hear my mother and father rush into the room, “Baby Girl, you are not to enter the realm of the Fallen!”

  “Ash, no, you absolutely cannot.” My father begins.

  “I have no other choice. I know you’re concerned, but what would either of you do to find the other half of your soul? Alaric is going through Hell, literally, and I need to determine what Luc’s end game is. I have to travel to The Underworld, and you have to step aside and allow me to do what I must with your blessing. I need you to go with your grandchildren and watch over them in our absence.”

  “Ashlinn, honey, you have no idea as to what you are walking into,” my mother says, gently, as she walks toward me to take my hands in her own.

  “Don’t you think I know that? I’m scared, Mother, but so is Alaric and he’s all alone. I can’t leave him there. You know that.” Taking a deep breath, I turn to my Guardians and everyone in attendance. “Tarron and I will go after Alaric, we will need a small crew to go with us, and we will leave here as soon as possible.”

  Tolin steps forward, “Ash, you’re not doing this without me. Torin will stay with Lexie and Declan, but I’m going with you and Tarron.”

  “Are you sure, T? Because there is no guarantee that any of us will be walking out of there unscathed.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure, Alaric needs us. Besides, I can’t in good conscience let you go traipsing around The Underworld without me. Now, can I? Who knows what kind of trouble you’ll find once we get to The Underworld? That does seem to be your special talent, Little Bit, finding trouble.” Tolin says with a quirky grin in an attempt to lighten the mood, and I smile back thinking about our excursion to the stone forest.

  “Aye, mo solas, you do have a penchant for finding yourself in danger.” Tarron winks at me, and I shake my head and smirk.

  “Well, you are trouble, that’s why we need you on this mission.” I retort, “I need your ability to throw individuals off balance.”

  He smiles and winks again mischievously, “Then I’m at your service. I think I’m going to like wreaking havoc in The Underworld.”

  Dagda steps forward gaining my attention, “Ceann beag, I would give anything to come with you and bring Alaric back from that dreadful place, but as a god, I’m barred from Luc’s domain. All gods and goddesses are barred from entering there. You, on the other hand, you were invited by Luc. I will give you as much guidance as I can before you leave. I know that I promised you to take action the next time you needed me, but this is someplace that I can na go. It’s only been a couple o’ days, and I’m already finding that I can na keep my word. Please forgive me Ashlinn.”

  “Thank you, Dagda. There is nothing to forgive. I already figured that your help would not be an option where we are going, but your guidance means the world to me. I understand. As long as you will be available when we get him back. I think he will need you and his family.”

  “I’ll be here, you can count on it.” Dagda’s deep voice resonates around the room.

  Jasmine pipes up, grabbing my attention, “Ash, Cam and I will go with you like I said earlier. We’ll always have your back, you and Alaric’s. I was looking forward to going after The Morrígan to get Alaric back, but realm hopping to The Underworld should be a piece of cake. We’ll have Alaric back before you know it.” She’s beaming and obviously excited.

  I smile at my favorite little sprite before shooting her down, “Jaz, you will not be going on this little adventure, you and Cam will be taking over for Alaric and me in our absence. This is one of the reasons why I chose you two. You have a role to play while we are gone. I know that I can count on the two of you.”

  “But -”

  “No buts, okay, Jaz? I need to know that you are safe and that with your help The Tree of Life continues to function as it should. I know that by leaving you in charge, you will stay on top of everything while I’m gone.”

  “But Dagda said...”

  “Jaz, please don’t argue with me over this. The light you carry within is so pure. I will never put you in a position where your light could be tarnished by this dark place. I need you to please understand my decision.”

  “No… You need one of us there with you.” It’s clear she means either her or Lexie.

  “No, Jaz, you and Lexie both have your roles to play. Trust me when I say that this is for the best.”

  “No. No. No. I will not accept that; you need me with you. My light will not be tarnished, and you will be back before anyone misses you. The Tree of Life can run the show. She has proven that she can hold her own for a day or even two or three. You know that as well as I do.”

  “Jasmine, I love your tenacity and your intense loyalty, but you are staying here, and that is final.” My tone is firm, and the silence in the room is almost deafening as Jaz stares back at me, her crystalline blue eyes narrowing to near slits. I can practically see her mind racing through all the scenarios she can come up with to argue her case.

  Sighing, she looks down in defeat and grumbles, “Fine. Have it your way.”

  Camoryn takes her hand and pulls it up to his lips and kisses her knuckles before saying to me, “Ash, you can count on us while you are away. If this is the only way we can help you, then rest assured that we will take care of things here for you and Alaric.” He nods at me with a little smile while pulling Jasmine to his side in an effort to soothe her ruffled sprite wings.

  Jasmine has yet to look back up at me, and I can sense that I’ve hurt her deeply. I would gladly accept her help if we were going anywhere other than The Underworld. It’s not that I don’t think she can handle it. I just can’t stand the thought of this journey changing her beautiful spirit. Sighing, I look over to Lexie, her expression serious, and she nods. I know that she understands my stance on the matter which only strengthens my resolve. Looking around the room, I say, “Okay then, that’s settled. Declan, you are Alaric’s second. You will stay here with Lexie and see to things here. Nym, you will go with the twins to The Twilight Realm. Ēolieus, Ferg, Nemus, and Torin you will all stay here and continue amassing allies and serve as back up to Declan. Lorcan, Garrik, and Khatar, I would like to ask that you three accompany me, Tarron, and Tolin when we leave for The Underworld.”

  “Yes, my Lady,” Garrik replies without hesitation.

  “Whatever you need, Ashlinn,” Khatar says gravely, and Lorcan just grunts his assent by inclining his head.

  “What about me?” Dorlan rushes forward, his unruly blond hair askew, and he kneels before me. His wounds from the battle have not healed completely, and it’s my understanding that we almost lost him that night they battled The Morrígna’s forces on the Isle of Tears. There is no way in hell that I’m going to assign him a spot on a team traveling into Hell. I want him here where he can heal safely. His injuries were so bad he was bedridden for two days, and still, he grimaces while going to take a knee before me as he continues, “I can help. I know I can. I would like to go with you. It is my duty to you as one of your Guardians.”

  Gently, I hook my index finger under his chin and lift his young face upwards, “Dorlan, please stand. First and foremost, you need to heal. You are not yet one hundred percent, and we need you to be strong in the days to come once we get Alaric back. Okay? I have every confidence in your Guardian abilities, but I have no idea as to what awaits us, and I will not put your life in danger when
it is obvious that you still have yet to fully recover.”

  Dorlan looks dejected, much like Jasmine from moments ago but instead of pressing his point he nods and says, “Yes my Lady. So be it. I have but one other request then, may I go with Nym to watch over the babes? It would be my honor to step in for Khatar.”

  “Yes, Dorlan, that’s perfect. It is I who would be honored to have you watch over Lillie and Lachlan and the pups. Thank you. I’m sure that Nym will welcome your company.” Smiling, I step up on my tiptoes and kiss Dorlan on the cheek, and say, “I’m glad that we didn’t lose you the other night.”

  Dorlan blushes furiously and drops his head before looking around to his peers, who all chuckle at his obvious discomfort. Dorlan looks back down at me, gathering his wits and smiles, “Well now Ash, I couldn’t just die. We have an evil queen to overthrow after all.”

  “That’s the spirit,” stepping back I look over to Lexie, and I’m reminded of our talk from earlier and address her, “Lexie, after we make plans for my team’s mission we will speak privately with Dagda and the others.”

  Lexie nods and then looks pointedly at Nemus, “Nemus, you will be included in that conversation, so please stick around after everyone else breaks from this discussion.” Nemus cocks his head and studies Lexie for a moment before nodding his assent.

  Moments later the library is turned into a strategizing room. Reference books are pulled out, and scrolls mapping what it is thought to be The Underworld are laid out on the mahogany tables. Everyone has paired off into teams and is talking in roundtable discussions, planning for all possible scenarios, but I’m not focused on the planning. I can’t seem to concentrate on anything at all, except for the dull ache in my chest just beneath my breastbone. The longer we are apart, the more prominent the throb becomes. At least the connection is still there, I can’t imagine how my Mom felt when she lost her kindred. My jumbled thoughts pull me away from the group to walk toward the doors to the terrace. They are open wide, and I can see that day is fading into night. I pad outside on bare feet to watch the splendor of the setting sun. Tonight, the colors are soft. The glass-like surface of the loch reflects the colors of the sky above, the pinks fading to violet, and then to indigo as night swallows the waning light of day. I’m not centered. I haven’t been since Morríganna took Alaric and placed those damned shackles on him nullifying everything, including our kindred bond. I’m antsy to be on our way. At this rate, we’ll not be leaving out till the morning light, and I can’t help but wonder how many hours that will translate to in The Underworld. The ticking of the clock is not measured the same across the realms, and I have no way of knowing how much time has passed for Alaric while we have wasted the last couple of hours in discussion and planning for the what-ifs. We have no way of knowing what we will be encountering in Luc’s domain, and I feel as if all the preparation is a colossal waste of time. I just want to get on with it.