The Peacekeeper

  “Ian, if I turn myself in it will give you time to see what you can find. By the time my trial comes, you can call on Merlin and he can get us out through a portal.”

  “Nae, nae absolutely not! Tae dangerous. We’ll find another way!” he said slamming his fist to the table.

  “Ian it’s risky but a good plan,” said Merlin. “We’ll have to work out some details, but I think it will work.”

  “Aye, it’s true that Athdar and King Rulm doona ken me, but what if Drakkor is there.”

  “I think it’s a chance we have to take,” replied Merlin. “If he is, stay out of his way, but I doubt the three of them are together. There is too much they are doing. I doubt Drakkor will be there.”

  “It’s settled then.” Smiled Elspeth. “I need to do this. I need answers. Let’s smooth the wrinkles and figure this plan out.”

  “Did I say I love this woman?” asked Merlin.

  “Watch your tongue ole man ’fore I cut it oot!” Ian stood up and slapped his hands on the table. “I doona like your plan a bit! But if I find it fairly safe, I’ll think aboot it. Think, mind you, key word. That’s all.”

  “Well then, let’s talk this through and see what we can come up with,” said Merlin.

  After a heated discussion, with some various ways to do things, they ended up sticking to Elspeth’s plan. “Come,” said Merlin. “Ator and Saphira are waiting for you. I need to check on the boys with Arthur. Go on through yourselves and give my best to the new parents. I’ll drop you some clothes later along with some food fit for people.” He laughed, lifting his arms, flipping his wrists, and opening a portal.

  Before they could leave another large portal opened at the end of the library. Ian stepped back from the portal as everyone turned to look at the large circle of rainbow light. From the colorful opening, stepped Kahn of the Akuphis Court, the Dark Angel’s court, and Junius of the Plelin Court, the Light Angels court, the Ayriris angels. The room quickly turned silent as they all stared in astonishment.

  Merlin’s face twisted with concern. He’d seen the other angels earlier and knew that this surprise visit from these two did not bode well. He glanced at the grimoire lying on the table. Shite, they were in trouble now.

  Merlin could feel Elspeth tremble beside him. The newcomers were a sight. One dressed in flowing robes of white, rainbow highlights woven in straight white hair that fell to his knees. His eyes, a pure silver that almost matched the white of his hair and robes.

  The second his opposite. Black robes trimmed in scarlet, with raven hair falling to his shoulders, his eyes an endless black that shimmered red when he moved.

  Clearing his throat, Merlin greeted them. His voice calm despite his surprise. “Welcome, Junius and Kahn, to what do I owe this honor?”

  “This is not a social call,” answered Kahn.

  “We’ve heard about circumstances concerning the Ocrul and Crimson Keepers. We understand some nefarious magic has been changing them into a new breed, a new type of monster. We were concerned about the grimoires.” He glanced at the Grimoire to the Light on the table.

  “I see the one you are responsible for, is seeing the light of day, and has been removed from its hiding place. What do you have to say about this Merlin? Why are the McGregors in the presence of the book and who is this lady? You are aware that no one is to know of its existence?”

  “Please sit with us and I’ll explain everything I know.”

  After being seated, he closely watched the angel’s reactions as he told them what he knew. They nodded and groaned, clearly agreeing with Merlin that there was great cause for concern. When finished, Junius spoke up.

  “We were afraid something like this was happening, but we needed to hear the details from you. We are taking necessary precautions to aid in stopping this insanity before it gets out of control. I need to briefly speak with Kahn alone. If you would leave us for a moment. I will call for you when we’ve finished. The hall will be fine for you to wait.” Junius waved his hand toward the door dismissing them without a look in their direction.

  Merlin closed the door behind him. “I’m sorry, I may have just signed your death warrants. This isn’t good.” He started pacing and pulling on his long locks of beard.

  “Hey,” said Dougal, “We are all doing the best we can tae take care if this. You were only trying tae take care of it without involving those Nyaff bampots!”

  Merlin stopped his pacing and broke out in a grin. “I wouldn’t let them hear you calling them irritating idiots if I were you.” He laughed. “You’re right, we are doing what we can, and I’ll be damned if I let them keep you out of this. We need all of you McGregors and Elspeth.” Merlin straightened up, seeming determined.

  A booming voice came vibrating out through the hallway wiping the grin from Merlin’s face. “You may return!” They became quiet and one by one filed back in.

  Motioning for them to be seated, it was Junius who spoke first, standing. “We have decided, Merlin, that your ideas have merit. Under the circumstances, we will allow you to follow through with your plan, provided no one else becomes involved. I will reiterate that no other shall know or come in contact with this grimoire other than yourself, Cameron, or Dougal.

  “We understand Dougal’s need to understand the magic being used, and the need to be prepared with counteracting measures to thwart any kind of unforeseen dark magic. Cameron’s precise memory of what he reads will come in handy and saves time from anyone else having to look it up. He may be called on for a quick spell against an action no one thought of before. All is as it should be, however there will be a change. Kahn?”

  “Yes,” Replied Kahn standing. “You will move everything here at Arvendon Hold to Pendragon Citadel in the Wesladus Veil immediately. Merlin, you will take Ian and Elspeth there when we are through. The place will have to accept both of you in order for this to work.”

  Merlin stood. “But, it is a place of luxury, for those Ayriris light angels who need peace and tranquility. It is not a place to bring the Myraid Army to train or get ready for war. Why not somewhere in between the inner and outer earth in the Lulara Veil?”

  Junius sighed. “First, because we have moved from that location. It was time for a change. Secondly, no one would think to look for you there and most don’t know of its existence, and it is heavily protected. Thirdly, it’s large enough for you to headquarter your new Myraid Army. It has plenty of room for training, comfortable for everyone, and the views and oceans are very therapeutic. The Ocruls, the Crimson Keepers, the Crixiors, McGregors, you Merlin, and Elspeth, all of you working together on this very dangerous undertaking need such a place.

  “Most fae, vampires, and good demons have trouble simply being around each other let alone working together. It is the perfect setting to encourage everyone to get along. There are long houses laid out in several rows, enough to house all the Myraid Army comfortably.

  “The castle will accommodate the rest of you and the library is large enough to house all your books, Merlin. There’s a large lab for magic, and a greenhouse with herbs for many spells. It’s a dream for any mage, even for the wizard himself. You will find it meets every need. Of course, when things are at rest the McGregors may return home often, and I’m sure you won’t all be going at once. It will work. You will make it work.”

  Merlin brushed his hand down over his face in contemplation. “It’s really more than I could ever ask for. Thank you.” He bowed his head.

  Ian appeared to be overwhelmed. “How is everathin’ tae be moved?”

  Merlin smiled with a wave of his arm around the room. “Magic my dear boy. I can have everything moved and put in its place within a day.”

  “So be it,” replied Kahn. “Ian, Merlin, and Elspeth will go now. Moving done on the morrow. Have everyone settled in the day after that. Then Ian and Elspeth will return to their plan of getting inside the castle. They may talk over their plans with the dragons today after you visit Wesladus and set up some help from them
should they need it.

  “The dragons will be a good addition to the Myraid Army. Ian, see to it that Ator assembles a group of his smartest and strongest. They will also need to move to the Wesladus Veil in the Veater cliffs above Pendragon Citadel.

  “We have a warded stationary portal set up to allow travel between the two places. You will use one of the already stationary portals from outer earth to inner earth. The less we do, the less there is for our enemies to figure out. The rest of you continue what you are doing. I think that is all. Are there any questions?”

  As the people around the table shook their heads, Junius said, “then this meeting is at a close. I will say this. This new group, the Myraid Army, and all of you will be watched by us closely. At any given time, we feel the need to shut you down we will. Call it a trial period if you will. There will be no room for mistakes. Good luck and may the Gods be with you,” and with that Junius and Kahn walked to the back of the library, opened a portal, and walked through leaving everyone silent, alone with their own thoughts.

  Chapter 11

  Ian and Elspeth followed Merlin through the portal into Wesladus, the outer veil. As they stepped through, Ian glanced around with astonishment. The clouds hung heavy and bright, gulls swung out over a glistening ocean screeching as they dove to the crystal waters. He took a step in the whitest of sands, everything so crisp and bright it almost blinded him. A warm breeze engulfed him and the sweet smell of ocean water soothed his nerves.

  An instant peace washed over him and he noticed by the look on Merlin’s and Elspeth’s faces they were feeling the same. He looked up and down the beach. There were cliff areas and gently rolling hills that led down to the ocean. Forests of trees, open valleys, and nothing but wild nature surrounded them. He frowned, there in lie a problem. “Are you sure we are supposed tae be here, Merlin?”

  “This is the portal Kahn showed me. It is supposed to bring us directly to the castle and the long halls. I don’t see any of that, let alone training yards and all the other things you’d think was supposed to be here. Perhaps we should walk the beach and see if we are missing something.”

  He looked around. “I think we should go up. Maybe if we go to the top, toward the cliffs, we could see the castle.”

  A shadow suddenly passed over them, blocking out the sun. They all stopped to look up. He saw the most beautiful golden eagle soaring overhead. It radiated light, and he couldn’t tell if it was coming from the bird or the reflection of the sun. The place felt magical.

  As they watched, it circled, then landed on the beach next to them. It began to change shape. It grew to the most beautiful woman Ian had ever seen. She stood before them in golden robes and her hair as bright as the sun.

  “You may think me a woman Ian, but I am an angel. I am the angel to the One Great God. I am the one the Ayriris Angels of the Plelin Courts answer to. I alone stand beside the One Great God. I am here to welcome you to the castle, to give you a tour, and to tell you that this place holds many secrets. There are some things you will learn in due time, when the place wants you to know. You and your army will be safe here.”

  “But I see no castle. There is nothing but wilderness.”

  The angel laughed. “That is why I am here. No one sees what is truly here without first being welcomed and accepted. Some things aren’t as they seem,” she said stepping up to Ian. His first impulse was to step back, but he remained still.

  She raised her hands to the heavens and in a clear beautiful voice, sang words Ian had never heard before. Then she placed her golden hands upon his head and sang out some more. As she did, the place around them began to change.

  A huge, sprawling, glowing castle rose above them on the top of the cliff. It started as a purple cloud that dissipated and before their eyes became a white marble castle with arches and meandering additions. Gardens appeared and dotted the hillsides toward the cliffs. Behind the castle were the long houses that Kahn had described. He looked at Merlin and Elspeth and knew they were seeing the same.

  “How can this be?” asked Ian. “What’s there, wasn’t.”

  “There are layers to everything,” answered the angel. “It is why this place is so well protected. You, Merlin, and Elspeth have been accepted. Your purpose here true and good. Your army shall be accepted and they will all see what is truly here. This place will be good for your men. For fears here are abated, a sense of wellbeing will surround you. It will take time for full transformation.

  “I don’t envy your beginnings with your men, but you will soon see changes taking place. The castle holds secrets, when you need to know those secrets they will be revealed. Who you choose to let in will be accepted, choose carefully, Ian McGregor. These lands are now yours to guard. You protect your men; the castle will protect you. Now I shall show you around.”

  As they walked through the gardens, the angel led them up to the main portico that was the main entrance to the castle, Ian felt a sense of peace fall upon him and hoped the others felt it as well. It was like entering another world.

  Elspeth let out a sigh as if she’d just tasted the nectar of the Gods. They entered a very long portico with many open archways. Between each archway stood life size marble statues of different gods and goddesses. On each side of the largest arch the statues reached twelve feet tall. A god on one side and a goddess on the other. The archway itself spanned twelve feet and Ian looked to see how it was built that it could hold such heaviness. The marble in the walls fit so tight he could barely make out the cracks between the slabs. “This place had to have been built by gods,” he exclaimed, speaking his thoughts out loud.

  The angel again laughed. “This place was designed by the oldest and wisest masons that ever lived. With them and the magic of the universe this place was born.”

  “I feel a peace here that is otherworldly,” said Elspeth in awe.

  He turned to look around once more. “Yes, me as weel. It’s as though my troubles are melting away. I’m afraid if it is that way for everyone, my men willna want tae fight and training will falter. Without the needed focus and motivation, they could get themselves killed stepping back into the worlds in which we live.”

  “Oh, goodness no,” said the angel. “This place has the knowledge of all things, and that includes each of you individually. Call it a work in progress of the fight between good and evil. It’s about balance. Knowing when to fight, and when not. Call it having more clarity. They will do exactly as they should do, they will practice with more clarity, they shall fight better than ever.

  “This place doesn’t change who you are, it offers you peace when you need it, lessons when you need them, and sometimes it doesn’t give anything at all. However, you will see in time as your men come to understand certain truths about things, they too will change. They will become good soldiers here.”

  They walked the grounds, visited the training yard, and she explained about all the buildings and places. Ian kept thinking about the safety, and finally asked. “Aboot the protection,” he questioned. “I understand this place is magical, but anythin’ can be destroyed, there’s always a way in.”

  Once again, the angel laughed. “The magic of the universe is great; all knowledge lies within it. The greatest of wizards from near and far called upon magic in the building of this place. Some as great as Merlin here. It knows the heart and soul of each who travel here. It has its ways of protecting against evil. Trust me.”

  “You mean there are wizards other than myself?” asked Merlin. “I thought I was the only one left.”

  “My dear Merlin, you have been an excellent wizard to a very, very small portion of one universe. There are universes within universes, and universes outside of yours. There are more universes than you can count, in fact they are endless.”

  “Endless?” mumbled Merlin deep in thought. “I knew I couldn’t be the only one. Why wasn’t I asked to join in on the building of the castle?”

  “The wizards were your father’s father’s fathers. Many
came together for the making of you my dearest Merlin. I shan’t explain things that I have no authority over, but you come from the best of the best of wizards. This place was built before you were even a thought. Was the answer sufficient? If so, we must be getting along, as Ian and Elspeth need yet meet with the dragons.”

  “Do you ken everything?” asked Ian. “And the name Pendragon. King Arthur’s name. Are the two related?”

  The angel’s laughter was like a bubbling brook or the most melodic melody. He could listen forever.

  “In answer to your first question. I know a great deal,” said the angel. “But only the One Great God knows all. To the second, King Arthur’s forefather took the name Pendragon from this very place. It saved his life once, he was so enthralled he took on the name in its honor. Come, I’ll show you the rest of the castle, now that you’ve visited everything else outside and have familiarized yourself with everything there, we will finish here on the inside, so you can be on your way.”

  When they walked back up to the portico where they first started, they went through the doors entering the great room, Ian thought he’d have to catch Elspeth from fainting, as it was, he steadied her. It was enormous, with huge tall windows looking out over the ocean adorning one wall, elegant intricately woven tapestries pulled to the sides. There was glass in the windows, Ian had seen glass before and it was rare, but never anything like this. Sunlight streaming through cut edges made tiny rainbows dance in the sunlight.

  He stood and leaned against one of the six columns holding the massive great room up and stared, some of the windows were pushed open and he could smell the sea. There were rows of highly polished long tables of a dark wood he’d never seen before. The fireplace was so big you could fit twelve people standing upright with head space to spare.

  To the left was a large archway that opened in to a luxurious sitting room with a smaller fireplace giving the room a sense of hominess and comfort along with several elegant, yet comfortable chairs covered in bright materials. Ian saw the smile on Elspeth’s face and knew she was deeply impressed.