Denai Touch: Excalibar Investigations Series

by Tiffany Shand

  “Those rules died out long ago,” Ceri retorted. “Look at Kal and me.”

  “Kalban is Ashrali, they had an alliance with the witches. There is a reason the Ashrali enslaved the Nuardan and it was a good one.”

  Cate frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “The Nuardan – like the Ashrali, the Witches, and the Phoenix people — are of the Elder Races who formed an alliance, which still partially exists within the Order of High Elders. One of their rules is that none of the Elder Races may have children or any bonds of marriage with the other races.”

  “Oh Mother! Like I said before, that rule is outdated. I married an Ashrali and my father was a Phoenix.”

  “Their rules maybe lax, but there is a rule about the Nuardan — and with good reason.”

  “What reason?” Cate asked.

  “The Nuardan, like us, are neither solely good nor evil. They are a balance of nature, but all of them eventually lose their emotions, and turn into very dark, very dangerous beings,” Seline told her. “They grow all the more powerful then.”

  “I thought the Ashrali enslaved them because they were jealous of their power?”

  Ceri said. “That’s probably why most of the Ashrali think they’re better than every other race.”

  “It wasn’t just the Ashrali that overthrew the Nuardan people. Our ancestors helped, for we can take their energy.”

  “Just because a few Nuardan turned bad doesn’t mean Jason will. He is part Denai too, a good man, and he has emotions,” she said. “You can’t judge an entire race because a few of them were bad. Look at us.”

  “Do you really know what kind of man he is? He has been around far longer than you. He wasn’t always an Enforcer. He was a warrior and a fearsome one at that. You know he’s capable of great violence.”

  “Mother, stop interfering. You did the same thing when I told you I’d married Kal. Let Cate make her own choices.”

  Seline sighed and shook her head, finally accepting defeat. “Let’s get to work.”

  They sat down in the circle and joined hands. “Goddess Denai, we ask you to join us here in our circle,” said Seline, beginning the usual invocation.

  “I wrote a spell to help us guide you to what we seek. It may help,” said Ceri.

  “Just focus on the pages you saw,” Seline told her.

  “We’ll pull you back if anything goes wrong.” Ceri placed the piece of paper in the centre of the circle.

  “It doesn’t completely rhyme,” Cate noticed.

  “Spells don’t have to rhyme.” Ceri frowned at her mother. “Did you teach her spell craft?”

  “She wasn’t interested. Catherine said she could will things to happen without them.”

  “Then I am needed. We can get started when we go to Elaris after your ascension.”

  Cate felt Seline grip her hand like a vice and sensed anger simmering beneath the surface. “I already told you I’m leaving,” she said and turned her attention back to the spell.

  Together they began to chant.

  Ancient powers we summon thee,

  by the power of us three,

  help us find what was lost.

  Taken by the one who plagues the earth,

  Help us find the witch we cursed.

  Cate felt the familiar whoosh of magic in the air and closed her eyes, sensing their combined energy building. She saw the pages Raven had and directed her power to take her to them. She gasped as her spirit left her body.

  Cate appeared in a darkened room and held her breath as she quickly scanned her surroundings. There was no sign of anyone. Switching to Other Sight, she searched the shadows to be certain no one was lurking there.

  It was similar to the room she’d seen in Bethany’s mind, but she had no idea where the pages might be. Still using her Other Sight, she examined the room, looking for any signs of magic. She checked every inch of wall, but there was nothing. No hint of a safe, spell or ward. Maybe she was in the completely wrong place, or perhaps the pages weren’t in a safe this time.

  Cate turned her attention to the furniture. There were two empty, high backed chairs, an empty fireplace, and a desk with another chair. It looked similar to the one she’d seen Raven using, but couldn’t be certain. It was more of a bureau than a desk. As she reached in, her hand burned as if scalded by fire. She bit back a yelp and gritted her teeth. This must be where the missing pages were.

  I think I found them, she said, knowing they would hear her. But there’s a spell repelling me.

  Seline cursed. I hoped you being there in astral form might prevent that.

  Magic is magic, no matter what form she’s in, said Ceri. You’re going to have to use your powers, Ceri insisted.

  How? I doubt I’ll be able to move them out of the bureau without triggering some kind of alarm, she said anxiously.

  Use your fire. Phoenix fire can burn through anything, said Ceri, encouragingly.

  I can’t do that. I can’t even summon that power unless I lose control and I’m not sure I can do that here. Cate couldn’t help but feel a stab of fear at the thought of using her powers.

  Your fire is triggered instinctively. Usually when your life or the life of someone you love is in danger. Try to get into that emotional state again.

  Easy for you to say, she thought.

  Cate tried to summon the fire, but of course nothing happened. How was she supposed to get back into that same emotional state without losing control, or without being attacked? She couldn’t use her powers to introduce specific emotions on herself, like she could with other people. Denai magic didn’t work that way. And she’d need someone stronger than Ceri and Seline to anchor her. Somehow she doubted they would be able to bring her back if she did lose control. Pushing away her connection to the other witches, she reached out to the one person she knew could help.

  Cate immediately felt a wall between them. Jason was deliberately blocking her and she supposed she couldn’t blame him.

  Jason?

  No response.

  Jason, come on. I need you.

  The wall crumbled. Oh? So it’s okay when you need me? Jason said, giving her a pained look. Sometimes I think that’s all I am to you. Useful when you need me.

  That’s not true and you know it. You can’t blame me for being upset about the bond. You knew and you never told me.

  I was just trying to protect you. I thought you had enough on your plate.

  Cate sighed. I’ll agree to see how this bond thing works out, but if either of us decides we’re not comfortable with it, we’ll break it. Agreed?

  Okay.

  Good, because I do care about you, it’s why I need you. You’re the only one who can pull me back if I lose control. But first I need you to try and relive the memories of the other night.

  You want to have a vision within an astral projection?

  More or less. I need my silver fire to break through this spell.

  I could blast my way through it.

  That might not work. I need my fire.

  And if that doesn’t work?

  It has to.

  What do I have to do?

  Show me what happened, what you felt. Think about getting stabbed, that’s what set me off. Cate was flooded with feelings of fear and then pain as she felt the knife cutting through his flesh. She saw the Deva holding her dagger and her hand sparked with power. She narrowed her eyes and silver flames erupted over the bureau, burning away the spells and wards until it opened.

  There was a flash of light as Jason appeared at her side. “At least I didn’t have to use a crystal this time. Cate?” he asked anxiously.

  “I’m fine.” She reached out to the bureau. It opened with a snap. Inside laid several sheets of yellowed parchment. She felt a rush of excitement as she picked them up. The pages shimmered at her touch and she felt the familiar traces of power, etched with dark magic.

  “How did you plan on taking the pages once you found them? You can’t transport physical objects ba
ck to your body with you.”

  “We thought we’d move them with our combined power.”

  “Out of a heavily warded compound? This is too easy, it doesn’t feel right.” He shifted uneasily.

  “I agree, we need to get out of here.” Cate focused her magic on the pages, just as the door burst open and Tasha came running in. The sheets started to shimmer away. Cate closed her eyes to return to her body, but nothing happened and panic hit her.

  Tasha made a grab for Cate and her hand passed straight through her as Jason vanished.

  Gran! Mum! Help!

  “You made a big mistake coming here.” Tasha grabbed the pages just as they were about to vanish.

  “Those don’t belong to you.”

  “No, they belong to Raven and you’ll never get them back.”

  Damn, she couldn’t use her powers now that Tasha was touching the pages. It was time to leave.

  Mum? Gran? Cate closed her eyes, thought of her body and faded away.

  Cate gasped, her eyes flying open as she collapsed within the spell circle, struggling to breathe.

  “Gods damn it! Are you trying to get her killed?” Jason was already at her side and she could feel the waves of fury coming from him.

  “What were you thinking, Mother?” Ceri demanded, eyes flashing. “Cate?”

  With Jason’s help Cate scrambled up. “I’m okay. No thanks to you,” she glared at Seline. “You tried to stop me from returning to my body.”

  “I was only trying to give you more time to retrieve the pages. Goddess damn that Null!”

  “I would have if you hadn’t stopped me from coming back!”

  “As usual, Mother, you do anything to get what you want, no matter the consequences.”

  “I would never have put Catherine in danger. She–”

  “I’ve heard enough.” Cate teleported away.

  Reappearing in her bedroom at Niara’s house, Cate flopped onto the bed, still breathing hard. If she had just been a bit faster, she would now have those missing pages. Cursing herself, she lay down. She didn’t have much time to think as Jason appeared.

  “Are you alright?”

  “Don’t you already know the answer?”

  “Not when you’re blocking me, no.”

  “I’m just frustrated. I had those pages within my grasp!”

  “We’ll get them, one way or another.” Jason sat down on the bed. “At least you stayed in control this time.”

  “You promised you wouldn’t keep things from me again.” She felt tears prick her eyes and took a deep breath.

  “I’m sorry, it’s habit.”

  “Sometimes I wonder whether I really know you at all.”

  “Is this because of what Seline said? Do you think I’m going to lose my emotions and turn out like other Nuardans have?”

  “No, but I can’t deny I’ve had my doubts about us. I know it isn’t going to be easy, us having a relationship.”

  “I won’t deny there are things in my past I regret. I did things in the army I’d sooner forget.”

  “I know what you’re capable of.”

  “There’s one thing about the bond you should know.”

  “The sex thing, yeah I know about that. I’m willing to wait if you are.”

  “It’s hard. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone.”

  “Maybe sex isn’t such a good idea before the ascension. If I lose control–”

  “Your powers can’t hurt me.” He stroked her hair off her face. “I wish we were at home. Where there’s no risk of anyone walking in on us.”

  “Let’s think about it after we leave, then we’ll be alone. I’ll be ascended and you won’t have to worry so much.”

  “Fat chance – to the worrying. Maybe this bond isn’t such a bad thing.”

  Jason nuzzled her neck and she laughed. “How do you expect to wait when you act like that?” She saw a flash of light whoosh past her head and tensed. “What the…?”

  They both looked down to see several pages of yellowed parchment. “It’s them,” she gasped and carefully picked them up. “I did it! We did it!” She gave him a quick kiss.

  They started to examine the pages. “Gran will be pleased and maybe Mum can–”

  “Are you sure we should tell them?”

  Cate frowned. “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “I’m just saying, Seline badly wants that book back and she proved earlier she’ll do anything to get it,” he said. “Ceri has been back in your life for five minutes. I know she’s your mum, but can you really trust her?”

  “I want to and so far she hasn’t done anything to make me suspicious. Gran is – well, Gran.” She stared at the pages. “What are we going to do with them?”

  “Keep them safe. No one else knows about them but us.”

  “Maybe tonight we can work some of our own magic.”

  “Is that an invitation into your bed?” he asked with a grin.

  “Cheeky,” she said, nudging him in the ribs. “No, I meant that we cast a spell to find the Grimoire.”

  “What about Bethany’s trial?”

  “Tomorrow then.”

  CHAPTER 28

  The doors to the temple opened easily. Cate was relieved she didn’t have to resort to using what little magic she had left. As she passed through the entrance, she almost tripped over something large. Looking down, she saw a knee high block of white stone. On it, engraved in Silveron letters was ‘Myrus’. This was definitely the right place, but it didn’t bring her much comfort.

  Torches suddenly burst into life, illuminating the temple and bathing the large room in an eerie blue glow. A huge spell circle spanned the tile floor, illuminated by a seven pointed star in the centre. Beyond that stood a six foot long altar decorated with candles, an incense burner, and a ceremonial bowl. There were high, arched, stained-glass windows depicting a griffin, a unicorn, an image of the goddess, and three women gathered in a ring, seven-pointed star pendants hanging around their necks. The Triumvirate no doubt. This was the last known place the Grimoire had been. Her heels clattered against the tiles as she hurried up to the altar. A search on and around it revealed no sign of the book.

  “What did you expect?” she asked herself. “Of course the Grimoire wasn’t going to be sitting here waiting for you to come and get it.”

  “Cercei?” Cate called. “I know you’re here somewhere. I heard you. I need your help.”

  She waited, but there was no answer. “Answer me, damn it! Jason’s hurt and I’m ascending,” she said, her voice echoing around the temple. “I need you to tell me how to get back.”

  There was a flash of white orbs. “Then this is the safest place for you.”

  “I can’t stay. I need to heal Jason, so he can help me through this. Please just give me the book.”

  “I will not risk the Grimoire falling into Raven’s hands, and you are not strong enough to return back through the portal.”

  Cate doubled over, feeling the first wave of pain. “You don’t understand. I can’t get through the ascension without energy, you know that!”

  “You have all you need in the Nuardan.”

  “I won’t take energy from him.”

  Cercei laughed. “In the end you won’t have a choice,” she replied. “Go feed. It will make the transition easier.”

  Cate shook her head. “I’d rather die than hurt him.”

  “You are too important to the coven’s future, Catherine. If you must sacrifice the Nuardan to save your life, then so be it. This is the goddess’s will.”

  “I love him!” she cried. “If there is a goddess, she wouldn’t make me give him up. I won’t kill him.”

  “If you do not feed, you know what will happen to you. You will lose your soul and turn dark,” said Cercei. “Are you willing to put the lives of your coven and hundreds of innocents at risk for the sake of one man?”

  “I’ll die first, or if I’m lucky I’ll be so weak that the ascension will kill me.”

&nb
sp; “You are the Goddess Marked! You cannot just throw away your destiny for him. Someone you know you can never be with.” Cersei’s eyes flashed with anger.

  Cate’s eyes began to glow brightly, anger fuelling her growing power. Her hands curled into fists as she fought for control.

  “Your control will wane as the ascension draws close. You should rest, feed, and meditate to prepare yourself.”

  “Just give me the book. Please? I want to see it before I die.”

  Cercei glared at her. “How can you just give up on your future? Your destiny?” her ancestor demanded. “What about Raven?”

  “If you let me out of here, I’d take Raven down with me, but I guess that’s not possible now.” She turned to go.

  “Wait!”

  The book suddenly appeared and Cate caught hold of it.

  “Do not give up, Catherine. You are too important.”

  Jason lay on the earth, light swirling around him as he drew in all the elemental energy he could find, but it wasn’t anywhere near enough to heal him. Why did it have to happen this way? He was supposed to help her — that was his duty, what he was meant for, and now he was useless. He felt her familiar presence and it made his heart ache.

  “Any better?” Cate asked.

  Jason knew what he would have to do and would accept it when the time came. He opened his eyes and sat up. “Not much.” He looked up. “Is that–?”

  Cate smiled. “Yeah, it’s really the book.”

  They went inside and found a window seat, where they sat to examine the Grimoire.

  “I can’t believe we finally found it,” she said.

  “Maybe there’s a way to get us home.”

  Cate opened the book and hesitated. “Cercei says I should stay until the ascension is over. That it’s safer for me here.”

  “She’s probably right, but I need to get out long enough to heal.”