by CJ England
Danolas gestured around the circle. “Can we do this all at once?"
Kira considered that. “Yes, you may both put your hands on his thigh. He can touch your brands at the same time."
Trying not to flush themselves, Gallegar and Danolas put their hands over the brand on Lucas’ inner thigh. Lucas, his face dark with discomfiture, put his hands on Gallegar's chest and Danolas’ forehead.
"Speak the words. Feel the power."
Gallegar started, his stare locked on Lucas.
"She has given me her heart. I have given her my life. Together, in eternity, forever."
Lucas felt the vampire's power wash over him. It was cool and lit with green fire. It crept into his soul.
"She has given me sight. I have given her my understanding. Together we will see the future."
Danolas’ words mixed with his magick. They were bright and colorful, like the woods after a spring rain.
Breathing deeply, Lucas added his own.
"She has given me purpose. I have given her my passion. Together we give meaning to our existence."
Kira's power moved over them like a golden blanket. It twirled their powers into one. Then like a blow, it snapped, shooting into each of them, an awareness of the others. The four of them shuddered from the impact, reeling a moment before they could get their bearings and sit upright again.
Lucas’ eyes slowly opened and focused on Gallegar, who sat quietly in front of him.
For a moment, their emotions were unmistakable to each other. Each knew the clear truth of the other's feelings for Kira. Both saw the mute challenge in the other's eyes.
"Whew!” Danolas removed his hand from Lucas’ brand. “It may be inconvenient, but your brand is in the right place. Passion and all that."
Lucas grimaced then pulled up his pants and quickly fastened them. “I am just glad it's over."
"Let us hope so...” Gallegar watched Kira. She swayed slightly like she was in a trance, her eyes dreamy. He leaned over and buttoned up her shirt, then did the same to his own.
Lucas pulled her gently back, so she could lean against the back of the couch. He took her hand in his, grinning to himself. Now he understood why Gallegar wanted to put her on his lap all the time. Anything to be close to her.
Gallegar watched him, his face impassive, then turned to Danolas. “You were going to tell us about your day ... before Lucas got here."
Danolas stretched, unkinking his neck. “It's been a tough one.” He looked at Kira, then back at the other two men. “I called my council together today. I told them about our Lady, and what she proposed to me.” He grimaced as he remembered the look on some of the faces.
"They were not pleased to know about the Words of Death. Some felt she should be destroyed so she wouldn't endanger the Society."
"Where have I heard that before?” Kira murmured, sending a coy glance Gallegar's way.
"A Ghra ... you are still here, are you not?” was Gallegar's amused protest. He looked back at Danolas and his look became more serious. “What did you do?"
Danolas shrugged. “They are my advisors. I listen to their council and then make a decision. In this case, the decision was already made. Some were not happy, but I am High Priest. My powers are stronger than any of the others, even combined. They will obey me."
Gallegar smiled slowly. “My flock has also been told of The Peacekeeper. I have marked her as mine. They will give me no problems. They all know the penalty for disobedience."
Danolas toasted him with his staff. “The benefits of a dictatorship.” He looked at Lucas. “And what happened with Elijah, other than the obvious."
"He was very interested in all that went on last night. Especially learning a High Witch was in the mix.” Lucas frowned. “It didn't seem to worry him much though. I am beginning to think my leader is too overconfident for the clan's good."
"Elijah has always been arrogant, my friend. It is just you are seeing him with different eyes. With those of an equal, rather than a hireling.” Gallegar looked thoughtful. “I had hoped this news might make him more amenable to your joining, but..."
"Nope,” Lucas stated grimly. “He is just as stubborn as he was last night. We did the right thing by joining anyway. I don't think he will ever allow it. He had too many concerns."
"Speaking of which,” Danolas changed the subject. “We have another concern we need to think about.” He held all their interest for a moment. “Where does our Lady go tonight, when we are finished here? She must be kept safe."
"That is easily taken care of.” Gallegar's tone brooked no argument. “Kira will come with me to Sanctuary. No one can get in. She will be completely safe."
"Are you crazy?” Lucas was appalled at the thought. “You want her to spend all day underground? She's not dead. She did fine last night at my apartment. She can go there again."
"Your apartment is not secure!” Gallegar's voice rose slightly. “We would have no way of keeping her safe."
"I kept her safe all day today. Something you couldn't do!"
Danolas jumped in, worried Gallegar might do something they all regretted.
"Lucas, he's right. Your apartment would be hard to defend. But, Gallegar ... think a minute. Do you really want Kira underground? She needs fresh air and sunlight."
"So what do you suggest, Witch?” Gallegar was none too pleased.
"She is welcome at my Keep. It is warded so she would be safe. I could give her a room permanently."
"Here I thought you were being noble. Trying to keep us from arguing,” Lucas accused, jumping to his feet. “But you just want her with you."
Danolas's lips tightened. “I want to keep her safe and keep her happy. I think the Keep will give her both of those."
"She goes home with me.” Gallegar's voice was firm.
"Not a chance..."
Kira listened to the men as they argued. She felt distanced from it ... like it was someone else they were arguing about. It was like watching a movie through the splashes of a waterfall. Her mind felt thick and tired. Nothing seemed quite in focus.
She tensed. Something was wrong.
Her power tickled the base of her neck. She blinked her eyes and tried to concentrate, but the air seemed to be so thick it was hard to sense anything. She felt time passing, but she couldn't tell how much.
Shaking her head to clear it, she took a deep breath and carefully gathered her magicks together. The four joined powers that now lived within her came to her aid, smoothly separating the thick air until Kira could once again see clearly.
Her eyes widened as she saw a gelatinous mass of black ooze surrounding the three men as they stood shouting at each other.
"Stop it!” Kira cried. She stood up and backed away from them, her eyes wide. “Don't you see what is happening?"
Gallegar, Danolas and Lucas all turned and looked at her. Their movements were sluggish.
"We know what we're doing, honey.” Lucas walked toward her, his steps slow and measured ... his voice thick. “Just calm down. We'll take care of you."
Kira shook her head furiously. She grabbed Lucas and dragged him back to the others. “See with eyes of power!” she insisted. With a smack, she put Lucas’ hand on Danolas’ arm then slapped her own on Lucas’ and Gallegar's.
"Use the power. Look and see what is around you."
The power flared and the men gasped as they saw what Kira had seen.
"Something horrible has entered this room,” she whispered. “This has the stench of evil. It has taken and blinded you."
Gallegar stared at the black ooze that dripped from his clothing. Even though he couldn't feel it, the awareness of it made him feel unclean.
His eyes, filled with sorrow, met hers. “A Ghra..."
Danolas too, was gazing at the ooze with horror on his face. “I should have sensed it attacking us.” He looked at Kira. “Why didn't I see this coming?"
Lucas was trying to wipe the stuff from his clothing. Since it had no substance to i
t, it was impossible to do. After a few minutes of fruitless motion, he stopped.
"We gave it a handle to hold on to,” Danolas said in disgust. “We have allowed this evil to find our Lady."
Lucas was angry with himself too, but practically asked. “Okay, we screwed up. How do we get rid of it?"
Kira took hold of Lucas’ and Danolas’ hand. “We are as one now. Our new power should aid us. Join hands and join our powers.” She waited till the others had done so, making a complete circle. She closed her eyes and called to the Power for help.
They all felt their powers move as one and rise above the room. It hovered like a cloud, with no hesitation in it at all. Kira turned her face up to the ceiling and waited until the magicks showered down on them in cascading sheets of gold, silver, green and blue. As it touched the black ooze, the evil gave off a keening sound and shrank away from the cleansing.
Quickly, flowing like a horrible smoky fog, it retreated from the room. They felt their powers chase it out of the club and into the night, where it disappeared in the darkness of the shadows.
Kira gave a great sigh of relief. “It is gone."
Danolas squeezed her hand. “My lady, I am so sorry. This should never have happened. My sight should have warned us the evil was here. I have failed you."
"We all did,” Lucas said gruffly. “We let our personal feelings get in the way, and now we've put you in danger."
Gallegar's anguish was apparent in his eyes. He sat heavily on the couch and put his face in his hands.
Kira sat down next to Gallegar and put her soft hand on his thigh. “None of you have failed me any more than I did you last night when I made mistakes. We defeated this evil by working together."
She looked at Danolas. “You told me last night I should not feel like I had to be perfect. Or that I was in this all alone. That together we would solve the problems that came our way. Do you remember?"
Danolas gave a small smile. “Yes, my Lady. I remember. You are throwing my own words back at me. But we are here to protect you."
"We are becoming a power that has never before existed. We do not know how to use it or what the pitfalls are. All we can do is stand together and try.” Kira stared at each man's face. “We must understand each other. And we must understand that which comes against us. What was that horrible thing?"
"Jealousy, A Ghra ... Ugly, primitive, jealousy. We all wanted to be the one you chose to be with.” Gallegar still looked sickened at what they had done.
"This joining is filled with unexpected uncertainties.” Danolas rubbed the top of his glowing staff with thoughtful fingers. “To protect Kira and each other, we must be aware of them."
"Yeah, and jealousy is gonna be something we have to fight against. We all feel pretty possessive of you, honey.” Lucas looked chagrined.
Gallegar reached over and took Kira's hand in his. “I think it is more than simple jealousy. This day while I slept, I was extremely restless. My dreams were filled with having you in my arms again. When I awoke, a part of me was furious you were not here to greet me. All I could think of was having you by my side. The emotions were stronger than I have ever before felt."
Danolas’ brows came together in deep thought. “What you are describing also happened to me. From the time our Lady left last night, I felt ... unsettled. My rest was also broken, and even though I was busy with the council, my thoughts were constantly of the Lady Kira. I had to really concentrate to work the spell for Lucas. Seeing her was all I thought about."
Lucas swallowed. He wasn't comfortable sharing his emotions. “Yeah, it was that way for me too. I didn't want to leave her today. And even though your spell kept me safe, I was antsy all afternoon. Like an itch I couldn't scratch. What the hell's goin’ on here?"
"It must be an effect of the joining,” Danolas theorized. “By joining with Kira, we have become a part of her, and her ... a part of us. Perhaps, when we are separated, we feel incomplete."
Gallegar pressed Kira's hand gently. “Incomplete. That's a good way to put how I felt today. Like I was missing part of my soul."
"Not your soul, Gallegar ... your heart. That is what our Lady gave you. That is what you miss when she is apart from you. Just as I miss my sight and Lucas misses—"
"My purpose. So what you're saying is without Kira around, we aren't whole?"
"It is my best guess."
"Does this mean we are going to have to stay together all the time?” Lucas sounded doubtful. “No offense, Gallegar, but I'm claustrophobic. I ain't goin’ underground."
Gallegar smiled and gave a short laugh. “No offense taken, my friend. Just as the thought of resting in your exposed apartment does not sit well with me."
"It may be the effect will fade in time. As we become more used to it, we will find separation easier to accept. Let's face it. Gallegar sleeps during the day, and Lucas and I have to take care of business. We can't be with Kira all the time. Would the Power have set this up without considering those angles?"
Danolas shook his head, his blond mane flying around his face. “I don't think so. I'll bet it's just because the joinings are so fresh in our minds. We are still getting used to the whole thing."
"That doesn't solve the problem that started this whole thing.” Lucas tried to keep himself composed. “Where does Kira go tonight?"
"I will go where the Power sends me,” Kira stated firmly. “And at different times, I will probably stay with each of you. But I do know something.” Her chin lifted.
Gallegar knew she was girding herself for battle. It amused him and took the tension out of his shoulders. “What do you know, A Ghra..."
"I know I want to learn more about myself. I have only existed as I am for less than a week. I do not even know if I am human or not. But as I see more of your ... of my new world, I want to learn about it. Learn my place in it."
Danolas sat down at Kira's other side. “What does that mean?"
Kira took a deep breath. She was pretty sure none of the Chosen would like this idea.
"I want a place of my own.” She held up her hand as they all began to protest. “No. Each of you has your own home. I want a place I can call my own. A place I can go when I need to be alone and regroup. All of you have access to my mind, so my privacy is limited. I think I need a place where I do not have to think or feel or worry about those things."
She smiled, almost sadly. “Maybe I just want to feel normal."
"My Lady!” Danolas sounded horrified. “Have we made you feel abnormal?"
Kira smiled larger this time. “Of course not. You treat me like I was precious to you—"
"Because you are, A Ghra.... “Gallegar interrupted.
"What we have together is precious to me too.” Her hand cupped Gallegar's cheek, and her gaze was soft as she gazed at each of them. “But I need this. If I have a place of my own, there will be no need for jealousy either. All of you will be welcome and have a place there as well."
"It will be harder to keep you safe,” Lucas frowned. “And it may take a few days."
"And what of the cost?” Kira asked shyly. “I have not been in this world long, but I know I will need money. Perhaps I can work in one of your clubs—"
"No!” The men all spoke together. Kira's face showed her surprise at their response.
"My Lady...” Danolas's voice gentled. “There is no need for you to work."
"It wouldn't be safe,” Lucas put in.
Gallegar was more direct. “You belong to us. We will take care of you. No Lady of mine will have to get a job. I have more than enough money to take care of you."
"As do I,” added Danolas.
"I am not in their category, honey, but all I got is yours. I already told you that."
"But ... but I must do something in return. It is not right otherwise."
Gallegar leaned over and kissed her. “A Ghra ... You have offered yourself as Peacekeeper for our people. You will be working for us. You can consider us taking care of you as your
salary. Does that sound better?"
Kira looked at him with a hint of suspicion on her face. “It almost sounds too good to be true. Too easy."
Lucas laughed. “Honey, there ain't nothin’ easy about this whole thing. But Gallegar is right. You're going to work as Peacekeeper. Us payin’ for everything just makes sense."
Kira gazed at them all. “I do not know."
Danolas took her other hand, and brought it to his lips. “My Lady, please. Let us take care of you. It would be our privilege and our joy."
Kira could see the sincerity in their faces. She sighed and gave up. “All right. We will make it so.” She smiled at them, her eyes glowing gold.
Lucas got up and began to pace. “We can start looking tomorrow.” He shot a look at Gallegar. “I mean, if that's okay with you. Danolas and I can do the leg work then we all can take a look once the sun goes down."
Kira saw Lucas was really making an effort to include everyone in the decision making. She flashed him a big smile. “We will need a place with several rooms, so all may be comfortable."
Gallegar gave them all a wry look. “Make sure there is a basement for me.” It made everyone grin and any remaining tension drifted away.
Danolas conjured up a pad and pencil and together they made some notes as to the type of house Kira should have.
"One of my society is a realtor. I will give her our requirements and she can get us a list of houses to look at.” Danolas tucked the pad away.
"And for tonight...” Lucas didn't want to let go of his concern.
"As you are all fond of telling me, all will work out...” Kira's voice trailed off and she looked across the room intently. The three men followed her gaze but saw ... nothing.
"Kira...” Gallegar began.
"What do you want? Why have you come here?” Kira's tone was soothing and gentle. She rose from the couch and walked away toward the door. Then she crouched down, like what she was seeing was on the ground.
"What the hell is goin’ on?” Lucas rose too, but stayed where he was.
"She sent you? What does she want of me now?"