The Peacekkeeper Journals: The Joining [Book 1]

by CJ England

"My Lady?” Danolas walked slowly over and bending down, spoke in her ear. “What is it you see?"

  Kira looked over her shoulder, blinking as if she had just remembered them. “You cannot see him?” She questioned in astonishment.

  "No, A Ghra...” Gallegar rose also, and stood next to Lucas. “We see nothing. Not even through your mind."

  Kira put her hand out in a careful motion. “None of us here will harm you. Do not leave.” She looked back at them again. “He senses your power and is afraid."

  "Who is afraid?” Lucas asked sharply, impatience coloring his tone.

  Kira took a deep breath and asked her Power for help. The magick rose inside of her and probed through her mind. It showed her she had been shielding her inner sight from her joined ones. Carefully, she peeled away the covering.

  For the men, it was like being in a dark room where the light was suddenly turned on.

  "For once I was blind, but now I can see.” Danolas quoted the Christian scripture in awe. He stared down at the figure huddled in front of Kira.

  It was a child. A boy, with large blue eyes and a shock of unruly red hair. He was very thin, with bare feet. His costume was that of a boy who had lived many years ago, with knickers instead of pants and a baggy tunic. The boy was staring up at them with a look of abject fright on his face, as if he was sure they would do him harm.

  Danolas dropped to one knee beside Kira and held out his hand to the boy. “We will not hurt you, little one. What do you wish of our Lady?"

  "What is it?” Lucas asked aside to Gallegar.

  "It is an Ethereal. A spirit."

  "You mean a ghost?” Lucas turned back and watched Kira and Danolas try to communicate with the silent being.

  "People call it that,” Danolas agreed. “But they don't like it. They prefer spirit or shade. Their kind is known as the Ethereal.” He stopped his explanation as a picture flooded their minds.

  "I do not know this place.” Kira smiled at the boy in a friendly way.

  "I do.” Gallegar joined them, standing behind their crouching figures. He saw the boy's eyes grow wider. “You need not fear me or my power."

  The boy was as still as a rabbit. Whether one is dead or alive, a vampire was scary.

  "It is a tourist attraction known as The Haunted House. They give guided tours daily and tell ghost stories. I believe it is run by the city."

  "How do you know this stuff?” Lucas looked at him in surprise.

  Gallegar shrugged. “We who are thought to be dead know of each other. They have a leader, as do our people."

  Kira stood slowly, as not to scare the boy spirit. “I must go there. He has been sent by the Power as a guide."

  "As you will, my Lady. I for one will accompany you. Brothers?” Danolas made it a question.

  "We can take my car,” was Gallegar's answer.

  * * * *

  The child sat—no—maybe hovered was the right word, on Kira's lap in the front seat. Every so often, he would stare at Gallegar with those huge brown eyes and point the way to turn.

  Gallegar really didn't need the help with the directions, as he was quite aware of the location of The Haunted House, but it seemed to give the boy pleasure to help him, so he allowed it.

  The youngster took pleasure sitting on Kira's lap too. It made Gallegar wonder if he was remembering his own mother's lap, long ago. He couldn't have been more than seven years old when he died.

  "We're almost there.” Gallegar looked at Kira. “Just up that hill.” As they turned into the driveway they were confronted by a huge metal gate. It had bars that reached at least ten feet in the air and was topped by sharp spikes. The gate was attached to a wall that seemed to span the length of the property.

  As they slowed down, the child vanished from Kira's lap. A few moments later the chain and padlock around the gate begin to move, unlocking itself.

  "Handy!” was Lucas’ only comment. The gate soon swung open and Gallegar eased the car up the driveway. A second car with Danolas’ two witch protectors, Jorad and Tobias, and Gallegar's vampire protectors, Noah and Gabriel, followed close behind.

  The grounds were shadowed, but all could see tall trees and thick bushes that spread in either direction from the driveway.

  "How big is this place?” Kira's voice was hushed.

  "I remember reading it was over one hundred acres,” replied Gallegar. “The house is somewhat maintained, but the grounds have gone wild. Not enough money to do it all."

  Kira gasped as they came around the last corner. There, standing before them, was a beautiful old mansion. It had a decrepit air to it, a look of disuse and untidiness, as if the owners just didn't care any more.

  "Great ambiance for a haunted house,” Danolas said dryly.

  "It must have fifty rooms!” Lucas craned his head to look up to the roof. “It's got a widow's walk and everything."

  "I do not see any spirits, and the little boy has disappeared.” Kira looked back down the road. “I hope he is all right."

  "A Ghra ... He is an Ethereal. He can come and go at will. Don't worry for him."

  "But he is to be my guide. I do not ... oh...” Kira cried out in delight as the child popped into view outside the car door. “There he is!” She opened the car door and followed the boy's beckoning finger. “Now we are ready."

  "Ready for what?” Lucas questioned as the rest of them got out of the car. “Are you sensing anything?"

  Kira closed her eyes and cocked her head to listen. But after a full minute of waiting, she shook her head. “Nothing. We must need this one yet."

  She crouched down again and smiled at the boy. “I cannot keep calling you child or this one. Can you tell me your name?"

  The boy looked at the ground shyly, rubbing his bare foot in the dirt. He scrunched up his face and after a moment, another picture came to them. A small brown bird with a bright red vest, hopped along the ground. It stopped and cocked its head at them.

  Kira was charmed. “Your name is Robin, yes?"

  Robin nodded, and then motioning her to her feet, led her toward the large ornate door of the mansion. The men were close on her heels.

  "Carefully, honey ... we don't know what's in there,” Lucas cautioned, coming up on her left.

  As they climbed the steps, Robin suddenly flung himself in front of Kira and disappeared. His movement surprised Kira, but Lucas reacted instantly, tucking her behind him.

  Gallegar and Danolas moved up quickly, Gallegar putting a secure hand on Kira's arm. The men's protectors stood at the ready.

  They all stood startled, as two huge Ethereals appeared out of thin air. Both had the menacing look of bouncers and glared at the intruders with hot red eyes. One held Robin in the air by his arm. Robin was kicking and struggling, and even though he was silent, his mouth was open in a scream of pain.

  Kira reacted immediately. Her power surged out of her, spreading itself over and around the two spirits. Her eyes begin to burn and her hair started to fly around her. She moved in front of Lucas, who, with a careful movement, stayed by her side.

  "Release him!” Her words were terrible in their power. The spirits cringed from her piercing gaze, and then the one flung the boy at Kira in an effort to protect himself. Robin fell through her and landed against Gallegar's body.

  The dead always stop the dead.

  The two bouncers disappeared in a crack of lightning.

  Gallegar helped Robin to his feet. The young boy stared at him as if trying to decide if he should still be scared or not. Apparently he decided Gallegar was all right, because he flashed a grin up at him that would have melted a few cold hearts.

  "Well,” remarked Danolas, shifting his staff to his left hand. “That was fun. I wonder what kind of greeting we will get inside.” He looked back at his men. “Stay here and keep a look out. I don't want to be surprised like that again."

  Gallegar gave a nod to Gabriel and Noah, his own guards. “Keep watch here as well.” He took in the four men who were to wait outs
ide. “Work together. It is necessary."

  He felt Danolas’ amusement in his mind. "The beginning of a new era of cooperation, my brother."

  Lucas just laughed out loud.

  Kira pulled her power back inside her with an effort. “I wish to see who would use a child to prevent our passage.” Her eyes flashed with golden anger.

  Lucas stepped forward and gave the door a push. It opened with a long creak that would rival any fun house amusement. He looked at Robin who had come up to stand next to Kira. “What about it, sport? Do we go in now?"

  Robin studied him for a moment, then with a little shrug, stepped around Lucas and led the way inside. The door opened into a large foyer.

  Built in the eighteenth century, the mansion had all the charm and beauty of its age. The walls were covered in rose striped wallpaper peeling near the floor. A huge chandelier hung from the cracked ceiling. On the right, a walnut banister led to the second story in a graceful curve. The hardwood floor carried the scuff marks of a thousand tourists’ feet, but other than that, there was no sign of life anywhere.

  "Do you feel that?” Kira asked quietly, as she looked around the room. “It feels so oppressive in here. Like the walls are closing in on me."

  The others agreed. It was a chilling feeling that made them even more aware of their surroundings.

  Robin motioned for Kira to follow him. He walked toward a white door just to the left of the staircase then, before anyone could stop him, walked right through it.

  Chapter 9

  "Shit!” Lucas exclaimed, reaching his hand out to the door. He pulled it back with a yelp when Robin stuck his head out through the door, a mischievous grin lighting his face. With a disembodied hand, he motioned them forward.

  "Sorry, kid,” Lucas muttered, catching his breath. “We gotta go in this way. He pulled at the door, his muscles rippling under his shirt. “It's stuck,” he grunted.

  Gallegar joined him, and it took both vampire and shapeshifter strength to open it.

  They walked into an enormous ballroom. Still gracious, all done in white and gold, it was a far cry from the beauty it must have been in its heyday. Velvet crimson draperies hung off rods in a haphazard manner. Pieces of carved ceiling lay ruined on the floor. The arched windows were boarded up and paintings lay slashed and piled in corners on the buckled floor.

  Kira turned slowly in a circle. In her mind, she could picture what it must have looked like. She could see beautiful women in stunning ball gowns curtsy to dapper men in their fine tuxedos. Music drifted through the air, and the murmur of conversations long forgotten could be heard. Through their link, the three men could see the vision as well.

  Kira sighed. She almost wished she could be dressed in a lovely gown, dancing in the arms of a handsome suitor.

  "Your imagination is quite strong for a human.” The whispered drawl came to her amidst the trembling sounds of a violin. “But most who dance here can never leave. Would y'all take that chance and dance with me?"

  She turned quickly.

  Standing behind her was an Ethereal. He exuded a power not unlike what she sensed in Gallegar at their first meeting. He was dressed in one of the formal tuxedos the men in her vision were wearing, but she had not seen this man before.

  He had brown hair, cut just below his chin, and pulled back into a little ponytail. His brown eyes were piercing, even in a semi-transparent state. His cheekbones were high, almost a slash in his thin face. His mouth was firm and had a quirk to it where a dimple rested in one cheek. A mustache topped his upper lip, and a narrow goatee graced his strong chin.

  Kira realized she was staring. Not only at him ... but through him. Gallegar and Danolas came to her sides. Lucas was off to the right, his eyes fixed on the Ethereal.

  "Mortals are not welcome here.” The shade stood perfectly still. Only his lips moved. “You have attacked my guards and disturbed the rest of those who congregate here. What do y'all want?"

  Kira's power whispered, and she knew she was talking to the leader of the Ethereals. “My Lord,” she began politely. “I have been sent to speak to you. I am Kira. I am Peacekeeper. I am for—"

  With a wave of his hand, the Ethereal cut her off. His voice was that of a southern gentleman.

  "I know who you are. My people have told me everything. I know you have allied with this vampire and this witch. I know you shared a bed with the shapeshifter."

  Kira blushed. Lucas let a growl roll from his throat. Gallegar's brows came together in a fierce frown.

  "I know you have a strong magick, one even I can feel. My spies are everywhere. What more can y'all tell me I don't already know?"

  Her eyes snapped at him. “Do your spies tell you I think you a coward?"

  The Ethereal went even stiller than before. Then, with a mighty rush of wind, he exploded upward to the ceiling in rage, growing to an enormous height. “How dare you say such a thing to me?"

  Kira's laugh shocked them all.

  "Illusion.” She pointed upwards at the Ethereal leader. “All ... illusion. As is this ballroom vision, as is even your costume."

  With a wave of her hand, Kira sent a bolt of power into the air. The ballroom went silent. No singing violins now. The Ethereal shrank to normal size. The spirit was dressed simply in jeans and a T-shirt. All illusions were stripped.

  "Robin,” Kira called. She looked around and saw him peeping at her from behind a broken chair. “Come to me, please."

  The Ethereal child skittered up and hid behind Gallegar.

  "Don't be afraid, sweetheart.” She looked at the Ethereal leader. “What do they call you?"

  "Y'all can call me Patrick.” His eyes flashed at her, still angry. His clothes may have changed, but he still had that southern accent.

  "I ask you, Patrick, do you often hide behind the pain of a child?"

  The shade's head snapped up. He was about the same height as Danolas, but it was hard to tell exactly, since he kept floating a bit off the ground.

  "That's twice y'all have insulted me. I hide behind no one. What are you talking about?"

  Kira looked up at him, her face scornful. “Your guards used this child, Robin, to hide behind, and then threw him away like a piece of garbage when he was needed no longer, in hopes of saving themselves. Do you not take responsibility for your people's actions?"

  Patrick scowled. “Of course ... any good leader does.” He glared at her as if weighing her words for truth. His eyes traveled to Robin, and Kira could see his face soften. “Will you allow me to investigate?"

  Kira, surprised, nodded, and then blinked as he popped out of sight. She turned to Gallegar. “You know this leader? He seems somewhat,” she had to think for a minute, “erratic for a man in his position."

  Gallegar shook his head. “He is unknown to me. Sebastian was the leader of the Ethereals the last time I had dealings with them. It was over a decade ago."

  Lucas came over beside Kira and turned her to face him. “Do you know why we are here yet? I've got this sinking feeling..."

  Kira sighed, and put her hand on his chest. “I am to join with him, Lucas. He has been chosen."

  The three men went quiet at this. They were still trying to get used to each other. How would another man fit into the mix?

  Before they could say anything, Patrick glided through the heavy door. Behind him, shuffling their feet—if spirits can shuffle their feet—came the two bouncers who had mistreated Robin.

  Seeing them, Kira's eyes began to glow, as she turned away from Lucas.

  "I see by your expression these are the ones who hurt the youngling. Before I can punish them, I must hear from the boy.” Patrick held his hand up at her instinctive protest. “They are all my people. I must hear from each of them."

  "He is right, A Ghra ... If you would have justice here, we must allow him to do this." Gallegar slipped up and put his arm around Kira's small waist as he mind-spoke her. She leaned into him and nodded her agreement.

  "Come to me, Robin,” Pat
rick gently commanded the boy.

  Behind her, Robin peered up at Gallegar, looking for permission. Gallegar gave the boy a smile of encouragement. Robin looked next at his leader, then biting his lip, flitted over to him.

  Patrick drew him into his lap, and asked softly, “Robin, I need you to tell me what happened to you tonight."

  Robin glanced at Kira, then back at Patrick. The room was silent for several long minutes as the small shade told his story. How was uncertain, but Patrick understood it completely.

  When the story was finished, Robin climbed off Patrick's lap and walked over to Kira. Concentrating, he put the picture of his slender form hugging Kira in her mind. Laughing, she sent a picture of a kiss right back to him. His grin flashed at them all as he waved goodbye, clapped his hands together and disappeared from view.

  "They will be punished. No one's going to hurt a child under my protection. No one!” Patrick's voice was filled with suppressed rage.

  Gallegar cleared his throat. “Perhaps our Lady can help you."

  Kira stepped forward. Patrick found himself retreating a little before he could help himself. He looked skeptically down at the beautiful woman. How can this Peacekeeper help me or my people? As she neared him, she lifted her hand and held it above his chest.

  "Patrick, Leader of the Ethereal People, you say you know who I am and what I am about. But your spies have not told you everything. I am The Peacekeeper. I have come to help you and your people. I have come to join with you, to add you to my circle. Let me touch you so you can know I mean you no harm."

  Patrick flinched as her hand came downward to touch his heart. He started to laugh, to tell her human hands could not make contact with an Ethereal. But when her hand touched his essence, the skin under her fingers began to itch slightly.

  In shock, Patrick watched as his entire body slowly began to change ... to solidify. It spread down from his chest, to his arms and down his torso. He could feel the muscles in his legs began to grow firm. Soon he was completely corporeal. He gently placed his hand over Kira's. The pleasure of flesh-to-flesh contact made him weak in his newly solid knees.

  "How...” he gasped, staring at Kira. “How did you do that?