Celtic Rose

by Campbell, Jill

  “Ramina’s key. This is fairly easy. She is the key to the door you need to open. That is really all the key represents. I had assumed she would carry a cross like Kalan, since she died trying to save him. If not that, then at least they should’ve had a matching tattoo like the two of you. I never understood that, but I do know that after she opens the door, she’ll still be a part of your entourage; nothing will change that. She is forever connected to the group through Kalan and Talus.” She put the papers back in the box and placed it back on the floor.

  “Another reason for the tattoos is that you will be able to identify one another by them. If you noticed, you found like souls and friends in those that carried a mark like you.” She gestured toward the box with her hand. “The rest of the things in the box are for you to go through on your own. Gabriel will be able to tell you more about all of that.” She took a deep breath and leaned forward, settling her elbows on her knees. She laid her head in her hands and exhaled loudly. “Now, it’s time for the bad news,” she said and paused; after a moment she lifted her head and looked at the group.

  “You only have two years to get every task you can completed.” She took another deep breath and let it out slowly. They waited patiently as she steadied herself. “Exactly two years to the day after Talus and Kallisto meet, you die.”

  Ramina drew in a sharp breath. Kalan wrapped his arms around her and she buried her face in the curve of his neck. William grabbed Kallisto’s legs tightly and Talus pulled her closer to him.

  “Why only two years?” Kallisto ask softly.

  “Two years is the amount of time you were engaged before you died in your first life. I take it you haven’t gotten that far in the dreams yet?”

  They shook their heads and she continued. “After you finally became engaged, the king had a castle built for you. It took almost two years to build. He made you wait until then to get married. On the day of your wedding, you were betrayed and murdered. Gabriel will tell you what happened after.” She paused and took a deep breath. “Your eyes, Kallisto, are the way to tell when the time is near. They have started turning green since the dreams started, and they get greener as the days go by. When the time comes for you to die, your eyes will be a bright emerald green. I can’t tell you why because I don’t really know.” When she finished, tears shone bright in her eyes.

  An eerie sense of calm washed over Kallisto as she sat with her soul mates. She stared into oblivion and images started filling her head, images of Phoenix and Gabriel. She could feel him in her mind. He had been either watching for them, or he sensed that something was wrong, because he was just there right at the moment she was ready to panic. He was sending her a vision, a message, from where he was. He wanted them to come to him as soon as the shock wore off.

  “Kallisto, come back to me, babe.” Talus was holding her face, staring into her eyes. He was able to tell when she came back; he sighed in relief. He pulled her into a tight hug and planted kisses on the side of her head. “You scared me there for a minute. It was weird–your eyes looked smoky, like you went blind in a matter of seconds, then your eyes cleared,” he said, frowning with panicked eyes.

  “I guess that explains why I couldn’t see anything but the vision. It was Gabriel. He wants us to come back to Phoenix as soon as we can. He’s been living there.” Kallisto looked at Hope, the woman who had been her mother. Hope grinned but it didn’t reach her eyes.

  “He must really be in a hurry to get started. Your eyes are turning greener every day.” Her smile faded as she said it. “Promise me you’ll come home when you can. I may not be your true mother but I am your mother. I love you both so much. If there had been any way to avoid this, I would’ve done it gladly. Please believe me,” she pleaded, and tears started down her cheeks. Kalan and Kallisto stood and went to her. They hugged her and gave her a kiss. She giggled at their identical movements.

  “We’ll come home as soon as we can, Mom, we promise,” they said together.

  “At least stay for the night and leave in the morning,” she said, as she gave them each a kiss.

  “Talus and William can stay in your room with you, Kalan, and Ramina can stay in Kallisto’s room.” She stood and went to get the blankets from the linen closet.

  “I take it that means we were never married?” Kallisto asked, only half joking. She had hoped that we were.

  “You’ll find out just how far you made it eventually, but as for now, you are not married, and we will keep to the rules for non-married couples in this house,” she chortled. They all laughed as she went on to get the blankets. They went to bed soon after, exhausted from the shock of what they’d learned.

  Time passed quickly in the dream world. The castle was close to completion. The Scottish king and queen had come to Ireland to get to know the Irish family. The Scottish king looked at Kallisto with approving eyes.

  “I apologize for the misunderstanding on the ship. Maulro misinterpreted my orders,” he said, looking embarrassed. “His orders were to take you if you were there, but only if it turned out to be a trap on your end. I ask for your forgiveness for my sake, and for the sake of Maulro.” He gestured to his side, where Maulro stood with his head lowered. When the king turned to him, he raised his head. He glanced at the king and then turned his eyes on Kallisto.

  “I apologize for my behavior on the ship, Princess. Please forgive me.” Maulro looked down in shame again. She walked over to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. He brought his head up slightly, meeting her eyes. Even though she was so much smaller than him, he looked at her with an expression of confusion and fear. He was raised to believe the Irish were cruel people, and she was determined to show him otherwise. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly, smiling when she pulled back.

  “I forgive you, Maulro.” Kallisto hoped he’d hear the truth in her voice and see the forgiveness in her eyes.

  “Thank you, Princess.” He returned the grin, surprise and wonder plain on his face. She patted his shoulder and turned to his king.

  “We’re to be family soon. True families fight and then forgive each other. I forgive you, my king.” Kallisto bowed respectfully. He beamed brightly at her. The queen came forward and gave her a tight hug.

  “It seems we will be getting along rather well,” the queen stated happily. Talus came to Kallisto’s side and placed his arm around her, wearing her favorite half-grin. He seemed pleased with the way the introductions were going. The queen gestured behind her. A woman with long auburn hair and beautiful emerald green eyes walked forward. Kallisto had never seen anyone like her.

  “This is Serena of the House of Bolturra; she is our healer. She is Talus’ mentor and tutor. We brought her along to help with the transition.” The queen placed a hand on Serena’s shoulder, a show of friendship that added to her role in their lives.

  “It is nice to meet you, Serena,” Kallisto said and gestured behind her. “This is Merrick, he is our warlock. He is my mentor, tutor and the royal healer. Maybe he can help with our transition as well.” This was Kallisto’s treaty, and her mother and father, the Irish king and queen, left the introductions in her capable hands. They were present but, for the time being, they wanted to stay silent and let her show her own leadership skills. They believed it would smooth the meeting of the families. It seemed to be working well. Kallisto pulled Merrick forward, toward Serena. The queen did the same to Serena. They met between them, staring at each other. They were hesitant, but after a moment, Serena reached out with her hand. Merrick grabbed her hand and pulled it up to his lips, laying a gentle kiss on the back of it. She smiled and so did he. Merrick invited her to see his lab, she accepted happily, and they left side by side. Kallisto introduced Gabriel to them next. He and Maulro stared at one another for moments.

  “Gabriel, why not show Maulro your weapons. I bet the two of you would have a lot to talk about,” Kallisto said, patting Gabriel’s back. He grinned at her, but it was more like a wolf showing its teeth. She jabbed hi
m in the area just below the shoulder blade; if it’s jabbed just right it can send pain down the person’s side. Kallisto knew, with his tall-stature and broad-shouldered build, it wouldn’t hurt him much, but she hoped he’d take the hint and lead Maulro to an area that was more comfortable to him. He jumped and looked at her, shocked, then genuinely smiled, not a baring of teeth–apparently she had hit the right spot.

  “Come, Maulro. Let’s go to my room. I’ll show you all of my wonderful toys,” he said, still looking at Kallisto, then he turned to Maulro. He clapped Maulro on the back and led him out of the room. Maulro looked ecstatic; apparently the talk of weapons made him more comfortable. Talus’ parents saw Kalan and Ramina back behind the others.

  “Are you hiding from your own parents, Ramina? Come forward and let us meet your beau,” the Scottish king said. Ramina and Kalan came forward, looking like two children in trouble, their heads hanging down, but Kallisto could see the smirks on their faces. Ramina gave her parents hugs then grabbed Kalan’s hand and pulled him forward.

  “Mother, Father, this is Kalan.” She let go of him and he put out his hand to shake the king’s.

  “It is nice to meet you,” the king stated gruffly. Kalan bowed slightly in respect. The queen walked forward and hugged Kalan.

  “After all the suitors we’ve tried to get Ramina to fall for, it’s a relief that she finally found someone to love. I’ve never seen her so happy.” She pulled back and turned to Ramina, taking her daughter’s face in her hands, giving her a kiss and a warm smile. She released her, and Ramina and Kalan walked hand in hand to the courtyard.

  Kallisto introduced her parents to Talus’ parents last. Their fathers went together to the throne room. They were talking and laughing as they went. Their mothers went to the garden doing the same. When they were gone, Kallisto let out a loud sigh of relief. Talus chuckled.

  “Alone at last,” he said and led her over to one of the couches to sit. He kissed just below her ear and she laughed, softly.

  The dream jumped forward a few more months. Everything was going well, the castle was finished and they were ready for the wedding. Their families had found like souls in each other, had common likes and dislikes so they ended up becoming friends. The transition was a success. It looked as though the marriage would bring the end of the war permanently. They were all so involved in their happiness and in the planning of the coming wedding that they were oblivious to anything else.

  The day of the wedding came, and everyone was there. There were other Scottish and Irish royals, distant cousins who ruled different provinces of both countries, people Kallisto didn’t even know, but they knew her family in some way, and priests and nuns from several different churches from both countries and different provinces. It was a massive event. Talus was waiting at the altar with Kalan and William as his groomsmen. Time had made them all close friends. Ramina and Ephiny made their way up the isle as bridesmaids. The king led Kallisto to the altar. The dress was white with crystal studs embedded in the material, and if she walked in the sunlight just right it threw rainbows across the room. It made the normally white dress glow with all the colors of a rainbow. The outside was rough to the touch because of the crystals, but the inside was as smooth as silk. The train was so long that six servants had to carry it, two on each side and two on the back. Kallisto had her hair pulled back and covered in diamonds, which added to the glow already radiating from her body. As she walked down the aisle she stared at Talus; he wore his brightly colored blue velvet robes. He had a small golden crown that made his hair look darker, almost onyx. His blue-green eyes were brightened by the color of the robe and his happiness.

  The wedding started normally; everyone listened reverently as the priest began. The only thing that seemed off was the fact that Merrick and Serena were not down in the audience with everyone else, they were up above in the balcony behind Talus. Kallisto could see them when the priest had her turn to face Talus. She trusted Merrick with her life and knew Talus trusted Serena with his, so she never thought they would do anything to hurt them.

  By the time she saw the glow of the first energy ball, it was too late. All she could do was scream as it hit her in the chest. She flew past Ramina and into the wall. The next came so fast Talus barely had time to turn around; he almost flew into Ramina but she got knocked out of the way by Kalan. Talus landed against the wall next to Kallisto. The guests screamed and ran out into the courtyard. Gabriel came out of nowhere, flying through the air over the heads of the panicked guests. He never touched the floor; he landed at the base of the wall, and started climbing up. There were holes left where his fingers dug into the wall as he climbed. He got to the balcony, but that was as far as he made it before two giant energy balls hit him at once. Flying through the room, he landed in the middle of the floor, blood gushing out of his nose and mouth, gasping and struggling, and then his eyes closed; he was dead.

  Kalan and Ramina had gone to Talus and Kallisto, but it was too late. They were dead. Kalan’s nose started bleeding and his breath caught; he was choking on his own blood. He sank to the floor next to Kallisto. Ramina screamed and ran for Merrick, her eyes wild, as he and Serena floated down to the floor. Kalan’s death had sent Ramina over the edge. She died next; Serena was the one who killed her.

  William ran through the still scattering crowd toward the stairs leading to the balcony, but by the time he made it into the balcony Merrick and Serena were gone. As Serena killed Ramina, William dove off the balcony to attack them. He landed on Serena and stabbed her, but Merrick killed him before he could finish the job. Serena healed herself quickly.

  There were dead, broken bodies slumped in spots all over the church. The pools of blood from their bodies started to mingle together because there was so much of it. Merrick and Serena joined hands and started chanting. The wedding necklaces levitated from their place on the altar and glowed red as they chanted:

  May these families never rest.

  This family will fight against the best.

  May they fight forever more.

  No way out, we close the door.

  The children’s death will start the feud.

  The pain of hearts has now ensued.

  Forever in battle, forever in war,

  Peace and serenity will be no more.

  They were cursing the families to fight forever. Kallisto couldn’t fathom why they would want that. All their families ever wanted was to make peace with their enemies, and they thought that these two were part of their families. The kings and queens from both lands stood in the midst of a hundred guards, but none of them could do anything to stop the sorcerers. Any of the soldiers that tried to fight were killed instantly. All they could do was stand and stare as they were all cursed.

  “How dare you curse this family!” A beautiful woman stood in the door with long black hair, pale skin that seemed to glitter in the sunlight, and the most intriguing black eyes. Merrick seemed to cower from her. Serena glared at her, but showed no fear, only repulsion.

  “I warned you, Merrick, that I would be back.” The woman walked slowly into the room, unafraid of the two murderers. Serena threw a red energy ball at the woman, but she only raised her palm into the air and deflected it. The ball of light flew into Serena’s body and sent her crashing into the altar behind her. Merrick dropped to his knees beside her crumpled body.

  “No Enchantress, please. Please, allow us to live, I beg you,” Merrick pleaded.

  “You do not deserve to live, Merrick, neither does the witch!” The enchantress stared at him for a moment. “Be gone Merrick, and take the witch with you. If I see you again, you will not have the chance to beg.” Merrick and Serena disappeared in a puff of smoke. The enchantress looked around at all the bodies a moment and sighed. She raised her eyes and arms to the sky and began to chant, like Merrick and Serena had before:

  Your families have been cursed to fight

  But I promise you, it will be all right.

  I curse you to live y
our lives, but not just one;

  You must live until your family’s curse is done.

  Live to find each other throughout the years.

  I cannot save you from your tears.

  Two years is the extent I can give to you,

  For after that, you will start anew.

  Kneeling down, she kissed Kallisto’s forehead and then Kalan’s. She seemed to have a look of love on her face as she looked at them. She knew and loved them. Kallisto wondered what she was to them. Was she a distant cousin, or an aunt? She stood and looked at the king. He stood amidst the frozen guards, shocked. The queen looked from the enchantress to him with tears in her eyes. The enchantress looked away from them and walked to Talus, Ramina, Gabriel, and William. She checked all of them to see if they were dead, closing her eyes and sighing every time it was confirmed.

  She went to the altar where their wedding necklaces sat, no longer glowing. She picked one up in each hand and held them to her sides. They levitated out of her hands and flew out the windows in opposite directions. She came back to the bodies and looked around at them all.

  “Go now, young lovers and find your wedding necklaces; finish the wedding to break the curse. Kalan, go be with your sister, she cannot live without you. Ramina, go be with Kalan, for his life would be a burden without you. William, pure of heart and brave in soul, your connection with Kallisto is strong. It will be a life source; one will heal the other, and you will help her when she needs it the most. Last, but certainly not least, Gabriel, protector of the heart of the kingdom, go with them and be their protector and guide. Teach them all they need to know. I give you the powers you need to defeat those you could not this day.” She placed her hand on Gabriel and he glowed blue, as though the light was coming from just under his skin. She placed her hand on William, Ramina, and then Talus. They glowed with the same eerie blue light under their skin as well. When she came to Kallisto and made her glow, Kalan glowed as well; their connection was so strong that what happened to one happened to the other.