“Well, there is much to discuss, and we need to exchange words together in privacy. Let’s assemble all of us and move this to the lounge area. This is the news we best be seated for,” I stated plainly for them to understand we had information of value to add as well. It was prudent we all shared what we’ve discovered together. This way, we’d all be on the same page. They nodded their heads at us in agreement.
“I’m going to collect the rest of our friends. Leona is correct. We should all be present for matters that need only be stated once. Then together, we work on solutions. I’ll return momentarily,” said Azrael. He then winked out of the chamber to fetch the others.
Then with everyone in tow, the rest of our comrades joined us. We all now sat on the sofas and chairs. As a reflex, a privacy shield was put up, and we all added what magicks we could to its impenetrable weavings.
“Alright, well, before we hear what you’ve got to share with us, Kendra has consulted the runes. Her divination is important to share. I believe it is prudent we hear her findings first before we hear your report Pahaliah,” I said while moving my glance to Kendra, who sighed audibly.
“Leona is right. I would like to see anyways if what I gathered from my divination is accurate, at least, or helpful. Though, I’m confident it is.
“Lilith’s plan with her retinue from the Shadowrealm is indeed to enslave other realms. She is aware of the strength of our city’s barrier. She plans to use her necromancers, Shadow Dragonkin, and dark Sages to corrupt and destroy the fertile lands surrounding Emerald City very soon. I’d say within the next two days. They’re all getting into position spreading out through this realm at convergences of water. Rivers, lakes, streams, creeks, and will basically use those interconnected bodies of water to poison the land efficiently. The water supply and the lands of the Emerald Elves are in grave danger. Queen Esmerelda and Kind Emeris have stated that their city is stocked with food for centuries, but are they stocked with water? It may be a flaw they’ve yet to consider.
“We will have to stop her retinue here swiftly. It will take the combined help of our allies, the Silver Leaf Fae, Emerald City’s own elven armies, and our retinue of friends and allies.
“The Shadow Dragonkin isn’t tethered to Lilith like we previously thought. It is blinded by rage from a great tragedy that became of her at the hands of other beings. She aligned herself with Lillith’s retinue for vengeance. This may work in our favor in stopping the Shadow Dragon though I’m not sure how. The good news, however, I’m able to see is that we will be victorious though not unscathed in saving this realm.
“Lastly, I’m afraid we’ll indeed need to go immediately afterward to the other realms and shield them completely. Lillith does indeed plan on amassing her army by enslaving more beings from different realms before we put up our barriers. She has her sights next to Madera, the realm of the Wood Elves and their central city. She then, I intuitively believe, will head to Draconious. She wants to take advantage of the many Dragonkin that are in slumber and tether them to her since she was unable to tether the Shadow Dragon willingly. She feels she will be more successful while Dragonkin sleep. We’re going to need to work quickly to defeat her retinue here and ward this realm accordingly. There are also indeed some of Lilith’s spies in Madera and Shunyata.
“Also, Lillith is my great, great grandmother’s mother. One of apparently many offspring of Lillith throughout the eons. My grandmother is still alive and has aligned herself with her grandmother Lillith. She knows of our friendships and plans to use our blood relations to her benefit. Sadly she seems to forget I barely knew my grandmother or great grandmother. They won’t get sympathies from me. They chose the dark side,” Kendra concluded. Everyone now aware of her visions had all their mouths open in shock at her divine words. She hadn’t told me the complete details of her divination, so it was a shock to me as well. I wrapped an arm around Kendra and held her close.
“I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother Kendra. I have confidence in your ability to deal with their manipulations should they arise. Remember, we’re all with you to lean on as family if needed,” Donovan assured Kendra, which earned him a smile. Her smile was a balm to my heart.
“Thanks, Donovan. My grandmother was always kind of a wretched wench. From what little I can remember, so don’t sweat it,” Kendra added.
“Also, Thank you! You’re certainly the most awesome and accurate magic eight-ball in our arsenal Kendra!” Donovan said, effectively breaking the tension and making Kendra and Leilah giggle audibly.
“You and that blasted toy!” Leilah said with a smile in her voice.
“It’s still hilarious. Plus, we sold magic eight-balls at Sacred Sun for ages. They are fun for the indecisive to divine a course of action. At least we can take comfort in knowing my divination powers go beyond yes, no, and maybe,” Kendra chuckled. Hearing Kendra laugh always stirred the strings in my heart. It was like music I’d never tire of hearing.
“You’re definitely leet, my friend!” Donovan said with a smile.
It was refreshing how Donovan could always elicit a smile no matter the circumstance when it was needed. It was also very kind of him to continue looking out for Kendra’s joy. Her confidence I felt soaring in my heart, and her nervousness was gone leaving only a firm resolve. For this, I’m grateful.
“The Angels have all reported back from the realms of Iron Sky, Madera, Shunyata, Draconious, and Shangrila. Their news is not all bad. In fact, it’s encouraging in some aspects.
“Hidden high in the summits of the Himalayas in a deep valley surrounded by mountains is Shangrila. It is fortified well with the help of the Illuminated Ones that reside in Shangrila. Their mastery of sacred chants of power has been able to strengthen their shields. The pair of Angels we sent couldn’t teleport directly inside Shangrila. They ported in front of their barrier and were then allowed entrance once they saw they were untethered. In some of their Arhats’ omniscient state, they spoke knowingly of our plans. They have said when the time is right, they will aid us the best we can. The Shangrila citizens wish for all you new godlings and god-ascendants to visit them after we fortify the shielding in Madera. However, they eluded to their reasons why. They’re a quiet, peaceful, diamond-mind influential and contemplative people. Jeremiah, your sire, was there. He said once we’re all together in Shangrila, he will be able to restore your memories to the point of experiences you shared with him. This will not bring back all your memories, but at least you’d have the foundations of it,” Pahaliah said with a brief pause. No doubt trying to gauge his star-coursed one’s response to this final bit of news.
“That is welcomed news for me. I know I’m kindred. I understand I’d have to, therefore, have a Kindred sire but couldn't recall anything about them or my turning,” added Jeremiah
“I’m glad this news finds you well, my heart-song. Now to continue with my report.
The Iron Sky Dwarves received us well. They’ve heard of our work with the Fae and Emerald Elves. They have fortified their central city and have assembled all their brethren to the main city till we’re able to visit them. They’re savants at metalcraft and technology. Though their barrier is not magick so much as a combination of metal and science, it is secure. They’re in no present danger currently. However, they’re creating and designing defensive weapons at our request. We explained to them Donovan of your creeds to defend, incapacitate but not kill others unless necessary as a goal. This fascinated their brilliant and innovative minds within the brief visit from my angel brethren. The dwarves immediately went to work theorizing and sketching designs to accomplish weapons that stun, immobilize, capture, or stop other beings without drawing blood. Dwarves have always liked an innovative challenge, and they’ve offered their help to our cause without our asking. They remember the Terra of Old and are itching to be part of the action it seems.
“The realm of the Light Elves, Shunyata, which is veiled well in Norway, is appraised of our situation here in the Emerald
Realm. They’ve already started migrating all of the citizens in their realm to their city proper. They’re formidable people, and they’ve got adequate shielding, they say. However, we were able to port inside their city, no problem. Our help will most likely be needed. They’re peaceful people and know nothing of warfare or have an interest in it. Yet they see the virtue in our intentions and welcome our assistance.
“The realm of Draconious, which is by Iceland, was a challenge. Mainly because of the monarch’s mood. The King of the Dragonkin was indeed awake, as were some of his attendants. The rest of his Kingdom's dragonkin were in slumber, he told us. He is a mighty and rare golden dragon. To my knowledge, there has never been a golden dragon. So he is one of a kind. He said as much to confirm this. He says there have been reports of dark beings scouting their lands. However, they were not high in number, nor to his knowledge found the fortified sleeping or nesting chambers of the Dragonkin yet. He has made quick work of the unwelcomed scouts that invaded his realm, and their bones were piled around his throne. He is powerful. He says we are welcomed to shield his realm but wishes for an audience with Donovan the light-wielder first. He is also mourning the disappearance of his Queen but wouldn’t elaborate further on the subject when we asked.” Pahaliah then paused as it was clear that Donovan had something to say.
“I’m saddened by the loss of his Queen. Maybe that’s something we can help him with. All of this information is definitely what we wisely needed. Seriously though, I wish people would just call me Donovan. Light-wielder makes me sound like a universal flashlight,” he admitted with a grin. To which we all laughed. The title did indeed make him sound like a flashlight or lantern of some sort!
“To be fair, your most luminous, exalted, and godly radiance, you do shine bright like a diamond!” Leilah added while giggling and breaking any remaining tension in the room with our chuckles.
“Oh, nucking futs, not even going there. Honorifics be damned. Funny, though,” said Donovan to our added amusement.
Once our chuckles died down, our attention returned back to Pahaliah.
“Madera apparently received word from Kendra and the royals here. They’ve also been bringing all their citizens into the safety of the Wood Elves towering city. They’ve fortified their shield the best they could. The Angels who went there added some divine energy to their shielding before departing, thinking any little thing could help. Their realm has a large tear that’s dark and emitting chaotic energy, which they’ve been doing their best to shield with their mystics from anything coming through. Though according to Kendra’s divinations, it appears some spies have already come through. It also appears to be a portal in the works, indeed from the Shadowlands. I’m afraid after we’re done with fortifying the Emerald realm and purging the lands here of the dark beings that are Lilith’s retinue, we should visit Madera first. Then Shunyata, the land of the Light Elves. The good news is that we’re welcomed in every realm of importance. Though the Dragon King is not in a pleasant mood following the disappearance of his wife, he does welcome our assistance. Though I know nothing of what he wants to discuss with you, Donovan,” Pahaliah finally concluded.
Well, as far as reports or reconnaissance go, that was insightful and detailed. It seemed our plans were well met by many, and we’d be using our shield-craft to help citizens in all the realms that are hidden in Terra.
“Thank you, Pahaliah. Your Angel brethren did well indeed. Also, thank you, Kendra. Your divination indeed was insightful. Looks like we have a lot of work to get to. We’re to reconvene with the King and Queen in the central chamber with the big map in now five hours. Let us get some rest. My intuition says we will be battling tomorrow by nightfall,” Donovan said.
“Yes, let us try and catch some rest before our audience and tasks ahead,” I added while standing up and pulling Kendra along with me.
Donovan dissolved the privacy shield, and everyone followed suit to their own chambers. As Kendra and I made our way into our room, we were silent, clearly deep in thought. What will arise from Kendra’s possible reunion with her family? Would this come between us somehow? Was she genuinely indifferent to her estranged family? With those thoughts in my mind, the thought that plagued me the most was that my love Kendra tomorrow, like all of us, would be in harm's way. What if I couldn’t protect both her body and her heart?
Chapter 16
Donovan
I groaned in displeasure when the first sunbeams of the morning started crisscrossing my face in bed. Gosh, less than five hours of sleep is never enough. It doesn’t matter who or what you are. I’m not a morning person today, apparently. Either that or I had some weird jetlag situation in this realm. As its daily cycles were so different than those in the Fae City, Silver Leaf.
I turned over to complain to Abbadon and found his side of our massive bed empty. What the hell? I got up into a sitting position and then noticed him heading my direction, already dressed. Breathtakingly handsome in his angelic armor, which now matches my own. He wore a beatific smile and was holding a steaming cup of tea. It would have been nicer to wake up to his face on my southern pole. Yet, this is probably why I barely slept last night. I mean, seriously look at him! Long beautiful black white-streaked hair, a narrow waist, a well-defined chest, and beautiful golden eyes to match my own. Even the armor couldn’t hide his bulge or what I wanted to do with it. My fangs were lengthening, and he was incredibly successful at clearing the fog of my moodiness as he sashayed my way. Gosh, I hit the star-coursed one lottery. My husband was smoking! Maybe we had time for a quicky?
“You’re drooling, my love. I also know that look and under normal circumstances, would gladly be obliged, but you’re the last one to wake. Everyone is already assembled downstairs, and we’re about to meet Queen Esmerelda and King Emeris in the centralized chamber of the Emerald City palace. I do have, however, the Elven equivalent to green tea. I’m told it’s quite strong,” Abbadon said with a smile as he handed me the steaming cup of tea.
It smelled like exotic like flowers and was milky in color. Maybe it was the Elven equivalent to Chai. “Thank you, Hubbykins. We barely got sleep last night. Now with this cup, I regret nothing. I thought that sunbeam in my face was a weapon of doom when I first awoke. Now seeing your beautiful face, rights all the wrongs in the world,” I said while taking my first sip.
Holy effing fudge! This was delicious! It was sugary and sweet. It was like rice pudding in a cup without the rice. Oh man, how I need this on the regular. Maybe the Emerald elves can show us how to make this, and I can carry a constant supply in my void-murse. Yeah, I’ve totally given up on calling it a messenger bag. It can be called whatever. My bag of infinite space was excellent.
Well, I’m awake now. That tea definitely had a kick in it. Alright, it’s time to get up with what’s totally better than Folgers in my cup. I finished the tea quickly and set it down on the wooden and intricately carved nightstand, enjoying the warmth it brought me on its way down. I tossed the silky green linens aside, not caring in the least about being naked, and stood up, sporting morning wood and all. It’s a guy thing. It happens. Then stretched my muscles, no doubt purposely flexing them on display as I did. This, of course, had Abbadon’s complete attention on me.
“See something you like?” I asked all up in his face because he was licking his lips, and I got a flash of some fangs In his delicious mouth.
“Yes, my love. Of course, I do,” he said while enveloping me in an embrace. I returned the hug as he lay his head on my chest. He was everything right in my chaotic world.
I unconjured his clothes and pulled him by the hand to the washroom. If I was going to be up this early on a day with little sleep, that no doubt will have some battle and sweat in it, I was going to wash up.
“Let’s shower together quickly and then join the others. We’ll be quick,” I assured Abbadon as I towed my hubbykin’s naked deliciousness to the washroom. Turned out, I was gloriously and delightfully wrong. We had more than a quickie. No r
egrets, though.
We conjured up our armor and went to join the others in the common area. Yes, we were late due to our earlier dalliances. My cheeks may or may not have been a bit flushed with the added scrutiny of everyone looking in my direction.
“Well, look who finally decided to grace us with his glorious presence,” said Leilah. Some things about my best friend never changed. That tongue of hers was a weapon.
“I can see you’re in a good mood, my Queen of Sass,” I said to Leilah. Then seeing the rosiness in Azrael’s cheeks, decided to go for the gold. “So, you’re saying you were here on time?” I probed.
“Earlier than you,” she said defensively.
“Actually, her and Azrael just got here two minutes before you. Technically speaking, it was Leona and I that have been kept waiting,” confirmed Kendra to my amusement. Ha, did I call it or what? Can I get a what, what? Okay, well, what can I say if my besties are relieving some tension before a busy day. Who am I to hold it against them? Especially being guilty of the same.
“Well, I’m sorry we’re a bit late. It is entirely my fault. Though I imagine we all had a lot on our minds and needed the extra time to get ready for the day,” I said, ending the tension of the room.
“We do indeed need to make our way to the central planning chamber of the palace in haste,” added Jetsunma, which refocused our attention to the tasks ahead it seemed.
“Alright, everyone, I’m going to flash us to the chamber to save time. However, we will indeed have a challenging task ahead of us. We need to be level headed, calm, confident, and at ease. Please let us all join hands,” I suggested. Then everyone huddled close, and we all held hands.
“In challenges ahead, through realms of time and space. Armed with good intentions, we’ll lead and win this race. With hearts of warmth, loyalty, and faith undoubtedly true. Each of us will do our best in skill, craft, arcane, and serve what’s justly due. Now we part to the path ahead. Knowing as long as we have each other clears our heads. For as above, below, and in-between. Armed with good intentions, we’ll be the winning team. Together we stand, and together we gleam. Let’s bring light to the darkness like the sun’s new beams,” I rhymed a prayer while sending positivity in golden swirls of energy to all my comrades. I felt everyone’s tension ease, balance restored, and confidence shine.
Sacred Moon: Book 2 Page 18