by Conn, Claudy
He wore a white toga like outfit which was trimmed in gold. He wore Fae sandals that so many of the male Fae seemed to prefer.
Jazz was riveted by his ethereal beauty, he seemed to be laughing and crying all in the same breath as he slowly descended. What the heck was going on? What was he? She sensed more than just Fae…but what?
He reached the ground and drew in his wings to his back until they were nearly hidden. Jazz decided that he had to be some form of Fae angel. He was exquisite.
He stood with his hands clasped together as he focused on Frankie. He was staring at her, laughing and clapping his hands together like a young boy just given the most supreme present he had ever had.
She wondered if he was a little bit tipsy. As he was looking only at Frankie, all Jazz’s protective juices flowed. Both girls jumped to their feet. Jazz stood between Frankie and the angel, so that the newcomer could only address her.
The winged Fae shook his beautiful head of white gold hair, and said in a voice that was heavily and sweetly accented by an ancient Danu dialect. “No, no, you mustn’t fear me.” He held out his hands. “I am here because of Queen Aaibhe. She thought it time I knew that you were safe.” Jazz was in awe as the angel spoke past her, directly to Frankie.
“I am Deimne, the Daoine Sluagh, and Aaibhe said that she believes now is the time for us to meet—as she, like our Daoine Queen Mab is most wise.” His smile was wide and Jazz saw the joy in his eyes as he said, “Indeed, I once thought I was the last of my kind, but no more.”
Jazz was struck silent by this information. She tried to say something, but nothing entered her head or passed through her lips.
She was stuck on the fact that he was a Fae with wings.
She had never heard of a Fae with wings. Not in all the Fios tales of the ‘old days’, had a Fae with wings been mentioned. He had said he thought he was the last of his kind. Did that mean there were no other Fae with wings? She had always thought only the Pixies had wings. This was extraordinary, but why shouldn’t he have wings? After all, she was standing in Faery, breathing Faery air, experiencing Faery time, so why not a Fae with wings. Frankie eyed him curiously and then surprised Jazz by moving forward and going right up to stand in front of him.
In spite of Frankie’s warrior leathers, she dropped an old fashioned and very elegant curtsey. Her face was solemn as she said in a quiet voice that sounded so much more than her years. “I think I saw ye once…with m’mother. Ye were in our barn, and I only caught a glimpse of ye. I didn’t see yer wings then.”
He laughed and squeezed his hands together as though he could not contain the infinite happiness he seemed to be experiencing. “Queen Aaibhe explained much to me.” He nodded towards Jazz, “My darling girl, I thought I lost you—that you were human and that I lost you to human time. I did not know that you were brought here from the past when this Fios, now of Seelie blood, found you being ill treated.” He hung his head suddenly as though remembering another time with regret. “My child, I am sorry I did not know your parents had passed. Had I known, I would have come for you. I cared for your mother a great deal and I have always wanted what was best for you. Your mother never said you were Fios. She never told me that you were anything but human, and I believed you were mortal like she. Even so I wanted to be with you, but she said being raised amongst your own kind—humans were what you needed. She said I would only confuse you and that I had no place in your life. I believed I was giving you what you needed; but even so I still came by and often watched you from the air. I watched as you grew and then time travel became next to impossible, for even the Daoine.”
Jazz felt a tingling in her brain as now there was of course no doubt who this winged Fae was. He was Frankie’s father.
As she studied Frankie’s face she also knew the child was so completely brilliant. Jazz saw at once that Frankie had known the moment she met him, just who he was.
Frankie said simply in a hushed voice, “Ye are m’father, then?”
“I am,” he said proudly. “You are the only child I have ever fathered and had I had my own way,” he spread out his hands as his voice trailed off. “Your mother was convinced you were human. I did not see any Fae signs when you were young and did not wish to impede on your human life,” he explained putting out his hand. “Come with me daughter, allow me to show you Daoine and our home.”
Jazz stepped in front of Frankie then, “Oh no, no, oh no! She stays with me until we can get everything sorted out.” She saw a glint of anger light in the Sluagh’s brilliant eyes and hurriedly added. “Of course you must be with your daughter and are most welcome to visit here with her, but life for Frankie has been turned upside down. She needs time to understand what she is, who she is, and where she is headed. I hope this does not offend.”
He considered this and tilted his head, “Very well, I understand and I shall accommodate my daughter’s needs—for now.”
“Thank you,” Jazz said respectfully. Frankie’s father was proud and she could see he was used to getting his own way. This could be a problem in the future.
Deimne smiled. Jazz realized then that he loved Frankie. He loved her and that would make all the difference.
He said gently, “I see from your expression that we understand one another. However, I am not ignorant of the fact that I owe you much, Fios Fae,” he said looking into Jazz’s eyes. “Queen Aaibhe informed me that I have you to thank for my child’s rescue from an intolerable situation. She was in need when I tried to respect her mother’s wishes and had stayed away for a time. Our time in Daoine, as it is here in Tir, moves differently than in the Human Realm.” He frowned as he paused. “I am told that she was being ill used and you did not hesitate to step in. Thus, your position in my house is worthy.” Again he paused and this time looked at Jazz intently, “Do not allow my respect for you to lull you into believing I will ever again give up my rights as her father. I did that once and it did not work out well.” He looked at Frankie. “It hurts me gravely to think you had been left alone after your mother’s death. It hurts me to know that someone mistreated you. If I could go back in time I would, and although we may not take a human life I would make sure he suffered all the rest of his.” He sighed heavily. “However,” his voice edged with determination and for a moment he seemed to struggle with his words before saying, “You will never be alone again.”
Frankie went forward touched his hand and looked up into his face, scanning it as though it were a map she was memorizing. “Thank ye. I know ye mean me well and I know ye understand that now, but I need to stay with Jazz while I get to know what I am. Jazz and I are both Fios ye see and now we are also both Fae. I hope that makes a bit of sense to ye, da—and I hope ye won’t mind, if I call ye da?”
Jazz felt a smile take hold of her mouth. Frankie was already learning the knack of charm. She was sure Frankie was thrilled with this meeting and happy to call him da. Her timing had been perfect.
Deimne scooped his daughter into his arms and flew straight up into the cloudless sky. His laughter rang out and Jazz smiled.
It was evident to her that he loved his child and that his pleasure was real. His feelings for Frankie were real. She knew this was just what the girl needed to help her transition from not only another century, but from the human world into her Fae world as well.
Jazz heard the laugh of a little girl reunited with her father. This was what she wanted for her. Too many awful things had made Frankie such a serious little girl. She needed moments like these to compensate, to replace the bad memories, to heal and allow her to develop properly. She had lost so much in such a short span of time: her parents, her lifestyle, her time in the past. She had been flung into the future where suddenly she was not only a Fios, but a Fae, and the world was at war with monsters.
Jazz was concerned for them all. Matters were diving into epic chaos at a rate that was zooming without pause. At the moment it appeared as though the Fae would be literally thrown into a war in which they had
never really expected and probably were not really prepared to handle. The Royals and their warriors were able, but their numbers were so few.
Jazz could not see any other choice—war seemed inevitable.
She knew the Queen was committed to keeping the Human Realm safe, but she also knew the Queen was far sighted. What had Aaibhe seen that she wasn’t telling?
She knew the human world was the first barrier the Dark Ones would take down before they turned their hungry eyes to Tir and the Seelie Fae. Pestale had nothing to lose. He would throw his lowly Unseelie in huge numbers to be killed and sacrificed while he and his brothers worked to take down the Seelie warriors with Dark Magic.
Frankie had left one hell only to enter another, and Jazz was glad to find her father was such a superior Fae. Frankie would need him in the future. Jazz was comforted knowing he would be around to help them protect her completely.
Deimne returned with Frankie and set his daughter down on solid ground.
Jazz wagged her finger. With her other hand on her heart said, “You scared me half to death.”
He tilted his head and frowned. Jazz realized he had not understood the teasing in her words. He was unused to dealing with humans.
“Did I?” he returned in some surprise. “I do not see the logic in that. She is my precious child. Do you think I would ever put her in harm’s way?”
Jazz realized he was in earnest and watched as the winged Fae bent and kissed Frankie’s little soft fingers. “My daughter. Do you know I shall never tire of saying, my daughter. Finally we are together. However, I sense that your heart and your soul still cling to your human self. You have not transitioned yet into Daoine, but you will and I will help you. When you are ready there are many things that I, as your father would like to show and teach you.” His voice trailed off as he stared affectionately at Frankie.
“I know, da. I want that too,” Frankie said solemnly.
He sighed. “I can feel the energy you have contained and are not yet even aware of. My darling, your powers will be formidable.” He stopped at that moment and turned to regard Jazz before adding, “You know that you my dear are more than what you believe you are. I felt it when you were concerned for my daughter.”
“What do you mean?” Jazz said as she threw her hands in the air. She knew something was growing inside of her, but had tried to tell herself it was only because of Trevor’s blood taking over her body.
Deimne answered, “I am interested to see what you shall become, Jazmine. Your energy is most unfamiliar and intriguing, but for now you will teach my daughter all she needs to know as a Fios and keep her safe. I shall always be near. I have already linked my mind to hers. She need only call me and I shall come to her.”
“Good, I am glad of it. She needs her father,” Jazz said as she put her arm around Frankie who was staring admiringly up at the winged Fae.
Jazz could see he was proud of his daughter’s open admiration. “I know I shall never have to remind you that as her father, my rights are unquestionable.” He looked at Jazz and proudly demanded, “Agreed?”
In spite of his obvious sense of self, Jazz found she liked this Daoine a great deal. He was up front and direct and she found no fault with that. She nodded her head, “Of course.”
He turned to Frankie again and said on a hushed note, “Our heritage, our home, yours and mine are wondrous. Our home in Daoine is a beautiful castle that you will love one day as I do. When you are ready I would like to take you there…” he looked at Jazz. “You may accompany us if you like and if it makes my daughter more comfortable.”
“Aye, da. I would like that,” Frankie said and then added, sounding like the youth she actually was. “But da, I also want to fly with you again. That was grand.”
The scent of roses and vanilla permeated the air as smiled at his daughter. He went into a spin, lifting high into the air as he opened his twenty foot wing span and flew straight up. He then dove, lifted and flew again before he came back to Frankie. Suddenly he stopped and stood very still. When he spoke again it was accompanied by a heavy sigh. “My Queen Mab has called a meeting with her cousin, Queen Aaibhe and requires my service immediately.” He turned his head to Jazz and kissed his daughter’s cheek before he shifted off.
“Come on Frankie, we better get back and find out what is going on,” Jazz said after they stood together a moment and took in the wondrous scent he had left behind.
Chapter Nine
JAZZ HELD FRANKIE’S hand tightly in her own as she shifted back to Queen Aaibhe’s private chambers.
Her eyes lit up with surprise when she found Trevor pacing across the room and visibly upset.
He stopped short, ran a hand through his long loose blond hair and stared at her with such relief, that for a moment all they could do was look into one another’s eyes.
She felt the floor vibrate with the pounding of his hard steps as he came towards her. The sound he made in his throat shook her to the core. More than love. So much more. It was total devotion without question.
As he strode towards her he reminded her of a starving man who had just been served dinner. Without a word he scooped her into his arms and squeezed her so tightly she squealed.
She saw Frankie out of the corner of her eye take a step back and giggle, but Trev recalled her attention to himself as his voice trembled when he spoke. “You were gone a long time and I was concerned, Jazmine Decker.”
“Concerned?” Radzia snorted at their backs and made them turn around to look at her. “He was loony tunes.”
Jazz smiled at her and turned back to look up into Trevor’s face and said, “I will tell you all about it later.”
He dropped his arms and then slid his hand around her waist and drew her close. She felt his massive hard body against her own and pressed herself to him. He gave her a puzzled look but then turned his attention to Frankie, and touched Frankie’s chin with his free hand. “Have you two been on an adventure without me?”
“Aye prince. In a manner of speaking, that we have and t’was the best one of m’life,” Frankie said with a secretive smile.
He sighed and eyed Jazz who looked up at him and got on her tippy toes to kiss his cheek. He went silent all at once, which raised her concern. “What is it Trev? You still look miserable.”
“I don’t know, Jazmine Decker. I—I sense something is off in the Universe. The Dark Ones have done something really ugly. I can feel it. Every Fae nerve in my body tells me that something has plowed through the Universe and means mischief.”
A shiver swept through her. She felt it too. “Oh Trev, I have the same feeling.”
“Agreed. I feel it too…” Radzia said. Z was a Daoine Princess whose father had been a High Druid Priest slaughtered by the traitor Gaiscioch. Z had been on the warpath ever since. Only Danté had been able to keep her from going over the edge. She moved restlessly and brushed her black hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ears and looking at Ete for confirmation.
Ete did not respond. The Princess seemed to be in a trance of sorts. Her eyes were closed and she stood quietly to one side.
Jazz eyed her for a moment and then shook off the horrible feeling she had but answered Radzia. “It is as though something entered the atmosphere that wasn’t there before—something deadly.”
Jazz turned her attention back to Princess Ete, who she was sure would know what was going on. She had learned almost immediately upon their introduction that Ete exuded wisdom and strength.
At that moment Ete opened her eyes and clasped her hands, but still did not speak.
Radzia stopped her frantic pacing and said, “Danté, I feel him. Something has been decided. Ete, do you feel Breslyn?”
Ete nodded but did not speak. Instead, she gathered her waist length auburn locks and tied the tresses at the nape of her neck, as though preparing for something.
Jazz was sure of this when the Princess blinked and her lovely gown was replaced with pale blue warrior leathers. Breslyn’s c
olors.
Ete regarded them all for a moment and then looked at Frankie and said, “It is nothing for you to worry about, little one. You will remain safely tucked away on Tir. She turned to Trevor, “It has begun. I expect they shall arrive here shortly.”
Trevor shook his head and said in a low growl, “I know.” He looked at Radzia and asked, “Do you feel your Daoine warriors on the move?”
Z nodded her head. Her deep green eyes were bright. “I do. Daoine Warriors stand ready and will join forces with the Seelie.”
“Then matters are…” Trev paused as he glanced at Frankie and Jazz. They could almost see him alter his words midway. “As the Daoine have never joined forces with us before, I have to assume both Queens have agreed that our combined might will end the Dark Ones attack swiftly.”
Ete sighed heavily and also looked at Frankie. Frankie made a face and spoke up. She shook her young head and said, “Ye needn’t walk on tippy toes around me. I might be young, but I’m not stupid. Aye, I know, I do…that the monsters are going to strike at the humans.”
Jazz dropped to one knee and took her hand, “You know what I think?”
Frankie shook her head.
“I think that evil can never win over good and I will tell you why. I think that evil gives up as soon as they get hurt, or as soon as it looks like they could get hurt. Good on the other hand, never gives up. We will win this, Frankie, because we have to. It is our destiny. Seelie power and Daoine power are stronger than Dark power. Okay?”
Frankie threw her arms around Jazz’s neck and whispered with her lovely Irish lilt, “Okay then.”
Jazz got to her feet and said, “Ete, what is happening now? You can speak in front of Frankie. She is a Fios and she is Fae, and she is a very brave warrior who has already learned how to survive.”
Ete smiled softly at the girl and said, “Queen Mab accompanies Aaibhe, and Deimne has just left them. I can hear and see them through Breslyn’s eyes and ears.”