by Bonnie Lamer
“Um,” I interrupt. “I appreciate the chemistry lesson, but what does their lack of pigment have to do with the Centaurs?”
“Patience, my love,” Kallen whispers while Dagda narrows his eyes at me, debating if he wants to chastise me or not. I sigh and sit back in my chair.
“Unfortunately, the Sasquatch live in a realm lacking arable land. Their realm is mostly harsh climates and craggy landscapes, meaning they have to plant the same ground season after season, never leaving an area fallow. As their main diet is plants, this is a problem for their continued existence.”
“The Centaurs’ realm, on the other hand,” Kallen says, “is rich with arable land.”
The picture is becoming clear. “And the Sasquatch want it.”
He nods. “Correct. Their rationale is that the Centaurs are primarily meat eaters. They do not need the land as much as the Sasquatch.”
Dumbfounded, I ask, “So, what, the Sasquatch want to trade realms with them?”
“It is a little more complicated than that,” Dagda says with a small, amused smile. “When the conflict first began, they wanted to share the Centaur realm. The Centaur were not willing to give up their hunting lands to produce crops. They argued they would have less game to hunt if their natural habitats were taken from them. When the Sasquatch met resistance from the Centaurs, they declared war. They have been fighting ever since.”
As he speaks, I know this information has been etched onto my to-do list. Someday, I will need to bring an end to their war with some mutually agreed upon compromise. I’m not going to worry about that today. One problem at a time. “What about the Fauns? They share the realm with the Centaurs, right?” Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Grandpa scowling at me. Apparently, I’m supposed to know all this. I want to stick my tongue out at him, but with great self-control, I don’t.
“They do,” Kallen says. “But the Fauns are not really a part of the war. Being both meat and plant eaters, they scavenge their food from the same lands the Centaurs hunt. A symbiotic relationship exists between the two races. They cohabitate in peace and the Fauns want nothing to do with the war. They have agreed to abide by whatever terms the Centaurs lay out.”
How nice for the Centaurs. I wonder if this has anything to do with the size difference between the two races. Being half goat instead of half horse, the Centaurs would be a mighty foe to the Fauns. “Got it,” I say.
“Is this the end of our lesson?” Grandpa asks, his tone unnecessarily snippy. What is his problem? Dagda is doing a good thing here educating us so we don’t go out there and make things worse. Or get ourselves killed.
“No,” Dagda growls, quickly losing patience with my grandfather.
Suggesting a new topic, Kallen says, “The Merpeople are due to arrive in a day or so.”
Snapping out of his daydream of wrapping his hand around my grandfather’s neck and squeezing, Dagda says, “Yes, they are.”
“Merpeople?” Conor asks in wonder. “Mermaids exist?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Yes, they do. Mermen as well.” He is slightly less excited about this fact.
“Why did they leave the Cowan realm?” Conor asks,
I shrug. “Basically because of polluted water and power boats.” He nods in understanding.
“The Fae and the Merpeople have had a longstanding peace,” Dagda says. Hopefully, I haven’t screwed that up. “There was also no animosity between the Merpeople and the Witches when they inhabited the seas of the Cowan realm. You should find no trouble with them.” Relief washes over Grandpa’s face. He’s more worried about the other races than he’s trying to show. “But please,” Dagda adds, “understand they have just lost their Queen. This was the catalyst for gathering everyone here.” He doesn’t mention the beheaded Dragon. Even on a good day, they should stay away from the Dragons.
Not wanting to dwell on the subject of beheadings, I say, “What about the Elves?”
Kallen grimaces. “Stay as far away from them as possible.”
With a quick glance in Gunnar’s direction, I ask, “How strong is their enchantment?”
“For you? I would say it is very limited,” Dagda replies. “As for the rest of you, please do as Kallen suggests and stay as far from them as possible. We do not have a peace treaty with them and we have a very limited truce while they are here. If you go to them of your own accord, you will not receive protection under this truce.” Gunnar’s face reddens slightly, but he remains silent behind Grandpa’s chair.
“Are the Giants here yet?” I ask. Kallen’s face hardens and he is suddenly glaring at Dagda. What’s going on that I know I’m not going to like any better than Kallen does?
Slightly uncomfortable, Dagda says, “We have been waiting for your return.”
I sit back in my chair and cross my arms over my chest. “You want me to go get them.”
“Yes.”
I’m not happy. I don’t like either of the Chieftains, especially the one who wanted me to marry him. The same one Kallen almost killed when he thought the Giant was responsible for my disappearance. But, how else are the Giants going to get here? It’s a two day journey to their lands from here. If I don’t teleport them, I could be leaving them at the mercy of my doppelgänger. Begrudgingly, I ask, “They’re expecting me?”
Through tight lips, Kallen says, “Yes.”
“How big are these Giants?” Grandpa asks. Was that a tremor in his voice?
“Most stand around twelve feet,” Dagda says with a smile. He’s enjoying my grandfather’s discomfort.
“Do we have anything to fear from them?” Jadyn asks.
Dagda studies her for a moment. Finally, he says, “I understand your Skin Walkers are more…civilized than your ancestors.”
“We aren’t tricksters,” Conor interrupts.
Dagda acknowledges this with a nod. “As I have been told. But, the races you will meet here have all had different experiences with Skin Walkers. Suffice it to say, the Giants are not fans.”
Grandpa takes a firmer hold of Mohana. “So, being with them puts our lives in danger, as well?”
He’s such a weenie. “You’re King of the Witches for god’s sake, man up,” I grumble.
“I will not tolerate your impertinence,” Grandpa growls.
Dagda’s voice is as smooth and sharp as a double edged sword. “If you have concerns with my daughter’s behavior, I will be happy to discuss them with you.”
Swinging his head back to the Fairy King, Grandpa tries to match the steel in his voice. He fails. “I know all about you and your assassins. This,” he waves his hand between me and Dagda, “does not fool me. You care less for her than the Witches do.”
Well, aren’t I feeling popular now. Kallen steps up to my defense. “You are treading thin ice, Witch. My uncle’s prideful mistake aside, he and Xandra have come to care very much for each other.” I didn’t realize Kallen knows that. He and I haven’t really discussed it. With a small smile, I put my hand in his and he squeezes it gently.
“Harrumph,” is Grandpa’s response to Kallen’s words. He is the only person I know who actually harrumphs.
“It is obvious you care deeply for your daughter,” Mohana purrs. “She is beautiful and powerful, an intoxicating combination.” I’m not sure if she’s complimenting me or hitting on Dagda. From the tight lines around Grandpa’s mouth, I know which one he thinks she’s doing.
Not falling for her sultry overtones, Dagda says to Grandpa and Mohana, “Rooms have been prepared for you on the third floor. Sindri will have someone escort you.” Gee, he’s so subtle with his dismissal I bet he’s avoided insulting anyone. Right.
“l was assured my safety would be of the utmost importance. Is this true?” Grandpa asks, not rising to his feet yet.
The word no is on Dagda’s lips, so I hurry to say, “Of course it is. Just like everyone else’s here.” I’m not certain my words are any more comforting to my grandfather but he does stand up now.
“I wi
ll hold you personally responsible if any harm comes to Mohana,” Grandpa growls in my direction.
I snort. “It’s not her head my doppelgänger wants to cut off.”
Not satisfied, Grandpa rumbles, “If she comes to harm by anyone’s means.”
“Sindri, please have someone escort the King and his guest to their rooms. Make sure his guard is well versed in the safety procedures we have in place,” Dagda says with a nod to Gunnar.
“Thank you,” Gunnar says.
Jadyn and Conor are still firmly in their seats. When Grandpa, Mohana and Gunnar leave, Jadyn asks, “What can we do to minimize conflict between us and the Giants?”
Dagda’s whole body has relaxed with the exit of my grandfather. “I am afraid time will be the only factor. The more the Giants see you are not the tricksters they have known in the past, the better relations will become.”
He is relying too heavily on Quinn’s ability to forgive, I think. “Not to mention, I’ll hurt them if they try anything,” I assure the Skin Walkers.
Conor grins but I’m not certain Jadyn knows I’m serious. “I appreciate the sentiment,” she says.
“Xandra has proven her strength to the Giants. She will keep you from harm at their hands,” Kallen says, pride in his voice again.
“Would you like to be shown to your rooms now?” Dagda asks politely. He doesn’t feel the need to harshly dismiss them as he did Grandpa.
Jadyn smiles. “That would be nice.”
“Sindri, please personally escort these two to their rooms.”
Chapter 15
“That went better than I expected,” I say into the silence when Jadyn and Conor take their leave.
Dagda chuckles but there’s no real humor in it. “What did you expect?”
“Blood, magic, Grandpa lying on the ground in agonizing pain.”
Dagda’s eyebrows rise. “By my hand or yours?”
I shrug. “By whichever of the three of us he managed to piss off first,” I reply.
Kallen chuckles. “I have been tempted a time or two, I must admit.”
I snort. “Who hasn’t?”
“I find it interesting you use such a familiar term when referring to the Witch since you clearly dislike him,” Dagda says, an emotion in his words I can’t quite identify.
I shrug again. “Only because he hates to be called Grandpa. He suggested once I call him by a more formal title, but I like irking him this way.”
Dagda smiles. “It is the little things in life that make us happy.”
“Xandra?” Mom’s voice calls from the other side of the door leading to the throne room. “Are you in there?” Being a ghost, Mom can’t really knock. And she’d sound silly saying ‘knock, knock’ whenever she came upon a door. People would expect a joke to follow. At least, I would.
“Yes,” I call. “Come on in.”
Mom floats through the wooden door. “I heard you were back. Did your grandfather accompany you?”
“Yes,” I say in a tone that says ‘I really wish he hadn’t’.
Mom scowls. “Are the two of you having trouble again?” she asks.
“No more than usual,” Kallen assures her. She’s not comforted.
“Has he already been shown upstairs?” Mom asks.
“Yes,” Dagda replies, not liking how Mom has completely ignored him since coming into his office.
Still not acknowledging him, Mom says, “I should check on him, then.” She turns to float away but I can’t let her be surprised like I was.
“Um, Mom,” I say and she turns back to me. “He didn’t come alone.”
Not getting it, she says, “It’s reasonable for him to bring along a member or two of his security force, Xandra.”
Bristling a little at the rebuff, I say, “I know that. I wasn’t talking about security.”
It takes a moment for my meaning to sink in. When it does, her mouth becomes a perfect O. When she regains control of her voice, she asks, “Who is she?”
For some reason, my mouth doesn’t want to work. I know I should be the one to tell her, but I can’t quite find the words anywhere in my brain. My gorgeous husband comes to my rescue. “It seems your father has become exceptionally close to a member of his Witan. She is the replacement of his former Seductress.”
Mom’s surprise turns to anger in less than a heartbeat. “The stupid jackass,” she exclaims in a fit of ire. “Has he no sense whatsoever?” Dagda chuckles at her choice of words but doesn’t say anything. Mom doesn’t even know about the whole Mohana pretending to be Grandma thing. Wisely, I do not fill her in on this tidbit of information. I’ll tell Kallen about it later, though.
“I wanted you to know before you saw them together,” I say.
Trying to school the anger from her face, she says, “I appreciate that. If you’ll excuse me, I have a few things to discuss with my father.” I would not like to be Grandpa at the moment.
When Mom leaves, I turn to Kallen. “Want to come with me to get the Giants?”
He wants to say yes, but I see Dagda shaking his head in my peripheral vision. With a resigned sigh, Kallen says, “I am needed here to help keep the peace.”
I know it’s the truth but I’m still disappointed to leave him behind for the second time today. Sounding as pouty as I feel, I ask Dagda, “Where am I supposed to get them? I really don’t want to go to Quinn’s house.”
My biological father nods, “I understand. I have asked both him and Ellu to meet you at Uluru. Sindri contacted them when we knew of your return and they should be waiting for you by now.”
“Fine,” I say, rising from my chair.
Kallen stands with me and pulls me into his arms. Kissing me deeply, he then murmurs against my lips, “Hurry back.”
“I will.” With a last kiss, I teleport to Uluru.
Sure enough, several Giants are waiting for me. Quinn is here with Orwick, the tall blonde Giant who is one of his soldiers. Ellu is also here. He is accompanied by a Giant I don’t know. Great, if the Chieftains are bringing their own guards, I’ll probably need to make more than one trip. I’m not sure how many I can teleport at a time and I don’t really want to risk someone leaving a leg or something behind. Too messy.
Quinn has a broad smile on his face when he sees me. Or should I say, a leering smile on his face. I admit, he is ten feet of gorgeousness, but his desire for me does nothing except make me dislike him more every time I see him. “Xandra, how wonderful to see you again,” he says in his deep, rich voice.
“Yeah, you, too,” I say half-heartedly, making him laugh.
“Your ability to lie has not improved, I see,” he teases.
I roll my eyes. “Are you guys ready to go?”
“Are you absolutely certain this is necessary?” Ellu asks. He glances toward Quinn then back to me. “This is not the best time for both Chieftains to be away.”
Fantastic. They haven’t completely worked out the issues between the two tribes yet. They really need to get their acts together. “Yes, it is. If anything happens while you’re away, I’ll come back and help you fix it.” I really, really hope nothing happens while they’re away. I’ve had more than enough time with Giants to last me a lifetime. “Which one of you wants to go first?”
Both Chieftains move toward me. Each is practically snarling at the other one. Pulling himself together, Quinn puts a fake smile back on his face. “It appears you will need to be the one to choose.”
“Listen, I don’t have time for your political games. Picking one of you to go first does not indicate I favor one of you over the other.” Pointing my finger back and forth between them, I say, “Eenie, Meanie, Miney, Mo, you’re it.” My finger stops on Quinn.
Despite my words, his chest swells with self-importance. I roll my eyes. “I am ready to travel anywhere with you, my beauty.”
I want to check for creepy crawlers on my skin because I’m not sure if they’re really there or it’s simply his words making my skin crawl. It’s probably his wor
ds, so I don’t bother to check. “I am not your beauty. What I am is happily married to Kallen so I would appreciate it if you knock that crap off.”
A flash of anger and what might be jealousy explodes in his eyes but his face is calm and collected. “Congratulations,” he says not sounding like he means it at all.
“Thanks.” Putting one hand on him and the other on Orwick, I teleport without warning.
I swear, I did not intentionally teleport us so close to the edge of the river running through the great hall at the Palace that Quinn has to fight to keep his balance. Or that Orwick has one foot on the marble floor and one over the river. Is it my fault gravity so often wins over balance? I refuse to answer that on the grounds I am likely to incriminate myself. “Sorry,” I say to the very wet Orwick. “I didn’t want to run into anyone.” Huh, I almost sounded like I mean it.
Orwick knows I don’t, though. With a growl, he climbs out of the river. He comes toward me but Quinn puts up a hand to stop him. The big, blonde Giant heeds the silent command. “She apologized.” Is that amusement I see on Quinn’s face? He probably would not be amused if it had been him in the River.
Certain a swift departure is called for, I say, “I need to go back for Ellu now. Make yourselves at home.” I teleport before either of them can say anything.
Oh. My. God. I wish I stayed at the Palace. The sight before me is so terrible, I want to close my eyes and refuse to see it.
Chapter 16
Several yards from me, Ellu is on his knees in agony. His guard is bleeding at his feet. I’m pretty sure he’s still alive, but if he is, he’s barely holding on. With her back to me, she pulls so much magic from the earth she will be able to remove Ellu’s head as easily as running a knife through melted butter. My mind is moving in slow motion as it refuses to acknowledge what I am seeing. Me, murdering a Giant.