Riftkeepers: Reckoning

by Carrie Whitethorne

  The woman glanced up nervously and Charlotte said, “That’s beautiful, thank you. Could you add that to our account, please?”

  With a curtsy, she said, “Yes, of course, Princess. Is there anything more I can do for you?”

  Charlotte laughed. “Yes, please relax. I’m just another customer. Callan doesn’t expect this sort of reception, and neither do I. Your work is beautiful. Thank you.”

  Offering another genuine smile, she left the shop.

  “What’s that?” Ferne asked, admiring the pink parcel.

  “Just a scrapbook. I’ve got some old photos I need to put away safe,” she explained, placing the book inside one of her bags.

  “I still haven’t moved my things here,” Ferne said. “I’m expecting it to fall apart and him to send me home.”

  “He wouldn’t do that, Fe. He’s in it for the long haul,” she said, linking their arms. “He’d never have asked you to move here if he didn’t love you. He was terrified of you rejecting him!”

  “I dunno, Lottie. He’s so grumpy sometimes. Like I’m not what he expected.”

  He’s under a lot of pressure. They’re all grumpy.

  “He didn’t know what to expect, Fe. He’s never done this before. Ever.”

  “Never?” Ferne asked in astonishment.

  “Nope. They only do this stuff if it’s serious. Trust me, he’s not grumpy because you aren’t what he expected. You’re everything he wants. Look at Alayna and Dane. He worships the ground she walks on, begs her to marry him, showers her with gifts. She keeps turning him down because she isn’t quite ready, so he’ll wait. If it’s a thousand years, he’ll wait. Just as Callan waited two thousand years to find me, then searched for seven. If Dagda didn’t want you, he wouldn’t have chased you.”

  Ferne nodded but kept quiet, thinking carefully about everything Charlotte had said. Charlotte smiled, and walked on to find the apothecary that sold Callan’s favourite bath oil.

  “Oh my god, don’t they have taxis here?” Ferne complained as they trudged up the cobbled road towards the palace.

  “Why would they have taxis?” Charlotte called over her shoulder.

  “Oh, yeah…”

  Charlotte shook her head and stopped at the palace gate waiting for Ferne.

  “Princess, do you require a carriage?” one of the guards asked.

  A carriage? I just want to sit down!

  “Are you allowed to just pop me up there?” she asked with a coy bat of her lashes.

  He glanced to the other guard, who gave a subtle nod and the guard extended his arm.

  “I shall return with Lady Ferne,” he said, leaving her in the main hall of the palace. Along the corridor, she could see the doors to the council chamber and quickly turned her back.

  “Charlotte MacAidh, are you encouraging my guards to leave their posts?”

  The guard arrived with Ferne and almost fell over when he saw Taran glowering at him. He made to speak and Charlotte held up a hand. “Taran, your front gate is a ridiculous distance from your front door and I have very short legs,” she explained sweetly.

  Taran gave her a reproachful look and said to the guard, “Back to your post. In the future, make them walk.”

  The guard bowed, his eyes wide with fear of being more severely reprimanded, and he disappeared. Ferne giggled and hutched her many bags up her arm.

  “Poor lad. That was mean, Taran!” Charlotte said, laughing.

  “Keeps them on their toes,” he smirked. “Callan and the children are with Caoimhe. I’ll escort you up.”

  “Good day?” Callan asked, giving her a kiss.

  She smiled up at him. “I got you some more of that oil you like.”

  “Nothing for yourself again?” he asked, frowning.

  “Yes, I have a new dress and a scrapbook,” she confirmed, shaking a bag at him.

  “Good. We’ll make a princess of you yet.”

  “Ferne’s already there,” she muttered, eyeing the pile of bags she’d left by the door.

  “She’s enjoying herself,” he said dismissively. “It’s only money and it’s there to be spent. You should try it.”

  She scowled at him, his chuckle following her outside as she went to find Caoimhe and the children.

  Twenty

  Zander ran ahead with Enya, placing wards on the beach at regular intervals. While the day wasn’t warm, it was dry and the sun was out for the first time in weeks. Charlotte and Callan followed at a more leisurely pace.

  “We’re going to have to pay Markus a visit soon. I’m supposed to be on his council and I haven’t set foot in Houska for ages,” Charlotte said, smiling at a passing couple.

  Callan nodded a greeting, then looked to her. “We can go after lunch if you’d like. I’m sure Markus will be happy to see you. He won’t call you in unless he has to, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit for updates.”

  “Are there any?” she asked with a flicker of concern.

  “No. Dane brings news and we haven’t seen him for the better part of a week. I assume Tyrin, Izak, and Konrad are working to seek out Nyja’s hiding place and they’re coming up empty. Nothing to tell you; no need to call you in.”

  Feeling reassured, she smiled up at him. “Afternoon at Houska it is.” Nodding ahead, she asked, “How many is he placing?”

  “As many as he likes. It’s just practice. We’ll do them properly when everything’s settled down, but for now, these won’t hurt,” he said, glancing behind to see no other walkers were nearby. “Blair mentioned giving him the chance to ward living things soon, since he’s doing so well.”

  “He can do that?”

  “Of course. My grandfather warded trees all over Europe, placing a network of defences all around us. Most have failed now, for one reason or another, but if Zander can put them back up…”

  “But why? Why trees?”

  “They’re connected with the earth. From what I understand, he drew the earth’s power up and bound it to the trees, leaving them to stand as sentinels against anything that would do harm. The Mother herself added to their protective abilities.”

  “The Mother?”

  He flashed his brows at her in answer and smiled.

  She considered the possibility for a moment, then nodded. “Clever. He must have been very talented.”

  “He was, and Zander is set to follow him.”

  She glanced his way to see him smiling to himself.

  He’s so proud of them.

  “Well, if Blair thinks he’s ready to move on to bigger wards, I won’t argue. He’s done a good job so far,” she said, taking his arm and leaning into him as they walked.

  “I told you, he’s the best we have. He knows more about the elemental powers than anyone, including the Druids. He’ll have Zander fully trained before he’s ten.”

  “What about Enya?”

  “The same. It’s just a case of fine-tuning her control. I know they were behind, compared to how we’re trained, but they’ve caught up so quickly. I assume it’s the influence of your power that’s done it. Look at how quickly you’ve picked it all up, in less time than they’ve had.”

  “I’m far from trained,” she said, huffing a small laugh. “I’m just winging it.”

  He stopped, turning her to face him. “You, Charlotte, are incredible. I don’t know how you’ve handled all of this.”

  With a wry smile, she said, “I dunno either. Suppose it’s the powers again, isn’t it?”

  “No,” he said cocking his head and frowning. “No, I think that’s all you. There’s much more to you than your power. I loved you before that, remember?”

  Smiling, she nodded. Arm through his, she turned to continue walking, silent as she considered what he’d said.

  He did. He loved me when I was plain little Charlotte. When I was no one to anyone.

  Zander and Enya were a good distance away; too far for them to be called back.

  “I’ll bring them back,” Callan said with a quick glan
ce around.

  He appeared up the beach where the children were and she saw him crouch to speak to them.

  I’m not plain little Charlotte now, am I? What am I exactly? I’m not human, or Fae, or Druid. I’m some sort of bizarre mongrel. A weapon.

  Callan and the children popped up, shaking her from her thoughts. “Okay?” she asked, looking Zander over and taking Enya’s hand.

  “Hungry,” Zander said, nodding.

  “I think lunch in the pub is a good idea, don’t you?” Callan asked as Charlotte turned around and began walking back along the beach.

  With the children curled up in the cinema with Alayna, Callan and Charlotte made their way to the main foyer of the palace where a Druid was waiting to escort them to Houska.

  As the bright, sunny halls of the palace were exchanged for the dim, candlelit halls of the castle, Charlotte felt herself relax.

  Why do I feel so much more at home here now?

  Callan thanked their escort and led her to Markus’ study where Dursek was waiting to greet them at the door.

  “Hello, Dursek. How are you?” she asked as they approached.

  He bowed and answered, “Very well, Princess. I trust you are well?” Not waiting for a reply, he opened the door and held it as they entered.

  “I am, thank you.”

  Markus rose from his desk and welcomed them with a warm smile. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” he asked, gesturing an armchair.

  “Charlotte was missing you,” Callan said, a smile twitching at his lips.

  His brows rose and he nodded to Dursek. The servant dutifully offered drinks and left the room quietly as Markus took a seat opposite them.

  “I thought I should show my face, since I haven’t since…well, it’s been a while,” she said, with a glance to Callan.

  Markus smiled at her. “Did you enjoy your holiday?”

  “We did, thanks. We needed it. How have you been?”

  Markus frowned, unused to being questioned on his own well-being. After a moment of consideration, he said honestly, “I miss my brother. Thankfully, there are no shortage of distractions. Thank you for your concern, Charlotte. It means a great deal.”

  She offered him an understanding smile as Callan asked, “Have there been any developments?”

  “Sadly not,” Markus replied with a touch of annoyance. “Occasional mass slaughters of wildlife, but nothing of great importance. The net is closing. She has been quiet for far too long. I expect we will discover her whereabouts, or she will make her move soon. In that event, I trust you are prepared?”

  Callan sipped his drink and nodded. “I believe so. The family are on standby to take the children should you sound the alarm. We’re training most days. Charlotte is spending extra time on her shields. We’re well prepared.”

  “Yes, Tyrin informed me of your progress, Charlotte. I must admit I’m impressed at the commitment you’ve shown. We’re all very lucky to have you working with us.”

  “Markus, this is my mess. My fault. I should have ended it in that cave, but my…my weakness has put everyone at risk. The least I can do is try and help fix it.”

  “Charlotte—”

  “Morality is not weakness, Charlotte. We, as a race, have a much more direct approach. We are the guardians of your world. Our actions over the millennia have afforded you that virtue,” he explained, holding her gaze. “When Callan slayed the witch on your behalf, for example, it was not due to weakness on your part. It was because he has no wish for you to debase yourself. The same when Dane and Klara took over, yet followed your instructions with the warlock. Your innocence is your greatest virtue, Charlotte. We would not see that lost unless it were absolutely necessary; for a greater good.”

  She took a large gulp of her wine, looking away as Callan cleared his throat and shifted awkwardly in his seat. “We can’t afford to worry about my morality any more though, can we? If she isn’t stopped, she’s going to have her little shadow army tear half of my kind to pieces. If she gains too much power, you don’t have the numbers, and we don’t have the skills to stop her. It’s up to us, here, to stop it before she can harm anyone.”

  Callan’s expression changed from discomfort to pride as she spoke.

  “Full of surprises,” Markus said, half to himself. “This is the strength you saw in her those years ago, Callan?”

  “It is,” he confirmed. His smile faltered, his eyes lost some of their sparkle. “Although, I didn’t expect it to be needed for this.”

  They sat in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. She took the opportunity to reach out to Markus.

  I know what has to be done, Markus.

  Yes. That is what concerns us. None of us relish the thought of you being on the front-line, Charlotte.

  It wasn’t something any of us could avoid once I revealed my power, was it? And that’s fine. I have a role to play. It’s my duty to see this through. I’m the best chance you have to deal with her. I get in close, I keep her down; we deal with her, we go home.

  When all remained quiet in her head, she looked at Markus and frowned at his expression.

  “Look,” she said brusquely, drawing both of their attention. “It is what it is. I keep practicing, you keep looking, and we handle it when it comes. I refuse to live in fear of her. We have lives, families, friends, and we can’t ignore all of that waiting for the psycho to show up. I’m not scared of her; I don’t care how many demons are at her back. I refuse to kowtow to a terrorist.” She flicked her eyes from Callan to Markus, waiting for a response.

  Callan smirked, giving Markus an ‘I told you so’ look.

  “I assume Taran’s plans for Beltane celebrations are unchanged?” Markus asked in response.

  “Indeed they are,” he said brightly. “I have the honour of lighting the fire this year, given it’s my first at the palace in eight years. You will attend this year, I take it?”

  “As Charlotte insists on spending time with family and friends, it would be remiss of me to decline the invitation,” he said, nodding to her.

  “Good. You don’t let your hair down often enough.”

  Markus chuckled and raised a hand slightly. Dursek refilled his glass, then Callan’s. Charlotte declined.

  “How are Zander’s wards holding?” Callan asked.

  “Perfectly. Several guards have forgotten the Druid rule and found themselves unconscious,” he said with some amusement. “He’s an extremely talented young man.”

  Callan glanced to her and flashed his brows as she shook her head and asked, “Is that a natural effect, or did Zander work that into them?”

  “He was asked to make that an effect. Any attempt to enter the castle without the required Druid and second escort will result in the impostor being left unconscious at the gates, my guards ready to interrogate them.”

  She shook her head, a wry smile on her lips. “Is there any wonder they’re becoming little warriors in training? I’m sure they’re pushing Tyrin to a breaking point.”

  “Tyrin enjoys sparring with them,” Callan said. “They keep him on his toes.”

  “So I hear. Tyrin has nothing but praise for them when he mentions his visits. Speaking of whom…” He nodded to Dursek and the doors were opened to allow him into the study. “Tyrin?”

  “I’m sorry to interrupt, Mark, but there’s been a disturbance,” he said quickly, giving Charlotte and Callan an apologetic smile.

  “What sort of disturbance?” Charlotte asked.

  “Small outpost outside of Zvolen. There’s nothing left. There were three Druids monitoring the Zmey clutch there. The eggs were destroyed.”

  Markus remained perfectly calm as he said, “Have their bodies brought to the castle. Have them tended to accordingly and their families escorted here. You and Izak are to take a small team and search the area. Be cautious. It is likely a test of strength. Report back within the hour.”

  Tyrin gave a stiff nod and ported away.

  “Is there anything we can do?” />
  “No, thank you, Charlotte. It is in hand. I must, however, excuse myself. The families will arrive shortly.”

  Callan rose and placed his glass on a table. “Until Beltane. Unless we’re needed beforehand,” he said, locking arms with Markus.

  Markus nodded once and turned to Charlotte. “Thank you for your visit,” he said, softly kissing her cheek.

  “If you need us, call,” she said and moved to Callan’s side, ready to leave the castle.

  In the privacy of their suite, she let out a tight breath. “Why?”

  “She’s feeling us out. She’ll be watching their response, monitoring the numbers sent, the strength of the team. It’s a test. They’ll become more frequent until she makes her move, or she’s found,” he said, anger written on his face.

  Charlotte shook her head sadly and perched on the edge of the sofa. “This is getting out of hand. Picking off Druids who were just watching…what’s a zmey, anyway?”

  “They’re small dragons. About the size of a van. There are less than a hundred of them left. They’re protected,” he explained, distracted.

  “And she’s destroyed a clutch of eggs and probably the parents?”

  Callan nodded. “Yep.”

  He stared blankly into the room and she left him to his thoughts for a while. “What are you thinking?” she asked eventually, patting the seat beside her.

  Sighing, he leaned back into the seat. “That this is going to get much worse before it gets better, and there isn’t much we can do to stop it. Everything that can be done, is being done. She won’t show her hand until she’s ready and we can’t find her.”

  She cuddled into his side. “We will find her, Callan. Or she’ll come to us. Until then, we have to try not to let her get to us. We have Beltane to look forward to. She can’t ruin that. She can’t get up here, can she?”

  “No, Avalon is closed to her. The only place in the world that is. It’s safe here.”

  “There you go then. Stuff her. I won’t let her win, Callan. I meant every word I said to Markus.”