by Lawna Mackie
“I hope I’m wrong, too, Meeka.”
She offered a weak smile; she knew she wasn’t. “Please tell me what you do know.” “It makes Threeo very sad to talk about it, but I’ll try.”
“Thank you.”
“What I saw was a woman with long, black hair. Death surrounded her. There were very bad men, and everyone was dead…even Kerrigan.”
A sense of dread washed over her, causing her stomach to roll. His vision too closely mirrored hers.
“Remember, sometimes, my visions don’t come true.” Threeo said softly.
She tried to smile through the tears. “Thanks for sharing, Threeo. I can only pray it won’t happen.”
“You are extremely powerful, and I believe with all my heart the power of love will always defeat evil. You have a good soul, Meeka. We all feel it.”
She walked over to the mantel and wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you, Threeo.” She wiped her eyes. “Now I better finish cleaning this mess up.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Paddy sat in her spacious living room quilting yet another blanket. It was one of her favorite hobbies. Humming to herself, she sat with needle and thread in hand, wielding her craft.
Todd’s demeanor, on the other hand, was the exact opposite of contentment. He paced the living room, fretting about the future. Paddy stopped what she was doing for a moment and glared at him. “Todd, would you sit down for just two minutes? You’re driving me crazy. You haven’t had a peaceful moment in two weeks,” she scolded.
He continued to pace with his tail thumping the floor as he went. “Paddy, how can you just sit there sewing? Don’t you feel it in the air?”
“What are you talking about? Maybe Kerrigan’s right; you have been working too hard. I think you’re starting to lose it.”
“I think I was wrong. I should never have cocooned the girl and the Lemren. What if something truly bad happens?”
Paddy put her sewing down and placed her paws on her belly.
“Todd Beaver, you have lost it! Do you not see how happy our son is when she is around? I think he’s in love with her and doesn’t want to admit it. I’ve never seen him this way. Todd, he may have never have found a mate if you hadn’t brought her here. Destiny does not always make things easy, but in the end, he will learn to open his heart. You did a good thing, Todd, and I love you even more for it.”
Todd glared at his wife. “A mate? She can’t stay here, Paddy. Kerrigan has been searching for a way to get her off Enchantment without killing her. The Counselors won’t let her stay here indefinitely, even if it means killing her in the process.”
But Paddy’s eternal optimism wouldn’t be quelled. She settled back to her stitching with a smile. “Kerrigan would never let them send her back to Upper World if she might be killed.”
“I still think it was a mistake. I shouldn’t have brought her down here. Kerrigan would have eventually found a nice Enchanter and settled down.”
Paddy was frustrated. “I can’t listen to your nonsense anymore. Today’s market day, so I’m going shopping.” She stood and fetched her purse off the table.
“I’m stressed, and you’re going shopping,” he fretted.
“Todd, go for a swim and cut some trees down. It will help you feel better. You really need to relax. Everything will be fine. Trust me.” Paddy gave him a peck and walked out the door.
“Another beautiful day,” Paddy declared, and closed the front door behind her. She strode down the front steps of her home. Wonderful smells drifted to her nose—roses, lilacs, and lilies. Paddy took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
A walk will do me good.
She heard the whoop, whoop of large wings overhead, and waved up at the gargoyles Kerrigan had ordered to follow her everywhere she went. She smiled, knowing her son had taken care to ensure she was properly protected.
The market bustled with Enchanters coming and going. Today seemed exceptionally busy. Paddy made her way through the crowd, stopping to talk to everyone. Mrs. Pearson, who had the best vegetables around, was always a treat to visit with.
“Good morning, Mrs. Pearson,” Paddy said jovially.
“Good morning to you, Mrs. Beaver. I have an excellent variety this morning. I know how your husband likes his greens,” the shop lady chattered while looking up to notice the large gargoyles overhead. “Mrs. Beaver, are those gargoyles following you around for some reason? It’s unusual for them to be out and about, isn’t it?”
Paddy hadn’t thought about the how all the people in the market might react to the gargoyles flying high above them. She laughed to hide her sudden nervousness. “Oh, you know children,” she said. “Kerrigan is always trying to make sure he looks after me. I guess I’m just lucky to have the Enforcer as my son. I told him I wasn’t feeling quite myself, and this is the result. Personally, I think he’s using it as an opportunity to torture his poor staff. Why, to have to watch their commander’s mother do her daily shopping, the embarrassment,” Paddy prattled with a grin and a wave of her hand. Leaning forward, she glanced around as though to impart a secret. “Don’t tell him, but I’m a bit flattered.”
Mrs. Pearson patted Paddy’s paw. “Oh, your son is a darling. You are lucky to have him. I hope you feel better soon.”
“Thank you for the compliment. His father and I know how lucky we are.” Paddy looked at the fresh arrangement of vegetables on the table and carefully chose a few. After paying Mrs. Pearson, Paddy continued through the crowd of Enchanters, buying more sewing supplies and a few pieces of fabric.
“Think I’ve got it all.”
She was almost out of the market when a small hut caught her attention. Gold shimmered through the windows, piquing Paddy’s curiosity.
A new store.
She didn’t remember it being here ever before. Paddy couldn’t turn her eyes from the gleaming store. She was somehow compelled to take a look.
The doorway of the little hut was filled with shimmering strands of beads. A table outside displayed a wide variety of beautiful gold necklaces and lockets. A little pixie locket caught her eye. It would be a lovely gift for Meeka. Paddy remembered how much the girl had loved Pixie Field. She was overjoyed at the thought of surprising her with the gift. There was no price on the locket, so she decided to go inside and inquire.
Paddy waddled through the beaded entrance. “Hello.” She looked around for the shopkeeper. “Hello,” she said again. “Is anyone here?”
It‘s an odd store…no tables inside, looks like there’s nothing else for sale.
Paddy looked from side to side, still calling, “hello.”
She’d shrugged and turned back for the door when she felt a cold hand slide over her mouth and a sharp poke against her neck. She screamed in fright, but it just came out as a muffled cry. Nobody would hear her over the crowd outside.
Her limbs became very heavy, and her vision clouded. Oh, dear! What’s happening? Kerrigan and Meeka… Fear and blackness engulfed her.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
It worked better than he could have possibly imagined! Ecstatic, Jager glanced out the window, silently cursing. The gargoyles would be outside waiting for her to exit the store. If Paddy didn’t exit the store pronto, they’d come in after her. Still, to use magic? With an indifferent shrug, he unrolled the scroll Thalius had supplied him. It was a recipe, of sorts. He quickly read the instructions. A vial of red, murky liquid was rolled up in the scroll.
Hope this works.
With Paddy’s unconscious body securely hidden behind the counter, Jager reached down and pulled out a few pieces of her hair and stuffed it in the vial along with a piece of his own. He gave it a quick shake and chanted. “As Paddy Beaver is, I will now be.” Then he downed the contents.
Grimacing at the tickle racing over his body, he jolted when he caught his reflection. He looked at his beaver body, which mirrored Paddy Beaver. There was no time to waste. He could hear the gargoyles’ powerful wings flapping closer and closer.
Jager bent down and picked up the bags Paddy had dropped. With the rounded belly and short legs of the beaver, his balance was off. Tipping into the counter, he swore under his breath.
How the hell do these beavers do anything in a body like this?
Carefully, he picked up the bags, set his jaw, and shuffled a couple of steps. Walking was going to be interesting, but as long as he didn’t try to lift his feet too high, he should be okay. He heard one of the gargoyles land on the ground and the sound of people scurrying to get out its way. Jager waddled out through the bead-covered doorway.
The gargoyle cocked its head to the side. “Are you okay, Mrs. Beaver?”
Jager felt his heart drop. What if it realized something was up? The thing was enormous. Fuck! He was never sweet. This wasn’t going to be easy. Still, he’d give it a shot if it meant he could get his hands on that sweet bit of meat.
“Oh, you big giant, I’m great. I love to shop, you know,” Jager gushed.
The gargoyle stood silent for a moment as the other two swooped right overhead. “Are you done shopping now?” the gargoyle asked.
He couldn’t believe how well this was going. Maybe he’d have a little time for some recreation. Snickering to himself, he nodded. “Yes, I think I’m going to go home.” “Okay, Mrs. Beaver.” The gargoyle took flight.
Nervous as hell, he now he had to waddle all the way back to the Beaver house with a damned tail. Jager wobbled his way down the street. The gargoyles were flying much lower than they should be, probably because he almost landed on his face more than once. They seemed to believe his identity, but would Todd Beaver, Meeka, and whomever else he might run into? He hoped so, or he’d be in a world of trouble.
The house stood in the distance. He was almost there. He tripped one more time and dropped one of the bags he was carrying. “Shite!” He swore as he bent to pick it up, tensing when he noticed the large gargoyle once again staring at him.
“Did I say that? My goodness! I don’t know what came over me.” Jager place his hand over his mouth sweetly.
“I’ve never heard your swear before, Mrs. Beaver. Are you really sure you’re okay? Would you like me to carry you to the house?”
He looked up at the gargoyle. “No, really, I am fine. I’ve just got a bit of a headache today.”
When he finally reached the front door of the Beaver’s house, he took a deep breath and turned the doorknob. Thankfully, nobody was there to greet him. He dropped the bags at the door and continued down the hallway past a few rooms. So this was how the wealthy lived. It certainly wasn’t Thalius’s marble mansion, but it was very nice, indeed.
By now, Thalius should be at the fake store to take Paddy’s sedated body back to his dungeon. Jager had other things to occupy his mind. How was he going to find Meeka? Where would Kerrigan be keeping her?
Jager walked through to the kitchen, finding no one. He figured Meeka would be in Kerrigan’s home, but where was the entrance? He continued to scour the house until final he found a back door.
This must be it.
He opened the door and looked down into a tunnel.
Bingo.
He paused briefly, practicing what he was going to say if he ran into Kerrigan or another member of the family.
The long tunnel led to a heavy metal door.
Shite!
The door had no doorknob. Jager cursed silently, and then noticed the square metal panel off to the right of the door. He examined it. It must be some kind of identification device.
He hoped to hell the spell was good enough for this. He placed his version of Paddy’s paw flat against the cold metal. A florescent green light started at the top of the panel and slid all the way down.
Click. Thunk. Click. The door popped open.
Oh, yes! He was good! He could almost taste success, in the form of Meeka’s sweet, delectable body. Of course, he had absolutely no intention of listening to Thalius’s threats. The sick old bastard could use her for whatever he wanted after Jager had his reward.
He followed the stairs up to a landing, which had many large halls going in all directions, both up and down.
Kerrigan’s house was known to most folk as the castle in the trees. It stood like a fortress from the outside. Only family ever gained access into the Enforcer’s home. How he wished he could see the bastard’s face when he realized his house and Meeka had been compromised.
He shook his head, bringing himself back to the task at hand. He didn’t have time for selfish daydreams.
Apparently, Kerrigan isn’t scared of stairs.
Jager took the first hall and went up and down a few flights of stairs. Did the jerk have no comprehension of what beaver legs were all about? This body form was not conducive to stairs. The tail was always in the way, and this fur coat made him much too warm. Frustration washed over him. He turned around and went back the way he had come, hoping he’d find a clue if he tried each doorway.
Then he heard a voice. He didn’t recognize it, but he hoped to hell it wasn’t Kerrigan. Jager decided his best bet was to let whoever it was know he was there and hope they would lead him to Meeka.
“Hello!” Jager rang out in his best imitation of Paddy’s voice.
He listened and waited as he heard noises coming closer. Whatever it was sounded like a small elephant.
A small creature bounded around the corner with its tail wagging and pounced on him. Appalled, Jager let out a squeal, trying to get away from the odd creature.
What the hell is it?
The creature stepped back, and its tail fell down between its large hippo legs.
“Aren’t you happy to see Threeo, Paddy? Why’d you scream?” The creature sat back on its haunches, visibly disappointed.
He gathered his composure quickly. Of course Paddy would be happy to see the stupid, awkward creature. Clearing his throat, he spoke. “Of course I’m happy to see you. You just startled me. My mind was on other things.”
Threeo stared at her. “Oh.” Sadness still etched his face.
Quick, think of something.
“Would you like to play later?” Jager asked. Play what? He had no idea, but hoped this was the right thing to say.
Threeo’s tail lifted a bit, and his expression changed slowly. “Can we have treats, too? You know I love treats.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. It worked. “You bet you can have treats. Do you know where everyone is?” He could barely contain his glee. It couldn’t be so easy.
“I don’t know where everyone else is, but Meeka just finished playing with the babies. She’s almost done cleaning up. They made quite a mess.” Threeo laughed.
What babies?
He needed to get the hell out of there, and soon. He quite literally stood in the dragon’s den, and he didn’t like it one bit. He had to get to the little tramp and get out.
An idea formulated in his mind.
“I can’t wait until later.” Jager lied, clapping his hands. “We’ll have fun playing, but right now, my pet, could you please go tell Meeka I need to see her? I’ll wait right here for her.”
“Sure, Paddy. I’ll go get her for you.” He turned and thumped his way down the stairs.
His damned animal fur was damp with sweat. With a paw, he wiped around his face. How could anyone live like this? Anticipation and nervousness gnawed at his stomach. Hearing voices from somewhere below, he put on a large smile. Everyone knew Paddy Beaver had a constant smile etched into her features.
Threeo was again the first one to meet him at the top of the stairs, but this time Jager knew what was expected, and bent to pet the creepy little thing.
A vision of long legs came into view as Meeka rounded the corner, taking the last few stairs.
She was even more delicious-looking than the last time he saw her. The cute little dress she’d been wearing at the lake was gone, and denim covered her long legs. No wonder Kerrigan was keeping her all to himself.
Meeka looked down at him. “Hi, Paddy. I
was just going to ask Kerrigan if I could go visit you.” She smiled as she hurried down the steps.
Perfect! I’ll just play along.
“Well, I thought I would come see you. My son isn’t sharing you at all.” He modestly batted his eyelashes.
Meeka blushed at her comment. “I enjoy visiting with you, too, Paddy,” she finally responded.
There wasn’t going to be a better opportunity; he’d best get his butt into gear and get the hell out of there with her in tow. “Threeo, do you think I could have a moment alone with Meeka? Girl things, you know,” Jager asked sweetly.
Threeo seemed happy to obey, and quickly disappeared back down the stairs. Jager turned to the unsuspecting Meeka. “Sorry, Meeka. I really just wanted a chance to visit with you and to take you out for a wonderful treat.”
“You want to take me out for a treat…as in out of the house?”
“Yes, yes, it’s exactly what I want to do. Don’t worry. I just saw Kerrigan a few minutes ago, and he said it would be all right. The gargoyles will be guarding us, anyway.”
Jager hoped the trick would work; he didn’t want to resort to other methods so far from the hut. Besides, he wanted Thalius to be in the dark about his own little plan for Meeka—one that required some close personal time.
An anxious tingle swept through Meeka’s limbs. She’d rather go out with him than without him, but since it was his mom…
“He really said we could go out? Where would we go?”
Almost rubbing his paws together with glee, he nodded. “Yes, he said it would do you good to go out for a while. He said you’ve been stressed.” He watched her expressions change.
“It would be great to go out, Paddy. Where are we going?”
“I forgot a couple things at the market today, so I thought you might want to accompany me back there.”
“Great. Just let me go tell Catz I’m going, and we can leave. You know her. She’ll worry if I don’t let her know where I am.”