by C. J. Pinard
She paused for a minute. “I’ll admit, Tom, that I was baffled by Darius instantly aging and returning mortal. I thought long and hard about it, and I have two theories. One is that the Enchantment is meant to make humans immortal and non-aging, so the spell I put on it caused Darius to turn mortal and age. The other theory is…kind of out there…”
“And what is that?” he asked, intrigued.
She paused and bit the corner of her lip. “I think the Oregon Vortex might have done it.”
“What? Are you serious?”
She laughed again. “Yes, I’m very serious. I have been doing a lot of Internet research on that place. I also portaled there one day out of curiosity, and there is a lot of magic in that place. I took the theory to my queen sisters and they confirmed that one of the original sylphs had spent time there. She may have enchanted it somehow, which explains the strange goings on there. I think Pascal knew this, and that’s why he chose to experiment with the Enchantment there, as he does not need it for its immortality compounds.”
Thomas just looked at her and grinned.
After their meal was over, they walked to Thomas’s car. He grabbed her and pulled her into a hug, to which she returned by putting her arms around him.
After she pulled away, she looked up into his blue eyes. “Why me, Thomas?” she asked
He didn’t answer. Instead, he used one hand to keep hold of her waist and the other to caress her face. He leaned his six-foot frame down to her tiny five-foot-two self and turned his head to kiss her on her full, pink lips. It was soft and passionate. She returned the kiss eagerly. He broke the kiss and ran his lips down her perfectly soft neck and she leaned her head back. After about a minute of this, she realized they were in public, and she pulled back slightly.
He looked down at her, slightly out of breath. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” she smiled sheepishly at him, wiping her lip with her index finger. “It’s just that I don’t think you want our first time to be in the middle of a parking lot, right?”
“Point taken. Am I going to see you tomorrow?” he asked.
“Of course,” she winked. She looked around, then waved her hand, calling her invisible doorway, and disappeared into thin air.
Thomas grinned and fished his keys from his pants pocket and hit the alarm button on the key fob. He sank his frame into the squeaky light gray leather of the front seat. He smiled again as he thought of her. He hadn’t felt like this in forty years, since Barbara. Starting the BMW, he put it in gear and headed back home.
∞∞∞
The Island of Nymph, Gulf of Mexico
“If everyone will please be seated so we can begin,” she announced, her yellow dress catching the reflection of the flame from a nearby torch.
The ‘court’ was set up outside under a blanket of stars. A tiki bar was perched on the edge of the sand pit. Two rows of plastic chairs lined up in front of a podium, which boasted Astroturf grass and a long microphone stretched from the top of it. Tiki torches lined the edges of the sand pit, as dark blue water licked the shoreline just a few feet away, leaving a wet kiss mark onto the white sand. A warm nighttime wind was blowing around the court, and the smell of salt was in the air.
“I call to order the trial of Jonathan Murphy, Head of the Portland, Oregon coven. The charge is Execution Without Cause and Lack of Execution Warrant,” she said.
Zoe, queen of the Eastern American Sylphs, was chairing the hearing, since Malina, queen of the Western American Sylphs, was a witness to the crime. Zoe had black hair and blue eyes, her tanned skin reflected her yellow dress. Her high-pitched voice commanded the attention of the room.
Jonathan raised his six-foot-four frame from his seat and stood next to the podium, dwarfing the tiny sylph. He looked around the small sand-covered courtroom and let out a sigh. Every time he came to the island, he was always reminded of his first time here.
The day that changed his life forever.
Zoe looked up at him and broke him from his memories. “State your name and title, please.”
“Jonathan Murphy, Portland Coven Leader.”
“Jonathan Murphy, please tell us what happened on the night of November eighth,” she commanded.
The nine other queens, including Malina, were seated in the front row, dressed in the colors of their region. They were all wearing their twisted crown headpieces, as this was official business. All eyes were on Jonathan.
He cleared his throat. “I was interrogating the subject, a vampire named Steve,” Jonathan started. “It was imperative we find Pascal, the head of the Portland vampire clan. He and Angel, his vampire mate, had kidnapped a sylph – the queen of our region in fact – along with another Immortal, Lillian Griffiths, and had taken them to an unknown location. Not only had they kidnapped them, they forced Queen Malina to make them Enchantment, and had six vials of it on his person. We felt time was of the essence to find them.”
A confused expression passed over Zoe’s face, but she said nothing.
Shifting his feet, he continued, “My colleague, Kathryn Jones has the Immortal gift of mind-reading and informed us he was lying about not knowing where they were. After several minutes of him not speaking and refusing to give up Pascal and Angel, Lillian Griffiths shot him in the leg with a UV gun.”
A small gasp could be heard from the audience.
He cleared his throat again and continued, “After being shot, he became a lot more compliant. He informed us that Pascal had taken the Enchantment to someplace called ‘the Vortex’,” he finished.
“What is that?” Zoe asked, taking notes on a yellow notepad.
Jonathan shot a glance at Thomas, who nodded at him, then back to Zoe. “After an Internet search, we followed a hunch that they had gone to the Oregon Vortex, a small tourist park in Southern Oregon, and we were right.”
“So what part of this led to Vampire Steve being killed?” Zoe asked, still scribbling.
“We found out he had been working undercover as a janitor in the building I own in downtown Portland. He’s the one who not only told Pascal where we live, but we also have reason to believe he stole the key to the jail cell in the building and freed Darius for Pascal.” He took a deep breath. “After he told us about the Vortex, I regrettably decided he should not be allowed to exist, and I rid the Earth of his miserable existence with the help of a UV gun. I pronounced guilt of treason against the Zie and the Treaty of the Fae before I did.”
Zoe said, “Thank you. If that is all, please take your seat.”
Jonathan exited the stage and sat in a chair in the front row.
“Thomas O’Malley and Kathryn Jones, please come forward.”
The two walked up. Kathryn nervously brushed a strand of blonde hair from her head and smoothed out her gray slacks that hid underneath her pink chiffon shirt. Thomas was in a suit, and stood still with his hands in front of him.
“Is Mr. Murphy’s account of events accurate?” Zoe asked them both.
Thomas and Kathryn both answered, “Yes,” simultaneously.
“Did Mr. Murphy pronounce guilt of treason against the Zie and the Treaty of the Fae?”
“Yes,” came both voices.
“Is there anything you would like to add?” Zoe asked.
“No,” they both responded.
Zoe nodded. “Please have a seat.” She jotted down more notes. She then looked up and said, “Queens, please follow me.”
The nine got up and followed Zoe colorfully and quietly to a nearby grass hut.
The three Immortals sat looking at each other. Kathryn put her hand on Jonathan’s. “It’s okay. You did nothing wrong,” she consoled.
After thirty long minutes, the queens emerged silently and took their seats. Zoe took her place at the podium.
“Jonathan Murphy, please return to the front,” Zoe ordered.
He did as ordered.
“The Council of the Zie has decided to drop all charges. But be aware that killing any member
of the Fae, without prior written permission from a queen, or in self-defense, will not be tolerated again. Are we clear?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, nodding.
“Okay. Please have a seat as we have another matter to attend to.”
Jonathan, Thomas, and Kathryn’s smiles turned to concern as Zoe took a seat in the front row and Malina took the place at the podium.
“Bill, please bring out the prisoners,” she said, looking toward the hut she and the other nine queens had just returned from.
Bill, along with four other young Immortals wearing all black SWAT gear, filed quietly into the hut.
When Immortals are chosen, they are usually given what is called “Island Duty.” Similar to when new police officers are made to work in the local county jails as rookies, the young Immortals do the same for the queens. Every Fae who breaks the Treaty is held under arrest and guarded by young Immortals who possess various skills. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Most Immortals spend a couple of years working Island Duty until given a duty station somewhere in the world. Thomas had been one of the first to pull ‘Island Duty.’ About a year after his transformation to Immortal, he was sent to Nymph to learn how to detain and interact with prisoners. He learned invaluable lessons and was a great example of why the sylphs needed young Immortals to run their jail. Jonathan had been very proud of how Thomas had set the precedent for Island Duty and the need for Immortals.
The Immortal jailers had Pascal, Angel, Mike, and Joshua by their left arms. The vampires’ arms were shackled with iron handcuffs. Each vampire looked tired, hungry, and generally unhappy.
Jonathan, Thomas, and Kathryn all gasped.
Kathryn whispered, “Guess they’re killing two bloodsuckers with one stone today by holding their trial now.”
The young Immortals lined the vampires up on the stage of the court and stood on the side of the sandpit with their arms crossed in front of them.
“State your names and titles for the record,” Malina commanded, glowering at the vampires.
“Pascal, head of the Portland Vampire Clan,” he started, his British more pronounced due to exhaustion.
“Angel, Portland Clan.”
“Mike, foot-soldier, Portland Clan.”
“Joshua, foot-soldier, Portland Clan.”
Malina looked at the papers in front of her and said, “Do you have anything to say for yourselves?”
“Only that I speak for us all when I say that we are truly sorry. We acted selfishly and should not have forced you to make Enchantment. I never, ever want to see any of that rubbish for as long as I live,” Pascal answered, shuddering, thinking about poor Darius.
Malina suppressed a smile. “That’s what we thought. After a very long and careful meeting with the council, we are feeling extra generous this glorious evening and have decided that your punishment has already been handed down. What happened to Vampire Darius, we hope, will be a lesson to you, combined with the incarceration and lack of food you have endured for the past two weeks. But keep this in mind: You will only be allowed to exist if you continue to follow our rules and laws. You will not feed from humans or break human or Zie laws or the Treaty. We don’t care where you get your nourishment from, as long as it is not from living, breathing mortals. You will continue to follow their laws, as well. Is this clear?”
All four vampires answered their acquiescence positively.
“Very well. Then we will be on our way. Court is adjourned.” She left the stage as the audience dispersed. Malina put one finger up to the young Immortals, indicating for them to wait. “Jonathan. I’m going to portal you back to Portland and I need you to take the vampires back to their homes. If you could remove their restraints once they reach their dwellings, that would be lovely of you,” she finished.
“Of course, my queen,” he said, bowing his head slightly.
She waved her hand and opened her shimmery portal, leading the way for the three Immortals and four weary vampires as they all stepped through.
∞∞∞
Newcastle, England – 1809
Darkness blanketed the valley where his modest home was set, a small smattering of stars and a sliver of a moon illuminating very little. Jonathan stepped outside to get a breath of fresh air after he and his small family, along with their new houseguest, finished their dinner. He hadn’t been out hunting for a few nights while he had been caring for Emma. He really wanted to go, but knew he couldn’t leave right then. He was also a bit apprehensive because of what had happened the last time he had been out in the forest.
He walked back into the house to find Emma helping Marie with the dishes.
“Oh no, Marie. Our guest must not help with the chores, young lady,” he scolded.
“But, father, she offered,” she spat out.
“It’s quite all right, Mr. Murphy. I was just helping your daughter with the dishes, as I am leaving tonight and did not want to leave her with a mess after you all were so kind to me,” Emma said.
“Why are you leaving while it’s dark? In the morning I will be happy to take you back to wherever it is you came from,” Jonathan said.
Ignoring his question, she asked, “Do you know where my satchel is? I was carrying one through the forest.”
“No, I’m sorry; I do not know where it is. Come, I will help you look for it,” Jonathan said. Then he turned to Marie. “After the dishes are done, it’s time for bed. We will be back shortly. Your brother and sister are already asleep, I take it?”
“Yes, father,” she said, going back to her chore.
Jonathan grabbed his bow and quiver before walking out the door.
As they trekked over the hill and down into the dense trees, Jonathan said, pointing, “It was over there that I found you.”
They made their way over to a gathering of bloodstained leaves in a clearing. Emma began to walk in the opposite direction they had come, scanning the ground for her beloved satchel. She walked around tree trunks and carefully stepped over the twisted roots that threatened to trip any passersby. Jonathan was fixed to one spot, eyeing her curiously, but saying nothing.
“Here it is!” she cried out, bending down and yanking a brown leather bag from under a pile of leaves. She shook it to free the leaves and debris from it. She then lifted the flap and inspected the contents inside. “Wow everything seems to still be in here.”
“What’s in there? Were you on some sort of trip when you were passing through here?” Jonathan asked her.
“You could say that,” she answered evasively.
He stared into her blue eyes, waiting for further explanation, but got none. So he asked, “Do you live around here?”
“No.”
Frustrations mounting, he said, “Let’s walk and talk. I don’t like this forest much at night.” He adjusted the bow and quiver on his back as he grabbed her by the hand and led her back out of the thicket of trees.
“What do you want to talk about? I will be out of your hair tonight, you needn’t to worry.”
“Well, what if I don’t want you to leave? I’ve barely got to know you. I also have questions about the night you were attacked,” Jonathan said.
With her infuriating silence hanging in the air, he continued. “What happened to you? What was that creature that attacked you? I killed him – or I suppose I should say I destroyed him – for after I stabbed him, he simply turned to dust before my eyes.”
She looked up at him and bit her lip. She waved away a stray lock of red hair by looping it behind her ear. Taking a deep breath, she answered, “That was a vampyre.”
Jonathan chuckled. “Well, I was about to say there’s no such thing as vampyres, but I suppose I shouldn’t be so quick to judge. I know what I saw with my own two eyes.”
“Yes, there are such things. I had been getting pretty good at evading that particular vampyre when he caught me off guard whilst I was rummaging through my satchel for my canteen. I should have never taken a shortcut through this fore
st…” she trailed off.
“Wait – you had seen that man before? The one who was… biting you?”
“He’s not a man, he’s a creature. A blood-sucking fiend that only comes out at night, for they cannot tolerate the daytime or the sunlight.”
Jonathan narrowed his eyes at her. “You did not answer my question.”
She let out a breath. “Okay, yes I had seen him before. He stalks villages for food – for blood – and when he’s killed a couple of people, he moves on to the next village. It’s how they survive. He normally has a companion with him, but I did not see him the night you found me. I’m afraid we would not be having this conversation had you not come upon us when you did. So for that, I owe you a debt of gratitude.”
“Well you’re quite welcome, little lady. Won’t you please come and stay with me for a little while, or do you have a husband to get home to?”
She let out a small laugh. “No, no husband. And I really do not have a home. I kind of wander from place to place, seeing what I can of the world.”
“Where are your parents? You look very young.”
“They live in London, but I am twenty-eight years old and am not accountable to them.”
“Twenty-eight! You look eighteen, and that’s a generous estimate,” he replied, stunned.
“Yes, I hear that all the time.” She began to walk some more, then said, “I will stay with you and your darling children until tomorrow, then I must be on my way.”
“I really wish you would agree to stay longer. Marie has taken quite a liking to you, it seems,” Jonathan said, grinning.
She smiled. “She’s a sweet child. Tell me, Jonathan, where is their mother?”
Jonathan’s smile faded as he answered, “She died two years ago giving birth to a son. Unfortunately, he also died. It’s not been easy on us, but the children are doing as best as they can to cope, as am I.”
Emma bowed her head and whispered, “I’m so sorry.”
They had reached the door to the home and Jonathan insisted Emma sleep in his room and he would sleep in the chair in the front room, as he had been doing the past few nights.