The Iron Realm (The Iron Soul Book 1)

by J. M. Briggs

  Alex nodded to her other friends and gave a small wave as they hurried down the street with their coffees. Jenny gripped Alex's arm and tugged her into the warmth of Bookend Coffee as Arthur opened the door for them. Many of the tables were occupied with students and a few locals with cups of steaming coffee that warmed Alex just with the sight of it. The scent of coffee beans filled the space, but Alex could also detect a hint of the pastries baking in the back that made her mouth water as she and Jenny joined the line.

  “They seem nice,” Arthur said with a bit of hesitation. “So you have how many classes with Aiden and fencing club?” he asked, trying to sound uninterested.

  “We're in physics class, physics lab, calculus and history,” Alex listed off before making a slightly irritated face. “Man I do see that guy a lot, but he's nice if a bit weird,” she assured Arthur quickly.

  “He's kind of cute,” Jenny ventured with a teasing smile. “Unless he's with Nicki,” she considered thoughtfully.

  “He's not with Nicki,” Alex promised with a little smile, “But I'm not into him.”

  “Too bad,” Jenny sighed, “Double dating could be fun. Although he seems like a bit of a geek.”

  “Major geek,” Alex verified with a nod. “How about letting me pass my first semester before you try and set me up.”

  “I make no promises,” Jenny replied with a grin. Arthur laughed loudly behind them at her words while Lance pushed Alex forward gently as the line moved forward. Without missing a beat, Jenny cheerfully greeted the barista and placed her order.

  By some miracle there was a free table in the loft, finally paying off Alex's habit of always checking. More than two months into school and Alex had never managed to snag a seat in the loft before so she rushed to the table and slid into one of the chairs, barely managing not to spill her coffee. Jenny followed much more calmly, sashaying over to the free chair and sitting down gracefully. Lance and Arthur slumped into their seats, already sipping from their coffees. Another pair of students came up to check the loft, sighing in disappointment before heading back downstairs which made Alex grin in triumph. Arthur's eyes twinkled with amusement and he snorted into his coffee while Lance just shook his head and looked like he was considering pretending he didn't know who they were.

  “You do know we're not staying here that long,” Jenny teased, “Despite your victory. Coffee and then some non-campus food.”

  “Have you sat in the loft before?” Alex questioned with a raised eyebrow and a slight huff. “I haven't.”

  “I have a few times,” Lance told her with a shrug and when the others looked at him he added, “I wake up really early some morning and like to get a coffee. This place is pretty quiet at five in the morning.”

  “Which would explain why this is news to me,” Arthur remarked with a chuckle, “At five in the morning if I'm not at an early practice I'm asleep.”

  “Me too,” Alex agreed with a wide grin. “It's only on Sundays that I manage morning runs, otherwise I don't run until the afternoon.”

  “You people are weird,” Jenny remarked before taking a sip of her own coffee which was some super fancy thing that had taken what had seemed like an eternity to order to Alex. “So what should we do for lunch?”

  “I feel like Mexican,” Arthur suggested, “Outside the taco bar, there never seems to be Mexican food on campus.”

  Alex considered the statement. “You're right,” Alex realized, “There are burgers, Chinese food, pizza and sub sandwiches but no Mexican.”

  “Sounds like its Mexican for lunch,” Lance observed with a glance towards Jenny who returned the stare for a long moment before snapping her attention back to Arthur.

  Blinking, Alex studied Jenny for a minute, wondering what had just happened, but the cheerful conversation about classes and football had resumed. Alex picked up her coffee cup and took another sip, listening as the conversation changed to a lighthearted debate about what movie to see that afternoon. Jenny argued in favor of a drama while Lance was adamant they should see an action movie. Watching the interaction for a moment, Alex relaxed and glance at Arthur who merely winked at her, sharing her amusement. Smiling in return, Alex settled back into her chair and took another sip of her coffee, basking in its warmth and the moment of normalcy.

  18

  Changeling Child

  822 B.C.E.

  Morgana woke suddenly to the sound of a bell, her hair tangling around her face as she shifted in her bed. The white fabric with golden embroidery pooled around her legs as she rolled over and opened her eyes. A Síd in a soft blue gown was standing in the doorway of the small round room with a golden tray which held a golden chalice and a small golden bell. Climbing from the large bed, Morgana did her best to move gracefully to the doorway. In the light from a magical orb, the chalice gleamed brightly showing the tiny engraving that covered the surface. Morgana took the chalice gently in one hand and raised it to her lips. The Síd did not speak, but watched calmly as Morgana drank from the chalice.

  The mixture was sweet, but thick and stuck to the inside of the mouth and throat, slipping down slowly. Refusing to show any distaste, Morgana drained the chalice and set it back on the tray. Giving her a nod, the Síd took a step back from her and then turned sharply to leave the room. Morgana waited for a moment before she pulled the white curtain that divided her room from the outer chamber across the entryway. She quickly straightened the sheets and pillows of her bed, tightening them until they were free of any wrinkles before turning to the gold and stone wardrobe that dominated the far corner of her room beside a matching table.

  Moving quickly and efficiently, Morgana changed out of the white gown she wore to sleep and dressed herself in the elegantly embroidered pale blue gown that was Queen Scáthbás' favorite. Morgana slipped her feet into a pair of pale blue slippers that matched the dress and selected a long golden belt with the sign of the Queen and draped it around her waist. Grabbing her brush, Morgana tended to her long hair and had managed to untangle the knots when the curtain was pulled back and another Síd entered. This one nodded a greeting to Morgana which she returned, but did not speak with her.

  The Síd came to Morgana's back and the girl saw a flash of long claws covered with golden protectors in the corner of her eye before the Síd gathered up her hair and began to style it into a braid. Morgana remained as still as she could, even when the Síd tugged much harder than was needed. Taking a few deep breathes, Morgana tried to calm herself and not show her excitement for the day.

  “The Queen is waiting,” the Síd told her, releasing her hair that Morgan could feel piled on top of her head in a series of braids.

  “Understood my lady,” Morgana replied, turning and giving the Síd a small bow.

  Gathering up the fabric of her dress, Morgana moved quickly for the door and stepped out into the large white corridor. A guard was posted by her doorway, but made no reaction as Morgana passed him. Keeping her head high and her shoulders back, Morgana walked down the long hallway towards a gleaming golden archway at the far end. Two more guards in golden armor stood at the ready, weapons drawn. One eyed Morgana with a hint of suspicion and a touch of fear as she passed between them. The other gave her a look she had learned in the past year was connected to lust and caused a flash of anger within her. Morgana did not fear his expression or his desires. She no longer feared the touches of the Sídhe who had come to take away the other children over the years: she had no reason to fear them. None would ever touch her without the consent of her mistress. She belonged to the Queen herself.

  Despite her confidence, Morgana slowed as she stepped into the chambers of the Queen. Music echoed in the large domed white stone space and the Queen's back was to Morgana, seated before a beautiful polished gold mirror. To her right was the Queen's bed, draped in golden cloth with elegantly carved golden accented stone. Morgana's steps echoed softly on the white tiles as she approached Queen Scáthbás. The queen's long pale hair shimmered all the colors Morgana knew in the
light of the magical orbs, hanging down her back in gentle waves. Her tall golden crown sat on a small cushion on the vanity top before her. Creeping forward to Queen Scáthbás' side, Morgana bowed deeply and waited.

  “My precious one,” Queen Scáthbás greeted with a smile, reaching out a hand and touched the top of Morgana's head. “Did you sleep well my beautiful girl?”

  “I did Your Majesty,” Morgana answered, closing her eyes and savoring the touch. “Did Your Majesty?”

  “I dreamt of the beautiful world that we shall make the Iron Realm into,” Queen Scáthbás sighed softly, removing her hand from Morgana's head. “I fear that dream shall never be.”

  Morgana swallowed, unsure of how to comfort the queen, but Queen Scáthbás picked up a golden brush and handed it Morgana. Taking it gently, Morgana rose from her knees and moved around to the queen's back and began to carefully brush her mistress' hair.

  “What do you dream of precious one?” Queen Scáthbás asked softly.

  “I do not remember often,” Morgana confessed, “But I dream of the great stories that I have heard growing up. The Sídhe warriors, their magic and the worlds that were brought into the light of the Sídhe.”

  “My little mage,” Queen Scáthbás cooed, “One day soon you shall be a part of those stories. Did I not tell you that we would bring your poor iron cursed world into our light?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” Morgana replied, “You did.”

  “I told you that the day I claimed you,” Queen Scáthbás said wistfully, catching Morgan's hand with her own ungloved one. She pulled on Morgana's hand gently, bringing her around to the side of her. “I told you that you would serve me well, my little darling.”

  “And have I?” Morgana asked, dropping her eyes.

  “You have worked so hard learning to use your magic,” Queen Scáthbás told her with a smile, touching Morgana's chin to make her look back up at her. “And you are so well behaved, so obedient and quiet. My perfect little girl.”

  Morgana smiled at the praise, basking in the warmth of the queen's words. Returning the smile, Queen Scáthbás looked in her mirror and then back at Morgana. “Finish my hair won't you my little darling, use your magic.”

  Nodding, Morgana stepped back from the queen and closed her eyes. She inhaled slowly, feeling the pulse of the magic around her building. Calling it forward, Morgana conjured an image in her mind of the queen's long hair being styled into her favorite elaborate seven braids coiled around her crown. She opened her eyes and pushed at the magic, feeling it absorb her commands, her will and begin to work. Watching, Morgana kept a tight rein on the magic as the queen's hair magically braided itself and began to weave into an elaborate style. On the cushion, the crown shifted unsteadily before rising into the air and settling on the queen's head. Morgana released a slow breath as the braids finished weaving around the crown, securing it in place in a tall tower of gold and white.

  “Lovely, my little darling,” Queen Scáthbás praised, turning away from the mirror to look at Morgana. “Your control of your magic is becoming perfect. You have been taking your potion each morning?”

  “Yes Your Majesty,” Morgana answered eagerly.

  “Of course you have my precious one,” Queen Scáthbás replied with a gentle smile. “Then you're nearly ready for the great mission that I must bestow on you.”

  “Mission Your Majesty?” Morgana questioned in confusion. “I shall do whatever you ask of me,” she added in a rush.

  “I know you shall my darling,” Queen Scáthbás answered, rising to her feet. “It is a great thing that I need you to do for me. You are the only one who can do it. The Fate of the Tree of Reality has favored us above all other realms by giving you to me. But you will have to be strong and true throughout your mission. You must be my sword, my voice and my heart.”

  “I am not certain I understand Your Majesty,” Morgana said carefully, watching the queen’s face for any sign of anger or displeasure. To her relief, Queen Scáthbás merely sighed softly and placed a gentle ungloved hand to Morgana's cheek. On impulse, Morgana leaned into the warm living touch, her eyes fluttering for a moment.

  “My precious one,” Queen Scáthbás whispered, drawing Morgana closer to her and wrapping an arm around her.

  Gasping softly, Morgana leaned tentatively closer to the queen's body and felt the arm around her tighten slightly, bringing them even closer. Queen Scáthbás cooed gently and Morgana smiled, unable to hide her joy. The queen chuckled softly and a hand brushed a strand of hair that had fallen from her braids behind her ear.

  “Do you remember your promise to me?” Queen Scáthbás asked her softly. Morgana basked in the quiet shared moment with her queen and looked up at her, green eyes meeting purple.

  “I promised you that I would do whatever you wished,” Morgana whispered.

  “Yes,” Queen Scáthbás answered gently. “Yes you did my beautiful little one. I have kept you safe since you became mine haven't I.”

  “You have my queen,” Morgana agreed, bowing slightly to the queen and glorifying in the moment the queen tilted her chin back up towards her.

  “No one has touched you have they?” Queen Scáthbás confirmed, “You always have food, water, light, clothing and care.”

  “Always,” Morgana rushed to reassure her queen. “I have no fear and no wants in your service.”

  “And I have been good to you in other ways have I not,” the Queen reminded her. “I have shown you the depth of my love and made the court understand that you are my beautiful girl. My precious mage.”

  Morgana felt tears rising in her eyes, but did her best to remain in control. Nodding, she struggled to find her voice, but whispered, “Yes, Your Majesty. I love you so much,” Morgana choked out before looking down, unable to contain a few stray tears.

  A warm soft hand brushed away the tears as the Queen knelt before her, bringing them face to face. Morgana's heart stopped and she couldn't breathe as the Queen leaned forward and kissed her forehead. The lips remained against her skin for a long moment before the Queen moved back from her and stood once again. She held out an ungloved hand to Morgana.

  “Then come with me my precious one. The potion has done its work and given you the strength needed for the task ahead.”

  Without hesitation, Morgana happily took Queen Scáthbás' hand and allowed herself to be led from her chambers. Guards barely hid their shock as they strode past them. It was often that Morgana was seen with the queen, but rare that Queen Scáthbás touched her iron cursed childe so freely in front of others. Morgana glowed in the moment, in the public display of Her Majesty's love and trust. Entering the Great Hall, Morgana walked as tall as she could, refusing to show any fear before the gathered Sídhe as she walked with the queen. Many approached them slowly, but Queen Scáthbás waved them back and kept gliding towards the great golden doors that had brought Morgana to Sídhean almost two years ago. The guards before it dropped to their knees and Queen Scáthbás pointed towards the door.

  “Through there Morgana are the tunnels we raised you in, the tunnels were other iron cursed childes we have rescued from a terrible existence are still being cared for so that they might repay our love and kindness. But beyond our tunnels is the Iron Realm. The tunnels grant us safe passage into the poisonous realm of your birth. By passing through the tunnels my Riders and Hounds gain the strength necessary to pass into the poisonous land and survive. Our magic pulses in the tunnels, protects us and gives us power even in a cursed land.”

  “I understand Your Majesty,” Morgana assured her quickly, clutching at Queen Scáthbás' hand as she gazed at the great golden door that still frightened her.

  “When you were a babe my precious one, a Síd rescued you and brought you into our tunnels, but a magical being was left in your place so that the iron folk would not hunt for you.”

  “A changeling,” Morgana whispered a hint of awe in her voice.

  “Yes, a changeling and by a great miracle of Sídhe strength th
at changeling still lives,” Queen Scáthbás informed her with triumph. “It never died in the iron cursed lands or was discovered by the humans, but lives among them.” Queen Scáthbás frowned, “But it is not aware of the truth my little darling, it can use no magic and cannot help me. Morgana, we are in danger.”

  Morgana's eyes widened and she gasped softly. The idea of the great Sídhe being in danger was horrifying, they were powerful, beautiful and terrible. Nothing in any of the realms could harm them save the poison of the Iron Realm and their magic protected them there.

  “How?” Morgana breathed, fear in her voice, “What could endanger you?”

  “Something has happened in the Iron Realm,” Queen Scáthbás breathed to her, speaking low and sharing a secret with Morgana. “It has created a weapon from the core of its magic, the pulse of its world and the dreams of its poisonous people. My Riders have heard that one of the earth mages is seeking a childe and my mages have long scryed for the weapon. Two moons ago, we found it.”