The Iron Realm (The Iron Soul Book 1)

by J. M. Briggs

  Morgana shook her head and released a deep breath that froze on the air. “Challenges not only help form a person, but allow them to experience deeper levels of themselves. Nicole lived through being abandoned by her parents only to recently come to terms with the fact that she does not want them or need them anymore, Bran lost his father to a war and suffered an injury that would have left many bitter, but for his mother's sake has done his best to remain brave and positive through it all.”

  “And Aiden?” Alex asked softly, watching her professor's expression.

  “Have you met Aiden's younger sister?” Morgana questioned without looking at her.

  “No,” Alex answered with a shake of her head.

  “Aisling Bosco was diagnosed with bone cancer when she was six years old, Aiden was twelve and saw his sister undergo chemo and fight for her life. He saw his parents struggle to be brave and look after him even when facing one of the greatest horrors a parent ever can.”

  “I… I didn't know that,” Alex said softly, scuffing her boots against the broken up ice below her feet.

  “I do not believe he talks about it, but when one faculty member is facing such a thing it doesn't stay a secret at the university,” Morgana explained with a small shrug.

  “Is she alright?”

  “Oh yes, the cancer was beaten when Aisling was ten. She can't play contact sports, but from the few times I've met her at faculty functions she is a sweet and lively girl. But if you need a reason why you are struggling with magic Alex, then that is it. Aiden, Nicole and Bran have all already faced challenges that have helped them learn who they really are and what really matters to them. They know their personal truths and that gives them the strength they need to find their connection.”

  “I see,” Alex managed around a tight throat. “But maybe you should still focus on them. They can help you fight the Sídhe. I can't.”

  “You might be right,” Morgana told her and Alex forced herself to nod. Her throat felt tight and tears prickled at her eyes, but she reminded herself quickly that this was for the best. She wasn't getting anywhere with magic and would only slow down the others. “But then again, I had to relearn magic when I was about your age,” Morgana added, regaining Alex's attention.

  “Relearn magic?” Alex repeated in confusion, turning to look at her professor.

  Morgana dropped her hand from Alex's shoulder and looked up into the night sky, a sad wistful smile on her face. “Yes,” Morgana replied. “I first used magic when I was about seven years old, but it was… a slightly different kind of magic. More artificial and the truth that connected me to it fell apart over the years. It was a challenge and I even gave up on magic until someone I cared about needed me. Then everything clicked into place and I was able to do what I needed.”

  “I don't understand,” Alex said slowly.

  Sighing, Morgana looked down at the snow in front of them. “No,” she answered, “I suppose not.” Morgana was quiet for a long moment before she exhaled slowly. “I'll tell you why Merlin and I are still alive even after all this time.”

  “I thought you were chosen to teach other mages or something like that,” Alex offered with a shrug.

  “That is what I inferred,” Morgana admitted, “But it isn't actually true.” Morgana turned to face her and Alex forced herself to remain still as Morgana studied her. “Merlin and I are both half Sídhe. He was born that way and I became that way.”

  “How?” Alex gasped softly peering at her teacher in surprise and wonder. “I thought they couldn't… I mean the iron in humans?!”

  “Merlin's creation was allowed by Earth through magic: he was brought into existence for a reason. I… I was a changeling,” Morgana admitted in a soft and low voice, but her eyes didn't leave Alex's. “I was raised by the Sídhe and I served them for many years. In a way I was Merlin's enemy in the early days of us knowing each other like the mythology now suggests. It took me a long time to let go of my loyalty to the Sídhe and recognize that they have no right to this world.”

  “And your magic?” Alex questioned, almost afraid to breathe.

  “I first used magic in the Sídhe Realm,” Morgana explained. “I was an earth mage, but growing up there had infused my magic with Sídhe energy as well. When I came to Earth on a mission for the Sídhe, I was out of balance with the forces of this world. I couldn't use magic and I couldn't connect for years. It bothered me,” Morgana admitted. “I didn't fit in on earth and I couldn't even use the thing that had made me special and important to the Sídhe. In fact I gave up on relearning magic, I did my mission and passed information to the Sídhe, but over time they didn't need me. In time I tried to put magic and Sídhe behind me when I accepted that I would never return to the Sídhean Realm. I married a man that I cared for and tried to live a human life.”

  “What happened?”

  “That is a long story,” Morgana told her quickly, her expression closing as she gave herself a tiny, almost invisible shake. “The point is Alex that magic will come when you need it. You may not be able to connect now, but you will when you need to.”

  “Okay,” Alex replied, unsure of what else she could say. They sat on the bench in silence, Alex brushing the tip of her boot over the ice and cement. Morgana was exhaling slowly and Alex realized that the mist of her breath was forming tiny animals that rushed off into the night. Chuckling softly, Alex smiled at the small display of magic and leaned back against the bench.

  “Do your regret magic?” Alex asked Morgana softly. “And living so long. I mean… your husband is long gone right?”

  “He is, but he was gone before I realized that I wasn't aging at a normal rate,” Morgana answered, sounding tired and potentially regretting the entire conversation. “Regret isn't the right word since neither Merlin nor I ever had a choice in our lifespans. We just were like that and that was all there was to it.”

  “Must be hard,” Alex muttered as she looked back at the stars. “Almost three thousand years of history. All the horrible things that have happened and not being able to change it, even with magic.”

  “Magic is to confront that from outside this world,” Morgana told her, slipping into lecture mode.

  “Not to confront that from within,” Alex finished, remembering their fourth magic lesson. “Still, must have been hard.”

  “I am often appalled by those who make history, but inspired by those who do not,” Morgana answered as she stood up from the bench. Alex blinked up at her, but her teacher merely nodded to her. “Get some rest and do well on your finals. I will see you for your final on Thursday.”

  Morgana strode away, leaving Alex along on the bench with her muddled thoughts.

  26

  Howls in the Dark

  A suitcase thudded loudly against the tiled floor of Alex's door room, followed by a soft thump as a backpack was shrugged off onto the bed. Alex's laundry basket was already by the dresser with a load of clean laundry to be put away. Glancing over to Jenny's side, Alex noted that her roommate had a new tablet set up at her desk and a few unfamiliar pieces of jewelry scattered over the top of the dresser. Alex spotted a bright green sticky note on her desk shelf. She pulled off her coat and hung it up by the door before toeing out of her moist sneakers. Slipping on a pair of fuzzy slippers, Alex snatched up the note.

  Hi Sweetie, I'm back, but I've got a lot to do so don't wait up. I'll see you later. Hope your holidays were great. Hugs and Kisses Jenny

  Shrugging, Alex tossed the note into the small plastic trash bin strategically placed behind the microwave on top of the fridge. Slumping down in her chair, Alex sighed and made no move to unpack her things. She closed her eyes and tried to relax, using the mediation techniques that Morgana and Merlin had taught them while straightening her back and easing her shoulders into a more natural position.

  During winter break she'd spoken with the others almost every day, trying to learn details of what mediation techniques had worked for them and how they'd felt when they'd gotten cl
ose to their magic. Nicki was no help on that front as her magic had come after a sudden revelation, but Aiden and Bran had both used mediation. Yet the feelings of clarity, alertness and inspiration were all still absent. Instead all Alex felt was frustration, boredom and a hint of insecurity.

  She hadn't been able to lose herself in her family like she had at Thanksgiving, even with three weeks away from Ravenslake. Almost every night she dreamt of the tunnel and every time she made it to the exit she always heard the child and turned back. There was a growing sense of urgency that Alex couldn't shake and couldn't explain.

  Her parents had noticed her distraction, even her brothers had seemed worried in the first few days home. Alex had acted as normal and upbeat as she could and claimed that she was missing her friends and nervous about second semester whenever her energy was too low to keep up the pretense. In a terrible way she had been grateful when she left her family to return to school, while she missed them deeply it was easier. Yet, while she regretted the distance that she was building between them she saw no other viable options until she could prove that she wasn't crazy.

  Her phone beeped, breaking the silence and forcing Alex out of her frustrating thoughts. Picking it up, Alex sighed softly seeing it was a text from Nicki to see if she was back in town. After a moment of hesitation, Alex texted back that she had arrived. A new message popped up to see if she wanted some dinner and Alex's stomach rumbled loudly at the thought. She had just enough time to pull on a pair of dry sneakers before another text arrived saying that Nicki would meet her at Michaels Cafeteria in five minutes.

  Fumbling around her room, Alex moved her iron dagger from the small purse she had used over break back to her school messenger bag and made sure that she had her student card before pulling on her coat. She considered leaving a note for Jenny, but figured her suitcase and laundry would be a clear sign that she was home. Alex was almost out the door before she remembered to quickly make sure that her more personal laundry was in the dresser in case Arthur came over with Jenny.

  The sun had set and there was no sign of Bran coming out to walk with her. Since Eugene was much closer than Spokane, she guessed that Bran was already with the others. Alex told herself that she'd be fine walking across the lawn by herself; she'd gone out alone during finals week. Despite her self-reassurances, her muscles tensed up and she moved awkwardly across the lawn, irritated at herself for being afraid of the dark. Then again, she reminded herself as she kept close to the lamp posts, it wasn't the dark she was afraid of. It was the things in it.

  Michaels Hall loomed overhead, the lights all around it casting a welcoming glow to Alex as she stepped out of the last shadows between the buildings. A few students were carrying suitcases and baskets of laundry inside and others were standing in small circles to smoke. Alex passed them quickly, pausing only to hold the door open for a girl carrying two bags. The girl gave her a grateful look before disappearing into one of the corridors that led to the dorm rooms.

  “Alex!” she heard Aiden call her name and stepped into the building.

  Just ahead of her were the wooden double doors that led into the cafeteria. Aiden was standing with his hands in the pockets of his coat, Nicki was leaning against the wall next to him, but pushed off the wall when she saw Alex approach. Bran was supporting himself on his cane and looked more at ease than Alex had ever seen him, even giving Alex a full welcoming smile.

  Opening her coat, Alex strode forth to join the others with a smile of her own. Nicki stepped forward first and held out her arms for a hug. Chuckling warmly, Alex embraced her friend for a moment before accepting a hug from Aiden and a one armed hug from Bran.

  “How were the roads?” Nicki asked as they turned to head inside, pulling out their student cards.

  “Not too bad actually,” Alex replied as Aiden's card was swiped at the front register. “The worst part was just south of Spokane. It got better through the day.” She handed over her own card to be swiped and glanced around. “Not too busy, I was afraid they be hit hard.”

  “It's only five thirty,” Aiden remarked with a shrug as he started leading them towards a table near the salad bar. “Some people probably aren't back yet.”

  “True,” Alex conceded as she pulled off her coat and slung it over the back of a chair. She eyed Aiden and Nicki's coats. “Why do you have your coats?”

  “We just helped my roommate bring in some of his stuff,” Aiden explained. “Didn't bother to take them upstairs.”

  Shrugging it off, Alex joined the others in grabbing trays and working her away around the cafeteria booths to collect a slab of meatloaf, some mashed potatoes, a salad and a slice of chocolate cake. They all made it back to the table about the same time except Bran who had to carry his tray with one hand. By unspoken agreement, no one started on their dinners until everyone was around the table.

  Dinner was calm, the daily communication meant that no had big news on the magic front to report and her friends were making a point of not saying anything about her continued failure to make a connection to her own magic. While it bothered Alex that the effort was necessary, she was grateful at the same time for it. Instead she listened to Nicki happily telling Bran about a pottery series she had done with her grandmother and how pleased she was with how the set had turned out.

  “Oh,” Nicki suddenly gasped, looking around at them all. “What are your schedules? We never talked about that.”

  “Gee, it's not like we had more important things to talk about,” Aiden teased over his plate of spaghetti.

  Nicki just rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at Aiden before turning to Alex. “Do you have your schedule?”

  Shrugging, Alex pulled out her phone and with a few clicks accessed the saved copy of her schedule. She was aware of the others doing the same and handed her phone to Nicki.

  “Let's see,” Nicki said thoughtfully as she inspected Alex's phone. “Well we're in the Epic with Professor Yates together as planned.” Nicki gave Alex a wide smile. “You've also got…. Seriously Alex, World Mythology?”

  “So?” Alex huffed, tensing up as Nicki rolled her eyes.

  “I'm in that too,” Nicki informed her with a shake of head.

  “Uh,” Aiden called with a smirk, waving his phone in front of Nicki. “So am I.”

  “I signed up for that class as well,” Bran remarked with a shrug while Nicki stared at them.

  “I'm the actual anthropology student,” Nicki muttered, crossing her arms and mock glaring at Aiden.

  “And I'm the electrical engineering major who has to take a certain number of humanities credits,” Aiden countered. “If it makes you feel better I'm in calculus with Bran.”

  Nicki shivered dramatically at the mention of math before turning her attention back to the rest of Alex's schedule.

  “Spanish, World Art and Culture?”

  “Jenny's idea,” Alex told her with a shrug. “We're in it together and you know, humanities credits,” she added with a glance towards Aiden. He raised his soda in a silent toast, barely holding back a grin.

  “And Personal and Exploratory Writing,” Nicki finished, ignoring the exchange. “Aiden let me see yours.” He dutifully handed over his phone while Alex put hers away. “Aiden's got calculus, electrical engineering, world mythology,” Nicki glanced over at him before continuing, “Intro to American history and reason and critical thinking.”

  “That last one sounds awfully familiar,” Alex remarked lazily, leaning onto her elbow.

  “One of those lovely classes that nearly everyone takes,” Aiden answered as he accepted back his phone. “I can only handle so many writing classes to meet my communications requirement.”

  Bran handed his phone over before Nicki even asked for it and silently continued to work on his salad. “And Bran has got: the dreaded calculus, theoretical physics, world mythology, Spanish and modern physics.”

  “See, it's good that we all took world mythology,” Aiden told Nicki with a wide smile. “Between u
s there is almost no crossover otherwise.”

  Nicki ignored the statement and pulled out her own schedule, “And I have-”

  “World mythology,” Aiden announced, “And the epic, whatever that is.”

  “It's an English class,” Alex informed him quickly.

  “That I already guessed from Yates being the teacher,” Aiden teased earning him an eye roll from both Alex and Nicki.

  “As I was saying, I have language and culture, an anthology class for an anthropology major.”

  Aiden chuckled and slouched back in his seat, gesturing for Nicki to continue.

  “Intro to stats and intro to sociology,” Nicki finished with a smile before putting her phone away. “And we'd still see each other a lot with study group.”

  “So is Cornwall teaching U.S. history?” Bran asked Aiden as he set his fork aside.