Part 5

With the setting of the sun Cailean resumed his place in the hall taking the seat that was only for the Helmer, no one else would dare sit. The moon had reached its highest by the time he had finished his business, sitting back he thought himself lucky as only a dozen or so of his clan needed to speak with him. Hearing footsteps he looked up, he froze as the young woman approached him, he felt her confidence waiver a bit as she drew closer “Eirene?” he murmured almost to himself. “My Lord” she waited for him to adjust to her new look, to be a teen one minute then a woman the next was not normal, like all life children took time to grow but these were not normal times nor was she a normal child.

Stepping towards her he breathed in, his nostrils filled with her scent, her unmistakable perfume there was only one person who smelled like this “It is you!” Eirene smiled weakly, maybe she should have told him, explained the need for her fast growth but she had been afraid he would be angry “Why would I be angry, your childhood was so short to become an adult was no surprise” The reason for his surprise was his reaction to her, his body had burst into flames and still smouldered. “It’s necessary” Cailean nodded, his hand cupped her face “Tell me, is there to be any more ageing?”

Vega’s blood boiled with anger, her Helmer’s reaction to the Fae, no not Fae, a Hybrid a mutt. Either way she was trouble, if not stopped soon she would taint the clan and that could not be allowed. Shoid snuck up behind her “Now what or who are you spying on?” he murmured. Vega jumped, her heightened senses always told her when someone was around but Shoid had the ability to be undetectable “I was going to speak with him” she nodded towards Cailean “But he seems otherwise indisposed” Shoid chuckled “Lost out again Vega, maybe he’s not interested in cold heartless bitch’s” With a snort she turned and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Shoid studied them for a moment then turned away, good luck to them. Flying to the parapet he watched the dark clouds move across the sky, he had been in love once in a way still was but that was before, the love of his life now thought him dead and it would stay that way. He smiled as he remembered the night he had woken and found himself a Vampire, god he had been an idiot. Pleading and crying like a lost child till Lykaios in his wisdom gave him a slap and crikey what a slap, then the shock had set in, the realisation that he could not go home, see his family, Jane….. Thirty years later and it could still tear at his heart.

With lush green grass underfoot and the flowers and trees dotted around Kelsa guessed she was in Clearlyn. Having found a stream of clear blue water she drank heavily then sat and watched the fish, they didn’t look that difficult to catch? Laying the sword on the grass she gently entered the water and stood still, waiting. A couple of small fish swam past Kelsa ignored them, spotting a large one heading her way she watched her hands ready. Suddenly she lifted her head and smelt the air something was coming this way and from the smell she knew exactly what it was. Lunging towards the bank she climbed out and grabbed her sword.

The bushes before her moved with the sound of branches breaking, just above the tops she could make out horns. Lifting her sword she took her stance, the Hellion broke through the bushes and seeing her stopped. She looked at it, for one of those he was big, huge in fact and strangely wore a gold face mask. Looking down she saw he carried no axe but his fingers were long steal blades, this should be interesting she thought as they sized each other up. The Hellion broke the silence first with a low growl as it gradually made its way towards her. “So beast you want to die today!” Its growl grew louder as it charged.

The sky turned red as the sun started its descent but neither paid any attention, each to busy trying to kill the other. They were indeed worthy adversaries, strong and stubborn with a passion for fighting it was a pity they had no honour. Swinging her sword towards his head she saw his arm swing round to block, and immediately changed her manoeuvre. She felt the sting as one of the tips of his blades grazed her skin; she would have to watch both hands. With another swing of her blade she quickly jumped back as it dodged and lunged towards her, back flipping she landed behind it but the Hellion had guessed her move and swinging his arm she felt the sharp cold finger go deep into her neck. Putting her foot out and catching his left leg she pulled it from under him. Falling onto its knee it looked up as her blade ran threw his neck taking his head off. Kelsa felt unwell, dropping her sword she too fell.

The moon was high when she next woke; the fire that burned inside her was as if she was lying on hot coals. Gaining her feet she staggered then grabbed her sword “What was in those blades?” she asked the corpse beside her. Washing the wounds clean and splashing water on her face she set off in the same direction with determination and without question. Passing several villages she thought of stopping and asking them for food and rest but each time she changed her mind, driven on by something she didn’t know or understand.  

It took another day and night before Kelsa reached the Vaxur province; the poison had surged through her body and now consumed. Finally unable to go further Kelsa slumped against a door and closed her eyes.

Shoid walked the castle, he was bored. He hated this part of his job, the time he spent alone wandering keeping an eye on his home but it was his turn and he couldn’t say no. The others were out hunting, blood, the thought made his body ache, he was starving. Hopefully they wouldn’t be long and they would bring him something to sink his fangs into. He stopped and sniffed the air, something didn’t smell right. Searching the rooms he found them empty, the scent was faint, almost undetectable but there all the same. Crossing the landing he looked downstairs, in the gloom his acute vision picked up the flags that hung on the walls and the odd statue but nothing else.

Changing into a bat he silently flew downstairs his large furry ears twitched back and forth in a search to pick up the slightest sound. Reaching the bottom he heard it, the unmistakable sound of breathing, it was faint very faint. Turning back into a man he opened the door and almost fell over the prone body of a female. Shoid stared at her, what the hell was she? Bending down he checked for a pulse which was there...just. Picking her up he carried her into the hall, Lykaios would be furious but then he always was and didn’t he answer to Cailean? Christ he wished she’d let go of that damn sword!




Part 4                                                               Joining Part 1                             

Part 4

John opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling above him, hell he couldn’t even commit suicide properly. He looked round the sparse room, on one wall stood a sofa and table the other was the bed he was laying on, either the person who lived her was dirt poor or they were into the hippy life. Swinging his feet to the floor he made for the door and stepped outside. The glare of the sun blinded him for a moment but as his eyes grew accustomed to its brilliance he saw trees, lots of trees. “I am glad to see you are feeling better” Turning he stared at the woman, she was the one on the beach he thought she was an angle “Who are you?” The woman curtsied “I am Calista and you are?” John looked at her clothes, yeah, defiantly a hippy “My names John Bishop, where am I?”

Calista lead him inside and sat him down “You are in the Nairi village of Clearlyn” Clearlyn he had never heard of the place “What part of America is that?” Calista looked at him quizzically “America?” John chuckled “Come on now, don’t tell me you’ve never hear of the good old USA, land of the free, hot dogs, Baseball and all that” Calista shook her head “Baseball?” John sighed “Look let’s start again, I am from Maine, United States of America and at this moment we are…..?” Finally she understood “We are in the Nairi village in the Clearlyn province of the Jajij Realm” Jajij Realm where the fuck was that? She looked at him closely he was further from home than she thought “Are you a Mortal?”

“Mortal?”

“Yes, mortal what we call someone from the other world” Now it was his turn to be confused “Other world?” Oh dear, it looked as if she had some explaining to do, carefully she told him about her home, leaving a few things out so as not to frighten him too much. John listened with humour, she had to be high or something there was no way he believed her stories. A man entered the room “One of our guards has spotted the Hellion moving this way” Calista turned to him “Are the traps in place” the man nodded “Very good, keep a watch on them and if they get too close you know what to do?” again the man nodded. Stepping back outside John looked round, the small houses sat amongst the trees or in them he wasn’t sure which, everything looked so different maybe she was telling the truth.

Vega watched the girl as she sat in the hall. Alone she followed the journey of the Teleri and her mate, the Quella woman and the mortal. She knew she was being watched; new she had an enemy in Vega. Hearing footsteps behind her Vega turned “My Lord, may I talk with you a moment?” Cailean nodded “It’s about the Fae, I don’t trust her, must she stay here?” Cailean smiled in reassurance “There is nothing to fear from Eirene” Vega wanted rid of her, permanently “I feel danger from her, she is up to something” Cailean lowered his head and snarled “No harm will come to her, is that clear?” Vega nodded and stormed off. Entering the hall he went to Eirene’s side “May I join you”

“Are you happy?” Happy, that was a strange question to ask “I am here for a reason but yes I am happy” Cailean nodded, it had been playing on his mind, during the day when he could do nothing but rest he had felt her, worried about her. At night he had watched for a sign, an indication that all was not well but to hear her say it loud alleviated his concerns. She turned to the Vampire “Are you happy?” He had never thought of it before, happiness, he was Vampire nothing more, nothing less but if he could choose his life would he choose this one? “I have never thought of it before, I suppose” Kneeling on the seat her face became serious “Happiness does not come from here” she touched his forehead “But rather from here” her hand went to his chest. Looking in her eyes he felt something, he turned abruptly this was wrong, to feel this way over a child his brother’s child. Rising he bowed to Eirene and left.

Eirene watched him go, she had felt his feelings towards her, felt his confusion. For a Vampire he was surprisingly gentle, his head and his heart worked as one not like his brother. Lykaios, his heart ruled him, his hate and anger merged into one till there was nothing left, he would have made a good Helmer but Cailean was the right choice his ability to rationalize was what was needed, to rule with scales not with fire. “Have you seen Cailean?” Lykaios barked as he entered. “He left a few moments ago, he did not say where my Lord” With a growl he stormed from the castle. Now she watched Lykaios leave “No, not with fire”

Losing her footing Kelsa rolled down the embankment and landed not too graciously against a rock. Sitting up she rubbed her head and felt the sticky liquid as it flowed from the gash. She was hungry and thirsty, with no food or water in days her body was starting to use the last of its reserves. Spotting a small puddle she scrambled towards it and cupping her hands took a drink. The water was dirty but it relieved her thirst at least for the time being. Crawling between some large boulders she settled down for the day. It was safer to travel at night. Instinct told her where to go, if she thought of changing direction her gut would tell her no, go this way only.

Nothing......nothing lived nothing grew, in effects the Drayad province was dead. The only ones to survive her were the Savan clan, Vampires that were fighting anything or anyone. With the Hellions arrival and the Realm under threat the Savan’s had declared war on all that entered their province. Fayna and Nahele moved through the land, their heads low and their noise to a minimum for this was not the time to go against them. Even in daylight they were not safe, there were ones that worked for the clan patrolled the dusty landscape and brought anyone they found to their Helmer.

Vega returned late, the sun had almost completed spreading it rays across the land. She felt it, not the warmth but the burning; her body was slowly cooking from the inside. She should have come back earlier but…… With the others already resting she entered the castle knowing she would not be seen. Eirene watched her jump the stairs in one and cross the landing to her room. Wherever she had been it had not all been pleasure, true she had fed, had lay with a man and woman but she had been somewhere else. Vega’s casket looked so inviting, climbing in she settled for the day.

Eirene went to her room and waited; the transformation had started earlier and was now to complete itself. She seemed to shimmer as her teenage body was replaced by an adult. Going to the mirror she stared at herself, she saw her mother in her, saw Lykaios for he had been the spark but there were others in her, hundreds. Her journey was almost complete. She wondered what Cailean would think when he saw her, would he be pleased? Sitting on the floor she started to search in her mind, flying over the lands till she found what she was looking for.

Part 3                                                                 Part 5

Part 3

The mountains of Rusulka, high barren and fierce, the only creatures to live there were the eagles whose young were protected by its rocky terrain. Fayna and Nahele had been climbing for several days now some of which was easy but most were a test of strength and determination, they still had a distance to go, once over the peak it was down into the dusty land of Drayad and then more mountains. Neither complained there was no point, Nahele had to be somewhere why she couldn't say but Fayna knew she couldn't ignore her feelings.

Finding a cave they settle for the night, with no wood there was no fire so Fayna held her close. Nahele was grateful, she would have gone alone for that was the Teleri way but if she wished anyone to be with her it was Fayna and now she couldn't imagine life without him. The wind howled through the mountain and whipped round the entrance as if trying to wrench them from their shelter. They held each other close nothing more as at this moment it was all that was needed.

Cailean watched as the child danced round the hall, whatever the reason it was causing her great delight “Why are you dancing?” Eirene didn’t stop as she replied “Can you not hear the music?” Music, what music? Cailean listened but heard nothing. Sensing his inability to hear it she opened her mind to his. Exciting toe taping music drifted into his head, somewhere there was a celebration and a fine time was being had. Taking his hand Eirene pulled him into the centre of the hall and together they began to dance. Her tiny frame made it difficult for him so scooping her into his arms he whirled her round the hall much to her amusement, if anyone was to see they would have thought he’d gone quite mad but for whatever reason Cailean knew her childhood was to be short and it would be criminal not to have some fun, fun something he had never had as a child himself.

Checking on his young ward Cailean felt guilty, was it wrong? Bringing someone into the world for the purpose of saving the Realm, even if she could do it what then, what would happen to her after? He stared into the fire, it should have been lit ages ago but then they didn't need it even Eirene never seemed to feel the cold. Lykaios entered and stopped, he felt the pull Cailean had towards the child, there was a connection between the two more than that, a bonding. “My Helmer!” Cailean sighed “Yes Lykaios, what is it?” Lykaios hesitated for a moment then stepped forward “Vega has vanished again” Cailean growled “Bitch!”

Kelsa was ready, obeying orders meekly she did as she was asked whatever she was asked but now it was time. Any day she would be given the nod to finish Fenn and this time she would do it with sadness, for the first time in her existence she would regret a death so her decision was made, she wasn’t going to hang around to do it. Huddling at the edge of her cell she told Fenn of her plans. “What do you think?” He looked round and noting what she talking about nodded “It should work” He was in as much as he loved his accommodation it was time to get out “Tell me, why haven’t they killed you” Kelsa was silent for a moment “I’m Quella” He knew that but why had they not done to her as they had done with the others. Kelsa remained quiet, all Quella had this secret and it was staying that way. The Hellion knew, found out the first time they tried to kill her, not having come across her type before they were curious.

Settling down she watched as the group headed out, their horses thundered across the fields and into the distance. With the changing of the guard came the inevitable routine, the new one with his eyes full of lust would enter her cell. She lay in the dirt and stared at the ceiling, the grunts of the guard fell on deaf ears. One was eating and the other was seeing to the few horses left, lifting her head up she pressed her lips to the Demons, his face showed surprise but not as much as what followed. His eyes took on a glazed look his mouth opened as he tried to yell but her teeth came down hard on his tongue.  It looked at her in shock then slumped, holding it up she whispered to Fenn. He watched as the one eating finished and leaving his dish on the ground disappeared behind a rock to relieve himself, the other had gone to his tent “All clear”

Removing her fist from his ribs she looked down at the sticky mass, his heart had been easy to reach. Grabbing the keys she unlocked her cell then Fenn’s. They were half way across the camp when they heard the roar, the warning of their escape. Reaching the bench first Kelsa found the swords chained, grabbing them in both hands she pulled hard. The metal groaned as it strained under the pressure then broke, she threw a sword to Fenn “May you die with blood on your sword and a rage in your heart” she called as they prepared to fight. The Hellion charged their voices raised in anger, swinging their axes high they brought them down but missed. Kelsa took one and Fenn the other, Kelsa caught sight of Fenn who was tiring fast, his kind not used to such fights. Ducking as the axe came down towards her it bedded itself into a wooden pole, frantically the Demon tried to free his weapon and managed it just as Kelsa's sword pierced his skull.

Fenn screamed as the axe came down on his shoulder, turning Kelsa saw him fall to the ground. The Demon raised his axe above his head and brought it down on Fenn just as Kelsa thrust her sword through it. It looked at his blood as it spilled onto the dirt, looking up it saw Kelsa and tried to lift his axe but it was no use. Shoving the creature to one side she knelt beside Fenn “Will you be all right?” Fenn shook his head “Afraid not” he answered breathlessly “Go, now before the others come back” Kelsa got to her feet and bowed before scrambling up the cliff. Reaching the top she looked back towards Fenn who lay dead, better to die in battle she thought as she slide down the other side and headed north.

Eirene stood and watched without seeing. Another was coming, this one was strong, fierce like a Vampire but she could go in the light did not have eyes the colour of blood it could only mean one thing, this one was Quella. Two were making their journey, following their destiny but four were needed and the last would come, they would follow their path as they all would. Lykaios watched from the shadows as she stood in the dim light oblivious to anything around her she watched the girl slid down the cliff. Now a teen she looked more like her mother than before, a constant reminder of what he had done.

Calista sat in the sand and stared at the young man. He had come from the ocean? The man moaned then went quiet. He was handsome in a strange way and it was obvious he was not from here. “You must wake, it is not safe to stay here” The man opened his eyes “Where am I?” Reaching down she brushed the hair away from his face “You are in the Clearlyn province, where are you from?” The man opened his eyes “California”  Calista had never heard of California “Can you stand, we must leave now” the urgency in her voice brought him out of his haze, with her help he got to his feet “Where are we going” Calista smiled warmly “Home”


Part 2                                                                Part 4

Part 2

Fayna threw open the tent flap and inhaled the spring air. The last of the snow was melting, flowers now burst through the soil and in the distance he could here a stag warning others to stay away. Nahele joined him, wrapping her arms round him she whispered seductively “Sorry my dear but we have work to do” Nahele hung her head but agreed. Maybe it was the warm air and the scent of new life or maybe it was the beautiful woman before him “Work can wait” he winked as he gently pulled her back inside. The sun was nearly at full height when they emerged again, grabbing some gear they set off into the trees.

Returning late one afternoon he untied the game they had caught and prepared it for cooking. Nahele saw to the fire and together they cooked and ate. Fayna watched her shovel pieces of rabbit into her mouth and smiled, he had the Great Mother to thank. Stuffed Fayna lay on the grass with Nahele and listened to the logs crackle. Her eyes travelled east, over the hill towards the mountains, why she didn't know but something was calling her, she had to go there. Getting to her feet she walked towards the river then stopped and stared into the night sky. “What’s wrong?” Fayna asked sensing her puzzlement. “We have to go” Looking into the darkness he saw the faint outline of the mountains of Rusulka and Drayad and beyond that…Faymoor. “Why?” Nahele shook her head not knowing the answer “We must”

They decided to travel light; the mountains were no place to carry heavy loads. They ate heartily then pouring water over the fire they headed away from camp, away from the forest. Nahele stopped and took one last look, she had no feelings towards this particular forest but she wanted one last look as something told her she wouldn't be returning to Prylea. “We don’t have too” Fayna wrapped his arms round her waist sensing her sadness. Nahele shook her head, something was willing her to the east as if she was on an invisible rope and that rope was being pulled. Turning she walked away her answer to Fayna silently given. With nothing but the clothes on their back and a weapon in their hand they headed for the mountains of Rusulka.

Lykaios flew to the ground and looked up, he was home. He knew why he was sent away, he was a threat to the child, the child now twelve full moons old, would it look like her? Opening the main door he stepped into the gloomy hall, silence, he expected nothing else but something wasn’t right. In the main hall he met his brother who embraced him with enthusiasm “Lykaios, it is good to see you; I trust the Mortal world is as we hoped?” Lykaios nodded “The Mortal world is as it should be” Cailean grunted with relief and offered him a seat “We have much to discuss” Lykaios waited for his brother to start. A young girl entered the room her silver skin and dark wavy hair looked familiar. “Lykaios this is Eirene...Sorcha’s child” This could not be, she was about to give birth when he left, this child was at least ten times twelve full moons. “Where is Sorcha?” Cailean looked at his brother with sadness “She is gone” Gone, gone where, why did they let her leave? Cailean put his hand on Lykaios’s shoulder “She is gone my brother as in dead”

Cailean gently explained “The birth was difficult, she lost a lot of blood, we could do nothing for her” Lykaios sat in silence and stared into nothing, dead, why, her belief in The great Mother was nonsense, what kind of god would allow a young woman to die, leave their child alone? “I am sorry” Lykaios rose and headed for the door, suddenly the castle felt oppressive. Eirene watched from a distance, so this was the creature that brought her life, he was angry, at himself at her Mother; it seemed he was angry with everything. But that anger was hiding something, something to deep for her to pick up. Lykaios stared into the night sky, he wanted to kill, rip someone apart with his bare hands, instead he flew of towards the village, his need for release overpowering.

Eirene watched him go, knew where he was heading knew that someone would die tonight, another victim that would be covered up but she did not blame him she blamed no one; it is the way it is. Her eyes travelled west, towards Dryad and the Rusulka Mountains, she was coming not alone but her journey had began, soon others would follow but their journey would be long and difficult. Eirene went indoors and looked for Naila, she was hungry. As the sun started to rise a small black shape appeared in the sky, flying down to the tower it landed transforming into a man, Lykaios was back. The mess he had left behind was the worst anyone had seen but he didn't care, his rage sated he felt calmer. He stood and looked at the door remembering the last time he had landed here, turning he made for the stairs and his resting place.

Kelsa was right, Fenn was indeed a worthy adversary, his skill with a sword nearly as good as her own but she was born for this, her kind thrived on skirmishes, on fighting. Without it looking obvious she was easy on him, enjoyed the sound of steel against steel, of going against this Elf. It was only a matter of time before they gave her the nod, told her to finish it and she would drive her sword through him, it was him or her. Fenn knew it was coming, not because she had said anything rather he sensed it and he was not stupid, she was good better than anyone he had seen but then she was Quella, he had heard of them the stories told of their battles and their ferociousness, strong skilled and proud they were born and raised for fighting, new nothing else.

Adam’s health was failing. The full moons of being confined, of being tortured had taken its toll. He watched as his son Githa played with his child. He was growing into a fine boy and Ordila was expecting again. Ianu had given him the bad news, Sorcha had died in childbirth, he was sorry to have not seen her just once but Arla had been right, they were together at last. He smiled as the pair went down on their knees, as Githa lifted a small crab from the sand to show the boy. Closing his eyes he listened to the sounds of the waves, the wind rustle through the trees and the sound of his family laughing. Soon he would be with Arla his beloved and his first born; together they would stand beside The Great Mother or God; never again would they be torn apart.

His face softened as he saw his sleeping father, he looked at the drawn features the lines on his face, there seemed to be far more than there should be for a man his age even for a Mortal. He had never been told about his Fathers time away of what happened but in the night when his barriers were down Githa caught snippets of the horror his Father saw the pain he went through.  He had called him over and explained about his sister’s death but he had felt nothing, how can you grieve for someone you never knew. Calling his son they headed back to the house, Ordila would have dinner ready, stopping at his Father he quietly called him  “Father, dinner will be ready” Adam smiled “Yes, of course, I’ll be there in a moment” Githa smiled back noting the smile never met his Fathers eyes.

John stood at the waters edge, it was gone all gone. His job, his life, Fuck, so what was the point of living. The collapse of the company gave everyone the boot but his wife’s reaction was the one thing he didn't expect. He thought she loved him, thought they were happy, well he was wrong there, his announcement of being jobless was met with sympathy, a shoulder to cry on then poof a week later she was gone, slowly he walked towards the water.

It reached his waist, then his shoulders; calmly he kept going till it covered his head. He stared into the deep; fish swam past oblivious to his plight, his decision. Seaweed rocked back and forth as the current washed over it, he could feel his chest tighten. His body reacted, self preservation kicked in, his arms flailed wildly as he tried to surface then stopped as he told himself to give up, go with the flow. His mouth opened to inhale air but there was no air to be had. Again his mouth gasped and again he got water, finally his eyes closed and his body went limp as he succumbed to its salty embrace.

Fragments part 1                                                     Part 3

Fragments Part 1

Lykaios entered without knocking, his mood darker than ever. With the birth now days away he was still deciding on whether to kill it or not, he would not be able to hide the child’s death but that would be a small price to pay. Sorcha quietly watched him, her hand gently caressing her stomach “What can I do for you my Lord” she asked politely. Glaring at her swelling he barked “Cailean has asked me to see you are alright” giving a weak smile to nodded “I am very well, thank you” With a shrug he turned to go “It wasn’t me who was asking” He had hardly seen her since she had told him, his anger had been the worst anyone had seen taking several days to settle to a smoldering, Cailean thought it best if he had as little contact with her as possible.

Sorcha took a seat, she was feeling decidedly unwell, the child was draining her body and soul and now she was counting the days…in more than one way. “Please will you not sit with me for a while?” Lykaios growled but sat, staring at the floor. “I am sorry” she whispered placing a hand on his arm. Wrenching his arm from her touch he jumped to his feet “Sorry for what, the sex or for bringing another aberration into the world” Crossing the room she took his hand and placed it on her stomach holding there “This child is meant to be, she is the light” Here we go again, more cryptic answers, light, what the hell did that mean? “I wish I could convince you, show you that sometimes what happens is meant to happen, is part of the Great Mother’s plan” Lykaios laughed maliciously “The Great Mother, my dear, you are in the wrong province, The Great Mother is a phoney, a dream thought up to keep you in line, what kindness would allow such beasts to live” pointing to her stomach.

Sorcha watched him leave, she had so many things she wanted to say but time was short. Poor Lykaios, he had a rage inside him, a hatred for himself, what he was and what he always would be. Instinct prevented him from destroying himself or he would have done it long ago but there was a reason for his existence, with his job now done she wished him peace and happiness. Downstairs she searched for Cailean, finding him in the hall. “What can I do for you my little Fae?” offering her a seat “Send Lykaios away” Cailean stared at her, was she mad, send him away now? “Your province is safe…for now; send him away anywhere just send him” He looked at her trying to read what she was not saying “You are hiding something?” Making sure of no other ears she told him…..

“Hey!” Kelsa opened her eyes “What?” hearing shuffling from the other cell she guessed whoever was there was moving closer “My names Fenn, what’s yours?” Kelsa sighed, she hated this, having to talk to them get to know them only to kill them in time “Kelsa” seeing the guard turn they went quiet, It watched them for a moment then turned away again. “How long you been here?” Kelsa thought for a moment, nine, ten full moons maybe longer “A while” Fenn murmured something about arriving a short while ago “I, err, saw you were otherwise engaged” She almost laughed, engaged was putting mildly, every night the ones left to guard took her in turns, did things that you wouldn't dream of in your worst nightmare “You can put it that way” Fenn grunted “Disgusting creatures, they have no right” Kelsa stayed silent, why worry about it, she had switched off long ago.

Fenn watched as the guards passed, their smell overpowering. He looked around, in the dim light he could make out very little but the air was heavy with death. “What province you from?” Shifting in the dirt she settled down for the night “Rusulka, you?” Fenn closed his eyes, he could see the trees, smell the grass “Clearlyn” So he was Elvin, not bad at fighting but better with their minds, a bit too logical for her taste “Goodnight Elf” Fenn settled but didn't sleep, he had a good idea what was to happen to him, he wasn’t worried but he wished now he hadn't split from his group.

The winter sun woke Kelsa, even with such low temperatures and falling snow its rays could give a nice warmth. “Morning Kelsa” Giving a curt morning she relieved herself then waited for the door to open. Pushing the key in the lock it barked at her and keeping her eyes down she followed it outside. Thrusting a sword at her she waited for Fenn who appeared looking confused “What’s going on?” Running her fingers along the blade she imagined it slicing the Demons throat “We must fight” Fenn looked at the sword in his hand “Fight, I don’t think so” Moving closer her eyes flashed with anger “You will fight, you must” Backing off she went into position and waited. Fenn looked at her then the watching Hellion, waving their hands they snarled demanding he attacked.

Fenn was not going to last long if he only wore what he had. He had been easy on her, not wanting to cause pain. She didn't feel sorry for him, far from it she would kill him one day just like the others but she sensed a skill in him, someone worthy of fighting. The guards changed and getting his attention she whispered something to him. The Hellion nodded in agreement but at a price. Opening the door he slide inside, pushing her to her knees he undid his trousers. Kelsa looked away, not in revulsion but she nearly looked him in the eye, big mistake. Taking his offering in her hand she closed her eyes. Fenn heard the grunts of excitement and cringed; to treat a woman in such away was unimaginable, not elfin. He tried to blot the sounds from his mind but being so close made it impossible. The grunts turned into a squeal causing the others to take a look. They wanted a turn. Fenn listened with vomit rising as they beat her in between.

Sorcha watched the sun rise; its rays bathed the barren land in a golden glow. Climbing above the mountains it rose like a phoenix from the ashes of night. Letting the warmth spread across her skin she closed her eyes and basked in its glory. The Realm was falling, there shards were shattered across the land but as always the sun rose and set. Looking down she rubbed her stomach, the pain not yet bothersome, she already new what name to give, had informed Cailean of the ceremony he had to perform along with Ianu. Lykaios was gone, sent away by Cailean on her wishes, she knew he would not harm the child she wanted him away for another reason. He would be angry probably furious but it had to be done.

Naila was sent to Cailean who sent Shoid to fetch Ianu and together they went to the tower. In a great deal of pain Sorcha lay on the bed with Naila fussing over her. A storm broke overhead, the thunder roared and the rain hammered against the window. Lightening lit up the sky and the wind howled,Cailean looked at Ianu with questioning eyes and was given a nod, the Wise One knew. The baby was breach and would not be easy to deliver but with patience and care from The Wise One the child finally slide from its mother just as the moon started to descend, at that moment the window burst open and the wind rushed into the room, Ianu stared in surprise as it seemed to scoop the child into its invisible embrace and lift the child into the air then handed it to him. Handing her to Sorcha who stared at the tiny mestizo for that was what she was, a half-breed, a mix of the light and the shadow but she was perfect all the same. Ianu took the child and between him and Cailean they performed the ceremony “What name will you give?” Ianu asked.

Sorcha looked at the child, her child and understood how her Mother had felt “Eirene” Ianu nodded and holding the child to the sky asked the Great Mother to look over the child and teach her the ways of the light, Cailean followed suit by asking Orean to teach her the way of the Shadows. The ceremony over Cailean handed her to Sorcha to feed. Closing her eyes she embraced the feeling of Eirene against her body, sucking at her breast. Ianu watched as she held the babe tight as her life slowly slipped away. Seeing her arms go limp he took the protesting child and went to Naila. Cailean watched with misery as her breathing slowed ‘Cailean, I have done what I was meant to do, this child is the key, born in the wind between the sun and the moon she will bring order to disorder’ He listened to the strained voice in his head, Damn it, even near death they could not give an answer, Cailean opened his mouth to ask but Sorcha was gone……

 Existence part 5                                                  Part 2