Kindred: Book 1 A Realms of the Otherworld Book (44 page)

(Ashlinn)

Once we get back to Glenndale Loch the day rushes by in blur. We gathered everyone together and share my not so brilliant epiphany. Evidently, the druids already knew that we would need Tarron’s blood and had started to formulate a plan in order to acquire that unattainable ingredient but have continued to come up against roadblocks on that front. What I did not take into account was that we would also need the blood of the dark witch that wove the spell into the contract. Danu was able to locate her. My parents set out earlier this morning to go and retrieve the witch, she is set to arrive by force this evening, but word has it that she is willing to cooperate. Which is one break that we were not expecting, but I will gladly take it at this point.

On another front most everyone has accepted Garrick into our ranks. Tolin and Torin included. In fact, I think that they are happier to accept him than they want to let on. Ferg is still watchful and continues to maintain his vigilance. While watching the males together I formulate another plan that will involve Garrick. While everyone is talking amongst themselves I decide now is as good a time as any.

I clear my throat and stand trying to get everyone’s attention. “Excuse me. Can I have everyone’s attention?” It takes a moment but everyone quiets. “I need everyone to gather around. I know that you’re all working on separate plans and strategizing but I think I have an idea that I want to throw out there for discussion. I think we need an inside man and I know who we can use to accomplish this goal.” That gets everyone’s attention.

Declan is the first to speak up, “Ashlinn you want one of us to infiltrate Tarron’s court? That will be nearly impossible since he knows most of us by look alone. Although, that’s not a bad idea.”

Alaric is already nodding as he is following along my train of thought and agreeing with my logic. “Hear me out Declan, we have the perfect person for the job and he’s right here in this room. Garrick, if you are up to the mission, I think you would be perfect for this task. We can place him on the other side of the forest between Tarron’s Keep and the Forrest Elves. His cover will be that he was sent on a suicide mission by The Morrígan and he no longer supports the Fomorian queen. His infiltration to Tarron’s camp will accomplish two goals.” I say as everyone looks back and forth between Garrick and me.

Alaric speaks up as he continues to warm to the idea. “Of course, Tarron has no idea that The Morrígan wants you out of the picture but with Garrick’s arrival he will be informed of her dark intentions. Therefore, effectively enlightening him to the danger to Ashlinn’s life if he puts her in the spotlight, this solves one of our problems. Tarron is no fool but if Garrick plays his cards right he can quickly become one of Tarron’s most trusted advisors. If we can get him in place before Ashlinn ends up in Tarron’s court we should have a way of getting messages in and out to Ashlinn when needed and we can stay informed to his plans. That is a lot of ifs.”

Dagda speaks up, “This could work. What do you think lad?”

Garrick looks around the room then looks at me as he says, “It would be my great honor to be there for you my lady. I will do everything in my power to be of service to you.”

“Thank you Garrick. We will have to get you in place as soon as possible. You will need to look as if you have been through a difficult battle. By now word has most likely spread that a Shadow Demon attacked the Forrest Elves but I highly doubt that the reason behind the attack has been discussed so your information should get you in the door. Initially, you will be looking for safe haven for a few nights and you will be willing to discuss the details of the attack. Then let it slip that you are not going back to be The Morrígan’s puppet. You’re through with that. Slowly give Tarron the information that you gave me. Hopefully by the time the blood contract goes into play you will be entrenched in his good graces. The first time you see me you will have to act like you have no idea who I am and you are to follow Tarron’s strict orders. That will include restraining me if necessary. Do you think you can do that Garrick? In turn I will not acknowledge you at all and will act like the stolen princess that I will be. I may not be very nice to you while we are at his mercy but remember this. I will hold you near to my heart always for being brave enough to walk this path with me.”

Garrick nods and says, “It will be my honor. If you need to strike me then do so, I understand the terms of this mission and gladly lend my services to you, my lady.”

Dagda speaks up, “Then it’s settled, Garrick, you go undercover tonight. We will need a way to communicate with Garrick. Nemus, do you have any suggestions? It will have to be something that a Fomorian warrior will be expected to keep on his person at all times, something that will not draw attention to him.”

Nemus responds, “It will have to be something non-intrusive, something that will not be taken from him when he enters as they will inevitably relieve him of all weapons when he enters the Keep. What about a compass? I can charm it to activate an open line of transmission to a matching piece here using a code word as it is being opened. Any other time it will be a compass. If they try to take it, just be very humble and say that you believe it to be a family heirloom and it is the only thing you have left of your life before The Morrígan unlisted you. What do you all think?”

“I think that’s perfect! How soon can you whip that up?” I ask Nemus. “Can you link it to a backup as well?”

“I can. We can give Garrick his which will only receive messages when he activates to send a message. The two here will be given to Alaric and Declan. Those two will notify the receiver of any incoming message unlike the one I will be giving to Garrick. Will that work?” He asks.

Alaric speaks up and says, “Sounds good. Why don’t you go get busy on this task?”

“If there is any further discussion I should probably not know about it. It would be best that I excuse myself. From this point on, all I need to know is that there is a plan and I have a contact. Just in case Tarron decides to interrogate me, I don’t want to be the one to screw everything up. I have no idea what is in store for me. Thank you all for working so hard on this. I appreciate you all. I’m tired, I didn’t get much sleep last night so I may go lay down. Garrick, I will see you on the inside.” I say as I ready myself to leave.

Alaric looks concerned as he reaches out to me, “Ashlinn is everything alright? I thought this would but your mind at ease.”

“Trust me it does, but all this talk of code words, undercover agents, and what not got me thinking that it’s not a good idea for me to know all of the details. You must agree. I will need to appear distraught and scared and angry. It is enough that I know you all have my back.” I reply with a yawn. “I wasn’t kidding. I’m really tired and want a nap. I’ll see you in a bit?” I ask as I lean over to give him a quick kiss.

“I’ll be up to check on you soon, mo grá.” He replies as he takes my hand and raises it to his face and places a gentle kiss on my palm. Thru our link he says,
“Is breá liom tú.”

“I love you too. Now, you need to get back to it. See you soon.”
I reply.

I exit the library and slowly make my way back up to our chambers. In less than two weeks’ time I will be pulled by force into a den of the unknown. From Alaric’s reaction to his meeting last night I saw images of a horde, what looks like monsters to me. I am resigned to accept my fate as long as I can make it back to Alaric and my family. That is a non-negotiable term in my acceptance. Time has passed so quickly and so many things have happened since the accident. Would I have changed any of my decisions or actions since learning my lineage? No, the only things I would change have always been out of my hands. It would appear as if this is the path that I’m destined to walk. I wonder what the reason and purpose for this detour into the unknown is. I mean, everything happens for a reason, right? My purpose here in the Otherworld has so far been clear.

As I enter our bedroom I go straight to my wardrobe and gather up a pair of sleep shorts and a matching tee shirt. I wasn’t kidding. I really am tired and with everything that’s going on I just want to lie down. Last night was exhausting and took a lot out of me. To top it off I only got a couple of hours of sleep which has led me here with me contemplating a nap. I rarely nap. I walk into the bathroom to wash up and as I go to turn on the water I see the charmed wrist cuff that I normally wear to bed and I still.

Realization dawns on me. Alaric and I weren’t protected last night. Oh my god. I can feel myself begin to panic just a bit so I close down my link to Alaric. Come to think of it, I should have already had my next cycle. I’ve been so caught up in everything that I haven’t worried myself about the mundane. Slowly, I begin to process how long I’ve been here and how many weeks since my last cycle. Could my body be that screwed up? No, if there is one thing that my body has always been good at, it has always been timely. By my calculations I’m well over a week late, maybe a little longer. If that’s the case then that charmed wrist cuff was just bling that I wore to bed. If my calculations are right, then I’m more than likely pregnant. Well snap, this is what I was trying to avoid. The timing couldn’t be worse. A child, now? No… No one can know. Especially not Alaric, he will go ape shit crazy. I’ll have to tuck this little nugget of information away as I prepare to be ripped away from everyone I know and love. This will have to be my little secret, for now.

To be continued:

Chosen Book 2 of the Realms of the Otherworld Series

Personal Note from Jana:

Dear Reader, Thank you for taking a chance on an unknown author. I hope you enjoyed your first look into the Realms of the Otherworld Series. There is so much more to come for Ashlinn and Alaric and all of their friends. I hope you decide to follow their story. Please take a moment to leave a few words in the form of a review expressing your thoughts on Kindred. I would love to hear from you. How else will I grow as a writer? Your reviews are important to me and also help readers everywhere discover new and exciting books they may never have taken a chance on before without your input. Your support is very much appreciated.

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Realms of the Otherworld Series

Kindred Book 1

Chosen Book 2

Coming soon early 2017