The First Spell Weaver of Airendell: Book Two of the Airendell Chronicles (49 page)

“I was thinking the very same thing about you three.” Morna laughs happily.  She looks around and sees everyone but Heimdall assembled.  “Heimdall isn’t coming?”

“He will stay here and keep watch until time for the ceremony.” Rinda supplies helpfully.  “You look great, Morna.  I have never seen you looking stronger or more competent.”

Agnar is the only Asgardian not dressed in their traditional garb.  He is dressed simply and stylishly like Aideen.  They look like the perfect power couple.  Morna wonders momentarily what her grandchildren will look like.  She smiles at herself for her musings and goes to greet her father and grandfather.  Both are gloriously decked out in their armor and helmets.  Ganessa too is dressed like an Asgardian, and looks lovely in the traditional robes of the Vanir.

Morna is surprised to see Odin, Thor and their wives.  When she greets them Thor says, “Baby Girl, we come mostly for moral support.  But if those damned fools you call your elders insist on making the wrong decision, we fully plan to explain the error of their ways.  We are going as an official envoy from Asgard.  Albriech is sending a contingent as well.  Today is very important to all of the magical world.  Maria says the Anasazi are sending a contingent as well.  I have personally invited the Romans, the Greeks and two Asian groups.  Lootz will be there, as will a dwarf envoy.  I am afraid the Spell Weavers might think they are being invaded.

“Not at all,” says Morna.  “Fionn has been in charge of keeping the Elders and the other members of the Guild informed, and bringing information to me and Elias about goings on there.  I won’t let my Guild be caught off guard, or go in blind myself, you know that.”

Odin chuckles and looks at his mate, “I told you she had this well in hand.” 

Morna smiles at the Asgardians and goes to join the group of Spell Weavers.  She greets each one with a kiss.  “Before we go I want to thank each of you for your support, your love and your friendship.  However today goes, I am blessed to have friends like you.”  They all smile back at Morna and she continues, “However, I am not sure today will go smoothly.  With so many arriving at Airendell at once, it is bound to be chaotic.  Also, be on guard.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Kyera or Valgullveig try to use this as an opportunity to cause trouble.” 

Elias clears his throat, “Morna if we are going to get this many transported to Airendell in time for the meeting we better get a move on for the Bi-frost.”

“Yes, yes Elias.  You are indeed correct.”  She pulls him off to the side and says, “Elias, are you sure you do not want to be the Guild’s leader?  You would be excellent at it.”

“Morna, I know I am competent and would lead the Guild fine during normal times, but these aren’t normal times.  Besides, you are destined to be the Guild’s greatest leader ever.  Prophesies indicate you will lead us into a new age of growth, and evolve us into something that is truly beneficial to the modern world.” Elias says firmly.  “I know you are not trying to get out of your responsibilities, so can you tell me why you brought this up again?”

“Because I want to make sure we are doing what is best for the Guild.  I trust you wholeheartedly, Godson.”  Morna says easily.  Morna hugs her godson and looks around for Luca.  He joins her immediately and beckons the children to come.  When they go outside Morna chuckles at the sight of fifteen chariots waiting to transport all of them to the Bi-frost.   Everyone loads up into chariots and sets off for the six mile drive to Heimdall‘s.

Once they arrive, Ingrid, Brynhold, Auggie, Tena, Surt and Skjarr are waiting for them with boxes and bundles, including several large canvas bundles that Morna suspects are huge tents.  Heimdall greets Morna with a huge hug and kiss.  “Where do you want me to set this group down in Airendell, your cottage in the glen?”

“No Heimdall, set us down in the square in front of the Guild hall.  I want to arrive at the exact appointed time for the meeting.”  Morna says quietly.  Ingrid comes up and whispers in Morna’s ear.  Morna chuckles and says, “My wise assistant suggests that you set her, Brynhold and the others down in the glen with all of their supplies so that they can set up the tents and begin to prepare the evening meal.  She is excited to begin decorating for the wedding as well.”

“Very well, Baby Girl.  Godspeed! And good luck!  You will be amazing.  I will be watching and can send reinforcements if necessary.”  Heimdall says with a chuckle.

Morna looks around and says, “I think this bunch could have repelled the Huns.  Reinforcements will probably not be necessary.”

“Never the less, the garrisons of Valhalla and Thunder Mount are on standby.”

Morna takes a deep breath, squeezes Luca’s hand and motions for Elias to stand beside her.  “Godfather, please open the gate.  I have an appointment with the Elders of my Guild.”

Heimdall opens the Bi-frost and Morna steps out on the Rainbow Bridge, knowing that her loved ones and supporters follow behind.  Morna steps out into the square in front of the Guild Hall.  She looks around with a smile on her face.  It has been centuries since she has been here, in the village square, but very little appears to have changed. 

A tall man with a shock of short red hair and a bushy beard steps out of the Hall to greet her.  “Morna Glynn?” he asks uncertainly.

“Morna Glynn Michaels.  Shamus Kennedy, you know that.”  Morna says with an indulgent smile at the leader of the Elders.

“My apologies lass.  I expected you would look different and you do, but you look much the same too.  It’s strange.  It’s like our little warrior Morna grew up into a regal Amazon.”

“In a way I did just that Shamus.  It took fourteen lifetimes to get me here, but here I am.” Morna says with a chuckle.

Another tall man with neatly trimmed jet black hair comes out of the hall and smiles hugely.  “Morna!  So good to have you back lass!”  He takes her into his arms and hugs her happily.  He turns to Luca and Elias to shake their hands.

“Rylan O‘Neal, it’s wonderful to see you,” says Morna with true feeling.

The other Elders emerge from the hall.  Morna is pleased to see them all.  These people all played a huge role in her life for many, many years.  There is Maggie Fine, Rinda’s mother, Breena Murphy, Brian Stone, and Flynn Fine, Rinda’s uncle.  All six members look exactly as Morna remembers them.  Maggie and Flynn step forward to hug Morna and Rinda moves forward to happily greet her mother and uncle.  Finally Maggie looks at Morna’s children.  “Are these your babies love?”

Morna smiles happily and says, “This is Aideen, Kyle, Aiden, and Nora.” 

Maggie claps her hands together and says, “They are fine looking children.  Talented too, or so I hear.  The wee one looks just like you did at that age.”

Nora comes up to Morna and tugs at her hand, “Mom, why is everyone here so hard to understand?”

Morna laughs and says, “My girl, speak a little slower.  Our Okie accents are just as tough for them to understand as their thick Irish brogue is for you to understand.  People who come from different places often sound differently when they speak.  Listen closely and concentrate.  You will easily be able to understand everything they say.”  Morna assures her daughter with a hug.

Rylan steps forward and takes Morna’s hand.  “Madam, the contingent from numerous other magical clans have gathered inside.  There is even a contingent of those Italian vampires here.  We weren’t quite sure what to make of them when they first arrived.  But we quickly escorted them into the hall.  They have been seated for over an hour.  I am sure they are getting impatient.”

“Probably not Rylan.  Vampires can sit and wait until hell freezes over, if they so wish.”  Morna says with a chuckle.  And then she asks, “Is it the three brothers or the tiny blond leading the group?”

“There are only three of them, the tiny blond female, her brother and that hulking bodyguard of hers.  Not that she needs one.”  Rylan says with a chuckle.  Morna is pleased that Rylan knows what they are dealing with.  “I assume all the Spell Weavers have woven iron-lions.

Shamus grunts and says, “Aye, those of us who remember how from the days of Kylor the eldest, and when you handled the training.  Shall we get started?”  He turns without waiting or a reply and goes into the hall.  The other elders and Morna and her entourage follow.  Morna nods to the envoys inside and stops before the small blond vampire.  She is truly beautiful with her child-like, angelic face and bright crimson eyes, but Morna knows the little creature is evil through and through.  The tiny blond rises confidently and bows her head negligently at Morna.  “Lady Morna, so good to see you today.”

Morna nods slightly and says, “You and your entourage are welcome as long as you understand that you are only observers and have no standing among us.  And don’t even think of pulling your parlor trick on anyone at this gathering.”

“But Lady Morna, you are now one of us, and therefore, you fall under our purview.”  The small blond says haughtily.

“Not even in your wildest dreams, little girl.  I am a Spell Weaver, first and foremost.  I am the daughter of a Vanir witch, and an Aesir god.  I am great granddaughter of Odin Allfather, king of the Norse gods, and descendant of the Giantess Rind.  I am the First Warrior of Airendell, Ireland and Wales, and The First Protector of the Gateways of Ari and Almeda.  I am sister to two Stone Breakers, can you honestly think that I fear you?” Morna says softly.

“Perhaps, but you are still one of us, as is your mate.”  The tiny blonde insists petulantly.

“Oh really?  One of you?  I am one of a kind!”  Morna neatly slashes her finger with her razor sharp teeth and watches as the blood oozes from her finger and collects in her palm. The three vampires hiss and struggle against the binding spell Morna is holding them in.  “I am a living, breathing magical being with a mighty heartbeat, who just happens to have all of the physical prowess that your kind has.  But I am not a Stone Cold vampire and do not fall under your purview.  Make sure the brothers are fully informed of this fact.  As to my mate, my unborn child, and my bodyguard, they too, are none of your concern.  Do you understand me?”  Morna weaves the spell to heal her lacerated finger and licks the blood off of her hand with slow deliberation.  Morna negligently waves her hand and releases the binding spell holding the vampire entourage.  When the tiny blonde nods, Morna says, “Don’t force me to prove these facts further.  You should have behaved today and this would not have been necessary.  You need to learn that it is not possible to behave as a bully among one‘s superiors.”

“Yes Ma’am.  My sincerest apologies.  My masters would not be happy to know that I inadvertently offended you.”  The tiny blonde mutters while refusing to meet Morna’s eyes.

Morna snorts derisively, and says, “I hope you enjoy your brief visit to Airendell.  Next time, you will wait for an invitation before entering our realm.”  Morna glides away regally and hears a chuckle from the group behind her and knows it came from George.  She prays he behaves as he walks past the little bloodsucker and her coven mates.  She hears them hiss as George and Maria walk by.  “Stand down little girl, they are my friends.”  Morna hisses so quietly only the vampires in the hall can hear.

Morna slowly walks toward the Elders at the end of the great hall.  Her attention is rapt on the three members of the Roman contingent.  Finally, she shakes her head and focuses her attention on the Elders.   Morna comes to stand before the Elders.  She bows low and speaks humbly.  “I am grateful for the opportunity to address this esteemed council today.  I have long been away from my people and I am thankful to be here, in my home, once again.”  After the council of Elders extend their official welcome Morna continues.  “I have sad news to officially report, my mother Magdrid Glynn, former First Spell Weaver of Airendell is dead.  She died by my hand.”

Shamus clears his throat.  “As you know, Fionn has, at your bidding, informed us of this tragedy.  Are you willing to face our inquiry so that we might determine if this slaying of our leader was justified?”

Morna lifts his chin slightly and says, “I am.  I immediately submitted myself for judgment at Asgard, but I recognize this body’s jurisdiction in this matter and will willingly submit to your inquiry.”

Shamus directs his attention to Odin and Thor, “Lords of Asgard, may I ask what your findings were?”

“Lady Morna is innocent of any wrong doing.  That is our final decree.”  Odin says solemnly.

Shamus nods and says, “Will all who were present step forward and allow us to convene a private inquiry?”  Spell Weavers, Stone Breakers, vampires and Norse gods alike step forward.  Shamus turns his attention to the other envoys present.  “We will return shortly.”  With that he puts up a buffer spell around the assembled witnesses.  “We have already heard the details of the slaying, we simply need to hear Morna’s testimony and make sure the witnesses support it.  This won’t take long.  Morna, tell us in your own words, how it is that you came to take the life of your mother, our leader.”

“As you know my mate was attacked by a vampire and converted five hundred and seventy-seven years ago.  At that time I was cursed to be repeatedly reincarnated by the witch Kyera, a former Spell Weaver, for killing the vampire who attacked my mate.  Since that time I have been reborn thirteen times.  This is my fourteenth and final incarnation.  We heard evidence from Magdrid herself that she was behind these actions.  We also heard evidence from her that she had placed a curse on myself and my sister, Breena Glynn that was killing us.  The Vanir’s were unable to remove the curse and the only way to stop it was for Magdrid to choose to release us or for her to die.  She refused to release the curse, so I killed her.”