Through Time-Slamming (20 page)

Jazz was choked up. In the end, Trevor and Deimne had set aside their objections. They had formulated a plan that Jazz felt was doomed from the outset. Her gut told her that Pestale was ready for them and that what he was planning was something they would not be able to control.

Trevor had disregarded the Queen’s command and Deimne had apologized with a tilt of his head. He said that he must give Trevor back-up. The two, as requested sent their message on the wind to Graely.

Chapter Twenty

BANZAR’S EYES WERE slits as he thought about Aaibhe and paced in the comfort of his home.

His lip curled as he thought of what she had done to him. He would never forgive her for humiliating him. The others might wish to move on and forget the horror of their present positions, but he would not…
could not
forget.

Everywhere he went; Fae looked at him and shook their heads. He had lost his position on the Council and if that was degrading enough everyone knew what he had tried to do, and his brethren seemed to despise him for it.

They didn’t understand that their Queen that they purported to admire so very much, was a traitor to their way of life!

He would get his revenge.

He had the means to it.

The other ex-Council members were trying to get a semblance of their old life back, but he was moving on with his into another facet. He was going to make life just what he had planned it to be.

His eyes were bright with his obsession and his lips were curved, but the smile held only a frigid breath of air as the words he whispered were filled with hatred. He knew himself obsessed, but didn’t care. He told himself he wasn’t going mad, for he had long ago taken the waters of the Cauldron to stave off the madness that comes with immortality. He swept his loose and bright red locks behind his handsome head and looked at himself in the mirror. He believed he was beautiful, with black glittering eyes so unlike most of his kind. He was also smarter than most non-royals.

He reveled in his own brilliance in the quiet of his study. He turned away from his reflection in the long looking glass. It was a good thing that he had foresight and an understanding of the history of the Royal Scepter.

Things would soon change for Queen Aaibhe.

She was not expecting any retaliation for her actions and he would take her by surprise.

He laughed out loud as he thought how easy it had been to steal the Royal Scepter from her.

The Queen was notorious for sending off her magical artifacts and then forgetting about their existence. She did so in his presence only a few months ago. Fearing that it would fall into the wrong hands during the war with Gaiscioch, she sent it off to keep it safe.

However, he had been watchful and had casually suggested she make a record of its whereabouts. She had laughed but had then done just that, right in his presence. Another fault of the Queen. She trusted her fellow Fae. She should not have.

It was an easy thing to open her record book which she neglected to put away immediately. It was also easy to locate the dimension and retrieve and study the Royal artifact to learn how to manipulate its many powers It must be ready for use when all else failed.

All else had failed and the Scepter would now do what his peaceful coup could not. He would send the Queen off to a dimension from which she could not escape.

Banzar would do that and then he would turn to his fellow Fae and show them just how powerful he was.

Only one problem remained. He was not of Royal blood and the Scepter’s inner most powerful magic would only respond to a Royal. He had only been able to access the least powerful of its magic threads.

“Never mind,” he said to the empty room. “It will do what I need. He laughed out loud and it was the sound of madness, but he told himself it was purpose.

~*~

Jazz took Frankie’s hand in hers and shifted to the lovely pink sands of the beach at Tir.

Frankie needed some down time with her and in spite of her concern, regarding Trevor she bucked up her spirits for Frankie’s sake.

They walked in a comfortable silence for a moment and then Frankie said, “Da sent me a message just a moment ago. He didn’t say much. It was more a whisper in m’head, it was. Just m’name and that he would see me soon.”

“And he will,” Jazz said with a comforting smile.

“That’s just it. Jazz. I know that devil Pestale is up to something. Ye see…Graely told me.”

Jazz stopped short. “Graely? Graely spoke to you?” Irrational fear shook Jazz to her core. This mysterious Dark Prince had sought out Frankie.

“Aye, he did. Jazz, he isn’t like his brothers.”

Jazz knew she had to control herself or Frankie would stop confiding in her. She had to hear what the child had to say and try to guide her, but it was hard when every inch of her wanted to yell and tell her to stay away from him.

“Well, I did witness him saving a mother and child, so I agree that there is more to this Dark Prince than we know. However, I don’t like that he visits you alone,” Jazz said.

Frankie eyed her. “Hmm, I don’t think he would ever harm me. Quite the opposite Jazz. Do you trust me to know such things?”

Jazz cautioned herself. “Yes, I trust you. Do you trust me as an adult to try and guide you and keep you safe?”

“Oh I do, Jazz, I do! Ye be the only one who has never treated me like just a baby. And ye really listen to me. Do ye think he means us harm, this Graely?”

“In truth my gut says no, but my sense of self preservation puts me on guard. Do you understand that? Do you think it fair that we not make up our minds about him until we know more?”

Frankie considered her words for a moment and then hugged her fiercely. “I do, but Jazz, what are we going to do? M’da is out there. Trevor is out there. How can we bring them back safely?”

Jazz just hugged her. “Not sure yet, sweetie pie.” She sighed and added, “but I tell you what, nothing will happen to your father or to Trevor. They are both too smart and besides, they are forewarned. They are ready for Pestale and his tricks.”

“No, they aren’t,” Frankie cried. “Don’t ask me how I know, I just do. Pestale has something he is planning and it will surprise them.”

The same feeling had been flowing through Jazz’s veins. She had an awful premonition about this thing. A vision of only one thing—that it wasn’t going to go well.

However, she had to look after Frankie. The child had been through so much. She just couldn’t let her worry and fret, but Frankie would see right through it if she tried to lie. “I am not going to whitewash this for you, Frankie girl. I love you too much to tell you everything is going to be fine and that they have a decent backup plan. I don’t think that at all. However, I will tell you that I do think your da and my Trevor are not easily beaten. I do think that Pestale won’t be able to best them, so that is where we are.”

“Thank ye, Jazz. I can always count on ye to not treat me like I’m a stick of wood,” Frankie said solemnly. “Ye know what?”

“What?” Jazz smiled widely.

“
We will
be their back up plan.” Frankie suddenly smiled.

Jazz touched her nose. “You mean
I
will be their back up plan. For all of your abilities, you are still a young girl.”

“That may be so, Jazmine Decker.” Frankie mimicked Trevor’s voice and laughed. “But there are things about me you have yet to learn.” With which she giggled at herself.

Jazz pulled on Frankie’s long lock of gold lit auburn hair and sighed heavily. Something was off in the atmosphere. She could feel it and what was more, it was getting stronger.
Something huge was breathing fire
. What the hell was it?

Was it just the unknown that had her off kilter?

The sky was as always in Tir, captivatingly blue and cloudless. And yet, she saw a blot of something high above. It wasn’t really there. It was a vision in her head. A flying something…

“What is it Jazz?” Frankie asked wide-eyed and alert.

“Nothing sweetie,” Jazz answered.

Frankie stared into the sky. “No ye know better.
I feel it too
. M’Fios feels it. M’Fae feels it…oh Jazz, the Sluagh in me is shaking.
Something is coming
!”

They stood looking up, but were unable to discern anything out of the ordinary and Jazz said, “Let’s get back to the palace.” She pulled Frankie close and shifted.

Chapter Twenty-One

TREVOR SHIFTED ONTO the grassy slope of the Lower Lake With his Death Sword ready he looked at Deimne who had shifted to stand beside him.

Deimne was not built like a warrior, but he was muscular and Trevor knew he was very capable. He watched as Deimne drew in his wings and folded his arms across his chest.

“Where do you think he is Deimne?”

“I don’t think they have shifted in, but I think I shall watch your back for no doubt he means to have Hordly come up behind us.”

“Aye, Deimne, something feels off in the atmosphere.”

“I agree. I have a very bad feeling about this Trevor.” the Sluagh looked up into the Irish sky and added. “My blood is shouting a warning to my brain, an ancient warning, but it can’t be…
it is impossible
!”

“What is impossible?” Trevor asked sharply.

“Nothing. Perhaps, it is just the Daoine in me revolting at this meeting. Trevor, he doesn’t want peace and there are no terms that will satisfy him. He has called this meeting for one reason only. He must believe he has the means to a successful outcome. I think it is unwise to remain.”

“I know,” Trevor said. “But, do we turn tail and run? I don’t think so.”

“No, that wouldn’t be good, and yet…” and then he saw Hordly and said, “Trevor! Look to the east, Hordly strides toward us! Why did he not just shift in?”

“To divert us,” Trevor answered.

“Well then, let us try and ignore him and keep focused on our immediate surroundings. Pestale has something up his sleeve but by Danu, I don’t know what it can be,” Deimne said, his eyes narrowed as he gazed to the east and watched Hordly out of the corner of his eye walking with confidence and a look that said, he owned the World.

“What is that? Pestale is chanting over there on that hill. What is he doing up there, when he called for the meeting here?” Trevor asked.

And then, they got their answer.

A screech overhead had already told Deimne what was coming. He opened his wings, as the enormous wickedness of what Pestale had done came fully into view. “He has released the Gorka!” he shouted in surprise and utter disbelief. “I will do what I can” He eyed Trevor as though saying goodbye. “Promise me if I don’t come back,
you will take care of my daughter
. Get out of this Trevor and take care of my daughter, you and Jazz and send a message to the Queen…we need reinforcements
now!”

~*~

The scent of her roses filled the air. The air in this world they had created was sweet and inviting. Aaibhe looked up at Morgan as they walked along, hand in hand and felt a newfound wonder. In the midst of the horror of war, there was their love.

In the center of some of the hardest decisions she had ever made, she had found some measure of peace. She was so lucky that this wise immortal loved her so much and so completely.

He bent his handsome blond head as he took her fingers to his lips and kissed each one; and as though he couldn’t face parting with her, crushed her into his embrace.

She had thought she would never be so fortunate to find true love again after Conall.. She had faced the prospect of living an eternity alone. Aaibhe had lived so many centuries without even taking a lover. Now here was Morgan LeBlanc filling up her mind and making her essence his own.

Her inner senses blossomed and she felt herself blush for the first time because of Morgan and she returned his passion with a fire she was so thankful to be able to feel.

His kiss was long and edged with desperation and yet, so completely tender. His kiss was all consuming and he made her feel alive. Too soon, he began to pull away, his face drawn with purpose as though he had to draw on great strength to leave her.

“Chance has called on me, sweet lass. I must go to Dravo.”

She rubbed her cheek on his bicep. She was Queen to her race, and he called her lass. How she loved that.

“He tells me that he canna locate the exact area something aboot a shift in the earth. I must go help them so that we can collect this
Twalla
of yers and end this thing with the Dark Ones.” His voice was rough, his demeanor reluctant to leave her.

“Yes, go at once, you and I, we have…” she trailed off

“
An eternity
. Even that will never be enough,” he whispered just before he shifted away.

She turned and stared at all the brightly colored roses, and took a long breath of their delicious scent. Matters in the Human World were treacherous. In one of her visions she had seen that her Royals had come to harm, but she did not know whether or not they had survived.

How could she bear to lose any of them?

A scent that did not belong wafted toward her. Slowly she turned to the direction of the intrusion, she raised her brow and said in a stern voice “Ah, Banzar. I had thought by warding the palace against you and the others, that I might have some peace from your devilry.” She sighed, “Apparently I should have warded the Palace grounds as well.”

“You and the Milesian were very cozy,” Banzar spat, ignoring her remark as he emerged from behind a large shapely evergreen.

“I should hope so. What do you want, Banzar?” She wondered why he was wearing a cloak over his very formal white billowy shirt and black silk trousers.

“Did you think there would be no consequences for your actions?” he spat at her.

“I am your Queen, whether you like it or not. Now leave the grounds or I shall remove you and you won’t like where I send you,” she said softly but with purpose.

“You will hear me first,” he growled. “For I will be avenged.”

She sighed heavily, saddened by what she would have to do next. “Is that what you have reduced yourself to a creature that hides in the brush and promises vengeance?” The Queen said in a lofty voice, but suddenly she felt a vibration from something she had thought secured elsewhere. Somehow Banzar had gotten his hands on it—
the Royal Scepter
. She had to wonder if he knew how to use it.

He threw his cloak over one shoulder and held the Scepter out and in her face, his own marked by a sneer.

Aaibhe laughed softly and said, “Do you think you can hurt me with that? It was created to protect the Queen.”

He sneered. “It did not protect Queen Bridget.”

Aaibhe had enough. She took a menacing step towards him and said, “You know nothing! How dare you even say
her name!
Our slain Queen would not raise her sword or her Scepter against her consort even in battle. It was late for him because he saw and regretted his actions. Now get thee to your hovel and think about what you owe your brethren!”

“I owe them all. I owe them a world without war—
without you
. We don’t need to protect the humans from the Dark Fae. Let the abominations have at them. They are nothing to us.”

“Stupid fool!” the Queen shook her head, but before she could put out her hand and call the Scepter to herself, he raised it high and slammed it into the earth.

And Aaibhe was gone.

Banzar stood, very pleased with himself. He hadn’t been sure it would work. Now all he had to do was eliminate Ete. Ete was next in line for the throne. Ete had the power to find and free the Queen. Thus, Ete was a threat that stood between him and his ultimate goal.

~*~

Jazz hugged Frankie and Ete reached out her hand to the child. “Thank you, dear. for sitting with me while Breslyn and Danté are busy elsewhere. I dearly need the company.”

Frankie had already formed affection for the gentle princess and immediately took up a chair beside her to ask, “Are you feeling well?”

“I am,” Ete said. “The Queen gave me an old Fae remedy for my trouble. It was both horrible tasting and effective.”

Jazz broke in to promise that she would return as soon as possible and shifted out saying she wanted to find and speak with the Queen.

She was conflicted. She felt she should have insisted that she go with Trevor. She wasn’t really a Fae subject and couldn’t be ordered about. She didn’t really need permission from the Queen, and yet she wanted her opinion before she went in search of Trevor and Deimne.

She smiled ruefully to herself as she realized that she also wanted Aaibhe’s approval before she went headlong into anything.

Something tickled her Fae brain and then her human gut told her to find the Queen and find her fast. Something was really off. She could feel it in the air.

Jazz arrived at the edge of the Rose Garden in time to see Banzar bang the Royal Scepter into the Earth and witnessed the Queen’s immediate disappearance.

Without hesitation and without thinking, Jazz called for her Death Sword and shifted behind him.

She was quick, she was skilled and powerful and she meant business. She held the hilt of her sword at his throat as she grabbed the Scepter with her free hand and held it away from him. “Uh-uh-uh,” she cautioned. “You don’t want to move, for I am told that even a scratch from my Lugh Death Sword could mean your sure demise. Probably it would be long and torturous from just a scratch.” She felt him stiffen and stand very still.

His voice was full of hatred as he spat, “
Human!
”

“
Thank you
I am; and Fios and Fae. Hmmm…so much more than anything you think you are.
Now
, what have you done with the Queen?”

“What she deserves. I sent her off and out of my way while I secure Tir,” he said with diabolical laughter. Jazz realized Banzar was on the edge of madness.

She couldn’t keep him like this forever and then it came to her just what she had to do next. Without another word she shifted with him to the Royal Guard and Tracker’s Pavilion.

She barely set foot on the marble flooring when she found that she and Banzar were encircled by some very large members of the Royal Guard. They looked annoyed.

She said, “
A prisoner for you
. He has done something to the Queen with this!” She shoved Banzar away from herself and made certain one of the guards held Banzar in place so he was unable to shift away. She stepped back and held up the Royal Scepter.

Nuad shifted in with ten of his Trackers. He nodded at her as he walked up and she handed him the bronze scepter. “Nuad,” she said with some relief. “Banzar slammed this into the ground and the Queen was gone.” Then she gasped as Banzar broke away from the guard that had been holding him.

“Relax, Jazmine Decker, he can not escape us. We have already lowered the veil of Danu over him. He is our prisoner and can not shift or leave the Pavilion. Now tell us exactly what you saw,” Nuad said calmly.

With a relieved sigh, she regarded Nuad. “I saw him slam that…” she pointed at the scepter into the ground. “Just like I said the Queen vanished.”

Nuad’s glittering eyes narrowed as he turned and looked at Banzar. “How did you get this?”

“I have my ways…there are many things I am capable of,” Banzar said.

“Include dying in that list,” Nuad snorted. “I repeat,
where did you send
our Queen?”

He shrugged, “I don’t really know. I read somewhere that it could send the Queen off indefinitely and so I did.” Again the laughter that Jazz believed comes with overwrought obsession. He stopped suddenly and said, “Ete is next.”

“Son of a bitch!” Jazz took a step towards him. “Nuad, Z would say this one needs dying and she would be right.”

“You can’t put me to death,” Banzar shouted and sneered. “Only the Queen can do that…and
she is gone.”
The laughter took him over again.

Nuad stepped right up to him and landed him a facer that sent him reeling and quieted him. His roar was up close and very personal, “What have you done with my queen?”

“I sent her away, far away” Banzar giggled. “Oh put him out of his misery,” Jazz said with a shake of her head.

“He is right, only the Queen can order his death and we haven’t had a Seelie Fae put to death in eons.” Nuad said quietly. “I must consult with Breslyn.

She eyed Banzar, “You are certain he can’t get away?”

Nuad smiled at her and arched a brow, “You question us?”

She laughed, “At this point, I question everything.”

And together they shifted.

~*~

Thousands upon thousands of years ago, when Danu still thrived, Trevor had only been a youth, what humans would call a toddler. He only knew the old tales of the Gorka and how Queen Bridget and the Dark King had captured the last remaining two--just before their falling out.

He had heard stories of the slaughter of so many Fae, and had formed a picture of the grotesque creatures in his mind. He had heard about the brave caste of Sluagh and how they had taken to the skies to defeat the Gorka.

These were Fae eating monsters and Deimne was the last of his brave caste. Trevor knew the stories that the Gorka was the reason that Deimne was the last of his kind. For the moment looking upon the ancient beast, he could only stare. It was a sentient beast. It was huge grotesque dragon whose tongue was black, forked and spiked. Its venom paralyzed its victims they would then die slowly. Sometimes the beasts ate their prey immediately while they were still alive, other times after they would wait until they had been preserved for a while and kept alive in a slimy cocoon, to be chomped down on at the beast’s leisure.