Wicked Rage of the Moon: Book Three of the Airendell Chronicles (5 page)

“Why do you act like you think you know so damned much about my mate?” Luca demands.

“Lucian I have made it a point to learn about her… because she is your mate.  I keep close tabs on all my progeny.  I have known who Kylor is since Bellona whisked him out of your little glen.  I have set several traps for Valgullveig and her dark master in retaliation for that atrocity, but the lovely little bitch has an uncanny ability to smell a trap, and unrivaled acumen for survival.  How else has she manage to wreak havoc in your life for centuries without your being aware that she was behind it all?  She’s dangerous, or at least the one behind her pulling her strings is dangerous.  And I make it a point to know my enemies and my allies.  I know Morna well because I have long considered her one of the latter,” Mars says flatly.

“She’s your ally, yet you allowed Kyera to set a trap for her at your palace today and you had your archers ready to take us out if things went badly.”  Luca accuses acidly.

Mars laughs heartily and says, “I went along with Kyera’s plan to allow Morna a chance to get her hands on her.  If the cowardly little witch hadn’t thought she had my support she would have ran before Morna could have caught up with her.   And the archers did not have their sights on you and your little party.  Look, I know I won’t convince you today.  It’s not even necessary for you to trust me for us to be allies.  So let’s go in.  I want to meet the rest of Morna’s brood.  My seers say they are exceptionally strong.”

Ingrid returns and says, “Lord Lucian, we have a light repast prepared in the hall.  Lady Morna will join you and bring the children soon.”  She turns on her heel and walks back toward their home.  Mars and Luca follow behind her.

“I can’t believe Morna has a Valkyrie for her assistant.  She attracts other strong women like a magnet doesn’t she?”  Mars laughs as they walk into the house.  “Speaking of strong women, I heard a rumor that the lovely Maria of the Anasazi is staying with you.”

“Yes she is, and she is not a big fan of yours.  I do not know your history with her, but she is a friend, so do not screw with her under my roof,” Luca warns firmly.

Mars chuckles and says, “Saying that the Chief Shaman of the Anasazi is not a fan of mine is probably the biggest understatement of the day.  She may very well attempt to assassinate me under your roof.  And not without some cause, I am afraid.  When we last met, I was hell bent on creating a vampire army.  It turned out to be a colossally bad idea, but I stupidly made lifelong enemies of the Stone Breakers in the process.”

“Never fear, Mars.  She may not like or trust you, but I doubt she will try to kill you in my home or at our vow renewal ceremony,” Luca says with a chuckle.

Mars slaps Luca on the back and says, “Lucian, I am enjoying getting to know you.  You aren’t nearly the stick in the mud I thought you would be.”

“And you may very well turn out to not be the sorry son of a bitch that I believe you probably are,” Luca says with a straight face.

Ingrid is chortling happily when she pours the glass of wine for Mars.  Mars too is laughing heartily.  “I wish I knew if that was a reflection of a sense of humor or blatant honesty.”

“Both.”  Ingrid giggles as she walks away happily.

“I think I will like being around this little household.  Those in my realm are all lousy sycophants.  Here I will be treated as an equal.  It will be refreshing.”  Mars says lightly.

“At least until the novelty wears off, eh Mars?”  Morna quips from the door way.  She stands there dressed casually in jeans and a tee shirt, flanked by her five children.  Mars thinks she looks like she is well into the third trimester of her pregnancy, at least seven or eight months along.    Luca rises and joins her.  He kisses her lovingly, and then bends to pick up Nora and places his hand proudly on Aiden’s shoulder.

“Mars, you know Kylor of course.  You met Aideen earlier today.  These are our other children, Kyle is the oldest at 15, Aiden is 12 and this 7 year old little beauty is Nora.” Lucian says proudly.

“Morna… you make beautiful children.  Lucian, I can see why you are willing to claim them as your own.  I hear you are all quite powerful as well.”  The children look at each other and their parents but do not respond to the Roman war god.

“Ingrid says the buffet is ready.  We really should eat a little before we go to Airendell.  It will be a few hours before the feast is ready there.”  Says Morna as she comfortably assumes the role of hostess.  The group moves to the line and is happily selecting their favorites from the light buffet.

The rest of Morna’s bridal party has joined the family by now and Morna holds her breath when Mars kisses Maria’s hand.  He speaks to her in her clan’s ancient language, and Morna almost chokes on the piece of cheddar cheese that she is nibbling on.  She meets Luca’s eyes over the crowd and reads the question in his eyes.  “He just apologized to Maria. He actually seemed sincere.  He is not what I expected and it really makes me nervous.”  Morna tells her mate telepathically.

Odin, Thor, Valliant, Bellona and Vali join the group.  Kylor goes to greet his grandmother.  Breena and Damian also join the gathering.  Morna casually makes the introductions.  “So you are the young pup who finally captured the heart of the lovely Breena?” Mars chuckles.

“I guess you could say that,” Damian says guardedly.

Mars notices the ring on his right hand and chuckles.  “Morna, you don’t take any chances when it comes to protecting your own, do you?”

“Sure I do, Mars.  You are in our home with my children.  That is risk enough for one day,” Morna says with a chuckle.

“True enough.  You will find me a good ally though in the days and weeks and years to come,” Mars says quietly.

“We shall see, we shall see.  Now, sit, eat, enjoy the peace,” Morna says expansively.               

The meal passes pleasantly and Morna has consumed two units of blood and is helping Ingrid and Tena clear the table when Rinda arrives in the company of Annie and Lou.  She has her garment bag over her arm.  Morna smiles happily and greets her friend.  The old friends embrace warmly and Morna is pleased to see that Rinda is acting more like her old self.  Morna also notices Rinda watching Annie with undisguised interest.  Morna chuckles, and wonders if Annie took her advice and expressed her interest in Rinda.

Ingrid enters the hall with three garment bags over her arm and that same large basket she had earlier.  “Morna… we need to go soon.  The Elders of your Guild are assembled at your glen, as you requested.”

“Good.  Now tell me that your gown is in one of those garment bags over your arm,” Morna says happily.

“It is and thank you for asking me to be in your wedding party.  I am honored,” Ingrid says sincerely.

“I am honored to have you as a friend and part of my household.  Thank you for consenting to stand up with me today.”  She hugs the tall Valkyrie and turns to face the rest of the room.  “We need to go.”  She turns and walks out of the room without looking back.

Mars chuckles and says, “The sign of a true leader, she knows she will be followed, she doesn’t have to look back.” 

The Norsemen and the others in the room laugh heartily and follow her lead.  They arrive at the Bi-frost in short order and Heimdall scoops Morna up into his arms, “Baby Girl, I am sorry, but I will have to watch your ceremony from here.  There have been a few attempts on Asgard today.  I am needed at my post.”

Morna looks worried and asks, “Any sign of my sister?”

“No, but I suspect she and her Master are behind the forays into our realm.  I will keep you posted.  Never fear, all the garrisons are still on standby.  None of your allies will be caught unaware today.  Go enjoy your special day,” Heimdall booms happily, as he sets her down and kisses her forehead.

CHAPTER TWO - MEET ME AT SUNSET

The trip on the Bi-frost temporal bridge is over quickly and the group finds themselves standing in the Luca and Morna’s glen at Airendell.  Ingrid and Brynhold have transformed the entire glen.  There are two rows of brightly colored tents running along the river in front of the cottage.  There is a huge wooden platform for dancing located directly in front of the cottage that is decorated with banners and brightly colored party lanterns. 

The bandstand is located to the left of that and Morna chuckles when she sees the grand piano as well as big band instruments, microphones, and extensive amplified sound system.  She wonders where Ingrid had the generators set up, assuming they are likely behind a buffer spell so that the noise from the machines will not interfere with tonight’s celebration.  She decides they are probably behind the cottage where she can also hear and smell the food preparation underway.  Beyond the dance floor there is a small open area for milling around and socializing. 

Further still are fifty large round tables with ten chairs at each table.  Each table has an emerald green tablecloth and gold centerpieces.  The china and flatware are aquamarine, cream and gold.  It is all very beautiful.  Morna sighs because this glen will soon be filled to overflowing with people from several magical realms.  She squeezes Luca’s hand and asks, “How in heaven’s name did a simple vow renewal ceremony escalate into all this pomp and circumstance?”

“No pomp and circumstance, Morna, I promise.  Just us declaring our vows to each other and then one really big party, sweetheart.  There’s nothing formal planned for tonight.  Ingrid and Brynhold are just so good at making everything look lovely.  That’s all, baby, I promise.”  Luca assures her as he wraps a strong arm around her waist.  “Look at our tree, beloved.” 

Morna looks at their favorite oak tree.  It is a magical tree, a couple of millennia old.  Yet it still stands tall and proud.  Its trunk is over five feet in diameter, its limbs are gnarled and beautiful.  It was a very ancient tree when Luca and Morna made love under it for the first time over seven hundred years ago in 1262.  Morna’s memory transports her back in time and she recalls precious details of that fated day and the beautiful man that shared it with her.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

They had been deeply engrossed in Lucian’s lessons on Spell Weaver lore and the mechanics of some fairly complicated spells for several hours when Morna calls for a break and contentedly lies in the grass beside Lucian.   Morna watches a pair of dragonflies flit around each other as she enjoys the companionable silence.  She glances over at her apprentice Spell Weaver and Warrior.  Lucian too seems to be raptly watching the intricate flight of the dragonflies when a question occurs to Morna.  The question slips from her lips without any real thought. “Luca, are you happy here?  I mean truly happy?”

Lucian turns over onto his belly and looks at Morna lying in the grass on her back.  She is watching him closely now with a small smile flirting around her lips.  This young man has fascinated her and called to her very soul since the first time she laid eyes on him. 

After being encouraged to just slow down once in a while and savor the moment she is simply enjoying the peaceful day and being in Lucian‘s company.  Morna reminds herself to thank Maggie Fine for that most excellent advice as the feelings of love and tender passion fill her heart for the man before her. 

“Morna, I am always happy when I am with you,” Lucian reveals quietly.  The sweet sincerity of his declaration fills Morna with joy.

She smiles and admits, “Me too.”  She blushes at her admission and Lucian is charmed that this strong, powerful warrior and Spell Weaver blushes around him, frequently.  She doesn’t blush around anyone else.  Only him.

The pair fall silent and Lucian reaches out and trails his fingertips along Morna’s wrist.  Morna closes her eyes and moans softly at his gentle touch.  She feels blissful and content in the company of the man she fully believes will be her mate for all of eternity, even though he has never spoken of his feelings for her or even attempted to steal a kiss. 

“Morna, is it improper that I love you?” 

She slowly opens her eyes and looks at Lucian before saying; “I hope not, because I love you too.”

Lucian is emboldened by the love, respect and passion he sees in her eyes.  He wants to claim her as his lover but he feels compelled to confess his lack of worth.  “I am not good enough for you, Morna.  I have tried to deny what I feel for you from the very beginning… but I can’t deny it any longer.”  He continues to focus his attention on the patterns that he is tracing along the pale skin of her finely shaped wrist with his fingertips.

Morna chuckles softly and captures his hand in one of her own.  “Lucian Michaels, I have known how much I love you since shortly after I first laid eyes on you.  I believe we are fated mates.”

Lucian moves closer to Morna and strokes her face tenderly before he kisses her.  At first the kiss is tentative, uncertain and explorative.  When she moans and brings her hands up to cup his face lovingly Lucian deepens the kiss and threads his fingers into her silky hair as he lovingly draws her head nearer…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Morna’s attention is drawn back to the present by the slightly raucous calls of some UCI enforcers who are providing extra security for the ceremony shouting good natured insults at each other.  One of her oldest friends, Dempsey Fraser catches her eye and waves eagerly.  Morna waves back with a big grin, hoping she gets the chance to catch up with the handsome Ghoul enforcer. 

Morna turns and smiles lovingly at Luca before looking around and taking in all of the activity in their beloved glen.  So much of their early lives together took place in this very glen and Ingrid has done a miraculous job recapturing the feel of their original wedding ceremony.

Below the tree is a simple white lattice archway, decorated with wildflowers and greenery.  Facing the tree are two large groups of white wooden chairs, arranged in a semi-circle around the tree.  There is an emerald green carpet leading up to the wooden archway, and running between the groups of chairs.  The back drop for the entire scene is the waterfall at the end of the glen, with the small river running next to the wedding and party area. 

Morna gasps in pleasure.  “It looks just like it did in 1316.” Morna whispers.  She turns and kisses her mate with gratitude.  “Thank you for keeping this all under control.  I know you must have done it.”

“Of course love.  I know you didn’t want a fancy event, but I hope you are okay with a big party.”  He whispers back as he lovingly rubs her back.

“I am more than okay with a big party.  We have so very, very much to celebrate my darling.”  Morna says as she kisses him passionately.  She reluctantly pulls away and says, “I have a little business to take care of, and then I should get dressed so that we can exchange our vows at sunset like we did the first time.”  She turns to locate Ingrid and asks, “Where shall I dress and where are the Elders?”

Ingrid waves her hand to drop the spell hiding it and a small 20 by 20 foot tent appears.  Its emerald green and white stripes are adorned with the gold and emerald banners of Airendell waving in the breeze.  It is set slightly back into the woods to the north of the river, and the ancient oak tree.  It will allow Morna to dress and then simply walk a short distance to the green carpet that leads to the tree. 

“It’s perfect Ingrid.” 

Morna strides to the tent and opens the flaps and what she finds inside floors her.  There’s a large bed set in one corner.  A huge bathtub, an ornate cheval mirror, dressing screen, and wardrobe in the opposite corner of the tent.  In still another corner is a small table with two chairs.  While the final corner is arranged into a small sitting area, with a loveseat, three comfortable chairs and coffee table in the middle.  The ground is covered with a beautiful hand-woven rug.  Obviously thousands of years old and very, very valuable.

Ingrid follows her in and hangs the garment bags on the center post and sets the large basket on a small table near the tub.  “Will this do?”  She asks softly.  “I wasn’t sure if you would want to spend the night in your cottage, in Asgard or someplace else entirely.  I wanted this to be nice enough in case you wanted to stay here.”

“You know we stayed in a tent the night we got married here the first time.”  Morna says softly.

“Lucian told me.”  Ingrid nods happily.

“I vote for here.”  Morna looks at Luca and he nods his approval.  “It’s lovely.  You are a wonder at organizing and arranging matters, great and small my friend.  I don’t know what I will do without you when you and Reagan marry and return to Midgard.”  Morna admits.

“Oh, I had planned on remaining in your service after we wed, if you will have me.”  Ingrid says uncertainly.

“Ingrid, that makes me very happy.  I would be honored to have you as my right hand, but mostly I am honored to have you as a friend.”  Morna says with great sincerity and hugs her friend.  “Now, where are the Elders?”

“In the tent closest to this one.  I originally planned on putting them in the cottage, but I didn’t know how you would feel about having people in there when you were not there.  If you are ready, I’ll lead you both there now.”  Ingrid says.

“Good, let’s get this over with so I can get dressed.”  Morna says lightly.  Once outside, Morna motions Breena over and says, “Get everyone from my bridal party and make yourselves comfortable in here.  I will be back very quickly.”  Ingrid leads the way, opens the tent flap and holds back.  “Come on in Ingrid.  As my assistant, you are part of all Guild business.”  Ingrid nods and follows.

Once inside Morna happily greets Elias.  He is dressed in a simple black designer suit with an aquamarine tie and an emerald green kerchief in the breast pocket.  “You look very handsome, godson!”  Morna hugs him and kisses him happily.

“Pretty Morna!  Lucian!  So good to see you.  We are all very excited about the ceremony tonight, but we know Morna wanted this little bit of business taken care of as soon as possible.”  Elias says exuberantly.  “Morna, the Elders and I have spent the day finalizing arrangements and setting things up as per your instructions.  I will shut up now and let Shamus fill you in on our final arrangements.”  Morna gazes fondly at her Governor of the Airendell Spell Weavers and is grateful that her favorite godson consented to be her second in command over their guild.

Shamus, the leader of the Guild Elders, steps forward and hugs Morna.  “Lass, I had no idea that you were so far along.  That babe looks like he might come anytime now.”

“It feels like it too, but Nora assures me that he won’t come until the 29th.”  Morna says happily.

“Isn’t that earlier than we originally anticipated?” asks Elias, all doctor now.  “Is the fetal development okay?”  He strides forward and places his hands over her distended belly and closes his eyes.  He opens them suddenly and looks at Morna in surprise.  “He feels strong enough to be born right now!  How is that possible?” 

Morna shrugs innocently and murmurs; “He certainly isn’t a typical child.  And neither are his parents.”  She shares a meaningful look with her mate.  They both know something miraculous happened when they released their inner selves and came together.  Something that seems to have made their child even stronger and perhaps advanced the pregnancy.  But they are not about to get into all of that with the Guild Elders standing here.

Elias looks towards Luca, “Have you been able to maintain the spell?”

“Yes Elias, Morna and Madigan are fine,” Luca assures the young physician.

“Madigan?  I like it.  It’s a fine, strong name.”  He grins happily but suddenly seems to recall where they are and what they are about.  “Oh okay, sorry.”  He nods at the Elders, “My apologies.”

“No reason to apologize Elias.  We all know that you are a healer, first and foremost.”  Rylan, another Elder, assures the young man. 

Shamus chuckles and takes Morna’s hands.  “Lass, we wholeheartedly support your proposals.”  He drops her hands and looks at Luca.  “Lucian, has she told you that she wants you to lead the Warriors of Airendell?”

Luca chuckles, “I am aware of my mate‘s choice.”

“Well we concur.  However, we agree with her assessment that Archer and his sons should stay on as keepers of the gateway.  That has been their home for almost six hundred years, and they have done a fine job of protecting the gateway.  We propose that you keep a small contingent of warriors there under his command, but we think we should build a new barracks and headquarters for the Warriors of Airendell.  Do you concur with our assessments?” Shamus asks directly.

“I do.  However, I would like to rotate the warriors under his command periodically.  Gateway duty can grow tiresome.  I propose we build the new headquarters north of the village on the plain of Airensaur.  I also feel that Morna needs a contingent of Warriors that are directly under her command at all times, the Protectors of the Talismans of Airendell.”  Luca says as he warms to the topic.

“Ah… They are so in sync as warriors, it has always been so.”  Rylan says enthusiastically.  “That and other reasons are why we so willingly support her decisions.  There is only one that we want to ask a few questions about before we give our final support to it.”

“Let me guess… The commander of my contingent of warriors, the protectors of the talismans?  I have not even asked her yet, so your questions may be moot if she declines.”  Morna says with a smile and then turns her attention towards Ingrid.  “Ingrid, my friend, I have a great favor to ask of you.  Would you consider being my commander over the Protectors?  Ultimately, I will have overall command as First Protector and First Weaver, but I need a strong person that I can trust to be my number one.”  Morna walks over to the Valkyrie and places her hands on her shoulders.