Guardian of the Banshee

This is a serial story.
Link to Part 1
Link to Part 2



A QUEENS GUARDIAN

By R.T. Drake

“Lasair.”

Bolting upright Lynette’s hands came up preparing to fend off his attack. Any second their bodies would collide, and she would be forced to endure his cold touch again. The very thought of it repulsed her, making her want to do everything possible to not let it happen again. But nothing came. No bone jarring collision, no cold, no anything.

“My Lady, are you alright?” came a familiar voice from beside her.

Relief flooded through her at hearing her Guardian’s voice. It let her know in that instant that she was safe. It also amazed her at how easily referring to him as ‘Her Guardian’ came.

“I am fine Guardian. Please just give me a moment.”

“Of course, My Lady.”

Sitting there she felt her chest rise and fall with each breath she took. She focused on it, used it to calm her while she gathered her composure. As the blurriness receded from her eyes things got clearer. She saw she was in a bed, in a room, though where she had no idea.

Turning to her side she saw Aidan’s face, full of concern and worry as he knelt beside her. Seeing him reinforced her safety, reassured her that Lasair was no longer around.

More at ease she went to say something when she felt the familiar sensation of her nipples tightening. Wondering why she looked down, only to discover that she was bare and exposed. A green satin sheet was at her waist, leaving her breasts out there for anyone, including him, to see.

Snatching up a handful of the sheet she covered herself, looking back to him. Her mind reeling as his gaze held her own.

“What the hell is going on? Where am I?”

“You are in your personnel chambers, My Lady.” He replied, standing up and backing slightly away.

“And you’re here why?” realizing after she said it she already knew the answer.

“I am your Guardian, My Lady. It is the last part of the Binding Ritual.” he said in a ‘you should know’ kind of tone.

“I know what part of it we are in.” she snapped in frustration. “And though yes you may be my Guardian, it does not give you the right to see me without clothes.”

.

“Actually it does, My Lady. If I choose and deem it necessary for your safety, but I assure you I would make it as, impersonal, as possible.” His voice deliberately steady while his face unreadable.

Flabbergasted and outraged by his comment she found herself speaking before she knew it.

“Who do you think you are?”

Before anything could be said further a loud clap filled the room, bringing with it an immediate silence. A commanding yet compassionate filled voice followed.

“You know perfectly well who he is, My Lady. You chose him after all.”

Turning towards the voice Lynette’s eyes fell upon a small elderly woman sitting in a high back chair. Her features were soft but her eyes were steady and unyielding. She had long white hair in a braid that all but glowed against her bright red and orange robes.

In her gnarled yet strong looking hand was a highly black polished walking staff. Runes were scrawled everywhere upon its surface and it was topped with a green gem the size of a softball. If Lynette did not know better she would swear it was an emerald having the same dark green hew as some she had seen.

The woman’s look was one of curiosity and enjoyment as a second later she turned here attention to Aidan and nodded. Aidan nodded in return and then came over to her. A moment later he was assisting her out of the chair and escorting her closer.

The woman’s frame though small, especially when standing next to Aidan, did not seem at all a weakness. In fact her very presence was one of complete confidence, rivaling even Aidan’s.

As they walked over Lynette noted there were two other ladies in the room, both dressed in green flowing dresses and both with their hands clasped before them. Casting a glance over to them they both returned it and bowed slightly to her.

Both were of fair complexion while the taller of the two had long black hair. Some held together on top with a small green clasp while the rest cascaded down behind her. Her gown was long sleeved, connecting to a ring on each of her middle fingers. The other one was shorter and had blonde hair in a pixie cut which matched the almost sleeveless gown she wore. Both their faces were pleasant and full of happiness.

Looking back to Aidan and the elderly woman, they were before her as the woman withdrew herself from Aidan, wasting no time in speaking.

“I am old, My Lady. Much older than you would guess, and trust me when I say that. You may call me Eurade. I am also what your mythology calls an Oracle, though like most things in the mortal version of mythology they did not get it quite right. I am one of the last and one day soon even I will be gone. As such I can dispense with pleasantries where others cannot.”

Using her staff she leaned in slightly more before continuing to speak, emphasizing what she was about to say.

“We both know exactly why you chose Aidan. And though your decision remains yours alone, one day you will admit it openly and freely. Until then, rest assured we have other more pressing matters to attend to, namely Lasair, or as you know him properly now, the Fallen Guardian. You screamed his name upon waking from the Binding Ritual, why?”

An involuntary shiver ran through her as she recalled what had happened. The lingering feelings and thoughts of what she had seen first hand still with her.

 “He was there.”

An audible gasp could be heard from the ladies in green. While Aidan’s voice thundered out.

“That is impossible. The Celtic Fire can only be entered by a queen.”

The only one who remained unaffected was the old woman, though she raised her head slightly as she spoke.

“So it is true then. Tell me, My Lady, did he say anything? Lasair always was one for posturing.”

“He made mention of using Dark Banshee.” offered Lynette somewhat confused. She also noted the deep pain and regret that filled Aidan’s eyes.

Eurade nodded her head up and down.

“So he has learned how to use his Dark Banshee’s abilities. This is troublesome but not unforeseen, especially given who we are dealing with.”

“How can it be possible Eurade?” asked Aidan, his voice restrained.

 “Dark Banshee’s are still queens, no different then Lady Lynette. Even in their current state they are still linked to the Celtic Fire, just like any other banshee or queen. Until now Lasair never had a reason to us them for their abilities.”

“Is no where safe then?” asked Aidan, Lynette picking up on the tone of failure that was there.

“The Celtic Fire is still safe Aidan. We are safe here, thanks to you and the Guardsmen. Yes Lasair can reach her in the Celtic Fire, but at most he might be able to try to bind with her which can not happen as she bound herself to you.” Pausing she looked directly at Lynette before continuing. “Is that what happened My Lady? Did he try to bind himself to you, like you did with Aidan?”

“He tried, and I remember it was cold, so very cold and painful.”

“How did you escape?” asked Aidan

“I….I screamed and it hurt him, severed his link. He cursed me, called me a….a witch. And then he said something about learning…” she stopped, searching and trying to remember what he said.

“The Queens Scream?” asked Eurade.

“Yes. Yes that’s what he called it, the Queens Scream.”

“How did you implore it?”

“I thought of Aidan, My Guardian, and then it came out.”

“Interesting.” Eurade said as she shifted her gaze to Aidan whose eyes were once again steady and unreadable.

“Did you feel anything Aidan?”

“No, nothing.” He said simply.

“Nothing at all?” asked Eurade.

“As I said Eurade, I felt nothing.”

Desiring more answers, Lynette spoke up, interrupting the two’s staring contest.

“What is the Queens Scream?”

Eurade looked to her and breathed in a long breath, using the time to think on the matter.

“The Queens Scream is what happens when a Queen, who is mortal, calls upon the power of the Celtic Fire to come to their defense. It is a very rare occurrence, so much in fact that only one other queen has ever possessed the ability to do so. As such we do not know a lot about it as until she used it, it was unheard of.’

‘We know it exists when there is a very unique and extremely strong bond between a Guardian and a Queen. Somehow during their binding process the connection is made stronger than usual. But as far as its exact source or what causes the bond to be so strong we do not know.’

‘We know that unlike a Banshees scream, which is incapable of killing, a Queens Scream can literally tear things apart. I am convinced that emotions play some part of it, but even then I have not much to go on. Mother Earth and I have debated it at length. I am curious, My Lady, what caused you to call upon it?”

Narrowing her eyes in confusion Lynette ignored the question while she pondered on what she had just heard.

“Did you just say Mother Earth and you have debated it at length?”

“I did, My Lady, you will meet her in a few days. Now if you please, what caused it?”

Oh sure, Lynette snarked in her mind, just answer the question. Cause its every day that I hear someone debates a Queens Scream, which can tear things apart, with Mother Earth of all people. Easily a dozen memes for the occasion ran through her head as she gathered her thoughts, remembering her time and what had happened with Lasair within the Celtic Fire.

“I was surrounded by the coldness that Lasair’s touch brought. I thought of Aidan, and then I felt a small bit of warmth against the vast coldness that was inside me. I focused on it and as I did it became stronger and bigger until finally…. I just screamed.”

Eurade settled back on her heels as Lynette, still curious about the matter continued on.

“So, why can’t a Banshee’s scream kill yet a Queen’s can?”

“Because you are mortal, My Lady, where as Banshee are not.” broke in Aidan all but ignoring Eurade as she regarded him. “They once were, but they are in service to you and the Celtic Fire. This means they no longer are confined to this world, like a mortal Queen is.”

“I don’t get what you are saying.”

Glancing back to her Eurade took over from Aidan.

“As I said, My Lady, I believe part of the Queens scream comes from emotions. The reason being is that Banshees only know one set of emotions. They are the epitome of everything that is good such as joy, happiness, and love. To look upon one directly one experiences levels of these emotions unheard of.  Hence when they call upon their scream it is never deadly, harmful perhaps, but never deadly as it goes against who they are.’

‘Because you are mortal, you are still subject to emotions like rage, anger, helplessness. So when you implore it, as Queen, the Celtic Fire responds to you and your emotions accordingly. Use it in anger you kill. Like wise use it with love and in theory you can heal. Though as I said this is all based off of conjecture from some of the little experimenting I was able to do with the one queen who possessed it before you.”

“Who was that?”

Aidan physically stiffened at her words while Eurade smiled politely.

“I think that is a conversation for another time, My Lady. One in which we can focus on the subject as a whole. I am sure you are beyond hungry and would no doubt enjoy a hot shower. You have much to learn, much to do, and doing so on an empty stomach is not wise.”

Before Lynette could say anything, Eurade paused only long enough to gesture towards the two ladies who came forward immediately. Lynette knew she was being brushed off though the mention of food did make it less of an impact. She would no doubt find out soon enough, she thought, as Eurade introduced the two ladies who had remained silent and vigil until now.

“This is Agata,” she said indicating the tall dark haired one, “and this is Ainsley. They are your Ladies in waiting, they are your personnel confidants and they will eventually be your best friends. I know this as I have seen it. I am after all an Oracle.’

‘Since you have chosen to be our new Queen of the Banshee you will need your own personal advisors in many ways besides your Guardian. They will assist you in many aspects over the next few days and the years to come. When you are ready, they and Aidan will escort you to me where we can continue our conversations and prepare you for your coronation.”

Eurade bowed and made her way towards a massive set of double wrought iron and wooded doors. They sat along the right side of the room built into the stone looking wall. On either side sat large rose colored crystal looking sconces.

Aidan approached the door first and opened it for Eurade. When she was halfway through Lynette spoke up.

“Eurade.”

“Yes My Lady.” She said stopping and turning.

“How do you know I accepted the charge to be Queen?”

“That is easy, My Lady. I’m an Oracle. I foresaw it many centuries ago. I admit I am not always dead on with how I interrupt my visions, but I have never been wrong with how they turn out. Besides had you not chosen to be our Queen, you would not have woken up here and all that you experienced would have seemed simply a dream.”

Starting to turn back around she stopped halfway and pointed her finger directly at Aidan.

 “To you, I will say this. Do not fight it, Aidan. This is one battle you will lose. I promise.”

Aidan rocked back at what he was told, then nodded deeply in return. A moment later Eurade was gone from eye sight and Aidan closed the door. Facing towards her he folded his hands across his large chest, his face blank as he regarded her.

Once again curiosity got the better of Lynette

“What did she mean when she said that to you?”

“Nothing that needs to be mentioned now, My Lady.” shrugging his shoulders.

Lynette had a strong feeling there might be more to it than he was letting on, but at the same time she was willing to let it drop as she turned her attention towards the other two in the room.

“Ladies in waiting, Huh?”

“Aye, My Lady.” replied Agata, her accent the same as Lasair’s and Aidan’s.

Lynette shook her head up and down as she looked about the room, trying to figure out where she was. Her vision came to rest immediately upon an oversized stone fireplace that shared the same wall as the double set of doors. Like the bed post it was intricately carved with flames over every inch. A Celtic Symbol, large and almost imposing, stuck out from the over mantel.

Staring at it she recognized the symbol was the same as the one on Aidan’s weapon and gauntlet when he had saved her from Lasair, who as well had displayed the same symbol. She knew now what the symbol meant, fire, which given what she now knew, made sense.

Panning the room further a high back reading chair sat before the fire place. Behind it was a small work area complete with a wooden desk, another high back chair, and several shelves of books along a stone wall that had spider webbed veins of glowing quartz in it. Looking at it closer she saw the quart was pink in color, matching the sconces and that it was actually giving off a soft light.

“Well that’s cool.” She said out loud as the two ladies followed her gaze.

“How does it do that?”

“Quartz and crystal can hold and use many types of energy My Lady. In fact for centuries vast amounts have been stored this way. To use it one must simply interact with it.”

“Interact with it?”

“Allow me to show you.” said Ainsley as she walked over to one of the sconces by the door.

Touching it the sconce dimmed until it went out. Ainsley removed her hand for a second then put it back on. After which the crystal began to glow until she had it returned it to how it was.

“How do you do that?” asked Lynette.

“Simply ask Lirald and she will do as you say.”

“Lirald?”

“Aye, My Lady.”

“What is Lirald?”

“This place is Lirald, My Lady.”

“I gathered that, but what is Lirald?”

“It is the last of the great Celtic Strongholds from the old world, built in the new, before the betrayal.” Ainsley stopped suddenly looking as if she had said to much.

“The betrayal, what is the betrayal?” Lynette inquired.

“It is something that can be explained at a later time, My Lady.” Aidan’s voice broke in. “Now is the time to get dressed. One does not keep an Oracle waiting, even one as patient as Eurade.”

Looking directly to him she did not bother hiding the annoyance or the irritation she felt.

“You know you can go catch up with her if you want. I’m sure Agata and Ainsley here can get me there just as easily as you can.”

“I am afraid I cannot do that, My Lady.”

“Why?”

“I am your Guardian, My Lady?”

“That means you have to be with me at all times?”

From the corner of her eye she saw both ladies purse their lips and cast their eyes somewhere else.

“Yes it does, My Lady.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, My Lady.”

“That wasn’t a question.” She all but snapped.

“I know, My Lady.” his sly smirk raising her frustration level.

“So you’re just going to stand there then, while I get dressed? Figure since you’ve seen half of me naked might as well see all of me, is that it?”

His eyes shifted guiltily to the side. Seeing him do it so made her stop and think of something she had not before. She was naked, how had she gotten that way. When their eyes locked again she saw the answer there, her mouth coming open in realization. Before she could speak he was talking.

“You were in the Binding Ritual, My Lady. As such I needed to be sure you had no other injuries as my brother can be very devious. As I could not undress you out in the open, and as upon returning here neither of your ladies in waiting was available, I took it upon myself to disrobe you and make certain you were in fact free of further harm. Both your Ladies in waiting arrived shortly after.’

‘Besides, My Lady, there is no harm in me seeing you naked. I am, after all, your Guardian.”

Never in her life had she wished or desired to have something, anything, to throw so much. Had she the strength, the bed would have done perfectly.

Guardian of the Banshee Continued

Guarding the Banshee Prologue

 

A continuation of Guardian of the Banshee

 

 

 

            It was like a dream for her as she moved about. Caught in a place that existed somewhere between reality and fantasy, asleep and awake. She knew she could not do the latter until her Binding Ritual was complete, but she also knew three days had passed.

Hers would be shorter than almost all who had come before her, at least that’s what she’d been told by the others. The Specters that came and went freely from within the mixture of flame and fog that surrounded her wherever she went.

            Like a foggy morning upon the beach, before her, spreading out as far as she could see, amber and red colored waves of flame flowed like an ocean. Sitting directly above it, just as calm, was the fog, green in its color but ethereal in its ways. Both came forever towards her as she stood upon the shore.

Glancing down to the black colored sand, she knew it came from the mixture of the two. As each wave came up, the fog cooled it rapidly and tiny flecks of the flame broke off and remained behind. She had expected the countless billions of shards to be sharp against her bare feet. She was pleasently surprised to discover they were too small to do any harm. Acting instead like any other kind of sand, save perhaps feeling denser than any she could recall.

Looking back to the ocean and the fog the Specters, past queens themselves, continued to fly about. They had given her a new sense of purpose to her otherwise wrecked and turned upside down life. A life she was more than happy to let go, one in which she had lost everything and felt more alone then she thought possible. At most a moment’s thought went through her before she said yes, discovering she wanted what they asked from her with every fiber of her being.

For her it felt right, natural, as if she was meant to be what they asked her to be, their Queen of the Banshee. Protector of what was known to them as the Middle World. One of three realms connected and protected by the Celtic Fire, thus her decision within it had been easily made.

A smile came to her as she felt the Fire respond to her thoughts, wrapping her up in its warm embrace, promising protection just like her Guardian. The Celtic Fire and her Guardian, one simply a physical incarnation of the other, allowed free will and a life of his own, were forever linked to her. It would always be that way unless she chose to relinquish her title and throne or she was killed.

Her last thought brought forth a dormant and powerful rage from within the Fire. She felt it stir within her as the Specters, feeling it too, flew about in distress. All of them shared hatred towards the source of this feeling. All knowing to well that it had been done many times before, by one who had once sworn to protect queens, but then had betrayed them, breaking that sacred pact between Guardian and Queen.

-Lasair-

-The Fallen Guardian-

The idea of a Guardian striking down a queen had never been thought of before. A Guardian doing such an atrocious act was unimaginable, until him. How many had he slain, how many had he converted to his Dark Banshee. No one knew the true number, though in truth they were afraid to know.

The Fallen Guardian had proven to be more than a force to be reckoned with. Always gaining the upper hand in the constant struggle between he and his brother. So much in fact it had taken her own Guardian breaking one of the most coveted vows of the Guardians code to save her.

-A Guardian does not interfere with a Queens’s choice, she alone must choose-

But Aidan had done so, telling her many years ago that when a man asked her to say his name, she should say his instead. Doing so had saved her and brought her here to the Celtic Fire and in reality, to her destiny.

As her thoughts focused on her chosen Guardian, the Celtic Fire and Specters responded, their anger and rage subsiding. Of the two Guardians who had been created to protect the Queen of the Banshee, to protect her, it was Aidan who had always been the embodiment of what that meant.

Lasair, once honorable and considered the better of the two, had never lived up to the same level as his younger brother. He had allowed his ego to get in the way more and more, which from what she had been shown, ultimately led to his downfall. A downfall she had yet to fully understand as it was never fully revealed to her.

She knew only that Lasair killed a queen, and in doing so created the first Dark Banshee. But beyond that nothing more had been divulged. It would be in time she had been promised and for now she accepted that.

Once the rage and anger dissipated, the Celtic Fire’s excitement began to take over, its anticipation of what was to come on Samhain evident. For too long had its middle realm throne sat unoccupied. But soon all three realms would be once again in balance.

-It is almost time, Queen Lynette. Soon you will awaken from your Binding and take your place upon the Throne of Souls. The Celtic Fire can barely wait-

“I can feel.”

-Are you prepared for what is to come-

“I am.”

-Do you understand to what ends Lasair will go to keep you from doing so-

“I do.”

 -Do you trust in your chosen Guardian-

“With my very life.”

-Then prepare to wake, our queen, and embrace your destiny. Be reborn through the Celtic Fire and take your place amongst those that protect this world.-

The ocean of flames suddenly surged towards her, surrounding her in a wide circle as the Specters gathered around. Their gazes locked onto her, each of their eyes burning with the same intense colors of the oceanic flames.

 

Slowly the fire rose, creating a wall and separating her from the others. All around her the flames licked back and forth, leapt in every direction,  but she was not afraid. The Celtic Fire, like her Guardian, would never intentionally harm her. This was the final stage of the Binding Ritual. She needed to be reborn through the Celtic Fire into her realm, forever joining them together.

Once she was there her Guardian, Aidan, would be waiting for her and together they would begin their path. A path that would see the Middle World back in alignment with the other two worlds, the Over and Under as they were respectively called.

 She was thinking upon this when suddenly something did not feel right. The Celtic Fire reacted differently to something. Something it could not understand yet somehow knew.

She was still trying to discern the meaning of it when in the blink of an eye the rage from earlier returned with a vengeance. Sweeping over her and the Specters like a flood, all their thoughts and feelings linked together.

Like before the source remained the same, but how could that be? What had driven the Celtic Fire to react in such a way, here within itself? A moment later she had her answer as a familiar and hated voice came through, as though it was one of the Specters.

-Lass-

Fear gripped her as she heard the word. She knew it, had heard it, and had loathed hearing it. The voice belonged to the one who had tried to kill her on a back highway in Oregon. It belonged to the one that had betrayed them all, the bringer of the Dark Banshee, it was Lasair.

At once she knew this could not be, it was impossible. He of all creatures could not be here within the Binding Ritual. She was within the most hallowed circle of the Celtic Fire, its very heart. A place where only queens could tread, anyone else, including a Guardian would perish. As if to prove her wrong his voice echoed in her head.

-Come now Lass, there is no need to hide from me-

An uneasy feeling came over her while she looked at the curtain of flames. The distinct feeling that he was there just beyond them, peering directly in at her sent a chill up her spine. She swore she could almost see his eyes, so full of that twisted glee she had already come to hate, piercing through to her.

-Lass-

The word was barely spoken before a hand snaked its way through the flames in front of her.  Her eyes went wide as she backed away, still trying to comprehend how this was possible. Finding a way into the Celtic Fire was one thing, but being able to survive touching the very heart of the Celtic Fire was incomprehensible.

The heart was supposed to be a queen’s last bastion. Her last defense if all else failed her. It was where no matter what she would be safe. Yet here he was proving otherwise, watching as the hand before her grasped at the air a few times before withdrawing from the circle.

Gazing at the spot it had vanished from she waited for it to return, all but positive it would. When it did not her eyes darted from side to side, trying to seek it out, while she backed further up, putting herself further away from where it had appeared. A second later something grabbed her from behind.

Barely having time to register the touch a painfully sharp chill tore through her, all but freezing her where she was. The sensation was the same as when Aidan had touched her for the first time, coursing through every part of her insides at once. But where Aidan’s touch had been warm and inviting, this was cold and full of suffering.

She felt every movement of it as it seeped through her like a thick oil. Slowly making its way to her heart as every sensation caused a new wave of revulsion in her. She felt it reach her heart where it went numb, as if suddenly encased in a block of ice. The numbing sensation began to spread through her body, making her shiver despite being within the flames. A moment later she became aware of her own breath before her as her breathing turned to quick panting.

Like with Aidan images flashed before her, but these were sorrowful. Memories full of betrayal and hatred overtook her, each one bringing with it a new level of unimaginable pain frm within, forcing her to her knees.

She saw past queens that had died or been converted at Lasair’s hands. Queens who had listened to Lasair, put their trust in him, like she almost had, being tricked into choosing him as their Guardian. Only to find out afterwards the terrible mistake they had made.

Tears flowed from her eyes as the gut wrenching scenes of these women continued to pass before her. All of them begging and pleading for him to spare them, to spare their life, some offering to do anything he wanted in return. His response was always the same, taking great joy in making each one he dealt with suffer more than the one before. Insisting that each time he cornered a new one of them, he could heighten their pain even more.

He knew full well what he was doing and worse, she could feel that he enjoyed every second of it. In those moments they were joined she came to see the immense level of hatred he held towards queens.

Then the memories of the transformations began, all of them filled with just as much anguish and torment. The excruciating feelings of these women having their souls all but ripped apart at his very hands echoed through her. Torn apart until all that remained was but a shell of who they once were.

            As the memories continued she felt herself slipping away, becoming lost to their despair. She became scared and angry all at once, afraid she would become like those other queens, become as they were. Desperately she called out to the Specters, to the Celtic Fire itself, but even as she did she only heard Lasair’s response.

            -They cannot help you Lass. I am as much a part of them as you are. Joined to the Celtic Fire as only a queen can be-

            “That is not possible, Fallen One.”

            -So you know of me now, do you Lass. I Figured as much. And as impossible as it may be, here I am none the less. Though I will admit I had to utilize many of my Dark Banshee to get here, and I assure you it was well worth their sacrifice to do so-

            “Even now you would use and destroy those you converted, those you once sought to protect, for what? To see me, to kill me, how far you have fallen indeed, Guardian?”

            -I would do so to deliver a message, Lass-

            “A message?” her own outrage hitting new heights. “You would destroy my sisters for a mere message?”

Kneeling there she felt herself starting to slip further away. Already she could no longer feel her arms or legs, and as the feeling from her torso began to fade she wondered if this was the end.

 -Be at ease Lass. I cannot kill you in here, but I can make my presence known-

Sharp pains, like a hundred needles all at once, suddenly jabbed at her heart before stopping just as quickly. Barely had she recovered when a second later the sensation returned, then stopped again. Several more times the pain came and went and as it did a wave of helplessness began to fill her. An image of her Guardian ran through her mind, replaced rapidly by another volley of pain.

When it was gone something new appeared within her, something small and deep down. Barely big enough for her to notice, but enough that it drew her attention, made her focus in on it. It was warmth, tiny, but there nonetheless, warding off the cold in its little corner.

Concentrating on it she clung to it, needing the warmth it offered as it rose up to meet her. It continued up until it met her heart and surrounded it, blocking away the cold. She felt Lasair respond to it as well, his grip loosening as he tried to understand what it was.

-What have we here-

All at once the warmth surged through her body, instantly taking it back over and driving the rest of the cold out. Once she was back in control of herself her head fell back and a scream, loud and powerful, burst forth from her.

Lasair’s hand released itself as if on fire, his pain filled scream filling her head.

-Witch-

 Her scream lasted for many long seconds until she felt beyond drained. Like every bit of energy she possessed was gone. When she stopped she fell forward on to her hands, her body trembling violently as she gulped for air.

Recognizing she was still in danger she tried to crawl away, to put as much space between her and Lasair as possible. But it was beyond her at this point and in the process of doing so she ended up falling on her belly. With the last of her strength she rolled herself to her back.

Still trying to figure out what had happened she saw Lasair clutching his ears and shaking his head vigorously back and forth. His body was engulfed in blue and green flame, a stark contrast to the amber and red that burned behind him.

Turning in her direction she saw his eyes, unable to hide the amount of anger he felt. No doubt if they were anywhere else she would be dead. Lowering his hands to his side he stayed where he stood, the experience of whatever it was that just happened still fresh in his mind.

-I see you have learned the Queens Scream, Lass. I have always wondered if it was real or not-

He paused as his unforgettable twisted smile came to his face.

-When the time comes I will enjoy making you one of my Dark Banshee. I will enjoy every second of tearing apart your sweet body and soul. I will relish in it like I have not in ages, even more so when I make my brother watch me do it. Deriving the utmost pleasure from your wails of pain, perhaps even unlocking the secret of the Queens Scream-

Breathing heavily she was confused about what he was talking about.

-Don’t feel like talking, your Ladyship-

His eyes narrowed in thought.

-Or did the Queens Scream take that much out of you-

When she did not answer, his smile got smugger.

-That’s interesting. Here I came to simply deliver a message, and yet I have learned so much more-

He began to walk towards her, slowly.

-Tell me Lass. Where is your Guardian now? Where is the one you chose-

Something overtook her bringing on a new sense of weakness as he kept advancing. Something began to pull her somewhere, but she could not figure out why or to where. At least until he provided the information, kneeling directly before her.

-I see our time grows short Lass. The Celtic Fire has finally finished preparing you for your rebirth. Oh it is a very special occasion, Lass. Trust me, I know. So please allow me to deliver my message-

She watched as all the humor and sarcasm fell from his face, replaced with evil and determination.

-I want you, and my brother, to know, that there is no place you can go, that I will not find you. And the next time we meet, will be the last-

She had just enough time to blink before he lunged at her.

Guardian of the Banshee by R.T. Drake

Lasair was his name, and he was asking her to do exactly what the one called Aidan had warned her about. In fact Lasair saying, ‘Say My Name’, had jogged the memory of her first, and only, encounter with Aidan.

For a second she was tempted. His offer was so tantalizing his name on the tip of her tongue. But he became obsessed with it. Bringing Aidan’s warning to the surface while a cloud of doubt on Lasair’s true intentions formed.

“He will appear to you when you are most vulnerable. He will seem kind and will offer you aid, so long as you say his name.”

Given how horrible her day had been she did not want to add to it. The universe deciding today, of all days, was the best to suddenly take an interest in her, and show her how insignificant she really was.

For most people October 15^th meant preparing for Halloween. But for her it marked the fifth year of her parents passing. Killed on their thirtieth wedding anniversary, by some drunken college students, it only reminded her they were gone.

She had gone to her temp job in Finance & Accounting where, upon arrival, her ID badge didn't work. After inquiring she was told her services were no longer needed. The female accountant she was filling in for, who had been on maternity leave, had returned two months early.

When she questioned the rep on how long it had been known the accountant would return early, she was told it didn’t matter. Oregon was an Employed at will state, meaning she could be let go at any time for any reason. Furious she had told and showed the rep what to do with her finger before driving to her fiancé's apartment.

Hoping to seek comfort she approached his apartment door, hearing shouting from inside. Concerned she used her key to gain entry discovering in the process he was the source of the shouting. More precisely he was shouting very descriptive obscenities at the woman under him.

Beyond shocked all she could do was stare for a moment before, out of repulsive disgust, she ripped off her engagement ring and threw it at him as hard as she could. His yelp of pain, as it hit his exposed rear, brought her some enjoyment as she stormed off.

His shouts of apology from the apartment went ignored as she returned to her car. If the allure of an actual virgin in today’s society did not keep him faithful, nothing would. The decision to save herself for someone who actually loved her was her way of honoring the love and commitment her parents had shared for so long. Obviously he did not understand what that meant.

With anger gripping her, she slammed the car door so hard she heard something inside snap. Not caring she pummeled the steering wheel until her fists were red before finally starting the car and peeling out of the parking lot.

Soon she found herself heading towards Jones Creek campground off Highway Six. As a child she camped there with her parents often and since their death, when she needed to just get away from everything, it allowed her to think and be at peace.

She came upon the Highway Eight and Six merge, the back way into Forest Grove, when a small red truck decided it could get out in front of her fast enough, but didn’t. Even after slamming on her brakes she still hit it, the collision knocking everyone around. Though luckily it was not enough to cause major injury or serious damage, it was enough that her premiums would go up, yet something else she could not afford.

Pulling over to the side of the road they exchanged information while they waited for the police to arrive. Of course once they did the other drivers’ neck suddenly started hurting and the witness, his passenger, backed up everything he said. After two hours of repeating her side of the story, and the cop all but actually confirming she would be found at fault, she found herself alone in more ways than one.

Back in her car she tried to start it, only to have it not turn over. Several attempts later she found herself using her cell phone to call a tow truck. Tom, from Forest Grove towing, said he was not sure how long it would be as she was the fourth person to place a service call in the past half hour. He promised he would be there as soon as possible and no sooner did she say thank you, then her phone died, its battery dead.

Unable to believe her luck she threw it, regretting doing so the second it left her hand. It crashed into the windshield instantly causing a spider web crack to form, as the phone itself shattered, electrical components flying everywhere.

Balling her sore hands into fists she screamed at the top of her lungs, yelling until nothing was left. Afterwards, miserable and hating life, overwhelmed by how much her life utterly sucked, she burst into long held back tears. What else could go wrong she thought? Then he showed up.

A honk from behind made her jump, snapping her back to the reality of how much her life resembled a stupid Soap Opera right now. Figuring it was Tom she got out, not bothering to hide she had been crying. At this point it didn't matter. She only wanted to get home and make it through the rest of the day without anything else happening.

The man introduced himself as Lasair instead, saying he saw her broke down and thought he could offer aid. After she expressed she was fine they began to converse. It was towards the end of their talk when, out of the blue, the whole ‘say my name’ and your problems will go away bit came up.

Now the two stood regarding each other as she spoke.

“You know, you’re not the first person to say that to me. Someone else, a long time ago, did too. Don’t suppose you can explain that can you?”

“I’m afraid not.” He said simply, but his demeanor said otherwise as he stood more upright, his shoulders going slightly back.

“Are you somehow connected to the other guy?” she pressed.

His smile was sudden and fake.

“If you but say my name, I promise you every answer you seek.”

“What is it with the name thing?”

“I am not permitted to say exactly, except that doing so, aligns you so to speak.” He dipped his head.

“What do you mean aligns me? Aligns me with what? Or are you not permitted to tell me that either unless I say your name?” she meant to be sarcastic, but his response showed he took it seriously.

“Now you’re getting it, Lass.” He slipped into a similar Irish like accent as Aidan.

“What if I don’t say your name?”

Lasair’s smile turned wicked as he spoke.

“Then you make my task much easier, and all but assure certain things.”

“Like what?”

Silence fell between them.

“Say your name and you’ll tell me, right?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Ok this is getting old, alright, this …this name thing. So just tell me what exactly it is you want from me.”

“Merely to say my name, lass”

“Like I said the joke has run thin. Besides that’s what the other guy, Aidan, said.”

“I much prefer you saying mine, over…his.” His lip curled in disdain.

“You don’t like Aidan, do you?”

“It’s complicated.” His tone dismissive.

“Complicated?” she nodded a few times. “So what happens if I ‘complicate’ it further and say his name, instead of yours?”

“I will kill you.”

He said it so plainly, it almost escaped her.

“I’m sorry, you’ll…you’ll kill me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” Shrinking back a few feet as her shoulders hunched inward.

“That is something you need not concern yourself with. Your task is very simple. Speak my name, you live. Speak his name, you die. Speak neither, you die. Would you like some incentive in making your decision?”

Still trying to discern what he meant, a sudden burst of red lightning shot down from the sky, striking him where he stood and blinding her in the process. Desperately she rubbed her eyes, trying to negate the effects. His threats of death still foremost on her mind. When her vision returned she was surprised to see he had not moved. He also held something in his right hand.

Blinking several more times the object became clearer, it was a sword. Unexpected as that was, what really garnered her attention was the amber colored symbol glowing upon its blade.

Sitting directly above the guard, the triangular shaped emblem glowed with a fierceness she had never seen before. Its three distinct points came together in the middle and interlaced with one another, reminding her of a Celtic design. Above it, running half way up the blade were scrawled markings, Runes she thought, set horizontally across the face of the blade.

As her gaze drifted back towards the handle, his right wrist was now covered by a black leather like gauntlet with the same glowing symbol as the sword. Still trying to come to terms with what she was seeing his voice sounded, at once drawing her attention.

“I did not think choosing between life or death would be so difficult a decision.”

Remaining guarded she took a step back. As her foot moved backwards, his

moved forward mirroring her. Blinking she looked to his legs then back up to his face before casting a sideways glance at him. He remained motionless.

 

Keeping his legs in her sight she stepped back again, making sure to watch while she lead with her left foot. In return his left foot came forward at the same time. She glanced at him and saw no change in his expression. She took several hasty steps back watching intently as she did. Every move she made he mirrored it exactly. Looking up to him his smile grew wide and wicked.

 

“If you run, I will match every move you make. I will not tire, but you will, quickly I might add. And when you collapse from exhaustion, I will kill you. A lady does not run from her Guardian, after all.”

 

“Guardian? Lady? What are you talking about?”

 

“Say my name and you will find out.”

 

“What is it with you and your name? Of all the stupidest things I have ever heard!”

 

At once his smile vanished, his face stone.

 

“Names are powerful words, Lass. Spoken at the right time they can do a great many things, their power almost limitless.” His voice left no doubt he believed what he was saying.

 

Great, she thought, I am on a two lane highway, with a sword wielding psycho, who thinks names are powerful and, according to him I am unable to get away. Ironically this would make an awesome horror movie.

 

Then it hit her, she was on a highway. She only need flag down the next car she saw. Looking to the road and back she took a few cautious steps towards it, watching his reaction. He remained where he was observing her, amusement coming to his face.

 

Turning back to the highway she scanned it hoping to spot someone, maybe even one of the logging trucks that were always around. But looking back and forth several times she saw the road was empty. Puzzled she wondered how that could be as cars were always going out to the coast and back. Then it suddenly hit her. Aside from him she had not heard, nor seen, any cars pass by since the cops left.

Lowering her head onto her shoulders, terror creeping in, she faced him. His smile somehow turning more sinister.

“How is Tom?” he asked, sending her eyes wide. “Last we talked he was pretty busy. Something about everyone suddenly forgetting how to drive. Of course I spoke with him after you slammed into the red truck. Which though it wasn’t planned, worked out nicely. It has given us this wonderful time together alone, and unhindered. Timing the last accident to occur right after the cops left, I admit was tricky, but well worth it.”

Her heart plummeted in her chest.

“How did you….?”

“Know you got into an accident? I saw it through your eyes. I’ve been doing so for most of your life. Today was no different, save the loss of your job, your boyfriend, and all on the anniversary of your parent’s death. In comparison arranging the accidents, though I did have help, was the least of your problems. Well until now.”

Anger and frustration filled her, replacing the fear she had been feeling a moment ago. She had enough of this jerk and despite what he said, she was confident she could get away. She had been on the long distance running team in high school and ran three times a week. She could out pace him or loose him in the woods, she thought, starting to step backwards.

“You can not escape me, Lass, so don’t try”

His words spurred her to prove him wrong. Quickly turning, determined to put as much distance between them as possible, she saw him intentionally trip over his own feet from the corner of her eye. His actions had only just registered when she felt her own feet mimic his, tripping her and sending her sprawling sideways to the ground.

Throwing her arm out to stop her fall, her hand slammed awkwardly into the uneven gravel. She heard, and felt, her wrist snap from the impact, eliciting a loud and painful scream as she lurched to her back, clutching her injury.

Tears spilling from her eyes she rolled to and fro as a moment later a shadow fell over her. Knowing it was Lasair, hating him with everything she had, she went to shout at him. Instead she went rigid noticing the point of his sword a few inches from her.

“I have always enjoyed that ability. It comes in handy when I need to keep ones like you, from running away.” Unable to hide the twisted glee in his voice.

Laying there, seething in hatred and pain, defiance sprang up in her.

“What do you want from me?”

His eyes narrowed for a moment before answering.

“Simply to say my name. Do that and all this will be a memory.”

“You want me to say your name? You want me to say it, fine!”

Drawing in a long breath, feeling her lungs fill until she thought they would burst, she screamed as loud as she could, shouting the name she had wanted to since this all began.

“AIDAN!” Long and drawn out her voice filled the surrounding area as it echoed off into the distance.

Watching Lasair blink several times in confusion, no doubt still trying to determine if he had heard correctly, she saw him snap out of it a second later. With gritted teeth and dark intent in his eyes, he raised his sword high above his head. For the briefest of moments it stood poised before its deadly arc descended towards her. There was no time to react, no time to do anything save lay there watching her demise.

The sky was suddenly ablaze as a second streak of red lightning ripped through it. A fraction of a second later something slammed into the ground beside her. The force of the impact rippled through her, causing her to flinch away and shield her eyes. The deafening clang of metal slamming against metal rocked her ears, followed by a venomous voice shouting the name Aidan.

Through ringing ears she opened her eyes, focusing on the scene before her. Gone from her vision was the red sky, returned to normal. Replaced instead by the sight of Lasair’s sword as it wavered but a few inches from her. At once it sent her already racing heart into overdrive.

Peering past the tip she saw a two headed axe, something straight out of a museum, had prevented the killing blow. It held Lasair’s sword trapped between its blade and shaft, locking it in place. A voice unheard in a decade, but one she never forgot, filled her ears, bringing with it a sense of hope.

“She has chosen, Lasair. You will not have her, not like the others.” The voice strained but sincere.

Gazing up to the owner she recognized him even from the side. It was Aidan. The man she had thought about often these past ten years, finding him at first to be strange and even creepy. Yet the more she had thought on him, the more at ease and comfortable she became in regards to him, wondering who he was.

Standing shoulder to shoulder the two men were locked in place. Each one grinding their weapon against the others until Lasair roared in outrage and disengaged from the battle. Taking several long hasty steps back he glared at Aidan, raising his sword to eye level and pointed it directly at him.

“It matters not. Her death would have only ensured yours. Samhain is in sixteen days and I promise you she will not live to see it, just like the others.”

Aidan stepped deliberately between her and Lasair. In doing so her attention focused in on the bracer he wore, causing a double take as she noted it matched Lasair’s in every way, including the glowing symbol.

Barely registering this she caught site of the same symbol upon Aidan’s axe. Looking closer she saw the blade also held the same runes as on Lasair’s sword. Closing her eyes hard for several seconds she reopened them, at a loss when they were still present. The only difference between the two weapon’s symbols and runes was the placement. Aidan’s symbol was in the middle, where the two blades joined, the runes scrawled above and below it.

 

Still observing Aidan’s emblem it changed color. Going from bright amber to dark crimson as small flecks of fire flew from it. His gauntlet however remained unchanged, maintaining its bright coloring. Looking around Aidan to Lasair, his weapon, and gauntlet, were following suit.

 

“Not this time, Lasair.” Aidan said, drawing himself up to full height. “I am her Guardian.”

 

The words had barely been spoken before her attention was brought back to the sets of runes upon his axe. One by one each set lit up until all were aglow. Then as one they shifted downward, creating a new space at the very top of the axes blade. Once complete the runes changed before her eyes. The symbols turned from straight lines and geometrical shapes into recognizable letters and words. When complete, the markings, now in English, appeared as names, specifically women’s names.

 

Staring, still unable to understand it all, she watched something inscribe itself on the metal of the axe, using the newly created space. As seconds passed by letters burned themselves into the blade, each one forming as if some unseen pencil was using the metal as paper. When it was done and the new letters were glowing brighter than the rest, her mouth fell open. There upon his blade was her name, Lynette.

 

“Lynette.” Said Lasair interrupting her thoughts as he regarded his sword, “Now that’s a fine name, lass. It’s a shame it won’t glow long upon our blades,” pausing he looked directly at Aidan, “will it brother?”

 

Lynette’s mind reeled, she had to have misheard.

 

“Her Ladyship will be safe from you and your Dark Banshee. Those who you have twisted into morbid reflections of what they once were, forcing them to prey upon the innocent. Brother.” replied Aidan.

 

She had not misheard. These two were brothers?

 

“No one is innocent Aidan. Something I learned a long time ago, from you.” Looking directly to Lynette he continued, “I will see you very soon, lass, I promise.”

 

A sudden flash of red burst forth from where he stood, forcing her to avert her eyes though it was not as blinding as before. By the time her eyes focused Lasair was gone and beside her, already kneeling, was Aidan. Gone were his axe and bracer, replaced by a concerned look.

 

“Are you alright, My Lady?” he asked.

 

Looking at him this close again she felt her heart skip for a moment. His blue eyes, like the sky, were the same as she remembered. His face, taught and angular, was smooth, showing no hint of the years that had passed since their last meeting. In all he looked the same, handsome as ever.

 

Realizing she was allowing herself to become distracted, she forced herself to focus on the current situation, allowing her suspicion and anger to take lead.

 

“What the hell is going on? What was all that talk about? My Lady? Guardian? Brother? Are you two brothers? I swear if you are...”

 

She saw his gaze shift to her arm and instinctively she drew it back, the action causing her to wince in pain.

 

“You are injured, My Lady, please allow me to assist you.”

 

“Don’t ignore me, answer the question.” She demanded.

 

“Which one, My Lady, you have asked several.”

 

Pausing knowing he was right she could not think of an answer right away.

 

“Allow me to tend to your wound, My Lady, and I will answer whatever questions you desire. You have my word as a Guardian.”

 

“Like I know what a Guardian is, or what their word is worth? Who are you?”

 

“I am Aidan.”

 

“Yeah I know that. You told me ten years ago when you said to ‘say my name’ instead of his. But who are you, really?”

 

“As I said, My Lady, I will answer everything you desire. Please just allow me to tend to your wrist.”

 

“It’s broken. I can’t move it and as you can see it’s already swollen. It’s not the first time I’ve had a broken bone, nor will it be the last the way this day is going. I swear…..”

 

“Please, My Lady.” He interrupted, his voice barely a whisper yet full of conviction.

 

His plea silenced her. The tone alone conveying more in those three words than people wrote about in entire books. It carried a sense of promise and commitment she had seen only once in her life. As if he was pledging himself to her some how, though she could not be certain. In that moment all doubt she felt about him vanished. She could trust him with anything in the world, though she did not know how or why she knew.

 

Offering her arm she nodded slightly, after which his attention was solely on it. While he examined her injury a million questions sprang to mind. One by one she listed them in order as to how she would ask, determined to get to the bottom of what was going on. Still making the list, she watched his hand come up and pass slowly yet deliberately over her wrist.

 

An intense searing pain followed, bringing with it the desire to scream. Opening her mouth to do so the pain was abruptly gone, causing her to instead look to her wrist with confusion. The swelling and bruising disappeared before her eyes returning it to normal.

 

Gingerly she moved it back and forth, expecting high levels of pain, but none came. Moving it around more she continued to do so until her hand was flopping about, but still no pain was present. Perplexed she watched him stand and offer her his hand.

 

“Please allow me to assist you, My Lady.”

 

“What did you do?”

 

He said nothing, merely stood patiently with his hand out and a small frown of apprehension. No doubt hoping she would not argue further, she thought.

 

Figuring she could get the answers she sought standing, she grasped his hand. When they touched two things happened. At the same time she was pulled effortlessly to her feet, his immense strength taking her by surprise, a streak of warmth shot into her from their joined hands, making her inhale sharply.

 

Like liquid it surged through every fiber of her being. Encompassing her so quickly an involuntary shudder went through her as goose bumps formed along every inch of her body. The warmth throbbed like it was alive, passing between them before overtaking her completely. Within seconds it was part of her, so familiar she could not tell it from her own pulse. Then just as quickly as it appeared it vanished, disappearing back into him with a rush, leaving her unsteady.

 

Barely recovered a headache slammed itself against the inside of her skull. Hitting with the ferocity of a twenty pound sledgehammer, instantly buckling her legs. Large and powerful arms wrapped her up, halting her fall. A voice gently filled her ear.

 

“I have you, My Lady. It is the Celtic Fire and it shall pass, I promise.”

 

Before she could respond, images flashed behind her eyes. She saw Aidan, Lasair, the two battling, other women sitting upon a throne, and many things she had no clue what they were. They streaked by so quickly that by the time she could discern something from one, a dozen others passed in which she could not. Image after image flew by. Each one attaching itself to her very soul until she was as heavy as the world itself. Seeming to continue forever, she was on the very brink of madness when they stopped.

Breathing heavily like she had sprinted a thousand miles, she clung to him for dear life. Her heart pounded against the inside of her ribs. Her body, drenched in sweat, was beyond exhausted. Her clothes, sticking to her everywhere, suddenly were tight and confining. Her head pounded, making her bob it up and down in rhythm, trying to alleviate it.

 

Looking to him, her eyelids like heavy bricks, she noted his eyes were full of resolution and happiness. Weaker than she could ever remember feeling, she tried to speak but found her throat was cotton.

 

“Don’t speak, My Lady. Save your strength, for you will need it.”

 

Feeling blackness creeping in, letting her know she had little time, she managed to gulp down enough saliva to ask the most important question she had wanted to know for years.

 

“Who…are…you….Aidan?”

 

Before she could hear his response she went limp in his arms, unconsciousness taking her. But even as it did, she knew she was safe. Aidan would protect her at all costs. Deep down she knew it was true and always would be.

Holding the woman he had met once as a girl, Aidan found himself staring at her, finding her just as beautiful as that day in the mall. And though he had lived for centuries that passed into Milena the past ten years had seemed the longest.

 

Her deep emerald eyes were still as lovely as he remembered and still capable of holding him captive. Her red hair, vibrant and rare, was the only visible link to her Celtic ancestry. It reminded him of their common birth right, the Celtic Fire, as well as the true Celts themselves. Once great warriors, whose deeds, both good and bad, were forgotten to almost all, save a few like him.

 

Studying her as she began the longest part of the Binding Ritual he thought on what it meant. Capable of lasting for days, it was said to be like a long hard slumber. During which she would be shown the past so she could understand and prepare for what was to come.

 

When she awoke he would be there, and the ritual, begun when she chose him by speaking his name, would be complete. From that moment on he would be her Guardian, forever. Only death could release him of that bond. Weather hers, which he would not allow to happen, or his, which could only come from her hands. He would protect her at all costs. From his brother, from the Dark Banshee, even from himself, and soon she would know everything. Almost everything, he corrected himself.

 

He recalled what the oldest of the Oracles had told him in secret. That he would find love again this century. Of course, as with all Oracles, she had not said when, or with whom. Needless to say he had never expected it to be with her.

 

Discovering that love had reminded him of a long dormant memory he thought buried. A day when his love had betrayed the woman he loved and his brother. In doing so he had helped create the Dark Banshee Lasair now surrounded himself with. The same his brother wanted to let loose upon the world, bringing forth its devastation.

 

This was why she could never learn of his love, never know everything. Because she would need to be strong for what was to come. In order to do so she would need a Guardian who was not blinded by love, or even pride. One who could actually protect her, unlike the last time.

 

Scooping her up in his arms he recalled what Lasair said about Samhain being near. Though his brother was correct, unlike each time before, this time there was hope. She had chosen him. So long as he kept to his Guardian’s oath. So long as he could keep his love hidden, that hope would remain and lead them to victory, possibly even forgiveness.

 

Focusing on her, knowing she would be able to hear him in the dark recesses of the Binding Ritual, he spoke.

“I am Aidan, My Lady. Born of the Celtic Fire and Guardian to the Banshee as well as their queen. I am, and will always be, your Guardian. My future queen.”