Iris, Goddess of Rainbows, Meets the West Wind By Diana McCollum

http://dianamccollum.weebly.com/

Copyright 1/30/2015

Iris plopped down on her white cloud bed only to find it lumpy and hard.  She stood up and waved the clouds aside to reveal her sisters the brats, uh, harpies, Aello, Celaeno, and Ocypete.  They tittered and laughed and flew up to the corner of the room out of her reach.

Iris unfolded her wings and waved them back and forth creating a breeze strong enough to blow the harpies out of her room.  Before Aello left the room she shouted over her shoulder, “Father wants to see you now, Iris.”

Summoned by her father, Thaumas, one of the sea gods, meant one of two things.  Either he had found her future husband or something was wrong in the mortal world.  It didn’t matter which it was she was screwed.  Her father and mother, Electra patron of Gilly pond in Ireland, insisted the time had come for Iris to marry.  Her mother wanted grandbabies and her father wanted her settled and living in her own household.  Father’s hands were full trying to rein in the hyper-active triplets. 

The mortal world should be in good stead.  Let’s see she had watered the appropriate clouds for rain, she had placed the proper number of rainbows, and had delivered all the messages left in her in box by the various gods.  This time she had remembered to change to mortal form when delivering the messages from the gods, so she was good there.  Nope, she couldn’t think of any reason for father to be upset with her.

The blue sea motif on the walls of the hall way and the cool tile on her bare feet sent a chill through her as she descended the length of the passage way.  One more level down and she would be at her father’s chambers.

***

“Cian Boyle is in charge of the leprechauns at Gilly pond, and the leprechauns are having problems with the fairies.  This is upsetting the balance of Harmony in the Fairland’s meadows and forests surrounding Gully pond.  Oceanic Electra, what are you going to do?”  Thaumas boomed, striking his staff on the floor for emphasis.

“I’m sending Iris with a message for dear Cian to come for an audience with us.”  She moved to his side and stroked his arm, hoping to quiet his ill temper.  “I think you and I can kill two birds with one leprechaun.”

“Speak plainly, wife.  I’ve no patience for riddles.”

“Cian needs our help.  And we need his.  He is a close friend with Zephyrus, god of the west wind.  You remember at the banquet last week, the young man who asked for our Iris’s hand in marriage?”

“The same young man that Iris said she would give her wings up rather than marry?”

“The very same one.” 

“Yes, yes, go on.”  Thaumas entwined his hand with Electra’s, pulling her closer; he kissed the back of her hand.  “Pray tell wife, what devious plan are you cooking up?”

***

Iris straightened her robes, tied the gold cord belt around her waist into a pretty bow, and knocked on her father’s door.

“Enter”, Thaumas bellowed.

“Good Eve, father.”  Iris curtsied, still perplexed as to why she was summoned.

“Iris we have an important errand for you.  We need to speak with Cian Boyle.  You must fetch him here.  The leprechauns and fairies are at odds and Fairland and, your mother’s Gilly Pond are in danger.  The balance is off and something must be done.”  His tone left no room for argument.

“Yes, father.  I’ll leave immediately”.  Iris would never disobey her father.  Even if all she wanted to do was take a nap on her cloud bed.  As she turned to leave her mother reached out and touched her sleeve.

“Leprechauns are tricksters.  Be careful dear, and bring only Cian, and bring him directly here.”  Electra smiled at her eldest daughter.

***

Iris led the short little man down the long hallway.

“I’m not liking being here.  The gods, egad, I cannot believe I’ve been summoned.  Tell me missy, where is the goddess Electra?  I know her, she is kind.  I’m not so sure about the rest of them egotistical gods and goddesses.  They might just put me on a platter, serve me up!”  Cian wrinkled his bulbous, red nose as much as was possible.  He stroked his gray beard, took his hat off and then put his hat back on.

“Really Cian!  No one is going truss you up and bake you.  Mother and father just want to talk with you.  They understand there are some problems in Fairland.”  Iris folded her wings in and patted the little man on the head.  “I promise, no harm will come to you.”

She knocked on Thaumas chamber door. 

“Enter.”

“Cian!  Dear friend!”  Electra took his small hand and led him over to Thaumas’s throne. 

“That is all daughter, we’ll see to Cian’s return to Fairland.”

Iris took her leave, closing the door behind her.

***

The next morning Iris was awaken by the harpies.  Aello tickled a feather across Iris’s nose causing her to sneeze which sent the small harpies scattering across the room.

Celaeno and Ocypete buzzed back over to where Iris lay and dove at her like oversized bees. 

“Get out!  Don’t you have some flowers to pollinate or something?”  Iris threw a pillow at Ocypete as she made a dive knocking the small robust harpie across the room.

The mad laughter of the harpies echoed down the hall as they made their escape.

Aello buzzed back, “Father wants to see you, right now Iris!”  She tittered.

What now?  Iris wondered.

“And so there you have it, daughter.  You must settle the feud between the fairies and the leprechauns, and while you are in mortal form.”  Thaumas stroked his long beard. 

Iris had never seen such a sparkle in her father’s eyes before.  Well, if it was that important to him she would do her best to solve the feud. 

Iris landed at the edge of Gilly Pond and placed her clothes and wings behind a bush.  In her mortal form she’d have no use for them.  She summoned her magic and covered herself with mortal clothes.

“Cian?”  She called. 

 “Cian?” Exasperation laced her voice.

“Ah-h, girly, I’m right here.”  Cian stepped from behind a fallen oak tree, leaves crunching under his black buckled boots.  “Do not be so loud least them treacherous fairies know ye are here.”

“So what’s the problem between the leprechauns and the fairies?”

“They are claiming we stole the gold from beneath the rainbow.”

“And did you, steal the gold?”  Iris knew how much leprechauns valued gold, and how they were known to steal or trick you out of your gold.

“It was given to us, by the head fairy himself.”  Cian brushed some dust from his coat sleeve, not making eye contact.

“Given willingly, or did you trick him?”

“I say he gave it eagerly, but if you asked him he might say he was tricked.”  He scraped his boot over the leaves.  “We leprechauns just want to be taken seriously.”

“Then you must stop tricking the fairies.  I want to give the leprechauns a very special job.  You can’t use trickery and you must guard it with your lives.  It is a very important job.  I’ve already talked with the fairies and they’ve agreed.”  She smiled at the nervous little man.

“Is it really important, will we garner some respect from it?”

“Yes.  Whenever I place a rainbow at Gilly pond, the fairies will place a pot of gold at the ends of the rainbow.” She poked him gently in the chest, “And you and your fellow leprechauns will be the security detail.  You will guard the pot of gold until the rightful owner follows the rainbow to the end and claims the pot of gold.  This is an important job that only a trusted leprechaun can do.  Are you all willing to accept this mission?”  She spoke louder so that the leprechauns hiding in the forest would hear her words.

A chorus of 'Yes!' rang from the forest.

“By Gilly, by golly I think you’ve solved our problem.”  He started to waddle towards the forest.  But stopped and turned, “Iris, I have a bit of magic me self.”  He waddled back and handed her a small round stone.  “The very next time you meet a west wind, you must place this stone on the ground before you and face the wind.  Repeat three times, ‘There is good fortune in the west wind, show me your true nature.’.  Then give this stone to the first person you encounter.  I promise you will not regret it.”

What an odd little man she thought, and slipped the stone into her pocket.  She picked her way through the meadow towards Gilly pond.  Rounding a huge boulder a gentle west wind caressed her face and gently lifted her hair.

She fingered the stone.  What the heck?  It was growing warm.  Pulling it out she lay it on the ground before her and repeated what the Leprechaun had said.

The wind picked up speed and twirled around forming a whirlwind.  The dust and leaves blew about and in the middle of the whirlwind appeared a form. 

Her heart beat faster and her throat tightened.  The figure emerged and held out his hand. 

Zephyrus!  Iris picked up the stone and when she placed it in his hand his fingers encircled her hand and the deal was sealed.

Iris belonged to the west wind, and Zephyrus belonged to her.

Once her clothes and wings were back on, she rose hand in hand with Zephyrus up to the heavens.  Iris looked back once waving her free hand and created a spectacular rainbow on Gilly pond.

(If you enjoyed my story please check out my website:       http://dianamccollum.weebly.com/

THE MAN I WILL MARRY by Elaine Charton/Elaine Joyce

Hello Readers-

This short story is sort of a prequel to my novel, The Pink Lady.  It's the story of how Leticia and Reginald, the ghosts who haunt the Pink Lady, first met. I hope you enjoy the story and will read the blurb for The Pink Lady that follows.

~Elaine Joyce

Leticia Greenwood looked at herself in the mirror. She had finally cut her  blonde hair, worn long for as long as she could remember. Now it was a stylish bob, set in soft waves that not quite reached her shoulders.  Tonight was her best friend's twenty first birthday party.

She wondered what it would be like to love someone as much as Penny loved her Tommy.

Her escort for tonight's party Walter Brace was nice but that was it, He took her to all the right places. Escorted her to parties, dinners, gave her nice presents but she did not want to spend the rest of her life with him. Her father had him to dinner one evening and he returned after that.  Her mother encouraged the relationship, wanting to see her daughter married. If only she could get her mother to realize that she would not marry Walter Brace.. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door and her maid came into the room.  “Miss, your mother sent me to tell you that Mr. Brace was downstairs waiting in the library.”

     “Thank you, Daisy. Please tell Mama I'll be right down.” She gave herself one last look in the mirror before grabbing her small purse and wrap.

   Downstairs her parents were talking with Walter in the library.  She ran over and hugged her parents before twirling around in front of Walter.  “Will I do?”

    “You look lovely dear,” her mother said.  Her father came over and kissed her cheek. “You know you do. Please pass our apologies again to the Weeks.”

    “ They understand.  Mama didn't expect to break a bone in her foot. Walter?” She asked, ."You haven't said how you like the dress?"

    “You know you look marvelous”  He glanced at his watch.  “We have to go or we'll be late.”

    She grabbed the present she had wrapped earlier for Penny and a second one from her parents before following him out the door.  They drove down Madison Avenue and parked in front of the building where Penny and her parents lived. They had been one of the first families to move into the luxury apartment building.

As he helped her out of the car Walter said, “I still do not know why they wanted to move into one of these apartments. I don't want anyone living above me.”

"Then it's a good thing you don't,”  Leticia said. He had a large brownstone  that she felt was far to big for one person. He told her that one day he hoped to see it filled with children.

“When I have the proper wife," he once explained to her.

She hoped that he didn't think she was that wife,  She liked Walter and they had fun at first but he was getting more and more staid. She couldn't see herself married to him. Maybe before he took her home tonight she would tell him how she felt.

 The Weeks' apartment took the entire first floor and their knock on the door was soon answered by the butler.  Penny and her parents stood in the foyer greeting their guests. A few people were gathered in the drawing room.  Leticia hurried over to her friend.

“Happy Birthday!” She hugged Penny and handed her the gifts.  As they were early there was time to open the gift. 

She handed one to her mother and opened the other. “Oh my,” Penny said and took the hair-combs out of the box. Gold with diamonds around it, they would peek out of her friends dark hair and look marvelous.  She knew that because they had tried them on one day when she and Leticia were out shopping. “You remembered.”

"Of course, silly. Why do you think I talked you out of buying them?”

The front door opened and more guests entered. “Come Leticia, let Penny greet her guests.” Walter steered her into the room. “I see the Steeles. Lets go talk to them.  I'm trying to get Patrick to let me handle his portfolio.”

    She stopped and pulled away from him. "Can we have one night off from business talk? This is a birthday party.”

    "Yes it is, my dear, and some of the most influential men are here.  There is not a better time for business talk. His wife is with him, you can talk with her and keep her occupied.”

    Marion Steele was older than her mother and she did not come to the party to spend time with her. Leticia looked around the room and found another of her friends by the punch bowl. “Fine, you talk business but I'm going to talk to Regina Weatherby.” She strode off before Walter could protest.

    “Good evening Regina.” She took a cup and held it out to her friend who promptly filled it.

    “I see Walter is still hanging around.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don't know what you see in him.”

   “Mother and father like him.”

   “That's not enough to marry someone.”  Regina led her friend across the room to chairs by the windows. They sat down and looked around the room.

   “I'm not going to marry him. He hasn't asked and if he did I’d say no.”

  “That's not what he's saying. My brother is a member of the same club as Walter and he heard Walter say you would soon be engaged.  He said your parents approve."

   “They may, but I can tell you right now we will never marry. I don't love him.”

    “Oh look, there's your brother Malachi.” Regina began fussing with her hair.

    Leticia smiled. Regina had such a crush on her brother and he hasn't figured it out yet. He strode across the room toward them, another man with him.  Leticia's heart stopped, he had to be the most beautiful man she had ever seen. Tall, slim, black hair neatly trimmed. His dinner jacket was obviously made for him.  She thought she knew all of Malachi's friends. She didn't know this one, but she would.

    “Letty!” Her brother came  over and took her hands before kissing  her cheek.  “You look lovely, as always." He turned to his friend. "Reginald Fairfax, may I present my sister Leticia.”

    “I am pleased to meet you Miss Greenwood. Your brother speaks highly of you.”  He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “He neglected to tell me how beautiful you were.”

    Letty blushed. He had a slight British accent which added to his appeal. “Thank you. May I present my friend, Regina Weatherby.”

    The four of them stood there talking but all to soon Walter came over. “Malachi, good to see you, Miss Weatherby. And you, sir, are?”

    “Sorry Walter, this is my friend, Reginald Fairfax. Reggie, this is Walter Brace, a friend of the family.”

    The two men nodded and Walter once again steered her away. "Come dear, Penny needs you to help her with something.” 

    Just before reaching the foyer, she turned to look back.  Regina and her brother were deep in conversation but Mr. Fairfax watched her intently. She blushed when he nodded and winked.

    “Here she is,” Walter said to Penny's parents.  “I'll see you at dinner, dear.” He kissed her on the cheek and went back to the drawing room.

    “Come dear, Penny decided she wanted to wear your gift tonight and would like you to help her with them.  She's in her dressing room.”

    Letty knew this apartment as well as she knew her house and hurried down the hall to her friend's room. Penny jumped up as she came in. “I'm so nervous.  Tommy came in and he and father immediately went into his study.”

    “Do you think? What else could they be talking about?”

    “I don't know. I'm almost afraid to hope.”

    “What else could it be? Your parents said you couldn't get engaged until you were twenty one."  She reached for her friend's hairbrush. “Lets fix your hair. Those diamonds will be the perfect thing to match your smile when your father announces your engagement.”

    It did not take her long and soon they were heading back to the drawing room.  Tommy was waiting in the foyer and Penny ran to him.  Letty slowed down a bit to give them time. When she reached them, the smile on her friend's face said it all.  “Congratulations!” She hugged the two of them. “You better treat her right, Tommy, or there will be trouble.”

    “No fear there, Leticia.” He put an arm around his fiancée and hugged her

    "Let's go in, you two. Father wants to make the announcement before dinner. He won't let Tommy give me my ring until he does.”

    “Then let's go.” She followed them in; just inside the drawing room, Walter stood waiting for her.

    “You two were a long time just fixing hair.”

    "Shh, " She watched her friend join her parents with her fiancée by her side. The room exploded in applause when the engagement was announced. She glanced across the room and saw Reginald Fairfax.  He may have been applauding the happy couple but he was looking at her.

    “I don't like that man, ”Walter whispered in her ear.

    She groaned. If his breath were any indication he'd already had more than one glass of whiskey. “Oh please , Walter. Mr. Fairfax is a friend of Malachi's.”

    “Still.” he took her hand. “Come with me. I want to talk to you for a minute. Everyone will be busy congratulating the happy couple.”

    She followed him out of the room and into the salon next door. This was where Mrs. Weeks received her close friends during the day.  It was hot in there and she opened the French doors to let some air in..

    “Leticia, come sit down. We need to talk.”

    She did, but immediately began chattering. She thought she knew what Walter wanted.  “I'm so happy for Penny.  She asked me to be her maid of honor if this happened. We're going to have fun shopping for gowns.”

    “Maybe you can do the same for her.””

    “We always intended to be each others maid of honor, but I'm not getting married any time soon. I have to love a man before I marry him.”

"Could I be that man?" He pulled her closer. “I love you, Leticia. I want to marry you. I'll be a good husband.”

He pulled her even closer. Before he kissed her he whispered, “I can make you love me.”

    “Walter, no!” She tried to push him away but couldn't.  His lips were cold and the smell of whiskey on his breath was making her sick.

    "Come on, Leticia, you know you love me.”

    His hands seemed to be everywhere and she was about to scream when she heard a welcome voice.  “ My sister said no, Brace.”

    He let her go and she ran to her brother. He stood at the French doors with Reginald Fairfax standing behind him. Malachi put his arms around his sister, “Did he hurt you ?”

    She shook her head. “I just want him to leave.”

    Reginald stepped out and stood next to them.  “You best do as the lady requested, Brace.”

    “That lady is my fiancée, I just asked her to marry me. This has nothing to do with you.”

    "But she is my sister."  Malachi said.  "I believe it has everything to do with me.

    Leticia pulled away from her brother and walked over to Walter.  She gave him a resounding slap across his cheek.  “I will never marry you.”

    “You heard my sister. You better leave. I'll be sure she gets home. I'm sure my parents, especially my father, will be very interested in  what happened here tonight.”

    “Fine." He turned on his heels and strode out the room slamming the door forcefully behind him.

   Malachi held her at arms length and looked her up and down, “Now little sister. He didn't hurt you?”

    Leticia shook her head.  “Can you get Penny for me?”

    Reginald said, “Allow me, please, Miss Greenwood. I think you'd feel better if your brother stays with you.”

    She nodded and reached out to touch his arm. "Thank you, Mr. Fairfax. Just tell her I am unwell. I do not want her party ruined.”

    “Of course.”

    Once it was just her and her brother she started shaking all over.  Malachi lead her over  to a chair  and pulled his jacket off to wrap around her before pouring her a  glass of brandy.  “Here, little sister. Drink this.” He sat on the arm of the chair and put an arm around her.

    "Thank God, you were here, Malachi. I don't know what mother and father will say."

    Before he could reply Penny came in followed by her mother.

    “Letty, are you hurt?”  Penny and her mother asked at the same time. "What happened?"         

    She shook her head.  "It was horrible.  She told them what had happened. "Luckily, Malachi and Mr. Fairfax were outside and stopped him."

    “We were outside having a cigar and we heard voices here.  We came to investigate and it's a good thing we did."

    “Yes, it is, Thank you.” Mrs. Week smiled at both the men.  “Do you want to go home, Letty? You're welcome to stay in Penny's room. We'll just tell people you were sick. No one has to know a thing. I am sure that it will be all over town soon enough. “
             “What will people think of me?” Leticia asked.

    Reginald said, “If they have any sense they'll be happy for you to be rid of that idiot.”

"That's for sure,"  Penny said. "I heard father tell someone they only invite him because of you.”

Mrs. Weeks rang the bell and a maid soon entered the room.  “Kathleen, please bring Miss Greenwood  to Miss Penny’s room. She's spending the night and she's not feeling well.”

“Yes Ma'am.” She bobbed a curtsy.

Leticia stood and hugged her brother. before returning his jacket to him..  “Will you explain to mother and father??”

He nodded,  "When father finds out, I pity Walter. I'll have mother send a carriage for you tomorrow with a change of clothes.”

"Thank you." She turned to Reginald. “And thank you, Mr. Fairfax. I only wish your first visit had been a little less eventful.”

He took her hand in his and raised it to his kips. “Not to worry, Miss Leticia. I am sure we will meet again. Especially as I will be working with your brother at the newspaper.”

She smiled and followed the maid out. Penny promised to join her as soon as she could.

In the bedroom the maid helped Leticia undress and get into one of  Penny's night gowns. “It's a good thing you and Miss Penny are just about the same size.”

Katherine helped her into bed, promising to come back with a cup of tea and some toast.   

"That will be lovely. It will help my headache.”

She sat in bed and replayed the scene in her mind, trying to think if she could have done anything different.  In a way he had done her a favor. She was glad Mr. Fairfax had been there.  If not Malachi and Walter may have gotten into a fight.  Walter was too much of a stickler to start a fight in someone's house. Malachi had no such qualms. 

Her mind went back to Reginald Fairfax, the way he looked at her, the way he looked at Walter. Given half a chance she'd bet her would have socked him in the nose. 

She loved the sound of his voice, especially when he said her name; his lovely accent and the way he made her skin tingle.  No other man had ever done that before, definitely not Walter. She managed to stay awake until Penny came up.  

“Good, you're still awake.”  She had  a plate with two pieces of birthday cake. She placed them on the bedside table before sitting next to Leticia.

“Is it over all ready?”

“No, Tommy and my mother both told me to get up here. I was driving them both crazy.”

Leticia smiled and took a bite of cake. '"Yum. Mrs Johnson's chocolate cake.”

“Of course. She wasn't letting any one else make my birthday cake. She also insist she is making the wedding cake she put her plate down and said, “Now, Leticia, tell me everything.”

So she did, and surprised herself by not falling apart. Instead she got angry all over again and her friend joined her in that anger.  “How dare he!”

“If  it wasn't for Malachi and his friend, who knows what might have happened.”

“That's for sure, have you met Mr. Fairfax before tonight?”

Leticia shook her head.  “I hadn't even heard of him before tonight. Apparently he is working with Malachi at the newspaper. They were at Harvard together.”

“Well, I heard some gossip downstairs, apparently he's the son of some earl but he was born on the wrong side of the blanket. He was sent to school and when he graduated he was given money to emigrate here, and go to Harvard.”

    “Really?”

    “Yes, apparently he's very smart and according to my father a good reporter.  Someone said something derogatory about him and your brother defended him.”

    “I would expect nothing else from Malachi. Mr. Fairfax is handsome, isn't he?”

    “Not as handsome as my Tommy. Though he certainly seemed worried about you.”

 "Probably because Malachi is his friend. He does seem rather nice."

  “Leticia Greenwood, are already interested in someone else?”

  “Come, Penny. We know I was never really interested in Walter. I only kept company  with him to keep my mother from bothering me."                    “What do you think she'd say about Mr. Fairfax?”

“She better like him, I may end up marrying him."

THE END

© 2014 Elaine Charton ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

THE PINK LADY Blurb:

“Old Ghosts are good for business but dead bodies are not. “
The Pink Lady is a venerable Victorian home located near Cape Cod, in Massachusetts.
Anna Murray inherits the home from her uncle and decides to turn it into a bed and breakfast with the help of the two resident ghosts, Reggie and Leticia Farnsworth and BJ Kent, a contractor who specializes in Victorian restorations.
As Anna and BJ peel back the layers of grime, the layers of time reveal the truth behind the death of the Farnsworths so many years ago. Their present day situation has parellels to the Farnsworths, can Anna and BJ solve the mystery before it reaches the same sinister conclusions?

One Hot Medium by Sarah Raplee

Psychic medium Cora Merryweather popped a couple of antacid tablets to quell the burning in her stomach.  Today’s one o’clock appointment will be a doozy for sure.

Limiting readings to locals might weed out the haters, but her bank account couldn’t afford to take that kind of hit. Half of Cora’s clients came from outside Iowa City, some from as far away as Waterloo and Des Moines. Like everyone else, mediums had to eat. And she refused to set her rates so high only the well-off could afford a reading.

                Cora’s sigh was cut short by a string of sneezes. Great, just great. She sounded like Typhoid Mary. How was she supposed to relax into a meditative state with her anxiety level rising like the temperature outside?

The sneezing fits had started as soon as silver-haired Mrs. Donovan, her morning client, had departed. After grabbing a box of tissues off the table, she’d settled down at her small desk and opened her old laptop. By lunchtime, she’d finished her record-keeping in spite of continued bouts of off-and-on sneezing. The persistent, unusual symptom made her suspect she was having a negative psychic premonition. She was normally an extremely healthy young woman. Besides, her negative premonitions had manifested as physical symptoms a few times in the past. When the chocolate protein shake she called lunch soured as soon as it hit her stomach, her fears had been confirmed.

The grandfather clock she’d inherited from Aunt Tillie along with the house whirred before emitting a single deep chime to mark the quarter hour. A shiver skittered up her spine. Fifteen minutes to show time. She reached for her blue plastic water bottle to wash down the last of the minty antacids.  The burning in her stomach had eased, but now she needed to pee. She plunked the bottle down  and drew her brows together in a deep, dark, heartfelt scowl.

No doubt her next client would turn out to be a hater. Why couldn’t the Doubting Thomases live and let live, the way she and most other mediums did? How would they like it if she barged into their places of business and accused them of being liars and con artists? Tried to ruin them?

She grabbed her neon orange cell phone off the desktop, paused to sneeze into a tissue and then texted her friend Joan at Discrete Security.

Is Owl on duty? The message was code asking if the security camera in the stuffed barred owl on her bookshelf was working properly.

Owl’s awake, Joan replied. Big Sister is watching. Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha.

            Cora’s lips stretched into a grateful smile. It helped to know someone had her back, someone who cared about her and believed in her unusual abilities.

On a computer monitor in her office across town, Joan had a clear view of Cora’s room through the wide-angle lens in Owl’s left eye. Her friend wouldn’t hesitate to deploy a pair of well-trained security officers if “Barry” flipped to the Dark Side.  No cops would be called unless Cora appeared to be in physical danger; Joan’s business wasn’t called Discrete Security for nothing. Plenty of business people whose clients expected privacy preferred to handle unpleasantness without attracting media attention. Lawyers, therapists, talent agents…psychics.

Knowing Joan had her back gave Cora confidence. She stood and waved at Owl before heading down the short hallway toward the bathroom.

Bring it on, Barry—or whatever your name really is!

She never asked for more than the client’s first name and phone number. Her job was to channel their loved ones to bring her clients healing and a measure of peace. In order for them to accept that she was the real deal, she had to be careful not to acquire any information about them or their deceased loved ones ahead of time. No last names, no checks, nothing.

Her lack of information made it relatively easy for the haters to get in to see her. The patient ones, anyway; she was booked up for months ahead because of her spotless reputation. Luckily most doubters weren’t that dedicated.

Unlike Barry, her one o’clock. She sneezed three times and shut the bathroom door.

***

Tom Chase twisted the bell key beside the red front door of Cora Merryweather’s blue Victorian house and schooled his face into a pleasantly neutral expression. The authentic antique bell sounded a lot like an old-fashioned bicycle bell, only louder.
         The smell of fresh paint permeated the air. Business must be exceptionally good if she could afford to hire house painters. He squelched a grimace that wanted to curl his upper lip. How many grieving widows did it take to paint a house, metaphorically-speaking?
         An indignant-sounding meow sounded at his elbow. He glanced down into the unblinking, deep-blue eyes of an enormous, long-haired white cat laying in the wide porch swing. A sunbeam highlighted the snowy whiteness of his fur against the red-checkered cushion  How could the animal stand to lie in a sunbeam when it was so damned hot? Tom’s oxford shirt was already sticking to his back, and he’d only been outside his air-conditioned truck for a few minutes.

       “Hello,” he said. He'd always liked cats. The cat’s tail tip twitched a warning. He turned away.

       A bee buzzed past his head and drew his gaze to baskets overflowing with sweet-scented, multicolored flowers that hung above the porch railing. As he’d gone up the front walk, he’d half-noticed the row of neatly-tended snapdragons that guarded the front of the house and the green, long-leafed hostas that encircled a young sugar maple tree.

He caught a whiff of the flowers’ perfume and clenched his teeth. This place reeked of hope.  He knew from hard experience that hope was a dangerously addictive emotion. He’d spent more than two years trying to break his own habit.

His eyes narrowed at two weathered wicker armchairs framing an equally dilapidated side table at the far end of the porch. A cluster of white spray paint cans peeked out from behind one of the chairs.

Tom frowned. Maybe business wasn’t as good as he’d thought.Or she needed to raise her rates.

On the other side of the red door, a clock chimed the hour. He glanced at his watch and then gave the bell key another impatient twist. The medium was late. He tried the doorknob, but it wouldn’t turn. Maybe she’d stood him up. His gut began to burn. He’d waited six months for this reading. She’d damned well better show up.

The knob rattled and then turned.  The door opened and a pretty, ponytailed blond wearing a short pink sheath that showed off her legs smiled up at him. The smile didn’t quite reach her clear gray eyes.

“Hello,” he said. “I’m Barry.” If she’d had a tail, he was sure it would have twitched a warning.  

Even so, she nodded, sending her gold beaded earrings swinging in graceful arcs from delicate her delicate earlobes. She opened the door wider. “I’m Cora. Please come in, Barry.” She turned and walked away.

Eyeing the seductive swing of her hips, he followed.

They passed through a small, tiled foyer that was empty except for a coat rack and an umbrella stand. The large room they entered ran the width of the house. To his left, a comfortable-looking overstuffed couch and chair were grouped around a brick fireplace.  On either side of the fireplace, mullioned windows let in the light.

Cora moved to the right. “What kind of name is Barry, anyway?” she said.

“What do you mean?” He turned and watched her retreating ass. She didn’t seem to have heard him.

“Please, sit down.” She waved a casual hand at the square, polished wooden table, then took a seat. The wall behind her was lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves crammed with books and a few knickknacks. 

Tom chose the seat across from hers. He wanted a clear view of her facial expressions while she “read” him.

She sat as if a she had a broom handle for a backbone and folded her hands on the tabletop. Her short, neatly-manicured nails were unpainted, probably because she worked in the garden.  A thick gold band etched with a raven totem encircled the middle finger of her right hand. Her left hand was bare.

His shoulders twitched. She made him uncomfortable in his own skin.

“Is Barry short for—what? Barold? Barney? Barrow?” The frozen smile had been replaced by a look of disdain.

Why was she fixated on the damned name? “I was named after my father.” That much was true.

Something flashed in her eyes. “I don’t doubt that for a minute. Your father’s come forward, you see. The problem is his name is Thomas, not Barry.”

***

Cora scowled when his earth-brown eyes slid away from hers. The skin under his fashionable dark stubble reddened. A muscle jumped in his jaw. At least he had the decency to be embarrassed at being caught in a lie.

When he shot to his feet, she realized she was mistaken. His voice dropped to a feral growl. “Where is it?”

She swallowed. He seemed to occupy a lot more space than he had a minute ago. Her tongue darted out to lick lips that were suddenly parched. 

A jumble of images flashed in her. Too many spirits vied for her attention for her to make sense of the mess in her head. Right now she needed to focus on the crazy guy in her living room, and he was very much alive.

Not now, she told the spirits. Later, I promise.

They pulled back their energy and left her to deal with Thomas on her own.

He squatted and ducked his head to look up at the table bottom, then stood once more and glanced wildly around the room.

Heart chugging like a runaway train, she rose from her chair. She had to tip her head back to catch his troubled gaze. Why had she bothered to bait this tall, dark and handsome nut job? How long would it take Joan’s minions to get here?

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.