Chosen: Book 1 in the Ancients of Light series Page 18

  CHAPTER 23

  Her return to Laverock and the chamber that her grandfather had prepared for her so long ago felt natural and offered a comforting haven from the strain that had been placed on her since her awakening. Kaitriana knew she was adequately protected from the searching of both the Witch and the Vampire, as she had been for the five hundred years of her slumber.

  She was startled to find herself not alone when she appeared in her bedroom. Her grandfather was seated in the single chair before the hearth. A fire blazed, as though the ancient Sorcerer had anticipated her homecoming this night. Kat realized that was in fact the case when he turned to her in greeting with no surprise on his face.

  Serenely, Myrrdyn folded his hands in his lap as he gave her an appraising look, “Welcome home, my little witch.”

  Kaitriana gazed at him soberly for a moment before demanding, “Where have you been? Why did you leave me to face this without your support?”

  A slow smile took his wizened old face and he responded simply as if the answer should be quite obvious to her, “Because the journey is yours Kaitriana, not mine.” Appearing artfully baffled, he questioned, “And by this do you mean the awakening of the glorious creature you have become, Lorcan, or the meeting of the Witch?”

  Her head ached. Kaitriana knew it was partly due to the stress of the night and partly to hunger; she had not taken Lorcan’s vein before the incident at the gates. Sinking slowly to perch on the edge of the bed, she uttered woefully in defeat, “All of it?”

  Myrrdyn pushed himself from his seat with surprising swiftness for one of his ancient years. Pausing before her, he pressed the cup that he had waiting at her bedside table into her hands. “You needed to establish yourself alone, Kaitriana, before any interference from your old grandfather,” he took the spot next to her. Continuing, he patted her knee in comfort as she drew the glass to her lips, “You cannot be what you are destined to be if you have me telling you how to be it. Your destiny is your path alone and you will find your way. You have a good start.”

  At her doubting look, he laughed heartily and gave her another pat, “Your words tonight have already begun to play in the minds of those that have part in helping you fulfill your role. It will bring them to you. You have always been an exceptionally brilliant girl.” Myrrdyn eyed her, pursing his lips before adding, “Of course, the delivery of your message could have been more diplomatic, child.”

  The memory of Lorcan’s expression during her tirade washed over her and Kaitriana winced in reflection, “I do not think it will bring all of them to me. Your visions obviously did not show you Lorcan’s reaction. He is likely more inclined to strangle me than help me.”

  Myrrdyn understood full well where her thoughts were and circled an arm around her shoulders, pulling her to him, “All of them will come to you….eventually.” His voice held hint of an impending lecture, “However, if you had let the Warrior know that it was his blood and not that of his enemy that brought you forth, he would be drawn to you more than he already is.”

  Her hands grasped the cup tighter when she lowered it from her lips, her tone defensive, “I do not know for certain that it was his blood. Your belief is based on nothing more than idle talk between two Darks. Darks are notoriously devious and matched in that only by their stupidity.”

  He smiled over her words. His grandchild held strong opinions and had no hesitation in voicing them. His look was grave as he patiently explained, “They had no reason to be deceitful because they knew not that you were awake. As far as their stupidity, that is neither here nor there. The two knew the importance of the vial; it had been given to them directly by their Dark lord. Rhydach acquired that blood himself over a millennium ago while engaged in battle directly opposite Lorcan. He would have slain your Warrior that night but for the intervention by a great and powerful sorcerer.” Myrrdyn winked at her playfully which brought a smile to her lips.

  “Lorcan had been gravely injured and Rhydach availed himself of the opportunity to obtain a sampling of blood. Rhydach had long had the intention of collecting it. I would not be surprised if that particular battle had not been orchestrated for that sole purpose. Of course, I am the Sorcerer of Light so I am really never surprised by anything, am I?” Myrrdyn felt the movement of her shoulders before the wonderful sound of her laughter erupted. He had been waiting centuries to enjoy her beautiful spirit once more.

  Shaking her head at him, she gave him an admonishing look before she leaned up to press an affectionate kiss on his cheek, “Your magnificent powers are exceeded only by your glorious arrogance, Grandpapa.”

  The moment brought warmth to his heart and he hugged her close as her merriment subsided. After acknowledging her assessment, he gave her the remainder of the tale, “When Lorcan was but a couple of centuries into his transitioned form, Rhydach witnessed an incredible display of magic from the Warrior of Light. In the midst of a heated battle, when many had fallen, Lorcan unleashed a light from his hands. I do not believe it was intentional but that Lorcan was so enraged he was unable to keep the magic bound as he normally does. He destroyed over fifty of Rhydach’s finest guard in the space of seconds.”

  Myrrdyn nodded once more, assuring her that his tale was factual, “I believe that Rhydach suspected of Lorcan what I know to be true.”

  Kaitriana turned long enough to place the cup on her nightstand before twisting back to him. She positioned herself so that she could peer up into his wonderful face and she whispered in eager confidence, “He is still fully Witch, is he not?”

  Myrrdyn almost chuckled, recalling fondly the many times as a child she had done just the same. Climbing close to hear a tale or learn some important magic at his side, she would always jump ahead to the end. He shook his head, “Not quite, dear. While you are the Chosen, Lorcan is the Key. His mother was the most powerful witch in the Warrior Caste, a Queen. But she was also the strongest of all the Queens…the leader of the seven. Her strength surpassed all in the Realm and it was passed to her firstborn.”

  He paused for just a moment, he could see that Kaitriana was processing the import of it all, “Lorcan’s power was strong from an early age. There are not so many Ancients still alive that recall the lad in his youth, but I estimate that his powers were strong enough to eventually surpass even those of his mother. It is significant Kaitriana…in all of creation, no male witch was ever gifted with magic that was stronger than the Queens. Lorcan would have assumed control of the Warrior Caste, as it would have been his by birth and by right.”

  Kat smiled at his use of those prophesied words, she had uttered them herself just earlier this same night. Myrrdyn went on, “His father transitioned him after Brisen’s death. Alaric could see the potent magic in the boy. He would not kill his heir but neither could he afford for his child to seek the Witch since they had become Alaric’s bitter enemy. Lorcan is fully Witch, as you suspect, but he is also fully Vampire. Alaric is a true Ancient; he was in the first generation of the created immortals, as was Brisen, myself and a few other remaining Witch and Vampire. Through his Ancient father, the strongest Vampire genes were dormant within Lorcan. Tis the only reason his transition was successful.”

  Myrrdyn could view the question lurking in the depths of her eyes well before Kat blurted her thoughts, “How was I transitioned? I have no Vampire genes, Ancient or otherwise, in me.” Her eyes took on a feisty gleam and she nudged him with her elbow, “Unless there is something you need to tell me, Grandpapa?”

  Myrrdyn smiled fondly, tapping on the end of her nose at her impertinence, “You have no Vampire ancestors, imp. You are simply an incredibly powerful witch.” He paused and looked her squarely in the face, wanting to witness her reaction as he imparted the next, “You are the most powerful born since Lorcan. Like him, you possess powers from all of the Castes.”

  Astounded, her eyes riveted to his while she digested the ramifications of his disclosure.Myrrdyn could not help but grin, his announcement had the intended effect, “Yes,
Kaitriana, you have them, but Lorcan does as well. Lorcan is the Key, his blood is the key. The Warrior of Light is a true hybrid of both species. The mixture of Witch and Vampire blood from him was able to initiate the transition in you because of the strength that you possess through your magic. Had Rhydach or any other’s blood been given I do not believe you would have survived, despite your strength. Rhydach knew you were strong, being of my line and he believed if any could survive a transition with Lorcan’s blood, it would be you.”

  He leaned in close and cupped the sides of her face, quietly explaining, “You have been meant for one another since the beginning Kaitriana. There are traits in each of you that cannot be completely realized without the other.”

  Kaitriana grew somber. Her eyes spoke the magnitude of the truth that stirred in her now. She reflected upon the words the Witch had clung to over the many centuries since originally revealed by Myrrdyn. Murmuring them, with new reverence, having only now gained their true meaning, “The Witch and the Vampire, two of birth and of right, joined shall bring the Light to its Purpose and banish the Dark.”

  Her gaze probed his, gushing in her excitement, “The Prophecy does not speak of a single Witch and a single Vampire. There are two beings that are both fully Witch and fully Vampire within the Realm, not separate but both species combined.”

  At his encouraging nod, a smile lighting his eyes, Kat continued to puzzle it out, “Two of birth and of right; Lorcan and I are the only two that are equally of both Factions in the Realm and because of the individual strengths given to us, we can exist as hybrids. Had I not been transitioned, the Prophecy would have never come to pass. I am not capable of being the Chosen despite the fact that I am now Vampire, but rather only because of it.”

  He beamed at her, she had always been a quick study, “Yes, and Lorcan will need to acknowledge his Witch nature in addition to accepting yours before the Prophecy can be fulfilled.”

  Kaitriana stood abruptly, ready to return to Lorcan, but held when Myrrdyn’s hand fell on her arm. His advice was sound, “Child, give him time. Lorcan will come to the realization in due time. In his present mood he will not hear you but will only see this as manipulation by you and the Witch.”

  Standing with a heavy sigh, he frowned, anticipating to her dismay, “You must understand this truth Kaitriana. Lorcan has been and always will be the Key. He will be ruler of the Light in the Realm with you at his side. You are both magnificent Warriors and you are the Prophecy together, but he is the rightful Ruler of this Realm. It is ultimately his destiny.”

  That was no small blow to her ego. As Chosen within the ranks of the Witch, Kaitriana had always been sure of her place in the Prophecy. It was supposed to be at the lead. The prophesied vampire had always been only an accomplice. In her mind, he would be secondary to her great power and that which she would do to bring peace to the Realm. Kaitriana had never thought that she would be matched much less surpassed in her abilities; the thought that her role would be lesser had never entered her mind. Dejected, she lifted a sullen countenance to her grandfather, “You really needed to bring me a serving of crow pie the first time I have seen you in five hundred years?”

  Myrrdyn tilted his head at her in askance, a baffled look creasing his brow. Kat mimicked his look and crossed her arms over her chest. It took only a moment longer before realization dawned and Myrrdyn issued a short bark of laughter, “I might give you humble pie or make you eat crow Kaitriana, but never both in a single setting.” Kaitriana wrinkled her nose at him, her indignant expression more feigned than real.

  He patted her arm lovingly and softened the blow somewhat, “Lorcan cannot fulfill the Prophecy without you. You are his Key and he will not find the path but through you.” Myrrdyn rubbed his hands together with glee at this next bit, “You will be too busy to rule since much of your time will be required to maintain peace.”

  At her perplexed look, he winked, “I am going to have the most amazing little Vampire and Witch great-grandchildren from you. They will keep you very occupied as they wreak havoc throughout the Realm.” He tapped her on the nose, “And you, rotten granddaughter, deserve every bit of trouble that they cause you. “

  Kat laughed delightedly and the Ancient sorcerer took note of the dreamy look in her eyes. It was obvious she liked the idea of sharing a family with Lorcan. He settled the full weight of his gaze on her and his expression grew stern, “These babes will come after you are joined with your vows. Do I need to be more specific, Kaitriana?”

  She blushed - Seers, bah! Myrrdyn no doubt knew full well her desire for Lorcan. Even though he could not see it, she had no doubt he was also fully aware of her marking. Kaitriana merely nodded, allowing herself eyes to be drawn away from the probing of his to the pattern of Warriors symbols embellishing the coverlet on the bed, “How will I be his path to fulfilling the Prophecy? I may be his Key, but I think his lock is rusted shut.”

  Myrrdyn grinned over her jest then gazed off into the roaring fire for the space of many moments, trancelike. He finally shook himself to answer, “It will be as it is meant to be; it is not for me to tell you how nor to push you to one action or another. You will also need to inspire loyalty from the Witch and you have insulted them greatly tonight. Our species does have tender, if inflated, egos.”

  The Ancient pinned her with a look, “You will need to best determine how to rectify the situation. You will be accepted because of what you are, but they need to want to follow you Kaitriana and not because they think you are the only way to their future.”

  He had no doubt she would find acceptance from the Witch since he would be joining their gathering tonight and expressing his great pleasure at this amazing creature and her gifts. Many within the faction would easily follow his lead as they always had. Those that did not would not dare speak out, and he preferred that until Kaitriana was able to win their hearts again in her own right.

  Her gaze had been drawn to the window; dawn would be breaking shortly. Myrrdyn patted the top of her head and shifted his old bones to stand at his full towering height, “You need to rest Kaitriana. These times will be challenging and you will need your wits about you.”

  As her watch remained on the ever brightening sky, she wondered for the first time over the lack of covering to the window - no shutters, no drapings. Kaitriana assumed the panes were magically protected by her grandfather to keep her safe from the burning rays.

  Myrrdyn could tell the wandering of her thoughts just by her look. Her face was so wonderfully expressive - so beautiful and so wonderfully expressive. He had truly brought forth a most exquisite granddaughter. Before she had time to ask, he answered, “You are of Lorcan’s blood dear and he passed a very special trait to you. Until now, it has always been his gift alone in the Vampire world.”

  She shifted her attention from the window back to her grandfather, her expression curious. Dropping a kiss of farewell to her brow, Myrrdyn waved nonchalantly towards the window and passed the news, “You need not fear the sun Kaitriana. It will bring you nothing but warmth and perhaps a few more freckles if you are not careful.”

  Kaitriana gasped with her surprise, joy full on her face when she pressed a quick kiss to his cheek in goodbye. When Myrrdyn paused before his exit to peer back at his beautiful witch one last time, she had already curled herself up in the center of her bed. He lingered to watch the rapture on her face for a few moments. Her gaze remained fixated on the beautiful sky that was developing with the sunrise.

  Sighing with pleasure, Myrrdyn took himself off to slay a few dragons for her, or at least bring a few witches in line.

  CHAPTER 24

  As Myrrdyn had predicted, Lorcan was not in the mood to hear from her. He was in the depths of a fearsome black rage. Even Colm had never seen his friend in such a state and made certain to keep a safe distance from the other vampire.

  Kaitriana had challenged him, outright insulted him, in front of his Coven and the Witch. That rankled Lorcan greatly but he could have
moved beyond it by now. His vexation was fueled not only by her outrageous categorization of his and his people’s character flaws, but also that she had challenged him yet again on the existence of his magic. He knew full well that part of her tirade regarding his inability to accept her dual nature was a pointed attack on his unwillingness to acknowledge his own. The anger continued to fester because he had yet to have an opportunity to confront her over those offenses.

  His witch had remained absent and untraceable for the seven nights that followed her tantrum at the gates, propelling his mood from irritation to seething fury. That Lorcan had remained in an unreasonable and unpredictable temper all this time was indicative of it. He had been pushing Jortha hard to divine her location but the poor witch was at a loss. While subjected to Lorcan’s irate lectures over his failures, Jortha was spared the violent temper that Lorcan had unleashed on his warriors during their training.

  The Warrior of Light had been responsible for more than a few injuries to the lesser skilled males after engaging in weaponry practice. He meted out his ire and impatience with every swing of his sword. The social gatherings each evening had also ceased since Kaitriana’s departure, as none wanted to put themselves in near enough proximity to Lorcan to risk becoming targets of his displeasure.

  This night had begun no differently. Lorcan’s disposition had darkened, as it had each passing night, when he had woke to find no news of Kaitriana. He was brooding, having taken up residence in the large chamber off the great hall that was reserved for his Elite. Those five warriors were in attendance, speaking in hushed tones around their table at the far end of the room, well distanced from Lorcan and his spot before the fire. Lorcan was leaning forward in his chair, tankard in hand, studying the flames that licked slowly up the wood.