Return of the High Fae (Vegas Fae Story Book 1) (10 page)

"Again, yes and no," she replied. "You must
understand. This was one of our highest laws. These laws have served us for
thousands of years, and in your case, this one was broken by your mother; who
did have a choice. When your mother decided to bear a male child, she knew that
she would have to break the oath given by the first born. She also knew that
doing so would cost her all her powers. For only by sacrificing all her powers
was she able to cause her child to be born a male. This she could only do if
her love for your father was greater than her love for herself. It was only
through the power your grandmother wielded that she was not put to death
herself."

"This is friggin' nuts! What the hell kind of nightmare
have I fallen into? Now that this has happened, do I have to worry about being
hunted down by my family, as well?"

"I do not believe so. Your grandmother saw to
that," she answered. "But I would still take care. I do not know what
effect this incident has had. This was my fear when all this began. We did not
know then, nor do we now, what will happen when a male is born with the pure
blood of our kind. I believe Maria's spell, albeit damaged, will protect you
from many of the effects, but it is still too early to judge," she said,
sitting back down. "The magic of our kind comes from the earth itself and
while many other lines have pure blood males, ours never has. But I will do all
I can to help you."

"Okay, Cacilia," I said, looking over at her.
"I need to know exactly what we are... What I am." I was trying to
get a grasp on all of this, and it was not coming easy.

"We are of the Fae; born when the Earth was made. Our
line comes from the Hamadryads and the Dryads. We are the spirit of the trees
themselves, born of the oak. We are not the only clan; there are families that
descended from other trees, the birch, the poplar, the ash, and others. Some
were born of the water and others the land itself. All Fae are spirits of the
earth, sky or water. In mortal mythology we were apart from the Gods, but that
is not true. Although we sprang from the line of Titans, Demeter became mother
to us. She was Goddess of Fertility and keeper of the Law, as well as one of
the twelve Olympians."

"So are you saying we're Gods?"

"The Gods are a mortal concept. We are what we are.
Mortals descended from apes, isn't that what they say? We descended from the
earth. Our abilities set us apart from mortals, abilities which they call
magic."

Well at least I was getting some answers; even if I wasn't
sure how accurate they were. "Ok, next question. Why would my mother do
that? Break the rules and have a boy I mean, especially if she knew the
cost?"

A smile lit her face. "She did it for love," she
answered back. "Your father wanted a male heir and it was the greatest
gift she could give him. So, her love for him created you. You see, we do not
need to mate to create a child, as the seed is already within us. But a male
can only come if joined with seed of another, like your father. Your mother, as
I said, was deeply in love with him. I will admit, the union was frowned upon.
She kept it hidden for a time, but she had her mother's, your grandmother's,
blessings, so we did not interfere. Besides, we just assumed she would follow
tradition."

"When you were born, there was much apprehension and
discussion. But on your grandmother's council, we waited. Then, when you turned
seven, the signs appeared and we knew something had to be done. Of course,
that's when Maria stepped in and offered the solution. She was the eldest of us
and the most powerful, so no one doubted her. Her enchantment was woven and you
remained mortal, or at least we thought so at the time. But, all were
satisfied, balance had been returned and that brought harmony."

"Looks to me like something went wrong," I said,
wondering about the world I had entered and the cost my family had paid to keep
me from it.

"Perhaps, but now I wonder. Maybe she knew all along.
Either way we would not have doubted her." She stood up and looked down at
me again. "Whatever has been done in the past is done. We must deal with
the present, and the future."

"I need to know. Were one of you responsible for my
parents' deaths?" I wasn't sure I really wanted to know the answer. They
had died in a plane crash while on a weekend vacation trip. My father was a
pilot and it was not unusual for the two of them to fly somewhere in a small
plane. They had even taken me along on several occasions when I was still a
baby.

"It was not our doing. There was nothing to indicate it
was anything but an accident."

"Okay," I said, not quite believing her. "But
where does this leave me, and what about the others? Seems to me that I might
be right back where I started from."

"As I said, I do not believe so. Maria's pass to
mortality was made, so the die has already been cast. I believe they will see
this as I do. It is an unknown equation, but the price has already been paid. I
am more concerned with what will manifest itself now that the spell has been
altered. I fear more the danger from others than that from within, especially
after learning what has transpired."

Yeah, sure. Why didn't I believe that? "What about my
kids? Are they going to start sensing something strange as well?"

"Jeremy and Nichole? They are exceptionally bright
already, are they not?" she said with a laugh. "I do not believe you
have anything to fear. Although I am certain that they benefit from their
heritage, it would be unlikely that they would be affected by this. You would
have known by now, I assure you."

I know every father says this, but, in my case it's true. My
kids are bright. My son, Jeremy, (he goes by Jay) is a Homeland Security agent
in Los Angeles. He fast tracked to an anti-terrorism squad last year after a
stint in the military. I already mentioned my daughter, Nikki. Both of them are
well thought of at their respective agencies.

Well, at least something positive has already come from my
so-called lineage. They both had successful careers ahead of them. Of course,
I'm sure their mother contributed as well. My ex, Lynn, was the CFO of a large
technology firm in Los Angeles. She wasn't missing anything in the brains
department either.

Before you ask, it was an amicable split. She accepted the
offer in LA before I retired from the police department. We are actually still
good friends, and with one child in each of our respective cities, we still see
each other on a semi-regular basis.

"Robert, I must return. I know you have many questions
and your powers are still uncertain. There is someone who has offered to help.
Bernd!"

"What's a Ber...," I started to ask, when suddenly
something, or more accurately, someone, brushed my leg. I damn near hit my head
on the patio ceiling coming out of the chair when the small, gnarled being
appeared.

"Bernd is here," it..., he said, turning to look
up at me.

He was about two and half, maybe three feet tall. He was
old. His skin was like aged leather but his blue eyes sparkled. He had a
pointed white beard and he looked, well, he looked like a lawn gnome without
the hat. Hell, he even wore blue pants.

"What the...," I gasped, looking down at the
creature.

"I am sorry," Cacilia stated. "Perhaps I
should have warned you."

She looked down at the creature. "Bernd, are you still
willing to watch over him?"

"As I said Mistress, of course, of course, never fear.
I will watch over the…," he stopped and looked back at me. "Not so
young master."

"Whoa, whoa." I said, looking at the two of them.
Things were once again getting way too weird. "A Gnome? Who is this, what
is he, and why do I need him?"

"Hrmph," was all the creature said, folding his
arms across his chest and glaring at me.

"Robert, meet Bernd," she said. Then she turned to
the creature. "Bernd, I believe you remember Robert."

The creature, Bernd, looked at me disapprovingly. "Aye,
I remember when he was just a boy. Tall has he grown, but perhaps not wiser,
eh?"

"We've met?" I asked, as I eyed Bernd.

"Bernd served your grandmother," Cacilia answered.
"He was there when she placed the enchantment on you. He has counseled
members of our family since time forgotten. As for what he is, he is a Zwerg, a
Dwarf. Gnome may also be an appropriate name, although they do not call
themselves that. I believe Dwarf is the better name. He has agreed to stay here
and watch over you. He can also teach you many things."

Bernd seemed to relax, but then shook his head. "Well,
I can try and teach him. Stubborn he appears, but we will see, we will
see." He walked over to me, his head just above my knees and looked
straight up at me. "Do not be concerned. I will keep you safe, if he can."
He turned around and started walking through the yard. "I must look over
the grounds."

With that, he was gone. I walked over and looked around the
pool area but I couldn't see where he went. "Are you sure about
this?" I asked her, as I turned and walked back to the chairs.

"Of course. I cannot stay, and Bernd has agreed to
watch over you. I am concerned about what will occur, now that the enchantment
has been altered and you have been involved with these others. Besides, your
grandmother was Bernd's favorite and he has not been the same since she passed.
You will be good for him as well. I must go. Come, walk with me," she
said, leading me back toward the oak.

Charlie had joined us as well.

"I will return if I can. Take care, and trust
Bernd."

Then she stepped toward the tree and raised her hand. I saw
her place her palm on the trunk of the tree. There was another flash of golden
light and she disappeared.

Charlie barked a few times. He must have been startled by
the flash. But his tail started wagging so I figured he must be okay, or maybe
he was just happy she was gone. As I turned to go back to the house, Bernd
decided to reappear.

"Friend," Charlie said, his tail now wagging like
crazy. He ran over to Bernd and started licking him. I thought Bernd was going
to get knocked over, but he just rubbed the dog's head as Charlie sat down.

"It has been a long day, Robert, and the grounds are
safe. You must get some rest. We will talk again soon," he said. He patted
Charlie's head and, without a sound or any warning, disappeared.

Charlie stood up and walked around where Bernd had been. I
thought he was going to search for him but instead, he just went into the
house. Shaking my head, I followed, heading straight to the bedroom.

I was tired and I had too many questions. At least some of
what I'd heard matched what Siegfried had told me. It's screwy when you don't
know who you can trust. It was still early, but maybe what I really needed was
a good night's sleep.

The morning started off quietly. I sipped my coffee out of a
Space 1999
mug and opened the paper. There was still no sign of the
Dwarf, Bernd. Hell, maybe I dreamt my Aunt's visit.

Charlie was out in the yard. I'd only seen him for a minute,
when he decided I should get out of bed and feed him. With him around, I don't
know why I even bother to have an alarm clock. Then the phone rang.

"Robert, it's Siegfried. Have you seen today's
paper?"

"I just brought it in. Why? What's up?"

"I think you'll want to read the story on the front
page of the local section. Read it and let me know when you're done."

I realized he was waiting for me to read it when the line
didn't go dead. I opened the newspaper to the page and read the story:

Las Vegas – The badly burned
body of a male was found in Primm, Nevada earlier this week, by a Las Vegas
resident who was motorcycling. Police stated that the unidentified male body
was found in a ravine, approximately two miles from the California border.
Police believe the body had been in this location for at least a week.
Detectives on the scene stated that they do not believe the man died at that
location. A review of police radio logs indicated that electrocution was
suspected.

The remains were removed to the
Clark County Coroner's Office, where an autopsy will be performed. Police declined
to comment when asked if there was any connection to a similar electrocution
incident outside of Baker last week.

In that case, police found the
body of an unidentified male in a dry lake bed outside of Baker, California. A
police spokesman stated that the body had been electrocuted, and placed in the
desert by persons unknown. There is speculation that the man had been the
victim of an unreported industrial accident and was placed in the lake bed to
avoid investigation by the authorities.

"So I take it you think there is a connection with my
incident at the hotel?" I asked after reading the column.

"Yes. My sources in the California incident tell me
that the coroner’s description states that the body appeared to have been hit
by lightning numerous times. That's the best description mortals would be able
to give for the magic you witnessed." Siegfried hesitated for a moment.
"I believe it also means they used magic to torture him. The report
indicates there were several strikes before he died."

I wondered if this was the same call my daughter had been
on. It had to be. How many electrocutions could there be that warranted a
direct call to the head of Homicide? "What about the Primm victim? Any
word?" I asked, shifting into detective mode.

"Nothing definitive, but our sources in the local PD
indicated similar wounds. If they are the same dark Mages, you may have saved
Mr. Milagre from a similar fate."

I considered his words. I also wondered who his sources at
Metro were. If it was true, then the reason for the attack had to be more than
just a kidnapping. I was going to have to do some digging as well.
"Siegfried, have you heard any reports from anywhere else?"

"Not as of yet, but my people are looking."

"Ok. So my intervention could have stopped them, or at
least slowed them down."

"It would appear so," he replied. "But again,
we don't have enough information yet. I have increased the guards on Mr.
Milagre, and on the property, but I am concerned you may also be a target now.
In my experience, those who practice dark magic are vengeful and do not take
interference well. I know their magic did not have the same effect on you, but
there are many ways to kill."

"So I've heard," I said, trying to sound
confident. "Let me know what else you hear. I may have some people I can
call on this one. Thanks for the heads up. I'll be careful."

"I will. One more thing. Mr. Milagre has someone who is
in need of your services. Would you be willing to meet with him tonight? I was
told to tell you it would be worth your while."

"Sure, where and when?"

"There is a local bar that is frequented by our kind,
Danu's. I will text you with directions."

It figures. Danu's... shit. What was I gonna say? Sorry, I
beat up some Werewolves there. Can we go somewhere else? "I know where it
is."

"You do?" He seemed startled but not surprised.

That was disconcerting. I wondered if he'd heard about the
fight.

"Good. We will see you there at 8:00 p.m.," he
said as he disconnected.

So, someone else had gotten zapped. Where was this going to
lead? Well, at least on this case I had a place to start. I was going through
my contact list, looking for O'Malley's number, when the phone rang again.
"Hoskins."

"Hey Dad, what's up?" my son asked.

"Jay. Just getting ready to go the office. How are
you?"

"Fine, Dad. Hey, I got a case that needs some follow-up
in Vegas. Just wanted to give you a heads up that I'd be in town and make sure
I could stay at the house."

"Of course. Since when do you have to ask?" I
said, mentally preparing a shopping list. "When are you going to be in
town?"

"Sometime tomorrow, but it'll be early evening before I
can meet up. I have some things scheduled for early afternoon. I should be
there for two to three days. I was even hoping that we can find the time to get
some fishing in."

"That'd be great. I should be clear. I'll let Nikki
know you're coming."

"She already knows. I just got off the phone with
her."

"Why didn't I know that? I'll touch base with her
anyway so we can coordinate a family dinner."

"Ok, but no meatloaf. I had that with Mom
yesterday."

"Damn, you know that's my favorite," I joked.
"I guess you'll be stuck with one of my recipes then." When they were
growing up, their mom had always fixed the family favorites and I'd done the
barbecuing and experimenting. I'd actually worked my way through high school
and my first two years of college as a cook before joining the force, so I
rather enjoyed it.

"I'm sure we'll be ok," he said with a laugh.
"Gotta run. I'll see you tomorrow. Love you."

My kids always told me they loved me when they hung up the
phone. It was nice that some things hadn't changed. Since Jay was coming to
town, I bumped my call to O'Malley down the list and dialed my daughter.

"Hey Nikki, I just talked to Jay. He's coming into
town. You gonna be free to do dinner tomorrow night?"

"Absolutely," she answered. "He's actually
working one of my cases so we'll get to spend some time together. Is that cool
or what?"

"Yes it is," I commented. "Can you tell me
which one that is?"

"It's the electrocuted guy from Primm. The autopsy is
scheduled for tomorrow and since I handled the crime scene, I caught the case.
It's a weird one, too."

"Oh really? I saw that one in the paper today and
O'Malley mentioned that you'd called it in. What's the deal with it, anyway? It
sounded like he got hit by lightning."

"I wish it was just lightning. He must have been hit at
least seven times and there hasn't been a storm in a month. It's really
weird," she answered. "I just found out that Jay has four others
almost exactly like it."

"Four? Damn! The paper just listed the one out of
Baker. That is weird. What do you guys think? Do you have a lead on what's
going on?" I wished I could tell her why I was really interested, but I
wasn't ready to have that conversation yet, if ever.

"Our guys are leaning on some kind of industrial
incident cover-up, but Jay doesn't think so. He hasn't said too much about it.
You know how he is. But Dad, why else would they send him? He works
anti-terrorism and cases like that. I just hope it's not some kind of weird
weapons thing. That's all we need."

"Well, with you two on it, I'm sure the case will be
resolved in no time." I said, acting the proud father.

"Ha, ha, ha," she chuckled. "The Hoskins kids
save the world!"

"Damn straight!"

"Well, I'll let you know if I hear anything else. I've
still got some evidence to process from yesterday, so I have to get going. I'll
see you soon. Love you Dad."

"Love you, too babe. Talk to you soon."

O'Malley was next but his conversation was short. He had
Hoskins coming out of the woodwork, with both my daughter and son involved, so
he wasn't chatty. That was okay. I figured I'd learn plenty when I saw the kids
tomorrow.

I wasn't going into the office today, so I called Mal to see
if he'd had any luck with the drives from my computer. I knew it was magic that
fried them, but it would be interesting to see what he dug up, if anything.
Like I figured, Mal hadn't learned a thing, but he told me he wasn't giving up.
I told him I'd call him in the next day or two to check on his progress.

I spent the rest of the day on housekeeping duties and
shopping. Pretty boring stuff, but hey, when you have a house, there are always
little things that need attention. Like the lawn being mowed, the pool being
cleaned and weeding the garden. It was a nice day, so I didn't mind. That's one
of the best things about working for yourself; you get to set your own hours. I
was lucky. Business had been good lately and I was caught up. I wish I could
always say that.

I was just getting a drink in the kitchen, when I realized I
still hadn't seen the Dwarf. I went out in the yard and figured I'd try to use
some of my new found talents. Charlie was just coming around the corner of the
house, so I called out to him. "Charlie, where's the Dwarf, Bernd?"

He dropped the bone he was carrying and looked up at me.
Then he turned his head sideways and I heard a mental shrug. He went over to
the oak tree and sniffed all around it. He turned his head from side to side a
few times, sniffing the air. Then he looked back at me. "Bernd gone,"
he said. Then he walked back over to where he'd dropped the bone, plopped down
and began chewing it.

Well, that was informative. I just shook my head and went
back in the house to clean up and then go get some shopping done. What did I
expect? The Dwarf's itinerary? I guess he'll show up sooner or later.