Save Aether (The Trinity Key Trilogy Book 3) (23 page)

“We made a mistake by going to the island. There were… traps… and we beat them, but at a cost. We weren’t going to release her, but Danu was stronger than we. She… forced us. She’s in Subterria now. Parmelia, we don’t know what to do. She’s not like the stories… she’s insane.”

“There is something we should have told you girls a long time ago. Come with me,” Parmelia said.

The Elders’ council took Julia into a back room in a large library. One of them locked the door, while another removed a book from a safe. Parmelia ushered Julia into a seat at an old wooden desk.

“This is wrong, Parmelia. We shouldn’t be sharing this,” one of the Elders groaned.

“We have no choice. The girl needs to know the truth, or else we’re all doomed.” Parmelia sat across the desk and opened the book. She pushed it toward Julia. “This is the true story of Danu. We’ve kept the truth a secret for centuries… perhaps that was a mistake.”

Julia flipped through the book “This can’t be true,” Julia gasped.

“I’m sorry. We should have told you. Danu isn’t a goddess.” Parmelia touched Julia’s cheek. “Only a few of us from each generation learn the truth, and we’re sworn to secrecy. We thought we were protecting Aether.”

Julia scoffed, “So you’re telling me that Danu, or whatever her name really is, was a sorceress from an ancient time. That our whole world is built on a lie?”

Parmelia nodded. “She tricked a group of druids into worshiping her. They in turn created the world of Aether. She gave birth to three girls, who also possessed the power to manipulate aether. But Danu didn’t want to share, so she enslaved her daughters. Ealga, Aeda, and Maera fought against her, but they weren’t strong enough to kill her. Instead they imprisoned her and broke the key.”

“And we just set her free! Why didn’t you say something?”

One of the other Elders huffed, “It would destroy everything we’ve built. What do you think would happen if Aetherians knew their world revolved around lies? It would end in chaos and destruction. We’ve kept order for centuries, but you girls have ruined everything.”

“All anyone’s ever done is lie to us… our parents… you… The Order… The True Followers… Lawless… How were we supposed to know?” Julia railed. Then, she covered her face and cried. “What have we done?”

“Enough, what’s done is done,” Parmelia growled at the Elders and wrapped her arms around her granddaughter. “It’s okay, Julia. We can help.”

“How?” Julia wiped her face with the back of her hand. “You don’t know how evil she is.”

The persnickety Elder scoffed, “Ealga, Aeda, and Maera couldn’t fix it. How are we supposed to? We should all admit defeat and beg for forgiveness from Danu.”

“You don’t understand. She’s already enslaving people and using them to create an empire. More of them flock to her every day.” Bells rang out in the distance. Julia looked around the room. “What time is it?”

One of the elders looked at his pocket watch. “It’s a half past four.”

“I need to go. She’s going to wake soon. I don’t know what she’ll do if she finds me gone.”

“We’ll research what to do about Danu. Go back and warn Theo and Valera. Whatever you do, don’t let her know that
you
know the truth,” Parmelia said, kissing Julia’s cheek.

Julia thought about the fields, the village, and the skies. Closing her eyes, she soaked in aether and focused on the island of Subterria. Teleporting felt easier this time, and she landed on her feet close to the abandoned village near the entrance to the underground city. By the position of the sun in the sky, she thought she’d made it back in time. Then she saw
her
.

Danu stood in the fields nearby. The woman spoke to the cows and basked in the afternoon sunlight. Her smiling face looked straight at Julia. She walked down a hill, and, although she seemed happy, the grass under her feet blackened and burned.

“Julia, I was worried. I awoke and you were gone.” The quiet tightness in her voice made Julia’s nerves spark. “Although it lightens my heart to see your powers grow, you shouldn’t leave without my knowledge.”

Danu reached out and touched Julia’s muddy face. She pinched a bit of sand between her fingers and frowned. Julia’s shoulders slumped, and she grinned sheepishly.

“I… I’m sorry, Mother,” Julia said the word as if it were numbing venom on her tongue. “I was worried about my ailing grandmother. She hasn’t been well and needs help. I did a few chores for her while I was there. I guess I got a little dirty.”

“Of course, I understand.” Danu’s eyes turned to slits. “Perhaps, we should bring her here. I could heal her… She is one of my children after all.”

Julia struggled for an answer. She knew what Danu would do to Parmelia. Julia saw the old and sick in the cells. “I’m sure she’ll be here soon. I told her all about your… greatness. She wishes nothing more than to meet you. She’s preparing as we speak.”

“All in good time then. It won’t be long before the entire world is here, at my feet. Let us dine and speak more about your family.” Danu walked down a wide ramp, leading to a massive gate. “I thought it a more fitting entrance to my palace.”

“It is indeed,” Julia muttered.

The streets of Subterria were sparkling clean as if the civil war had never happened. Danu’s slaves had scrubbed and rebuilt half of Subterria within a day. The city was transforming into a monument to Danu. Everywhere Julia looked, she saw tributes and totems, statues and sculptures all dedicated to the
false
goddess. In less than two days, she’d managed to erase everything that was Subterria. And it made Julia sick.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Valera

When Valera saw Julia coming in with Danu, she felt a brief moment of relief. She and Theo had barely had enough time to poke around, clean up, and dress before Danu woke up. When Julia hadn’t returned, Valera thought she’d drowned. Danu had come straight to the girls’ rooms, and Valera was certain that she knew of their deceit. She must have been wrong. Julia whisked past her with a small nod and disappeared into the living quarters.

“I guess everything is fine,” Valera whispered to Theo.

“I don’t know. Danu looks annoyed,” Theo said, watching Danu snap at Lawless before sitting on her throne.

The man was right back on Danu’s heels the second she had entered the room. He was even more annoying when he was groveling, and if Valera could blast him into oblivion, she would.

Danu whispered to one of her servants, then commanded, “Daughters, come.”

Valera hated being summoned like a dog. She almost missed the days of being trapped in Aetherland. Nevertheless, Valera, along with Theo, curtsied at the base of Danu’s throne. She gestured to their seats in front of her, and they sat. They were more decorations than daughters. At least the mobs of worshippers had been reassigned. Now, only a few faithful courtesans – people who didn’t need to be mind-wiped to swear fealty to Danu – milled around the throne room.

Valera could barely keep her eyes open, she was so bored. Her butt hurt from sitting on the stone chair. Her head hurt from stress. Finally, one of Danu’s serpent men came into the room.

“Mother of All, Daughters of Danu, your feast awaits,” the man declared as if they were at a ball.

Theo and Valera fell in behind Danu. The grand hall they’d used for training was now decorated with the longest dining table Valera had ever seen. A roaring fire inside of a mysterious new fireplace lit up the entire room. A chandelier cast a soft blue light from the ceiling. Gold dishes lined the silver tablecloths. More food than Valera had ever seen was presented around huge floral centerpieces. Danu sat at the head of the table and positioned the girls all around her.

Where did all of this come from?
Valera wondered.

Danu smiled at her. “These are the gifts from my people, Daughter.”

Valera hated when Danu knew what she was thinking.

Lawless leaned over Valera’s shoulder and laughed. “She has a gift for you too,” he whispered in her ear.

“Lawless, enough,” Danu said.

He pranced over to her and glued himself to her side. Danu lifted a hand, forcing the man away. “Find a seat at the other end of the table.”

Lawless looked like a scolded puppy. He plodded to the far end of the table and plopped into a chair, gazing at Danu with adoration and sorrow.

“Are we having guests?” Valera asked, noting the dozen empty spots at the table.

“Yes, I’ve invited my most loyal servants, as well as a surprise for you.” She waved her hand and Victor, Gideon, and Eli strolled into the hall along with a few well-dressed people. “These are my true followers. They diligently fought for my return, and now they will reap their reward.”

Valera hated the term “True Followers.” The courtesans filed into the room, chatting and sitting near Lawless. A familiar face popped up in the crowd. Professor Scrod grinned and waved to the girls. The poor muddle-headed woman had no clue what she was getting herself into.

Julia walked in dressed in the silver gown. Valera smiled at her, but Julia refused to meet her eyes. She sat next to Theo and whispered in her ear. Theo’s expression changed from melancholy to shock and her eyes teared up.

“Surprise!” A young girl’s voice sang.

Valera spun around and looked at the door in horror. Her little sister, Vivi, rushed into the room wearing layers of pink silk. Behind her, Valera’s mother and Theo’s parents entered the room. Vivi ran into Valera’s arms.

“What are you doing here?” Valera tried to keep the pain out of her tone.

“Danu invited us to surprise you! Victor!” Vivi ran to the other side of the table and plopped onto her brother’s lap.

“Welcome, my children. Please have a seat,” Danu declared. She turned to Valera and Theo. A red glint flashed in her eyes. “I thought it fitting that your families come stay with us.”

Victoria sat next to her daughter. She and Theo’s parents held the same blank stare on their faces as all the other people flocking to Subterria. Vivi and the courtesans seemed to be the only ones not affected. Valera fought back tears.

“Let us feast,” Danu said, waving her hand in the air.

The lids on the dishes flew from the dishes exposing a decadent meal. Roast beef, chickens, turkeys, and hams filled platters. Bowls overflowed with steamed vegetables.  Rolls and croissants dripped with butter and honey and smelled delicious. Valera’s stomach rumbled, but she couldn’t eat. Not with her family in danger. She picked her way through the meal, glancing at Theo and Victor from time to time. Neither one of them ate anything.

“My little darling, come sit with me,” Danu said to Vivi.

Valera’s little sister danced across the room into Danu’s arms. With a snap of her fingers, Danu created a plate of cakes, pastries, and sweets. She doted on Vivi, feeding her the desserts by hand. Valera cringed. Vivi was clearly enamored with the woman.

“You’re so pretty,” Vivi chirped.

Danu laughed and kissed the top of Vivi’s head. “Sweet child, I think I shall keep you.”

Valera wanted to scream, “No!” She wanted to teleport her family away. She wanted to kill Danu. The only thing she could do was sit in her chair and fume. Danu doted on Vivi, until the little girl fell into a gluttonous stupor.

“Daughters, I shall give you time with your families. I must confer with my disciples.” Danu dismissed them.

Victor picked up a sleepy Vivi and carried her to one of the rooms, to which Valera and Theo also escorted their comatose parents, setting them up near the hearth to keep them warm. Once Vivi was tucked away, they met in the adjoining room.

“She brought them for insurance,” Theo ranted, pacing across the floor. “With them here, she has leverage against us.”

Valera sat on the floor with her head in her hands. So far her family had been safely hidden in Aetherland. Now, reality set in, and she had to face that the danger to the people she loved – to the whole world – was her doing. She looked at Theo and Julia, and a switch went off in her brain. No, it was
their
fault. Theo’s pacing grated on her nerves. An irrational urge to scream bubbled up in Valera. Everything felt so out of control.

“Would you stop, Theo? You’re driving me crazy,” Valera blurted out.

“What’s your problem?” Theo scowled at her. “My family’s here too, Valera.”

Valera scrambled off the ground. She was so angry that she shook. Julia stood between them.

“Both of you, calm down. You’re just scared,” Julia grumbled.

Leave it to Julia to take Theo’s side. What did Julia know anyway? She always acted as if nothing got to her.

“Of course, I’m scared, Julia. Not that you care. You don’t care about anything,” Valera snapped. “Why is it that your family is safe? Huh? I saw the way you were talking to Danu. Strolling back to Subterria as if you were her best friend…”

“What are you talking about?” Julia griped. “Why are you acting so weird?”

Valera felt like clawing Julia’s face off. “I am not. This is your fault!”

Theo grabbed Julia’s hand and channeled aether. Valera thought they were going to attack her. Instead, they formed a barrier of aether all around the three of them. An explosion of clarity struck Valera. She grabbed her head between her hands. Why was she so angry? Theo touched her shoulder.

“Feeling better?”

“I don’t know what just happened. One-minute I was fine, and then… I was just filled with rage… I am so sorry,” Valera cried.

The door opened, and all three girls held aether. Valera had a fireball in her hand ready to scorch whoever came through. Eli, Victor, and Gideon walked into the room and froze.

“Maybe we should leave,” Eli smirked with his hands in the air.

“No, don’t. I don’t understand what’s happening to me,” Valera sobbed.

Gideon wrapped an arm around her. She wept into his shoulder until her eyes burned. Valera listened to Gideon’s heart beating in his chest, the fire crackling, and the others talking.

“I think Danu cast a spell on her or something. I’ve never seen Valera that angry,” Julia whispered.

“The aether drove whatever it was away,” Theo added.

“It had to have been Danu. She’s trying to manipulate us.”

Valera didn’t remember any event that took place. If it had been a spell, then she never felt it coming. She shuddered. Danu could make anyone do anything, and now she had Vivi.

“Victor, you have to take Vivi away. Warn the others not to come,” Valera said.

Victor looked at Theo and shook his head. “I can’t leave you and Theo behind. Not again. We should all go. You three can teleport everyone away.”

Julia scoffed, “She knew I left. If we took everyone away, she would know for sure. And she’d come after us.”

A knock on the door made everyone jump. Gideon got up and answered it, smiling when he saw the visitor. Professor Scrod shuffled in. Her aqua eyes darted around the room as if something were going to jump out and scare her. She flattened her bushy brown hair with a hand and cleared her throat incessantly. Valera was ready to burn the woman to a crisp. She was one of Danu’s people. She was with Dr. Lawless. Theo sparked up, Julia iced up, and Valera lit up.

“Whoa, calm down,” Gideon said before anyone made a move. “Let’s just hear her out.”

“Thank you, Gideon… I… I’m here to help. I swear I had no idea… how dark the goddess really was… until I came here,” Professor Scrod squeaked.

“Danu is not a goddess.” Julia jumped up and pointed a finger at the door. “How could you have studied her and not known?”

“What are you talking about?” Valera asked.

“When I went to Parmelia for help, she told me the truth… the real truth about Danu. She’s not a goddess. She’s a sorceress that enslaved a group of humans who worshiped her. She turned on her daughters. They had to imprison her. Danu’s nothing but an evil witch.”

“Evil bitch is more like it,” Theo hissed.

“I didn’t know. But I can help…” Professor Scrod muttered. “You need to go warn people. I’ll create a diversion.”

Valera heard a scratching sound in the hallway. Theo must have heard it too, because she stood up and held a finger to her mouth.

“Everyone, be quiet.”

Someone coughed outside their door, then footsteps dashed down the hall. Theo went to check on her family. Victoria and Theo’s parents were still sitting unmoving in Vivi’s room. The little girl was fast asleep. Returning to the others, she stormed toward Professor Scrod. The woman slunk away like a sewer dog.

“Were you followed?” Theo pulled on aether. “Are you working with Lawless or Danu?”

“No, I wasn’t followed… I’m not working with anyone…”

Victor held Theo’s arm. His presence was the only thing that kept her from lashing out. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back. Eli looked out the door and shut it.

“There’s no one there,” he said.

“Let go, Theo. Not here,” Victor whispered.

She relaxed a little. “There was someone outside.”

“I heard it too,” Valera added.

Finally, Julia stepped forward. “We don’t have time for this. We need to get help. The next time Danu sleeps, Valera will return to Aetherland. She can warn Nessie and the others, and take Vivi back with her. We can’t risk taking everyone, but Vivi shouldn’t be here. Theo and I will go to Pacifica and rally the Elders. Hopefully, they’ll have found a way to stop Danu by then. Professor Scrod and the three of you can keep Danu distracted.”

“I’ll do my best,” Professor Scrod whispered and left.

Valera went straight back to her mother. Kneeling down in front of her, she took Victoria’s cold hands. Channeling aether, she warmed the room. She took a blanket from the back of the sofa and wrapped it around her mother’s shoulders. Even though their relationship was tenuous at times, seeing her mother under Danu’s spell broke Valera’s heart.