The First Spell Weaver of Airendell: Book Two of the Airendell Chronicles (63 page)

Kylor receives a flesh wound to his left side and Morna lets loose her battle cry and runs into the melee and quickly disarms one of the soldiers attacking Kylor.  She roars as she spins a vicious kick into the man’s head, slashing his face with her stiletto heel, knocking him unconscious, and sending him flying twenty-five feet.  Morna smiles when she hears Mars chuckling.  Morna takes a position at her son’s back after the soldier lands in a heap, and watches the progress of Luca’s attackers. 

She is scanning the field for any sign of Quirinus, she spots his aura advancing on Luca’s right side.  “On your right!” Morna telepathically shouts at Luca just as the third attacker strikes at Kylor, who deflects the blow, causing it to glance off of Morna’s left hand holding her sword.  She had shifted it to that hand to free her right in case she needed to place Quirinus in a binding spell.

Luca sweeps his leg outward and makes contact with Quirinus, bringing him down.  The Roman ‘god’ is caught off guard and drops the hiding spell.  Luca knocks his uncle unconscious and turns on the soldier advancing on him as Kylor bears down on the soldier that struck his mother’s hand.

“Your master is down, no need for you to die,” Luca growls.  Both of the remaining soldiers drop their swords, and beg for quarter.  Kylor walks around and picks up all the swords and drops them on the ground before his great-grandfather. 

Morna quickly removes the vampire made ring and heals the nearly severed thumb before Luca walks over to examine her hand.  He brings the hand up to his lips.  “I smelled the blood, your healing skills are improving, my love.”  Morna smiles at her mate, returns the ring to her thumb, and the pair turn and walk toward the Roman god of war.

Morna nods at Mars, but her attention is on her son.  She gives the wound on his left side a cursory examination and quickly weaves a healing spell and smiles as the wound begins to mend neatly.  She pats Kylor’s cheek and turns her full attention back to Mars.

“Were you aware of this plan to cheat in this match?” Morna demands.

“I was not.  I do not need to cheat.  I told you my son has become impertinent.  But I am sure his defeat at your mate’s hands has brought him down a notch or two,” Mars says with a chuckle.

“Mars, I think I could come to respect you.  But know this; if any of your flunkies pull that crap on me, I will tear their throats out.  I am not as patient or dignified as my mate.  I am sick of games,” Morna says flatly.

“I believe you Madam, and I give you my word; none would attack you but myself.  I simply don’t need the help,” Mars drawls arrogantly.

“We shall see,” Morna says with a smile.

Mars laughs happily and gently pats Morna on the back.  “Morna, I think we should postpone our little match.  I too, am tired of these games.  I am thinking that you should go home to feed and rest before your wedding tonight.  Don’t look so damned surprised girl, I want that child you carry to be safe and healthy,” Mars says sincerely.  “Besides, I have accomplished what I wished to do today.”  Mars looks down at his still unconscious son at his feet with a sneer on his face.  “I did not allow my son to face you Morna because you would have killed him for cheating, not once, but twice.  My grandson is more reserved.  I was confident that if you or his children were not at risk, he would spare Quirinus’ life.”

Morna laughs.  “You had no intention of fighting me today, did you?”

“No girl, I did not.  I have watched you for years.  I knew exactly who was coming to see me today.  I suspect you thought you would have to force me to respect you, but the truth is; I have seen you struggle against adversity as a mortal for centuries.  Ultimately, you always come out on top.  I know how to pick a winner, and apparently, my grandson does as well.”  Mars says confidently.

“I must confess Mars, this move surprises me,” Morna says with a wry smile.

“Of course it does girl.  And of course you still don’t trust me, but you are wise enough to give me a chance and not treat me like an enemy.  Now, I only want three more things from you; introduce me to my grandchildren, invite me to your wedding, and then get your fat ass home to prepare and rest.”  Mars laughs when Luca growls at that last remark.

Morna chuckles; “Just couldn’t resist, could you?”  Mars shakes his head no and Morna waves Aideen forward.  When Aideen joins them Morna turns back to Mars and says, “Mars, this is Aideen, and I believe you already know Kylor.”

Mars takes Aideen’s hand in his and kisses it gently.  “You are truly lovely, girl.  So like your mother’s original incarnation,” Luca cocks an eyebrow at that comment, but says nothing.

“Sir,” Aideen says with a slight nod of her head.

Mars shakes hands with Kylor.  “Good to see you again boy.  You handled yourself well, again today.”  Mars nods at Kylor and turns his attention to Luca.  “Lucian, you have a fine mate and fine children.  I am proud of what you have made of yourself.  I admit that I was angry when you first married Morna, I had other plans for you.  However, you have done very well on your own.”

“Yes, I have,” Says Luca simply.

Mars laughs heartily at this and turns his attention to Agnar, “So Vanir, I suppose you plan to wed this girl?” He says as he points to Aideen.

“I do,” Agnar says confidently.

“I expect an invitation to that wedding as well.” Mars looks at Annie and Lou, “I should tell you two that your mother was very upset that you were with Morna.  She didn’t threaten you directly.  Valgullveig actually seemed more worried about your welfare than angry with you for joining forces with Morna, but you should watch your backs.  Valgullveig is nothing if not unpredictable.”  Mars turns to the soldier on his left and says as he points to his unconscious son, “Drag this to the healer.” Mars turns on his heels and starts walking away.  He pauses and turns to look at Luca and Morna again, “What time should I arrive in your glen?”

“We are renewing our vows at sunset.” Luca says with a chuckle.

“Fine, fine.  I assume there will be some sort of feast afterwards?”  Mars asks.

“I assume that there will be,” drawls Luca.

Morna laughs heartily and says, “You scheming old coot, we will see you later.”

Mars laughs and turns on his heel and walks back toward his palace.  Morna and her group of warriors watch him go.  Luca comes up and wraps his arm around her waist, “What are you thinking, my love?”

“That I don’t think we should trust that old bastard as far as I can spit,” Morna says with a smirk.  She chuckles and says, “But I do like the old war horse.”

“Me either.  I am sure he wants something from us.  I just can’t fathom what it is.”  Luca says.  “Well as you always say, my love, let’s just play it by ear.”

“I don’t see that we have a choice.”  Morna sighs, and then smiles happily; “Let’s go back to Asgard.  I really want to see the kids.  Besides, I need your help deciding what to wear tonight.  Let’s go home Luca, we have a wedding to attend.”

THANKS FOR READING THE FIRST SPELL WEAVER OF AIRENDELL.

Check out my blog for links to other books by Jen Bailey

https://jenbaileywritesromance.wordpress.com/

Watch for The Airendell Chronicler Diaries – Adventures in Asgard – Book 2.5 coming soon!  In this novella we see the berth and depth of Breena’s and Damian’s burgeoning relationship.  The sweetness and utter darkness of their love will entrall, bewitch and excite.  Look for it soon at your favorite ebook vendor.

HAPPY READING!

Jen Bailey