Wicked Rage of the Moon: Book Three of the Airendell Chronicles (32 page)

“You might be risking your life for nothing,” Luca says bitterly.

“I won’t let go of her or Robert.  I promise.  I promise all of you.  I will come back and I will bring Val back with me.”  Morna says quietly.  Once she has eaten all she can stand to, she turns to face everyone assembled; “We have to go to Airendell.  The Paternal Bond hearing is in fifteen minutes.”  Morna looks at Octavius suddenly and says, “What information did you need to tell me before the hearing?”

“Mars is on the fence.  He could go either way.  He tends to make impulsive decisions, at the very last possible second.  He should be replaced with either Silvanus, the Roman god of the woodlands and forests or with Xelas, the Stone Breaker’s god of change, transformation and improvement.  Either one of them would make a judgment based on evidence. Not on how they think the outcome will affect him.” Octavius says.  “I know Mars pretty well.  You can’t rely on him.”

Morna nods and admits, “I have been worried about him too.”  She looks at Rebecca and Nora.  Rebecca nods and says, “Silvanus will do it and he will be fair.”

Morna looks up and finds Ingrid in front of her with a glass of blood. “Morna, I have been staying away because this is family business, but now I have to protect you, so drink up and let’s go.”

Morna chuckles and says, “I bet you know everything that has been going on.”

“Not everything, but I know enough.  Drink!” Ingrid says stonily.  Annie joins them and hands Morna her armament.  Morna straps the shoulder straps with the sheath and her sword on her back and weaves a spell.  The armament disappears.  Luca reaches out to touch her back and says, “What did you do love?  The sword and harness are gone.”

“It’s there, just on the Neophasical dimension.  I can access it in a split second.  I had Annie fashion the shoulder strap sheath, I just didn’t understand why until today.”  Morna smiles and says, “Let’s go.”  Her family moves toward the entrance.  Morna stops to hug and kiss each of her children on her way out the door. 

The lengthy procession makes its way to Heimdall’s gate and he opens the Bi-frost for her.  “God speed, Baby Girl.”  Just as Morna walks by him he whispers, “Nyx is there, just as you suspected.”  Morna nods at that information and keeps walking. 

“Morna, what would Nyx have to gain from all this?  Why is she after you and our family?” Luca asks.

“I am changing her creation Luca, just by existing, and by what I have done with you, Rodrigo and Breena.  I have met her, she enjoys the carnage her creations leave in their wake.  If anything, she is angry that they hide in shadows.  I am sure she has seers too, or is one.  She had to have seen me coming a long time ago.  I think she sent the Traveler to steal our Guild’s talismans.  I suspect she has been behind everything that has happened to us,” Morna replies stonily.

By now they are stepping off of the Bi-frost in front of the Spell Weaver’s Guild hall.  There is no more time to discuss it.  Morna is greeted by the lead Elder, Shamus as well as Athena and Arete.  Morna smiles.  She is greatly relieved that wisdom and virtue will preside over this hearing.  She quietly requests that Mars be replaced by Silvanus and Athena nods her understanding, and smiles because she thinks that it is a wise move. 

Athena also feels compelled to warn Morna, “Nyx is here.  I don’t know if you know this or not, but she isn’t a great supporter of yours.”  Morna nods and telepathically tells Athena about her suspicions that Nyx is the Dark One, and the reasons behind her suspicions.  Athena is momentarily surprised and then seems to agree.  “Possible, highly probable even.  You are a smart girl, aren’t you?”  Athena laughs when Morna blushes.  “Good!  You are humble too.  I like that, so will Arete.”

Athena laughs again, and says, “It is time to begin.  The
Father
has been demanding his fair hearing and accusing you of all manner of trickery to any and all who will listen.  Whatever did you see in that whelp, Morna?”

Arete speaks up and says, “She was mortal, she was lonely.  I get it.”

“Probably not my finest hour,” Morna admits but continues, “I wouldn’t do anything different.  He put three wonderful children in my belly.  He was good for something.”  The three women laugh at that, and some of the men around them smile too, knowing many women of great magical power see men as of little value other than putting children in their bellies. 

Morna follows the two Greek goddesses to the front of the hall.  She has been looking around and expanding her senses since she arrived.  She approves heartily of the security measures that Bronwyn and Brian has put in place.  She knows her Guild is well protected between Luca, Elias and the other Spell Weavers who have been her supporters for centuries.  She also looks around the occupants of the Guild hall.  She quickly spots the Celtic Gods; Belenus and Lenus both are gods of healing.  She admires both of them greatly.  Of course, Taranis the Celtic god of thunder is there.  She is surprised to see two goddesses Agrona and Andraste, the pair are mated and are the goddess of war and victory, respectively.  She wonders why they are interested in this matter.  She smiles happily when she sees Sirona, the Celtic goddess of healing.  Morna has long admired her and even named her own Cirona after her. 

Morna also recognizes two New World gods.  Camaxtli, the Aztec god of war and Gahe, an Apache mountain god renowned and revered for his healing abilities.  She sees a third New World god that she doesn’t recognize, but she hears Maria greet him and learns his name is Xellas, the god of Change, Transformation and Improvement.  Ah, so that’s him,” Morna thinks to herself. 

Movement catches her eye and she looks to the front of the hall.  Silvanus is taking his place alongside Tarvish, Taranis and Hector.  Morna nods.  “This is good,” she thinks, but then Morna suddenly feels a wall of hatred coming at her, and looks towards the direction it came from.  She knows who is behind it before her eyes even find her.  Nyx. 

Morna can’t help herself, she smiles sweetly at The Primordial.  The tall, willowy goddess has lovely pale skin, with hair and eyes as dark as midnight and just a beautiful. 
“Too bad her beauty is only skin deep.  Why don’t you show your beast form to this group?”
  Morna shakes her head. 
“Your day is coming!  No one screws with my family and my guild!”
Morna thinks to herself. 

And then she notices Nyx place her hand on the knee of the man seated next to her.  Morna smirks as the goddess slides her hand up the leg of Ares, the Greek god of war who is sitting beside Nyx looking beautiful and bored.  “I wonder why the best looking men have to be such… men.”  Morna thinks to herself.  She smiles and looks to her right at her mate, and knows that statement isn’t entirely true.   She also wonders if Ares is in league with Nyx.  Probably not, but who knows for sure.  He’s a bit of an egomaniac and fancies himself a badass.  Actually, he is a badass, but he seems to be an honorable badass.  She will just have to keep an eye on him, as well. 

Morna is nearly at the front of the hall when she walks beside Mars.  He stands and holds up his hand to ask her to halt.  “Thank you,” He whispers.  “I would have hated myself later if I decided to let you down at the last minute.” 

Morna chuckles at that and pats his hand and continues on her way.  She is grateful for Octavius’ advice.  She had been wondering about the wisdom of choosing Mars before, but now she is certain it was wise to replace him.  Mars smiles and sits beside his companion, Sol Invictus, the Roman sun god and his mate, Veritas, the goddess of virtue and truth.  The women’s eyes meet and they smile openly at each other, recognizing kindred spirits and allies in each other. 

Sol Invictus nods at Morna and Luca as he speaks to them telepathically, “I hope to spend some time with both of you soon… I have news, but for now just know Veritas and I are your ardent supporters.”  Morna and Luca look at each other in confusion and wonder what that is about.

When Morna approaches the raised platform, she encourages Kyle, Aiden and Nora to follow her.  The children quietly sit in the chairs awaiting them and look coolly at their father across the platform.  Morna looks behind her to see Luca making sure the younger of their Highland children are settled.  Morna smiles because her mate and her children take up the entire front row.  Her family and supporters take up the next three rows.  Morna can’t help but feel well loved and well supported.  “I am indeed a blessed woman.” Morna thinks to herself.

She finally looks across at Rolan.  Just as she expected, he is staring venomously at her.  “Dammit Deidra!  Did you really have to call for a Paternal Bond hearing?”

“You started screaming for your rights, Rolan.  I don’t want to infringe on your rights, but I will, at all times, protect my children… from everyone who might be a danger to them,” Morna says calmly.

Athena interrupts and says, “Morna, I take it by that statement that you are not seeking to sever the bond?”

“That is entirely up to the children.  However, if the bond remains, I want very reasonable restrictions in place to protect them.  Rolan has not proven himself to be the most caring and loving Father in the past,” Morna says quietly.

Athena lifts an eyebrow questioningly and says, “You do not know how the children will vote?”

“I have a good idea, but it’s their choice, not mine.  They are all three intelligent, articulate and rather mature for their ages.  They can speak for themselves.  They know that I will support whatever they choose,” Morna says confidently.

“Extraordinary!” breathes Arete.  She turns her attention to the children.  “Your mother nor any of her supporters have encouraged you to vote one way or another?”

Kyle shakes his head no.  “Mom wouldn’t try influence us and wouldn’t allow anyone else to either.”

Aiden and Nora also shake their heads no.  Arete smiles, “Good, Lady Morna has once again proven herself an honorable and ethical woman.”  The four judges nod in agreement.

Athena looks at the panel and says, “I think we should begin by asking the children what they want and then allow the parents to make their respective cases.  The four judges nod again.  Athena turns to her attention to Nora, “Child, do you understand why we are here today?”

“Yes, our biological father started demanding his right to take us with him.  This hearing is to decide if he actually has any rights,” Nora says calmly.

“Exactly.  And Nora, how do you feel about what your Father wants?” Arete asks sweetly.

“I won’t go with him.  I am a seer, I see what is to come and what has already happened.  Rolan hurt my mother the night I was conceived.”  There is a gasp in the hall, but Nora ignores the reaction of the assembled witnesses and continues, “I am seven years old.  I was six when we were in that crash, and he never once tried to see me before that time.  I am sure he doesn’t even want me.  I know that I definitely do not want him to be my parent.  Lucian Michaels is for all intents and purposes my Daddy,” Nora says calmly, in her sweet, little girl‘s voice.

Athena and Arete nod and then thank Nora for her testimony.  “You are indeed very articulate and intelligent for one so young.  But I understand your mother was much the same.”  Then they turn their attention to Aiden.  “What of you Aiden?  How do you feel about what your father wants?”

Aiden smiles and says, “I was only recently healed.  I was severely disabled since birth.  It is hard for me to speak clearly, so I will be brief; Roland Montfort rejected me because I was a cripple, I reject him because I witnessed what he did to my mother when Nora was conceived.  I too, choose Lucian Michaels as my Father.” The assembled witnesses gasp again.

Arete looks harshly at Rolan and asks him, “Did you really mate, forcefully or otherwise with this woman, in front of this child?”  Rolan looks away and doesn’t answer. 

Athena growls, “I guess we have our answer.”  She turns her attention back to Aiden.  “You are a brave young man, and very articulate, despite the problem you have forming clear speech. Thank you for your honesty.”  Aiden nods, and folds his hands in his lap.

Athena looks at Kyle and says, “Young man, I expect that this will be hardest on you.  You can decline to speak if you wish.”

Kyle shakes his head no, “I should speak.”  He looks at Rolan and says, “You are my biological father, and I truly wish you no harm.  I hate the way you treated Mom but she says that whatever happens between the adults in a family should be dealt with by the adults, so I won’t even speak to that.  But I feel that I must say that Lucian Michaels is better able to teach me to be the kind of man I want to be, because he is exactly the kind of man I hope to someday be.  He‘s honest, caring, strong, moral and responsible.  He tracked mother down thirteen different times all around the world over a span of nearly six hundred years.  He always loved her and respected her.  He has steadfastly shown up here in Airendell six times each year since 1438 to carry out his duty to train the warriors of Airendell.  He has taken on eleven children as his own to love, protect and look out for as his own… Rolan couldn‘t even bother to show up when Mom almost died delivering Aiden.  He wouldn‘t change a diaper, help her care for me or Aiden.  All I ever heard him do was make demands and tell Mom to make us be quiet so he could watch the game on TV.  I am really not sure why he claims he wants us.  He never showed any interest in us when we lived together as a family.  I want to sever all Paternal Bonds with Rolan Montfort or MacQuahae, whatever his name is.”

Athena nods and looks at Morna to say, “You have raised fine children Madam.”  Morna smiles at that and Athena turns her attention to Rolan.  “Now Rolan Montfort MacQuahae, son of the Dark Elf Ciciceri, tell this panel why we should not do as these bright, sensitive, articulate children wish and sever your bond to them?”