The First Spell Weaver of Airendell: Book Two of the Airendell Chronicles (44 page)

“No, we don’t hold on to objects.  Our lives have been too uncertain to get attached to things over the past several centuries.”  Morna admits.  “We don’t even have our original wedding bands.”

Guldfey steps up to Morna.  “My husband and I wanted to give you two something for protecting our daughter for us, Goldfir made rings for the two of you.  I had planned to give them to you to use as wedding bands, if you wished.”  Guldfey pulls a small velvet bag out of her pocket and opens it to show Luca and Morna.  The rings are matching platinum bands, set with alternating emeralds and aquamarine stones.  “The stones are meant to represent your eyes.  Both of you have eye colors that are significant.  Morna’s emerald eyes mark her as protector of her Guild’s power and Luca’s luminescent blue eyes signify that even though he is a vampire, he is blessed and highly honored.  Many of you may not know, but the Moonlight blessing cannot be bestowed upon anyone that is not good at heart.  We all know that Lord Lucian is indeed a man of light, and deserving of this blessing.”

Morna and Luca look at the rings and then smile at Guldfey and Sammy.  “We have been blessed to know our dear Sammy.  We love her like one of our children.  We thank you for this generous gift and would be honored to wear them as wedding bands.” Says Luca with heartfelt sincerity.

Collinwood steps forward and picks the rings up and hands them to George to bless.  “The ceremony in a few days is a rededication.  You two have been married for six hundred and ninety-six years.  I don’t think it will hurt anything if you put the rings on a few days early.”

Morna and Luca chuckle at Collingwood’s no nonsense ideas about this subject and agree.  George smiles at them and says, “I could perform the ceremony right now if you wanted.  I would be honored to preside over your vow renewal.”

Luca chuckles and says, “I think we would be honored for you to do that, but let’s wait until the 22nd.  You could even come back in four years and do it for our seven hundredth anniversary.” 

George laughs happily and says, “I will hold you to that brother.”  He quickly blesses the rings to make them protective charms and hands them to the pair. 

Morna slides Luca’s ring on his finger and she says, “I still do, my darling.” 

Luca laughs happily and slides the ring on her finger, he too says, “I still do, my love.”  The couple lock gazes and share the love in their hearts. 

After over a minute Collingwood clears his throat.  Luca chuckles and leans in to kiss his mate.  They both mouth “I love you,” and share a reasonably chaste kiss. 

George laughs and says, “I kind of expected a little more spice.” 

Morna elbows the Stone Breaker and says, “Be good little brother.”  Everyone in the group laughs at that.  Finally Morna organizes who will stay behind to protect Nora and who will accompany Aiden to the healer’s hall.  Their group is pretty evenly split.  Vali, Valliant, Thor, Bronwyn and Brian, as well as Carrick and Fionn, along with the household staff, all want to stay behind and guard Nora. 

Brigid and Aideen lead the team determined to heal Aiden.  The team also includes Luca, Rinda, Gullveig, Agnar, Elias, Enya, Collingwood, Guldfey and Rowena, as well as the Anasazis.  They plan to work with the Asgardian healer, Mordir.  Micah decides to go along because he wants to run some more tests on Morna, and perform an exam on Breena.  With all the stress Morna’s body is under, he is growing concerned that he needs to start Breena’s prenatal care sooner, rather than later.

The trip into the mountains to the Healer’s Hall is uneventful.  Luca asks Gullveig why the Hall is located so far away from the rest of the settlement.  “The Healer’s Hall is located in the mountains because the type of magic needed for healing is strongest in the mountains.  It is even stronger in Vanaheim, so really complicated healings often take place at the Vanaheim Ceremonies Hall and Healer’s Annex.  That is where I usually practice my healing and where I teach young healers.  And in my personal workshop.” 

Luca expresses in an interest in the Annex at Vanaheim and in seeing Gullveig’s workshop someday.  “I will happily show you around Lucian.  I believe you would enjoy having your own workshop.  It’s very peaceful to work with herbs, plants, charms and various oils.  Your magic is certainly strong enough to do what I do.”

Once they arrive Morna and Luca are introduced to Surth, Valla and Cowall.  Other Asgardian healers who are willing to work with the Spell Weavers and Stone Breakers in an attempt to heal Aiden.   Mordir then introduces Micah, Morna and Breena to Reagan, another Asgardian healer.  “Reagan is half human, but an excellent healer.”  Mordir assures the group.  Morna laughs at the idea that they might somehow think he was less of a healer because he was half human. 

Mordir finally understands what his remark must have sounded like to them and quickly assures them that is not what he meant.  “Until two years ago, Reagan was a medical doctor in Midgard.  I found him on one of my trips to Midgard.  Once his internship is completed here he plans to return to Midgard and practice among the mortals.  His specialty is very high risk pregnancies.  Gullveig has spent a great deal of time teaching him about pregnancies where the father is a vampire.  He is an amazingly talented healer, and uniquely qualified to assist Micah with Morna‘s prenatal care.  He is familiar with all of our equipment and willing to work a Spell Weaver.  Unfortunately, not all Asgardian healers feel the same way.  My ways tend to go against tradition around here.  I often think that I too will someday settle in Midgard.”

After Morna’s exam and blood work Micah scratches his head.  He confers with Reagan and finally says, “Morna, I am not sure why, but your blood work is cause for concern.  Your iron count is very low and you don’t seem to be absorbing enough nutrition from your food.  Reagan and I think you should increase your caloric intake and regularly consume human blood.  Skip the animal blood.  It might not have enough nutritional value for someone carrying a half-vampire child.  We suggest you consume a unit of human blood every six hours.  If your blood work doesn’t improve by the time we get back from Airendell we may consider giving you transfusions.”

“Okay,” says Morna uncertainly.  “But the child seems to be healthy?” 

“Yes, judging by what little data we can gather on him, he is very strong.  We think the mother in these situations is at much greater risk than the baby.”  Reagan says confidently.  “Lady Morna, you must rest at least eight hours a day, get plenty of exercise, eat five times a day, and consume human blood four times a day.  I know that might sound like a burden, but we must protect you.”

Morna laughs and says, “No problem doc.”

Reagan is startled by her reaction.  “Sorry Madam, I forgot you have not always dwelled here in Asgard, you are so different in your manner from other Asgardians.  Is that a slight Oklahoma accent I detect?”

Morna chuckles.  “Probably. I have lived in Oklahoma for over twenty years, in Texas before that and I was born in Georgia.  So my accent is definitely southern USA in origin.”  When Reagan seems confused, Morna quickly explains that although she was born to Valliant and a half Vanir Spell Weaver, she had been living for past forty nine years as a human on Midgard because of a curse that caused her to be reborn into new life times.  “So I am certainly not a typical Asgardian Lady.”

“Fascinating.” says Reagan.

“Yeah, fascinating,” Morna snorts.  “Well doctors thank you for your advice.  I will follow it to the best of my abilities.  But now I want to go check on my son and you should turn your attention to my sister.  Her body is not as durable as mine, and my Godfather Heimdall assures us that she is indeed pregnant.”  Morna stands and shakes Reagan’s hand.  “Nice to meet you and thank you for your expertise.”  She then turns to hug her godson and says, “Call me if you need help with your next patient or her mate.”  Morna says with a wink.

When she walks out of the room Reagan who had been confused by her parting remark asks, “Is she a healer?”

“Not really.  She has basic healing skills but her forte is protecting the vulnerable.”  Laughs Micah.

“Aha, so we are the vulnerable?” asks Reagan.

“Perhaps, perhaps.” Agrees Micah with another laugh.

When Morna joins the other group, Luca and Rinda rush to meet her.  “Is everything okay love?”  Luca asks.

“Sure, they just want me to eat more, sleep more, get plenty of exercise, you know the usual.  Well that, and drink human blood four times a day.”  Morna says blithely.  “I am fine, what have we found out about Aiden?”

“He is in Odin’s chamber right now.  Mordir, Brigid and Luca repaired the damage to his brain.  Gullveig restructured his bones in his arms and legs.  Once he comes out of the chamber in four hours he should be able to walk on his own.  But Collingwood will have to work with him on developing his speech and work to strengthen other functions of his brain.  Aideen healed some nerve damage in his hands and will do a surgery later to repair a problem in his lower intestine, but she says it shouldn’t cause him too much trouble until he is strong enough to undergo a surgery.” Rinda says excitedly.

Luca laughs at Rinda’s excitement and says, “Yes, and Rinda will correct a slight curvature in his spine.  He will truly be walking on his own very soon my love!  With the equipment they have here it was easy to find the problem areas in the brain and correct them.  I was humbled to work with talented healers like we have assembled here today.  He will need physical therapy and occupational therapy, but he is well on his way to a new life.”

Morna walks over to Odin and kisses her great-grandfather for his generosity.  “Thank you Odin Allfather.  I will always remember your kindness.” Morna says gratefully.

“I am glad to do it Morna.  I have been a spiteful bastard all too often in my life time.  But watching all that you and your mate have gone through and still you both strive to be good, kind and generous to others, has made me reexamine my way of living.”  Odin admits and then laughs; “That’s not to say I don’t reserve the right to act like an old bastard when I get the notion.”

Morna chuckles and hugs him again and stretches her hand out to touch the chamber.  “Is he awake?  Can I speak to him?”

Luca comes up behind his mate.  “He is sedated love, but he could probably hear you if you want to talk to him telepathically.”

“Aiden… You hear me baby?”

“Yes Mom.” comes the groggy reply.

“Sorry, I should have stayed with you for the exam and treatments.  Honestly, I thought they would still be examining you and debating the best course of treatment by the time the doctors finished with me.”  Morna says, feeling like a bad mother for not being here.

“Mom, don’t take this the wrong way, but I was glad you weren’t here.  It forces me to be brave when my Mama isn’t around to hold my hand.  It went well.  Don’t forget to tell Luca everything Micah and the other guy said.  You were broadcasting again.  Love ya mom, but I am sleepy.”

“Rest well son.  I will be nearby when you wake up.” 

Morna paces around the healing room for several minutes when Thor, who had arrived to check on Morna, comes up to her and says, “Baby Girl, you are making everyone nervous.  Come outside.  You can get some of that exercise the doctors wanted you to get.”

Morna laughs and says, “Thor, I really am not interested in getting my butt kicked today.”

“Who says I won’t get my butt kicked?”  Thor says with a chuckle.

“I am distracted.”  Morna admits.

“Yes, and you need to practice focusing on battle and other challenges when you are worried about other matters.  You have long been away from real training.  Your roles as wife, mother, sister, and friend have been dominating your focus.  You need to stretch.”

“You don’t think battling a Troll/vampire hybrid while crazed with blood thirst was enough of a challenge to my focus? Fine.  I could probably use the exercise.”  Morna concedes.

Aideen approaches her mother and Thor.  “May I join you?”

“Honey, we have abandoned the plan to kill Kyera.” Morna reminds her.

“Seeking revenge against Kyera wasn’t my only motivation for wanting to become a Warrior of Airendell.  I want to protect my homeland, our way of life, and humanity.  I want to serve with my mother and father.”  Aideen tells her mother honestly.

“Good!” Says Morna happily.  “I was hoping that was the case.

Kyle says, “Mom?  Can I come too?  I know you think I am just a kid…”

“Nonsense Kyle.  You are well past the age you should have begun training.  If you wish to be a Spell Weaver, training to defend yourself is part of it.  Come along.”  Morna says without looking over her shoulder as she walks out of the healer’s hall.

Luca comes up to his son because he is chuckling and shaking his head.  “What is it son?”

“Her emotions don’t match her attitude and actions.  She does want me to stay out of training.  She does see me as too young, as her baby, but she forges ahead because she thinks it right that I begin my warrior training.”  Kyle informs his father.

“She doesn’t let her personal needs or desires get in the way of doing her duty.  At this moment, her duty is to prepare her children to protect themselves.”  Luca says honestly.  “Let me warn you kiddo.  The woman you deal with on the training field will not be the same woman you are accustomed to.  Morna the warrior is tough, driven, and very blunt.  If I were in your place, I would dampen your empathic abilities or her actions and her emotions will probably confuse you.”