Nova: Daughters of Darkness (13 page)

"What's the look for Nova? What do you know that you're not telling us?" Kyna asked.

Branna and Kyna looked at her expectantly, waiting for an answer.

Nova gave a long sigh before explaining how she has felt. "Well, since I got up this morning, I have felt as if something were missing. Like a part of me is empty, and it has left me uncomfortable and jumpy."

"So, what are you trying to say, Nova?" Branna asked.

"I think I can answer that." claimed Rían. "The mark is meant to identify you as his. It is a combination of runes from the ancient language, that once bound together, creates a powerful connection between the marked and the one who marked them."

"When you say marked her as his, what do you mean? Like his property?" Kyna asked.

"No Kyna, that just feels wrong. I don't think that is what he intended." Nova answered.

"Nor I," said Rían "Actually, it seems to me that he marked you as his mate."

Nova sat down in stunned silence. "But he said they don't get married in his dimension, and that Aideen was the exception to the rule, which is why he went so crazy when she was killed."

"Clearly
he
is the exception to all rules, Nova. Everything about him and this whole situation speaks volumes about what we know about the rules. They are being rewritten every time we blink." Branna exclaimed in exasperation.

"How can this be?" Nova asked in confusion. "I don't understand how he can spend time falling in love with one woman and just decide another is his life mate in a matter of days."

"Weeks," Kyna said.

"What?" Nova asked

"You said days, but it was weeks. You were gone for weeks. And I don't see how he couldn't decide he loves you. You are a beautiful, accomplished, and powerful woman."

Nova stood there, gaping at her sister. "Honestly, Kyna, you have issues."

"True that, sister" seconded Branna.

"Why?" Kyna asked, hurt by their flippant responses to what she thought was beautiful insight.

"Because, little miss rosy glasses, the world isn't all rainbows and unicorns. Sometimes demons do things for selfish reasons simply for the fact that they are D-E-M-O-N-S...aka, evil pricks who want to control everything." Branna said.

"Well, I'm not saying it's all roses and unicorns..."

"Rainbows."

"Whatever, Branna! Rainbows and unicorns, but it doesn't always have to be gloom and doom either." Kyna said. "He could very well have done it simply because he can't live without her, and I for one think it's romantic." She sat haughtily with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face.

"Both of you stop; you're giving me a headache and we haven't gotten anywhere with all the bickering." Nova stepped in. "Let's try to move forward and get together a game plan for going up against Felken. I will worry about Drake and his mark later."

Chapter 20

Once again, they were all gathered around the table in the kitchen with a fire going in the old wood-stove. Rían was the first to speak.

"There seems to be a need for a seeker."

"A seeker?" Nova asked.

"Yes, a seeker is one who locates those that do not want to be found. Their methods are, well, less than desirable. Yet, at the end of the day, you always have who you were looking for."

Looking skeptical, Nova asked, "What exactly do you mean by 'less than desirable'."

"For instance, they will need to start by delving into your memories in order to better understand Felken and how he thinks."

"Okay, so is that bad?" Nova asked.

"Bad, no. You want them to know what you know. It just is not always the most comfortable experience."

"Uncomfortable seems like a small price to pay to be able to locate Felken." Branna said.

"I don't think that's the only price we will pay Branna," replied Nova, still looking at Rían.

"You are correct in assuming there is more. They also require a payment in blood...human blood."

"Shut the front door!" Branna exclaimed

"No...What?" Nova cringed.

"That's just nasty." Kyna said.

"Why human blood? Are they vampires?" Nova questioned.

"No, they aren't vampires, they are very old, very powerful druids."

"So why the need for human blood"? asked Branna

"Well, when I say old, I mean thousands of years old. They are the remaining two druids from the earliest druidic time. It is what your historians refer to as the Mesolithic period." replied Rían.

"The Mesolithic period?" Nova questioned.

"It's everything before 4000 BCE." Branna said, she was a bit of a history buff.

"So are they, you know, normal looking humans?" All Nova could picture is Neanderthal men when she thought of anything BCE.

"Actually, apart from the fact they always dress in the robes of their time, they look no different than you or I. Which is why they require human blood. The spell they created to give them their immortality must be paid with the blood from a willing human. Preferably from a born witch or someone with a lot of power, for obvious reasons."

"So, one of us has to donate our blood to find Felken and Drake?" Branna asked.

"Maybe even some from all of you. There is something very powerful that binds you three together, and they will want a piece of that power. I am just not sure we should give them access to it."

"Why, are they evil?" Nova wondered.

"No, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't try to keep getting your blood in the hopes that there would eventually be enough power that they would no longer have a need for any blood at all."

"Whatever," said Branna. "It sounds like that is a risk we have to take, because I want this to be over. No matter the outcome."

"I agree with Branna," Nova replied. "We should at least hear what they have to say and worry about the consequences later."

Rían decided he should contact his father and see about finding the ancient seekers and enlisting their aid. Although he had no doubt they would be eager to get their hands on the girl's blood, so would be willing to help.

Nova figured a walk along the shore would help clear her head, so she slipped out when her sisters were deep in conversation, needing the time alone to think about Drake and her situation.

Breathing in the crisp, damp air, Nova thought about how much she loved the way the earth smelled after a good rain. As she walked along, she noticed a well-worn path that led into the woods. Deciding there was enough daylight to allow for a walk in the woods, she indulged her curiosity and stepped onto the trail. Within a few steps, she was enveloped in the bosom of nature and immediately felt relieved as all her worries were carried off on the slight breeze that was blowing through the trees.

After a time, Nova lost track of where she was but had no concern for her safety. She was connected to Earth through her element and knew it would keep her safe. Noticing a light coming from around the next bend in the path, she hurried to see what the source was. Stepping into a small clearing, she saw a fire in the center of a large pentagram, that had been drawn in the dirt. Beside that was a stone altar with crystals and herbs along with candles, a small cauldron, and a beautiful, silver dagger inlaid with quartz and onyx.

"Merry meet young Nova."

Startled, Nova spun around to find an older, pleasant, looking woman wearing a cloak that appeared to swirl with varying shades of green before her very eyes.

"Merry meet," replied Nova automatically. "Do we know each other?"

The woman stared at her with knowing eyes. She seemed to be assessing her and deciding what to reveal and what to hold back.

"If by know each other you mean have we ever met before this moment, then no, we do not know each other." The woman walked over to the altar and lit the candles. Once they were lit, she turned toward the fire and began reciting a spell.

Goddess of Gaia, Mother of Light.

I ask your presence in my circle,

To bestow your beauty and prosperity;

To lend your power in this time

Of equal dark and light.

The woman waved Nova into the circle, silently encouraging her to join in the ritual. Nova, unable to resist, almost as if she was in a trance, stepped into the circle. Lifting her arms she called to the father.

God of Divine Spirit, Father of Time,

I call to you and ask for your presence.

To bestow your wisdom and strength;

To lend your power in this time

Of equal day and night.

The woman took the dagger from the altar and made a shallow cut in her palm. Walking over to the fire, she raised her hand and allowed her blood to drip on the pentagram.

Bringer of death, Giver of life.

On this day we seek to bring balance

Of night and day, of light and dark.

We seek to lend equal power to both

While stripping nothing from the other.

As I will, So Mote It Be!

She turned and offered the dagger to Nova. With little hesitation, she made her own shallow cut and held her hand aloft to allow her blood to join what was already on the pentagram.

Creator of all that is, Father of the Universe.

I give thanks to you on this day,

And ask that I receive your blessings,

And harmony; to go forth into the

Dark while carrying the light within me.

As I will, So Mote It Be!

The woman walked back to the altar and laid the dagger upon it. Picking up a chalice that Nova hadn't noticed previously, she walked over and offered it to Nova to drink from. Giving a small sniff to be sure it was just typical ritual wine, Nova drank from the chalice and offered a silent blessing.

Placing the chalice back on the altar, the woman raised her arms once more.

Devine creator, blessed mother.

We are honored by your presence,

And thank you for your blessings.

Go now with love and light,

We bid you farewell.

Turning back to Nova, she finally stopped before her and laid her hands on her shoulders. "Nova, you have been given the strongest protection I can give to you. I know that was confusing but we needed to have the circle cast immediately upon you entering it. And you had to enter with pure intentions. So I decided the easiest way to do that was to give you no information until we had completed the ritual."

"I think I understand, but why do this for me? Who are you?" Nova asked.

"My name is Maryann. I am a very old friend of your Granda's." Allowing her hands to drop to her sides, she approached the cabin, inviting Nova inside.

"Decklin called me and asked that I offer what assistance I could. Knowing that the battle must be fought on your terms, I decided the best way for me to help would be to cast a circle on the equinox giving you equal power over dark and light. The two war within you and eventually one must win out over the other, but for now, the strength both powers lend is a necessary struggle you must endure."

The inside of her cabin was similar to that of Nova's Granda's, except it was much smaller. Once inside the dimly lit structure, Nova could see that the kitchen/dining area and the living room were all one big room only distinguished by their furnishings. Just like in the cottage she currently inhabited, the living room boasted a large fireplace that dominated one wall. It was big enough to heat the entire home. What the rustic interior lacked in comfort, it made up for in charm. The herbs drying from the rafters afforded a potpourri smell, and the brewing tea kettle's familiar rattle as it heated up, comforted Nova. Settling at the small, lovingly crafted table, Nova accepted the tea cup Maryann offered to her. She considered the table for a moment, recognizing her Granda's work. She admired the attention to detail on the legs and the intricately carved Celtic knot in the center.

"So, are you saying that when this is all over, I can somehow be rid of the dark forces within me?" she asked, finally giving Maryann her full attention.

Maryann's head tilted to the side and the corners of her eyes crinkled with a smile that softened her face. "My dear girl, there is always a way to win out over the dark, you just have to decide that is really what you want to choose. We are all given a choice, which side we fight for, live for, and die for. When the time comes, your heart will tell you where you belong."

"I belong with the light. I would never fight against the people I love to be on the side of darkness." Nova said.

"I'm not saying you belong with the darkness, Nova. I am just saying to allow yourself the choice. Things are not always what they seem. All black and white. Sometimes things surprise you with their many faces."

Nova slowly sipped her tea, thinking about what Maryann had just said. She knew there was more to Drake than what was on the surface that he presented to the world. He had depth, and there was a heart yearning for love within him. Did that mean it was him she would face a choice over? Could she choose between him and her family? She didn't think so; her family meant everything to her. But Drake made her truly
feel
.