Chapter Seven

 

Declan and Chris leaned back in their chairs and grinned at one another. They’d been teaching Asha, Dizarion, and Nalini how to play poker when one by one they began to fall asleep until only Chris and Declan remained awake.

“I’ll take Nalini to a pod so she can rest,” Declan said to Chris through the shengari’ so they wouldn’t wake anyone.

“I’ll take Asha. Dizarion can stay though. I don’t care if the prick gets a Charlie horse in the neck,” Chris replied as he stood.

Declan tried not to laugh at Chris’s attitude towards the Night Walker. Dizarion had chosen Chris as a target for the night and had won every one of Chris’s pretzel pieces. More than once, since Chris had resorted to borrowing from Declan.

Declan carefully pulled Nalini into his arms and smiled when she curled into him and put her arm around his neck. He followed Chris outside the dining hall and down the path that led to the living pods that were once used by the military.

He and his brothers used the pods regularly when they were at the Talunaha, and without thinking, Declan headed to the one he’d claimed for himself. He quickly popped open the door and had just laid Nalini on the bed when he felt the energy change outside.

Quickly covering his mate, Declan rushed out of the door just as Chris did. They both looked at one another curiously before they began running towards the pyramid. Declan looked up as the shield above them shimmered weakly before crackling back to life again.

“What the hell?” Declan muttered as he drew his sword, expecting the worst.

“We got incoming!” Chris warned as a dark shadow erupted through the rock ceiling and fought against the energy barrier.

“Tarona!” Declan roared as several more shadows barreled through the roof and became tangled in the shield.

“I am sorry, my warriors. I underestimated the compulsion of the curse placed upon Nalini. I’m trying to hold the shield, but I’m afraid that a catastrophic failure is imminent,” Tarona warned, her voice holding a note of apology and sympathy.

Dizarion ran towards them from the dining hall, his gaze straying to the shield above them periodically as he approached Declan and Chris.

“This isn’t going to be good!” the Night Walker said as he drew his own weapon and waited for the shield to collapse.

“What the hell happened? I thought this would hold.” Declan watched the dozen or more shadows that were tangled in the energy strands of the barrier above them.

“We also thought it’d be harder for them to find Nalini here, but we were wrong.” Dizarion shrugged and looked up, waiting for the shield to fail and the daemons to begin their attack.

Moments later Asha came running towards them with Nalini following close behind. Both women kept looking towards the shadows above them as they drew their own weapons and stopped next to the men.

Declan could feel Nalini’s anger and frustration, and he gave her a quick hug and a grin.

“No worries, this is my turf now,” Declan promised, refusing to think about her death this night.

“Just make sure to cut off their heads, or they’ll keep coming,” Asha warned as the first shadow fell through a visible hole in the energy barrier.

“Yeah, that’s good information to know. Any other words of wisdom you’d like to impart before we engage them?” Chris asked sarcastically.

They watched as several more shadows found the hole in the energy barrier and slipped through. Half a dozen more began to solidify several feet in front of them and formed a circle around the group.

“Give the woman to us, and we’ll let you live,” one of the daemons hissed as he eyed Nalini.

Chris surprised everyone by bursting into laughter. Even the daemons were startled enough to stop looking at Nalini with bloodlust and turn to him. While they were distracted, Declan and Dizarion swung their blades and decapitated two of the daemons.

That was all it took for the battle to begin. Keeping their backs to one another, the small group faced off with the shadowy daemon Kyn forced by the compulsion of the curse to kill Nalini.

Declan was engaging one of the daemons when he noted the capstone of the pyramid beginning to glow a bright blue. Seconds later a bolt shot out and struck a daemon on the side of the head, causing its head to explode and the body to drop to the floor.

Chris laughed heartily while decapitating his own opponent and the daemons not currently battling began to look at the pyramid warily. Seconds later another bolt shot out, and a daemon’s body crashed to the ground without a head.

More of the daemons stepped away from the small group, and when Dizarion and Declan finished off their combatants, no one replaced them. Even Nalini stifled a laugh as the daemons looked nervously at the capstone of the pyramid.

With the daemons safely away from her charges, Tarona fired off a volley of shots killing eight more of the daemons before the rest began to flee in fear. Four more went down within seconds, and the rest returned to shadow form and rushed towards the ceiling, where they were again trapped in the energy net.

Tarona wasn’t going to be stopped though, and as the daemons searched for the hole they’d made, she fired off another volley of shots. A few dozen more bolts flew from the capstone, incinerating the bodies before they could hit the floor or one of the buildings within the mountain.

“Damn girl, you got some kick ass back up plans!” Chris shouted in encouragement to the Xaratia.

More shots followed and by the time silence returned to the interior of the mountain, none of the daemons had escaped Tarona’s wrath.

Dizarion whistled low and bowed to the pyramid.

“Xaratia Tarona, you are indeed one of the finest warriors I’ve ever battled with,” Dizarion stated with respect.

Nalini grinned broadly and also bowed before the pyramid. 

“I thank you, Xaratia. You’re still amazing. And a lot stronger than the last time we met.” The respect was evident in Nalini’s voice as was the question.

“As the poles begin to shift, my power increases the more the energy becomes as it was meant to be. As much as I appreciate the thanks, they aren’t necessary,” Tarona replied.

Declan thought he could hear the sadness in the Xaratia’s voice and knew she was thinking of the failed shield.

“I’m sorry I ever doubted you, Tarona,” Declan said with a smile.

“You rock girlfriend! I’m hitting the sack for a while. If Tarona can do that, I think you guys are safe while I get some shut eye.” Chris clapped Declan on the back before he put away his sword and headed to a pod.

“Declan, if I may have a word?” Tarona asked, surprising him.

“Of course, I’ll be right in,” Declan replied before he looked at Nalini. “Will you be OK for a few minutes?”

Nalini grinned and nodded her head. “I think we’ll be just fine.”  

Declan gave her a brief once over to make sure she wasn’t visibly injured before he ran into the pyramid. Though it seemed like everything was under control, he really didn’t want to take any chances with Nalini’s life.

It was irrational. Declan knew that. He knew she was immortal and would heal and come back to life, but it would kill him. He had no doubt that if she died one more time, something dark within him would snap and he’d never be the same again.

He ran through the pyramid until he reached the rock inside and skidded to a stop in front of it.

“Are you OK? Is everything all right?” Declan asked, unsure what was so important.

“Of course. It was not my intention to concern you, but I did want to tell you that I believe Kartikeya and his mate are close,” Tarona explained.

“Are you sure?” Declan began to pace nervously.

“His energy is unmistakable.” Tarona’s reply only made Declan more uneasy.

“How close are they?” he asked.

As much as Declan was hoping they’d be days or even weeks away, he didn’t think that was the answer he was going to get. He was right.

“I detected him traveling at a high rate of speed for a while, but it has slowed considerably since then. If the current pace of his energy continues, he will arrive within two hours,” Tarona answered, her voice holding a note of sympathy for her warrior.

Declan growled and ran a frustrated hand through his hair before a thought struck him.

“Tarona, do you know Kartikeya? Can you tell me anything about him?” Declan was hoping she knew enough to give him a clue about what to expect.

“I met Kartikeya and his mate before the Terran War and was honored to assist him during the conflict. He is a good man. Hard, uncompromising and unforgiving as well but that was by design. You cannot be a World Guardian of War and be soft. He is as he was meant to be,” Tarona explained, trying to make Declan understand why the Guardian was as tough as he was.

“Those are things I can admire and respect. Besides, there has to be some heart in the guy because the murals Nalini painted showed a very affectionate and caring man,” Declan said, hoping he was right.

“Yes, his mate and daughter are his only weakness and the one thing he will fight the fiercest to protect. If you are asking if I think he will dislike you, I would say no,” Tarona said the last with confidence.

Declan expelled such a heavy sigh he felt like he’d been holding his breath for Tarona’s answer. It wasn’t that he feared Nalini’s father, but he would admit to feeling more than a little intimidated.

“You are a good man, Declan and your energy resonates with your honor and decency. Kartikeya will see that. You’ve nothing to worry about,” Tarona said softly, sending him a kiss of energy.

“Thank you, Tarona. I really appreciate that. You really are the best.” Declan laid a gentle hand on the glowing rock then left the chamber to find Nalini.

“It isn’t Kartikeya that should concern you,” Tarona whispered to the empty room.

Declan easily found Nalini in the dining hall with Asha and Dizarion. Nalini saw him come in and she gave him such a beautiful smile he couldn’t stop the one that broke out on his face in return. Her answering blush and the way she looked away shyly only made him smile more broadly as he poured a cup of coffee.

Declan couldn’t help but note the calm and casual manner in which the light bringer and night walker conversed with Nalini, and he wondered at their easy acceptance of one another until a thought struck him.

“You know many of the guardians and protectors don’t you?” Declan asked as he sat beside Nalini and threw an arm over the back of her chair.

“I am old enough to know most of the world guardians and the host of light bringers and night walkers. My father wanted to make sure that they would know me when they returned,” Nalini admitted with a shrug.

It still shocked Declan to think of how old Nalini really was, and he just nodded his head in understanding. He was going to tell her that Tarona felt her father’s energy close by but didn’t get the chance.

“Your father will reestablish your energy connection when he gets here. I feel him getting nearer,” Asha said with a smile.

Nalini smiled and nodded her head. “I can feel both of them.”

“Why do they need a new energy connection?” Declan had assumed the world guardian would already have one with his beloved daughter.

“It’s the new physical form. Although the soul and energy within the body are the same, the pathways in the new form are different than the old. It is a minor thing and one that Kartikeya will correct,” Dizarion explained.

“It’s like moving into a new house and learning all the hiding spots and nooks and crannies. Since Kartikeya was recently awakened, he’s most likely still learning how to manipulate his power through the new energy pathways in his body,” Asha added with a grin. “I can relate to that because I had the same problem when I first awakened.”

Declan had never thought about it like that before and wondered if that was why his brother Tristan had so many problems when he was younger. He couldn’t imagine trying to use his power if he had to relearn the physical energy routes in his body.

The group sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, each wrapped in their own thoughts before Dizarion stood and stretched.

“We should be safe from the daemons for the rest of this night and Kartikeya will be here shortly, so I’m going to get some sleep.” The Night Walker bowed briefly to Nalini before he disappeared into the shadows.

“Reunions make me cry,” was all Asha said before she spread her wings and flew out of the room.

Nalini blushed as she and Declan were left alone. He could feel her nervousness and was curious as to why. It wasn’t like they hadn’t been alone before now.

“Are you OK?” Declan finally asked.

Nalini nodded her head and looked away from him. “Yes, I’m just a little nervous about seeing my parents again.”

“They’re your parents. Why would you be nervous?” Declan couldn’t imagine ever being nervous around his father or Tricia. They were family, and that was all that mattered.

Nalini shrugged a delicate shoulder and stood to pace the room.

“I’m not really sure, to be honest with you,” she admitted as she blushed in embarrassment.

Declan could feel the nervous energy throbbing from her and stood, stopping her from pacing. He took her gently into his arms and held her close. That was how they were when a teenage couple came charging into the room.

The young, blond male grinned broadly, but the beautiful blonde girl beside him shrieked in rage as she threw her hands up in the air. Seconds later, Declan was being thrown across the room.

“Mother! No!” Nalini screamed as she ran to where Declan was crumpled on the ground and trying to stand.

“Isabel! This is not the time!” Morgan roared as he tried desperately to restrain his raging mate.

“He was touching our baby!” Isabel snapped as she struggled against the guardian of war to no avail.

“Mother! He’s my mate! He’s been trying to protect me!” Nalini cried out as she felt the break in Declan’s leg.

“You’re too young for a mate! I won’t allow it! I’ll see him dead first,” Isabel growled the last as her eyes began to glow with a golden light.

“No you don’t, my love,” Morgan whispered as he sent his energy into his volatile mate.

Within moments Isabel was asleep, and Morgan gently laid her on the nearest tabletop carefully. He turned to the Dranovian his daughter was fawning over and shook his head in sympathy with the warrior.

“I apologize for my wife. As you can imagine, she’s very protective of our only child,” Morgan said as he walked over to where the Dranovian was still trying to stand.

Nalini looked at her father with sorrowful eyes, unable to leave Declan wounded as she wondered if her father would hurt him as well.

“Father, please don’t hurt him,” Nalini whispered as tears welled in her eyes.

“I have no intention of harming him, but I can’t promise what your mother will do. Come here, my flower,” Morgan opened his arms and Nalini rushed into them.

Declan tried not to groan as he finally stood, leaning against the wall to keep the weight off his broken lower leg. He was pretty pissed at himself for being taken by surprise by the crazy woman that was technically his mother-in-law.

The children that are my in-laws, Declan thought with a shake of his head as he studied the boy that wasn’t grown enough to shave yet.

He hated to admit it, but when the teens had rushed into the room he’d been so surprised at how young they were, he’d let his guard down. Otherwise, the energy toss into the wall wouldn’t have resulted in a broken bone at all. He’d landed wrong because he was distracted.

“Tarona! Please assist in healing your warrior,” Morgan called out as he pulled back from Nalini and studied her face intently. “I have never been more proud to be your father. Do not worry that you have disappointed me in any way. Your bravery and tenacity in facing the daemons nightly only make me feel honored to have created such an incredible child as you.”

“Oh, Daddy!” Nalini cried as tears streamed down her face.

Declan watched the father and daughter as a blue light shot into the dining room and up his foot. He tried not to groan as the energy quickly knit the break in his leg. It only took a minute before he could put his full weight on it again. He sighed in relief and sent an energy thanks back to Tarona.

His eyes strayed to the unconscious girl laying on the table and was shocked to realize he had been worried about Nalini’s father for no reason. It was her hellion of a mother that was going to make his life miserable. Even in her unconscious state, he could feel the anger and determination throbbing through Isabel’s energy.

“You would be wise to treat my mate with respect no matter how upset she makes you. Isabel will accept this. In time,” Morgan said, surprising Declan.

Nalini pulled back from her father and looked over at Declan in sympathy.

“I’m sorry I didn’t warn you, but I was hoping Mother would be more accepting,” Nalini whispered in embarrassment at her mother’s actions.

Nalini tried to step out of her Father’s arms, and he only tightened them around her.

“You do not leave my side until I reform our energy connection,” Morgan said gently as he gathered his energy and sent it to his precious daughter.

Declan watched in amazement as the very young guardian of war surrounded his child in a haze of energy before he grinned and stepped away from Nalini.

Declan could tell by the way Nalini tilted her head to the side and the brilliant smile that spread across her face that they were speaking telepathically. It was confirmed when she launched herself back into the teen's arms and burst into tears.

“I’ve missed you so much, Daddy,” Nalini choked out.

Morgan held his daughter close to his chest, closing his eyes to hide the sheen of tears that sprang into them.

“I have missed you greatly, and I am speechless with pride over how you’ve handled yourself while I’ve been gone,” Morgan replied.

“Mother?” Nalini whispered as she pulled back and looked into her father’s familiar dark eyes.

“I will do my best to convince her that our baby has grown into a beautiful and capable woman but she’s your mother, and we’ve missed much over the years. Too much,” Morgan managed to say through the emotions choking him.

“I know. Daddy this is Declan T’Alq. Declan this is my father, Kartikeya.” Nalini stepped back from her father and watched nervously as Declan moved in front of Morgan and extended a hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” Declan tried not to hold his breath as he waited to see what the teenaged guardian of war would do.

Nalini’s sigh of relief was loud in the silent room as Morgan clasped Declan’s hand and grinned.

“Just call me Morgan. I prefer to see the changes in this world with my new eyes instead of those of the past.” The teenaged boy grinned again, and Declan couldn’t help but see him like he would Traze. A man-child. One with far too much power.

“You would do well not to take my appearance as the sum of my power. I can assure you that unlike your brother Tristan, I have achieved my full power,” Morgan warned as his eyes glowed white, surrounded by a swirl of darkness. It creeped Declan out.

“What do you know about my brother?” Declan asked protectively.

Morgan laughed for a moment and winked at his daughter before he turned his eerie gaze back to Declan.

“I know that he and the Dark Warrior have begun the war I intend to finish,” Morgan growled.