Missing Magic Read online

  A woman who didn’t like flowers. This one was different, that was for sure.

  “Sure.” Indicating the path, he motioned for her to go before him. “After you.”

  She glanced at her watch, narrowing her watery gaze and squinting at the dial. “Damn thing stopped working. I just replaced the battery too. It must have been defective.”

  Peering at her wrist, he shrugged. “I’m surprised it even crossed the veil with you. That’s unusual. Mechanical things seldom cross to Rune, and when they do, they don’t work. Your watch will probably be just fine, one we get back to your world.”

  “Ok,” she sighed. “I’ve seen Rune. You’ve accomplished your purpose – I now believe you’re a Faerie. I’m still not sure about Mick, but I believe you.”

  “Why aren’t you sure about Mick?”

  “I’ve known him all my life. We’re both orphans. If he had family somewhere, anywhere, I can’t believe he wouldn’t have told me.” She shook her head.

  All her frowning had made a tiny frown line appear in her brow. Cenrick caught himself about to smooth it with his finger.

  “Also, I can’t believe Mick’s a… that Mick’s…”

  “Fae?”

  “Right.” Spreading her hands, each time she looked at him, her gaze skittered away. “Mick’s… Mick. He’s a cop. My friend. Human.”

  He simply arched a brow.

  “What the difference anyway?” she finally asked. “This place looks like Oregon, sort of. And you – and Mick – both seem normal. Other than his good-luck, that is.”

  “We are beings of magic.” Struggling to find the right explanation, Cenrick watched her for signs of disbelief. “Our people live at the grace of yours.”

  “Explain.”

  “As long as someone, somewhere believes in magic, we can exist. Man, woman, child, it matters not.”

  “So you’re saying you have… powers.”

  He put his answer as simply as he could. “Yes. We do. Would that upset you?”

  “No.” Her direct gaze told him she spoke truth. “I’m only angry because Mick and I told each other everything.”

  “He didn’t tell you this.”

  “No.” Sadness mingled with her fury. “I’ll never understand why not.”

  “We’re forbidden to do so, unless we have good reason.”

  “Like now?” she asked.

  “Yes. Like now.”

  “Why are you so convinced he’s human?”

  Her answer was simple, direct and to the point. “Because he’s not beautiful.”

  Not beautiful? Then he realized what Mick must have done. “No doubt he disguises himself. Most Fae do this, in order to live normally in your world.”

  With a nod, she continued to scan the beauty around them, her face impassive. She jiggled her leg, tapping her toe, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

  “What’s wrong with you?”

  Her brows rose. “What?”

  “You’re,” he waved his hand. “Fidgeting.”

  “Oh, that. I always start moving when I’ve lost patience. Jiggle my leg, tap my foot, drum my fingers on the nearest available hard surface. The guys back at the station always teased me about that. Dee’s ready to go, they’d say.” Her sheepish smile faded and he knew she was remembering she no longer had her job.

  Her next words echoed his thought.

  “Sometimes, I really miss my job.”

  He didn’t understand. In Rune, work was work, play was play. “Why?”

  “Because we were like family.” She blinked rapidly. “Those guys still call me, but I won’t take their calls. I’m too embarrassed.”

  “Over what? You said you’d nothing wrong.”

  “True.” She looked miserable. “But someone thinks I did, or they wouldn’t have suspended me. I couldn’t bear to see doubt and disgust in the other cops’ faces.”

  “Come on.” He held out his hand.

  She shook her head. The frown was back, along with the tiny line. “This is absolutely lovely, but we really don’t have time for this,” she said. “Seriously. We need to go back.”

  Blinking, he wasn’t sure he’d heard correctly. “What?”

  “All this.” She waved one hand dismissingly at the lush landscape surrounding them. “I’d love to explore this place, if I was on vacation. But I’m not and there’s no time. So, take me back. Now.”

  He blinked. She had to be the first human he’d ever met who, once seeing Rune, wasn’t overcome. “I told you, time passes differently here. Though we might spend hours here, when we go back to your world, it will be like a matter of minutes. You have all the time you want.”

  One arched brow told him she didn’t believe him. “Despite that, this feels wrong. We’re wasting too much time here. Let’s go.”

  “In a moment. There’s one more thing we’ve got to do before we can leave. I want to look at the ones who’ve been harmed. Mick’s friends. I wasn’t able to do so before I traveled to your world.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “I would think as an officer of the law, you’d want to see the people you’re going to help. And, though you seem inclined to think Mick is the victim here, evidence points to the opposite.”

  She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck with her free hand. Again she checked her watch, shaking her head when she realized what she’d done. “Sorry, it’s a habit. Will this take long? And don’t say time is relative.”

  “No. This shouldn’t take long.”

  “You honestly believe Mick is behind all this?”

  “Unfortunately, yes.”

  Considering him, she cocked her head. “I would argue with you, but what you’ve told me means Mick’s been lying to me about nearly everything. So yes, of course I want to see the victims.”

  “All right.” He nodded. “Take my hand. The afflicted ones are with the Oracle, a great mage who resides across the Plains of Lothar. Getting there will require another spell.”

  Chin up, she held out her hand.

  As he gripped her fingers with his own, again he felt that click of connection, of rightness.

  Three words, repeated twice. They were ancient words; the meaning of which were no longer known. An instant later, the lush meadow of his home faded.

  Another breath, another heartbeat, and they reformed in an alpine meadow. The sparse grass and delicate flora were at home in the thin air. Here, the breeze carried a chill, the likes of which reminded Cenrick of winter.

  “Ah,” Dee sighed, pleasure obvious in her face. “This reminds me of Colorado.”

  This time, she didn’t immediately yank her hand free of his. Oddly, he found he liked this.

  “This way.” He pointed to a narrow path winding up the side of the mountain.

  “Don’t we need an appointment or something? Surely we can’t just barge in on this person, especially if she’s caring for sick people.”

  He had to laugh. “She’s the Oracle. She foretells the future. Of course she knows we’re coming.”

  Dee fell silent as they headed towards the path. Once there, he released her hand and indicated she should precede him.

  They began to climb. Cenrick couldn’t help but admire her shape as she continued on ahead of him.

  When they reached the top, she turned to face him, her chest heaving with exertion. Again, he found himself enjoying the view.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  “I’m good. A bit out of breath, but fine. You, you’re not even winded.” She pointed her finger accusingly. “But then,” her gaze traveled over him, “you work out a lot, don’t you?”

  If by work out, she meant exercise, he supposed he did.

  “Yes.” He managed to answer, surprised that a simple look from her made heat crawl over his skin.

  The cool breeze ruffled her short hair. He turned away, staring blindly at the sand-colored cliff walls.

  “The Oracle lives there.” He pointed up sheer rock. “See those
steps?”

  “In a cave?” She sounded shocked.

  He glanced at her, nodding.

  Above them, a hawk screeched. Dee jumped.

  “That is Tinth.” Cenrick smiled, feeling slightly relieved. “The Mage’s pet hawk.”

  Hearing her name, the huge bird landed on a boulder in front of them. Her bright eyes looked curious as she cocked her head and watched them approach.

  When they were within five paces of the hawk, she spread her massive wings and took off, screeching as she flew ahead of them, spiraling up, finally disappearing inside the cave.

  “She leads the way. Come on.”

  Silently, they climbed the steps. Once they reached the third plateau and could go no higher, they began the descent into the largest of the caves. The air was cold, and the familiar scent of heavy incense drifted up the passages. Torches flickered, placed at strategic intervals along the rock walls.

  Below, the tinkling of bells could be head, a magical breeze swirling through the caverns below and stirring the hundreds of crystal wind chimes and shell ornaments hanging from rock ceilings and walls. For centuries the Oracle had used them for decoration, as had those who had preceded her.

  Little had changed in the Oracle’s adobe since Cenrick’s last visit, even though twenty human years had gone by.

  Finally, they came to the great cave deep within the mountain.

  They stepped into the cool darkness and a soft shimmer of light proclaimed the Oracle’s presence.

  “Welcome.” Clothed in her customary white robe, made of a material so rich the touch of it felt sinful, she kept her hood up, her face in shadow. Even Cenrick, Crown Prince of the Fae, had never seen her features. `Twas said the sight of it drove even learned Fae mad.

  “Greetings, Oracle. I have brought Dee Bishop with me, from the human world.”

  “You have come to see the soulless ones.”

  “Yes.”

  “It is fitting.” The brilliant scarlet of her glowing gaze lingered on Dee. “You found her,” she said cryptically. “One who lives to protect others.”

  Dee started. “Yes, that’s true. How did you know?”

  “I have seen you.” She glanced at Cenrick. “And you. Only the two of you, working as one, can halt this great evil.”

  A prophecy? Cenrick looked at the small human woman. The Oracle was never wrong.

  Dee crossed her arms, considering. “Working together, huh? Has he told you I work better alone?”

  “Not this time.” Gossamer robes shifted in their own breeze. “One alone will surely die.”

  “A prophecy?”

  The red of the Oracle’s eyes became brighter, flaring from red to plum. “I speak but truth,” she said finally, turning away. “But I cannot speak prophecy, not with humans. Their machines make seeing within their world difficult.” She seemed to grow, looming over them like some towering flame, but he blinked and she seemed normal- sized again. Perhaps the visual deception was the result of the shadows cast by the flickering torches.

  She seemed to float ahead of them into the passageway, calling over her shoulder, “Come with me.”

  “Where?” Dee looked at Cenrick.

  The Oracle answered for him. “We go deep into the bowels of the earth. There, I keep the soulless ones. Come, both of you, and see what has been done to our people.”

  Silent, they followed as she led them further and further down. Around each jagged corner, torches flickered on the walls and lit the way. The air became thinner and cooler the deeper they descended.

  Finally, the Oracle stopped. “They are here.” She waved her arm, the white fabric glistening as her ruby eyes glowed. “Here, where magic once coalesced. They gather around the Pool of Dreamers, hoping the power of the waters will restore them.”

  Her words gave him hope. “Have they begun to heal?” “No.” Though her voice rang with authority, sorrow threaded needle-sharp through her tone. “Look for yourself.” She stepped aside, her brilliance going ashen as she appeared to blend with the stone walls.

  Even though Mort had warned him, Cenrick was shocked when he saw his people. The Soulless ones, the Oracle had called them, and he saw exactly what that meant.

  They milled about aimlessly, like beautiful cattle. Nothing of their spirit peered out from behind dull eyes. Even the murky water of the underground pool sparkled far more brightly.

  Worse, the malaise had rotted more than their bodies. With horror, he saw that their auras, which should have been shining with the brilliance of copper and gold, were black and interspersed with soot.

  Ruined. Horribly, awfully damaged.

  His people. His family. His friends. Though he didn't know all of them intimately, in Rune all were connected.

  How many friends does Mick have?” Dee sounded shocked.

  It took Cenrick a moment to understand her meaning. “Not that kind of friend.”

  “Still, Mick knew all these…” she waved her hand in front of her.

  “Nay.” The Oracle’s voice echoed. “This sickness began with those closest to Talmick. Since then, the disease has spread. There are men and women, those that prefer their own sex and those who desire the opposite. The only similarity is that they are all Fae.”

  Dee persisted. “Have they all lived in my world? Or did some of them become infected here in Rune?”

  The Oracle’s eyes glowed softly, telling Cenrick she understood why Dee questioned. It was Dee’s nature as a police officer to get all the facts.

  “They were all in your realm.”

  Again Dee glanced around the room. “Really? Then how many Fae would you estimate live undetected among humans?”

  “The number is unknown.”

  “Can you guess?”

  Cenrick stepped in. “I would say thousands.”

  Dee nodded. “Then how many Fae live here in Rune?”

  “No one knows.”

  “You don’t count? Do any sort of census?”

  “No.”

  When Dee opened her mouth for another question, the Oracle lifted her hand. “Enough. Prince Cenrick, look at your people.”

  “Prince?” Dee stared. “Did you forget to tell me something?”

  He gave a half shrug. “Does my social standing matter?”

  The puzzled look she gave him answered for her. “You’re the strangest man – er, Faerie – I’ve ever met. You’d better go, Prince Cenrick, and see your people.”

  Throat tight, Cenrick moved among them, touching a man’s shoulder. Realizing, with shock that this, this hollow shell was all that remained of a man named Galyeon, whom Cenrick remembered from his youth. He had been a cheerful sort, always ready with a joke or a laugh. Now, empty eyes peered out from a gaunt face.

  A great sorrow filled him. “Do they ever speak?”

  “Not at all.” He heard echoes of his own emotion in the Oracle’s rich voice. “I do not believe they can. If they could, I would ask them who has done this to them, and how.”

  Galyeon shuffled away from him and rage pushed away Cenrick’s sorrow. “I will stop this,” he vowed. “No matter what it takes to do so.”

  “What of you?” Eyes glowing from within the shadows of her hood, the Oracle watched Dee.

  Her inner struggle showed on her face. On the one hand, she’d sworn to protect and serve. On the other, this was Mick. They might to go up against her best friend and childhood companion.

  “You say this is some sort of illness?” she asked. “Something that could be transmitted unknowingly?”

  “That is one possibility. But only one scenario.”

  Dee’s expression went blank. Cenrick guessed she was puzzling out some of the others.

  Finally she lifted her chin.

  “We will stop this.” Moving to stand beside him, Dee looked from him to the poor, empty Fae, her expression resolute. “I can promise you that.”

  “How?” By her one word, the Oracle seemed to be throwing down a gauntlet.

  Dee stepped
forward and accepted it. “Because I’m a cop. Protect and serve. That’s what I do.”

  Cenrick didn’t bother pointing out Mick was also a cop and, if he truly was behind this, he’d not only broken his own vow, but condemned his soul to a thousand hells.

  “Look!” Suddenly, Dee let out an awful gasp. “That looks like Peter. No way, it can’t be him.” She hurried across the room.

  Cenrick followed, keeping close on her heels.

  Skirting the murky pool of water, she threaded her way through unseeing, motionless Fae. When she reached a tall, blond-haired man who stared, like many others, unseeingly into the distance, she staggered and gave a low-voiced cry. “Peter.” She grabbed his arm. “Peter, what’s happened to you?”

  Of course, the one she named Peter gave no response.

  “How do you know him?” Cenrick studied the man, not recognizing him.

  Dee looked up, meeting his gaze. Shocked, Cenrick saw her lovely eyes glistened with tears. “He is the man I was to marry, until he broke off our engagement. This means he’s Fae also, which means everyone I know has been lying. And now this.” Her voice shook. “If Mick did this to him, I’ll…” Overcome, she turned away.

  Peter, meanwhile, shuffled away, unknowing.

  “I can’t believe this has been done to him.” She sounded furious, and looked tortured. “To any of them.”

  Respectfully, he waited while she composed herself.

  She turned, immediately looking for Peter, finding him standing on the other side of the cave, facing the stone wall. “Poor, poor Peter.”

  Cenrick took her arm. “I’m sorry.”

  “Yeah.” She bit her lip. “Me too.”

  “Do you still love him?”

  “Not in that way,” she sighed. “But I still care about him.”

  “You didn’t know the man you planned to marry was Fae?”

  “I didn’t even know there was such a thing until you came along.”

  Another question for Mick. Why had so many found it necessary to lie to her? Cenrick knew many Fae who had relationships with humans, always with full disclosure.

  He didn’t understand why Dee should be any different.