WARLOCK_His Coven. His Magick. His Soulmate. Read online

  "Tell me the bottom line, and we can work backwards from there."

  "I've met this guy, and he's, uh, different. Mom—I lost the scarf—and—"

  "You lost the scarf?"

  "It's okay, I have it back, but the thing is—uh—I don't think I did lose it. It was in my bag and I know I zipped it up. Anyway, he was the one who handed it back to me. Like I said, he's different, and we talked about the legend."

  "I wish I was there," her mother said softly. "Go on, tell me what happened."

  "First I need to ask you two things, and please, you have to tell me the truth."

  "Of course I will."

  "The legend you told me, is it true? Did it actually happen? Have I met a…? Damn, I can't say it."

  "A warlock?"

  "Okay, now I'm freaking out."

  "Take a deep breath."

  "My heart is racing like crazy. I don't think I can. It's not some fairytale?"

  "From everything I was told and believe, it's true."

  "I'm freaking out. Seriously, I'm totally freaking out."

  "Stop. You're just overwhelmed, and I know how you're feeling."

  "How can you possibly know how I'm feeling? Have you met warlocks too? Oh, my God! This is crazy!"

  "Pay attention," her mother said firmly. "Take a deep breath and listen."

  "I'm listening."

  "When your grandmother told me on my sixteenth birthday, she didn't tell me the way I told you on your sixteenth birthday. She presented it as fact, not a romantic fanciful tale that had a ring of truth. She spun me out, and I didn't want to do that to you. I mean, the chances that you might be the one who—"

  "Would be reunited with some supernatural being from a past life!" Vanya exclaimed, interrupting her. "Mom, I think that's exactly what's happened."

  "Can you step back from the shock for a minute?"

  "Maybe."

  "Take a breath, listen to this question very carefully, then say the first thing that comes to you. Ready?"

  "Ready."

  "How do you feel about him?"

  "He's incredible," Vanya replied with a soft sigh. "He touches me, and my skin tingles. He looks at me, and I never want to stop looking back at him. I wish I was with him right now."

  "Doesn't that reassure you?"

  "I guess, maybe a bit."

  "What's the second question?"

  "This is really weird. I suppose I should say more weird. Shit."

  "Go ahead and ask."

  "Okay. Is there anything in the legend about his eyes?"

  "Did they change color while you were with him? Dark brown to hazel?"

  "YES! Holy crap. Freaking out again! And why are you so calm?"

  "I've had thirty more years to come to terms with it all, and I've seen things that have made it clear there really is good and evil in the world. Go back to what you just said. The way he made you feel."

  "I don't think I've ever felt safer in my life. The idea that he was a—warlock—good grief, just saying that is so crazy. Anyway, it didn't flip me out like it's flipping me out now."

  "Maybe you were being calmed by him. He wouldn't have wanted you to run screaming from the room."

  "I felt a tingle when he held my hand, and it was the best tingle ever. I can't even begin to describe it. I'm sure he's not evil, but aren't warlocks descended from demons?"

  "They are, but according to the legend, Limner, the illustrious and great leader, your soulmate I might add, was touched by the light, and he transformed other warlocks. They became his followers. That's when the warlocks splintered. One coven following Limner and the light, the other remaining true to their demonic roots. Then the war began."

  "War?"

  "They had their own battles of good versus evil."

  "What should I do?"

  "What do you want to do?"

  "I'm craving him," she whispered. "I'm absolutely craving him. I want to be with him so much I can hardly stand it, and I only met him last night."

  "But, Vanya, you've known him for eons. He's your eternal love. He was once Limner."

  "I think I'm going to cry. I wish you were here."

  "It's time to open the box."

  "THE BOX! Why didn't I think of that?"

  "You've got a lot going through your head right now. Obviously you kept your promise and didn't attempt to look inside."

  "I got drunk one night and tried to lift the lid, but it wouldn't budge."

  "That's because it can only be opened in his presence. Or at least, that's what I was told."

  "What if I hadn't met him?"

  "I would have talked to you about this again after you were married and settled, so you could pass it on to your daughter."

  "Mom, this is all so bizarre. Do you think I should say anything to him?"

  "If he is who I believe him to be, he already knows who you are, but I do think you should take the box with you next time you see him."

  "I want to crawl back into bed and stay here until I hear from him."

  "Are you tired?"

  "So tired. I feel as if I need to sleep more, but I'm supposed to be meeting Lenny. We're going to have breakfast then head over to a crime scene."

  "Can you skip the breakfast part and meet him there?"

  "I think I'm going to have to. I can't keep my eyes open."

  "Text Lenny, tell him you're not feeling well, and you'll meet him at the scene."

  "Okay. Wow. I feel as if I've been hit by a truck."

  "You have been. It's an amazing, wonderful, incredible thing, but it's still a truck."

  "And it's so hard to fathom."

  "Maybe that's another reason you're so tired. Your psychic self is forcing you to sleep so it can sink in."

  "Oh, my gosh, I can't stop yawning."

  "Go to sleep, honey. I love you."

  "Bye mom, I love you too."

  Ending the call, barely able to keep her eyes open, Vanya texted her boss, then turning off her phone, she slid under the covers and closed her eyes.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Laszio had been up late into the night. The information from The Book of Spells and Secrets had been about the soul's journey, and reuniting with those from past lives. It offered spells to help ease the trauma of such events, most especially for humans, but the envelope had contained a letter that had filled him with both happiness and alarm.

  Written by Limner, the great and illustrious Warlock of the Light, it offered details of the pact he'd made with Barabas, the evil leader of the warlocks who chose to live in the dark demonic world. It also revealed that Laszio could only have been reunited with Vanya if the evil warlocks had broken their word. With the pact no longer in force, warlocks would be allowed to couple with humans. Limner and Valeria could finally be together.

  Waking from a deep sleep, Laszio found himself recalling the letter, and though he was still in bed, in his mind's eye he was back at the table, the ancient parchment in his hands.

  You are probably wondering why the demonic warlocks broke the pact. Barabas has returned, though I cannot foresee the name by which he'll be known. He wishes to seize ownership of your coven and enslave your followers. The Book of Spells and Secrets will help to guide you through the challenges you now face. It enlightens through questions. Remember, the key to finding the answers you seek, is knowing the questions to ask.

  Regardless of the looming threat, there is one thing that glows with eternal light. One thing that remains constant and true. One thing that you must treasure above all else. The woman you love, your soulmate through time. She has been revealed to you. There is nothing as precious as her and the love you share. The love I share now with Valeria. It is one and the same.

  I now part with a grave warning.

  Your physical appearance is human, and because you follow the light your heart can love. You are able to feel deep happiness, compassion and empathy.

  The physical appearance of the evil warlocks is also human, but as you know, their appearance is a facade. They are embittered and brutal. Their glowering looks and foul stench gives them away, and instinctively humans avoid them.

  But there is a third clan that walks the Earth.

  These evil hybrids are the reason I created the agreement that has now been broken.

  They are the offspring of demonic warlocks and humans.

  The human blood that courses through their veins deprives them of magic, but they are predators, and possess the instincts of their evil parentage. Like deadly reptiles they are masters of disguise, but their camouflage is emotional fakery. Unlike their warlock parent, they smile and laugh, and though their hearts are barren, they are able to assume a joyous demeanor. Their ability to mimic love is their greatest threat to humans. It is non-existent, but humans believe the lie, and it is this inherent talent that makes them so deadly.

  After they kill, maim and destroy their prey, they feel no guilt or shame, only a lethal lust to find their next victim. I have given them a name, and have cast a powerful spell that will carry that name through the ages. If these creatures survive, they will be known as Psychopaths.

  If the humans discover the psychopaths are actually hybrid warlocks, their fear will cause them to believe if one warlock is evil, all warlocks are evil. They will stop at nothing to hunt us down. It will become a terrifying time for all warlocks across the Earth.

  Barabas used my desperate need to stop the demonic warlocks coupling with humans as a way to hurt me. I had to agree to the same terms, no pairing with humans, and this is why I was forced to relinquish my life with Valeria. But as you read this, I fear a new breed of psychopaths will be conceived.

  I am also deeply worried, with the pact broken, the secret of the psychopath's lineage will be revealed. Do what you mus
t to stop this from happening.

  Valeria will give you great strength. She is human, but she is wise. Listen to her.

  I feel the sun setting on my soul, and the sunrises left to this earthly body are few. There is a powerful prayer of protection that has helped me greatly, and I now pass it to you. It will shroud you like an invisible shield. Use it when danger is lurking.

  May the light kiss and cloak you.

  Limner.

  The Prayer of Protection

  I call upon the light of the great white brotherhood.

  I call upon the light of the great central sun.

  I call upon the light of my own eternal being.

  I call upon the light of the infinite one.

  Almost in a meditative state, Laszio pondered not just the contents of the letter, but the vernacular in which it was written. Had Limner infused the words with a spell to change with the times? Slipping from his bed, he wandered into the bathroom to shower, but just as he was about to turn on the faucets, an urgent message from Tannen blasted through his head.

  It's Anton. Hurry.

  Hastily donning jeans and a sweater, he slipped his feet into loafers and strode from his quarters. His apartment was on the third floor above the restaurant, and running down the stairs he marched swiftly to the playroom. Tannen and Elwyn were staring into the cage.

  "What's happened?" he asked, hurrying forward.

  "Anton's in a spell sleep," Tannen replied, "but not one I can identify. I've already tried all the incantations I know."

  "As the mystery grows, so it becomes clearer," Laszio murmured. "He must have been sent by Kalick."

  "The leader of the demonic warlocks?" Elwyn exclaimed, the fear evident in his voice. "But why?"

  "I fear we may be entering a time of battle," Laszio said gravely. "I can't shield you from the truth. It's time to tread carefully, stay close to the club and stay alert."

  "What does that have to do with the sleep spell?"

  "Anton didn't return, and that's why the sleep spell took effect."

  "Like a time release capsule!" Elwyn exclaimed.

  "Exactly. Please investigate the fire escape immediately. We need to find out how he was able to gain entry."

  "On my way."

  "Laszio, what's happening?" Tannen asked gravely as Elwyn left. "What do you mean by a battle?"

  "I've just learned the ancient pact has been broken."

  "NO! Laszio, this is very bad news. So—the ban on having sex with humans has been lifted?"

  "It's the core of the agreement, so yes, but I don't know if that was the motive. I suspect it has more to do with defeating me and taking over my covens."

  "So Anton was manipulated by Kalick?"

  "I believe he was. My nephew may not be able to talk to us, but I should be able to enter his energy field."

  "Are you sure that's safe? It could be some kind of a trap. Kalick is conniving and his powers are strong."

  "I don't believe he is stronger than me. In fact, since last night I believe my power has grown."

  What he'd said was true. He'd woken up and felt his mind was sharper, and he could sense a subtle but sparkling energy flowing through his being. Crouching down, he was about to reach through the bars, when he heard a whispered warning.

  Stop. Say the Prayer of Protection.

  Closing his eyes, he asked for the attention of those who would hear him, and silently recited the four lines.

  I call upon the light of the great white brotherhood.

  I call upon the light of the great central sun.

  I call upon the light of my own eternal being.

  I call upon the light of the infinite one.

  Laszio felt a wave of warmth, and opening his eyes, he took a breath, then reached through the bars and touched Anton's shoulder.

  "LOOK OUT!"

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Laszio had caught sight of the sword lifting from Anton's side. Throwing himself on his back, he looked up in horror as the sword shot through the bars. Levitating above him, it turned vertical, but as it lunged downward it came to a sudden and quivering halt barely an inch from his chest. Stupefied, he stared up at the deadly gleaming steel above him.

  "What should I do?" Tannen asked urgently. "Should I try to grab it?"

  Tannen's urgent plea broke Laszio's daze, and regaining his wits, he called on his magic.

  "You cannot harm me, my protection is strong, lie quiet with Anton, it's where you belong."

  The sword began to glow, and Laszio could feel it trying to fight his command and penetrate the invisible shield offered by the prayer of protection.

  "You cannot harm me, my protection is strong, lie quiet with Anton, it's where you belong," Laszio forcefully repeated, managing to push through his residual fear. "Never again will you come my way, this command you're compelled to obey. Light above, light below, remove from me this deadly foe."

  The sword began to lift, moved back inside the cage, and gently lowered itself to rest next to Anton's sleeping body.

  "What was that? I've never seen anything more than a knife under a warlock's control. How did that happen?" Tannen said, still shaken by Laszio's scrape with death.

  "This has confirmed my suspicions. Only an extremely powerful demonic warlock could have charmed that sword, and there's only one I know of. Kalick!" Laszio declared, slowly rising to his feet. "It must be neutralized. I fear this is a harbinger of the days to come. Anton must be freed from his sleep spell, but I have to deal with the sword first. You'd better leave."

  "Is it going to start flying around?"

  "Possibly. It won't be able to penetrate the barrier that has cloaked me, but you'll be vulnerable. Why don't you join Elwyn? The two of you working together are bound to uncover something at the fire escape. We must find out how Anton was able to get past our security."

  "On my way. Don't worry, we'll get to the bottom of it."

  Waiting until Tannen was safely out of the room, Laszio summoned his strength, then locked his eyes on the gleaming weapon.

  "An ironsmith shaped you, another claimed you, but now evil has enslaved you. By all that is light, by all that is good, I demand your freedom, be free as you should."

  The sword began to shake, and lifting with an ungainly wobble, it attempted to move towards him.

  "By all that is light, by all that is good, I demand your freedom, be free as you should."

  As the sword fell with a heavy clunk on the floor, Laszio frowned.

  It had been too easy.

  Or had he become that much more powerful?

  "Cage of safety, I seek entry. I am your Master, open for me."

  The invisible hinges squeaked as the door swung away, and stepping inside, he stared down the impotent weapon.

  "You're a thing of beauty," he muttered, "but you're going into protective custody."

  Crouching next to Anton, Laszio curled his fingers around his nephew's hand to enter his energy.

  A deep frown crossed his brow.

  Sending an urgent telepathic message for Tannen to hurry back, he slid the sword through his belt, then carefully lifted Anton into his arms and headed towards his office.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Only a few blocks away, Vanya was meeting her boss at a crime scene, and stepping from the taxi, she moved the long strap of her hobo bag over her shoulder. She owned a car, but parking in the area was impossible. Yellow police tape surrounded the entrance to the modest four-story apartment building, and she paused, searching the faces of the curious onlookers. Not seeing Lenny, she ambled towards the alley. She often found him in an out-of-the-way spot talking to a witness or a detective. Sometimes even a constable could be convinced to share a thought.

  Lenny had one of the friendliest personalities she'd ever encountered. He was perpetually rumpled, and his affable demeanor made him instantly likable. Women wanted to take care of him, and men wanted to sit next to him in a bar. Entering the alley she spied his crumbled beige coat hanging off his arm. Holding his small tattered notebook, he was chatting with a middle-aged woman, and jotting down notes with a pencil. Vanya smiled. He was a throwback, a genuine old-fashioned gumshoe. He even read the paper over fried eggs and tomatoes. Not wanting to interrupt she backed away, and as she moved to the front of the building she stared up at the sky. It was slate gray, and an unexpected shiver rattled through her.