Sorcerer in a fantasy world
Chapter 85

Chapter 85: Chapter 85

I saw Donna was hiding in one of the pots in the far corner of the room. Hidden, I guess. I noted then and there that she wasn’t a fighter. Fair enough, I wasn’t before I got my magic.

The strange splashed water over Morgana dousing the flames. I rushed over and with a caring touch healed any superficial damage to her appearance.

"How are...are you al... does it hurt?" I stumbled to say. I had failed to protect her, a responsibility I’m not sure when I took so deeply personally.

Something about how future-me had looked at her.

"I’m okay, you helped, my champion. We did it together." She said with a confident smile.

It didn’t ease the panic in my heart. Nor the anxiety sticking (and rattling around) in my mind.

"It is not safe here. I was right. I knew we should never have come back..." I began to blather.

She kissed me. Her soft lips pressed tender.

She flashed me a soft, warm smile, "You worrywort. We’re okay. I took care of it, and I couldn’t have done it without you. Make sense?"

Breathless from our kiss, I answered truthfully, "Yes."

"Good. Now we can investigate more."

"It comes from Rome conquered lands of Sogrek, where Zeus himself first appeared and ruled before he slew Jupiter and stole his life."

It was the handsome blonde, blue-eyed man, "I am Agere son of Nit and Fera. I’m Làidir’s brother."

He was tall, a good head and shoulder above me with thick, dense muscles: too much muscle for him to be called slender. His fit, powerful build spoke volumes to his high degree of physical conditioning.

"Damian, Làidir has been helping me out."

"Morgana Penmagi. And please do use some of your titles, my champion, the Sorcerer of Tomorrow, Slayer of Maradon, Penmagi." She emphasised the last in particular.

We weren’t married, so how could I have her title, her last name?

"It is fine. I know who you are. It is I who has you two at a disadvantage. Most know about me before they first meet me." He said with a stunning smile.

Most likely true. I sighed.

"I have no doubt about that Agere. However, it is this beast that concerns me. I know nothing of its like in Albion from sight, scroll or story."

"I can aid you further there. Captured by Diana and twisted in the forges of Vulcan. A hardier, more vile beast would be hard to find.

"You know a lot about it." I stated with undue suspicion.

"Its twin drew Morrigan from Tír na nÓg. They are a weapon of the traitor."

"You are a strong warrior and smart." I observed aloud.

Siblings alike in strength, separated in wits.

No wonder, Làidir felt confident about the safety of the Circle with a brother like this. It was like meeting Captain America or Batman. He had been as helpful as Morgana in the fight.

It was no knock against Morgana. These siblings were built differently: dragon and giant ancestry.

Actually, didn’t she just kill it with - power! Was she built different? Oh my god! She isn’t like the other girls. She’s special. She was the boar-killer!

My title was cooler.

"You faced Mars. My feats are modest in comparison." He answered humbly.

Oh right, I was talking to him.

"Ah, comparisons are unhealthy for the mind. We fought well together. That is what counts."

Morgana bumped my arm, "Well said."

"I try." I said with a slight smile.

"How was she after seeing him?" Agere asked.

"How was who?" I asked after a moment’s thought.

"My sister."

I frowned, thinking, grasping at his meaning, "After seeing Mars?"

"Who else?"

"I don’t think she did see him. She seemed fine, can’t say I know her all too well yet. For what my word counts."

"Sister didn’t say?" He paused and then said. "Mars killed our parents. Mother decades ago on these shores protecting us and father was slain when the Romans invaded Tír na nÓg."

The revelation closed my mouth. Silent; lips sealed.

"What? He did." Morgana processed.

"He did." Agere confirmed.

Shock opened my mouth, "Oh."

"I’m sorry for your loss." Morgana offered her condolences. "He is a mutual enemy. Together we will strike back against his brutal foe."

"Sure as the stars in the sky." He answered with a winsome smile. "Can I have a moment of your time alone, Sorcerer?"

Morgana smiled with polite warmth, "I will go and talk among the Druids. See what help we can offer."

"Thank you." Agere replied.

Morgana gave me a brief kiss on the cheek and a squeeze of the arm before walking a few feet away to the rest of the Druids.

"It seems she is quite attached to you." Agere stated.

"I’ve only known her a short while, but she’s left a deep impression."

"A happy one, I hope."

"Without doubt."

He laughed happily, "I’m glad you are getting on so well with my sister."

Ah, oops. I had been thinking of Morgana.

"I saw my sister from afar. I sensed Olwen’s curse; it is a family legacy to feel love’s touch keenly and fervently."

"It is?"

"It looks like I don’t have to worry, if you feel similarly to her."

Didn’t he see Morgana just kiss my cheek. I really should learn more about this culture’s sexual dynamics. Everyone I see is monogamous, but don’t seem to blink an eye at the idea of me with multiple partners.

"Uh-huh."

"Tread carefully ...love brings out the worst and best in most, but we of the Caru feel it deeper still and the heart’s tide drags us even to death." He warned. "I speak from experience.

"Right, tread carefully. Got you."

He said more words, but they flew over my head whatever they were. I was busy berating myself for not being properly clear. It was far too late to correct him.

He cared for his sister. Deeply, I guessed. She had been a bit cold about him, but that seemed to be her personality. Anything outside her obsessions like combat (and now me) she treated with apathy.

He had gone out of his way to check that she wasn’t going to get hurt by an unrequited love. He should have asked her, but his intentions were sound.

I couldn’t ponder forever. People needed help.

Including a traumatised Donna who clung to me like I was a crutch (and her crush).

We cleared the path free, healed those we could.

The meeting ended with Karn’s bold declaration, "I am not satisfied that Tomlin is the bottom of this conspiracy. We will not rest until we have uprooted this disease infesting our home and cleared Elkilbour of all the traitors!"