Banshee's Calling (Book One of The Fey Files)

By H. Lee Morgan, Jr

Ever wonder who truly helps keep the world safe from supernatural disasters and crimes? You're about to find out. The world is full of the unexplained, but a rare few acknowledged by the gods of old are driven to make sure the worst things in life do not get out of control. To save those they can and punish those responsible for those they cannot.
This story is the beginning if the strongest duo and their loves who balance the scale of good and evil.

Warning:Adult Content

• Language: English
• Publisher: H. Lee Morgan, Jr
• Release date: Aug 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370888450

H. Lee Morgan, Jr

I'm Lee, As a child I've always had a vivid imagination, but it wasn't until I was in a swimming accident and becoming paralyzed due to having my neck broken at the age of 14 that I could bring my imagination to life, through writing. My life has undoubtedly been harsher than others, being forced to live in a wheelchair and all, but my imagination, personality and drive to continue has helped me to write. It's impossible to know if I'd still write if not for being a quadriplegic, but I've come to enjoy writing and sharing my passion and stories with others.

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Banshee’s Calling (The Fey Files Book 1)

Published by H. Lee Morgan at Smashwords

Copyright 2016 H. Lee Morgan

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. Thank you for downloading this free ebook. original form. If you enjoyed this book, please return to Smashwords.com to discover other works by this author.

Thank you for your support.

Cities are real, people and places are not. Any character names are purely coincidental. Enjoy.

Prologue

Please don’t do this! I’ll give you whatever you want. Please stop! The pitiful excuse for a human male pleaded and tried to bargain yet again. Please just leave my wife and daughter alone. Tears continued streaming down his cheeks as he was bound helpless to a thick oak tree at the edge of a secluded wooded campsite, far from any source of help. His naked torso was sweaty from trying to get free to save his family. Struggling so much the hard bark of the tree scraped his naked back raw to the point it bled in dark red rivers. Feeling nothing physical.

The ruthless cloaked attacker breathed in the smell of fear and desperation like it was the finest wine. It made his mouth water and got a familiar tightness in his pants that clearly told he was loving every moment of it. The figure made an inhuman throaty rumble of utter satisfaction. I. Think. Not. He kicked and a clawed foot met with the soft resistance of a young child’s middle. She screamed as best she could with what wind the blow didn’t force out.

YOU FUCKING MONSTER! The mother’s instincts to protect her child had her grab a nearby log from the roaring campfire although she had no more use of her left arm. The brute had come into their campsite and knocked them all out just so he could set up some playtime before waking them up to a nightmare. The mother’s arm hung useless, but rage to save her only child, her baby girl, made the pain wash away in the surging tide of emotion. AHHHH!!! She yelled as she came at him with the burning log, trying to bash this creature’s skull in.

He cackled and at last threw back his hood, letting the woman see what he truly was. The look of horror on her face wiped all thoughts of attacking him and his pants got all the more restrictive as the scent of fear multiplied. Firelight flickered to make him look all the more terrifying. A forked tongue licked thick scaly lips and muscles pulled back a muzzle to reveal long, deadly teeth.

The father screamed Peggy! Hit him and run with Clara NOW!

It seemed to be the incentive she needed as she raised the log again and ran as fast as her portly body could carry her across the decimated campsite.

Halfway there, the thing didn’t move or show sign of fighting her off. He relished her spirit and would definitely make her scream just to see it break as all others did. Too bad her poor human nocturnal vision didn’t see an animal hole and her foot vanished down inside it, taking her too. Bone shattered in the shin and she screamed loudly. In complete agony.

The attacker howled in glee as he threw his head back. It was too comical for him and he loved hearing humans scream. It made him feel more powerful over the weak creatures. Her leg was shattered and the cries of the father silenced as he saw his wife going nowhere with a broken arm and now a shattered shin. To make matters worse the flaming log fell on her head, setting long hair on fire. It made the thing stare wide eyed till more tears of triumph made him bark another round of laughter among the shrieks of agony from the young mother.

The child stared as her vision cleared and rather then run away she screamed MAMA! and ran over to use her tiny hands to try to put out the flames.

CLARA RUN! The father said, but it was too late.

Not wanting the show to end, the attacker’s hunched body moved too fast to be avoided and he backhanded the child right into the domed camping tent. It broke and collapsed on impact. He stood over the struggling mother who’s clothes were now afire and he breathed in the noxious scent of burnt hair and flesh as if it were the loveliest smelling rose. More… Bleed for me now! he lifted an arm and plunged clawed fingers into her exposed back, eliciting another bloodcurdling scream that echoed for miles around in the woods where no one would come searching. He was intoxicated with making them suffer. Too long. I’ve gone too long from having my fun, but this was worth the wait. Sooo worth it. He thought amidst the screams of mortal agony.

The father cried for his beloved wife, begged, pleaded and cursed. He clearly saw his phone where the thing had left it as a tease, but could not get to it. He had awoken already bound with broken legs after the initial attack. He knew it was too late for him and his wife. The nightmarish monster would not let them go.

A sliver of hope came as he saw his bloodied daughter untangle from the tent and she looked to him crying, unknowing what to do and overwhelmingly scared. He forced his serious face on, one that always meant to go to her room and she finally understood. She turned and ran into the woods followed by her mother’s final agonizing screams.

Blessed death had not come soon enough for the helpless wife, but it did happen and the monstrosity licked his bloodied fingers a little before tearing a meaty chunk of charred flesh to delightfully take a hearty bite. The barely sober creature, drunk on what he was doing stood, hunched again and the father realized that it couldn’t stand completely straight. Further proving it wasn’t human. Not that he needed any more proof after seeing its face and seeing how strong it was when hitting his child.

Loss warred with anger as the father continued screaming against the restraints when he realized what the beast was planning with his wife’s stilled, lifeless body.

The thing undid his pants and proceeded to rape her corpse with relish, doing it while watching him the whole time with terrible yellow eyes and cackling.

This went on for ten minutes before the beast finished and by that time the father dislocated both arms trying uselessly to get free so he could kill it with his own two hands.

Suddenly its long ears twitched and he turned in the direction of the broken tent. Then licked his bloody lips. "Oh, and a hunt? My. My. My… He gloated. The little darling shouldn’t have made my night so much better. She’s still running."

The bound father went completely quiet as the words sunk in and he realized this creature could still hear his child with those large ears. Then he exploded with a vengeance. "NO! Let my girl go! You’ve got me. Haven’t you done enough? Let her GOOO!"

I think not. He stepped closer till his large body completely blocked the campfire and made the silhouette all the more fearsome. "I’m not in the habit of letting my playthings or a meal get the better of me. Besides, haven’t you figured it out by now you miserable human? You’ve made tonight the best night I’ve had all week when I last hunted these lands. You aren’t the first and certainly not last. And I do so love the taste of such youth. So tender. Just stay right there and suffer. It makes it so much more delicious… the meat that is. I’m full on your fear and anger, but I’ve not had prey make me hunt in years. Listen for your babe’s screams. I’ll do it just for you."

And then the creature was just gone. It made no more sound, but a fleeting glimpse behind the tent showed he had chosen the exact place his daughter had fled for her life.

Oh, Peg! he cried as helplessness and realization settled in. Tears continued pouring down his cheeks as he stared over by the fire at her body. He’d never see her smiling face or hear the laugh he loved. Sit down on the couch with her in his arms or play those silly games she’d think up for her kindergarten class. He shook with sobs as he thought of how he’d sit with her and watch their only little girl play with her dolls and let her imagination thrive.

All too soon there came a faint, distant scream. DADDY!

CLARAAA!!! he yelled so loudly his voice cracked, but then there came a horrifying, bloodcurdling shriek that could only come from a little girl’s life that was cut all too short.

It was the last straw and it completely broke him. No more tears could come. He felt empty. Hollow. Pain of broken arms, legs and a shredded back didn’t even register when complete loss made it all seem unneeded. It was the end of the line. No one was coming. No one who could set back time and make all that happened be corrected.

A snapping twig barely had the father glance over as the creature intentionally made his return known. It was clearly intended as it never made a sound when moving.

The first attack before being struck unconscious gave no warning when he was enjoying a cheery fire with his family. Then he woke up in hell.

The broken man lifted his heavy head and didn’t even cringe as the monster gleefully tossed the disembodied head of the child at his uselessly crippled legs. The cackle died when the sweet fear and anger that rolled off him so potently earlier turned bitter and cold. Done already? Lost the will to fight?

Without my wife and daughter, life isn’t worth living. He retorted without any emotion. A shame really.

Oh? You’ve intrigued me, Human. What do you mean by that? It said, crouching down right in front, showing off a bloodied muzzle like a badge of morbid honor.

The barest hint of a haunted smile turned the corner of a mouth. That I won’t be there to see when karma shifts its scales and you get what’s coming.

The morbid countenance darkened and those black eyes glared. "I’ve been at this for centuries, Mortal. There is no one alive who will make me their prey or will interfere in my leisurely activities."

Mark my words, Asshole. You’ll get what’s coming to you.

Something in the way he said it struck a dim cord that turned this whole night of pleasure into raw savagery and hatred. He drew an arm back and swiped long claws across the man’s cheek.

Nothing twitched. The father merely watched and didn’t feel a thing as he was torn apart piece by piece. His words though and how he said them made the thing mad. Good. As he died he got some semblance of retribution instead of giving it something to relish this night. Something better than making it enjoy his agony.

He died giving it a metaphorical middle finger before his soul was carried away to the afterlife where tow were waiting for him.

Chapter 1

Almost… Almost… Ahh… the John quickly spilled his hot seed within and abruptly dropped to the side of her with a lazy smile. How was that, Babe?

Neasa rolled her eyes in the dark as she also rolled out of the motel bed naked.

Hey! How ‘bout a kiss, Little Latina?

No thanks. Got what I wanted. She walked into the motel shower and rinsed off his sour sweat from her body.

Undeterred he followed and said Care if we share? from outside the curtain.

Inwardly she groaned. Not another clingy idiot. Instead she said Can you get it up again?

In about a half hour, Sweetheart.

Then no. I’m going to be late for work. She said in partial truth.

Come on, Cutie. At this ungodly hour? She cringed as she hated those sleazy pet names and put up with them for only so long as she scrubbed all the vital areas.

She had to divert the moron and asked Can you go see if I missed any calls?

There came a sigh before he said Back in a moment. Outside he went and before he even located her phone on the nightstand she silently closed the bathroom door for privacy and let out a soft whistle that slightly confused him and made him disoriented.

It worked as he didn’t immediately come right back to the door to annoy her further. Neasa relaxed slightly as she returned to the water to lather her hair which took the longest time since it reached the very top of her posterior and rinsed it before stepping out on the carpet to stand in front of the mirror to hurriedly towel dry her hair and braid it up into a tight, wet rope. She checked for imperfection in the mirror, found none and grabbed her clothes she long ago made habit of leaving in the bathroom to avoid clingy men and women she picked up for a quick meal, so she could clean up in peace. She threw on a form fitting baby blue cotton blouse, blue denim jeans, a pair of socks before sliding on pink leather chaps and a pink and white leather jacket, zipped up the jacket and pulled her still moist hair out from underneath. She checked her small purse and saw everything was in order to make sure the faceless meal she bedded for the evening didn’t steal any of her property when he used the restroom earlier. She threw a hand in a pocket of her jeans to feel the keys were right where she left them and opened the bathroom door to find him sitting at the edge of the bed, head in his hands as he breathed slow and deep.

It made her smirk. Something wrong?

"I don’t know. Suddenly I just got really dizzy all of a sudden."

You did just climax. She giggled softly and his head raised in satisfaction.

"So it was good for you. He blinked, taking notice of her. We’re you going?"

She shook her head. "For your information that session of bed-play was hardly adequate. You’re hardly hung let along well hung. All you got are good looks."

That’s no way to treat someone you made love with?

Made love? Is that what you think we did? She snorted and peeled a laugh. Please! We merely scratched an itch. You certainly don’t… ah, forget it. I’m out of here before I do something regretful. She moved over to grab her phone off the floor at his feet.

He grabbed her arm and was mad at her lack of respect. Don’t toy with me, little girl. She shuddered at the sleazy, revolting touch. Let me prove that I got what it takes to satisfy you.

She glared down at the grasping limb and then to him to coldly say Take your mitts off me right now, Buster.

Oh, so you want to get a little kinky.

He went to jerk her into the bed, but she didn’t budge. Not an inch. She then offered a rueful smile that had him gulp. Last chance to let me go before you regret meeting me in the bar an hour ago.

Wisely he let go, not realizing even remotely how close she was to royally kicking his ass. She stood tall, as tall as her five foot flat frame allowed, and moved over to grab her boots, slid them on to quickly lace the strings tight and comfortable. She took her phone and slid it in a back pocket, but not before attaching her earphones to the device and inserting the buds in her ear to listen to the random song of her extensive playlist. By her boots she then scooped up her helmet, tucking it under an arm.

Never got your name! he whined pitifully to her ears and she again rolled her eyes.

Because I never had any intention of giving it. I was just hungry. Were her parting words as she got up and left the motel room all without slamming the door. It was a genuine miracle. She smiled as she heard him falling inside trying to hastily catch up. She whispered to no one in particular and so low that if someone had been in the empty hallway they still wouldn’t have heard a thing. Nice try, Human. It’ll be a miracle if you can stand up straight even an hour from now.

Pressing the button to the elevator she waited for the ‘ding!’ and rode it down to the first floor where she withdrew the keycard from her back left pocket and handed it over to the late night motel worker who smiled in a creepy way. Stop by anytime. Next time is on the house if you ever get tired of pretty-boys.

Neasa blinked to look again and bit back a scathing comment about if he dropped ninety pounds she’d still not give him the time of day to lick her little toe. She didn’t indicate she heard anything with the music playing so she shrugged and left through the front glass door in serious need of a cleaning… ten years ago.

It was go grimy she used a shoulder to throw it open.

Darkness was pushed away by the city’s lights. She breathed in the chilly early springtime air in Hell’s Kitchen New York and smiled before walking down to the parking garage a block away where her mode of transportation had better be untouched or there would be hell to pay. She passed right by the rowdy bar where she picked up her latest sexual meal and scratched her itch simultaneously. It was three in the morning and those few walking the street this late at night didn’t even look her way as she whistled along with the music so low that human hearing couldn’t realize what she was doing. No one seemed to take notice of her as she walked right by a group of pompous youth gang members who didn’t realize anything was amiss.

Hardly anything worthwhile to look at in the overpopulated city, she made way to the secure garage and handed over a valid parking slip to the worker behind bullet resistant glass and got a nod before being let inside. She made way directly for the elevators and rode them all the way to the top. Eighth floor and roof.

How’s my baby doing? She cooed and spotted her most prized possession. A custom powdered blue sports-bike that has a top speed of two hundred sixteen miles per hour and can reach it in under nine seconds. It was big, sleek and downright adorable. Functional, curvy, sleek and most of all fast. Her adrenaline spiked just caressing it. She as always did an initial check for even the slightest scratch as well as any nasty surprises. She had many enemies. Came with the job description as well as her body type. Finding nothing out of the ordinary she tapped a knuckle against the fuel tank and nodded as no one siphoned any while they were separated. Still she needed to top it off by the hollow sound it made.

She threw a leg over the seat, pulled the key and started the engine. The barest of vibrations flowed into her body. Purring like a kitten. I missed you too. She dropped the high performance helmet over her head and tucked long hair back in her jacket, feeling the lingering wetness from the shower bleed in her blouse.

Neasa righted the low seated bike just perfect for her short stature and lifted up the lone kickstand. With the touch of another foot on the gear after squeezing the clutch, she spun her bike around smoothly and drove it around and around the garage till making it to the bottom floor and waited for the worker to raise the gate and lower the spikes into the floor so as to prevent theft. He waved and she politely nodded as she lowered the adjusting visor that was clear at such a late hour.

Minimal traffic greeted her as she zipped through the restless New York streets. She eventually was forced to stop at a red light and pulled out her phone to activate an App that led her to the nearest cheap gas station and she had to drive an extra three miles before leaning some to drive right up to the station that ran twenty four seven. She removed her pink helmet and threw down the kickstand to get up and off. A debit card quickly slid in the reader and gave her the signal that she can begin filling. Nozzle in hand of the higher performance fuel for her baby that only got the best, filled the tank which took less than a minute, but cost twenty three bucks.

All of a sudden, as she was screwing on the gas cap there came a cold tingle that shot down her spine and wasn’t from her hair or the wind. Neasa stood straight, removed the buds from her ears and scanned the parking lot around the fueling station to peer through the dark gloom, attempting to locate the source of the telltale sign someone was trying to lay magic on her. Time mattered in these situations. Thinking she saw something, she took in a quick breath, curled her tongue and let loose a sharp, deafening whistle. The narrow attack made a trashcan over a hundred feet away explode and a screaming cat hightailed away for his life.

"Damn it, where are you hiding? I’m the last person you want to curse." She seethed, continuing the search as the tingling chill continued to grow to the point her back teeth vibrated. Even her acute hearing didn’t detect a whisper which made concern grow.

Desperation grew as she found no one close by staring at her, or speaking the Witch’s ancient language of casting. She gulped when realizing whoever was placing a spell was nowhere in sight and that could only come from someone of immense power and not a common Witch or a coven working together. Her mind raced down the long list of enemies, but none of them could compare to this type of spell.

Closing her eyes, Neasa awaited for the spell to inevitably finish her off as the chill grew to a crescendo where the vibrations turned painful, but she didn’t cry out. Death would be met bravely.

Just as suddenly as it came, there was a crack of sound like a distant bolt of thunder and then nothing. Pain and the chill disappeared, leaving her breathless.

An eyelid parted just a fraction, expecting the worst, but nothing happened. What in the goddess’s name…? Neasa opened both glowing blue eyes and spun around and around. Looking over herself showed no sign of damage. No blood leaked, broken bones or anything to let her know how bad the curse would be. The bike’s mirror showed she wasn’t even disfigured or even marked for that matter.

Utterly confusing.

Then as she looked to her boots there lay an ancient sheet of aged leather-paper written in elegant script by a careful hand. It was written in the most common ancient language of the Fey. In dry blood. It was something official.

Using the upmost precaution, Neasa pulled an enchanted switchblade from a sleeve in her boot and used it to touch the treated skin to say Reveal for me any dangerous spells that will harm my body or soul in any way.

The collapsed knife flickered with light before ethereal writing appeared like smoke, but legible enough to read. And read she did. Just a return spell as soon as the willing signature is placed? Curious. She mumbled to herself and looked around. The clerk at the register wasn’t paying any attention during the slow hour. Playing on his smart phone. No other signs of life except passing vehicles made her look odd and hunched over.

Feeling bold someone sent such a document magically in this day and age, Neasa picked up the leather parchment off the oil stained concrete and sat down on her bike to lay it over the slightly curved tank. The elegant script translated as.

‘Savanabiminileiav vasseekinc,

‘By reading this official document you are not allowed to speak of it to others if should you so choose to decline. If you do so decline you are to burn this document forthwith. Should you choose to decline to destroy it and another signs their name, I will be aware and will place a bounty on your head.’

No new news there. She murmured.

‘But should you so choose to accept this invitation of our newest Seeker, all past grievances and debts will be settled by me.

‘Queen Alande Loadstone, Supreme Witch of North America.’

Oh shit! She breathed, her eyes widening. The queen knows my real name… wait… Seeker?! she gulped as she reread, her eyes growing wide. Why would a Seeker… she dryly gulped and continued.

‘Our newest Seeker has selected you as his Keeper from this day forth. Should you accept his judgment you will be given a thirty day trial period at his behest. I understand this is unorthodox for our ways, but he has granted you the month in event you are not compatible. You will be granted full privileges as any Keeper who safeguards our precious Seekers during this time. I will expunge and settle all your affairs you have gained over your current lifetime at the moment you become marked, as is common for all Keepers to better protect their charges from those willing to do you harm and use them for leverage or for revenge.

‘To watch over them as they fulfill their burdensome role.

‘Remember, being a Seeker’s Keeper is no easy task and will require sacrifice and dedication. As a child of the Dark, you’ve seen the best and worst and you will be his shield at all times. It has always been an honor to be a Keeper for our way of life for over five hundred thousand years. In choosing yes, you will be upheld to the highest standard of the Fey.

‘The contract rules are as follows.

‘1. By free will do I sign my name in blood to bind thyself to my Seeker in any and all endeavors by placing myself between him and harm from this day forth until the very end. By his choosing of me I swear to act per his judgment and will faithfully strive to meet his standard of selection.

‘2. After the thirty days, this oath is forever binding. To nullify before the deadline of this contract I must meet with Queen Alande and explain my reasons.

‘3. By right as Keeper I swear myself to my Seeker so he may freely do his duty in whatever is to come.

‘4. To uphold my right as Keeper, none of royal blood my stop me should my Seeker come after them. By my hand I vow to kill in his name. To protect in his name. To keep even the gods of death from taking his soul before he uncovers the truth. To stand in her way if I must.

‘I swear my by hand that I willingly choose to become my Seeker’s Keeper.’

Below was an X followed by a straight line.

Neasa stared completely dumbfounded at the official contract of the Keepers. Only the second clause was different along with uses clearly making sure she knew this Seeker was male. Queen Alande, to Neasa’s knowledge had never given notice to anyone in Neasa’s clan and it made the contract more profound.

Making absolutely sure it was real, the sheet turned over and sure enough was the Witch queen’s royal seal. A full moon surrounded by falling stars over a sea of floating black roses. Taking her switchblade again she touched it to the royal seal and her knife melted into a pool of silver as if made of water. No doubt about it that that seal is of royal magic, but I lost my damn knife. Again she mumbled.

Reaching down she pulled out its twin from the other boot. Good thing I always carry a spare. The treated leather flipped back and she bit her bottom lip. For the queen to send this herself must mean this Seeker is really good. Terra or higher. Few High Witches could pull off a long distance spell and not need to look at me. But my clan hasn’t been called on by the Seekers in six centuries… but he chose me and my clan are one of the deadliest. Besides, no one in their right mind would pass up a chance to be a Keeper. Her annoying day suddenly got a whole lot better. No one ever called me an idiot and I’m not going to start now.

She flipped her wrist and revealed the switchblade’s keen edge to slice open the tip of her pinky finger to the bone and watched the dark crimson blood start to flow. Using the little digit quickly, she then willingly and eagerly signed it with clean flourishes using the long birth name. Nowhere neat and crisp as the queen’s, but clearly signing it with a skill born from a different era of styled writing.

Sucking on her throbbing pinky she held her breath as the blood dried on the parchment. It seemed as soon as the treated skin absorbed her blood, it folded itself twice in half before the return spell hummed the air more gently than when it had arrived.

In a moment it completely disappeared.

In the next Neasa cursed Damn it! she took the finger out her mouth and said Where the hell am I going to look for my Seeker?! She calmed hearing herself say it. "My Seeker. I’ve got a Seeker."

Before she could feel elated and revel in the newfound idea of becoming a Keeper her phone chimed. Pulling it out she stared and blinked as it just received a text message. The sender information merely said ‘Blocked’ and she swallowed before opening it to get her answer from a moment ago. It read.

5300 3rd Ave.

Superior, Montana. 59872.

Arrive here at precisely 9:00 p.m. On March eighth.

Quickly Neasa plugged the information into her phone’s GPS and let it calculate. Seconds later she stared. Thirty five hour drive. Three days from today. I’ll be there. By that time the bleeding had stopped and the wound was already completely gone. No cut whatsoever. Had she been fully fed rather than a moderate feeding the wound have healed as fast as it was cut and been unable to even bleed till she use up some of the life energy.

Plopping down the helmet and turning on the ignition she sped off, going to a different location rather than work.

In about twenty minutes she parked her bike in front of her apartment in Manhattan to go to the front desk and struck the bell to gain attention. A worker came from around back and said Something I may help you with, Ms. Carver?

Sorry for the wake up, Charles. She knew the older human’s name.

You aren’t the only night owl, Little Missy. He playfully threw an arm out to point despite his age. My bladder has its own schedule and won’t give me an option other than to obey. He smiled as she giggled. So what may I do for you?

Well it seems I’m moving away, Charles. My company just opened a branch they want me to head in a new squad and gave me such short notice that I have to leave tonight before traffic becomes a complete nightmare.

You? Head a squad? But you’re so young.

She flashed him a dazzling smile. Thank you. She kissed his withered face and he chuckled. It’ll be a shame not busting your balls all the time.

"You just watch it, Missy. I can still kick your ass in rummy. You’re good, but I’m still better. He joked. So where would you like me to forward your things? If it’s so spontaneous I take it you’d like me to call the movers?"

Yes, I’ll need my apartment packed up and shipped. I don’t have a place to stay yet so I don’t have an address. I’ve got your number so I’ll text you the address when I settle down. I should have enough on my card to pay for my crap to be shipped by the movers. Still have my card on file?

You know I do, Kid. My granddaughter is teaching me how to text, but I’m just getting the hang of things so long as you don’t start doing that LOL and ROTFL crap your generation does. He chuckled and winked. And don’t you worry none. I’ll give you a week at no charge. I’ll also give back that security deposit since you are a bigger cleaning freak than my wife. If any damage happens with the movers I’ll know and it’ll come out of their lazy asses. I know it’ll be them since our last card game was not even a week ago.

Then this is goodbye, Charles. Neasa hugged the kind old coot.

"It’s never goodbye, Ms. Carver. We’ll always see each other again if your mistress of death you speak of is as smart as you told me. If we don’t meet again in this life just know I’ll be waiting, cards ready and dealt." He let her go with a fatherly smile.

She practically flew up to the third floor with a smile on and went into the immaculate room she had rented for the past year and a half to hurriedly disarm the room’s wards. Hidden throughout were protective hex-bags. Under cushions, behind a TV, under a coffee table, between the mattresses of her single size bed and a half dozen more places were moved. She grabbed a metal trashcan and threw them all together before lighting them on fire. The small bags gave off no smoke so there was no chance of smoke alarms going off.

There was no helping it. Hex-bags were only to protect one place from evil spells. They had only enough power for one residence and grew over time. The protection would last several hours more till fading. Last thing she needed was an active hex-bag spell to kill any human intent on robbing her place and mistake the movers.

Opening a drawer she withdrew emergency cash and filled her purse before grabbing a quick meal of instant ramen and a ham sandwich to wash it down with a cold beer. Sating her physical hunger she grabbed the helmet and didn’t look back as she left the apartment.

Downstairs she tossed the manager the key. Goodbye, Charles.

Till next time, Missy! he retorted as she hurried out.

Engine still warm, Neasa fired it up and drove through New York’s streets, weaving in and out and pissing motorists off which wasn’t hard.

It was New York City after all.

From there she cut through New Jersey till reaching I-95 and followed her phone’s voice and listening to music as she twisted the accelerator and sped with a cheeky grin as her luck in life had at last turned around. She was thankful though for her racing leathers. It kept the Spring’s chilly bite from freezing her to the bone.

Refilling the tank twice and needing to rest and stretch at both locations Neasa had driven straight through, cutting across the States without attracting police as she sped. She got lucky and as realization set in she was now among the most honored Keeper’s, her life was about to change completely for the rest of her days. The eagerness to meet her new Seeker was as intense as ever, but her budget couldn’t afford speeding tickets if she wanted her things moved. So she relaxed and took things a bit easier around Wisconsin, especially with the risen sun. Her helmet’s visor thankfully had gone dark to protect her precious night vision. When things got tiring as the sun set she had to pull off in North Dakota to rent a room alone for six hours. Enough time to fit in a short nap, sit down, eat and change clothes after a shower.

As soon as she recuperated she checked her custom sports-bike over as usual and was off on the road around midnight.

Ten and a half hours later she arrived in the tiny town of Superior, Montana. She was driving along the I-90, taking in the scenery of majestic mountains. Some still having bits of snow on their peaks. The air was clean and fresh, not Hell’s Kitchen funky. These were grand views that set a person’s mind at ease. Most of it was rugged landscape where nature still reigned from a time before even the Fey ruled. It was secluded, small and quiet. A haven away from home, but to a Fey it was home. It was nature and both allegiances coveted nature.

Still, Neasa was a day early from the meeting. To take up that time she pulled off on the exiting ramp and came to a stop on 4th Ave. It was a really small town compared to the Big Apple. Slow and rather docile too. The kind of place where nobody locks their doors.

Right away she noticed a Druid at work on keeping his grass perfect and yet the humans would see a man pushing a lawnmower though he didn’t even use one. Bright green hair and sticks sprouting from his head gave him away for what he was. By the mark on his arm she knew he was also of the Dark so she went against the GPS voice to pull off.

She decided to turn right instead of left and drove right up to the man who’s hands looked like strong roots as he worked his nature magic to harmlessly trim his lush lawn with his type of magic. She called the traditional greeting Hello, Dark Brother. May I ask for assistance? She then lowered the buttoned collar of her jacket to show the side of her neck. The sign of the dark was a crescent moon surrounded by three stars that made up a triangle.

The Druid paused his work, took note of her mark and smiled. Hello, Dark Sister. What brings you to our little neck of the woods?

I’m the Seeker’s new Keeper, but I’m a full day early. Queen Loadstone sent for me to meet here.

Ah, a Banshee. The Druid took note of her coloring as he came closer. Our Seeker is just full of surprises to choose one of you. Such humor. He laughed roughly. As if a heavy smoker, but all male Fey of the Druid bloodline sounded deep. Females whispered like a gentle wind having been blown through leaves.

You know of my Seeker? She was highly surprised. Eagerly she asked Where can I find him?!

This made his grin disappear. I’m sorry, Sister. My queen made it very clear she would do the introductions after the er… first problem.

She shut off her engine and stood, seeing the traffic at this hour was slow enough to not need to worry about accidents. She took of her helmet to let her overheated head cool off and had to keep a hand over her brow due to the bright and sunny day. "What first problem? News of a new Seeker has yet to reach my clan in New York. The queen of this land seems to not have been fit to warm me."

The Druid ran tuber-like fingers through his hair. He grimaced. I’m not permitted to reveal much, Sister.

Call me Neasa. She held out her arm.

He grasped her forearm. Banda Bruce Venanne. A pleasure. They let go. As I was saying, I can’t reveal much by her command, but our Seeker was forced to kill his first Keeper when she tried to rip off his head.

Neasa stopped cold. Come again? He killed a sister in defense of himself?

"I was there, Young One. She gave him no choice. She was an Ogress gone Berserk. From then on our queen has facilitated seven potential Keepers who all eventually turned down his offer to be his Keeper."

What in the gods name is he that anyone would give up the offer to be a Keeper? He must be powerful to take down an Ogress gone into a Berserker rage.

All I can say, Sister Neasa, is he will come as quite a shock. If indeed you can find it to become his Keeper on a permanent basis, you’ll need to keep an open mind.

Is he dangerous?

He saved me from a summoned Fire Demon when I told its master he could not take my clan’s forest. So yes, he is dangerous. Took down the Demon solo. An A Class at that.

Perfect. It’ll mean he can keep up. So what clan does he hail from?

I’m forbidden, Sister. For his safety and yours, wait for our queen to facilitate the meeting.

Can you tell me what kind of Seeker he is at least?

Afraid not, Young One.

Fine. Can you at least point me to a motel where I can go clean up?

The smile returned on the tall man. Certainly. We’ve got two Inn’s, but if you’re looking for a place to get some rest I’d go to the Hudson & Son. Go one street over and hang a left. Half mile down on your left.

How are the prices? My budget is a little low at the moment.

The Druid didn’t hesitate to reach in his back pocket and pull out a fifty. My treat.

Uh, I can’t take your money. She blundered as he slapped it in her hand. It was uncommon in the extreme to do so without wanting something in return.

"You certainly will. If you want to return the favor all I ask of you is to keep an open mind I spoke of. Now I need to return to work before my seedlings wake up to sun themselves for the afternoon."

Thank you, Banda Bruce. She pocketed the money with what was left of her own cash reserves. He simply waved as she put the helmet back on and let the visor darken the world to her liking.

She turned on the engine, drove to an intersection and went about familiarizing herself with the small town nearly hidden in the mountains. She drove slow like everyone else, earning a few looks from people on the sidewalks at her pink attire and beautiful bike. She made exit plans, a habit learned to always know where to escape and not get boxed in.

A place also where an enemy can easily come from.

Superior turned out to be mixed almost perfectly between humans and Fey. Enough for Fey people to feed openly and not damage the humans they relied on. Roughly three fey for every ten humans.

She kept her collar open, displaying her allegiance to both Light and Dark looking. At this hour her side was few and far between out in the open. Which was completely normal. It took no more than thirty minutes to look around and even crossed the bridge to take a closer view on the other side.

Eventually the long and hard drive wore her body out so she crossed back over the bridge and turned at the sign reading 3rd Ave and she took the trip down it. She again had to blink that the meeting place with the most powerful Witch in North America was in a hugely popular restaurant called ‘Real Meals’. It had been recent, but the chain went international in only five years because they served natural food only. It wasn’t a vegetarian restaurant by any means, but all meat is all natural and vegetables aren’t touched by unnatural pesticides. The restaurant also only buys from local farmers and not corporations out for massive profit. What was also remarkable is they didn’t have a menu that limits what you want. If they have it in stock, it is some of the best food there ever has been. It also has gotten go big so fast that corporations can barely compete, especially when their competitor offers healthier food without resorting to inflated prices. In a health conscious world now, Real Meals not only made people healthier, it has made for a less obese patron who regularly visits them over the cheaper, greasier and less reputable corporations.

Why Real Meals sought to put a building out in the middle of nowhere was beyond Neasa, but judging by the number of vehicles showed people drove from out of town just to enjoy a fresh, home cooked meal.

She passed four other buildings before noticing it.

A hanging green sign lettered in white faded paint read ‘Hudson & Son Inn’. It was a small, two story Inn with a pointed roof perfect to keep heavy snow from breaking through. Softly she pulled straight in underneath a parking lot complete with a customary roof to keep the elements at bay. She was glad she didn’t need to throw a cover over her baby. Only a single car waited parked behind the building so she plucked her phone and slid it into a pocket while moving to the front door.

Upon opening she was greeted with a hearty Welcome to my humble Inn. The name’s Jake Hudson, but everyone calls me Hudson. Bruce told me you were coming, Dark Sister.

The man before her was practically hers size in shortness and his dark skin was completely hairless with elliptical eyes gave him away as a Brownie. On his neck was the sign of the Light, a radiating sun surrounded by a floral wreath.

Light and Dark speak openly? Never met a Light Brownie either. she had to ask.

Small town, Darlin’. Got no choice other than to be civil and it isn’t so bad being Light. There are still plenty of feuds going on, but we manage to be civilized around here. Especially with the Dark Queen’s heavy hand and our Seeker always knowing how to settle old scores without resorting to violence. And when things go too far he uses our own weaknesses against us and makes sure we keep the peace. Still… he’s had to do it less and less after we realized his appointment wasn’t a hoax.

Sounds like you admire him? My Seeker.

Nice try, Kid. Just because Light and Dark are chummy ‘round these parts doesn’t mean the queen’s influence doesn’t extend to us too. King Loadstone agrees with his woman. Her castle’s cloaked, but she resides on that mountain yonder. The Brownie pointed to the mountain north. "We Light are under her jurisdiction too. So don’t try ferreting information from anyone till tomorrow. You won’t learn anything, even from the younglings. And until you are proven to be the actual Keeper and get marked, we don’t know for a fact you truly are his Keeper. Your kind has good hearing and it would be no problem to arrive after killing the real Keeper and take her place. Only the queen knows so if you aren’t really his Keeper I suggest you skip town before the queen and you meet for she will know if you signed the contract."

Well I’m not going anywhere. I’m even more determined to meet this Seeker that the Supreme Witch has kept quiet from our kinds. A new Seeker should be celebrated, but if he is that good I’ll settle down and wait patiently.

Good decision. Since Bruce said you arrived a day early why don’t you clean up and wash the road off you. My son is at school, but I’ll be more than capable of housing you till you make a decision. Since the winter snowboarding season is over you’ll be my only customer. Rooms are fifty a week, cleaning services included. If you are tired I’ll even run down to Real Meals and get you something good. His eyes twinkled with humor. The chef is remarkably talented. His meals are the best I’ve ever had in all my nineteen hundred years.

Must be another Brownie then. You guys make the best.

His smirk grew. Nope, he’s human.

Really?

Human through and through. Don’t look so shocked. He’s got gifts aplenty.

Then I’ll have to go see if his gifts can satisfy a Banshee. She pulled out the fifty given. Is the inn warded?

Hudson’s bald head nodded. As is law to all Fey needing rest at a midway station. No one will harm a hair on your pretty little head.

Then I’ll shower and grab a bite before turning in for the rest of the day.

The key passed over and she soon found herself in a room twice that of her New York apartment with weekly rent