The Midsummer Wife (The Heirs to Camelot Book 1) Read online

  As she stood there, the large ancient bush at the foot of the tomb budded, then bloomed deep lavender lilacs in abundance. The smell was almost overpowering and triggered memories deep and complex from a life she didn’t recall. Ava found herself weeping without knowing quite why.

  Slowly, Ava walked to the center of the Circle and placed her hands on the stone altar. The aura of the forest was a silver-white: perfect positive energy. The thrum of power within the Circle shook her whole body. Her heart beat in time.

  And then there was music—sweet and gentle at first—sounding as if it came from the grass at her feet. Then deep bass notes came in; the song was magisterial and slow. She could feel that it was from the giant oak trees. There was the sound of hundreds of voices sounding one note: the wind.

  Ava lifted her arms to the heavens.

  I come. I obey.

  The clouds directly above, parted. Bright sunlight in a column poured down upon her. She could see blue sky and the bright yellow sun.

  Priestess, be welcomed. Long I have waited for this moment.

  Ava couldn’t wait for more formalities. She had to know, now. Who am I?

  There was a momentary pause, and she wondered if she had been too hasty.

  You are my priestess, who I created for this task.

  Am I Ava or Anya?

  You are you. Anya is you; you are Ava.

  Is Harper, Merlin? Is Ron, Arthur?

  You know the answers, child.

  Why do I want Ron the way I do?

  He demanded it of Me. He would not allow himself to be returned if I did not permit this one thing. The love-bond is strong between your souls. Does it not please you?

  It does. Ava closed her eyes, heart-struck by the words. But why did You stop us from making love in the car last night?

  All things must happen in their time. Things you said at dinner had to occur first. He had to see you in your power, else you would have seemed just a plaything.

  Oh.

  Now will you listen to Me, Priestess?

  I’m sorry, Goddess. I seem to be an impatient soul.

  You are that, child. Ava was sure she heard amusement in the voice. Now hear Me: You are in danger.

  The Cult of Hela?

  In their various incarnations, they have stalked your three families through time. Most recently, they have been more aggressive. They could not kill any of you while you were under My protection, but they sought to destroy you by killing the ones you loved.

  Mama? Helmut? Serena and Freya Drunemeton?

  Them, yes. All the loved ones who died.

  No!

  And now that you are all together, prepared to make happen the work of so many generations, they will try to destroy the bodies that contain Anya, Merlin, and Arthur. They are stronger now. You, especially, are in danger.

  Why me?

  You are the key. Without you, the Plan cannot go forward.

  Who are they?

  They are the creatures of Morgaine.

  How is that possible?

  Morgaine formed a small group before the paths to Avalon were sealed shut. She keeps in touch with them through a portal in time. They have grown in number in your here-now. You—all of you—are in danger.

  What can I do to stop them?

  I cannot see them or their intentions very well, only the devastating results. I cannot tell you what they plan to do. Be watchful. You and the Harper are strong enough to combat them, if you are not caught unaware. But the greater danger is Morgaine herself.

  What do you mean?

  She will seek to overthrow you during the Healing. She will try to take control of you.

  How do I fight her?

  You must work with the Harper. Combine his strength with yours. You are, I think, strong enough together.

  You think?

  There was a long pause, and Ava feared she had irritated the Goddess.

  It is…possible you will fail, Priestess. Morgaine may defeat you.

  What happens then?

  I have a plan in place. It will be difficult. It may not work.

  What…what is it?

  I may not say. She might access your mind. Have faith in your strength. Focus on what is possible. Create a bridge of understanding and support with the Harper.

  Tell me how not to fail!

  I may not. This time, Ava heard sorrow in the Goddess’ Voice.

  Why was I selected to serve you in this way in two time periods?

  I originally created Morgaine as a female spiritual power and Arthur as a male mortal power to balance each other out.

  To do what?

  To start a new era of humanity.

  Morgaine was who you wanted, not me? Not Anya?

  Yes. But Morgaine gave in to anger, fear, and hate, disrupting the plan and setting Me back for nearly 1,500 years.

  You couldn’t persuade her to choose differently?

  No. My creations must decide to work with me. I cannot coerce you. You have free will.

  But then you selected Anya—me.

  Yes. I brought you as Anya from your home country to replace Morgaine as the female spiritual power in counterpoint to Merlin’s male power—since all things must be in balance.

  Why did you allow Morgaine to continue to live in Avalon after Merlin and Arthur were dead?

  Your positive power will need to connect with Morgaine’s negative power, and the combined male power of Merlin and Arthur, to affect the Healing to Come. Once Britain is Renewed, Morgaine will be removed, and you will work with Arthur-Ron and Merlin-Harper to start humanity on the new path. The path I originally planned for you all.

  This is a lot to take in.

  Know that I believe in you. I selected you in the past and the present because you are strong enough, brave enough, wise enough to do what is needed in the moment. Trust that. Let go of your fears. I will be with you, although I may not speak. I bless you, Priestess.

  Wait! What must we do to heal Britain?

  The sunbeam vanished, and Ava nearly collapsed on the altar. The music stopped. There was only the rain and cold. What do I do now?

  Slowly, she walked back to her clothes. Harper was standing just back of Anya’s tomb, under a blue umbrella, holding a large blanket. “Chilly?”

  Ava was grateful he was there and went to him. He wrapped her in the blanket, which felt amazingly soft and warm and dry. And then she simply leaned against him, unable to stand.

  He put his arm around her and held her tightly. “What is it? What happened? What did the Goddess say?”

  “I can’t tell you right now. Let me sift through it for a time.”

  “All right.” He held her for a long while, until she finally nodded that he could let her go.

  Ava went back to the stump, removed the blanket, and started putting her clothes back on. She noticed Harper was holding the umbrella over her, but his back was turned. She laughed out loud.

  “What?” he asked, still facing away from her.

  “You’ve just seen me naked, but dressing is too much?” She pulled on her undies, but it was a struggle to put wet pants on wet legs.

  “Well, modesty and a certain responsive body part.”

  “Ah. I’m sorry. But then, I don’t recall inviting you here.” She put on her shirt and sweater. Subtly, she reached behind her ear and turned the mental journal back on.

  “I felt I had to be here. Maybe it was mere curiosity. Maybe I was called, but not directly. I had the strong impression it was important to be here for you.”

  Ava pulled on the too-big boots. “I’m glad you came. I’m not sure if I could have handled that moment without you being there.” She opened the umbrella. “Ready to head back?”

  Harper turned around and smiled almost shyly at her. They walked together down the path.

  Ava felt she needed to put things in the open. “Harper, Ron and I―.”

  “Yes, I know,” he said. “It was all over you when you stepped out of the car.” He walked
a few paces before saying, “I am happy for you both. Ron deserves someone special in his life. Goddess knows my late-wife Serena changed my life completely.

  She squeezed his hand, touched by his kindness.

  When they got back to the house, Aunt Chessie was waiting for them. “You look like you’ve gone for a swim, child!”

  “She’s gotten quite a chill, too,” Harper said, taking the umbrella from Ava.

  “It’s a little cold to be out in the damp.” She took off the wellies.

  “Come with me, dear,” Chessie put an arm around Ava and they headed to the stairs. “Sir, I’ve put tea and biscuits out in your favorite spot.”

  “Excellent, Mrs. Paterov,” Harper said, taking off his damp jacket. “You’re a treasure.”

  They went up the stairs to a guestroom. Ava marveled at Chessie’s aura, which wasn’t as bright as it had been at her own house. It was a sort of pink and yellow, indicating an optimistic outlook and cheerfulness Ava had rarely seen. Chessie must really love her job here.

  Chessie led Ava to the bathroom. She had Ava take off her soaking pants and shirt, and put them into a small dryer. Giving Ava a robe, Chessie had her sit down and started drying Ava’s hair.

  Ava stared into the mirror while Chessie worked, thinking about what the Goddess said. And there was one huge take-away:

  I did not cause Helmut to die—either through inaction, or choosing the wrong equipment, or just being a bad person somehow.

  He was killed by Morgaine’s people.

  Why?

  The Goddess said: “They sought to destroy you by killing the ones you loved.”

  And they damned near succeeded. The panic attacks, the fear of making choices, the inability to eat, the agoraphobia―that was all from the accident. Ava almost hadn’t gone to Britain, almost couldn’t do her job…

  Because Morgaine killed Helmut.

  It’s not my fault.

  And it was like a knot was loosened in her soul.

  I didn’t kill Helmut.

  I am not responsible.

  Morgaine did that to hurt me.

  I’ve got news for you, Morgaine. You don’t control me anymore.

  The dryer was off, and Chessie was saying something. “I’m sorry, what?”

  “I just was saying how I used to do Katerina’s hair before she went off to Viborg. She had thick red tresses just like yours.”

  “I can do this myself,” Ava said gently. No one had played with her hair since her mother had died. It made her feel safe, with family.

  “Of course, you can, dear. I’m enjoying it though, if it’s all right.”

  “Thank you. I’m, ah, moving to Steadbye Place tonight.”

  “Yes,” Chessie said, running the brush through Ava’s hair. “I know you didn’t sleep at the house. I found out when I got in this morning that you didn’t sleep here. And I saw the luggage. I had hoped you’d choose Duke Drunemeton to be your spouse, but the heart will go where the heart will go.”

  “My intent—the Sisterhood’s plan—was to be with Harper. But Ron and the Goddess had other ideas.”

  “Hm,” she said. And there was a lot unsaid in that one sound. “Would you like me to do a French braid?”

  Ava smiled. “Yes, if it’s not too much trouble.”

  “Not at all,” Chessie said, as she started to weave Ava’s locks.

  “We’re going down to the Grotto today.”

  “Should I monitor things as usual?”

  “Yes. The more eyes and ears we have on the events in the next few days, the better.”

  Chessie kissed the top of Ava’s head. She picked up a hand mirror. “So, what do you think?”

  Ava turned her head this way and that, pleased in an entirely feminine way. She caught a glimpse of her face in the mirror, and she was beaming. “I love it! Thank you!”

  “You’re welcome, sweetheart.” Chessie held her out at arm’s length. “In case I don’t have a chance alone with you again, Goddess go with you.” They hugged for a long while before Ava dressed in her warm, clean clothes. She went downstairs to Harper’s office feeling calmer and happier than she had in months.

  Now I just have to get Harper on my side, view the regalia, figure out how to get the British government to accept Ron as king, and somehow heal a nuclear ash heap.

  Should be simple!

  Chapter Eleven

  Unlike their first meeting, Drunemeton House’s grand office this time was well-lit with electric lights. Harper was waiting for her in a wingback chair in a corner with another chair and loveseat by the windows. The low table between the chairs held a full formal silver tea service with delicate black and gold cups and saucers. Ava took the loveseat across from him. Without asking, he poured some tea. “I heard from Ron. He told me about your little adventure last night. You might have mentioned it.”

  Ava closed her eyes, somewhat exasperated. Just when she thought she was making progress with him. One step forward, two steps back. With a sigh, she opened her eyes and said, “Well, I got called away by the Goddess. That seemed more important.”

  Harper shook his head by way of apology. “Of course, you’ve been busy since you got here. The crash sounds as if it was quite frightening.”

  Ava explained everything that happened in detail. It was clear Ron hadn’t said anything about the woman’s tattoo.

  “Terrifying,” he said with a shiver. “I’m glad you’re both all right. Anyway, Ron said he’s just finished up with the constable and has a couple of things to do before he can join us.”

  Ava noticed the plant under the window. “That’s the most exquisite bonsai I’ve ever seen!” It was a beautifully trained Japanese juniper, two feet high. That in itself was elegantly done, but it sat inside a rock that looked like a just-cracked-open egg, and half of it was missing. Living moss spilled over the side, like yolk. The entire micro-landscape sat perfectly balanced on a Japanese teak stand. Surrounding it was the most gorgeous turquoise aura.

  Harper smiled, deeply pleased at her reaction. “My bonsai teacher, Ishi Takahara, created that from a tree his teacher gave to him…oh, it must be seventy years ago now. Master Takahara had such an eye for the perfect artistic statement.”

  “It’s the Tree of Life birthed, isn’t it?”

  His grin got wider. “I’ve never had an adept of your level look at it before, so of course, you’d see it not just for its beauty, but the symbol. And of course, that’s why I love it, as well.”

  “How long have you cared for it?”

  “About twenty years. Serena used to joke it was our other child.” As he said his wife’s name, mentioned a child, Ava felt the most profound pain from him.

  She quickly changed the subject: “I know you went to Eton and Cambridge, but I can’t recall where you studied with the Druids.”

  Harper said, “From the age of seven until I was eighteen, I was taught by Ross Taliesen, the priest of Drunemeton Chapel. For a time, I thought I wanted to be the next priest of the chapel. Then of course, I had my initiation into the family business, as it were, and my talents were turned to other pursuits.”

  Ava produced a little lavender flame that danced about the tea service. Harper chuckled, and a blue flame joined her lavender one. She sent out several purple lights. They were joined by more aquamarine ones. The flames swirled around each other, chasing around the tea pot, the sugar, spinning around the creamer, dancing at the end of a spoon. Then there was a wild chase, and the flames went whizzing around the tray at a mad speed until Harper and Ava were laughing so hard the flames disappear altogether.

  “Haven’t done that in years,” Harper said, still smiling. “Well, to business: Do you know how we’re to accomplish what we’ve been commanded to do?”

  “After we all go to the Grotto, I’ll discuss what I know. And be prepared, because it isn’t much. The Goddess won’t reveal all the details, for some reason.”

  “So we’re just supposed to ‘wing it’?” Harper demanded, gray eye
s turning dark.

  “There’s nothing the Sisterhood has seen, or has written down in the past, that tells us what to do. I gather your lines haven’t received any specific instructions beyond that you’re to return King Arthur to rule Britain and ‘heal the land.’ How do you heal a radioactive blast hole?”

  “Something will show us what to do. I’m sure of it.”

  He was so sure, so confident in his reply, after Ava had become used to his acidic skepticism, it seemed out of character. “You feel you know the Goddess’ plan?”

  Harper stroked his beard and stared out at the rainy scene. “Certainly not! But I know the Goddess has one. That if we keep ourselves open, the way will be shown. If we don’t try to impose our expectations and succumb to our egos, we’ll achieve what She’s wanted us to for fifteen centuries.”

  Was he of the belief that all things would come to him because of the accident of his birth? “You’re quite proud to be the Chosen of the Goddess, aren’t you?”

  He was immediately cross with her, but bit back his retort. Carefully, he said, “I expected the Merlin-heir was my father, Peregrine. He had a great mind and understood things in a deep fashion. I’m not him. I’m not sure, in fact, that I’m the right one to be the Merlin at all. I was thrilled when Ron was proclaimed the heir of King Arthur.”

  Ava recalled reading the original report that her Aunt Chessie had sent by special courier to the Sisterhood the night it had happened. Chessie had been in her usual “listening post” above the Grotto in the drawing room and had watched the rite psychically: Ron’s father, Major Gus, dressed in the purple robe of the Arthur heir, approached his son with King Arthur’s crown. Each new Arthur-heir had worn the crown during the initiation. As Gus set it on the eighteen-year-old’s brow, a voice from nowhere proclaimed in Brittonic:

  Behold, the heir of Arthur has returned! All hail the heir!

  Nothing like that had happened when Talon, Gus, or Peregrine had been initiated. This was the great moment the heirs and the Sisterhood had awaited!