Page 55 of On Wings of Blood

I could practically feel her sulking.So I was right. Do you mean you did this? You got me to this place somehow?

I think the words you’re looking for are “Did you really save me? How wonderful! I simply cannot believe my good fortune!”

I was quiet for a moment.Maybe I wanted to die. Did you ever stop to think of that?

Nonsense.The woman’s tone was sharp.Absolute nonsense. Why, you had barely even begun to exist. I wasn’t about to let you be snuffed out so soon.

You know, I said slowly.Youknowabout me. About what I was. You were in Aercanum with me.

Back in Aercanum, I had been what you might call an unnatural child. Not only did I have a fae mother and a human father, but I was blessed or cursed, depending on how you looked at it, with accelerated growth. By the time I was a few weeks old, I waswalking. A few months later and I was talking. So, the woman was right. I’d existed for only a short time.

Thanks for reminding me I’m a complete freak of nature,I added bitterly.

You’re not a freak. You’re beautiful, she scolded.You’re perfect. Never allow anyone to tell you differently.

Mentally,I froze.Just who are you exactly? And why are you so attached to me? You say you saved my life, but why? Why me? Why do all of this for me and why stick around?

Perhaps you’re just a very worthwhile young woman, she hedged.However, you’re certainly right that I don’t provide my assistance to just anyone.

I’m sure of that,I said wryly.Give me a straight answer. Please.

Another pause.Well, I should think it was fairly obvious. In fact, I’m surprised you haven’t figured it out by now.

Yes?I prodded.

There’s only one person who would ever go to this much trouble for you. I’m your mother.

CHAPTER 11 - MEDRA

The ghost of my dead mother is riding around in my head,I seethed, as I walked towards the headmaster’s office.

Not dead,the woman corrected.I’m talking to you right now, aren’t I? Let’s say... betwixt and between.

Externally, I rolled my eyes.So, half-dead.

Orcades. That was her name. Orcades Le Fay. Then, Orcades Pendragon after she’d married my father, Arthur. I supposed I should start thinking of her that way.

Apparently, I was merely scattered when I died birthing you,Orcades continued.But my soul hadn’t fully departed Aercanum. When you died–well, when you were meant to die–I found you...

And inserted yourself into my head,I said frostily.

A part of my soul lodged in you to keep you safe,she clarified. I wasn’t even doing it consciously. I was able to help you pass from one world to another, with your own soul and body still intact.A pause.I’m still not sure precisely how I did it. But it was a wondrous accomplishment. I doubt many have ever achieved something similar.

I could practically feel her preening.

Couldn’t you have picked my own world?I complained ungraciously.Couldn’t you have just brought me back there? Where my friends and family were?

Well, no, if it was that easy, I would have. Think of your soul like a ball spinning out of control and straight into danger–into nothingness. I grabbed hold of you and, well, tossed you out of danger. But I didn’t get a chance to look at exactly where you would land.

I was a spinning ball,I groaned.I see. What a lovely way to think of your own daughter.

Oh, pish posh.I could almost imagine her waving a perfectly manicured fae hand.A ball, a flower. However you wish to imagine yourself, you were impossible to control. I’d never done this before, remember. I did what I could. I did my best.

She had a point, I had to admit.

Fine.I mentally cleared my throat.Well, in that case... Thank you. Though it would have been much better if you’d chosen a world without vampires,I couldn’t help adding.

Yes, I can see that,she said thoughtfully.But of course, I had no idea there would be vampires here. Perhaps you should look at it as a fascinating challenge.

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