Page 4 of Killian
“Death, what year is it in our realm?” Justice asked.
Cocking her head, Death took several moments to think things through.
“1369. But things are different. The Coven of Warlocks is not destroyed. The harbinger of their doom is a mere footnote in history. Carvallius is never even mentioned among his kind, and the same Grand Warlock and Grand Summoner still hold their titles, but they will hand them over to their twins once they come of age.”
“Imagine if his granddaughter wasn’t a twit and had run to her rulers to tell them of her grandfather’s plot to undermine them,” Fate crowed. “He could be caught prior to any damage being done.”
“Oh, I love that,” Eternity replied.
“Why 1369?” Justice asked.
“Because a few hours of difference would have changed everything in the lives of Killian the Dwyer and a newly crowned Duke of D’Vaire,” Death said. “What if they had met at Castle Draconis instead of Dravyn leaving hours before the ruler of the druids arrived?”
“A Killian unbroken by the devastation of the warlocks,” Fate responded, rubbing her hands. “How delicious. I still want him incredibly powerful and unique even though he is not given the gifts by the dead warlocks.”
“Agreed, he deserves the full power he has in our current timeline. But we cannot explain how he came to be neutral without the fall of the warlocks and their gifts to him, so he will be fully light magic,” Justice said. “How could we rob Dravyn of Killian’s beloved vines anyway?”
Death cackled. “We could not.”
“This is perfect. Let’s get started,” Life said, jumping to her feet.
“We need privacy,” Justice stated, rising next to their sister. “To Death’s castle?”
Touched that Justice would think first of Death’s beloved home, she stood and took the hand Eternity stretched out to her. “A perfect spot,” Death answered.
“Expect me to visit often to watch our twisted new realm,” Fate enthused as she skipped out of the room.
“Invitations to view our realm are always open,” Death offered softly.
“Thank you,” Justice replied. “Now, let’s rush over, I’m nearly as excited as Fate. We will have to stay for several days to regain our strength. It will take a great deal of magic to locate the lost realms and restore them. I can already feel the ache in my bones.”
“Me too,” Death said. “But I am enthused as well.”
It was a fun idea, and it would be interesting to watch the events play out. But Death had no clue what to expect and how the most minor of changes might alter the personalities of the D’Vaires and their extended clan. She was concerned for their wellbeing but assured herself that matebonds awaited all of them—even those who had yet to be matched on the real Earth. Fate was good at her job despite being painfully slow at pairing couples sometimes.
Chapter 2
1369
Castle Draconis
Killian the Dwyer turned to watch a woman race toward them, her blond curls flowing wildly in the wind.
“I apologize for the wait,” Grand Summoner Saura of Leolinnia said. Her gold-and-silver crown was askew, and she carried the heavy folds of her blue cloak in her hands as she ran.
“It is about time you arrived,” Arch Wizard Egidius stated, his gaze flat and annoyed.
Killian lifted a black brow. “This meeting is of the utmost importance. It is imperative we represent The Council to the best of our ability.”
“What nonsense,” Egidius snapped. “This is nothing but a fool’s errand. We have no need for defense. All this because of a quelled threat made years ago by an errant warlock. That is your problem, Saura. I have counseled you often on the need to use a stronger hand with your people.”
Being annoyed at Egidius was nothing new for Killian. The man was irascible and far too free with his opinions. But like Killian, Egidius had been picked by Fate to rule his people.Although he was difficult to get along with, Egidius was devoted to his wizards.
Thanks to Saura and her mate, Grand Warlock T’Eirick, several races had signed a treaty two years prior. Shortly afterward, a rogue warlock had attempted to overthrow his own government. His granddaughter had overheard his plans and come to her leaders, allowing the crisis to be averted. But many among The Council—including Killian—sought a better way to protect themselves from traitors or hostile races. It had taken some convincing to get the leaders to agree and still more time to decide how to solve the problem.
Eventually, dragon shifters were considered the most likely prospect to aid them.
“Egidius, Fate chose T’Eirick and Saura to lead their people,” Jarl Kolsten Eldrvalkyria stated calmly, a flash of irritation in his blue eyes. “It is not for you to comment upon the job they are doing.”
