the village via a large ‘Whoosh’ as sweet Callie calls it. The twelve that decided to leave The Stolen behind were joined by six more. And I’m thrilled to see many of the babies and children are amongst them.
They all gasp and squeal as they land, tumbling to their backsides as they meet the ground. They quickly jump to their feet, holding their children or each other close.
Everyone in the village turns to face us, their eyes wide as they take in the sight of the downtrodden who join us.
‘My goodness!’ gasps one of the women at the bakery, grabbing a basket of bread and cakes as she rushes over to them. ‘You all look half-starved! Here, eat!’ She looks at her friend. ‘Fetch milk and water, would you? They need to drink. And ask Gregory to get some fruit.’
The new arrivals look at the offering with concern, but the smell of freshly baked goods is damn near impossible to turn away when you’re that hungry. They take the bread. They devour it. Others approach them, offering drinks. Blankets. Fruit. Milk for the children. The young mother whose baby I saved looks at me with tears in her eyes and a trembling lip.
‘Thank you,’ she says, seeing for herself that there is no evil here.
‘Now, if only the other nutters would see that we’re here to help. Not eat their fucking souls,’ Gabriel huffs.
‘They will. If not, and if they refuse to move somewhere they can live properly, then we take the children from them and send them to the island whether they like it or not.’
‘Harsh.’
‘No. Not for the children who are living in shit and going to bed hungry because of their parents’ stupidity. I wish someone would have come to get me and save me from the adults that destroyed my life. I won’t let that happen here. Not if I can stop it.’ I turn to Ash. ‘I believe there are some houses on the north side of the village that are vacant?’
He nods.
‘Ensure they are close together. They will feel safer being with familiar faces. And ensure that they have food and water as well as clean clothes. And evaluate their magics. We need to know who has what so we can organise their training.’
He bows.
‘Before you leave,’ Ash says as I go to do just that. ‘I wanted to offer an invitation for dinner soon. For you two and for Callie, of course. My girlfriend would absolutely love to meet you.’
‘Erm, sure. We’ll set something up.’
‘Great. I would love to host you. Me and my girlfriend both.’
Ash smiles and turns his entire focus on the new arrivals.
‘I’ve heard a lot about this girlfriend,’ Gabriel mutters quietly. ‘But no one has seen her. I’ll be interested to see if she’s real.’
‘Fake girlfriends are the least of my concerns. I have to get back to Callie,’ I tell Gabriel. ‘I need her in my arms right now.’
He follows me as I head toward the school.
‘The Stolen don’t have the missing people. And the young mother said they are missing people too. Will you stay and ask her about it a little more?’
‘Of course,’ he agrees as we walk up the path to the school. ‘I’ll speak to family members and friends too. See if we’re missing something. And I’ll send a team to where the animal carcasses were found. See what’s going on there.’
We step through the school courtyard and see some children sitting with a teacher. They surround a pile of logs and each takes a turn in trying to set them alight. They must be Elemental fire witches. When the youngest girl creates a successful flame, they all cheer.
‘Good job, kid!’ I call over.
Her mouth falls open as her friends all whisper about the Arcane Witch being here and speaking to them.
The main doors open, and Amara and Collins emerge. Along with Finley and Callie, each with a cookie in their hand and chocolate smeared all over their faces.
Now that’s a glorious fucking sight.
The woman who teaches the young ones stands beside the children, smiling and making them both laugh so wonderfully.
I stop for a moment and think.
‘What is it, Beautiful?’ Gabriel asks.
‘The missing. Find out what realms of magic they have access to. What families they are connected to. Were they with the Nomads, or were they with Dad?’
‘Why? You think it matters?’
‘Maybe. Knowledge is power. I want to know where our people are. Since you settled them and set up the council, nothing like this has happened. I don’t like that this is happening now. After I get back? After my realms of magic have all nearly returned? I don’t like it.’ I shake my head. ‘Not at all.’
‘MUMMMMMYYYYY!’
‘Hi, baby girl,’ I greet, opening my arms for Callie as she bounds towards me.
I take her in my arms and let out a deep sigh, relieved to have her back.
Amara and Collins join us.
‘How did it go? Amara asks.
‘As well as it could have.’
‘Collins,’ Gabriel asks. ‘Would you mind staying with me for a bit? I could use some help.’
‘Sure, man,’ Collins replies, shovelling a cookie into his mouth. ‘Whatever you need.’
‘You erm…’ Gabriel hesitates for a minute but decides to ask the question. ‘At Bias’s place. Was anything off?’ he asks.
‘Off?’ Collins repeats.
‘Did it all look normal? Any signs of trouble or anything?’
‘Nope. Everything was as it usually is. He left a note that said he’ll be back in a few days. Same as usual when he takes off.’
I feel my heart start to pick up a beat or two. ‘You don’t think Bias is in trouble, do you?’ I ask hesitantly.
‘No.’ Gabriel shakes his head. ‘He’s more than capable of handling himself. I’m sure he’s fine. I just wanted to double-check. You sure you don’t want to stay?’ Gabriel asks me.
‘I’m pretty tapped out,’ I tell him. ‘Getting a bit of a headache. Can you guys cope?’
‘Of course, my love.’ He kisses my forehead. ‘I’ll be back by sunset.’
‘Are we going fishing now?’ Callie asks, cookie crumbs flying from her lips.
‘Yes,’ I chuckle.
‘Enjoy the rest of your day,’ Gabriel says. ‘And say hello to your old man for me.’
‘Will do.’
He leans in and kisses us both.
‘I’ll see you later, Beautiful.’
‘You better.’
‘Bye, Daddy,’ Callie sings, still entangled around me like a vine.
‘Bye, my sweet girl.’ He lands her with another kiss and then takes my chin in his hands. ‘I absofuckinglutely love you.’
‘Love you more.’
‘Impossible. If you need me…’
‘I’ll send for you. I promise.’
He looks deep into my eyes.
‘Try and take it easy for the rest of the day. You’re still building up your stamina and using too much magic too soon will hurt you. Your eyes are a little bloodshot.’
‘One final whoosh home,’ I assure him. ‘Then I promise it will be a magic-free zone.’
He steps back as Amara and the kids get closer. I watch him walk away, deep in conversation with Collins about what has happened.
‘Can we go see Grandpa now?’ Callie asks.
‘God, yes.’ I summon my magic. ‘Let’s go see Grandpa.’
