Destined Magic (13 page)

“He tried
to kill me, Brenna. I didn’t push him off. He fell,” the Gabriella next to Brenna explained.

T
his vision completely confused her. Which Gabriella was in danger? In the original vision, she thought she was the one held by Brenna. Now, she wasn’t sure. Garrett should try to shoot Brenna, but there was no Garrett, only two Gabriellas.

Brenna turned the gun toward the Gabriella standing next to Damek.
Damek stepped forward to shield her. The Gabriella next to Brenna twisted her arm and turned to struggle for the gun. The gun fired, and Gabriella fell to the ground. The Guardians surrounded Brenna and the fallen Gabriella, while the other Gabriella stood frozen in horror and disbelief, tears running down her face. She moaned, more confused than ever. In the old vision, she had seen the gun raised and assumed Garrett was holding it. Why did she think Garrett was going to kill her? It was Brenna the whole time.

“No, no, no …”

“Ella, honey wake up. You’re having a nightmare. Gabriella.”

Warm hands rubbed her back and cradled her close to a hard chest.

“Garrett, she’s going to try and kill me, my own sister.” Tears ran down Gabriella’s face and dripped onto his chest. She wiped them away and sat up to look at him. “I’ve had this vision many times. But it’s so confusing now. There are two of me, and she shoots one. I don’t know which one is me.”

“Shh, you’re trembling. Let me hold you.” Garrett pulled her back down so that she rested against him.
His hands continued to rub her back, kneading some of her tension away.

“You don’t understand. If I can’t figure this out, one of us is going to get shot tonight.”

“As long as it isn’t you.” He kissed her head. “We still have time to figure this out, and we’ll take precautions.”

“What precautions can you take to stop a bullet?”

§

“It sounds terrifying.” Venetia reached over and patted Gabriella’s hand.

Garrett frowned at the worry lines on his wife’s face. She was frantic, and he didn’t know how to help her. They had ported to the Beach Inn for breakfast, thinking Venetia might offer some clarity. Garrett hoped being in Venetia’s calming presence and sitting in her sunny kitchen would help Gabriella relax.

“Finish eating
,” Venetia said. “Then, we can go into my workroom and see if we can untangle some of these threads. Your psychic senses are all knotted up from worry. You must relax, dear.” Venetia poured more tea into Gabriella’s porcelain cup.

“I know you’re right, Venetia. I’m acting like a first
-year seer when I’ve been doing this for years.” Gabriella’s shoulders hunched. She pushed food around on her plate without eating. Garrett leaned over and rubbed her back, offering comfort where he could.

“That’s normal when the vision is about people you love. We forget to stay relaxed and begin to worry. Then
, the vision sweeps us into the drama of what’s happening, and we can’t stay objective. We all do it, dear. Now, eat and let the chamomile tea soothe you. We’ll get it all straightened out.”

Ga
briella looked over and gave Garrett a weak smile. “I hope so …”

If he had any
control of the situation, Gabriella wouldn’t have a reason to worry. Somehow, he had to keep her safe. In his pocket, he fingered the sleeping draught Meadow had prepared for him. Would Gabriella forgive him if he made sure she wasn’t at the Blue Dolphin tonight? He had almost destroyed her trust by using the nullifying bracelet. Did he dare use the sleeping potion? Even to keep her safe?

“Garrett
, if you need to get to work, we can call you once we figure out Gabriella’s vision.” Venetia smiled and nodded her head.

“Are you sure? Do you want me to stay, honey?” Garrett didn’t like the paleness of Gabriella’s skin.

“No, it might be easier for me if you go. I’ll call you the minute we are done.” Gabriella patted his hand.

“I can stay in the other room. I don’t have to leave the
inn.” He hated to leave her so distraught.

“Really, Garrett
, I’ll take care of Gabriella. Go do some Guardian business, and leave the scrying and vision work to us.” Venetia made shooing motions with her hands.

Gabriella smiled and nodded her head. Garrett gave her a quick kiss before rising from his chair. “The moment you are finished
, you will call. You promise?”

“Absolutely.”

“I want Gabriella in full-body armor. Nothing gets through, not a bullet or a spell. Are we clear?” Garrett turned to look at Damek and Josiah.

“I’ll add extra protections to her suit.” Damek ran his hand over the bundle of shiny metal. “That’s strange. This armor isn’t protected from magic attack.”

“I thought the council members were in here day before yesterday, putting the spells on and strengthening the armor?” Josiah scratched his head in confusion.

Garrett opened his senses and reached for the armor lining the shelves around the room. “None of the armor is safe
-guarded. Call Mabel and find out what happened. We need this armor tonight.”

“I’ll go ask her myself. This is unacceptable. Someone could have been killed.” Josiah headed for the door.

“Maybe that was the point.” Damek pointed out.

Josiah stopped and turned, his face a mask of disbelief.
“We suspected that a spy was working in our midst. This proves it.”

“Who had access to this r
oom in the last few days? Get the security disks and see if they show anything. I want to know who is sabotaging us.” Garrett slammed his hand against the table. It had to be one of the Guardians or one of the council members. It was hard to believe that a Guardian could be behind it. But until the mystery was solved, everyone was suspect.

“Come on. I think a meeting with Mabel is imperative.” Garrett led the way into the hall and down the corridor.
Josiah and Damek followed, still grumbling about the apparent sabotage.

When they reached Mabel’s door, Garrett didn’t knock but threw the door open. He gaped in amazement when Mabel and his father jumped apart as if they h
ad been scalded. Had he caught his father and Mabel kissing?

“Garrett, what do you mean barging in like
this?” Mabel brushed her hands down her shirt. Her hair appeared slightly mussed.

“I thought I taught you better than that,
Son.” Garrett’s father wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, then slipped the white cloth into his pocket.

“The Guardian armor has been sabotaged. There are no protec
tive spells on the armor at all,” Garrett said.

“That can’t be right
,” Mabel said. “Finley Luften and Sevan Ainsworth worked on the armor two days ago, strengthening the spells. That’s why they were unavailable to attend your bonding ceremony with Gabriella.” Mabel looked from Garrett to his father.

“Well, either
they didn’t lock the spells to the armor, or someone else came in afterward and canceled the spells,” Josiah said. “The armor is nothing but metal. One offensive spell would go right through it. Damek and I will go get the surveillance disks. Maybe, we can find out who is behind this.” Damek followed Josiah down the hall.

“I’m sure Luften and Ainsworth would have locked the spells to the armor. What is going on here, Garrett?” His father slowly sat in one of the chairs in front of Mabel’s desk.

Garrett stepped into the room and turned to shut the door before moving to the other chair. “I think we have a spy in our midst. The Guardians would have gone into battle tonight without any protection if I hadn’t gone with Damek and Josiah to pick out some armor for Gabriella.”

“But someone could have been killed
…”

“I think that was the point, Father. Someone wants the Guardians and possibly the council destroyed.”

“Destroyed? But who would do such a thing?”

Garrett looked first at Mabel and then at his
father. Both seemed truly shaken. “This whole thing with the blood cult and black magic taking over covens is all part of a plot. Josiah pointed it out to me that people connected to the Earth-House seem to be targeted. First, Meadow and then Gabriella and her sister. As Speaker of the Council you hold the most power, Father. I think someone wants to take that power away.”

“I don’t understand. Why not come after me and kill me?” Garrett’s father ran his hands through his hair.

“I would guess that the enemy wants the support of the people,” Mabel sai
d
.
“So he doesn’t want to kill you outright. By killing the Guardians, he can blame their demise on you and your leadership. You would be disgraced, and a call for a vote of confidence could be called.” Mabel folded her hands on her desk. “We need to find out who is behind this. The air witches couldn’t find any trace of Elise and Councilman Brant. Wherever they ported was outside the city. Brant is an expert on magical items. Maybe they need him to use the branding iron they are using on the blood-cult members.”

“They seem to be using it fine as it is.” Garrett lean
ed forward. He glanced at the clock on the wall. When would Gabriella call? Was it safe for her to be at Venetia’s?

“Magical items
can have more than one purpose,” Mabel said. “We aren’t sure yet, which magical branding iron they are using. Safara went to the Fire-House to speak to Councilman Brandreth. They are looking into the vault to see if something has been removed from the collection of artifacts. After Elise and Brant were taken, extra guards were assigned to the house and vault.”

“Mabel and I can recharge the armor and lock the spells in. But we’ll need someone you trust to stand guard until your mission tonight.
” Garrett’s father stood up and headed for the door.

“Damek or Josiah can stand guard
,” Garrett said. “I’ll go see what they found out and then send them down.” He stood. Mabel nodded in agreement and moved to the door. Garrett’s father reached for her hand.

“Keeping it close to home, eh? A
ll right. We better get to it, Mabel. Send some food down with your cousins, Garrett. Working that much magic will leave Mabel and me drained.”

“Yes, sir, c
oming right up,” Garrett said. Preparing the spells and then casting them would leave his father and Mabel more than hungry. They would have to rest and recoup afterward. Now, if he only knew who was behind leaving the Guardians defenseless?

§

Gabriella searched for that inner place of calm. She slowed her breathing as she visualized her favorite place, a small cove where her parents used to take the family before her father died. She visualized the white sparkling sand and the beautiful turquoise water as it foamed and rolled onto the beach. The sun warmed her skin, and all her cares flew away on the salty breeze.

“That’s very good, Gabriella.
” Venetia’s voice came from far away. “Now, hold that feeling. See yourself sitting on the beach, listen to the water rolling in and out. Now, I want you to think about Brenna. Slowly let the vision change to the basement of the Blue Dolphin. Don’t lose the calm of your beach. You are just watching. You aren’t a part of what is going to happen.”

The sun slowly darkened to the light of one light
bulb in a socket on the ceiling. The floor turned from white sand to dark earth packed hard from the many feet that had pounded it. Walls of stone surrounded her as the air lost its freshness and took on the smell of moisture and stone in an enclosed space.

Brenna appeared at the
top of the stairs. One hand wrapped around the arm of Gabriella while the other waved a gun. Panic slammed into Gabriella, and the vision disappeared. She wasn’t in the basement or at the beach. She sat in a comfortable chair in Venetia’s magic workroom off the kitchen.

“Oh, dear. I’m afraid we’ll have to try again.
” Venetia patted her on the arm. “You really must let go of your fear, Gabriella. Nothing can happen to you in this space. I have warded it against all magic, and with a wave of my hand, I can lock us in safe and sound. Would you like some tea before we begin again?”

“That would be lovely. I’m so sorry
, Venetia. I don’t know why I can’t get through this.” They had been working on getting through this vision for the last two hours.

“Not everyone sees
her beloved sister shoot her. Now, you sit here and let me get the kettle on.” Venetia rose from her chair and went into the kitchen.

Gabriella heard her humming as she poured water into the kettle and set it on the stove. A few moments later, something crashed. Gabriella rose from her chair as the door to the workroom closed and locked. The entrance glowed with blue light. Venetia had locked her in and set the defenses.

Gabriella ran to the door and pulled on the handle but it wouldn’t budge. She banged on the wooden surface but nothing happened. Finally, she saw a small light through the keyhole. She crouched down and peered through.

Two men
, wearing black robes, held Venetia’s arms, while Brenna pointed a gun at Venetia’s chest.

“I know you’ve been helping my sister. She won’t win. The
Red Wizard will triumph with me at his side. But right now, you have to die. I’m only sorry I can’t draw out your suffering.”

Tears ran down Gabriella’s face. “No, don’t do it, Brenna.” She pressed closer to the keyhole. If she could only distract them, maybe Venetia could get away.
She banged on the door, but nobody seemed to hear her.

“Your sister has done everything to protect you. She would sacrifice her own life to save you, Brenna
,” Venetia said, standing straight and tall.

“Don’
t worry. Sacrificing her life is exactly what I want her to do.” Brenna pulled the trigger three times.

Gabriella flinched but couldn’t look away from the gleeful smile on her sister’s face. Venetia crumpled to the ground. Her sister stepped over the body and ported away with the men at her side.

Venetia waved her hand, and the door suddenly fell open. Gabriella hurried into the room. She knelt down beside Venetia, reaching for her hand. The floor was covered with blood. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. If I hadn’t come to you, she wouldn’t have come after you.”

“Silly girl,” Venetia whispered. “I always wanted a daughter. If I had one
, I would have wanted her to be just like you. I love you, Gabriella …”

Venetia’s eyes went blank as the breath left her body for the last time.

§

Garrett
leaned over the desk and watched the monitor as Haytham Luften appeared to sneak down the hall toward the armory. Haytham lifted a spray bottle, and the lens of the security camera went black. “I can’t believe it. Why would Haytham be involved in this?”

“I don’t know. I
t doesn’t make sense to me either. Hay has always had our backs.” Damek scratched his head.

A sudden sense of uneasiness rolled over Garrett. He checked his watch
for the umpteenth time and wondered when Gabriella would be calling. The feeling of uneasiness grew stronger. He straightened. “Something is wrong. I have to get to Gabriella.”

“What’s going on?” Damek stood.

“I’m not sure. I left her with Venetia.” The feeling of dread deepened. He rose and moved into an open space in the room, preparing to port.

“I’m coming with you.”
Damek joined him.

“Al
l right, we port on three. One, two, three …”

Garrett appeared in the kitchen doorway. Gabriella sobbed next to Venetia’s body. He rushed forward and took Gabriella into his arms. “Are you al
l right? What happened?”

Gabriella was covered in blood.
He quickly looked her over, but none of the blood appeared to be hers. Damek knelt beside Venetia’s body and checked for a pulse. He sighed and reached up to close Venetia’s eyes.

“
Brenna did this,” Gabriella said. “She shot Venetia for helping me. This is my fault.”

“Stop it, right now! This is not your fault. Stop taking the blame for your sister’s actions. You didn’t make her pull the trigger.” Garrett
was so angry he wanted to shake her. He never should have left them alone. Why hadn’t he seen this coming? Instead, he held her close and let her cry against his chest.

“He’s right you know,” Damek said
, taking the embroidered tablecloth off the kitchen table and covering the body. “Nobody forced your sister to do this. She did it all on her own. How did you escape?”

“Venetia locked me in her workroom. She had
warded it to protect against all magic. Once the door closed, I couldn’t get out, and no one seemed to hear me. I thought if I could distract them, Venetia could get away.” Gabriella rubbed her face on Garrett’s chest and sniffled, but tears continued to pour down her face.

“I’m sorry, baby. I know Venetia was like a mother to you. She was a special woman and will be missed.”
Garrett ran his hand down Gabriella’s hair.

“You were right about Brenna. You both are. Venetia tried to tell me, but I kept hoping she was wrong. I saw my sister pull the trigger. I saw her face. She is truly evil now. She liked killing Venetia.”

“Damek, call for reinforcements. Did you get your vision figured out, honey?” Garrett gave Gabriella a little squeeze.

“No. I ke
pt panicking when I saw Brenna with the gun. Maybe, my magic was trying to warn me of Venetia’s demise. She went to fetch me some tea. If she had been in the workroom with me, she might be here now.”