Jagged Remains (The Keeper Chronicles, Book 4)

~Acknowledgements~

To Joe- A shard, a sliver, a heart warm and tender. A thank you, always and forever.

To Tiff- Much love brave warrior, much respect. Always chin up, tits out.

To Paul- Inspiration comes in many forms and I’m grateful you were one of them. Bang.  

Chapter 1

B etter hurry, we got a wiggler, he told them pressing at his earpiece before looking up hoping the message would make it in time.

I’m heading your way now, Jannik’s voice screeched into his ear accompanied by a female’s agonized shriek mingling with crackling static.

The witch before him was plastered against a wall in a small alleyway separating two brick and mortar shops within the small town. The cold and steady drizzle from the sky overhead appeared almost as if destined for snow as gray walls of shambling clouds blocked out the sun’s chance to warm their bodies.

He held her in place with his hand extended as a wave of channeled force magic kept her lifted and pressed with its nearly translucent power. Her long soaking wet salt and peppered hair lay haphazardly behind her in tangled waves as if she was laying down to partake in a modeling shoot wearing a designer robe made of tattered gray and brown fabric.

Here, nestled within the sleepy town of Falstone, England roughly eight miles from the Scottish border, they had tracked her and one other. Here, among the norms and the tinted daylight hours of winter, they had forced this now one lone survivor of the Scottish witches to fall victim to their hunting ways. She would pay, they all would.

You will never win! the woman cried out as she fidgeting against his magical hold. We are many, we are more powerful than you can even imagine. Seething, her piercing yellow eyes bore into his. You are nothing to us. We will feast on your bones and harvest your souls!

I think not, he replied shaking his index finger at her for emphasis.

Careful, Vik squawked through his earpiece. I’m detecting an increase in energy levels around your area. I believe she is surging.

He rolled his eyes before pressing his earpiece. How can I be all superheroic and commanding if you keep interrupting my spiel?

Just a warning, Vik responded through the static-laced connection.

He turned his attention down the alley as a small blue car darted past on the rain-slicked road drawing his attention. Regular folks going about their day without even the slightest hint of what was happening mere feet away. No passersby were traveling the sidewalks, no innocent onlookers would come investigating the odd sounds. It was dreary out, wet, and cold. No one would venture out to look for themselves, the witch’s magic coupled with glamour spells ensured they were truly alone, hidden, silenced. Good and evil out enjoying the day.

She’s not going anywhere, and you know how they love to boast until—

He felt his magic shutter as he turned his head back to the witch. His force powers diffused as the created barrier against the woman fizzled out amid a ripple of yellow-green magic. Her eyes glowed a furious brightness as two fingers at her side shimmered with energy. She smirked as her body slid down the brick wall to the asphalt below before cocking her head.

Now fat man, we’ll see how you like being on the receiving end of magic, she snarked holding two glowing fingers to her mouth. Your time is up.

Grumbling something from her crooked and yellowed teeth, she blew against her fingers as a wave of yellow and green magic blasted forth. Swinging a hand up, his defensive power deflected the shot as the witch’s spell rocked him from his feet with its strength. Stumbling back, he fell on his bottom, the wet alleyway seeping into his denim jeans upon impact.

Tiny tendrils of her magic fired out in every direction as if a firework had been ignited within a small space. Through the haze of his pearly translucent barrier, he could see her step closer. Scurrying back, water sloshed from his path. He pressed against the opposite wall trying to distance himself from her approach.

Don’t make me kill you, he threatened as her eyes danced with wicked energy.

Destroy her, Mr. Labeau, Vik’s crackled words rang out in his ear.

Yes... kill me, Mr. Labeau, the witched teased as his eyes widened that she could hear that well. I relish your sad attempt. Come at me, frail one, and allow me to dance over your corpse.

I’d... I’d rather not, he spoke shaking his head.

Mumbling incoherent words, she touched the edge of his magical barrier as trails of her energy dripped from a scraggly finger. For a moment, he was sure his power would be enough to hold her back. For a moment, he had considered his power no match for her. As he watched his manifested protection dematerialize against the yellow glow streaming from her swirling eyes, he knew he had been very wrong.

The hunter becomes the prey, she croaked out before cackling. Towering over him, she edged closer. Her long robe swayed behind her as if she were standing in an air current. Your time is at an end, fat one. Your little game of hunting our kind, my sisters, is over. She smiled, eyes glinting with devilish glee. Now comes the reaping, now comes your bitter end!

He lowered his eyes. The time for second chances was over. Jannik was not going to make it in time, Vik was useless in situations like this. He had gambled on his powers to overcome every obstacle and had come up with empty pockets. Not wanting to lose himself any further in the process of murdering every witch he came across, he had held back for her benefit, for his. Let someone else handle the moral breaks, the questionable ethics, the nightmares, and the guilty feelings, he had told himself. He had been a fool. Mission failed, no second chances.

The world exploded in blinding light behind his eyelids. Bright white carrying intense heat blasted towards his face as he shielded its brilliance with a hand. Something made a crackling sound as if tiny twigs had been tossed on a blazing inferno nearby as static tickled his exposed skin. The witch screamed in agony before him as he dared to open his eyes and witness what he already surmised; someone had tossed him a save. 

Her face froze in horror, her eyes were wide with shock. Tiny snaking tendrils of purple and blue electrified energy sparking with white intensity wormed themselves across her tanned skin. Spreading out and devouring, flesh dissolved with razor sharpness. Her hair, what was left of it, fell to her sides in patches smoldering and sizzling into dust before making it to the wet asphalt.

Her robe, once billowy and old, now engulfed in fiery orange and black rolling smoke consumed her body with greed. She howled at the pain and reached for the sky. Slamming her mouth shut so hard he heard teeth snap and crunch from the force, the witch he had come to stop who had almost took him out in the process, literally exploded right in front of him.

Smoldering robes and embers of burning flesh rained down upon the alley as he waved drifting bits from his face and tugged at his shirt to cover his mouth. Wafts of ashy remains swirled in a chilly breeze and drifted out from the walkway towards the town’s inner workings, to the norms oblivious to supernatural danger having been so close.

A crackling flash of light appeared on his right as jagged trails of energized magic spread themselves out from a brilliant glowing orb a few feet off the ground. His teeth felt fuzzy as his arm hair stood on end. Seconds later the brightness faded and Jannik stood over him holding up a finger that danced with purple and blue electricity. Shaking it, he dissipated his travel power and looked down at him disapprovingly.

Seems I made it just in time.

Hey, I had it all under control, he snapped back.

Was falling on your butt and squishing yourself against a brick wall part of your grand scheme? Jannik asked smirking at his predicament while pushing a feathered strand of jet black hair from his face.

Maybe, he replied and huffed wiping a wet hand off on his pants. You gonna stand there all day and make faces at me or do you think maybe you could help me up?

Maybe, Jannik replied before chuckling.

He allowed the younger Keeper to extend a hand and help him up. The embarrassment only part of the problem, the main being he had assumed his tenacity and force magic would be enough to overcome any situation. It was something to consider, another addition to the already burdensome weight of carrying so much on his shoulders, his mind, his heart.

You really do like to show off, don’t you? he asked brushing his bottom off.

It comes naturally, Jannik chuckled nudging his side with a bony elbow.

If you two are done measuring dicks, could you possibly retrieve me from the rooftop? I’d rather not mimic a tv antenna all winter, Vik radioed in as they both stifled their chuckles at the man’s obvious over it all attitude.

You ready? Jannik asked lifting a finger above his head as if testing the wind’s direction.

Yeah, the sooner the better. He quickly bent down retrieving a charred bit of fabric from the witch’s robe before slipping it into his jeans. A reminder, a tool.

Wiping his hands off on his jeans, he checked the level of dampness at his rear. A change of clothes would most certainly be required, a long nap would also be greatly appreciated. Moving towards Jannik, he hunched down alongside the man’s waist and slipped a hand into the younger Keeper’s pocket.

This never gets awkward, he said sarcastically.

Any deeper and you’re buying me dinner.

I would but I have taste, you’re not it.

Tease.

Says the man nonchalantly commenting on the possibility of a free feel-up.

Point, Jannik said before snickering.

The air hummed, static intensified all around them. Blues streaked with purple and white energy. The hair on his body danced from Jannik’s focused magic, his stomach knotted at the influx of power. A brilliant flash forced him to slam his eyes shut. After a few seconds of weightlessness, they touched down on the roof of a three-story building that looked down upon the alleyway where they had just brought an end to the Scottish coven of witches.

Ugh, Jannik groaned twisting his body and stretching. You’re like lugging around heavy-duty truck tires. Good thing we were only porting up a couple of stories, I couldn’t possibly manage the weight long term.

Don’t be jealous of my good looks and manly physique. This is how real men look, chunky, and funky. I can’t help it if you look like you would choke to death on a breath mint, he chided rolling his eyes.

Jannik gave him the middle finger and smirked. Americans, so prideful, so rude.

I could say the same thing about Germans, he teased.

Jannik adjusted his denim jacket and scoffed. I never—

Shhh... Vik spoke out forcing a stalemate. Clear the air so I can work. The constant chatter is affecting my reception.

They traveled across the rooftop to the frail older man waiting patiently near the edge of the building. His khaki trousers appeared two-toned from the persistent drizzle of icy rain as his dark brown sweater was fully buttoned and pulled tight against his chest. Upon it, tiny drops of water beaded up in several spots making him appear to be producing baubles of glass as he stood perfectly still against the weather’s attempt to persuade him to drier and warmer climates.

Viktor Ullmer, a dark Keeper and supernatural tuner extraordinaire stood facing out across the rooftops past Falstone and towards the woods and hills beyond. His thick glasses were pressed against his aged and wrinkled face as tiny drops of water hit his nearly bald head and ricocheted outward. Tufts of gray and white hair lay matted and sagging against the back of his head desperately clinging to his elderly skull. Nearly seventy-three, Gordy could see the remaining hair on Viktor’s head was losing its battle daily.

Here, a gift, he told Vik handing him the piece of burnt fabric from the alley. See what you can find out.

Vik turned to him as milky pale blue eyes appeared to gaze through him. Being nearly blind, the older man’s perception had tripled as a result and coupled with magic, was unmatched within their secret world. Holding up a shaky hand that appeared as if thin skin had been draped over a handful of twigs, he took the fabric and rubbed it between two bony fingers. Smiling, he turned away as his eyes rolled back to pure white.

Ahh, perfect, the old man said using one hand to take his glasses off before sliding one of the arms into the collar of his thick gray undershirt keeping them in place. 

That part always grosses me out, Jannik whispered by his side as he agreed.

Recently, he had grown accustomed to the old man’s granted abilities and the way he looked when channeling or searching for a signal. Gross or not, it was a learning experience for him, and it was one he was glad to receive. Considering his only knowledge stemmed from Keepers he worked alongside in the states, these dark Keepers carried with them skill sets that he had never seen or even heard of and that alone was worth it to take it all in if only to understand the broad scope of magical abilities. 

Viktor stood there as if suddenly turned to one part stone, two parts a zombie. His eyes were rolled back so far, Gordy could swear they were on the verge of popping themselves free of his elderly head. With his hands raised in front of him, he grew quiet. Ripples of light purple magic began to glow and retreat from his hands as they spread themselves out in wider circles. They stood next to him quietly watching his magic energy seeking, searching, detecting.

Ahh, Vik softly spoke after a few minutes of silence. I sense the surge of energy far off into the distance, a bloom of power, a knowing.

He nudged Jannik in the side, Told ya the Scottish ones weren’t the only witches.

Duh, Jannik replied.

They know, they feel the loss, they flee to security, Vik continued to mumble. A hive of bees alerted of our approach. His magic intensified forming larger pulses of glowing purple that spread out at a quickening pace. They circulate as they draw inward, a leader hidden among them.

Where? he asked. Where are they located?

The old man’s body rocked in place. They...they center around the weakening, around a place of great power... his voice trailed off as he searched the spiritual landscape of auras, energy signals, and magic. There...there among the bees of yellow and green...energy...pink and rosy, dim and wilting...

Where, who? he questioned turning to notice Jannik’s eyes widen.

Reina...is she? Is it her? the younger Keeper excitedly questioned. Where is she, where are they keeping her?

Sliding in closer to Viktor, Jannik gripped his arm as the old man gasped and instantly dissipated his channeled spell. Ribbons of broken purple energy drifted across the rooftop before fading against the gray sky. As the old man’s eyes rolled back to their usual milky pale blue, he blinked several times at Jannik before pulling free his glasses and pressing them against his face.

Where? Jannik pleaded as Viktor pulled away. What did you see?

Easy young one, Viktor told him rotating his arm around and giving it a little shake. No need to break me in half.

Tell me, Jannik urged as if he were liable to explode from the anxiety.

It was her, our Reina, Vik mentioned taking a moment to cough into his closed hand. She’s in the thick of them, but her power is fading with time. She weakens around their numbers; her magic is being drained.

Did you sense a location, a precise area? he asked moving between them.

Viktor nodded before glancing nervously towards the woods on the outskirts of town. Yes, a long journey is in store for us, I’m afraid. They’ve holed up in the one place that benefits them the most, the one place that would be fitting for their overall plan.

Well? he questioned already over the man’s stalling.

Please don’t tell me it’s where I think it is, Jannik said aloud as the puzzle pieces began falling into place. Please don’t say it’s—

Svishtov, Vik blurted out.

Shit, Jannik muttered shaking his head in disbelief. Are you serious? Are you sure? The sight of the largest veil breach ever recorded, that place?

Viktor slowly nodded as Jannik threw his hands up to his head and continued to shake it. Yes, a little over 3000 km from here, or almost 2000 miles for the yank’s understanding, he said looking over at him and smiling.

The air felt heavy and foreboding. The weight, the gravity of their situation, taking on a more ominous tone, a deadlier issue even further away than they realized. As if the gaggle of witches kidnapping a Keeper and being employed by someone with force powers wasn’t already enough, they would now need to travel to the sight of a veil breach that had once claimed nearly all of their kind. The sight, the home of great evil and loss had now received some new lodging guests of a more sinister variety. They would need to battle them all.

Cue the dramatic music, he chimed in. Let the games begin.

Chapter 2

Frustrated, Truddie Mae swung her arm out and toppled her prized scrying bowl. It jerked suddenly spilling its contents across the table as its heavy marble frame thudded to the floor and rolled to one side near her chair. Thankfully, it hadn’t broken into a million pieces but the way she was feeling she sort of wished it would have done just that and then some.

She snapped her head up and rubbed her heavy eyes. Valda stared at her from across the table using a hand to stop the flow of oil and blood from encroaching upon her sense of perfection. Sam rushed over with a small kitchen towel and tossed it to the table as they both eyed her.

I am so frickin’ over this whole thing! she yelled holding her clenched fists above her head before slamming them down on the table. The spilled contents of her scrying bowl bounced as Sam hurriedly tried to absorb the remaining liquid.

I’m assuming no sense or sign of the others? Valda questioned.

No, Valda, I always throw things and make a mess when everything goes my way, she chided as the dwarf gave her a sour look.

Getting yourself worked up isn’t going to help you, or anyone.

She sighed rubbing her forehead. I know, I know. Reaching down, she grabbed the heavy marble bowl and placed it back on the table with a thud. It’s just so damn annoying, such a pain in the ass. Drives me crazy that I can’t scry for the boys. This not knowing anything is for the birds.

Understandable, Valda said. I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for the delay in their communication. If anything happened to them, you’d feel it, sense it.

After everything we’ve experienced the past few months, I’m not entirely sure. She pushed her chair from the table before grabbing some paper towels and handed them off to Sam. Something keeps blocking my astral sight, it’s like all I hit is a wall of blackness, a fog so thick I can’t pick up on their auras. I can’t feel my way through it, I can’t pinpoint them at all. She sat back down.

Have you tried any of the locations over there, places they might have gone, planning to visit? Valda asked spitballing for all she was worth.

Yes, for the most part. Every place I could even remotely think about is blocked from sight. I can’t even pick up anything. No Bryce, no Lana, no Sheridan. Hell, I can’t even sense the triplets.

Hmm, Valda cocked her head thinking. Magic block, I’m sure. Course, even if the area is shielded from your sight, you should still feel their loss through our Keeper bond if one or both were to pass away, especially since one is your adopted son even if they are thousands of miles away.

Well, thanks for offering that little tidbit of reassurance, she said to the dwarf. Makes me feel so much better. She rolled her eyes as Valda pursed her lips and gave her a look.

It’s the least I could do, Valda snarked before flouncing her hair and averting her eyes.

She watched as Valda gave her the cold shoulder and Sam finished wiping up the spilled liquid that had raced across the kitchen table. Clearing it all away, he hurried to the sink and then nearby trash can before scurrying off to the living room. Avoiding eye contact with either one of them while fleeing their aggravation had become par for the course in his daily cohabitation with two strong-minded, not to mention short-fused, women.

It had been a very trying week for them all. As