Issue # 16- A Shattered Clasp

A Shattered Clasp

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Hours later the men pull up in front of Mikel`s home, his Range Rover drawing curious looks the entire trip. Erick stands in the snow, his unique gaze moving over the keep before he directs his attention across the badly dented Rover`s roof.

“Cheery.”

“Hmm,” Mikel answers plodding to the stout portal to cast a fast look at the large round knocker held tightly in a blackened raven`s beak.”It suits me.”

“Yeah, you and Herman Munster,” Erick mutters coming up behind his much taller cousin. The door comes open slowly, blanketing the weary travelers in light. Erick watches in stifled amusement when a blond propels herself through the doorway into his stoic cousin’s arms. Her ripe mouth covers Mikel`s as her ringed fingers gather tight handful`s of long ebony hair.”Looks like that suits you too,” Erick comments as Mikel gathers her to him with one muscular arm, her short skirt riding up to reveal her firm bottom as her legs wrap about the Guardian`s lean waist.

“Ephra,” Mikel breathes over her nibbling lips.” Your greeting is more suited to a returning warrior than a truant officer.”

“Mmmm,” the buxom witch sighs running her tongue over his lower lip before he loosens his hold on her. Her sapphire eyes move over Mikel`s face, a small frown forming when she spies the jagged gash behind the wild onyx hair.”You`re hurt!”

“It`s a scratch. May I now enter my own keep?”

“Ahem?” Erick clears his throat behind them.

“And introduce the juvenile delinquent who….” Mikel falters as Arapos enters the illuminated doorframe, her bent shadow casting long and dark over the three.

“Save the pleasantries for later Rayvenwing,” the oracle hisses waving at Ephra as if she were a pesky mosquito.” We have company Guardian,” she whispers, her tone making Mikel tense instantly. Without another word he makes his way through the mansion to the library, his oracle struggling to keep up. Mikel stops at the hefty door, his glittering eyes blanketing his emotion well.

”Arapos, did they say what they want?”

Her gray head shakes negatively.” I saw this ‘visit’ but know not the exact reason. I would guess it comes due to the ‘mishap’ earlier and Merrium`s attack in view of mortals,” she states quietly whipping Erick at her left a wicked look that makes the sorcerer shuffle his dark boots nervously.

Mikel nods, inhaling deeply then blowing the breath out slowly.” I have the same ominous perception. Ephra, take Erick to a guest chamber and see he settles in.”

“Shall I wait for you in yours?” she queries breathlessly. The shake of his head spears her heart.

“No. Go home little witch,” he states and turns from her pained expression to enter the library, Arapos toddling in behind his wave of black leather.

“You heard the Guardian witch, get yourself gone! This meeting with the Echelon concerns you not,” the oracle tells Ephra firmly before closing the door soundly in the witch`s crestfallen face.