Shadow Magic by Cheyenne McCray

through him, and he was not entirely sure why. They had made good lives
for themselves belowground and had existed in their realm for centuries.
    Had he made the right decision? Was it enough for his people to enjoy what sunlight they could before being sent belowground again?
    No time for those thoughts. Garran shook his head. He had work to accomplish before he delivered his decision to his daughter and her companions.
    He closed his eyes and visualized the meadow over the Drow realm and his body shimmered and vanished from the transference stone.
    After traveling through the dark void, he returned in moments a step away from the door above his home. He opened his eyes and paused to study the dark place he had not seen bathed in sunlight for centuries.
    The gifts the Great Guardian had given him …
    Yes. He had made the right decision. He would be able to not only help his people, but his daughter and her people as well. The thought warmed his chest and he smiled.
    After he made his way down the stone stairs to the great hall, Garran ordered one of his guards to summon Vidar. The warrior was to return from the training cavern where he worked with their army, to meet with Garran in the throne/ strategy chamber.
    Garran settled himself on his throne, rested one elbow on an armrest and stroked his chin.
    Once he discussed his plans with his Directorate and those in his command, he would go to the D’Danann village.
    When he traveled to the San Francisco Otherworld, he would meet with the D’Danann and D’Anu to discuss tactics. Without telling the witches or warriors of his ability, he had to find a way to get the Fomorii gathered in one place at the same time. He would transfer them all at once and not use the power thrice. Certainly, he would determine how to accomplish this and not leave his people without an experienced leader.
    Vidar strode into the throne room and bowed. Garran
acknowledged his First in Command with a slight nod, then pushed himself off his throne and stepped down from the dais and faced Vidar.
    The warrior had black hair and blacker eyes, and his skin was slightly bluer in hue than Garran’s. Physically, Vidar’s strength nearly matched Garran’s. But not his magic. Vidar also did not have the powerful yet diplomatic presence a ruler of the Drow needed. At times Vidar was easy to anger and that anger could disrupt his magic.
    â€œI will be leaving soon.” Garran studied Vidar’s expression. “While I am gone you will serve as Steward in my place.”
    Vidar’s dark eyes narrowed as he met Garran’s. “May I ask, my king, where you are going and how long you will be away?”
    â€œIt is an acceptable question.” Garran turned from Vidar, his hands behind his back as he eyed the obsidian door. “To the San Francisco Otherworld to aid in the battle against Ceithlenn and the Fomorii.”
    â€œYour Highness.” Vidar’s tone held a hard edge to it. “You cannot put yourself in harm’s way. I will lead the army and do as you bid.” Vidar insisting he should lead the army in Garran’s stead was an excellent quality in a First in Command. Garran expected no less.
    Still, Garran faced Vidar again and stated, “I go alone. No questions. No answers will be given.”
    Vidar raised his chin. “My king, we cannot afford the chance that you might lose your life. As your First, I insist—”
    Garran held up his hand, halting Vidar’s speech. Despite his approval of Vidar’s desire to protect his king, Garran did not have time to waste on futile arguments. “As I said, you will serve as Steward.”
    Vidar set his jaw but he bowed in acknowledgment before meeting Garran’s gaze again. “I will gather the Directorate so that we might make arrangements.” Vidar’s expression was harder than Garran believed it should have been when one was speaking to his king. “They will not