Risen (Haunted Series Book 22)

herself back, but Ted’s convinced her it would not be wise.”
“I will tell her to listen to my dad when we next Skype,” Brian said.  “Sometimes my mom is a little head-muscled.”
“What?” Mike asked, amused.
“He means headstrong,” Amanda corrected.
“I should go back with you,” Ralph said.  “I could be a great help.  I understand Lazar is on vacation.”
“I think Mia doesn’t want you stopping your vacation.  She probably would be a little irritated with me for telling you guys this when she thinks she’s just fine.  Sabine wants to help.”
“Sabine?” Ralph scoffed.  “She’s a twit.”
Amanda clasped her hands over Brian’s ears.
Ralph did not take the hint and continued, “It’s her fault this all happened in the first place.”
“Ralph…” Amanda warned.  “Little ears…”
“Okay, fine.  But you were both thinking it.”
“Audrey’s there.  I know you all want to be with her, but if we overwhelm Mia, then she’s not going to thank us,” Mike cautioned.  “I’ll move out to the aerie and be there for when Brian and Varden are due home.”
Charles rubbed his chin.  “Sounds fair.  In the meanwhile, Brian, you and I could catalogue bones in the day and color happy pictures to give your mother at night.  I have a whole new set of color pencils I have been itching to use.”
“Varden too?” Brian asked.
“Varden too,” Charles agreed.
“Okay.”
The sound of wings filled the night.  “What the devil is that?” Charles asked.
They echoed off the canyon walls before stopping just before the sound of approaching strides on the hardpacked earth.  Victor entered the campsite, followed by two young birdmen.
“Please excuse my arriving unannounced,” Victor started.  “I was in the area and wanted to see Brian and Varden.”
“Uncle Victor!” Brian said, walking over and holding out his hand like Bernard had taught him.  “It’s good to see you.  My uncle Mike just came to tell us about what happened to my mom.”
“We too have heard rumors.  Mike, if you have time, could you answer some questions for me?”
“It would be a pleasure.  May I first introduce you to Mia’s parents, Amanda and Charles?  I believe you know Ralph.”
“Yes, I do.”
“These are my adopted nephews, Seth and Enos,” Victor explained.  “They are interested in archeology.”
“I would be happy to show you around tomorrow if you’re still here,” Charles offered.
“We intend to camp near here,” Victor said.  “If that is permissible.”
“Why?” Mike asked, alarmed.
Victor put his hand on Brian’s shoulder.  “Brian, would you mind taking Seth and Enos and showing them what a real archeologist’s tent looks like?”
Brian smiled.  “Come on, guys, follow me.  Mind where you step.  There are snakes out here.”
Victor waited until Brian was out of earshot before speaking.  “Mia is unable to protect her children right now. She recently battled a demon.  She won, but I’m wary that there could be repercussions.  I would like to have my nephews help you on the dig and act as guards for the children.  Seth and Enos both trained in the classics.  They know quite a bit about European history but nothing of the Southwest.  It could be very beneficial to both them and maybe you too, Charles.”
“Mike, what do you think?” Charles asked.
“Victor is a trusted member of your daughter’s inner circle.  He saved her life.  I would err on the side of caution and allow his nephews to stay.  If they become a problem, send them away.”
“Victor, they would be a great addition to our team.  I’ll put them in with…”
“I’d like one of them in with the boys at night, and one will stand guard.”
“Now you’re worrying me.  How vulnerable is Mia?” Charles asked.
“These entities know that she would only fight if it were to protect her children at this point.  I’m taking this out of play.  She heals fast.  I or Nicholai will always be near until she is fit again.  Please understand this won’t be forever, just until the political climate changes.  Evil has a foothold.  Mike, may we speak in private?”
“Sure,”  Mike said and then walked away from the camp with Victor.  “What do you want to know?”
“Altair told me of the battle where our girl showed the underworld that she was stronger than them all.  But he did not know what happened after that.  She was strong when he left her.”
“Murphy evidently blew up the monster that was guarding the demon and himself in the process.  He ended up in the GSD. I’m given the understanding, this is like your between but for ghost ships?”
“Yes.  A dangerous place for birdmen these days.”
“She knew this and decided to motor in with two ghosts, Kevin Murphy and Fergus O’Connor as her escorts.  She suspected Stephen may have been picked up on a pirate ship called the Devil’s Pride.”
“Its captain hunts us for sport,” Victor growled.
“She masqueraded as an Emissary of Abigor, ready to purchase Stephen’s freedom.  During her conversation with the captain, she found out that there were three of your brothers wounded below.  I’m not definite how - because Kevin didn’t know himself - but she arranged for their escape after she covertly healed them.  After she approached Stephen, he declined coming back with her.  Kevin overheard him calling her a name he’d rather not repeat.  She was mad and demanded his axe.  He gave it to Kevin, and they left.  Kevin saw her clutch her chest a few times as they stole away.  Finally, when they were in reach of the boat, she fainted.”
“What did he say to her?”
“Only she knows, but, Victor, he broke her heart.”
“She’s a warrior.  She wouldn’t mourn him; he’s not dead.”
“Not outwardly, but they have been close for many years.  And Mia loves so deeply.  Why would she want his axe?” Mike asked.  “It’s a spectral axe.  No one but Murphy can