Divided Paths

by Katrina Cope

  She takes the book from me. I almost don't want to hand it over because it looks so beautiful. But I submit to her request, letting my fingers linger on the cover again as she pulls it away.

  “I will open it for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  She wears a warning look. “Only because I know you are of pure heart, and you cannot do anything with what's inside of it anyway.”

  I watch her long, slender hand glide over the front cover and stop in the middle over the compass. At fifteen years of age, she has grown into a beautiful young lady. Her features are slender, and her face is attractive. Her skin is pale, and her hair is long and beautifully blond.

  I'm too busy looking at how much she has grown since I first met her to realize that the pages are open, and she is flicking through them. Her beautiful eyes watch me as she laughs.

  She holds the book out. “Here you go.”

  With a feeling of awe, I take the book from her and squat into a sitting position, leaning my back against a tree. Slowly, I flick through the pages, studying the strange pictures and titles that I have never seen before. Things are written in a language that I’m not familiar with and cannot read, and I’m grateful that because I’m an angel I have the gift of being able to decipher it.

  I read the first few pages then look up at her in amazement. “These are spells.” I flick through a few more pages and point at one. “This is your invisibility spell.” I look at her with wonder.

  Bashful pride fills her face, mixed with confusion. “Yes. They are my spells. How can you read them? Are you a witch?”

  I shake my head. “Just guessing by the pictures. They’re your spells?” I say this with disbelief. “Do you mean these are spells you know?”

  “No, they are not spells I know. They are spells I created.”

  “Spells you made up yourself?” I ask, completely surprised.

  “Yes, the spells I made myself, from scratch.” I can see she's starting to question herself for showing me the book.

  I attempt to fix this. “That's amazing. How on earth do you manage these spells? Your mama and papa don't have any idea about magic. Who's been teaching you this?”

  “My mom and pop taught me the basics before they died. Because I was born from a witch, I trained from a very young age. It is something that is in my blood, and they’ve always told me there is something extra special about me. I am different than other witches.”

  “Is it because you are pure of heart?”

  “No, not just that.” She shakes her head. “I think it has to do with my other ability as well. My father was different too.”

  “And how is that?”

  “Maybe one day I'll show you.” A strange look is on her face. “Don't you and Papa have a lot to do today?”

  “There’s always something to do, even in the off-season, but surprisingly, we don't have as much today. Papa has given me some time off.” I huff a laugh. “Probably the first time in years.”

  She holds out her hand for the book, and I close it and hand it to her. She packs it in the bag. “Well, if you have time off, I would like to go into the forest and collect some flowers from a special plant.”

  I look at her with surprise. “A special plant? What's this plant for?” She smiles at my surprise, which I'm not hiding well. I think I know this girl, and then she surprises me.

  “For a potion I’ve been working on.”

  “A potion? Do your mama and papa know about this?”

  “Yes. Mama wants me to make it in the kitchen when she's not cooking.”

  I stand, and she hooks her arm through mine.

  “So, the answer? Are you going to escort me into the forest? My parents forbid me to go alone, although I'm sure that I'd be able to defend myself.”

  “Seeing as I have some free time, I would love to come. I know how overprotective they are of you.” I spot the bag lying at the roots of the tree and pick it up. “Will we need this for your travels?”

  “Yes, I do. I might grab a few extra things when we're out there.”

  - Chapter Thirteen -

  With our arms looped together, we head into the forest outside of the farm. Ava's head only comes to the middle of my upper arm. She is quite short for her age, but I have never met a short person who lacks determination.

  “I've haven't seen you heading to the forest before.” I study the tall trunk that towers above me, reaching for the sunlight. “How do you know what's in here?”

  She smiles at me with mischief in her eyes. “Who said I've never been in the forest before? Just because my parents forbid it doesn't mean I don’t go.”

  “You go into the forest without anyone accompanying you?” I can't hide my astonishment when she nods. “It's very dangerous, you know. There are lots of wild animals, and I'm supposed to protect you.” I can feel the heat rising in my ears, and I am annoyed that I was sent here to protect her, but she doesn't abide by the rules. In all honesty, though, she doesn't know why I am here.

  “Did Papa make you protect me?” Before I have a chance to answer her, she cements her own assumption. “I thought you were just his hand.”

  I realize what I said, and my words stumble out of my mouth. “I am just a hand. It was my idea to watch over you because I can see how protective your father is of you, and he has taken me in under his shelter.” I chance a glance into her eyes, and I can see the disbelief in them.

  She laughs. “That wasn't very convincing.”

  “I know. I know.” I take a deep breath then let it out. “I was sent by someone else. Someone asked me to protect you.” I figure telling her some of the truth won’t hurt. Besides, she has revealed something about herself, and I know there is a lot more to learn.

  “Finally, the truth comes out.” She arches an eyebrow while looking at me. “So who sent you?”

  “You wouldn't know anyway. They heard you needed protecting.”

  She laughs openly and indicates around the area. “Yes. Of course. I've been attacked nearly every day of my life since you arrived. I don't see anyone who I need to be protected from.”

  “The one who sent me thought there was a potential danger and wanted you protected.” I nudge her playfully in the side. “Perhaps they just wanted me to make sure you didn't grow up evil.”

  She giggles. “Yes, because Mama and Papa's overbearing protectiveness could chase me to the wrong side.” Her sarcasm shines through her words, and she throws her head back and laughs.

  “But don't tell your mama and papa why I'm here. I hope you won't look at me any differently.”

  She nudges me back with her elbow. “Why would I look at you differently? And no, I won't tell my parents. I know how overprotective they can be. Even though Papa mostly trusts you, I won’t blow it away. Besides, I like having you around. It gives me someone to talk to. But don't you get lonely? A handsome guy like you should have a female. I'm sure you could earn money elsewhere.”

  “I don't think about having a partner or having a family. It's not how I was raised.” I realize too late that I said this a little bit too briskly, and she eyes me strangely.

  “It's a shame. You'd be a catch and a loyal man, and I'd love to know where you get these muscles.” She squeezes my upper arm. “This isn't just from farming.”

  I can feel my ears turn red. “I think you're a little young to be saying that.” I chuckle, trying to laugh away the questions.

  “Nope. There are people my age who are already married.”

  I let out a whistle. “That is young.”

  As we walk and talk, the forest grows darker. The tall trees and dense shrubs block the light.

  My wariness grows, and I ask, “What exactly are you looking for?”

  “I'm looking for a special flower that grows in these woods.”

  “What does it do?”

  “It has soporific qualities, and I add it to a potion I make.”

  “You make potions?”

  “I make a sleeping potion for m
y mother now and then. She finds it hard to sleep with all of Papa’s snoring. The one with this particular flower tends to knock her out.”

  I laugh. “I'm not surprised. He's got quite a rumble on him. I remember from my early days when I slept in the living room.”

  She smiles her agreement. “I don't just think it's that, though. I sometimes think my ruckus at night time with my dreams also keeps her awake. It's something I can't help. So I make her this potion.” We walk farther. “I did find some of those flowers not far from here once.”

  Something edges around the corner, and a low growl fills the air. Shivers rock down my spine, and I immediately fall into defense mode. I turn to where I heard the sound and spot a wolf with dark eyes and a menacing grin spreading from ear to ear, showing off its large canines. Slowly, it creeps forward, its sight firmly on us. I dash in front of Ava and spread my arms wide, making her stand behind me.

  A cry fills the air. “Zacharias! Run!”

  I ignore her and stand my ground with my legs positioned to react rapidly, ready to protect her at all costs. She is my mission. I must protect her from animal, human, or supernatural threats. I brace myself and prepare to fight if the wolf pounces. I hear rustling behind me, and dread creeps up my spine. I hope it's not another wolf. I knew they often attack in packs. Keeping the wolf in my vision, I turn to look in the other direction, looking for the cause of the noise. To my horror, Ava has disappeared. I can't see her. She is completely gone. I drop my gaze on the wolf then search, my eyes darting in every direction.

  I call out, “Ava. Ava, where are you?”

  There is no answer. My stomach ties itself into knots. Where has she gone? I cling on to hope that a wolf hasn't grabbed her by the neck and dragged her away. I can't leave to find her.

  First, I have to deal with the wolf that's stalking me. I can't hear any other wolves, so I hope Ava has run off to somewhere safe. I watch the wolf stalking me and wait for it to pounce. I know I can cut it down in moments with my concealed angelic blade, but I never want to hurt any creatures. I will have to stop it from attacking me.

  Making sure I continue to face the wolf, I circle slowly, looking for a tree to climb or something that will allow me to move out of its reach. I can’t find one. All the trees have long trunks with no leverage, or the branches are much higher than reaching distance. I will have to turn into an angel or fight it the way I am.

  My eyes dart around again, looking for Ava. “Ava! Ava, where are you?”

  Again, there is no response. I am alone. I have to find her, but first I have to get rid of this wolf, I remind myself. I change into my angelic form with my long white angelic gown and golden breastplate. I let my wings unfold, and I stand ready, waiting for the wolf. I see hesitation in its eyes. I reach out my hand and send a loving light in its direction. I am not willing to hurt creatures. The only reason I would hurt one is if I must to save these humans or if they need it for food. They don't need to eat this one, and I'm determined not to kill it.

  Slowly, I approach as the wolf's eyes show confusion. The harshness around the edges of its pupils soften, and as I walk closer, it buckles its front legs with its tail poised high. Watching it soften from its attacking stance, I tuck my wings behind me to reduce my size, and I slowly step forward until I reach the wolf. I embrace it.

  The wolf responds by rubbing its head against my leg, and I sit next to it, stroking its head and body. After it nuzzles me several times, I pull its head onto my lap and scratch behind its ear. It enjoys the affection. As I sit scratching behind its ears, it rolls onto its back, and I scratch its belly, watching its automatic kicking action of the back foot. I smile. I have found its favorite spot. It's just like a giant puppy dog out in the wild.

  I look down at the wolf. It seems so happy. “Sorry, buddy. I have to go. I have to find Ava.” I’m just about to stand when a pheasant flies down from the trees and lands not far in front of me. I hold still for a while longer, eyeing the bird’s beauty and thinking it’s dauntless by coming so close to a wolf. But the wolf doesn’t stir. It doesn’t even look at the pheasant. I observe the beautiful brown feathers and ponder another beautiful creature. But then the brown begins to blur, and the particles of the bird fall apart then gather to reform. It moves and does something strange, its particles disappearing and twirling and forming into a person. It is Ava. My mouth drops open, and she stands there in brown underwear, looking at me with her jaw hanging open as she stares at my majestic white wings.

  - Chapter Fourteen -

  With my mouth open, I stare at Ava. “You're a bird.” I stutter.

  Her gaze runs over me from head to toe, and she arches an eyebrow. “And you have wings.”

  I'd forgotten about my wings, and I tuck them out of sight behind my back.

  “No. Don't put them away. I want to see them.” She approaches with an outstretched arm, pacing herself with hesitation. Her eyes don't leave the white feathers. “What are you?” She strokes the top of the feathers down to the tips of the wings.

  My mind races, trying to work out what to tell her. I look down, and a golden glint catches my eye. I'm also wearing my archangel gown with my golden breastplate. It's no use pretending to be something else. I've already made the mistake of revealing myself, even though it wasn't intentional. “I'm an angel.”

  “And you've been an angel the whole time?” Her green eyes are wide as they search my face.

  I nod. “I shouldn't have revealed myself to you. It's against the rules. I was so caught up in the moment that I didn't sense you in the tree as a bird.” I look at the ground for a moment, upset over what I have to do next. “I have to wipe your mind now. I have to wipe what you've seen.”

  Hurt shines in her eyes for a fleeting moment. Then it is pushed out by determination. “Oh, no, you don't,” she says with authority. “I revealed something about myself, and you've revealed something about yourself. I think we're even. If you want to wipe my memory, then you have to wipe your own.”

  She has a point. We both have secrets we have been holding for many years, and this is the first one I’ve shared with her. “You mustn't tell anyone about me. I'll get in a lot of trouble.”

  “And you mustn't tell anyone about me. I'll also get into trouble. Papa would have a heart attack.”

  “Yes, he would. Do they know about you? You changed into a bird. That is a rare gift. I imagine that would be a hard thing for a human to understand, especially your parents.”

  “They know a lot about me. I exposed much of myself to them when I was younger. That is another reason why they're so overprotective of me. Not only am I a witch, I'm also a shapeshifter. I'm a rare breed.”

  “A rare breed indeed.” I can't hide the curiosity in my eyes. “Do you just change into a bird?”

  She stands before me and watches me. At first, she stares at me, making me feel awkward even though I have known her for years. Then, a few moments later, her figure disappears into particles, eventually reforming and sorting themselves into a particle spiral before taking the shape of a wolf.

  I remain seated on the ground with the wolf's head still on my lap. It lifts its head and looks at her in confusion. I call her to me. She goes to the opposite side of the wolf, dropping her head, and I scratch behind her ear. Slowly she lays her head on my lap, nuzzling the other wolf affectionately. The wolf accepts her affection and licks her nose. This goes on for a few minutes until she stands and changes back into her human form, wearing the same brown underwear.

  Realizing for the first time that she is hardly wearing anything, I ask, “Where are your clothes?”

  She indicates where I stood before. “Over there on the ground. They're right next to where you were standing.”

  I shake my head in disbelief. “I looked over them when I searched for you, and I didn't notice them. Why did you change into a pheasant?” I ask. “You could've changed into a wolf.”

  “I could have, but the wolf might have attacked another wolf if it was on e
dge. I thought it was better for me to change into something that could fly up into the trees. That way, it wouldn't be able to get to me. I was hoping you were strong enough to fight it off by yourself. I didn't want to hurt the wolf, which is another reason I chose that form. It was nice to see that you didn't want to hurt it, either.”

  “I don't like to hurt animals. I don't even like to hurt the ones that we have to kill for you to eat. But, you need to eat something.” I am suddenly aware of her lack of clothes again. “You need to put on your clothes, Ava. I would hate for your parents to see you dressed like that and think that I have done something inappropriate to you.”

  “Why? I'm at marrying age now, anyway.”

  I look over her form for the first time in a while and notice that she does have curves. My ears tingle, and my cheeks turn warm from the sudden flow of blood. She has indeed grown into a young woman. I shake my head at her lack of concern. “Even more reason why they wouldn't want to see you like that around me.”

  “I don't know.” She smirks. “If my father would be happy with anyone taking my hand in marriage, it would be you.”

  I choke on the breath I was taking in. I gawk at her with wide eyes. “I cannot marry, Ava. It's against our rules.”

  She laughs. “I know you can’t marry me. I was only saying it to see the change of expression on your face—and it was worth it.” Still laughing, she reaches for her clothes. “And I wasn't lying. If papa is going to trust anyone around me to take my hand in marriage, it’s you.”

  “I don't think so. He doesn't seem to trust anybody. Besides, I think he would think I'm too old.”

  “Age doesn't matter. All that matters is a suitable attraction or suitable partnership.” She slips her arm into her sleeve.

  “I'm sorry. It won't be me. But I am more than happy to remain on the job like a brother.”