by C C Sommerly
“Some people may consider you a cult.”
“People are always afraid of what they don’t know or understand. We are not cruel. We have few rules, that while strict, are for the best intents. Our members choose to stay here. We encourage them to cut ties with their former lives. It makes it easier to walk in truth.”
“I’m having trouble understanding how you aren’t a cult. You encourage people to leave their families and old lives behind them. They must adhere to the strictest of rules without complaint. Are they even allowed to leave this compound?”
“Ah, I see. You don’t understand. Let me help you. We embrace questions and answer seekers here. We have nothing to hide. Spend time here and see what it is we are about. You will have full access to the temple, residence and grounds to investigate, or whatever it is you say.”
“Complete, unrestricted access? And, I’m not investigating.”
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
Why indeed? Why was he being so accommodating? This man could sell me on just about anything. He was compelling, persuasive, and charismatic. Heck, I partly wanted to join based on a limited amount of time I’d spent with him, so I’d need to be careful.
“Thank you. Can I have a tour?”
In the hall, we were stopped.
“Navi is in need of you,” said a breathless woman, who ran up to Jarl.
“May I have your forgiveness for leaving you?” Jarl asked.
“Yes.”
“I’ll have Anna continue your introduction to the Institute. She’ll answer any questions you have.”
A gong sounded from somewhere. Neat trick.
Minutes later, a young woman arrived. She looked like a teen, or at the oldest, in her twenties. Many of the people I’d seen here appeared very young, but you couldn’t gauge a supernatural’s age based on how old they appeared. I didn’t sense any magic in this woman, so she was probably human.
“What can I do for you your highness?” she asked.
“Anna, please give Marty a tour and answer any questions she has. She is a seeker.”
The woman’s entire demeanor changed when she heard that I am a seeker.
“My first seeker. This is so wonderful. Thank you for trusting me with this task. I shall make you proud.”
“I have no doubt that you will. Also, when you are done, please bring Marty by to see me.”
“I shall.”
Jarl swept down the hall, giving the impression of a king hurrying away from his groveling subjects.
Anna kept up a running commentary about the Institute. She talked about how amazing her life became when she was converted. I also learned about her awe and appreciation for the grace of The True One.
I asked a few questions, but mainly let her ramble, so I could observe the people we passed. I saw artwork depicting what I assumed was The True One. There were study groups that I heard through open doors extolling the greatness of their god. I went into a library that was packed with people reading from bibles.
There was nothing that wasn’t tied to religion. I’m all for believing in something, but when it becomes your everything, it is an unhealthy obsession. Based on the tour, every single person here was obsessed with The True One. It was stomach turning. These people were sucked into this religion and lived, breathed, and ate based on will of their god. Nothing they did was without considering him. I was right to accuse Jarl of this being a cult.
After I’d seen most of the place, including several bathrooms, we ended the tour in front of Jarl’s door. She knocked on the door and Jarl ordered us to enter. Anna bowed and motioned for me to do the same. I reluctantly did.
“You are dismissed. Thank you for your service. May The True One grace you,” he said.
“And may he grace you,” she said.
Once we were alone, the words I’d kept from saying on my tour spilled out. And much like an unstoppable train wreck, so were my words.
“What have you done to these people? They are zombies, stumbling around, lost in the lies of your religious psychobabble. You’re basically selling snake oil and claiming it’s a cure all. I heard some of the stories and was even shown your so-called bible.”
He looked surprised, but that quickly changed as he plastered on a neutral expression.
“You are quick to judge based on a limited exposure to what you call ‘snake oil’. Taken out of context, even the most benevolent and innocent act can come off as depraved. We do not believe in harm and I certainly am not creating religious zombies. Anyone you attempted to call that would be horrified.”
“Seriously?”
“You can dismiss my words as nonsense, but that doesn’t make it so. I speak the truth. The grace of The True One has been shown to us all and we have faith. My followers have seen and embraced this truth.”
“Your truth, but it doesn’t make it mine? So, while this is good and all, can you show me Emma Lynn.”
“I’m afraid that I can’t. She isn’t available.”
“Make her available.”
“I believe that this is going nowhere. You are the first seeker who hasn’t joined us. I won’t give up on you, but you won’t be seeing Emma Lynn or any of our members at this time.”
I couldn’t force him to make her appear. Unfortunately, I’d pushed as much as I could. Surprisingly, he was still determined for me to join his little cult. He should have thrown me out after the way I’d really let him have it. If I can’t get more access to the people in the Institute, then I’d have no way of getting in touch with Emma Lynn. I needed to rethink my strategy.
Jarl rang a gong and Anna came in.
“Shall I take her to a room?” she asked.
“Marty will be leaving us.”
“No, I didn’t mean to fail.” In a fit of desperation, she threw herself at his feet. “I’ll do better, I promise.”
“Be at ease and please rise. Marty needs time to contemplate what she’s seen and heard. But I have a feeling we’ll be seeing her again.”
“The True One is merciful. Thank you for your kindness your highness.”
On the way out, Anna was quiet. I thought she’d see me off without another word. My refusal to join upset her. She took it personally, which was odd. She paused on the threshold.
“I have something for you.” She snapped her fingers and in her other hand a large sack appeared. “This is yours.”
I made no move to grab it. I wanted to know what was inside it first. I didn’t trust these people as far as I could throw them.
“It’s a gift. His Highness said to give it to you.”
“Open it first.”
“You are a guarded one.”
She opened the sack and it was filled with the incense herbs. That was all I needed to see, and I snatched up the sack, cradling it to my chest.
“I’ll tell him you are pleased with the gift. And, it’s edible. It has the same effect if you smell it or chew it. I look forward to your return.”
Outside of the Institute, I ran into Francesca, who was accompanied by two burly and brutish security guards.
My mouth fell open in surprise. No way was she here? Did I miss a connection between her and the followers of The True One? During the interviews, the donors gave the impression that they didn’t go out much.
“Oh Marty, I didn’t know you were a believer. How truly wonderful,” said Francesca.
“Actually, I’m just a seeker.”
She looked at me long enough that I nearly squirmed.
“A seeker is very special to us. Please say that next time you’ll come back with me or one of the others?”
“The others?”
“Why yes, all of the donors are believers and visit daily. I have to be going, but call on me soon.”
I left Francesca and the Institute of Reawakening wondering if I was in over my head.
24
Things were falling into place or maybe it was that they were just coming apart.
I rubbed my aching temple
s. When did things get so messy?
My new priority was getting access to that cult. I was going to become a believer if I wanted to get into the Institute.
I ignored Margie as I walked in and she did the same. Muffin and I headed straight for our “office”. I didn’t pass any of the Wolf Agency investigators, who were known as “wolves”. It was still extremely awkward being co-located with our rivals.
Let Sterling be in. I could have asked Margie, but that would require talking to the harpy. Actually, a harpy was probably nicer than the crotchety receptionist. She probably spent her time off pulling the wings off pixies and drowning kittens.
“Sterling, we’ve got problems.”
“We sure do, Marty,” said Miles, who crept out from the partition where he was hiding.
I swore and he laughed, but the sound was missing any kind of amusement in it. Why is he here?
Muffin growled, a deep rumbling that reminded me of thunder. His fur was standing on edge and he was tense at my side. Seeing his reaction put me on high alert.
Sterling cleared his throat, breaking me out of my staring match with the enforcer.
“Miles was just bringing me up-to-date about your training and progress. Or, should I say lack of progress? Are you not clear about the importance of training?” asked Sterling.
“Of course, I know how important this is. And, I don’t appreciate being accused of not trying. I’m trying, it’s just not working too well.”
“Indeed, it is the not working part that brought me here today. It also brings up the need for a magic disrupter,” said Miles.
Disrupter! Just the word was enough to spear me with fear and dread. Everyone knew what a disrupter did. It was one of the most effective ways to prevent a supernatural creature from accessing their magic. It stopped a shifter from shifting, magic users from doing magic, and other unpleasant things to supernatural creatures. They were only used on prisoners.
“What is he talking about?”
“It’s for your own good,” said Sterling.
“I somehow doubt that.”
“Don’t be difficult,” Miles said to me. He didn’t look away from me when he spoke next. “Sterling, is she going to be a problem? You assured me that I didn’t need enforcer back up.”
“Are you kidding me?” I looked back and forth between the two men. Both looked dead serious. “You’re going to basically block me from using magic. How am I going to train under those conditions?”
“Miles or I can remove the disrupters, when needed. We were both keyed to lock and unlock them.”
“So you’ve already agreed to this. What if I don’t agree?”
“Always the fighter. That is why I have this,” said Miles, who held up a letter. “And, back up is standing by and can be here by transport in seconds.”
I had little doubt who the letter was from. The Guild Master was fast becoming one of my least favorite people. And threatening me with more enforcers was a bit over-the-top, even for Miles.
“I don’t need the letter. It probably says I’ll be detained and held until my magic is stripped if I don’t do as you say.”
“I see you’re learning. It’s about time,” said Miles.
“Back up isn’t necessary and neither is provoking Marty,” said Sterling. “Marty, I’m sorry it’s come to this. If I didn’t believe it was absolutely needed, I wouldn’t have agreed to it. You’re not just an employee, you’re family. Please don’t fight this.”
Sure, because I always put on magical restraints on members of my family? Sterling’s betrayal felt more painful than I could put to words. We were family, but I wouldn’t ever feel like part of the family again. Family didn’t do this to each other. I didn’t know whether to rage or cry. A lump was lodged in my throat. I never could have imagined that he would consider this, let alone agree to it.
At serious risk of crying, I held tight to my anger to keep the tears from coming out. He said it was for my own good. What kind of crap was that? This wasn’t for my own good. It left me unprotected when my father was out and could come after me at any moment. I wouldn’t forgive him for this. I expected Miles to do something underhanded like this, but not Sterling, never him.
Muffin was still growling hard enough that he was shaking my leg. I pet him, trying to calm him down. It didn’t seem to work very well since he was still tense against my leg.
“Fighting it isn’t an option. Fine,” I stuck my arms out. “Get it over with.”
Miles stepped forward, but Sterling’s arm shot out, stopping the enforcer. “I’ll do it. Once it’s on, I expect you to leave. Don’t come back here.”
“You have no authority to dictate to me.”
“No, I don’t, but I’ll find a way to keep you out one way or another. You’re Marty’s trainer for the next couple of weeks, but that’s the only contact you get with her.”
I didn’t hear the rest of their exchange because I was distracted by the disrupters. The moment the bracelets were put on my arms, I felt the drain. My magic and energy poured out of me, leaving me an empty husk. After just getting my magic back, it’s absence was hard to handle. I wanted it back.
“The door is that way. You should know the way, Miles,” said Sterling.
“Despite what you think, I took no joy in this. I’ve left the letter on your desk.”
I waited until I was sure he left.
“How could you?” I demanded of Sterling, but I didn’t let him defend himself. What can he say to make this right? “You know what, forget it. I’m going home.”
“You owe me a debrief,” he said.
“I don’t owe you anything. And I’m more than capable of managing my cases. I don’t need you to babysit me any more than I need Miles to.”
The drive home was a blur. I stormed up the stairs and locked the door. Muffin jumped up on the bed next to me and snuggled into my side. I pressed my face into my pillow and screamed until I couldn’t scream anymore. My tears flowed freely, soaking my pillow.
I wanted ... I don’t know what I wanted, but this was definitely not it.
A soft knock interrupted my pity party. Muffin growled and I ignored whoever was at my door.
“Marty, it’s me.”
If I didn’t answer, would Lochlan go away? Sterling probably told him about the disrupters. At least Sterling wasn’t stupid enough to come himself. Sending Lochlan in his place was pure cowardice.
“Marty, can I come in and talk?”
Not happening buddy.
He knocked louder this time and even had the nerve to try to open the door, which was locked.
“I won’t keep pestering you, but I want you to know that I’m here if you need to talk.”
Lochlan would be back or one of the others would. There was nothing I wanted to say to any of them. My situation sucked and couldn’t be fixed. Besides, what could any of them say that would make things better?
I forced myself off the bed. I quickly and quietly got my shoes on and started packing a bag. In it, I put my clothes, the sack of herbs, and the handful of personal items I owned. I’d have to leave my sword behind as well as my gun. I slid a dagger into my boot and another into my thigh holster. I also threw some wooded stakes in my bag.
I carefully eased open my bedroom window. While it only took seconds to get it open wide enough for me to climb through, it felt like forever. I put my bag on my back and slipped out the window. I patted my pant leg and hoped the noise was enough to encourage Muffin to come to me. I really didn’t want to leave him behind, but if he couldn’t get out the window, then he’d have to stay here.
Muffin jumped out the window, landing gracefully next to me. I cast a glance at Betty, who was too loud and too obvious to use for my transport. Without any further delays, I started down the street, leaving behind the only family I had.
Several hours later, I made it to my destination. I knocked on the door. The woman who answered seemed surprised, but once she realized who I was, she grinned and hug
ged me.
“I’m so glad you came back. We were hoping you’d find your way back to us.”
“Thank you. Can I come in?”
“Yes, the seeker is always welcome. His highness will be so glad that you’ve returned. I’m Mika.”
It was late, so the Institute was quiet, almost deathly quiet. The faint scent of incense hung in the air. I was beginning to suspect that it was an ever-present smell, not that I minded. It was a soothing smell and I felt myself relaxing.
“We made a room ready for you in the hopes that you’d return to us,” said Mika.
Not sure if that was touching or just creepy. They sure took responsibility over seekers seriously.
“Here you are. Someone will be by in the morning to bring you to breakfast and to His Highness.”
“Thanks.”
She shut the door and left me to my thoughts. Muffin sniffed around the room before jumping up and settling on the bed. He sprawled out in the middle of the bed, taking up most of it.
“Just make yourself comfy buddy. It’s not like I need to sleep on that.”
I put my bag under my pillow. I wanted it was close by in case I needed to make a quick escape. I kicked off my boots and crawled into bed with my clothes on. I needed to be “run ready,” should these cult creeps decide to harass me or attempt to harm me.
I pushed Muffin over to his side of the bed but, he moved back towards me until he was draped over me even intertwining his legs with mine. Obviously, the mutt had no concept of personal space.
I fell asleep with Muffin’s comforting warmth against me.
25
Muffin’s growl vibrating through me and the soft knock that followed brought me completely out of my dreams.
“Marty are you awake?” said a woman from the other side of the door.
“If I wasn’t, then I wouldn’t be talking now.”
“May I come in?”
“Sure, but if you value your well-being, then you’ll have coffee with you.”
When the door didn’t open, I snickered. Guess, she needed to get the coffee. I didn’t expect her to take me seriously.
