Bloodstone (Talisman)

by S. E. Akers

  I knew what he’d said was true, but that didn’t make it any less daunting. I never wanted to see Lazarus’ face or hear his voice again, not even in a dream.

  “Be a pair of dears and do the dishes,” Beatrix called to us telepathically.

  “I’m on vacation,” Tanner hollered as he threw his feet up on an ottoman and stretched out his arms.

  I jumped up and kicked his footrest out from under him. “So am I,” I glared and pointed towards the kitchen.

  “Maybe tonight,” Tanner cracked as he strode past me.

  Great, I moaned, knowing the mundane task of washing several sinkfuls of dishes was probably the least of my chores for the rest of the week.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Sure enough, Tanner dragged me out of bed at 5:00 AM sharp, claiming he let me sleep in. Good thing I was still stuffed from last night, because my drill sergeant assured me that there wasn’t time for “little girls” to have breakfast-in-bed. He wasn’t exaggerating. Today, and for the next several days, we raced and roamed every inch of West Virginia, fighting every step of the way (in-between his sermons, of course). There was barely any time for little girls to take bathroom breaks either, let alone rest their aching muscles. As soon as Tanner had wrapped up his lessons, it was back to Bea’s for hours and hours of more lengthy “magic lectures”. I was so physically exhausted and mentally drained at the end of every evening, that I hardly had any time for Katie. I even passed out on her a couple of times. I’d never been so glad to work a double-shift at the Drive-In in my life. At least I got a chance to spend some time with her. Well, a little. In spite of Tanner’s arduous training regimen, I had to admit I enjoyed every second of my cocky mentor’s company. Every sunset ticked like the second-hand of a clock, reminding me that our allotted week was coming to an end. He had to get back. Back to his day-job as a professor at Yardley…and back to keeping tabs on Malachi Xcavare.

  With Lazarus’ discovery of the hilt and it leading him to southern West Virginia, Tanner reasoned he had to have left some evidence behind, somewhere. “Everyone leaves a paper-trail,” he assured me. That made him even more determined to stay close to Malachi to see if he had uncovered anything that could possibly lead him to Welch as well. The Malachite Talisman was already suspicious enough concerning the whereabouts of his supernatural son. Who could blame him? Lazarus and all of his henchmen had fallen off the face of the earth — with the exception of Karl. He’d arrived on Malachi’s doorstep with a charred hole blown into his chest. My bad. Tanner may have been able to get rid of the other bodies, but that incriminating evidence still remained.

  As luck would have it, the disappearance of Lazarus had worked to Tanner’s advantage. Malachi was keeping him closer by his side, both professionally and personally, either out of suspicion or a warped sense of loss. It was no secret that the father and son Talismans were constantly at odds and kept a treasure trove of secrets from each other. Despite their separate agendas, finding and claiming the Wand of Adamas was something both Lazarus and Malachi could agree upon.

  Tanner grilled me about Mike Riverside’s relentless coordination of the upcoming class trip. Even though I revealed Mike’s ulterior motives, I didn’t tell him about the hypnosis-induced dreams. Apparently Mike’s attorney had Malachi promise, in writing, that he would make an appearance sometime during the week. Even with it penned in ink, Tanner avowed, “It would never happen”. Despite all the bad press Xcavare Enterprises had received about Harper Riverside’s death, Malachi remarked to Tanner that it would be a cold day in Hell before he let some backwoods, wealthy schoolboy playing “businessman” tell him “what to do”. Tanner seemed more than relieved when he found out I had taken a pass. I got the distinct impression from his tone that he would have ordered me to stay home, even if I’d wanted to go. Telling me that I couldn’t go (in spite of everything) wouldn’t have sat well with me — not at all. It was just one more thing this “little girl” couldn’t do “on her own”.

  When the morning of New Year’s Eve arrived, my mood took a somber turn. Tanner would be leaving in the morning. Even though he had put me through the ringer over the past week, it hit me like a ton of bricks how much I would miss him. I had to pull an eight-hour shift late this afternoon, so Tanner and I headed out at the crack of dawn.

  “I’m not holding back today,” Tanner promised on the front stoop of Bea’s house. “Since this will be our last training session for a while.” His hazel eyes were flickering that cunning, amethyst-hued sparkle that I’d come to know all too well.

  I flashed him an equally artful gleam, just before I shoved him back into a cluster of Bea’s bushes and sped off, ordering him to, “Follow me!” I’d certainly pay for that cheap shot, but at least it gave me a head start. I didn’t even think about looking back as we rocketed up, down, and across the countryside, but I could feel him every step of the way — hot on my tail.

  I finally came to a stop at the edge of Blackwater Canyon. Tanner was nowhere to be found. With a vigilant eye, I scanned my surroundings. He was out there, somewhere, hiding amongst the snowy hills and icy foliage — beyond a shadow of a doubt. I followed the frozen river to a culvert that lay up ahead. After a deep breath, I edged through the stone corridor. Though the dark tunnel and icy path called for a cautious gait, my heedful approach stemmed from knowing my mentor was most likely waiting me out, just on the other side. When I’d reached the daylight, I panned around the secluded canyon, stunned by its stillness and rugged natural beauty. The tranquil scene of snow-covered, jagged rocks that framed a frozen cascade of water dropping from the cliff above was worthy of a postcard. It seemed at least somewhere on earth, time had stopped. Even the air was still. It was the most peaceful place I’d ever seen.

  Suddenly, a ball of snow smacked me in the face. It hindered my vision, but it hurt my pride more. Not a second later, I felt something cut across my forearm, painfully. My jacket had been sliced open and blood rushed down my sleeve. I gritted my teeth to muzzle the burning pain and whipped my head up, more shocked than angered. Tanner quickly skated into view.

  “I told you that I wasn’t going to take it easy,” he warned again, this time with a hint of apology as he flourished one of his amethyst swords. I spied a fresh coating of diamond-dust glistening on its blade. That’s new. A few drops of blood dripped off the sword and puddled on the ice at his feet. It may as well have been a daggone red flag.

  “I wouldn’t want you to,” I assured him as I summoned the diamond blade from my hilt.

  From that point, the two of us were locked in a full-on battle, fueled by each of our competitive desires. But this knockdown, drag-out meant much more to me than just a routine training exercise. I wanted to prove that I could handle myself. I wanted him to really see how hard I had been training and how much I had learned. But mostly, I wanted him to start seeing me as more than just his protégé…and much more than just a little girl.

  After several hours and numerous gashes to both our bodies, we found ourselves panting in opposite corners, neither of us willing to yield. In one swift underhanded move, Tanner turned into his vapor form and before I knew it, he had sliced his blade across my back. I fell to the ice screaming, thinking we were still on a freaking break!

  “There’s no shame in conceding,” Tanner teased after he reemerged in his human form, casually leaning against the frozen waterfall. I returned the favor with a quick lightning bolt aimed at the icy chunks inches above his head. Straightaway, the heavy shards of ice crashed down on him, burying his cocky supernatural-ass on the spot.

  “I wouldn’t dream of it,” I called out to the rubble of ice and snow. Still shaking off his last stinging blow, I waited anxiously for him to emerge from the pile. There wasn’t any movement for a solid minute. “Tanner, get up,” I called out, sensing a ruse. Still nothing. I retracted my blade and asked again, this time a little concerned, “Tanner?”

  The next thing I knew, he shot out of the mound and swirled around me in his w
atery vapor form. He rematerialized behind me with his arms wrapped around my body and his blades crossed underneath my chin, pressing against my throat.

  Damn.

  “Do you yield? Now?” Tanner whispered in my ear, his lips brushing against my lobe.

  “Let’s call it a draw,” I remarked slyly as I pressed my platinum hilt firmly into his groin.

  “I see your point,” Tanner concurred with a light grunt. “I suppose I could concede to that,” he remarked as he retracted his blades and turned me around. “If you hadn’t failed to remember one thing.”

  I narrowed my gaze. “What’s that?”

  Tanner stepped back and pointed down to the ice, to a perfect circle that he had scored around the spot where I stood. “You forgot to watch your feet,” he cracked and slammed his foot down on the section. The ice cracked in an instant, allowing two watery hands to rise up and wrap around my legs. With a firm tug, down into the freezing water I went.

  Sneaky Son-of-a-Bitch!

  The current swept me away from the hole and down the river a ways. I swam to the edge and busted through a thick patch of ice near the bank. I pouted as I clung to the rocks. Not only did he beat me unfairly, but like many times before, I was soaking wet! And freezing to boot! While I lay there shivering, I felt a tapping on my butt, urging me up. I flipped around swiftly and drew my wand only to discover it wasn’t Tanner, but a precocious little bear. The light shining from my blade must have startled the cub, because it cowered back and let out a frightened, cry-like roar.

  I retracted it immediately and crawled slowly over to the cub. “I didn’t mean to frighten you,” I apologized as I smiled at the cuddly little guy. The cub started inching towards me when I extended my hand. That is, until its mother came along and growled out a commanding roar.

  Now as still as a statue, I eyed the ferocious look in her eyes as she rose up on her paws. Diamond-hard skin or not, this creature wanted to tear me limb from limb and would certainly die trying. The last thing I wanted to do was orphan a bear cub for the New Year.

  “I swear, I can’t leave you alone for a second,” Tanner jeered as he approached me from behind. I rose to my feet, which only enraged the mama bear even more. “Don’t move. She can sense your fear,” Tanner warned.

  “Let’s just go,” I insisted, still shivering.

  “No. I’d like to see how you handle yourself against a six-hundred pound female with only one thing on her mind.”

  “I’m not going to kill a bear,” I snapped. Again, my movements were a little too quick. The protective mother growled and rose up even higher.

  “I’m not suggesting that. Compel her,” Tanner clarified.

  “I can’t do—Wait, can I do that?”

  “Yes. Animals have brains too, as well as emotions,” Tanner revealed. “I could easily sway her mood if I chose to, but where’s the fun in that. And besides, it would defeat the purpose of the lesson. Just as your storm element grants you the ability to breathe underwater and your skin not to ignite when burned, it allows you to communicate with any mammal that roams the earth. Focus your thoughts on her brainwaves. Mentally picture what you want her to do. She’ll comply, if you’re clear.”

  Cautiously, I took a step forward and focused in on her thoughts. It was definitely an eye-opener. Animal brainwaves felt different than humans. They were fuzzy, like a staticy radio station, and it was difficult to pinpoint a thought. When I finally did tap into them, I realized this mamma bear actually wanted to rip off my head and roll it through the mountains like a bloody playground ball. Quickly, I formed a vision of this enormous animal grabbing her cub and running away, without the need for decapitation. After several long, eternal-like seconds, the ferocious bear belted out a roar and then nudged her cub back up into the mountains.

  Tanner gave my shoulders a congratulatory rub. “See… I knew you could do it. But remember, it only works on mammals that roam the earth.”

  From out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a wolf standing on a rocky cliff watching us. I pointed the silvery-white predator out to Tanner. “A wolf, too?”

  He studied the curious creature with a pensive gaze. “Yes,” he answered, “But it’s getting late. You need to warm up and tend to those wounds. We’ll let him be,” Tanner insisted as he tugged on my arm and steered me like a rocket back to Bea’s.

  Chapter 8 — Auld Lang Syne

  Since Welch didn’t have a single watering hole where the locals could properly ring in the New Year, the Sterling Drive-In was “the place” to be. It was our busiest night — and the rowdiest, mainly because it was the only time Charlie set up a cash bar on the premises, despite not having a valid liquor license. He didn’t need one. All the off-duty town cops were his best customers. The evening always turned into one heck of a party. This year, Naomi talked him into renting a large tent, along with several portable heaters, so more folks could take part. More bodies, more money. Most of our regulars knew to arrive several hours early so they could grab a prime spot. Charlie even ditched the 50’s & 60’s jukebox tunes and hired a local DJ to get the crowd pumped. Good dancing music for them to work up an appetite and the place crawling with hungry drunks… It sounded like the makings of a tip bonanza to me!

  There was only one drawback to tonight’s lively and demanding crowd. I was constantly taking customers’ orders or gabbing with co-workers — everyone except who I really wanted to chat with, Katie. Any other time she would distract me with some witty little crack about whomever had my attention, but not tonight. She barely made a peep. That, combined with a prickly vibe I could feel bubbling had me more than a little worried. I didn’t press the issue. She would tell me…eventually.

  As soon as the clock struck eleven, Naomi ordered me out the door. She had heard about the lock-in party at Welch High School sponsored by the cheerleading squad. After another colorful but compassionate lecture about making memories with my peers, she insisted I get my butt over there so I could have some “fun of my own”. She assured me that Katie would be with me “in spirit”. Little did she know how right she was. I took her up on part of her offer. Spending the rest of the night trapped in a building with Kara Leighton and her crew, watching her fawn all over Ty while she flirted with Mike on the sly was not my idea of a good time. I had somewhere else I’d rather “Bea”.

  Just as I was about to clock out, I spied Samuel’s “Ms. Marion” waiting at the pick-up window. Curious about how Christmas Eve went, I hurried over to see if I could get some scoop.

  “Hi, Ms. Marion,” I said with a toothy grin. “Do you have an order waiting?”

  “Yes. I’m taking Samuel a late-night snack,” Ms. Marion announced like a soldier who’d just planted their flag.

  “Really?” I posed, mentally ringing out my ears. I could tell by her wide-eyed nod that she mistook my “surprise”. It was completely innocent. I hadn’t spoken to Samuel in a week, not since Tanner had taken over my training. I felt bad enough about it, and even more now with her judgmental eyes glaring at me. Obviously, their visit must have gone well, or at the very least she wasn’t giving up without a fight. Maybe that’s just what Samuel needs? Someone as determined and stubborn as he is.

  “That’s nice,” I replied, trying to gloss over any misconception.

  “Yes. I’ve been by to see him every night this past week, but I was surprised I didn’t run into you…seeing how close you two supposedly are,” Ms. Marion posed in a candy-coated, derisive tone.

  A rush of air breezed over my chapped lips as they cracked open. It was one thing for me to think it or Samuel to state his beef, but I didn’t take too kindly to a stranger raking me over the coals. “Uh, I’ve been really busy with something this week,” I defended, feeling the weight of her gavel hovering over my head.

  “I’m sure you have, honey,” Ms. Marion insisted. “Whatever it was must have been very important if you couldn’t even call to check up on him.”

  Direct hit. While I stood there, uncomfortably wr
estling in my straight-jacket of guilt, my mute bosom friend saw her opportunity to pounce.

  “So I’m not the only one you’ve ignored this week?” Katie posed. Leave it to her to tighten up the old straps and buckle the damn thing in place.

  Not able to look the less-than-perky nurse in the eye, I rummaged through the stack of orders until I’d found her ticket. Marion Silverberg, I noted as I scanned the yellow slip. I questioned quietly, TWO Grilled Chicken Salads… No salt, no dressing? I could feel my bottom lip curling. What the heck? No Coalminer Hoagie with extra cheese, hold the onion, extra pickles? No large order of fries? Not even a chocolate shake?

  My expression must have given me away. As I raised my head, Ms. Marion insisted, “This is much healthier for him,” and threw me a know-it-all nod. “He needs someone around who has his best interests at heart.”

  I simply forced a grin and rang up her order, punching the keys on the register with a firm ulterior thought. I held out her $1.56 in change, only to watch her whisk it out of my hand and shove it into her red leather bag.

  Typical, I grinned.

  “Just give me a sec to grab your order,” I announced. I hurried to the kitchen where Naomi was sacking up her salads. Angrily, I snatched two Styrofoam containers from off the top of the stack. I placed a hefty helping of mozzarella cheese sticks into the first one. In the other, I plopped in a baked potato that I’d retrieved out of the warmer. Shamefully, I slit the spud open and seasoned it with a little something extra. I regretted doing it as soon as I’d snapped the box shut.

  “Who pissed in your Cheerios?” Naomi asked. My conscience drove me back over to the warmer to grab another one. Though I’d been tempted many, many times, I’d never participated in this taboo payback ritual in my life. But in my defense, this control-freak’s insinuations had really ticked me off!