by Wendy Owens
“No, that’s not what I’m saying. I mean, yes, you made it to this step more quickly, but chances are that Raimie has already been under for way too long. Some people have an expiration date kid, that’s life,” Calysta pushed back.
Dina glared at the woman before tossing her the stone. “I don’t accept that. Now, I kept up my end, do you know where I can find Madame Laveau?”
“Can’t say I didn’t warn you,” Calysta replied, clutching the stone tightly in her hand as if it were a precious life line. The woman stood and made her way over to a small wooden trunk. Opening it, she rummaged through the random items before pulling out what looked like a petrified claw.
Calysta stared at the claw for a few moments before handing it to Dina. “She once owned this item; you should be able to use a locator spell on it. Dina, please, I know you don’t trust me, but if you only believe one thing I say, believe me when I say you shouldn’t do this.”
Dina could see the concern Calysta had for her was genuine. Even with that insight, she could not bring herself to feel anything but rage in return, unable to shake the idea of betrayal. Unable to overcome the idea that this woman knew what was going to happen to Raimie before it actually did and chose to say nothing.
“I’ll take your words under advisement,” Dina responded coolly.
“I see. Well, it’s obvious I can’t talk any sense into you.”
“If time is sensitive, then I think we should really be on our way, don’t you?” Dina asked.
“And just how do you propose we get past those demons out there? A transportation spell won’t work on this side of the barrier.”
“No, my spell won’t work, but that stone is an elder’s stone,” Dina replied.
“What?” Calysta looked down into her hand as if it were pure gold she was staring at. “I don’t understand, how—”
“Michael, he won’t notice.”
“Maybe not right away, but when he does, he’ll be livid,” Calysta gasped.
“Do you want to get out of here or not?”
“Wait, how are you going to get out of here? You have to be on the other side of the barrier to transport.”
“I’ve got that taken care of, don’t worry. I’ve tuned the stone to the sacred circle near Iron Gate. When you arrive, tell the clerics who you are and they will take you to Michael,” Dina instructed.
“What? No, that’s not part of the deal. I have been caged up for too long, what makes you think I would put myself right back into my captor’s hands? You must be crazy.”
Dina looked at the woman silently for a moment before a smile began to curl at the edge of her lips. “You’re going to do as I say, because if you don’t, you know there’s a good chance a demon will find you, hunt you down, and shred you into a tiny million pieces… or worse. We don’t live in the same world we used to, demons roam around freely on the earthly realm and they wouldn’t think twice about torturing you. I can guarantee if you do not do as I say, no guardian will ever come to your rescue.”
“I think I can take care of myself.”
“Then by all means, try it.”
Calysta studied the girl, mulling over her words before finally relenting. “Fine.”
“Besides, if you hand that stone back to Michael voluntarily, maybe he will see you in a new light and you’ll end up in his good graces. A guest instead this time,” Dina suggested.
“I doubt that. I obviously don’t have as much faith in him as you do.”
“No— I doubt it too, but you never know. Now go.”
Much to Dina’s surprise, Calysta leapt forward, grabbing the girl and pulling her in for a deep embrace. Stepping back, she looked into the young girl’s eyes, “You didn’t have to come back for me. I hope this works for you, I truly do. I want you to find the answers you seek; you’re different than the others. Be careful.”
The oracle then took a step back. Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes, and in the next moment she was gone.
Dina wasted no time in her plan. Pressing her body against a nearby cave wall, ensuring she was hidden from the demons, she crossed her fingers, kissing them before uncrossing them and whispering. “God, please let this work.”
She closed her eyes, concentrating on the idea of what she looked like. She envisioned looking at herself in the mirror, all the details, her hair color, the size and shape of her eyes. Her chanting began low and soft, intensifying as her focus narrowed. Without warning, she felt a spark in her gut. Opening her eyes, much to her pleasure, she stared back at herself. She had done it, created a replica. She had never cast such a spell and knew it was likely the effects would not last long, so she wasted no time.
“See those demons?” Dina asked her temporary clone.
The girl nodded in response.
“I need you to jump through them and run, don’t let them catch you, alright?” she instructed.
The creation didn’t speak, it simply turned and took off running towards the barrier at full speed. The demons stared and looked almost stunned to see its approach. In only a second the Dina duplicate dove through the confused beasts and darted up the stairs. They quickly began to chase after their prey. Dina knew she probably only had a few minutes until the vision would fade and the demons would realize they had been duped.
Running as fast as her feet would carry her, Dina made it to the steps. She could hear the demons in the distance still chasing the impostor. With her next heaving breath, she appeared on the beach outside Rampart. Dina knew once Calysta made her way back to Michael and gave him the stone, he would likely come after her. With an intense focus, she turned towards the woods and took off, knowing she needed to find the voodoo witch and fast.
As the room came into focus, Uri reached to his side, fumbling around for the bandages. He was a little surprised by the lack of pain. Though he knew the capabilities of the healers, it never ceased to amaze him just how skilled they were.
“Hey, sleeping beauty,” he heard Seraphine’s voice call out just over his shoulder.
Spinning around and sitting upright on his cot, Uri couldn’t help but smile as she approached. Her long, raven black hair was twisted and pulled over her shoulder, cascading down her chest and bring his focus to her perky bosom.
“Ahem,” the girl cleared her throat in an effort to bring the young man’s attention back to her face. His eyes quickly shifted, focusing on her full lips. He wondered what it would be like to kiss them. He watched her lick them self-consciously; obviously she could feel his stare. Uri’s gaze trailed up to her dark and captivating eyes. She didn’t look away from him, the way he didn’t hide what he was thinking thrilled her in a way.
“I’m so glad you’re still here, Seraphine,” Uri said. The intense feelings he was having towards her were unlike anything he had ever experienced.
“I told you, call me Sera.”
“Right, Sera. What are you still doing here, Sera? I mean, I know I have a very charming personality and we’ve spent some time together recently, but to see you’re still here, I must admit, I’m a little surprised,” Uri didn’t hide his flirtation.
“You wish. I’m still here for Raimie.”
Her answer surprised him, “What? You don’t know him, do you? Why on earth would you still be here because of him?”
“I don’t know,” she hesitated for a moment. “Maybe I’m the type of girl that when I rescue someone, I want to make sure they’re all right.”
“Oh yeah?” Uri pushed. “So, Raimie’s the only reason you’re still here then?”
“Well, I guess not the only reason,” she smiled coyly.
At the mention of his name, Uri couldn’t stop his thoughts from shifting back to his friend that was lying motionless in the nearby room. “He’s going to be fine, you know.” His words were said more to convince himself than anyone else.
“I hope so.”
“He will be. He’s been through worse than this.”
“Well, it does appear that he’s being
well taken care of,” Sera looked at Uri, his concern weighing on his face. His small stubble had grown into a full but short beard during his recovery. Though he looked a bit disheveled, he was undeniably handsome. “Do you want to get out of here?”
“Yes, please,” Uri hopped to his feet without hesitation.
“I mean— are you feeling up to it?”
“Are you kidding me? I just want to be any place but here,” Uri confirmed.
“Great, then follow me,” Sera said, reaching out a hand. Uri was surprised at first, but then happy to grab hold, comforted by the warmth and tenderness of her touch. She led him out of the congested room, weaving around the endless rows of cots. They didn’t speak while passing hundreds of people milling about, consumed by the importance of their own immediate surroundings.
The world was a different place now. Before, Uri had been someone people stood and took notice of. He was the commanding hand of Michael, the one trusted to carry out the important missions that needed doing. None of it seemed to matter now. All that mattered was tending to the injured and the hundreds of refugees, there were no heroes in times this full of desperation. He didn’t mind though, as his friend was dying nearby, the last thing he felt like was a hero.
Sera continued walking outside. Uri never let go of her, feeling the softness of her palm with his fingertips. They walked until they reached the woods at the edge of the grounds; the memory of the oracle and the hunt for a cure to Sophie’s curse came back to him. He stopped, finding it quite unsettling. His tight grip pulled Sera backwards as he halted, causing her to stumble.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, regaining her footing and pulling her hand free.
“Let’s not go that way.”
“What way? Into the woods? Are you afraid of the woods?” she asked laughing.
“No—” Uri had no desire to explain certain areas of his past, especially the failed attempt to save a friend. Sophie was forever changed because he had not been able to help her quickly enough, and now Gabe was gone too because of him. The continuing loss of friends was more than he could bear to talk about it. “I’m just starting to feel a little fatigued, could we find a place to sit?”
“Oh, yes, of course. I’m so sorry,” Sera exclaimed, leaping forward to grab hold of Uri’s arm due to his false claims. She led him to an oversized tree, assisting him into a seated position. Sera took a seat across from him, looking at him with concerned eyes.
“Better?” she inquired.
“Oh, I’m fine. I only need a moment to rest.”
“It’s quiet here,” Sera said, looking around them as she noticed it was the first time they had been completely alone since arriving at Iron Gate.
Uri didn’t reply to the observation, instead he focused his attention onto the divine being before him. Uri wasn’t new to relationships with the opposite sex. In fact, he had been involved with more love interests than he cared to recollect, and they often ended badly due to his loss of interest. Seraphine was different; she held his attention in a way none of the others had. It was an immediate attraction, an infatuation that seemed to only intensify the more time he spent with her.
“So, tell me more about this keeper gig.”
Sera laughed. “Gig? Really? Is being a Guardian something you call a gig?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Yeah, I guess. I already told you how the keeper stuff works. Why the question?”
“No, you didn’t. The only thing you told me is that a keeper is a sort of protector. That doesn’t tell me anything. What do you protect?”
Sera looked away, the question obviously unnerving her. “I don’t get it, what’s bringing these questions up?”
“Wow, usually girls complain when I don’t ask enough about them. Is it so terrible that I’ve taken an interest in what you do?”
“Well, no— I don’t know. I’m just not sure I’m comfortable talking about it, we’re really not supposed to.”
“You do realize I’m a Guardian. There aren’t many secrets that are kept from us.”
“Oh,” Sera’s tone took on a devilishly snarky bite. “I didn’t realize I was talking to royalty.”
“That’s not what I meant. You told me before that the keepers are overseen by the elders. I was just trying to point out that they wouldn’t mind if I knew what your assignment was.”
“Is that right? Because now you speak on behalf of the elders?”
“Well, no, but—”
“If they wanted you to know about me, they would have already told you about me.”
“Fine!” Uri snapped, annoyed by her resistance.
“Don’t get angry at me.”
“I’m not angry. I just don’t see what the big deal is.”
“It’s not a big deal, I simply didn’t like the way you asked.” Sera grinned, pleased with the torment she was putting Uri through.
“So, what if I say please?” Uri asked with a sigh.
“Oh, how do you already know me so well?” Sera laughed. “Please is the magic word for me.”
“So, you’ll tell me?”
Sera considered her words carefully. “Let’s just say, I protect a very valuable weapon.”
“Seriously? What is it? Do you have it on you?”
“Not exactly. And please, don’t ask. I know I’m not allowed to say anything about it.”
“Fine—” Uri replied, but as hard as he tried, he couldn’t just leave it alone. “Can you tell me what kind of weapon at least?”
“Uri,” Sera said firmly.
“All right, all right, I’m sorry.”
Sera could see his disappointment. “Grr … you’re going to end up getting me in trouble, I can already tell. All I can say is that I’m protecting something very important, something that could possibly be used to shift this battle in good’s favor permanently.”
“Really? You’re going to toss me that after telling me you can’t say anything?”
“Well, I must admit, it’s fun to torture you with the information. I could tell you I suppose …” she added, watching him lean forward in anticipation. “But then I would have to kill you.”
“I doubt that,” Uri scoffed.
Sera grinned. Casually opening her palm, a flame ball formed. Moving her hand elegantly, she allowed the fire to dance about before extinguishing it as magically as she made it appear.
“Impressive,” Uri congratulated.
“Seriously, though, I can’t say anything else.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll stop asking about the weapon, although, I really do want to know. Can you tell me other stuff?”
“Like what?” she inquired.
“Who are you?”
“Me?” the vagueness of the question bothered her.
“Yeah. I want to know everything about you. Where did you grow up? What was your family like? When did you become a keeper?”
“Whoa, slow down. You sure do ask a lot of questions, don’t you?”
Uri smiled. “Only when I find the subject so interesting.”
Sera blushed. It was nice to have someone say such sweet things to her, it didn’t hurt that he was easy on the eyes either. She hoped her years of solitude hadn’t made her naive. “You’re a charmer, aren’t you?”
“I don’t know about that, but some people say I can be pretty relentless, so you might as well start sharing.”
“Honestly? I don’t know who I am.”
“What do you mean you don’t know?”
“I have no memory of who I was, of a family or a home. Heck, for all I know, I never had a history to remember.”
“That doesn’t make sense, everyone comes from somewhere,” Uri argued.
“I agree, but what I’m saying is that I have no idea where I come from. I woke up in a cave; the keeper who trained me is the only person I saw for years. She had no idea about my past, but she said she could offer me a future, a reason to be alive. At the time, that seemed better than nothing at all.”
<
br /> “And now?”
“Now? I don’t know — I don’t think about it very much. I guess sometimes I think about how I wish I could find someone to love me until I’m old, but that isn’t the path of a keeper.”
“What? Are you serious? Keepers are forbidden from finding love?”
Sera stumbled over her words, “No — I —well, that’s not exactly right. It’s not like it’s a law or something, but our work keeps us consumed. There isn’t a time that we are not focusing on our objective. My mentor trained me; she taught me everything I needed to know to make sure I would be able to carry on the torch. Then one night I went to sleep and when I awoke, she was gone. I like to think she left to find a different life, one with a husband and full of laughter. But I can’t help thinking she simply faded away into nothing.”
“You can’t think like that. You have no idea what happened to her. For all you know she’s kicking it back on a beach right now, living up the high life.”
“I hope so,” Sera whispered.
“So, where do you live now?” Uri attempted to change the depressing tone of the conversation.
“Nowhere, I guess. I go wherever I’m needed in order to make sure the weapon I keep is safe.”
“What about friends?”
“I don’t really have any.”
“I don’t understand—”
“I interact with people, like you for instance, but I don’t tend to stay in one place long enough to really make friends. Unfortunately, I spend most of my time alone.”
“That’s about the saddest thing I’ve ever heard,” Uri said, trying to make it sound humorous, but failed in doing so.
Sera rocked forward onto her knees, slapping Uri gently on the arm, “Will you hush, I’m just fine with the way my life is. Friends would get in the way of what I have to get done.”
“How would you know if you’ve never had any? My friends are always there to help me and I know they have my back.”
“I can tell Raimie means a lot to you,” Sera added, moving in to sit directly next to Uri, linking her arm through his and resting her head on his shoulder. He liked the way it felt to have her so close and didn’t dare say anything that would risk her moving.
