Double Star

by Cindy Saunders

  “Who’ll I sleep with?”

  “Well, you do not want to sleep with Shane,” Oisin said. “He snores like a bear and there is no room in his tent for anyone but him.”

  “You can sleep with me, if you do not mind,” Corm said. “My tent is big enough for two.”

  “Ian,” Oisin said, “If you agree to keep me company, I promise to behave like a gentleman.”

  Ian grinned and shook his head. “It would make sense to pitch as few as possible to get an early start tomorrow. So, if I have your word, I agree.”

  “Then, I suppose, Ally will join me,” Liam said.

  Ally smirked. “Taking one for the team, huh Liam?”

  “What?”

  She shook her head. “Never mind.”

  They brought the horses to the pasture behind the barn, which was overgrown with smooth brome grass and red clover, and began to remove their belongings. Adam at his side, Liam retrieved his roll and placed it on the ground a short distance from where the others were preparing their sites. “Let us ready the barn before we set this up.”

  “I’ll take care of the tent,” Ally said.

  “I am not sure that you will—”

  “I used to go camping with my dad and a tent is a tent, no matter where you are.”

  “Please, do not feel—”

  “I’ve got this,” she said and held up her hand.

  Liam smiled. “As you wish,” he said and turned his attention to the barn. Although it was not falling down, he doubted it would survive another harsh winter. It would, though, stand one more night and provide adequate shelter for the horses. Ten large stalls, five on either side, lined the center aisle. The front corner of each was marked by a wrought-iron post which held a swinging door. The lower half was made of wood, the top half constructed with metal bars with an opening in the middle that allowed the horses to hang their heads outside their confinement. Whoever built this had spared no expense.

  “What you think?” Adam asked.

  “I think it will be fine. To whom does this barn belong?”

  “Don’t know. Has been here as long as I remember, and has always been empty.”

  Liam whistled for Pollux, who lifted his head and began to walk in their direction, followed by the other horses.

  “How you do that?” Adam asked.

  “Magic,” Liam replied and grinned. “We can bring that hay over for bedding,” he said, spotting a pile in the far corner, and pointed to four buckets on the floor. “And they will have to share, but we can use those for water. Do you know how to take a saddle off a horse?”

  “Nah, never had a horse,” Adam replied and stroked Pollux’s nose.

  “I am going to show you then.”

  Liam pulled at the cinch. “I will hold this. Now, unhook the clasp.” Adam reached under Pollux and released it with little effort. “You are strong.”

  “Do everything with this arm,” Adam replied matter-of-factly.

  Liam lifted the saddle from Pollux and placed it over Adam’s outstretched arm. “There is a saddle rack over there,” he said and pointed to the stand just inside the back door. Liam peeked out at Ally. She had properly unfolded the tent and was attempting to secure the corner stakes. Why was he so surprised? Of course, she would be capable of setting up a tent.

  “Why are you living with Bernard?” Liam asked.

  “Got no parents. Mr. Bernard’s been takin’ care of me for a while now,” Adam replied. He returned empty handed and nuzzled up to Pollux.

  “He likes you,” Liam said. Pollux was an amazing animal but could be a bit unpredictable with strangers. However, he showed no sign of it with Adam.

  “How long has Marcus been picking on you?”

  “Long time. Got used to it, just don’t like it.”

  Liam had been miserable not more than a week ago, but now understood he had no idea of the word’s meaning. He had family that loved him, friends that supported him… not to mention all of his limbs, and he felt the need to, as Ally said, pay it forward.

  “I have a suggestion. When we are done here, we could give you instruction on how to protect yourself.” But he was actually thinking of a different way in which to help Adam.

  They finished with the horses and began to carry hay to the stalls. “Liam, look what I found,” Adam said after half a dozen trips. In his hand was a quiver.

  As Liam examined it, he realized it looked older than the barn. The leather was so dry, he was afraid it might crack and disintegrate if not handled properly, and inside were eight timeworn arrows.

  “Can you use ‘em?” Adam asked.

  “Oisin is the archer among us.”

  “Can I give it to him then?”

  Liam doubted whether the arrows would withstand being pulled in a bow, but also knew it did not matter. “I think he would be happy to accept them.”

  “Oisin! I have something for you,” Adam shouted as he ran from the barn. Liam followed him outside. Ally had properly set the tent. It had taken him numerous attempts the first time, while his father shouted instruction, before he was able to do it correctly.

  “You continue to amaze me,” he said.

  “It should be okay as long as the wind doesn’t pick up,” she replied. “Otherwise it might fall down. You guys haven’t discovered pop-ups yet, I see.”

  “Pop-ups?”

  She smiled and shook her head. “Never mind.”

  Oisin gently removed the arrows from the quiver. “I am afraid this will no longer serve its purpose, but one can never have too many arrows. I will place these with my own. Thank you.”

  “I told Adam we would give him a lesson in self-defense,” Liam said.

  Shane got to his feet. “I believe Ally could give him some instruction in that regard. I remember a move she executed not too long ago.”

  “What was that?” Adam asked.

  “I kicked someone,” Ally replied.

  “So?”

  “I kicked him right there,” she said and pointed between Adam’s legs.

  “Ow!” he said. “What he do?”

  “He went down rather quickly,” Ian answered.

  “Remember, he also got up rather quickly,” Ally added.

  “Who was he?” Adam asked.

  Oisin spit the piece of the grass he was chewing on the ground. “Someone we met in a rather unpleasant circumstance.”

  “And someone who, I am certain, will always remember Ally,” Shane said with a laugh.

  Chapter 25

  Caleb easily found the ruins the Master described, less than a kilometer beyond the forest. His task did not require great effort. He was on his hands and knees, familiarizing himself with the tunnels and committing the passages to memory. It was dark and damp, but he was at ease with his surroundings. He would rest for a while. And then what? He was not sure but the unknown was not cause for concern. These types of situations always worked themselves out.

  Caleb was born in Riddlesby, a hamlet located within the forest, and was the eldest of three. His father disappeared when he was thirteen and, although his mother tried, she could not accept life’s challenges on her own. Her attempts to find the perfect mate resulted in attracting men who saw her as she saw herself, with little worth. Once they realized the effort of raising three children, each man vanished, leaving her with unanswered questions and broken promises.

  He was sixteen when he discovered he carried the power of the Araneae—the ability to change into a spider. It was not long before he put that talent to use.

  One afternoon, he returned home to find his mother on the front steps of their rundown cottage. Her eyes were red from crying. Her lower lip was split and bleeding; a purple bruise was visible on her cheek.

  Caleb ran into the house and found his brothers hiding in a corner of the bedroom they shared. “Where is he?”

  His youngest brother pointed to the outbuilding behind the house. When Caleb peered through its window, he saw his mother’s most recent suitor, at the workbe
nch, a bottle of spirits in his hand. Caleb’s repulsion and anger grew with each passing second. He changed into his spider form and crept in, unnoticed. He climbed up the man’s pant leg and then to his neck, where he planted his fangs and released the venom.

  Caleb crawled to the floor and watched the man’s discomfort grow. When he changed into his human form, the shock upon the man’s face quickly changed to something else— fear—as Caleb picked up a spade from the room’s corner and raised it over his head.

  The gratitude he expected from his mother never materialized. In fact, she seemed afraid of him, and soon, her familiar pattern reestablished itself. He considered leaving home but knew his brothers needed his protection. So he spent more and more time alone… and lonely.

  One day, while picking through the trash behind the local tavern, looking for food, he heard someone whisper his name. He turned to see a peculiar-looking man. He smiled at Caleb but his dark eyes contained no warmth. They were lined with deep creases and set into a face the color of burnt wheat; black hair reached the middle of his back. His white shirt and black pants were made of fine materials, the stitching intricate.

  “Come. Let us share a meal, Caleb,” the man said and held out his hand. “It appears you are in need of a good meal and some sympathetic company.” The nails on his fingers were long and dark, claw-like.

  How did this stranger know his name? Did it matter? He was hungry, and could not remember the last time his mother cooked anything other than soup. Caleb nodded and, together, they walked into the pub.

  “Order whatever pleases you. A boy who has been through as much as you deserves it.” The waitress walked to their table and, when the man raised his eyes, she took a step back.

  “Bring us a couple of pints,” he ordered. “May I suggest the lamb?” he said to Caleb. “I understand it is simply divine.”

  Caleb nodded.

  They sat in silence until the server returned with their ale. “A toast,” the man said and held up his glass, “to new friends.”

  Caleb raised his in return and took a sip. The taste was bitter.

  The man eyed him for a moment. “I understand you have a special talent.”

  Caleb lifted his eyes, confused. “I do not know what you are talking about.”

  “I think you do. You have the passion to stand against those who threaten the ones you love, regardless of the consequence.”

  How could this man know about that?

  “Do not be concerned. Your secret is safe with me, Caleb. Others might not appreciate what you did, but I do. I travel great distances in search of those who possess a spirit such as yours. Is it not unfair that the more fortunate, the more powerful, take advantage of you? Why is it you struggle to have food on your table, while others toss theirs away? Why is it so difficult for you to survive?

  “I will tell you the answer,” he said and leaned close, his voice barely a whisper. “Because they have taken your voice, have stolen your hope. They think you will not fight to regain what is yours. They are wrong. The situation in this world is becoming desperate. When the prophecies are fulfilled and the lines are drawn, you must decide on which side you will stand.”

  Caleb could barely breathe. “How do you know these things? How do you know about me?”

  “I have been given a special gift from the gods. And I cannot ignore their message when someone as important as you is shown to me. I possess great magic and soon, great power. I promise you this—once I have what I need, you will be richer than you ever imagined. You will be able to care for your family in the proper manner. The time for the change will soon be upon us. Tell me, Caleb…” He looked him directly in the eye. “What did it feel like when you transformed?”

  Caleb was uncertain if he was referring to his spider counterpart, or the killer within that had recently been revealed. “I became something more than what I am. Something more powerful,” he said, answering both.

  “Smart boy. After you finish your meal, I would like you to accompany me as I travel east and join with the forces that will change this world forever. All I ask in return is your loyalty. A small price to make all your dreams come true, no?” He smiled. A cold smile.

  “I would like to,” Caleb replied. “But my family … my brothers need me.”

  “I will see to it personally your family is taken care of. You have my word.”

  “If you can promise me that, I agree.”

  “It is settled then.”

  “I just need to go home and pack my things.”

  “Time is important, my boy. We need to depart immediately. I will provide all you require.”

  “I should say goodbye so they know where I am.”

  “I fear your mother, yet again, would not have your best interests at heart. I will send a message to make her aware of your intention.”

  Caleb nodded. Of courses he would leave his family for a short time, especially for a cause as worthy as this. Perhaps he would finally be appreciated, be accepted. And he knew, at that moment, he would have done anything this man asked him to.

  ***

  The fire was nearly out and she leaned over the hearth. Where was Caleb? He should be doing this.

  “Boys!” she called to her youngest sons. “Bring some wood.”

  They ran in, each carrying a bundle of dry sticks. They tossed them into the fireplace and she blew on the cinders, trying to create a spark, but succeeded only in displacing the ashes in the firebox. She closed her eyes against the swirling soot. When she opened them, the embers had caught and the flames reached toward her. She stepped back, spun around, and tripped over the boys, falling to the floor, trapping them beneath her. The fiery blaze licked at her clothing. She struggled to get to her feet but an unseen hand held her down. She turned her head to look at the fire. Where was Caleb?

  “He is with me.” The voice came from the hearth. “And sends his warmest regards.”

  ***

  Caleb was given his own room within the castle but Crooks, as it was called, was actually a fortress that loomed above the mountainous terrain. There was only one approach road, and it was nearly impossible for anyone to reach the castle undetected. How it came to be or who was responsible for its construction was a mystery, but it had been no easy feat. To reach the entrance, one had to maneuver through a complex labyrinth of bridges erected over deep pits. He was certain the desperate wailing that reached his ears when he traveled across those catwalks would haunt him to the grave. From time to time, the castle’s inhabitants, traitors, he was told, disappeared and Caleb suspected they had discovered the horror that lay beneath. He hoped, for their sake, the fall had killed them before they met what lurked in the darkness.

  His days were spent perfecting his skills and watching others display theirs. There were many at the castle like him, but also those who possessed far greater powers. He watched with fascination as great warriors defeated men and beasts twice their size. Some relied only on their hands, while others used strange weapons, but he was most captivated by those who used magic—a black magic more powerful than anything he imagined.

  When he was finally summoned to the Master’s private chambers, he was delighted.

  “You have been specifically chosen for an important task, Caleb,” the Master’s witch said, her one eye staring at him with intensity. “Your success is crucial to our future. You must not fail.”

  Where is the Master?

  “He is not able to join us at the present time,” she said, reading his thoughts. “I am speaking on his behalf. You need to journey to the forest of Gilgamesh and retrieve a valuable object. The Master has risked much to secure it but, despite all the gifts the gods have bestowed upon him, the dark forces within the forest prevent him from doing this himself. Are you ready for your worth to be realized?”

  “Of course,” Caleb said without hesitation.

  “Good.” The witch smiled. “He cannot accompany you, but requests to be with you, here,” she pointed to her eye, “to pro
tect you—to ensure you do not fall victim to the evil consuming Gilgamesh. It is a special honor extended to few. It will hurt a bit, but you would do this for him, would you not?”

  “Anything,” Caleb agreed but, he soon found out, it hurt more than a bit.

  The tattoos on his face and arms were the result of challenges successfully completed. They were a symbol of status and rank and, like war paint, he displayed them proudly. The process was uncomfortable but the time for them to heal was quick. His eyes were a different matter. When the tip of the dagger touched his pupil, he lost consciousness and, when he woke, his vision was swimming in red, as if he opened his eyes in a bloody pool. Maelyn had used the Master’s blood to mark his eyes, and Caleb felt the difference, the power, immediately.

  He stopped reflecting on the past and returned to the task at hand. The Master needed the girl. She holds the key to our future, Caleb. You need to bring her to me. Once I have what I need, you can do with her what you wish.

  After the humiliation at the gypsy tent, he looked forward to that.

  Chapter 26

  “Let us move beyond Ally’s method of self-defense,” Oisin said. “If the situation presents itself, you already know how to do that.” He leaped to his feet and shuffled from side to side, his arms out in front of him.

  Liam pulled Shane aside. “Bernard told me he was seeking an alternative living arrangement for Adam. I would like to offer him the opportunity to live with us— well, with Thea and Meg for now. He needs a more stable environment, someone to look after him. Bernard is not able to do that while running his business. When Raya arrives again, I will send a note making Thea aware of my intentions, but I need someone to accompany him to Pembroke.”

  “Ask Thea to communicate with my family,” Shane said. “Brian and Joseph would not let an opportunity to travel to Exeter escape them, especially given the circumstance.”

  “Thank you.” Although neither of Shane’s older brothers was born with the mark, they were large, and quite capable of delivering Adam safely to Pembroke. Yet before speaking with Bernard, Liam needed to ensure Adam was agreeable to the idea.