The Call of War: The Watchers Chronicles: Book One

by Patricia Halladay

  When I was 7 years old, Helix started to take me with him on travels for the Coven. My Uncle of course came too, but even if it was something for the coven, Helix made sure that I was taken to places of interest and learning. Now you’re probably thinking museums, art galleries and all that, but not even close. Yes I did those things, but Helix would get me into see people of historical importance and their descendants. I visited all of the First Nation Tribes that remain in North America, I even got to speak to some of the Mayan people in Belize. These trips were fundamental in my learning and training. I would speak to professors and battle specialist to learn the ways of different warriors. Who knew that no matter the time period, I would still follow the same path that was set in my first life.

  We finish our conversation just as we pull up to the front doors of the Coven house. It’s a former cathedral of the gothic time period. Maxum had it brought over from somewhere in Europe around 1782. It has since then been painted white with black detailing on the shutters, roof, and window frames. Actually it kind of resembles The Addams family house, with the same creepy ass vibe included. Honestly and truthfully I love The Addams family, but I hate this house and those that live in it.

  Chapter 2

  After I got out of the car, Helix was nice and took my school bag to my room. He said he made sure to lock it afterwards, to keep bitchy little spoiled brats like Franny out. It wouldn’t be the first time she has went into my room to try and destroy things that I value. I just learned from the beginning and seeing her do it to other girls, to either lock my door and ward it, or to keep my most valued items hidden. So I do both, I have a safety deposit box in the vault at the Brinkley Bank. It’s a financial company that deals with the supernatural population, and they run that place like Fort Knox.

  I made my way behind Helix to Leader Maxum’s office, and I could hear him shouting at someone. Helix starts to snicker as we sit in the waiting room to go in. I give him a puzzled look, but I figure I will find out who Leader Maxum is yelling at because they have to walk right by the waiting room. The office and waiting room take up part of the area that used to be part of the congregation. When you first walk in, there is a huge foyer and leading off that is the grand staircase to the upper floors. To the left, there is a small hallway that takes you to the waiting room and Leader’s office. This area has a separate entrance from outside too, but for coven members and staff we use the entrance off the main foyer. Off the right side is the Library and study hall. There is a door just beside the grand staircase that leads to the kitchen and dining room. I should totally grab something to eat, my stomach is making noises.

  In the meantime during times of rest, it is always good to reflect on choices of the past, to ensure you don’t repeat them. So for now while I wait, I start to think about what I can remember from my first life and what I have gained from the memories.

  Memories …

  I was taken from my tribe on the island of Crete, to be a slave when I was 5 years old, something that has been a recurrence in every life. I have no memory of my birth parents from any of my lives because they either abandon me or they are killed very early in my life. A General’s wife, Hyda, took me in and changed my station to her adopted daughter. She had no children of her own because her husband was always away in battles. He had many illegitimate children with other women, but he never claimed them. It was his greatest down fall, his oldest son by a woman named Ena killed him in war. I never understood why her husband was that way, and truthfully I only met the man twice, he didn’t like me and both times he beat me. It wasn’t until General Octavian warned him, and Hyda took me as her daughter that he never came back home again.

  Hyda was an amazing mother, she tutored me and gave me a great education for the time period. General Octavian thought it would benefit me to learn how to fight. He said a woman that was strong both in body and mind, was the ultimate weapon. He sought the wisdom of the gods and soon I was being trained with weapons, tracking and horseback riding. As part of my training, I was taken to many of the tribes and learned their battle tactics, weapons knowledge, and terrain. I was even able to go to the famous city of Atlantis, to see many of their marvels, warrior training and weapons masters. One of the weapons masters made me very special weapons and showed me how to make repairs if they were ever damaged. I told him I would come back to him to have them repaired, that is when he told me of a vision one of the oracles had had, and this would be the last I would be able to see him. I spent an extra year with the Atlanteans, learning from them all I could before I returned back to Corinth.

  I had spent the better part of five years away from Hyda, but sent word back to her often, telling her of my travels. When it was finally time to go home, we were met with many ships and a call to arms. I was thirteen when the Trojan War broke out, and all because of a single woman. It was never a problem if a man were to take whoever his heart desired and when he desired them. But for a woman to do so, it was punishable by death. General Octavian was able to get me home to my adopted mother, before he left for the war. He told us of a place to go to near Athens that we would be safe from the ravages of war and from the anger of the gods. We left taking the longer route to Athens, and along the way, Hyda continued my teachings, and I shared my gained knowledge from my travels.

  Unfortunately either the gods were displeased with us for leaving or the fates had something else in store for me, because we were attacked by another warship and Hyda bargained her body for my life. The men spent days, abusing Hyda anyway they saw fit, it was when we were a day out from port that one of them killed her. They made me toss her body overboard, and then promised me pain if I did not please them. Asking for forgiveness from the gods for my actions, I used my training and slaughtered all but five of them. It was then that I realized we were not near the city of Athens, we were near Delphi, and I was going to have to rely on my skills to get me home.

  When I got off the boat near Delphi, I was able to join a caravan heading to Thebes. The caravan was heavily guarded with soldiers. I asked one of the older soldiers why they were heading there. He told me it was for war against the Trojan’s for the kidnapping of a King Menelaos’s Queen. I knew exactly who he was talking about, it was Helen. Once we made it to Thebes, I once again asked the aging soldier where I may find General Octavian or his second in command Orion. He lead me to a home that was humming with the conversations of men. Upon arrival some thought I was there to pleasure them; it was soon discovered that I had no intention of pleasing them and they tried to force me. It did them no good, and some of them were badly injured in the process, I also endured injury, but the older soldier was the one to save me from death.

  Upon his request I was granted an audience with the General. General Octavian and Orion stood to the side of the room smiling at what I had accomplished, both men were proud of my skills. At dinner they introduced me to the others in the room, and that is when I was given the title of Atlantean Battle Warrior. I later told Octavian and Orion what happened to Hyda on my travels. General Octavian decided it was better for me to come with him and his troops to the Battle for Troy. The battle was long fought and over the ten years I killed many. The number I gave Angelica was just a guess as I am sure there was many more and all of them Trojan’s. By the end, I had lost both General Octavian and Orion, as well as countless other strong men that I came to consider family.

  End of Memory.

  “Ianna, Leader Maxum will see you now.” Helix says bringing me out of my thoughts. He gives me a smile and gestures to the three I see walking out of the office. So it was his son, niece, and nephew he was scream at for so long. Well then I am in for it also. I walk into the office and immediately notice that Leader Maxum is feeding from Rosa. So this means he was angry to the point of blood thirst, shit I could be in a lot of trouble then. When he finishes Rosa bows and walks out, she is still able to stand, so I would take it he didn’t take much from her.

  “Would you care to explain what happened
today in the cafeteria?” Maxum asks looking at me with his blood red eyes. His feeding still hasn’t taken the edge off his anger yet.

  “Franny decided to make rude comments to both myself and my best friend, who happens to be a powerful witch. She didn’t like the fact that I can be just as rude in responding, and she tried to smash my head into the table. Key word is tried.” I tell him with an uncaring stare. “It’s not my fault that your niece is sloppy in her stance, and I was able to throw her into the window. By the way she does it again and I won’t stop with putting a stake through her heart, I am done being treated like I am less than a human being.” The look of surprise on his face tells me that even he doesn’t want to piss me off.

  “Thank you Ianna, that is what the boys told me as well, I will speak to Franny. Please go and pack a bag of clothes, we have a meeting with the Watcher council. Oh I received a special request for your presence at the National World History Museum. So I think we will be gone until Thursday since the meeting is setup for Saturday at the museum. I guess your history class is going also. Speaking of classes, I also got all your classes set up for you to do your work online, to keep up with it.” Maxum tells me. I don’t need validation from his son and nephew, but it feels nice to have someone in my corner, who has my back when needed.

  I leave the office to head back upstairs to get my bags packed. It’s Tuesday, so enough for at least 4 days, yes I know he said we would be back by Thursday, but you never know what could happen. That and the last time I went anywhere with Franny in the travel group, I ended up having to buy new clothes. Yes I need to drive a stake through her heart and rip off her head, she is such a bitch. I walk back into the waiting room and get my key from Helix, as I walk out and up the stairs I can hear Franny making comments again.

  “Why the fuck do we all need to go to this stupid meeting? She is nothing important, and I would pay Emerson to be our covens Watcher rather than her. She is useless and a bitch.” Her whiny voice carries through the hall.

  “You’re just pissed that she kicked your ass, like needed. Bring you down off the pedestal you placed yourself on.” Nicely said Matthias. I have a small smile hearing Matthias give me praise for my actions.

  “You just want in her pants. Don’t worry your pretty little head big brother, I am sure she will spread her legs like she is supposed to soon enough for you.” Franny says. What the hell is she talking about? Watchers stand by and document everything that takes place in a group. None of us sleep with the pack or covens we are assigned too.

  “She is a Watcher, and they are by the code. So she won’t be spreading her legs for anyone until the council says so. You know that, again you’re a jealous bitch because Marcus chooses her over you.” Matthias says to which I hear Franny hiss at him.

  “He won’t after this trip, Uncle Maxum has it all set up. Thanks to me, she is going to lose everything.” Franny says with a giggle.

  “Oh really? And what did you get Uncle Maxum to do?” Matthias asks, he must know I am just around the corner listening. My heart rate is slightly elevated, part of my training was to learn to stay relaxed no matter what.

  “Her room is on the floor below the Penthouse suits we are in, so she is not protected. A friend of mine is going to do whatever he wants to her. Ruining her forever.” Franny sneers. I hear clicking walking away from the conversation and when I hear her door close, I turn the corner.

  “You know, I thought her smarter, but I guess I was wrong.” I say walking up to Matthias.

  “She never learned to listen for heartbeats unless they were highly accelerated. She may know you were there listening, but I highly doubt it. Just watch your back on this trip, I will inform Marcus of what his father has done and what Franny has planned.” Matthias says giving me a concerned look.

  “Matthias, do you know where it is we are staying?” I ask already formulating a plan and a backup incase the first one doesn’t work.

  “Yes we are staying at the Hilton. I will text you the number just give me a second.” Matthias says taking his phone out and sending me a copy of the room confirmation. This works perfect, but I have to question why I wasn’t sent a notification about my room.

  “Thank you Matthias. Hey this is across the street from Chateau Bellevue right?” I ask having an even better plan in place.

  “Yea it is, but Leader Maxum wouldn’t use that hotel, it’s completely run by Hunters. It wouldn’t be safe for us there, especially if one of them had a problem with the coven. Which they always do.” Matthias says resting his index finger on his chin, then a crooked smile starts to appear on his face. “Here, call and book a room for yourself. Tell them you need security also, and make sure you tell them who you are. Watchers are highly protected, even though Franny seems to go against that law. They will keep you safe.” He says handing me his credit card.

  “Thank you Matthias, but I will use mine. It’s not as monitored as yours is. They may start to ask questions why you booked a room there. How did a sweet guy like you get a slut for a stepsister?” I say handing his card back.

  “Ok but let me know the cost, Marcus will want to give you the money back. He is not going to be happy about Franny or his dad… Honestly, I have no idea, dad was lonely, and Annette was looking for a position of power to keep Franny from her arranged marriage. Not that it has worked because dad said it was a binding arrangement and he cannot and will not change it.” Matthias says.

  “Ok I will, thanks again Matthias.” I say opening my door. It’s funny how they had this conversation in front of my door. Thinking that there would be warning to stop talking, but what they don’t know is Helix installed a camera in part of the lock, so I will be able to go through the whole conversation. I am quick to pack a small bag. I won’t need the clothes with changing where I will be staying. I dial Chateau Bellevue’s private reception, and just hope that Kane is there today.

  “Good Afternoon, Mr. Kristoff’s office how can I help you?” It’s Kya today so he’s there.

  “Hi Kya, it’s Ianna Foster. I need to book a room for tonight. Are there any openings?” I ask hoping they have a room.

  “Umm ok, why would you call here and not reception?” She asks. Oh shit, right she doesn’t know me in this life yet.

  “Oh sorry, it’s Aretha, Kya. I am back yet again. Stupid rebirth can’t give a Battle warrior a break.” I say and she starts to laugh.

  “Hey girl, of course we have a room for you. We always do, may I ask what services you will need?” I can hear Kya typing away on her laptop, so I know she is relaying the message to Kane, and she is getting my room set up.

  “Full security until Thursday. I am coming to meet with the council and my handler, but I have a bitchy vamp that seems to think she can ruin me with having a friend commit sexual acts against me. Full wardrobe and weapons cash please. Also full cleanup crew too please, because if they figure it out where I am, then I will be killing someone.” I say. “Oh can you call the National World History Museum also. I am supposed to me Dr. Thaddeus for some test. Please and thank you Kya”

  “So if you’re making this last minute booking, obviously the room they have you in at the Hilton across the road is not a safe place for you.” Kya says and I can hear the smile she has.

  “How did you know?” I ask with a smile of my own.

  “The four receptionist are all Hunters, and as soon as Leader Maxum made his booking, we took note. We saw that you were not to be notified of your room and that it was not on the secure top floor. It immediately sent up red flags. What name am I putting this under?” Kya asks.

  “Aretha, some of my memories have been brought back. It’s why I called you right away, I knew Kane would be able to help me.” I tell her grabbing my stuff from the bathroom, before grabbing my bag to head out the door. I lock up just in case Franny has one of her minions go into my room.

  “So you have heard it too then? The Call of War.” She asks, sounding sad.

  “Yes unfortunately, but my call
was a bitch slap to the face…” I start to say when Kane cuts me off.

  “What do you mean Aretha? Hi by the way.” He says.

  “Someone found my Atlantean weapons, said the Druid had a journal explaining where they were. I know for sure he is lying through his teeth.” I say clenching mine.

  “How do you know?” Kane asks with peeked interest.

  “Because I removed the Druid’s head from his shoulders after he told me where and how to access the hiding spot. He never had time to write about it.” I say being completely honest.

  “Yea that would be a good reason. Ok your room is booked, we have Eli and Tanner on security, as well as Tara and Charlotte preparing your room. Everything will be ready for you, payment the same as before?” Kya asks.

  “Yes, Kane still has access to my accounts from my life as Samantha Walker. Oh and can you please send a ride for me?” I say.

  “That I do girl, good thing you trusted a god with your money. We can, where is the pickup?” Kane says laughing.

  “Curtis’s farm, they have the empty field used for different training. Thanks Kya and Kane, see you soon.” I say with a smirk, as I hang up I reach the front door and Helix.

  “Same as always kid, you’re riding with me.” Helix says.

  “We aren’t driving Helix. There has been a change of plans because I overheard little miss bitch’s plan. Kane will be picking me up.” I says and the look on Helix’s face is cold.

  “What plans?” He grits out, his fangs are starting to peak through again.

  “She plans on having a friend rape me, since she got Leader Maxum to book me a room on the floor below them. I haven’t watched the recording yet; we can do that on the way there. I am now booked into Chateau Bellevue; I am sorry I didn’t book you a room. I know what the situation is with the owners.” I say giving him a sad smile.