The Call of War: The Watchers Chronicles: Book One

by Patricia Halladay

  “It’s all good kid, I will take your room then at the Hilton. I actually forgot to book myself a room. I will call the Hilton to let them know of the changes. Who did Kane put on your security detail at the hotel?” Helix asks, knowing that I went to another person in the same position I am.

  “Tanner and Eli, Tara and Charlotte are stocking my room.” I say and receive a hearty laugh from Helix.

  “Good, they will need a tank to get to you then, where are they picking us up? And when?” He asks in between wiping tears from his eyes and continuing to laugh. Thank the gods we had a driver bring us over.

  “Curtis’s farm and …“ A ping that cuts me off. “Now. I will let them know we are 2 minutes out.” I send another text back. We are literally at the field faster than I said but the guys will enjoy that.

  “Zoe.” A blonde guy says, and immediately I know it’s Nema.

  “Holy shit Nema! How many of us have been reborn for this? I haven’t seen you since Thermopylae, and it’s Ianna Foster now.” I say looking shocked that someone from another past life has been reborn.

  “What do you mean? Who else has been reborn? By the way, the name is Kevin in this life.” He says and I give him this funny look, causing him to laugh.

  “Well there is me, Theron, who by the way is in possession of my weapons. Kane, although I don’t think that one really counts, Kya, and Helix here is Octavian or it’s a theory anyways that he won’t confirm or deny. I am thinking Orion is here too but haven’t figured out who he is now.” I say giving Helix a funny look that he just shake his head at and smiles.

  “Well that’s interesting indeed, but I’m not from the same life am I? I mean the battle against the Persians was well after your first life.” Kevin says when we climb into the hove plane. This thing is super cool and is a prototype that Kane is funding. It’s basically just like a drone only bigger and can carry 6 people including the pilot.

  “That’s right, I have heard about the battle, but it was almost a thousand years after the fall of Troy. Helen should have died, but I know from the history books she didn’t.” Helix says causing both Kevin and I to look at him. My phone goes off and I check it to see a message from Marcus.

  “So how long is this ride, Marcus is stressing out. He just messaged me. I guess Matthias told him of Franny’s plan.” I ask Kevin after looking at my phone.

  “Well we will be there almost two hours before them. Meaning we can get you checked in and secure the area. Kane’s looking into who the vamp may have contracted to hurt you. Let’s just say he is not a happy demi-god right now.” Kevin says to me. I see Helix get off his phone and he is frowning.

  “I just spoke to Marcus. He used compulsion on Franny. She gave him the name Thomas Knighting and he expects a full bill for the cost of all this. He said his father should have covered this, and that he has sent an alert to the Watcher Council, Leader Maxum is in a lot of trouble.” Helix says and then starts to dial another number.

  “I thought this Franny was a vamp, how did Marcus use compulsion on her?” Kevin asks with confusion.

  “Marcus is the next coven leader, so like the next alpha in a pack or the next high witch, anyone in the group answers to them. So he basically pulled an ‘I’m top dog’ kind of shit to get her to tell him.” I say and Kevin chuckles at the way I put it.

  “Ok kid, your booking has been changed. The room at the Hilton is mine now, and I was told to tell you Kevin, Crystal says to tell Derek he’s a dead man. Whatever that means. I also gave her the friend’s name. Let’s just say she has a mouth that would make a trucker blush. He’s a dead Hunter.” Helix says putting his phone away.

  “Yea I thought that name sounded familiar, he does a lot of work within the vampire community. So I can see him being this chicks friend. Oh well, he’s a dumb fuck for his choice.” Kevin says looking up front to see where we are. When the pilot answers Kevin’s unspoken question.

  “Kevin we are 40 minutes out from the landing base and then it’s a 30 minute drive to the Hotel. Major accident on the 400 and they are diverting traffic. That 30 minutes is if everything runs smoothly.” The pilot says.

  “Is the new landing base up and running in Caftan? If it is could we not land there?” Kevin asks.

  “I’ll call Kane to see if we got the approval to start running the base. If so then yes and that puts us 10 minutes from the hotel and 48 minutes to base.” The pilot says.

  “Cool, I will take the 20 minutes extra to shop! I need to get a new suit to meet the Watcher Council. I think the one Kane has in storage is going to be too big. After all, I am not 5’10 and 164 lbs. this time around.” I says causing Helix to look at me funny. “I will have Kane show you a picture from my last life, huge difference.” I say laughing.

  “We have approval for the new landing base. Clean up of the accident is going to be at least 8 hours. One of the temporary supports for a bridge restoration collapsed along with the part of the bridge they were working on. Unfortunately, some didn’t make it.” The pilot says from the front. It’s sad that people lost their lives. The last 40 minutes of the flight was spent telling stories of our lives and watching Helix beam in pride at my accomplishments.

  Chapter 3

  The new landing space is pretty cool, and much like the hover plane is, it looks like a docking station for a drone. The hover plane can land like a helicopter, so straight up and down to some degree. When it’s all clear for us to get off, we walk out onto a platform and waiting there is Kane and Kya.

  “Finally you’re here! Welcome to Chateau Bellevue!” Kane says walking up to give me a hug and he even shakes Helix’s hand. “I am glad you called, we checked in with what Helix told Crystal. You were right man, we were able to find phone recorders, text messages, and emails detailing what they had in store for Ianna. My best suggestion, kill the bitch and we will take care of Mr. Knighting.” Kane says while we walk into a car lobby.

  “Helix, I got you upgraded at the Hilton. So your entire stay you don’t have to worry about anything. I also got an order in for O negative blood for you, fresh too. I wasn’t sure what you would prefer, as we never saw you as a troublemaker, so we didn’t keep strict tabs on you.” Kya says, and I can see the pride Helix has in being a ‘play by the rules’ kind of guy.

  “So where can I find this guy Knighting? So I can beat the fuck out of him and then bring it against Franny at the council meeting.” I ask as Kevin pulls up with the car. He gets out and runs around to open the doors for Kane and Kya, while Helix got the other door for him and I.

  “No worries about that. The Watcher Council also called, they received word from Marcus and decided to push your meeting to tomorrow morning. Leader Maxum and his group will have their meeting separate tonight and will be confronted with the information against them. I got a hold of a Dr. Thaddeus, he said his grandson has already spoken to you, but if you could come see him immediately then he would appreciate it. He also said to bring the sword in the stone. Whatever that means.” Kya says with a puzzled look.

  “Kane do you have that replica made?” I ask looking to the demi-god.

  “It was finished in the laser printer this morning, why?” He smiles and then shock hits him, “Wait what replica? I have no idea what you are talking about!” He tries to cover, and Kevin laughs at him.

  “I figured you would be planning to steal the Atlantean weapons from the museum. We both know what it could mean if something were to happen to them.” I say snickering at his expression.

  “I never did ask Ianna, what does happen if they are bound to you, and someone steals them from you?” Kya asks looking concerned.

  “They turn to dust. First you have to get them off her, once bound they never come off until the threat is eliminated. I have seen men try and fail; one guy even cut her arm off to get the brace. As soon as he did, the brace went dead. The ejector wouldn’t work anymore, and the dagger basically became a stick. It was brutal because the guy still left Zoe alive.” Kevin says lookin
g at me in the rearview mirror with sadness washed over his entire person.

  “Was that when you were alive during the Battle of Thermopylae against the Persians?” Helix asks looking like he is about to cry.

  “Yes, but what Kevin doesn’t know, is that one of the Amazonian Warriors gave me a warriors death to honor my title. They weren’t apart of the battle, but the tribe was traveling through at the time.” I say giving both of them some peace.

  “That in itself is an honor. I know my sisters didn’t do that too often for someone outside of our tribes.” Kya says with a small smile.

  “You were an Amazon warrior?” Helix asks shocked. Kya smiles and nods. “Wow it is such an honor to meet you.” He says shaking her hand.

  “Kya, the conspiracy around Helix is he is General Octavian. You know the man I told you about that made sure I learned more about combat from others that could be ally or enemy.” I say and again Helix just smiles and shakes his head at me.

  “Wait you are the person who took her to meet Atlantean Weapons Master Arreon! Where she got her blade and brace from.” Kya says getting excited and high pitched for a small space like a car.

  “He didn’t give them to me, I had to train and be able to beat him in a battle of brains and strength. The damn thing took me over a year to do it too. I got my ass handed to me so many times, I honestly think he thought I was never going to get them.” I say laughing remembering Arreon for the strong man he was. He too said that the ultimate weapon was a woman strong in both brains and body. He is someone I have thought of often, but I honor him in remembering his teachings and repairing my weapons with the same devotion he gave to me in training.

  The car ride was short, and Kevin made sure to get Helix taken care of at the Hilton across the street. Helix asked if I needed him to accompany me to the museum, he is always worried something is going to happen to me. I said yes to put his nerves at ease. It’s part of the reason I think he is Octavian, as soon as I told him of what happened to Hyda, he became overprotective and took me with him into war.

  What I didn’t tell him is, that the men I killed on the ship were some of the soldiers they were waiting for during the battle. Just like then, I haven’t told Helix everything. Like Theron is trying to activate my weapons and he is up to something. Just like Helen started the Trojan war, I think Theron is trying to start a war between everyone, humans and supernatural’s.

  I walk up to the front desk with Kane and Kya, the receptionist gives me a look of disgust and continues her work. I know Kane is watching closely, but Kya is the one to take care of me, so I am not too worried yet. While I wait for Kya to confirm that Tara and Charlotte are done getting my favorite toys out, I look around the front lobby. I immediately notice three demons and a male Watcher having a small discussion in the sitting area near a large circular fireplace, it’s not common for demons to be here, so I make a mental note. Helix joins me after about 5 minutes, and his expression tells me shit has hit the fan.

  “What is the matter Helix? Am I in trouble?” I ask, I already know I am in trouble with the coven leader, but for the sake of my safety and to gain my weapons, I need to put distance between them and myself.

  “No, well I don’t know … Leader Maxum said they were heading straight to the Watcher’s meeting. A decision was made on your uncle’s request. I have a bad feeling about this Ianna, if it’s the request I heard them talking about a few months ago then it’s not good for you.” Helix says, causing Kya to give us a quizzical look.

  “Tell me once we get into my room, then I will tell you what is actually going to happen today.” I tell him while giving a reassuring smile. They think I don’t know about my uncle requesting my termination from the Watchers for the purpose of marrying me to another lord for a higher position, but I do know because it would work better for him. Problem is I have prior responsibilities that take precedence to his power driven needs and that I have proof against him, Leader Maxum and Franny that will result in their designation to arbitrator, which is a title no Watcher wants.

  Kya leads us to the private elevator that takes us to the top three floors, which are held for prominent clients. So someone like Lucifer, Gabriel, Dante or even Vlad the Impaler, though he doesn’t do much of that anymore. You can take the regular elevator to these floors, but you need to know how to access them from the rest of the common hotel rooms. I notice the snobby receptionist is watching us as we get into the elevator and head to the top floor.

  “Your receptionist today doesn’t like me, hopefully it won’t result in her death.” I say to Kya, while Helix looks at me shocked.

  “She’s been here for about 4 years now and is in love with Kane. She probably thinks your competition, so if need be go ahead and kill her. You won’t hear complaints from Kane or I.” Kya says. I arch an eyebrow at her permission to kill a Hunter. Something is off today definitely.

  “Who does she belong to?” I ask and Kya starts to smile, while Helix voices his concern.

  “Is it wise to kill one of Artemis’s children? I have never known her to be forgiving in that area.” Helix says and his concern is showing through.

  “She isn’t one of Art’s Hunters, she is a plant. Her task is to gather intel on the clients of Chateau Bellevue and report back to someone else. I would say she was kicked out by the Hunter Guild, and she is now working independently. My guess she is working for Soren Thaddeus and is the reason Kane knew about the weapons being found before I did.” I tell Helix just as the elevator doors open. Stepping out into the hall, Kya leads me down to room 1253 and unlocks the door. As I step in I am immediately ambushed by a staff and whip. I dodge the staff with ease and knock the wielder to the floor. The whip lands a punishing snap on my thigh, spits my pant leg, and draws blood. Helix was on Tara immediately and has her on her knees effortlessly.

  “Oh My GOD! You need to keep your guard up girl!” Charlotte says coming over to heal my leg. Charlotte is a powerful healer and Tara communicates with the wilds, but she is still a badass when it comes to weapons.

  “I was expecting the boys to do that not you two shits!” I say and Tara laughs once Helix let’s her up.

  “You do have to give her some credit Char, I have heard that only Aretha has been brought back. Zoe and Diana are still lost in that void she calls a brain.” She says getting up from her knees and smirking at Helix … “Hey kid, glad to see you aren’t as closed off as usual when being re-awakened.” Tara says giving me a hopeful smile and a hug.

  “What do you mean closed off? Ianna is very loving if not fierce when it comes to protecting those closest to her.” Helix says looking scared.

  “In past lives when the process of awakening her memories started, she closed off pretty much right after Aretha came out. She doesn’t let others in so she has no one her enemy can use against her as a weakness. She became that way right after her first life when Hyda died.” Eli says coming from the balcony. He must have been doing a perimeter check. “Hey girl, glad you are finally home!” He says wrapping his big arms around my waist and lifting me off the floor to give me a bear hug.

  “Agathon, it’s been awhile. Last time if I am correct you tried to take my head off my shoulders.” I say when Eli finally puts me down.

  “WHAT?!?” everyone in the room yells.

  “To be fair, she stole his uniform, weapons and his horse so he couldn’t go into the Battle of Pydna in 148 BCE. Of course it was near the end of the battle, but it was the bloodiest part too. Everyone was slaughtered.” Tanner says coming in with a smile. “Hey girl, missed you these last few years, and here is your authenticator to get into the room.” He to picks me up to give me a bear hug. Would never have known these two idiots were my brothers in 161 BCE.

  “Kya, Charlotte, Tara and Helix, Tanner and Eli are my brothers from a previous life. They knew me as Charis, and they learnt very quickly that I was battle driven. I spent much of my childhood traveling with them under the leadership of Quintus Caecilius Metellus. So don’t
be too hard on them, at the time Agathon thought I had become a traitor, when really I was keeping them safe.” I tell them and see everyone visibly relax.

  “Well that is like 5 lives standing in this room right now. Something big must be going on for all of us and who knows how many more to be brought back all at once. I think we need to go see Dr. Thaddeus now.” Kya says showing her worry. I know it can’t be good if she is showing her emotions, it usually means something very bad is coming.

  “Not today, I would like to know the outcome of Coven Leader Maxum’s meeting with the Council. Mine is tomorrow morning, so I don’t doubt they will let me know.” I tell my friends. It’s weird to see some of them at the same time, because I know they never meet in their first lives.

  “Well then, since you are going to put off meeting the doctor at the museum for tonight, may I ask what you are going to do with your free time mean while?” Tara asks with an amused look on her face.

  “Food, research, more food and maybe kill a few people. You know the usual.” I say laughing at Eli’s expression. I think I caught him off guard with the last bit.

  “Ok then, why don’t we go out for dinner then. We can catch up on what happened after our first life with you in it, and then we hit the gym for training! You are really out of practice!” Charlotte says looking at me with a “don’t even” look.

  “That actually sounds like a solid plan, make sure you check in with me every hour, and I will come and get you tomorrow morning then Ianna. I don’t think you need me with all these hunters around and I would like to get something to drink also. Take full advantage of Kya’s “All Inclusive” deal for being a decent vampire and staying out of trouble.” Helix says laughing. We all start laughing because go figure Helix would like that part best.