“Ok then how do we back up her memory?” Tara asks looking a little confused.
“Her first memory should have been awoken in battle or by a blood ritual. It was how she earned her title and if she remembers she has had to do that in every life.” Ika answers. Then I remember something.
“She awoke my memories when Franny was going to attack me in the cafeteria but that wasn’t life or death. I also told her I would need her to do a ritual, but it never happened. So what I do have back isn’t a complete awakening. That is the only way she can reverse it. If Ika does the ritual then it won’t matter, and a few people are going to wish we didn’t figure this out.” I say looking to Helix. His smile grows and I can see Marcus, Vlad and Meena all have the same smile. Shit a lot of blood is going to fly.
Ika walks over to me and grabs my right hand again, instead of using my short blade, she uses a dagger Ares hands to her. She slices my palm again, looking straight into my eyes she starts the ritual.
“I call forth Aretha, The Atlantean Battle Warrior. The pride of Atlantis and honored daughter of Hyda of Corinth. I call to you Aretha, your skills are needed, your knowledge is sought to bring an evil to rest, to give justice to Hyda and peace to those who have come afterwards into your many lives. What say you, do you heed THE CALL OF WAR?!?” Ika yells the last part as an energy pulses through me, and both of us are sent backwards from each other.
“Holy fuck that hurts!” I curse as I bring my hand to my head. Realizing Marcus caught me, and Helix caught Ika.
“I would say that is a yes.” Marcus says laughing as I get to my feet. I look around the room and then at the people standing here with me, some of them hit me like a ton of bricks. All my lives I have lived come rushing back into my head and it fucking hurts like no other.
“Pegasus you backstabbing little bitch!” I yell at Kane, and he starts to laugh.
“Yea she’s back. Hey Aretha, long time no see! Glad you still haven’t changed.” He says with a raised eyebrow.
“You owe me a fucking horse! And not just any horse, I want my fully trained chestnut Seglawi Arabian War horse by the end of the year! Do you hear me?” I say through gritted teeth. He left the paddock gate open, and my war mount escaped with five mares. Let’s just say I have been after him ever since; it’s how we know the awakening is permanent and done right.
“Yes I know and at some point I will get it for you. It just won’t be trained because horses aren’t used like that anymore. But I will get you your horse.” He says shaking his head knowing I will hold him to it.
“Something isn’t right Ika isn’t breathing!” Helix says and he looks worried.
“Turn her now or she will be lost!” Sophia says, causing Helix to look at her.
“Helix do it now!” Vlad commands and Helix bite down causing Ika to suck in a breath. After she does he places his wrist to her mouth and slices it, as soon as the blood hits her lips she starts to drink, and the change is immediate. Usually, she would have to drink first and then be killed, but with the situation and the blood ritual being performed her body will go into the same state of suspended animation as if she drank his blood already before dying. Funny how this shit works sometimes. After feeding both their eyes have gone back to normal from the blood thirst red, and Ika is looking over herself.
“What happened? Why did you turn me into a vampire?” She asks looking almost hurt that it happened.
“Because this is your fate, there is a reason Helix went with Ianna to the museum. He was to find you and turn you when you died from overpowering Dede’s bindings on Aretha. Hades says enjoy and see you in about 600 years.” Ares says looking at the new vampire. Ika turns to Helix smiling, she intertwines their fingers as they hold each other. Helix kisses her head softly and it’s almost like seeing him with the love of his life.
“Ok so how the hell are we getting back home? I don’t want to take the hover plane, that could just be expensive if they attack us on it. They will be watching the roads and looking for the cars, so how are we going to do this?” I ask looking at Marcus and Kane.
“The old fashioned way.” Vlad says, chuckling at me when I give him the “what the fuck” look.
“We run, is what he meant Ianna. Our vampire speed means we can be home in roughly two hours, and for those of us experienced enough we can take people with us. In Vlad and Meena’s case they can take like ten or twelve people at one time.” Helix says looking at me. I don’t know if we will need that many to help with this war right off, but I do know of one person I will take care of as soon as we get home.
We make arrangements with Demon King Dagdred. He said that the clan near our territory have been noticing things changing, they decided to keep track of the influx of new people coming in and out of the area. He told us he will have the information sent to Matthias, so preparations can be made for the battle to come. With that in place we leave from Chateau Bellevue and head home with the help of some every old vampires. To say it was a pleasant feeling would be laughable, after traveling at like Mach 6 I feel like I am going to hurl. I can see the same look on a few of the Hunters faces too, Tanner and Eli look like it was a roller coaster ride, and they want to go again. Stupid boys!
When we got back into the coven house, it was a swarm of activity. Both Demon Lords of the nearby hives are here, along with the six Alphas of the closest packs, and Matthias said at least another eight are getting ready to leave to come this way. As we start to walk towards the amphitheater for coven meeting, nine of the 13 High Witches from around the world pop in and Elianna is one of them. She looks pissed and I can only imagine it has to do with Dede and Ika being turned. Once everyone is in the amphitheater, Matthias takes center stage and starts with the changes in leadership.
“Leaders, it is a great honor to have you all here and coming to help in the battle for our world. The first announcement I have for you is the formal welcoming of New Crimson Star Coven Leader Marcus Valarian!” Matthias says and the room erupts into cheers and applause. Marcus walks up beside Matthias and bows to the audience.
“I am humbled and honored by your acceptance of my taking leadership of the coven. After the coming war, I hope to build and maintain alliances of mutual benefit, as well as come to your peoples aid when called on.” Marcus says and again the amphitheater is roaring with cheers and applause. Marcus steps back to let Matthias continue with introductions.
“I would also like to present to you a warrior of legend, surpassed by none and always giving of herself to help those in need. I give you Aretha, The Atlantean Battle Warrior Reborn!” Matthias yells and the audience damn near brings the building down with cheering when I step out onto the stage. I hold up my brace and it sends them into a frenzy of excitement. For many I was like a superhero growing up, not that I have anything special about me but the fact that I fought for the innocent no matter what species made me a hero. Once the excitement starts to settle a bit I walk back to Marcus.
“We are preparing for war. I won’t beat around the proverbial bush about it. Human’s that are souls reborn from Aretha’s first life have come and tried to take her weapons. They also tried to kill her, we were able to link former leader Maxum Valarian, former Watcher Stephan Foster and a Doctor Travis Thaddeus to this cause of a worldwide supernatural human war. These three men are now dead, punished for their actions and we have a great deal of information on others that could still initiate the war. This war would create mass slaughter of both supernatural factions and of the human population.” Matthias says stopping to let some of the visiting leaders ask any questions they need too.
“What of Francesca Delarosa? We all know she was having an affair with Maxum, should we not be worried she will take his place in this war to come and lead?” One of the Alpha’s asks. I actually believe that is Dane’s father, Alpha Abraham of Black Granit pack.
“Francesca Delarosa, as of midnight was bound to her betrothed and a transversion ritual done to change the ties of the unborn child sh
e carries. As soon as King Roglan is done filling his physical needs, she will be taken straight to Alden.” One of the Demon leaders says in response. Causing a lot of shock to show on many faces.
“Actually, he is meeting those needs in Alden. I just came from there. I did the transversion ritual and it was successful. She will remain there indefinitely.” High Witch Elianna says, then she looks at me scowling. “Why would you save Morgana Le Faye again?” Just as I am about to answer her, two of the High Witch’s guards bring in Dede and throw her at the witches feet.
“Because the plan was for Dede to reverse my memory she brought back. Aretha, so that the enemy would have my activated weapons. She’s been fucking Theron. Was it for the last few months or was it while you were still friends with Franny that you started? After all it never did add up why you two stopped being friends and you became my friend.” I say looking from the pissed off witch to the stressed out girl on the floor.
“Ianna, I never meant for this to happen. I was trying to warn you, but you never answered my text. I didn’t know Soren is Theron, until after I accidentally awoke his memories.” She says trying to cover her ass.
“That is why I protect Morgana, she may have done some horrible things in the name of love, but she never once lied to my face or tried to have me killed. She even used her death as way of me keeping my title. Told the King’s court that she had me under a spell and it would break with her death.” I say giving the High Witch a glare that has her backing down.
“Dede, you can stop the lies. We know everything, we hacked your phones, your emails, and your memories. You should not be like Franny and keep your legs closed. That vamp was only fucking you to gain access to your mind and you gave it to him. Bonus for us, but a downfall for him. He wants to burn his skin off from letting you touch him. He truly hates you.” Matthias says, his eyes have gone red with blood thirst. Guess Matthias is pissed.
“So what is it going to be High Witch Council? Because regardless of your agreement or not, she’s a traitor and that’s a death sentence. In everyone’s eyes.” I say looking back at Elianna. I have pulled both the long sword and short blade from my boots, and they are at their full length. Gasps are heard and I look to Dede when she starts mumbling to herself.
“Shit, that means this was for nothing. He promised that I would have the Wave of Poseidon. It responded to me; I just couldn’t pull it.” She continues to mumble as one of the High Witches to Elianna’s left jumps down in front of Dede. She looks at her and shakes her head, without warning the witch rips out Dede’s heart. Once Dede is dead, the witch comes to me, giving me the same look, but this time she smiles. With a blood soaked hand, she draws the symbol of the Atlantean bar on my chest. When she finishes it starts to glow bright blue.
I feel a sudden energy wave wash over me and I watch as memories pass by, but they are not mine. I watch from the eyes of someone else. I see the last night I knew Octavian and Orion were alive, but what I see isn’t of them preparing for battle. I see them being murdered by their own men and Theron was leading them. I see the faces of the men that were involved, and I soon realize that I killed many of these men during the battle of Troy. I had come up on them without being noticed, I wanted information about what happened that both Octavian and Orion had been killed. I watch as I see me sneak in behind to hear everything. I then watch as I kill each of the men that I found talking about it, making a kill list of the others. The whole time I am watching this, I see me look at me four or five times and gives me a nod. The only one that I remember I didn’t get the opportunity to kill was Theron himself. He ran and hid when it was discovered that he betrayed his King and legion. This is why I was reborn so often, to find Theron and deliver him to Hades myself.
“What the hell was that?” Elianna asks looking at me.
“That was my memories.” The witch says. Everyone gasp and looks at her. She smiles again at me, I remember her now, she was one of the Trojan children that King Menelaos took as slaves from the surrounding villages. “I am almost 3000 years old, and Athena only asked Hecate to grant me this, so I could help set things right. I saw the murder; I knew that the child you and Orion were to have was the start of the warrior bloodline. But another enchantress was at work here, and it cost you the most. I hope this helps you find peace and brings an end to Theron. After all he is just like his father, forced me into his bed but never claimed his children. We had 4 sons and each of them fight for you now.” She says before popping out from the floor and back into her seat.
Chapter 9
To say that I’m surprised at the gift of Theron’s own sons helping to bring their father down and give justice to so many is undeniable. I had no idea that Theron had caused so much pain beyond those that I was close to. Some of the many warriors that I met afterward the fall of Troy, pledged their loyalties to me upon returning home to find their families slaughtered. Some were able to find a survivor that told them who it was that caused the destruction. During my hunt for Theron, King Menelaos also sent out word of Theron’s treachery and called for his death. The reward for bringing in Theron’s head was 500 gold. At the time that was a lot of money, and many were hunting him down. I don’t know if any collected it because not long after I was sent into another war for the King.
“I would like to welcome, Blue Wind Hive Leader Erzan to the stage. He’ll explain further what new information we have.” Matthias says stepping back towards Marcus. I stay where I stand near the front of the stage. When the leader comes up I step just behind his right side. He gives me a smile knowingly that I am staying to protect, it’s become my second nature.
“Thank you Matthias, and congratulations on becoming Second Command to New Leader Marcus. I am happy to see a worthy man take over the Crimson Star Coven.” Leader Erzan says to Marcus and Matthias. “Over the last two years there has been a significant increase of activity in one of the human towns on the border of our territory and Black Granit Pack Territory. We’re working with Alpha Abraham and his son Dane, to keep track of all movements. We’ve learned that a common meeting area has been set up for large group meeting. We’ve been able to eavesdrop on several key meetings and have learned that four high ranking officials of the Watcher Council aside from Watcher Stephan Foster are involved in the planning of this war.” He stops as chatter starts to get louder. Just as it was starting to cause a riot Vlad and Meena appear on stage, and the audience begins to calm down.
“We’ve notified the Supernatural Council and were given the unanimous approval to remove them from their positions by any means necessary. With this in place many of the hives have already pulled their Watchers from duty and placed them in a safe house. They have been told of the actions of the council and many are looking to help any way possible. With that said, there was a meeting held 5 hours ago, and it was observed by rogues wolves. The traitors are worried because the Atlantean Battle Warrior has all three of her weapons now. Their hope lay within Dede to reverse the memory awakening. At the time of the meeting when this was being discussed the rogues attacked knowing that this war could not only hurt the rest of us but wipe them out completely. At least one of the high ranking Watchers is dead and another seriously injured, in total there’s eight dead, there were several independent Hunters that also died in the attack.” Leader Erzan says.
“How are we supposed to fight if we don’t know who to trust?” Leader Vakor of Blood Winter Hive asks. His hive is at least 6 hours travel so he is the furthest to come for this.
“Leader Vakor, I don’t expect you to trust anyone but your own people for the time being. This started well before you were brought into existence. I plan on finishing this before you have to see any of your peoples blood spilt. Specific lives have been brought forth, two of which were hired mercenaries and I plan on putting those skill to use when dealing with the kill list. What’s needed most from all of you is knowledge, have any of your packs, clans, covens, or hives had new members or new humans join your local communities in the
last 15 years? I know you all keep extensive recorders, if so start looking deep into their backgrounds, and bloodlines. If they link back to 1253 BCE, send their names to us. I’ll handle it for you and protect your people.” I say looking as many of the leaders I can in the eyes. There’s no way that Theron has all his people centrally located here for this war, but then again he might since Theron is more in control than Soren is.
“That’s all the information I have collected thus far. Until there’s someone the rogues who attacked the meeting feel comfortable with talking too, it can only be hoped that they help with the knowledge they have gained.” Leader Erzan says before bowing to the audience and walking off the stage.
“Thank you Leaders for everything thus far, please let’s all get some rest and in the morning we’ll help you tackle your journeys home and finding information. Hunter Clan Leader Kane Kristoff has given us a helping hand in lending us his most experience tech people to help gain the information needed. Thank you again for your time and help.” Marcus says before the amphitheater starts to clear out. Just as we start to walk off stage Leader Vakor comes to speak with us.
“So you know, there’s been sixteen deaths in my Hive already. Human attacks on my people as well as a troll. Those that were involved were interrogated and killed for their crimes. Battle Warrior, I was told by two of the humans that your parents are helping Soren Thaddeus start this war. How true this is I don’t know, we are looking into it, but you need to be careful. Those closest to you might not be who you think they are, one of the humans that killed some of my people was my mate. She betrayed all of us.” The leader says with tears. I feel heartbroken that he was betrayed by the one who was supposed to love him unconditionally.
“Thank you Leader Vakor, I’m truly sorry for your loss of your people. My heart to their families, as for my parents well they have been on my kill list since I could walk. They abandoned me at 3 days old, it’s not surprising that they are helping start this war.” I say and he looks at me with horror.
The Call of War: The Watchers Chronicles: Book One Page 10
