by Wendy Owens
“What are you talking about? Nobody has given their life for me.” Gabe rebutted, confused by her statement.
“Gabe, I’m not stupid, Uri told me. There was Raimie, or how about those Mursers who helped you when you first left Rampart?” Rachel answered with her own question.
“What? What are you talking about? Are you talking about Clarite? I haven’t seen her in years.” Gabe asked, consumed by confusion.
“I don’t know. All I know is Uri said he kept tabs on you during those five years, and you left a path of death and destruction behind you.” Rachel insisted.
“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about!” Gabe shouted. “Go back to the cabin and wait there for Uri, do you understand me?”
“Where are you going?” Rachel demanded.
“Do as your told and don’t worry about me. Don’t leave the valley, stay close to the cabin and wait for Uri.” Gabe said, exiting the cave. Before Rachel could say another word, Gabe waived a hand and disappeared into a cloud of smoke. He gave no thought to the fact that he did not have his copper helmet; his thoughts were consumed with figuring out what Rachel was talking about. Clarite and his other friends had been alive and well when he left them. If something happened to them, it was not his fault.
CHAPTER FOUR
Five years ago when Gabe left Rampart, he had come to a small town called Baynar that was in the Underworld. At the time, he thought he was just looking for a place to lay low, but soon enough he realized there was more to his exit from school. At Rampart he found himself constantly shrouded in secrecy, and now that he had broken away he wanted answers. He was seeking the truth about The Guardians.
Gabe had been inducted into this society of magical protectors, given a home and friends, and people who seemed to care about him. One thing he was never given, however, was answers. He was sure Michael had kept countless secrets from him. Once Gabe was on his own, he decided he was going to unravel all the mysteries, one way or another.
Gabe had either been arrogant or naive, he wasn’t even sure himself, but years ago when he fled his home, he hadn’t thought about the fact that he would be hunted. Every demon in the Underworld was after him and he showed up at a pub, in unfamiliar territory, unprotected. He was very fortunate Balor, the innkeeper who was running the pub, noticed him that night. Had it not been for him, Gabe knew he would most likely be dead.
A Wintok was a creature that could be easily bought. They never fought a war because of a cause; they fought for the highest bidder. When Gabe first came to Baynar, the word was out that Baal was seeking the protector and he would reward anyone handsomely who brought the boy to him. Though Gabe attempted to hide his identity beneath a hooded cloak, it did not fool the Wintok. Baylor suggested the boy leave when he saw the Wintok take notice of him, but it was too late. Though Gabe quietly ducked into the alley, the Wintok was not far behind. Baylor saved Gabe not only that night from the greedy creature, but also introduced him to the sympathizers, Clarite and Kryn.
Kryn, the blacksmith, was probably one of the key figures in keeping Gabe safe as well. He had forged the copper helmet for him that protected Gabe’s thoughts while he slept. It was the helmet that also gave Gabe the idea to search for his current home.
As Gabe remembered the strangers who stepped up to protect him, he thought of the helmet. What had he been thinking leaving the helmet behind? He hadn’t been thinking. Rachel had managed to rile him into such a frenzy that he needed to get out of there as soon as he could. While asleep, the helmet was one of the only ways to block out the demon trackers. Rest would not be an option on this trip. As long as he stayed awake, he should be able to block the demon trackers from entering his thoughts.
Gabe’s thoughts drifted to Rachel. He was still stunned he had caught her rummaging through his belongings. She was a guest in his home, yet she had not shown any respect to his privacy. He was so angry with her, it didn’t matter that Rachel did not know the items she had found belonged to him. He had been the one who yelled at her after the sculpture incident, the one who had caused her to flee his presence. Perhaps all of these instances were just unfortunate coincidences and Rachel meant no harm. None the less, even though these thoughts did occur to Gabe, he was not willing to relinquish his hostility towards the girl.
No, Gabe thought, even if she meant no harm by pilfering my trinkets from Rampart, there is still no excuse for the things she said to me. I am not selfish and I do not expect people to sacrifice everything for me. That is part of why I left Rampart in the first place. I will prove her wrong. There is nothing I can do about Raimie dying, but that was not my fault. The manor was attacked after I left, I can’t be responsible for everyone for the rest of my life. I’ll show her, I know the people of Baynar that helped me are still alive. She’s wrong, she has to be.
Walking down the cobblestone alleyway, taking in the metamorphosis the small town had gone through in such a short amount of time, Gabe felt uneasy. He grabbed a nearby scarf from a clothes line, quickly wrapping it around his head. He had not been in Baynar for many years and had no idea what to expect. Emerging from the narrow path between the buildings, Gabe winced as his stomach twisted. Stepping out onto the main roadway, Gabe kept his eyes low, avoiding direct contact with any one he passed. He quickly noticed the streets were full of Wintoks. Though they had a presence in Baynar when he was there last, it was nothing like this. He was the stranger here, the odd creature walking among them, and he could feel the stares. It wouldn’t be long until someone wanted more information about who he was and why he was there.
A moment later Gabe stopped and looked up. It was the entrance to Baylor’s pub. Unlike the rest of the town, not much had changed about the pub, and he took comfort in the idea of seeing an old friend. Slipping through the familiar door, he was eager to finally prove Rachel wrong.
Climbing up onto the oversized bar stool Gabe smiled, remembering the first time he had sat there and how it made him feel like such a child. Wintoks and most other travelers of the underworld were much larger than humans. An idea that used to make him nervous, but one he had grown accustomed to. He waited, looking forward to seeing the gruff face of his old friend. Much to Gabe’s surprise, a thin and lanky man, bald on top, and a crown of silver hair around his ears approached him, asking what he wanted to drink.
For a moment Gabe said nothing, processing the new face, unsure what to do. “Umm, I’m looking for Baylor, the innkeeper.” Gabe said, trying to keep his voice low.
“Huh, whad’ya say?” The elderly man screeched, leaning, what must have been his good ear, forward.
“Baylor,” Gabe said louder, glancing around cautiously. “Can you tell me where to find Baylor?”
“Baylor.” The man cackled. “Don’t know no Baylor.”
Gabe felt a panic rush over him. He was certain the entire pub had heard the bartender. Without hesitation or another word, Gabe hopped up from the stool and darted towards the door.
“You don’t want nuttin’ to drink?” the man cried out after him.
Gabe did not respond. He did not even turn to look at the man. He simply slipped from the door he had entered just moments ago, mingling his way into the flow of street traffic. He would ask Kryn, Gabe decided. Kryn would know what happened; he would know where Baylor went.
Cautiously, Gabe made his way to the other end of town. Kryn’s blacksmith shop was at the edge of Baynar. Gabe was confident the oversized, burly man would have answers for him. When he had first met Baynar and Kryn, he assumed they must have been brothers or some other relation. It wasn’t possible for two men to be so large in girth, he had thought, and not be from the same genetics. In fact, they were not related, but they were however the closest of friends.
Gabe was glad he was getting close to Kryn’s shop, he was sure the man would be a comforting site. Gabe felt his lunch rise up violently in his stomach at what he saw next. Focusing on keeping his composure, Gabe continued to walk past the old burned out shell
that was left of the blacksmith shop. The earth had long since reclaimed the pile of ash and rubble, wild grass and flowers poking up through the destruction.
Crossing the small wooden bridge, just past the rubble, Gabe ducked off to the left and swooped underneath into hiding. Once sure he was secure, and could not be seen by those that passed overhead, Gabe collapsed onto the dirt and grass. Turning on his side his body convulsed, and relieved itself of any food that had been in his belly. Rachel was right. He was a liability. Anyone who tried to protect him ended up paying a high price. He didn’t know if his old friends were dead, but he was certain whatever fate had found them must have been bad.
Gabe thought of Uri. Maybe that was why he had not yet returned. Maybe Uri was already dead. What was the point? Why stay alive only to be alone? Rachel’s recent company had reminded Gabe of what life had been like when he had friends. He used to laugh. He used to have more of a reason to get up in the morning than to just tend to the garden. Everything in his life now was simple, too simple. It was the basic things he worried about, like having food in the winter. All he thought about was what he would need to survive alone. Winter would come and go. Then next year, still alone, nobody to talk to, nobody to share with, he would do it all again. Why was he running? Why was he hiding? What was the point in surviving when you’re alone? Gabe didn’t have an answer.
“Gabe?” The small voice behind him caused him to jump, his heart skipping a beat.
Gabe spun around to see who had called his name, wiping a bit of vomit from the corner of his mouth as he did so.
“It is you.” the woman said, not moving.
“Clarite?” Gabe asked, unconvinced the frail woman that stood before him was not long ago the sweet girl that had given him aid.
She nodded and smiled, so overcome with emotion she was unable to speak further. Gabe rushed up to her, and as he did he recognized little bits of her face. She had changed greatly, but it was still her. With a sigh of relief, Gabe pulled her close to him for a deep embrace. “I thought you were all—” Gabe paused, not willing to give the words life.
“I’m fine. What are you doing here though? If they find you, well, it wouldn’t be good for anyone.” Clarite said softly. Gabe noticed even her demeanor had changed. She had always been boisterous, even the loud and commanding type when needed. Clarite now reminded him of a weak and feeble mouse. She barely moved and when she did it was obvious it took much effort on her part. She seemed to have aged forty years instead of the four he had been gone.
“Please come, sit.” Gabe directed, taking the woman’s arm. Guiding her away from his puke towards the water’s edge, they both took a seat. Gabe just stared at her as they sat. Unable to reconcile that this woman had been the same one he left all those years ago. She was only a few years older than him and Gabe had fancied her when they first met, though she had never returned the interest in the time they spent together.
“What happened here?” Gabe finally asked, referring to the changes he had seen around Baynar.
“My God, you haven’t aged a bit.” Clarite said, ignoring Gabe’s question.
“I don’t think I would exactly agree with you. I’m feeling so tired all the time. It’s exhausting always looking over your shoulder, waiting for someone to find you.” Gabe replied softly with a smile. The woman reached out and touched Gabe’s cheek as if she had to convince herself he was real.
Gabe grasped her hand firmly. “Clarite, you have to tell me what happened.”
Clarite looked away, staring at the water. They sat in silence for a few moments until at last she spoke. “When Baal’s men came, we all thought you would return. The chosen one would come back and slay the demon’s army. Baylor tried to tell them, the town’s people. He told them there was no way for you to know what was happening here. When the questioning started it didn’t take long for someone to give up Baylor. They tried torture with him, but you know Baylor—he wouldn’t talk.”
Gabe squeezed Clarite’s hand even tighter. He wanted to scream out in anger, but remained silent, listening. He needed to know more and upsetting Clarite wouldn’t help him.
“We could hear Baylor’s screams from the prison. Kryn couldn’t take it anymore; he decided he would break Baylor out. It didn’t go like he planned. He made it inside but then he — well, it was like he lost all his will to fight when he discovered Baylor was already dead. Kryn just sat there, holding him, he didn’t even try to resist when they found him. After he was captured they decided they would make an example out of him.” Clarite’s voice caught in her throat and she began to tremble.
Gabe pulled her closer, not letting go of her hand and wrapping his other arm around her body in an effort to comfort her.
“They burned it all to the ground, everything he had in the world. He didn’t even react, just watched silently. I don’t even know if Kryn was in there anymore, his stare was glassy and when he walked it was like he was a machine instead of... I don’t know. It just didn’t seem like him. When they realized torturing him was not going to be any fun they killed him and put his head on a stake outside of town. They wanted everyone to know that if you help the protector you will not be shown mercy.” With those words Clarite heaved as if she were going to cry but had no tears left.
“I’m so sorry, Clarite.” Gabe said, wishing he could lessen her pain.
Clarite closed her eyes and took a deep breath, willing herself to continue. “Many of the town’s people, including myself, were put to work serving Baal’s men. We fed them, cleaned for them, anything that needed done we took care of it. I don’t think I slept at all during those months. Then one day they were gone. I don’t know where, just gone. Do you know what it’s like to wake up every day expecting it to be your last? When they left I didn’t know how to feel. The Wintoks have been around ever since, mercenaries of Baal.”
“Clarite, if I had known— ” Gabe began.
“What? What would you have done if you knew?” Clarite growled.
Gabe sat silent. No words coming to mind.
“There was nothing you could do, Gabe. There’s nothing any of us can do. All hope is lost. You know, I used to believe in this protector crap. But now I see, what good is one kid against an army of darkness?” Clarite stood and walked towards the road before stopping and turning one last time to look at him.
“You shouldn’t have come back, Gabe.” Without another word she walked away, climbing to the roadside and then down the dusty path, out of Gabe’s sight.
Gabe sank to the ground. He thought about chasing after her, but what would he say? What could he possibly say? Rachel was right. Everything she said had been absolutely correct about him. He was selfish, and anyone who came in contact with him was bound to end up dead or in some way victimized.
“You there, what are you doing down there?” the voice commanded over Gabe’s shoulder.
Gabe slowly turned to see a Wintok making his way down the embankment. He came to stand squarely in Gabe’s path, leaving few options on where to run.
“Nothing good sir, simply resting.” Gabe replied, keeping his head bowed in an attempt to flatter the Wintok.
“Who are you?” the Wintok shouted, clearly unimpressed with his previous answer.
“Nobody of importance.” Gabe replied coolly, hoping the Wintok would miraculously accept the answer and leave him alone. Perhaps he could charm the creature, Gabe thought. Then all he needed was enough time to duck away and transport. If he transported right here in front of the Wintok it would surely bring Baal’s army back to poor Clarite’s town, an idea he could not live with.
“I say we bring him to Lord Caldrac for questioning.” another voice called out directly behind Gabe. In that instance he realized he was surrounded, a Wintok on either side. They must have seen Clarite returning to the roadside and come to investigate. Even if he managed to escape, Clarite would obviously become the target of questioning. Perhaps they would bring her to this Lord Caldrac character, a proposition
that did not seem like it would bode well for her.
“Friends, I am nobody, just a traveler passing through.” Gabe made one last effort to end the confrontation peacefully.
“We’ll see about that.” the Wintok directly in back of him said before he began to approach Gabe. It was clear Gabe was not going to talk his way out of this one. He considered using magic for a moment, but if he did it would surely signal any demon trackers in the area. Magic leaves a signature, the larger the spell, the easier to track. A battle involving magic would be like sending flares up. He would have to do this another way.
Gabe moved quickly and with purpose. His speed too fast for the Wintok’s to keep pace with, he reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a small sharp dagger. With a quick flick of the wrist, the Wintok standing directly in front of him fell to the ground, clutching his throat. Without as much as a whisper he was dead.
Gabe turned towards the remaining Wintok that had been approaching from his rear. Taking a battle stance, he pulled out the glowing blue sword that had been concealed.
The Wintok gasped, “A Guardian!”
“Just not your day my friend.” Gabe replied with a grin and motioned for the beast to attack.
“You will die!” the creature growled and charged Gabe at full speed, the spikes from his head directed at Gabe.
Gabe jumped to one side, narrowly avoiding the attack, smacking the broadside of the sword against the creature’s back. The Wintok howled before turning and pulling a spiked club loose from his belt. He charged Gabe, wildly flailing the weapon. Gabe swung his sword outward, but missed the rapidly moving target. He was quite rusty apparently. As the Wintok passed him, the tip of the club pierced Gabe’s arm before ricocheting off and landing two spikes firmly in his hip.
The Wintok pulled on the primitive weapon, the spikes breaking off into Gabe’s flesh as he did so. Gabe let out a cry. Attempting to shake off the blinding pain, Gabe took in a deep breath and then focused. He did not use his eyes, but he listened and he felt the movement of the air around him. In an instant, Gabe thrust the sword backwards, under his arm, close to his body. He felt the blade pierce the torso of the Wintok. Taking to one knee, Gabe used gravity to help him more deeply implant the sword into the Wintok, twisting the blade to ensure maximum damage before pulling it free. Gabe heard the Wintok squeak in pain before pushing out its last breath.
