by Cat Adams
It did.
It was a good thing I had one hand braced on the wall or when the door yielded I would have landed on the floor. There were no intruders or secret lovers in the room, but I ran in because Adriana was on the floor, tangled in bedsheets and thrashing. Her eyes were rolled back in her head and she was making odd grunts and hand motions. I’d seen the same thing before more than once … with Vicki. Okalani’s mother had told me that Adriana was a prophet, the sirens’ term for a clairvoyant. It was one reason she would never be queen. She was apparently a pretty powerful one, too.
I did for her the same things I always did for Vicki. I got Adriana into a sitting position with her back against the side of the bed, propped up by the nightstand. Vicki had once almost choked to death on her own tongue while thrashing on the floor. Then I put a cold, damp washcloth on the back of Adriana’s neck. Vicki always swore it helped her climb back out of the vision to reality.
Then I sat down to wait. Clairvoyants are always the most vulnerable when in a vision. They need to be guarded from danger. It was one reason Vicki had chosen to live at Birchwoods. There were empaths there who would know she was having a vision because they could sense the changes in her emotions and would send an attendant to watch over her.
I’d barely grabbed my coffee and taken up residence in the comfy corner chair when Adriana came to with a start. I didn’t say a word until she reached back and grabbed the washcloth from her neck and stared at it with an odd expression.
“My friend who was a prophet always said it helped her get back to the real world.”
Adriana finally focused on me after long moments of staring. Then she nodded. “It did. Thank you. I’d never considered that such a simple thing could work. It was as though you threw down a rope ladder for me to grab.”
I took a sip of coffee. “You’re welcome. You had a vision?” I’d also learned not to ask Vicki what the vision was about. Frequently she wouldn’t tell me because she either didn’t trust the images or couldn’t interpret them so soon after they had happened. Or the vision might involve me and she didn’t want me to know. Sometimes she’d simply say yes. Only occasionally would she give details. It was often frustrating to be the friend of a clairvoyant, but they desperately needed friends who would simply ignore the visions and give them space. Emma, on the other hand, wanted to be asked about the details. She didn’t get many visions, so she needed help to interpret them. It was often frustrating to be the friend of a clairvoyant, but they desperately needed friends who could give them what they needed—ignoring the visions and giving them space or prodding them to recall everything.
Adriana nodded. “Yes. And now I understand your spirit prophet’s urgency yesterday. It truly is critical that we visit the gentleman in Arkansas. Today.”
Really? “Care to tell me why? What are we looking for?”
She shook her head and dropped her gaze to the floor, her frustration clear. “It’s complicated. There were so many images. But I believe there’s a chance the missing instructions for the horns are there.”
In Arkansas? “That’s a long way from Atlantis. And Serenity.”
She pulled herself to her feet using the bed and nightstand. “Indeed it is. But I’m quite certain. We’re going to need help, though. There’s strong magic involved. I saw multiple threads where we found the instructions but other images of us failing and dying.”
Nifty. “I guess I’ll get on the phone and see who’s available to jump on a plane today.”
Her smile was brilliant as she started to make up her bed. What a nice guest. I stood and walked over to help. “No need. I also saw a certain dark-skinned teenager at our side. But I will need to make a call to the island—if I may use your telephone.”
I sighed as I tucked the burgundy wedding-ring quilt Gran had given me a few years back up under the pillows. “I’m going to need to get a different phone plan. I’ve never had to make this many international calls before. But sure. Go ahead. I’ll get dressed in something more appropriate. Do you have any idea where we’re going? Specifically?”
“That will be a little bit of a problem. It was clear to me that we need to show up unexpectedly or the person who will take us to the instructions won’t show up. He both fears and craves sirens, but his fear is stronger.”
That made me frown. I didn’t like the idea of descending on someone and forcing him to take us somewhere. “That plan borders on kidnapping, you know.”
She shook her head. “Not at all. It’s merely a case of cold feet. Once we’re there, he won’t object.” Then she tipped her head with a little uncertainty in her face. “At least as far as I could see.”
And there’s the problem with visions in a nutshell. “Just so you know, if he does object, it stops there. I won’t be a party to manipulation again. I told you that.”
Her shoulders moved gracefully up a fraction, but she didn’t respond. “I’ll need to get dressed so we can leave soon.” Her eyes flicked to the wall clock shaped like a seagull. “We need to be there in an hour. I’d suggest you find a mage to accompany us.”
With that, she turned and walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind her. I heard the shower turn on seconds later.
It took most of the hour for her to get ready, while I was making calls and getting my schedule at the office changed … again. This was going to be the worst December for income I’d had in years. Normally I make enough to take a good part of January off, but now I was going to be scrambling. Provided I had any clients left after this many cancellations.
Adriana came out of the bedroom just as Bruno arrived. I hadn’t bothered to call Creede because before he’d left last night he’d said he wouldn’t be available today because of meetings. But Bruno could handle anything that might come our way. He gave her a brief nod as he entered. Her delicate features struggled between amusement and offense. I could understand why—she really did look good. I don’t know if she had dressed to impress Bruno or the man we were going to see, but the turquoise bodysuit I’d loaned her hugged every curve while the hip-huggers with the distressed panels on the thighs fit her to a T. It had actually been kind of fun to go through my clothes with her last night. Neither Vicki nor Dawna wore my size, so we hadn’t done much closet swapping. Adriana, on the other hand, was my identical size and while her coloring was different, everything she tried on from my old color palette not only fit but looked better on her than on me now.
“Good morning.” I stood as he came in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Thanks for doing this. I know it’s short notice.” Then I whispered in his ear, “You should at least say hi and tell Adriana she looks nice. She’s used to people fawning over her.”
He got a startled look on his face and then turned to where she was about to sit down on the couch. “Oh. Good morning, Princess. I’m sorry. I’m a little distracted this morning. You look lovely today.” He paused and then looked me up and down. “You always look gorgeous, Celie. Sometimes I forget to mention it. Sorry.”
I hadn’t actually been fishing for a compliment, but I’d take it. “Thanks.”
Adriana had likewise brightened and dipped her head regally. “Good morning, Mage DeLuca.” She didn’t thank him for the compliment because, as I said, she expects them.
Bruno squatted down by the two shells and carefully ran his hands over the small casting circles that still vibrated around them. “Honestly, I was going to call you back and cancel because I thought you were overreacting … until the news report. Now I’m glad I rented a fast car.”
He must have seen my brow furrow, because he motioned toward the television with his chin. “You should probably take a look while I get these shells ready to travel.”
I hadn’t realized we were taking the shells with us, but I reached for the remote. Adriana turned in her seat with raised brows. A click of the remote made sirens blare and filled the room with flashes of red and green lights. The camera was trained on the rift, which had tripled in size a
nd was pressing against one edge of the barrier.
Oh, fuck a duck.
“That’s the scene at the prison this morning, Tamara. Federal, state, and private mages from all over the world have begun to arrive to shore up the hastily crafted barrier around the rift.”
Bruno let out a little grumble. “It was not hastily crafted. He makes it sound like we threw a plastic tarp over it.”
“We spoke with the FBI situation commander earlier today.”
Rizzoli appeared on the screen.
“Agent Rizzoli, can you explain what we’re seeing?”
I could tell he thought it was a stupid question. I mean, one look and it was pretty obvious what we were seeing. But his facial expression remained calm and blank.
“David, the situation is getting critical. We’re working on solutions to close the rift, but right now our goal is to keep the public safe. The governor has activated the National Guard to keep the curious away and I’ve been informed the vice president is on her way to be briefed by the mages and warrior priests. We’re doing all we can and we would continue to ask the public to stay clear of the area so our people can work without distraction.”
The microphone was pressed closer and Rizzoli backed up slightly. “Are any evacuations planned for nearby cities?”
Crap. That was just what we didn’t need. There’d be no way to get anywhere on the freeways. I clicked the mute button on the remote. “Did you get hold of Okalani? Can she transport us?”
Adriana dipped her head but kept her eyes on the screen. I wondered if she was seeing the fall of Atlantis again as the details from the scrolls she’d read started coming to life. “Yes. Fortunately, once I explained my vision to Mother, she agreed it was best for everyone involved for Okalani to aid us. She’ll be here shortly.” Hmm. Adriana had had to appeal to the queen for Okalani’s services? I wondered if Okalani’s mother had petitioned the queen to stop using her daughter as a royal taxi service. Couldn’t really blame her, but teleportation is a damned handy ability. I bet Adriana had spent a good part of the hour before Bruno arrived talking to Lopaka.
I turned my head back to the television, realizing I had missed whatever Rizzoli had said about the cities. “What did he say about evacuations?”
“None planned at this time.” Bruno had lowered the circles around the shells and was putting them into a thin nylon duffel bag he must have pulled out of a pocket, because he hadn’t walked in carrying it. “But they’re keeping their options open and asked people to keep the radio on for further announcements.” He stood up. “So who’s Okalani? Helicopter pilot? That’s probably the only way we’re going to get to Arkansas in time.”
Adriana and I both smiled, but I answered, “Of a sort.”
And that was the cue. There was a knock on the door and I got up to answer it. I was surprised to see both Okalani and her mother standing outside. Normally, Okalani pops directly into the room. I opened the door and waved them inside. “Good morning, Okalani. Good morning—” I realized I didn’t know her mother’s name. Well, crap.
My cousin came to the rescue. She stood and walked over to touch the woman’s hand. “Thank you for allowing us to utilize your daughter’s time, Laka.”
Laka didn’t seem happy about it. “The queen explained we have little choice. Is it true what they say about another demonic rift?”
I pointed toward the television. Both newcomers’ eyes went wide and they were drawn into the living room to stare at the black, star-filled gash against the bright blue morning sky. Creatures with wings and horns and various colors of scales and fur were prowling inside the barrier—occasionally throwing themselves against the magical border only to be thrown back or burned up by the holy magic. “Merciful waters…,” Laka whispered with both terror and awe in her voice. “Is there no stopping it?”
Adriana was standing beside her, likewise staring at the screen. “We have found what we believe are the Millennium Horns and our hope is our trip today will uncover the instructions on how to use them. You can see why speed is critical.”
Laka’s awed face turned slack jawed. Her voice trembled when she spoke: “You’ve found the horns? May I see them? My grandmother twice removed was born on Atlantis and lived there for a few years before her family moved to Serenity. We have stories handed down of Queen Eris the Just.”
The way she said it was like “King Richard the Lionhearted”—a description so strong, so revered, it became part of the actual name.
Bruno unslung the duffel from his shoulder. “Don’t see why not. In fact, it might not be a bad idea for you both to try blowing them. Especially if you come from an Atlantean line.”
That was a really good point and Adriana’s eyes lit up. “Your mind is sharp, mage. I should call my mother and have her put out the call for those of Atlantean lineage. It may be that one of such birth is required to sound the king conch.”
I raised a finger. “How about we go onto the porch for that?”
Bruno looked a little chagrined as he headed toward the door with us right behind. “Really, we had no idea that would happen, Celie.”
“It was as much my fault as yours, but I don’t see any reason to repeat the mistake. It’s going to be a bad enough day without burning down the house.”
* * *
It turned out to be overreaction, because not a sound was produced. I could tell that frustrated Laka. I think she would have liked to be the one who could blow the horn. Since I wouldn’t wish that fate on anyone, it was a little frightening to me to know that someone wanted to stand at the maw of hell in the hope that she could be a hero. Especially with a daughter to raise.
“It is time,” Adriana announced as Bruno was putting the shells back in the bag. “We must go. Now.”
“Except we still have no idea where we’re going. Or have you got that worked out?”
She walked the few steps until she was next to Okalani and touched her arm. The girl’s eyes looked vacant for a long moment and then she nodded. “I think so. At least, I can get us close.”
Bruno said, “Okay. I’ll drive. Where are we go—” My stomach lurched violently and I felt woozy. “—ing?”
The scenery had changed. We were standing on a narrow sidewalk several feet off the ground. On my right a chipped and worn staircase led down to a paved road, and on my left I saw a row of turn-of-the-century brick buildings. I turned to Adriana. “Fool’s Rush, Arkansas?”
She nodded. “I used the computer in your room to look at world satellite images. I couldn’t see the precise building, but there weren’t many restaurants in town. This seemed the most likely.”
The sign painted on a wide, pale blue wood panel read: Come On Inn. Breakfast served all day—’cause we know what time you got to bed last night.
Cute. And probably true in a town this small.
Bruno sounded seriously impressed when he looked down at the pretty teen: “That’s a serious talent you have, young lady. There aren’t many people who can teleport groups. Every agency in the world will want to snap you up when you’re old enough.”
Okalani beamed, but Laka lowered her chin and raised her brows. “After she completes her schooling.”
Bruno rushed to mollify the older woman: “Of course. She’s too young right now. But I do hope you’ll find someone to help her develop that ability. I could give you a few names of instructors.”
Okalani touched her mother’s arm with excitement. “Could I, Mom? I’d love to know more about how my gift works. I do it, but I don’t really understand how it happens.”
Laka looked from her daughter’s hopeful face to Bruno’s calm one. “I’ll think about it. But right now, she’s getting Ds in math. That would have to be corrected before I’d consider any … distractions.”
Bruno was nothing if not a great male role model. He stepped closer to Okalani and put a firm hand on her shoulder. “There’ll be no chance of a teleportation instructor taking you on without above-average grades in math and science
. I know enough about the process to know that higher-math skills, like geometry and string theory, are critical.”
Her eyes got wide and her lips pursed into a small o. “I didn’t know that. It’s not that math is hard; it’s just boring. So I don’t do my homework like I should. My test scores are fine.”
Bruno nodded and then addressed Laka, his hand still on the girl’s shoulder: “She’s probably bored because she has an instinctive understanding. You might move her to a higher class that’ll challenge her and see if it helps.”
Laka considered his words, her nod thoughtful. “She always could add things in her mind, even when she was little. Once she counted roof tiles on houses and then multiplied them to find out how many there were in the whole town. She was two.”
Oh yeah. That girl was a serious math geek. I nodded at Laka. “Get her into higher classes. Definitely. She’s going to wind up a math professor or in the space program, even if she doesn’t use her gift.”
Laka opened her mouth to speak, but Adriana beat her to it: “We must go in now. This is the scene I saw.” She’d been looking into the restaurant through a small opening in the gingham drapes over the window. “Please, no one go into broad explanations of anything. But Celia … you’ll need to introduce me properly. This must be handled carefully.”
And then she was through the door, leaving us all to catch up and wonder what the hell she meant by “carefully.” Sigh.
The small bell on top of the door made a pleasant jingling sound and the people at the nearest table looked up. The inside of the diner was clean and simple, with wooden tables bearing blue and white gingham tablecloths that matched the curtains. The walls displayed amateur paintings by locals that were for sale, if the price tags were any indication. Laka held her daughter back in case they needed to get to safety. I doubted it. The only people in the restaurant were Mick Murphy, three females I’d bet were his family, and an older gentleman who must be Mr. Fulbright.
