A Summoner's Calling

by Jacquelyn Evans

  Jax fights his tears. “You go it.”

  “Alright, I need you to go with Uncle Jax right now. Trust me, I will be right there. Just wait for me,” Valedent turns to her, and she nods.

  “But why can’t I see daddy?” she whispers.

  “Because he’s not ready yet,” Valedent replies. She takes Jax’s hand and walks over to the shadowed corner by the downward stairs.

  “Valedent, I’ve been looking for you. Where’ve you been?” The bishop approaches him.

  Valedent raises his brows. “Me? Uh oh. What am I being blamed for this time?”

  “Nothing of which I’m aware, but I would like to speak to you about an incoming threat,” the bishop requests.

  “Sure, right now?” Valedent asks.

  “Oh, no. I have this ritual that must take place first. Speaking of the rituals,” he says as Erryn walks down from the hall in a summer dress of a frosty blue with slow steam radiating from it.

  “Alrighty then, so you have your priorities to attend to. I’ll just find my way to your room then,” Valedent says after shaking his attention from Erryn’s beauty back to the bishop. After the bishop walks by escorting Erryn into the prayer room, Valedent walks over to Jax.

  “Why do I have to be so hidden?” Kiley pouts.

  “Kiley, there’s a lot of people afraid of you right now from the mountain pass. Come on. When was the last time you ate something really good?” Valedent asks as her eyes light up and she takes his hand. Jax follows, and they head downstairs, maneuvering through the crowd until reaching the bar.

  “Hey, Kulman. Let me in,” Valedent shouts keeping Kiley hidden as he winks at her. She giggles.

  Kulman comes out from the back kitchen, “Valedent I swear to the goddess. There isn’t anyone I ever allow back here, but maybe my brother or Marie.”

  “That’s it?” Valedent flips up the top piece of the bar, standing one step away from being inside.

  “Valedent, don’t push your luck. I mean it,” Kulman warns.

  “Even a small amount of food for a small amount of hunger,” Valedent smiles as he nudges to Kiley.

  Kiley crawls in between Valedent’s legs as Kulman stops, “Hi, Uncle Kulman. I’m hungry.”

  “Valedent, you better not be messing with me,” he starts to tear.

  “It’s really her,” Jax speaks up from behind as he throws his arm across Valedent’s shoulders.

  “My goodness. Come here, pumpkin. Hey, Marie. Get over here,” Kulman yells as Kiley runs to him. Then, just as Valedent enjoys the happy moment, he gets grabbed by his wrist. His back is spun over the bar and a knife is held to his throat.

  “Why hello Marie; I missed you too,” Valedent says.

  “Valedent, how many times do I have to re-explain who is allowed back here? Unless you’re the owner, you don’t get to parade around there like you did last time, destroying almost the whole establishment with your chaos. If it takes me leaving a mark on your pretty face to remind you, I will,” She presses the kukri blade firm. Jax steps back slowly with his hands up as she whips her attention to him, glaring with the judgement of a guilty partner.

  “I swear that wasn’t my intention this time. Look,” Valedent points down to Kulman. She looks as tears flush to the surface, and she releases her grip.

  “Aunty Marie.” Kiley runs to her as she picks her up, realizing that this was real.

  “You did good, Valedent,” Marie says.

  “You think I could leave her with you guys to feed her and keep her safe? I got a meeting with the faithful one upstairs,” Valedent asks.

  “We got her. Go take care of that old man,” Marie smiles. Valedent smiles at Kiley and heads to the bishop’s room. He enters the room and sits in a chair, waiting for him to return from his ritual duties.

  Within minutes, the bishop enters the room. “Hope I didn’t make you wait long.”

  “Long enough. So what’s going on?” Valedent asks as the door closes, and he hears a beep as it seals.

  “I’ve received word of Vladimir’s men being seen nearby,” the bishop says.

  “Maybe they’re just checking up on things,” Valedent shrugs.

  “No. I believe they intend to invade. Otherwise, he wouldn’t send Gesthal to just check up on things,” the bishop says.

  “Gesthal, eh? I may know some connections to help, but I must know first: How far are you willing to go? You willing to change from being neutral to making a stand?” Valedent asks, approaching the bishop’s desk.

  “If need be, I refuse to let him rob Erryn of her gifts, or her life. She’s a key factor in tipping the power scale against his. If you can get eyes out there first then-,” the bishop says.

  Valedent interrupts, “Hold on there, oh faithful one. I first must get a hold of some of my contacts, then we’ll go from there. Oh, before I leave, I should let you know that I brought her back.”

  “Brought who back?” the bishop asks.

  “The one girl you should have never scolded the way you did over stupid details,” Valedent glares.

  “Kiley?” Valedent can see joy and guilt warring on the bishop’s face. “You wouldn’t understand,” the bishop says.

  “No, it’s you that’ll never understand after you were the cause of this whole mess. I’ll be putting her in very capable hands,” Valedent says.

  “I’m her father! She…,” The bishop hesitates in continuing as Valedent glares at him hard.

  “Her father? Prove it! Tell me when the oh great Bishop Vincent Brightbane thought of his family over this temple. Tell me you’re sorry for driving her away. Tell me you love her by admitting you were wrong!” Silence hangs between them for a moment before Valedent continues, “Just as I thought. She stays where I say, until I say otherwise.”

  “I see. I’ll look forward to hearing from you,” The bishop sighs as Valedent pulls his jacket taut and leaves for the tavern. Valedent reaches the lobby as people come helter skelter out of the tavern and exit the temple. He goes downstairs to see Kiley sitting with crossed legs eating food. The tavern has cleared out other than Kulman, Marie, and Jax.

  “What happened?” Valedent asks.

  “Someone recognized her from the mountain pass and freaked out everyone else, resulting in a stampede,” Kulman says.

  “This is all my fault,” Kiley stops eating with a stricken look on her face. She smells like booze.

  “Why does she smell like booze?” Valedent glares.

  “The guy that freaked poured a whole mug of ale on her before creating an unneeded crowd hysteria,” Marie says.

  “Well, Kulman, since you’ve been emptied out, you want to take this to the house where Kiley can get bathed and clean clothes?” Valedent suggests.

  “Closing for one night won’t kill anyone,” Kulman shrugs and closes the kitchen.

  “It’s only temple duty. I’m sure the bishop wouldn’t mind,” Jax says. Kulman locks the entrance off before heading through the back door. They head to his house and Kulman opens the door. As they all enter, he closes the door behind them.

  “That you, Kulman?” Roland asks, coming out.

  “And then some,” he says.

  “Jax, isn’t it your night to work?” Roland asks.

  “I believe this night is one worth my absence,” he says, stepping back to Valedent.

  “Valedent, how was your mountain climb?” He shakes his hand.

  “Worth it,” Valedent says.

  “Worth it? What do you mean?” Roland asks as Valedent steps to the side, revealing Kiley.

  “Hi, Uncle Roland,” Kiley smiles. She gives him a hug. He keeps looking down at her and back at Valedent.

  “Is that Valedent, I hear?” Wark asks as he stops, and his jaw drops, seeing Kiley.

  “Wark!” She runs to him.

  “I know, surreal, isn’t it?” Kulman says and heats his outdoor kitchen.

  “You did it,” Wark proclaims as the door jiggles. Valedent looks to the door with a raised brow.

/>   “It’s Liza. She’s just coming back from getting some food,” Roland says. All the guys except Valedent go to the door.

  “Jax, what’re you doing home?” she asks.

  “Here give us those. You go sit at one of the tables,” Jax says as Wark and Jax take the food. Roland sits while blocking her view placed next to Marie.

  “Marie, you’re here too? Kulman, what’s going on?” she asks.

  “Liza, what did you ask Valedent to do a couple of days ago?” Roland asks.

  “To bring Kiley home, why?” Liza turns her head slowly.

  “I’m back, Liza,” Valedent says.

  “Oh my god, you’re not telling me,” Liza covers her mouth, tearing fast. Roland gets up and moves away as Kiley stands right in front of him.

  “This isn’t funny guys,” Liza says, trying not to break as Kiley starts to tear.

  “I’m sorry, Liza. I’m home,” Kiley runs to her as she hugs her, confirming this as a reality. The overwhelming tears, now of sadness and happiness, overflow her face as she hugs Kiley back tightly sobbing.

  As Marie rubs Liza’s back and Kiley continues hugging and crying with her, Valedent turns to Roland. “I need to use the package.”

  “Come with me,” Roland says. Valedent follows as he waves Jax to follow. Roland seals the door as Valedent activates the machine.

  “What is this?” Jax asks.

  “It’s a communicator to some helpful people,” Roland says as an image forms, and the same brick man stands before it.

  “Valedent, it’s good to hear from you. Where have you been?” Thomas says.

  “Sorry, sir. I had personnel affairs which required my attention. It took two days to accomplish,” he reports.

  “I’m glad it was a success. You should tell your source on Jet’s location a personal thanks from me,” Thomas urges.

  “I will, sir. Wait, is she there with you?” Valedent stops his focus.

  “Is that Valedent I hear? What’s that thing you’re using?” Jet says as she shoves Thomas aside, smiling a bit as she appears within the viewer.

  “It’s good to see you safe again,” Valedent says.

  “It’s nice being almost home again,” she says.

  “Valedent,” Roland catches his attention.

  “As well and good all this is, there’s a dire situation heading towards Pinya, and I’m here requesting services to be placed on their behalf,” Valedent says.

  “Dire? What’s going on?” Jet asks.

  “Vladimir’s right hand, Gesthal, has been seen near the gated walls bordering Pinya. It’s got the bishop on edge,” he says.

  “What’s in Pinya that the bishop suspects he wants?” Thomas asks.

  “Besides for the fact this is the biggest trading town on this land, a summoner that they believe could tip the power balance against him,” Valedent informs Thomas.

  “This summoner have a name?” Jet asks.

  “Jet, there’s no easy way to say this, but it’s your sister, Erryn,” Valedent says, rubbing the back of his head as she becomes speechless for a moment.

  “Gramps, you have to help them. You don’t know what he’s sending there. They’ll be slaughtered and my sister…,” Jet cries, gripping his shirt as he holds her head, trying to calm her down.

  “Valedent, you do what’s needed. Considered this an informal alliance.” Thomas sanctions Valedent’s actions and cuts the feed.

  “What does this mean?” Jax asks.

  “It means we have to prepare for war,” Roland says.

  Inbitwit : Jet

  23

  Jet’s head thuds heavily against her adoptive father’s chest with weighted woe. He pets her head with his rough, firm hand, attempting to soothe her emotions. Then, holding her out by an arm’s length from him, her unfocused eyes scatter about seeking a logical calm.

  Although, as Thomas takes hold of her chin aligning her stricken face to see him, her reality becomes twisted. She watches as the safety of the cool basement, filled with tables and a nearby furnace below the residing guild hall, begin to transform into the inescapable volcanic depths of her most visited place.

  The torture room. Jet panics with no idea how to stop it as she thinks, This can’t be real. My mind must be fooling me. I’m safe, I’m basically home. This must be a bad memory. She continues to struggle within, as she desperately tries to cling to her sanity.

  “Everything’s okay. You’re safe with me and we’ll make sure she’s safe too,” Thomas says, but when she looks back to him, it’s Vladimir’s face she sees. It breaks her reach to reality as a smell of blood and sulfur affirm her return to the volcano.

  “Why can’t you just leave her alone! You already have me. I’ll do whatever you want,” Jet cries, hoping her words would call off his efforts. Then someone grabs on her wrist, giving her arm a shake and she looks to Ryan’s corpse, “You’re with family now. Don’t cry before the fun starts.”

  “Ryan I’m sorry! I can’t!” Jet sobs, pulling her chin away and pulling her arm from being gripped. Jet cuddles her head as pressure builds.

  “Ryan? He was there?” Thomas asks with wide eyes as a white light pulsates around her. He grabs her by the arms, placing his forehead against hers as the sight of the volcano dissipates. Jet sees Thomas but notices her hands as the returning blackness forms on her right hand. She pushes him back as the pressure in her head remains. She hasn’t felt this pressure since the escape.

  “Papa, take shelter. I can’t stop this,” she warns with the light growing brighter.

  “Evacuate, now!” he shouts, and everyone rushes, exiting the basement.

  “What the hell is going on in my basement?” yells Richard Banks. Although terrified of hurting everyone, she remembers a vault that once belonged to a bank. It now resided in their basement. Jet repeats to herself, Inside the vault, inside the vault. She hoped not be dropped somewhere else alone, again. In a flash of bright light, followed by a sonic burst damaging the surrounding room, Jet finds herself successfully transported inside the vault.

  “Jet?” Thomas calls out with the room trashed from the burst. Others come back down with Richard, searching the room.

  “Aw, come on guys. Why do you have to wreck my tavern or just Inbitwit in general every time you visit,” Richard complains about the wreckage. Jet lies in the vault, breathing and relaxed, as the pressure lessens gradually within her mind. Before she couldn’t rest her worries completely, as a spider crawling feeling seemed to travel up her arm. She looks to the blackness which almost reaches her elbow. Rushing to her feet, she tries to shake it off her arm. “Come on. No; no; no. Turn off. Turn off.”

  “Is that you in there, Jet? Thomas, I think I found her,” investigates one of the guys searching as he opens the vault door.

  The blackness refuses to stop. Jet sees the door opening as her right eye color changes to black. The crazed feral, when losing all control during the fight with Kosmos, begins to return. Thomas looks inside, bewildered. I don’t want to hurt them. Why did you have to open the door? she thought.

  “Jet your arm!” Thomas points with concern.

  “Yeah, I know. It’s not pretty. You think you could do me the favor and shut the damn door? It’s about to get a lot worse for everyone if you don’t shut that!” She struggles to hold off the transformation.

  Unsure of her meaning, he turns to another guy. “You heard the lady. Shut it.” After shutting and locking the door, the blackness completes taking her over as before. The blackness causes her to blitz everywhere, pounding the walls, ceiling, floor and the door—leaving dents. While within her ferocity, she hears, “Sir, she said to shut it. I don’t think opening it is a good idea. I mean, look at that dent!”

  “When I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it. Until then, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see my daughter,” Thomas opens the door and enters to Jet’s black animalistic form. They close the door behind him and lock it. What’re you doing! You’ll end up dead if you stay in here
. Wait, why’re you in that armor? Jet thought.

  “Jet, I know you’re in there, so listen. I’m not about to leave you in the dark and let you deal with this alone. If this feral side of you wants to leave so bad, you’re going to have to go through me. I think that you’re stronger than it, though. I think you’ll choose to stay.” Jet’s body gives pause hearing his words, even though her sight is darkened from her control proving him to be right. “If you’re worried about my safety, don’t be. I might surprise you,” Thomas grins, pulling out a giant claymore from his back connected to his black and gold armor. Strange since he always spoke of never dawning it again.

  Thomas smirks, noticing a white tear trickling down from her left eye as the feral darkness cravings reassure control and target Thomas as the prey. You old fool. You’ll never learn when it comes to your misfit children, Jet thought. Though, she was happy that he came regardless. He stabs the sword into the ground as Jet bends her knees and thrusts towards him while the spikes pierce out of her arm.

  Surprised to her speed, he holds his claymore flat. He shields from her punch, halting her advance. “Didn’t know you could move so fast, kiddo. Show me what you can do.” Thomas pushes her back enough as he moves the blade and kicks her back as she charges back at him.

  Although Jet realized and anticipated pain from the strength in his kick, her body reacts crossing her arms in front and dampening his kick. His momentum force pushes her halfway across the vault. Jet glares at Thomas from behind her fists. As the dust settles down from her feet, she digs grooves into the ground as she tries to fight against the force of his kick.

  “Hm, nice block. Where did you learn that, I wonder?” Thomas readies for another attack.

  Jet shrugs with a deviant smile. A white mist spins around her as she vanishes after taking a step.

  Thomas blinks and just catches a movement to his right. He whirls his sword up like a shield, blocking an incoming spinning knee kick.

  He uses his sword like a rolling pin around her body. Like a bat, Thomas hits her across the room and into the wall. Thomas starts walking towards her as Jet steps out from the wall, barely standing as she looks to him.