“Enough talking.”
Before Carrie could intervene or even object, Jerrek was rushing toward Brennus. The men clashed with tremendous force—chest to chest—they met face to face, eyes level—their gazes unwavering.
With lightning speed, Brennus struck Jerrek aside the head, and then offered a tremendous side kick—sending the man sailing several feet. Jerrek landed upright—his eyes on Brennus. He charged in his direction. Fists met their mark with intense ferocity. Carrie shielded Charlie as the battle sent debris skyward.
An uppercut had Brennus falling backward. Jerrek completed the assault with a kick to the man’s midsection, sending him on a collision course with a nearby tree. He arose with maddened eyes.
Within seconds he was upon Jerrek. The attack launched on Jerrek was relentless. Each strike was strategic and left Jerrek weakening quickly—his counterattacks were consistently blocked.
“Enough!” Jerrek fell to his back his bloody hand raised, at the mercy of an enraged Brennus.
“You made your choice, my young friend. Your journey ends here.”
His mighty fist raised high, Brennus stepped to a defeated Jerrek—preparing to end his life.
“No!” Carrie’s voice sent both Brennus and Jerrek through the air. Jerrek landed safely, but badly beaten. Brennus met a man-sized boulder with incredible force. He fell to the ground and was slow to rise to his feet.
“It…it cannot be. At long last! Carrie…my dear child. You truly do hold the power of the echo?”
Carrie approached, slowly, yet confidently. She eyed her target—completely certain of her intentions. She desired to cave to it, to give into to this anger within her.
“Silence, Brennus.”
“Carrie…you haven’t the years nor the knowledge to understand what lurks within you. We will own this earth entirely, my dear. Your gift is that of an all-powerful leader. All will bow to your glory…or perish. You are a great wonder of the world…not the bride of a mortal.” His eyes were wide with appreciation.
“Bow before me now, Brennus.” Her soft command was but a mutter, yet Brennus obliged, kneeling at her feet. Her head cocked as she gazed down on the beautiful creature before her. The man who had imprisoned her, attempted to kill her beloved friend, Jerrek, and insulted her bond with Charlie. There was no attempt to quell the rage within her; rather, she embraced the anger—she found herself fascinated by where it might take her.
Her gaze still on the raven-black hair of Brennus, she allowed the mounting fury to fester—it was pleasing. “Bow before me…and perish.”
“What?”
“Perish!” Her deafening screech from above flattened Brennus on his back—sending rocks and other debris flying from around him.
“Carrie, my child…please—”
“Diiieee! Diiieee!” Raising her arms, she embraced her voice—her magnificent echo. The simple words shattered through the atmosphere, echoing throughout the land in a deafening and disastrous rage. As Carrie continued screaming, she watched her words’ work. The wrath echoed down to tear the clothing and flesh from her ancient victim, sending blood and skin from the writing man’s body and to the trembling trees surrounding the horrific scene. Within seconds there was only a bloody skeletal reminder of what was once a prominent pillar of her society—Brennus was no more—ended by Carrie, a member less than one hundred years old.
Peering at the product of her rage—the eyeless scull, absent the majority of skin and hair atop a mangled, macabre, skinned body, a disgusting feeling overtook her—a feeling of dark dread and guilt.
“Carrie!” Nyrobie ran to her. “You have killed Brennus.”
Carrie said nothing, her gaze remained affixed to the horror before her.
“Carrie!”
“What choice did I have, Nyrobie? He’d have killed Jerrek, and you and…and Charlie. He’d have killed everything I love. He left me no choice.”
Nyrobie examined the remains of Brennus; a look of disgust plastered her face. “This magic…can you contain it?”
“Of course, Nyrobie. Tend to your Jerrek. You forget you nearly lost him for all eternity.” Carrie turned from Nyrobie to see Charlie standing near a tree. His face was riddled with caution, concern, and fear.
“Charlie…my love. Forgive me. I never meant for you to bear witness to such—”
“Are you okay?” He rushed to her, his gentle touch aside her cheek offered a soothing, calming effect.
“Do you think me heartless? Do you find me vile?”
“What? No, I don’t understand what that was. But you were protecting your loved ones, Carrie. You’re anything but heartless.”
His eyes chased away any lingering anger within her. She looked once more at his ridiculous ensemble—clothing that was much too big for him—he was an innocent. She was thankful knowing she had this weapon and the ability to protect him.
Nyrobie assisted a badly battered Jerrek as they made their way to Carrie and Charlie.
“Them birds…they’re here too.” Charlie pointed toward the trees as grackles landed—spotting the tall evergreens.
“What they see, Tarik sees. He knows of Brennus, Carrie. He knows of your capabilities.”
“Indeed, Nyrobie. Perhaps their confidence fractured.”
“Carrie, you killed an ancient Society member. You annihilated him. Regardless of Brennus’ intentions, the Council will have serious concerns with your actions. To possess the gift of the echo is to carry a massive burden. You will not be allowed to leave Evrastill for this world again. You will be considered much too dangerous once the council learns of this.”
“That is not my concern at this point, Nyrobie. Once I reach Evrastill, free of those that hunt us…I may never need to leave again.”
Chapter 9
The blinding snow left the couples no choice but to delay their mindless wandering about the woods. Evening hours were fast approaching as they retreated into a shallow hillside cave. Uncharacteristically dry, the cave made a decent retreat. Carrie snuggled next to Charlie—he shivered while bundled in the sleeping bag Austin gave him.
“Nyrobie and I are going to fetch dry wood for a fire. We’ll be back shortly.”
“Be safe, Jerrek.”
“Always, my friend.”
Nyrobie and Jerrek exited the cave and into the blinding-white abyss.
“Th…that’s amazing.” Charlie’s teeth chattered.
“What, my love?”
“Jerrek looks fine…like nothing happened. Like he didn’t take an ass whoopin’ earlier.”
“Of course…it has been several hours, Charlie. We heal in minutes…not days.”
“Your people are amazing.”
“You are amazing, my love.”
His soft smile was tired—he appeared miserably cold.
“We will make it home, Charlie. All of this will not have been for nothing.”
Unzipping the bag, he invited her in with him. They laid backward—she ran her fingers through his hair as his teeth continued to chatter.
“You’re shivering, Charlie. Let me warm you.” With the bag zipped, she gently kissed him. Instantly his shivering ceased.
“You’re so beautiful, Carrie.”
“Great forces are against us, Charlie…we are lost and far from home. My father wishes you dead and I took the life of a prominent Society member today.”
“If you’re trying to make me feel better…you could try singing or something.”
“Something more enjoyable.” Her hand slid between his toned lower stomach and the waistband of his pants. His choppy inhalation was coupled with wide eyes of uncertainty. She found him completely aroused within seconds in her hand. “Do you object, my love?”
“What if they come back?”
She chuckled. “What if they do? You fear we won’t have the time?”
He grinned, propping himself on his elbow, his other hand pulling the front of his pants down—allowing her better access. “You’re right. I haven’t ha
d sex in seventy years. This ain’t gonna take long at all.”
She gently pushed him backward and maneuvered her own garment to her ankles. Climbing atop him, she placed him within her. Instantly his eyes widened—a whimsical smirk curled half his mouth—his gaze anchored to hers.
She gently rocked; each slight motion appeared to bring him almost unbearable pleasure. Biting his bottom lip, he occasionally motioned for her to slow her pace—as if the sensation was too overpowering.
She studied his expressions—his ecstasy blatantly displayed. The men of her society lacked the character she craved. They were constantly polished, each hair on their head ever in place, lacking even a trace of facial hair—never sporadic or unmanaged. Charlie was different. She yearned for the wild, thick, messy, dark hair that had no rhyme to it. Stubble on his face, the product of a lazy day or day lost in the woods—he loved his humanity and the honesty that accompanied it.
As her own pleasure intensified, she increased her stride. Almost instantly he was leaning up to her.
“Awe! Holy—”
“Shall I…stop?”
“Yes! No! Oh my…” His head flailed backward as his grip tightened firmly on the sleeping bag.
Understanding he’d neared the pleasure threshold, she decided to take him to a place he’d never been. Rocking her hips harder sent him flying forward, gasping as his arms wrapped around her, grabbing her shoulders intensely. His repeated grunts and gasps in her ear assured her she’d accomplished the mission.
He continued panting as she slowed and stopped. “Are you okay, my love?”
He remained speechless, his quivering head rested on her shoulder as he stared toward the cave floor.
“Charlie?”
“Oh…my…holy shit.”
“I’m assuming you’re satisfied?”
He laid backwards, smirking up at her with drunken-like gaze. He brought the palm of his hand to his forehead and chuckled. “Satisfied? I don’t…I don’t even know what to say. That was amazing. It’s like…it’s like the years I spent in the darkness are melting away. My destiny is with you.”
“That good, huh?”
“I mean it, Carrie. You are my everything. You always have been. I’m nothing without you but a worthless, mortal human.”
The conviction in his eyes as the words left his mouth assured Carrie he truly felt so poorly of himself.
“Charlie…you are to be my unified partner for all eternity. I cannot stand to have you say such things of yourself. You are kind, beautiful both inside and out, and you are worth more to me than all my days—my eternity. That is not worthless.”
She kissed him once more before leaving the bedding to freshen herself in the falling snow.
She stared skyward—there were no feathered fiends lurking about the trees.
The snow fell heavy and accumulated thick on the ground. Charlie was soon beside her, wrapped still in the sleeping bag.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I’m not upset with you, my love. It upsets me to hear you say such things of yourself because I know you feel they are true. To be human is beautiful…be proud of what you are. I am proud to stand next to you.”
“The things your father said…about the humans in your home being parasites, I hope your people will accept me as you do one day.”
She took his hand. “Parasites? The humans of Evrastill are contributing members of our community. To be completely honest, it’s easy to forget they are human from time to time. They’ve become quite accustomed to our ways. You, my sweet Charlie, will forever be perfect to me just as you are. My father’s words are those of a man destined for infamy and self-destruction. I can only hope the Council is merciful when they end him.”
“Maybe they’ll lock him up or something.”
“Certainly not. Above all else, a Society member must never bring harm to a human. The Council will not sway—all involved will face death.”
“I figured you’d be—”
“Charlie.” She peered about the scene. “Go back into the cave.”
“What?”
“Please.”
Charlie disappeared from her peripheral vision and into to mouth of the cave.
“I can sense you. Reveal yourself.”
The lack of response had Carrie stepping further from the entrance. “Reveal yourself now.”
“I know of your magic, Carrie.” The female’s voice was confident and clear. “I know not what lingers in your heart. I choose to remain in the shadows.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. No harm will come to you. Show yourself, Elisa.”
The slender beauty appeared cautiously—snow falling around her. Her long brown hair fell free, she donned a white gown—less than desirable for combat.
Carrie casually approached. “Elisa, you too have deceived your Council?”
A single tear left Elisa’s green eye. “Carrie…I am here on my own accord. We share respect, no?”
“We do. Can you lead us home?”
“Yes.” Elisa peered toward the ground, her face riddled with concern.
“Elisa, what troubles you?”
She wiped the tears from her eyes as Carrie walked to her. “You father…he’s returned to Evrastill. He told the Council of your magic. He said you destroyed Brennus.”
“Elisa…I had no choice. Brennus stalked us in the hopes of killing Charlie—”
“Tarik has killed Councilman Aglet, Carrie! The Society bows to your father, his followers and their magnificence.”
“It cannot be.”
“I speak the truth, Carrie. Andre has been imprisoned and is awaiting execution. The humans have been gathered and will be escorted from the entrance of Evrastill in the morning.”
“We…we must go to them…now!”
“Yes. That is why I have come. Your father will spare Andre and the humans if you return to Evrastill…without your mortal man.”
“This is not an option, Elisa.”
“If you arrive at the entrance of Evrastill with your mortal man, the humans of Evrastill will be escorted out in front of you. All the years they escaped the wrath of aging will be upon them in a matter of seconds. They will be reduced to dust within the blink of an eye.”
“He wouldn’t dare…the Society would end him. The Society loves its human members.”
“The society is horrified, Carrie. Your father’s powers are vast…you are his daughter and there is talk of you possessing the gift of the echo. The Society is unsure of your intentions.”
“They should know my loyalty.”
“They know only that you murdered Brennus and your father murdered Councilman Aglet, Carrie. Our world is in bedlam. That is what they know this second.”
“No. I will return. We can make this right.”
“I must go…I must leave now.”
“Elisa, we haven’t a guide.”
“The last of the evening’s snow will fall hours before sunrise. Look to the sky, your guide will be there.”
“You’re certain? I cannot risk my human friends falling victim to my father’s wretched hands.”
“Look to the sky, my friend.”
“You would not guide us now?”
Elisa offered a soft smile, she then hugged Carrie. “I am not returning to my home, Carrie.”
“What? That isn’t an option.”
“I have lived one-thousand-forty-two years. I’m tired, Carrie. My time here is done.”
“Elisa, no. This too shall resolve. My father will be stopped and Evrastill will be restored.”
“Indeed, Carrie. I have complete faith. Yet my heart is weary and I am ready. Eternity is too daunting. The life of the mortals appeals to me more with each passing year. I wish to become one with this earth. I wish to rest.”
“Elisa…do not make such decisions while under such despair.”
“Carrie, I never thought I would witness such days. Our ancestors would harm humans? The same humans we’ve offered
sanctuary to…and lived in harmony with. The same humans our kind are sworn to protect. How are we living in such times, Carrie?”
“Elisa, do not do this. Please, be there when the Council is reestablished. Stand with us when Evrastill becomes what it was always meant to be.”
Elisa only offered a friendly nod, turned and disappeared into the white.
Carrie returned to Charlie to find him observing curiously—still snug in the sleeping bag.
“Your friend?”
“I know her.”
“Your magic, is it something rare or special or…I mean of course your special but—”
“I don’t know what it is for certain, Charlie. I was certain my magic would present as a healing feature. The gift of the echo is something I’ve only heard in legend; I’ve never known a member to possess it. I’m uncertain what I possess is truly the echo.”
“Is it good if it is?”
“I’m unsure how to answer that. I have a new confidence and resurrected faith that we will reach Evrastill and your safety shall be secured.”
“What’s wrong then?”
“Something…something has taken residence within me. This magic, its appearance is accompanied by new emotions. I’ve felt anger before, Charlie. They day they separated us—my anger was as hot as melted iron. So many days while imprisoned I felt angry and betrayed. And when I learned of my mother’s ending…my anger had me longing to end my own existence. I have felt anger.”
She turned to Charlie, stepping closer to him. “This is different. This is a longing…some itch that I cannot ignore.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Neither do I.” She kissed his cold cheek.
Several minutes later they were joined by Jerrek and a distraught Nyrobie.
“Nyrobie, what is it?” Carrie rushed to her friend as they entered the cave.
“It is Elisa. I felt her fade. I was with her…on her thoughts. I felt her fade, Carrie.”
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