As they finished their work and I threw on the outfit wardrobe had decided on that morning, I focused on what I had learned from Athena. She knew how unpredictable her daughters could be. I would use their weaknesses to my advantage. But I knew that the Erinyes wouldn't fight me. I didn't have to worry about using Cyrus' magical sword against them. I would be up against the one person who was a still a mystery to me.
"Eva, by god, are you done yet?" Joey stuck his head in my room as I buttoned up my peacoat. "At this rate, spring will be here and you will have to change again if you don't hurry it up."
"I'm done." I checked my room to make sure I wasn't leaving anything behind before I swept past him. "It's time to be the heroes, Joey. Let's go."
Chapter Thirteen
Cyrus was right. Our drive to the suburbs of Chicago was slowed thanks to the weather. The snow had continued throughout the day, so the roads were covered in a thin layer of gray mush that splashed as we went over it. Joey was the most vocal of the three of us. He alternated between singing along to the radio and complaining about the cold. I won't tell him how many times he mentioned ghost stories in places like Jamaica or Hawaii. By the time we reached the outskirts of the Rubio National Forest, I was ready to agree with him.
"Where are you meeting the park ranger again?" Cyrus eased off the gas as we passed a large wooden sign. "Nevermind."
We slowed to a stop just before a large green truck parked across the road. Cyrus put the car in park as I stepped out into the snow. I jogged over to the other vehicle with my head bowed down against the wind, grateful that I didn't have to face this chill everyday. When I reached the truck, the window slid down to expose an older man dressed in the same green as his truck.
"Hey. I'm Eva McRayne. We're here to film in Bachelor's Grove for Grave Messages."
The park ranger glanced out of his window at the sky as if I hadn't noticed the white flakes falling from it before ducking back inside where he was warm. "Are you sure you want to film your show today? The weather is supposed to be cleared up by Thursday."
"No, we have to stay on schedule." I lied. I didn't want to tell him Thursday would be far too late. "We aren't going to spend the night or anything. We'll film for a few hours, see what I pick up, and head back into the city."
"I was expecting more people with you."
"So was I. We couldn't risk the equipment in this weather."
I tucked my hands into the crooks of my arms as I looked over at the single SUV we'd taken to this place. This episode wouldn't be the fancy production the Erinyes were hoping for. It would just be me, Joey, and Cyrus. I felt a pang of sadness as I thought about how much Elliot would have wanted to be here right now. He loved abandoned places. An abandoned cemetery outside of one of the biggest cities in the United States?
A kid with a shiny new toy wouldn't have been more excited.
"Alright. Go back to your car and get warm. Have your driver follow me."
I gave him my thanks before going back the way I came. When I sat down in the passenger seat, I turned the heat vents in my direction to press my hands against them. Don't get me wrong, I was decked out for the weather. Thick coat, cute beanie, leather gloves. But I was raised in the South. We are a people who pull out our winter clothes the minute the temperature drops below fifty-five degrees. This icy winterland was pretty, but I was having a hard time adjusting to it."
"He said to follow him." I clamped my teeth together to keep them from chattering. "He is going to take us to the trail we need to take to reach the cemetery."
"Is that all he said?" Cyrus touched a button by the radio and my seat began to heat up. "Did you ask him about any safety precautions we need to take?"
"No. I didn't think about it. I was too busy trying not to freeze to death." I shifted downward as I started to thaw out. "I really like these seats."
"You would." Joey put a hand on each one of the front seats as he leaned forward. "We better hurry. There's going to be a small hike before we reach Bachelor's Grove. And we'll need time to get the monologue on film."
We traveled no faster than five miles an hour behind the park ranger until he pulled over on the side of the road. This time, he came over to my window. I wasn't moving until I absolutely had to.
"You sure you can't wait until Thursday?"
When I shook my head, he continued.
"Stay no longer than two hours. Any more than that and I'm coming to get you. I will be here on the road if you need anything."
"Fine." I unbuckled my seatbelt as he passed me a handheld radio. "What is this for?"
"Emergencies." The ranger kicked his boots against the ground to knock the snow off of them. "Cell phones rarely work in the woods. Stay on the trail and you should be fine. It's real easy to get lost when you start wandering through the trees. Use the radio to call me if you find trouble."
I didn't tell him that trouble was exactly what we were expecting to find. The man went back over to his truck as Joey pulled his camera bag from the open space behind him. He started humming the theme song to Ghostbusters as we climbed out. I wanted to laugh, but I was too anxious. Too worried. When we started the trek down to the cemetery, I pushed my fears to the back of my mind.
"Remember what I told you last night?" Cyrus called out over the wind from his spot beside me. "I can give you the sword now or later."
"Later. The Erinyes will know something is up if I come charging in with your weapon."
I returned to my silence as we walked a good half mile until we reached an old chain link fence which had seen better days. It held up a wooden sign graced the entrance announcing the name of the cemetery. I stopped just before we went inside to take in my surroundings. Despite its reputation, Bachelor's Grove wasn't scary at all in the daylight.
"Let's get some promo shots before it starts getting dark." Joey pulled out a digital camera from his bag. "You'll look great with all this snow."
"Do we have to?" I whined as he started clicking photos. "I hate those pictures."
"You may hate them, but the fans don't. We'll upload the best ones when we get back to the hotel tonight."
"Yippee."
I muttered. Joey directed me through the graves, positioning me in different poses before taking his pictures. He enjoyed the reactions and comments he got on his various websites. Me? I felt like an idiot. I mean, really. Who stands by a stranger's grave marker with their arms crossed over their chest in real life? Or gazing off into the distance as if contemplating the deepest mysteries of the universe? Joey must have known I was getting aggravated, so he returned to his bag and pulled out his video camera next.
He passed me the small wireless microphone. "Ready to get started?"
"More than ever. The Erinyes will be here any minute." I glanced up at the darkening sky as I tucked the earpiece into place. "I don't want them to interrupt us."
Joey swung his camera into place on his shoulder and pointed it at me. This was my cue. I took a deep breath and started talking.
"Welcome to Bremen, Illinois. We are just outside of Chicago tonight at Bachelor's Grove Cemetery. Those of you familiar with infamous haunted locations will no doubt recognize where we are. For those of you who aren't, it's time for a little history lesson."
I started walking through the gravestones, brushing my fingers over the snow piles as I talked. Joey said movement kept the viewers interested when I was going on about the boring stuff. So I stopped only when I needed to step over or around the branches poking up to trip me.
"Bachelor's Grove saw its first official burial in 1843, but it is believed the site was broken in some eight years before when immigrants building the Illinois and Michigan canal perished. The legend states that four men settled here first to claim their hold over government land. These men established the local government for this area and used the timber surrounding it to fund their new township. At one point, Bachelor's Grove Cemetery was a park where families would come to spend the day with their deceased loved o
nes. Perhaps it is the emotions they left behind which give the spirits captured here the energy to manifest themselves."
I stopped behind a marker that came up to my waist as I continued.
"This place is steeped in legends as recent as the 1930s. It is said that the mafia families would dispose their victims in the creek running just behind us due to the seclusion and convenience provided by a road which used to cut through this forest. That road was closed back in the 1960s. Now, it serves as the trail that led us here. The last funeral was held here in the late 1980s. Since then, the cemetery has become famous due to the photographs which claim to have captured apparitions."
I started walking again, more to keep warm than to keep Joey happy. I took a minute to catch my breath.
"Despite the ghosts believed to be haunting this place, we are not here to try to raise them through Apollo's mirror. If you haven't noticed, Elliot is not with me tonight. He is in a coma. His soul stolen by an ancient evil who were called forth by one Allison Thomason. She once graced your television sets with a show of her own. Tonight I am going to face that ancient evil and the woman who died to bring them out of the Underworld."
The winds picked up as if on cue to create a white out effect. When the snow settled, I searched the stones until I saw three small figures sitting on top of the tallest marker. Allison stepped out from around the side.
"Ah, the Erinyes." I gestured to the girls as Joey panned the camera towards them. "Created by Athena to serve as her justices, these creatures once dominated the fates of both the living and the dead. Yet, as time passed and religions changed, the girls were forgotten. They were doomed to reside in the Underworld unless their judgment was requested. Allison Thomason, twisted by her own obsessions, committed suicide to make contact with the Erinyes. She has hopes of replacing me. Allison, step forward. You can't be afraid of the camera if you plan on taking over."
"Enough of this." Megaera interrupted as she knocked her feet against the stone. "It is time for the trial to begin."
"Ah, yes. The trial." I smiled to the camera as Joey refocused on me. "You see, since the Erinyes answer to Athena just as I do to Apollo, they must put me on trial before they strike me down. If I don't participate, they will keep Elliot's soul and he will die."
I turned toward them as Cyrus came to stand in front of me. He tended to stay into the shadows when we were working just in case I needed him. At the appearance of the Erinyes, he must have decided it was time to make his appearance.
"But I have no intention of taking part in what you've got planned. I have another option."
Megaera giggled as her sisters leaned forward. "You have no choices, Sibyl. You are trying to buy time."
"Athena would disagree with you."
The girl's eyes narrowed at the mention of her goddess' name. "What do you know of Athena and our rituals?"
"It is simple, really." I stepped around Cyrus to face the three girls who had graced my darkest nightmares. "I want a trial by Purgation against my accuser."
"Eva, have you gone completely mad?" Cyrus grabbed my arm. "You can't do this. I won't allow it."
"I can and you will. It is my choice. Please, let me go, Cyrus." I waited until he released me before I turned back to the Erinyes. "If I win, then all is forgotten and Allison returns to the hell she belongs in. If I lose, then I will forfeit my role as Sibyl to your puppet. You can do what you will to both me and Elliot."
"You wish to have a trial by combat? Interesting proposition." Megaera tapped her pale fingers against the stone she was sitting on. "We can always refuse you."
"No you can't. I've learned a great deal about you over the past week. Ultimately, you are charges of Athena just as I am to Apollo. Despite what your wish to refuse me, you are not allowed to if it falls within the guidelines she has set."
I managed a smile when I felt like screaming, so I was proud of myself as I continued.
"Accept my terms, Erinyes. Let me fight for Elliot and myself. What do you have to lose?"
"Very well." The girl in the center shrugged as Allison stepped forward. "This will serve to make our revival all the more exciting. I trust you brought Apollo's mirror?"
"I have." I gestured toward Cyrus. "My keeper has it in his possession."
"My keeper, you mean." Allison took the opportunity to examine him. "I believe it is time to replace him, great Megaera. He has been tainted by his association with this one."
"We shall see." Megaera pointed first at me then to Allison. "The both of you step forward."
I refused to look at Allison as she moved to stand beside me. Megaera began to hum as she drew invisible lines in the air by her shoulder. When she was finished, I could see a silver blade form by her hand.
"Since you are immortal, and Allison has already passed through the veil, we must adapt the rules of Purgation. You will both be weakened by Athena's blade. You will return to your mortal status until one of you has fallen. When a winner has been determined, then your immortality will be returned to you."
"You wish to wound them before the fight?" Cyrus approached the marker which served as a perch for the Erinyes. "How can we be sure you will be fair in your actions?"
"You won't." Megaera floated down until she was just above the ground. "I will strike the first blow against each of them. You are not considered a partial party, Keeper. I can not trust you will be fair either."
"Good move." Allison nodded her approval. "Can we get on with this already? I've been waiting for a very long time for this moment."
Megaera didn't respond with words. She decided to take action. The small child grabbed my enemy's arm and ran the silver knife over her pale skin. I heard Allison hiss as her body began to tremble, but I didn't have time to witness her transformation. Megaera had turned the blade onto me in an instant, plunging it to the hilt into my right shoulder with a grin of pure malice.
"Megaera, daughter of Athena, you have proven yourself untrustworthy. You are deemed unjust by giving your fighter an unfair advantage."
Cyrus' voice bounced off the granite stones around us. I barely heard him as the whispers I had learned to keep at bay filled my ears to welcome me into their ranks. I felt the strange fire which had initiated me as the Sibyl ignite in my blood as I grabbed at my injury. The terms of victory were based on being mortally wounded. It seemed Megaera had decided to insure Allison's victory before the fight even began.
Apollo, help me. Don't let me fail them.
I whispered my prayer against the snow as I willed myself to get up. He must have listened to me because my hearing returned. The sharp pain in my shoulder receded along with the fire.
"Whoops." Megaera giggled as she jerked the blade free. She extended a single arm towards Cyrus and he flew back against the gravestone Joey was standing next to. "As for you, Cyrus of Crete, we know where your heart lies. You will not be allowed to participate in our entertainment tonight."
I managed to stand upright just before Allison rushed past the girl. She tackled me hard enough to put me flat on my back in the snow. I cried out as I hit the ground, wondering if perhaps Cyrus had been right.
Maybe his bubble wrap wardrobe wasn't such a bad idea after all.
I sunk into the wet cold and allowed the chill to focus my thoughts on what I had learned over the past month from my keeper. Allison and Megaera may have gotten the first blows, but I was determined to answer them with my own.
As Allison knelt down beside me, I waited until she thrust her fist down towards my head before I acted. I rolled to the right and scrambled to my feet. She howled as her fist connected with a hidden grave marker. Allison tried to lunge at me for a second time, but I was expecting it. I stepped aside to shove her as she flew past me.
"If you recall, I have already defeated you once, Allison." I flexed my fingers as I waited for her to stand. "I'm pretty sure I can do it again."
"You got lucky."
Allison whirled around to throw a handful of frozen gravel in my fac
e before she attacked. I managed to slam my arm across her nose as she threw a punch at my injured shoulder. She shook her head as if my action had no effect, despite the blood now running from her mouth. She gave me a hellish grin as she launched herself at me.
She landed a series of hits against my face. I was unable to respond as each punch stunned me with the pain it caused. A final kick connected with my chest and my head cracked against the base of the monument the Erinyes were sitting on. I collapsed as I tried to keep the darkness threatening to overwhelm me at bay. For the first time since the fight started, I felt the fear of failure. Perhaps I had been wrong. Maybe Athena's knowledge of battle wasn't enough.
I was going to lose. .
"Go ahead and release her, Allison. You've had your fun." Megaera was dangling her feet above my head as she tossed Athena's blade down to my opponent. "It would be cruel not to."
"Wait." I coughed as Allison pressed the edge of the blade against my throat. "Do you truly know nothing about how the mirror is passed from Sibyl to Sibyl? You must repeat a very specific chant. One you will not have access to if you kill me."
Allison hesitated for much longer than I deemed necessary before she let up. She kept the blade within striking distance as I doubled over coughing while the air returned to my lungs.
"Get the mirror." She grabbed my coat to jerk me to my feet. "Now."
I staggered over to where Cyrus was waiting with a look of fury that scared me. I knew if he were ever given the opportunity, he would tear my opponent to pieces. He raised his hand up as if pressing it against an invisible wall between us as he examined my bloody face.
"Give me the mirror, Cyrus." I extended my hand. "Please."
"Eva, no." Cyrus narrowed his eyes at Allison. "You will regret this day dearly, girl. Apollo will ensure your soul suffers for the trespasses you have committed."
"The mirror or I slit her throat within inches from you." Allison pressed the tip into my skin. When Cyrus didn't respond, she pressed harder until I whimpered. "I'm waiting."
The Oracle Series: Volumes 1-3 Page 24
