Carved

by Miki

  “Can we put the permanent sculptures on the tombstone, so we can leave the cemetery?" asked Mason.

  "I’m not sure, if it’s okay. Commander Mica will know. Let us go now and inquire. There is a High Guild meeting we are supposed to attend tonight. You will get to meet Spar, if you are lucky."

  The other Elites who perch on the apartment roof gather close for orders. I tell them, “Mason, Amber, and I are going to Navan—our cave city home. Keep watch over Kendra—we will be back before dawn.

  Finally, the Imps and I fly into the cloudy night sky. Flying high, we shouldn't be noticed; even if a human does see us, they will think we are bats from the Cueva Hallows Caverns.

  My people have a contingency plan for this. The Ceorfan High Guild negotiated a deal with a human group called The Alumbradai Sanctuary State, or TASS, as it is commonly known. A group with many members of all nations, they are the true power and authority of the human world. TASS and the Ceorfan have worked together for as long as the gargoyle race has had their freedom from the mages of old.

  We reach Navan in under an hour. I stay in the sky with Amber, circling while Mason, known for his stealth and speed, verifies the sentinels are at their post at the entrance. His little stealth body pulses an echo with the code frequency agreed upon for residents of the cave city. Gargoyles have the ability to use sonar to pulse for communication, travel, and operate tools for day-to day living. This is one of the security measures used to protect the only city of gargoyles left on the Earth. Sending a pulse to me in the sky above him, Mason lets me know the way is safe and open. I tell Amber to come in first and meet up with her mate.

  The sentinels move to let them pass.

  When I fly up to the dark cave opening my powerful wings are as wide as the opening and the sentinels included. The sentinels bow to me as we enter. I should be used to it and consider it an honor, but it is awkward. Being the King’s only nephew means some overdo the accolades. These two sentinels would have shown deference to me anyway. I saved them once in the Mage wars. They owe me nothing.

  I nod to Mason and Amber as they leave. The imps head up to their own room which they call home. I proceed to my own area above the armory and practice field where the warriors have their rooms.

  The armory is big, with a sandy bottom; there are openings in the walls all the way around, rising into the cave sides. The openings are rooms, all different sizes. Each is big enough for soldiers of the Elite Warriors to have a private room for themselves. Some of the rooms are bigger. Those are used for soldiers with families, like mine; my mother and sister call this home.

  Happy to be home, I send a gentle pulse to my sister Sondra and mother Gem, so they know I am on the way. Sondra shoots out of our room, hugging me. "I am so glad you are home, Kino! Mother and I have missed you so much! Was the mission a success?" Her pretty face is all smiles.

  Mother is at the jagged entrance to our room. Her joyful face makes me happy. "Let me get settled and I will tell you everything as soon as we are all together."

  Mother gives me a big hug. She is so warm and soft; the lavender scent of her is home. "Come sit, son. Are you hungry? Have you eaten? I have venison ready from the kitchens, and fresh bread with prickly pear jam. We also have some of the best red wine left from your sister's trip up north last year, or maybe you would like water more?"

  "Water for now. I must report. Mega is expecting our weekly report in fifteen minutes. There is a meeting in an hour. When it is over, I will return to eat, drink, and catch up." I finish drinking my water, then hand the cup back to her as I’m leaving.

  I fly down to the conference room. Some of my friends are on the path, waving, but I do not have time for conversations. Nodding as I pass them, some give me bright smiles, saying hello Kino.

  Until I pass to Eltira, a beauty who knows she is pretty. She crashes into me! "Oh, my pardon," she scornfully cackles, raking me with her eyes.

  "I am on my way to a meeting, Eltira. I don't have time to talk right now," I tell her as I hurry away, avoiding her touch again.

  "Of course," she whispers under her breath, with a grimace.

  Uh oh, not good. A tingle goes down my spine, as I enter the conference room. Strange, everyone is already here early. Tilting my head, I acknowledge my Commander, Mega. Speaking telepathically to him, I ask, “What is wrong, Sir? What do you need?”

  “Be seated, Kino. As my third in command, you need to know there is a new threat. The King will cover the problem in a few minutes. It is serious.”

  I sit facing Commander Mega. Spar, sitting close to his father, recognizes me with a smile and a wrinkled forehead. Best guess, he wants to know how the beautiful Kendra is.

  High Guild member Rayder, the current chairman starts, "Since everyone is here, we will start the meeting with information from King Findare."

  Findare stands, his countenance serious and grave. "First, I would like to welcome to our midst Megahir's son Spar. He is a newly carved gargoyle with training and experience that makes him eligible for the Elite Warrior Guard. It was intended for him to start his warrior training and begin his tests for the Elites sometime next year. Given the circumstances I must tell you about next, his testing must begin in a few days. I am confident he is skilled enough to pass and integrate quickly. It is my wish that you give him as much support as possible, so he can survive and become one with the Ceorfan Guild.

  “Now, for my other news. I have just gotten back from my trip to Europe where I had met secretly with The Alumbradai Sanctuary State where I was given information that an old foe has resurfaced and is gathering forces. His purpose is to annihilate humans and enslave gargoyles once again. This foe is known to most of us from the Mage Wars. His name is Baratium." The whole room broke out talking at once.

  The King holds up a hand to the members. "Hold on, let me continue—I understand your concern. It is also mine. We must remain calm and objective. We have decisions to make, and we will need all our wits about us. Some of you were not born when Baratium walked freely among us. I'll catch you up quickly. You can ask others for more details later.

  Baratium is a mage of the highest order. In the twelfth century, he had a university of mages he was teaching the old ways of magic. He was teaching spells all societies considered dangerous. Magic ruled off-limits, not to be used unless the then rulers of the world agreed and deemed it necessary. They were extremely controversial spells, producing as much bad as good. Under Baratuim's tutelage, the young mages became an army dedicated to putting him on a throne—a throne of the highest power. They started by using the gargoyles to try to kill every man, woman, and child of humanity.

  “We haven't been worried about him because he has been captive in what we had thought was a prison from which he could not escape. A few weeks ago, we learned that a faction of mages he had created by torturing our own found him. They were able to perform the magic required to set him free. They are now in the process of creating a Crafted army to re-establish their power with the same goal as of old. TASS, however, isn’t sure the army is Crafted or gargoyles. They are in the process of verifying the facts. I gave them descriptions to tell the difference. They understand now that the Crafted are made of wood, even though they look like gargoyles they are not Carved and have no souls. They are animated with the evil magic and have no thoughts of their own. Their movements tend to be robotic as they are only tools.

  “My people, we must put the genie back in the bottle. Commander Mega, you now have the floor."

  Mega stands, his appearance serious. He moves around the room, with a commanders’ bearing, wings around his shoulders, as he speaks. His big body is graceful despite his size. "The enemy has been identified. The High Guild will be in planning for the next few days. Elite Warriors Guard, you will finish your assignments and return to Navan to await further instructions. Be sure you check your B-board notices constantly. Prepare for the worst. You are dismissed."

  Mega stops Mica and I with a thought. “Mica I need
you to continue Spar’s training. Help him pass the tests. I have to be in meetings.”

  “Yes sir! I will do my best. Don’t worry, Spar will survive the tests.” Mica looks at Spar, who walked up beside Mega he says, “Meet me in the training field as soon as the sun sets.”

  I do not envy Mica. Spar is a big gargoyle. Sparring is not going to be fun.

  I wait outside the conference room following the meeting to get further orders concerning Kendra Macbard. Mica and Jericho exit the room and walk directly to me.

  Mica bends his head toward mine. "Tie up all loose threads on the mission code named Carved. Set a warrior of your choosing to watch over Kendra. Make your perch on her apartment building tomorrow, then come back to Navan.” He added, “Have sculptures of the little imps replace their watch over David’s grave. Their orders are to stay in Navan."

  Butting in, Jericho hands a smooth dark jewel to me. "This is a glamour. Mica doesn’t need one, but you might. You need to look human, working near the guarded of the King; it may come in handy. You know the correct pulse to use it?”

  I nod to the old mage.

  “I must go, I have another meeting.” He waves a hand at us, leaving.

  I cannot help grinning at his back, knowing the mage conserves his words.

  Mica confides in me, telling me not to worry about Kendra. He has been able to infiltrate the Park Rangers, getting a job working in the same building where she works. So, if he needs back-up, I might need the glamour. Mica repeats Mega's words, "Prepare for the worst. Get your affairs in order. Good night."

  Going straight home to Mother and Sondra, I could smell the inviting aroma of dinner.

  "Hello, Mother. I am back.”

  The cave room is big enough to accommodate my immense frame in the open area. The room is clear of the typical stalactites and stalagmites. A floor of solid limestone is shined from cleaning and use. Our furniture is not what you would see in a typical human home as it is made of stone. It is a different kind of beautiful. Each piece is a work of art adapted from the stone of the cave. The seating is covered with thick padding of blues and greens found in the cave city. The lighting is different also; it is made of clear jar-shaped glasses, which are filled with a fluid that creates a soft glow. The glow doesn’t express the harshness of human light bulbs. The living and entertaining area is on one side, transitioning to the kitchen area. Niches in the walls are used for storage and shelving. Cooking is completed on various stones warmed with magic, activated by an echo pulse.

  "Let me get some food into my handsome boy before you waste away. Sit here Kino,” Gem said lovingly. "You look like someone just walked over your grave son. What happened at the meeting," she asked beautiful green eyes questioning?

  I tell them everything: Mega, Spar, and the new threat of Baratium. I lay out a plan, if worst comes to worst—where they will be safer and where to meet if we are separated, among other measures. This type of information is not kept from any Ceorfan the way it is military families in the human realm. It is shared. No gargoyle would give out information to endanger others. They have all been tested and connected. The bond is strong, unbreakable.

  “Son, they must be mistaken. Who made this report? Are they sure it isn’t the Crafted that are with Baratium and not gargoyles?” Gem asks with disbelief.

  “Mother you are probably right.” Kino answers. “The report was from TASS agents and they might confuse the mage animated Crafted with us. I will let my commanders know what we suspect to be the truth.”

  When I am full of my mother's delicious food and drink, I pat my stomach, telling her with a smile, "I never eat so well. Thank you. I must get back to my charge and tie up some loose ends, Mother. I'll be back tomorrow.” I kiss her cheek.

  A slight frown marks the worry in her eyes.

  Going by way of my favorite imps. I send a pulse to their room. They come out at the same time with questioning eyes. "New orders, you must stay in Navan until further instructions. Baratium is a threat again. The High Guild, Commander Megahir, and the King are in meetings deciding recourse. I'll let you know when I know more. Did you put the sculptures on the headstone, or do I need to go to the human cemetery and place them there?"

  "No, do not to worry your pretty little head, boulder boy. We set them there before coming home. We had a feeling," Mason teased.

  "Thank you, gravel bit. It will save me time! I'll see you both when I get back tomorrow," I quipped, waving goodbye to my friends.

  Five

  Asshat

  Kendra

  Reaching my phone and shutting off the alarm is a challenge this morning. Finally. Note to self: leave phone on the night table, not the bed!

  I hurry to the kitchen and start a new pot of coffee.

  Getting it brewing, I gather my uniform and underthings on my way to dress. Just maybe, I’m learning to function. This is going to be my new normal.

  I have a new partner to meet. Boy, I hope I picked well. I put on some lotion and sunscreen on my face. I brush my long thick hair into a low ponytail. Adding a little make-up, not much and some mascara and lip gloss, I’m ready.

  Speeding through the apartment, I'm off to get my coffee. It hits me now. I pause mid-stride and bend my head. David always filled our cups... I fill my travel mug. I tell myself, "Just stop! Get tough, Macbard! It's a cold, hard world and you have to live here for a while, so get your shit together!"

  I tighten the lid on my cup, grab my badge and purse, and head to the parking lot. I look up at the gargoyles on the roof as I make it to my truck. My red boyfriend who let me cry on his leg last night is looking down at me as if he’s alive. Something is different. Are his wings spread out more—higher, maybe? I’m a nutcase! “Come on, Jasper, let's get to work before I’m late.”

  Almost an hour later, I reach the parking lot of the Caverns. I love working here. It’s so beautiful. The rolling hills of this country, the sunrise just getting up in the clear blue sky—even the cacti are beautiful to me.

  Grabbing my purse and my now empty travel mug, I step out onto the asphalt parking area reserved for Park Rangers. It’s my habit to check out my surroundings, but this morning I just want to look at nature. Everything looks normal, beautiful - but normal. I can't get a lock on why I keep having an idea people watching me.

  I better get control of my feelings, before they start dictating my life. I'm not a baby, or a scaredy cat. I kinda like being the tough, smart girl no one messes with in my little world. Hell, my friends call me Batgirl.

  I start to enter my code to get into the front doors of the Rangers Station, but a big hand beats me to the scanner. I’m not surprised it’s John Cooper, one of the other tough guys—he wishes—flashing his pearly whites at me as the doors auto-open for us.

  "Gotta be fast, Kendra, if you’re going to beat me in the door."

  "Maybe I let you open the door for me so you can practice being a gentleman, John."

  "What are you talking about? I wrote the book on manners for gentlemen." He chuckles.

  Maybe he did. He’s never been anything else around me. His partner Paul has no complaints, from everything I've ever seen.

  “All right, you two,” Chris pipes up in her ‘Mom voice’ from behind the front desk. “Captain Murphy is waiting with the new hires in Human Resources. You two are supposed to meet them in thirty minutes. I suggest you get your stuff stowed in your lockers and clock in on your computer. Go now, or you'll be late. Murphy brought donuts. Kendra, will you bring me one back? I'll owe you."

  I nod and smile at her as I salute and head toward the women's locker room.

  John and I meet back up as we walk up the stairs to Human Resources.

  I hear a raised voice coming from the building. My spider sense is tingling—something isn’t right. Shushing John with a finger to my mouth, I reach for my side holster and unsnap it. We both lean against the building, close to the window, so we can hear better. Someone is yelling - uh oh, the glint of a gun. Not having lo
ts of weapons drawn in our office, we’re surprised when we hear the shot. Jumping while ducking is an art that cannot be practiced. Yet it apparently works this time, as a bullet is shot out of the window we are standing/jumping/ducking next to.

  We now have no doubts something’s up.

  “I see you out there,” shouts an unfamiliar voice. “Get your asses in here and I won't have to shoot your boss. Now! I won't be waiting!”

  John and I both run for the door. I surreptitiously press the emergency button located by the door facing, sending an alarm to Chris. Hopefully she’ll figure out we’re hostages to this madman before too long. I’m fast, and John’s beside me, so I know the crazy didn't see. He probably wouldn't have a clue anyway. There are cameras to catch everything almost everywhere in the buildings. Let's see what happens now.

  Everything begins to slow. I feel myself calming.

  When we enter the office, Captain Murphy’s on the floor. He’s breathing, but not moving. Blood is coming from a gash on his head. A gunman is pointing his gun at one of the biggest sons-of-bitches I’ve ever had the privilege to see with my own eyes. Gorgeous, but really, really big. Jackpot! If this is Mica Jacobs, I sure can pick 'em. He’s not happy as I enter—he rolls his eyes. Pretty sure we haven't met before, but he looks familiar.

  The gunman is intently focused on the gorgeous giant of a man I’ve just nicknamed Gigantor. How in the hell is time moving so slow? I swear, I can count seconds between my heartbeats!

  I’ve gone through too much to let some dickhead with a gun hurt any more of my friends. For some reason, my mind plays, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” I almost laugh out loud. Steady, Kendra, steady! John knows me. I'm sure he has an idea; no way in hell am I waiting to act.

  After what seems like minutes, but is probably only a split second, I decide. I never stop from the moment I cross the threshold. I run straight at the asshat holding the gun. Jumping over Murphy in the process. I’m going to have to dodge John who is bending to check our captain. He watches me, as I jump, with a look of surprise. Looking into the asshat’s eyes, I can tell he has no compassion. His kind are killers. In fact, I see his aura and it’s green and brown! That’s really a sick-looking aura. He levels his weapon at me as I land. He’s not going to hold back and neither am I. His mouth is open sneering through his crooked teeth. I bring my own pistol up and aim. A shot rings out.