Avani smiled at me. “See, dear, our people could not allow the Traveller or his followers to have power. We cannot let them take the stone from us so that they too could destroy us. We expected that if they found this stone, it would be used for evil doing. So, that’s why I can’t believe the stone was out here on the floor and not locked up. Even if I may not accept that this story was in the least true, I still feel obligated to protect the stone.”
Avani lifted her hand, bringing the small stone up to her mouth. She kissed it gently and closed her eyes for a moment in reverence. Opening her eyes, she leaned toward me and said, “Here, look at the stone. Do you see on this side there are three images, two together and one alone?”
I nodded.
“Good. I was told that the two figures standing together, they have less power than the one by itself. The one figure by itself has the other one’s powers plus much more extraordinary powers. We think the Spirit Gods formed the images that way because this one. . . ” Avani pointed to the lone figure. “He is the one named Traveller. We believe it is supposed to mean the Traveller is more powerful than his followers. However, they all have strong powerful abilities that no one should have.”
“Wow, that’s mad-cool.” I said without thinking. She raised her eyebrows. I rushed on. “However, it’s also very scary. Um, what kind of abilities did they possess? And, is there just the one stone? Plus, if there’s only one stone then why are you the one keeping it safe? Shouldn’t the leader of your tribe have that responsibility? And how did it get out of its protected place?”
She shook her head and laughed. “My dear, take a breath, just slow down and breathe!”
I looked at her sheepishly, ducking my head.
“You have many good questions.” She chortled. “Hold on and let me get caught up to you, OK.”
I smiled and nodded. “Sorry!”
“It’s OK, now to answer you,” Avani winked. “Yes, there is just the one stone—I hold the stone here because my son will soon be the leader of our tribe—thus gaining him the right as the guardian of the stone. However, he is still young, so my father suggested I keep it safe until he is ready for that responsibility. And why it was out on the floor . . . I really have no clue. I also have no clue as to what the Traveller and his followers’ abilities are. The legend only gives us the minimum amount of knowledge on the Traveller.”
Well, that totally sucks.
“There are some things we do know. For instance, they could travel through space and time. Nevertheless, the most powerful one called Traveller; we think he can do just about anything. He possesses powers unknown to us. However, what little we know might not all be true.”
I sighed. “Okay, I’m sorry. I know they sound evil and were evil to your family. But, to have power like that is amazing.”
“Yes. I suppose it is, dear. Yet, also very dangerous! My father told me that the Traveller and his followers can use their power in various ways. Ways we would not know until it was too late.”
I scratched my head getting confused all of a sudden. This just in: I was confused, sometimes I think I should’ve been a blond. Anyway, thinking back on the story she told me, and what the stone looked like had me puzzled. I started to wonder about the three images on the stone, and my curiosity was about to get the better of me. So of course, I had to ask about it. “Avani, I was wondering something about the stone.”
“Yes?”
“OK, the stone shows three images. However, the story you just told me, there was the one Traveller and three of his followers. So then, why does the stone show only three images? Shouldn’t there be four images? ”
“Well,” Avani smiled. “I know that the stone shows three images. I also know that when I told you the story, there were four people. The Traveller and his three followers, but that just tells our people that the Traveller stands alone. It’s really irrelevant, if you ask me. We already know he is more powerful than the others.” Avani shook her head. “I think the powerful Traveller could probably do anything. My father always said that the Traveller’s powers are so great we could never pinpoint how exceptionally far they could extend. The Traveller could use his skills in extraordinary ways that my people could not foresee until the time came for the Traveller to use them on us, and the entire human race.”
This was all so amazingly cool, I thought. I wish I had magical powers. I mean, come on, who wouldn’t want to have magical power? Now, that would be way far out there. Wait a second. Why did Avani just refer to everyone as a human race? What exactly did that mean? Were the Traveller and his followers not human?
“Avani, I have a strange question for you.”
“Let me hear it?” Avani said dryly.
“Why did you refer to people as a human race? Did your tribe think the Traveller and his followers were not of human nature?”
Avani grinned at me, thinking intently. I assume she was trying to find the right words to say. “My father’s people,” she began, “didn’t know if they were immortal. What with their abilities, we suspected the Traveller and his followers were somewhat not human. Meanwhile, why would my people think a powerful being could have humanity, when we only knew of them having evil and destroying everything within their path?”
“But . . . didn’t you say that your people are descendants from wolves, right? So then, wouldn’t that make your people not entirely human?” I swallowed nervously.
“Well, maybe. But I haven’t yet turned.” She laughed. “And, I’m pretty sure that right now, I am a human.”
“OK,” I laughed. “I guess you’re right. I don’t see canines.” I pointed at her mouth. “And, you’re way too nice to be a wolf. Plus, you’re pretty. I mean, the wolves I recall seeing in scary movies weren’t at all nice to look at. Well, in fur, that is.”
Avani giggled, and brought her hand up to her mouth. She rubbed one finger over her front incisors. Smiling she said, “Thank you very much. I don’t feel like a wolf. However, if I start sprouting canines, you’ll be the first to know.”
(No, thank you.)
Avani said, “Kamal, my father, knows a great deal about the story. I will have to ask him some more information for you.”
“Thank you, that would be awesome,” I murmured. “So, Avani, have you ever come face to face with the Traveller, or one of his followers?”
Avani looked at me sweetly. She smiled saying, “No, but remember, this is just a legend and everything I’m telling you is probably not real. My people have not seen the Traveller or any of his people in many centuries. I, myself, have never seen him or one of his followers. Therefore, I have no proof to back the legend up.”
“Oh, that’s right,” I frowned. “It just sounds real. You know how your family describes coming in contact with the Traveller, makes me think it is, but I know it’s just a story.” I studied her for a moment. “Avani?”
“Yes?” She sounded amused.
“If you don’t mind, will you tell me about the clock, the symbols, and the two eyes on the stone?”
“Why, I don’t mind at all. But, the thing is, I don’t know much more. The clock is supposed to stand for time. The symbols I was told are words telling of the Traveller. I haven’t figured out what it says yet. The eyes, well,” she grinned. “They are supposed to be Isha’s great wolf’s eyes.” She shook her head. “Sorry, but that’s all I know.”
“That’s OK, Avani. Thanks for telling me the story. It was truly sad. And you rock at storytelling.” She smiled. I looked at her and blurted, “Um, err, there’s something bothering me about all of this, though.”
“What is that, dear?”
“I know this will sound really bad.” I sagged down in my stool, hoping I was not overstepping my boundaries. “I just don’t understand?” I cleared my throat nervously. “Why do all of them have to die?” At the look she gave me, I rushed on. “I mean, I know that this Traveller was of only evil, and he deserved to die. All the same, how do you know they’re all bad?”
I had no clue why I was asking this, but I felt like I needed to know. Why do I care, though? The Traveller is a total jerk, but something about the story just seemed to bother me and I couldn’t let it go. “See,” I started. “Can one be good? Take for instance wolves,” I pointed at her, then sheepishly I lowered my hand, but I continued. “They’re kinda frightening, too. And, if I was to come upon one, I don’t think the wolf would be much of a friend to me.”
“So,” Avani said abruptly.
Crap on toast, I thought maybe I overstepped my boundaries after all. Still, I had to ask.
“What’s your name, dear?” Avani asked me, “Sorry. I don’t even know who I’m talking to. A sweet girl interested in this ancient stone, that’s not your name, right?”
“No.” I giggled. Woo-hoo, she’s not mad, thank God. “Where are my manners?” I said, “I thought I told you my name. I’m sorry. You can call me Charlie.”
“Now that’s more like it, Charlie, and to answer your question, all I’ve ever learned about this legend growing up was that the Traveller and his followers were evil. And that we have to stop them. I know it sounds really awful, Charlie, to think there is something out there so evil that words could not describe. But remember, it’s just a story. Don’t you worry about it, OK?”
“Oh, okay. I won’t.”
She smiled. “Well, Sweetie, I think it’s time for me to get back to work.”
“That’s fine. Mom’s probably finished with her shopping by now anyways. I should go. This was very interesting. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
“It was my pleasure. Please come back whenever you want. Don’t be a stranger.” She winked. “Besides, you never know when I might find out some more information on the stone and need someone to tell it to.” She gave me a huge smile.
“That sounds great. See ya later.” I waved at her as I headed out the door.
Chapter Five
Beautiful
I started walking frantically back to where my mom was. I didn’t want her freaking out because I’d been gone so long. Yeah, that would so suck. I was moving so fast and not watching where I was going. Boom, smack! I hit someone hard.
“Oh. My. Gosh. I’m sorry.”
I glanced up to see the person I’d just bumped into. I couldn’t really see their face because the sun was shining right in my eyes. I stepped back to get my focus, and saw this guy standing around five feet—almost six feet tall. Wow, he was tall! He had black hair going just a little past his shoulders, and he was gorgeous. Was I drooling? This guy was so drool worthy! I was in complete awe. He was so—I know guys hate this—but I’m going to say it: beautiful. I stared up at him, my mouth hanging open. I blinked, and blinked again. Well, there went all my self-respect. The sunbeams drew my attention from his face—the face I was reluctant to look away from—onto his light-brown skin. He looked strong. Standing there gaping, I traced every inch of his body, and watched sweat roll down his muscular arms and fall to the ground. I blushed.
(Could I be more obvious?)
He wasn’t wearing much at all—thank you, God. His shirt was unbuttoned, showing bare skin and the carvings of muscles on his flat stomach. On the top right hand side of his chest was a tattoo. The tattoo was amazing: indirectly designed words, which wrapped around a small howling wolf. I looked down and noticed that the guy had on faded jeans that fit his body perfectly. Yum! I think the color of his shirt was the same as his eyes, but I couldn’t tell due to the sun. I was trying hard to get a better look at his eyes, so hard that I knew I looked foolish. But dang it, I had to see them. If this damn sun doesn’t give soon, I was going to push him out of its light. Nothing, I was sure, would stop my efforts from seeing his eyes. Finally, he shifted his face away from the sun and I could see the color of his eyes better. Beautiful!
He was a freaking hottie. His eyes were a bright illuminated green, with just a hint of gold. The color was intriguing. I could get lost in his eyes forever. Getting myself back under control, I closed my eyes tightly shut, letting all the air out that was trapped in my lungs. During this whole ordeal, I don’t remember taking one breath.
I opened my eyes and gave him a wan smile. He smiled back at me, which, that too was perfect. Uh-oh, I was in trouble. He looked at me still, smiling, and in a deep sensual voice he said, “That’s OK. You didn’t hurt me,” he rubbed his arm. “See, not a scratch.”
“Are you sure? I just hit you with my whole body, and you’re okay?”
(Effin’ idiot, that’s me!)
He smirked. “I should be more worried about you. What do you weigh, like 50 pounds soaking wet?”
I gave him a little smile. He must have thought I was a complete loser. All of a sudden, there was this strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. That was wild. Then my hands started sweating, and unbelievably, I couldn’t move. My body was trembling all over. I was nervous.
“You’re new here, right? I saw you and your family moving into the old Baker’s house,” he said.
I still had to answer him, so I tried to get my nerves in check. I waited a couple of seconds to speak. I didn’t want my voice sounding jumbled, cause you know, that would suck.
“Umm, yeah, if that’s what you call it. We hardly had stuff to move. So, you saw me?” Desperate much! Gees!
“Why yes, I saw you.” He grinned. I almost lost it. “Anyway, I live right down the road from your house. It just so happens, I decided to go for a walk. Then,” he smirked, “I saw this girl.” He winked, and I blushed. “It was you holding two big bags. You’re pretty strong.”
“I try!”
(Stupid, I’m stupid! Why could I not come up with something better? I guess this is why I’ve never had a boyfriend. “Oh, woe, is-me!”)
“Yeah, well I think you were doing an awesome job of it. So, what’s your name?”
My whole body started shaking. I was still really nervous. I blanked. I Blanked! (Omg.) I forgot my name. Why is this happening to me? Of all the times in my life I’d looked dumb, this one had to be in the top 10. No, scratch that. I’m sure, it was number one.
“Hey, did you hear me?”
However, I still did nothing. I was stuck in some kind of trance or hypnotized. My mouth wouldn’t open. I had no air in my chest and I knew that my face had already turned three shades of red.
He spoke up again giving me a crooked smile letting out a soft chuckle. “Oh, um that’s OK. I’ll be a gentleman and introduce myself first. My name’s Tru. Pleased to meet you. Now, um, it’s your turn.” He coughed into his fist. “I hope you can remember your name,” Tru teased me as a smile played at the corners of his eyes.
“Sorry,” I mumbled. “Guess you were right for thinking that hit affected me. It must’ve been harder than I assumed. I forgot my name.” I smiled. “I’m Charlie.”
“Charlie, um, that’s nice. But, that can’t be all of it? There’s more to it . . . right? I mean, did your parents think they were having a boy?” I frowned and crossed my arms. Tru held up one hand. “Hey, don’t get me wrong. It’s cute. Especially on you,” he grinned. “But, come on, is there more to it?”
Oh-My-God, is he flirting? My heart was beating so loud, I just knew Tru could hear it.
“Well, everyone calls me Charlie. But my name is Charlize Leyland Fox. It’s nice to meet you. Oh, by the way, I love your name. It’s so different.”
“Thanks,” Tru beamed. “I guess I’ll give you my whole name. Just don’t laugh, OK?” Tru shrugged. “My family is Native American, so I kinda have a weird name. I also have a wacked-out mom who loves strange names.” Tru chuckled. “She gets it from my grandfather.” Tru rolled his eyes, but I could see the love he had for his family. “My grandfather named my mom Avani. Can you believe that?” He shook his head. “So of course, she thought she should name me something bizarre as well.”
I knew it. Tru looks so much like his mother. I scowled at him. I loved the name Avani and the name Tru was way cool. “I won’t,” I said hotly. “Besides,
it can’t be that bad. I love the name Tru. Anyway, I don’t laugh at things that aren’t funny. I never think people’s names are laughable, just extraordinary, but never funny. That’s just rude.”
Tru nodded. “Good, you don’t laugh at people’s names. That’s cool. Anyway, my full name is Tru Hock Clayton.”
I had this instinctive awareness creep up the back of my neck, when Tru said his name. As if I knew his name would get me out of trouble or complications that I might run into in the near future. Weird!
“Wow,” I said. “I love it. It’s definitely different, and beautiful. You know, life would suck if every name was plain. Don’t you think?”
He blushed, looking a little sheepish. “Yeah, I guess you’re right!” Tru arched one eyebrow. “What was I thinking? Life would suck if it was ordinary in general. I’ve never thought of it that way.”
I smiled at him. “That’s OK.” I patted his arm and let my hand linger a little too long. “I just think outside the box.” I pulled my hand quickly away, and Tru chuckled. “So, Tru, you did say Avani is your mom, right?” He nodded. “You know what’s strange?” I continued. “I just met her minutes before we hit one another.” Tru grinned. God he is so hot! H-O-T, hot! I smiled back saying, “Your mom’s very nice, and I like her.” I thought about telling him what we talked about, but the strangest thing happened. The words seemed to be lodged in my throat. It was bizarre.
“Yeah running into my mom, I guess that’s kinda strange.” Tru shook his head. “But, your paths would have eventually crossed.” Tru rubbed the back of his neck. Looking down, he murmured, “You know I hear that all the time about Mom; everyone thinks she’s great.” Tru glanced back at me and grinned. My body melted. “I guess they’re right. Mom’s great.” Tru coughed and shuffled his feet from side to side. “So, will you be starting school here soon?” Tru asked with anticipation in his voice.
A Spark Of Magic: Chosen Saga Book One Page 4
