“Since when did you get to be such a pansy?” I rolled my eyes hating acting mean to Jude. But there was no way around it. I whisked past him and grabbed my bag from the stack of luggage and headed to the vehicle.
“So much for being civil,” Jude commented as he reached me.
“I’ve been scrunched in a seat next to you for nearly ten hours.”
Dr. Antos opened the car door, motioning me in. “Now, now. We’ll all get cleaned up and fed and tensions will ease. It’s just an hour by car and a short ferry ride.”
My heart dropped. “Ferry?”
“Didn’t you pay attention?” Jude asked. “The estate is near Carloforte on an island off the main island of Sardinia.”
“I guess not,” I mumbled under my breath, thinking I’d made the biggest mistake of my life. It was one thing escaping on land. If we were surrounded by water with only a ferry at our disposal, it would make a getaway harder. Plus, I didn’t know Italian. I’d taken French in school. At least the languages were both Latin based. I guessed I could find someone to understand me in a larger city but wondered if rural Italians would know French.
The landscape could have been pretty with sunlight, as snow covered the meadows. But clouds covered the sky and fog hung heavy in the air. Color seemed drained from the land.
From the airport, we drove through the interior of the island to the southern coast. We traveled over a land bridge to an island. Dr. Antos indicated we passed through the town of Calasetta. When we stopped, a small marina appeared through the fog.
Getting out, I zipped my jacket up to the top and fitted my hood over my head. Mist seemed to form from the air and envelope me as I slung my bag on my back. Along the boat ramp, the sea breeze carrying the frigid droplets pelted my face.
Our driver and an additional male employee escorted us up the boat ramp to the enclosed center room. We weaved through the crowd, to a small booth.
“This is Carmen and Alex.” Dr. Antos pointed to them as we sat down. “They’ll be available to you at the complex if you need help.
“Madam. Sir.” Each of them shook my hand and then Jude’s in succession.
The nagging feeling that I was to be a prisoner grew in my stomach.
“Coffee, madam?” Carmen brought me from my thoughts.
“I don’t mind getting it.” I scanned the packed room, wondering if my credit card would work.
“Madam, you’ll never get through the crowd. I will go for you.”
Although I’d had a cup on the plane, my fingers were like ice. I nodded and thanked him, watching agog as his huge form slid through the crowd almost effortlessly. When he returned two minutes later with a steaming coffee, he leaned in and whispered, “Magic always speeds things along.”
“Right.” I forced a smile and wrapped my fingers around the warm cup.
“Here.” Carmen placed some sugar packets and cream on the table in front of me.
The coffee tasted bitter as if it had sat in the pots overnight, but the sugar and cream made it drinkable. My muscles relaxed as they heated to a normal temperature.
“Better, madam?” Carmen asked as I set my cup on the table.
‘Yes, thanks.” I made sure to smile at him even though my brain and stomach were swirling with fear. I fought stealing glances at Jude. I figured Dr. Antos assumed me to be heartbroken from the betrayal and didn’t want to blow my cover.
As the boat cut through the fog, I saw the island in front of us seemed almost as big as the one we’d come from.
“The estate is on the opposite side, but the drive is only fifteen minutes,” Dr. Antos said as we gathered our bags to leave the ferry.
The wind and cold ocean spray hit my face as the boat rocked on the waves, and I clutched the railing for support. Although it was mid-morning, fog shrouded most of the landscape. The sound of cars, dogs, and muffled human conversation were the only indications we were in a bustling city.
“This way, madam.” Carmen fell to my side as I stepped onto the dock.
In the lot beside the marina, we stopped at a black sport utility vehicle.
“Will you be more comfortable in the front?” Dr. Antos asked as he opened the door for me.
“Yes, thanks.” I gripped the handle and pulled myself up into the high seat.
I wondered if Jude was as nervous as me and regretted that he’d been involved in this. The silence of the group perhaps spoke of our weariness from travel, but it held no solace. My stolen glance at Jude’s face was met with a hard stare and a shift in his gaze. I got it. We needed to appear disengaged. But what I wanted right then was a cheer squad, someone to buoy up my resolve.
Not that it mattered. We were too far in to flee, even if we wanted. Did I want to? Half my brain screamed yes. I could abandon the search for the sword without too much guilt. But the thought that they had my father kept me committed to the course. But what of Jude? Was he cursing my name? Did he still feel obligated to me, to finding the sword? His father had gone missing too. I figured he at least still wanted to save his parent.
We wound through the narrow streets, out of the city to the countryside. The grasses were brown, and patches of snow littered the fields under the lingering fog. We turned onto a narrow drive that seemed to stretch out forever. Unlike the highway, it was dry and clear of snow and ice patches. Mounds of white powder lined the lane as evidence it had been plowed.
Dr. Antos cleared his throat. “These are the grounds of the compound. The inner wall is designed to block all magic, incoming or outgoing, so you will be safe here. There are gyms and pools for your leisure. We have special bulbs installed to provide us with artificial sunlight.”
The compound, as he called it, sounded more like a prison by the minute. We approached a tall brick wall. The rounded top was fitted with pointed triangle shaped pieces of glass.
“Ancient barbed wire.” Carmen pointed to the top of the brick.
I leaned forward to view it more closely as we drove through the iron gate. Cameras were mounted beside the gate and I guessed we were admitted by remote surveillance. In five minutes an outline of a tall dark structure came into view. We entered through a gate ringed by a shorter stone wall. Still several feet above the roof of the vehicle, the top was fitted with the same type of camera system. The road inside the enclosure was made of brick, and the car inched along the bouncing on the bumpy surface. I stared in awe as the structure rose above me, complete with towers and turrets.
When we looped around the side of the building, I could see the cliff dropped to a rocky narrow beach below.
“It’s low tide now. The water will rise up the cliff considerably,” Carmen said as he pushed a button on the dash, and a large set of wooden doors opened to reveal a garage structure.
“The view is very beautiful on a sunny day,” Dr. Antos added from the back seat.
The vehicle circled to an open space, and Carmen and Alex unloaded our bags. I swallowed hard as Dr. Antos positioned his finger on a scanner and then faced a retinal scanner at the elevator door.
“Who are you protecting yourself from?” Jude asked.
“Supernaturals, as well as common or not-so-common thieves. We have vast holdings that are priceless.” Dr. Antos pushed a button beside the word main.
“We, being the coven.?” I confirmed.
“Yes, my family, secretly a coven, is very prominent and wealthy by Italian standards.”
“By any standards.” Jude’s gaze traced to the floors, walls, and then ceiling as we exited one level up. “Do you have to be family to join a coven?”
“No, although most covens are family. You may take off your bracelets now. The sooner you get you used to the level of activity the better.” Dr. Antos spun to face us.
Sliding off the beads, I appreciated the warning as a steady low-level vibration hit my brain like a wave.
“Remember to let the magic move through you.”
I focused on my breaths and letting the forces flow through me, and the sound dissipated.
Opening my eyes, I realized they were staring at me. Obviously, I was the weak one, and Jude had this mastered. Angry I didn’t have better control, I stomped away from them but stopped a few feet away, realizing I had no clue where I was going.
Taking in my surroundings, I noted carpets lining the stone floors and vast paintings hanging on stone walls. The ceilings, also of stone, must have been twenty feet above my head. The group reached me, and I followed them down the hall, studying each painting as we passed. The third one down, I stopped.
“Isn’t this Da Vinci’s Virgin on the Rocks?”
“Yes, and no.” Dr. Antos’s smile spread across his face. “This is a third version commissioned by a friend of the family.”
“The angel’s hands are different. In the others, the angel’s palm is horizontal.”
“You know art. Yes, in this one, Uriel looks to be either pointing out his deed or seeking praise for the act, depending on which interpretation you favor.”
“Who is Uriel and what did he do?” asked Jude.
I recalled the story from my childhood. “Uriel saved John the Baptist and his mother and is depicted reuniting them with Mary.”
“Why are all the paintings of angels?” Jude continued as we proceeded down the hall.
“Well, since you are set to begin your coven training, I guess there’s no time like the present. All witches are descended from one of the four archangels. This painting was a gift from the line of Uriel to our family, of the line of Michael.”
My mind spun with the new information. Was he serious? Angels? Witches were descended from angels? He expected us to believe that? There was no hint of humor in his demeanor, and I assumed he did. Even in my disbelief, it fit. Dad always told us stories about angels. If you believed in angels it wasn’t much of a stretch to believe that angels sired witches.
The psychiatrist continued on until we reached a wider corridor. “You will have many questions, but let us find your rooms. This is the main wing. Your quarters are on the west wing. Dining is to the north, meeting rooms to the south, and leisure rooms are below us.” Dr. Antos continued down the hall. “After you freshen up, we can have a tour of the facility.”
“A hot shower sounds amazing.” Jude quickened his pace to catch up with the psychiatrist.
His act of being indifferent to me, and the excitement and confidence he exuded, grated my nerves. Wasn’t he freaking out?
We turned corner after corner. Every corridor looked just like the last. Stopping at an elevator, we rode two floors up to the top floor.
“Our facility is at capacity. I’m sorry your rooms are the most remote. Some would say they are the best in the compound. You’ll overlook the sea, and the sunsets can be spectacular,” Dr. Antos told us as we stepped out of the elevator.
After another two turns, he led us to the end of a hallway. He handed a key to me and then Jude.
“I will return to escort you to lunch in an hour. If you want to contact your parents, now might be a good time. Press zero on the phones provided, and the operator will get you an outside line. Even if you have an international plan on your phone, all cell signals are blocked within the building.”
“What about Wi-Fi?” I asked, concentrating on taking normal breaths.
“You will have access to the internet for your studies and approved leisure time. I believe you will find there will be little down time as we have much work to do.”
“When can we inquire about my dad? Mom said they filed reports but haven’t gotten any answers.”
“There are people here who will assist in this. I will take you to them this afternoon.”
For as much as I didn’t trust Dr. Antos, I feared going into the room. They could lock me in. Jude and I weren’t stronger than Dr. Antos, and I doubted we could overpower Carmen or Alex.
“I will give you some private time now.” Dr. Antos bowed, backed, and spun away, retreating in the direction we’d come.
“Alex and I will be right here, madam. There is nothing to fear.” Carmen must have noted my apprehension as I picked up my bag.
I forced a smile. “Thank you. This place is huge. I’d be lost before I hit the second turn.”
“You’re welcome,” Carmen commented, stepping back to stand beside the door as if to make his presence a finality.
This is a test. Jude’s voice echoed in my head.
I spun to see him turning the key in his lock. Looking to Alex and then Carmen, I noted their expressions hadn’t changed. I let my key drop to the floor to cover my aberrant move.
“Oh, my key.” I studied the rug below me, bending to pick up the key.
Looks like just you can hear me. Everything will be okay. We’ll figure it out. I’ll be as close to you as possible all the time, Jude continued.
I pushed thoughts to him. Testing. Turning the key in the knob, I entered my room.
Yes, he replied.
You can hear me too? I closed the door behind me. Jude?
There was no reply, and I guessed the walls and doors blocked the transmission of magic. Scanning the space, I wondered if it were made from original stone. I ran my hand along the jagged surface. Unlike the corridors, the floors were hard wood. A vast white shag rug extended under a four-post bed. A canopy sat atop the posts, and sheer white curtains hung down each side. I slid my hand over the white silk comforter and turned to face the windows.
Streaks in the glass led me to believe they were original, but no draft escaped from the edges. I searched for an opening and found a handle just out of my reach. Pushing a chair to the window, I swung the pane open. Below, waves crashed on the rocks, and foam slid back into the dark sea. The day had brightened, but the sun still sat cloaked in the sky, barely an outline of light.
Crossing to a set of double doors, I found a closet, lined on both sides with dresses, shirts, and slacks. I unpacked my things, loading them in the dresser drawers. Another door led to a bathing chamber with white marble floors covered in soft white rugs. Beside the shower I found a towel, soap, shampoo, and conditioner, all designer brands we could never have afforded.
Remembering I was allowed a call home, I found the phone on the desk. I dialed zero, and an operator with a heavy Italian accent connected me to an outside line.
“Camille?” Mother answered on the first ring.
“Yes.”
“You made it there okay?”
“Yes, we’re here, at the estate. Really it’s more of a castle.”
“Yes, the website pictures were impressive. How was the flight? How are you?”
“Tired, but fine,” I lied to her.
“Okay, honey, well, I have a client, can you call tonight?”
“Yes, I will. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
“Wait, did you hear from Dad?”
“Not yet.”
My heart sank. “Dr. Antos said they had people that would look into it.”
“Really, why? How?”
“He’s from like this super rich, powerful family here.”
“Oh, well, that’s good, I guess.”
“Okay, bye, Mom.”
“Bye, sweetie.” She ended the call.
Feeling vulnerable, I locked the room as well as the bathroom door. It gave me a little reassurance that I could bolt the doors, even though I figured the staff had keys and a big jolt of magic could blast through the deadbolt. I started the hot water and stood under the stream. I hadn’t planned on washing my hair, but it’d been a month since I’d been in a real shower. I took my time scrubbing my skin and shaving my legs. With unlimited hot water, I could have stayed in there for a week. Eventually I got too hot. Drying off, I applied the lotion they had provided. My nails were ragged, and I searched the drawers till I found a file.
Having noticed that the halls were cold, I dressed in my khaki hiking pants, long-sleeved shirt, and sweater. There wasn’t time to dry my hair properly, so I wove it into a braid. There was a rap on my door, and noting the time, I grabb
ed my socks and shoes.
“Miss.” Carmen’s fist held ready to rap on my door again as I opened it.
“I’m here.” I balanced on one foot and then the other, pulling on my socks then shoes.
“We will have some lunch before the tour.” Dr. Antos spun in the direction of the elevators.
His gait was fast, and I skipped to catch up, falling in beside Jude.
Your hair is pretty that way. Jude’s voice sounded in my head. The words were unexpected, and I fought looking his way.
Thanks. I stole a sideways look at him. His camping clothes had been replaced by a pair of khakis and button-up shirt.
The clothes were in my room. I didn’t ask how they knew my size.
I have a closet full too. Witchy thing, I guess.
We waited for the elevator and boarded, taking it down to the main level. Winding through what seemed to be a central gathering area littered with couches, chairs, and low tables, we entered a dining room. Dr. Antos weaved to a table set for five.
Carmen pulled a chair out for me and then took the seat to my left.
Dr. Antos set his napkin in his lap. “Carmen and Alex will be your guides for the duration of your training here. Anything you need or have a question about they are here to assist.”
“What are we training for?” I asked as a bowl of soup was placed in front of me.
“To become a full witch. Once you complete the coven training and join our family, you will have access to your complete set of abilities,” Dr. Antos explained. His eyebrows cocked up. “That is why you’re here, right? It’s what you wanted?”
“Yes. But what about my dad? Should I be joining his coven?”
“Do you know if your father practices magic?”
“No.” I dropped my eyes to my lap. “But you said you had people that could help find him.” I looked back at him.
“Yes. I will take you to our technology center later this afternoon.”
“Thank you.”
“And what of my father?” Jude asked. “My grandparents said he hadn’t contacted them in a week.”
“This is a quandary. Isn’t your father usually away on business?”
“Yes. But he always checks in, and he isn’t answering his phone.”
Kingdom of Darkness (Kingdom Journals Book 2) Page 16
