Chosen One

by Katie Holland

  “Cool. I’m going to go find Shay and see what she’s picked out.”

  Alix found Shay looking at t-shirts. “Hey Alix, did you get it?” Shay in a manner that implied she knew she didn’t go back for her camera.

  “Yep, it’s all good. So, what have you picked out so far?”

  Shay showed her the things she had gotten for her parents and sister. The girls looked around and picked out a few things for themselves. After that they were back on the bus headed back to Fox Hollow.

  Chapter 14

  Alix was prepared to be bombarded with questions about her vision when they got on the bus, but no one asked her anything. Not one single person. Not even Shay who Alix was convinced started talking the moment she was born. By the time they got back to the castle Alix thought something was up but had no idea what it was. They had about an hour until dinner was served so mostly everyone went to their rooms to freshen up and relax for a while. Alix and Shay both went to Alix’s room.

  “Well that was one heck of a crazy sightseeing tour,” Shay said flopping down on the couch. “I mean I can’t believe we had the whole place to ourselves. How cool is it that the Nykara own it. It was incredibly amazing. The stones are so huge, it’s no wonder that no one can figure out how it was built. I mean it would take giants or aliens to move rocks like that.”

  Alix froze. Shay must be joking with her but when Alix saw her face she knew she was serious. “You’re kidding right? We know how the rocks were moved. It was Candar.”

  “What are you talking about Alix? Ruth even said they didn’t know how it was done for sure. And who’s Candar?”

  Alix didn’t know what to say. She didn’t understand why Shay didn’t know what she was talking about. She’d told Ben and Shay even more than she told the Council. Something strange was going on.

  “Never mind. I’m going to get changed. My jeans are dirty from passing out at Stonehenge.”

  “Passing out? You didn’t pass out. Are you just messing with me? Is this some kind of joke I don’t know about?”

  Alix decided to just go along with it being a joke. “Yes, I’m joking. I fell down when I went back to get my camera and my jeans are dirty. Do you think I can wear sweatpants to dinner?”

  Shay let out an exasperated sigh. “Alix, really, sweats at dinner. I don’t think so. Let’s go find something better.”

  Alix knew that would work to change the subject. She pretended that everything was okay but in her head, it was chaos. Something was very wrong, and she was going to find out what.

  * * *

  During dinner the talk was mostly about Stonehenge. No one said anything about her vision. It was like they’d all forgotten about it. That was way up there on the mysterious scale. Shay started talking about the spa day tomorrow. Alix was trying to listen, but her head was full of questions. It was Shelley that brought her out of her thoughts.

  “Alix, are you excited about tomorrow?” Shelley asked her.

  “Uh … yeah … the spa day sounds great,” Alix replied.

  Shelley smiled at her. “I meant the Induction Ceremony tomorrow night.”

  “Oh that. Well, I’m not sure if excited is the right word, nervous would be more accurate I think. I don’t even know what’s involved. I’m afraid I’m going to embarrass myself.”

  “It’s a piece of cake,” Shelley told her. “Basically, one of the Council members makes a speech and then each member greets you and welcomes you to the Council. After that it’s just a big cocktail party. I’m warning you though, there are going to be a lot of people there who want to meet the Kaelneth.”

  “Oh great, I’m going to embarrass myself for sure then. People aren’t always my strong suit.”

  “You’ll be fine,” Shay said. “And besides, Ben and I will be right there with you the entire time and you know how charming we can be.”

  Alix smiled. They were certainly more charming than she was.

  After dinner Alix, Shay and Ben went to Shay’s room to hang out and watch TV. Alix kept her eye on them to see if anything else was out of the ordinary but other than them forgetting about her vision they seemed perfectly normal.

  They all went to bed a bit early since they knew that tomorrow was going to be a long and busy day.

  Alix had told her friends that she was going to bed, but she wanted to look at the box she got from Stonehenge. She got it out of her bag and stared at it. She could tell it was very old, like thousands of years old. She pulled on the lid, but it didn’t come off. She held her tattoo over the lid, but it still didn’t budge. Alix sat back and thought for a minute. She had an idea. She put the box in her palm over her tattoo. In her mind she thought ‘open’. She felt a change in the box and tried the lid again. This time it came off with ease.

  Inside she found a very smooth rock about the size of a dime, a tiny metal bird figurine, a perfectly shaped pearl and a folded-up piece of paper or parchment. She had no idea what the three little objects were for. She put them back in the box and picked up the paper. She was disappointed when she opened it up all the way. It was blank. She turned it over and nothing. She flipped it again and this time something caught her eye. She put it flat on the desk and smoothed it out to examine it more closely. But there was nothing to be found. She started to fold it back up when she saw something again. This time she held it up to the light on the desk and that’s when she saw it clearly. In the very center of the paper was the shape of her tattoo. Not knowing what else to do she pressed her tattoo onto the shape on the paper. Suddenly words were forming all over the page. She started reading immediately.

  Kaelneth,

  If you are holding this letter, then my location magic has been successful, and you have found the box. And if you are reading this then my communication magic was also successful for only the Chosen One will be able to see this message. I don’t know what era will find you reading this but if you have come amongst the Nykara then the world is indeed in a grave state. I have foreseen many things in my years and I am the one responsible for creating the prophecy of the Kaelneth. You will have all the same magic and power that I possess. Since you have obtained the box I know you have been to the stone monument. I created the magic that would allow you to see the creation of it because you and I are the only ones who can know about it. Part of the natural magic of the stone monument is that all who have seen or heard how it was created will forget everything about its creation. Only the ones with the special tattoos of power can know. You will need this knowledge to help save the world from the Evil Ones, but it must remain your knowledge alone. The three objects in the box are items you will also need to defeat them. Carry them with you anytime you are out of a protected area. It is vital that the three rings given to your loved ones remain on them at all times. They will protect them from any harm the Evil Ones will try to do to them. You have many struggles ahead of you Kaelneth but you are strong enough to defeat them. You are young, but your age does not determine your power, that is limited only by your mind. I have not foreseen the outcome of the ultimate battle, but you must have faith in yourself and those that surround you. You may share this information with those you feel need to know it, all except how the stone monument was created since they will not retain any of it. May the power of nature always keep you safe.

  Candar

  Alix couldn’t believe what she’d just read. The entire letter was unbelievable. At least it explained why no one seemed to remember her vision. She had about a million thoughts in her head. She had to write them down before she could sleep so she got her journal and started writing.

  Nov 2 – Trip to London Day 3

  AHHHH!!! I don’t even know where to start. Today has been a freaking crazy day. I thought we were just going to go to Stonehenge, look around, have lunch and leave. Well was I wrong. It was amazing to find out that the Nykara built Stonehenge. I never would have guessed that. Then there were the rings. I’m so happy that mom and dad can now see the sam
e things I can. But the best part of the rings is that they are supposed to keep the Grynn from hurting them. That actually helps me relax a little bit. Putting them in danger is a constant worry for me. And seeing the real Stonehenge was incredible and feeling the energy it contained was unreal.

  I’m not even sure I can describe how it felt to witness the creation of Stonehenge. I feel like I know Candar. I hope I can make use of the things I learned from him. He was so powerful. I still don’t understand why no one but me and Candar can know how it was created. Why is that such a secret? It’s not like the Grynn can enter it anyway. I also don’t understand why he seems to have been erased from Nykara history. I’m not the first one with a colored tattoo. You’d think that would be important information. I would like to find out some more about him, maybe the library here has something.

  I’m getting off topic but so much happened today. The last thing that happened at Stonehenge is still a bit of a mystery to me. For hours I had the feeling that I was supposed to find something, but I never did. Then as soon as we were all outside of the magical barrier the feeling almost overwhelmed me. I think that I had to be the only one inside Stonehenge in order for me to find it. It felt amazing to use the same magic Candar did when I pulled the box up to the surface. I really wanted to look in it but knew I had to get back to everyone before someone came looking for me.

  When we got back to the castle I said something to Shay about me passing out at Stonehenge and she had no clue what I was talking about. And she wasn’t joking either. That’s when I realized that no one remembered anything about what happened at Stonehenge which really bothered me.

  And finally, the last major thing to happen today was in the box I found. I waited to open it when I was alone since I wasn’t sure what it contained. Once I got it open I found four things inside. A rock, a pearl, a tiny bird figurine and a piece of paper. After I figured out how to read what was on the paper I was shocked that it was a letter to me. Crazy huh! I don’t have a clue how I was able to read it because I’m pretty positive that he didn’t speak English and I’m not even sure if writing was a thing then. But I guess he used his magic and made it work. Anyway, I learned that he was a lot like me and it was him that created the prophecy of my arrival to the Nykara. The letter also said that only he and I would be able to remember exactly how Stonehenge was created, that anyone else who knew anything would forget it. At least I know why no one remembers now. But I want other people to remember. He said it was the natural magic created by Stonehenge that made others forget but I want to find a way around that. Ben and Shay need to know, and I have to find a way to make them remember. Candar said that my power is only limited by my mind so I’m going to figure out a way.

  It’s hard to believe that so much has happened in one day. It actually makes me nervous to see what’s going to happen tomorrow at the “Induction Ceremony”. Still sounds like I’m joining a cult. I hope everything goes okay. I have to admit that I’m really looking forward to the spa day and dressing up for the ceremony. I’ve never done anything like that so I think it’s going to be fun, but I guess I should go to bed now. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a long day.

  Chapter 15

  Alix was once again woken up to Gordon knocking on her door with the morning wake up call. She got up, showered and got dressed. Not really knowing what to wear for a spa day she put on yoga pants and a t-shirt. She hoped Shay and Ben were up because she wanted to tell them about the box and letter from Candar. She went to Ben’s room first figuring he would be ready before Shay. She knocked on his door and sure enough he was ready. They went to Shay’s door and surprisingly she was ready. Alix took them back to her room.

  “Okay guys,” Alix started, “this is probably going to sound a little crazy but I’m telling you the truth. More happened at Stonehenge yesterday than you remember.” Shay started to say something, but Alix cut her off. “Just hear me out before you say anything. Remember when I said I had one of those feelings I had to find something?” They both nodded. “And remember when I said I forgot my camera and had to go back.” Shay nodded again. “Well when everyone had left the real Stonehenge that feeling of finding something was really strong. That’s why I went back. And at the very center, buried deep down in the earth was this box.” Alix showed them the old wooden box. “And inside were these things.” She opened it and took out the rock, bird, pearl and paper. “Now I don’t really know what the objects are for, but this paper was a letter to me from Candar. He was like me. He had a colored tattoo and had visions and tremendous power. He’s the one who created Stonehenge. And the biggest thing is that I’ve told you both this before and you don’t remember. It’s something that Stonehenge does naturally to protect the secret of its creation. Only Candar and I remember how it happened because of our tattoos I think. But I want to find a way to make you remember because I need you both to know what happened.”

  Alix looked at the two of them. They both had looks of disbelief on their faces.

  “This isn’t a joke?” Shay asked.

  Alix shook her head. “No Shay, this is very serious. Yesterday I had a vision and passed out in the middle of Stonehenge. I saw Candar create Stonehenge. When I came to I told everyone most of what I saw but then I told you two everything I saw and learned. And you are going to forget this conversation in a few minutes as well. I just don’t know how to make you remember.” Alix was almost in tears at this point.

  Shay put her arm around Alix’s shoulders. “We’ll figure something out. We always do. Ben, any ideas?”

  “Actually, I might have one,” he said. “What if Shay and I each write down what you said. Then when we forget again we can read it. We’ll have to believe our own writing.”

  “It’s worth a shot,” Shay said. “Where’s some paper and a pen.”

  So, Ben and Shay took a few minutes to write down what Alix said. When they were done they both gave their papers to Alix.

  “You hold onto these and give them back when we talk about this again,” Shay told her. “Now let’s go have some breakfast. I’m dying to get to the spa.”

  Feeling a little better after talking to Ben and Shay she went with them to breakfast. While they were eating the girls were teasing Ben about having to go golfing.

  “I don’t think a spa day is really my thing,” he told them. “I’m not sure my toes would look very good with nail polish on them.”

  The girls were laughing at him when Shelley sat down next to Shay. She started asking Shelley questions about what they were going to get done at the spa. She told them to expect a massage, manicure and pedicure as well as getting their hair and makeup done for the party.

  “Ooooh, I can’t wait,” Shay said bouncing in her chair. “Five solid hours of pampering sounds like absolute heaven. Hey Alix, if we’re getting our hair done we’re going to have to put different shirts on before we go.”

  Alix looked at Shay like she was crazy. “Why? What does my shirt have to do with my hair?”

  “Oh Alix, my little fashion challenged friend, you still have a lot to learn. When you take your t-shirt off to change it’s going to mess up your hair. We need to put on button up shirts, so we can take them off without ruining our hair.”

  “Uh, okay, if you say so.”

  “I do say so and my word on this stuff is law,” Shay said with a very serious face.

  That look always made Alix giggle. Shay was never more serious than when she was talking about fashion. After they finished eating the girls went back to their rooms to change. They ran into Heather, Natalie and Karin along the way and Shay was sure to tell them about the shirt thing. Alix couldn’t help but grin at Shay the entire time.

  Before too long they said goodbye to the gentlemen and the ladies were off to the spa. It was a fun drive. Shelley had everyone playing the alphabet driving game. The object was to be the first person to call out something they saw that started with the letter ‘A’, then ‘B’ and so on. Eve
n Ruth got in on the game. The time went by fast and soon they were driving the streets of London. Alix had her face plastered to the window. She wanted to see everything.

  The bus pulled up to a very fancy looking building. It was the Seaside Salon & Spa. When they walked inside the décor was done in an extremely tasteful ocean theme. It was the most relaxing place Alix had ever walked into. An older lady came over to greet them.

  “Welcome Kaelneth, esteemed Council members and friends of the Kaelneth. My name is Hilda. I’m the owner of this salon and spa. I’ll be here to assist you with anything you need during your time here. Please follow me to the coffee bar.”

  Alix and Shay looked at each other and smiled. Hilda looked like everyone’s favorite grandma and the girls loved her cute English accent. When they walked into the next room it was more like a full-on coffee shop then just a place to get coffee. There was even a barista behind a counter.

  “This is Lucy and she can make you anything you’d like,” Hilda told them. “Lucy, I’m extremely pleased to introduce you to the Kaelneth.”

  “Wow Hilda, this place is awesome and please call me Alix, Kaelneth is just too formal.”

  Hilda looked to Ruth for confirmation. Ruth nodded her head. “Very well then, Alix, what can we get you to drink?”

  After a bit of back and forth Alix settled on a white chocolate mocha latte and Shay had caramel latte. They sipped their drinks while the ladies of the shop prepared everything they needed.

  Everyone got changed into super soft robes and started out with a massage. Alix had never had one before and it was one of the most relaxing things she’d ever experienced. And she was positive she’d never been in a more stress free and relaxing room. The music and the lighting were just perfect.

  After that they all went to the same room for a pedicure. Alix just leaned back and did some more relaxing. She heard the other ladies talking but just wanted to sit back and enjoy the pedicure. Every one of them got a different color polish. Shay and Alix were hoping that their colors matched their dresses. When the pedicure was done they all put on the special flip flops and went back to the coffee bar to have lunch.