by S L Dearing
Sean threw the tie of the bag over the horn on the saddle and then offered Vivian his hand.
“We’re going to do something we need to do.”
Vivian pulled her hands back to her chest and shook her head.
“I…I don’t know how to ride a horse.”
Sean smiled and nodded.
“I know. You sit, I’ll steer.”
Vivian looked at the huge animal and shook her head.
“C’mon, Viv.”
He again motioned with his hand that she should come with him and even in her uncertainty, she took him up on his offer. He helped her up and into the saddle. She grasped the horn as he pulled himself up and behind her, his arms around either side, holding the reins. He nudged the steed forward and as they approached the gates he nodded to the soldiers, who opened the gate without question.
They rode slowly towards Spirit Hill, as Vivian clung desperately to the saddle horn. Once they had arrived, Sean dismounted and then held up his arms to help Vivian off the horse. She looked at him apprehensively, but let him help her down.
“What are we doing here?”
“Sixteen years ago my sister was murdered. I didn’t cry. I never really said good-bye.”
Sean reached up to the saddle and untied the bag. He reached into it and took out some matches and several flowers, a bottle of oil and two candles. He handed the flowers to Vivian and she took them. Then he took the candles and placed them on the altar and lit them. He held the oil in one hand and took back half the flowers with his other.
“This is our opportunity to say good-bye, Viv. A flower for each thing we never got to say.”
Vivian looked at the flowers and then at Sean and smiled. Sean thought to himself that if she smiled like that more often, she’d be easier to work with. He motioned for her to start.
She took the first flower and laid it on the altar.
“I’m sorry it took so long to start talking again and I’m sorry we missed out on so much time.”
Then she looked at Sean. He took the first flower from his bunch and laid it down on the stone.
“I miss the way you used to call me, just to tell me a joke you thought I'd like. You always made me laugh.”
“I miss the way you eat Oreos.”
“I miss your mashed potatoes at Christmas.”
“You were always on my side, I know that now, Helen. I just wish I could have told you that.”
They continued until Sean was down to his last flower. He laid it with the other flowers.
“You knew me better than anyone, Gracey. I hate that you’re not here. I hate that I can’t talk to you. I hate that they took you from me. I hate that they stole your dreams. I miss you, Grace.”
Tears fell from both Vivian and Sean as he took the bottle of oil and poured it carefully over the flowers on the altar. Then he handed a match to Vivian and nodded in the direction of the flowers.
“Let’s send them our message.”
Vivian nodded and smiled through her tears as they each lit opposite ends of the oil trail. The flames started slowly and then quickly covered the foliage and the candles, burning and melting their words into the air.
Vivian stepped back and as she did her fingers brushed against Sean's and they looked at one another. Sean slowly took Vivian’s hand and they stood in silence, watching their wishes burn away.
When the fire died down, they got back on the horse and rode back to the village, the gates opening before them. Sean rode to the castle entrance and they dismounted. After he placed Vivian on the ground he smiled at her. Without a word Vivian hugged him and he returned the sentiment.
She pulled back and brushed off imaginary dust and stuck out her hand. Sean smiled and shook it. She nodded and started up the stairs, but stopped and turned.
“Captain?”
Sean raised his eyebrows.
“Thank you.”
He smiled and nodded and she again turned and walked up the stairs. Myron walked up behind Sean and cleared his throat. Sean turned and looked up at Myron.
“Hey…”
“I’ve been looking for you. When we called Calvary in Old Arrowhead, they said some of their folks have seen lights coming from San Bernardino. They don’t remember them being there before.”
Sean rubbed his face and looked down.
“Have you told Alia and the others?”
Myron shook his head.
“Nope, wanted to talk to you first.”
Sean nodded and took a deep breath.
“All right, let me put him up and then we’ll call Calvary back and get more information, ok?”
Myron nodded and was about to turn.
“You ok?” Myron asked.
Sean smiled and nodded.
“Yeah, just took care of some long overdue business. I’ll be right there.”
Myron walked back towards the communication room and Sean patted his horse and then pulled himself back up. He turned and looked at the castle and then at the turret. Alia was looking down on him and he smiled as she waved. He waved back and then walked his horse in the direction of the stables.
Alia had watched everything from her room.
62
"Ok, now slow down. You saw what?"
Alia leaned back in her chair as the Merganser boys recounted what happened. Sara and Scott watched Alia as she tried to take it all in. She turned to Janeen, who had the same dumbfounded look on her face.
Coeli and Sam were standing just outside the room listening, when Coeli stumbled and kicked a chair. Alia then looked across the room and stood up.
"Come in here…now!"
Sam and Coeli sheepishly walked into the throne room as Alia glared at them.
"I don't appreciate eavesdropping from anyone, understand?"
They both nodded their head.
"Sorry, we were worried,” Coeli said.
"Really."
Alia sat back down and urged the boys to continue. When they had finished their story for a second time, Alia slumped back in her chair and sighed.
"Beverly was right."
Janeen looked at Albion.
"You saw who seduced your father, right?"
Albion nodded and looked down at the floor. Alia sat up and watched the boy. Every time she saw him her heart went out to him. She got out of her chair and walked over to him. She gently lifted his chin so that she could look into his eyes. They were so blue. They were his mother's eyes.
"Who, Albion? Who was it?"
Before he could answer, Beverly, Elena and Evelyn Tran walked into the room. Beverly was smiling and laid a hand on Albion's shoulder.
"I would venture to guess that he saw Rona Mason use a glamour on his poor, unsuspecting father."
Albion nodded and looked back at the floor. Then he shook his head.
"He should have known better."
He looked up at Alia.
"I know he's a good man, but he and so many of the others use the name of Christ to condemn what they don't understand. I'm sorry."
Elian looked at his brother and in that moment he understood. He understood what it meant to truly be a Christian. It wasn't about the bible or knowing your texts. It was about living your life as Christ did. About treating others with understanding and kindness and judging them not by their beliefs, but by their actions. A tear fell down Elian's cheek.
"I'm sorry also. I've been a fool."
He looked up at Alia and then over at Sara and Scott. Albion looked at his older brother and began to smile. Elian shook his head.
"I have been no different than my father. Attempting to save someone who didn't need it, or want it. I'm sorry, Sara. I really am."
Sara smiled.
"It's ok, Elian."
Coeli wiped away a tear. Elian heard her and touched her hand. She looked at him.
"I'm sorry for the way I've been treating you, Elian. It was wrong."
Elian smiled and shook his head.
"Actually, if you hadn't dis
liked me so, I may not have been able to determine that the woman who claimed to be your sister was indeed an imposter. Besides, I deserved it."
Alia had been watching everything and listening, but her stomach was in knots. Janeen could tell and grabbed Alia's hand. Alia grabbed back, her anger rising to the surface.
Beverly stood in front of the children and laid a hand on Alia's other shoulder.
"I understand that you're angry, Sweetheart, but first we must talk."
"Rona…I should have known…how could I be so stupid?"
Elena stepped over to the children.
"Sam, children, come…come with me."
They all followed her out of the room as Janeen and Beverly tried to calm Alia. Sara and Coeli looked back at their mother while they walked. Once in the hallway, Vivian Shorely walked up to the group. Elena smiled at her and touched her face.
"Oh, Ms. Vivian, I was so sorry to learn of your sister."
Vivian looked at the children and then Elena.
"Did Capta…?"
"No, a messenger told me this morning. But now, I think your queen needs you."
Elena motioned for Vivian to go in the room and Vivian smiled and entered. Elena turned back towards the kids.
"What's going on, Gram?"
Elena patted Sam's face and smiled.
"It would appear that the traitor is Rona Mason. We set up markers for the evil events that have taken place and they all led back to her and Darla Hanson."
Elian looked at Elena.
"Was that who I was with at the stables? Darla?"
Elena nodded, then she looked at Sam.
"My Sweetheart…have you been having dreams?"
Sam smiled and looked at her and shrugged.
"Yeah, I guess."
"Do you remember them?"
Sam took a deep breath and looked around and put his hands in his pockets.
"Yeah…um, I've had a few where there has been an army all dressed in black. A figure like a black ghost, but no face. Lots of birds, falcons and ravens. The falcons are bad. They work for the ghost. Then there's blood and death. I guess that's it."
Coeli looked at the ground and then over at Sara, whose eyes were wide and frightened. Coeli smiled at her and she could see that Sara was comforted by it. Then she looked at Sam and felt his hand in hers.
Elena nodded and asked the others about any of their dreams. They all recounted the same visions, although Coeli didn't tell Elena everything. When they had finished, Elena turned to walk back into the hall.
"Oh, Mrs. Petrulengo?"
Elian had walked up to her as she turned.
"I want to apologize to you on behalf of my father. He hasn't been himself lately, as you know."
Elena smiled gently at Elian who felt her warmth and smiled back.
"Thank you, Boy. You have greatness in you."
Then she leaned over and looked at Albion.
"As does your brother. When you need it, it will be there."
She patted their hands and then blew a kiss to Sam as they started to back up and walk towards the door.
"You alright, Red?"
Sam nodded and smiled.
"Yeah. You?"
Scott smiled and nodded.
"Yeah."
"Hungry?"
Scott smiled.
"Always."
Scott looked at the Merganser brothers.
"How about you two? Want some lunch?"
They smiled slightly.
"It's alright, you don't have to invite us."
Sara took Elian's arm and sighed.
"We know…c'mon."
Sara dragged Elian as Scott walked behind them and Coeli motioned for Albion to walk with them. As they walked towards the Dining Hall, two falcons watched and when the children had entered the building they flew up and eastward, to the mountains.
63
The Shape was quietly pacing in his chamber. The knock on the door shook him from his thoughts.
"Enter."
Thomas Blaylock entered the room and bowed.
"My Lord, we have done as you asked. The priest is downstairs and ready to do your bidding."
The Shape stared out the open window to the west.
"I received a message from Rona this morning. She has a new plan to get Alia Stark here by the full moon."
Blaylock smiled.
"Ok, what do you need from me?"
An evil grin came from the shadow under the hood as the Shape turned and moved towards the door into the hallway, motioning for Blaylock to follow. They walked over to the balcony and looked down at the Hall below. Father Leon was sitting at a long table, surrounded by beautiful women. His face was wet and pale and he quickly tapped the wood, while glancing all around him. The Shape breathed deeply.
"Soon I will send you to Rona. She will have precious cargo for you. You must bring it to me untouched. All of it, do I make myself clear?"
Blaylock raised his eyebrow and nodded.
"Yeah, I get it. Whatever 'ladies' I bring back here, they need to be 'pure.'"
"Yes…you'll take the priest, Gary and several of your men. You choose, whichever are most reliable… and expendable."
Blaylock scowled as he looked at the priest.
"Why are we taking him?"
The Shape looked at Blaylock.
"Because they know him, it will buy you time. When you arrive at the Fail, send him to the gates and let them take him in."
Blaylock raised his head and stared into the black nothing of his Master's face.
"But what if he messes up and tells them that we're there?"
"He will try."
Blaylock shook his head and folded his arms in front of him.
"I don't get it."
The Shape turned and walked down the hall as Blaylock followed.
"It's not for you to get, Thomas. I shall send you to the pagan village where you will find Rona and bring both she and the treasure back to me."
Blaylock shrugged.
"Sure, whatever you want."
From the other end of the hallway, the beautiful blue-eyed woman walked towards them. The Shape held out his hand, covered in a black glove.
"Hello, My Dear. I have news for you."
She smiled as she took the Shape's hand.
"Is it what I asked for, My Lord?"
The Shape kissed her hand and led her back towards the room. As she entered, the Shape turned to Thomas.
"Ready yourself, Thomas. I will be teleporting you. Timing will be of the utmost importance. Bring horses for your return."
"So we’re riding back?"
"Yes."
Before Blaylock could ask him anything else, the Shape walked into the room and closed the door. Thomas bit down on his lips and looked at the floor with his hands on his hips.
"Dammit!! I hate wormholes!"
He shook his head and walked back to the stairs, trying to imagine what this package looked like, smiling as he did.
64
Alisha walked quietly though the village streets, thinking about her dreams. She saw Sara and Coeli in the distance with Scott and Sam. She watched them as they talked and laughed. In the other direction she saw Kaley and Ian, and not far off, Brian and his friends running through the village. A small tear fell down her cheek and a raven landed on her shoulder.
She reached up and touched its feathers and it rubbed its beak against her hand. She turned her head, looked into its eyes and smiled.
"You'll be there with me, won't you?"
The raven cawed and looked at Alisha, then flew away. She watched it until she felt Vance's hands on her shoulders.
"The way you have with those birds…it's amazing, ya know?"
She fell back against him and pulled his arms tightly around her.
"Yeah, I know."
Vance smiled and kissed her cheek.
"What's wrong?"
Alisha shrugged and sighed.
"Kaley and Ian are engaged."
Vance spun her around and lifted her chin, smiling.
"That's great! When did you find out?"
"A little while ago."
He let go of her chin and raised his eyebrows.
"So how come you're not happy?"
She smiled slightly, avoiding direct eye contact as she walked towards a jewelry booth.
"I am happy. Why do you think I'm not happy?"
Vance shook his head and walked with her.
"Yeah, I know you, Lish, and you're not thrilled. Why?"
Alisha looked at some pendants as Vance stared at her, waiting patiently for an answer.
"They're getting married in the next few days, a quiet Catholic ceremony so it won't interfere with our hand-fasting, and then they're leaving at the end of the Gathering. They're going to live at St. Paul's. So I'm happy, just not thrilled."
Vance smiled and looked at what she was looking at.
"Makes sense."
Alisha looked up at him with sad eyes.
"We can't change what's going to happen, can we?"
Vance smiled, brushed his fingers lightly against her cheek and shrugged.
"I don't think so. People try all the time to stop the inevitable, but whatever is going to happen will happen. Did I ever tell you about when my parents got married?"
Alisha shook her head. Vance nodded and they started to walk through the village.
"This is how my mom tells the story, so bear with me. It was many years ago in the state of Texas among the people of the Alabama-Coushatta that a young girl named Maggie, who was the daughter of Raymond Tall Bear, a great man who tried to move his people forward in the world, grew to womanhood."
Alisha laughed as Vance continued.
"Raymond had hoped his daughter would marry a young warrior from their tribe, but she had other ideas. She went to college and there she met a young rancher, Duncan Worley. He was handsome and kind but he was white. The young ranch hand fell in love with the maiden and they decided they wanted to marry but her father did not approve and would not bless the union. He told his daughter that if she chose to marry the white man, she would have to leave and never return. For many days Maggie agonized over what would be done. She asked the Creator for guidance, but heard nothing. On the third day she sat by her window staring at the sky when a great black bird came to her. She asked the bird if it could answer her question. The bird looked at her and replied, ‘No one can answer this question but you, Maggie. For if you leave your people, your heart will be broken and if you leave the man you love, then your heart will be broken. No matter which you choose, you will have pain.’ Then the bird flew off into the sky. It was then that Maggie made her decision. She went to her father and told him that she was leaving. She no longer belonged with her people. She wanted to see other places and things and she wanted to do that with this man. She packed her things and left and she never regretted it, not once."
