Promises

by Lisa L Wiedmeier

  I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer as they flowed freely. “I think you need to leave now, Matt,” my voice crackled. “I’d really like to be alone.”

  He sighed. “I won’t bother you any more tonight. If you need me, you know where I’ll be. I’ll let myself out.” He began to stroll away, then stopped and turned back. “I just want to help, Cheyenne.”

  I wiped the tears, and watched him enter the house and exit through the front door.

  I brought my attention back to the fire and rolled over in my mind what just transpired. I really was an open book. Even a complete stranger could read me. He could see the pain and heartache. I added another log, tossing it into the flames. The red embers consumed it, eating away at the loose bark, chopping away at its outer protective shell. Inch by inch as I watched, it peeled away the layers until nothing was left but flames, hot and fiery.

  I pushed the guitar over and lay down. The tears had stopped; I just stared at the bright firelight until I couldn’t keep them open any longer, until the weight of sleep pushed them down. I was sure Matt’s eyes were watching me from a distance, I just didn’t care—I couldn’t care anymore.

  I awoke and stretched, realizing I was no longer outside. I sat up quickly. I was inside my room under the covers, still dressed. I looked towards the door. A note was taped to the dresser mirror.

  I’m sorry. M~

  Matt or Maes? I had never seen Maes’s handwriting before, and I hadn’t seen Matt’s either. Who moved me while I slept? It was bothersome that I was such a heavy sleeper.

  I crawled out of bed, pulled the note from the mirror, crumpling it into my palm, and tossed it into the trash as I entered the bathroom. I headed straight for the closet. It was a good morning for a run, anything to help clear my head of the jumbled mess it had become. I dressed, slid on my running shoes, and grabbed my iPod. I cranked up the music and ran out of the house on a mission. I wasn’t going to stop until I felt a little more under control. I needed to focus, forget about what happened with Maes. I needed to let go of what Matt had said. I needed to run until I felt nothing more.

  Chapter 13

  I ran, sticking to the paved road until it ended and then followed the mountain trail. I continued running until I had nothing left and collapsed beside a small creek, breathing heavily. I had no idea how far I had run. I only knew that three hours had ticked by on my watch. Still unsure whether I felt better or worse, I forced myself to remember why I’d left, why I was angry. Matt reminded me of the lies, the half-truths my guardians had continually told me. How did I really know if this Marcus they talked about was so bad? What if the whole thing were turned around, and I was the danger to the clans? How could I know the truth if everyone was always keeping it from me…

  I had the journal, a journal I couldn’t read and didn’t understand. I’d been told what it said, that it contained the story of my parents’ lives. There were symbols that bound us all together, and I was the key. I united all the clans, clans I knew nothing about. A whole society of people that was hidden from me, and the world. I was bound equally to Marcus and Callon, betrothed to both. One I could love if I opened my heart, and the other I knew nothing about. And then there was Colt. I knew I loved him, but it could never be. A forbidden love.

  I was supposed to be the only one who could destroy Marcus, but I only had one power for sure. Unless I also counted holding my breath underwater, and maybe communicating with animals. At least, with one animal, as I’d never tried it with any other creature except Mandi.

  I was to be the weapon, according to Maes. I was to destroy and yet bring all the clans back together and free Maes and his clan somehow in the process. Me, who couldn’t control her temper, who ranted at Callon and caused a hurt so deep I wasn’t sure if he’d talk to me ever again.

  I blew a breath out…I was such an utter failure.

  I lay on my back, watching the sun filter through the trees, the leaves scattering the light. The scent of wildflowers tickled my nose, and I closed my eyes.

  Branches cracked to my left. Maes had to be close by. I didn’t move. I was in no mood to talk. Was he trying to irritate me on purpose now? Wasn’t what he did yesterday enough?

  As the rustling moved closer, I realized he was still in his dog form. What a chicken. He couldn’t even show his face! Heavy breathing and a wet nose nudged my waist; I didn’t bother to open my eyes.

  “Knock it off, Maes!” I growled. “I already told you I don’t want to see you. Now go away!”

  The answering snort was somehow a little different than the usual Tresez grunt. Ha, he was probably playing games with me. He hovered just above my face.

  “Go away now!” I said through my teeth. “I told you to keep your distance!”

  Another snort and then drool rolled down my cheek. My temper quickly rose. I shot straight up and glared.

  A dangerously large grizzly was staring me in the face. I froze in panic.

  A low accented voice called to me in the distance.

  “Talk to it again, Cheyenne,” Maes said calmly.

  The words wouldn’t form. I couldn’t utter a sound, and I could barely blink—my heart raced.

  “Talk to it, Cheyenne,” he said more forcibly. “Tell it to go away. Do it now!”

  My fingers dug into the loose dirt and grass, and I swallowed. I mustered up the words in a shaky voice, “Go away.” The grizzly took a small step back. I gathered my courage. “Go away now!”

  It snorted once again, before it turned and began to walk away. My body shook, a mixture of fear and adrenaline pouring out. My father had taught me what to do if I ran into a bear, but I never expected to be close enough to feel its warm breath on my neck. It was so large, daunting—but then again, so was Maes. I watched it slowly disappeared into the forest through the trees.

  Maes came over and knelt in front of me.

  “You did good. I think we’ve found your second power.” My eyes closed and I sighed, covering my face with my hands. Why did everything always have to be so difficult? I fell back down again into the grass, attempting to slow my racing heart.

  “Next time, could you at least let me know when there’s a grizzly at my face?” I said in exasperation.

  “No, probably not. You wouldn’t have reacted the same way. The only way you are going to learn you have powers is for you to try. The best way for you to try is either out of fear or anger.”

  Learn through fear or anger? Great! Wasn’t there a Timeless college or something I could go to instead…

  “You are the worst protector someone could ever have, Maes!” I snapped.

  “So you’ve forgiven me?”

  “No,” I said, then remembered the note I’d pulled off the mirror that morning. “I’m tolerating you is all.” I didn’t have a choice at the moment. I saw his smirk as I removed my hands from my face.

  “I’ll take that,” he said.

  I glanced at my watch. I’d been gone for over four hours. It would take me longer to return, but I’d needed this small escape.

  “Need to leave already?” Maes asked.

  “Yeah, it’s going to take me awhile to get back. I don’t move like you. Besides, I’m already tired from the run up.” It made me think.

  Extending his hand, he helped me up.

  We began our slow walk back, and I debated the sleep/fatigue issue in my mind. Should I ask him about it or just leave it alone? He seemed to be in a better mood, maybe he’d reply. “Maes, can I ask you a question?”

  He nodded.

  “If I’m Timeless now, why do I still sleep longer and tire easily after a run or swim?”

  “I’ve noticed that too. It’s different for everyone. I think with your case, you’re still growing in strength and power. It may take a while before we see the permanent change, or we may never see it. It’s hard to say.”

  His stride matched mine; he’d slowed for me. “Great,” I said as I huffed out a breath of air. “I’ll always be the weak link.”r />
  “You’re not weak. You’re stronger than you think. Give it time.”

  My father had always said the same thing, that I was stronger than I realized. As much as I wanted to be alone, I was glad Maes was with me. It was comforting even after what took place yesterday. I missed Callon, Daniel and Colt. After spending the last year constantly surrounded, it felt strange to be apart from them. Part of me wanted to call and have them come, while the other half screamed no. I needed this distance to straighten out this mess in my mind. I needed to know where I was going, who I was becoming…what I was.

  It took less time to arrive home than I expected. Maes had led us through the forest instead of the trail; it had been shorter.

  I stopped at the door.

  Maes’s jade-rimmed eyes saddened a bit. “I’ll leave you alone, Cheyenne. Call if you need me. I won’t be far away.” With those words, he turned and disappeared into the trees.

  Did he actually enjoy being around me? Had I hurt his feelings too by chasing him away? Couldn’t I do anything right? I sighed and headed inside the rental.

  After showering, I went outside and sat on the deck while my hair dried. It was odd. I found myself straining to hear voices, any kind of noise telling me my protectors were near. It was silent except for the occasional bird chirping or squirrel scampering. It had only been one day, and I missed the closeness. My head shook slightly. I lowered it and pressed my fingers to my temples. Had I grown that dependent on them? Here I had complained about not having my space, and now that I was alone it bothered me. I just couldn’t win.

  Maes kept his word and left me alone. It had been a week so far and not a sign of him. Matt had also thankfully kept his distance, although I’d seen him when I was out on my walks and hikes. I also knew he listened to me playing the guitar on the deck at night, but he didn’t speak or invite himself over again.

  I dug through my pack on the coffee table and searched for the tracking device Maes said Callon had sewn inside the seam. I found it in the rear pocket near the bottom. It was tiny, not bigger than my fingernail, but obviously effective, as they’d found me quite easily. I pushed it back into place. No need to throw it out now. I’d only cause alarm, and I didn’t need them showing up quite yet.

  I wanted to apologize to Callon, but I was sure he still wouldn’t let me now, if ever.

  The journal lay on the table, and I picked it up. I brushed my fingers over the soft leather, desperately wanting to know more. If only I could read it, then I could find out the details for myself instead of hearing it through others. If only I could read my mother’s words.

  Maes gave me the impression that he knew the language, but having him help me would be a complete disaster. He’d clearly displayed his hatred towards my mother. It would only cause more strife between us, and I had already had enough to last a lifetime.

  I opened the journal and stared at the symbols. This is what betrothed me to Marcus and Callon equally. I understood the general concept as Dex had explained it. My mother refuted her betrothal to Marcus so it fell to me. But the one with the Kvech and Servak was a bit confusing.

  I should ask Callon for clarification, but that would involve talking with him, and I didn’t think he’d be in a talking mood. I wouldn’t have been if the roles had been reversed.

  What about Daniel? I could email him, and he would hopefully provide some clarifications, but I didn’t have his email address. I glanced at my phone on the coffee table. I’d text him first and get his email.

  I scrolled through the contacts on my phone and thankfully Callon had put all three of their numbers on the list. I quickly typed out a message to Daniel.

  I need to ask you some questions. Can you give me your email address? My finger hovered over the send button. If I texted him and not Colt or Callon, it might cause an issue, and I just couldn’t afford any more mistakes. But maybe they’d understand that Daniel was the neutral party. He was my safe zone, and he wouldn’t side with either of them. He’d proven that time and time again.

  I pressed send and waited.

  The response was quick and short, just his email address.

  I moved through the applications on my phone and logged in to my Hotmail account. It had been ages since I looked in it, and my eyes stung as I remembered why. Outside of the new junk mail, the first read message was from my mom, reminding me that she was on her way to pick up dad and wouldn’t be home when I returned from school. It was the last message I ever received from her…

  Tears streamed down my cheeks. Even though it had been a year, it still felt so fresh in my mind. I swallowed and pressed the new message button. I had other things to focus in on.

  Daniel,

  Thanks for replying so quickly, I need your help.

  I’m confused on the betrothal to the Consilador Clan. Why can I only be pledged to Callon? If it’s the Consilador Clan, why not to someone else in the clan? And why both through the Servak and Kvech lines…it’s like I’ve been doubly doomed. Who made up these stupid rules? My mom married outside of her betrothal and wasn’t punished, why can’t I?

  In my opinion a betrothal is a really old and outdated tradition from the dark ages. Why is it still in place in this day and age?

  Thanks for your help, Cheyenne.

  I stared at the message, rereading it several times. Was this good enough? Was I pushing it too far, questioning my betrothal to Callon? Would Daniel let Callon read it, or would he keep it to himself? Would I be making matters worse with Callon if he read it?

  I sighed and pressed send. I’d find out soon enough if Callon was reading Daniel’s messages.

  I stood and dropped the phone into my pocket. I grabbed some cash from the safe in the great room. I needed to get some food and now was as good a time as any. Hopefully it would take my mind off things. I headed for the door and paused on the porch.

  The air was warm and the sun bright. A walk would help. I strode off, heading to the small grocery store when I realized I wasn’t in the mood to cook anything. I changed directions and headed for a small diner I’d spotted earlier on a previous walk. A burger, fries and milkshake sounded appealing at the moment.

  It didn’t take me long to get to the restaurant. It was busier than I would have thought for a Wednesday night.

  “How many?” the petite waitress asked, eyeing her chart on the pedestal.

  “Just one,” I replied.

  “Outside okay?”

  “Sure.”

  “This way,” she said.

  I followed and then almost ran her over as she came to a screeching halt. Her green eyes glared at another co-worker inside the diner. “Why does she always do this to me?” she muttered under her breath. She huffed and then turned on me. “I’m sorry. The table I thought was available…”

  “She can sit here,” a velvety voice called out. Matt was sitting at a table near the outer edge of the diner. “We know each other.”

  The waitress quickly sauntered towards him.

  “I can wait,” I called out, trying to capture her attention, but she ignored me. Her attention was solely focused on Matt and his appealing smile.

  “Here you go then,” she said happily. Her eyes remained on Matt as she placed the menu down on the table.

  I hadn’t moved. I remained staring at Matt and weighing my limited options. I really didn’t want to talk with him, but I had little choice on where to sit. If I walked away it’d seem like I was rude, but then again why should I care?

  The waitress turned towards me. “There’s a seat right here for you. This gentlemen said you could sit here with him. He knows you.”

  I ground my teeth together, contemplating what I should do. I glanced around. The other patrons were starting to stare, and I sighed in defeat. I slowly approached the table and sat down, avoiding eye contact with him as the waitress took my drink order.

  “Hello again, Cheyenne,” Matt said as the waitress disappeared.

  “Hey, Matt,” I replied and pretended to
concentrate on the menu.

  “You doing okay?”

  “Yup, just peachy.” I flipped the menu over.

  “I must have taken the last table, sorry. I got here just before you apparently.”

  “It’s okay. I could’ve waited.”

  “I don’t mind sharing.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I watched him lower his head and flash an award-winning smile. Just what Colt would do to capture my attention. I rolled my eyes.

  The waitress returned and took my order. Matt requested that his food be brought out at the same time. The menu was taken away, and I was left empty handed with nothing else to look at except Matt.

  “You really like to spend time outdoors, don’t you?” he asked.

  I nodded and began fiddling with the straw I’d stolen from the canister.

  “I’ve seen you out running and hiking quite a bit this past week.”

  “Yup,” I replied and twisted the straw around my fingers.

  “I won’t bite, Cheyenne.” His voice lowered. “I just want to befriend you. You seem so lonely.”

  I looked up into steely grey eyes. There was a softness to them I hadn’t expected.

  “I’m sorry, Matt, I—I don’t mean to be rude. It’s just that I’m not really in the mood to talk.” My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I quickly pulled it out. It was a reply from Daniel. I glanced up, unsure what to do next.

  “If you need to answer that, go ahead. I don’t mind,” Matt said.

  I lifted the phone out of my lap and tapped on the new message. My hands grew sweaty as the message opened.

  Cheyenne,

  I was so glad to hear from you. You have no idea what it’s been like since we left. Both Callon and Colt have been sulking around. I’ve been sulking around too. I miss you, but I understand your reasoning for leaving.

  As for your questions, I really can’t answer you correctly, as I’m not in the position to reply. I don’t want to push you off, but really you’re going to have to go through Callon on this one. He’s the one who can best answer your questions about the betrothals and why he was chosen. I’m sorry. I wish I could do more for you.