by Basia Pike
Our mission in Athens had been helpful. We’d learned that the Kugarar were searching for the Creaturae in Athens, and set up informants to tail them and report back to Helen. But, a worse concern had arisen since.
Helen had been keeping tabs on the Kugarar and their believed movements in time. Their activity had increased in England, 1059. It was only a matter of time until we had to go and investigate it.
My phone buzzed; it was a text from Eve. I sighed. She was on her way over. Since meeting Eve at the dinner, we’d been on a date. But, I wasn’t feeling it. I knew it was too soon. My wife and my quest for revenge was still at the forefront of my mind, and I couldn’t see a time when it wouldn’t be.
I knew she was interested in me; she was constantly showing up at city hall. I had to tell her the truth. She was a lovely woman, and interesting. I could see her as a good friend. Her work was thrilling she travelled time collecting artifacts from throughout history related to magic.
Everyone was so tired, I’d given them a week off to recharge. If we were going into the field we couldn’t be worn down. I was sitting in the entrance hall looking over documents, as I often did when I had time off, when I was interrupted.
Helen sat next to me. “Elijah, I’ve got some news.”
“Is it good news or bad news?”
“Bad news. We have had seventeen unknowns travel today to November the 10th, 1059. They landed in Kent.”
She handed me a chart detailing the spikes. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. “What does this mean?”
“It means you’ve no choice but to go after them. Even if you feel you’re not ready.”
“Have we got a base in this time?”
“No, but we have an informant who will put you up.”
“Helen, can I ask you something?”
“Of course, anything.”
“Why did Andre believe Mary was a good fit for the Verndarar?”
Her face dropped. She glanced to the corner of the hall, where Mary was curled on the sofa with a book.
“I’ve no idea. He told me that his superiors felt she was right for the Verndarar.” She placed a hand on my arm. “You’ll be okay, I’m sure.”
I smiled. Helen was different from when we first met.
“But can I ask you a favor?” she asked.
“Of course.”
“Please make sure you look after Deon.” I couldn’t help the smile that curled on my lips.
“Why’s that?” I raised one eyebrow.
She averted her gaze and busied herself tidying the papers on the coffee table. “You know why.”
“Yes, but both of you always deny it.”
She punched me in the arm. “Everyone knows we’ve been seeing each other… and I care about him.”
I laughed, surprised she’d admitted it. “I’m happy for you, Helen. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of him.”
She smiled warmly, pulling me into a hug. A cough sounded behind us and Eve stood there a jealous look twisting her face.
“Thank you. I best get back to work. I need to plan your travel. When do you want to leave?”
“Tomorrow morning too soon?” I asked. There was no point putting off the inevitable. The sooner we got there and figured out what the Kugarar were up to, the better.
“Nope, I’ll get onto it right away.” She returned to her desk and typed furiously on her computer. I placed my paperwork back into the folder, as Eve sat next to me.
“Hi Eve, how are you?” I asked.
She looked hurt. “I’m okay. Why you haven’t you called in over two weeks?”
“I’m sorry, Eve. It’s been hectic with the Verndarar.”
She glanced down at her jacket fiddling with the edge. “Do you want to go for dinner tonight?”
I ran a hand through my hair. “Eve, I know we’ve been on a date, but I’m not ready to start anything.”
A pained look flitted onto her face. “I see. When you say, ‘not ready,’ what do you mean?”
I froze, suddenly confronted with a question that alluded to my past. “I’m not sure I wish to talk about it. I haven’t told anyone.” I looked at Eve and took a deep breath. “You’re a witch, so perhaps I can tell you the truth. Please don’t mention it to anyone else.” I glanced around to check no one else was within earshot.
She nodded, a slight smile creeping onto her lips.
“The truth is … before I came here … my wife and I were living in Ely, Minnesota, part of a coven of witches.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re a witch?” she asked.
“Yes and no. Andre bound my powers. My wife … she was pregnant with our first child…” A lump formed in my throat as I spoke about it. “And was murdered by witches who hid behind the emblem of the Serpentum coven of New Orleans…”
She placed her hand over mine. “I’m sorry, Elijah. That’s terrible.”
“I sought revenge for her murder. The coven behind it were powerful, and I was no match for them. When I came close to finding someone involved I lost grip of her. Andre found me and promised if I joined the Verndarar then I’d get the revenge I seek.” The lump in my throat hurt.
She looked up at me with a sparkle of tears in her eyes. Her eyes were a dark chestnut brown that I found mesmerizing. All of a sudden she pressed a kiss against my lips. It felt forced and wrong and I pulled away.
“Eve, I’m sorry. I can’t do this.”
The same hurt look entered her eyes, but then she shrugged it off with a nervous laugh. “Sorry. I guess I got carried away.” An awkward silence fell between us. “I’d better go.”
She stood in a hurry and rushed out of city hall. I sighed. I felt bad for hurting her, but there was no use pretending.
It was late in the day. I decided I might as well wait until dinner to inform every one of our impending assignment. I knew I didn’t really have to worry about Deon, Luciana, Julius, and Tom. They were tough, and could take anything thrown at them.
Casey and Josh would work behind the scenes, and most likely wouldn’t be put in danger. Mary worried me. She’d improved immensely. But, something in the back of my mind was telling me she wasn’t ready.
I jumped to my feet and headed out of my room to ensure I was the first to arrive. I rushed out of the room and bumped straight into Luciana.
“Sorry Luciana.”
Luciana looked irritated. “Are you heading to the dining room?” she asked.
There was an awkward atmosphere between us, ever since the day I spoke with her. “We’re starting another assignment tomorrow.”
Her eyes widened a little. “So soon?” She asked.
“We’ve no choice. The Kugarar’s activity is increasing in England 1059.” Silence fell between us as we walked down to the hall where Tom was already sat at the table, as was Helen.
“Helen, have you told Tom about the assignment?” I asked.
“Yes, I filled him in.”
“Thanks, I’ll tell everyone else once they arrive.” I sat down at the head of the table.
“Do you really believe that we are ready for this?” Tom asked
I poured myself a glass of wine and took a large gulp. “We have to be.” The rest of the team entered the room and took their seats. I felt odd being in this situation for the first time since Andre left. I knocked my knife against my glass and stood up. Everyone looked at me.
“I have to inform you that tomorrow morning we’ll be embarking on our second assignment. The Kugarar’s activity in England 1059 has increased, and we can’t leave it any longer without investigation. Enjoy yourself tonight, but not too much as tomorrow morning we’ll be leaving.”
“Are we ready to take on the Kugarar?” Josh asked glancing slightly at Mary.
“We’ve no choice. If we don’t find out what they’re doing in England we risk the chance of them getting closer to, or even finding the Creaturae.”
Casey stood up. “I’m so close to finishing the new ear-piece system which would be perfect to test out!”
> “Where are you going?” I asked.
“If we’re leaving tomorrow I reckon Josh and I could finish it this evening.”
“Casey, sit down and at least have some food first.” She sat down reluctantly.
“We can’t underestimate the power of the Kugarar, and we have to be aware of the fact that witches, werewolves or vampires may be involved.” My eyes met Luciana’s, and I looked away quickly. “But, Andre assured me most the opponents we’ll meet are human.”
“Why would humans take part in their own demise?” Deon asked.
“Human’s that exist outside of time are unlikely to be affected as they’re no longer in the same dimension. But, it’s likely they haven’t been told what exactly the artifact they’re searching for will do. The vampires pay well and promise a fortune to any that work for them.”
“How do you know so much about this?” Mary asked.
I froze a moment carefully deciding what to say. “Andre taught me everything I know about it.” Mary’s eyebrows lifted before returning her attention to her wine glass.
“Any other questions?” I asked and everyone was silent. “Good, we will all meet in the entrance hall at eight tomorrow morning.”
There were a couple of groans of protest as I sat down.
Tom turned to speak to me. “Do we have a base where we are going?”
“No, but we have a contact who will put us up.” Tom didn’t reply as he dug into the food in front of him.
The night wore on, and everyone seemed at ease. But, in the pit of my stomach I had a niggling doubt about the entire operation, and I couldn’t understand why.
Casey seemed to notice as she stood up and dragged her chair to sit next to me. “Hey boss, why so glum?” she asked.
I took a long sip of wine. “I don’t know. I’ve got a bad feeling.”
She gave me a slight smile before placing her hand over mine. “We’ve got this. Our team is strong, and there’s no way that Kugarar scum are going to defeat us.” Casey was feisty and a fighter. It’s something I admired in her.
“Thanks Case, I worry we’re not quite ready.”
“Well don’t, we will be ready for anything they throw at us. However, Josh and I are heading to the lab now to finish the system. It just needs some finishing touches and will run on solar power giving us some serious edge.”
I smiled. “Don’t work too hard, we have an early start in the morning.”
Josh approached Casey placing an arm around her shoulder. “Ready?” he asked smiling at her. I had noticed they had grown close already, and Josh was a different person.
He no longer wore dark baggy clothes. He was confident and starting to fill out since he had been working out with Deon.
She playfully ruffled his curly brown hair. “Yeah, come on dork,” she said and then ran away.
He sprinted after her. “I’ll get you for that!” he shouted.
I continued to eat my meal in silence as everyone chatted. Deon was pretty close to Helen who was sat next to him. Julius and Luciana were chatting with them and Mary who had become close to Luciana from the moment they met. Tom was busy eating. I’d never known someone who could eat so much.
“Tom, do you ever stop?”
He looked up about to bite into a rib. “No.” he shrugged making me laughed. “What can I say? I need the energy.”
I shook my head and stood up. “I’m off to bed. See you all in the morning.”
Everyone uttered goodnight in chorus.
20
I didn’t sleep well as my mind was spinning with questions. Were we ready for this? How would everyone cope in the field?
It was time to get dressed in the odd clothing I’d been given. I pulled on stockings that felt weird.
I feel like a damn woman! I pulled on the off-white shirt and tunic, followed by a hooded cloak.
I fastened my dagger to my belt and my short sword, which was heavy. In the time we were going to, it was standard for merchants to carry arms, and we intended to pose as such. I felt utterly ridiculous glancing in the mirror. I was about to walk out of the door and paused.
Whether or not to take my father’s ring with me had been playing on my mind. Not having my magic had been hindering me, but if I were to take it and had cause to us it then the whole team would know. I stared at the box on my bedside table. With a shake of my head I decided not to take it.
I walked down into the entrance hall, and as expected, Helen was there. I rarely entered the hall to find her absent. Josh and Casey were there too, dressed in their medieval clothes.
“Good morning, you two. I hope you got some sleep?” I asked, as they were placing gadgets into bags.
“Got two hours and we got the devices ready,” Josh said. He looked pleased as he held up a tiny earpiece. I smiled and patted him on the back.
“Well done. Is everyone going to wear one in the field?” I asked.
He nodded. “Yeah, that’s the intention, but we’re working on a more advanced system which would use telepathic communication.”
“That’s possible?” I asked.
“Yeah, it was used by the military in my time,” Casey said. “I wish I’d nabbed a prototype before I left. It would have made it easier.”
“Never mind, you’ll get there.” I walked away and grabbed a bagel off the counter, picking at it out of habit rather than hunger.
Helen approached me. “I’ve packed a lot of supplies and our informant has set up a temporary portal in his library. You’ll be transported straight there.”
“Thanks, Helen. Who’s this informant?”
She stiffened at the question. “Jamie Wolfrik and his parents.”
“Not Wolfrik, as in the ancient royal family of werewolves?”
“Yes.”
“Does he know my past?” She nodded and my grip tightened around the bagel so much I was crushing it.
“Elijah, he’s a good man who has always looked after Andre. Please try to be civil. I’ve told him the rest of the group don’t know you’re a witch and you want it to stay that way.”
I sighed. I couldn’t trust a wolf.
“Elijah and Helen, y’all are both up early!” Tom said, in high spirits.
“So are you,” I said. “Why are you so happy? You’re not still drunk, are you?”
Tom blushed. “O’ course not.” He walked towards the buffet by the side of Helen’s desk and began shoveling food in. I shook my head.
“Everything will be fine with Jamie,” Helen said. “Don’t worry about it.”
I was uncertain about taking help from a wolf. I sat down with Casey and Josh, who were talking about technology. Over the next twenty minutes people emerged.
“This is it. All the training you’ve done has led to today. We’ll be heading through the portal to Wolfrik Castle in Farncombe, Kent. Casey and Josh will explain the new gadgets they’re about to give you.” Josh stood up and grabbed Casey’s hand, pulling her up in front of the team.
“We’ve several gadgets for each of you to ensure your safety in the field. We have the wireless earpiece with powerful microphone installed. It’s connected to our solar powered computer, which will be stationed at the base. It means you can contact base while out in the field.” Josh stepped forward, handing each of us a small case.
“Secondly, we have a tracking device which will be inserted under your skin. Again, it’s for your safety. In the event of being compromised and captured, we can track your whereabouts and rescue you.”
Casey held a small gun with what looked like a needle attached. “Who wants to go first?” she asked.
“Why don’t you go first?” Luciana asked.
“We’ve already done ours.” She touched a spot on her shoulder and a blue light shone through her skin. Gasps spread through the group.
“I’ll go first, Casey,” I said, stepping forward. After all, I was their leader.
“It’ll hurt a little.” I took a deep breath. As she shot the device into my shoul
der, a sharp pain radiated and then subsided. Everyone lined up, waiting to be tagged.
“We’ve two more gadgets for you, and a weapon,” Josh said, grabbing a case from the side. “In this case you will find night vision contacts which will allow you to see at night or in pitch dark places. They’re not irritating to wear, and it would benefit everyone to wear them at all times.” Josh handed out each person a contact case.
“Lastly, we’ve a camera which all of you will wear on your clothes.” He held up a paper-thin clear piece of plastic and Casey handed one to each of us.
“The weapon we’ve designed is a stun gun. It’s small and easily concealable. Based on the research we’ve done on vampires, werewolves and witches it should incapacitate any of them for a short while. It won’t kill, but it will help,” Casey explained, as Josh handed out the little pistols.
“That’s everything?” I asked, and Casey nodded.
“Okay, let’s get going.”
All of us headed in silence together to the back room. I waited for everyone else to go through the portal, each carrying bags of supplies. Helen stopped me as I was about to go through.
“Elijah, stay safe and remember to look after him,” Helen said.
“I will.” She smiled, and I turned and went through the portal. I landed on the other side and found myself on the floor of a large library. The rest of the Verndarar were stood looking around, and Tom was speaking to a man I didn’t recognize, but knew it was Jamie.
He was muscled, with shoulder-length blond hair and a triquetra tattoo on his arm, the mark of a werewolf. I walked towards them and Jamie noticed me, our eyes locking.
“Elijah, isn’t it?” Jamie held out a hand.
I looked at him warily and shook it. “Jamie?”
He nodded. “I was talking to your second-in-command Tom about the Kugarar’s activity. There’s been a lot of talk in our world.”
“What do ya mean our world?” Tom asked.
Jamie and I exchanged glances. “I mean in the world of the werewolves. I’m a werewolf.” Tom’s eyes widened and he took a step back.
He laughed at Tom’s reaction. “Don’t worry, I’m one of the good guys.”
