Ambrosine

by Noreen Harrison

  “Alixia, it’s okay, we are immortal. We can do a lot of things.” He looked at me with a full smile as he jumped back up onto the balcony. “Come on up.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Alixia, this is one of the easy abilities to learn. You must not be as powerful as I thought you were. In fact, I’m getting an impression that you are one of those faint-hearted Southern belles, afraid of their own shadow. Are you?” He asked mockingly.

  I could feel anger building inside me.

  How could he actually think I was weak? I’ll show him!

  I bent my knees. “Here I come!” I leaped into the air, but hit the railing instead of going over it. I hung on tightly as Phillip laughed softly, helping me over the railing and into his arms again.

  How safe he makes me feel.

  He interrupted my thought and said, “So, a little more practice and you should be able to clear the railing next time.” He smiled at me in amusement as he let me go.

  “Oh, very funny! I think I did very well for my first jump.”

  “Yes, I have to admit you did. There is so much more you can do as an immortal. The one thing you have to do first, though, is accept who you are.”

  He knew I felt a sense of betrayal and confusion.

  I have to guard my thoughts better around him.

  “Yes, I know Phillip. I am trying to be understanding, but it’s hard for me to accept all this. How did you feel when you changed?” He shrugged and said, “I just grew up knowing, but it doesn’t make it easier. We don’t have a choice; we have to accept who we are.” I looked into his eyes and asked, “How old were you when you changed?”

  “I received my immortality when I was nineteen, about 107 years ago.”

  “What! You’ve been immortal for that long?”

  “Yes, I guess it has been awhile, but I really don’t think of it like that. It’s just part of me now.” I leaned back over the rail and looked out into the night, sighing. “Hopefully I can get where you are, and just accept it.”

  Phillip took my hand. I could sense his intense passion for protecting me. “You will, Alixia. I will be there for you to guide you through your destiny. The only obstacle we have to endure is our families. I don’t understand their animosity toward each other. Why does your Madame Cecilia detest the Gautier family so much?”

  “You don’t know?”

  “Know what?”

  “That your uncle was planning to marry my mother, but it ended when she met my father. The way the story was told to me is your uncle didn’t take it well. He swore revenge or something like that. It’s odd you never heard him talk about it.”

  He looked perplexed.

  “No, it must have been kept discreet. But I lived in the West Indies for a few decades. Maybe that’s why I don’t know anything about it. All I know is that he has a major anger toward your family Realm. When I mentioned your name to him, he told me to stay away from you.”

  “Phillip, you didn’t tell him you were protecting me from the dark dreams I was having, did you?”

  “No. Why?”

  “Because I don’t think either family, especially my Mother, would understand your coming to my bedroom every night.” He sat down in the chair. ”Don’t worry, it will be our secret for eternity.”

  I laughed and asked, “Are you sure you can keep a secret that long?”

  “I’ll try.”

  The rest of the night, we spent in conversation about the families. Then, he became more reserved telling me about his parents that had died when he was young. They were taken by the dark family members from the South and he had to live with his Uncle Charles for protection until he changed and received his immortality.

  I listened intently as he told me about the people who took his parents away from him. They preyed on family members for their abilities and powers. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing; these family members killed his parents. I felt empathy for him, knowing what it was like to lose a parent. “How did they die?” I could sense his anguish when he spoke.

  “Dark Ones took their souls and turned them against the families. Because of this, they were killed.”

  I was confused. “Wait, you’re saying the Dark Ones took your parents’ souls, but they didn’t kill them?”

  His eyes turned dark and cold, his face hardened in anguish from the painful memory. I could sense that he didn’t want to relive the past. He suddenly realized I was reading his thoughts. “Alixia, you can get out of my head, I will tell you who it was. It was the Ambrosines that took them.”

  My body went limp in disbelief. I chokingly asked, “The Ambrosines…killed your parents? We’re…murderers?”

  “No, Alixia.” He put his hand up. “They are protectors. He let out a deep sigh. “Let me explain. When my parents’ souls were taken, they no longer had control. They were dark immortals and they turned against us. They had to be killed or they would have destroyed us.”

  “But, Phillip, I don’t understand. I didn’t think immortals could die.”

  He looked at me. “You don’t know?”

  I shook my head. “Know what?”

  “There are two kinds of immortals, those who bear the mark and those who don’t. We bear the symbols of our families, so we have pure immortality. We are punished in other ways. However, the ones who don’t bear the symbol can be easily killed by us and the Ambrosines. Actually, the Ambrosines of the families are the purest. The blood that runs through your family lineage is like poison to the Dark immortals.”

  I thought back to when I drank from the chalice. Now I understood what Madame Cecilia meant when she said I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t a true Ambrosine. The nectar would have killed me. I couldn’t believe my mother would let them…I shook my head to let go of the thought. My mother must have known I would survive.

  I looked over at Phillip. “Can I ask you how they captured your parents?” ”Yes, but I was quite young.” He sat up straighter. “The way I remember it is they were taken during a family Gathering, then let go a few days later.”

  “Wait, your parents were let go?”

  “Yes. They returned to retrieve me from my uncle’s home. My Uncle Charles knew they had been changed. Even at my young age, the evil darkness of their presence was very evident. He refused their request to return me to them. That’s when they came at us. My uncle pushed me behind him, thinking he could keep me safe, but they kept trying to grab me. The other family members in his house heard the commotion and ran toward my parents, trying to restrain them from taking me. Uncle Charles picked me up in his arms and ran to the stables, yelling out to the stablemen to saddle the horses. He placed me on one of the horses with him. Two other riders came with us, as we headed out into the night.” Phillip paused, touching his forehead and lowering his eyes for second. “Anyway, I remember the lights from your Grandfather Ambrosine’s house as we rode toward it. Uncle Charles took me from the horse and ran to the door, banging on it and yelling for someone to help us. When the door was finally opened, your Grandfather Nicolas Ambrosine was standing there. I remember his green eyes looking at me with compassion as Uncle Charles urgently told him about my parents. The two of them wasted no time taking me into the house where I would be safe.” He paused again, taking in a breath, and then said with gravity in his voice, “The rest of the family members surrounded me like a shield. Everyone was silent as they stared at the door. Then, we heard the voices of my parents calling out to me. The doors burst open and there they stood, maddened from the darkness that now dwelled inside them. They lunged for me, but they couldn’t get past your grandfather or the family. They engulfed them.”

  “Phillip,” I interrupted, “what do you mean they engulfed them?”

  “They killed them. I could hear their screams and then it went quiet for a few seconds, and then the family chanted, ‘L'obscurité n'est plus,’ the darkness is over. They then opened the circle and motioned for me to come forward. I walked toward them and looked down at my parents, lyi
ng side-by-side in a peaceful state. I remember starting to kneel down by them. But, my Uncle Charles came up behind me and hurried me away, and that was the last time I saw them. There was never a funeral.”

  “Phillip, I can’t believe you witnessed your parents’ death. That must have been devastating for you.”

  He was somber for a moment. “I’d better go now. It’s almost dawn and your family will be waking up soon.” I could sense he was tormented, reflecting back on the memories of his parents’ death and he needed time to be alone. We walked out onto the balcony. The sun was just breaking through the darkness. He kissed me softly on the cheek and said, “See you tonight.”

  Then he jumped from the railing and faded away into the early morning light. I went inside and lay down on the bed. I moved the pillow under my head. I still wasn’t comfortable and grabbed two more pillows and placed them behind me. I lay there reflecting on everything that had happened to me, wishing it was just one of those dark dreams that invaded my sleep. But it wasn’t, it was real and even with Millie’s kind words, I still wished they had told me.

  I wonder what else they are keeping from me.

  I leaned into the pillows more and closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep.

  Charlotte

  I awoke to Mother’s voice. “Are you awake?” She came over and hugged me. “Alixia, why are you sleeping in your clothes?” I sat up, stretched out and looked down. “I must have just drifted off to sleep without changing.”

  “Well, it’s time for you to be up; we have a lot do to do today.” I got out of bed and slipped off my clothes without debate. As I grabbed my robe, she asked. “Do you have any questions?”

  “Not now, Mother, let me wake up, I’m going to the bathroom.” I walked into the bathroom and splashed water on my face and grabbed a towel. Drying my face, I thought about what Phillip had told me. “Mother, I do have a question.”

  She walked into the bathroom. “What is it?”

  “Can you tell me how the Ambrosines destroy their enemies?” She looked at me, a bit startled. “Ah…I’m glad you’re showing a quick interest, but why would you ask a question about how to destroy?”

  “Oh, I was just wondering because we’ve talked about protecting the families. I just want to know how it’s done.” She bit down on her lip, pinching her brow.

  “I‘ll tell your grandmother. You need to talk with her about that ability.”

  Grandmother, really? I'm not ready to acknowledge that one yet.

  I hung the towel on the rack and went to the closet. “Mother, you know I don’t…” I hesitated.

  “What, Alixia?”

  “Madame Cecilia, I can’t see me calling her grandmother.” I looked back at her and smirked. “You must admit, she sure doesn’t look like one.” She shook her head slightly. “It’s all right.” She smiled. “You can still call her Madame Cecilia until you feel comfortable. Now get dressed, please, as I told you, we have a lot to do today.”

  “What are we doing?”

  “We’re going to work on your abilities, so I’ll see you downstairs.”

  She left the room and I stared back into the closet, looking for something to wear. Moving the clothes around, I felt the back wall again, wondering if there was a secret door. Nothing. I smiled, thinking of Phillip.

  I finished getting dressed and went downstairs. Going toward the library, I could hear loud voices in French, coming from the den. Standing in the doorway of the room, I looked over to see Madame Cecilia talking to a man whose back was turned to me. Madame Cecilia looked my way and said, “Come in, Alixia. I want you to meet Charles Gautier.”

  Stunned, I walked into the room. He turned and said, “Bonjour, Alixia.”

  “Mr. Gautier.” He looked like the rest of the Council that night, in his twenties. He was very striking. He took my hand and kissed it. Right away, he was trying to read my thoughts; I blocked him. But he couldn’t stop me from reading his. Mother was right; he wasn’t the one who had attacked me at our home. He let go of my hand with a knowing smile, that he couldn’t get into my head, and stepped back to view me better.

  Madame Cecilia spoke up. “Alixia, Monsieur Gautier stopped by to meet you, and he would like to invite us to a small gathering at his home tonight.”

  What was this? Last night she tells me to stay away from the Gautiers and now we’re going to their home?

  “What do you say, Alixia?” Charles Gautier said, bringing my attention back to him. “Ah…” I looked over at Madame Cecilia, she nodded.

  “Yes, I guess.”

  “Good, then it’s all set tonight.” He paused, looked over at Madame Cecelia and then added, “Oh yes, there will be one family guest from the most southern region who would like to meet you.”

  “Sure that will be fine. Will be Phillip there?”

  He grimaced, raising an eyebrow. “Yes. Can I expect you around seven?”

  “Madame Cecilia put her arm around me anxiously and replied, “Yes that will be fine.”

  I stepped away from them and said, “It was nice meeting you, Monsieur Gautier, but you will have to excuse me, Mother’s waiting for me in the library.”

  He took my hand and kissed it again saying, “It was nice to finally meet you, too, Alixia.”

  “Thank you.”

  I left the room, baffled. I wondered what this was all about. Something must have happened to change their opinions of each other so quickly.

  When I entered the library, Mother was writing in her journal. “Mother?” She looked up at me. “Did you know that Charles Gautier was in our home?”

  “Yes, I know.” She said a little irritated. “He came here to pay his respects, that’s all. He will be gone soon and we won’t have to deal with him again until Mardi Gras.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  I smiled at her. “He invited us to a small gathering at his home tonight.”

  Putting her journal down, she exclaimed loudly, “He did what? Alixia, wait here!”

  As she left the room, I stared at the door and said aloud, “Not this time, no more secrets. I’m not waiting to find out what’s going on.” I closed my eyes and concentrated. There I was in the den; I moved to a shadowy corner of the room. Mother entered the den and immediately she began protesting and asking why we had to attend a gathering at Charles’ home. Madame Cecilia angrily replied to her in French, “Charlotte Levesque…sera ici.” Mother glared at Charles.

  “How long will she be here?”

  Charles replied anxiously, “Two days. So, can I count on you all to be there tonight?”

  “Oui.” Mother said and left the room, and so did I. I sat down quickly, wondering who this Charlotte was. Then Mother returned.

  “Mother?” I asked innocently, “So, are we going tonight?”

  “Yes, we will have to go; there is a family member from the South who wants to meet you.”

  “Who is it?” I asked, already knowing her name, but I wondered why she had such an effect on them.

  “Her name is Madame Charlotte Levesque. She is from the West Indies. Their family powers are different than ours. She is from a Dark Realm, but she does sit on the High Dominion, so we have to respect her visit.”

  “Wait. I thought you said they are our enemies.”

  “Alixia.” She leaned closer to me. “I know this sounds strange, considering everything I have told you, but we are Ambrosines. We still must show respect when someone from the High Dominion visits. That’s just part of our beliefs. Charles came here today to meet you, and to request our protection during tonight’s event.”

  The door opened and Madame Cecilia walked in and asked, “Are you explaining to Alixia who she will meet tonight?”

  “Yes.”

  Madame Cecilia walked to the fireplace and looked at both of us intently as she spoke. “We will get through these next two days.” Mother nodded slowly in agreement. “Yes, I agree, and I think it’s time for you to sho
w Alixia how the Ambrosines protect the families and destroy the Dark Ones.”

  ”I agree.” Madame Cecilia walked toward me and reached out her hand. “Come with me, Alixia.”

  I hesitated.

  “Alixia.” Mother touched my hand. “Go with your grandmother; it will be okay.”

  “Aren’t you coming?”

  “No, not this time.”

  I got up and left with Madame Cecilia. When we walked into the ballroom, Madame Cecilia went toward a mirror on the other side of the room and pushed it open. It was another hidden room. I asked a little perplexed, “How many hidden rooms are in this mansion?”

  She laughed and replied, “Only a few more, I will show them to you later. Come on.”

  We walked down a secret passageway and into the open doorway. The room was large and set up like a den or a library. Madame Cecilia walked to a desk and opened one of the two drawers. She pulled out a journal and brought it to me, placing it in my hands. “This is a journal of the Protectors of the Families.”

  I opened the book and turned the pages, one by one. Some of the names were familiar to me from the Gathering. I closed the journal and handed it back to her. She placed her hands flat on the journal. “Alixia, this journal bears the names of the family members that will aid you in battle. If there is danger, all you have to do is think ‘L'obscurité est ici,’ and they will come from everywhere to help you.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “The saying, ‘L'obscurité est ici’ means the darkness is here. Write it down.” She handed me a pen and paper. “Then memorize it, please.”

  Sitting down at the desk, I started writing, “So, all I have to say is, ‘L'obscurité est ici’ and the other family members will come?”

  “Yes, Alixia. They will come to help you eradicate any situation as needed.” She became silent as Phillip did before telling his story. I could sense the horrific memories of conflicts in which she had been engaged in.