“Should we go?” Winona asked.
With the angel sword safely secured to Reagan’s back, they convened in the lobby. Rowan had nailed it with his comments about the food, but she still ate a rock-hard bagel and chugged some coffee, knowing it would be a long day.
Papa gathered everyone outside to go over instructions and travel plans for the day. They would stay in a group with some distance. Since it was daylight, they wouldn’t shift. For a girl who’d lived in one place her entire life and dreamed of adventures outside Colorado, she’d had a nomadic existence for several months. It wasn’t often she let herself dream of a life after the war with Rafe. But as she ran, images of a house and children played through her mind—with Rowan by her side.
Another seedy hotel, more bad food, and a second sleepless night later, Reagan listened to Papa’s instructions for another day. They’d be meeting up with her parents and aunt by the end of the night in a remote cabin. Reagan didn’t care how rustic a place it might be; anything was better than another grimy hotel.
With fewer miles to cover than previous day, the team hiked more than ran, giving Reagan the opportunity to appreciate her home state. Snow still covered the Rockies, but where her group was, only a thin glistening amount shimmered on the ground. She found herself hoping she’d see another spring, her favorite time of year, and the gorgeous colors associated with it. New signs of life.
When they arrived at the cabin, Reagan’s nose picked up on a lovely aroma right away. Mom’s cooking. Reagan’s stomach rumbled at the same time her heart squeezed, and she bounded through the door.
Her dad sat on the couch reading a book while Mom and Aunt Sarah worked in the kitchen. All their eyes moved to the doorway when Reagan entered. Mom dropped her hand towel and rushed to her daughter. Aunt Sarah joined in the hug right after.
After a tight squeeze, Reagan’s mom pulled back and spoke. “We’re so glad to have everyone back together. I hope we never separate again. I worry too much.”
“So, Steve, any issues here?” Papa asked Reagan’s dad.
He pulled Papa off a bit more to the side, which Reagan noticed immediately. “No. Susie’s been having more visions. They’ve been rough on her.”
Although Dad had tried to keep his voice low, Reagan’s ears perked up at the mention of her mom and visions. Curiosity took over, and Reagan walked over and inserted herself into the conversation.
“Is she holding up okay?”
“Sarah has been keeping her strong with teas and whatever else she does, but it’s wearing on your mom. For so many reasons, I wish we could just attack the son of a bitch now and put an end to all of this.”
Reagan could judge his intensity by the bulge of his upper arms and the death glare on his face.
Papa clasped a hand on her dad’s upper shoulder. “As soon as we get to camp, we’ll focus on strategy. You’ll feel better when we’re executing a plan versus reacting to Rafe’s.”
A tug on her elbow forced Reagan to turn.
“Can we chat for a minute?” Mom asked.
Reagan followed her mom to a back bedroom where Jessica, Aunt Sarah, Madeleine, and Winona had already gathered.
“First of all, I’m so glad we’re all back together. I know it’s the mama in me, and the sister,” Susie said, nodding toward Sarah. “But I couldn’t rest knowing all my girls were separated.”
Reagan watched as her mom paced the floor. She’d never called a meeting before, much less led one.
“I think it’s time we contact Cecilia again and get some advice. I don’t know about you ladies, but I’m sick of sitting around and waiting for the battle to come to me. But I don’t want to go off half-cocked like my husband’s been wanting to do. We need to use our resources. I truly believe it’ll take more than military strategy and more karate classes… no offense, Madeleine, I know we also have to fight.”
“None taken,” Madeleine said. “I agree with you. We need more on our side than mere brute strength. Not that it means I’ll go any easier on any of you.”
“We wouldn’t expect any less,” Susie said.
Wondering if she’d stepped into some alternate reality—one where Madeleine used humor and her mom led a battle plan discussion—Reagan could only watch and wonder where the conversation would go.
“Tonight, since we’re all finally back together, seems like a good time. I know it’s draining, but the men are all here to protect us.”
At the mention of men, Reagan wondered how they’d feel about the plan. “Have you talked to Dad? Papa?”
“No, I figured we’d present the idea as a united front. I know we’re all still reeling from the loss of Sasha.” At the mention of Sasha’s name, Reagan noticed Madeleine bow her head. Susie walked over and put an arm around Madeleine. “Rafe has taken so much from us, and it needs to end.”
Reagan wanted to throw a fist in the air and start a chorus of cheers for her mom. But the weight of all they’d lost kept Reagan quiet. Mom suggested they all head to the kitchen and eat before informing the men of their plan.
After dinner, which consisted of the best chili and cornbread Reagan had ever eaten, the ladies presented their plan to everyone in the living room. Only a few grumblings occurred, mainly from Steve.
“Are you sure you’re up to his?” he asked his wife.
She nodded.
“We’ll be outside, surrounding the house.” Papa started barking orders and directing each man in the room to a certain location before turning back to the women. “We can’t take any chances that someone would find us tonight and attack while you ladies are in a weakened state.”
Once all the men had filed out, Aunt Sarah prepared the special tea while everyone else moved furniture around in the living room. They pushed the couches and chairs away and rolled up the area rug. Then, they made a six-pointed star on the hardwood floor with some flour from the kitchen.
As they drank their tea, Sarah came around and made a slight cut on each of their palms, just as they’d done several times before. They took their positions and joined hands. Susie began a chant to bring forth Cecilia, and each lady followed suit.
“Cecilia, nos postulo tui regimen. Placere coniungere nobis.”
“Cecilia, we need your guidance. Please join us.” It never ceased to amaze Reagan that she understood Latin, after having struggled for a couple of years with learning a foreign language in high school. Not to mention that her mom spoke Latin so beautifully.
As their chant rose in volume, air moved around them in increasing force. Reagan tightened her grip on both sides, determined to bring forth Cecilia.
“I am here.”
Cecilia’s voice caused Reagan to open her eyes. Before her stood their angel of power as well as Nana. It took every ounce of strength Reagan had not to run forward and cling to her grandmother. But a break in the chain would end their communication.
“We ask your guidance to know our next steps.”
Nana floated within the circle, as if offering a comforting touch to each of them.
“You must seek the tree with many faces. Their wisdom will explain the next steps. Only your eyes shall gaze upon their faces and only your ears shall hear their words.”
Before Reagan could ask how to find such a tree, Cheveyo appeared in the circle as well. He walked over to Winona while Nana stood before Reagan. Nana and Cheveyo each reached out a hand to the lady in front of them. Reagan felt a slight sensation on her forehead where Nana’s finger seemed to graze.
Nana and Cheveyo stepped back into the center of the circle, rejoining Cecilia.
“Only your eyes and ears,” Cecilia said, and then they were gone.
When Madeleine dropped Reagan’s right hand, she lifted it to touch her forehead. She caught sight of Winona just in time to see her making the same movement. They walked toward each other, as if nobody else existed in the room. Driven by instinct, Reagan reached out to Winona, touching her forehead, as she did the same.
“We know w
here the tree is,” Reagan announced.
As soon as her hand had come into contact with Winona’s skin, a map appeared in Reagan’s mind. While it was fresh in her memory, she asked someone to find her a piece of paper and a pen. Madeleine procured each and passed them to Reagan, who, along with Winona, sketched out the tree’s location.
When they presented it to Papa, he ran a hand through his hair. “I know how to get us here, but it’s in the wrong direction. It’ll cost us a day of travel by the time we backtrack and then reset our course.”
He seemed to consider the faces staring him down. “But I know better than to argue with Cecilia and my wife.
Reagan’s heart skipped a beat at hearing Papa mention Nana as if she were just in the other room waiting for him.
“We’ll need to head out early in the morning, so I suggest everyone get some sleep.”
People began to disperse, but Reagan pulled Papa aside. “Thank you for trusting us.”
“How does she look?”
She wondered if he’d always look so sad when talking about Nana. “I wish you could see her. Oh, wait, maybe you can.” A thought crept into Reagan’s mind, and she pulled Papa along in search of Winona.
“Where are we going?” he asked.
“Trust me,” Reagan said, just as she spotted her sister. “Wait here for a second. Okay?”
He nodded.
Reagan went up to Winona, leaning in close to detail an idea. Both ladies returned to Papa.
“We want to show you something,” Reagan said.
Taking Papa’s hands, the sisters asked him to close his eyes. She focused on Nana’s face as she placed a hand on Reagan, knowing Papa would see things just as she had.
When she opened her eyes, Papa had a tear running down his cheek. She took a step and wrapped him in a hug.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
Reagan had started sleeping with the angel sword strapped to her back, which didn’t make for the most comfortable night of slumber. With everything that’d happened, she felt safer knowing the sword never left her side.
As everyone gathered in the living room, Aunt Sarah passed around muffins and offered everyone coffee. Reagan made a note to check in on her aunt. She might not have the fighting prowess or a leadership role, but she was an integral part of the team, and Reagan hoped her aunt knew that.
“We have coordinates and assignments. My understanding is that all the ladies need to accompany us on this journey,” Papa said, looking to Reagan.
She nodded.
“I had a van delivered last night, so we’re good to go on transportation.”
Of course he already had a van delivered, Reagan thought. Was there anything the man couldn’t do?
“Steve, Susie, and Sarah will be in the van. Jessica and Sam will join them. We need Reagan and Winona on the ground, since they have the directions. They’ll communicate to the team, but I also wanted to show everyone the basic location on the map.”
He spread out a map on the coffee table and pointed to a general area.
“I want to be back here by nightfall, so let’s get a move on.”
Supplies were thrown into the back of the van, mainly extra clothes, some bars, and waters, and they headed out. To be safe, everyone stayed in human form but took advantage of their increased speed, hoping they didn’t encounter anyone else along the way.
If someone asked Reagan to describe the exact location of the tree, or even what kind of tree it was, she’d be hard pressed to answer. She just knew where to go, as if guided by Nana herself.
“I just hope we can find our way back,” Reagan said to Winona as they passed through yet another bit of familiar-looking forest.
“I know. Guess this is that leap of faith thing, right? I’m sure nobody would appreciate a wild goose chase at this point,” she said.
“Do you believe we’ll find the tree?” Reagan asked.
“I do.”
She felt the same conviction.
“We’re here,” Winona said.
Just ahead, Reagan saw a tree shorter than the rest, maybe ten feet high. It had six knobby-ended branches flowing from its trunk. Each round end point resembled the beginning of an art project, where the artist had only just begun to mold their vision. Reagan communicated to Papa and the others where to come. Within fifteen minutes, they surrounded the tree.
“Okay, it seems we’ve found the ugliest tree in the forest,” Ricardo said as he came up to stand beside Winona.
She slapped him on the arm.
“Gentlemen, we’re going to give these ladies a little space and keep a sharp eye out for any unexpected visitors,” Papa said. “Reagan, let me know when we can go.”
She nodded.
“Let’s circle the tree and hold hands, unless you or Winona received some other kind of instructions on how to make the faces appear,” Mom said. Winona and Reagan shook their heads.
Madeleine took her place and held her hands out, and one by one, each woman joined in. It reminded Reagan of the friendship circle she and her friends used to do in Girl Scouts. Reagan and Winona touched their hands together last, and when they did, the tree began to emit a low hum. A slight scent of lavender wafted into the area.
Reagan looked up to see the wood transforming, as if the artist’s work had been caught on slow action camera and replayed. Each end of a branch softened from a hard bark knob to a soft, skin-like appearance.
Closest to Reagan, the final facial features formed on the face above her. When the mouth fully shaped, the eyes opened and the tree spirit spoke. “One of flame and one of night. We welcome you and your angel sisters.”
Another face then said, “At eighteen years, it will commence.”
Reagan recognized the prophecy as another face continued. “But that is from the beginning of life, as you might not have factored into your strategy.”
Before Reagan could reflect on the meaning behind the words, each face uttered a different sentence.
“Cheveyo knew and kept this hidden as long as he could.”
“Your enemy will soon know.”
“For amongst those you hold dear, one does not have faith and cannot be trusted.”
Reagan stared at the branch in front of her; the one that uttered the last sentence had been the one to start. Reeling from information, she tried to formulate a question, but her mom beat Reagan to the punch.
“What do you mean by ‘the beginning of life?’” Susie asked.
“Life begins with the pounding of a heart.”
“Our time is short, dear sisters,” another face said.
“Can you tell us who lacks faith and cannot be trusted?” Madeleine asked.
“No, we cannot.”
Yet another spoke, and Reagan wished she had a vantage point to see all the faces. She and the other ladies would have to compare notes later. “Do not delay. Gather your forces and face your enemy.”
“With faith, we fight,” the last face said, before each one faded and only a tree remained.
Stunned, Reagan released her mother’s hand. “I don’t know where to even begin.”
“I do,” Madeleine said. “We don’t have much time.” She seemed to scan the faces of the ladies surrounding her. “At eighteen years… time’s up. The clock started ticking the moment you and Winona were conceived.”
Gasps echoed in the forest.
“Life begins with the pounding of a heart,” Mom repeated. “Life begins in the womb. Eighteen years is up.”
“That means…” Jessica said.
Madeleine paced the circumference of the tree. “Rafe could attack at any minute.”
“And so can we.”
Reagan couldn’t believe her mother uttered the words.
“It’s time to get the guys,” Madeleine said as she walked away from the group.
“Wait. Aren’t we forgetting something else?” Reagan didn’t want to bring it up, didn’t even want to think it. “Someone cannot be trusted.”
&n
bsp; Madeleine stopped dead in her tracks and replied without turning around. “I didn’t forget, and I will find whoever it is and make them pay.” She picked up her pace and disappeared into the woods.
“Papa, we’re done here,” Reagan communicated. “I just told Papa. He should be here soon.”
“With faith, we fight.” Winona’s words were barely above a whisper. “They knew to say that.”
“They probably just wanted us to believe them. After all, they just told us another would betray us.” Aunt Sarah rubbed Winona’s arm.
“Who will betray us?” Papa’s booming voice startled his daughter, and she jumped back a foot.
“Dad, goodness gracious; please, don’t do that,” she said.
“Who will betray us?” He wouldn’t be deterred it seemed.
“We don’t know,” Reagan said, taking the lead. “We were told: ‘For amongst those you hold dear, one cannot be trusted.’ That’s all we know.”
“And there’s more,” Jessica announced.
“Should we discuss this here?” Aunt Sarah asked.
“No. Let’s get to the van and get home. Reagan and Winona, do you want to take the lead, or shall I?” he asked.
“You,” they said in unison.
And thus began the long trek back to the cabin. Questions swirled in Reagan’s head to the point she wasn’t sure what to focus on first. After everything they’d been through, they had a traitor amongst them. Her first thought went to Lucent, but as much as she appreciated his help, she didn’t hold him dear. And he wasn’t involved in their day-to-day decisions and plans. But who else could it be?
Pushing faces out of her mind for fear of considering them, she pondered the eighteen-year revelation. Why hadn’t they considered it before? Even more importantly, why hadn’t Cheveyo told them? According to her calculations, Rafe had come into her life right about the time eighteen years would’ve elapsed. Did he know?
Tala Prophecy: The Complete Series Page 54
