“Amen,” Reagan said as they headed to the kitchen.
If it weren’t for the cheap, circular clock hanging on the wall in the eating area, she’d have no clue what time it was. 6:32 a.m. Yet, the place was hopping. She grabbed some eggs, two slices of bacon, and a bagel with cream cheese. Hunger took over in a way it hadn’t in days. Once she had everything, she joined Mom, Dad, Jessica, and Sam at a table. Just as Reagan sat down, Winona straggled in and sat with them a few minutes later.
“I’m assuming everyone else is with Papa. How about our new friends?” she asked as she got settled.
“I saw them with Madeleine, but they left just before Jessica and Sam arrived. Seem like interesting ladies,” Dad said.
“We probably should find them and Aunt Sarah and get to work,” Reagan said.
Sam crumbled up his napkin and tossed it on his empty plate. “Dad, why don’t we head over and see how we can help Papa and Rowan? Ladies, we’ll check in with you a bit later.” He kissed Jessica on the forehead, as Dad did the same to Mom, and then left.
“I guess we’ll do the locator spell today,” Jessica said, putting the last bit of toast in her mouth. “But what good will it do us to find Rafe today if we don’t face him for two more days?”
“I’m guessing we’ll perform it each day and see where he is. If he’s closing in, we’ll have to figure out security measures,” Reagan said, having thought about that late the previous night when she couldn’t sleep.
“But we’re supposed to have faith, right? If so, we should trust that we won’t face him and just do the spell Friday morning.”
Giving herself time to consider Jessica’s rationale, Reagan gulped down her milk and stuffed the final piece of bacon in her mouth. It made sense. They didn’t want to drain their powers, especially Jessica, who should be focusing with Aunt Sarah on the force field. If they could hold that the next couple of days, they could wait to do the locator spell until the final day. Friday. Reagan would’ve been hard pressed to come up with what day it was. Time had become a blurred concept.
“That makes sense. You and Aunt Sarah should get to work on the force field. That’ll be draining enough. Mom and I will head with you to find everyone, and we’ll see what we can come up with. Nana said something about nature’s army, and then Ariana mentioned that nature is our greatest gift. Any clue what they were talking about?” Reagan asked.
Jessica, Winona, and Mom shook their heads.
“So, shall we go then?” Mom stood and collected her things, not waiting for anyone to answer.
They made their way to the library, assuming it was the central meeting place. All the ladies were there.
“Jessica and I discussed the locator spell, and we thought it best to wait and use it Friday morning,” Reagan said.
“I agree,” Aunt Sarah said. “We need to focus on the force field first.”
Glad everyone was in agreement, Reagan turned her attention to Ariana, who seemed to be the leader of the latest team members. “Nana referred to you ladies as ‘nature’s army,’ and then you mentioned something about nature being our greatest gift. Could you shed some light on this?”
“Of course. Zarya, Nina, and I are shape shifters, and we come from a long line of them. Our coven has many gifts, thanks to years of powerful pairings. For the three of us, our greatest power comes from being at one with nature. We can shift into several animals, but we each have one we most identify with, our spirit animal, if you will. The creature we are closest to in nature. The one we will become upon our passing.”
Like Brother Bear, Reagan thought. She didn’t dare mention a Disney movie out loud, but she couldn’t help but think it.
“We can call upon nature—the weather, the earth, the animals—to aid us in our quest to defeat Rafe. But we need to think it through. Nature is powerful and must be used with discretion. Plus, it will drain us, so we need to consider where our powers are best spent.”
“Could you control the demon wolves?” Jessica asked.
“No. They aren’t natural. Demons have taken over for the animal soul once inside,” Nina replied.
It made sense, but Reagan liked the way Jessica thought.
“As we talked about yesterday, we want to create a diversion, something to get Rafe off on his own—”
“None of that will matter,” Zarya interrupted, “if we don’t destroy Otaktay. He has to be the number one priority. It’ll take all our magic, combined, to defeat him.”
“What does it take to kill him? If he’s made it this long, I assume it’s not just about aiming a gun at him,” Madeleine said.
“The best way is to behead him and burn his body.” Ariana walked behind Reagan. “And it appears we have the very weapon we’ll need. I sense its power. May I see it?”
Reagan pulled it out, and each of the women crept closer, seeming transfixed by the sight.
“So we use the angel sword on him first and then go after Rafe,” Reagan said.
“If I were Rafe, and I hate the thought of understanding anything about his mind, I wouldn’t even show up until his warlock had gone first. After all, why would Rafe even put himself out if Otaktay can do the dirty work for him?”
Again, Reagan appreciated how much her mom had changed. Her confidence and power had grown with each harrowing incident. Reagan felt a growing sense of pride. “I agree. Rafe’s not stupid. If nothing else, he’ll hope fighting the black magic first will so drain us that he’ll be able to swoop in and finish the job.”
Just the day before hope had filled the room, but the more they talked, the more Reagan realized exactly what they’d face.
“While you ladies discuss the logistics of battle, Jessica and I will work on putting up the force field. We definitely don’t want this guy finding us before we’re ready.” Aunt Sarah and Jessica excused themselves and walked over to the far corner of the room. They held hands and began to chant.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Mom asked.
“I’m sure they’ll need a boost over the next two days as their power weakens from use,” Nina said.
Mom nodded.
“I think it’s time the library crew and the command center crew join forces.” Reagan knew she came across more Scooby Doo gang than serious battle planning and tried again. “We’re ready for military strategy and magic to come together.”
“I agree,” Madeleine said. “Why don’t we go get the guys and have them come here?” She motioned to Reagan, who stood and exited with her friend.
As soon as they stepped into the hallway, Madeleine spoke. “Years ago, I would’ve scoffed at the idea of magic, much preferring to rely on my fighting skills and cunning. But that’s when we were just facing our own kind, maybe a vampire here and there. I never imagined it would come to this.”
“None of us did. To hear you say this blows my mind, though. You’ve had time to at least accept vampires, demons, and werewolves. A year ago, I thought the biggest crisis in the world would be to not find the perfect prom dress or get into my first choice of college.” Reagan hated how shallow she sounded.
“I had the same concerns, just longer ago.”
Reagan appreciated the admission. After all, only months before, she saw Madeleine as a threat, someone to keep an eye on. But so much had happened. Reagan couldn’t think of anyone she’d rather go into battle with.
“Do you think Papa’s going to feel comfortable with magic, and nature’s army, leading the way?” she asked.
“I don’t think he’ll have a choice,” Madeleine said as they stepped into the command center.
“Well, hello, ladies. Glad you could join us,” Papa said.
“Actually, we’ve come to ask you to join us. We think it’s time we shared ideas,” Reagan said. “This’ll take a combination of insight into magic and knowing the best way to attack a particular situation.”
“That’s smart. We can’t know how to attack something we don’t understand. And we’ll need to keep Lucent inf
ormed. He said he’ll gather his forces and meet us at sunset that day. I’ll just need to get him coordinates.”
“Sounds good. The ladies are waiting,” Madeleine said and turned on her heel.
Reagan half-expected her friend to start counting her steps as if she were leading the troops away, but she didn’t. Still, Reagan, Rowan, Sam, Dad, and Papa fell in line.
Back in the library, Reagan found her mom with Aunt Sarah and Jessica.
Sam edged closer to Reagan. “Will they have to stay huddled for the next forty-eight hours plus to keep the shield up?”
“I’m not sure. That wouldn’t make sense. I bet they get it going, for lack of a more technical term, and then boost it as necessary. But to be honest, I don’t know,” Reagan whispered back. People essentially had to follow her into battle, depend on her to put an end to Rafe, so it wasn’t the time to look stupid.
“Okay, so let’s start with what we know.” Papa’s voice brought Reagan’s attention back to the center of the room, and she and Sam joined the group there.
“Nana said we’d need to use nature’s army. Ariana explained to us that they can control certain elements in nature, something they can work with us on the rest of today and tomorrow. That leaves us Friday to travel wherever we need to go.” Reagan tried to sum up earlier discussions. “Oh, and Jessica and Aunt Sarah, with Mom pitching in where needed, are putting up a shield to keep Rafe, or really Otaktay, from locating us. We plan to use a locator spell on Friday morning to figure out Rafe’s location, but we don’t want him finding us first.”
“Well, you’ve all accomplished a lot this morning,” Papa said. “We don’t want to plan to face Rafe before sunset. Having Lucent on our side is a big plus, and we can’t afford to lose that advantage.”
“It’ll depend how close Rafe is and how much travel time we’ll need. I’m sure we’ll need to head out in daylight and hope we don’t encounter any trouble along the way. I have a feeling Rafe isn’t sitting around wondering when we’ll strike,” Madeleine said.
Reagan couldn’t handle any more talk. She needed to expend some energy and feel productive. “Okay, so maybe it’s time we head out, become one with nature.”
“Do you really think it’s a good idea to be outside?” Sam asked.
“It’s daylight for several hours yet, so we should take advantage,” Reagan countered.
“I agree. We don’t need any more surprises.” Papa seemed distracted for a second, and Reagan followed his gaze to the corner where the ladies continued with the shield spell. “So, how does this shield work?”
“Jessica basically creates a force field to block magic from all of us.” Reagan narrowed her eyes, wondering what thoughts swirled in Papa’s head.
“If she and Sarah go with you, she could keep the shield on you while you trained. Right?” Papa asked.
“Yes. That’s actually an excellent idea, and it’ll narrow the scope of their protection. They won’t have to cover as large an area,” Ariana said. “Sounds like we need to get to work.”
Exactly the words Reagan wanted to hear. Action. She felt like a boxer waiting for the bell to ring. If she were able to bounce around on her toes while circling her neck and shaking out her hands, without everyone thinking she was insane, she would.
Madeleine seemed just as eager. “Okay, we’ll head into the forest. If you haven’t seen us in three hours, so just a couple of hours before the sun even begins to set, you can send out the guard.”
“Don’t think I won’t,” Papa said.
Madeleine suggested they meet outside in fifteen minutes. Within ten, they’d gathered; everyone eager to get started.
Zarya led the way, only taking them about thirty minutes into the forest before she picked a spot. “The trick with nature is to focus on what you need. Let nature chose how to best support. It’s best to be grounded, breathe in the air, and touch the closest source, whether it’s a tree or a stone. Something.”
“Let’s try something simple. Everyone grab a rock. Hold it in your hand with the person next to you. Focus on the stone and feel its strength.”
Reagan had worked with elements such as fire, and she had moved the earth before, so she gave it a try. Everyone found a stone. Most of the snow had disappeared with a string of warm winter days. Otherwise, searching might’ve proven more difficult.
Hand in hand, the ladies concentrated, forming a circle. Reagan rubbed her thumb along the stone. A slight shake caught her off guard, and she scanned her friends’ faces to see if anyone else noticed. Several eyes met hers, and then the ground shook harder. Were they doing it?
“Now, focus the energy toward that tree,” Nina said. “The one with the thickest trunk.”
Reagan studied its bark, focusing on the width of the tree about six feet off the ground. Though there was no wind in the area, the tree began to sway as if in a major thunderstorm.
“Move your eyes up to its branches. Call them to you,” Ariana suggested.
Everyone looked up, and branches bent down like a mother reaching for her child.
“Should we try weather? Concentrate on wind. Call it forth in your mind,” Nina said. They seemed to each take a turn with commands. Reagan wondered how successful she and the others would be without nature’s army.
Reagan could connect with wind. Each time they called on Cecilia, the wind would build. Conjuring up that image in her mind, Reagan began to feel a similar sensation, and it grew in strength. Not only could she feel it, but she also heard the rustling of branches and whirling sound of air.
Doubts began to creep into Reagan’s mind. Would wind, shaking ground, and bendable trees thwart Rafe and his cronies in any real way?
As if Ariana could read Reagan’s thoughts, the blonde beauty spoke. “These are basic concepts. With enough power and focus, you can throw fifteen people with wind or snatch up twenty into a tall tree. Turn a piece of wood into a flying weapon. The possibilities are endless. But first you must believe. The more of you that can work toward the same goal, the better.”
Guilt stabbed at Reagan; she should’ve known better than to doubt Heaven’s plan. And any suggestions that came from Cecilia and Nana descended from Heaven. Reagan could only hope Hell didn’t have a better plan, because she had no doubt Rafe received similar help.
After two hours of practice, the group seemed to gain a handle on the basics and even worked up to more intense powers. Not wanting to bring any unwanted attention—an earthquake in Colorado in late January would make national news—they kept all their experimentations low-key.
When it came to facing Rafe, Reagan didn’t care what kind of national news they made. It might take a major natural event to stop him.
As they filed back into the cave, she checked in with Jessica. “How are you feeling? Keeping the shield up all day must be exhausting.”
“It is, but I know it’s my part to play.”
“How will you keep it up overnight?” Reagan still wasn’t clear on how it held.
“I can’t really explain it, but it’s there, and I just have to juice it every once in a while. Sarah, your mom, and I will do that before I go to bed, and then I’ll go to them to do the same in the morning.”
Sam came up and put an arm around Jessica. “How’s my girl?”
“Not bad.”
“Why don’t you come relax with me for a while? Unless Reagan still needs you.”
“No, you two go ahead.”
As they walked away, Reagan felt cemented in place. Mentally, she needed a break from strategy, concentration, and focus. She missed the days of kicking back in front of a good movie, getting lost in someone else’s life. Even a long bath with a good book. In the cave, there wasn’t a way to unwind. With war on the horizon, she shouldn’t be thinking of relaxing, but her mind and body screamed for it.
Heavy with thoughts, Reagan moved down the hall with no particular destination, but her heart led her to Rowan’s room. When she poked her head inside, she found it empty. She t
ook it as a sign she should check on her sister.
When Reagan got to their room, she saw her sister sitting cross-legged on the end of her bed.
“What’s up?” Reagan asked.
“Not much.”
If anybody could understand, it should be her sister. “I’m going stir-crazy, actually. I feel like I have this excess energy on one hand, and on the other, an intense desire to watch a sappy romantic movie and forget everything.”
“Exactly.” Winona’s voice, a bit more high-pitched than normal, seemed to mimic Reagan’s feelings. “I’m so glad you said it. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a movie, but…”
“Never?” Reagan asked.
“Do you think Cheveyo had a movie viewing room set up in his cave?” Winona asked, a smirk on her face. “I had access to many great books but no movies.”
Reagan, an idea growing in her brain, grabbed her sister’s hand and pulled her into the hallway. “Come with me.”
Letting her teenage side rule, Reagan went to look for Papa. With all the technology in the command center, he had to have some way to show a movie. She knew it was silly, and not very leader-like of her, but it might be there only chance before… well, ever.
When she tugged Winona into the command center, Papa and Rowan gave Reagan the oddest stare.
“I have a request.”
Neither Papa nor Rowan spoke, but each had a facial reaction. Rowan’s eyebrow lifted while Papa narrowed his eyes as a slight sparkle lit them up.
“Is there a screen we could use to watch a movie? Winona’s never seen one, and we just need a break.”
When she didn’t get an immediate response, she felt a shrinking sense of embarrassment, as if the room had swallowed her whole. She took one step back, ready to retreat and pretend the whole thing never happened.
“Sure. I’ll have Rowan set one up in the library. Gather as many as you want.”
She went from wanting to slink away to wondering who took over Papa’s body. With everything she’d already learned to accept, it wouldn’t be a far stretch to imagine someone could be possessed.
Tala Prophecy: The Complete Series Page 62
