by K. F. Ridley
“Miss Winston, if you don’t step back and calm down, you will be joining your friends. Now step back!” he commands.
As the police officer continues with his mission, Rowen leans his face a couple of inches away from mine and whispers,“Do you think you could get angry right about now?”
I reach over him, my hands holding the door. I think about being in the back of this car, the death of the Winstons and the death of my mother. Tension burns from my mind through to the tips of my fingers as the car door begins to rattle. The police officer turns to watch his car shaking frantically as if it suffers from seizures.
“What the hell?” he says with his eyes bugging out of his head. The door trembles until its hinges are loosed. Rowen shifts around, his hands still in handcuffs, and kicks the door away. We jump out and head for Taylie’s car.
“Come on!” Rowen shouts. Coll and Taylie jump into the back seat and I get behind the wheel.
“We can’t go back to the Birches,” Rowen says.
The officer trails us. His flashing blue lights immerse the Darby night sky as sirens howl. Taylie’s jalopy doesn’t have much get up and go, so I do my best to stay ahead.
“Hurry! He’s right behind us!” Taylie shouts.
“I don’t even know where we’re going,” I scream panicking.
Rowen is in the passenger seat next to me giving me a look and I know exactly what he wants me to do. We’ve been through this before.
“Where are we going?” Taylie’s voice trembles.
“Durt,” Coll responds.
“Do what?” she asks with apprehension.
“You’ll be with us,” he says. “Everything will be fine.” I can’t understand how Rowen and Coll can be so calm. I guess it’s a part of sentry upbringing.
The tires skid as I head down the old gravel road toward the Doorway of Feda. Everything in front of us is pitch dark and everything behind us is bright blue as the police cars add up one by one. I have no idea what’s ahead and the abilities of Taylie’s car are limited. The dirt road permeates the air with a dust cloud trailing behind us. Then I notice the gas gauge is set on E.
“We’re almost out of gas.”
“Turn off the lights,” Rowen says. I know sentries have a‘noworry’ kind of attitude, but this is ridiculous. I can’t see in front of me and I everything I see behind us isn’t good. Not good at all.
“I can’t see with them off, Rowen! I’m having a hard enough time driving this thing as it is!”
“Move over.”
“Move over where? And what are you going to do with your hands still in cuffs!” Rowen reaches over me and switches off the lights. With a jolt, one of the cop cars rams us and I struggle to keep the car on the road. I keep one hand on the wheel and the other on Rowen’s handcuffs. My agitation transfers through the metal dropping them from his wrists.
Rowen takes hold of the steering wheel. “Keep your foot on the gas, floor it.”
He sits in my lap steering the car. I pull my foot off the gas pedal and he takes over. I crawl over to the passenger seat holding on for dear life.
Rowen is able to push the car further and drives into the blackness for a few minutes. The only thing I can see are blue lights in the distance behind us. The car begins to sputter as the motor hangs on to the last bit of fumes. Rowen rolls the car into a field of tall, thick brush.
“Come on,” Rowen says as I crawl out behind him through the driver’s door. He leads us through the eight feet tall vegetation. Taylie and Coll are right behind us as we move quickly and quietly away from the car, with no idea where we are or where we’re headed. Seeing beyond the brush is impossible.
We only see the occasional break of beaming lights and hear barking dogs in the distance. They’re getting closer to us and we have to find a way out of this endless maze. Finally, we come to a clearing and there it is at the end of the road, the Great Oak. Sapphire light beams move across the night sky and frantic voices resonate.
As we approach the tree, I pull the key from around my neck and hand it to Rowen.
“Hold it!” a cop shouts as a ray of blinding light hits us directly in the face. Rowen slips the key into the portal unlocking our escape. Grasping my hand, Rowen steps through the portal door pulling me along. I turn and take hold of Taylie bringing her with me. My eye catches Coll as he’s apprehended, and he gives the officer a right hook. There’s no turning back. The three of us move through the portal and Coll is on his own.
25
I ’m in a moment of weightlessness as we’re transported. Then, I feel the ground support me once again. Taylie looks dazed. We’re relieved Ruis left the portal unlocked awaiting Straif’s return.
The night sky glows with a magnificent pink hue as the lavender moons shimmer above us, reminding me where I am. Rowen searches the area to make sure we’re alone. There’s no sign of The Thorn, at least not now.
“It’s okay, Taylie. Everything’s okay,” I try to reassure her. She looks around as if she’s lost.
Rowen watches the tree for any sign of his brother. “I’m going back for him,” Rowen says.
“Give him a few more minutes,” I plead knowing deep down Rowen isn’t going to leave his brother behind and I know he shouldn’t. The thought of being alone at night in Durt is unsettling. What if he doesn’t come back?
“Ashe, you know I can’t leave him there.”
“I know.” I hold on to him for a moment, letting him go with trepidation. Approaching the doorway, the bark glows a brilliant gold with light enveloping the tree. Rowen stops as a figure protrudes beyond the light. Coll steps through the Doorway of Feda. He’s made it, but a little worse for wear. His clothes are disheveled and he has a rather brilliant black eye.
“I was coming back for you. What took you so long?” Rowen says grabbing his brother up into a big bear hug.
“The other guy looks much worse. I think I knocked him out. I wanted to make sure he didn’t try and follow us.”
I’m not sure, but I thought Coll gave Taylie a weird look and not an ordinary Coll expression. Then I remember how he hates humans, how he hates anyone who isn’t his kind.
We head to Ivy’s house. It’s dark. There are sounds in the woods of this land I haven’t heard before. Sounds that are peaceful and sedating and others that will make your skin crawl. I hold on to Rowen and think about getting somewhere quiet, somewhere safe. It’s comforting to know, however, Straif is gone and I can relax on that account.
Taylie, on the other hand, isn’t saying much. Actually, she isn’t saying anything and that isn’t like her at all. I know she has to be in shock. I’ve been through the same thing once before. I check with her every once in a while, reassuring her we’re with the protectors who’ll do just that. She only nods. I don’t like the fear I see in her eyes. I feel deeply for her, but really, there’s nothing I can do to make things better. Only time has the power to give her comfort now. I’m going to be here for her because now it appears we’ll never go back to Montana.
We’re exhausted. Right now, I only want to get somewhere to rest. So, when I see Ivy’s house I’m elated. “Thank God we’re here!” I shout.
“Shhhh.” Coll says. “You’ll alarm Ms. Ivy. She won’t be expecting us.”
“Who’s Ivy?” Taylie ask. That’s the first thing I’ve heard her say since we arrived.
“Oh, sorry Taylie. She’s my great aunt. My grandmother’s sister.”
As we approach the house we notice the extreme darkness surrounding it. As we get closer, we see the front door lying on the ground.
“Stay here,” Rowen says as he gently pushes me away from the house.
We wait outside for a few minutes and I then my patience gets the best of me and I follow in after him.
“He said to wait here,” Coll blurts with derision. I ignore him. The house is in shambles. Broken bits of furniture lay formless on
Dirt
the floor. Windows are busted out.
“Rowen
,” I call out. The house is abandoned. I hope Ivy is in
safe-keeping.
“What are you doing in here?” Rowen asks without surprise as
he walks into what was once a beautiful living room.
“What happened?”
“I don’t know, but I have an idea. I can’t bring myself to say
it.”
“Ruis,” Coll says as he steps through the dismantled doorway.
Taylie walks in behind him.
“We’ll have to stay here tonight and decide what to do in the
morning,” Rowen says.“Tomorrow you’ll need serum. I’m not
letting you go days without it again. It’s too risky. I hope Henry has
succeeded with the serum by now.”
Rowen and I stay in Nuin’s room, while Taylie and Coll find
beds that haven’t been totally destroyed. Right when I think things
are looking up, my hopes vaporize.
I thought this would have been a sleepless night, but turns out I
slept better than I have in a long time. No dreams, no voices. The
silence is tranquilizing.
The beautiful sun beams through the stained glass window,
waking me up at dawn. Rowen sleeps soundly and the house is
quiet except for the angelic voices of birds outside the busted
window. I imagine the trauma and torment causing the broken pane
and my heart sinks as I began to worry about Ivy and Dad. We have
to get to Acrimony, but I don’t know how that’s going to happen. Quietly, I go to the kitchen and sit at the table, worried and
confused. I know Rowen will take care of it. But this is his world
and I’m not sure where I belong. I’m more confused now than I’ve
ever been in my life. I sit here with my face in my hands, and then I
feel the warmth of his lips on the back of my neck sending electric
fire through my body. He releases his touch and takes the seat
opposite me.
“You all right?” he asks as he bites into an apple that’s fallen
from the fruit bowl.
“Worried about Ivy, Dad ....everything.”
“We have to get to the castle,” he says taking another bite. “Do you have any suggestions?” I ask.
“Coll and I will figure something out.” He’s always so calm
and collected which helps me worry less.
“Did you hear that?” he asks as he stops chewing.
“Hear what?”
“Shhhh.” I listen intently without hearing a sound. “Listen.
There it is again,” he whispers.
Rowen jumps from the chair and runs outside. I chase after
him.”Ruamna!” he yells as he heads to the field of knee high
brilliant green grass. Butterflies fly amongst the blooms painting
the horizon. “Ruamna!”
Coll comes running out. “What’s going on?”
“Listen,” Rowen says.
Coll’s eyes grow big. “I hear them. Mugwort!” he calls. “Who is Mugwort?”
“His black stallion,” Rowen says in a lower tone that isn’t quite
a whisper.
As we stand in the middle of this beautiful meadow, I hear a
whinny. Then the ground starts to tremble as two horses burst
through the forest wall heading straight for us. I stand behind
Rowen, worried they won’t stop. The stampede ends short of us, as
Ruamna and Mugwort walk up. The brothers are so glad to see
them, rubbing their faces into the shoulders of the massive equines. “I guess we have our way to Acrimony.”
“Yes, we sure do.” Rowen smiles.
We walk back to the house, the horses following behind. Taylie
stands in the doorway.
“What in the world?” she says. Her look of shock is probably
no different than mine the day I was greeted by four of the same
magnificent creatures.
“Don’t be worried. They’re our flight to the Castle of
Acrimony,” I say.
“Acri...what?”
“It’s where my grandfather lives. We’ll be safer and more
comfortable there,” I say hoping I’m telling her the truth.
26
We clean ourselves up and pack what ’s left of Nuin’s personal things. Taylie still isn’t saying much. Her life has been turned upside down and I’m to blame. At least I still have my father and I have Rowen. She’s lost her family, her home, her entire life. I’m going to do whatever I can to make her time here the best it can be. In grade school, there were many times Taylie took up for me. It’s my turn to take care of her.
Rowen and Coll are waiting for us outside. “Ready?” I ask her. “I don’t know.”
“Everything will be fine. You’ll see.”
As we walk out and I can tell Taylie is terrified although she
tries to hide it.
Rowen sits on Ruamna. I take his hand and he pulls me up as if it’s nothing.
“Give me your hand,” Coll says. Taylie is hesitant.
She approaches with caution, as Mugwort gushes air through his nostrils.“Don’t be afraid. He won’t hurt you,” Coll says. She offers her hand and he lifts her swiftly. She holds onto him for dear life. I’m worried because she doesn’t know it, but she hasn’t seen anything yet. Wait until we are in the air.
We run through the meadow for a few strides, then the horses leave the ground. Their wings fill the sky.
“Hang on,” I yell. Taylie’s eyes close tightly and then she buries her face into Coll’s back. She remains this way for quite a while then slowly opens her eyes and squeaks a peek. Me, on the other hand, this has become my perfect delight. I’ve finally overcome the rollercoaster.
Acrimony comes into view. It’s as beautiful and inviting as usual. I recall the tension during our last visit. I hope Arcos sees things differently now that Straif is dead.
We land by the stables. Marvin and Lucinda are waiting for us. How they knew we were coming, I have no idea. As soon as we hit the ground, both of them come running. The boys dismount and help Taylie and me to the ground. Lucinda hugs me as soon as her arms can reach me. Marvin shakes both of the boys’ arms.
“How did you know to send Ruamna and Mugwort?” Rowen asks.
“I knew when you returned Ivy’s would be the first place you would go. So, I sent them there.” Marvin explains.
“Exactly, what happened?” Coll asks.
“Ruis. He’s gone mad. He dismantled Ivy’s cottage looking for the muck, looking for anything. He’s crazed for power.”
“Are Ivy and Dad okay?” I ask.
“Yes, dear, they’re both fine. Ivy escaped to the woods where she was found later and your Dad is still safe in hiding, under the highest protection. I see Ashe’s young friend has traveled with you,” he comments raising his bushy red eyebrows that look like giant red caterpillars.
“I can explain. We have great news and not so great news,” Rowen adds as we follow the Birches to the castle.
“Let’s wait until we meet with His Majesty. He’ll want to be the first to hear,” Marvin suggests.
I wrap arms with Taylie and walk with her. She’s still overwhelmed. “Don’t be afraid. It’s my grandfather.”
“I’m not afraid. I miss my family,” she says solemnly.
After entering, we’re lead to a grand sitting room with large plump sofas and oversized chairs. The atmosphere is much more welcoming than the last time I was here. Taylie and I plop down on one of the sofas while Coll and Rowen recline in armchairs. We gaze at the enormity of the room. I marvel at the exquisite Baroque style paintings scaling the walls. This room has a home-like presence, but on a bigger scale. We sit quietly for a minute when the door opens and I cannot believe my eyes.
“Dad!” I haven’t seen him in what seems
forever. Two large men follow behind him. I dart to him realizing how much I missed him.
“Ashe,” he says holding me tight. “We have serum.” He’s proud. I should have known that would be the first thing out of his mouth.
“Good, because I’m due a dose.”
“How long has it been?” he says with obvious concern.
“A couple of days,” I answer. He shoots out of the room, his mind redirecting him with the two body guards chasing behind him. Arcos and his entourage meander around him and make their way through the door. Rowen and Coll jump from their chairs to a standing position and bow at the waist.
“Sit,” Arcos instructs and we all take our seats. He turns to Rowen looking at him as if to say what have you done now, but instead he asks, “Who have you brought with you?”
“This is Taylie. She’s Ashe’s closest friend.”
“Hello, Taylie,” Arcos greets. “What brings you to Durt?”
Taylie looks at me, at a loss for words. “Straif. He killed her family. Her entire family.” Arcos’s face goes beyond the pale he usually wears. “She had to come with us. We...we...” I stutter unsure of what I’m supposed to say. She’s human, but I guess that’s a step up from being a bithling.
Arcos puts his hand up in the air to silence me. I shut my mouth rather quickly to keep from saying anything that might make things more awkward.” I’m so sorry for you, Taylie. You are welcome here.” He turns to Rowen whom quickly shares the events of Montana.
“So, Ashe, you were able to control your powers enough to destroy Straif? I’m very proud of you. It appears you are succeeding with self-control.”
I feel relieved that he’s beginning to accept me.
“There have been disturbing events here as well.” He rubs his hands together slowly. “Ruis.”
I began to feel sick to my stomach.
“Ruis,” Arcos continues. “He’s gone mad, running reckless across the land of Acrimony, threatening the stability of Congramaid. He’s even terrorized the village of Skewantee, killing and maiming.” My mind immediately goes to Scout and his family. First Straif, now Ruis. Is this insanity ever going to end?
