The Maiden Medallions: Beastkeeper

by Edward Shawn

  Pulling onto a side street lined with deluxe homes, the driver entered a lengthy driveway, then parked in a double garage. A second vehicle of identical make waited inside. Everyone exited the SUV without delay. The driver handed the keys to Mr. Prescott before leaving through a door into the house.

  “Could you open the hatch?” Evelynn asked, walking to the back of the truck.

  Mr. Prescott pressed a button on his keychain as Sandra drew near.

  Evelynn grabbed her bag, then went over to the passenger door of the second vehicle. The hatch left open, the black dog slipped out and wandered over to Sandra standing with Mr. Prescott.

  “This is for you.” He produced a second set of keys from an inside pocket. “Your vehicle is equipped with voice activated GPS,” he said. “I’m sure you know how to use one.” He motioned his head at the SUV Evelynn waited beside. “It also has reinforced tires and is virtually bulletproof.” Next, he handed a flip phone over to her. “Use that to contact me if you run into any trouble or in case you need anything. My number is pre-programmed so just press the talk key to dial.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Prescott.” Sandra dropped the phone into her purse.

  “Please, call me Anthony. There’s an envelope in the glove compartment with local currency. Use it to buy dinner, pay for gas–whatever you want.”

  “Okay. Thank you, again. I’m sure Jeremiah will be pleased by your promptness and efficiency.”

  Smiling, he nodded at her, then pressed a button on the wall and retracted the garage door for the second tinted, black SUV.

  The tracking dog following closely behind, Sandra crossed the garage to their transportation. Aiming the key at the truck, the doors unlocked with an audible release. Opening the hatch, the retriever jumped inside, then lay down but maintained eye contact with Sandra. “Get comfy. We’ve got a long drive ahead of us,” she said before moving off to collect her bag.

  Evelynn got into the passenger seat. Tossing her duffel bag into the back, she checked her phone messages while waiting for Sandra.

  Closing the hatch after placing her bag next to the dog, Sandra got into the Chevy Suburban. “You got that address?” she asked, adjusting the mirrors.

  “Just a sec.” Evelynn skimmed over the text Jeremiah sent during the flight. Before landing, she decrypted the encoded message by running it through a program created by the developers in the W.A R. room. “It’s Fifteen Ellington Lane.”

  With Evelynn spelling out the name Ellington, Sandra entered the address into the GPS unit on the dash. Looking at Mr. Prescott standing off to one side, she smiled at him, then drove out of the garage of the American safe house on Canadian soil.

  “What a geek,” Evelynn said. “How do you know him?”

  “I meet a lot of people as Jeremiah’s personal assistant.”

  Following the directions issued by the GPS, Sandra reached the highway and followed it for nearly an hour until arriving at their destination.

  Evelynn glanced around at the quiet streets. The town looked unremarkable, but somewhere within this unsuspecting community was an object Jeremiah coveted. If she needed to turn this place inside out to find it, she was more than willing to do so.

  They approached a stop sign. Turning left as the GPS instructed, Sandra followed a winding road leading past an entranceway into a row of townhouses. “It’s in there,” she said as they drove by a large sign, the words Ellington Lanes emblazoned across it. Turning the Suburban into the complex, she guided it into the visitor’s parking area, then switched off the engine.

  Checking her watch, Evelynn noted the time: it was nearly ten o’clock. “I’m gonna have a look around. You hook the dog up with the transceiver. Contact the W.A.R room and make sure they’re reading the signal.”

  “I’ll take care of it.”

  Stepping out into the stillness of the night, Evelynn walked past a number of driveways leading to identical townhouses. Looking at the pedestrian dwellings, she knew she could never be happy living in a place like this.

  She passed by house number fifteen. The driveway was empty, the windows shrouded in darkness. If no one was home, it was an opportunity to get inside and search for the medallion. But before that, she needed to get a peak at the back of the house and see if it was as empty as it appeared.

  Any security system within the townhouse wouldn’t be difficult for her to neutralize. She could be inside, have her surveillance devices in place, and maybe even have time to take a quick look around before anyone returned. Of course, she couldn’t do any of this if she found someone inside during her reconnaissance. She would have to consider an alternate plan if someone was at home.

  The homes were built beside the neighborhood park. Continuing along the street, Evelynn headed towards a footpath leading to the large field. From there, she would be able to get a look at house fifteen’s backyard.

  The pathway branched left and right, the asphalt trails lit by tall, black lampposts. There were soccer nets on the darkened playing field and plenty of trees dotted the landscape. Following the right path towards the rear of the house, her senses converged on her surroundings.

  Approaching the backyard fence, a winged shape landed on the edge of the sloped roof. Framed against the night, the large black form suddenly dived towards her.

  Evelynn ducked, the flying shadow soaring past and narrowly missing her head. Diving through the grass, she sprang up searching the skies but it was gone. Evelynn slipped her hand beneath her coat. Fingers resting against the cool metal of her gun, she focused her attention on the numerous unlit zones scattered across the park; her attacker could be hiding in any one of them.

  A lamp dimmed as a black bird fluttered past partially blocking the light. Evelynn watched the dark shape land atop the lamppost. Seeing its silhouette, she swore under her breath; the largest crow she ever saw gazed down at her. Its head twisting to one side, the bird spread its wings and appeared even larger.

  The mission just began and already it was compromised by a dive-bombing giant crow. Jeremiah had said to prepare for anything. Surely, this couldn’t have been what he meant.

  Slinking away from the lamppost, she gazed over at house fifteen’s yard. A piercing cry shattered the ambiance of the park as the bird swooped down from the lamppost. Gliding through the darkness, it rose into the air and vanished into the night.

  Staying perfectly still, she searched overhead and caught sight of it descending from the sky. Screeching loudly, it flew straight at her. Raising her arms to protect her face, its talons raked the sleeves of her leather coat.

  Then, as swiftly as the attack came, the crow retreated.

  Evelynn crouched seeking the direction of the next attack. She knew using her handgun wasn’t an option. Shooting at a black bird at night would be extremely difficult and gunfire would attract unnecessary attention and then the police. However, she did have other resources available to her.

  She heard the crow’s call from somewhere above. Kneeling in the grass left her far too exposed. Running for the nearest tree, the cry intensified, her winged assailant closing the distance to renew its assault.

  A light flicked on in a backyard. Evelynn glimpsed a man peaking through the curtains curious about the commotion taking place. The recon mission was over; the bird had seen to it. But before leaving the park, she would make sure this flying nuisance couldn’t interfere ever again.

  She turned and waited as the crow closed in. Its talons extended, Evelynn dove sideways, the bird slashing through empty air. Propping herself up on one knee, it veered over the park as it angled itself to resume its attack.

  Slipping her index and middle fingers through metallic rings attached to the left cuff of her coat, she got to her feet, moved her hands shoulder width apart and balled them into fists. A barely visible wire extended across the gap between her hands. Her garrote at the ready, Evelynn placed her back against the tree and waited for the crow to arrive.

  Raising her fists to shoulder height, she le
ft her face exposed to provide an inviting target. The crow came hurtling forward eager to rend Evelynn’s flesh. Dropping to one knee, she held her arms straight above her head, the garrote stretched tight. Feeling the wire strain, she forced her arms forward and hurled the crow into the ground.

  Stunned by the collision with the wire and the impact with the ground, the bird weakly flapped its wings as it lay prone on its back. Evelynn pounced, her instincts taking over as she sought to finish the job. Punching the bird solidly in the head, she wrapped the garrote around its throat, then pulled it tight against her chest. The bird’s screeches were abruptly cut off, the wire slicing through its neck, the head falling to the ground. She watched the headless body attempt to fly, then stumble around before collapsing beside its head. Evelynn released the metal rings, the wire retreating into its housing.

  She found it easy slicing through the muscle and tendons of the crow’s neck. It seemed about as resilient as cutting through cream cheese, which was unexpected. Exhaling deeply, she stood up and almost missed the dark smoky mist swirling on the ground.

  Evelynn stepped back unsure of what to make of this latest twist. She watched the purple mist rise into the air before blending into the night. Evelynn stared at the ground. The bird’s body and head were no longer there.

  It was time to go. The skirmish with the crow created quite a stir and she didn’t want a run in with the law. The mission botched, she had no choice but to leave Fifteen Ellington Lane behind.

  18

  Staring through the glass doors to the back porch, Castle started barking.

  “Looks like he wants out,” Danny said, switching the television channel.

  James shut the refrigerator door. Twisting the cap off his juice bottle, he strolled into the main room of the guesthouse and glanced at the clock mounted above the fireplace. It was a few minutes after ten. Walking over to his dog, the two of them gazed out at the night. James wanted nothing more from today. Collapsing onto a beanbag chair, he guzzled some of his drink. “I’m beat...gonna go to sleep. You staying up?”

  “Yeah. I still have some homework to finish.” Danny flipped to another station.

  Looking at James, Castle barked again.

  “You want out, don’t cha boy.” Getting up, he reached for the sliding glass door. Castle could barely contain his excitement; he squeezed through before James completely opened it. Watching his faithful friend race down the backstairs and into the darkness beyond the sensor lights, he stepped onto the porch.

  “Back in a sec,” James said over his shoulder.

  “Okay.” Danny headed into the kitchen.

  Sliding the door shut, James walked across to the railing enclosing the elevated terrace. Resting against the rail, he took in the stillness of the hour, the night breeze invigorating his lethargic condition. “Hey boy, come on back,” he said, his eyes searching the yard. He waited for Castle to come bounding up the steps.

  But he failed to return.

  Calling out his name, Castle didn’t respond. James descended the steps, the medallion in his front pocket shifting against his leg and reminding him of his new reality. Calling for Castle once again, he didn’t see his dog anywhere around.

  James shouted repeatedly for Castle, then finally, he heard a bark. It was faint; he was further away than he would have expected, though, that hardly explained why he failed to heed his call.

  Leaving the lights of the guesthouse behind, James made his way through the trees. “Castle! Come here, right now!” He heard the dog’s response as he stepped through the edge of the grove. His bark was near the back fence of the property.

  Whatever had his attention, Castle was unwilling to listen because of it. With any luck, it was Galen with news of Micah’s return. But then again, Castle had never shown a great deal of affection for the old man.

  The hairs on his arms bristled. Looking back at the guesthouse, he saw Danny return to his seat in front of the television. He considered asking him to come along but quickly changed his mind. He knew Danny was troubled by the events of the past few days. The less involved he was, the better off they’d be and their friendship could continue along without his drama infringing on Danny’s life. Besides, even though Castle hadn’t come when called, James wasn’t expecting any trouble. His bark didn’t indicate anything untoward taking place. So, for the second time today, he headed towards the fence marking the perimeter of the Tai property.

  Crossing over the windswept field, he scanned the area ahead. “Castle? Where are you?” The German shepherd responded immediately. James spotted him sitting near the fence opposite a large tree. As he came closer, the dog glanced in his direction, then turned away.

  “Hey, boy, are you okay?” Patting Castle on the head, James knelt and stared into his face. “What are you doing way out here? C’mon, let’s go see Danny, huh?”

  Getting up, James tugged on Castle’s collar, but the dog resisted. He stepped back and glared at the stubborn animal. “C’mon, Castle! Let’s go!” Baffled by his behavior, James looked at the large Maple tree on the other side of the fence. Staring up at the thick branches and heavy growth of leaves, all he saw were layers of darkness. Maybe bones are buried next to it and he’s guarding his newly found treasure, James jokingly mused.

  Unsure of his next move, he settled on returning to the guesthouse. He was sure Castle would eventually follow. “You wanna stay out here? Okay. See you later.” Turning to leave, a wave of dizziness erupted inside of his skull. His legs wobbling, James grabbed the fence and steadied himself until the feeling faded and he felt right again.

  Green light seeped through his pocket. The medallion flickered, then dimmed but didn’t go out.

  It was the second time in less than a day that he was overwhelmed by a dizzy spell. And during each bout, Castle was present during the medallion’s activation. James noticed his dog staring at him. If nothing else, at least his unsteadiness captured the canine’s attention.

  “Hiya, buddy,” James said. “You ready to go now?”

  The dog barked, but James experienced more than just the sound of his voice: Castle’s presence was inside of his mind, just like this morning in his bedroom.

  He felt the emotion emanating from his dog. They were always close, but now, James understood the true meaning of their kinship. Love flowed from Castle, a pure and unconditional love that nothing could come between. James hugged him tight, an uncompromising bond of loyalty resonating between them. Releasing Castle, he gazed at his unwavering friend. Now he knew why he sat here by the fence; his spirit was in communion with another.

  James stared up at the tree on the outskirts of the Tai property. “I know you’re there,” he said to the night. Wind whistled all around rustling the leaves of the Maples. “Galen! Show yourself. What do you want with my dog?” Opening the gate, they approached the tree. Looking up, James saw a crouching figure unfurl from its concealment behind a cover of leaves.

  “You’re mistaken, youngster. It’s not the dog I’ve come for,” said a vaguely familiar masculine voice.

  He’d heard it before, though where or when eluded him. Backing away from the tree, one thing was absolutely clear. He’d assumed incorrectly; it wasn’t Galen lurking in the darkness.

  James saw the figure balance on a tree branch, his arms folded in front of him. His head tilting as if listening to secret words, the man extended his right arm as a large bird descended from the sky. Landing on the man’s outstretched arm, it fanned its wings before settling down.

  By all rights, James should have been stricken with terror at finding a stranger hiding in the dark. But for some reason, he was not. Castle was unaffected by the presence of this man and his bird. He obviously felt safe in his company. The bond they shared on a higher level of consciousness was starting to fray, but not before Castle conveyed the stranger could be trusted.

  “Keep watch,” the man said.

  James thought he was speaking to him but soon realized that he wasn’t. Stroki
ng the head of his feathered companion, the man raised his arm, the bird extending its wings before returning the sky. From the sound of its cry as it circled overhead, he knew it was a bird of prey.

  “James, we don’t have much time left,” the man said. “You have to come with me right now.”

  Even though he was unafraid, the words still chilled his skin. The man knew him and was more than likely an associate of Micah. If not, he was heading into a world of trouble. “Why? What’s happened? Where’s Galen?” He paused realizing he forgot the most important question of all. “Who are you?”

  “There’s no time for questions. Micah wants to see you and the medallion, and I’m here to bring you to him.” Leaping off the branch, the man landed softly in front of James. He gazed at the emerald gleam emanating from the youth’s pocket. “It’s a good thing you have it with you. It makes my life so much easier. Now, let’s get going.”

  “Do we have to rush off? Can’t I tell Danny that I’m–”

  “There’s no time! The longer we stand around talking, the more likely we’re going to encounter something hazardous to our health!”

  The man started up the dirt road, Castle trailing behind the stranger. Turning back, the dog stared at James who had yet to move.

  “Now, youngster! Now! Let’s not keep Micah waiting.”

  Castle waited as James looked back at the guesthouse. The man’s voice propelling him forward, he reached the side of his patiently waiting dog. Glancing at one another, the boy and his dog took off at a run after the stranger supposedly here to lead him from harm.

  19

  Hurrying towards the parked SUV, Evelynn spotted Sandra pacing alongside the truck. Seeing each other, the women started speaking simultaneously, their words merging and becoming gibberish.

  Evelynn held up her hand to get Sandra to stop talking. “We have to go right now. The mission is scrubbed.”