The Kingdom Journals Complete Series Box Set
Page 97
Will taps my shoulder as the group disperses, inquiring if I will speak with him. We walk east through the marshes to the beach before he stops. “Please, reconsider this.” He grabs my arms. “What if we’re walking into a trap? Orm could’ve made up that whole story to lead us to our deaths. Sonia and Thanatos know you lead our people. You’ll be too exposed. We don’t have a safe place to gather in the Old World.”
“And what if we do nothing?” I clutch his biceps. “Many of our people may die.”
“Vampires die. Vampires have been dying at the hands of witches for millennia. Witches have been hunted by our kind for centuries. We should all go west.”
I tug away from his grasp. “Why didn’t you voice this opinion in front of the others? You said nothing inside.”
“I’m not political like Jacob or Gregor, you know that. My only mission is to keep you from harm.”
“And my mission is to unite my people in peace. I need to make a treaty with the witches to do that. Orm can help us. He may know a place for us to gather. But, what of this prophecy? What kind of God curses an entire race for sins of their fathers? Why do beings believe in such ideas?”
“Orm said Sonia and her line gather power from the departed as they wait in this Sheol. It must be real. How else would two witches be able to kill hundreds of vampires? I just pray that whatever being saved us before will watch over us again.”
“I believe he was an angel. Haven’t you seen pictures of these beings with wings? I wonder if I should ask Orm about it. Perhaps he will know something.”
Will gathers my hands in his. “Why would an angel help us if we are the demons witches believe us to be? Didn’t Orm say angels sired the witches? You and your quest for knowledge. Why does it matter? We’re alive.”
I shake my head. “But God cursed the witches. Maybe there’s a more horrible curse on the angels who sired them. You were the one praying that he grace us with his presence again.”
“More horrible than being thrown out of Heaven into a dark abyss forever, like the fallen angel, what did Orm call him? Lucifer? What if it were Lucifer that saved us.”
Slapping his arm, I stride to the surf. “Please don’t tell me you started believing in Heaven and Hell. Perhaps he is some type of witch or shape-shifter.”
“But he was more powerful than Sonia and Thanatos, who Orm reports may be the most powerful witches alive, and they feared him. Sonia called him seraph. They knew him.”
“Then Orm may too.” I kick at a wave, splashing water onto Will. “My head aches from thinking of angels and demons. Let us swim.”
“As you wish, my lady.” He bows low and grasps the bottom of his shirt, shedding it and jumping into the waves.
We gather the tribe and share our plan for moving west. With additional humans continuing to populate the area, most are content with finding a less crowded plot to call home. Talking through the night and into the next day, the tribe members share ideas for safe locations for a second Old World tribunal.
“A mountain top is more defensible,” Will proposes. “What about a high peak? Witches could not survive the trek up. Am I right, Orm?”
The corners of Orm’s mouth turn down. “They can fly.”
“But wouldn’t it drain their energy?”
“Not enough, and they can recharge by tapping into energy from the departed.”
“What of these crystals?” Jacob asks, rubbing the rock that hangs on his chest.
Orm lifts his crystal over his head and lays it on the tabletop. He flicks his finger, and Jacob flies across the room. “Those only block my magic when I’m wearing it. Unless you have some way to cover your whole body, they are useless.”
Jacob brushes sand off his pants. “Well, you could have mentioned that before.”
“You were so proud of your discovery.” Orm shrugs.
“What if we made shields and embedded the crystals over the entire surface?” Will asks.
“They may offer some protection. How many more stones do you have?”
“Only enough for three, perhaps four, pieces.” Will cocks an eyebrow in my direction.
“Blacksmiths get to work on that.” I dismiss artisans to start the task.
By the end of our session, we’ve sorted out who will travel with which group and dates for departure. In the coming days, messages are prepared for our sentinels overseas to start dialogue with the tribes. Our land is deeded to Theo’s descendants, and I head north with my crew of ten. Will doesn’t like the numbers, but we decide that a smaller group may be less obvious. Plus, we have Orm. Our blood makes him powerful and able to heal fast. He didn’t embrace testing these premises, but they were informative. Elizabeth even trains and grows stronger. I suspect she knew Will would leave her behind if not.
Our troop consists of Elizabeth, our strongest warriors from each region, India, Africa, and China, along with Will, Jacob, Gregor, John, Orm, and me. Heading north, we try to locate the scattered witches from Salem. We scour from the coast to the Mississippi River and north to Ohio and New England, but no one has seen them, and we sense no trail.
“They can’t have just disappeared,” Will complains as we approach a town. “Can’t you do some spell to locate them?” He turns to face Orm.
“If I had their blood, yes, or if we were in the same coven, or related by blood. Otherwise, no.”
“I can’t believe there aren’t any other witches in the European settlements,” Elizabeth notes.
“We’re safest when we stay in large covens. Otherwise we’re easy prey for vampires.” Orm slows his pace.
“We can’t spend any more time here,” I tell them. “We should find passage to the Old World. Orm can try and locate his family there.”
From Boston, we sail to the French coast. Sneaking off to swim or climb the ropes for the sails keeps our muscles toned. Will and several of the others befriend the crew and spar with them. Elizabeth, Orm, and I study maps, choosing a perfect location for the tribunal. By the time we touch foot to French soil, we’ve penned enough letters to send to all our ambassadors.
Heading north, we find passage to Norway.
“It’s been a long time.” Will finds me leaning against the railing overlooking the ocean. “You okay with this. It’s hard remembering what brought us together. I can’t imagine it’s easy for you to be back.”
I chuckle. “Is it odd for me to say that was over a hundred years ago? I wonder if you ever get used to it. Or should I say that was a lifetime ago, or more like three lifetimes ago. I feel as though I had one life in London, one traveling the globe, another on the plantation, and now we’re starting a new one.”
“And you haven’t flung me into the sea yet.” He nudges my arm.
We hike east to southern Sweden, finding the village where Orm grew up.
“Aye, smells like you, old chap.” Jacob pats Orm on the back. “I think we’re in the right place.”
As we approach, townspeople line the outskirts.
“Whew, haven’t smelled that many witches in a long time,” Elizabeth whispers. “Makes my mouth water.”
Orm stops and stares at her.
“Sorry.” She shrugs.
We hang back, letting Orm take the lead.
Will leans over and whispers in my ear. “Does it smell like someone else you’ve met? Another witch perhaps?”
I search my mind for the scent. “Amaud? The witch held by your tribe leader Erik. I didn’t connect it before. Did you?”
“I wasn’t sure until now.” Will straightens his back and fixes his eyes on the witches ahead.
Orm scans the line until he gets to the middle.
“Arne?” He approaches the man, arm outstretched.
“Orm, son of Bjorn?” Arne grips Orm’s forearm.
“Yes, Bjorn was my father. You were friends.”
Arne looks at Orm. “Well, you’re a witch, so I guess Bjorn did something right. What’s this?” He motions to us. “Gotten yourself captured by a tribe of va
mpires?”
“More like rescued. After Bjorn died, I went to the New World with his second wife and some other witches. We fled Salem when the witch trials began.”
“Then you’ve had quite a run. Why have you come and brought vampires to our village?”
“May we speak in private?”
“Of course. Come join me in my home.” Arne turns towards the center of town.
“Perhaps some place more open, my friend would like join us.” Orm motions to me.
I take a step forward and note Will’s muscles tense.
“Perhaps there’s a glen or hollow we may use,” Orm suggests.
“You ask me to put myself at risk?” Arne asks.
“You ask them to?” Orm straightens his back and broadens his chest. “Pick where and when you would like to meet.”
“There’s a valley on the other side of the village. An old oak grows beside a stream at the bottom. Meet us there at midday.”
“We can speak freely with only you.”
“I understand.” Arne walks back to the line of witches.
Half of them remain facing us while the rest walk towards their homes. The hairs on my skin stand on end, as we loop around the town. I hold my breath to block their scent from filling my lungs as flashes of my family’s burning home dance through my mind.
We reach the spot and wait. Within an hour, Arne and two others enter the valley. Two position themselves at the top of the ride, and Orm meets Arne in the glen. I tuck my hair behind my ear to listen to their conversation.
“I will get to the point. My father said that, like him, you didn’t enjoy the politics of the witch community,” Orm starts.
Arne is silent for a moment. “We may have similar views, but why is this of consequence?”
“My friends wish to make friends with witches, negotiate peace. You were the only place I knew to start.”
“Who are they? What authority do they have? How do I know they can be trusted?”
Orm describes our achievements and the relationship we’ve built with him.
“That can only mean one person.” Arne’s eyes rise to look at our group.
“Don’t say it, friend.” Orm shakes his head.
“She’s legendary. How did you find her?” Arne paces in the small hollow.
“As I said, she found me.”
“There’s too much risk. Prove that this group can make a difference.”
“Orm,” I call out and wave over.
His gait is slower than I’d like, and I switch my weight between my feet, waiting for him to join us. “There’s a witch named Amaud held by a tribe in Norway. I believe he is from this coven, and we can negotiate his safe return.”
Orm returns to stand before Arne. “Have you heard?”
“Yes, Amaud’s my brother. He was reckless and wild, wanted more than our village had to offer. He pushed the limits and went too far, got taken when we were quite young. I was mad at him for many years, but no one deserves to be a slave for life.”
Orm turns his head to look at me, and I nod. “It shall be. We shall return with Amaud.”
Will leans over and whispers. “Are you sure you should’ve promised such? You don’t know that Erik will hand over Amaud.”
“If Erik believes he may have use of a whole coven of witches, I believe he’ll at least talk to Arne.”
“Because of Erik’s feud with his brother?” Will paces away and back.
“Yes, they may have stopped killing, but they’re still not friends.”
“Smart. I guess I am to see my homeland, after all.”
“Yes, you are.” I squeeze his arm.
Waiting for Orm to join us, we start our trek south and north again to Erik’s border. Warriors greet us, and we run with them to Erik’s dwelling.
“Aye.” Erik greets Will in their traditional manner. “Our explorer son has returned. What say you? There’s much talk of your work all around the world.” Erik’s eyes land on me. “Some good. Some not so good. Hosting you is dangerous. The witches aren’t happy with your activities.”
I step towards Erik. “That’s why we’re here. We want to befriend the witches, negotiate peace with them.” I motion to Jacob, and he releases Orm from the sling. “Orm is of the same tribe as Amaud. They need proof that I’m able to negotiate with the vampire tribes. If you’d be willing to release Amaud, we can show them talks are possible.”
“I’m not partial to losing my witch. Why would I release him?”
“Their coven may be kind to you if you are to them, perhaps lend help when needed.”
“Aye, I see your logic. Smart woman. Let us speak with Amaud then.” Erik motions to his cabin.
Inside Erik explains our mission to Amaud. “You talked to my brother? There is little love lost between us.”
“Arne would be very glad to see you.” I offer my hand as Amaud seems to be unsteady in his gait.
“How’s Arne? Probably looks better than me. Being separated from the coven, I’ve lost almost all my magic.”
“Why do you stay?” Orm looks between Amaud and Erik.
Amaud chuckles. “We’ve developed quite a friendship over the years. Erik’s my brother in every way.”
“So, he’s free to go?” I address Erik.
“I would like to meet Arne, speak with him myself to negotiate our terms.” Erik wrings his hands, and I think I can see him drooling.
I smile at Will, and he winks. “Of course, Arne would be happy to meet with you. Shall we travel there on the morrow?”
“We shall, but first, feast with us. You’ve grown to be a beautiful, strong woman.” Erik offers me his hand.
Erik spares no wants, having his hunters kill two large reindeer and offering vats of wine. Orm sits with Amaud, wide eyes darting between the animals, dancers, lights in the sky, and the darkness behind him.
“You didn’t tell me your powers could disappear if you were away from a coven.” I lower myself to the ground beside Orm.
He shrugs. “He didn’t use his magic enough. I’m guessing he was only allowed to use it when Erik wished it.”
“So, you’re not in that danger?”
A smile spreads across his face. “Are you worried for me or for yourself?”
“I’m just trying to figure out how the gift works. The differences between us and the humans seem more physical in nature than your powers are. Your abilities seem somewhat magical, like they’re bestowed rather than innate in your being from birth.”
“They’re both. And yes, that’s why they call it magic. But, one has to be born of the line to have these capabilities.”
“That’s good to know. Thank you for sharing the information.” I find Elizabeth and sit with her for the rest of the feast.
Resting the next day, we pack and head out at sunset. Will carries Amaud, Jacob carries Orm, and Gregor carries Erik, as he has become quite frail in his old age. After a night’s travel, our troop reaches Arne’s village. Seeming to sense our presence, the witches exit their dwellings and form a line at the edge of their settlement.
Amaud wrings his hands and mutters under his breath. I lean towards Orm to whisper in his ear. “What is he saying? I don’t recognize the language.”
“It’s the coven’s prayer if you will."
I stand erect and wait for Arne to approach. Seeing him slide through the line of witches, I instruct Orm to take Amaud to meet him. The two proceed across the meadow, stopping a few feet from Arne. I hold my breath, wondering if the two will attack or embrace each other.
“Brother.” Arne extends his arm to Amaud.
“Brother.” Amaud grips Arne’s forearm and wraps his other around his back, pulling the man into a hug. “Forgive me, I was young and reckless.”
Arne releases Amaud. “Yes, you were reckless, but you always were. How are you, how has your life been?”
Amaud glances back at Erik. “I’ve enjoyed it. Most of my magic left me, but Erik and I have had many adventures.”
Arne accepts the gesture. “So, you’re my brother’s captor.”
“Yes, I won’t ask forgiveness. Amaud killed one of my warriors for sport, but I didn’t end his life. Instead we’ve enjoyed many years of torturing my brother together.”
Amaud chuckles. “It’s true.” He focuses on his brother again. “You know I’d never have been happy here.”
“So, what say you?” Arne asks. “Is he released from service?”
“If your coven can show me friendship, he’s free to do as he pleases.”
Arne straightens his back. “What type of friendship? I won’t be used in a battle between tribes.”
“No. I’ve tired of taunting my brother, but I’d ask protection in case of witch problems”—Erik turns his head our way—“which seem to be close at hand.”
Arne cuts his eyes our way. “I have to confer with the elders. How should I let you know our decision?”
“Meet us in the glen,” I whisper.
Erik relays the message to Arne, and I whisk away, heading for the valley. My troop along with Amaud and Erik are close on my heels. We hunt and feed before midday, but no one can rest.
“Is that how your travels are? Endless days, years of waiting?” Elizabeth asks.
“Yes and no.” I smile and dip my hand in the cold brook. “I’ve seen the seven oceans, colored lights dancing across the night sky, water lit up with creatures I can’t even fathom, whales jumping high above the surf, monkeys, huge giraffes, elephants, and the tiniest of humming birds, so much of what Mother Earth has born.”
Elizabeth wraps her arms around me. “You love the earth and all its inhabitants despite the hand dealt to you. You truly are a magnificent creature.”
My face warms, and I back away from her touch. “Thank you.” I look to the sky. “Let’s not judge until we’ve seen the sum total of my days walking this earth.”
The sweet smell of witches drafts to my nose, and I lift my face to see Arne with three others on the ridge.
“Tell them only Arne may come.” I square my shoulders and raise my chin, knowing the moment to expose my identity has come.