Silverstone

by C E Johnson

  “Is she powerful?” Kirbee asked. She had unbound her hair, and it fluttered around her face, framing her excitement for conflict. “I’ve killed scores of experts with the sword. Do you think I can challenge her in a dual?” Pushing silken waves behind her ears, she brushed back her wild golden strands. Wuldur wished he could touch her hair right now. Her mouth was slightly parted exposing her pointed canines, and she licked her full lips.

  “I don’t imagine she’s as competent with the sword as you,” Wuldur said out loud for the benefit of his troops. Her clan gave out a small cheer for Kirbee and several vampires near her slapped her on the back. Kirbee was known to be the greatest swordmaster out of the vampires and on Acacia she had actively sought out opponents skilled with the blade time and again. Fighting challenge matches to the death with them, Kirbee had never lost a dual. Her ability to assimilate the talents of her adversaries had given herself a formidable arsenal of moves. In his heart though, Wuldur prayed Kirbee wouldn’t be foolish enough to challenge Emily Dalton to a blade trial. He didn’t want Kirbee to get hurt. He wheeled away from his troops and returned to his tent. He needed to escape the intoxicating presence of Kirbee for a time before their attack.

  CHAPTER 4

  Austin

  Emily went to a window and looked out at the spring evening. Slashing rays through the sky in vivid streaks of glory, the sun was lazily descending over Austin. The world was changing color as scores of hues of pinks and orange were oscillating through the upper atmosphere. Even the hazy smoke that was testing the resolve of the heavens couldn’t initially cloud the glistening shades of brilliant light that shimmered through the air promising hope and instilling courage. As the light show began to fade, however, Luke’s house was becoming more and more gloomy, and fear, taking up residence in the hearts of the inhabitants, began to dominate.

  Emily was mentally drained, but proud that she had taken charge of the situation after she had submitted to Xena’s willful urgings. She had decided Luke’s mansion would be the safest place for her family and for the families of her best friends. She and Xena had led her reluctant parents first to Anna’s house, then to Isabelle’s, and finally to Elizabeth’s home in a slow progression. Each individual had to decide what they could carry for the somewhat rushed journey.

  Luke’s father had a working ranch on a large spread of land with not only horses, but enough cattle that they could feast for months. There were also three levels of pools with enough easily-filtered clean water to supply them for countless days. Furthermore, his home was on Lake Austin, and they could fish to their heart’s content. The adults and youths had separated into two areas. Emily had just finished testing her friends abilities with a shield spell. They were all advancing well with their magic. She turned from the window and glanced through a hallway to another room. The parents were talking together quietly by a roaring fire. The mantle of the fireplace was a beam of solid oak with stars carved into the exposed beam. Luke’s father was standing in front of the mantle showing the parents a rifle, which glinted steely in the flickering flames. He was teaching them how each of his firearms worked. Emily could see her mother wringing her hands as Luke’s father patiently taught them all the basics. My mother hates guns, Emily thought.

  She’s learning to become a warrior, Xena encouraged warmly, but I think it may take a while.

  “Are you sure we should go out in the morning?” Elizabeth was addressing Emily with her question while running a finger slowly along her yew bow. She had just finished stringing the weapon and she tested the bowstring.

  “Maybe we should wait a few days for things to settle down,” Isabelle added cautiously. They were sitting in one of the three formal living rooms in Luke’s house. There was also a fire going in their section, more for the light factor rather than the heat. The mantle in their room was a black marble with simple lines and a bullnose shelf with framed pictures of Luke’s family on top.

  “I think we should explore Austin before things get too crazy.” Emily attempted to sound sure of herself and confident, but inwardly she wondered if she was making the right choice. The thought of half-deads searching for her turned her thoughts dark and gloomy. She stared at the pictures on the fireplace. One was of Luke when he was a toddler wearing a Spiderman outfit with extra padding to make his muscles look enormous. What am I getting Luke into? she asked herself.

  You’re making the right decision, Xena whispered. We need to see what we’re up against and we need to find allies.

  “I’m wondering if the police can get a hold on the developing situation,” Anna said thoughtfully. “If they can, maybe this loss of electricity won’t be too bad. If there is order and structure, people won’t panic.”

  “I think a scouting trip is a good plan of action,” Luke said firmly. He gave Emily a small nod while brushing back his sandy blonde hair from his forehead. His eyes sparkled and Emily felt lost in the softness inherent within his expression as he gazed at her. She longed to go to him and press a kiss on his lips, but her inner doubts at being too forward in front of her friends and family kept her locked in her seat, simply watching him. He was a blend of two periods of time, of two worlds. Although a crossbow, with a very similar construction to his weapon on Acacia, sat on a table next to him, he was also wearing a firearm. He had a holster with a pistol on his hip that his father wanted him to wear, and his right hand rested on the stock of the dark gray metal of his firearm. Lastly, his greatsword was in a scabbard on his back. The sword was a gift from Dr. D. It was nearly an exact replica of an ancient weapon named Joyeuse, the sword used by Charlemagne, the King of the Franks. Luke had given his sword the same name. The weapon was made in Solingen, Germany in the Middle Ages. Dr. Dalton thought the weapon was perfect for Luke, and he had obtained the blade without regard for the incredible amount of money the sword cost. It was purer than Damascus steel, forged metal so strong and pure that modern attempts to make similar weapons hadn’t been successful.

  “I’d like to see for myself what Earth is going to become,” Anna said while staring at the flames of their fire. “I’d also like to discover more about the forming power structure. We need to know if we’ll be safe here.”

  Isabelle glanced in the direction of their parents. “They aren’t nearly as skilled on horseback as we are. I guess you’re right … we should be the ones to explore the area.”

  “We should take provisions in the horses’ saddle bags,” Anna added. She tapped one finger on her lower lip. She was all about contingency plans and organizing for the future. “Maybe some medical kits and plenty of water.” The hints of gold in her chestnut hair gleamed in the firelight. They had all brought their own supplies from their homes, and almost everything had to do with battles and war.

  “Xena and Rune can probably scout for us,” Elizabeth suggested hopefully while rubbing Xena’s head. Rune was Luke’s dire wolf bondsmate. The massive creature was nearby, staying in the woods close to Luke’s home.

  “Xena will guard us,” Emily assured Elizabeth. Elizabeth wore a soft navy-colored shirt that brought out the vivid blue color in her eyes. She was one of the few not wearing some component of armor. Emily could see the frown lines on her forehead, lit up in glaring detail by the glittering tendrils of light spreading across her face from the fire. She wore her emotions on her sleeve, and they could all see how worried she was.

  Anna kept glancing at Elizabeth and Xena as she stood to put another log on the fire. Sitting back down on the clean limestone, Anna sighed. She pulled her sword out of her scabbard and ran a finger along the steel. “I think everyone in Austin will have a gun, and they’re going to be so nervous that they’ll be aiming at anything that moves. Xena and Rune will be important, but we’ve got to protect them from the crazies.”

  Isabelle nodded in Anna’s direction, causing the curls in her thick brown hair to bounce over her shoulders. “Someone might even try and steal our horses.”

  “We need to act like we’re on Acacia, a
s if half-deads are around every corner,” Luke said.

  We should add more people to our squad before they join another group, Xena advised Emily. Usually the larger pack wins.

  “Xena thinks we should add some other individuals to our company,” Emily volunteered, knowing her bondsmate’s logic was sound, especially about forming a pack.” Once people commit to another leader, they’ll be tough to pull away and add to our forces.”

  Elizabeth pulled her golden blonde hair back into a ponytail. “Xena’s right,” she said in a quiet voice while studying the Doberman with her piercing eyes. “Safety is our first concern.” She finished her hair and pulled her knees up to her chest. Emily thought she saw Elizabeth give a small shudder.

  “We should try and get our coaches to join our team,” Anna said. “We know where they live. We should try and get Poulton because he’s great with a bow.”

  “How about Oliver?” Emily asked the group. “He’s intense, but he can hold his own against anyone with his martial arts.” They all nodded.

  “Maybe Palin?” Luke suggested in a calm, hopeful voice. “Although we may not need the skills of a swim coach, he’s pretty strong.”

  “He does like Xena,” Emily said with a smile. She enjoyed the belonging sensation and the togetherness she felt as they accepted each other’s ideas as a loving family.

  Perfect, Xena supported the choice of Palin. Abruptly, she stood and sniffed the air. The smoke is clouding my senses, she worried. I should probably go and scout the area with Rune.

  Stay with me tonight, Emily whispered, burying her hand in Xena’s fur. Maybe it’ll be better tomorrow. I want you by my side for now. Remaining where she was, Xena accepted Emily’s request. She sent calm, reassuring love across their link, but she couldn’t hide her underlying tension.

  “I think Jeff McAdams lives fairly close-by,” Luke added. “He isn’t the best fencing teacher, but he might be a good infantry soldier that we can order around.” Emily laughed at the thought. They had surpassed McAdams’ teachings long ago, but his character and honor were truly beyond reproach. Luke stretched and Emily studied the way his muscles moved beneath his clothing out of the corner of her eye. She felt her heart beat more rapidly as she studied his unflinching strength.

  Isabelle stood and went to the corner to grab her own bow. She held up the weapon. “I’m going to put this within arm’s reach for the time being.” The whinny from a nervous horse drifted to their group. Isabelle glanced out the window toward the stables. “We should also see if Mr. Henry will come with us.”

  “He’s not in the best shape,” Luke teased. “His belly continues to grow each year.”

  Isabelle gave Luke a weak smile. She had fastened on a suit of leather armor over her clothing earlier that day and she adjusted a buckle. Tall, agile, and fit, she looked like the experienced warrior that she was. “Regardless, I’d like to have him and his herd of horses on our side.” She glanced at Emily. “Especially if we’re really going to eventually trek to New Orleans to meet Dr. D. That’s a long ride.”

  “Good idea,” Emily said. She felt her face tighten as she thought of the reality of what they were going to attempt. “Some cars may work again one day, but I think horses will be a much better mode of transportation.”

  “More reliable,” Isabelle said emphatically. Emily was proud of the organization that was swiftly coming together. A breeze washed over the house causing the doors and windows to creak and groan.

  “What about money?” Anna spoke up. “We should buy more provisions if any stores are open.” She appeared pensive, still playing with her sword.

  “I’ve got that covered.” Luke patted his backpack. My father gave me plenty of cash, including gold and silver coins, to buy whatever we can find that might help us.” He laughed as he showed them the coins. “My father’s always been a ‘prepper’ at heart. In a way he’s loving this.”

  “We should get to sleep early,” Elizabeth advised. The flames were creating a flickering glow that created dark shadows on her face. Emily could smell all of their fear through Xena’s nose.

  “You’re right,” Emily agreed. “Let’s go talk to our parents about our plans. I think they’ll be worried about us, but proud that we’re going out to discover what’s going on.” She pulled her own hair back into a ponytail similar to Elizabeth’s. As she stood, she ran her hands over her brown leather armor feeling the smooth steel plates that gave her extra protection in a variety of areas. Will we be battling here on Earth? she wondered.

  I think we will, Xena answered in a solemn tone. We need to be ready for anything. We need everyone to be prepared to fight.

  Emily glanced at her mother. Jean looked so helpless as she held one of the rifles in her trembling hands. Will she be able to shoot at an enemy? Emily asked herself. Her father held a pistol in his hand, but he didn’t look very confident either. He caught Emily staring at him, and aiming the pistol against an unseen enemy in the ceiling in a mock display of bravery, he gave her a hesitant smile. As a shiver went down her spine, Emily experienced a sudden dark sense of foreboding. A weight of responsibility felt like it was descending on her shoulders. She tried to shake it off as she started toward her mother and father.

  Elizabeth fell into stride next to her. “Do you really think our parents can make this ride?” Elizabeth asked in a hushed whisper. Her voice was soft and questioning as she glanced at their parents. “Maybe they’ll be safer here.” Slowing her, Elizabeth put a hand on Emily’s arm. “Besides Luke’s dad, none of our parents are really outdoors-type people.” She gave a concerned little sigh. “I’m worried about them.”

  “Why don’t we let them decide once we’re all organized,” Emily said. She knew Elizabeth was probably right. She reached out to Elizabeth and squeezed her hand. Elizabeth makes a good point, Emily whispered to Xena. I’m not sure how much of this our parents can handle.

  We shouldn’t forget about the tree that never had to fight, Xena retorted softly. She was mentioning the poem that Emily’s father was so fond of. The poem suggested greater strength came with adversity.

  Can you see them fighting half-deads? Emily asked her bondsmate while looking at her mother’s face that had become pinched and pale. Shooting weapons while arrows thud into shields and screams rise up above the moan of warhorns?

  We can’t dwell on possibilities in the future, Xena whispered. Instead, concentrate on the present.

  You’re right, Z. Emily tried to stay focused. Hoping her doubts would dissipate along with her muscle pain, she massaged a soreness that was developing in her shoulders. The friends began their goodbyes, telling their parents they would be getting an early start. Their parents were apprehensive, but Luke’s father supported the plan and eventually overrode the other parents’ concerns.

  “Remember to be careful above all else,” Emily’s father said as he gave Emily a long hug. “I’m worried about you.”

  He’s worried about me, Emily thought as she smiled to herself as she tried to suppress her fears for him. She stared into his face. She could see a glistening in his eyes.

  “I’m so proud of all you’ve done – leading us here, and now going out for supplies,” he began in a soft voice. “We were blessed to have you placed on our doorstep.” Emily gave him a kiss on his cheek.

  “We’re going to get through this together.” Jean gave Emily an equally strong hug as she spoke to Emily passionately. “Remember, we’re here to help. We aren’t weaklings. We’ll do anything needed, so don’t try and be a hero for us. Just do what you can and then return quickly.” Jean smoothed back Emily’s hair and gave Emily a kiss on her forehead. “You’re our light, Em. We love you.” Tears were also brimming in her mother’s eyes. They sat together for a time, wallowing in their fear, but also experiencing a wondrous feeling of togetherness. They told stories and gossiped, telling secrets and giggling in the warmth of the fire that melted away a portion of their concerns and terrors. No one wanted to spoil the moment of serene
friendship and intimacy, but eventually they all went to bed.

  Although doubts were running rampant through her, Emily felt calmed as Xena snuggled at her side. She thought of going to Luke and spending some time with him. The way he kissed her always took away her fears and let her forget everything, but she could hear him in the hallway talking with his father. She didn’t want to disturb their time together. She let her fingertips trail lightly over her bondsmate’s fur until she dropped into a deep sleep as soon as she closed her eyes. Instead of dreaming about Luke, she experienced nightmares filled with Iscar and Drogor. The visions were both horrible and hollow, and there were no revelations, no answers to her inner questions about what they were up to.

  The following morning Emily felt anxious as they chose their horses from the stable. The rising sun appeared dirty. It created a mixture of red, orange, and gray through the smoke that clung in clouds over the land. Their horses’ hooves clattered and clopped as they pounded against the hard asphalt road leading away from the ranch.

  “Rune’s coming toward us,” Luke called out to the squad. “Hold on to your reins.” At that moment Luke’s dire wolf bondsmate appeared out of nowhere loping from the woods. He was black and white, a mixture of sleek strength and fearsome power.

  “I keep forgetting how big he is,” Emily marveled. “He’s enormous, so much bigger than Xena.”

  Rune’s not that big, Xena protested warmly.

  Luke leapt down from his saddle to greet the wolf. He threw his arms around the head of the large beast. “I haven’t shown him to my father yet.” Luke sounded guilty. “My dad’s so concerned about his livestock. I’m not sure if he’ll understand our connection.” They all dismounted to touch Rune and to stretch their legs. Sniffing the wind, the dire wolf rested on his haunches while the squad remounted. Xena went over to him and they touched noses exploring scents.

  “I feel safer already,” Isabelle said while moving her horse close to Luke, “but you better help keep him hidden when we get into the city.”