by S.E. Akers
While Tanner lay on the ground recovering from the snake venom (and my right hook), Gallia, the now confirmed Serpentine Talisman, filled me in on their history.
“I’ve known Tanner for centuries,” she revealed.
My eyes widened at her announcement. Centuries? She looked so young, and Tanner didn’t appear old at all (certainly not “ancient-old”), just a little rugged around the edges. I knew the college professor was “mature” in regards to his years (he would have to be). But strictly going off appearances alone, anyone in their right mind would place him in his twenties — late twenties tops. Certainly not “centuries”… Still stunned, my mind drifted for a moment. One thing was certain: I would save a fortune on anti-wrinkle creams — as evident from the war chest of pricey jars lining my mother’s vanity.
“Usually, snake venom wouldn’t be that hard for Tanner to stave off its effects, but I think your presence increased the venom’s potency,” Gallia explained.
A rush of guilt rolled over me like a thundercloud. Gallia sensed it too.
“However, that being said, it was your presence that also intensified my powers, so my serpentine could neutralize the poison. Rattlesnake venom is wickedly potent, regardless of its source, and impossible for a lot of Talismans to heal themselves from without some intervention. Only a rare few can, especially if the snakes are supernatural. Good thing I spotted him at the church . . . and sensed who you were.”
I had mixed emotions. Even though I was thrilled my powers were strengthening, it just made me more self-conscious — especially since I didn’t have a tiger’s-eye to fool my adversaries.
“Is it that obvious?” I groaned, feeling like a walking supernatural advertisement.
“I was curious about the lady who was in Tanner’s company, but I didn’t have a clue who you were until I tapped your shoulder back at the church. A surge of energy flowed through me that I’d only experienced many years ago, whenever I was around Adamas. I felt a hundred times more powerful. Right now, it can only be detected by touching you, but that won’t last for long. You’re almost at the zenith of your power. Then, you’ll have to be extremely careful.”
I forced myself into a deceptively relaxed appearance. I knew it… I’m one big, flashing neon sign.
“You know, Tanner’s a great warrior,” Gallia boasted with a smile. “He even rivaled Adamas.” I noticed a subtle discomfort when she mentioned the wand’s previous owner. She looked deep in thought about something.
“You knew Adamas, too?” I asked with an air of intrigue, knowing that the Talisman who was nothing more than a faceless name to me seemed to hold a great deal of influence over my future.
“Yes,” Gallia replied as she lowered her head. She looked up at me and added, “He would be very proud of you.”
What a peculiar thing to say, I pondered curiously. “What do you mean?”
Gallia paused. “I mean that someone like you now claims the wand’s powers. I’m a good judge of character,” she stated with a boastful nod. “If you don’t mind me asking, where did you find it?”
Though Tanner had warned me about divulging too much information to others, I didn’t see the harm in answering. After all, she did just save his life. I figured I could mark a check in the “friend” column.
“In Welch. It was in an underground cave, not far from my house.”
Gallia laughed, seeming surprised. “All this time . . . It’s been here, in West Virginia!” Her laughter heightened. “Of course, I understand why. These mountains are full of coal, and it would need a source of carbon. He must have known this area would be the last place anyone would look for it. Adamas was exceptionally clever.”
Unimpressed with Adamas’ concealment skills, I announced, “Well, there’s a Talisman named Lazarus Xcavare, who blew into town last week. He thinks it’s here, and the Onyx has roamed the ridge behind my house since I was a little girl trying to find it.”
“THE ONYX?” Gallia shrieked. “Are you certain?”
“One-hundred-percent,” I answered as I glanced back at Mr. Estell’s shack and reflected on each time the Onyx had tried to kill me.
“THAT’S HORRIBLE! Does he know that you’ve claimed the diamond’s powers?”
“Considering Mr. Estell was under the Onyx’s spell . . . Yeah. I think he knows,” I replied and then tossed her the recovered sardonyx.
The Serpentine Talisman belted out a long whistle as she held the stone ring in the air. “A sardonyx is the Onyx’s calling card. He has quite a following that does his bidding for him. If you ever see someone wearing one of these be mindful. It’s best not to trust them at all. The more white hatches on the stone, the stronger the magic. The Onyx will stop at nothing to get his hands on the wand.”
“No kidding,” I grumbled. “Mr. Estell had a set of diamond dentures he shoved in his mouth, right before he traded his soul by looking into a mirror that turned him into a twenty-five-foot rattler.”
Gallia gasped. “A black obsidian mirror?” I confirmed her question by nodding vigorously. Gallia’s surprised expression turned solemn. “I can empathize with you, Shiloh. I know what it’s like to be constantly looking over your shoulder.” She took a deep breath and revealed, “I’m being hunted, too.”
I was beginning to think West Virginia was becoming a secluded hideaway for all otherworldly beings.
“Who are you running from?” I probed.
Gallia’s face turned as white as a sheet. “From Lorelei, that’s who!” The mere mention of the name made the little Talisman twitchy.
“Who is she?” I inquired. It’s a pretty name. How bad could she possibly be?
“I don’t think you want to know,” Gallia grimaced. “But I have a feeling that when she finds out someone has already claimed the Wand of Adamas, she’ll definitely want to know all about you.”
“Why’s that?” I asked.
Gallia checked on the laid-out Amethyst Talisman, whose color had almost all returned to his face, and then quickly turned back to me. “How much has Tanner told you about our kind?”
Disgusted, I rolled my eyes. “Not much. He’s extremely secretive and evasive — and cocky. He claims it’s for my protection, but it’s really frustrating.”
“That’s Tanner,” Gallia confirmed with a laugh. “But Shiloh, I’m not your mentor, the one who is supposed to guide you. He is. It’s not a good idea to reveal too much about our world . . . even to each other. Every Talisman’s worst fear is that another one of their own kind will want to kill them for their powers. Secrecy is our most powerful weapon.”
My defeated stare fell to the ground. “I understand, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating,” I sighed, disappointed that yet another Talisman wasn’t very forthcoming with any answers.
The little Talisman observed my raw displeasure as she fiddled with her pigtails. “Well, there is one thing I can do,” Gallia grinned as she removed one of the serpentine stones from her bracelet. “I can give you a gift.”
Gallia’s eyes fell to a close as she cupped the stone in her hand. Within seconds, small streams of the same mystical green light I’d seen before flowed around her grasp. When the dazzling spectacle had finished, she placed the rough little wonder in my hand.
“There. Now it will protect you from any earthly or supernatural snake and its venom, whether on land or at sea. No matter how many diamond fangs it may have,” Gallia bragged with a resolute nod of her head.
I was grateful for her gift, but it made me wonder, Should I honestly have to worry about this “exact situation” happing again?
An awkward feeling swept through me, like someone had given me a Christmas present and didn’t have one for them in return.
“Would you . . . like a diamond?” I asked.
Gallia’s eyes lit up. “REALLY? Could I?”
I was taken aback by both her surprise and eagerness. You would have thought I’d just t
old her that she’d won the Powerball Lottery. I nodded slowly, “Yes. That’s the least I can do for all your help and generosity.”
I bit my lip and scraped my fingers down into my arm, carving out a small rough diamond — painfully. All things considered, I felt the need to charge the little diamond with both my psychic and power-boosting abilities. I knew Tanner’s feelings about the latter one, but in this case, I went with my gut. As soon as I had finished, I placed the glowing stone in her hand. Needless to say, the little Serpentine Talisman looked thrilled.
“OH, THANK YOU!” Gallia cried out and quickly attached the stone to one of the links around her wrist. “This is really too much. I just gave you a little ’ole serpentine, but this is something truly powerful. I’m so honored you would trust me with this.”
Her reaction had me second-guessing my actions. I knew it would make her powers stronger, but I wasn’t quite sure if I’d done the right thing.
Gallia’s eyes widened. “Wait! There’s something else I can give you.” She quickly plucked an opaque, muted blue stone off her bracelet. “This is my last one, but please take it. I think you need it more than I do.”
I held up the intriguing milky-blue stone. “What is it?”
“It’s a chalcedony,” Gallia announced. “There are several different kinds, and they’re extremely rare. No one has seen Rodiam, the Chalcedony Talisman, for over a century. Personally, I think he’s in hiding. Both good and evil Talismans desire the magic his stones convey. Most of them yield dark powers. Talismans who bear an earth stone love to use their magic to torment their victims. So, be wary of the white and pink ones. However, the blue ones are very special. They drive away evil. What you do is, whenever you’re attacked, no matter by whom or what, you throw it at them. The stone’s magic is released when it breaks open. I’ve been told their sting is quite excruciating and utterly maddening. A blue chalcedony won’t kill your attacker, but it binds their powers and prevents them from doing you any harm, so they have nothing else to do but flee. I’ve only used one once before on Lorelei.” Gallia donned a sly smile and let out a giggle. “I heard through the grapevine that even after her powers returned several days later, she couldn’t get the screams out of her head for over a week, and her skin flaked off uncontrollably for an entire month!” Gallia puckered her lips. “It’s too bad they can only be used one time. Once their magic is released, they become nothing but dust. Some stones are like that.”
I had to admit, I liked the sound of this stone. Surely this will come in handy…considering I seem to have a growing enemies list.
“Thank you, Gallia. But won’t you need it, just in case you run into this Lorelei lady?”
“No, no. Please take it. I’ll just be extra careful the next time a full moon rolls around.” Gallia looked regretful about her disclosure and swiftly pointed to me. “Just forget I said that last part.”
Before my mind lingered too much on Gallia’s last token of information, Tanner’s voice rang out, “No gifts for me?”
“That’s funny,” Gallia scoffed. “I think Shiloh and I gave you one — just a few minutes ago.”
Tanner scooped Gallia up and gave her an endearing hug. Their actions suggested they were genuinely fond of each other, like long-lost friends reunited after years of separation.
Gallia scanned both his wrists. “Where’s your serpentine?” she questioned. “The one I gave you ages ago?”
“Misplaced?” Tanner replied, unabashed.
“Humph! Lost is more like it, I’m sure,” she scolded. Tanner lowered his head and tried to flash his best “forgive me” smile. Gallia turned to me. “That’s makes three of my stones he’s misplaced,” she charged, wiggling her fingers.
I couldn’t help but shake my head at him for having the nerve to tell Beatrix that she was forbidden to give me another golden topaz and questioning my responsibility.
Tanner crossed his arms and shot the little Talisman a curious glare. “Do you still have the amethyst you tricked me out of?”
Gallia’s eyes narrowed. “I didn’t trick you out of anything. As I recall, you lost that bet fair and square. But as a matter of fact, I do,” Gallia sang as she flashed her bracelet, which in fact held a small amethyst, and shook it proudly in the air. “I know how to hold on to things.”
I felt somewhat awkward, like a third-wheel as I watched Tanner and Gallia’s playful reunion. As soon as Tanner’s laughter had subsided, he gave Gallia a scrutinizing look.
“So? Have you been corrupting my protégée?” he asked.
Gallia dug her tiny mitts firmly into the sides of the waistband around her dress, now looking the epitome of a pouting little girl. “I didn’t tell her anything I wasn’t supposed to,” she insisted.
Tanner’s brow rose when he noticed the tiny rough diamond dangling from her bracelet. “But you managed to persuade Shiloh into giving you one of her stones, I see.” Before I could even come to her defense, Tanner admonished, “Shiloh, something you don’t know is that your diamonds not only allow other Talisman’s powers to strengthen, but if they fall into the hands of the wrong person, they can be used as a dangerous weapon against you. Hence the importance of trusting the Talisman you give one to. Any diamond will sever your skin, of course . . . but a diamond born from your flesh is an extension of the wand — and its powers. It can be particularly hazardous. Enough of them can even be deadly. If you think cutting that little snippet out was painful, you haven’t felt anything like it being thrust back in.”
My heart skipped a beat — actually several of them. Now I understood why Gallia seemed so surprised by my offering. This is why he shouldn’t be so damn evasive, I ranted to myself.
“That makes them extremely valuable,” Tanner declared. “I wouldn’t be passing them around to just anyone.” He turned to Gallia and winked. “However, with that said . . . you couldn’t have picked a more deserving recipient or trustworthy, might I add.” Gallia was beaming at the sound of Tanner’s accolades until he wittingly sneered, “Considering she claims an earth stone.” The Serpentine Talisman glared at him straightaway and then popped his shoulder with a firm whack.
“Shiloh, you don’t have to worry about that. I would never, ever bestow harm on . . . ” Gallia hesitated, almost as if she seemed to be weighing her words. She softly smiled and continued, “ . . . the diamond wand’s new owner. I promise.”
For some unexplained reason, I believed her. Maybe it was because I felt a genuine sense of comfort in the Talisman’s presence, or I simply could have been trying to convince myself that her intentions were pure…particularly after rushing to hand one of my diamonds over to her in such an ignorant manner like a daggone piece of chewing gum.
“Well Tanner,” Gallia began, “now that you’re back to your charming self . . . I’ll be heading back to the church. I need to hurry. You know — damage control.” She gave Tanner one last hug and walked towards me. “Shiloh, it was a pleasure to meet you and thank you for the gift. Don’t be a stranger.”
I squeezed her hand. “I won’t. Bye, Gallia . . . and thank you.”
The little Serpentine Talisman took her foot and imposed a circle on the ground in front of her. Then she straightened the length her pink dress and gave its sides a quick, poufy fluff. Gallia lifted her head, looking reluctant. “What a shame. This is one of my favorite dresses.”
Tanner let out a less-than-subtle cough. Gallia tapped her foot on the ground and then let out a grunt. She yanked a serpentine off her bracelet, charged it in her hands, and then tossed it over to him.
“Try to hold on to that one,” Gallia advised with a curt smirk.
Tanner caught the greenish-gray stone and threw the little Talisman a smug “I-knew-you-would-cave” smile. With that, Gallia nodded and began spinning vigorously as she disappeared down into the ground. I jumped back when I noticed a streak of shifting dirt plowing just underneath the surfac
e, headed in the direction of the church. Every Talisman I’d encountered never ceased in leaving me speechless. We watched the trail of displaced earth as it faded into the distance.
“And you complain about water,” Tanner quipped.
Straightaway, we trekked back to the spot where Tanner had stashed his Harley. After pulling out a bottle of sea-salt & water from one of his leather saddlebags, he doused my arm with a stream of the healing mixture and then removed his shirt to tend to his own wounds. I had to scold myself (again), especially when he handed me the bottle and had me put some on his bare, muscular back. That took some serious restraint. But as soon as he started reprimanding me for not having some of the medicinal elixir on my person, I found it much easier to put a tight lid on my churning desires. With his shirt back on and his chastising lecture complete, we hopped on his bike and zoomed off down the road, headed back to Welch.
The drive was awkwardly quiet. I couldn’t get a read off Tanner. He was understandably hushed for someone who’d almost died, but there was something else to his demeanor that I couldn’t quite figure out.
I felt sort of responsible for the severity of his injuries. I couldn’t stand the thought of witnessing the loss of someone else—this soon—and for some reason, especially him. Evidently my feelings for Tanner had evolved into more than just an acquaintance. My heart almost pounded right out of my chest while I sat there helplessly watching him suffer from all the poison that had flooded his body. And I knew it wasn’t because I would have been stranded either. This guy had found a way into my heart. There was a definite bond there, at least for me there was. I couldn’t imagine losing him no sooner than he’d come into my life. Then again, I did sneak a fast one by him with that punch. Talk about kicking someone when they’re down. I hoped he wasn’t too mad about it. My nerves were frazzled from his little initiation, and I didn’t have a clue as to what sort of danger we’d be in when I’d climbed onto the back of his bike.
What did he expect? I rationalized. I knew he was trying to give me a taste of what my future would hold, but did it have to be that intense, this soon?
Before long, we were pulling into the parking lot outside the Heritage Inn. I caught the time on my watch as we passed under a light post. Almost ten-thirty.
Tanner parked and then in a gentlemanly fashion, helped me off the vintage motorcycle. I glanced at my Charger and then returned my stare to him. “So? What’s on tap for tomorrow? More trials or just training?”
The Amethyst Talisman scratched his head. “Being a normal teenager . . . and going to school,” he ordered and then headed off to his motel room.
A rush of cold air crossed my parted lips as I watched him walk away. WHAT? That’s IT?
“No training?” I questioned, astonished. He never turned around and kept walking, totally ignoring me. Was my “mentor” so disappointed he was giving up on me completely? “FINE,” I huffed childishly as I stomped off, mumbling a few choice words under my breath. I was so flustered I dropped my keys on the ground after I’d yanked them out of my purse. When I rose up, Tanner was standing there, blocking my driver’s side door.
“MOVE! Go inside and reflect on what a disappointment your protégé was this evening. Think long and hard about how I almost got you killed. Sorry to have let you down,” I snapped as I shoved all my weight into him, hoping to push him out of my way. He didn’t budge. Not even an inch.
Tanner grabbed my arms and hurled me around against the car door. His grip was fierce, and his eyes were the most blazing shade of violet I’d seen yet.
“Is THAT what you think? That I’m disappointed in you?” Tanner let out a dry laugh as his head tilted towards the sky. “No, Shiloh. I’m not disappointed in you.” He took a deep breath and exhaled. “I’m angry at myself for not realizing how bad things could have gotten tonight. I underestimated a mere human pawn of the Onyx, and just how far he’ll go in his quest to obtain the wand’s powers. But Shiloh, your actions more than exceeded my expectations. Tonight wasn’t about being untouchable. It was about fear. You, confronting your fears head on, without any reservations about death, especially in regards to your own. You have to resolve them. Even the wand senses you have them.”
My muscles relaxed as I observed the confident and always poised Talisman convey a sympathetic air of concern. Once Tanner realized I wasn’t going to put up any more of a struggle, he freed my arms and lifted my chin.
“At no time this evening, were you frightened by the thought of your own death. That’s something a Talisman, especially you, must live with day in and day out. This is your life . . . for now and forever. I couldn’t have been prouder even if you’d been the one slicing off that bastard’s head. I KNOW you’re ready for what awaits you.”
After hearing his encouraging words, I reached for his hand and clutched it firmly.
“Thank you, Tanner.” I was more than relieved to find out he wasn’t disappointed and amazed that I’d actually managed to impress him.
“Granted, you’re still very green and have a lot to learn . . . But that’s one less thing I have to worry about.” He flashed a brassy smile and gave my hand an assertive squeeze.
I batted my eyes playfully. “So you were worried about me?”
The Amethyst Talisman leaned against my Charger and shook his head. “Don’t push it,” he stated with a knowing grin. “And don’t think for one second I’ve forgotten about that right hook of yours. I owe you one.”
“What right hook?” I teased. “I think you were hallucinating. You were pretty out of it.”
Tanner leaned in and whispered, “Don’t play with me, little girl.”
My eyes blazed instantly as I raised my fist. “Would you like another?”
Tanner stared into my eyes for a moment, while his teeth gently bit his lower lip. “No,” he announced abruptly. “I would prefer to get some rest, and I think you need some as well, so go home. Tomorrow, you need to take a break and be a normal teenager. I know you didn’t ask for any of this, but you can’t keep your destiny waiting. Enjoy one more day of high school with your friends, without complications . . . Because I promise, once your powers have climaxed, life as you’ve known it will cease to exist. Tonight was only a taste of what awaits you.”
Tanner gave my hand one more squeeze before he headed off to room number three, tossing his new serpentine stone in the air as he strutted across the parking lot.
“Bea’s a good teacher, isn’t she?” Tanner called back as he unlocked the green metal door to his room. “She taught me everything I know.”
“Everything except responsibility,” I hollered. “I wouldn’t have given you another stone.”
Tanner grinned as he disappeared behind the door. I was still a little ticked about the “topaz thing” and felt the need to air my feelings, officially. It could’ve really come in handy tonight!
Emotionally exhausted, I hopped into my car and puttered home. I had to admit I didn’t feel as apprehensive about the unconventional path “my destiny” was dragging me down. All the reservations I had earlier today, when I’d discovered that the wand was actually a sword, swirled around in my head and kept me company during my drive home.
Maybe I can do this?
I arrived home about twenty minutes later to find every light in the house still on. You could’ve landed a plane beside the practically “glowing” old farmhouse it was lit up so bright. Great… I wonder what fresh hell is waiting for me on the other side of the door?
As predicted, Charlotte and Chloe were wearing out the carpet in the living room, pacing back and forth. Apparently they were waiting up for me, but I was certain it wasn’t “my safety” that was on their mind.
No sooner than I’d closed the door, Charlotte let out an over-exaggerated sigh. “Oh, thank goodness you’re finally home! We’ve been so worried about you, Shiloh! We both feel awful about the way things went earlier.”
“I’m tired . . . and it’s late. I’m going upstairs to bed. I can’t afford any more unexcused absences,” I remarked dryly as I headed up to my room. I was already halfway up the staircase when Charlotte rushed to the bottom of the steps.
“Lazarus Xcavare stopped by to see you,” Charlotte announced eagerly, which stopped me dead in my tracks. “He left a check for us — I mean, you a check.” I whirled around to see my mother holding a small slip of paper. She held it up proudly and squealed, “It’s incredibly generous, Shiloh. He offered you FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS! And that’s just for the mineral rights. He said you could keep the title to the land and understood why you may have been resistant to the offer, in light of Caiden’s passing. So? What do you think?”
I walked slowly back down the steps and looked at the figures scripted on the light-blue slip of paper. I’ll never see something like this again, I thought confidently. I locked my eyes with Charlotte’s as I ripped the check in two and then let the pieces fall from my grasp as I turned to head up the stairs.
Charlotte snatched my arm. “PLEASE don’t do this, Shiloh! Can’t we get past our differences? Be mother and daughter again?” she begged.
I jerked my arm away and stood there with a look of sheer disbelief. I’d always wanted that. There was never a question in my mind about wanting or needing my mother’s love. But it would be a cold day in Hell before I would ever believe her sudden change of heart was because she truly meant it.
Charlotte pulled something out of her pocket and held it up. Dangling in front of my face was my little gold locket. The one she had given me years ago. The one I had treasured blindly for so long, simply because it was a gift from her. The one that I now knew was cursed and had been watching over me all these years like a wicked evil-eye.
“You know . . . The way we used to?” Charlotte added with a coercing grin.
My eyes flared as I took a skittish step away from the ill-fated trinket. I couldn’t stand the sight of it, especially now. Automatically, I smacked it out of her good hand and watched it land on the oriental rug at the bottom of the stairs.
“NO! We can’t!” I replied point-blank and ran the rest of the way up to my bedroom. I gave my lavender-painted door a solid slam and locked it quickly.
“You’re either CRAZY, or you’re PUSHING YOUR LUCK, SHILOH!” my mother blasted as clear as a bell. “He may not make another offer! I swear I’ll make your life A LIVING HELL if you don’t sell him those rights and give me MY MONEY! DO YOU HEAR ME?!?”
I reached for my iPod and threw in my earbuds, attempting to tune out her screams. Once I’d changed into my pajamas, I reached into my closet and pulled out Daddy’s shirt. My phone was charging on my bedside table, so I gave it a quick check before turning in.
No new messages. Sadly, there were none from Ty, and even more disappointing was none from Katie. As I clutched my father’s shirt and took a whiff of its scent, I wondered, What will tomorrow bring? Maybe Tanner’s right about being “normal” for one more day? Considering all the events of the past week, “normal” was now an unfamiliar concept. In fact, it felt more uncomfortable than the oddities that had kept me distracted over the past few days. One lonely tear trickled down my cheek as I cuddled Daddy’s shirt underneath my blanket.
“Normal” was laid to rest several days ago…
That night, as I lay in a deep slumber, I had a dream unlike any other. I found myself in an unfamiliar place — an ancient-looking place, drenched in opulence. Glistening mosaic tiles, of all shapes and colors, tessellated every inch of its walls. Majestic sweeping arches flowed throughout the room, supported by massive stone columns that could hold the weight of the heavens if they had to. Regal-hued panels of fabric flowed gracefully beside the windowless openings with the guide of a warm breeze dancing into the room. A subtle scent of flowers with a curious hint of spice filled the air. Lit torches illuminated the serene space with a soft flickering glow. I looked down to find myself standing in front of an elaborate table where the diamond wand was resting on its surface. I remained there spellbound, stroking it with my fingertips back and forth, while I watched its brilliant light flow underneath my hand. It was no longer imprisoned by its rocky cradle and was just lying there, waiting for me to take hold of it. Then just before I could seize my destiny, a hand suddenly emerged — a man’s hand. Soon, two hands had wrapped themselves around the wand, one on each of its ends, and were lifting the diamond from off the table where it lay. Quickly, I turned to see the face of the man who had taken the wand that was only mine to bear. Was it Lazarus? The Onyx?
A stranger stood before me, whose muscular frame couldn’t have looked more robust or chiseled if he’d been carved from a block of marble. The man’s lustrous brown hair flowed down in soft waves to his shoulders, and his facial features were strong and striking, like that of a fierce warrior. Everything about the stranger commanded my attention. Even his eyes were the most piercing shade of blue I’d ever seen. I watched as he flourished the wand with several precise, sweeping motions. The diamond was now fully illuminated and shining with the same intensity I’d seen on the night I had first discovered it. After giving it a thorough inspection, the strange man looked at me or possibly through me. I really couldn’t tell. His eyes were now glistening with white streaks, like bolts of lightning blazing around his pupils. My instincts assured me that even if he were aware of my presence, he genuinely meant me no harm.
He pulled something out from a leather holster strapped to his side. When the object came into my view, I noticed it was made of a metal that cast a silvery-blue sheen and a substantial clear stone lay embedded on the tip of its base. He gripped it snugly in the palm of his hand, and then with one forceful move, the man thrust the long diamond wand into the metal object.
The hilt…
Brilliant rays streaked out the wand in an instant. The exploding beams were building into the most awesome display I’d ever seen. Its glow had now engulfed me, blinding my eyes with its vibrant light. As soon as I sensed the riveting sight starting to wane, I started searching for the stranger. To my disappointment, he was gone and unfortunately so was the diamond wand. Both had disappeared right before my eyes. Hastily, I awoke from my dream to the sound of the alarm clock blaring in my ears. I rose up in bed thinking, Adamas… That had to have been him.
The dream lingered in my thoughts while I got ready for school. At least now I had a face to go with the name. As excited as I was, I still felt somewhat disappointed by the fact that he hadn’t spoken. Not one word. Even though I knew the dream was actually a memory the diamond had chosen to reveal, it would have been comforting to know if Adamas was truly proud that I possessed the thing he treasured most, just as Gallia had implied.
I placed my three little stones inside the pocket of my jacket, grabbed my purse, and made a mad dash out the door. Within seconds, I was sitting in my Charger and cranking up its engine. Charlotte came running out of the house as I pulled out, waving a frying pan full of eggs in her hand and yelling something about breakfast.
Don’t tell me that she cooked! I shook my head. It was going to take a lot more than burned scrambled eggs to forgive her for all the harsh words and cruelty she’d inflicted upon me over the years. However, what Charlotte failed to see was that nothing she could ever do would get me to reverse my decision about the land. Especially selling off the mineral rights! I’d overheard Chloe telling her last night that she would stay home from school today to “comfort her”. Realistically, my little sister probably couldn’t face the embarrassment of returning to school after she’d shot off her mouth about how “RICH” she was g
oing to be.
When they finally get it in their heads that nothing will change my mind, I may have to add a few more names to the growing list of “People Who Want Me DEAD.”
I checked my watch. It was only six o’clock, but I had to get to school early, so I could report for morning detention — thanks to Charlotte! Though I still had plenty of time to grab something to eat before it started in thirty minutes. The Kwik-Serve was up ahead on the right. My stomach let out a long, rolling rumble as I pulled into the busy parking lot. The small convenience store was packed with miners filling their thermoses to their brims with coffee, buying sacks of doughnuts, and fixing their sausage biscuits, which were stacked in a warming cabinet located at the rear of the store. I managed to squeeze through them and snatch one for myself before they were all gone. After grabbing a small bottle of orange juice out of a nearby cooler, I started pushing my way up to the front register. The crowd standing around waiting to pay for their food was even rowdier than the masses back at the biscuit counter.
While I waited my turn, I heard the sound of the store-bell above the door ring out, announcing yet another customer’s arrival. A stout rush of air flooded the store. Normally, the burst would be chilly and tend to feel somewhat stimulating in the morning, but what brushed against my body felt oddly warm to my surprise. The next thing I knew, an unexpected twinge of anxiety prickled the back of my neck. I turned to the door and peered around the huddled group of miners to locate the source of my unease.
My eyes shot open. A man had just walked in, and judging from his appearance, he definitely wasn’t from around here. His hair was long, down past his shoulders, and so unnaturally jet-black it glinted streaks of blue underneath the store’s fluorescent lights. His skin looked like it hadn’t seen the sun in years. You could actually count the individual hairs from the black stubble on his face the way it contrasted with the paleness of his skin so starkly. The steely, rough man reeked with an intimidating aura as he surveyed the interior of the store. He was draped in a long black leather coat and donned matching knuckle-less riding gloves on his hands. A cord tied snugly around his neck held a muted reddish-orange stone that pressed firmly against his Adam’s apple. He removed his shiny aviators to reveal a pair of eyes so brown they were almost black. As he approached the crowded counter, I spotted streams of gray light swirling within their shadowy cores.
I immediately ducked behind one of the miners and listened quietly.
“I’m looking for the Riverside-Pocahontas mine. How far is it?” the gruff-looking stranger asked in a voice deep and raspy enough to grate through a piece of wood.
An elderly man instructed him to, “Stay on the road outside and it’ll be up ahead on the right”.
This stranger was no ordinary man. I could sense something from him. Something odd and very foreboding. He was obviously here to see Lazarus.
This can’t be good…
I placed my items back on the counter and proceeded to sneak out of the store. If I can sense him, what’s to keep him from doing the same to me? It wasn’t that hard for Gallia last night. I remained in a crouch as I weaved my body through the crowd. One of the miners almost stepped on my foot, forcing me to shift towards the eerie man. I accidently brushed the creepy stranger’s backside, causing the unsettling feeling to intensify. I dove behind the crowd of men and glanced back to see if the stranger had any sort of reaction.
The man sensed something. He scanned around the room vigilantly, like an eagle-eyed hunter at the close of deer season.
Crap! He seemed to be trying to lock-on to the source of his strange feeling. Definitely not good… My eyes panned over to the store’s exit. I had a clear shot to the door, but I had to be quick — like supernaturally quick. I took a deep breath, readied my keys, and darted out the glass-paned door. I was safely in my car and pulling out of the parking lot within a matter of seconds. As I squealed off, I spotted the stranger in my rearview mirror, who was now outside and standing in front of the store. I couldn’t be for sure, but he appeared to be eyeballing my Charger. My heart pummeled my insides like a drum, keeping tempo with my quick and heavy breaths.
That was close!
I raced the entire way to the school’s upper parking lot. I was bursting to tell Tanner what had just happened. Morning detention wouldn’t start for fifteen more minutes, so I didn’t have to rush inside. I pulled the amethyst out of my pocket and grasped it tightly. Though I’d only been instructed on how to communicate with other Talismans, I figured it was worth a shot.
With my eyes closed, I directed my thoughts to Tanner. The vision I conjured was a detailed image of the eerie stranger, making sure he could see and feel him just as I had. I focused on his dark appearance, the reddish-orange milky stone he wore, the warm sensation he radiated, and the alarming feeling that besieged me when I’d accidentally touched him. I closed with a timid, “Over and out.” I really didn’t know how else to end the transmission. I wasn’t working with a CB radio. It was telepathy. I couldn’t necessarily holler, “10-4, Good buddy”.
I marched into the office and signed in for morning detention. Mrs. Tuttle apparently felt sorry for me in light of Daddy’s passing. Instead of forcing me to drudge over a huge stack of busy-work, which had been graciously provided by all of my teachers, she said I could help her shred paper and file a bunch of folders. It wasn’t so bad. At least it kept me busy. But I was in no way distracted from my unnerving thoughts about the mysterious stranger.
As soon as I’d wrapped up my detention-duties (or free slave labor, as I called it), I headed off to Mrs. Thompson’s classroom. With any luck, Katie would already be in there, and I could beg for her forgiveness. I hadn’t returned a single one of her calls over the past few days. I wasn’t avoiding her, just the topic of Daddy’s passing. After all, she was just worried about me. Katie was being a true friend. I, on the other hand, had been too focused on distracting myself that I’d completely shut her out.
Not here yet, I noted with disappointment as I poked to my desk. There were already several students seated around me. Normally the room would be very boisterous, filled with the chattering voices of my peers. However, I found today’s ambiance strange. I’d heard voices when I arrived, but now they carried the volume of whispers. A sense of paranoia set in as I looked all around. Several clusters of students had formed, and they all seemed to be chatting all right — while they not-so-inconspicuously stared at me.
What the heck is THIS about?
My head started to pound from the sound of their faint giggles. Without the slightest reservation, I tuned out my ears and flipped the switch on my telepathic mind. After scouring a few of their brains, I got my reason “why”. Apparently the rumor-mill hadn’t stopped churning in my absence.
Crap… Well, I asked for “normal”. What’s more normal than your classmates gossipin’ about you behind your back?
Riley Myers whispered to several girls,
I still can’t believe she’s trying
to hook up with BOTH of them.
Especially when Mike is her
very own sister’s boyfriend!
What a total SLUT!
I guess she’s not so
“innocent” after all.
I averted my stare and discreetly slipped my throbbing fists into my lap. I didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of knowing how pissed I was.
Then Hannah Franklin was next.
Wonder which one of them was with
her at the Heritage Inn last night?
I heard her car was parked there…
for SEVERAL HOURS!
That’s just PERFECT! How could they even insinuate something like THAT! Ugh! I felt more comfortable last night in the pews of a snake-handling church than I did in here. At least the snakes there were obvious and not disguised as friends.
I sat there and listened to every nasty, fabricated rumor. I was so mad I could ha
ve hurled more than just dirty looks at them. And as hard as what it was proving to be, I had no other choice but to suck it up and try my damnedest to remain as calm as possible.
Katie will be here soon… Class will start in a few minutes, and they’ll have to shut up! I can get a good forty-five minutes of peace then. Overwrought with embarrassment, my mind began to roam. Until I hit the hallway, and then my next class, and then the next, and the next, and eventually the cafeteria… I could feel myself beginning to slump in my seat. Shit… This is going to be a very long, “normal” day. I was already upset, and I knew without a doubt that the next six hours would surely be a testament to the limits of my emotional restraint. I’d left my sunglasses at home. I didn’t think I would need them, but I couldn’t wear them in class anyway. I would be forced stay on guard and lock away all of my feelings for the entire school day.
Hopefully they won’t accidentally see them in my eyes…
Katie finally came bouncing into the classroom just as the bell rang. Her reaction to my presence was not what I’d expected — it was far, far worse. My BFF hurried to her seat directly in front of me without so much as another look or even a huffy “screw you”. Katie then shoved her backpack underneath her desk with a dramatic “thump”. I started to tap her shoulder when she unexpectedly let out an overly exaggerated grunt and then scooted her chair up a few inches, well away from mine. Stunned, I retracted my hand. Mrs. Thompson soon instructed us to open our textbooks to page 238.
Katie’s actions made it more than obvious as to how she felt and what she was thinking. No telepathy was required — nor desired. I didn’t want to hear or feel them. I was too ashamed and knew I deserved every last one of them. If we weren’t so emotionally connected, I could probably brainwash her into giving me a full reprieve. But truthfully, I wouldn’t compel her forgiveness even if I could disconnect myself from her. Not Katie. I loved her too much to do something that sneaky to my best, bosom friend.
Oh well, I reflected quietly with a dismal sigh. At least I get my “forty-five minutes”.
Chapter 20
