Divided Paths

by Katrina Cope

  “Don't worry.” She waves a dismissive hand at me. “I'm not looking for a husband anyway. I honestly just wanted to see your reaction.”

  “Well, you got it.”

  She bursts out laughing. “Yes, I did.”

  The wolf gets up and walks away, looking much more placid than it did when it arrived. I start to leave, and she turns to follow. “Don't take your wings away. I want you to take me for a small flight.”

  I look at her with a strange expression. “What do you mean?” I cock an eyebrow at her. “You just took yourself for a flight as a pheasant.”

  “I did. But I can't turn into an angel. I thought you were just in fairytales.” Her eyes are fixed to my wings as though she is mesmerized.

  “Just like I thought witches and shapeshifters were fairy tales.” I huff in amusement.

  “We have both learned something new,” she says. “But I still want you to take me for flight. I would love to feel what it's like to be under those wings. They look beautiful.” She comes over and runs a hand over the soft white feathers. “So, it makes sense now why you are here and why you are not interested in a family. It never made sense to me why a young man would give up his life, laying it down to protect me. So, who sent you?” Her eyes are intense, and even though I am a seasoned warrior, I squirm under their gaze.

  “Archangel Michael. I am his right hand. He said you are important and that I must protect you.”

  “Did he know what I am?” She eyes me suspiciously. “Because you seemed surprised when you first found out. The first time with the egg, then with the other spells, and now with this.”

  “He seems to have no idea what you are, except what I tell him. He just knew that you needed protecting and that you are special, and he sent me to look after you. It took quite a lot of work to get your father to allow that. I could've stayed hidden in the background, invisible, but that wouldn't have been fun. I wouldn't have met you properly.”

  “You can turn invisible?” She looks shocked.

  “Well, yes. I am an angel. I don't have to say a spell for mine.”

  “Then show me,” she says.

  I do as she instructs, watching her face when I reappear again.

  She almost claps her hands together in excitement. “That's incredible! I thought I was the only one who knew how.”

  “The only witch, perhaps. Angels do it all the time. How else do we remain hidden and hang around without you knowing?”

  “I'm ready now. I'll take that flight, thank you.” She stands in front of me, facing the other way. I lift her arms, scooping her up from under them and embracing her before taking to the sky. It feels unusual to carry someone when flying, but it isn’t my first time. Her legs dangle beneath me. I did it this way so she could get the feeling of looking down at the ground. After a few minutes of diving toward the trees, Ava gasps. “This is awesome.” I can see her cheeks puffing out from her smile. “I always enjoy flying in bird form, although this is better. I get to see with human eyes.”

  “Don't witches have broomsticks to fly on?” I ask.

  “That's what they tell me. I guess I have to find out where to get one.”

  “Don't you just make them?”

  “It's not something I've looked at yet. It wouldn't hurt for me to have one.”

  After a few minutes of flying, I circle back to the area where we were initially. We have to collect her bag. We land, and I unhook my arms from underneath her, clasping her arm when she wobbles as she tries to steady herself.

  “That was awesome! I hope we get to do it again soon.”

  I enjoyed the flight too, and a warmth grows within me. I shouldn't feel so connected to a human, but I can't help it. After learning more about each other, I feel our bond growing. I don't want it to end. I want to protect her even more than before. I gaze down at my true form. She has seen me completely now. A thought crosses my mind, and I smile to myself. I like it. I bring my hands to my breastplate and set about heating an area.

  “Ava, you're a special girl. I've been sent here to protect you, and I know there is going to be a time when I can't be here for you, as much as I would like to be. I have other duties as well, and at times I will be called away, or I could also be down the yard with your father, helping him and farming the grounds. It will look suspicious if I'm by you at all times.”

  Clasping my hand around a piece of my breastplate, I weld a slight piece away from the base near my waist and hold it within my palms. Closing my eyes, I will it to mold into a shape. I pull my inspiration from my surroundings, thinking about the trees in the woods. The first thing to come into mind is the leaves clinging to a small branch. I mold the gold into a charm, completing it with dainty chained loops that I form into a necklace. When I feel the item is complete, I spread my hands, displaying it across my palms.

  A small gasp escapes Ava when she sees the gold chain threaded through the charm of golden leaves.

  I loop it around her neck, my hands enormous next to her thin neck, and I clasp it shut. I can feel the intensity of her pure green eyes studying me, taking in every detail as though she has seen me for the first time. The leaves dangle low on her chest. When I step back, she removes her intense gaze and looks down while grasping the branch in her fingers, her fingertips feeling the golden points of the charm.

  “It's beautiful,” she says, her voice breathy. “But why are you giving it to me?”

  “It is molded from my armor, an angelically blessed breastplate which has been molded into my shape and is part of me. This necklace is part of that, and because of this, it's attached to me and my soul. If you ever have a problem and you need my help, clasp your hand around it and say my name in your head. If you wish to say it out loud, that's fine too. Call me, and I will come. It will move with your shape when you shift and be with you at all times. Don't ever take it off.” I fix her with a glare.

  “That's really nice, but I have powers. I wouldn't need to call you at all times. I should be able to defend myself.” Her hand continues to fiddle with the leaves.

  “And I don't doubt that. Everyone, at some point, needs somebody to help them, somebody to help protect them even if it is in matters of the heart. Even the great Archangel Michael needs help from time to time. That is one place that I may have to disappear to at some point. I don't know how much longer I'll be here or how long I can remain on the farm, waiting to protect you.”

  I pack my wings away and turn them invisible, changing back into my farm clothes. “Hopefully, we can fly again soon. But right now, we need to collect these flowers and get out of these woods, or your parents will be upset and looking for you.”

  ~~~~~

  “WHERE HAVE YOU two been?” Caitline asks. “I've been looking for you everywhere.”

  “I've been out in the woods.” Ava says this like it is a common occurrence.

  “Alone?”

  “No, with Zacharias.” Her tone is nonchalant.

  Ava's mother studies me, and a questioning look crosses her face. “At least you had someone to go with you and protect you if an animal attacked.”

  Ava nods. “Zacharias came in handy. A wolf did get quite aggressive out there. Zacharias managed to calm it.”

  Caitline's eyebrow rises as she looks at me. “He calmed it? How did he manage to do that?”

  “He's really good. It didn't take long for the wolf to take to him.”

  I laugh nervously. She is already giving away more than I’m comfortable with. “I think what she means is that I managed to make the wolf turn around. I chased it in the other direction, away from both of us.”

  Caitline rocks to one side and puts her hands on her hips. “Interesting. I've never heard of that before. Still, it's good to see you back safely. Why were you in the woods?”

  Ava holds out the bag then opens it and retrieves the flowers from inside. “I went to get these for your medicine. You're running low, so I have to make some more.”

  Ava's mother looks from Ava to me s
everal times over, as though she’s assessing our story. Finally, she says to me, “Thank you. I don't like it when she goes to the woods alone.”

  “Not a problem,” I say. “I wouldn't like her to go out there alone either. She can always call me next time she needs to go into the woods. I will be happy to take her.” I look at Caitline. I can’t see any sign of suspicion in her eyes. I could be wrong. It doesn’t matter, anyway. I don’t think that Ava will tell her mother about me, because then she would also have to admit about her revealing herself to me. As I stand there for a few moments, Ava dives into her bag and retrieves her book. Her mother sees her actions, and her eyes widen.

  “Ava,” she hisses.

  Ava looks at her mother and notices that she is looking at the book then at me, her sight traveling between the two several times.

  “What? What is it, Mother?” Ava hugs the book to her chest.

  Caitline flicks her eyes towards me without focusing then back at the book.

  “It's just a book, Mama. Zacharias has more important things to do than worry about my silly book.”

  I chuckle. “Trust me, I'm not interested in books. I would much rather spend my time outdoors.”

  Ava shoots me an accusatory look that suggests she knows I’m lying, and she didn't think that was possible for an angel. Still, she doesn’t say anything. Instead, she turns and puts the book in her room.

  “Well, I should be going. I'm sure Piers has lots of work for me to do,” I say.

  “I'm sure he does. And, Zacharias,” Caitline says as she wipes her hands on her apron.

  “Yes?”

  “Thank you… for protecting Ava.”

  “I'm always happy to. I feel as though I am part of the family. Why wouldn't I look after my little sister?” I smile and leave them alone.

  - Chapter Fifteen -

  I leave them and step outside, where a downpour welcomes me. It isn’t exactly the best weather to be working outside. I decide to find Piers and see what he is doing. By some chance that he has something urgent to do outside, I scan the fields, looking for any sign of him but holding little hope of finding him there. I leap over a mud puddle and decide to head toward the barn. It would be the most likely place he would be in weather like this.

  Within moments, my hair is wet and clinging to my face. It’s an uncomfortable feeling, something I don't usually feel when I'm in my angelic form. It is much-needed rain, though, and I lessen my discomfort by wiping it from my eyes with my arm. At the same time, I scan the fields in search of Piers. We only sowed the seeds last week—the rain has good timing for letting them receive the moisture needed to grow.

  I sprint to the barn and fling open the door to the main area. The sound of banging greets me, and I search for the cause, spotting Piers beating the metal of his farming tools with a hammer. Hot metal gleams before him as he shapes it after pulling it straight from the heat of the fire, and he attempts to fix the damage done to his equipment.

  I admire this man's dedication to his work and supporting his family. “Can I help you with this?” I ask as I reach his side. By now, my eyes have adjusted to the light of the inside of the barn. It isn't as dark as I initially thought. Light shines down from the small slitted windows sitting high on the walls, adding to the light from the smoldering fire.

  He pauses his work, gazing at me briefly. Sweat pours from his forehead, and wet patches gather under his arms. “I could certainly use some help.” He releases an exhausted breath. “These things need fixing before we have to plow the fields again. Every year, they seem to break at some point. It would be nice to have something that won’t break, for a change.”

  I study the claws of the plow. It needs more thickness to hold the metal together and not break so easily when it digs its teeth deep into the ground.

  I can feel his eyes on me while I continue to observe the hooks. Curiosity pours from him. “Where have you been? I couldn't find you in your room, and I didn't know where else you were.”

  Pulling my eyes from the equipment, I straighten my back and look at him. “Seeing we didn't have as much to do today, I went to check on Ava. She asked me the other day to help her feed the chickens again. Instead, I found her heading towards the woods, and I accompanied her to keep her safe.”

  His shoulders sag with defeat. “That girl is a magnet for trouble, I tell you. No matter how much you try to protect her, I think one day she will still find more trouble than she can handle.” He shakes his head. “Heading to the woods by herself. She never listens.” He starts hitting the metal again, molding it with added determination.

  “Perhaps she thinks she can protect herself,” I say without thinking between the clanging.

  His arm pauses, and his eyes sharpen as they look at me. “What are you talking about?”

  I loop my hands behind my back and clasp them together, pacing slowly in front of him while looking directly into his eyes. “Nothing really. It was merely a suggestion. Often the young ones think they are invincible and that nothing can hurt them.” I pace some more then add, “Often, they're wrong. Of course.”

  He tilts his head slightly and says, “Of course. She isn’t invincible. Nobody is. That's why we brought her under our wing when her parents died.”

  “And you have done well in protecting her. Except she is almost a grown woman now. You cannot protect her forever.” I pause my pacing and stand firmly in front of him.

  He runs a hand through his dark-brown hair. “I know. It's frustrating. She still has so much to learn, and sometimes I think that we’re overprotective and have sheltered her from the world too much.”

  “And in doing that, you have given her a chance to mature without being harmed. Now that she is older, her mind should be able to sort through problems much better. You've done well.” I place a hand on his shoulder in comfort. “Many couldn't have done what you have achieved.”

  He nods then turns his attention back to hammering the hot metal before it sets. He sets it down. “So why was she going into the woods?”

  “We went to find a flower. She said she needed it to make medicine for Caitline. It's an interesting flower. I've never seen it before. Ava said she makes the medicine for Caitline so she can sleep because you snore too much.” I can't hold back my grin.

  “Oh! Apparently, it's true.” A slight look of guilt shoots across his face.

  “Yes. It is true,” I say with certainty. “Years ago, when I slept in your living room, you were a decent snorer. I can only imagine that you've perfected it over the years.”

  His face holds a strange expression, and I laugh. “Anyway, they are both in the house. You should spend some time with them. Take the day off.”

  “I can't. I have to finish this. Then I have more to do.” The anguish is evident on his face.

  “Then show me what you have to do, and I will finish it. It's the best time of year for you to spend with your family. I know there is much to do, but you should spend time with them before Ava grows older and leaves.” I take the welding equipment from his hands.

  He looks at me, shocked. “I never take days off.”

  “I know. This is why am sending you there.” When he remains staring at me, I say, “Go. Count this as my appreciation for you taking me in so many years ago. I will be happy to finish it for you. I may even make some improvements.” I smirk.

  His eyebrows rise. “That would be interesting to see. I've never had success.”

  “Then you will be pleasantly surprised.”

  His look tells me he doesn't believe me when he rubs the shoulder of the arm that he'd been using to hit the metal. “I think my arm needs a rest anyway. Thank you.”

  “You can thank me when I finish. Now, go. Enjoy your day.”

  I watch him through the crack in the door as he heads to the house. When I'm confident he's gone, I return to the tools to take a good look at them. They’re undoubtedly in need of repair. The metal is old and needs replacing—or at the very least, to be built up to
be much larger—and the tools show wear and tear. The metal is even cracked in certain spots.

  I turn invisible then teleport to a large town where I know I can get large amounts of metal. With my arms full, I turn invisible once more and teleport back to the farm. I set to work with my angelic powers, molding and melting the metal together to make a similar but much stronger form. It’s forged with angelic light, which gives the metal added strength and renders it unbreakable, especially against the powers of Earth's dirt. As I work, the heat of the flame diminishes, the burn of the fire not so strong against my skin. Instead, a warmth stirs inside me. This equipment can be passed down for many generations to come.

  When I picture this image in my mind and think of Ava and her powers, the warmth in my stomach over a family heirloom fades. I'm proud of the things she can do, but I doubt that farming would be the life for her. I'm sad for her parents and wonder if they understand that this isn’t the life for her. As for the farm staying in the family, Piers and Caitline can't have children of their own. Even knowing this, I am determined that these tools will never break, and that is how I make them, finishing them with an angelic touch that Piers would never have had access to. Compared to the beating and bashing of the hot metal, it takes only a fraction of the time to make them with my angelic power. They’re completed within an hour, and I gaze upon the new tools, which include the plow and many other items for the farm.

  Just as I finish, a voice enters my head. “Zacharias.” There is an urgency to the tone.

  “Michael. Is everything okay?”

  “I need you, brother.” After the words, an image forms in my mind, and I teleport there instantly.

  - Chapter Sixteen -

  When I arrive at the destination Michael has shown me, a massive boom hits the area. I fly backward several feet and slam into a tree. I'm lucky that my years of practice kick in, and I tilt my head forward just in time to protect it from the force of the hit. When my mind catches up, I attempt to work out where the blast came from. At the same time, I search for Michael, and I find him several feet away. Not far from him is the wavering entrance of a portal.