Marked, Soul Guardians Book 1

by Kim Richardson

  Kara hated airplanes.

  It wasn’t so much the actual plane, but rather the feeling of not being in control. What was worse was the constant throbbing pain in her head that had begun at Mr. Patterson’s shop. The jump—start on her brain had worked all right, but she couldn’t stop feeling that something had gone terribly wrong.

  As the captain announced their descent, she grabbed her chair’s armrests, her heart in her throat. They would be landing shortly—the death—ride would soon be over.

  She could make out the outline of Cornwall through the white puffy clouds. Villages glittered in the sun along a long strip of land surrounded by a blue ocean. Boats and cottages lined the shore. Vast fields and mountains spread out into the distance, and tiny homes speckled the snow—covered land.

  Kara and her team had not been separated for such a long period of time before. She had had to fly alone—she couldn’t do any of the supernatural GA things to which she had been accustomed. She felt more alienated from the legion than ever.

  She pulled at the leather bracelet that David had given her. For something so small, it somehow made her feel safe, and she took comfort from it.

  Kara hadn’t slept. While rest of the group would have used the pools to Vega themselves to Cornwall, she had endured eight hours of moldy cheese, BO and the screaming of children who kept kicking the back of her seat. The adrenaline from being chased by demons and then getting her memory jump—started was yet to subside. She couldn’t stop replaying the events from the day before over and over in her head.

  She thought of her mom, and her insides twisted. The only chance her mother and the others had of fighting the warlock’s virus was if Kara could kill him. And she swore that she would—no matter what.

  Kara wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans and tried to breathe normally. She needed a dark witch, who despised angels, to help her defeat a dark warlock—and she needed to fight him as a mortal. The only thing going for her was that she remembered how to use her blade.

  The archangel Ariel had told her that every minute the dark warlock killed another hundred souls. They had about two and a half days before the winter solstice, so they would need to find the dark witch quickly. No pressure.

  Kara was thrown gently forward as the airplane made contact with the runway. The seatbelt light went off and with her backpack secured comfortably on her shoulders she followed the horde out of the plane and made her way through the airport.

  “Kara! Over here!”

  Kara spotted David, Peter, and Jenny standing near the main exit. David looked hotter than ever. And to top it off, he was freaking glowing. With his blond hair and brilliant golden skin, he looked like a glowing god. It wasn’t fair.

  Jenny welcomed her with her usual bear hug and Peter just smiled awkwardly, looking for something to do with his hands. Much to Kara’s horror, Ashley and her team came strolling towards them. She met Ashley’s glare and didn’t look away.

  “What are you doing here?” said Kara, with a little more malice than she intended.

  Ashley flipped her long blond braid off her shoulder and smiled. Her sharp features twisted in mock humor. “What? You’re not pleased to see me?” She laughed and turned to her team who grunted in approval.

  For the first time, Kara really looked at Ashley’s team. They were all about the same age as her group, between sixteen or seventeen years old. Sasha was a mousy girl. She was short with shoulder length straw—like hair and blinked her eyes like she was trying to focus. She fidgeted nervously behind Ashley. Raymond was thick and tall, with red hair and a face like a bloodsucker. Ling had a thin face and long fingers that looked like they needed something to do. He had the long black greasy hair of some grunge band member. His black eyes never left Ashley. Kara was sure he sought her approval, like a good little puppy.

  “We’re here in case you fail, freak.” Ashley sneered, and her minions snorted.

  Heat rose to Kara’s face. “Who said anything about failing? I’ve never failed an assignment, and I’m not about to start now.”

  But Kara didn’t feel so sure of herself. The truth was she was utterly terrified going on this mission as a mortal. She felt her eyes sting and struggled to keep them dry. The last thing she wanted was to shed angry tears in front of Ashley. It sucked to be mortal right now.

  Ashley crossed her arms. “We’ll see about that, won’t we? Ariel sent two teams on this mission—and we’re going to complete the mission—not some half—baked wannabe guardian. I don’t know what Ariel was thinking. The legion always gave you far too much credit, if you ask me. The old witch is going to kill you, you know. I’m going to get the old hag to help us.”

  Kara sneered and stepped forward. “Sure you are. Go ahead. Let’s see you try—”

  “Kara,” interrupted David as he pointed to his watch. “I hate to interrupt this lovely cat—fight, but we should get going. It’s a twenty minute drive to Boscastle from here, and it’s not like we have loads of time.”

  Kara turned away from Ashley even though she wanted to slap that stuck—up smile off her face permanently. “Yeah...let’s go—”

  A sudden pain erupted in Kara’s head like an explosion. White—hot fire burned her brain. The pain was so intense she wished she could just pass out. A flash of white light burst behind her eyes. She staggered and pressed her hands against her head.

  David rushed to her side. “Kara, what is it? What’s wrong?” He searched her face.

  Kara rubbed her temples.

  “It’s nothing,” she said, feeling the sudden pain lessen and disappear. “Just a massive headache—it’s gone now—probably something to do with the pressure from the plane ride. I’m fine—really—don’t worry about it. ”

  The last thing she needed was for them to call off the mission because they thought she might be too fragile.

  She felt sudden wetness drip from her nose. And when she reached up and wiped it, red stained her fingers. She frowned as she stared at the blood on her hand. She had never had a nosebleed in her life. She knew David was watching her. She dabbed the blood with a tissue from Mr. Patterson’s store. After a moment the blood stopped.

  “Kara, you’re freaking bleeding.”

  David’s expression darkened. “Is that normal for you? Did you used to get them before?”

  Kara put the tissue back in her pocket and did her best not to look panicked. “Not really—but it’s nothing, look, it’s stopped now. It’s just a little blood.”

  David narrowed his eyes. “I have a bad feeling about this, something just doesn’t feel right.”

  Kara felt the strength return to her legs. “David, stop looking at me like I’m about to faint. I’m fine—”

  “Didn’t look fine from where I am,” said Ashley. “Sudden nose bleeds are a bad sign. It looked like you were having a meltdown.”

  Kara glared at the girl with what she hoped was her best mean face. “I’m not. I’m perfectly fine.”

  “Oh, but you’re not—and that was a meltdown.” Ashley matched Kara’s glare. “You’re obviously too weak to finish the mission. It’s like I said...you’re as good as dead.”

  David stepped up to Ashley. “Back off air—head. Calling you an idiot would be an insult to all the stupid people.”

  Ashley laughed softly. “I feel sorry for you David. She’s a freak. I’m not alone when I say that she should never have been allowed to join the legion in the first place. You’d be surprised at how many true guardians want her gone. She’s not truly one of us—and she’ll never be. She’s tainted. She’ll let you down—and bring you all down with her. You’re going to fail. Ariel can’t trust her. No one can. We’re your replacements. We’re the backup team.”

  Jenny stood by Kara’s side. “Don’t listen to her, Kara—she’s full of it. She’s just jealous because you’re nice and pretty, and she looks like a Pug.”

  “She’s right,” said Peter, “she probably envies you, that’s why she’s being so nasty
.”

  But it was too late. Ashley’s words stung. Did Ariel not trust her? Were Ashley and her team here in case she went schizo? Was she meant to fail?

  “If you’re not back in three hours, we’re instructed to go in,” said Ashley.

  She smiled at Kara. “Good luck, freak.” She snapped her fingers and walked away with her goons trotting behind her looking very proud and important.

  “That’s it,” said Jenny. “It’s official—I hate her.” She stuck out her tongue and made a face.

  Peter shook his head. “Let’s not give her reason to gloat. We need to get a move on.”

  David eyed Kara carefully. “He’s right, we’ve got to split. Peter, do you know how to get us to Boscastle from here?”

  Peter pulled a flat square device that looked like a cell phone from his jacket pocket. He slid his finger across the screen and a small holographic version of a map appeared and hovered in front of him. He waved his hand, and the map disappeared. “Yup. Let’s find a cab and get out of here.” He pocketed his contraption.

  “Forget Ashley,” said David, as he watched Kara’s face. “It’s not true what she said, you know. She’s just trying to break you. She wants you to fail. Don’t believe her lies.”

  Kara avoided his eyes. “I don’t think all of what she said was lies. Part of me believes her. I see how the other GAs look at me. I’m not blind. I know most of them want me gone.”

  “We want you with us.”

  David reached out to take Kara’s hand, and she flinched at the sting of current from his touch. “You, Jenny, Peter and me—we’re a team. You’re one of us.”

  “No, I’m not—I’m different. I’ll never be like you.” Kara turned away from David, but not before she saw the pain in his face.

  Kara didn’t utter a single word during the twenty—minute cab drive to Boscastle village. She sat in the back seat of the dark blue minivan, glaring at her reflection in the window, angry with herself for looking like such a fool in front of Ashley and her entourage. The nosebleed didn’t help—but worse was how David was watching her now—like she was about to have a major breakdown at any minute. No one tried to speak to her, and she was very glad, for fear that she might actually have a meltdown.

  The drive passed like a blur, and the next thing Kara knew, the minivan had stopped. David paid the driver and everyone climbed out of the car.

  They stood in a large parking area overlooking a quaint village with houses painted in every color of the rainbow. The village of Boscastle lay at the foot of three great valleys. To the south, in a deep cleft on the coast, where two deep and steep valleys met the sea, was the harbor. It wended through the valley in the shape of a Z on its way to join the sea. Picturesque boats bobbed on the sheltered water, and a few villagers strolled the streets. A young couple held a map and pointed to one of the houses. Other than that, the village was nearly empty.

  Kara’s long ponytail flapped in the cool wind, and she was glad of her goose—down coat. Her breath came out in spirals of white steam. The distant smell of fish and seaweed drifted off the ocean.

  Jenny pulled her bow from the trunk and swung it over her shoulder. She caught Kara staring. “I know Ariel said our weapons would be useless. I could have been more incognito with just a blade—but I feel naked without my bow, like something’s missing. I feel safe and complete with it. And by that look in your eye—you think I’m as crazy as my hair, don’t you?”

  Kara smiled and shook her head. “Of course not, I know exactly what you mean. And I love your hair.”

  Kara felt so unprotected without her m—suit. It was like she had jumped into the deepest part of a pool without knowing how to swim. And she was sinking to the bottom.

  David smacked his hands together. “Okay, ladies and gents—now that we’re here, how about we ask around for the whereabouts of the old bag. I’m sure someone knows where she’s hiding.”

  The early morning sun warmed Kara’s face although snow topped the roofs and sprinkled the streets of the little village. Merchants were opening their shops for the day, putting out signs and shoveling the snow from the front doors. A man in his sixties with white hair and trimmed beard was doing some repairs on the nearest cottage. His long green coat flapped in the wind.

  “Come on, let’s ask him.” Kara hurried forward towards the man, the others following at her heels.

  The old man looked up as they approached. His weather beaten face broke into a wide grin. “Visitors, eh? What can I do for you on this cold morning? Can I offer you some breakfast?”

  Kara smiled. “No thank you. Uh...we were wondering if you...” she faltered. She knew how crazy it was going to sound asking about a witch, but she had to try. She said, “Could tell us where the witch Olga lives?”

  The old man’s smile disappeared, and he blanched. He eyed Jenny’s bow suspiciously and frowned. “I don’t know no witch. I don’t know where you tourists get your crazy ideas. Leave me alone.”

  He turned, headed quickly back inside his cottage, and slammed the door shut with a bang.

  “Nice,” said David as he laughed. “I was looking forward to some breakfast. Nothing like fat juicy sausages, bacon, and pancakes to start the day. Man, those were the days...”

  “Did you see how scared he was when you mentioned the witch’s name?” said Jenny. She glanced back at the old man’s cottage. “It’s like he froze up or something.”

  “Yeah, he totally spazed,” agreed Peter, and he examined the street. “At least we know we’re in the right place—we should definitely try someone else.”

  Kara sighed and looked across the street. A young woman in her twenties was adjusting Christmas lights and red Christmas bows around a small shop’s bay window. She wore a tomato—red coat, and her silky raven hair fluttered in the wind. The words, Margaret’s Marvels, were etched in red on the glass.

  “Well, maybe this lady knows.” Kara jogged across the street towards the shop.

  “Excuse me,” said Kara with the best smile she could muster. “We’re looking for a woman named Olga.” She figured she would leave the witch part out this time. “Do you know where she lives? We really need to speak to her—it’s important.”

  But it was no use. The woman’s eyes widened and she ran back inside her shop and flipped the sign to CLOSED.

  “What did you do to her?” David ran to Kara’s side, a wide grin spread on his face. “The last time a girl ran away from me like that was because I—”

  Kara shoved David. “Spare us the details, lover boy. We need to find the old witch. Someone’s got to help us. Someone has to know where she lives!” She threw up her hands.

  “Well, I don’t think the villagers are going to help. Look.” Peter cocked his head towards the street. Kara saw frightened faces behind the windows. They shut the blinds and pulled the curtains shut all along the street. The villagers were shutting them out.

  “I’m guessing they don’t like the witch,” said Jenny.

  “Maybe she tried to eat their children,” offered David innocently. “Have you thought about that? Maybe that’s what the witches do here—kid—stew.”

  “Peter, you wouldn’t happen to have a witch—GPS on you?” Kara was desperate.

  Peter shrugged. “No, sorry. I wish I did though—it’ll take all day to try and look for her on our own. She could be anywhere, and we don’t have much time.”

  “You don’t have to remind me.” Kara’s nerves were shot, and what was worse, her head started to throb again. The ground shifted, and she fought a sudden dizzy spell. They were getting worse. She focused on finding the witch.

  When Ariel had said the villagers would know where to look for the witch, she hadn’t anticipated this kind of hostility. Kara looked beyond the village. A vast cliff stood at the edge of the village. She could just make out a small path leading into it.

  David danced on the spot and looked pleased with himself. “Our luck has changed, mates.”

  He poin
ted to a dingy old pub nestled between two cottages. “There’s nothing that can quench a thirst, like a chilled lager on a cold day. My prayers have been answered—and it’s a pub.” He started to walk, but Kara pulled him back.

  “You’re underage, dummy. You can’t just walk in there.”

  “Guys! Look!” said Peter, pointing.

  Next to David’s pub was a small shop made of grey stone with black shutters. A small black sign with white painted letters read, Feats or Tricks, Witchcraft Depot.

  David whistled loudly. “Well, if they can’t help us find the witch Olga, then I’m a friggin’ monkey.”

  Kara couldn’t believe their luck. There was only one way to find out if they were right.

  “Come on.” Forgetting the pounding pain in her head, she sprinted to the large black door with peeling paint. A witch’s mask was carved out of the door. The handle sprouted out of the witch’s mouth like a warped tongue. Kara grabbed the cool handle and pushed in.

  A wind chime rang as the door swung open. The air was hot with the smell of incense. Kara’s throat burned right away and she began to cough again.

  “Whoa...would you look at this place.” David’s jaw dropped. “It’s awesome. I feel like we’ve just stepped in a haunted fun house.”

  Kara wiped the water from her eyes and looked around.

  The tiny shop was cluttered with witchcraft merchandise. Hundreds of cauldrons were stacked on top of each other and grazed the ceiling in topsy—turvy columns. Dolls with red eyes made of straw, pitchforks, brooms of every size and color of straw, medallions, necklaces, crystal balls, and even sharp daggers carved like claws filled the counters and shelves. The soft yellow light that lit the store came from scores of candles that hung from the walls on iron sconces in the shape of eyes. Incense burned in a burner in the shape of a horned god. A large medallion with a spiral symbol etched into the metal hung from a nail on the sidewall.

  Kara suddenly felt eyes on the back of her head. She turned sideways. Three black cats lay lazily across a counter on the far left of the shop. Their smooth ebony fur glistened in the soft light like liquid tar. They watched Kara with yellow eyes. Something brushed her ankles—another black cat swerved between her legs. With its tail in the air, it walked calmly away and disappeared behind stacks of boxes at the back of the store.

  “Oh. My. God. Aren’t they beautiful? I love cats.” Jenny leaned on the counter and reached out her hand towards one of the cats. The cat bared its teeth and spat at her aggressively. In a flash, it slashed her with its paw and ripped the sleeve on her jacket. Jenny cursed loudly and pulled her hand away.

  “Not so pretty anymore, are they?” David and Peter exchanged a look and started laughing.

  Jenny lowered her eyes. She turned to make sure the boys weren’t looking, and in one swift movement she pushed the cat off the counter. “Scram. That was my favorite jacket, fur ball.”

  Kara laughed. Just then she noticed a wooden sign hanging next to the counter. The sign read:

  Warning to all thieves:

  Take without paying and be cursed!

  It occurred to Kara that perhaps the owner was a witch. What if this was Olga’s shop? If it were, she would have a bit more time to convince her. She thought about how her speech would go. Hi, I’m a guardian—please don’t kill us.

  “Hey guys, come check this out,” called David from the back of the store. “You won’t believe it.”

  Jenny smiled, and they both walked over to David and Peter. Their foreheads were pressed against a large glass wall—their eyes glued to something on the other side. Kara moved closer for a better look. Behind the glass wall was an assortment of metal shackles. An engraved metal plate was fastened to the glass wall. The inscription read:

  WD Number: 1677

  Object Name: Shackle

  Classification: Persecution/Torture

  Information: Early waist band used in the torture of witches during the 16th and 17th centuries

  The hairs on the back of Kara’s neck stood up. “You think those things are real?” She remembered reading about the torture of witches in the 16th centuries. It made her sick how quickly people back then had accused women of witchcraft, blaming them for their crops going bad or the lack of rain. Women were even blamed for the death of newborns. In the 16th century, Kara would have burned as a witch.

  “They’ve gotta be real,” said David. “I don’t think they’d be protected behind this glass if they weren’t. My guess is that they’re very real.”

  Kara swallowed. Maroon stains spotted the shackles, and her stomach gave a lurch. “Is that—is that blood?”

  Peter lowered his head. “Looks like it, but it could be just dirt,” he added quickly when he noticed Kara’s face. “Yeah—I’m sure it’s just dirt.”

  He gave David a worried look.

  Despite the dry, hot shop, Kara shivered. She stared at the shackles, feeling cold and disgusted. What kind of witch would put them up for display? Unconsciously, she fiddled with her leather bracelet and wondered how those cold shackles would feel against her skin.

  “This is seriously sick, if they’re real,” said Jenny, preoccupied with the shackles. “It’s gotta be a joke, or just a hoax to attract more tourists to this lame town—”

  “I can assure you that this is no joke,” said a raspy voice behind them.

  Kara whirled around. Her breath caught in her throat.

  The weirdest thing she had ever seen stepped from the shadows. Connected at the waist were the ugliest Siamese twins she had ever seen.

  Chapter 7

  Ms. Fay and Ms. Fay