Blackstone

by C E Johnson

  “What else is going on?” Emily rubbed Xena’s velvety soft ears.

  “Small earthquakes are beginning to cluster in the Pacific Northwest, possibly signaling a larger earthquake is about to occur in that region.”

  “Enough of this doom and gloom,” Emily’s mother walked into the hall with pursed lips. She glanced in the mirror making sure her makeup was appropriate.

  “Probably nothing will happen, but it’s so unusual.” Her father frowned and glanced back at the television.

  Jean finished looking in the mirror and went into the kitchen, taking a washcloth off the center of the sink. She scrubbed the already spotless counter one more time. “Em, are you driving yourself to your horse riding lesson? If so, you need to pick up Isabelle because it’s our turn to drive.”

  “I’m not working today. I’ll take them,” Richard volunteered.

  “You’re going to leave your weather headquarters?” Jean arched her perfect eyebrows in mock amazement.

  “I need to run an errand to pick up some gardening supplies near the Henry Ranch, so I thought I’d spend a little quality car time with my daughter.” Richard put a hand over his heart in a weak attempt to act overly-wounded by her sarcasm.

  Jean laughed, “You better dress and shave in a hurry.”

  * * *

  Emily sat in the passenger seat next to her father and Xena went to the third-row seat. They picked up Isabelle who entered the minivan amidst a flood of talking, which always seemed to happen when she was nervous. “Did you guys see what’s going on in Yellowstone? They’re worried that a massive volcano might erupt. My dad says we’re pretty safe down here in Texas because most of the magma would flow over the northern part of the United States, but it could get dark and cold here if it happens. What do you think?”

  “Possible to occur, but I doubt it’ll happen.” Richard glanced back at Isabelle. “It would take a really big earthquake, or a massive nuclear bomb, to set off that volcano.”

  “If the king of disasters and weather thinks we’re safe, you can rest in peace Izzy,” Emily laughed.

  “Please don’t say ‘rest in peace,’ it makes me think of a tombstone with a big R.I.P.,” Isabelle quipped and the girls laughed together.

  “Who else is riding with you today?” Emily’s dad left their subdivision and cautiously accelerated the vehicle.

  “Luke, Elizabeth, and Anna are going to meet at the ranch,” Emily answered.

  Isabelle began to quietly sing a song about the last boy and girl left on Earth, who liked each other even after an earthquake. Her eyes were flashing with amusement.

  “Where did you pull that one from?” Emily smiled and shook her head at Isabelle. Her father was driving south on a rural road when abruptly Emily’s ki gave her a warning about objects falling from the sky. “Dad, be careful!” Emily reached over to steady the wheel. “Something’s going to hit us from above.”

  A muffled thump reverberated through the car as an object struck the roof. “What was that?” Isabelle stopped singing.

  Xena growled. She stood up in the back of the car, ears pricked forward, listening.

  “More things are coming down,” Emily warned. “Maybe we should pull over.” Her father parked on the side of the road just as the lighting in the car dimmed and a great shadow engulfed the vehicle.

  “What in the world?” Emily’s father looked up through the windshield. Hundreds of large black grackles began tumbling out of the sky to carpet the road. A chaotic scene erupted with cars swerving and crashing into the bumpers of adjacent vehicles. Scattered birds flittered and flapped in agony, croaking and making horrifying sounds that grated on Emily worse than nails on a chalkboard. Blood was scattered over their dark forms.

  The barrage slowed and then stopped. Once her ki went silent, Emily exited the car with Xena, who nosed the birds questioningly. Isabelle and her father joined her, doing what they could to help the few surviving birds, but there wasn’t much to be done. “What do you think happened?” Emily asked her father quietly.

  “I’ve read about these types of events,” Richard knelt beside a dazed bird. “Birds use magnetic fields to help with navigation. Maybe something’s changing with their guidance system.” A police car pulled over to help both with the accidents and the traffic generated from the dead and dying birds. The officers gave them a concerned look and directed them to return to their car. They entered the van quietly and Emily’s father resumed their trek toward their lesson. “I’m sorry you two had to see animals dying in such a horrible way. Most kids your age don’t have much experience with death.”

  “We’ll be okay.” Emily peered at her father, touched that he was so worried about her. He had no idea of all the death they had seen in their battles on Acacia.

  Richard stared at the road, speaking in a low voice, “All that lives must die, passing from nature into eternity.”

  “That’s Shakespeare,” Isabelle said in a soft voice. “Woe, destruction, ruin and decay, the worst is death and death will have his day.” They were silent for the rest of the drive to the Henry Ranch, each lost in their own thoughts.

  Her father drove them down a winding dirt road to drop them off near the main house. “I have to do some errands. I’ll pick you up in a few hours.”

  The girls sprinted to the stables to see their horses, Apache and Argos. Mr. Henry was there to greet them with crossed arms and a frown on his face. “You’re late.”

  “We just saw a huge flock of birds fall from the sky.” Emily was still uncomfortable about the event. “Hundreds of them. They hit our car.” She vaulted into her saddle.

  “Strange.” The frown on Mr. Henry’s face deepened. “The horses have been acting very unusual over the last few days, appearing restless and not eating much.” He checked the cinches on their saddles. “I wonder if something is changing in the weather that’s affecting the animals.”

  “Did you see the news on the earthquakes?” Isabelle stroked her horse’s mane. Argos pranced impatiently.

  Mr. Henry nodded. He appeared somewhat uncomfortable and changed the topic. “You’re going to do some jumping before your other friends get here. Then you can all take the horses on a trail ride.” He strode away toward the main house.

  As Emily and Isabelle were finishing their jumps, Anna, Luke, and Elizabeth rode up. They started off along the trails while discussing the bird incident, Mr. Henry’s description of the discomfort of the horses, and the earthquakes.

  “Do you think Iscar has something to do with all of this?” Anna rode just behind Emily on a narrow trail through the oaks. Her voice sounded quiet and thoughtful.

  “I don’t know.” Emily slowed her horse to a walk next to Anna’s horse. “Possibly.” A breeze caused the leaves to rustle around them. I wonder how these events are going to unravel.

  I can sense something is out of balance, Xena whispered, sending Emily a flood of information from her senses.

  “You think things are going to get worse, don’t you?” Isabelle moved her horse close to Emily.

  Tell them the truth, Xena advised.

  “Yes,” Emily answered honestly, “I think something big is going to happen.”

  Luke cleared his throat. “I think Samil was hinting to us that Iscar’s gearing up to lead a battle here on Earth.” Luke ran a hand through his hair. “If something big happens, I don’t see how our training with horses, bows and arrows is going to be effective against squads with modern day weapons. Maybe we should be training with guns.”

  Tell them about your improving powers, Xena advised while loping at Apache’s side.

  “My powers are gaining strength here on Earth.” Emily reached down to touch the leather pouch on her belt holding her magestones, and she felt reassured by their presence. “Using the added boost of energy from my magestones, I think I can form a shield to protect us from bullets for a short amount of time, just like I can stop arrows. Bullets are much smaller, and my shield should deflect them easier than a la
rger missile like an arrow.”

  “If you can deflect bullets, you could give us a short amount of time to respond to attackers.” Luke was logical and pragmatic. He thrived on battles. “I guess our bows would still be important, especially if we end up needing to wear down the shields of magicians.”

  “I really hope we don’t ever have to fight on Earth,” Elizabeth offered delicately.

  Once they finished their ride, they went to the stable and began brushing down their horses. Her friends left one by one until only Isabelle remained. She began singing a song about riding wild horses while she and Emily continued their chores, her wavy brown hair cavorting along with her words. Emily knew the song and sang quietly along. When Apache was shining, Emily turned toward Isabelle to toss her the brush. “Holy cow,” she screamed.

  Is there danger? Xena was instantly at her side, the jet-black hair on her neck bristling. Isabelle went into a defensive posture, visually searching for a possible attacker.

  Emily kept staring at Isabelle in amazement. She could barely force her tongue to function. “This changes everything. I can’t believe it.” Emily felt her heart racing. “It’s indigo.”

  “What are you saying?” Isabelle backed away from Emily with a hint of fear in her voice.

  “You’re starting to get an aura.” Emily stood slowly, feeling breathless. She walked over to Isabelle, her hands barely touching her friend as she tentatively went in a full circle around her. “The field of magic that has the greatest power working with bondsmates and controlling animals.”

  Isabelle began screaming while jumping up and down with elation lighting up her face. “Are you kidding me, indigo?”

  “What’s wrong?” Mr. Henry appeared at the barn door, puffing and sweating. “Snake?”

  Emily brushed herself off. “No, we’re just excited. Isabelle perfected a special talent.” Emily stared at her friend in amazed happiness. I can’t believe this.

  I can see it too, Xena whispered, it’s real.

  “I hope the talent is somehow mixed with cleaning horses.” Mr. Henry put his hands on his hips, still breathing heavily. “Now get out of here. I’ll finish up. Don’t keep your parents waiting. They’re out front.”

  The two dashed out of the stable talking excitedly. “When can I attempt a spell?” Isabelle’s voice was shaking with excitement.

  “Let me consult Dr. D.” Emily couldn’t wait to tell him; she was dancing on air.

  After they dropped off Isabelle, Richard drove Emily to her martial arts dojo. Although all of her friends were now training with the same instructor, Anna and Emily continued to train privately as they were at a more advanced level.

  “Today we will work with Escrima.” Sensei Oliver Tseng clapped his hands together to accentuate his words. Oliver was in his late twenties. He was not only a Black Belt in four different styles and disciplines, but also a student of Chinese medicine. He had olive colored skin, almond eyes, thick black hair, and was a brawny mix of power and agility.

  “Escrima?” Emily wasn’t aware of this form of martial arts.

  “Escrima is also known as the Filipino fighting arts and it deals with stick and sword fighting.” Oliver picked up a staff of a light wood and twirled it lightly in his hands. “The Filipinos fought Magellan and his Spanish conquistadors in the battle of Mactan where they turned the Spanish invaders and their superior weapons and armor away from their island homes.”

  “Are you going to battle both of us at once?” Anna selected a staff and let it whistle through the air.

  “One at a time,” Oliver answered.

  “Because we’re becoming too much of a challenge?” Anna quipped.

  “Actually, because I’m worried you will hurt each other with your unruly, wild motions.” Oliver didn’t crack a smile, speaking quietly, but firmly. “You will be the first students to spar with me in this new form.” He gestured for Anna to join him. “Remember, this is a sacred art, so focus.”

  Anna fought well, scoring several taps on his chest and arms. “I think I like this art form,” she teased.

  “Don’t thrust your staff. You’re getting carried away.” Oliver reproached Anna. “Instead, deflect and evade while keeping your weapon moving.” He swept his staff under Anna’s legs as she leapt over his weapon. His staff kept up a constant flow and he caught her firmly on the back of her torso. “Take a rest he instructed.” Oliver toweled off his face while motioning for Emily to approach. A small vein pulsed in his forehead. Anna sat, breathing rapidly.

  The two squared off. “I will have to take revenge on you for that blow to my comrade,” Emily spoke with a stilted English accent. Oliver still didn’t smile; instead, he performed a rapid attack. Emily caught his blow high on her staff, turning his attack gracefully. Right, left, overhand, high, low, their staffs were singing in the air with the staccato blows sounding like a non-rhythmic student attempting to play a snare drum. Emily successfully scored the first several hits on her sensei and he grunted in pain and backed away. She felt proud when he gave her a curt nod to acknowledge her skill. Sensei Tseng began to move even more rapidly, and they again danced and clashed against each other. Somehow, he registered a powerful hit on Emily’s arm that brought on a cry of pain. Emily leaned on her staff and took a moment to regroup. Pain lanced up her arm in a throbbing wave-like pattern that ebbed and flowed.

  “Nice, Em, you’re progressing well with this form. Sit and rest.” Oliver was panting and bathed in sweat, but he pointed to Anna. “Again.” Anna rose and returned to the mat with her staff.

  Although her arm was still pulsating with sharp electric waves, Emily found her attention drawn away from her injury to her friend. “No way.” Her hand covered her gaping mouth.

  Anna shot Emily a worried expression. “What’s wrong?” Oliver took the opportunity to rush Anna, scoring a quick double tap as she gave a muffled grunt of agony. He admonished Anna. “Ignore Emily. Keep your eyes on me.”

  Emily squinted hard at Anna, focusing intently. Anna was on the attack, driving Oliver back with every blow under the withering rain of her advance. She threw her weight behind her staff and scored a powerful hit causing Oliver to wince and grit his teeth. Am I hallucinating, Emily thought to herself, but she knew she wasn’t. There was an unmistakable pinkish red coral aura beginning to show around Anna.

  “Incredible!” Emily couldn’t suppress the word.

  Anna and Sensei Tseng dropped their weapons and turned to face Emily. “What are you going on about?” Anna’s eyebrows were raised. “I’m quite happy for the break because my arms feel like weights, but you’re acting like you’ve never seen us fight before.”

  “Your moves were amazing,” Emily stammered.

  “Amazing,” Oliver repeated slowly. “Please don’t interrupt our training again.” There was a touch of steel in his tone. “Let’s finish this battle, Anna.” Sensei Tseng handed Anna her weapon. He held his own staff in the ready position.

  When the fight was over and their instructor was out of earshot, Anna rested on her staff. “Why were you so chatty? Were you trying to throw Oliver off-balance?”

  Emily squinted, peering intently at Anna. She tried to focus while her heart was beating frantically. “I definitely see an aura around you.”

  Anna flushed. “I’m trying to remain calm right now. Please don’t kid about magic. You know how much I would love to be a magician.”

  “Honest.” Emily’s heart was singing; she had never dared to think something like this could happen. “Isabelle’s also forming an aura. Hers is indigo; yours is coral.”

  “What’s associated with a coral aura,” Anna whispered, her facial expression revealing her deep hope that Emily was telling the truth.

  “Coral magic has its strength with flight and using a low-level amount of the potency of other colors. We’ll have to experiment.”

  “If you’re playing a game with me, I’ll absolutely kill you.” Anna looked so happy she could barely speak. “I feel like I�
��m in a dream.” Tears were brimming in her eyes.

  C H A P T E R 5

  Droth

  Droth stood on a rocky outcropping which faced north. The sun was high in the sky, and it reflected in a bright line on the Alitis Sea, shimmering and glimmering below him like the metallic sword of a great king. Droth balled his hands into fists; he felt strong. He was on an island known as the Bird’s Nest, near to the mountainous home of the Alitis. On clear days, he imagined he could see the shoreline of the Alitis coast, far to the east. The day was windy, and waves were crashing into the stones far below him. A fine mist and spray shot into the air upon impact, and the droplets splashed violently upwards to wet his face. Acacia is changing, he whispered.

  Everything changes, Arn, his Acacean eagle bondsmate answered in his mind, but you’re right, the changes on Acacia are accelerating.

  I wonder why. Droth stroked his bondsmate who sat on his shoulder, a magnificent specimen of a breed of bird that looked similar to golden eagles on Earth. Arn had soft brown feathers covering much of his body, with fine brown scales under his quills, like a suit of armor, small and light, but strong enough to repel talon attacks from other eagles and even able to deflect arrows. Sadly, Droth’s bondsmate was unable to fly.

  I’ve even noticed a change in the light. Arn lifted his proud head and glanced toward the sun with his piercing yellow eyes. He channeled his opinion of the minute differences in the colors of the white hues cast by the great star above.

  The light … everything. Droth conveyed his own impressions to his bondsmate, his heightened senses in tune with fine details others might miss. Seasons agitated, weather unstable, something is affecting the dynamics of nature on Acacia. I wonder if the portals are somehow responsible for the evolution.

  You blame the portals for everything, Arn thought back. The great eagle turned silent, watching and thinking. Xander, Xanthus, and Xeno were also silent, sitting on their haunches adjacent to Droth, following their master’s gaze as he stared out to sea. Droth was sure they were more focused on the sea birds flying over the water than in evaluating the changes on Acacia. He reached out a hand and rubbed each head equally, sharing his affection. The dogs were primarily black with brown markings on their chest, feet, and muzzles. They were enormous Dobermans, littermates of Emily Dalton’s dog, Xena. The strong beasts were not bondsmates to Droth, but after years of living with him, they interacted seamlessly, following his commands precisely.