by C E Johnson
“I saw an elf in my vision” Emily said, “and a vampire attacking him.”
“Half-deads are there, but they’re overshadowed by the elves who are led by the orange mage Shadoe.”
Emily flexed her left hand, remembering the injury a half-dead were-wolf had given to her in a battle on Acacia. “I remember mother talking about Shadoe,” she spoke hesitantly.
Shadoe was a rival to your father for her affection, Xena remembered as she padded over and sat next to Emily, lending support with her close presence.
“Shadoe adored your mother.” Dr. D’s voice became hushed and thoughtful. “The elves were certain the two would marry, but that changed when we fell in love. Shadoe was so disappointed, he departed for the Dothan Forest with his sister Kelcey and his closest friends and allies.”
“I believe my spell directed me toward him.” Emily was regaining her focus and she told her father the details of her vision.
“Shadoe’s greatest powers with magic involve prophecy.” Dr. D looked apprehensive and he clenched his jaw. “I suppose he might be able to locate Iscar; however, a journey into that forest would be treacherous, and you’d have to track Shadoe without me. I can’t imagine he’d want me to disrupt his realm.” Dr. D went to the window and peered out. Landscape lighting shone upon the tree that was still scratching on the wall. “Shadoe’s life has been filled with tragedy. I don’t want to rekindle old enmity with him.”
“How close can Ammolite get to Shadoe’s realm?” Emily reached down and rubbed Xena.
We would want Ammolite with us, Xena agreed.
“She could guard your journey to the edges of the woods, but you would have to enter the forest without her to get to Shadoe.”
“Is Shadoe threatened by the half-deads?” Emily thought about the pitch-black vampire around the man in her vision. “Would he even help our cause if we made it to him?” Emily felt another dull ache in the scar on her hand and she traced the old wound with a fingertip.
“Once he sees your mother in you, I believe he’ll become enchanted by your presence.” A hint of a smile played on her father’s face. “Without your spell, I don’t think I would have evaluated the possibility of going to Shadoe.” His jaw slowly relaxed and she could read hope in his eyes. “I doubt if Iscar is even aware of Shadoe.”
“What makes his prophecies so special?” Emily pictured the orange flames around him that burned so brightly.
“His prophecies are interwoven and intricate.” Her father spoke delicately, appearing to choose his next words carefully. “He’s more than just a great magician. He’s one of the few people I’ve met who seem to be truly honorable and good. Let’s sleep on the issue for a few days and debate the direction your prophecy is steering you.” Dr. D glanced at the clock. “You need to get home. You have a fencing lesson early in the morning.”
* * *
“Getting tired?” Emily asked. Left and right she rained blows upon Luke, hoping to detect a subtle sign of fatigue in her sparring partner. Her strength was returning since her spell and she had slept soundly, but she was still winded.
“Child’s play.” Luke produced a mocking fake laugh as he responded to her onslaught with his own steady attack, step and strike, step and strike. He was still growing, but he was already a head taller than Emily. He was also stronger than Emily, with his sinewy muscles recently becoming more hardened, like a sapling that was turning into a sturdy oak.
“You’re gaining power, but power can’t overwhelm speed.” Emily began a hacking overhand blow as a feint before reversing her slash in a backhanded blur of motion to strike Luke on his backside. “Spank,” she chortled.
Luke grunted and let out a stream of curses as a flush crept up his neck. He hated to look like a fool. “That was a mistake, my lady.” He spoke in an English accent as if he was at a high court, while wiping strands of sweaty hair from his face. Emily found herself distracted by his good-looks. He was becoming more attractive as he turned into a man, and she found she had to constantly force herself to stay focused on his sword rather than his face.
“I’m no lady,” she began in a stilted voice while advancing with her own slash and step. “I’m the bluestone of Angkor, the redstone of Eusebius, and the greenstone of the elves.” Emily took a deep breath and blocked out certain thoughts about Luke, attempting to fully concentrate on her inner voice, her ki, which was completely integrated into her fighting form as a complex entity that meshed all of her fibers in an intricate pattern. Her ki was intertwined with her consciousness, almost like an internal bondsmate, an inner guardian, protector and advisor. When she was younger, she was frightened by the development of the voice, but now she fully understood her ki and accepted it.
Luke fought to suppress a smile. “My sword is the blackstone of death,” he roared as he turned her advance with a ferocious renewed charge. To an unskilled observer, the two might have appeared out of control, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Their minds were planning ten paces ahead of their current movements.
“Your heart is a blackstone,” Emily teased. She launched a dangerous arc with her saber, leaning in to the blow with all her might while using her momentum to place her into a defensive position to meet his next attack. She lived for fencing practice. Slash, spin, duck, her inner guidance system advised as she seamlessly worked the advice into her sword responses adding to her already ingrained movements. She could no longer imagine life without her ki.
“I’m just getting warmed up.” Luke flashed a wry smile.
“Liar.” Emily could sense his rapid heartrate and she knew he wasn’t telling the truth. Her powers on Earth were definitely increasing. Just weeks ago, she hadn’t been able to detect physical signs in her adversaries to this degree. Emily and Luke alternated with different weapons on different days. Anna, Isabelle, and Elizabeth had also taken up fencing since returning from Acacia. They were also good, but not this good, training together in a class on a different day.
Emily still shunned the spotlight, but Luke was becoming extremely popular on the fencing circuit and he was well known among the enthusiasts who considered fencing a supreme art. Lately there always seemed to be several students or adults watching their practice, both admiring and studying their moves, and recording their battles on a variety of devices. “I’m feeling really good today,” Emily said, trying to hide the fact that her weapon was beginning to feel incredibly heavy in her hand. She darted forward and distributed a particularly complex series of offensive strikes.
Luke danced away from her blows and lashed out, connecting powerfully with her sword. The impact sent a shockwave running up her arm and Emily let out a small grunt as pain welled in her fingers. He was good, she had to give him that. He was relentless in his passion for swordplay and had scrutinized scores of sword-fighting books on Acacia while discussing techniques with the greatest duelers he had encountered among the varied races on the parallel planet, filing away all he had learned with Emily’s spells.
“Luke, keep your spacing.” Their instructor, Jeff McAdams, called from the sidelines. He largely left them to battle on their own lately, not having much to add to their training anymore. They had surpassed his level, and he primarily offered scheduling help, but he tried to throw in an occasional word of advice.
Emily tried a new tactic. “You’re looking so handsome today.” She gritted her teeth and panted. “Did you do something new with your hair? A new gel?”
Luke laughed, realizing her ploy to put him off-balance. “I’m using sweat as my new hair gel if that’s what you mean.”
Should I tell Luke about the development of auras in Anna and Isabelle, she wondered.
The news might upset him, Xena warned, always in her mind. He loves magic more than anyone in the group.
Emily kept studying Luke as she fought, hoping she would see an aura, but there was nothing.
“I guess my hair must be looking especially good today. You keep looking at me in a really unusual mann
er,” Luke said while blocking a leaping overhead slash.
“Your muscles are raw cords of vitality and of strength. I don’t know how you can stand to fight with girls,” Emily was breathless. “I feel like running my hands through your hair and kissing you right now.”
Emily could sense Luke’s heartrate rising again and she was pleased that her words had some effect on him. Luke suddenly twirled doing a leg-sweep while his sword paralleled the motion of his leg. “Not sure if this is legal, but something I must do when fighting the ladies.” Luke tried to knock Emily onto her rear.
Emily threw her body sideways in a gymnast-type motion, avoiding both his sword and foot. Spectators made gasping noises and began to clap. “At least my fans appreciate me,” Emily chortled.
“Check out this one, taught to me by the Lacerta.” Luke performed a spinning motion, knocking Emily’s sword from her hand and ending with his sword-tip directed at her chest. More smatterings of applause came from the spectators.
Emily made a bow to Luke to acknowledge his skill. As she looked back at him, she gasped and fell to her knees.
“Easy, princess.” Luke teased. “You don’t have to fall to the floor before me in awe.”
Emily just sat staring at him wide-eyed. I can’t believe it’s happening to everyone.
Thank goodness Luke’s included, Xena whispered in her mind.
“You’re really freaking me out right now.” Luke helped Emily to her feet. “I know I’m good looking, but enough with the bizarre gawking.”
Emily leaned toward Luke and whispered in his ear. “Luke, you’re developing an aura.”
“Don’t tease, Em. You know how much I want that to happen.” He stared down at his sword-hand and made a fist. “I remember distinctly that your father said an aura could only occur with Acaceans.”
“He was wrong.” Emily reached out and grabbed Luke’s hand. “I can see an early glimmer around you when I focus. “Fascinating. It wasn’t there at the beginning of practice. It took shape in the last hour … I watched it materialize … I don’t understand it.”
“Seriously?” Luke’s voice was high and shaking. He sat down on the mat looking stunned.
Emily sat next to him as their scattered observers left their area, appearing to realize the session was finished. “Father thought it would only occur with Acaceans, but I’m positive about this. There’s something developing. You’re a magician.”
Emily could see tears glistening in Luke’s eyes. He put down his sabre and leaned over to Emily and hugged her. “What color is the aura?” he whispered.
“Red,” Emily looked over the flare of Luke’s developing aura that was becoming more brilliant. “A wonderful shade of powerful red, the most awesome and beautiful variety of red I’ve ever seen.”
“Red, the magic associated with offensive magic,” Luke spoke quietly. “Just what I would have selected if I were allowed to choose.” Luke suddenly stood and began to do some intricate sword moves.
“I don’t think you’re going to feel any difference just yet,” Emily razzed him. “I wonder if it has something to do with our travels to Acacia because Anna and Isabelle have also formed auras. I’ll have to focus on Elizabeth today. I wonder if she’s developing anything. Luke, look at me, can you see my blue aura?”
Luke stopped his movements for a moment and looked around Emily closely. “Nothing, but don’t try and rain on my parade.” Then he went through another series of attacks.
“I wonder if you’ll truly be able to perform any magic.” Emily stood with her hands on her hips. “You haven’t had any training yet, but you might be able to perform a spell if we work on one.”
“Luke, let’s go!” his dad yelled from the doorway of the practice facility. “Hello, Emily,” he waved in Emily’s direction before turning and walking back toward his car.
Emily grabbed Luke’s hand again and gave it a squeeze. “I’ll teach you more about the physics of magic.”
Luke glanced toward the exit, and Emily was certain he was making sure his father was out of sight. “My dad wanted to get lunch today.” He leaned down and gave Emily a light kiss. Even at his gentle touch Emily felt a steamy flush of warmth run through her body. His hand softly danced on the back of her neck, on her shoulders. She pressed into his kiss, delighting in the chills rising and descending through her body. Luke pulled back and Emily stared breathlessly into his brown eyes. “Thanks for all you’ve given to me,” Luke stammered, “for all you’ve taught me.” He then whirled and jogged out of the building after his father.
Emily sat on the mat in a happy daze. She cast a spell, committing every detail of the last several minutes into her memory before walking outside the building to her car. So wonderful. Emily let out a long happy sigh.
Luke’s learning some new moves, Xena laughed in her mind.
He’s becoming dangerous, Emily admitted as she turned on the radio. A news report came on describing a massive tsunami developing in the Indian Ocean as an earthquake was occurring beneath the sea with the wave heading toward the densely populated city of Padang. “Holy cow,” Emily murmured, shaken out of her reverie. What’s going on? Dad’s got to be glued to the TV right now.
Maybe he can find something in nature to explain this mess, Xena thought, but Emily could tell Xena didn’t believe there was a logical explanation.
If we have the potential to stop these disasters, should we try? Emily wondered.
There will definitely be a risk to our lives if we seek out Shadoe, Xena confirmed Emily’s own thoughts. It would be dangerous.
Self-sacrifice, Emily whispered, like Tiamat.
Self-sacrifice is tough to plan, Xena spoke thoughtfully. Usually a hero is just someone trying to do the right thing in the midst of an incredible situation.
You’re right. Bravery is better seen long after an event has occurred, Emily mused. I just feel that because we’re strong, we should help.
We should also act responsibly, Xena urged. Are we really strong enough to risk our lives for a potential answer to these disasters? What about our leaders on Earth?
I haven’t seen much from Washington D.C. I can’t tell if President Hughes will be a strong leader for these times. Emily stared out the window at an American flag flapping over a bank. A reporter came on the radio detailing theories on the rapid disappearance of honey bees being linked to a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field, and he was predicting a massive disruption in the production of fruits and vegetables if the bees continued to die. The radio announcer was questioning if the current disasters had been foretold in the Bible, if the signs might be related to the end of Earth.
Fear is a dangerous thing, Xena whispered.
C H A P T E R 7
Tebah
Tebah was a man of medium height with deeply tanned dark brown skin and coal black hair that he slicked over his head with oil. He led a complex life that made him nervous, and he rarely slept more than several hours at a time of teeth-grinding slumber. His blue eyes often appeared violet as the pigments mixed with an underlying hazy red bloodshot hue formed by lack of sleep combined with stress. He was a double agent, currently on assignment in the Middle East. He had risen to become the head of a group of freedom fighters. “Thank goodness my mission is almost over.” He was speaking to Hadrian Simara, the head of the covert paramilitary Blacksky team, on an encoded phone. “I’m ready to come home.”
“You need to be careful and stay one step ahead of the forces that are following your every move,” Hadrian warned. Tebah’s time was often spent in a variety of cities, where he was involved in a series of carefully orchestrated tasks, always transferring the bulk of the results of his intelligence work back to the Blacksky team. “Where are you currently?”
“I’m at my primary headquarters in Saudi Arabia,” Tebah revealed. “Zaki and Akhil are coming over later today. I’ll see if I can encourage them to reveal their last secrets on their contacts and weapons, and then I’ll be on the next plane back to t
he United States and my family.”
“Be cautious,” Hadrian warned.
“I’m being extremely watchful,” Tebah forced a laugh. He had researched both men countless times, and he didn’t like what he had found. They were both lethal warriors, the heads of two cruel and deadly terrorist groups, more vicious than snakes. “I’m ready for retirement, and a house with a view and nothing to do.”
“Is their main mission still involved with missiles and bombs?” Hadrian asked.
“It is,” Tebah answered. “Zaki has given me the bombs and Akhil is close to buying the missiles. I’ll attempt to nudge them toward exposing their full plans to me so you can round up all of their henchmen, but sometimes I feel like I’m on a tightrope, balancing waiting for their full exposure with the impending demolition of our country.”
“The implications you’ve unearthed are enormous.” Hadrian sounded impressed by his work. “I believe Zaki and Akhil are using aliases. One is likely actually named Iscar, and Iscar is extremely dangerous. Don’t take any chances with either man.” Hadrian took a long, slow breath before continuing, “Tebah, there’s been a leak of the names of several of our agents to the Russians … I’m not sure if your name was on the list.”
Tebah sucked in a breath as a chill went down his spine. “I’m exposed?”
“I’m not sure.” Hadrian’s voice was filled with concern. “I’ll have Blacksky and CIA operatives in there the minute you give me the word.”
“Thank you, my friend,” Tebah could hear the quiver in his own quiet voice. “If I feel compromised, I’ll signal you to get me out of here.” He ended the call.
Tebah left his house and went to the prearranged meeting place, an outdoor table at a café in Riyadh, the largest city in Saudi Arabia where he was greeted warmly by Zaki and Akhil.
“I’ve completed my tasks. Hopefully Akhil can also do his part.” Zaki rubbed his shiny bald head as he spoke rapidly in an arrogant tone directed toward Akhil. “I want this undertaking to succeed.” Zaki was the younger of the two men, in his twenties, with dark black eyes, a hooked nose, and a smooth, shaved head. He had a talent for steering clear of trouble. He was tall, customarily wearing a drab grey cloak of a light material, which accentuated his dark features, and a necklace with a fragment of a black stone around his neck.