Siren Dreams (The Rise of Ares Book 2)

by Jade Frances

  “Welcome friends to our clan’s home,” Theodore announced and stepped aside to allow us passage through. Without letting go of Sandra’s arm, I dragged her toward it, eager to see.

  “Hell no,” Sandra said a bit too loudly when we reached it. I muffled a laugh and excitedly pulled her through the doorway with some resistance. “Evvy, no, I’m not staying here,” she cried.

  “Aw come on, it’ll be fun. Nothing wrong with embracing a different culture!” I told her. I took one look at the scowl forming on her face and couldn’t help but giggle. She really wasn’t impressed.

  “It’s not a different culture Evangeline, this is outright torture!” she whined.

  “Oh stop it, come on, let the others join us,” I pulled her away from the doorway by her crossed arms. As I waited for the others to come through, I turned to inspect the village we had walked into. The smell of wood burning drifted to me from the small crackling fires that were dotted randomly between mud huts. The huts were small, they could surely only house a couple of people. They were made from clay bricks and resting on top was a thatch roof. They had carved small windows at the sides and a wooden door sat at the front of each. The flickering flames from the fires danced across the tiny village. There must only be about forty, I thought. Children ran between them, squealing and laughing. Some looked as human as I, some had features like Theodore. I watched women doing their chores, taking washing in, emptying buckets and shouting at the children to slow down and settle for the night.

  “It’s beautiful,” I whispered, feeling Pearce’s energy next to me. “There’s a sense of freedom here that I’ve never felt,” I added.

  “It’s different. Out of all of my travels, this was always the most accommodating community,” he replied. Turning away from the village, I searched behind me for Rose. I wanted to see her reaction. As my eyes met hers, I saw wonder shining through them.

  “Oh, look at the children,” she exclaimed, pointing excitedly at them, “they’re so happy!” I smiled at her and gestured for her to join me. Sandra could sulk on her own. I wanted to go explore.

  “Ladies,” Avetta stood in front of us, blocking our path. “Not tonight, tonight we rest. You can explore in the morning after you have met with Theodore’s family.” My chin dipped to my chest, and I sighed. I knew not to argue with Avetta, there were still customs within her race that I didn’t know about. Meeting Theodore’s family before gallivanting around his home must be one of them. Sandra groaned behind us when Theodore announced he would take us to our lodgings. It was three to a hut, I smiled at the girls, glad we wouldn’t be split up.

  “I swear, if it’s cramped, one of you is getting kicked out,” Sandra stormed passed us to follow the others. Shaking my head, I followed silently behind. I took a mental note of each area I wanted to get a closer look at tomorrow. I was eager to explore this new community.

  I was up, ready and waiting at the crack of dawn.

  “Stop tapping your foot before I punch you,” Sandra grumbled from her sleeping bag on the floor. Immediately, I stopped. Sandra’s moods were dangerous at the best of times, let alone first thing in the morning.

  “Where do we wash?” Rose yawned and stretched, she was at least more eager than Sandra.

  “There’s a basin at the back of the hut, the waters cold, but it does the job,” I shrugged my shoulders as I told her. It was actually a horrible experience, but I wanted to start the day in friendly form. They could find out for themselves, I thought. Pearce came knocking not long after the girls had roused.

  “Hey, is it time to go?” I opened the door wide, eager to get moving.

  “Sure is,” he replied.

  “The girls aren’t ready yet,” I informed him as squeals and profanities came from the back of the hut.

  “Cold Evangeline! Just cold!” screamed Sandra. Turning to Pearce, I hurriedly closed the door.

  “No worries, they can catch up,” I said as I shuffled past him.

  “Slow down Little Siren, what’s the hurry?” Pearce caught my arm to stop me moving further.

  “I just want to explore, we are only here until tomorrow morning right?” I asked. He raised an eyebrow and shook his head. Thankfully, he didn’t ask how I had found that out. I didn’t fancy telling him that me and Rose had gone snooping last night and overheard someone say it.

  “So can we get this over with?” I swung my arms forward, signaling for him to take the lead. A slight smile formed and again he shook his head at me. But he started walking. Drumming my fingers on my arms, I asked where his brothers were.

  “They will bring the girls in a couple of hours,” he told me with a wary look in his eyes.

  “Why not now?” I questioned. He didn’t need to reply though, the answer had already come to me. Theodore had said he was eager to look into someone’s past. Guess that someone is me. A bead of sweat trickled down the back of my neck. I wondered what that was going to entail.

  We reached our destination within a few minutes. The hut we were standing in front of was significantly larger than all the others we had passed.

  “This is used as a classroom for the children,” Pearce whispered as he knocked on the door. Why, whenever we spoke about any minor detail of this clan’s lives, did it seem to be a secret? The door swung open and out glided Theodore.

  “Good Morning, please come in,” his angelic voice flowed with the breeze. Bowing my head, I walked past him and bowed again to the other seven Fae that were standing in the room. Avetta being one of them. At a quick glance, I counted five adults and two children. “Come meet my family, Evangeline,” Theodore ushered me over to them. The classroom was small, and we had to manoeuvre our way round a few small desks. It gave me time to take a few breaths and calm my racing pulse. “My wife, Zafira,” Theodore spoke gently as he held his arms out to embrace the woman standing closest. I bowed my head.

  “Pleasure to meet you.” I said.

  Zafira pulled me toward her, held my hands in hers and gazed deep into my eyes.

  “And you, young Evangeline. My, what troubles at such a young age.” She said, not letting me go.

  “Come now Zafira, you may speak after all is said and done,” Theodore took his wife’s hands and laid them gently back at her side. Moving along the line, he introduced me to his two eldest sons, Alric and Kyan. Then lastly, his youngest son and daughter, Lanelle and Lavaughn. They were twins.

  Once formal introductions had been made, I took a seat in one of the small wooden stalls. Theodore wanted me to learn a part of their history and had produced written works for me to read. I hated school, but this was intriguing at least. As I read through the documents, I learned the Zaruba clan originated from South Africa. They immigrated here when their country was overrun by war and famine.

  “We live a simple life, but one in which we now prosper,” Theodore’s voice reached my ears. I looked up to where he was standing at the other end of the room. “We are the people of the land,” he announced. His children hollered back, repeating the mantra loudly. I grinned at them, enjoying their enthusiasm.

  “Theo, it is time, others need this news,” Zafira stepped forward and placed her hand on him. He gave her a nod. Turning back to me, she dawdled to the seat opposite. Theodore joined her not a moment later.

  “My wife has a gift Evangeline. Psychometry, some may call it. Through touch she can see into one’s past,” he spoke as he gazed at her lovingly. I looked warily at the pair of them.

  “It is just by a touch of our foreheads dear child, it may take some time for me to filter through but if you remain open and calm, all will be well,” Zafira took my hand in hers and squeezed it lightly.

  “Ok, let’s get it over with then,” I nodded in agreement and positioned myself accordingly. Pulling her seat closer to mine, Zafira shook her arms out, then relaxed them at her side. Leaning forward, she placed her forehead on mine. A buzz of energy surrounded us. Not sure what to expect, I closed my eyes. I felt her presence gently nudge its wa
y into my mind, much like the girls with our bond. As she searched, a movie script of my life played out before me. Every scene of my past organised into sections. When she reached towards my memories of the cavern, I blanched.

  I need to see Evangeline, don’t push me out. Her voice reached me. With a few deep breaths, I relaxed and allowed her into the memory.

  I don’t want to see this; I pleaded with her. Not entirely sure whether she could hear me.

  I’m sorry, was the reply I received. So I was subjected to it. Watching, as Aresollo leered over me to slice my arms. The sound of incessant chanting rang through my ears. The feeling of stone cutting into my back as I got dragged along the ground. I was reliving every moment. It felt like hours before I felt Zafira’s presence fade from mine. The memory fading along with her.

  Shaking and breathless, I opened my eyes. I had been scratching vigorously at my arms where my scars were. Most of the time I forgot about them. They were burning. Too afraid to see the damage I had caused to myself, I pulled my sleeves over my hands. Fists clenched, I looked to the ground. Unable to meet anyone’s eyes. Pearce was by my side, trying to pull my hands into his.

  “It’s ok, Evangeline.” I turned away from him and yanked my hands back. The sound of my chair scraping back drew everyone’s attention. Before I knew it, I was outside. Gulping in the fresh air.

  “Never make me do that again,” I told Avetta, sensing her follow me.

  “It was necessary Evangeline, I am not sorry for that.”

  “Necessary for what?” I shouted, turning on her with an angry glint in my eyes. “For you to keep face?”

  Taking in her placid look, I knew she would not rise to my anger. Sobs from inside the hut carried through the doorway. She is no cause of this war, Theo, there’s so much pain in her. She is still learning her own powers... Zafira was saying.

  “Happy now?” I bit at Avetta. Turning on my heels, I stormed off. Humiliated and angry. I felt violated.

  “Excuse me miss, would you like to play with us?” A child reached out to tug at my top as I stomped past them. Pausing and looking down at her wide doe-eyed face. Some of my anger waned. I couldn’t resist.

  “Sure, what are you playing?” I asked, following her lead and sitting crossed legged on the ground.

  “It’s called Mancala, see these...” she dropped some seeds into my palms. “Father won’t let us have marbles, so we paint seeds instead,” she shrugged nonchalantly.

  “Ok, what do I do with these then?”

  “There are 14 holes in the ground, 7 are yours, these,” she pointed to a row of small man made holes. “You start by dividing your seeds equally between them. Then you need to move them strategically to steal the other sides seeds. Whoever has the most at the end wins,” she said, beaming at me. It made no sense to me at all. I passed my seeds to another child.

  “Maybe I’ll watch first to make sure I understand.” Disappointment flashed through her eyes, but it was quickly replaced with a slight smile. I watched on in fascination as the children skilfully placed their moves. Just as I was about to start the next game, I felt eyes on us. Turning, I spotted Adam leaning against a hut three down, watching. I gestured for him to join us. With a twinkle in my eye, I turned to the young girl.

  “How about teams? I’ll go on yours and Adam can join the other.” I watched her brows crease as she thought about it. Adam joined us on the ground, passing me a sandwich which I couldn’t have been more grateful for. He looked quizzically down at the seeds. The young girl took one look at him and was convinced. Which was only proven when she spoke next.

  “I want him on my team,” she stared at him dreamily. Giggling and shaking my head, I switched seats with him.

  We had been with the children for hours. Listening to Kady squeal and giggle was exhilarating. Their carefree attitude and free spirit was catching. I was swinging her around by her arms when I noticed Adam watching me. For the third time.

  “What you looking at?” I asked. Placing Kady on the floor, much to her despair. I threw myself on the ground next to Adam.

  “You’re good with them,” he replied.

  “Who the kids? Comes naturally,” I chuckled at my ego.

  “No really, you’re amazing. It suits you.” Shuffling around to face me, he took my head between his hands. “Don’t let anyone tell you different. Your future is your own,” his eyes bore into mine. His pupils were dilated. The intensity in them gave me shivers. I was about to ask what had gotten into him, when a cough interrupted us.

  “Theodore wants to see you, Evangeline,” Pearce barked.

  “Tell him I’ll pass,” I bit back. Adam had dropped his hands, but my eyes never left his.

  “Go, I’ll catch you later,” he said and stood to leave. I watched him walk off with his eyes focused on the ground. Shoulders hunched and hands in his pockets, he made himself as inconspicuous as he could. I stormed past Pearce. Not even looking in his direction. Darkness hovered in the corner of my mind. Guess my anger had quelled little.

  “What do you want?” I asked as I approached Theodore outside his hut.

  “Evangeline,” Pearce muttered behind me in warning.

  “Dear Evangeline. I understand your angst from this morning. I thought I might give you my help and explore your gifts,” Theodore held his hand out to me. I looked at it disdainfully. Slowly drawing it back, Theodore raised his palms up. “Just a gesture of good faith. I have quite the knack for helping others,” he said. Darkness pulsed inside my mind, itching to be released. I pushed it aside. Theodore hadn’t asked for this anymore than I had.

  “Fine,” I stated, resigned. What harm could it do? He gave me a slight smile and a nod of his head. Turning lithely, he began to walk toward the outskirts of the village. The setting sun shone tranquil colours of red and orange across the sky. Complimenting his green form, weirdly. Letting out a sigh, I followed. What have I got myself in for now, I thought. Coming to a halt right at the edge of the village, Theodore gestured for me to stand beside him. Taking my hand in his, I felt his energy mingle with mine. Snapping my hand back, I looked at him, mouth open.

  “No. Do not use any more of your clan gifts on me. I have had enough of that today. You want to assist me with my gifts, then do it without using yours,” I snapped.

  “Do not fear, I just had to get a sense of what you’re capable of. However, that is fair enough, I will respect your wishes and not do it again,” he told me. He turned to look at the sunset, and didn’t elaborate further. I gave Pearce a quizzical look, who muttered in response.

  “Theodore can grasp what gifts we wield by a single touch.”

  Hmm, handy, I thought. But even so, none of them would use their gifts on me again, not if they were going to probe where they weren’t wanted. Looking back at Theodore watching the sky, I walked over to join him.

  “What are we waiting for?” I asked.

  “Your gifts are stronger after sunset and before sunrise,” he stated, puzzling me. “We will begin in thirty minutes, when the sun disappears below the horizon,” he added. Well, I didn’t know I was stronger at any one point. So, maybe, I might just learn something from him after all.

  “Outstanding Evangeline. Now use the air to propel your fire up toward the sky.” Theodore was guiding me.

  Holding the fire still in my palms, I embraced the heat it gave off. Letting the familiarity of it spread through me, I tried to relax my mind. Calling to the air, I manoeuvred it fluently so it would sweep under the fire. A crackle pre-warned me of the fire sizzling out before the air had reached it. A mere second later, it disappeared. Throwing my arms up in the air, I kicked the ground before dropping onto my bum. With my arms crossed, I knew I was acting like a petulant child. But we had been at this for hours, and still I had got no further than when we started.

  “Come now Evangeline, let’s try water. Give your fire a break, yes?” Theodore gently coaxed.

  “I don’t have the control to do this,” I picked at the laces of
my trainers. There’s no point.

  “We learn control, we aren’t gifted it. Come.”

  Standing with my arms hanging at my side, I resigned to trying again. I reached back to tie my hair out of my face and glanced over at Pearce. He’d been silent the whole time we’d been here. Good. I was sick of him and Avetta.

  “Let that anger go, Evangeline. Control it and use it.”

  “You sound like Avetta. It didn’t work for her and it certainly won’t for you.”

  I was being rude, but I was holding onto a lot of resentment. It didn’t shock me that Theodore could sense my emotions. I don’t think much shocked me anymore. Slight surprise, maybe, but shock, not so much. Rolling my shoulders, I mentally and physically prepared to try again. I knelt to the ground. Palms facing down. I willed the water to me. A droplet at a time raised from the soil. Until a small whirling mass had accumulated in my palms. Turning my hands back over, I cradled it. Satisfied that I had it ready, I rose to a stand again and called to the air. Closing my eyes this time, I pictured the air, swooping under and carrying the water away from me. Steady and slow. Once I had a clear vision, I opened my eyes. A slight shimmer around the air I was controlling appeared. It was barely there, but noticeable. Focusing on it, I commanded the air to carry the water. Watching, I saw the shimmer flex and distort as it glided through the air. Once it was under the water it rose and lifted two inches away from me. Then dropped to the ground. Disappointment coursed through me, until I looked at Theodore. He was radiating excitement through the clapping of his hands and beaming smile.

  “Bravo, bravo! That Evangeline is what we call, Maendeleo Mazuri. Excellent progress.”

  His elation was catching. It didn’t last long though as guilt hit me. These are the girls elements I’m using. And more successful in. As if sensing my conflicting emotion, Pearce sauntered over.