“Lately I’ve been feeling like I’m always just a step behind. Like someone else is controlling the board, and I’m just going where they tell me to go. Maybe that’s not true,” he added.
“Or maybe it is. Maybe that’s how prophecies work. We were brought into this world for a specific purpose and until that purpose is fulfilled, maybe we don’t get a say. Still, prophecy controlling our actions or not, it does not make up for what I did to you and Catrina. I can’t ever say, sorry, enough.”
“You haven’t exactly had it easy,” said Colin. “I think you’ve more than paid the price.”
She shrugged. “So where does this leave us?”
“I don’t know. I know I have no intentions of battling you. I don’t care what any prophecy claims. I can’t wage a war against my own sister.” The thought horrified him. What terrible thing would have to happen between them, in order for that to happen?
Meghan sighed. “It might happen with me and Colby.”
“So he’s your real twin?”
“Yup.”
“And he was raised by Fazendiin?”
“Yup.”
“Sorry,” he spoke, as if it were more of a question than just an apology.
She let the subject drop, knowing Colin’s dislike for Colby was strong and she didn’t want to argue. Not now. Not when they were finally making up.
“If I can ask, Colin. Why are you here? You said something about needing to and that Catrina is in trouble.”
Colin sucked in a deep breath. Catrina... he needed to get with it. She was counting on him.
“Catrina has been taken prisoner by one of the Grosvenor. Freyne Rothrock.”
“What! How?”
“Remember the memory I showed you about the dagger Colby used to kill Jasper Thorndike?”
“Yeah.”
“The dagger is made out of the one thing immune to a Projector’s powers.”
“I had no idea such a thing existed.”
“Me either, until Jasper was killed. I think until then, only your father knew. But now, another of the Grosvenor does know, and he’s using it to hold Catrina hostage.”
“What is the dagger made from?”
“Bones. Of a dead Projector.”
Meghan flung him a questioning look.
“Catrina’s prison is also made from the bones of a dead Projector. Jasper’s bones. I guess when a Projector dies their bones can be used as weapons against other living Projectors. Our own bodies work against us.” He made a funny face.
“What?”
“I suppose in a sick and twisted way, it makes sense. This power I have isn’t natural. Kanda explained it to me once, that it’s sort of like I’m missing this part of me that controls the amount of magical energy one person should be able to possess, or process. I guess a Projector’s body works the same way. Down to our very bones. It’s like they build an immunity to what we can do. But once dead, that immunity can be used against us, if that makes sense.”
“It is a little hard to wrap one’s head around,” she replied, thinking it through. “In life, your bones are immune to your powers, they would have to be or your own body would be fighting against you. But in death, that immunity can be used against living Projectors. The bones are immune to your powers. Huh. You’re right. Sick. Twisted. And sadly, makes sense.”
“And now the Grosvenor have discovered this and are using it against me. I know that’s how Colby got his powers too, but I would not trust for a moment than he’s any safer than I am. Not that I really care about that,” he made clear.
“I’m sorry, Colin. I know it’s not my fault, but my actual brother took away the one man who might have been able to help you. It sucks there’s just not more information out there about Projectors, other than be afraid, be very afraid!”
“Good old Meghan,” Colin chuckled.
“Sorry, that’s just what it feels like sometimes. Everyone’s afraid of you but you’re still just Colin.” He eyed her knowingly. “Okay, I know, you’re not the same. I just find it so hard to believe that no one knew about this whole bone thing.”
“As old as Jasper was when he died, I don’t think he even knew about the bones and what they could do. He was caught off guard, and it cost him his life.”
“I guess maybe we should be thankful not too many people know,” Meghan added.
“Hopefully it stays that way,” he replied.
“So how do we free Catrina?” she asked. “What is it you need my help with?”
“I’m not entirely sure yet,” he replied. “Freyne has a request. He claims if I do this thing for him, that he will free her. He told me I would need help only you could give.”
“Hmm. Weird. Can’t imagine what that would be, unless it’s something specific to do with Firemancy?”
“No idea.”
“What is this thing he wants you to do?”
“He wants me to free someone,” Colin explained. “And I have no idea why. I have to say, now that I’ve seen your memories, I’m even more confused by his request.”
“Why is that?”
“The woman Freyne wants me to free is imprisoned in the stained glass in Jurekai Fazendiin’s estate.”
“That’s his mother. My grandmother.”
“Sorry, but that’s so weird to hear you say out loud,” Colin replied.
“You’re telling me.”
“I don’t know why he wants her freed. He didn’t tell me. Just said he had his reasons and that he would free Catrina if I do this thing for him.”
Meghan got off the bench, pacing in circles.
“I hate to tell you this, but Colby told me that our father had been searching for a way to free her since she had been imprisoned, a really, really long time ago. If he hasn’t found a way...”
“I don’t have a choice, Meghan. It’s Catrina.”
Meghan caved instantly. “We’ll need some help. I don’t even have a clue where to start. We’ll need Ivan and Sebastien, and Jae if he wants to come too.”
“That’s insane about Jae,” Colin blurted out. “I’d have bet he was up to something, but I’d have never won that bet. I would never have guessed correctly in a thousand years. I followed him a few times when we were in the E-Valley,” he revealed. “Never figured out anything.”
“He’s had a pretty rough go of it these last few months. Juliska Blackwell tricked us all,” Meghan said in a bitter tone.
“Not all of us,” Colin responded hotly. “Sorry.”
“No. No. You’re right. You never trusted her. From day one.”
“At least we’re all on the same page now,” he returned graciously.
“Definitely,” said Meghan. “But back to our current problem. Would I be correct that you’d prefer to remain hidden from the general public?”
“Yes. That’s not too hard for me though. Even while we’ve been talking, no one could have seen us or heard us,” he informed her.
“Really?”
“It’s this thing I can do, sort of an internal cloaking device.”
“Oh. Neat. How do I get out of it?”
“You’re out,” he replied in an instant.
“But I can still see you and hear you.”
“Yeah. If anyone’s watching, it just looks like you’re talking to yourself now.”
“Nice. Nice,” she mumbled. “Head towards the back entrance of the camp. There are guards there, but fewer people. I’ll meet you there just as soon as I can.”
Colin vanished from view.
It made her nervous.
“He’s not leaving,” she told herself. “He needs your help.”
She darted down a pathway hoping Ivan would be waiting for her. She neared Arnon and Kanda’s home and saw him sitting just outside. He came out to meet her and didn’t interrupt as she explained what was happening.
“I think we should take Jae with us,” she said. “I’d hate for him to wake up and think we ditched him.”
“I’d rather ke
ep him close by, too,” agreed Ivan.
“Sebastien, too,” she added. “We might need his help,” she argued, seeing a disgruntled look on his face.
“Fine. I’ll go get Jae. You can go get your boyfriend.”
“He’s not my boyfriend. I did kiss him once,” she said, wandering off topic. “Well, it was hardly a real kiss. You know, that’s kind of pathetic when you think about it. I’m sixteen.”
Ivan stared, in uncomfortable vexation. “Please tell me this isn’t one of those things we have to share with each other. I don’t want to know who you’ve kissed. Who you plan on kissing. And I certainly will not be sharing... never mind.”
“Suit yourself. Don’t tell Arnon and Kanda what’s up,” she added. “I don’t want them to worry. And I don’t know if Colin wants them to know he’s here.”
“Lips sealed.”
She stalled.
“What?”
“Are you okay?”
He let out a deep sigh.
“No.” He didn’t expand.
“Well, that’s a start anyway.”
“What is?”
“Admitting you’re not okay. That’s a huge step. For you.” She teased just a little.
“Just go already.”
She waved and took off to grab Sebastien.
She knocked on his parents’ door only after seeing a light on and hearing voices inside. She greeted his parents at the same time motioning that she needed to see him outside.
He obliged without question.
“How’s Ivan?” he asked, feigning concern.
“Oh. He’ll figure things out, or maybe explode, either one or the other,” she replied. “But that’s not why I needed to talk to you.”
“Wait! Um, before you say anything else,” Sebastien stopped her. “I didn’t get a chance earlier, in all the chaos of the day, Billie and the ship and everything...” He took a hesitant breath. “I just wanted to wish you happy birthday.”
“Oh, thanks. I was just thinking about that oddly enough.” She hoped it was dark enough that he could not see her cheeks reddening.
“I know it’s been a wacky few days, I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t forgotten. I’m sorry I didn’t have time to get a gift.”
“Oh, what, less than twenty-four hours notice and mega-crisis’ happening left and right didn’t leave you enough time?”
“The Meghan I knew a few years back would never have accepted any excuses.”
“I guess with sudden aging, comes wisdom,” she replied sarcastically. “Anyway, don’t worry about it. Much bigger problems on the horizon.”
“What’s up?” he asked.
She saw Ivan and Jae approaching, and waited so she could explain just once. Nona headed in their direction, too, listening to Meghan’s thoughts.
Meghan explained Colin’s predicament. Though shocked, they were eager to help. They left together, heading towards the back entrance where they would meet up with Colin.
When Colin saw them coming, he extended his cloak to cover them.
The first greeting was awkward; it had been a long time since they had all been together, and much had changed. However, after greetings and a little small talk, Ivan noticed things turning awkward and suggested they get a move on, rather than let them slip in uncomfortable silence.
Colin agreed heartily. He was ready to go. He didn’t want to leave Catrina alone any longer than he had to. It had already been half a day.
“I wish we knew why Freyne wanted this woman freed,” commented Ivan.
“Would knowing help?” asked Jae.
“Suppose not. So where to?” Ivan asked instead.
No one answered. This wasn’t starting out well.
“Maybe,” started Meghan, stopping, shaking her head.
“Maybe what?” prodded Ivan.
“I was just thinking maybe I could reach out to Colby, but...”
“Bad idea,” agreed Ivan. “He is too volatile right now. Plus, he might tell your father what we’re up to, and I think we should keep this between us. The fewer people that know, the better.”
“So we need an idea that works,” said Sebastien. He threw his hands out in front of him, as if this action would somehow force an idea to come to mind. He grimaced, saying, “Sorry, I got nothing.”
They stared each other down.
Not one good idea in the bunch.
How would they free someone imprisoned such a long time ago, that even Jurekai Fazendiin could not free?
A pit was expanding inside Colin’s gut.
What if they couldn’t do it? What if they could not find a way to free this woman?
It was the middle of the night and the temperature in the northern Maine woods was dropping to well below freezing.
“We need a place to think,” said Sebastien, with a shiver. “I hate to sneak away again. My parents and your uncle,” he aimed at Meghan, “were not too keen when we did that the last time. But I don’t think it’s avoidable.”
“You’re right,” she exhaled. “They’ll try to stop us, ask a bunch of questions. We need to find a place to figure all this out, unless you think there’s anyone here that could help?”
“I don’t think there can be,” said Ivan. “If someone did know something, Fazendiin would have forced it out of them by now.”
“Agreed,” said Meghan, frowning.
“It’s too bad we couldn’t just go back in time,” mumbled Jae.
“Back in time?” questioned Colin.
“Yeah, see how the Svoda got her into the glass to begin with. If we could see how, we could maybe figure out how to get her out.”
“That’s a brilliant idea, Jae,” said Meghan. “Unfortunately impossible, but a great idea nonetheless.”
“Damn!” spat Colin.
“What?” asked Meghan.
“If Jasper were still here... I think he was alive when it happened. I could have just asked him. Although if Jasper were still alive, I probably wouldn’t have even gotten myself into this situation,” he berated.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” said Meghan. “We’ll figure it out. We will. Sebastien and Ivan are right though. No one here can help so we should leave. The longer we stay the more possibilities there are for you to get caught, Colin.”
“So where do we go?” asked Nona. She wound her way around Meghan’s legs, purring out her question.
Blank stares were the reply.
“This is so pathetic,” let out Meghan. “We don’t even know where to go.”
“Kanda’s house, at the campground,” said Colin.
Sebastien’s eyes lit up. “Yeah. It’s empty right now. It’s perfect.”
“Well, at least we decided something,” Meghan mumbled.
The decision made, Nona used her Catawitch ability and a minute later, they were walking up the driveway to Kanda’s house in the Cobbcott Campground.
“I never thought I’d be back here again,” said Meghan.
“Not quite the same as summer visits,” noted Sebastien.
“At least it’s a house, with four walls and heat,” said Jae, a shiver in his voice.
“I’m going to check around,” advised Nona, “just in case.”
“Oh, let me guess, you smell a late night snack nearby?” retorted Meghan.
Nona licked her lips and darted off.
Ivan used magic to unlock the door and held it open as they each stepped inside. He was glad of the quiet. Glad he had a quest to focus on.
They got in and each took seats in Kanda’s cozy living room. Colin used magic to get the fireplace roaring minutes later.
It was very late now. Well after midnight.
Between the heat, the late hour, and the way too comfy furniture, Meghan found her eyes drooping in no time. She tried to fight it. They were here to help Colin.
She turned to ask Ivan a question and smirked.
Ivan was sound asleep.
Sebastien whispered, “You should just join him, Meghan. Yo
u haven’t slept in a couple days either. We’re not going to get much done tonight.”
She didn’t want to give in. Colin was relying on her.
“He’s right,” Colin said, accepting the fact.
Meghan’s eyes closed almost instantly.
Colin stepped outside and called for Nona.
“Yes,” she replied, leaping out of a nearby bush.
“Nona, I was hoping to ask a favor.”
“Go ahead.”
“It’s a lot to ask, it means leaving Meghan, but just for a little while.”
Nona nodded.
“The truth is, I’m sort of freaking out. Trying not to show it, but Catrina has been alone almost all day and night now and...”
“You would like me to keep her company,” finished Nona.
“Would you?”
“I wouldn’t mind at all. I’ll stay with her until morning, then return to check on progress.”
“I can’t thank you enough, Nona. The thought of her all alone just kills me.”
“I can be there in a few seconds. Although, I do need a fire to travel to. Is there one where she is located?”
“I can take care of that,” said Colin. “I’d like to see her myself, but I’m afraid it will be even harder to leave her.”
“Just give me a fire and I’m there,” Nona purred.
Colin cast a fire for her; she jumped in and vanished.
He pictured another fire bursting to life inside the barn, just outside of Catrina’s prison, surprised that even with the distance between them he had no difficulty making it happen. Catrina would not be alone tonight. He grasped onto that thought and let it bring him a small sliver of peace.
##
Catrina Flummer sat leaning against a wall, locked inside the stall in the barn. She turned with a start when a ball of fire appeared about ten feet in front of her prison, just hovering in the air.
A cat-like shape jumped out of the fireball, landing just in front of her prison.
“H-hello,” Catrina called out.
The shadow moved closer.
“Nona? Is that you?”
“Hello,” the Catawitch replied.
“What are you doing here? Not that I’m not happy to see you.”
Control (The Blood Vision, The Immortality Stone, and The Woman in Glass) (A Fated Fantasy Quest Adventure Book 7) Page 11