“Is that what I felt?”
“Yes. Did he try to hurt you?”
“No, he was really nice. I just wish he would have told me who he was upfront.”
“He was feeling you out,” Ares said, throwing a jab.
Amber blocked.
“Good.”
“Should I be worried?”
“I don’t know. Cupid was a good kid back on Cronus, but those were different times. Just be careful.”
Amber circled him, plotting moves in her head.
Reading her mind, Ares said, “Stop thinking so much and just fight. You’re leaving yourself vulnerable. I could’ve knocked you on your ass ten times by now.
She shrugged it off and leapt forward and he sidestepped.
“That was sloppy. Try again.”
She flinched.
“I can’t go easy on you.”
“I know and I know I’m distracted. I just…”
“What is it? Cupid?”
“No, it’s you. You just look so familiar and it’s really starting to bug me that I can’t place your face.”
“The dreams; It was dream magic.”
“Nope, I’ve seen you before and I’m positive of it. What was all that about anyway? That was you, right, sending me those dreams?”
“It wasn’t all me. I had some help.”
“Okay, you sent me two—”
“Two? I’ve been trying to reach you through dream magic since I found out you consumed the serum. I’ve easily sent you at least a hundred.”
A hundred was a staggering amount in comparison to the measly two that came through. She wondered why she didn’t receive the others. “But I only saw two. What happened to the rest of them?”
“I don’t know? It works well on humans, because they’re susceptible, but you’re not just human—you’re much more.”
“Why didn’t you come to me sooner, like, in person? Wouldn’t that have been easier?”
“Easier, yes, but not safer,” Ares replied. “The Quorum has eyes everywhere, but through dream magic we are afforded a bit more privacy. I wanted to warn you without revealing your existence to them.”
“Look how well that turned out?” She cupped a hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I said that.”
“It’s okay. You’re not wrong.”
It took eleven years for her Olympian powers to manifest and she’d just learned Ares had been sending her dreams for just as long, but without success until now. What changed?
He tossed her a bottle of water and grabbed one for himself, too.
“We’re taking a break? I thought you didn’t want to go easy on me?”
“You need to hydrate.”
“Okay, Dad,” Amber joked. She sipped the water. “Oh, I meant to tell you about the weird blurb Kelly recited when I fought her. She looked like she was in a trance.”
That caught his attention. “What was it? Do you remember it?”
She did. Add photographic memory to the list of powers. “A nation will quell in a wave of deviation from disproportionate convention. Balance shall be restored within an abode of harmony.”
“I’ve heard this before; it’s a prophecy foretelling the coming of an embodiment that will restore our powers.”
“Well, how do you know it’s about restoring your powers? It doesn’t sound like that’s what it means.”
“I don’t, but I’ve had the witches researching it for years. I think it means a person will be the embodiment…and I’m starting to think it’s you.”
“Me? Why me?”
“Because you possess powers that are literally the embodiment of my race. I think you’re meant to help us.”
“Ares, I just want things to go back to normal. This was an accident. I don’t think I’m your messiah.”
He patted her shoulder, “First things first, I’m going to get you exonerated and we’ll deal with this prophecy later. Deal?”
“Okay, deal,” Amber conceded, finishing her water. “Are you sure you’ve never been to Carrington?”
“No, I’ve been somewhat of a nomad over the last decade or so, picking up work along the way. I had a friend, outside of all of this, once but he joined the army. After that, I chose to stay to myself which was fine.”
“Right, you had to because of the Quorum. That must have been terrible for you never being able to settle down and have relationships without fear of endangering them.”
“I got by,” he answered, unfazed. “I did what I had to do.”
“But you have help from Evie, which she’s amazing, by the way. It startled me when she sent me home that day. When do I get to meet her?”
“You won’t.”
Amber eyebrows lifted slightly in shock.
“She’s not in this; that’s the deal. I promised not to involve her and she’d help us.” There was no jocular inflection in his voice; he meant it—back off—and she couldn’t blame him. It actually made him more likable, knowing how hard he fought to protect those he cared about.
She’d let it go for now.
18
May 20, 2008
This was Amber’s second day in a row that she sparred with Ares, but it was great. She needed the practice and as long as he was willing and unafraid, she’d take each and every opportunity she could get. She’d only wanted to take a short break, but ended up dozing off on the soft sofa. The sound of the front door unlocking jostled Amber from sleep. She bolted from the sofa, grabbed the crowbar which was surprisingly still on the counter where Ares had left it. The lights were off, giving her the advantage.
She stood to the left of the door. The door opened and the unexpected caller stepped inside. Amber swung the crowbar, aiming for the gut or groin. It was dark so precision wasn’t on her side. A pained grunt issued from the assailant, which judging by the high pitched cry was a female voice.
Amber took the crowbar and positioned the curve of it just below the woman’s throat. “You picked the wrong apartment to rob.”
The woman gurgled, trying to respond, finding it difficult to do so with the crowbar crushing her windpipe. The woman patted the wall, moving upward until she found what she’d been searching for. The lights illuminated the apartment and the woman looked Amber in the eyes.
It was Cordelia Morgan.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
Cordelia pointed to the counter, still unable to speak with Amber’s unrelenting hold. She pointed more emphatically, now.
“If you move, I will split your skull. Do you understand?”
Cordelia responded with some semblance of a nod.
Amber peered over the stack of mail sitting on the counter. It was addressed to Cordelia Morgan with the apartment’s location scrawled beneath it.
“This is my apartment,” Cordelia croaked, rubbing her throat gingerly.
“I’m sorry I—wait, this is your apartment? I thought you were Kelly’s neighbor. What were you doing in the house adjacent to Kelly’s?
“Looking for you.”
“Why? And how did you know I was there?”
“I was there, because I felt you.” Amber gave her an incredulous look as if she did not believe what she was hearing. “I knew you were there, because I felt your bliss. It was stronger than any I’d ever felt before, but I knew every Elysian and you were not among them. So I followed you. I needed to know why I could feel you.”
Still unconvinced, Amber asked, “What do you mean you felt my bliss?”
“Hasn’t Ares taught you anything? Your bliss is divine, mystical energy, energy of which each Elysian is composed. It’s what’s needed to accept your birthright of ascension. Whenever an Elysian is near, our bliss affects our body temperature—it drops drastically. It’s how we can sense one another. It’s how I found you.”
“But I’m not an Elysian.”
“Leave it to Ares to find a loophole.”
“So you’re like Ares—an Elysian?”
“Yes, except
we ascended and became the next generation of the ascendant races called Olympians. Elysians, those who have not yet ascended, are also native to Cronus.”
Amber let out a sigh of relief. “I wish you’d have said something sooner.”
“I couldn’t, not until I knew what was going on.”
“So are you two like a thing?”
“Urgh, God no. He’s my brother.”
“He’s so broody; I don’t know how you can stand him.”
“Oh, I’m aware,” Cordelia admitted, recalling his temper when he found out she hadn’t changed her name as he’d advised, claiming it was still a derivative of her true name. “My real name is actually Corday. I guess it is too similar, but I wanted to keep something that felt like mine. Anyway, when he found out what name I’d chosen for myself, he was incensed, and told me to choose another name. I’d never seen him so angry, but that was out of love.” She pulled out a bottle of wine and offered Amber a glass. “He wasn’t always like this,” she said, thinking back to a time when Ares had a gentler side. It was a particular time she had in mind, in 929 A.D. when she’d first met him.
At first glance, Cronus appeared to be composed of mostly gas with unfavorable temperatures, exceeding well beyond the point of freezing. All a part of the ascendants’ promised pledge to protect the planet. It was the Protogenoi who developed this elaborate glamour, making Cronus appear this way to any travelers passing through or astronauts exploring the planet. The glamour was perennial, set up to give the viewer the impression of a desolate and barren planet. Only those permitted were able to see a true Cronus aside from its native inhabitants.
The sky, a beautiful soft violet, was filled with the perfume given off by the exotic orchids which covered a majority of the planet. A vast ocean reflected the violet sky, its tides controlled by the planets’ own moon; the other sixty-one moons also a part of the mirage.
Concrete homes lined acres of Cronus. Not palatial in size, but the structures were sturdy, durable, and abundant so that every native had a home. It was one less thing to worry about. Hence, allowing them to reallocate the resources to protect the planet and ensure each generation rose as an Olympian, guaranteeing a burgeoning civilization.
Ares walked through the forest and heard the faint sound of footfalls behind him maybe five yards back. He halted, listening carefully, but heard only the animals that inhabited the forest. Pressing onward, he heard the unmistakable snap of a twig.
He hid under the cover of a tree, its wide trunk concealing him. He removed his bow and arrow from his quiver and came out in the open to scan the forest again.
The squawk of a sphinx could be heard overhead. In the sky, a sphinx soared, its majestic wings carrying it effortlessly on its flight. He followed the creature with his arrow and when it was directly in his crosshairs, he pulled back his bow, preparing to shoot his prey.
“Nooooo, you can’t,” a shrill voice beckoned. It was a young girl now standing above the bushes in which she was hiding. She couldn’t have been any older than twelve years old. She approached him cautiously. “It is forbidden to harm any creation of an ascended.”
“I’m aware,” Ares said simply.
“But I saw you. You were going to shoot the sphinx.”
“I was never going to harm it.”
“But I—”
“I’ve seen you before, Lil one. You have a way with animals, always surrounded by them whether you’re stroking one or holding one affectionately in the palm of your hand. I had a feeling it was you following me and I knew you would come out of hiding if you thought I’d hurt a sacred animal.”
“I wasn’t following you,” she lied.
“You’re right, terrible display of stealth. I wouldn’t dare call that following.” Ares smiled, showing he had a sense of humor.
She let out a rippling chortle that swept through the forest.
“What is your name, Lil one?”
“Corday Eris.”
“More like Discord with those pipes,” Ares jested.
She stifled another cacophony of laughter, covering her mouth. “What’s your name?”
Ares regarded her warily. “Now, there, you must be a better sleuth than that. You must have learned my name by now.”
“Ares,” Corday confessed.
“I thought so,” he said, extending his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, at last.”
Although Corday would have preferred to bow, she offered her hand and curtsied. “Nice to make your acquaintance.”
“Now, then, why have you been following me?”
“You’re brave, impressive with a bow and arrow and swordsmanship.”
“A nice young lady like yourself? Surely you can find other interests more fitting.”
Corday shook her head vehemently. “I’m not like other girls. I want to be brave and strong like you.”
“Come, your mother must be worried. Let’s get you home.”
Her shoulders dropped in disappointment and before she could argue, he added, “No worries, Corday. I’ll stop by to check up on you from time to time.”
Pulling Corday out of her nostalgia, Amber said, “Wow, it sounds like he really looked out for you.”
“He did and he still does. He really is a good man; you just have to see past the tough exterior.”
“Well, I should get home. Eric will be worried.”
“Let me walk you out. This place is like a maze; it’s easy to go in circles before finding a way out.”
“Sure.”
They walked down the hallway and descended the steps together. Corday led the way out the door and showed Amber an alternative route to get back to the main road.
“Thanks. You’re saving me a half hour I’m sure.”
“You’re welcome.”
Amber folded back the frayed chain-link fence to crawl under it. “And, um...sorry for you know...”
“Yoking me up…”
“Yeah, that…”
“Already forgotten. You can never be too careful and my door is still open to you.”
“That’s very nice of you to offer. Really, you’re an angel.” As soon as the words came tumbling out of Amber’s mouth, she regretted it, feeling like a buffoon. She wondered what made her say it. “I’ll see ya.”
19
May 20, 2008
Finneus smiled down upon them, feeling as if Amber had somehow known she was being surveilled. He wasn’t an angel, but akin to them. Similar to the angels bearing the gifts of healing, the Quorum was endowed with gifts of their own. Ingenuity, both consisting of the natural and supernatural, to bolster them in their most trusted duty to monitor the galaxy and in that way they were all kindred. Both, children of the Creator, entrusted with protecting all of his creations.
While Finneus could astral project, the Adjudicators were telepathic. Seeing into the minds of the accused proved to be very useful in identifying intent. However, Finneus never thought he’d have to use his powers on his own. After discovering the violation a few weeks ago, he knew he couldn’t stand by and do nothing. He debated opening an official internal investigation with the Quorum, but decided to operate solo until he found something concrete. After all, he was accusing a Quorum member of foul play. This was unprecedented; there had never been a breach amongst their ranks. So he was playing it by ear, handling it with discretion.
Finneus had discovered the entry in question during his shift. He had been reviewing recordings, going through all entries submitted to date, looking for anything out of the ordinary. Then the display skipped. He twirled his finger to rewind for playback and the screen skipped again. He replayed the submission a third time and, sure enough, it skipped at the same moment.
It was almost indiscernible, appearing identical except for the rustling leaves that weren't a part of the original screenshot. Someone had deleted parts of the footage.
Finneus checked the other submissions to see if he could identify any other irregularities and he did spot discrepancies on f
our other recordings. Initiating an audit trail, he searched for the timestamp. Every Auditor was required to timestamp their work in the event a record was inadvertently deleted or, in this case, quite possibly done in contravention of Quorum guidelines. The records were deleted at the same time, all while the Auditors were changing shifts. A thought occurred to him that whoever deleted the recordings would have covered their tracks by using false credentials. So it was unclear who pressed the command.
According to the audit trail, it occurred three weeks ago. Corbin had worked the first shift and Adelynn had relieved him. It could have been either of them. Finneus needed a telepath. He could think of only one trustworthy telepath.
“Hi Miccah.”
“Hey Finn, How are you?”
“I'm well. Listen,” he said, dispensing with the small talk, “I know you're busy with your cases, but I need to ask you for a favor.”
“Anything. As long as it won't compromise my position on the Quorum.”
His face gave him away, biting his lip and shifting his eyes to the left.
“Finn, I can’t—I”
“Even if someone on the Quorum has gone rogue?”
“Who?"
“That's why I need you. I've noticed some records have gone missing.”
“Impossible. There's always a record for evidence,” Miccah insisted.
“These records are gone; there are no back-ups, which mean someone deleted them.”
“And you don't know who did it, do you?”
“Miccah, I have a hunch. I believe the breach is on my team. I need you to give me a read of all of us.”
“It doesn't work that way. I can't read minds on a whim. I can only see into the minds of the accused that are on trial.”
“You've never used telepathy on any of us?”
“Believe me; I'm ashamed to admit I've tried. Call it temptation, but I couldn't pick up cogent thoughts, anyway.” She pointed upward. "Maybe, his way of having a checks and balances for us, too. Besides, it wouldn't be fair if I could see your thoughts. It would be an invasion of privacy, especially since you're not on trial.”
Relics and Runes Anthology Page 161