Will I simply fade away? Is this what will become of me? To fade?
Her thoughts were becoming fewer and farther between; the spirit within her growing weaker.
Will. Will. Will.
The word repeated over and over, not meaning anything, but meaning something. She no longer felt the urge to remember it, felt it disappear.
She felt as though she was in a dream with no fingers, toes, limbs, body, or thoughts weighing her down. She was ceasing to exist, her imprint in the world slowly becoming nothing.
Will …
Wil l…
Will!
She felt herself disappear, completely.
Suddenly, something surged within her like an explosion. It was sharp, agonizing, and burning, and it was coursing through her until she finally began to feel weighed down by the body that hadn’t existed only a moment before.
Will!
Each time she thought his name, she felt a part of her begin to return. First her hands and feet were intact and her legs and arms following after.
Will!
The memory of her hands touching his face, feeling his dark, coarse beard on her fingertips, his piercing green eyes on her, full of love. She knew there was something more she needed to recall, something important she was missing, but it was something she couldn’t remember no matter how hard she tried.
How did I get here?
A picture of a small woman with golden hair flashed before her eyes and she felt true, deep anger well up within her. She sent me to this place!
The anger bubbled up within her, adrenaline coursing through her veins. The need to fight had returned just as quickly as it disappeared.
Warrior! I am Warrior! She recalled, envisioning herself in her armor with her sword, and weapons that were fashioned especially for her. She had been born and bred into a long line of Warriors and fighting was in her blood, her training beginning from a young age. She and Will were a perfect match, betrothed at birth, in love since they were thirteen years old. They were Warriors, Fighters, and Diplomats … Governor and Governess.
She never knew a life in which she didn’t have to defend her People.
That was until …
Until …?
Something told her that she hadn’t been in battle for quite a long time. She couldn’t recall what made her lay down her sword, but something powerful and strong made her put it away permanently. Or so she thought.
But now, her body intact, she looked down in astonishment to find she was wearing her Warrior garb. Hard, copper metal plates fit her small body tightly and securely. It was sleek and unencumbering, protecting the vital organs and limbs, allowing her to move as needed. A long, sleek sword fitted tightly to her waist, multiple daggers were easily accessible on her belt. Her long, dark hair was plaited down her back, her body feeling lighter and more agile than it ever had before.
She moved slowly to the precipice of the gray, something in the distance calling to her. It was time for her to get away from this place, and she didn’t hesitate as she stepped into the darkness that looked like a pathway, calling out to her.
21
THE WELL
Anabel raced through the brush and the trees that blocked her path, not caring as the branches struck her and scratched her face. She ran so hard and fast, ignoring the burn in her chest and lungs as she struggled for breath.
She listened desperately for more sounds of Saiya as she ran in the direction where she thought she heard her voice. She dared not yell out her name for fear she would miss Saiya calling out to her. Anabel was unaware that the boys were behind her, quickly closing the distance, careful not to lose her. Her only concern was finding Saiya.
She stopped dead in her tracks, suddenly, the boys nearly tumbling right on top of her.
“Anabe–,“ Jakob started to scold her angrily until he realized why she stopped. Directly in front of them, in a small clearing in the thick trees, was a well. From the looks of it, the well was very old and hadn’t been used in many years. With the way Anabel was staring at it, Jakob thought she might have been there before.
Kell started to speak. “Is this whe—“
“Shhhhhh!” Anabel put her hand over his mouth, leaning toward the well as she did.
Faintly, they could all hear a cry and a moan. “No … no … no … no …”
“Saiya!!!”
Anabel cautiously peered over the side of the well. She leaned into the darkness, listening as closely as she could. Before she could stop herself, she lost her footing and felt herself start to fall in. As she threw her arms in front of her to try and grab anything that may prevent her from falling in, she felt someone grab her around the waist and yank her back.
“Be careful!” It was Jakob, who was staring angrily at her with his dark eyes. It was the first time either of the boys had gotten that close to her, and Jakob was embarrassed. He had never been that close to a girl before and this one in particular intrigued him for reasons he didn’t understand.
“Thank you,” Anabel mumbled, averting her eyes, embarrassed.
“Anabel!” there was a small echo coming from deep inside of the well, but it sounded faint.
The boys looked at each other and then at Anabel.
“I’m coming, Saiya! I’m here!” Anabel looked desperate. She frantically looked for a way to climb into the well but realize she couldn’t.
“Anabel! Save me. Don’t let it eat me!” The voice was barely audible now, and Anabel realized time was limited.
Jakob, Kell, and Anabel searched desperately for something they could use to lower themselves into the well, but realized there was nothing as they looked at each other helplessly. Saiya was moaning and they realized her voice growing fainter with time.
“Help me, help me,” Saiya’s voice was growing smaller and smaller, until they could no longer hear her.
Suddenly, there was a splash.
Anabel looked at Kell and Jakob surprised, her hazel eyes wide as she realized they were all still there. She looked around until it hit her that the little white dog was missing.
It can’t be!
“Where is your dog?” she gasped.
Kell and Jakob looked around, realizing she was no longer with them.
They stuck their heads as deep in the well as they could until they heard a low growl and they realized Brooke had jumped in.
Saiya could barely breathe, her arms and legs desperately treading water, unable to keep her exhausted body above water for much longer. She was forced to let go of the scaly body, but not before she dug her nails into it forcing him to let her go. Saiya knew she was in trouble, but refused to give up. She looked around desperately for the thing in the well with her but it had not reappeared yet.
A large wave overcame her as something exploded in the water beside her. Suddenly she could feel the Serpent wrap itself around her tiny body again, and once again he began to squeeze her. Her heart was pounding as the dark water began to rise above her face and covered her entire head.
Saiya thought about Mama and how she has been so difficult with her about wanting to play outside after she was sick. She missed Mama’s warm arms and didn’t understand where she was now, when Saiya needed her the most. Where is Mama? Why isn’t she here? Why isn’t she with me? Why isn’t Father coming to save me?
The water seemed to be getting colder.
“S-s-s-s-s-aiya,” the Serpent was squeezing.
Saiya felt her body get colder and colder.
As her mind became fuzzy, Saiya vaguely realized there was something going on in the water beside her. It was almost like a dream as she felt and heard a violent splashing as her body moved helplessly with the waves.
Time seemed to pass slowly and then stop.
Saiya felt herself lose consciousness, no longer able to think or breathe. Her body was exhausted and cold and she no longer had any control over it. Something grabbed her and she thought she felt teeth. She realized that if the Serpent was going to eat h
er, there was nothing she could do to fight it. She was too weak and too cold, and could barely keep her eyes open any longer. She had the strange sensation of floating and wondered why she couldn’t hear the Serpent’s voice any longer.
Jakob, Kell, and Anabel were staring intently into the well calling “Brooke! Brooke! Saiya!” They jumped back suddenly as they realized that something was coming up out of the well and were astonished as Brooke bounded out, Saiya gripped tightly in her mouth. Brooke seemed to have somehow grown bigger in the well, nearly to the size of an adult Human. As she laid Saiya down gently and then shook herself off, she dried instantly. All of their attention was drawn immediately to Saiya who was gray and shivering violently.
“Saiya! Saiya!”
Anabel’s voice was loud and strong in Saiya’s ear, but no matter how hard Saiya tried, she couldn’t open her eyes. She heard more voices that she didn’t recognize and then slowly felt warmth come back through her body. She realized something warm was lying on top of her, like a soft fuzzy blanket. She wondered briefly where they would have found a warm blanket.
“Mama, Mama …” Saiya cried out, her tiny body still shivering as Brooke lay on top of her, the heat from her fur and her larger body warming her up.
“Who is Mama?” Jakob asked Anabel.
Kell looked at him curiously. “You know, Jakob … Mama! Her Mama!”
Jakob and Anabel’s faces were blank.
Kell suddenly pointed at Saiya, who was sitting up with the color coming back into her face. He saw that she was also as dry as a bone, just like Brooke. How did she get dry so fast?
“Anabel,” Saiya’s voice was weak but welcome and Anabel felt tears spring to her eyes. “You came for me.”
“Of course! I could never let anything happen to my little bug.”
Anabel and Saiya held each other tight, and Anabel was amazed to feel how warm her sister was, almost as though she had never been in the well at all.
All four children looked at Brooke in astonishment as she sat in front of them, suddenly back to her original size. Brooke wagged her tail and almost appeared to smile at them with her soft brown eyes.
It was Jakob who spoke first. “What kind of dog are you, anyway?”
Brooke jumped up excitedly, knocking him to the ground and stood on her back legs, her front paws in his chest. Jakob was speechless as she looked him right in the eyes.
“I’m just the kind of dog you need. A Guardian.” A voice like caramel and honey came from Brooke’s mouth as all four children gasped!
22
THE GOVERNOR’S HEART
Kyla’s heart pounded as she held the scissors above Will’s heart.
She had never done anything to harm another Creature and the thought of Will’s blood on her hands made her queasy. But this is what the Ubilez said she must do in order for the Blood Bond to work so Will would love her forever. Kyla was willing to do what she must, but the bile in her throat was holding her back.
“Strike precisely in the middle of his heart,” the Ubilez told her during her final instruction with them. They spoke in unison, all with the same voice echoing throughout her head. “This you must do, without hesitation.”
She raised the scissors again, ready to strike. She intended to have a blade when the moment came, but it was here faster than she was prepared for. She was proud of herself for being able to improvise so quickly.
Maybe this will go better if I just cut myself first?
The thought of it made her even sicker to her stomach. As a Yashwa, she was a Healer, and the thought of what she was about to do went against anything she had ever done. She had never even seen Human blood, only animal blood. She knew it couldn’t be much different, yet it was a moment she wasn’t prepared to relish.
Kyla took a deep breath and brought the sharp blade of the scissor to her wrist. She would need a good flow of blood and she knew cutting herself in the right place would give her what she needed. Without thinking any longer, she quickly sliced her wrist, breathing in quickly and ignoring the pain. She was careful not to get any on her beautiful blue gown, afraid to raise any questions.
She watched, almost mesmerized as her deep red blood started to ooze onto the Governor’s chest.
Now I have no choice!
She opened the Governor’s shirt and without hesitation Kyla swiftly plunged the scissors into his strong chest. He woke up with a start, his eyes wide as he stared at her in disbelief. Before he could do anything, she placed her dripping wrist over his chest and let her blood flow freely into the deep hole that led directly to his gaping heart. As her blood went into him, she stared into his eyes feeling his heart thumping in his chest, her own heartbeat pounding in her ears.
She watched as he struggled at first, fighting the pain from the wound, but unable to move. His powerful limbs twitched violently as though struggling against the pain, his face a mask of horror and confusion.
Look at me, Will. Look into my eyes. Everything is going to be all right.
His head moved desperately from side to side as though he were fighting off the sound of her thoughts until his head slowly came to rest.
It’s going to be all right, darling. I will take care of you, and all will be well.
Kyla and Will locked eyes with one another, their blood coming together, mingling throughout the chambers of his heart. He stopped fighting altogether as their blood began to flow through his entire body, his breathing becoming more regular as they held tightly to one another. Kyla felt herself growing weaker, but refused to let go. She continued to let the blood drip from her wrist into the cavity of his chest.
I need to make sure there is enough of me in him that I will always be a part of him. I must ensure he can never forget me. The Ubilez said if I didn’t let enough of my blood flow into him, all could be lost. I’ve come too far to lose him now.
Kyla waited as long as she could until she began to feel dizzy, as though she might lose consciousness. She reluctantly pulled away from him and leaned over his chest. Gently, she blew her breath on him for a few moments, watching the gaping hole close over his heart and over his chest. She blew until there was no indication there was ever anything there, and then she did the same for herself. Kyla was reminded of how she had spent her entire existence healing the earth for man, and how she would never get to do that again. The last bit of healing power was allowed only for this last thing, and then it was gone. She could feel the emptiness within her as she blew her last healing breath on her wrist. The Ubilez told her they would allow her to do this one last thing, but then the last part of her that was Yashwa would be gone forever.
There was a part of her that felt deep sadness for the life she would no longer get to live, but Kyla knew she had made her choice. She had chosen Will and couldn’t bask in the luxury of having regret as there was too much at stake.
She lifted Will’s arms above his chest, took off his blood soaked shirt, and disposed of it in the fireplace, watching it burn slowly as she breathed in the sweet vapor of his blood.
She looked at him and was startled to see that he was already noticeably different. Will anyone notice? His usually piercing green eyes had a strange, faraway look to them as he sat and stared at her. His shoulders slumped slowly but steadily as he leaned slowly over to one side. His expression was blank as he looked at her, his usual handsomeness gone and replaced by vacant nothingness.
“Go to sleep, William. Rest your eyes,” she said gently, tracing his face with her long fingers, fighting to keep the alarm out of her voice.
Obediently, he laid his head back onto the pillow and closed his eyes, falling into immediate slumber. Before long, she heard him snoring softly.
She stared at him trying to push down the panic that threatened to choke her. She hoped when he awoke he would be like the man he was before. The man she had followed, unseen, in the fields. The man before her wasn’t worthy of all of the sacrifice she had made and she hoped against all hope that he wouldn’t remain as
empty and passionless as he appeared to be just now.
23
PATRONUS
“D-d-d-d-id you just talk?” Jakob was stunned and afraid.
He had taken a step back away from the little white dog, shocked.
“Yes, I can talk.” Brooke said stepping toward him, slowly.
“I don’t understand, w-w-w-why can you talk? How is it that you can talk? How?” Jakob stepped back again, making sure Kell stayed close to him.
“I don’t know. How can you talk?” Brooke said, her voice low and sweet.
“I’m a Human. I’m supposed to talk.” Jakob said, still not believing that he was talking to a dog. He kept away from Brooke, unsure of what to think.
“Am I not supposed to talk?” Brooke asked, puzzled.
“No! Dogs don’t talk!” Kell said, surprised.
“I’m not just a dog.” Brooke said, matter-of-factly. “I’m your Patronus.”
“Patronus?” Jakob was intrigued. “What is a Patronus?”
“It’s a Protector. One who will look after you and keep you safe,” Brooke said, cocking her head at him as though she were confused. “You do not know what ‘Patronus’ is?”
“Why do we need one? What are you protecting us from? Who sent you?” Jakob was confused.
“She did,” Brooke said, seeming to smile again.
“Who is She? Mama? Did Mama send you?” Saiya’s voice came from behind Anabel, who stood in front of her as if to shield her. Before Anabel could stop her, Saiya ran up to Brooke and stood only a few inches from her.
“I don’t know who She is,” Brooke said, rubbing up against Saiya almost like a cat until Saiya began to pet her. “I just know She sent me to look after the four of you. Before She sent me, I don’t know what or who I was.”
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