by Tamsin Baker
“She is a young, untrained Witch?” I asked for clarification, my eyes focused on the girl.
Simone’s eyes widened visibly as though she couldn’t believe I’d said the word.
“Yes,” Margaret said simply, though Simone’s breath whooshed quickly in a gasp.
“Then they were trying to take her, not you.” I ignored the young Witch’s reaction and shifted my eyes to Margaret. “So the pattern still fits.” It was unnecessary to share this out loud but I felt as though doing so helped my jumbled thoughts begin to focus on putting the pieces of this intricate puzzle together.
Now, the real question was, “What are we going to do about it?”
No matter what the Demons wanted these women for, it wasn’t anything good. It couldn’t be. What that was, I didn’t know. Right now, I wasn’t sure if it was important. All I cared about was preventing them from getting Kadie. But this was getting bigger than just Kadie. Would solving the problem on a grand scale help Kadie or would it take precious time away from my little Witch? I did not know. I needed information.
Although, as they weren’t my Targets, they were not my responsibility. Technically.
I made a mental note to ask Tabitha why they weren’t being protected by another Angel. It was obviously a giant loophole the Demons were jumping through. What made Kadie special and Simone not? Why was Kadie granted a Guardian but Simone did not? It made no sense.
“Looks like my date with Heaven is off,” I muttered aloud. My days of being a dutiful soldier were done. The idea, although shocking, sat on my shoulders rather easily. If anything, it was a relief. Like I didn’t have to fight for something I didn’t truly believe in, not when my focus was on other things.
I was going rogue.
“Pardon me?” Margaret said, standing up and staring at me as though I had two heads.
I shook myself, hard. The path before me, clear as a crystal lake.
I looked up. I completely forgot she was there. “Nothing,” I said. “Do you have a plan?”
I didn’t know where to start, but if I had an idea, I might be able to formulate something.
Margaret surveyed me with her eagle eye, her grip on her niece tightening. “We don’t have any plan other than trying to protect our young, and keep them alive until we can figure this all out,” she said slowly. She sounded genuine. “Do you have any idea of where these... Demons could be?”
I did. And when the dawn came, I would be visiting that wreckage of a castle once again. I wasn’t sure if that was the best place to start, but it was something.
“Yes.” I slowly relaxed my body. I did not think anyone would attack me, even if this girl was a powerful Witch. “But I need to wait until first light to travel there. In the meantime, I need you to help Kadie.”
She nodded. “Can you bring her here? I can set up a care station for her.”
I relaxed a little with her request. If she was willing to let Kadie come into her home, for me to bring a sick woman here, then perhaps I could trust her.
“No, I will take you to Kadie, it will be much simpler as I do not know if she is safe to move. In return for your help, I vow to do everything in my power to keep your niece safe and to destroy whatever forces are coming after your family.”
A bargain. I wasn’t used to doing these. I did not know if I was doing it right. But it was all I could think of, and it seemed as though both involved parties were getting what they wanted.
Margaret nodded. “That sounds fair,” she allowed. “Although I don’t know what I can do for Kadie until I see her. Depending on the poison being used on her, I can’t make any promises, unfortunately.”
I was out of options. I’d take what I could get at this point in time. I did appreciate her honesty and I could understand it, even if I wanted something more concrete for Kadie.
“Okay,” I said.
I turned from them, deciding to reach out to my Angel Agent so I could let her know what was going on.
Tabitha. Can you hear me?
No answer.
Shit!
Tabitha? I tried again.
Regardless of what Tabitha was doing, I knew, without a doubt, if she heard me reach out to her, she would respond no matter what.
Tabitha?! I did not keep the urgency from my call this time.
Still, there was nothing and my heart began to pound in my chest as true worry set in. Tabitha had never, ever, not answered me before. We had direct communication. An angelic link.
Something was wrong. Whether Tabitha had been attacked or her energy was depleted from giving hers to Kadie, I could not be sure. But I was almost out of time and wanted her guidance.
My gut twisted as my hands began to shake.
I forced myself to calm down. I needed to act, not freak out.
“I’ll take you there now,” I decided, turning back to Margaret. I wished I could have given Tabitha a warning – she might have told me if this was a good idea in the first place – but since I could not reach her, I would have to do what I must for Kadie. And now, maybe for Tabitha as well. “Can we leave your niece somewhere safe?”
“She’ll come with me,” Margaret said, and judging by the way she spoke, there was no room for argument.
“That would be tricky.” I glanced behind me, as though I could see my currently folded-up wings. They had been irrevocably damaged in the last attack and I wasn’t sure how I’d go carrying two Witches to Tabitha’s house.
Margaret persisted. “Simone is a born healer,” she pointed out. “She can help, and there is no one on Earth I trust with her safety against those things.” Her eyebrows raised to her hairline, crinkling her forehead. Her tone had returned to that no-nonsense, no-argument one she had used with me earlier.
I shifted my weight and my eyes went to the painting Margaret had originally been straightening. I did not know what I should do. Again, I hated the uncertainty I felt. It seemed like it was constant. I needed guidance.
I closed my eyes. Perhaps reaching out to Tabitha would get me an answer this time. She was the only one I could think to ask my questions to.
Tabitha. Please. Answer me.
When nothing came, I gave up hope of getting guidance from my Angel Agent. We were either too late already, or she was putting all of her energy into keeping Kadie alive and couldn’t respond. I would be forced to make decisions on my own, without her assistance. I liked to be certain about everything. I hated that I was not. I hated that I had to make decisions I wasn’t sure about, especially decisions that involved Kadie.
“All right,” I finally said. If Margaret was telling the truth, Simone’s services would be appreciated. She might be needed for more than just Kadie as well. If Tabitha needed help, having a Witch there who could heal might be a good idea. Regardless, that didn’t mean they were allowed to dictate my decisions from here on out. Just because I was uncertain of things did not mean I wanted their guidance. I would discuss things with Tabitha when she was not indisposed. “But a warning. If I see anything that worries me, I won’t hesitate to kill you both. And it will happen much quicker than you can anticipate. I am much worse than those Demons could ever hope to be.”
Simone squeaked and Margaret pulled her niece into her side even further. I did not feel guilty for what I said. They needed to understand I was not the sort to waste time. Even so, being so forward with probably innocent humans would set me back centuries in my quest to get back into Heaven, but at this point it didn’t matter. I was desperate. And I refused to allow anyone to threaten those I cared about.
When Margaret nodded curtly in agreement, I waved a hand at them. “Good. Get what you need, and we leave quickly. Remember, pack light. With both of you, it will already be difficult to fly. Do not bring things you do not actually need.”
“Can you be more specific with our travel arrangements, Angel?” Margaret asked as Simone disappeared down the hall. “You said something about flying. Why do I have the feeling you don’t mean on a plane?”
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“I’ll carry you both,” I said.
Not an easy task considering my damaged wings, but it could be done. I would make sure of it.
Margaret narrowed her eyes at me. “And what assurances do I have of our safety? No offence Angel, but this screams ‘trap’ to me.”
I cocked my head at her. “You’re right. And I’m not sure how to reassure you other than to swear on my life, that I would never do you any harm.”
Margaret stared at me for long moments, her gaze assessing.
Then she turned away, as if she’d made up her mind.
She called out to her niece. “Simone, make sure to pack lightly,” she reiterated. With one last glance at me, she said, “We’ll only be a few minutes.”
“Thank you, Margaret.” I said, as gratitude washed over me.
I nodded my understanding before Margaret turned and left the room, hopefully in search of the magical ingredients that would bring Kadie and Tabitha back to me. I began to pace, hoping they would only take a few minutes, as they stated they would. I did not like to sit idly by when I could be doing something productive. The problem was, I did not know what I could do. I wanted to go back to the castle and search for clues, but if Simone could heal Kadie, that was more of a priority.
I decided to walk outside before I put a dent in Margaret’s carpet. The minute I stepped on the concrete, closing the front door softly behind me, I immediately sensed the distant heat of Demons in the air. I lifted my head up, eyes narrowing. There were none left in this area now. Would more come to capture Simone? I didn’t know, but I would be on guard if they did. I wasn’t exactly her Guardian, but I would protect her as though I was. If she was willing to help Kadie, I would do anything.
I drew my sword and extended my wings, ready to fight. My body was tense. My eyes were sharp. I was ready for anything.
“You’re a fallen Angel.” Simone’s gentle voice whispered behind me.
I turned around to stare at the young woman. At least I was not startled enough to jump. “You can see my wings?” I asked, tilting my head to the side. My grip on my sword did not waver.
She nodded.
How was that possible? Perhaps Kadie had changed me? Maybe these women were of Kadie’s bloodline and they were all the exception to the rule?
In the end, it did not matter. It was something to concern myself with later. If Kadie had changed me in some way, I would need to know about it. But I could do nothing right now.
“Are you taking us somewhere off-world?” she asked, taking a few hesitant steps forward. I could not tell if she was scared or curious or a mixture of both. There was bravery in her eyes, a genuine thirst for knowledge there, but besides that, she was cautious, probably because of everything that had been happening to her and her aunt. I could not blame her for her feelings. Part of me wanted to protect her even though she was not my Target and she was nowhere near as important as Kadie.
“Not exactly,” I responded. “Tabitha, my Angel Agent, lives in a sort of hidden realm. Still on Earth, but untouched by mortals. That’s where we will be going first.”
“Angel Agent?” She cocked her head to the side and that curiosity made itself known more prominently. She took another step towards me, wanting to know the answer to her question more than she wanted to keep her distance.
Hard to explain to a human. “She’s my friend who guides me to my Targets and advises me on certain matters. She’s half Witch.”
“Okay.” The young Witch didn’t ask any more questions, simply slid her backpack onto her shoulders and stepped forward so we were side by side. If that meant she trusted me, I would take it. If she really could heal the way her aunt claimed she could, I needed her to be on my side. I needed her to do everything she possibly could for Kadie.
I extended to my full height of over seven feet, and reached down for the young girl with one arm. “You’ll need to hold on tightly, and breathe slowly,” I instructed her. I made sure my firm voice was also gentle, but I did not want to have to repeat myself or warn her again. Flying was no game; there were risks, especially when transporting humans. Since I would be carrying two – something I hadn’t done before – I needed her to realize the risks and how serious this was. “I have been told that Tabitha’s realm is not the same as the one you live in so please prepare yourself for a change in atmosphere.”
Simone nodded again, tucking hair behind her ear. She did not seem to talk much, which I appreciated. She stepped forward and I closed my arm around her, securing her lithe body in my grip. She was not as heavy as I thought she would be, even with her willowy frame. I hoped that meant this would be an easier journey than I anticipated.
Margaret walked into the backyard, tucking herbs and bottles into a side bag.
“You’re going to carry me too, Angel?” the older Witch asked with a small smirk to her lips. She already knew the answer to this question. She was simply goading me into a reaction. Perhaps I might have cracked a smile if things were different, if the situation wasn’t dire, but it was. And we had to go. I had already waited long enough.
I grabbed her up in my other arm and held them both tightly against my chest. I wanted to ensure I was used to their weight in my arms before I took off. I had carried humans who weighed more than they did combined, and yet having both of my arms occupied was not something I felt comfortable with.
“Put your arms around my neck and hold on to me,” I said.
My wings extended to their full breadth and the tingle of celestial magic wove around us. Both women did as I said without question, which I appreciated. I needed to concentrate right now. I beat down and my feet left the ground. Simone swallowed a shriek as she buried her head into my neck. I would not be surprised if she preferred the ground to the air. I gripped her even tighter to let her know I was here and I supported her.
I enveloped us all in invisibility as we moved through the air. It was a difficult task and took a lot out of me to do so. Making myself invisible was one thing, but two extra people when I was already carrying their weight and flying with broken wings took more out of me than I could handle. We went up, higher and higher, until I found the door to Tabitha’s world. It was easier to find than I remembered. Maybe it was because with two grown women in my arms, I was desperate to go through so carrying them wouldn’t last longer than what was absolutely necessary.
We flew through and I knew immediately that something was wrong, different. There was a chill in the air, not one that usually brought me a refreshing sense of peace and stillness. More like a shudder ripped down my spine, causing every muscle in me to tense up, preparing for a battle with an unknown assailant. There was a darkness of the sun as well, which seemed strange and impossible but it was the only way I could really explain it. Shadows lived here where there once was vibrant life. I looked around and was suddenly hit with the thought: this place was touched by death. And not just anyone’s death. Tabitha’s.
Tabitha was dying. And Kadie along with her.
I did not know how I knew this, and yet the minute the thought crossed my mind, I knew it was the truth.
Oh, God no. Please no.
“We’re almost there,” I reassured the Witches as we flew over the endless clouds to Tabitha’s house and landed on the grass outside. I did not want to worry them. Part of me wondered with their powers if they had the ability to feel the offness of this place the way I had. Certainly they were touched by magic, but they hadn’t been here before and did not know what it felt like to be here prior to now. I ignored the tightness in my chest and the ache that seemed to run uncontrolled through my body, like someone had clamped a vise around my ribs.
I’d like to pretend it was from the exertion of flying with two humans, but I knew it wasn’t.
I swallowed. My mouth had gone dry. I forced my eyes up and glanced at the front door, fear filling my arms and legs, making it impossible to move forward. I didn’t want to step inside that house if it meant I lost both of the women I loved.
And yet, I knew I could not stay where I was. The Witches would know, if they did not already.
“There is sickness everywhere,” Simone said. She stepped out of my grasp and moved towards Tabitha’s small flower garden that lined the pathway up to her home. The Witch ran a hand over some wilting garden flowers, a deep sadness in her eyes, as though she understood more than she should have for being as ignorant as she was.
“Yes.” I nodded once. There was no point in lying when she could clearly feel what I did. “She is gravely ill. They both are. Come.”
I pulled on the armor of battle and pushed away the fear threatening to overwhelm me. I had to take these Witches inside the house, regardless of everything in me screaming to stay outside, to stay naïve. Once I set foot in this place and saw what was truly happening, there was no going back.
I took a deep breath and opened the door. The pungent reek of death assailed my nose, acidic and rotting. I faltered. It was as though my legs stopped working. I could not stop, though. Not now. Instead, I forced myself to walk through the doorway, to immerse myself in this place. However, the musky smell was overwhelming. It nearly brought me to my knees. It could not be possible, and yet, how could I argue with this? How could I fight something that might have already occurred?
“No.” Not that. Not yet. Please.
I did not know who I was speaking to. I did not know if I was calling out for Kadie or Tabitha or God Himself. But whoever could hear me, I needed my girls to be okay.
I rushed through the small house and turned into the room where I’d left Kadie and Tabitha, only to come to a grinding halt in the doorway.
“About time you got here,” Tabitha panted from her place on the ground next to Kadie’s bed.
She kneeled on the carpet as though in prayer, her face obscured by her long hair.
I nearly smiled with relief when I heard her usual dry voice. The quip rolled off my shoulders like water from a cleansing shower. Tears filled my eyes but I would not let them fall.
I walked into the room slowly, my gaze on Kadie’s still, pale form. She looked like death had already claimed her and yet I knew Tabitha would not still be here if Kadie had died.