by Wendy Owens
Gabe remembered how angry he was at everyone. It all seemed so unimportant at the moment. Gabe shook his head, “I know you wouldn’t have hidden anything from me Sophie if you had known. I just don’t understand why Michael…” Gabe’s head pounded more heavily as the thought of the secrets filled his mind.
“Gabe, I spoke to Michael before you woke,” Sophie explained. “He said he was going to tell you at the end of the week about the entire prophecy. He knew it was a lot to take in and he wanted you to see all the amazing things that happen here without that cloud hanging over you this week.”
As Gabe listened he realized he wasn’t filled with anger about the secrets anymore. It was odd to imagine, but somehow he suddenly trusted Michael. Perhaps it was the fact that he had just saved him, he wasn’t sure but he knew deep inside Michael wanted what was best for him.
“He just wanted what was best for you Gabe,” Sophie insisted, not realizing Gabe had just come to the same conclusion on his own.
“I know,” Gabe replied with a subtle smile.
Gabe looked down at his hands and began to fidget, rubbing his thumbs one against the other. Everything in him wanted to reach out and hold onto Sophie and this place forever. Sophie reached out and once again holding his hand squeezed it tightly.
Thinking about the kiss and all the unspoken words between them Gabe felt the urge to explain to Sophie exactly how she made him feel, “Sophie, about that night in the library.”
Gabe’s eyes told Sophie exactly what he wanted to speak about. She knew she liked Gabe more than she had any other boy but she also knew she did not want Gabe making any choices about their relationship based on being in emotional state.
“Oh,” Sophie gasped as she thought of something she could use to change the subject. “Raimie mentioned he had planned to work on elementals with you today. I told him you needed to rest but I wanted to ask, would you still like to meet with him this afternoon after you have rested or put it off until tomorrow?”
“Yes, I’d love to, I mean today.” Gabe replied raising a hand to his pounding head. He was in pain but thrilled with the idea of learning elemental spells.
“Well, rest first. The healers should be back around soon.” Sophie explained. “When you feel better, we can get you cleaned up and some food in your belly. There is plenty of time for Raimie.”
Gabe closed his eyes, excited about the promising afternoon. “Wait!” Gabe gasped, popping up and eyes opening wide, ignoring the pain in his head. He looked panicked at Sophie, “What about Mammon!”
“Gabe, calm down.” Sophie said trying to comfort Gabe and return him to a reclining position. “The clerics are focusing all their efforts on our boundaries and Michael is working on a plan.”
“But Sophie, he’s only miles away, and his soldiers,” His eyes filled with terror as he tried to describe them but could not find the words.
“Gabe, please, Sophie continued, again trying to get him to lie down. “You have to trust Michael knows what he is doing.”
Gabe nodded, thinking about the beach and how Michael had come to his rescue. While Gabe replayed the event in his mind yet again, Sophie walked over to a nearby table and poured different powders into a glass of water. She lifted the glass to look at the coloring after she stirred the concoction. The clanging of the spoon on the sides of the glass grabbed Gabe’s attention and looking over with an inquisitive stare, Sophie smiled.
“An elixir that will help you rest,” She explained. Without question, Gabe drank down the chalky liquid and laid back, closed his eyes and before Sophie had even left the room he was fast asleep.
Chapter Nineteen
Gabe sat in silent astonishment for a moment; shocked that only hours ago he had been in utter misery. When he first awoke, Gabe still felt a slight ache in his head but immediately upon regaining his senses he had drank the tea Sophie left for him. By the end of his shower all pain was gone.
Though the pain in his head had fled, his stomach was now roaring wildly. Gabe was absolutely famished and hoped he would be able to find something to eat at the dining hall since he had slept right through lunch. Gabe walked across the courtyard and into the grand kitchen. He was pleased to find everything he needed to make a robust sandwich. He poured a tall glass of milk to accompany his Herculean sandwich and casually walked out of the kitchen, a slight kick in his step.
Gabe cheerfully took a seat at the end of one of the tables with his meal. It felt weird sitting in the huge room when it was empty. He noted how it made him feel so small and insignificant. Gabe took a heaping bite from the sandwich and moaned with delight as the flavors exploded in his mouth. The sandwich didn’t take long to finish off, and soon Gabe was left wishing he had made a second.
Gabe cleared away his dishes and set out on his mission to locate Raimie. He stepped outside into the crisp afternoon air and took in a deep breath. His mind had never been clearer, he felt stronger, wiser, and ready to take on anything. Quickly he amended that thought, anything except Mammon. He was glad Michael was developing a plan to take care of that situation. A shiver went down Gabe’s spine as an image of the wolf like man filled his head.
Gabe walked to the center of the courtyard and looked around but didn’t see anyone he recognized. He pushed the image of Mammon from his mind as he continued searching for a moment more, deciding to look for Raimie in the cleric gardens. Gabe thought perhaps he was there with Dina.
Entering the sacred grounds, Gabe saw the clerics were all busy casting one thing or another. Fascinated by the magical energy flying all around him Gabe decided to take a seat on a nearby stone bench, enjoying the show for the moment. Flowers were being coaxed from hiding by their words. Grass grew where moments before it had been trampled by an earlier passerby. The magical harmony amazed Gabe and he was warm with the idea that he got to be part of this world.
“Gabe?” He looked up to see Sophie standing there, a smile across her face.
“Sophie,” Gabe gasped staring at her radiance, the sun glowing all around her. “Hi, wo… won’t you join me?” he stuttered making room and motioning to the empty space next to him. “Thanks so much for the tea, it really did the trick.”
“No problem,” Sophie replied tucking her head to her chest and batting her eyes in a feminine way at him. Gabe thought how adorable she looked.
“What are you doing out here?” Sophie asked taking her place next to Gabe. “I thought you were supposed to be with Raimie.”
“I did too,” Gabe said weaving his elbow around Sophie’s and grasping her hand into his. Suddenly taking a great comfort in her presence, Gabe continued, “But alas, Raimie is nowhere to be found.”
“Did you check his chambers?” Sophie asked, concerned.
“I would have,” Gabe paused to deliver a mischievous grin. “But I wouldn’t know where his chambers are.” Sophie giggled at his sarcasm. “But look at the result, I go out looking for Raimie and find something incredibly beautiful.”
Gabe loved seeing the rose color flush Sophie’s cheeks. He didn’t think she could look more radiant than that night they had met, but somehow she continued to amaze him. “Oh, Gabe, shut up” she muttered with a slight wave of her hand, giggled and rested her head on his shoulder.
He felt her breath rise from his chest and tickle his throat. It was warm and made him ache with joy. He never knew love was such a splendid emotion and it thrilled him to know Sophie felt the same way. Even though they hadn’t spoken about the kiss Gabe was sure now that Sophie felt the way he did.
Sophie sat up and cast an odd look at Gabe. “Is something wrong Sophie?” Gabe asked not shielding his concern.
Sophie bit her lip and then trying her best not to sound needy, asked Gabe a question that had been on her mind since he had arrived at the manor. “Gabe, I was wondering, have you given any more thought to if you’re going to stay? I mean after this week,” she clarified and then looked away to hide her fear he might say he wished to leave the manor.
> Gabe realized just how deep her affections were for him when he saw the pain on her hidden face. He didn’t want this beautiful creature that he cared so much for to hurt. He stumbled through his words trying to calm her spirits. “Sophie, when I came here I never imagined staying and I admit I have even thought of returning to New York recently.”
“I understand.” Sophie hastily pulled away and stood to turn and walk away; not wanting Gabe to see her disappointment. “It’s fine.” Just as she turned to flee she felt Gabe’s strong hand around her wrist.
“Sophie, stop,” he pleaded rising to his feet. “Don’t go, let me finish.” Sophie turned slightly, carful to keep her face shielded. Gabe reached out a hand and gently lifted her chin so their eyes would meet. He felt like if he didn’t tell her how he felt he might burst. “I think ever since our dance that night, I truly knew I could never go back. This is my home. I was so angry when I left earlier. But when I thought I was going to die, I didn’t think of how alone I was. I thought of all of you. I can’t explain it, but in this short time you guys have become my home, my family.” As Gabe spoke the words, he realized just how true they were and his eyes confirmed the truth of them for Sophie.
Sophie stared at Gabe for a moment and then leapt forward lifting one foot behind her and kissed Gabe with all the joy she had in her. The world melted away and it was as if the two of them stood alone in this beautiful garden. The kiss eventually turned to an embrace and they lingered there, holding each other and realizing they were both truly happy and no longer alone in the world.
Over Sophie’s shoulder Gabe heard someone clear their throat. He glanced up to see Raimie and Dina standing off to the side. “Are we interrupting something?” Raimie asked flatly, knowing all too well what they had interrupted.
Sophie spun around on her heal, her face lit up from ear to ear, unable to hide her joy. “Since when aren’t you interrupting something?” Sophie asked and all four laughed.
Sophie wrapped her arm tight around Gabe’s as if she were never going to release him from her grasp; a willing prisoner of her love forever.
“I’ve been looking for you,” Raimie said, looking at Gabe. “You’re a hard man to track down.”
“Apparently all you have to do is find Sophie,” Dina added in a small but devilish voice.
“Ha, ha,” Sophie said making a putrid face at the couple. “Like you two aren’t always attached at the hip.” Dina and Raimie glanced at each other and then with a smile nodded in agreement.
“Anyways,” Raimie said, obviously trying to change the subject. “I believe you and I have some business to attend to Mr. Harwood.” Raimie shifted his gaze to Gabe.
“Yes, of course.” Gabe replied thinking of the exciting training in store for him.
“Would you ladies care to come and watch?” Raimie offered extending his arm as a gesture.
“What?” Gabe asked, the excitement quickly fleeting and giving way to a panic that filled his body. He had made quite a fool of himself during this week and the last thing he wanted was for Sophie to witness him firing a lightning bolt into his own foot. “I am sure they have something else they want to do. It would be boring I’m sure.”
“Nope, I’m free.” Dina said with a giggle, seeing Gabe squirm, “How about you Sophie?”
“Oh, I’ve got nothing going on,” Sophie smiled at her dear friend Dina devilishly.
“Then I guess we would love to,” Dina replied with a huge grin and took hold of Raimie’s hand.
“I know I can’t think of anything I’d rather do right now,” Sophie said dragging Gabe forward and clasping her free arm into Dina’s. Gabe let out a huge gust of air as they headed towards the stone steps.
Chapter Twenty
Gabe and Raimie stood in the middle of the circle where only yesterday he and Dina had trained. Perhaps, Gabe thought, there was a chance he would be as triumphant today as he was yesterday with Dina and there was no need to fear embarrassment. Gabe glanced over to the stairs where Dina and Sophie sat huddled together, giggling. He was thrilled to see Sophie laughing; she had such a musical laugh he thought. He just hoped soon the laughter would not be about his embarrassing failed attempts at elemental spells.
“Come on, lover boy; get your head in the game.” Raimie goaded as he circled around Gabe, almost seeming to size him up.
“Hey, watch it,” Gabe replied, acting injured.
“Seriously Gabe,” Raimie said halting his movement. “This is not the type of stuff you want to mess with if you don’t have complete focus.”
Gabe nodded to Raimie, indicating he had his full attention. Raimie continued, asking, “So what do you know about elementals?”
“Hmmm,” Gabe said trying to think if anyone had actually explained anything to him about how it worked. He could honestly reply, “Absolutely nothing.” The two were silent for a moment and then Gabe added “Got your work cut out for you huh?”
Raimie didn’t laugh, instead started pacing around Gabe once again. “What are the four raw elements?” He asked finally.
Gabe thought about it for a moment and then responded “Fire, air, water, and... ummm... earth?” Gabe was pretty confident in his answer but became a little nervous when Raimie said nothing in response.
A few moments passed with Raimie still pacing and no words being said between the two. Finally Gabe asked, “Well?”
“What?” Raimie asked coming to a stop and looking confused at him.
“Was I right?” Gabe asked.
“Oh… yeah,” Raimie answered. He turned and looked at Gabe, “Honestly Gabe, I’m not even sure where to begin. I am not really what I would consider a teacher and I have definitely never tried to teach anyone who hadn’t first learned the basics in the classroom.”
Gabe looked at him, a little apprehensive about the lack of teaching experience Raimie possessed. “I just don’t want to screw this up. Michael is depending on me to help you,” Raimie added.
Realizing that Raimie was just as nervous as he was Gabe tried to calm Raimie’s worries. “Look, I don’t expect to learn everything in one day and I’m sure Michael isn’t expecting you to teach me everything in one day either.” Raimie looked over at Gabe and let out a big huff of air in response.
“How about you just tell me a little about how it works before we dive into and teaching.” Gabe added, pleased to see Raimie’s relief.
“Sounds like a plan,” Raimie responded walking over to the edge of the ring. He sat on the ground and leaned his back against a large stone, motioning for Gabe to join him. As Gabe took a seat Raimie explained, “Basically elemental spells are just what it sounds like. I probably use my heat spells the most because they are good for tracking. I can detect heat and use that ability to track someone or something. Even better I can absorb heat from the things around me and focus that heat at a target in the form of a fireball.”
“What good is a fireball against a demon? I mean aren’t they immune to fire with them being from hell and all?” Gabe asked.
Raimie started laughing, amused by how naive Gabe was. “The only place flames do not consume you is Hell, demons are just as vulnerable as we are when it comes to fire.”
“Oh,” Gabe replied, a little embarrassed by his assumption.
“Fire can be more difficult to master since it requires absorption. The first thing you should probably learn to control is air. Air is by far the easiest because it’s all around you and really you’re just manipulating it, not conjuring it,” Raimie explained.
“Manipulating it? How?” Gabe asked, very intrigued.
“Well, like you can change the direction of the breeze for instance.” Raimie replied.
“Really?” Gabe asked with a dissatisfied tone. “What good is that when fighting demons?” Gabe added.
Raimie intensified his stare at Gabe. “Hey don’t knock it. Breezes can carry smell, pretty handy when trying not to be tracked yourself and throw someone off your scent. What if there are toxic fumes which b
y the way some demons can create. If you change the direction of the air it can save the life of everyone that’s with you. You can use a breeze to bring relief from heat to everyone in your group or increase the intensity of a fire spell. Manipulating air has countless benefits!”
“OK, OK, I get it,” Gabe said lifting a hand in surrender. “I had no idea. If air is the easiest, which is the most difficult?” Gabe said trying to distract Raimie from the defensive turn of the conversation.
“Earth,” Raimie quickly responded, “Without a doubt.”
“Why?” Gabe asked.
“It’s a solid, there’s nothing but resistance,” Raimie picked up a handful of dirt and let it run through his hand as he explained. “Air is always in movement around you already so you are not fighting against the natural state of it. Earth however resists all forms of change since it is solid.”
Gabe nodded, clearly hanging on Raimie’s every word; he found the explanations utterly fascinating. Raimie continued, thrilled with Gabe’s thirst, “It’s for this reason an earth spell can exhaust the caster. It takes so much energy that many elemental casters avoid earth spells at all cost. If however you can master this element, some have been able to create earthquakes, I once even saw Michael create an earth bridge. I’m sure you can just imagine how that could come in handy.”
“Michael knows elemental magic?” Gabe asked, excited to learn something new about this man that had become a sort of mystery to him.
“He’s a master Guardian, there’s not much he can’t do,” Raimie replied.
“Have you ever done anything powerful like that?” Gabe asked in awe.
“Nothing like an earthquake,” Raimie started. “Sometimes a couple powers join together like spells for frost, snow, hail, fog, those all come pretty easily to me now but I bet they took me over a year to master.”
“Wow, really?” Gabe asked, a little disappointed with the timeline. Raimie nodded, sad to see Gabe’s discouragement.