Tatyanna

by Lindsay Johnston

  “It's you,” she said, wondering why he was here now.

  “Tatyanna,” Dimitri hissed, “that's not how you greet Him.”

  Tatyanna was bewildered. Considering she has never formally met the man, she wasn't sure how she was supposed to greet him. Grandfather laughed softly, and she knew he had heard her thoughts. He didn't appear apologetic at all, and grinned when he saw she knew what he was capable of doing. Grandfather walked closer to the small group and lifted his hand to signal to the others to rise.

  “Hello, my dear,” he said, standing in front of her, as the others made a path for him. “You can call me Grandfather.”

  “Grandfather?” she asked, “That's it? What's your real name?”

  “Taty,” Dimitri hissed again, but before he could continue, Grandfather raised his left hand to stop him.

  “It's okay, son. She has a right to question, and to be wary of all of this. We haven't been truthful with her from the start.” Looking at Tatyanna, he said, “I go by many names, but the only one you need to know, for now, is Grandfather. I know everything about you, and I know what is going on. The only thing I don't know is how all of this is going to end. I think I know, but that is for another day.”

  Tatyanna rolled her eyes and let out a long sigh. “Great, someone else who talks in cryptic messages. Just what I need,” she said sarcastically. Her friends groaned, but she refused to act like someone she wasn't. All of this was starting to get a little bit ridiculous. Hadn't she proved herself yet? She even walked through a waterfall for crying out loud. That was scary as hell for her, thinking she might die a horrible death. And now, the elderly man was giving her cryptic messages. Was it enough?

  “You're right. We haven't been fair to you,” Grandfather said, answering her thoughts.

  Tatyanna raised her finger at him. “You need to stop that. My thoughts are my own, not yours to read at your leisure.”

  Grandfather ignored what she had said. “I think you need to sit down. I have my own story to share, and you may not like what you hear.”

  Tatyanna was half-tempted to show some attitude, but thought better of it. From what she knew of Grandfather, he was the oldest man alive of their kind, and he did hold all the answers. She simply nodded, and glanced back at the thrones. She gently raised her mother's crowns, and sat down in what was now her throne, cradling the crowns in her lap. She pointed to the throne next to her for someone to sit down in, but instead, her friends spread out and stood on either side of her.

  “I was the first of our kind, and I will be the last. I have seen everything our kind has to offer, including humans, and I will admit, people will surprise you. We all have the gift of free will, and even though I hope to know what the outcome will be, I don't know it for sure. I refuse to take away the ability to choose. I refuse to have everyone act and obey because they are forced to. Instead, I want them to act how they want to. This shows the greatest picture of what people are capable of.

  “I created this land as a sanctuary for our kind. Our people were being massacred for who they were, for what they could do, and for where they came from—me. My blood runs through each and every one of you, and I couldn't bear to see my people killed. I created this world as a safe haven for my people.

  “Initially, I wanted this land to be only for our kind, but I changed my mind,” he said, smiling at the obvious. “I saw the way humans were being treated, and wanted to open our land up to them as well, if they were able to find the gateways. Our people accepted the newcomers, and life was good. Sure, there were squabbles between families, and kingdoms, but, for the most part, we led a peaceful existence, until evil arose. It didn't seem to matter how many times I came back to right a wrong, to strip people of their powers, and start over; evil kept coming back stronger and stronger, until now. I decided to leave it up to the people to decide what they want to do. If they want to live in a world filled with evil, then I would just disappear, but if they wanted to fight back, I would hang around to see what happened.

  “I refuse to get involved, like I have done before, but I will always be here as a point of guidance, when it is needed. Right now, my guidance is needed, because, out of everything that has happened, Tatyanna, I, too, have kept something from you.

  “As you have traveled here, you have seen the remnants of death and destruction, but I have actually kept your eyes veiled so you didn't see the complete truth. You only saw what you wanted to see. The world out there barely exists, because people are scared to take a stand. You took a stand that day in the bar, and slowly people everywhere are coming out of hiding. Unfortunately, they are being slaughtered for it, but they are doing it in good faith, hoping you will act as their savior. When you leave here, you will see the world for what it is. You will see what has happened to people, as they became something they weren’t to survive.

  “You will be surrounded by people who care for and love you and want to protect you, but you will also be surrounded by liars, thieves, even murders who want to see you fail. Unfortunately, I can't tell you who those people are. You need to trust your instincts, and follow your heart. You will make mistakes, and you will pay for them, but in the end, you have to experience all of this to become the leader you are meant to be.”

  Grandfather nodded down at the crowns in her hands, and walked toward her to pick the circlet up. He raised it above his head, and said, “I, Grandfather, am the beginning and the end, I crown you, Lady Tatyanna, Queen of Yemaya.” He placed the circlet on her head, and took a few steps backward, bowing down to her, showing her his respect.

  Tatyanna wasn't sure what to expect, but she felt a light breeze pass through the throne room and pick up speed. She was floating high in the air. She stretched out as long as she could. She saw a blue light hover over her, surrounding her body, and then entering the blue stone in her necklace. She was overcome with the sensation of floating on water and felt the cooling touch of the ocean. This was why she was so adamant about coming home. Tatyanna was inheriting her family's power. It wasn't just passed on down from child to child. The rest was awarded when they were of age to take the crown. Her body righted itself, and then slowly glided back down to the floor. Tatyanna felt like a part of her was awakened for the very first time. She felt alive, and like she could take on the world.

  Grandfather smiled at her, once again reading her thoughts, but Tatyanna didn't care. She felt carefree and relaxed. She watched as Grandfather raised his hands in the air and spoke a few words. A gnarled blue staff appeared in his hands. He walked toward her and presented the staff to her. “This is another family heirloom. It will aid you in your travels. Learn to use it, and you will be stronger for it.” He bowed his head over the staff. Tatyanna reached out to grab it. The staff wasn't actually blue, but instead covered in blue markings. She felt the power, and knew the staff would only aid her.

  “I think you have had a long day. Rest up tonight, and start fresh tomorrow. Your eyes are open now, Queen Tatyanna,” he said, using her official title for the first time. “Don't be overwhelmed with what you see. Remember to believe, and to rely on those you trust most to get you through this. When you leave here, you must make haste to find the Phoenix Lord. He will protect you for the rest of your journey, and beyond.”

  “Thank you, Grandfather,” Tatyanna said, surprising everyone when she threw her arms around the old man's neck. ‘Explore your mother's room. The journal is still there, under the floorboard. You need to read it.’

  Tatyanna stepped back and gave him a strange look after he spoke to her mind. He smiled then disappeared into thin air. Tatyanna felt a slight loss with him gone, but she knew what she needed to do. “I don't know about the rest of you, but I just want to eat something, other than stale bread and dried meat, and sleep in an actual bed for once. Who knows when I will get this chance again.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Mysterious Meeting

  Tatyanna gave a lame excuse to her friends, saying that she just wanted to fin
d a bed and go to sleep, but really she wanted to go back to her mother's room, and find her journal. She wanted know more about the favor Larik had once asked of her mother, and she wanted to discover what happened to that girl. She instantly recognized the girl in her vision as the girl Larik thought about when he picked up the doll in the village he had burned down before their arrival. The girl meant something to him, and she was curious as to what it was. As far as she knew, and from what the others had told her, Larik had a black heart, and didn't care about anyone but himself. But, there was a nagging sensation in the pit of her stomach that made her think there was more to the prince than anyone knew, maybe even the prince himself.

  Tatyanna made it to her mother's room without any problems. She recalled every turn, every staircase, as if she had grown up there. It was so surreal, she couldn't believe she was there, and she felt an emptiness in her stomach, because she was there and her parents weren't. She didn't even know how they had died, and hoped maybe she would find the answers she sought here.

  She entered her mother’s room, and it felt like nothing had changed. The bed was still perfectly made. The room itself was immaculate, and her mother’s jewelry box was in the exact same place. It was as if her mother left the room, with plans to come back, but never did.

  As she walked farther into the room, she saw the familiar blue in the curtains and bedspread, as if it was her family’s mascot color. She briefly glanced at the closest she had once hid in, and went straight for the loose floor board surprised by how easy it lifted, considering it hadn’t been touched in years.

  She was surprised to see an envelope addressed to her inside her mother's journal. She gingerly lifted the envelope out, and could smell lilac. It was her mother's familiar scent, and she felt the tears welling up inside of her.

  Tatyanna didn't want to open the letter, because she was scared as to what she would find, but she knew she had to. She had to grant her mother's last wish.

  Dearest Tatyanna,

  If you are reading this, then you have been told the truth about yourself, and have accepted to go on a dangerous quest to save your true home. I am sorry I sent you away at such a young age, and made sure everyone kept the truth a secret. But I wanted you to grow up with a normal childhood, and not have the truth hovering over you like a nightmare.

  This world wasn't always like this. I have some great memories, especially those involving you and your father, but over the last several years, everything spiraled out of control so fast, that once it started, no one was able to stop it. I have to wonder, even now, if it is stoppable. You have to know I put my complete faith in you. You were born for greatness. You can do so much more than you could possibly dream about, so don't let your fears hold you back. Instead, embrace them, and become the young woman, the young queen, you are meant to be.

  I have left you my journal, but you won't be able to read it like you want to. Before I died, I asked Grandfather for one last favor. I was surprised he granted it to me, because I asked a lot of him, and I am grateful he did this. When it is time for you to read about another memory, the book will open itself up to you. You will be able to read my words, and hopefully even see the truth in your mind. I was told you would have inherited that gift. It is a powerful one. Know the answers you seek will be tied to other people's memories.

  Before I get into the real reason for leaving this letter, and what I know you want to read about, let me tell you I am sorry I won't be around to see you grow up. I am sorry I withdrew after your father died, and I'm sorry I wasn't there to say goodbye to you. Once your father was gone, I felt like I had lost everything, because I knew I would be losing you, and I just couldn't handle it. I shut myself in my room and refused to get out of bed. I couldn't even tell you your father was dead, and he would never be coming back. I watched him die, and nothing I could do would bring him back. I did try, but his body was beyond recognizable. I knew that day would come, but I just didn't expect it to come so soon.

  I know I am not making much sense to you, and I am sorry. My time on this world is coming to an end.

  First off, trust Emmett and Dimitri. You may not remember them, but you used to play with both of them as children, Emmett more so than Dimitri. They will never steer you wrong. One day soon, I hope you will meet Marek. He is a good man, remember that. You will meet people on this journey who you think you can trust, but you can't. You will meet others who you don't think you should trust, but you can. No one can tell you who these people are but you. Believe in yourself, and what your gut is telling you. It won't lead you wrong.

  Secondly, I'm sorry for leaving you the way I did. I should have been there for you, but I couldn't be, and I am sorry. I should have been stronger, but I didn't know how to be strong without your father. A part of me died the day I lost him, and another part died the day I sent you away. There isn't enough will in me to survive much longer. Instead of taking a stand and fighting, I chose to give up, and now I am just a shadow of myself. The wind will soon blow hard enough, and the rest of me will disappear with it.

  Lastly, don't be so hard on Larik. He was forced to become the man he is today. I don't blame him for what he did to your father. I blame his parents, and the evil inside of them. Larik is a good boy, and he can find that goodness again. In order to beat the evil, you need to beat the evil inside of him. Travel to the Silent Voices Clan, and they can help you with what you seek.

  Remember, my dear child. I love you, and even though I am not here with you, I am here in spirit, and I will always be with you.

  Love you with all my heart,

  Mother

  Tatyanna put the letter down, and wiped the tears from her face. She had few memories of her mother, but reading her words made everything so real, much more than it was before. If her words touched her like this, she could only imagine what reading her mother's journal would do to her. Slowly, Tatyanna put the letter down and picked up her mother's journal. She tried to open the book, but it wouldn't open. She turned the book around in her hands, unable to find a keyhole. She then remembered the words from her mother's letter when she was ready to read them, the memories would be there.

  She picked up her mother's letter and the journal, and moved over to her mother's untouched bed and sat down. Holding the book in her hands, she asked out loud, “If I am ready, show me what I need to know.” Immediately, the book flew open with pages quickly flying by, and then it stopped.

  There were no dates on the page, but it was titled:

  My Mysterious Meeting with Larik

  I woke up suddenly this morning, feeling like my body was on fire. For a moment, I thought I was, until I realized someone was trying to summon me. I feared for a moment, but then had a sense of calm overwhelm me. The young Prince Larik was reaching out to me. A part of me wanted to tell Gerulf, but if Larik was trying to contact me, it was for a very specific reason, and something that he wanted to keep a secret.

  As Tatyanna read her mother's journal, the words started to fly off the page, and in its place were images. It was as if she were watching a movie. She could hear her mother's voice in her head, reading the journal out loud. It was a little bit disconcerting at first, but Tatyanna felt a genuine connection to her mother's journal. Having longed for her true mother, she didn't question it, and went along with what was happening.

  Tatyanna could see her mother closing her eyes, squeezing them shut, as if she was concentrating about something really hard. When she was about to question what her mother was doing, she could hear the words from her mother's journal in her mind:

  I mentally reached out to him, and showed him the hidden tunnel to the castle and into my quarters, bypassing the main part of the house. I never thought I would share the secret to the tunnels to an enemy, but today, he wasn't evil. Today, he was a vulnerable young man desperately seeking help.

  Secret tunnels? Where? Tatyanna thought. She heard rustling behind the wall in her mother's quarters, and saw the wall swing open, and in walked L
arik, carrying a little girl in his arms, with fiery red hair that matched his power. Her mother's words once again reached her mind, as she saw the scene being played out:

  How quaint, the combination of the two was ironic.

  Tatyanna could instantly see that the young girl was hurt, and on the verge of death. Larik cradled her in his arms, as if she was his lifeline. He wouldn't even let go of her, as Queen Adele knelt down to heal the young girl.

  Tatyanna watched in fascination as her mother laid her hands on the child, and the queen could feel she was farther from death than initially believed.

  The young girl was clinging to life, not wanting to give up, and that gave her strength like none I had ever seen before. I knew she was someone special, and I had my thoughts, but I didn't have time to dwell on them at that time. When she opened her eyes, Larik let out a long breath, as if he doubted my abilities to heal her. I knew she meant something special to him, and it showed in how his eyes glistened with tears, and he started trembling.

  Tatyanna blinked a few times. The images disappeared, and words reappeared on the page. It was a little disconcerting to be seeing one thing, and hearing her mother in her mind. She stared back at the page, willing for the images to come back, and was thankful when they did.

  “Why?” he had asked. “Why did you decide to help me?” he lifted his head, bringing his eyes to meet the queen's briefly. “You should have turned me away, all things considering.”

  If it was me, Tatyanna thought, I would after everything I had heard about the prince. Her mother, on the other hand, was a better woman.