The Amulet Trials

by Willa Alders

  Great I thought, that was why they were going after Aralynn. I continued reading. The book was saying that the Kintana would not fight back because they weren’t a violent group. Their abilities were used for good only. Only when the majority of the kingdom was almost lost, did the Kintana stand up and start fighting. Their abilities became stronger and better, and soon to be undefeatable.

  I flipped the page with my mind, and continued reading. The attacks from the Abaddon stopped for a while, then when a new power emerged they started looking for the best counterpart, and the battle coming between the two would be the biggest battle ever. The chosen one said was a girl with her counterpart. The evil chosen one was a girl as well, it said.

  I shook my head it was the prophecy of Aralynn, and I with Kilyn. It didn’t have the outcome of the battle which made me worry and gulp. I didn’t like that answer but it made it all the more imperative to try to stop tomorrow, and if I couldn’t at least to tell her Saturday before the bears attacked. I had too, I knew that more now than ever. I flipped through the pages, looking for an answer on how to defeat the Abaddon. Only thing I found was the most powerful could defeat Abaddon power, and it had to be when the one she loved was in jeopardy. Great I thought again it’s going to take me getting hurt to defeat Kilyn, but then I shook my head and told myself it was worth it if I got to spend forever with Aralynn.

  I closed the book, and looked at the time. It was already time to get up. I turned the alarm off and grabbed my clothes. I went into the bathroom, and looked at my body; there were no scratches or nothing. No bruises no soreness other than the one broken rib. Good. The only visible cut was underneath my eye but even it wasn’t bad. I grabbed my folder with the project summary in it and grabbed my coat and headed out the door.

  I revved up the engine on Chevelle and sped through the roads heading to school. I got out and lit one up smoking a bit until I saw Avery whiz by on his bike. He brought his bike to a screeching halt just long enough to stare me down. I knew he saw straight through me, he knew what I was hiding. I knew that now because of what Kilyn had said. I hoped he hadn’t told Aralynn, or if he had I hoped she would be ok until tomorrow.

  She came up on her Ducati and pulled the key out and took off her helmet. She ran her hands through her hair and smiled at me as she locked her helmet to the bike. She grabbed her bag again and put it on her shoulder. She kissed me and hugged me when I came up to her.

  “Good morning, you didn’t get into too much trouble did you?” She asked putting her hand in mine as we walked up to the school.

  “No I didn’t beautiful. Thank you.” I smiled at her looking at her outfit. She had on jeans, boots, and a long sleeve shirt which fit tightly in all the right areas. She had on her orange and black leather jacket that matched her bike as well. She looked like a hot bad-ass biker model that you would see on the cover of a biker magazine.

  “Good, I’m glad. Are you ready for this project?” She asked me as she put her coat her locker.

  “Yea, are you?” I asked as we headed in the classroom.

  “No but oh well.” She shrugged.

  “I’m not ready for you to go out with Kilyn. I’d rather be with you.” I said to her sitting down across from her.

  “It won’t be for long I promise.” She said to me as Ms. Jenson came in.

  Ms. Jenson called us first. We walked up, and Ara accessed the computer, from the slideshow we put together. We went thought that explaining a typical day in the life of a colonist, then a witch. Then we went through the punishments one would experience if convicted as a witch. I took over then as I showed three different videos about each thing we had mentioned. Then I compared it to what would happen now if the witch trials were going on and what would happen to someone who was convicted now of being a witch. I watched Aralynn out of the corner of my eye while I was talking I could see her gulp. She insisted we add this part to our project for the effect it would give despite the fact that it clearly made her uncomfortable. I went as quickly as I could so it would be over with. I didn’t want Aralynn to be uncomfortable any longer. The presentation ended a few minutes after I started and I watched Aralynn’s let a sigh out when we were done .Ms. Jenson handed us a slip that said we got an A plus on the project.

  We smiled at each other after our project was done as we sat down. Kilyn and Carter were next to present. They did well shockingly, but they focused more on the colonists who hated witches. I watched Aralynn the whole time. She was even more uncomfortable with this topic than I was but at least she was sticking through it. The bell rang after their project and we went to the rest of our classes. They were boring. That day flew by, and when the bell rang I shook my head, knowing what that meant. She would be going to hang out with my sister. I met her at her locker. She grabbed her coat and shutting her locker, as we headed outside to her bike.

  “I don’t want you to go.” I said rubbing her arms.

  “I know but why?” She asked unlocking her helmet.

  “Kilyn gives me the chills.” I said softly looking for my sister.

  “Why?” She asked.

  “Just does I’ll tell you later. I know I can’t talk you out of it but…” I trailed off as Kilyn came up.

  “I’ll meet you at your house ok?” She asked her and Aralynn nodded.

  “Be careful please… Don’t be alone with her beautiful. Get Avery or someone to be close to you please.” I said to her trying to stress the importance of it to her.

  “Archer calm down, I’m a big girl I’ll handle myself don’t worry. But if it makes you feel any better Avery gets crept out by her too so both him and Sam are going to be close. Don’t worry. I won’t be long. I promise. I’ll call you when I get back.” She said with confidence.

  “Promise beautiful?” I asked and she nodded. “Ok, be careful. I love you.” I said to her kissing her cheek.

  “I promise, love you too.” She said putting her helmet on and getting on the bike. I squeezed her hand and waved to her as she drove out of the parking lot.

  I got in my car and my mind was racing worse than before. I didn’t know where Aralynn and my sister were going or what would happen. I hoped nothing would. My chest did ease up some when I remembered that Avery and Sam would be close. They would protect her, in case something happened. They wouldn’t let anything happen to her. They were just about as crazy as I was over her. It didn’t matter that Avery hated me that wouldn’t change his decision he would still protect Ara because I knew she meant a lot to him. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her despite his feelings toward me. At least I could rest in the fact that she would be safe with Avery and Sam so close. We both wanted the same thing –to protect her. At least I could rest in the fact that she would be safe

  Just then Kilyn mind-spoke to me. Don’t worry dear brother I won’t do anything to her. Rest assured I won’t kill her. She said. I spoke back. Good you need her alive for now. And that was that. I lied to her but she couldn’t tell anymore due to the mind cloak. I pulled out of the school and sped through the roads hitting speeds over one hundred and reaching Salem Woods in no time. I got out of my car and lit a cigarette. I mind spoke again this time to my mom. Moms come here please. I said it four times each time making my thoughts sound more and more urgent.

  Nothing happened and then when I was heading to leave after a bit she appeared out of thin air. She placed her hand on my shoulder then kissed my head. I turned to face her, her eyes were gentle still. She had a soft smile that instantly calmed me down. Then she looked at the cut on my eye.

  “I see the amulet did not heal everything perfectly my dear boy.” She said touching it.

  “No but it did heal a lot, especially after last night.” I said taking one more hit of my cigarette and putting it out.

  “I know I heard. I am so sorry. I am glad the chant worked well, and it seems the mind cloak did as well. That my son is good.” My mom said softly putting her arm around me as we walked.

  “Yes it does, she is wit
h Kilyn right now. I don’t like that.” I said to her.

  “I know I don’t either, but Kilyn won’t hurt her my dear son. Not yet anyways she needs her alive for now. Have you told her yet?” Her voice questioned.

  “Not yet, tomorrow.” I said to her calmly.

  “Archer, my dear boy you need to soon, very soon. Do you not take heed warning, my son that the time is coming sooner now. I have seen it; it will be soon. You two need to train together as one. The sooner you tell her the better my dear boy.” She said with great sternness but there was still the loving tone in her voice.

  “Yeah mom, I know I’ve been trying but we’re interrupted all the time. It’s hard to do that. Timing is everything.” I said raising my voice a bit.

  “Calm down son, I know this I’m just saying you need to soon is all. Its ok I understand timing, my dear Archer the timing is never going to be perfect. We are going to be running out of time soon son. Promise me you’ll tell her it’s the utmost importance.” She said touching my cheek.

  “Yes, I will tomorrow no matter what, the bears are supposed to attack.” I grimaced.

  “Ok, good and they won’t hurt her. You won’t let them. You’re good hearted especially with her. You two are doing wonderful things in the future together. I’m very proud.” She smiled at me. “On a different note, I see that you picked up ability yesterday. You can flip through the pages of a book without touching it. Did you know that you actually can read that way if you want too? It’s difficult but you can. It’s an extension of your ability to move things with your mind.” She smiled at me.

  “I realized that, it’s not a huge asset, but it’s nice to know. I did notice something. I thought of Carter walking to the kitchen and he did. What’s that about?” I asked her leaning against my car.

  “Well it’s an ability you must have. Hybrids and humans you can control with your mind. Not many of us are lucky enough to possess that ability. Only the most powerful ones have that. You possess great abilities like Aralynn my dear son. No wonder you will rule with her. Anyways son, the ability allows you to mind control humans, and hybrids as well as the hybrid armies’ created-human form or animal form. It doesn’t matter if you can still control them.” She smiled at me.

  “That’s nice to know but what does that have to do with Carter?” I asked skeptically.

  “Well Carter is a hybrid. That means his dad or mom was human and the other parent was an Abaddon or even a Kintana. When the parents conceive a child typically the child will receive an ability or part of one from the immortal parent. Sometimes in rare cases the child will receive more than one power, but not typically and if they do its 90% weaker than a full blood immortal being. They would be no match in a battle with a full blood. In Carters’ case his father was an Abaddon. He got the brute force of the Abaddon but that was the only thing he got. He isn’t gifted other than that. The Abaddons attach hybrids to the most powerful ones, like your sister my dear son. The hybrids protect them, and do their bidding, and when they need someone to control their army that’s what the hybrids are there to do. Hybrids are not very smart but they are essential to the Abaddon. Occasionally when they attach one to a powerful Abaddon member the two will become mates. From what I heard very rarely does the Abaddon fall completely in love with the mate, but when they do it’s harder to separate them. Where you see one there’s the other. According to the Kintana however when immortal two immortal beings of good come together they are able to break that bond that the Abbadon has. From what the Kintana say Aralynn needs to focus on your sister and you need to focus your attention on Carter. If you kill Carter it will weaken Kilyn, making it far easier to kill your sister.” My mom said with wisdom.

  “Really?” I asked her wondering if she was being serious. If I kill Carter in battle; Aralynn can defeat Kilyn easier even though she didn’t need it I thought.

  “Yes dear son, you understand why it is imperative now to tell her?” My mom asked as her eyes widened with concern.

  “Yes mom I will I swear.” I said.

  “Good please do, the quicker the better then we can all train you two the better.” My mom said to me. “My dear son I do have to go. I will return shortly. Archer I love you, I am always near. Call if you need me.” My mom said kissing my cheek and hugging me.

  “I will, and I love you mom. Thank you.” I said to her hugging her back.

  “Yes my dear son. You’re welcome. Tell her.” She said turning and she was gone.

  I looked at my phone it was after five. I texted Aralynn. Hi beautiful hope you’re having fun can’t wait to see you. Send.

  She responded back. I am on my way back now, I got an outfit. Can’t wait to go get your shirt. Meet me at my house in twenty. I responded back to her. Ok will be there. Send.

  I hopped in my car and thought about what my mom said for a moment. Then I sighed because I knew she was right that I had to tell her. I was going too. I knew that. I was glad she told me how to help Aralynn. Then I sighed again this time relief that Aralynn was ok, and we were going to shop for my dress shirt for her dress for tomorrow night. I smiled at the thought of us going to homecoming like normal human teens. I started my car and turned onto the road driving to her house.

  CHAPTER 14 ARALYNN

  I couldn’t stop puking once I started putting two and two together about Archer and Kilyn. Eventually I forced myself to stop because I heard a car pull up. I didn’t want Archer and Avery to get into a full blown brawl again. I stood up and brushed my teeth quickly before heading back downstairs back to the living room. When I did Archer was at the door. I didn’t see Avery which was definitely a good thing. I could at least spare one more fight between the two of them.

  “Hey Sam, hi beautiful how was your time shopping?” Archer asked kissing my cheek.

  “It was ok glad it’s over. Kilyn just wanted to talk about you constantly and I kind of I guess got jealous.” I shrugged as he just smiled.

  “Well I don’t think you have to worry about that. I’m not interested in her.” He laughed as he smiled at me.

  “I know just awkward, but I’m glad it’s over. Anyways I’m fine I told you I would be ok by myself.” I said back to him. “Are you ready to go get an outfit?” I asked him quietly.

  “Well umm not really. I kind of already have an outfit in mind if that is ok?” He said as Sam tossed him a drink.

  “How’s that I didn’t send you a picture or anything?” I asked him and then I saw Sam’s face. He had a guilty grin because he had sent a picture to him I figured out. “Well, I guess going to a shop is out of the question now.” I shrugged as we stood outside.

  Sam and Archer just smiled, and I knew they had something planned. Whatever it was would be a good thing to get my mind off of what I was thinking about and suspecting. I wanted to figure out who Archer’s sister is, and why I got the creeps around Kilyn now I wanted to know why I had never felt it before, now I was. Plus I wanted to know why Archer hadn’t told me even though I probably already knew that answer –he couldn’t. My mind was racing again and I was getting the sick feeling again. So I focused my mind strictly on Archer. He was standing right in front of me in his all black t-shirt that showed off his muscles perfectly. As always and I wanted to go somewhere quiet and show him who I was. Something told me though that wasn’t going to happen but I sure was going to figure out a way to try.

  “You two lovers want to go get something to eat?” Sam asked me.

  “That’s up to her.” Archer said wrapping his arm around me.

  “If it’s ok Sam, we’ll pass tonight I just want to be alone with Archer for a bit, can we meet up later?” I asked him.

  “Yeah Ara that’s fine.” Sam smiled as Avery came in the room. “Looks like it’s just me and you and the girls for a bit these two want to be alone.” Sam said with a sly grin.

  “Sorry about your face man.” Archer said pointing at Avery’s eye, because Avery’s eye was black. He tried to hold out his hand for truces but Avery
wasn’t going for it.

  “Whatever you and I we will rematch when the time is right. The only reason I’m not doing anything right now is out of respect for my sister. You hurt her though I will come after you I promise and won’t be easy.” Avery snorted.

  “Ok, but I’m sure I won the first round and will win the second round but ok. Whenever and wherever you want works for me let me know. Just so you know Avery I have no plans on hurting her.” Archer said nonchalantly to him.

  “See you later.” I said to Avery and Sam as Avery frowned at Archer.

  I grabbed Archer’s hand as we headed outside. We got in his car, and we drove off to Salem Woods. That was becoming our other spot, other than the bluffs. When we got there he opened my car door and we walked hand and hand down the path to the water. We were quiet for most of the walk just enjoying the moment we were in. When we reached the river Archer and I both stopped. He must have sensed something was bothering me because he could see I was cold, and he turned me toward him. He wrapped his coat around me I thanked him. I looked at him knowing that I needed to tell him right now who I was.

  “Archer I have a question. What’s your sister’s name?” I asked as a lump in my throat grew.

  He looked at me and smiled softly as looked down at me. “Why do you ask that beautiful?”

  “No reason just curious.” I smiled at him; it was a lie and a good one at that I thought.