by Montana Ash
“Wait, Dex. Your baby? Is Cali pregnant with your baby?” A slight nod was all he could manage. “I’m going to be an uncle?” Dex did smile at that; Darius would be an amazing uncle. In fact, the poor kid was going to be surrounded by overprotective uncles and aunts. “You definitely can’t leave now. You’re going to have a baby!” Darius yelled.
“No. Cali is going to have a baby.” He corrected sternly. “I will not endanger any child, let alone my own. Haven’t you been listening? I’m not cured, Darius. That part of me that is susceptible to becoming a chade? It’s lurking, waiting.”
“So get cured.” Was Darius’s infuriatingly calm suggestion.
“Oh, sure. Just get cured. Why didn’t I think of that?” He asked, sarcastically.
“Max –”
“She’s amazing. Truly a miracle.” Dex interrupted. “And I’m so desperately grateful to her and what she has managed to do. But it’s just not enough. I’m sorry, Darius.”
“Ask her for more.”
Dex was startled; “More?”
“Yes. She’s been treating your energy, Dex. Not your soul.” Darius explained.
“My soul? You think the root of the chades lies within the soul?” Darius shrugged, looking a little embarrassed. “And you think Max can manipulate a person’s a soul?” He pressed further.
“I know she can.” His brother’s voice rang with absolute certainty.
“What makes you so sure?” He had never heard of anyone being able to manipulate a soul. Not even Life or Death Wardens could do that.
Darius smiled thinly at him, “You’re not the only person who has needed healing, Dex.”
Sensing more to that story but not wanting to intrude, he asked instead, “Do you really believe Max could cure me permanently?”
“I do.” He nodded his head once. “But what I believe doesn’t matter. It’s you who needs to be believe it. And it’s you who needs to want it. If you decide you want a new life – friends, family … Cali and a child – then go to Max … and ask.”
“Just ask?”
Darius nodded. “Just ask.”
THIRTY-TWO
Well, he had asked. He had returned to the house just as the sun was peeking over the horizon … and under the watchful eye of a short but dedicated ranger. Ivy had startled both himself and Darius when she had stepped from the shadows, her sickle held in a loose grip. Seems he may have had more of a fight on his hands other than just his brother if he had chosen to flee. Ivy had been there the entire time. But for right now, he was alone with Max. The first and only person to offer him support, comfort, and friendship during his years of exile. And hopefully the one person in the world who could relieve him of his burden.
“So … you want to be better? Like, forever better?” Max asked, as they slowed at the bend, the house disappearing from view. She sat down on the sand and he followed suit, not seeing an alternative.
“Yes. Like, forever better.” He answered.
“Why?”
Really? She wanted to know why he no longer wanted to live in agony and shame day-in and day-out? The wind blew over him in a sudden gust, whipping his long hair that he had decided to keep; Cali seemed to like it long like this. It was a cold wind, quite bracing in its intensity. Get a move on, take this seriously, it seemed to say. He took a deep breath; “Because I want my life back. Because I didn’t choose this. Because … because even though I have my element back, even though I have my brother back, and even though I’m in love with an amazing woman, I still don’t feel complete. Something is missing …” And it was, even if he hadn’t realised it until that very moment.
“Not missing.” Max assured him, “Nothing is missing or broken. It’s just been hiding – trying to protect itself. It’s what saved you, why you’ve been able to hold on all these years.”
He swallowed. She sounded so sure. “What’s been hiding?”
Her eyes became unfocused pools of liquid colour as she peered behind him, “A part of your soul of course.” Her eyes returned to him and she moved to kneel in front of him. “Shall I retrieve it for you?”
He looked behind himself but could see nothing. Trusting that Max knew what she was talking about and what she was doing, he simply nodded his head. The smile that bloomed on her face was breathtaking;
“Close your eyes.” She told him.
“Why?” He was already nervous as hell, he wanted to be able to see.
“Because I told you to.” Was the response he received.
He huffed but did as she bid – she was attempting to play hide-and-go-seek with his soul after all. Two seconds after closing his eyes, he wished he hadn’t. He was sucked into a vortex of black and bitter cold. He could feel himself falling and the air should have been whipping at his face but it wasn’t. His element had abandoned him again. He felt hungry and tired, sick and sore … and there was a monster snapping at his heels. Oh, Great Mother, he prayed. He was a chade again. No, he whimpered. He didn’t want this, he didn’t choose this, it wasn’t fair. The starving beast embraced him like a long lost lover and he felt himself begin to embrace it back.
‘Don’t touch that. That isn’t for you. Take only what you came for.’ The voice he heard was somehow everywhere at the same time – including inside his very own head. He didn’t understand what it was talking about, for he could barely think through the chaotic starvation pounding in his brain.
‘Here Dex. It’s over here.’ The voice was more distinct this time, and coming from in front of him, although he still couldn’t see a thing. The voice did sound familiar though … if only he could think through the pain pulsing throughout his system.
‘Dex … here.’ The voice urged again. ‘Here’ where? He couldn’t see anything; there was nothing to see in the endless black. Panic began to set in a moment before he saw it; a small, silver smudge of light. Focusing on the tiny blemish, he forced his way through the sludge of inkiness, trying to ignore the falling sensation and the frigid cold seeping into his bones. Reaching out, he grabbed the fuzzy silver spot only to find himself back on the beach, flat on his back, perspiring and breathing like he had run a marathon.
Max was hovering over him, face concerned. “Are you okay?”
“No.” He growled. “That hurt like a bitch!”
She rolled her eyes, offering him a hand up so he was sitting once more. “Of course it did; healing hurts, Dex. Nature demands compensation for her gifts. We must fight to heal; we must suffer to prove ourselves.” She looked pale and a little sad, as if pain and suffering were commonplace for her. And they were, he knew. She was attuned to the world itself and all of its pain was her burden to bear. Wow, he was an insensitive, ignorant jerk. Before he could say so though, she grinned;
“Ah, there it is. All clean now and pretty as a picture.” She assured him looking to his left.
He swallowed, “My soul?”
“Yep. It’s completely intact. Congratulations, Dex. You’re whole again.”
He searched inside himself frantically and although he didn’t feel like he was suddenly a new person, he no longer felt a shadow behind him. He was free. “Max …”
But she simply patted his shoulder like he was a reticent child; “You’re welcome. You did all the hard work anyway.” She titled her head and her smile turned wistful, “He’s going to take after you, you know.”
“What? Who is?” She often changed topics like this.
“Your son.” She smiled and stroked his cheek tenderly. “He has your colours.”
“My son?” Cali was having a boy?
“He’s already so beautiful, Dex. Do you want to see?” She inquired, looking into his eyes.
He nodded his head dumbly and immediately had a vision of a tiny life, skin still translucent and no more than an inch long. But he had arms and legs and miniature fingers and toes. His small body jerked with uncoordinated movements but what held Dex utterly spellbound, was the tiny flicker in his chest. His heart was beating. Dex had a son and
his heart was beating. He blinked away the moisture in his eyes and immediately saw a swirling cosmos in Max’s. Holy crap – the woman really was the daughter of Mother Nature. He stood, dragging her up with him, before going down on bended knee;
“I hereby swear fealty to you Max, Custodian of nature. I pledge infinite service, protection, loyalty and honour to you. This is my solemn wish and I do so freely without reservation.” The words were an amended form of the paladin’s pledge to their liege but they seemed fitting nonetheless. What else could one say when faced with a Goddess who had just saved your soul?
Max bowed her head in acknowledgment and he felt a tingling warmth seep into his left bicep. Looking over, his mouth dropped open in shock; there was a black brand weaving its way into his skin. He held his breath but the dark lines didn’t continue down his arm like Max’s Order. Instead, he saw seven distinct symbols forming a circle. Touching the druidic symbols for life, death, earth, air, fire, water, and beast, he didn’t know if he was relieved or disappointed when they didn’t move.
“Um, Max? Is there a little something you forgot to mention?”
She reached out, laying a small hand over the newly etched markings. “Huh. Very odd. Who knew?” She looked surprised and sheepish at the same time.
“You don’t know what this is, do you?” Unbelievable.
“Not exactly. But I’m pretty sure it won’t hurt you.”
Boy, that was reassuring – not.
“You pledged your allegiance to me, with faith and sincerity. You meant it.” She said.
“Yes, I did. And of course I meant it.” He would be her faithful servant for the rest of his existence. She had delivered him from the shadow haunting his every step, had healed his soul, and had shown him his son. He was hers to command.
She smiled, “This is proof of that, that’s all.”
He stroked it, proud beyond measure but also a little worried what the others would say. Not to mention the council.
“The council.” Max gasped.
He nodded. “I know. This could be problematic.”
She gripped his arm, bruising him from her strength, “No. The council is here.”
THIRTY -THREE
The council had indeed come, Dex thought as he watched the entire house be surrounded by wardens, paladins and rangers. He made out many a familiar face, including Nikolai and nearly every person on the council. Nik gave him a small nod in greeting and Dex saw his eyes seek out his second in command. Ivy was standing with the rest of them, acting as his guard he assumed. As for Max and her Order, they were once more lined up with him, presenting a united front.
“Garrett.” Max called out. “We weren’t expecting you.”
He saw Garrett smile, a knowing smile before he replied, “Oh, I’m sure you were.” Garrett was a Life Warden and could read auras as well as people. They were counting on him being able to read Dex. “Charlemagne. You look remarkably well considering we all thought you were lost to us.”
Dex stepped forward, revealing himself to the entire gathered crowd. “Thank you, Garrett. It’s good to see you. I’m feeling very well, and with quite the story to tell.” He added, angling for a peaceful resolution to this encounter. Any fight now would result in disaster.
“Oh, I bet, I bet.” Blu commented. “You don’t seem much like a chade to me.”
Dex smiled, he really liked the aging Water Warden. “I’m not. At least not anymore.”
“But you admit that you were?” The incredulous voice belonged to the female Fire Warden – Cinder. Dex hadn’t had much to do with her but he had never been particularly fond of her all the same.
“I do admit that, yes.” He responded, frankly.
Abrupt movement to his right had them all tensing as a ranger broke ranks, releasing his sickle in a hiss. Max’s Order unsheathed their scythes as wind whipped the air and clouds rushed in. A number of sinister looking hawks lined the trees and their wings shook in agitation. Max stepped forward just as the earth rumbled giving everyone a solid jostle. Had she just done that?
‘This has the potential to get out of hand very quickly. I suggest we all calm down and think.’
He’d recognise that voice anywhere – it belonged to Max. But how was he hearing her in his head? He wasn’t in her Order. Apparently he wasn’t the only one though, for he saw all seven council members open their mouths in shock, shake their heads and look around them as though it were some trick of sound. Dex saw Mordecai’s eyes narrow as he took in the stubborn line of Max’s chin and the swirling energy that seemed to surround her. He quickly whispered in Garrett’s ear, who nodded in assent.
“Ares.” Garrett placed a restraining hand on the arm of the Air Warden. “Ravyn.” He did the same to the Beast Warden. They didn’t seem happy about it, but they released their powers, allowing their elements to return to their natural states. Garrett wrapped an arm around his wife and smiled at Max in true warmth as if he were a proud papa. “What do you suggest, My Lady?”
Dex felt Max relax a little and the frenetic energy surrounding them began to dissipate, although the air still felt charged. Had he been in his chade-state, he would have been salivating from the power in the air. Max took another step forward, only to be followed by her entire Order. She may have relaxed somewhat but her Order had not.
“Coffee?” She suggested.
“Sounds lovely.” Was Autumn’s reply. “And will you be joining us Charlemagne?”
He bit his tongue so as not to correct the very nice Warden of the Earth. He had known her and Garrett well and had been good friends with their late son who had sadly died in battle. They had never had any more children. “Yes, Autumn. I would love to.” He replied as was expected and required.
Murmurs met his words and he found himself the centre of attention as all eyes looked at him. He wished the earth would open up and swallow him. This was one of his worst nightmares. A cool hand brushed his and he dared a glance at Cali. She wasn’t looking at him but he felt her support nonetheless. A gentle breeze carried the familiar note of Darius and Dex knew his brother had his back as well. He would make this work, no matter what. He had far too much to fight for now.
*****
They had demanded proof in the form of blood. To his annoyance – and Cali’s rage – they hadn’t been satisfied when Nikolai had sliced a shallow cut across his forearm. Damn near all of them had demanded equal proof and insisted on cutting him themselves. Ares, Cinder, and Ravyn had even squeezed the wounds in order to pull more of the red stuff from him. Blu was the only one not to bother with the show, instead giving his hand a hearty shake and welcoming him back. Dex shook his head over that; that old coot was as crazy as a bed bug, but also a good man and an even better warden. Rumour had it, he’d had a hand in the creation of the Rivers of Life.
It had been a long, tense day and he had submitted himself to every question, every poke, and every prod the IDC had demanded. Dozens of paladins and rangers had been in and out of the house and Dex was very sorry that Ryker’s sanctuary was being invaded. When he had tried to apologise for all the drama, he received one long look filled with annoyance. The look was aimed at Dex’s apology, not the reason behind it, and he was reminded that he was indeed family again.
More of his blood had been taken away in tubes, as had his piss. He had drawn the line at tissue samples though, well, Cali and Darius had anyway. The furious and disdainful looks they had thrown at the council had them quickly changing their minds. He felt like he had talked until his throat was raw and listened until his ears were bleeding. But it was now the end of the day and he was still standing as a free man instead of being hauled away in shackles to a prison of concrete where no nature resided. He had been the perfect gentleman and the very epitome of the old Charlemagne, hoping to seduce and impress with his charm and history. It had largely worked, given there were so many witnesses around. It’s not like the IDC could claim he was a chade and slaughter him when he was being so civilised. Many a pa
ladin had also offered themselves in order to prove he could indeed recharge.
But his freedom had come with an unexpected price; Ivy. The IDC had insisted they could not leave him here, unbound with no paladin and unsupervised – for his own health and wellbeing of course. He had balked, never wanting to be a part of an Order again. He had failed his old one miserably and wasn’t in the market for another. But the council had insisted and he had prepared himself to be saddled with some strange paladin. But Ivy had stepped forward, not volunteering to pledge herself to him as a bound paladin, but to provide him with vitality and service nonetheless. The council had been well pleased, given they believed the ranger was well in their pockets. She was also equipped to deal with chades should he go rogue again. Dex hadn’t missed the subtle nod Max had given Ivy right before she had stepped forward, offering her service. If he didn’t know any better, he would have said Max had planned the whole thing.
He was now standing with Mordecai – Warden of Death – and had been awaiting the opportunity to get him alone all day. “You need to stop doing that.”
Mordecai turned his cool green eyes his way. “Doing what?”
“Staring at Max that way. It makes her uncomfortable and what makes her uncomfortable, makes her paladins uncomfortable. And her paladins are a twitchy lot when they’re uncomfortable.” Dex assured him.
“That is as it should be.” Mordecai responded as he nodded, eyes scanning over the Aurora Order as if looking for signs of weakness.
And perhaps he was, Dex thought. A paladin affiliated with death, like his new sister in law, were all about acceptance and moving forward. She was attuned to those harsher emotions like loss and grief and her calm, practical way made her a good listener and very adept at psychology. Although wardens of death could also do the same, their skills were naturally more heightened and extensive. They couldn’t take life away any more than a Life Warden could give it and they weren’t the Grim Reapers of the world, ferrying souls to the other side or anything. But they could and did see sickness and predict death. Again, they couldn’t heal sickness – that was a powerful Life Warden like Garrett’s thing – but they could detect who was ill and also whose time was close.