Dark Calling

by McIntyre, Cheryl

  “Keely, are you ready to go?”

  “Uh, yes?”

  She opens the door and looks past her mom to her bed. There is a distinct Asmoday impression in her pillow, but no Asmoday. Keely lets out a breath and almost laughs.

  “You look nice. I haven’t seen this skirt in ages. And your hair is so pretty.”

  “Thanks, Mom. You look nice too.”

  Kimberly touches Keely’s hair. Hugs her tightly. “Everything will be o.k. We will get through this.”

  “I know,” Keely says.

  ***

  Nick opens the car door for Keely and takes her hand. She looks up at the massive school. The building is made from stone, reminding her of a castle. But in no other way does it resemble a castle. It’s in the shape of a humongous sideways rectangle and three stories high. There’s a large arc of a sign above the main double doors. Deus Lucem Academy. This could be her school soon. That is, if she doesn’t die first.

  “It’s big,” she says.

  Nick smiles at her. “I’ll be with you the entire time.”

  Keely nods and tries to smile back, but it doesn’t quite work while she is fighting the urge to throw up. She takes a deep breath. She’s lived through people trying to kill her before. She can handle this.

  Kevin and Kimberly join their daughter at the doors. “Let’s get this over with.”

  Keely grips the Demon Grimoire to her chest like a school book. Gratefully, there is nobody in the main hall. They make their way to the office where they’re told to sign in and take a pass. It reminds her of her high school. Only, after they sign in, they are lead to the back of the office where they take an elevator down to the basement level. It doesn’t look like a basement, however. The walls are paneled in a rich dark wood, the floor carpeted in red. Iron sconces line the walls every few feet lighting their way down the hall. They stop in front of a door and are instructed to go in and be seated.

  Keely was expecting something similar to a court room. It’s nothing like that. There is a spacious glossy wooden table with nine high back leather chairs on one side. On the other side of the table is one smaller version of the other chairs. Along the walls, there are several groupings of chairs you would find in anyone’s house. Very casual. As if you could sit and read a book. The walls are paneled the same as the hallway, but the room is brighter. Lit by florescent ceiling lights. Again, like her high school.

  Nick moves to the chairs along the wall and gestures for them to sit. He stays standing, which makes Keely anxious. She crosses her legs and bounces her foot nervously.

  “Do you need a pill?” Her mom leans toward her and whispers.

  Keely shoots her a look. She stopped taking her pills. “No. I’m fine.” She forces herself to sit still.

  The door opens and several people come in. Three guys and two girls. Nick nods his head in hello, but doesn’t go to speak to them. They take seats on the other wall and talk amongst themselves. Keely hadn’t thought there would be an audience. The door opens again as two girls shuffle in.

  “Good luck, Nick.” One of the girls flashes a smile before she and her friend sit down.

  Keely scrunches her bows. That girl seems to like Nick more than Keely is comfortable with. And she realizes all these people know him. They went to school with him. Probably grew up with him. And she doesn’t know anything about this time of his life. She doesn’t know a whole lot about Nick period.

  Ugh. She hates when her mom is right. But that doesn’t mean she can’t still love him. She loves him for who he is when he’s with her. Not his past. But she is curious about it now.

  The room fills quickly as the noon hour approaches. A man comes in and walks straight up to Nick. Before he says a word, Keely knows he is Nick’s dad. Nick is a younger, slightly smaller version of him.

  “Dad.”

  “I wanted to let you know they decided I cannot vote on your case. Conflict of interest. But I will be mediating the Princess’ case.”

  “Dad, this is Keely.” Nick takes Keely’s hand and pulls her to her feet.

  “I’d shake your hand, but I don’t want anyone to think my judgment is skewed in any one direction. But it’s a pleasure to meet you, Keely.”

  “Thank you. Nice to meet you too.” Please don’t vote to kill me.

  “I need to take my place now. Good luck to both of you.”

  Keely’s eyes follow Nick’s dad up to the front of the room where he sits in the second chair. In the first is an older man, maybe in his sixties. He’s wearing a gray checkered suit jacket and bright yellow bow tie. He has principal written all over him. The third chair seats an older woman who appears bored already. In the fourth, a pretty young woman with mocha skin and silky black hair smiles at Keely. She’s one of those women who tries for conservative, but makes even the blandest business suit look sexy and exotic. Keely’s eyes move past her, the fifth chair is empty, but in the next seat, Keely sees someone that causes a lump to settle in her throat. Her eyes meet Coach’s and she gasps. Her salt and pepper hair is down, just the sides held back in small clips. She looks different, but Keely has no problem recognizing her. Coach holds her gaze for several seconds before Lila’s voice interrupts.

  “I’ve never been to one of these things before. How does this work?”

  Nick shrugs. “It’s my first as well.”

  “Theirs too, I’m sure,” Lila says dipping her head at the full room. People are standing now because there are no chairs left. Some kids sit on the floor, missing their lunch hour in order to see the Demon Princess.

  “They’re all staring at me,” Keely whispers to Nick.

  “Only because you’re so beautiful,” Nick whispers back. Keely fights the urge to roll her eyes.

  “Is that Coach?” Lila asks bewildered.

  “Yes,” Keely says. Her voice catches and she sits back down. She has no idea what Coach thought of that night. Could she believe that Keely knew who she was and acted against her? Does she know what Dustin did? Maybe she thinks he didn’t know who she was. Lila and Nick didn’t seem to know she was involved with the Hierarchy. Keely feels dizzy.

  A man takes the fifth and middle chair. He confers with the woman beside him for a moment before rising. He’s a middle aged main with thick dark hair. Though he’s dressed casually in a v-neck tee and jeans, he has a quality, an authority to him. He holds up a hand and the room slowly quiets. “We will begin now. I ask that all students be respectful and quiet during proceedings.” He reads over a sheet of paper before continuing. “First case to be heard is for Watcher, Dustin White.”

  “I’m up,” Lila sighs. She stands and walks briskly to the chair in front of the table. “My name is Lila Wallace. I’m here on behalf of Watcher White. He is still in the hospital recovering from his injuries.”

  “I’m sorry there must be a mistake,” the man says. He looks down at his paper again. Shakes his head. “Accused must come in person. We will reschedule until he is in better health.”

  “He was injured. Not accused.” Lila glances over her shoulder at Nick then back to the man.

  “Guardian Wallace, Dustin White has been branded with treason.”

  Lila looks at her dad. He is shuffling through papers desperately. “Dustin was captured and tortured trying to save Keely and her parents,” Lila says slowly, an edge of panic in her voice. “He cannot be held liable for anything he may have said under duress.”

  “Guardian Wallace, these allegations come from a member of the Hierarchy. He will have to come forward and dispute the claim himself.”

  “Who is the accuser?”

  “I am,” Coach says firmly. “Mr. White broke Oath by helping Prince Apophis capture Princess Keely.”

  Nick’s hand grips Keely’s so tightly her fingers go numb. In one silent gesture, he screams a million questions at her. Is it true? Why didn’t you tell me? Di
d he hurt you? What will Lila do?

  Keely puts her head down and stares at her hand turning white in Nick’s grasp. Everyone is staring at her. Blaming her. Judging her.

  “Because of his actions,” Coach continues, “a search party was dispatched into another realm. Many lives were endangered. He was sworn to protect his charge, instead he betrayed her. He dishonored the Angel.”

  “She’s lying. He wouldn’t do that,” Lila cries.

  “Guardian Wallace, I witnessed it for myself. He attacked me and knowingly sent the Princess into a building full of Demons. When she looked to him for salvation, he denied her and aided Prince Apophis in taking her prisoner. If I need to be more direct, Miss Wallace, your boyfriend held Miss Kiem while Apophis beat her into unconsciousness.”

  Nick releases Keely and rests his head in his hands.

  “Princess, would you like to give your statement now? Or would you prefer to wait to face Mr. White?” the man in charge asks Keely.

  She looks up, stunned. She hadn’t planned on making a statement at all. “Do I have too?”

  He smiles at her kindly. “You do not have to today. But yes, I’m afraid you will have to either confirm or deny.”

  Keely nods. She would rather get this over with now. There is no way she wants to do this face to face with Dustin. She stands shakily and Nick stands with her.

  “Miss Wallace, you are dismissed.”

  Lila turns slowly and walks through the maze of people. Her eyes burn with tears. She stands in front of the door trying to decide whether to stay and hear what Keely has to say, or run.

  “Guardian Wallace, Princess,” the man says. “Please, Princess, sit.” Keely doesn’t so much sit, as she does fall into the chair. She feels so sick. And this is probably the easy part of the day. “Do you confirm or deny the allegations against Dustin White?”

  She bites her lip until she tastes blood. Takes a deep breath. She said she was going to be honest. If she lies now, when Coach knows the truth, it will only make things worse. But every part of Keely’s heart is begging her to lie. She looks up at Nick. He nods his head and squeezes her shoulder.

  “I confirm the allegations. But may I say something?”

  The man inclines his head, giving her permission.

  “Dustin didn’t have a choice. Apophis got a hold of Lila and took her to the Demon realm. Apophis threatened to kill Lila if Dustin didn’t help him. It was only because he was scared for Lila. Otherwise, Dustin would never have done that. And I don’t think he knew who you were, Coach.”

  “Princess, when a child of God’s light takes an Oath, he is sworn to it. By betraying you, he has betrayed his oath, therefore, betraying God. This offense is very serious. It does not matter the reason behind it. Betrayal is betrayal,” the man informs her.

  “May I ask why you did not come forward on your own accord?” Coach asks.

  “Because I couldn’t say I wouldn’t do the same thing. Apophis had my parents and I went there to save them. I put everyone in danger too. Because he had people I loved. Because I would do anything to get them back. I don’t think he should be held accountable for trying to save Lila.”

  “This will weigh heavy on your character,” the principal looking man says.

  Keely raises her chin. “I hope it does.”

  “If that’s all you have to say, we’ll move on.”

  “Just one last thing, please. I know you look at what Dustin did like he did something personally to all of you. But I was the one he did it to. And I don’t think he should be punished for it. If that matters.”

  “We’ll take it into consideration,” the man in charge says and smiles kindly at her.

  Twenty-Seven:

  Nick is told to stay where he is. Keely is asked to return to her seat. She wants to hug Nick and wish him luck, but she doesn’t. She knows it’s better for both of them if she does exactly as she’s been instructed. No reason to flaunt their relationship in the face of the Hierarchy.

  Keely turns in time to see Lila walk out the door. Part of her is relieved she doesn’t have to sit with her while the other part wants to apologize.

  “Guardian Wallace, you are branded with hindrance and amoral consorting. Do you confirm or deny?”

  “I confirm on both grounds,” Nick says.

  Whispers and gasps roll through the room. “Students, please be respectful or you will all be asked to go back to your classes,” a woman from the Hierarchy scolds.

  “Are you ready to give your statement at this time?”

  “Yes, sir, I am. I will address the brand of hindrance first,” Nick says. “I took an Oath to protect Princess Keely. My Oath is my honor. I take it very seriously. It is my duty to protect Keely at any cost to myself. I have sworn to give my life in order to preserve hers. I am unaware of any clause that states I should not be willing to give my job to defend her. I would say the order of a man’s life is honoring the Angel first, my charge’s life second, my family, my own life, and my job last. I have not dishonored the Angel by my actions. I have insured my charge’s life. As any Guardian is aware, life doesn’t always go by the book, so therefore, I cannot always act by the book. I don’t believe there is any one way to handle a situation. I learned of the Demon King’s wish to keep the Princess alive only the night before we escorted her to Pandora. I was aware she was planning on entering a dangerous situation and decided it took precedence. I acted upon the needs of my charge.”

  “It sounds nice, Guardian Wallace, but if your charge hadn’t been abducted Friday night, would you have come forward with this information willingly?” Principal asks.

  “I planned to seek my father’s council, yes.”

  “Do you believe, sitting here before us today, that you made the correct decision?” the pretty woman asks.

  “No I do not. In trying to protect her, I put the Princess in greater risk. I should have sought assistance from the Hierarchy.”

  “Often, we learn the hard way,” the man says.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Do you have a statement for the brand of amoral consorting?”

  Nick clears his throat. “Yes.” He runs a hand through his hair. Inhales deeply. “This hasn’t been the typical job by any means. For a year, I hid who I was from my charge. I protected her in secret. Watching someone when they don’t know you’re watching, you see who they really are. Not the person they want to show you. We’re all a little better when we know someone is looking. But Keely, she’s just Keely. She is the same person whether she knows you’re looking or not.”

  Bryon slides into the seat next to Keely. He leans in and whispers, “What’ve I missed?”

  “A lot.” She gives him a look that clearly means she wants him to shut-up.

  “It’s simple. I fell in love with her,” Nick finishes.

  “Relationships between a Guardian and a charge are not common practice,” Principal declares.

  “Yes, but not unlawful.”

  “It is not unlawful. You’re right. But do you feel you can make the proper decisions necessary to protect her when you are emotionally invested?” A small man in the last chair asks.

  “I believe I will be even more careful in the decisions I make from here on out.”

  “Do you think your feelings for the Princess altered your decision making in the past? Such as your decision to hinder the Hierarchy?” Nick’s dad asks.

  Nick meets his dad’s eyes. “Yes. My Oath is to protect Keely. Not to protect her from everything but the Hierarchy,” he says firmly.

  “Do you feel you are perhaps biased due to your feelings?” the man in charge asks.

  “Biased how? I have pledged my life to keep Keely safe. I will do that. Perhaps better than I might have before I loved her.”

  “But what about future assignments?” Coach wonders.

  “I have not ta
ken an Oath for any other jobs.”

  “Yes, but there will come a time when you will be reassigned to another. Will you be able to fulfill your duties?” the pretty woman asks.

  “My father loves my mother very much, yet he has always fulfilled his obligation to a charge.”

  “Yes, but your mother has never been your father’s charge. She is his equal,” Principal offers.

  Nick smiles. “If it is a question of equality, the Princess is equal to no one. She’s better than all of us. She comes from a Guardian mother and undeviatingly from a Watcher. Nobody else can say that. I know how special she is. And I will guard her as such.”

  “We are fully aware of where the Princess comes from,” Principal says. “I worry that perhaps your commitment is too zealous.”

  “I have sworn to die for her, my commitment cannot run any deeper than that,” Nick scoffs.

  They sit in complete silence. If someone were to drop a pin, everyone would hear it. Keely feels like she should say something in his defense. They can talk about her, but she isn’t allowed to talk? She disagrees. Keely holds up her hand as if she were in class. “May I say something, please?”

  “I don’t see why not,” Coach says with a shrug. “She’s the reason we’re here.”

  Keely squeezes past Bryon and walks quickly to where Nick is seated. She takes a deep breath and smoothes her hair. “I just want to say that there have been a lot of attempts on my life, but I’m still here. Nick has done his job well. I owe him my life. He’s great at what he does. His whole team is. And if you choose to give me a Guardian after today, I want that Guardian to be Nick. I trust him. I care about him.”