by Jaymin Eve
I pulled my power, slowly trying to unravel the cord, but there was no change. I also tried to walk away, but the cord just extended. I knew I was the only one who could disconnect us. The other girls didn’t have any control.
I’m sorry, I said, knowing I had no choice but to drain them.
Nothing was working: the bond was strong and unwavering. I started to pull energy from them both. As before, my endless well had no trouble taking and containing the huge influxes. It took longer than the last time and when I felt the cords weakening, instead of continuing, I reached out, mentally grasping both and yanked as hard as I could. They resisted me for a split second before tearing away from the girls. All three of us hit the ground.
“Well, that wasn’t as bad as last time,” Fury said, pushing herself up to rest on her forearms.
I wanted to answer but at that moment I was fighting the power inside.
“Let it go, Red.” Brace was by my side. “You know what you have to do.”
He helped me to my feet.
“You should see your marks, Abbs.” Lucy was close by, helping Talina to stand. “There are pulses of gold in the red.”
I couldn’t answer; I was too focused on getting rid of the energy. I started toward the ocean. I hadn’t meant to move quickly but I was so fast it was almost instant. With a deep breath I gathered the excess flowing through me and shot it from my body. It left in a blue and gold flash, igniting into a series of fireworks out over the turquoise depths of the ocean.
“Well, at least we know she’s good for the entertainment at the Walker gathering,” Magenta said. She was dry and back to looking perfect.
“Shut up, you annoying-as-hell Walker.” I expected Lucy to have spoken but it was Fury. I was surprised until she added, “No one gets to insult super Abby but me.”
She gave me a half-grin, just the corners of her lips turning up.
We’re a half-Walker family. We can fight but no one else is allowed.
I picked up her thoughts, which was the first time I’d been able to do that. And I could tell she hadn’t intended me to hear them. I tightened the energy around my mind, effectively shutting out the others. It was much better not hearing anyone except Brace; he was always a presence in my head.
You better believe it. But you have to know that when you’re connected to the girls I cannot reach you. The melding bond is still intact but it’s as if communications have been suspended between us.
His deep tones washed over me, soothing the last of the ragged edges left from the overload of energy.
I don’t like it when I can’t talk to you, I said, taking his hand and threading our fingers together.
Josian cleared his throat, capturing everyone’s attention. “I think we’ve had enough training for the day, and there needs to be some brainstorming regarding this new conduit power and how to control it.” He looked proud.
Lallielle, who was beside him, just looked worried.
“I think it’s time to head to the field and mark out the territories. Is everyone coming?” he continued.
We all nodded.
I was distracted then as Quarn drove up in one of the small forest buggies. There weren’t many vehicles on First World, but I really enjoyed travelling in the small, open-aired all-terrain buggies.
They were green in color, low and fast with a visible roll cage. The engine was almost silent but I could hear when it cut off and Quarn jumped out, moving toward us. He’d been back at the castle with Lucas, assisting in some security concerns.
Lucas’s news that I’d missed earlier had been an assassination attempt on both himself and his father. First World had never had such an occurrence before, and it had been initiated by the head of armies, making it even more serious. Quarn was going to be gone a lot trying to restore a semblance of order, and Lucas needed someone around he could trust.
“How is everything with the royals?” Lallielle stepped forward to give her oldest friend a hug.
Quarn returned it wearily. He looked to be dead-on-his-feet tired.
“I’ve weeded out a dozen men and three women who were involved. A pattern is starting to emerge.” He rubbed his forehead. “They were all previously patrolling the dark mountains. That’s why I’ve briefly left the castle. I needed to explain the situation and let you know that we’re going to have to go back to the mountain.”
“There’s something more there.” Lucy spoke up. “I can’t quite tell. I think I’m being blocked but we missed something.”
I shuddered. I never wanted to go there again. But judging by the nods, we were going back soon.
“Yes, I wanted to send patrols out to investigate, but I’m concerned about more compromised men and women.” Lines shadowed Quarn’s features; he was one of the only First Worlders I’d seen who looked older than thirty.
“Walkers went through the entire underground; I have no idea what we missed,” Josian said. “But as soon as we’ve dealt with the gathering, we’ll look again. Lucy might be able to see more clearly if she’s there.”
“That’s if we all survive this brilliant plan to place the most powerful and volatile beings into close proximity with each other.” Magenta tossed back her sheet of hair, and it still fell perfectly into place.
“Split ends and frizz is clearly not a problem Walkers have.” Lucy leaned in to whisper from the corner of her mouth.
I grinned back. We so often thought alike.
“So are you heading back, Quarn? Can I not convince you to stay for the night and get some rest?” Lallielle’s brows furrowed as she put a hand on his arm.
He shook his head, a brief smile crossing his lips. “Don’t you worry about me, mother-hen. I’m tired, but there’s too much happening at the moment for me to stay here; I need to return immediately. Lucas can’t be everywhere. We were just lucky he found the planted device and recognized it before the explosion. He saved many lives with his quick thinking.”
I shoved down the new pangs of guilt. Damn, I hated this emotion, but I’d really hurt Lucas last time when I’d ignored his concerns and disappeared with Brace. And I’m sure he’d spent time torturing himself with what we were doing when we left. I might not have romantic feelings for Lucas, but there was a tie there and because of my fear of this ... bond thing ... which wasn’t his fault, I’d been treating him like crap.
“Can I come with you, Quarn? I need to speak with Lucas.” I made the decision and, turning to Josian, I added, “I’ll just meet you all at the field later.”
He nodded. “We’ll be there for the rest of the day so take your time.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll keep Brace company while you’re gone.” Magenta stepped forward, placing her slender fingers on his muscular bicep.
I stared at her for a moment, before taking my own step forward. I flicked out my closed fist quickly, dispelling her hand and moving into her personal space. It was annoying that she was so much taller, but if I’d learnt anything from Lucy it was how to intimidate from a shorter stature.
“Brace and I are melded. You and he are ... nothing. In fact, he has never even mentioned you to me, so I can’t imagine you featured very much in his thoughts. Keep that in mind the next time you decide to try and play the whore-bag-touch-my-man Walker.”
Lucy and Talina both snorted.
“Whore-bag Walker.” Lucy’s eyes twinkled. “That was the best you had, Abbs?”
I shrugged. “What can I say? I seem to have lost my A game when it comes to insults.”
Lucy’s raised her eyebrows, screwing up her face at the same time. “Sorry to break it to you, but I’m pretty sure you never had an A game.”
“You’re probably right.” She was definitely right; I was the person who thought of the perfect reply ten minutes after I was insulted.
I noticed that Magenta’s face had turned an interesting shade of pissed off. She looked like she was about to explode. Colton rested a hand on her shoulder. Her face whipped around to glare at him, and he shook
his head ever so slightly. Some type of communication passed between them, and with a deep breath she turned away.
“I’m going to go with you, Red. I might be able to help Quarn while you speak with Lucas.” Brace’s eyes were hard, and I wasn’t getting any read on his thoughts.
Magenta’s breath caught at his words. It was very slight but I still heard it. I could feel pain radiating off her and tried to imagine how she felt. They’d been friends for a very long time, and it was possible that at some point Brace and she had had a romantic relationship. They obviously weren’t true mates, but that didn’t mean there weren’t real feelings there. I felt a little sick thinking about Brace with the long-legged beauty standing before me, but I wouldn’t drive myself crazy until I spoke with him and confirmed my thoughts. Sympathy flooded through me, though judging by her hard eyes she was not interested in my softer emotions.
“I need to return the buggie, so you can either ride with me or trace your way across.” Quarn was already striding to the vehicle.
I looked sideways at Brace. He gave me a grin.
“Buggie,” we both said together.
It was probably anti-Walker but we loved travelling in the speedy little car.
I gave my parents, Lucy and Talina quick hugs. Brace had just taken my hand, leading me toward Quarn, when Colton dashed in and engulfed us both.
“It’s alright, Colt, we’re going to see you later today.” Brace gave his friend a slap on the back as we separated.
“You know better than most that the best laid plans can be derailed. We must never take our loved ones for granted. One minute they’re there and the next gone.” Sadness shadowed Colton’s eyes.
Brace had told me a long ago that with their extended lives they faced a lot of death and loss. The friends exchanged one last look before going their separate ways.
Brace squished himself into the back bench seat, pulling me in next to him. He took up three quarters of the space and his legs were practically around his ears.
“You can sit in the front with Quarn,” I offered, which was pretty generous, I thought, since I was rather enjoying our close proximity.
He brushed his fingers gently along the mark on my cheek. Tingling warmth followed their path.
“And let you sit back here alone? I don’t think so. I’ve never been more comfortable, Red.”
Quarn kicked over the engine, a whirring noise starting in the front panels which stored sun energy to power the buggie. With a wave to our friends we settled in for the ride. We were travelling in the same jungle that Brace had escorted us through so many months before. Quarn gave me a running commentary on the trees, animals and First-World inhabitants we passed. Mostly they were patrolling guards, since we were entering the off-limits area of the royal forest.
“Abby knows that animal.” Brace interrupted Quarn to point out a pair of burbers. The large bear cross moose creatures were eating berries off some low-lying shrubs.
I shivered, thinking back, before closing my fist and punching Brace solidly. He grinned, picking up my annoyance.
“That’s for pretending you were a First Worlder and letting me think we were going to be eaten by that animal.” I narrowed my eyes. “I was scared enough to pee myself.”
Brace and Quarn both laughed.
“I’d say you deserved that.” Quarn shifted his head to grin at me.
“That little girly punch. I’d have thought you were more annoyed than that.” Brace shrugged. “Guess that’s the best you have.”
He laughed, capturing my leg as I lifted it to stomp his foot hard. “I’m just kidding. You’re one of the toughest people I know, regardless of sex. You’re fearless.”
“She always has been, since she was a small child.” Quarn’s tone was warm. “Aribella was the one who’d fight the bullies, chase the Gangers and stand up to her horrible matron.”
Leaning forward, Brace immediately encouraged Quarn to describe these events in my life. As he spoke, I realized that my guardian had been there for so much more than I’d ever known.
He faced me, his hard features softening. “Despite the fact she drove me crazy with her recklessness, Aribella is one of the most courageous people I’ve ever known. She’s faced down more danger than I’d have liked in her eighteen years.”
I tried to protest, needing them to know how afraid and confused I often was.
Quarn shot me a strange look, before turning back to the road. “I think you misunderstand what true courage is; it is not being unafraid. It’s knowing heart-wrenching and debilitating fear and not letting that stop you from doing what needs to be done. From living your life despite the hardships you face. That was what you always did, Aribella, what made me the most proud of you. You faced your fears and the unknown on Earth every day, and lived as much as you could.”
Tears pricked at my eyes. I swallowed down the lump which had formed in my throat. Quarn had spoken in his usual rough style but his words warmed my heart and I knew I would cherish this moment forever. Brace pulled me closer; I rested my head against his hard chest. We all stayed silent for the rest of the journey.
There were several check points to make it through. Quarn’s presence limited the interrogations but we were still delayed each time. Finally we reached the massive stone walls that surrounded the castle. I was wide eyed trying to take in everything that was inside them. The castle could be seen in the far distance, at the end of the road we were on. The land inside the walls was massive, containing landscaped green grass, scattered trees, a pond, stables and riding paths. There were smaller buildings strewn around the monstrosity that was the castle. Everything was made with a combination of wood and stone.
As we drove up into the shadows of the large structure, I got a very clear picture of both the beauty and horror before me. It was clearly ancient, the materials showing wear and age, the stone casting scenes of a gothic design complete with high gargoyles. And yet there were these amazing stained glass windows depicting beautiful and colorful scenes, along with twisting vines of purple flowers that softened the gray stone.
Quarn drove us under an archway which led to an underground bunker filled with vehicles. Pulling into a spare space, he exited the car, waiting for us to do the same. My eyes continued to drift upwards to the high stone ceilings. The entire structure fascinated me. Despite the cold stone, it felt like home, like I’d lived here before, which was the strangest sensation.
“Welcome to the royal castle.” Quarn shifted around the vehicles, leading us to a set of stairs. “Stay on guard and trust no one. I’m yet to figure out what it is but there’s something dangerous going on here.”
I shivered at his final ominous message.
Chapter 15
The stairs led us into a small stone circular room. It looked like a foyer or something. There were shelves for hats, cubicles for shoes and a rack that held a few thick coats. I wondered if they were just for show. In all the time I’d been on First World, I’d never had much need for warm clothing.
“Do you have cold seasons on First World?” I asked. I knew it snowed at my cabin but what about on the rest of this world.
Quarn nodded. “Yes, it will start to get cold in the next few months. Nothing like the iciness of New York, but a definite change in climate.”
Brace marched beside me, matching his longer stride to fit my much shorter ones. “There’s a continent here which is always covered in snow. Close to the star sky cabin. We should go there one day, I can take you boarding.” His eyes lit up and I could see this was a sport he enjoyed.
“I’m guessing there’re a lot of places in the seven worlds you’ve explored,” I started slowly. “Hopefully one day we’ll have the time to explore them all.”
I felt a little disappointed that we wouldn’t experience all these things for the first time together, but it was always a bonus to have a knowledgeable guide.
Red, no matter the experiences I’ve had in the past, they weren’t with you. Don’t you know
that makes it all a first time for me? I see everything differently now; you’ve changed my perspective and my life.
It always felt intimate hearing his words in my mind. It was so private. Neither of us had said ‘I love you’ since the night he returned. Sometimes it felt as if it was harder to follow up and say it for the second time.
It’s not just that, Red, it’s that those three words seem insignificant to the feelings I have. The words that would be strong enough just don’t seem to exist in any current language. He took a deep breath. Takeshia lalina aroona quisd.
The beautiful words flowed through me, touching a place deep down inside.
What does it mean? I asked.
It is from the Walkers’ origin language. There is no literal translation, but something along the lines of ‘more than my life, more than all of the worlds, for all eternity’.
I nodded, those damn tears lingering again.
I feel the same.
Leaning down from his lofty height, he pressed his warm lips to mine. It was a brief but tantalizing kiss.
“Sorry to interrupt what I’m sure is a very important moment.” Quarn’s dry sense of humor was in full force. “But we’re about to enter the Emperor’s chambers. Lucas wants to see you.”
Great. This was going to be interesting.
We continued to follow Quarn through the rooms. I loved the interior of the castle. The furniture was modern, but with ancient tapestries and art work displayed on the walls. I’d always been a fan of the mix of old and new, especially if you found that fine line where it blended without clashing.
Two men, dressed in a uniform of red and black, with large brass decals on each shoulder and matching buttons down their coats, opened a double set of wooden doors. We stepped through into a massive room and I recognized it immediately. The room from my dream long ago, it was a throne room, and the details were eerily similar; well, minus the crying First Worlders that had been in the dream. There were two chairs at the end of the rectangular room. Lucas was sitting on the larger and more ornate one. The back rose up over his head, glinting in the light from the massive jewels imbedded throughout.