by Storm Jk
Valeskia regained consciousness but her mind was in the past. There was information she needed to get, a memory that was important, but what? Her fear was that whatever she would say in the white room would bring her people down. Varrick created them all but they were a real people and Dusana had been the first of them to acknowledge that they could alter their fate. Then she remembered her father, and how gentle and kind he was with her. The memory of him reminded her that she was in control of her fate and she wouldn’t break, not now, not ever.
Slowly Valeskia lifted her head, allowing the pain to flow through her body as her mind returned fully to the present.
‘Hello Valeskia, I’m glad you’re back.’ Roy’s voice was soft and friendly. Another bolt of pain whacked Valeskia’s body and a scream slipped out without her permission.
‘I can make this all stop, Valeskia,’ Roy said.
Valeskia smiled at Roy, which unnerved him. ‘My son will make this all stop.’
Roy knew the woman would not break and threw his hands into the air. Calling to the guards he ordered them to take Valeskia back to her cell. He knew Varrick would be mad but he could handle him. Then an idea hit him. He knew how to find the free people – he would just have to convince Varrick of his idea. Looking at Valeskia as the guards lifted her down, Roy smiled.
‘Make sure the doctors see her,’ he ordered. ‘We need to look after her.’ He could see that Valeskia had passed out again.
Feeling good, Roy’s mind went to the new girl who had arrived a week ago. He would arrange a visit; it would distract him for a moment. Then he laughed as he thought to himself, Maybe now Varrick will see that these people all need to be destroyed. Looking at Valeskia as the guards carried her to the lift, he added to himself, especially, that one.
Chapter 24
Waking in Eric’s arms, Emily found that Vladimir had already risen. As she got up, she could hear the rain tap lightly on the roof of the tent. For no reason she felt uneasy and she dressed, quickly waking Eric.
‘Where are you going?’ he asked sitting up, he could see that she was upset.
‘To find Vladimir,’ Emily responded her voice tight.
‘What’s wrong, Emily, you sound scared.’ Eric stood up to be near her.
‘Emily, are you okay?’ Vladimir asked entering the tent. He was carrying cups of hot tea for Eric and Emily. Emily flew into his arms, almost causing him to spill the hot liquid.
‘It’s just that you weren’t here when I woke up,’ Emily replied sheepishly. ‘I’m sorry that I freaked out.’ Vladimir could feel her heart beating wildly in her chest. Eric got dressed and sat on the cot. He gestured for Emily to sit beside him and they both took the tea that Vladimir had brought them.
‘You know Emily, we haven’t asked you what happened during the treatment.’
‘Or how it has changed you,’ Vladimir added, sitting across from her.
‘I don’t think I’ve changed that much,’ Emily said quietly. ‘I’m stronger with my abilities. When Applejacks and I were coming here and knew I would see you both, I was so happy I projected it and Vince and his men felt my happiness.’
‘So you can project emotions to full humans?’ Eric remarked. This was a surprise.
‘I still can’t talk to them but I can affect their moods. I haven’t tested it but I think I can teleport items over a longer distance now without the need to touch Applejacks, although with him I’m more accurate.’
Vladimir was silent for a moment.
‘This could be very useful,’ Eric added. ‘But we should test it first.’
‘I agree,’ Emily responded. ‘After all, I know you don’t want to risk another shoe,’ Eric smiled thinking that it was not long ago that they had found out about each other’s secrets.
‘Where were you Vlad?’ Eric asked. The tea was now cool enough to drink and Eric was glad for its warmth.
‘I was talking to Vince. I wanted him to check out the camp and I want to make sure we are safe here.’
‘Your leg is better?’ Eric asked. As Vladimir had entered the tent he hadn’t limped as he had the day before.
‘It is almost healed again. I guess there are benefits from all of this madness.’ Vladimir showed them the area where he had been hurt, there was just an angry red scar, the skin had completely healed.
‘Vladimir, what are we going to do now?’ Emily asked. Eric looked at Vladimir as well.
Sighing, Vladimir said, ‘We can’t abandon these people.’
‘I agree,’ said Eric, thinking about his son and wondering where Varrick had sent him to, and if he would ever see him again.
Emily nodded her agreement and reached out to pat Eric’s arm. Last night, in his sleep, Eric had murmured Eben’s name.
‘My first attempt failed and many men were killed because of me.’ Emily began to protest but Vladimir put his hand up. ‘No, Emily, I take full responsibility for their deaths. Whatever plans we come up with, I refuse to endanger these people. It must rest with us. Sven’s journal said it would be the three from overseas that would right the wrong. I have reread his prophecies and I now believe that we must do this.’
‘Do you have a plan?’ Eric asked. His voice held no doubt that he would follow Vladimir.
‘No, not yet,’ Vladimir replied, feeling frustrated.
‘Then,’ Emily said getting up, ‘we go and eat.’ Taking both Vladimir’s and Eric’s hands, she led them from the tent and walked over to where Helena sat stirring a large pot over the fire.
‘Good morning,’ the young woman smiled brightly. ‘I’ve made porridge for breakfast.’
‘Porridge?’ Eric sounded disappointed. Vladimir also didn’t look pleased.
Emily laughed and thanked Helena as she served them up bowls of the hot porridge. It was delicious with fruit, nuts and spices.
‘This is a recipe from your mother,’ Helena said to Vladimir. ‘She taught me how to cook at the compound. We steal the oats from farmers fifty miles from here. I hate doing it but we have no money for such things.’
‘Helena, after breakfast I would like to speak to Jonas and yourself. I have a few ideas on getting some supplies for the group,’ Vladimir told her. He admitted to himself that the porridge was good; he remembered it from when he was a small child. Eric still looked unconvinced; however, he asked for second helpings.
‘That would be wonderful,’ Helena replied enthusiastically. ‘I would like that.’
Jonas came out of the forest carrying a deer on his back. Putting it down, Helena smiled at him and Jonas smiled back then turned to the trio. In his quiet, gentle voice he said, ‘Emily, may I ask you a question?’
‘Of course,’ Emily replied. She had liked this gentle man straight away.
‘How is Valeskia?’ The question was casual but the tone of his voice spoke volumes of emotion.
‘The last time I saw her she was well. She refused to come until all the people are free.’
‘That would be Valeskia,’ Jonas replied and allowed himself a small smile.
‘She had a message for you,’ Emily told the quiet man. ‘She said we will be planting the fields soon.’ Jonas looked at Emily for a moment before turning away to look into the dark forest and Emily could see that he had tears in his eyes.
Sitting around the fire, Emily caught sight of Rumour. She had left the tent early; as soon as she had heard the children walk past. They were throwing a ball for her to chase and Emily marvelled at how fit and strong she had become. Her barking was joyful, and when she got the ball she would toss it to a different child. Applejacks had come over and Emily asked Helena if she had some apples.
‘I do,’ Helena replied, and she reached into a sack for three apples and gave them to Emily. Emily cut them in half and gave them to Applejacks, simply resting in their connection together.
As they looked at Rumour, Applejacks said, ‘The small one is happy.’
‘Yes, it’s a beautiful sight to see,’ Emily replied.
Not
icing that Emily was out of the tent, Rumour bounded over, thrusting her nose into Emily’s hands, her tail wagging. Connecting to her, Emily projected good feelings and love.
‘Jonas, Helena,’ Vladimir called for their attention. ‘I want you to make a list of what supplies the group needs for few months. I will send two of Vince’s men to buy them for you. I also want the camp to move. Before we came here we found a location that would be safer for you all. There are a few supplies and structures already in place. It was where I was going to house the men I brought with me.’ Helena looked at Jonas who nodded at her; the relief was evident on their faces.
‘Thank you so much, if possible can we get some medicine?’ she replied. Her eyes glistened at the offer from Vladimir.
‘Get whatever you need,’ he smiled back.
‘What’s your intention with Varrick?’ Janak asked. He had just arrived and overheard the conversation on supplies and moving.
‘The four of us will go to the manor,’ he gestured to Eric, Emily and Applejacks. ‘We will confront Varrick there.’
‘And how will you do that?’ Janak asked.
Pulling the journal from his shirt, Vladimir held it up to show them, ‘This is the journal from Sven.’ Jonas smiled hearing the name of his old friend. ‘Before he died he gave me his journal. He told me that two who had escaped would return with the woman who could talk to the beasts. I was a young man at the time and did not put any credence to it. After I met Emily I put the plans together for our return, praying that I would never need to use them, but here we are.’ Pausing, he opened the journal to a page and read; ‘The three and the beast will confront the father of us all. Only then will the moment come to pass for freedom or destruction of the new people.’ He stopped. No one spoke for a moment.
Then Eric quipped, ‘So, which one of us is the beast?’ and even Applejacks laughed, snorting and shaking his head. With the tension eased Jonas thought for a moment.
‘I know Sven, his prophecies were almost always right.’
‘Almost,’ Eric quipped again, bringing another smile to the group’s faces.
‘While I agree that you three, err…four,’ Jonas said, pointing at Applejacks, ‘have to go, it does not say alone,’ then added, ‘I plan to come with you.’
‘I disagree,’ Emily voiced. ‘You need to ensure the rest of your people are safe.’
Pausing for a moment before replying, Jonas augured, ‘I know my friend, Sven. Just because he didn’t say we’d come with you doesn’t mean we don’t. This meeting will either free or destroy our people; I must see it through to the end.’ Turning to Vladimir, he added, ‘This is not for you to make right, we need to make a stand together.’
Suddenly Vondra, in tiger form, burst from the forest with Ross running besides her. As they joined the group, Ross took his shirt off before Vondra had time to change back, handing it to her as soon as she changed. Helena put her hand over her mouth to hide her smile at Ross’ change in attitude.
‘We were at the compound,’ Ross offered, getting his breath. Vondra’s breath was normal as soon as she changed into a woman’s form. Ross added, ‘They’re gathering the children from the breeding pens.’
‘What children?’ Vladimir asked.
‘The second batch, the little ones that are four,’ Vondra replied. Ross put his arm around her as she started to cry. ‘Maybe some of those children are mine, they have taken my eggs.’
Ross continued, ‘We got close enough to overhear that they’re going to murder the children tomorrow.’
‘What?’ Emily gasped, looking at Vladimir. ‘We have to stop this.’ The rest of the group voiced their outrage as well until Vladimir put his hand up.
‘Stop!’ The group became silent. ‘I need a moment to think.’ And he turned away from the group, walked over to a large log and sat down on it.
Eric gathered Emily into his arms and said to the group, ‘He’ll think of a plan, he always does.’ After a while, Applejacks wandered over to Vladimir who absently patted his muzzle. Realising that the horse had something to say, he connected to him.
‘Are you well, my friend?’ Applejacks asked formally.
Vladimir, feeling frustrated replied, ‘I’m not sure of what to do. I don’t know if I can come up with a plan.’
‘Then, don’t,’ Applejacks replied. His answer was so unexpected, Vladimir stood up.
‘What do you mean?’ he asked out loud.
‘Trust that the next moment will bring you the answers you need to move onto the next moment,’ Applejacks replied.
Pausing for the longest moment Vladimir thought carefully about Applejacks’ words before saying, ‘My whole life I have always had a plan for the next step.’
‘Not always,’ Applejacks replied.
‘When?’ Vladimir challenged him.
‘There was no plan when you met Emily and look how that turned out.’ Vladimir’s deep voice boomed laughter, and he reached out to pat the horse’s neck.
‘My friend, what a good day that was.’ He spoke out loud and looked across to Eric and Emily, and a wave of love washed over Vladimir for both his bond mates.
‘It was the day that was always going to be brought about,’ Applejacks added ‘just like this day has been brought about and will end as it should.’
‘Thank you, friend,’ Vladimir replied. ‘Your words have been what I need,’ and he walked back to the group.
‘What’s the plan?’ Eric asked. The group had hushed and were looking at Vladimir intently.
‘The plan is that we go to confront Varrick with whoever wants to come. Sven wrote that the four of us would go but you are right, Jonas, he did not say that no one else would be with us.’
Turning to Vince he said, ‘Old friend, if you want to leave I would only wish you well but can I ask one more thing of you, and that is to ensure that the supplies are brought and that the people are moved to the safe location.’
‘I’ll go with you,’ Vince replied. ‘But my men will ensure that the supplies are brought and the camp is moved,’ he knew his role was to be beside Vladimir.
‘I’ll go as well,’ Ross said, tightening his arm around Vondra. He wasn’t going to let her out of his sight.
‘I’ll stand besides you,’ Jonas pledged giving his hand to Vladimir, who took it.
‘As I,’ Janak replied, reaching for Helena’s hand.
But before Helena could say anything, Jonas stepped forward and said, ‘I know your heart lies with us but you will need to lead the people.’ Helena began to protest but Janak stepped in.
‘My love, please,’ and the look that passed between them was so intense that the others had to look away.
As Vladimir faced Vondra she smiled and said, ‘My brother, I stand at your side,’ turning to Ross, she added, ‘After we free our people, we go to your restaurant,’ causing everyone to laugh. Emily looked at Vladimir and Eric and Vladimir winked at her. If Vondra wanted a restaurant after all this, then they would supply it. That is, he thought to himself, if we live.
Twenty minutes later, the group was on its way to the manor. Ross and Vince were riding motorbikes that belonged to the free abnormals. Emily was on Applejacks and Vladimir, Eric, Vondra, Jonas and Janak were all in animal form. They moved with a purpose, only stopping to regroup one mile before the manor. Vladimir morphed back into human form to give instructions on how they would approach it.
‘Eric and I will approach the manor to check out the compound. The rest of you stay here. Emily, keep a connection open to us.’ And they morphed back into animal form. After ten minutes they were back.
‘The children have been rounded up in the compound, Varrick has them sitting outside the front of the manor.’ Vladimir told the group.
‘How many children?’ Vince asked. He wanted details.
‘At least twenty five,’ Eric responded. ‘They look around the same age, around four.’
Vondra’s face was hard, ‘Are they hurt?’
‘I don’
t think so but they all look scared,’ Vladimir replied. Turning to Emily, he asked, ‘Can you transport the children all at one time?’ Emily wished she’d had a chance to try out her new strength; her ability was still unknown.
‘Maybe.’ Then she said, more strongly after connecting to Applejacks, ‘Yes I can. I just need to be close to the children.’ Pausing to think, Vladimir finally told them what the group’s next move would be. He smiled at Applejacks, who nodded back.
‘Vondra and Ross, you need to stay here, Emily will teleport the children to you. Janak and Vince, you need to find transport for the children and take them back to the new camp. The children are the priority. Once we get them clear, we will see what we can do about Varrick.’ Vince thought about Vladimir’s plan.
‘Can I make one comment?’
‘Of course,’ Vladimir completely trusted Vince’s judgement.
‘It sounds like you, Eric and Emily are taking a one way trip. We all know it. You could be sacrificing yourself for nothing.’
‘We still have the advantage,’ Vladimir replied.
‘What’s that?’ Vince asked.
‘Emily! She can talk directly to all the abnormals. When we first came to the compound, Emily picked up on how unhappy they all are. If we can turn enough of them to our side, it might give us the edge we need.’
Vondra spoke in her low husky voice. ‘That is a big risk, they’re all pretty…’ pausing she thought hard for the right word in English, ‘brainwashed.’
Emily answered her. ‘I know what you’re saying but I really felt their unhappiness. Maybe we can get them to not fight us.’
‘It is the only plan we have right now,’ Vladimir said, and by his tone they knew that the discussion was over. Looking at the group, each nodded their agreement.
‘What about me?’ Jonas asked, aware that Vladimir had not given him a task.
Vladimir turned to Jonas and said, ‘You my friend, have to save my mother. I will get Emily to teleport you into the compound.’