Cursed

by Owens, Wendy

  At last he wasn’t going to listen to Michael and Uri. Instead he was going to finally tell her everything. Gabe approached the stone steps near the training area. He had such fond memories of the place. When he had first arrived at the manor that was where his friends had taught him so much. He thought about the day Sophie had watched one of his earlier lessons from those exact stairs, their relationship just beginning to blossom.

  Gabe bent over, hands on his knees, heaving, trying to catch his breath. He couldn’t wait to talk to Sophie, but he wanted to make sure he would actually be able to speak when he did. With one last huff, Gabe decided it was time; in a moment he would lay everything out for Sophie. He just hoped her response would be one of joy.

  The first step, then the second… his stomach twisted as the butterflies swarmed. Gabe leaned against the cool stone wall. He wanted to catch a glimpse of her before they spoke. Peaking around the edge, he could hear faint voices and Gabe wondered who Sophie might be talking to.

  Still unable to see her, he edged around the corner a little more. At last her flowing auburn hair came into view. It cascaded down her back in large bountiful locks and Gabe longed for her smell. Her silhouette was accented by a gown that had layer upon layer of white sheer fabric. It hinted at the bare flesh that hid beneath it.

  Sophie had always been sort of a tom boy, since the wipe a more feminine side had definitely emerged with her appearance. As beautiful as she had always been to him, Gabe thought he could get used to this new aspect of her personality.

  Just before he emerged from his hiding spot, Sophie shifted slightly and Gabe could see who she had been speaking to, it was Uri. Instinctively he clung to the wall again. Dina had said nothing about Uri being here. Perhaps she didn’t know. Pressed firmly against the wall, out of sight, Gabe watched.

  He could not hear anything they said, just soft mutterings. Gabe intensely watched their interaction, hoping body language would reveal what they were discussing.

  Uri shrugged and Sophie reached out to touch his arm. Gabe covered his mouth, resisting the urge to shout. Uri pulled away, he seemed almost agitated. Sophie stepped forward but it only caused Uri to shift back even more. Gabe thought he would give anything to hear what they were discussing.

  Sophie spun around towards the cliff side. She stumbled a few feet forward and buried her face into her hands. It was clear she was crying. Gabe couldn’t decide if he wanted to go punch Uri or hold Sophie. Uri rushed up and touched Sophie’s shoulder. Gabe was at least glad he seemed sorry about upsetting her.

  Sophie didn’t move. Grasping her other shoulder Uri tried to turn her around. Before Gabe could even comprehend what was happening in front of him, Sophie turned and threw her arms around Uri. A second later their lips met in a kiss. At first it was just Sophie kissing Uri, but a moment later her lips parted and Uri was returning the passion.

  Gabe didn’t realize he had stumbled out into the open while watching the spectacle. In shock, he was only able to stare and watch the kiss happen until at last he muttered, “Sophie?”

  Uri pulled away looking over at his friend in a panic. “Gabe!” he exclaimed. Gabe looked at Sophie’s face but there was nothing. It was as if it didn’t register that she had just reached into his chest, pulled out his heart, and crushed it. Gabe’s head was spinning.

  “It’s not what it looks like.” Uri insisted, running towards Gabe.

  “Save it.” Gabe snarled. In an instant, the dizziness faded and Gabe snapped back into reality. He knew he didn’t want to talk to Uri so he turned and ran. He didn’t know where to go, just as long as it was anywhere else but where the two of them were.

  Gabe could still hear Uri calling after him, but he didn’t slow his pace. He decided he would escape to Michael’s office. According to Dina, Michael had been called away, but Gabe made up his mind he would simply wait there for him to return. Michael would know how to deal with this treachery Gabe thought. If anyone could fix this is would be him.

  With his destination determined, Gabe quickened his pace. Darting through the cleric’s garden and cutting through the library hall, Gabe closed in on Michael’s office. Each step was still haunted by flashes of Uri and Sophie’s passionate embrace. Some friend, Gabe thought. Uri swore he had no interest in Sophie. That he was my friend and would never go there. Liar! Gabe had trouble quieting his thoughts.

  Gabe reached Michael’s office, bursting through the doors, panting, ready to scream with frustration. However, Gabe was startled by a man standing behind Michael’s desk, garbed in long black robes.

  The man was of above average height; Gabe thought at least six foot, five inches. His head was large and long. His hair black and cut tight and close to his scalp. His ears looked like they loosely hung from his head and Gabe couldn’t help but be distracted by the large mole on his cheek. His eyes were dark and sunken, nose large and bulbous, lips wide and thin. An unsettling dark looking character.

  “Excuse me,” the odd man moaned in a low tone. “May I help you?”

  “What? Who are you?” Gabe demanded, trying not to reveal he was slightly afraid of the man.

  “Bishop, but I think the question is, who are you?” The man replied coldly.

  “No, I don’t think so,” Gabe said defensively. “Why are you in Michael’s office?”

  “It is my office actually, and I asked you a question,” the man paused and glared at Gabe intensely. “Who are you?” he bellowed loudly.

  Gabe had no idea what was happening, but he knew this was not a man he wanted to cross. “Gabe Harwood.”

  “Ahh yes,” the man acknowledged in a softer tone. “Michael told me I would need to speak with you. You’re the protector.”

  “I suppose. But I’m confused. You said this is your office? Where is Michael?” Gabe questioned cautiously, not wanting to make the large man angry again.

  “He is now a member of the council, I will be taking on his role here. Please feel free to come to me if you need assistance with your training.” The man’s response was so matter-of-factly that Gabe did not know what to say. He continued staring at the man named Bishop who had returned to busy work packing up Michael’s belongings in a box.

  Seeing the boy had not moved, Bishop asked impatiently, “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

  “I’m sorry… sir,” Gabe stammered. “I am just trying to make sense of all this. Are you telling me Michael left without saying goodbye? When is he coming back?”

  Bishop didn’t bother looking up from his work as he responded, “He won’t be back. When the council calls on you for service, you go. Now please leave me, I have much to do.”

  Speechless, Gabe stumbled from the office. “Close the door behind you please.” Bishop called after him. Gabe did as requested. The journey back to his own quarters was a mindless one. He stumbled in, securing the door behind him. Gabe dragged his body over to his bed and collapsed in a huff.

  The challenges of the day were replaying through his mind over and over. Betrayed by a friend, forgotten by a lover and abandoned by his mentor, Gabe couldn’t imagine things being much worse. He had nothing left in him to fight the crushing feelings of despair. Gabe closed his eyes; only sleep could bring him peace at this point, if sleep were even possible.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  The morning light did not create more clarity for Gabe. Uri had banged on his door the night before for at least an hour, begging to plead his case but Gabe chose not to acknowledge him. Instead he drowned out the noise with a pillow over his head for most of the night until he had managed to drift off to sleep.

  In one day Gabe’s reality had been completely stolen from him. He loved Sophie with every fiber of his being, but now it was quite clear she would never feel that way about him. Uri, the person he had first confided in, the first soul at the manor he truly trusted, had betrayed him. Michael, the man who had stepped up and filled the fatherly role Gabe had missed for most of his life, up and abandoned him without so much as
a goodbye.

  One thought continually ran through Gabe’s mind since everything had come unraveled, though. Rampart Manor was no longer a place he could call home. Gabe had no idea what this meant for him or the prophecy, but he did know that he couldn’t eat alongside these people and pretend everything was alright for one more day.

  He had already packed his bags during the long night. His mind was made up. Sliding on a fresh set of clothes, Gabe tried to prepare himself mentally for what awaited him. He would be on his own moving forward. Just because he would be running from his destiny as the protector, Gabe knew that wouldn’t stop Baal. Even if Gabe had no intention of fulfilling his role, Baal wouldn’t stop coming until he was dead.

  He needed to find Dina and tell her his plan so that there would be no search for him. After that, the next and very lonely chapter in Gabe’s life would begin. Gabe pulled his shoe laces tight and tossed the duffle bag over his shoulder. When he reached the door to his room he decided not to look back, to look back would make it harder to let go.

  The hour was early so Gabe knew if he acted swiftly he could slip away before most of the manor woke. With his pack on his back he made his way to Dina’s door and tapped lightly so as not to startle her. No answer. He knocked a bit louder and whispered, “Dina, it’s Gabe, I need help.”

  Gabe could hear some groaning on the other side of the door as Dina stumbled around in her sleepy state. At last the door cracked open. Rubbing her eyes and licking her dry lips, Dina looked at Gabe through squinted eyes, “What’s wrong?”

  “Can I come in?” Gabe asked, looking around feverishly. The last thing he wanted was for Uri or anyone else to catch sight of him. His mission was clear, tell Dina his plans to leave Rampart and get out.

  “Oh, yeah. Sure…. I guess.” Dina stammered, unsure what to make of her early morning visitor. She stepped back, opening the door for her guest.

  Gabe rushed in, glancing around at the dimly lit room. Gabe realized he had actually never seen the inside of Dina’s room. Oddly enough it was exactly like he pictured it would be. Pink and satin everywhere the eye could see. A four poster bed with a frilly canopy completed the girly haven. Gabe looked around for somewhere to sit, but the lush and luxurious feel spread all over the room including the animal print chairs.

  It’s fine, Gabe thought. It’s better I not sit, that means I will be out of here faster.

  “Is something wrong?” Dina asked, still groggy. She made her way over to an overstuffed floor pillow and curled up on the rug, hugging the pillow to her chest.

  “I’m leaving.” Gabe stated flatly.

  “Wait,” Dina suddenly sounded alert. “What do you mean you’re leaving? Where are you going?”

  “I can’t be here anymore. Michael is gone.”

  “Yeah, I know, I met Bishop, a real charmer isn’t he?” Dina chimed back sarcastically.

  “It’s not just Michael. I caught Uri and Sophie kissing yesterday.” Gabe continued. By the look on Dina’s face he was sure she already knew that. “I just can’t be here anymore, surrounded by these people.”

  “Gabe, maybe if you —“

  “Don’t tell me to give it time, Dina!” Gabe interrupted.

  “I— I wasn’t…” Dina insisted.

  “I am leaving. I just wanted you to tell everyone for me so they wouldn’t think I am missing or something.” Gabe explained.

  “Gabe, I know this seems awful right now, it is awful but I don’t think you’ve thought this through.” Dina argued.

  “All I have done all night is think this through!” Gabe realized his voice was intensifying. Reining his emotions back in, Gabe simply reiterated. “Will you tell them?”

  “What about Baal? How can you be safe out there? Have you thought about that?” Dina pressed, now up onto her knees.

  “I appreciate your concern, but I’ve thought it through. I will be on my own. I can keep moving and use cloaking spells. I’ll be cautious.” Gabe assured his worried friend.

  “Oh, Gabe, I don’t think this is a good idea.” Dina pleaded.

  “I’m leaving, can you tell them?” Gabe urged firmly. Dina nodded and Gabe turned to leave.

  “Wait!” Dina shrieked, jumping to her feet. She ran to a cabinet at the foot of her bed and grabbing a nearby satchel, started filling it will small glass bottles.

  Realizing she had dozens of potions she was packing, Gabe chuckled, “Only you would have a stockpile like that.”

  “Well hopefully you won’t need any of these, but should you, they are all labeled.” Dina rushed over to Gabe, forcing the bag into his hands.

  “I’m sure I won’t need them but thank you.” Gabe said reaching out and embracing his friend.

  “Gabe,” Dina began, grabbing hold of Gabe and pulling him closer. “You have to promise me, if things get bad out there you’ll come home.” The word home suddenly sounded foreign again to Gabe. Without a word he nodded and then he was gone.

  Walking down the hall, Gabe could feel Dina’s eyes on his back. He didn’t dare look behind him. Up until he saw Dina he had no doubts about his decision to leave Rampart, but he had to admit now he wasn’t sure. It was too late though, he had friends that cared about him here, and there was no denying that. There was also no denying that Sophie, Michael, Uri, and all the same issues that were driving him away remained.

  Gabe made his way through the cleric’s garden. Memories of Sophie flooding into his mind. He struggled to push them out unsuccessfully. Gabe made his way down the coastal path until he came to the cloaking stones. There he paused and at last took one final look back at the grounds of Rampart Manor, the place that had held so much promise for him.

  Closing his eyes, he cast a cloaking spell on himself and took his first step outside of the grounds. Now Baal and no one else would be able to find him. He didn’t know where he was going, what he would encounter, or what his life would be like from this point moving forward. Even finding food seemed like it would be a challenge. Gabe had spent most of his childhood alone though, and he was confident he could handle it.

  Though he had spent only a short time at Rampart, the people there had become his family. He was hurt, but he still loved them. Perhaps that was the most frustrating part of it. He knew leaving would keep them safe and his heart a little safer as well.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  5 Years Later...

  Glancing over his shoulder, Gabe could see the light was fading fast. Gabe was looking forward to finishing his hard day of labor in the coolness of the evening. The sun was harsh in the valley but it was just a fact he had learned to live with over the past year.

  As Gabe continued splintering the pile of logs into small manageable pieces, he thought back over his time here. It was hard to believe in two days he was going to reach his one year anniversary of being in the same place. This secluded little spot had been exactly what he was searching for ever since he learned telepathic waves did not travel through copper.

  When Gabe left Rampart Manor five years ago he hadn’t actually expected to live long and with good reason. Though he cast cloaking spells and kept on the move, each time Gabe would fall asleep he was vulnerable. His cloaking spells were weakened by the state of his consciousness. For that first year he barely slept at all and often found himself on the border of madness.

  At one point Gabe even thought about returning to Rampart. He couldn’t explain what kept him away. When Gabe left, he was sure he was leaving because of his relationship with Sophie. The pain of that memory though seemed to fade more quickly than the emptiness he had in his heart where his friends had been. Gabe’s pride though, was wounded and returning now he was sure would make him look like a fool.

  Gabe had only been away from the manor for two evenings when he stumbled right into a camp of demons. Fortunately, he had managed to think quickly and grab one of the invisibility potions Dina had stashed away for him in her gifted satchel. Though one of the demons had seen his presence, Gabe had reacted so quick
ly he managed to slip away while the demons argued; the others ridiculing the witness, calling him a drunk.

  Gabe had not always been fortunate enough to remain hidden. In the first four years after he had left Rampart, he had engaged in more battles than he cared to remember. A few times, Gabe even came close to death. The most memorable fight for Gabe was on the one year anniversary after leaving Rampart. It was around the time he was considering returning home. He had travelled to the Underworld in hopes to find out anything he could about what might be going on at Rampart. He knew the chances of a Guardian hearing about his questions in the Underworld were much slimmer.

  Walking into a local inn, Gabe caught site of a Wintok. From his studies he remembered the lizard like men were often found to play both sides of the good and evil war. While they would play informant to the Guardians, they had no issues with leaking information to the demons. Gabe thought the Wintok would be an easy source of knowledge to tap into.

  Gabe had made every effort to act natural with his conversation, but that was not easy with the stand offish Wintok. Unfortunately for Gabe, the Wintok had been alerted by some of the questions he was asking and it didn’t take him long to realize he was the missing protector. Knowing Baal had a handsome bounty on the boy’s head, the Wintok attacked before Gabe even realized what was happening. Balor, the Inn keeper, had stepped in that night. He killed the Wintok and saved Gabe’s life. Gabe barely remembered any of it after the Wintok drew his weapon, he was badly injured.

  Balor had whisked Gabe away to a sympathizer’s home, his last breath on his lips. There, a stout Murser woman that Gabe later came to know as Clarite, nursed him back to health. Mursers had long been known as sympathizers to the Guardians. They were humanoid beings, their only significant difference in appearance being the wings they carried on their back. When Gabe had seen them in the text books he pictured them as fairies, but after meeting them they were more like humans with huge insect wings on their backs.