True Fate

by Varadeaux, Shayna

  Chapter 20

  Nia told Eric she needed to stop soon. They stopped twenty minutes later in a small town well lit and occupied. The plan was to avoid secluded areas where they could be attacked outright for the quick stops. They all got off to use the facilities and get drinks and something to eat that they could take with them. Luckily there was a fast food place attached to the gas station. They were on their way in no time, she had noticed Darragh inside ordering and sensed Savannah was close by probably glamoured from sight until Nia could talk to Isabel and decide whether to tell her about her or not. After lunch Nia swore to herself she'd start that conversation.

  They had been on the road most of the morning and well into the afternoon. It was around two when Nia finally struck up the much needed conversation. "Isabel, do you think I could talk to you for a minute? In private?” she asked her quietly.

  Eric and Aaron were talking driving schedule and what the goal was before a rest would happen. Rhea and Adam had headphones in and were tethered together by a splitter. Avery was leaned back with her eyes closed seemingly asleep. Isabel glanced around and nodded at Nia who felt the bubble she was pushing out encase her right away.

  "So?” Isabel said sounding leery of Nia.

  "I need to tell you something and I don't want you to freak out. Okay?” Nia said carefully, trying to convey her sincerity. Isabel tilted her head studying Nia like she was a puzzle.

  "Go ahead.” she said finally.

  Nia took a deep breath and prepared for the worst, "I looked at your mind...” she said waiting for an outburst that didn't come.

  "Now before you get pissed at me, please understand I had to know if I could trust you or if you were infinitely loyal to Lilith.” Nia said quickly, hoping her explanation would calm the fire that was clearly brewing in Isabel's eyes.

  "Okay... and?” Isabel said without wavering one bit, trying to figure out what Nia had seen.

  "I know about Brennan and your plans to leave the court.” Nia said quietly.

  "Nothing had better happen to him because of you! I will kill you myself destiny or not!” Isabel seethed finally releasing what Nia saw brewing and she didn't blame her either.

  "Whoa! I'm not going to tell anyone, I swear it! I'll even let you bind me to that if you want. I just needed to be able to trust you. From what I gather Lilith is shady and I just can't chance it.", she explained in a rush. Isabel took a moment to calm her shaking body and her fury that had surfaced without warning.

  "So now you know. What does that do for me, and what about Brennan?” Isabel asked.

  "Well, I want to help you get Brennan out of there. Maybe figure out how we can do that without tipping off Lilith... I'll help you in whatever way I can, we all will. ", Nia told her.

  “Okay?” Isabel said squinting at Nia probably trying to decide if she could really trust her. "I have some plans in mind I'll think about it and get back to you.” Isabel continued with a small smile.

  "If we can bring him through a realm, would that work?” Nia asked.

  "Maybe.", she responded thinking.

  "Let me know.” Nia told her, letting the conversation end there for now.

  "Hey Nia, your phone.” Rhea was telling her as Isabel's bubble disintegrated. Nia looked down to her phone on her lap and saw a text from her mom.

  Mom: Nia, I know you are upset but please, for me, can you check in maybe once a day?

  Nia: Yeah, sorry I have been preoccupied. I will call you tonight.

  Mom: Thank you sweetheart! Your dad said to leave you be, but I just can't! I love you Sweet Pea.

  Nia: Love you too mom. TTYL

  "Thanks." Nia said to Rhea, "It was my mom.” she explained. Rhea gave her a sideways glance realizing she had spaced out or something.

  "Everything okay?” Rhea asked.

  "Yeah, she was just worried, wants me to check in more.” Nia explained and Rhea nodded,

  "Good idea, but maybe don't give them a location just let them know you're okay." Rhea said slowly.

  "Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I have no clue who's hunting me, but whoever it is has to know who my family is. So yeah, the less they know the better.” Nia agreed.

  Eric pulled over and he and Aaron switched driving duty, Nia was buckling into the front seat and Avery and Eric were getting into the back seat when they exchanged a look and Eric froze. Avery crouched by the suburban and closed the door as quietly as possible. Eric's voice came bellowing into Nia's mind, 'Stay in the car, no matter what! I mean it Nia!’ he sent through their bond.

  Aaron grabbed Nia's hand as Eric sent him instructions on what to do next. Darragh's car stopped and he got out looking at the tree line his hand at his side assumingly on his weapon. About a minute later Nia felt sick to her stomach, "What the hell is going on?” Rhea asked.

  Adam had pulled her down in the seat as far as they could go and still stay buckled in. "I don't know but Eric said not to leave the car.", Nia hissed.

  Darragh unsheathed his sword when Eric and Avery did the same. Eric looked at Nia and with a smack on the hood Aaron let Nia's hand fall and took off like a shot. Nia could see a few men walking out from the trees drawing their own swords.

  "What are you doing? You can't just leave them!” Nia screamed in a panic. Turning to see what she could with them fading into the distance.

  "It's okay Eric is guiding me to our destination and they will meet us there. He says they just want to talk.” Aaron explained trying to calm her as he turned sharply onto a farm road then a dirt road causing Nia's panic to skyrocket as they were thrust into almost zero visibility due to the dust they were kicking up.

  "Why do they need weapons to talk? Where are we going? Aaron?” Nia asked trying not to seem as panicked as she really was.

  "Sorry love, I'm trying to concentrate.” was all he answered.

  Rhea spoke up just then, "Just relax Nia, once we get to safety I'm sure we can figure it out. Just stay calm and let the man concentrate.” she tried her best to sooth Nia, she knew how much the unknown freaked her out and how scared she was for the others they had left behind. Isabel was in the back chanting under her breath and it was definitely not helping to calm their nerves.

  Aaron pulled up to a barn and Nia could feel a buzz emanating from it, Isabel jumped off and opened the doors scanning the perimeter, Aaron pulled the suburban inside and cut the engine as Isabel secured the barn doors. There was more room inside than Nia thought there was as lights started flickering on.

  She noticed the walls she had assumed would be thin wood were metal on this side and there was an upper level that looked like it was enclosed in bullet proof glass. There was also an elevator directly in front of them. She was puzzled as Isabel got back inside and they started instead to descend.

  "Okay I'm not liking this at all. “ Adam said finally speaking. "I'm a little claustrophobic.” he said with an audible gulp. He felt like he swallowed a mouthful of sand. He was going to have to really focus on not hyperventilating.

  "Deep breaths, and here, put this around your wrist. It will help.” Isabel said with a smile.

  "Thanks.", Adam responded and eagerly took the thin leather cord she gave him. Rhea wanted him to feel better but she really didn't like this new girl. She may not have had the courage to tell Adam how she felt, but she certainly didn't want to see him ogling some random guardian girl.

  The lights were flickering as the platform they were on jerked to a stop. Aaron pulled into a parking spot beside a camouflaged hummer. Isabel got off of the car, "It’s okay you can get out, this is a safe place.” she told the three terrified people staring at her.

  Nia opened her door first and the rest quickly exited the vehicle she went around to Aaron who was standing and stretching in the center of the room. He started walking towards a doorway and entered flipping the lights on like he knew the place.

  "Eric said to wait here, they won't be too long.", Aaron informed them.

  Isabel walked to a chair in the c
orner and propped her feet up fully relaxed.

  Nia and Rhea went hand in hand to the couch and settled in while Aaron walked around looking at everything in the room. Adam stood by the suburban looking up, probably wondering how deep in the earth they really were.

  "Adam, come on and see if you can work this remote, so we can see what's on.” Rhea suggested trying to get his mind on anything but his claustrophobia. He reluctantly moved towards them, his skin looked pale. Nia thought he would vomit but he strolled up to them and took the remote taking a seat next to Rhea.

  ###

  Hunters were former guardians who worked for either a queen or a court. Rogue hunters were mercenaries offering their talents to the highest bidder with little moral standards. Eric was certain these were rogues but he couldn't be positive until he could find out why they were following them.

  Avery and Savannah stood at the ready as the men approached and Darragh stood the other side of them. Eric knew his guardians were ready for anything with weapons drawn and no doubt they'd come out on top.

  Darragh stepped forward. "What business do you have with my travelers? Why are you following us?” he asked. Three of the men stood just as ready but parted as a man with fire red hair exited the tree line.

  "Darragh? Savannah? Is that really you two?” the man asked followed by bellowing laughter.

  Avery and Eric were confused and looked at Darragh and Savannah questioningly.

  "Rowen?” Savannah asked skeptically squinting at the man.

  Rowen was a mammoth of a man, he had to have been at least six and a half feet tall and so broad he made Darragh look normal sized. He had a rough leathery look to his skin and a scar that ran the length of his face, jagged and fierce.

  At first glance he seemed to be very good looking but rough and battle worn. He wore hunter blacks and carried a broad sword. The men who were with him were just as puzzled as Eric and Avery.

  He bellowed another laugh making the ground hum, "Of course it's me! Who else would I be?” he said continuing his jovial laughter.

  Darragh sheathed his weapons and Savannah did too. They approached Rowen and each one embraced him, with smiles and disbelief on their faces.

  "They told us you'd died.” Darragh said clearly dumbfounded.

  "That's great! It means my plan worked!” he explained. Rowen walked up to the man on his right and smacked him across the back of his head.

  "What's wrong with you, put your weapons away! These are friends!” he said and all of the men with him complied immediately and without question.

  "Why were you trailing us?” Savannah asked.

  "Well, that is a matter for a safer place, follow me. Sorin will stay with your vehicle and keep it hidden.” Rowen said as a man who Avery supposed was Sorin went to stand by the car.

  Savannah motioned for Avery to come to her and she did. Eric was just watching, ready for anything. Until they found out exactly what this Rowen and his men wanted he wouldn’t relax. He followed close behind his fellow guardians into the trees.

  "There's a pretty strong glamour up ahead and no matter what, you need to stay in your own protective layer.” he informed them. They all pressed out an individual bubble and encased themselves in it. Savannah could sense the darkness looming in the air, it was thick and sent her hairs standing on end.

  'Stay close, this is dark magic.’ she sent to the guys and Avery. It seemed darker than it had been and foggy as well. An eerie silence whipped through the trees, making Avery shudder. She could see shadows shift in and out of focus, no doubt a part of the dark glamour.

  Savannah stretched an extra layer around her group and locked it tight. She knew they wouldn't even be aware of the extra protection but it was needed.

  Rowen stopped ahead as the eerie chill of the darkness was gone from Savannah's senses.

  "You can come out now.” Rowen told them laughing. They released their protective layerings but stayed close still as Rowen started walking again.

  There were torch lights up ahead and the sound of voices. Laughter and conversation were carried on the air. Just over the torch lit hill they saw a clearing with picnic tables strewn about. The trees were lush and green and around seventy five to a hundred people were seated at the tables with hearty plates of food in front of them. There were women and men young and old as well as some children. "What is this?” Darragh asked.

  "This my friend is the revolution!” Rowen announced, placing a hand on Darragh's shoulder. Savannah beamed a smile full of pride, she felt the freedom and joy these people felt and the happiness of the earth surrounding them. This was another haven, a community of Liberated, she was certain of it.

  "Wait are you saying that you're rebels?” Eric asked carefully.

  "Oh yes my boy, we are indeed rebels of tyranny and injustice. Many have faked their deaths as I have or rumored it and sent token back to the court making them believe it. Losing a finger is a small price to pay to gain one’s freedom.” he said holding his hand up that was in fact missing his right ring finger.

  Avery's mouth dropped. She had no idea any of her people lived this way, even though a world without Lilith seemed nice to her.

  Savannah broke the bewilderment, "We can't be long Rowen there is only one guardian with our charge. We need to have that conversation.” she said with a sad expression. Savannah would like nothing better than to stay and learn more about these brave people, but Nia couldn't be left alone long.

  Rowen guided them to a large tent where they all took a seat. He explained that he had received word of an offer from high up with high pay to track a team travelling north and intercept them and capture them.

  He also explained he had no idea who the order came from directly.

  "So who are you guarding?” Rowen asked.

  "If you let Savannah search your intentions then I will answer your questions, friend. We can't take any risks.” Darragh said coolly.

  Rowen nodded, "Aye, that's fine, I understand. Do your damage then darlin’." he said relaxing into his seat.

  Savannah closed her eyes and searched his mind, looking for any hidden agenda but found none. They would be happy to hear the news they had for them.

  She nodded at Eric and, "We found the girl of the prophecy, we are escorting her to learn her destiny.” Eric said, gaging their expressions.

  Rowen's face was shocked but he quickly composed himself. "Well! That is good news! So it is her?” he asked looking at Darragh who nodded.

  "That must be why there's a bounty for your entire group.” he mused.

  "I'm pretty sure you're right.” Darragh agreed.

  "If you need help along the way just call on me and we will be there in a flash,” Rowen told them, standing to his feet.

  "Thank you my friend, I'm happy to find you alive and well.” Darragh said gripping the man's arm and Savannah wrapped him in a warm hug.

  Avery and Eric said goodbye politely and they were back at the car in no time. They needed to make sure no one was tracking them and then go get the others.

  The safe house that Eric sent them to had not been used for some time but was one of the strongest glamoured safe places the guardians had. They were escorted back to the vehicle by a young looking man that had been close by Rowen, he turned to leave as soon as Sorin and the car were in sight. Sorin bowed and he waved a farewell then disappeared into thin air.

  Avery's jaw dropped and Savannah looked at her sister, "He's a transporter.” she said as if this was a normal thing.

  Eric looked at her questioningly and Darragh smiled. "How did he do it?” Eric asked as they got into the car.

  Savannah laughed, "It's one of his talents apparently. We aren't taught to push our boundaries or all of the possibilities. He has a broadened spectrum, it's the old ways, before the sisters divided the realms. We call a group like the one we just came from "Liberated", because they are no longer being held captive to the lies our people are fed." She explained.

  Eric scoffed. "Are you se
rious? How do you even know this?” he asked incredulously, but Darragh spoke before she had a chance to respond.

  "She's been out here on her own for a long while and I'm most certain she's seen more than we have.” he said looking at Eric pointedly.

  "I actually was thinking about introducing you all, especially Nia, to the liberated people. They have been waiting a very long time for her. She means a certain victory for them. They aren't deserters, they're just free.” she said with a shrug.