“Keira, this is Kamau,” Zina said.
Keira had to tilt her head back to look up at Kamau.
“A gift from my Queen,” he said and opened his palm where a drop of water was transforming into a big, lustrous pearl.
“Please give my thanks and regards to Modjadji,” Keira said. “I was honoured to meet her.”
Kamau nodded and walked back to a couch with Zina.
“An honour to meet you again,” Mr Harigaya said and gave Keira a formal bow. He was dressed in an immaculately tailored gray suit, and as he bowed, Keira caught the glint of silver steel at his waist.
She bowed back, just as formal. “Thank you, Mr Harigaya. It is good to see you again; and I would like to express my hope that our families would have greater cooperation in future.”
“Spoken like a true diplomat,” he approved and smiled for the first time.
Keira was introduced to a young couple from South Africa, a family from Russia, a mother and son from Egypt, and a group of people from the Santana Family. All of them sought refuge at the ranch when their own homes were attacked or their Families went into hiding.
After the greetings and introductions, everyone settled down on the couches, or on the rugs scattered on the floor, while Keira told them of her time at Cassandra’s cabin. She skipped over the finer details, but no one noticed. They were all too curious about the old woman in the woods; excited to learn about the living legend. In turn, Keira was updated on developments within the group, Daemon’s takeover of the Guardians’ castle and resources, and the individual Families’ positions.
A few hours later the fire was only a burnt-out heap of ashes, and during a lull in the conversation, someone asked: “So, what now?”
“We fight!” Adam punched his fist in the air and was loudly supported by his sisters sitting on either side of him. But other eyes rolled in clear indication that this topic had been worn out already and voices raised again.
Keira lifted her hand; an immediate silence fell as everyone turned expectantly to her.
“Let’s discuss this tomorrow. Right now, I would really like to go to bed.” Keira stood up and the others followed. If they were disappointed, they didn’t show it as they said goodnight and drifted off to their rooms.
Keira and Marco were left, sitting side by side on one of the wide couches. He was lying back, eyes closed, his long legs stretched out in front of him. She sat with her legs drawn up and curled beneath her, watching him.
“I’m glad you’re back,” he said, sounding half asleep.
“So am I,” she replied. “But it won’t be for long….”
He sat up and stared at her. She met his blue gaze calmly.
“So. You have a plan,” he stated.
“More of an idea than a plan. But yes, it’s something that needs to be done,” she said.
“Mind filling me in?” She could hear a tinge of annoyance in his voice.
“No, I don’t mind. I actually need you and the Draaken to come with me,” and here she stopped. Cassandra had said that she would not be able to fulfil her task without Marco by her side, but it was still difficult to ask him.
He waited attentively. In a low voice, not wanting to be heard by anyone who might be still up, she continued. “Daemon is hunting two things: me and the Book of Knowledge. There is a danger that he will find the Book soon, and once he does, he needs me to open it.”
“Keira,” Marco whispered. “You are in bigger danger than I realised.”
“Yes,” she agreed. “So we have to find the Book before him. If he gets his hands on it, he can enter the Akasha and alter the fabric of time. No one will be able to stand against him, not us, our families—not the most powerful nation in the world. We would be slaves to his will.” Keira swallowed at the horror of it. Her hatred for Daemon threatened to bubble over the lid she had so carefully placed on her emotions.
Marco looked at her in silence. She could see the thoughts clicking away in his mind, and could only hope that he would understand and support her request.
“What do you need?” he asked, his eyes clear of doubt.
Keira could have cried with relief, but just smiled gratefully. “All I know is that I need to find the Book, and the best place to start looking is inside the castle.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Marco laughed. “We’ll need a distraction,” he continued, sounding relieved at having something to focus on.
Keira smiled. “I don’t know anything about strategies and tactics and…stuff. That’s why I need you. Get me into the castle and I’ll take it from there.”
Marco grinned back at her, “All right, I’ll take care of the stuff and you do the rest.”
They sat for a few silent moments longer. But Keira had more questions weighing on her mind.
“Marco,” she started. “My parents and friends, are they okay?”
“Yes,” he immediately replied. “I have guards stationed all around them. Your parents are at the estate and I’ve assigned a team to them. Both your friends, Alison and Sammy, are back at the apartment in London and another team is watching over them. Unfortunately Daemon is keeping an eye on them as well, but he hasn’t made any move towards direct contact. I suspect he is waiting to see if you will try to visit them.”
“What did you tell them—about me being away—and everything?” she asked.
“Only what we agreed on: that Victoria’s death had upset you greatly and you were taking time to deal with it. Simone has been their contact person, since they’ve met her before as Victoria’s assistant. This has pacified your parents, but your friends are becoming difficult. It might be necessary to call them. We’ve got a secure line here if you want to speak to them.”
“I could do that?” Keira asked, happy at the thought of speaking to Alison and Sammy again.
“Of course. Simone can set it up tomorrow. Keira, there is something you should know before you do,” Marco continued.
“Yes?” Keira asked.
“Victoria’s will has been read. And she’s left everything to you. Her businesses, properties and the castle. The lawyers are clamouring to talk to you.”
Keira was stunned. “Well,” she gulped. “The lawyers will have to wait. I’m sure there are people managing everything better than I could. But the castle…. All the more reason to get that bastard out of there, as soon as possible!”
“Agreed,” Marco nodded and stood, holding out his hand to pull her up as well.
“Try to get a few hours’ sleep. It will be dawn soon, and we have to start planning. I assume our little ‘side trip’ into the castle is not for general knowledge?”
“No,” Keira said. “I don’t know what you are going to tell them, but they can’t be a part of this.”
“I’ll think of something. Now, we’re full-house at the moment. But you can use my room, second door to the right, down the passage—”
“But, what about you?” Keira asked, aware that her heart had missed a beat.
“I have work to do. Besides, these couches are very comfortable. Now go!” Marco steered her firmly in the right direction. His voice discouraged any dissent, so Keira meekly followed his directions.
When she closed the bedroom door behind her, she had to lean her back against it as she was enveloped in the male smell of him. His room was dominated by a big four poster bed and, against the far wall, a large, solid red-maple writing desk strewn with documents and crumpled up papers. A bedside lamp threw an inviting glow across the space and made the browns and reds in the room seem even softer, warmer.
Keira walked over to the bed, slipped out of her clothes and underneath the warm, down cover. One deep sigh later and she was fast asleep, dreaming of lying in a tall, blue-eyed man’s arms.
*****
Thousands of miles away, Alison was also sleeping. She jerked awake when the London apartment’s front door was blown inward with an ear-splitting crash. Before she had time to fight, to resist, gloved hands pressed down on
her mouth. The sickening smell of chloroform violated her senses and the world disappeared.
Sammy did fight. She kicked and scratched, screamed and swore as they tried to contain her. Her karate kick connected with an attacker’s nose before they grabbed her arms and legs and someone smashed the smelly rag in her face.
Chapter 25
“Keira, wake up,” gentle hands shook her shoulders, lightly at first, then harder. “Wake up!”
Keira groaned and turned around. Eyes, heavy with sleep, peered at Zina standing next to the bed. She closed her eyes again and yawned, then realised she didn’t have any clothes on and grabbed the bed cover to pull it up under her chin.
“Um…. Hi, Zina.”
“Keira, you’ve got to come. Now!” Zina’s insistence penetrated Keira’s sluggish mind and she sat up.
“What’s going on?”
“Just—Marco will explain. You have to come. Everyone is waiting in the sitting room. Do you need help getting ready?”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll only be a minute.”
“Fine, but please hurry!” and Zina left the room, closing the door softly behind her.
Keira jumped out of bed, worried by Zina’s insistence. She hurried to the en-suite bathroom and splashed her face, dragged a comb through her hair and then wondered what the hell she was going to wear. She didn’t bring any clothes from the cabin, and the ones she arrived in smelled like horse.
“Well, I’ll have to see what’s in here,” she muttered and walked to Marco’s cupboard. She grabbed a white, long sleeved shirt and pulled it over her head. The sleeves had to be rolled up and the flaps hung above her knees, but at least it was clean. She dragged on her black, leather pants and boots and left the room.
Only the Draaken members were assembled in the sitting room and their voices stilled as she walked in; then everyone looked to Marco, who stood by the cold fireplace.
“What’s going on? Where are the other Guardians?” she asked.
“I only woke the Draaken,” Marco said. “Keira, I’m sorry, your friends have been taken. It happened a few hours ago.”
“What do you mean? Alison and Sammy? You said they were safe!”
“We are still trying to gather information. But—my men—they were ambushed and killed.” Marco clenched and unclenched his fists.
Keira felt as if she’d been punched in the gut. Shock robbed her of her voice.
The silence in the room deepened as those present mourned the loss of yet more friends. Chloe cried softly while Rafael tried to comfort her as best he could. “If only I could See, I could have prevented this!” her voice broke.
“My parents,” Keira found the words.
“The watch has been increased tenfold. No one will enter the grounds of their estate. Simone has convinced your father that they need to stay at the house, in case you return, so that is what they are doing,” Marco answered Keira’s fears.
Just then the phone rang. Marco picked it up, listened for a few moments. Keira watched as his face went white with rage and his eyes dark as the clouds of a summer thunder storm.
“Keira, it is for you,” and he held the receiver out to her.
She walked over to where he stood, feeling suddenly cold, knowing who was on the other end of the line.
“Yes?” she said into the phone.
“Good morning, Keira. Lovely morning, isn’t it? This is Daemon speaking. We haven’t been formally introduced, but I am really looking forward to meeting you in person.” His voice was smooth and mocking in her ear.
“What do you want?” she hissed.
“Oh dear,” he sighed. “So rude! I would watch my manners if I were you, especially since two lovely ladies are on their way to join me here at my humble abode.”
Keira wanted to scream and swear at the man on the phone, but her only reply was cold silence.
“Well then,” Daemon continued. “Since we are obviously not going to have a friendly chat, I’ll tell you what I want. It’s very easy, really. You to come here, to the castle, find the Book for me, open it, and then I’ll let you and your friends go and we’ll all live happily ever after. How does that sound?”
“I have a better idea. Why don’t I come over there, get my friends, rip your throat out, and we all live happily ever after?” Keira countered, looking up to see Adam silently laughing and giving her a thumbs-up.
“I’m afraid I can’t go along with your suggestion,” Daemon’s voice was suddenly sibilant and cold. “You have seventy-two hours to present yourself at the castle’s front gates. Be even one second late, and you’ll find two beautiful heads, gift-wrapped in a box and delivered to your door.” The phone clicked off. Keira stared at the black handset in her clenched fingers.
Closing her eyes, Keira strove to find that calmness and peace at the core of herself. She drew on the energy of the Akasha surrounding her, the way Cassandra had taught her, and soon she closed off the hate and rage that threatened to overwhelm her entire being. It would not serve her friends if she lost control; she needed a clear mind for what lay ahead.
To the people standing around her, it seemed as if Keira was enveloped in a layer of shimmering air. They could feel the ripples in the Akasha and everyone felt instantly calmer, more energised and determined. Their own powers stirred inside of them, as if Keira had somehow awakened and strengthened it.
The Draaken stood in a circle around Keira, waiting for her to speak. When she did, it was in a voice so unlike her own, that she hardly recognised it herself.
“He has Alison and Sammy, they are being taken to the castle. I have to give myself up within three days, or he kills them.”
A low rumble went around the room, fragments of outrage were heard: “Never!” and “We have to stop him!”
“Chloe, please come here,” Keira interrupted.
Chloe walked closer and stood in front of Keira, who held out both of her hands. The Seer took them and an explosion of white light enveloped both women in a blinding flash. Black bands twining around Chloe like strangling vines were suddenly visible; then they began to wither, fall away and turn to dust on the floor.
Keira let go of Chloe’s hands and the light softened and disappeared. “He put a binding curse on you,” she said.
The Seer shook her head as if she had just come out of a long coma. “I feel…. I See!” she whispered, overwhelmed by having her gift back.
“Chloe,” Keira was insistent. “I am sorry to have to push you, but we have no time—”
“Keira, I…. Whatever I can do, tell me.”
“I need to know which route they are taking with Alison and Sammy. Can you do that?” Keira asked.
“Yes,” Chloe was determined. “I’ll need a few moments.”
Rafael walked forward and took Chloe’s hand. He threw a grateful look at Keira and followed his partner to their room to prepare for the Seeing.
Keira turned back to the group. “As soon as Chloe has given us a location, I plan on intercepting Daemon’s handlers. We have to get Alison and Sammy back before they reach the castle. Any volunteers?”
Everyone stepped forward as one.
Keira was surprised to see the Japanese observer among them. “Mr Harigaya?”
“We cannot condone the involvement of innocents. I am offering the services of my Family,” he replied and bowed deeply to Keira.
Keira smiled. “The more the merrier, I suppose. Marco, any ideas on how we’re going to do this?”
“A few,” he acknowledged. “It would depend on whether they have left London yet. I assume Daemon has a private plane ready, so we’ll have to take them either before they board, or as they land in Germany. Let’s wait for Chloe.”
“There is a slight problem,” a cool voice said and everyone looked at Simone. “How are we going to get from here, to Europe, in time to save her friends, and meet Daemon’s deadline?”
“There’s no need to meet his deadline. We’re getting the women,” Adam frowned at Simone.
Chloe and Rafael returned. The Seer’s eyes sparkled and she smiled in triumph. “It was so clear!” she cried. “They are inside a plane at a private airstrip outside of London. There is a hold up with the plane; they haven’t taken off yet.”
“London it is, then. Marco, you and I will go, and two additional people,” Keira said, in full control of the situation.
“Chloe, how many men were at the airstrip?” Marco asked the Seer.
“Three men were holding the women, plus the pilot and co-pilot; also four guards outside the plane’s hanger. They looked half asleep, I don’t think they are expecting any resistance,” Chloe replied, then proceeded to give them a quick layout of the area and few neighbouring buildings.
“Good, we’ll have the element of surprise. Adam, Mr Harigaya, you will come with Keira and me,” Marco continued.
Loud protestations sounded from the rest of the Draaken, everyone upset at being excluded from the action.
Marco had to raise his voice to be heard above the clamour. “You’ll get your chance!” he said. “It is time to end this.”
A chorus of “Yeah!” and “Let’s do it!” rang around the room.
“High time,” Adam said, knocking his fists together.
“We’ll get Keira’s friends, then make for Magda’s Herberg in Germany. We meet there in two days’ time. Use the fastest routes possible; Daemon will know we’re coming by then. If his handlers try to stop you along the way, you have free rein to get rid of them. But remember, no innocents are to be involved!”
The group’s frowns had changed to hard smiles at Marco’s words. They were eager, hungry for a fight, and focused now that they had a plan.
“I am going too!” a young voice cried out.
Keira smiled at Justin. “Yes, you are going too,” she said.
Zina interrupted. “Keira, shouldn’t he rather stay here?” she asked.
“No, he is going,” she answered. Then to Justin, “You will go as far as the Herberg. I need you to do an important job for me once we all get there. Is that okay?”
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