And so Will left. A vampyre once again condemned to walk the night alone.
The anniversary of my sister, I mean Leora's death came. She had loved me even though I wasn't her sister. I refused to let her death be in vain. She had died protecting me. Her and many others. I didn't blame Will for her death and I desperately wished I could have told him that before he left. It wasn't his fault and because of Fern, I learned that sometimes bad things have to happen in order for the good things to happen.
Earlier today I stepped onto a bus bound for Drekenhall with nothing but the clothes on my back. But not before going back to the apartment. Brittany hadn't been there. I didn't know where she had gone. Left without a word. Some mother. But I guess, since she wasn't really my mother, then that kind of explained it. It was easier to understand her since I discovered that she wasn't my mother. I hoped that she would find whatever she was looking for.
My reasons for leaving were obvious and mysterious at the same time. I was unsure if I was going to find out who I was or would be. Discover what these new powers could do.
My old life faded as quickly as ashes. Bill. Leora and Brittany. Drew. Poor misguided Drew. He was clearly working for someone who wanted to find me, or keep me under their watch.
Most people would assume I was lonely after all this but I don't think I was. Was that odd?
The town of Drekenhall (and I couldn't believe it was possible), was smaller than Crosswood. The bus let me off in the middle of town and I simply stepped into the forest and walked, and kept on walking. I knew that I would find her eventually.
The forest surrounding Drekenhall is not a place I would recommend going. Though where I walked it appeared a normal forest, with none of the magic that I had seen before. It still was obviously very easy to get lost and after a few minutes of walking, I knew I would be lost if I didn't find Fern soon.
But her cottage appeared before me and so did she. Her brilliant red hair and her stark white smile. It was clear to me that Fern knew more than any of us.
I smiled back at her as she guided me once again before the groove of trees.
“We have work to do, Jay Jay. I will teach you how to master your powers. But be warned, seeing the future is a curse as much as a gift. It is imperative that you learn when to speak of the future and when to let it pass on its own. This gift can drive you mad if you let it. You will be only the second Seer in more than five hundred years.”
“Who was the first?” I asked, though I had a feeling I already knew the answer.
“Me.”
Epilogue
Ashes to Ashes
Somewhere in Crosswood
“William Carrington. What brings you here?” Amongst the crowded sports arena, Will heard her words as clearly as if they were alone. The home team scored a goal and the arena went wild, but it barely registered to Will. The place reeked of beer, greasy food and unwashed humans. Disgusting. Why in the world did Fern insist on meeting him here?
“You, you called me,” he responded coldly as he took a seat beside her.
Fern shook her head. Did the boy own nothing but black? It made him look as if he were drenched in his own vampyric blood. Hmm, thought that was a yummy image. But seriously who was still wearing cloaks in the twenty-first century? Focus, Fern.
“Yes, are you still looking for Jacinda Jadwige?”
Will sighed. “You know I am, Fern. She must be found, she's far too important to lose.”
“As the Seer or your lover?”
In the next instant Will was crouched above Fern with his hand around her throat. “Do not test me witch. I am at the end of my rope and ready to snap.”
Fern looked neither concerned nor shocked, in fact she looked slightly bored. Will moved back to his seat.
“Well, before you pounced on me like an animal I was going to say that I had something that could help you.” She let her words hang in the air for a moment.
“What is it?” he asked curiously.
Fern smiled with victory. “A secret.” She smoothed the skirt of the purple polka dot dress she was wearing as if she has not a care in the world.
Will fidgeted with impatience. “Well...? No more riddles, Fern.”
He massaged the back of his neck. Dealing with Fern could be so difficult sometimes, most of the time. His anger rose up and he leaped from his seat. The drunk humans around them did not notice.
“It is my quest to guard the Seer, Fern, if you know something that can help my search you need to tell me!” Will began to pace over the small walkway.
“And if I do not?”
“Must you be so difficult?”
“The secret is where she resides currently.” Will stopped pacing. “The question remains if I can trust you with this information. Perhaps if you were to offer something in return.”
They spoke in quick hushed tones for a moment before Will eagerly jumped up from his seat.
“Very well. We have a deal then. I give you the location of the Seer and in return you will find Romulus Silvaine and kill him.”
The arena erupted with cheers even as the two vampires plotted death and destiny.
Acknowledgments
I'd like to thank my family, for being strange and crazy, and providing me with tons of inspiration. We put the fun in dysfunctional! A very special thanks to my runaway pen buddies, Theresa and Melissa, for just being made of awesome. ;) Thanks to Kate for asking me for my autograph so she can show it off when I become famous. I don't think I'll ever be famous, but those were definitely encouraging words if I ever heard some!
About the Author:
M. A. Bronson is the sixteen-year-old author of the Tales of the Enchanted Forest series, several short stories and the forthcoming novel, Pirate Girl: Margarette's Story (Spring 2013). She also reviews indie books at www.runawaypen.com. When not writing she can be found gaming on LOTRO, cosplaying, and devouring every book in sight. M. A. lives with her family, six pets, and several hundred books in Upstate New York.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/M-A-Bronson/192045237532888
Twitter: @enchantedmab
Website: www.enchantedwordsbymab.com
Check out www.runawaypen.com , for the latest in indie book reviews and writing from T. L. Shreffler, Melissa Sasina, Intisar Khanani and myself! :)
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