Tala Prophecy: The Complete Series

by Tia Silverthorne Bach

  “Ladies,” Aunt Sarah began. “For this one, I need to draw a six-pointed star on the ground. Many call it the Star of David, but we call it the Star of Creation. Each point stands for an attribute: wisdom, power, majesty, love, mercy, and justice.” She drew the star in chalk on the library floor as she spoke. When she was done, she stood. “We’ll each stand at a point and hold hands.” She drew out a dagger from the bag beside her.

  “What’s that for?” Mom asked, backing away from the group.

  “We need quite a bit of power to speak to Cecilia. I’ll come around and make a small incision on each of your palms. We need our blood to mix as we hold hands.”

  Reagan understood the distress. Whenever she needed a shot as a little girl, she’d ask her mom to hold hands. She did, but she’d turn away. The one time she didn’t, she ended up passing out. But she didn’t shy away from needles and blood when Reagan was in the hospital after the attack.

  Nana took up where Aunt Sarah had left off. “Once we hold hands, we’ll repeat the following: Cecilia vobis dicimus in auxilio oportuno. It’s Latin for: Cecilia, we call upon you to help us in our time of need. In my dream, she spoke in Latin. So, is everyone ready?”

  Everyone nodded.

  Aunt Sarah came around and cut each person’s palm. Once she was done, they took their places and held hands, repeating the words to call Cecilia.

  Reagan felt a strong gust of wind rip around the room, blowing her hair into her face. She started to pull her hand away so she could push the hair back, but Winona’s grip turned vice-like. In the center of the star, a small funnel cloud formed, swirling and picking up speed.

  Then it stopped, and a figure emerged.

  Reagan had never seen a picture of Cecilia, but her bright red hair and green eyes were unmistakable. Her image lifted up higher, a good ten feet above their heads. Reagan could see every detail of the woman’s features, even through the intense glow that surrounded her.

  Nana’s words pierced the air. “Mother, we need your guidance.”

  “I see you have gathered your six.” Cecilia’s ghost floated around to each person, as her voice echoed in the room. “Now, I will gather mine. Six angels will guide you in your efforts. One to represent each of the points. I represent power and you will have the rest when you need them.”

  When Cecilia spoke, Reagan felt energy course through her yet pull from her at the same time. Her great-grandmother had the same herbal scent as Nana, and Reagan was determined to figure out what it was the next time she had the chance. It had to be important. With all the swirling energy in the room, much like the winds of a low grade hurricane, Reagan began to sway back and forth; the motion causing her to feel queasy. Then, Cecilia’s voice broke through again.

  “All you have to do is call upon us like you did today. But beware. Calling us takes a lot of your energy, and being weakened isn’t always your best option.”

  “We understand, and we thank you,” Nana said, almost in a chant.

  “It is so good to see all my girls together.”

  With those words, Cecilia vanished.

  Each of the six dropped their hands.

  Reagan noticed Cheveyo fall to his knees as her mother threw up.

  Another wave of nausea hit Reagan, and she clutched her stomach. It took several moments before anyone spoke.

  Nana seemed the least affected by the event, but Winona was the first to speak. She was kneeling in front of Cheveyo. “Are you okay?” Then she looked around the room. “Is everyone okay?”

  Fighting the onslaught of stomach issues, Reagan nodded and stood to face the spinning room. She breathed out through her mouth and then back in through her nose, both exaggerated for extra air. Then, she noticed her mother sprawled on the ground.

  Aunt Sarah was leaning over her sister, whispering words that were too low to make out.

  When Reagan moved closer, she noticed a trickle of blood running from her mother’s nose down to her chin. “Mom!” Reagan screamed, falling on her knees.

  Aunt Sarah placed a hand on Reagan’s back. “She’s going to be fine. This was draining for all of us, but your mom has had the least practice.”

  “And she’s had the most to deal with lately.” Reagan had never seen her mother so gaunt and pale. How much more could the woman take?

  Overwhelmed with emotions and fatigue, Reagan wanted a plan. Even though she knew they were all exhausted, she had to ask her aunt about Sam. “Since I have you here, I wanted to make a request. I assume you all know about Jessica. Can we consider putting a spell on Sam to make him forget her?”

  Aunt Sarah tilted her head back and her chin up as her eyes narrowed.

  Reagan continued her stream of thought, but in a more hushed tone. “Sam’s begging for us to go back to his old camp and rescue his girlfriend. It’s far too dangerous, but I’m afraid he won’t understand that. Unless he forgets about her, he’s just going to constantly try to run away. Mom, and Dad for that matter, have been through too much already.”

  Aunt Sarah looked toward Nana, who was watching them with an interested look. She came over to them. Mom was still out of it, but they all whispered anyway.

  “Did I hear correctly?” Nana asked, directing her question to Reagan. “Are you wanting to make Sam forget something?”

  “Yes,” Reagan said, her head bent. She was ashamed of her request, even though she knew it was valid. “He left behind a girl named Jessica. He wants us to go back for her. I know he thinks he loves her, maybe he does, but it’s too dangerous. Papa agrees.” She hoped throwing Papa’s name out would lend some credibility to her request, especially for Nana. “Like I was telling Aunt Sarah, if we don’t make him forget, he’ll keep trying to escape.”

  Nana seemed to consider Reagan’s request before answering, “You know darned-well there’s a way; but look at all the hurt it’s caused in the past, all the pain. Sometimes it’s better to deal in the truth, no matter how devastating.”

  “But he’s only known this girl a few months. He can’t really love her.”

  “How long have you known Rowan?” Nana asked.

  If she were aiming a dart, she would’ve hit the bulls-eye. Reagan forced down the lump in her throat—hypocrisy was a tough pill to swallow. “Then what do you suggest? There’s no way we can go into Rafe’s camp and save her.”

  “Consider something for me, would you?” Nana asked. She waited for Reagan’s nod before proceeding. “What would you want Sam to do if the situation was reversed?”

  Dammit, Reagan thought. “But how do we know Jessica cares for him, too? That she’s not just some girl sucking up to my brother to keep him in line. I wouldn’t put anything past Rafe.”

  “That’s where I can help you,” Aunt Sarah said, joining back into the conversation. “I can give you something to have her touch. If her heart is true, her hand will stain red. If it’s not, nothing will happen.”

  “But she’d have to touch it, right?” Various plans were swimming in Reagan’s head. “When the time is right, will you explain this to Sam? I’m afraid he won’t believe me.” Or believe anyone for that matter. But she had to try to do the right thing. If this girl loved Sam, Reagan had to try.

  Plus, Jessica could be an asset depending on how long she’d been around Rafe’s camp.

  Reagan pushed herself up and turned to leave the room.

  She had to find Papa.

  They had a girlfriend to save.

  Reagan and Papa had been discussing their options for a good twenty minutes when her father and Rowan walked into the command center.

  “I just talked to Jackie,” Dad stated upon entering the room. “If there’s a way to do this for Sam, a safe way, then we have to do it. I volunteer to be part of the team.”

  In that moment, Reagan realized how much Sam looked like their father. She couldn’t disappoint either of them. “Papa, I know it’s dangerous. But if Sam could communicate with her and ask her to meet us alone, we could perform the test Aunt Sarah
talked about.”

  “And if she’s Rafe’s lackey? Then what?” Rowan asked.

  “I know you have every reason to believe that, and I’m not sure how I think this will go. Rafe is capable of anything. I’m not naïve.”

  “So you realize we could go meet her and end up getting ambushed?”

  Desperate to help her brother, she latched onto the first idea she had—a plan eerily similar to the one to save Sam. “What if we had Sam ask her to meet him because he was ready to come back? That it would just be him.”

  Rowan threw his hands up in the air and blew out a frustrated breath. “There’s no talking to her.”

  “We need more information on Rafe’s children and what size army we’ll be facing. Now that Rafe has lost Sam, he’s angry. He’s going to come after us. We need some insider knowledge. Jessica can help. Plus, Sam will be more willing to talk, to trust us, if we do this.”

  “Let’s go talk to your brother,” Papa suggested.

  Resisting the urge to jump and eke out a high-pitched squeal, Reagan hid one small fist pump before following Rowan, Papa, and her father to Sam’s room. As they headed down the hallway, Reagan saw Madeleine coming toward them from the opposite direction.

  “Can I talk to you for a minute?” she asked.

  “We’re actually heading to talk to Sam,” Reagan responded, but her interest was piqued.

  “Just for a minute?”

  Reagan looked to Papa for approval. When he nodded, she turned back. “Okay.” She told Papa and Rowan to go ahead to Sam’s room and she’d be right there.

  They walked away, and Madeleine began, “I overheard you guys talking about Sam and his girlfriend. Everything in me wants to tell you how stupid this whole thing is. You don’t endanger many lives for one. But, I understand what you want to do for your brother. Just don’t get your hopes up. I gave my sister a chance once, a chance to come with us. I begged her to see Rafe’s true colors. She couldn’t. And nothing would’ve made her. Sam may not ever believe Jessica doesn’t love him, no matter what proof you give him. I’d like to go with you; if you’ll have me.”

  “I am worried, but I can’t let my brother down. I have to try. I appreciate your offer,” Reagan said. Before she left, she added one more thing. “And I’m sorry about your sister. Maybe there’s something we can do for her.”

  “She’s a lost cause, I’m afraid.”

  They held each other’s gaze for a brief moment before turning in opposite directions.

  Reagan hurried to Sam’s room, eager to set things in motion. Rounding the corner, she noticed he was dressed.

  “Hey,” she said. “Have the guys filled you in?”

  “No, they said we should wait for you.”

  “Then let’s start. I know you want us to bring Jessica here, and I’d like to make that happen. We need to discuss our options first.” Reagan and Papa filled Sam in on their plans, including the love test and all their concerns about Rafe’s machinations. Rowan then told the story of how he and Rafe came to be at odds.

  Sam listened wide-eyed through the whole conversation, never once interjecting.

  After Rowan and Reagan finished, everyone stood in the awkward silence waiting for some response from Sam.

  Finally, he began, “I don’t know what to believe about Rafe right now, but I do believe Jessica loves me. I never saw her with Rafe, but she was always around Amélie. Jessica said Amélie was the closest thing she ever had to a mother. Rafe and Amélie were constantly fighting. Jessica’s allegiance would be with Amélie.”

  Reagan felt like life was messing with her, throwing her twists and turns when she didn’t need another wrinkle. Lost in her thoughts, she missed the start of Papa’s response. “…contact her and ask if she’ll meet you. That you want to run away.”

  “Will I be meeting her?” Sam asked.

  “If she agrees to come, you, Reagan, and Rowan will meet her. If they sense anyone is with her, we’ll have to leave. You should be able to sense the same thing, so it won’t become an issue of trust. If she doesn’t agree to come, I think you have your answer.”

  Sam nodded. “Give me a moment, and I’ll try to contact her.”

  “Do you mind if I sit here and hold your hand?” Reagan asked. Her request was two-fold. She wanted to support her brother first, but she remembered how Winona could read thoughts if they were touching. It was worth a shot. Reagan needed to know her brother was going to do as they asked. That he wouldn’t give away more than they’d agreed upon. She hoped for a day when she could simply trust him again.

  “Sure.”

  Reagan sat on the bed. When Sam closed his eyes, she did the same. She heard him say Jessica’s name, but it was followed by silence. Reagan found herself wishing for the simplest solution: that Jessica wouldn’t respond.

  “Sam, where are you? I’ve been worried sick.”

  All Reagan heard was the sound of a lovesick girl.

  “I’m safe. Will you come to me? I need you with me.” An awkward silence followed. After a few minutes, Sam tried again. “Jessica?”

  “Tell me when and where.”

  Sam explained the location, the one Papa suggested earlier, and Jessica agreed to meet there the next day—alone. Reagan and Sam opened their eyes at the same time, both smiling. They hugged. She relished the moment.

  “What did she say?” Papa asked.

  Reagan started to open her mouth to respond but was glad when Sam spoke first. She didn’t want to give away that she’d been listening. “She said she’ll be there. What’s the plan again?”

  Papa reiterated the details. As they were wrapping up, Reagan’s Mom came into the room carrying a tray. “Time for some dinner.”

  “That’s the cue for us to go have some, too,” Papa said. “We have a big day tomorrow.” Before leaving, he patted Sam’s foot.

  Reagan stood and followed Papa and Rowan to the kitchen.

  Winona was at a table with Cheveyo, Nana, and Aunt Sarah.

  Papa grabbed his food and headed their way.

  Reagan placed a hand on Rowan’s elbow and pointed to Madeleine who was sitting by herself. “We’ll join you guys in just a minute,” Reagan said to Papa before she and Rowan walked up to Madeleine.

  “We’re going to get Jessica tomorrow. Do you still want to come?” Reagan asked.

  “I do.”

  “Are you sure?” Reagan had considered asking, but Rowan was the one who voiced the concern.

  “Yes.”

  The next morning, way before the sun took over the darkness, they set the plan in motion. Madeleine and Reagan would lead the charge with Sam, Papa, and Rowan. Sasha and Ricardo, who refused to be left out, would follow closely behind.

  Winona wasn’t happy about being excluded, but she understood it was too much to risk.

  Dad was the most upset. Ultimately, Sam had to talk his father down. If the worst happened and Rafe showed up, they had to be prepared for battle. Steve was a gifted marksman, but he didn’t have the speed and agility of a wolf.

  In her grasp, Reagan held a small, heart-shaped stone. When Jessica touched it, they’d know her true intentions. A red-stained hand was Reagan’s only wish. Once she saw it, they’d grab Jessica and run back to the safety of the cave.

  It was a simple in-and-out mission.

  Reagan connected with Madeleine and ran in pace with her. But the connection brought with it all the emotions she was feeling. Reagan felt like an intruder into something too private, and she sensed Madeleine wanted Jessica to truly love Sam as much as Reagan wanted it.

  Almost to their destination, Reagan and Madeleine began to cut their speed. Sam caught up, while the rest hung back so as not to overwhelm Jessica. When they reached the spot, they slowed down further. Sam walked into the clearing and closed his eyes. Reagan assumed her brother was trying to connect with Jessica and see where she was. She saw his eyes fly open as a slight blonde girl snuck out from behind a tree.

  Sam ran to her.

&nb
sp; Reagan knew she had to get confirmation, but felt bad for ruining their moment. As she walked closer to them, she cleared her throat. Sam pulled away from Jessica slightly so she could see Reagan. “Jessica, this is my sister. She needs you to do something for her.”

  Jessica looked up at him, eyes wide, before nodding her head.

  In that moment, Reagan knew even without the stone’s power. But, she moved forward anyway. “I only ask that you touch this stone.”

  Before Jessica’s hand reached the stone, another lady stepped out from the dense forest. Reagan tensed, crouching down, ready for anything. Then she heard Madeleine’s voice.

  “Run!”

  “Wait, I’m not here to hurt you. I came to help Jessica and ask for you to take me back with you,” Amélie said as Madeleine motioned for everyone to back away.

  Alarm bells went off in Reagan’s head, and she knew they needed to get out of there as soon as possible. She took Jessica’s hand and wrapped it around the stone. Once Reagan knew contact was made, she pulled the stone away. Relief coursed through her as she saw the blood red palm. She turned to the unexpected guest amongst them. “We have to go.”

  “Seems I should have something to say about that?” Rafe’s voice penetrated the forest as he came into view followed by at least a dozen of his demon cronies.

  Papa and the others had entered the clearing at the same time.

  Sam clutched Jessica while Madeleine held onto her sister.

  Reagan stepped away from them and closer to Rafe.

  “How convenient. I have both of you together. You and your brother really do have weak hearts. You’re both so naïve.” He then focused his gaze on Amélie. “And you, after everything I’ve given you. You’re a queen to my people, yet you would betray me.”