She compressed her lips together at his words. From her stance, he could tell he irritated her. But how?
“What? Did I say something wrong?” He didn’t like that he’d disappointed her.
“There’s something else just as equally important,” Alderic interjected. A smug expression marked his face.
“Such as?” The Elder turned to him.
He opened his mouth to speak with Uchida-san scoffed. “Keep your secrets to yourself, Alderic. When I asked you what it was, you wanted to get all the glory for yourself.”
“Otousan should have chosen me instead of you to lead this mission.” The big man stalked over to the slight woman, brimming with hostility. “If I had led the team, we could have killed Ludovicus where he stood instead of skulking about like cowards.”
“The Descendant got thrown into an electric grid. What do you think Ludovicus would have done to you?”
“Nothing, because I would have killed him.”
“Children,” the Elder interjected. “That’s enough arguing.”
The room crackled with tension as both Alderic and Uchida-san glared at the other. “What is this thing that is so valuable, my son?”
A few seconds passed before the giant broke eye contact with the woman. “Sumimasen, Otousan. It’s not important enough to mention here. I bet if I put it right under her nose, she wouldn’t grasp how—”
“Will you stop it?” Uchida-san yelled.
Ken cleared his throat. Much as he would like to see this battle of wills, he thought it more prudent to get back to the matter at hand. “We were discussing the blood gem and how special it was.”
The Elder shook his head sadly. “Oh, the blood gem is more than special. It is more than anything you can think of.”
“What do you mean?”
A gnarled hand waved away the question. “Another day. Will you permit Uchida—chan to keep the blood gem in a secure place?”
He knew he should just say yes and be done with it. But he couldn’t. His mother gifted this thing, whatever it was, to him. She had asked him to take care of it. That obligation could not be given to another person.
“No. I will keep it.”
The Elder stared at him and then a wide smile creased his face.
“You are like your grandfather. Much more than you even think you are.”
“The man who was killed in the smoke? How am I like him?
“He took his responsibilities seriously, no matter what they were. You are like him, Kenzo—sama.”
“Tell me more.”
The Elder sighed and the son, Alderic, came forward. “Otousan, it is time for you to rest. I can handle it from here.”
“Iie. Uchida—chan will do the honors.”
Uchida-san nodded and Ken wondered exactly what she was going to do.
CHAPTER SIX
Ludo licked at his wounds, his long forked tongue lapping at the burn lesions left behind by the attack from Rhychard’s seed. Water from the stalagmites dripped into the number of small ponds within the network of the caves, sounds reminiscent of the chords of a piano he’d heard many years ago. The memory only served to enrage him and he stopped his ministrations. Back then, he had also underestimated his opponent, believing that mere strength was the only asset in the game of power.
Had the long years buried in the ocean, dead to the world, waiting for the year of the Spear, taught him nothing?
“You are powerful, Ludovicus,” a voice from the past whispered from his memory. “But you are powerfully foolish as well.”
He killed the one who spoke those words, but centuries later, he heard them as clear as if that person stood next to him in this forsaken cave. As if he hadn’t destroyed him at all.
Fondling the amulet at his throat, Ludo stood up from his throne his juusha had carved for him and prowled the cavity of the anteroom. Where had the Seed’s power come from? It was something he had not counted on when he hunted the Seed. It should have been a simple thing to kill him, but it hadn’t. Perhaps it was due to his weakened state.
The shock of the Seed’s attack had made the damage more profound on his flesh. The scales charred and chipped. The flesh underneath was sore in a way he hadn’t felt before.
It was incredible, but he would have to take a few days to heal.
His hands shook, and the centuries-old anger at Rhychard burned anew. If only they hadn’t—
Ludo roared, picking up a melon-sized rock on the ground and hurled it across the room. It shattered like glass against the wall. He sat down once more on his throne chair.
There was so much at stake.
“Master?”
“What!” he yelled at the human standing before him.
The man cowered before him, falling to his knees in submission. “Please watch this. We believe this has something to do with Mars.”
Ludo frowned. “Speak plain.”
A curious device Ludo had yet to understand was thrust toward him. Small, square shaped, and thin, it allowed moving pictures and books to be read. “Master, if you will watch the screen.”
The screen depicted remnants of a small town. A female stood with a microphone (he’d since learned the name of the device) in front of a collapsed building with a despondent expression on her face. “This village was destroyed by a sudden, freakish flood that happened several hours ago. Weather forecasts clearly detailed there would be no precipitation in this area, and yet a sudden storm appeared and completely destroyed this village. Residents had no warning, and the loss of life is significant.”
The village had apparently been home to an ancient temple that had been decimated as well.
“Emergency rescue services have worked all day to save those who are trapped under debris. We will continue on this story as we receive more updates.”
Ludo waved the device away and the human asked. “Master, do you think it is the because of the formation of the Spear?’
Was it?
Unsettled by his lack of knowledge about the events, he said two words. “Get out.”
The man bowed and scrambled away, his feet kicking up dust as he went. Silence filled the room, and Ludo welcomed it.
If indeed the event had to do with Mars falling into alignment, then it was true. The planet’s rage always attacked Earth’s seas, destroying those inhabitants who dared to find solace near those stolen waters. The village’s commerce had depended on fishing, so it stood to reason this had to do with that.
Not to mention that with each alignment, he would gain more strength. The Sun’s Children gifted their powers to those who readily accepted it.
“Master?”
“What!” he bellowed at the interruption.
A female came and stood before him, her eyes bulging and face pale.
“We’ve received word of the location of the blood gem.”
The pain scattered from his body at the words. Finally, these insects had good news to deliver.
“Explain.”
The human wrung her hands. “Master, we’ve had an operative among Rhychard’s juusha for the past twenty years. Rhychard’s descendant was taken in by them. Our operative sent word to us that he has the location of item.”
Ludo stood. “Where is it?”
“Please, Master,” the human fell to her knees, “remain patient. The moment he arrives, we shall bring him to you.”
A hint of respect for the human pervaded Ludo. Perhaps these creatures were not all smelly, dull, and dumb.
“What is this operative’s name?”
When the name was uttered, Ludo nodded. He would meet this faithful servant and reward him, whether with life or death, he didn’t know.
Nor did it matter.
“What do you think, Tambo?” Rin asked as she patted her friend on the shoulder.
Not impressed. Tambo sat on his haunches and picked his nose.
Rin laughed. “I don’t know Tambo. I guess I thought Rhychard—sama’s descendant would be more formidable.”
You stronger than him. The gorilla looked at her from intelligent brown eyes. Ever since he was a babe and she rescued him from poachers on the black market, they had been together. Their relationship started out as protector and charge. Now they were friends. Tambo had articulated his desire to protect her because of what she had done for him. After all, he would have been a meal of monkey brains on someone’s plate if it had not been for her. Twelve years and several hundred pounds later, he had the honor of keeping his word.
“If I am strong, Tambo, it is because of you.”
Must protect Descendant. Weak as child.
“I know.” She sat down on the ground, arms wrapped around her knees, brow creased. Could she really do what was required to protect the Descendant from the vengeful clutches of Ludovicus? All her life she prepared for this moment. Now that it was here, she wondered, did she truly have what it took?
The Elder believed in her. He’d made his faith in her abilities clear, but she had little confidence in herself.
Why face so sad?
Rin leaned against Tambo, the animal’s scent welcome in this moment of turmoil.
“I don’t know if I can do this.”
You must.
Rin stilled at the words.
You must.
It was as simple and as complicated as that. If Ludovicus obtained his goal, he would be a force very few could reckon with. Even as he was now, diminished and frail, he could still wreak havoc on the world.
Rin bit her lips. What frightening power rested in Ludovicus’ hand. His weakest form would be stronger than anything known in human standards.
You must, the words resounded again. Tambo had made it plain. It was a plan of the Creator. Do what you must because she could.
“Uchida-san?” It was the voice of the Descendant.
Tambo stirred and rose up on all fours, his stance protective. Rin dusted her bottom as she stood next to him. She bowed her head respectfully.
“Kenzo—sama.”
He returned her bow with one of his own. “Uchida-san, there is a favor I must ask of you. I know I do not have the right to ask but I must now.”
The long fingers spread out in front of him as he contemplated whatever it was he was going to say. Rin took the opportunity to assess him, wondering if she could protect him.
Height-wise, he had it. Six feet and couple of inches, Alderic and he could stare at each other in the eye. The build was lanky but not slim. Underweight perhaps? Long hands with blunt fingers. Would they have any force or power in them? Had they ever been used to protect himself?
“Uchida-san?” A broad, arrogant eyebrow arched in the high forehead of the man across from her. Warmth flooded her cheeks at being caught red-handed staring.
Your face red.
She sent a glare at Tambo but it was lost on him. The Descendant brushed back his hair from his forehead. High and square “Is there any way to know what became of…?” His prominent Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. A sheen of moisture coated his light brown eyes.
Her heart lurched. Weak he may be, but he had the right to know.
“Hai. Please follow us.”
“Is he going with us?”
“Does Tambo frighten you?”
“There’s a thousand pound gorilla behind me. How am I supposed to feel?”
Rin shrugged. Tambo was a much a part of her life as her people. It would be up to the Descendant to get used to that fact.
“Follow me,” she told him.
They left the chamber and traveled the various tunnels until they reached her quarters. Tambo lumbered behind them, his heavy footfalls reverberating down the halls.
“Tambo, stay here.”
Must protect. The animal’s eyes wandered over to the Descendant.
“Do as I say. I’ll be fine.”
Must protect him from you.
Rin glared at the animal. “Do you really think he’s in that kind of danger?”
Yes.
“Sumimasen. Are you all right?”
Rin jerked, and turned to face Kenzo—sama. Her stared at her as though she’d lost her mind. To an outsider it would appear that way. But she’d had this ability since her youth. It was as natural as breathing.
“I’m fine. We were having a discussion.”
Those light brown eyes stared at her. “You were talking to…the gorilla?”
“His name is Tambo and yes, we were speaking.”
The Descendant looked as if he wanted to say more but decided not to. He probably wondered if she was a bit crazy. But talking and communicating with most animals had been a gift she didn’t apologize for.
Without another word, they walked into her chambers. She strode over to her chest and pulled out a tablet.
“How did you—” Kenzo—sama asked, pointing with his finger.
“Rhychard—sama’s juusha do not generally adhere themselves to technology. However, there are times when it becomes necessary to know what is going on in the outside world. As such, we knew that you would want to know more about your friend. Over the years, we’ve made a few connections and were able to gather the footage you need.”
Rin handed the device to him with a bow. The Descendent stared at her as if she handed him a blood gem. Not that he would understand the significance of the analogy. She watched as the Descendent accessed the information by a few presses on the screen. The dispassionate voice spoke in clear, crisp tones: “This morning, eight families woke up to news that their loved ones had passed way. Around seven am, the police received a call detailing that several residents of this apartment building were mutilated and in some cases torn apart by unknown assailants. The gruesome scene is described by veteran police officers as one of the most horrific acts of murder they’ve ever seen. So graphic are the scenes that reporters were not allowed inside.”
“Dear God,” Kenzo—sama whispered, “all those people.” He mouth opened and shut like a fish.
“Hai?”
Stricken eyes from a pale face gazed at her. “They’re all John’s good deeds.”
“I don’t understand.”
“John always visited several people in the building, helping them with some thing or other every week. He made it habit. We always called them his ‘good deeds’.”
The tablet slid to the ground. “All those people died because of me.” If it was possible, he paled even further, shock contorting his face into of horror.
“No,” Rin vetoed. “They died because Ludovicus killed them.”
“He was looking for me. And that trail of carnage proves it!” A tear rolled down his face.
“Those deaths are not your fault and it is ridiculous to think otherwise.”
“I don’t understand. How could he have mistaken John for me?”
Rin brushed her hair from her face. “Ludovicus would have hunted by scent. Perhaps an article of clothing…”
From the way Kenzo—sama fell to the ground, she figured that was it. A mournful wail came from him. “Iie! We switched jackets at the diner. That’s all.” With his face buried in his hands, he mumbled, “A misplaced coat.”
Sobs filled the room as the Descendant wept. Rin studied the reaction, neither offering condolences nor advice.
Tambo has been right. She glanced at her friend and saw his nod. This seed of Rhychard was in need of protection, the kind only she could give. Those tears and each gasping sound he made proved it. Perhaps this is what the Elder meant. The only one capable of doing it was her.
When the man’s sorrow was spent, Rin squatted in front of him.
“Kenzo—sama, tomorrow we begin training.”
He jolted. “Training? What do you mean?”
“If you want to protect yourself, you must know how to fight. Ludovicus is merciless. He will come for your life again. You must be prepared.”
“Why does he want to kill me?”
“That is something for the Elder to reveal at a time of his choosing.”
“Why can’
t you just tell me? You know the answer, don’t you? Does it have something do with this?”
He tugged a small pouch from the pocket and rolled out the blood gem. A hitch caught in her throat as she studied the stained blood gem. As Rin met his gaze once more, she mentally shook her head at how clueless he was about this item.
“Hai, Kenzo—sama.” She nodded toward the object. “It has everything to do with that.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Rin awoke the next morning with the peculiar words the Descendant had spoken to her when he’d awakened on the trail on her mind.
“You’re the angel.” She stood before the mirror and assessed her features. The most unusual thing about her was the color of her eyes. Amber gold. Other than that, she found herself to be an average-looking woman. She took in the length of her hair, which came to the small of her back. There wasn’t anything spectacular about that, either. Dark red.
Why she was thinking about it she didn’t know but there were more important things to worry about. Rin shrugged off the effect of his words. It must have been the pain and the result of being thrown into an electric grid that made him speak so.
She buttoned her vest, and patted the wrist bracelets she was never without. They were embedded with dark blue stone. Considering those stones, she turned her mind to other things. Seeing the blood gem of legend in the hand of the Descendant had almost sent her to her knees in reverence. The importance of what it meant to their battle with Ludovicus could not be overstated. It was history. It was power. It was life. It was death.
The memory of him calling it a geode made her pause. His ignorance astounded her, although she knew there was no way he could have known exactly what the blood gem was. Over the past two hundred years, the whereabouts and properties of it had been hidden so the races of men wouldn’t discover it again.
Rin sat on the chair in her small cave room and watched the shadows from the firelight above her flicker on the wall. There was much he did not know and there was much to do to prepare him for the ultimate confrontation with Ludovicus when it happened. Senpai had given her the choice to train the man. She’d wanted to refuse, but when she saw how pathetic he was and heard Tambo’s wise counsel, she relented. It was the only way to protect him. After all, this man had spent his entire life in the dark about the nature and way of things. That underneath the trappings of modern civilizations, myths and legends roamed the earth.
The Druid's Spear (Ascent of the Gem Bearers Book 1) Page 8