Dancing with Shadows

by Bridie Henderson

  “Hang on a minute, I’m working on something,” she murmured, absently holding her hand up to silence him as her eyes scanned the page.

  “Mum!”

  “Wha- well that’s interesting,” she stood, ignoring the impatience in her sons face as he looked to the ceiling, praying for tolerance from the Gods he claimed not to believe in. Quinn snorted despite herself, drawing disapproving looks from both Slade and his Mother.

  “You have the same markings?” Molly asked, her fingers scientifically prodding Slade’s chest.

  “Yes, they er… they grew,” Quinn muttered, her eyes following Molly’s fingers intently.

  “Mmmm, the connection is strengthening,” Molly muttered to herself, forcefully turning her son around so she could examine his back. Slade huffed, rolling his eyes as her fingers worked over his back but he didn’t complain. Apparently he was used to her ways.

  “What connection?” Quinn asked, gently.

  “I’m not sure… there are many theories of our evolutionary tract though they are just theories… as there is little to no evidence of truth for any one of them, I am not comfortable speculating. It would appear though, that the two of you are connected by more than just physical engagement.”

  “Mother!” Slade groaned, his cheeks taking on a lovely shade of pink as he closed his eyes. Quinn felt a giggle bubble up and she clamped her lips together to prevent its escape.

  “Oh please, boy, how do you think you got here?” Molly muttered without looking up. Quinn lost the battle as the laugh erupted from her even as Slade muttered pleadingly under his breath, “By the Gods, woman!”

  Molly rolled her eyes and finally turned her attention to Quinn whose laughter quickly died under the woman’s empirical gaze. She was turned around and had her shirt pulled up before she could blink. Molly’s fingers were cold as they poked at her flesh, running along the raised markings on her back.

  “Hmmm, different to his. Clearly denoting abilities… very interesting…” Molly finished her prodding and turned away, taking her seat at the table.

  After a minute or two of silence, Slade asked, “Well?”

  “Well what?

  “Seven Hells, woman! What does it mean? We cannot hear whatever your saying inside your head, dammit.”

  “There’s no need to get snippy, Slade. In short, I have some theories but I need to complete more research to be sure.”

  “Alright, fine, but… can you share some of these theories? Please, mum,” he looked down at her from his staggering height, his domineering stature towering above her but the ‘little boy lost’ look in his eyes appeared to win her over.

  “Fine, but remember that none of them have been substantiated. There are three prominent theories I am researching. The first is that this anomaly is being caused by the mixture of your gifts. It is possible that because Quinn emanates power and you repel it completely, essentially opposites of the same spectrum, that their combination has manifested in marking the flesh. However, if this theory were true I would have thought that many more Immortals would have experienced it. The second is that Quinn’s gift is causing it, a by-product of using so much power in such close proximity, however if this were true then others would have been effected by her gifts and would show markings of their own. The third, well the third is the most promising. The two of you are connected in some way that is, as yet, unmeasurable. It is possible that you are the first case, which I have heard of at least, demonstrating the evolution of our race.”

  Quinn glanced at Slade with a raised eyebrow and a ‘what the hells does that mean?’ look on her face. He shrugged and tilted his head a little at his mother.

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means that you could be the next step in our evolutionary chain. You and Quinn may be two halves of a whole, genetically predisposed to reinforce each other’s gifts.”

  “Genetically? Like… related?” Slade asked, a horrified shadow flowing over his face. Quinn rolled her eyes but her heart quickened a little as she waited for the answer.

  “Of course not, you idiot… unless there is something your father hasn’t yet told me. I think it’s more likely that your genetics complement each other and you were, as I said, predisposed to meet and enhance each other’s gifts because of it.”

  “But, predisposed by what?” Quinn asked, stepping forward, a disbelieving look on her face, “fate? The Gods? What?”

  “I suspect it’s more scientific that that. There are only so many genetic patterns and it makes theoretical sense that two of those would eventually meet and certain connections would be made. But… if it makes you feel better, blame the Gods or some other intangible substance. I doubt they will mind,” she muttered the last a little sarcastically and Quinn smiled despite herself. “Now, if you don’t mind, I am actually making some progress here so…” Molly looked up expectantly to eye Slade’s stony face. “That’s your cue to go away,” she urged and he nodded absentmindedly, turning slowly as he walked out of the kitchen. Quinn frowned, thanked Molly, and followed after him. He stood at the bottom of the stairs, a bewildered and somewhat frightened look on his dazed face.

  “Slade?” she prompted when he said nothing.

  “Hmm?”

  “Slade? What’s the matter?”

  “Oh… nothing… how long until we leave?”

  Quinn peered out of the window, eyeing the bright late morning sky and turned back to him, her face inquisitive, “around nine hours… why?”

  “No reason, I just… I need to think for a minute.” With that, he turned on his heel and marched up the stairs, giving her the distinct impression he did not want to be followed. Well, bollocks to that.

  Chapter 20

  Slade sat on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands. He heard the door open and close and small feet in big combat boots pad into the room but he didn’t look up.

  “What is it, Slade?” Quinn asked him, softly.

  “Nothing. I… it’s just… this stuff about a connection,” he muttered without thinking.

  “Wow… I didn’t realise it would be so horrific for you.”

  “Look it’s not that, it’s just… I had a wife and we…” he stopped, finally looking up at her, an angry frown on his face.

  “No, I understand perfectly. She was the one and I could never measure up. Don’t worry, I’m certain your Mother was mistaken,” she said, her voice low and monotone.

  “What do you want from me, Quinn? I loved her with everything I had, and you and I…”

  “Means nothing in comparison. I get it. Like I said, your Mother is wrong. You and I have no connection. It’s obviously bullshit and I don’t know why you are getting so worked up about it.” He sighed, reaching for her hand but she snatched it away.

  “I have a fight to prepare for so I’ll see you when you’ve finished your little pity party,” she sneered, turning on her heel and slamming the door behind her as she left the room. With a silent groan, Slade dropped his head in his hands once more. His own anger took over as he hit himself in the forehead repeatedly as he muttered, “fuck, fuck, fuck!” What the hells was wrong with him? Quinn was maybe the first good thing to happen to him in years and here he was, pushing her away. Gods, he was an idiot. But couldn’t she see? Why didn’t she understand that this business about connections was confusing? Cammy had been his world and now he was being told that it meant nothing. That Quinn was the one he was ‘genetically predisposed’ to be with and Cammy had been, what? A stop gap? A means to an end? No. Bullshit. Why the hells didn’t she get it? His anger redirected at Quinn he slammed the bathroom door behind him as he stripped off and jumped in the shower. The hot water did little to soothe his troubled mind and angry thoughts and it wasn’t long before he climbed out, clean but no less pissed. He dried off quickly, threw on his Union City uniform, souring his mood further when he looked at it on in the mirror. Damn Union. Damn Soldiers. Fucking King. Shit, shit, shit. His mind was a warring mess of conflict, pain and fe
ar. Tonight, he could get his daughter back, but he could also, just as easily, lose everything. Shit, shit, shit. Needing to focus on something else, he stormed out of the bedroom and down the stairs, almost knocking Aaron over in the process.

  “Hey, easy brother,” Aaron muttered in surprise.

  “Sorry,” was all Slade could mumble in response. “What?” he snapped when Aaron raised an eyebrow at him.

  “Nothing, just came to say goodbye.”

  “Goodbye?”

  “Yeah… remember… the plan,” Aaron nudged but Slade was drawing a blank, his mind too full to hold anything resembling a plan at that moment. “By the Gods, Slade. I’m heading back to Periton with Diana. We’ll be walking to Union City to place the portal disks ready for you guys to come through later.”

  “Right… of course… sorry. I’ll see you tonight brother. Stay safe,” Aaron nodded, looking him over with a cocked brow but whatever he was looking for he didn’t find because he shrugged, told Slade to watch his back, and went back the way he had come. A few minutes later and he and Diana were walking out of the cabin, each holding a pack containing their soldier disguises for later slung over their shoulder. By that time, Slade’s anger had simmered to bitter annoyance and he too left the cabin, planning on walking aimlessly for a bit. Outside, his plans were interrupted when he came face to face with a snarling Mech mutt. Surprised, he clamoured for his gun only to find his belt empty and his fate sealed. He took a tentative step backwards, his eyes desperately searching for a weapon as the mechanical beast growled and hummed with anticipation. Outwardly, he was the picture of calm but inside, he was shitting bricks the size of buildings. Seven Hells, they hadn’t even made it to Union City yet and it didn’t look like he ever would. Another step backwards and he was cornered against the cabin door. His hand reached out, fumbling for the handle in vain as the Mutt growled louder taking a menacing step forward as his jaws opened wide. Slade stopped trying to find the handle and braced himself to fight empty handed when a soft chuckle, followed by a shrill whistle sounded to his right and the Mech mutt perked up its mechanical ears before bounding away.

  What. The. Hells?

  His eyes followed the mutt until he saw Colt and Dax, each wearing a matching smirk as they commanded two Mech mutts to perform for them. Dax gave him a little wave and Slade shook his head with a scowl. Assholes. Despite their fun at his expense he walked over to see what they were doing. They had already decided not to take the Mech mutts with them to Union City because they were unlikely to make it through the portal unscathed and they didn’t want to risk the advantage they offered.

  “They’ll remain here as guard dogs… literally,” Dax said with a grin, by way of explanation.

  “Who’s going to command them?” Slade asked with a nod of approval.

  “Beth and John. Beth is looking after Rover here and John’s got Yappy there.”

  “Rover and Yappy?” Slade said with an incredulous stare. “How the hells is it even possible to command them?”

  “Just a little reprogramming, that’s all,” Dax said with a modest shrug. “I rewired their tiny brains essentially and programmed some voice activated commands into their systems. I’ve added Beth and John to their programming now so they can command them as well. Simple.”

  “Uh-huh, simple,” Slade said, shaking his head. They discussed other defences they would be leaving behind, just in case everything went to shit and they had to make a quick getaway, for a few minutes before he walked away, ambling up the path, kicking a stone around aimlessly with his booted foot. He was so lost in his thoughts he didn’t notice Kiera until he was almost on top of her.

  “Boy,” she muttered, jolting him from his internal reverie.

  “Seven Hells, woman!” he cursed, adding uneasily, “What do you want?” Seers spooked him, always had. Weird ones, they were, no other way to cut it.

  “This message is just for you. You cannot share this with the girl. You cannot change her decision. When the time comes to decide, you will have no choice but to accept the path she has chosen. You will lose greatly but in the end it will be nothing you cannot afford to part with. It is the only way to ensure yours and others survival. Once the course is set, you must follow the path. Do you understand?”

  “Uh-huh… no choice, follow the path… got it,” he muttered, his voice dripping with disdain.

  “You don’t have to believe it, boy. You just have to remember it.” She muttered, shaking her head sadly as she turned away, heading towards the tavern. He had been planning to drown his irritation in there for a while but the seer’s presence had resoundingly dampened the prospect. Growling to himself he turned around and headed back the way he had come, feeling somewhat like a scolded teenager. He knew he was being childish but… Hells, he didn’t know. He was just… confused. Peering up at the velvety blue blanket of sky he could tell the sun was at its peak… only a few hours left until… well until everything. Sighing in resignation he made his way back to the cabin wanting to clear the air with Quinn before heading into battle, but she wasn’t there. At least, he couldn’t find her. Shay was sitting with his Mother and Father in the kitchen. Beth and James were getting some rest in the sitting room. The bedroom and bathroom were empty… only Quinn and Kieron were unaccounted for. The thought of them together gave him pause. Not because he was jealous of the time they were spending together… of course not… but because he didn’t trust the rebellion soldier and neither did Quinn. He searched the grounds outside of the cabin for almost an hour, getting increasingly worried until he saw Kieron stalking towards him. Well, towards the cabin he happened to be standing in front of.

  “Where’s Quinn?” Slade demanded, his tone harsher than he had intended, not that he cared.

  “How the hells should I know? Probably rescuing more Union soldiers…” was Kieron’s acerbic reply.

  “Who’s with the soldiers in the cell?” Slade asked, thinking she must be there.

  “Dax and Colt, your new sidekicks,” Kieron muttered, walking past him into the cabin without a second look back.

  “Asshole,” Slade muttered under his breath as he headed towards the cell to check. It was indeed Dax and Colt, one playing some sort of fetch with the Mech mutts and the other sharpening a blade on a rock. Without looking closely, he didn’t need to check to see which was which. Chalk and cheese, those two. Cursing against the wind, he turned on his heel and headed back to the cabin once more only to find Quinn curled up in a ball on the sofa, sleeping. Her red hair fanned out over her face and her body seeming impossibly small as he looked down at her. What the hells had he been thinking? He took a seat on the sofa beside her, planning to discuss the clusterfuck of a mess he had made as soon as she woke up but it wasn’t long before he was drifting off into a deep sleep beside her.

  Chapter 21

  Quinn awoke with a start. Her darkened dreams shaking her from her slumber with a fierce intensity. Panic bubbled up her throat as she scrambled up from the sofa, her muscles still stiff with sleep. Jerkily, she made her way to the nearest window, her eyes wide with uncertainty until she spotted the sun, still high in the sky. They had maybe two hours before it would all begin. She wasn’t even sure how she had managed to sleep but the five glasses of rye whiskey she’d had at the tavern had certainly helped. She had met several of the town’s inhabitants in there, some had kept their distance but others had willingly sat and shared a drink with her. It was odd to feel so unconditionally accepted here. Many of the men and women she had spoken to had seemed capable and willing. It seemed to her that had she, Slade and the others not arrived in this town, its people would have been able to defend it on their own. With a sigh, she headed upstairs to take a shower, pausing only momentarily to look at Slade, an ache in her heart as he slept on the sofa, snoring lightly. She refused to feel the emotions that brewed inside her. Refused to even consider them. She didn’t know what she had been expecting… that he’d be over the damn moon that he was tied to her in some way?
Why would he? So, she could manage her gifts better now, it didn’t change what she was… and now she was infecting him with the darkness that resided within her? Of course he was freaked out. Why the hells wouldn’t he be? She stayed beneath the hot torrent of water in the shower for the longest time, refusing to admit the beadlets running down her cheeks were anything other than water. A knock on the door forced her back into reality.

  “Yes?” she asked, clearing her throat.

  “Quinn?”

  She sighed loudly, turning the water off and stepping out of the shower. “I’ll be out in a minute,” she told Slade as she dressed into her uniform and threw her hair up into a high bun so it would be covered by the cap Dax had given her. Red hair was a rarity and it would give them away before they made it ten feet inside the city. Still, even knowing that, she was not the hats biggest fan. Taking a breath and checking her eyes for puffiness, she opened the door to see Slade sitting on the end of the bed as he had when he had ripped her emotions apart. The sight of him almost sent her back into the bathroom but she was stronger than that. She didn’t need a man to feel alright… she wanted one though. The one that didn’t want her back…

  “Quinn… I wanted to say-,” he began, clearly having thought through what was, she was certain, a well-reasoned argument for either not wanting her or a lie about how he hadn’t meant it. It didn’t matter, she didn’t want to hear it. She had seen the truth in his eyes when he had looked at her as though she had forced herself upon him.

  “It doesn’t matter. You were right. What we have is physical, nothing more or less. The markings are probably just a side effect of my gifts… I don’t even understand them fully so that’s probably what it is. There is no need to overthink something that’s quite simple. We like each other well enough but that’s all there is to it. No deep moving connection or any bullshit like that. Just friends who took it too far and got caught in the moment,” her words fell her mouth like leaden bullets but she held her head high, looking him straight in the eye, daring him to contradict her. He said nothing for a moment, his amber eyes pinning her to the spot.