The Traveler

by Melissa Delport

  Chapter 22

  I sleep until sunrise when Dex shakes me gently awake. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes I sit up. The others are all up and about and Kate brings over my jacket.

  “I hung it up last night with my shirt, it’s almost dry. I’m sorry,” she adds, meeting Dex’s gaze shyly, “I checked all the bags but there aren’t any more jackets. I did find this, though,” she offers him a lightweight black V-neck jersey.

  “Thank you,” he nods, accepting it, but the second she turns her back he pulls it over my head instead.

  “I have my jacket,” I protest, eyeing his bare arms.

  “It’s still damp,” he points out, “this will keep you warm.” I roll my eyes but I pull the jacket on over the jersey anyway. I reach into the pocket to check that my inhaler and my phone are still there, protected by the waterproofed material.

  With nothing to eat or drink everyone takes a seat on one side of the clearing. My full bladder reminds me that I need to use the natural rest room and I excuse myself. Dex makes to follow me but I stop him with a stern look and he grins, shaking his head. As I return, Kate passes me, walking into the forest.

  “Sorry, we’re all out of toilet paper,” I tease and she giggles. I take a seat next to Dex and listen to Jason’s sudden enthusiasm to light a fire.

  Not even five minutes have passed when Dex suddenly leaps to his feet. At the same moment I hear a twig snap and my head swivels to the source of the sound. I catch my breath as a beautiful blonde woman dressed all in black steps into the clearing. I recognize her instantly – it’s Dallan, the earth-user who almost killed us shortly after we left Weehawken. She killed Danny and his men from the National Guard. Right behind her is an incredibly good looking man with dark brown hair. I don’t recognize him, but his green eyes are startlingly familiar.

  “Amarox,” Dex’s voice sounds so defeated that my heart lurches in my chest. As I turn to him he takes a few steps away from me so that he is standing nearest Kate, who has just returned from her necessary walk in the woods. Kate and Dex are now on one side of the clearing and the rest of us are on the other. I can sense Darren tensing beside me, his natural protective instinct over Kate rearing its head, but, as he puts one foot forward, I place a restraining hand on his arm and shake my head cautioning him to keep still. The dark-haired stranger steps into the clearing, an evil grin on his handsome face. He assesses each of us in turn, with a look of mild curiosity before his gaze hardens as it falls on Dex.

  “Well hello, little brother.”

  I suspected as much, but my mouth still falls open in surprise. Dennis Graham shepherds his family closer to me, as far from the newcomer as possible. He pays them no attention but I notice the woman, Dallan, beside him, watching their every move.

  “Dexon,” Amarox croons, his voice inviting, but beneath it I can hear the unadulterated fury. “Might I ask exactly what it is you think you are doing?”

  “You almost killed me, Benon,” Dex growls suddenly, fury in his tone and I give a start. I had not even noticed the fair-haired Venite man emerge from the trees behind the others. I can only assume that this is the water-user who flooded the valley.

  “It was never my intention,” he seems genuinely remorseful and even a little bit afraid as he continues, “I did not realize...” he trails off, avoiding Dex’s unflinching gaze. Amarox gives a harsh laugh, his eyes shining with amusement.

  “Don’t apologize Benon. How were you to know that my brother would be consorting with the enemy?”

  “I am no-one’s consort,” Dex’s voice drips with disdain. “These people saved my life. I owe them my debt.” Amarox regards him intently but Dex meets his gaze levelly, confidently.

  “You speak the truth,” Amarox muses. “How very disappointing that you needed their assistance. You are weak, brother.”

  “You will not harm these people,” Dex’s voice is soft, but the threat is clear. Amarox draws himself up to his full height and an evil smile crosses his handsome face. As we watch his eyes glow and dark clouds roll in overhead.

  “Not again,” Jason murmurs, watching the sky with trepidation. Kate whimpers from across the clearing and Darren clenches his fists beside me. Dex smiles reassuringly at her before glancing imperceptibly at me. He is obviously up to something but I have no idea what it is, and I stand rooted to the spot, feeling helpless.

  “This again,” Amarox shakes his head in disgust. “I thought father had cleared your mind of this lunacy.” Dallan scowls at Dex but she doesn’t dare speak. “All that time you spent after your return trying to convince us that we should leave Earth alone,” Amarox sneers, “it seems you have been bewitched by these earthlings again.”

  My head whirls. Dex tried to stop this? He tried to protect us? I feel tears spring to my eyes as understanding washes over me. He did love me all along. He tried to save Earth. And yet when he came back, he fought for Venon – he murdered innocent people. It doesn’t make any sense. And then, like a bullet to the head, it does. ‘I thought father had cleared your mind of this lunacy’ ... Oh my God! Dex’s father is the one he spoke about – the one who has supreme control over quintessence. And he obviously used it on Dex.

  “On my honor I will defend them, Amarox,” Dex hisses through clenched teeth and a crack of lightning overhead signals the approaching lighter storm. I glance across at Dex, knowing this must be using every ounce of energy he has. He’s bluffing and I can only pray that it works. He has no strength, not when I’m around. “Continue on your way, on your mission. This has nothing to do with you.” Dex’s voice is hard and loathsome; he is no longer pretending to be polite. Dallan snarls at his words and her eyes blaze emerald for a second before Amarox holds out his arm, restraining her.

  “Oh really?” Amarox drops some of his facade and his anger is more obvious, “You forget yourself, little brother.” Dex takes another step towards Kate and I frown in confusion. What is he doing? “You defied me,” Amarox continues, his eyes narrowing. “You set your storm against mine!” He is referring to yesterday when the storms collided and Dex’s storm prevailed. Amarox’s storm had been dark and ugly; fitting, I think.

  “I protected myself,” Dex counters, raising his head defiantly. “Our storms are not meant to be inflicted on our own kind!”

  “You have turned your back on your own!” Amarox shakes his head before continuing more calmly. “Our sister informs me that you jeopardized our mission in order to save a human girl?” Amarox’s gaze sweeps over Kate and I with mild curiosity. He ignores the Graham women both of whom are being comforted by Dennis and Byron. Dex doesn’t deny it.

  “What do you want, Amarox?”

  “To finish what we came here to do!” Amarox roars, reacting to the sneer in Dex’s tone. “To conquer!” He sounds so much like Dex did back in New York and, looking at him now, the similarity between them is obvious. Their eyes are identical and the shape of their faces is the same. Dex is slightly taller and his hair is jet-black whereas Amarox’s is dark brown. Amarox is brawnier, his biceps like boulders.

  A movement in the corner of my vision distracts me and I see Dennis slowly withdrawing his gun behind his back. I shake my head at him, my eyes widening, warning him not to be foolish. Byron has also noticed and he mirrors his father’s actions, reaching for his own gun. Dammit! I take a small step toward them, but Dallan’s head jerks in my direction and I freeze, not wanting to draw any attention to them. I can’t believe they would even contemplate attacking the Venites; it would be suicide. They’re going to get us all killed. I see Dennis steel himself and I am about to call a warning but it is too late. As he whips the gun around, training it on Amarox, Amarox lazily flicks his hand in Dennis’s direction. The fireball engulfs Dennis and he screams in agony for a second before he is reduced to ash.

  “No!” Byron roars, running at Amarox and holding the gun at chest height in front of him. He manages to squeeze off two shots before he too is reduced to ash. The screams of Sally and Megan echo through t
he trees and Jason, Darren and I rush over to them, clapping our hands over their mouths and begging them to keep quiet.

  “They’ll kill us all,” I hiss in Sally’s ear, “they’ll kill Megan too!” She shuts her mouth instantly, her terrified, tearful eyes finding her daughter’s face. She scrambles out of my grasp to grab hold of Megan, pulling her into her arms. Both women continue to sob quietly, rocking back and forth.

  I turn back to the others expecting further retribution, but to my surprise, Dallan and Benon are at Amarox’s side, all their attention focused on him. Dex hasn’t moved, but his eyes meet mine for an instant as the others are preoccupied, and I see the hollow pain reflected in the green depths. He glances down at Sally and Megan and a grimace flashes across his face.

  Amarox pushes the other two Venites aside, his eyes like flint, and I stare, aghast, at the blood running down his arm.

  “Don’t!” Dex warns as he raises his arm furiously. “It’s only a flesh wound and those responsible have been punished.”

  “They will all die,” Amarox snarls.

  “You owe me, brother.” The words ring out across the clearing leaving no room for argument. Amarox freezes, a look of frustration settling on his face, but his arms drop to his sides. Dex smiles grimly as he continues, “I saved your life on planet Charys, remember. You owe me.”

  They stare at each other for a long moment, neither looking away. Eventually Amarox lets out an exasperated sigh.

  “Why must you be so... contrary?” Amarox sighs. “What is it about these earthlings that they have such a hold over you?” This time there is no mistaking it; Dex takes another deliberate step towards Kate who is trembling with fear. I frown at the same moment that clarity lights up Amarox’s face and a malicious smirk tugs at the corners of his mouth.

  “Let us come to a compromise,” he croons, “you may leave, along with your weak friends,” I heave a sigh of relief but Dex looks anything but appeased. “I will give you one day,” Amarox continues, “one day’s head start. And then I will hunt you down. All of you,” he casts his gaze over all of us and it lingers on Kate. “And,” he pauses dramatically, “you will leave her with me.” He raises his hand and points at Kate who whimpers in terror, shaking her head.

  “No!” I scream, rushing forward just as Dex takes two steps towards me, looking frantic.

  “No,” he iterates, grabbing me and spinning me toward his brother, “take her instead.” The blood rushes to my head and I feel faint, but Amarox laughs spitefully.

  “No negotiations, brother. I take this one or you all die.” Dex looks thunderous, but Amarox by comparison looks delighted at the unexpected turn of events. “Maybe I will discover why she holds such appeal, brother?” He raises his brow spitefully. I turn away from the sadistic glint in his eye and gaze up at Dex in shock and horror.

  “If you harm her...” Dex trails off, finally meeting my eyes and I silently plead with him not to leave Kate here with these monsters. He doesn’t acknowledge me, instead looking past me at something over my shoulder. His eyes are cold and determined as he strides past me, meeting Darren in the middle of the clearing. Darren’s eyes are rolling in terror and rage and he tries to side-step Dex. Dex grabs hold of his shoulders and lowers his head, whispering something unintelligible in Darren’s ear. I can see Darren’s jaw working and the frantic shaking of his head. Amarox watches, calmly amused, until finally Darren drops his head and closes his eyes acceptingly, no longer trying to get to Kate.

  I stand between them with no clue as to what is going on. Kate, sensing defeat, lets out a blood-curdling scream of despair and starts pleading, begging us not to leave her.

  “I want to speak to her,” Dex faces Amarox and he gives a visible nod of his head.

  “Say your goodbyes, brother,” he smirks, “if she means that much to you.” Dex makes his way over to Kate who grabs hold of his shoulders, sobbing hysterically. Dex drops his head, speaking directly to her, murmuring words I cannot hear. I watch, fascinated, as Kate slowly seems to calm down, her breath coming in dry, wracking sobs. Eventually Dex pulls away from her and she wilts, collapsing to the ground, her hands held up against her chest.

  “We need to go,” Dex appeals to Jason, who nods, squaring his shoulders and shepherding Sally and Megan from the clearing in the direction of the road.

  “We can’t leave her!” I protest, but Dex grabs my arm in a vice-grip and marches after the others. I keep yelling, but as we enter the trees he hisses in my ear.

  “Shut up Rachel or he’ll kill us all! She’ll be all right, you have my word.”

  Chapter 23

  We all pile into the car, a pitiful, depressed party. The Graham women do not utter a word but tears fall silently down their cheeks. Darren sits beside Jason in the passenger seat, staring out of the window, alone with his grief. I am perched awkwardly on Dex’s lap as Jason slowly completes a U-turn and heads in the opposite direction.

  “We shouldn’t have left her,” I murmur, my eyes on the road.

  “We had no choice,” Dex answers.

  “What will he do to her?”

  “I’m hoping he won’t do anything.”

  “Hoping!” I stop and turn to face him in the confined space. Sally and Megan watch us anxiously through their tears. “You gave me your word!”

  “Calm down, Rachel. I did what I had to do.”

  “You pretended she was me! You did it on purpose to make him think she was the one you cared for.” As I speak the words out loud the truth in them resonates. Dex carefully and cleverly let Amarox believe that Kate was the woman he had risked his mission to save. That was why he had moved away from me so quickly – why he had ignored me and focused on her. He had even offered me to Amarox instead, knowing this would ensure that Amarox suspected only Kate. He may as well have served her up on a silver platter to the devil himself.

  “Of course I did!” he bellows back. “Did you think I would risk your life over any of the others?”

  “I thought you had changed! I thought you cared about all of us.”

  “I do!” His eyes glow in anger. I have never seen him so angry. “But I had no choice! It was Kate or you – and if he had taken you I would never have been able to walk away. We would all have died, them included!” He points at the others and they automatically flinch away from his rage.

  “He’s right,” Darren murmurs from the front, so quietly that I have to strain to hear him. “We would all have died, Kate included. At least this way, there’s a chance she’ll make it. She’s not dead yet.” Dex clenches his fists and takes a few calming breaths.

  “This was the only way, Rachel,” he pleads.

  “Why Kate?” I whimper, thinking of the terrified girl. She won’t survive this ordeal; she is so much weaker than the rest of us.

  “Because she’s the most likeable.”

  “What?” The answer is not what I expected. Dex runs his hands through his hair.

  “If anyone can make Amarox see your humanity – it’s her. She’s young and scared and no threat at all. Maybe, just maybe, Amarox will feel compassion.”

  “And if he doesn’t?”

  “If he hurts her I will destroy him.”

  “You can’t, he’s far more powerful than you are.”

  “We’ll see,” he answers enigmatically.

  We drive for a few more minutes in silence and then Jason gives a Tarzan yell of excitement as we see dust clouds rising in the distance and the sun glints off the metal of what could only be an approaching car. We pull onto the shoulder of the road to wait and Dex immediately opens the door depositing me on the seat and stalks off. As the Humvee comes into view, still a few miles off, Sally collapses to her knees, muttering, “Oh, thank God.” Megan crouches down beside her, the tear tracks clearly visible on her dusty face.

  “He did the right thing,” Jason has made his way over to me and I blink at his words. “We would all be dead right now if it wasn’t for him,” Jason continues, staring at Dex’s ret
reating back.

  “But they’ll kill her,” I protest.

  “Maybe,” his face is grim, “but if it weren’t for him we would all have been killed in that clearing. He made the best of a bad situation. I know it; you know it. Hell, even he knows it,” he jerks his head in Darren’s direction. “As hard as it is to admit, Rachel, we need him. Dex is the only hope we have of surviving. And he’s risking his own life to protect us. Try to keep that in mind before you pass judgment too harshly.”

  He walks away and I stare at the ground scuffing my shoes in the dirt. Being reproached by Jason, of all people, is humbling. And he is right - Dex has turned on his own kind – his own family – to keep us safe. Heaving a sigh I follow Dex down the road. He has stopped, gazing back into the distance, and I come to stand beside him.

  “I’m sorry,” I whisper. He doesn’t answer, he just grabs my hand and pulls me to him, burying his face in my hair and shaking his head sadly.

  “What did you say to Kate?” I ask eventually as we wait for the cavalry to arrive.

  “I told her not to be afraid.” He meets my gaze levelly, no doubt expecting more criticism.

  “You controlled her mind? I thought you couldn’t manipulate quintessence?”

  “I said it didn’t feel right that’s why it doesn’t usually work. But with Kate... well, there was nothing I wanted more than to dispel her fears.” I mull over this in silence.

  “You’re a good man,” I rise up onto my toes and kiss him softly on the mouth. He smiles sadly, staring intently into my eyes as if searching for answers, and I see the pain reflected in his own. He blames himself…for the Grahams, for Kate. The guilt is etched on his beautiful face. When he cups my face in his hands and lowers his head our kiss deepens and I try to pour all my love, all my emotion into that kiss. When we finally pull apart and I open my eyes he looks calmer.

  “You make me a good man,” he murmurs against my mouth.