Empath Reborn

by J. A. Culican

Turning to face him, I find the three of them crouching together. Glenn's hand is on Talon's back and Ida glares at me.

  Talon doesn't look angry, though. He's looking at me, but his expression isn't anything I've seen on him before. Fear? Betrayal? I know how bad those feel.

  My heart races and a lump forms in the back of in my throat. I swallow hard to clear my itchy throat and take a step toward him, empty hand out. "Talon, I didn't—"

  The front door crashes open. Started, I turn to look. There’s a Wraith speeding into the gym, shouting Talon’s name. We all turn to face him in surprise, and my apology goes unfinished.

  The man draws up short by the boxing ring. "Talon," he says again, half breathless. "Birka demands you and Mirela come at once. She gave me exact orders on what to say. She must speak with you ‘about an issue that cannot and must not wait,’ and requires your presence immediately."

  "Damn," Talon mutters, matching my thoughts. "Very well, we're coming."

  "No, I'll take you," he says. "We must go now, or there’ll be hell to pay for you both. And for me."

  He climbs into the ring with a practiced ease and takes my hand, leads me to Talon, and takes his hand in the other.

  I brace for the inevitable teleporting that will surely follow.

  Chapter Four

  Talon glares at me and, as he steps off to follow the messenger, he whispers, "We'll talk about this later."

  "Don't bet on it." I don't want to talk to him about this or anything else. I must have said it louder than I thought, because the messenger looks back at us, his face a picture of surprise. Talon's is a mask of stone, just like his heart. I fall back a few feet to get some space.

  Talon slows with me, and I glare at him. He seems not to notice.

  The messenger doesn't slow, though. I don't think he wants to eavesdrop on the prince's private conversations.

  When the messenger is a dozen feet ahead, Talon huffs out through his nose and then says quietly, "I'm not a betting man, but I'll take that one. You like me. You can't stay mad at me forever, Ela. We have to work together, if only to convince Birka to let you stay here."

  I ignore him. I warned him not to bet on me talking to him anytime soon. Right now, I’m not certain I even want to stay. I am certain I don’t want to talk to him.

  "It's going to be awfully hard to train if you insist on ignoring me. What's that old saying about cutting off your nose to spite your face?"

  "Leave me alone," I snarl, my voice rising above a whisper. I guess I lost the bet. It also gets the messenger’s attention, as he glances over his shoulder with an expression like he smells something rotten.

  Talon’s gait shifts, suddenly walking stiff-legged and clenching his jaw as he glares at the scowling messenger. I don't really care if I’ve embarrassed him, though. I tell myself that enough to almost believe it.

  He says, "No. I absolutely won't leave you alone. Look, I know you're angry at me, and I'm not sure why, but—"

  "You aren't sure why? Idiot."

  "I have suspicions. It doesn't matter. Nothing changes. And I won't let you stay angry. I'm too cute to stay mad at. Right? I know I'm right. Say I'm right." He smiles.

  I frown. "Being hot doesn't give you a right to… Nevermind. The only thing you need to know is that being attractive is about more than a cute face and chiseled abs. What's inside counts, too."

  "So, what's inside you counts?"

  "I just said that," I reply. He's dense.

  He waggles his eyebrows at me, and I suddenly get what he's saying. Apparently, I’m the dense one. My cheeks get hot and I look away. Jerkface. After what happened between us, he thinks that's funny? "That ship has sailed. Now, leave me alone or I'm going to make the kind of scene that ends up on your stupid, boring news channel."

  "Gah, you are the most frustrating woman I've ever met. You know that?"

  "I don't care. Leave. Me. Alone. Screaming begins in ten… seven… four…"

  He quickly drop back a few feet behind me and moves as far across the walkway from me as possible. It gives me an angry sense of satisfaction, but hurts at the same time. I wish I could figure out what I really want from him, but he makes it hard to know what’s going on inside my own head. I want to stab him in the face and I want to feel his arms around me, all at the same time.

  Walking in silence, we continue toward the manor, but the quiet doesn't help clear my mind. Not for the first time, I wish I'd just kept my grabby, needy hands to myself on that trip. Life was a lot simpler before he rejected me like a drunken prom date who got too grabby in the limo. Not that I went to prom, but I have watched movies, after all.

  When we arrive at the manor, the messenger bows and steps back a bit as Talon takes the lead going up the walkway to the huge, golden front steps. Those blind me as the sunlight glints off them, shining right in my face. Golden steps... Ridiculous. I have to squint against the reflected light to see ahead, but I almost miss a step when I see that, at the front door, guards stand at attention like the ones in England, but without the ceremonial hats and uniforms. These guards are all business, no ceremony. I might be in trouble after all.

  They don’t grab me as we come to the door, thankfully, but they also don’t try to hide the fact that they’re staring at me. They are probably here just for me, since I’ve never before seen so many guards at the manor.

  Once we’re inside, the messenger bellows to Birka on her elevated throne, "Talon the elite Wraith warrior, son of Birka and prince of the Landing, and his guest, Mirela the Shade death-seer, have arrived as our ruler commands."

  He steps aside and my eyes boggle at him. Is that my formal title, here? And why call me a Shade? Tingles shoot down the back of my legs as my anxiety skyrockets. That’s not how I want to be thought of. Something is different now, and I suspect I’m about to find out what.

  "Enter, Talon the Wraith and Mirela the Shade," she calls, her voice easily carrying throughout the tiled throne room despite its size.

  Oh jeez, I am in trouble, and it rubbed off on Talon by association. I'm ticked off at him, sure, but that's not fair. It’s not his fault she wants to think of me as a Shade. A sliver of indignation rises amid the torrent of anxiety in the back of my mind as he and I walk toward Birka and whatever new problem awaits me.

  Go figure. Now I’m glad he’s here with me, even though minutes ago, I wanted him to go away.

  When we approach the bottom steps leading up to the throne, Talon gets down on one knee, places his fist over his heart, and bows his head. I don't know what to do, so I just copy him.

  "Rise," she says sharply.

  Talon and I get up, and before I can think of a reply, he says, "What's this about, mother?"

  She looks directly at him. Her eyes are narrowed and her jaw is clenched. "Why on Earth would you bring a sister of Luna into this fair city without consulting me?"

  I do a double-take as her words sink in. Sister? Luna?

  He cocks his head to one side and says what I'm thinking. "What are you talking about? Luna's father isn't a wandering Roma. Ela, did either of your parents ever hint you had a sister? This is impossible." He's almost shouting by the time he says the last part.

  I'm glad he said it, because I'm so stunned that I take an involuntary step back and I can't find my voice. My mind is spinning, but I don't understand…

  Birka glares at him, and with ice in her voice she says, "Are you saying my word is a falsehood?"

  My gaze darts to Talon. He seems upset, and he can be reckless when he’s angry. Even worse, I think he's already on thin ice right now. I reach out to grab his shoulder, trying to avert the inevitable, but before I put my hand on him or think of a response, he snarls at her, "No, I'm saying your information is no good, not your word. How could you possibly know that? She knows her parents, she grew up with them, and unless you have proof that’s irrefutable, I refuse to believe a word of such a slanderous allegation."

  Rather than shouting at him, having him arrested, or some othe
r unpleasant reaction, Birka pinches the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger, and closing her eyes, she lets out a long sigh.

  I realize I'm holding my breath, and I have to consciously tell myself to breathe.

  "Talon... I'm disappointed in you.” She sounds weary now, not angry. “Of all people, you should know I wouldn't ask you to explain her presence here if my information was mere hearsay or rumor. Nonetheless, if evidence is what you need, then evidence you shall have."

  She claps her hands twice, and a staffer bows to her. She says in a commanding voice, "Go into my study. Retrieve the manila envelope sitting atop my desk on the right side, and be quick."

  "It will be done." He straightens up to his tallest and strides from the throne room.

  Talon whispers, "Do you have any idea what she's talking about?"

  I shrug and give him the faintest of head shakes as I mouth the single word, "No."

  ***

  Standing around and waiting quickly becomes awkward. I try shifting from one foot to the other to preoccupy my mind as we wait, but it feels too much like fidgeting. Now is not the time to look nervous or unsure. I know who my parents are, so unless my mom has a child she doesn't know about, Luna is no sister of mine.

  When the staffer returns, he carries a manila envelope which he hands to Birka before standing stiffly behind her. I’m both relieved that the questions will now be answered and a bit scared of that at the same time.

  She looks at the envelope and then at me. Her expression softens, and she no longer seems furious.

  I hope that means she believe me. After all, she's been in my head. Surely, she already knows that Luna isn't my sister. It's a ridiculous idea, anyway. But I'd be lying if I said I'm not curious about the envelope or drawn to look inside it.

  Birka purses her lips and lets out a long, slow sigh before she says, "Ela, dear, I want you to know something. Ever since you arrived, I've had Wraiths looking into your background. You're an unknown, and I don't like surprises, especially ones as big as a mystery Shade with your magical strength and your particular Gift suddenly appearing out of thin air. Shades don’t let unknowns into Hollows Ground, typically.

  "I can see your point, but—"

  "Shush, I'm not done yet, dear."

  "Sorry."

  "So, if Kasik sent a spy in to see how important people here will die, that's valuable information. And who better than someone no one ever heard of? He could have kept you hidden for years. He plans ahead. And this is why I sent spies out the moment I heard of you. Then, you conveniently showed up here, like the possibility I'd feared was unfolding before my eyes."

  She pauses, but I keep silent. She’ll need more than a weak coincidence to convince Talon, or probably even herself.

  After a moment, she continues, "When I asked you to foretell my death, you didn't want to. That surprised me. Rather than continuing the charade, I jumped in and found the truth. Satisfied, I let you stay, but I still wanted to know what Kasik knew about you. He let an outsider stay in Hollows Ground. That's just not something he does."

  I can't believe what I'm hearing. This is either another test, one which gives me every right to be furious with her, or they found something Kasik had planted thinking two steps ahead to a time when Birka would want information on me. "And you think your spies found something that says Luna is my sister? I'm not his spy, Birka," I say, realizing too late that I shouldn't use the queen's name with this tone of voice. I continue, hoping to direct her attention away from that. "After all… I killed him. What more proof do you need? Why are we even discussing this ridiculous idea?"

  I feel better for having said it, but from the look on her face, I'm pushing my luck. I look down at my feet and try to uncurl my fists. Slowly, they obey, aching from how tightly I'd clenched them without realizing it.

  Birka, though, shakes her head. If I didn't know better, I'd say she's looking at me with… Pity? Regret? I don't know. She says, "I'll forgive your tone. This is a 'ridiculous idea' only to you, though.”

  “I understand,” I say, still looking at my feet.

  “And I now know you’re no spy or assassin sent by Kasik. Do you hear me? I believe you on that matter now."

  I can't meet her eyes without glaring, so I keep looking at my shoelaces. I nod in reply.

  "I didn't expect my spies to find anything significant about you, not after I'd met you and shared a few of your memories," Birka says, no doubt trying to be polite about the time she invaded my head. "But even so, they did find something noteworthy. Something Talon should have known before he brought you here."

  Birka then turns to her staffer, who leans in to put his ear near her mouth and then nods. He takes the envelope from her and walks down the stairs, down to us little folks, and hands me the envelope with a slight bow of his head. His eyes show curiosity, but he doesn't linger one second longer than necessary before he returns to her side. I stare at this thing in my hand, this manila envelope that I'm now certain I do not want to read. I feel like opening this will change my life as I know it yet again, and not for the better.

  I could just give it back to her unopened. What's that old saying? If ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise. That's the one.

  Birka says softly, "Ela, I think you will never stop wondering who you are, should you decide not to open that. I've found fear is best met head-on."

  I nod, still not looking up.

  "After seeing your reaction and feeling the… texture, if you will, of your surface thoughts, I know you have no idea of the facts you will find inside it. But decide quickly, dear. I will not allow that to remain long out of secure storage." She tilts her head, indicating the envelope in my hands.

  She's right, though; I'll never get another good night's sleep if I refuse to look inside it. Slowly, hand trembling, I reach for the thin metal twin prong that holds the envelope closed. Unfolding them, I close my eyes and reach in. Inside, there are two thick sheets of paper. I look to Talon, who gives me a slight nod. He wants me to go ahead. Emboldened, I reach in and pull them out.

  The first thing I notice is the official seal of the state of Pennsylvania.

  The second thing I notice is that they both say "Certificate of Live Birth" across the top.

  I can't bear to read further, and yet, I do. Both sheets have my name on them, and the same dates and time. Under "Mother," both list my mom's name.

  Then I see it. One sheet lists my father's name on the appropriate space, but the other does not. No, the second copy shows Kasik's name. My vision narrows to a pinpoint as I examine them again, but the two signatures remain stubbornly different, as do the handwriting styles.

  "This… It can't be…" I look up at Birka, my eyes welling over. I refuse to believe any of the possibilities racing through my mind. There must be a reasonable explanation, besides the obvious one, but I doubt Birka would do this if it could all be a ruse on Kasik's part.

  The two sheets slip from my numb, trembling hands, racing my tears to the floor. What did my mother do, and why did I never hear of it before, this... this... outrageous digging into my life?

  Birka stands from her throne. "I'm truly sorry, dear, but I had to see your reaction. I had to know the truth. And yet, I still can't be sure."

  I don't respond. If I open my mouth, I'll lose all control and start wailing.

  She continues, "Sure of what, you ask? Well, from there, we checked your mother and father both. Your mother… She's a Shade, Ela. Or at least she used to be, until after she conceived a child. It's possible she didn't want her daughter born a Shade and raised by the monster she knew your real father was, so she fled with Gypsy help, fell in love with her rescuer, and she allowed him to adopt you. Or, this is all an elaborate plan stretching out over years and years. Kasik always did take a long view of things. Either way, I suppose I should thank you, though."

  I can't believe what I'm hearing. Worse, I do believe it. I saw the two birth certificates, and she was a Shade before she was a G
ypsy. "Th… thank me? Why?" I say, though in my head I'm screaming No! over and over, and I barely hear her reply.

  "There are ways to track or spy upon those with whom you share blood. If Kasik is your father, then he could have spied upon you at will if not for the powerful warding spells over this manor and over much of Mortals Landing."

  My mother lied, my whole life. The life I knew was a lie before I left, and a hollow sham after, and she could have told me at any time but chose not to. She knew I could have magic in me, but said nothing. The whole course of my life has been devastated because of that one selfish decision.

  I barely register Talon raising his voice to his mother, saying, "We can't just throw her out. She's not the only child of Kasik here, you know. He used his powers for all the wrong reasons, and has a lot of children. Some of them must already be here in the Landing, besides my—"

  "Silence!" Birka shouts. She smooths her gown, then sits again, composing herself and gathering her hem up around her feet.

  I don't care. Had Kasik seduced my mother? Was that why she suddenly fled a home I never knew I’d had? Or was she his willing partner? So many questions bash me in the head, refusing to stop smacking me dizzy.

  Birka says, "Of course, there are ways to block such tracking spells. That necklace you wear, for example."

  "What?" I turn and shout. "What about my necklace?" The hair on the back of my neck stands on end and the room is suddenly brighter than it should be. I won’t let her have it. Run… I can run. I always run. It's the one thing I ever did well. I can leave this behind me and go, if only I take care not to arouse suspicions. That’s going to be a challenge.

  Birka picks at her fingernails as she replies, "It has been magically etched with warding runes to block scrying, though apparently not telepathy. Maybe she never thought you'd meet Kasik in person, or perhaps… Perhaps she saw no need to hide you from him, because she knew he wasn't looking for the child and woman who were so integral to his schemes. Now, why would he not look for his own child? Only if he already knew where she was."