Dark Rising Trilogy

by DeAnna Browne

  Finally, the man set down his book and looked up. “Hablas Espanol o Ingles?”

  “English,” Becca replied.

  “Good.” The man spoke with an accent from the North Americas.

  What was he doing here then? Was he really a believer? Darion noticed the gold pentagram around his neck like many of the others sported.

  “I’m Charles. I can tell you’re not from around here. What do you seek?”

  “We seek information about this place and possibly teachings from these books.”

  He laughed, a low chuckle that echoed throughout the large room. “People say they want to learn, but they never do. They want power.”

  “We want answers about what this place is.”

  Charles pushed back from the desk. “Then attend one of the services and learn with the others.”

  Becca stepped forward. “We want more than the religious rhetoric about that gold pentagram.”

  He stepped towards Becca. “I hear what you’re saying, but again, what is it you seek?”

  She bit her lip and Darion felt the attack on her shield the same second it was obliterated. Hands fisted at her side, she bit her lip harder and glared at the man. Before Darion could help her, she waved him back.

  The old man smiled at her. “I see you have power. Strong for a witch, but no demons tied to you. You want to find demon names here. Sell them or use them?” His smile turned to disgust. “You wouldn’t be the first magicians to come in hopes of the power of Lazaro himself.”

  Darion was tempted to tell him the truth for a brief second, but no. He couldn’t trust this man who made this temple his life. “We’re not looking for demon names. We’re looking for truth, like all those people outside. Having more experience with demons, we don’t blindly believe like they do.”

  Charles looked over the three of them. “Why bring a child here?”

  “A situation arose outside of our control,” Darion said.

  “You plan on using her?” Charles motioned to Navina.

  It didn’t surprise him that Charles thought that. Child or not, many a magician would be tempted to do so. Darion clarified their position. “If anyone tries, I’ll kill them.”

  “Not before I do.” Navina straightened up, probably trying to look bigger than her ten years.

  Charles patted her head. “That’s right little one.”

  She bristled under his touch, but he ignored it and turned back to this desk.

  “I’m not saying I believe you,” Charles straightened some papers on his desk. “But if you truly only want information, then what to do you want to know.”

  “How Lazaro opened the portal?” Becca asked. Direct, that was Becca.

  Again, he laughed, lasting longer this time. “Every time a new green witch or wizard comes in here, I marvel at their stupidity.”

  Out of the corner of his eyes, he watched Becca tense. Darion tried to diffuse the situation. “Help us with our ignorance, please.”

  “Many magicians want to know how they can just open another portal to a different world or dimension. If Lazaro can do it, why can’t they? They also think that since he opened it, all the demons were so thankful they bestowed their power upon him.” Charles sobered a little. “That’s why so many stupid Mundanes die every month or so. Another one scheduled for tomorrow. They think they will be the exception, the one gifted by the gods.”

  Darion’s frustration grew as the man told them nothing new. This man obviously hadn’t been around normal people for a while. “Please.”

  Darion tried to find the words that would loosen Charles lips without giving away their hands. “We want only to learn at your feet. Or if possible, read your books to understand.” When direct didn’t work, kiss-ass was the next tactic.

  “I don’t have time to teach every magician that walks in here looking for power.” When Becca started to object, Charles cut her off. “You may not want traditional power, but you want it. Knowledge is power.”

  “We’ll sit here and read your library quietly. No bother to anyone.”

  “Your presence is a bother.” He glared at them. “Come back tomorrow.”

  And with a glare, they were dismissed.

  Chapter One Hundred Three

  Caleb was summoned to Scarlett’s office, which was quickly becoming the headquarters for their rebellion. The room was full when Caleb entered. Once Scarlett noticed him, she motioned for one of her sisters. The witch closed the door and spoke a spell under her breath.

  The room quieted, and everyone turned to Scarlett. “Before we begin, we require everyone to pledge their loyalty and a vow of silence. Gail will perform the spells for everyone.”

  “Magic doesn’t work on me, even simple magic,” Leon said.

  “Your brother has made the vow for you. I thought it stupid he was willing to pay with his life for your possible betrayal, but he has confidence in you.”

  Leon just smiled. “Some families don’t need threats for loyalty.”

  “Some don’t, but I’m not taking any chances,” Scarlett narrowed her eyes. “Everyone else, please line up so we can get started.”

  A bit uneasy, Caleb shuffled into the line.

  A light hand touched him from behind, Nikki’s. “It’s not as bad as it sounds. It’s a limited binding to protect us from spies. My dad helped set it up.”

  Fighting the urge to grab her hand, he turned his head to gaze into Nikki’s dark eyes. “Magic isn’t my favorite thing, but I trust Andre.”

  She smelled of flowers this morning, lilacs maybe. It lingered near him which he found comforting. Sometimes it was hard to focus on a relationship when he didn’t know what next month held for him, but in the small moments when he could envision a future, it always included her.

  Gail sat next to Andre to perform the magic. She gripped hands with Caleb, like a handshake, but more entwined. She instructed him to do the same. “Put your finger on my pulse.” Then she continued with the spell, a thin gold line wrapping around both of their wrists.

  A small buzzing sensation struck him once, then it was over. She released his palm and asked him to move on. He repressed a shiver and moved to make room for Nikki.

  Once they completed the spell with everyone, Scarlett had everyone sit. Caleb noticed Nevada on the other side of the room. There were extra chairs squeezed tightly in this small room. Scarlett wore her full skirts like usual. He had to really look to see her pregnancy. It was there, but well hidden.

  “Thank you all for your loyalty. Andre and I have poured over these maps and the most recent intelligence. In the next several days, we will be reaching out to make allies or force allegiances where necessary. The sooner we strike the less time Lazaro has to find help overseas. Gail?” Scarlett turned the floor over to her dark-haired sister.

  “There are several strongholds we must take over before we have a chance at taking on Lazaro. I will hand out assignments, and we’ll need to move fast. Please memorize your assignment and then put it in the fire.” She walked around the room handing out papers, ending with Nikki and Caleb. “You two will lead a team together. Will that be a problem?”

  “No,” Caleb said. In fact, he thought it was smart; they worked well together.

  Not answering, Nikki stared at the paper. “This must be a mistake. We can’t take on Bates’ coven. Not without a team of expert magicians.”

  Caleb followed her gaze to her uncle.

  “Maybe with Leon,” she flung her hands in exasperation, “but he has his own team.”

  Andre approached and stood next to Gail. “I made this decision.”

  “You?” Nikki asked.

  Caleb wondered if Nikki was overreacting, which she wasn’t prone to do.

  “Scarlett and I agree with his decision,” Gail said. “Elizabeth had a vision. Between that and other intel, we know Bates has someone on his team that can sense the power of a magician from far away. We cannot send a strong magician, or he will blow them up before they set foot on his t
erritory.”

  “But Bates has one of the strongest covens around.”

  “He does,” Andre agreed. “But he himself is not that strong. He rose to power through manipulation and murder. He holds onto that power through forced loyalty. Lazaro supported Bates. If we take out Bates, we have a good chance of getting the support of the other members. This coven will be a turning point.”

  “What about Leon?” Caleb wondered why they didn’t use their strongest non-magician to help with this.

  “Leon may be the most powerful one here. He’s immune to magic. Even though it’s not magic in the traditional sense of the word, he could still be detected and a threat to Bates.”

  “So, we have to take on one of the strongest covens with mostly Mundanes. How?” Nikki asked.

  A plan began to formulate in Caleb’s mind. He remembered Grace, pretty young girl killing one of the darkest magicians around. She sacrificed her life so people she would never meet could be safe.

  He had a plan. “We assassinate him.”

  “What?” Nikki turned to him.

  “We don’t fight straightforward or fair. We assassinate him.” And try not to die in the process.

  Becca squinted against the sun as they exited the old stone building. The smell of grass and fresh air was a welcomed luxury. They headed back the way they came, already spotting others on the trail.

  Stopping, she stepped slightly off the path. “We can go back there and force him.”

  From Charles’ arrogance to his laugh, he drove her crazy. No, she didn’t think finding answers would be easy, but she didn’t think she’d have to bargain with a group of crazies either.

  “I think forcing would be the wrong move,” Darion said. “We’ll get more, maybe even the truth, if we don’t force, and we don’t know who else he could call on for that kind of fight. We wouldn’t win a straight out fight and can’t afford any casualties.”

  “We don’t have a month to earn his friendship and trust.”

  “No, we don’t.” Darion turned to look out over the ruins.

  Becca’s patience had never been her strong suit, she acknowledged that. Sometimes though life called for impatience. “How about we come back at night?”

  The fact Darion didn’t quickly dismiss it meant it wasn’t that bad of an idea. “That may work if we can get around the shields.”

  “It’s worth a try. Until then, want to get in the Mundane line to talk to the clergy?”

  “We’re not Mundanes,” Navina pointed out.

  “No,” Becca said. “But maybe we can pass for them.”

  “Maybe,” he said. “You’ll have to pull out your necklace and try not to sneer whenever they talk.”

  “I’m trying.” She needed to be not so obvious, granted Darion could read her better than most. “I’ll work on it.”

  They asked another for the path to the Holy Bishop and were directed deeper into the jungle. The ruins continued on for a couple of miles. Another pyramid rose several stories high. At the base the line began. Twenty or more people lined up to get their name on the list.

  A woman, named Sheila, who looked like she had lived in the wild for a while, stood in front of them. Her hair was a matted mess of dreadlocks. After a brief conversation they found out she came from across the ocean from the European countries. She spoke English, with a different accent.

  “How long have you been here?” Navina asked, the child never shy of getting to know people.

  “Almost two years,” Sheila said proudly. “I’m waiting to see how much longer until I get a turn. I heard a rumor that those who keep coming back to prove they are worthy will be picked sooner. Sadly, some aren’t picked at all.”

  “Oh.” Sad didn’t begin to describe this scenario, but Becca didn’t want to burst her bubble. “Have you seen many of these full moon rituals?”

  “All of them since I arrived.”

  “I’d love to hear about it. Why on a full moon, for example?” Becca knew so many covens practiced magic on full moons, but never got a reason why.

  “The spirits are closer when our planet is closer to the moon. Granted they have done it at other times as well. An eclipse is always fun.” She turned to the stone structures in front of the pyramid. “The candidate, or maybe even candidates if we’re lucky, sit on the stone steps. Then a holy one comes out and guides you to the other side.”

  “A holy one? You mean one of the bishops?” Darion asked.

  “No, the most holy one, a demon. The past year, it has been only minor demons, but sometimes if they deem the candidate worthy, a powerful demon will appear.”

  Having seen demons at work, Becca could only imagine a bloodbath. “How do they guide you to the other side?”

  “They grab the candidate and disappear, using their power. A true miracle.”

  After waiting for hours in the line, it proved that Sheila was more help than the Holy Bishop. He was a middle-man who didn’t look too happy about his assignment. He took Becca’s name as a candidate. When they asked him a question, he brushed them off and told them to come to services.

  Walking away, Becca felt frustrated. “They hold their secrets close to their chest here.”

  “Wouldn’t you?” Darion said.

  That night, Becca was sick of fish and found a couple of nearby rabbits instead. Wanting to save their money for the trip home, they decided to eat off the land as much as they could. Becca grew up hunting with her father at a young age, so wasn’t bothered. Granted, magic made the whole process easier.

  While Darion and Navina went to gather water and barter, Becca checked in with her sister. They returned with a full canteen and some potatoes.

  “How are things going?” Darion handed Becca some water.

  “Caleb and Nikki are going to see Bates,” she told Darion.

  “Hope they have a strong team. I’m surprised Andre is letting Nikki go. Bates has quite a reputation.”

  “Elizabeth said since Scarlett is sacrificing her own child, he couldn’t spare his daughter. Elizabeth’s vision helped him with the decision. Nikki will survive to fight again, evidently.”

  “How about the others?”

  “She doesn’t know.” Becca bit her lower lip, concern on her face. “Should I be worried about Caleb?”

  “If anyone can do this, it’s Caleb. If they are leaving for Bates tomorrow, what about us?”

  “After tonight we’ll have a better idea. I’d like to find what we need tonight, then head home right after.”

  Darion moved the boiling water off the coals. “We’ll need to leave tomorrow or the next day at the latest.”

  “I agree.” Becca had this aching feeling in her chest that tomorrow may not be soon enough.

  As their fire died down, the three of them packed up for their nighttime excursion. Becca felt uneasy bringing Navina, but they couldn’t leave the girl here. Becca didn’t trust these people. Darion led the way out of camp, staying on the edge of the clearing, moving discretely.

  The camp had settled down for the night, but it never truly went to sleep. There were a few fires throughout camp with people speaking in low tones. No one paid any attention to them. Even on the path, there were others, some held lights, others just mumbling through the dark. One man kneeled by the stone structure, meditating or something.

  Becca kept close behind Navina, pulling up the rear. Darion would use witchlight when needed but tried to keep a low profile. Finally, the trail emptied as they headed towards the building they visited earlier.

  “It’s so dark.” Navina shivered next to Becca.

  “We can use light inside.” Becca scanned the area, making sure no one else was there.

  Darion stepped out into the clearing and stayed close. He slowed as he disabled the shield with a drop of blood. Once through the stone door, Darion produced a flame over his hand. There wasn’t a sound, but that didn’t mean no one was there.

  Walking down the hallway, they were welcomed by the old dusty, moldy smel
l, but there was also something else. A humid rotten smell lingered behind Becca. She ignored it at first, thinking that poor mouse finally met its end in some trap somewhere.

  Then she heard it, almost a dripping sound. Was there water somewhere? She couldn’t see anything behind her, the dark hallways gave nothing away. Turning back around to join the others, the hairs on her neck stood on end.

  Darion turned into the large room where they first found the magician.

  Once in the room, Becca took a breath, grateful to be out of the cramped hallway. “Can I get some of that light?”

  As he increased the light in his hand, she spotted a lantern nearby. She grabbed it for him to light. They even found an additional one for Navina.

  Darion started towards the heavy books in the back, keeping his voice low. “This almost seems too easy.”

  “Don’t complain. Getting here wasn’t that easy.”

  “Yeah, but they should have additional security measures if no one is here.”

  That familiar chill crept up Becca’s spine. “Maybe they do.” She turned to Navina. “Don’t touch anything.”

  “Don’t worry. I don’t want to.”

  Darion started with a book in Latin that had to be at least two feet tall. Becca selected a few modern English books. She and Navina shared a light at one table while Darion set up shop at another table. Not for the first time Becca wished for coffee, she’d give her little toe for a dark hot cup to help her through these books.

  The first book was filled with maps of the compound which she glanced at. They may come in handy, but they weren’t staying here long enough to find out. The second book was more of a journal with handwritten entries. It looked like a record of candidates or sacrifices that had taken place since Lazaro rose to power, nothing but names.

  As she set down the book, she noticed Navina asleep next to her. Becca was jealous. Darion’s book looked exciting, but he was the type to get excited about a book of rocks if it was written in Latin. The third book thankfully looked more promising. It was a typewritten history of everything that had taken place since Lazaro. She read the first couple of chapters and her interest sparked. Picking up the book, she moved across the floor to Darion’s table.