Soul Taker's Redemption

by A. S. Hamilton

  He nodded.

  Kaija moved past us and Stuart turned to me. 'Where are the kids? I mean, I said we needed only one ambulance, but I was sure we'd need more. Now, we find just four kids.' He paused, but before I could form an answer, he continued, 'And those four, they're talking about other kids, kids they're worried about. They've given at least half a dozen names, where are they? And what about the boy Jay was following?'

  Kaija moved back by us and we backed up to give her and her partner room. I found myself ducking into the hall where we bumped into Tien who drew us into the alcove formed by the short hall.

  'Nothing,' she said ambiguously to Stuart. 'We've gone through almost twenty crates and they're all full of legitimate goods, plumbing, hardware, that kind of stuff.'

  Stuart sighed and looked down, shaking his head slightly. 'I guess that's not all bad. I mean, I don't want to find kids in crates, but at the same time, if there are children, I want to find them.'

  'They're onto the third row. There are definitely more children, but those girls outside are talking about being in a room. So, either there's another location where these girls were held, or it was that room,' she nodded towards the storeroom, 'and they've been moved since then.'

  Our conversation was disrupted as forensics tried to enter the hall at the same time Jay was being carried out. Two of the forensics team ducked sideways towards us, while the rest backed up. I caught a glimpse of Jay's face, unconscious, but not as sickly grey. They had an IV in and no doubt were doing everything they could for her.

  'Have they said anything about them in there,' Stuart made a sideways head gesture towards the storeroom and the two dead men.

  'Whenever we try to bring it up, they just start crying or go mute.' Tien ran her hand through her hair. 'Whatever they saw, they're going to need years of therapy to deal with it. The social worker says they need time, but she understands there are other kids in danger and she's doing her best.'

  I tuned out the conversation, I was thinking about the other children. I leaned on the table behind me, careful not to disturb the vase of flowers on it. I was tired, no, scratch tired, absolutely exhausted. My side was burning too. I closed my eyes, and 'walked' my way through the building using my memory. The front door had a wall of crates on either side leaving only a narrow walkway to the back, which was also lined with crates. The walkway made a left turn and went down to the office door. Directly opposite the door were two desks, facing a window, and a kitchenette to the right with a window. None of the windows had been impeded, so no hidden rooms there. Then, in the wall on the left, there was the door to this hall, covered by a rug hung up like a wall hanging. The doorframe here was twice as thick as the one to the office and the one at the entrance; soundproofing. Archmore used that at the Docklands location, too. The storeroom door was also doubly wide, indicating more soundproofing. The walls of the storeroom had shelving bolted directly to the wall. I remembered because they'd said Jay had hit the shelves and I was trying to assess how bad the impact had been. Wood shelves sat on metal framework, there was nowhere to conceal a door. Where in the world were those kids?

  Just then, I realised I was alone. Stuart and Tien must have said they were going somewhere and I'd been off in my own world. I moved to look in the storeroom, almost tripped on the rug on the floor, which had been bunched up at one end with the movement of people. I caught myself on the door frame as a wave of dizziness washed over me, I needed to rest. While it was true that my version of rest was to follow Jay to the hospital and doze in a chair by her bed, rest in whatever form, was essential. I looked in the storeroom to see if Stuart or Tien had just slipped in to follow up something. The bodies were gone, but forensics were still gathering evidence— how long had I'd zoned out for? I backed up the way I'd come to let two forensics staff through and turned to look out the window. It made no sense for these four girls and Jay and the young woman to have been brought here separately, but something told me that no children would be found in the crates.

  Underground.

  It was almost as if someone whispered the word in my ear. In fact, I even thought I recognised the voice, a deep male tone, but I couldn't place it. It had been recent.

  Underground. I looked down. A thick green, floral rug lay on the floor. It was a smaller version of the one that had been over the doorway. Oh, for heaven's sake, it couldn't be, could it?

  I kicked aside the rug, revealing a hatch. There was a lock and a handle that folded down flat. I crouched and gave the handle a yank: locked. I pulled my mobile from my pocket and dialled Tien. 'Get in here, bring a hammer and a screwdriver, heavy duty, and someone who can give it a hefty whack.' I hung up.

  It took her barely two minutes to come thumping down the walkway and through the office. She had an officer with her who I didn't recognise but was built like the proverbial brick outhouse. I didn't need to give instructions, he saw the hatch, dropped to one knee, lined up the screwdriver and smacked it into the lock. It took three blows to demolish the lock. He pulled the door up and we all peered anxiously within the depths.

  It was pitch black, and then… a pale ghost-like face hovered into view, tear-streaked and dirty.

  I laughed with relief; we'd found them!

  We'd found them.

  Therion

  [Rise – Katy Perry]

  When I shifted back to the apartment, I discovered I had barely been gone an hour.

  Vessa looked up from her laptop. 'You are to stay the night.'

  It was neither request nor suggestion. In all likelihood the instructions came from Aurealis, or Silven, who was the equivalent of her second in command, or Cyndar, who managed the redeemers. Being a redeemer, any instruction from a light-dancer might as well be from Aurealis. The only exception was when I was acting in the interests of my charge. The light-dancers found me utterly repugnant. If they could, they avoided dealing with me altogether. I'd once had an entire conversation with a light-dancer through text even though that light-dancer had been staying in the next room. I'd suggested that a phone call would be more efficient, but it was flatly rejected. Thus, when I had a chance to rest, I either found an Envoy residence or went to Bastien's. I was not welcome in Dellen-littah, the realm where the light-dancers dwelled, even though none would say so openly. The members of Envoy were largely beings with a supernatural aspect to them, shape-shifters, elven, dwarven, centaurs, and the like. Many were also human but had knowledge of the supernatural realms, like witches and druids. The role of a guardian was usually one-on-one with their charges, whereas those working in Envoy fulfilled the roles of lawyers, advocates, accountants, and property managers. Many Envoy members have very little understanding of the kind of being I am, and so, have no objection to dealing with me. They are too naïve to be afraid; too ignorant to hate. In truth though, I rarely had more than a few hours between assignments. Many would consider my life lonely, but I do not find it so. Alone, I do not need to remember all the conventions and rules necessary to deal with other cultures.

  I considered Vessa's silent form. Maya was asleep in the main bedroom and Vessa was using one of the armchairs; her wings were out. She had probably decided that there was little point in de-manifesting them if Maya could see them anyway. Any other guardian would have left the room upon my return, so I found it intriguing that Vessa chose to remain. Her expression was one of absorbed concentration as she manipulated the laptop, so I considered the possibility that she was so focused on her task, my presence was easier to ignore than avoid. I assumed she was running some kind of search in an attempt to locate Maya's parents. Envoy had access to missing persons' data amongst other avenues of investigation.

  'I've not had any positive results from my searches.'

  I shook my head slightly, then realised that she expected a response.

  'Uh…' I frowned. 'Her mother has not reported her missing?'

  'I have yet to get any results.'

  I moved over to lean on the arm of her chair as I looked at h
er screen. 'Ah, you have left in the default of New South Wales, we are in Victoria, you need to adjust your search parameters.' I pointed at the top corner of the screen. 'Select Advanced, you will find that more helpful.'

  'Oh,' she shook her head, 'I feel like a dunce.'

  'It has been a long time since you've done this. You were with your previous charge some ninety years, were you not?'

  She nodded, there was a deep sadness in her eyes. 'I protected first mother and then infant.'

  I rose and stepped away, aware that my wing had been touching hers. She had not flinched as others had when I accidentally came within physical contact with them. I gave her a tentative smile. 'Well, I imagine that the last time you had to search for a child's parents there were no computers or software. It is a credit to you that you have kept up with the changes in technology.'

  Her return smile was unconscious and genuine. 'Technology was a large part of my previous charge's life. I could not help but share his passion for science and technology, we had a strong connection.'

  I nodded. 'Many underestimate my understanding of technology. Indeed, some light-dancers have remarked that they are surprised that a being of my… origins… has the intelligence to use technology at all.' I was surprised by the admission, but Vessa's expression was one of interest and I thought I saw sympathy or empathy, too.

  'There is a tendency among our people to see redeemers as lesser than ourselves. I think it is because it makes them seem less intimidating. While I do not approve of their attitude, you have to admit, a being of shadow, such as yourself, and in your particular case, one who used to kill our kind very efficiently, is quite frightening. By reducing you to a thoughtless barbarian, they find you less terrifying.'

  'I had not considered it from that perspective before. Thank you for your insight.'

  Vessa gave me another smile before turning back to her laptop.

  'If you use the filters as much as possible, I think you will have more success,' I advised her, then I paused before adding, 'If you have no objection, I will take time to bathe.'

  Vessa shook her head. 'No objection.' A puzzled looked flickered across her features and she started to say something more and then stopped herself.

  I paused again. 'You need something?'

  'Oh, no. I just find it curious that you undertake such mundane activities. I was going to ask you about it and then decided it wasn't really any of my business.'

  My initial reaction was to shrug off her comment, and I started to leave the room, then I changed my mind. 'The kinetic energy of running water is a source of energy for me. Having expended energy returning Maya and one other to health a shower will make me feel less wearied.'

  My answer seemed to surprise her. 'Oh. Well, then, of course, you need to replenish your reserves. You should use the bathroom connected to Maya's room; it has the large shower.'

  I nodded my thanks and took my leave.

  [Bleed it Out – Linkin Park]

  I took my time showering. Outside of my nutritional needs, I consider hot showers a remarkable pleasure. It is like being in the rain, but warmer. I like the feel of the water hitting my skin and often follow a drop as it makes its way down my body. It elicits a kind of meditative state that I find restful.

  Envoy has refitted many of their residencies to accommodate the beings they employ. Arched entries and doorways, raised ceilings, larger showers, longer beds, and extra space so that furniture is not too crowded together. The shower here was the width of the room and doubly wide; not enough for me to extend my wings, but enough for me to remain in my natural form. Maintaining an alternate form takes energy and often causes an ache in my back as my wings are usually the part of my natural form I have to alter most frequently.

  I had very little energy reserves left and I was aching so badly, I could oath I felt the weight of weariness in my bones. Where once spirit energy was my only source of sustenance, I am now able to supplement my reserves through many, more natural, sources, the sun being my primary one with storms and other natural events providing sustenance of a kind. Thus, in a way, I can actually gain a small amount of energy from standing under running water. I take everything I can get. And it makes a respectable excuse for long showers.

  I considered the instruction to remain. It shouldn't be because Maya was vulnerable, having healed her, no ethereal jackals would come lurking now. As Bastien said, it was likely Aurealis wanted me to be more involved in order to prepare me to take up a guardian role. Aurealis's perception of redemption was when a being like me learned of sacrifice. It has to have meaning and be selfless. Although Aurealis told me there were other, more intricate, factors involved that I did not yet understand. And she was right. When I learned of these things, when I understood them, only then, could she trust me with any freedom. This move towards guardianship was an indication that she thought I was progressing towards that understanding.

  A new pattern was emerging with my assignments. Instead of simply extracting someone or defending a guardian, I was being drawn in more deeply. Instead of being summoned directly to Maya, I had to find her through Archmore. Aurealis had presented both Vessa and I with the challenge of finding her parents. At any time Aurealis could provide the information about how to find the child's parents, but she wanted us to earn it, be challenged, and grow through overcoming these challenges no matter how insignificant they might seem. Just now, for instance, I had connected to a light-dancer; through my aid to Vessa in using the search program, we both realised that there were assumptions we made about each other that were contrary to reality. She understood me more than I expected and I had been given insight into why the other light-dancers looked down on me. Despite these benefits, there is a certain adrenaline rush when racing against time to find a quarry that this new pattern lacked. A guardian gave up mortal lifetimes protecting and guiding their charge. This does not mean preventing a fatal car accident, for death is a part of the cycle, but it requires patience and it is a more reflective role. The investigative side of it slows everything down. I compared it to a sprint and a marathon. For centuries I'd been a sprinter, and now, Aurealis wanted me to change. Aurealis might feel that I am ready for the more convoluted paths, the journeys that will teach me what I need in order to 'redeem' myself; I was less sure. And despite the inevitability of it, I did not have to look forward to it, or like it.

  I dried off and wrapped a towel about my waist. My bag was still in Maya's room where I'd left it when I arrived. It was a fortunate oversight; I could dress without having to cross to the other bedroom. Many of the things I need I can access from the communal supply. All Envoy residences and offices have laptops and mobile phone chargers along with things such as toothpaste, food, soaps, shampoos, first aid kits, and the like. Thus, I require very few possessions. My corporate credit card purchases anything I lack, but I generally take a change of clothes between most places. I will often leave my bag at Bastien's, who has adjusted the wards on his residence to allow my entry. He also provided me with a room to use if I need it. If I really need to, I can manifest clothing, but it costs too much energy to continually waste it manifesting something so easily available.

  I moved through the bedroom. Maya was sleeping deeply and without dreams. She looked very small and fragile, curled up in the centre of the large bed. I could see Vessa through the open door. The laptop was now on the side table and the guardian had changed to a cross-legged position, her back very straight, wings partly open, chin tucked in a little. She could have been a statue she was so still. She was sifting through Maya's mind, trying to determine who her mother was and where she lived.

  I paused in the doorway as a thought occurred to me. 'Forgive my interruption...'

  Vessa opened her eyes, her gaze unfocused for a moment, before she centred on me. I was surprised by her lack of irritation at my interruption, but then, considering our earlier interaction, perhaps I shouldn't be.

  'There may be an alternate means to locate Maya's kin...'


  The guardian raised fine, silver eyebrows.

  'Can guardians trace a spirit's essence? I ask because not only can I see a spirit, I can also trace the connections it has with other spirits.' These connections are not as simple as a line attaching two spirits, it is more of a... kind of like a scent. A scent I am able to follow to their connected counterparts.

  'Oh! What a good idea!' Vessa exclaimed.

  Her amazed tone and bright smile startled me. I returned the smile, as Bastien said such a response was appropriate. Why were such things so natural when I was with the vampires, but something I had to monitor when amongst light-dancers and humans?

  'Of course,' Vessa continued, 'a child as young as Maya will still be very closely bonded to her mother. It will take time, but I believe I can do it.'

  I gave her another brief smile and started to withdraw, I stopped, and, noting my hesitation, Vessa tilted her head, awaiting my query.

  'I presume you will share the main bedroom with Maya.'

  I received a confirming nod.

  'As I am required to remain, after I finish dressing I shall transfer my things to the other bedroom.'

  The guardian nodded again. 'Take your time, if I succeed in sensing out the spirit tie, I will likely be here most of the night tracing it.'

  I withdrew to Maya's bedroom, closing the door softly. I didn't need a light, indeed, I prefer darkness.

  I could offer to trace the spirit-link between child and mother. From what Vessa said, it was not an easy thing for her. I considered going back, making the offer. The sooner the search was complete, the sooner I could move on— possibly, I was less sure of that now. Despite her oddly cordial acceptance of my presence, I was distinctly uncomfortable being in close quarters with both her and Maya. Every moment, in the back of my mind, I was aware of their spirit-scents and had to restrain the natural instinct to view them as prey. Despite Bastien's assertion, I didn't feel ready to spend long periods in the presence of spirits such as these.