Darkstone

by D. Jordan Redhawk

  “Thanks.” Naomi waited until her roommate had closed the door before her shoulders slumped.

  She scanned her room. The place was trashed with books everywhere and newspapers strewn across the floor. Her laptop leaned against the nightstand with the now-defunct alarm clock shattered close by. The disaster reminded her of last night’s research session. Scooping up her laptop, she confirmed and checked in to her flight. By this time tomorrow, she’d be on her way home.

  Yawning, she set the computer aside and rose. Time to get dressed. She had a test to fail and bags to pack. She had to tell Joram she’d be out of town too. A pang of sorrow raced through her. She’d hoped to use this break between sessions to spend more time with Joram, but it didn’t look like that was going to happen. If the ceremony to open the door was progressing as quickly as she thought, she’d have little time for romance.

  Heart heavy, the nightmare fading, she prepared for class.

  * * *

  A tap on the glass brought Joram out of her musical reverie. She looked up from the keyboard and music sheets to see Chloe holding Joram’s cell phone. Joram nodded and stood while Chloe exited the sound booth and entered the studio.

  “Phone call.”

  Joram half-dreaded taking the phone. Chloe would only interrupt her if it was Anders. He was the last person Joram wanted to talk to when she was writing. Depending on the song, thoughts of him disrupted her creative processes. Expecting to see the devil on her caller ID, she was startled to discover Naomi’s face. Chloe gave her an impish grin and left. Relaxing, Joram returned to the keyboard and looked over the song she’d been working on. “Mi empress.”

  “Hi. Am I interrupting anything?”

  “Never.” She sat on the stool. “Just working in the studio. How’d you do on the test?”

  “Fair to middling, I suppose. More middling than fair.”

  “Don’t sell yourself short. You probably aced it.” She could almost see Naomi’s modest shrug. Joram idly picked out a melody on the keyboard.

  “That sounds nice. New song?”

  “Yeah. It’s something a little different—a ballad.”

  “Really?” Naomi sounded intrigued. “I’ve heard most of your music. I thought Invocation doesn’t do ballads.”

  Joram smiled, caressing the instrument keys. “I didn’t have a reason before now.” They shared a moment of silence that she found oddly comforting. She felt an emotional intimacy with Naomi, one she’d never enjoyed with anyone else. Not even Chloe or Jubal with their shared experience of Hell had wormed so quickly into her heart. The sensation was weird, this sense of connection scary in its strength. Yet fear and self-doubt didn’t seem to slow the advancement of her infatuation. “Now that you’re a free woman, what are you going to do?”

  “Ah, about that.” Naomi hesitated. “I’ve a flight tonight. I’m going home for a week or so.”

  Joram’s spirits plummeted. She frowned at the sheet of music. Her plan had been to spend more time with Naomi while she was on break between terms. Uncertainty niggled at her self-assurance. Was Naomi trying to distance herself? Were her feelings for Joram less acute? “That sounds sudden. Is everything all right?”

  “I’m fine. They are too. I’m just…just a little homesick. It’ll do me good to see my family.”

  “Okay.” Joram chased a bit of dust from the keyboard with an index finger. “I’ll miss you.”

  “I already miss you.”

  The warmth of Naomi’s words thawed Joram’s growing trepidation. “You’ll call me when you return?”

  “Of course. I can’t let you forget me.”

  Joram chuckled. “Doan fret on that account, mi empress. You’re unforgettable.” Again silence reigned between them, this one no less soothing than the last. Joram wondered why. On those rare occasions when she’d become emotionally invested in a woman, these sorts of pauses had always made her feel uncomfortable, questioning the motives of her love interest as well as her own. What was it about Naomi that negated those types of apprehensions?

  Naomi’s response was a pleased whisper. “Thank you. You’re unforgettable too.” She sighed. “I’ve got to go. I haven’t packed yet and I need to print up my boarding passes.”

  “Nuh linga. You have a safe trip.” Joram swallowed against the disappointment of a week or more without Naomi within easy reach. “Let me know when you get back and we’ll go out to dinner or something.”

  “I will.” Naomi paused before blurting, “Take care. I’ll see you later.”

  Joram barely got the words, “You too,” out before Naomi disconnected the line.

  She blew out a breath, slumping on her stool as she stared at the phone. Up until the end the conversation had been easy. Only their goodbyes had become awkward. She pursed her lips, wondering why.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Naomi thanked the driver as she slid out of the cab of the rattletrap truck. She fished her pack out of the bed, receiving several farewell kisses from the two hunting dogs there. As the truck trundled off, she waved. It had taken three planes, two taxis and a local farmer to reach this point in her journey. She glanced at her phone, noting the time in California. All that and about twenty-one hours to reach the road at the base of the hill leading to Inanna’s complex. She shouldered her backpack and began the trek up the access road.

  The farmer would have given her a lift all the way up, but she’d refused. She wanted to use the time to soak in the sights and smells of home. Though she’d come for reasons too unnerving to speak aloud, a sense of peace filled her soul as the cool mountain air filled her lungs. Crisp and clean, the atmosphere here was so much better than California. Thick foliage on either side of the road invited the traveler to step off the path and explore the deceptive green wilds. These woods weren’t as dangerous as some, though every forest held its perils. Naomi had spent years learning the foibles of this one, having camped and fished and hiked throughout its length and breadth. It welcomed her in ways she hadn’t realized she’d needed. Someday she’d have to bring Joram up here.

  The idea of Joram coming with her for a visit evinced feelings of rightness as well as discordance. Though envisioning Joram hiking the trails or visiting the monastery with her offered a deep sense of satisfaction, Naomi had only ever seen Joram in a city. Though Joram had spoken fondly of living in Jamaica, she hadn’t seemed nostalgic for home. The life of a rock musician suited her well. She enjoyed the beach, and Naomi loved the mountains. Would she even want to come here?

  Souring, she adjusted her load and walked up the road. It didn’t matter anyway. Once Naomi concluded her business she’d probably be in prison for the rest of her life. There was a strong possibility her incarceration would be in a mental facility if she tried to explain why she’d murdered a stranger. Why, officer, I had to kill him. He was going to open the door to another dimension and destroy the world. Her mother might be an ancient goddess but other than a few tricks with candles and a knack for healing, Inanna had been rather weak in her abilities to affect the modern world, which was probably why Naomi had been recruited to do the vile deed. Naomi would follow through with her task, and Inanna could do nothing to stop the repercussions from her actions. Naomi wasn’t sure she wanted anyone to disrupt the punishment she felt she’d richly deserve either.

  She was distracted by the sound of a small engine up ahead. Her first thought was that one of the woodsmen had fired up a chainsaw, but the sound drew near too quickly. Around the bend a familiar motorcycle with an attached sidecar came into view, an older model that had been popular in the years immediately following World War II. Naomi had ridden that bike many times over the years. The rickety vehicle was held together by spit and baling wire. Joy counteracted her melancholy when she saw Inanna driving. Of course Inanna had known when she’d arrive. Another ability she’d demonstrated over the years had been predicting when visitors came to the complex.

  The tiny woman handled the motorcycle with aplomb. She slowed and passed Na
omi, swinging wide to turn around on the road. Pulling up beside her, Inanna shut the bike off and gifted her with a warm smile. “Oh how I’ve missed you, sweetness!” She hopped off the motorcycle, arms wide.

  Naomi welcomed the embrace, hot tears threatening to spill over. “I’ve missed you too, Mama.” While being no giant, Naomi towered over Inanna’s diminutive form. Their difference in height didn’t invalidate Inanna’s strength of personality. Her mother’s presence was a palpable force that unwound the tenseness entrenched within Naomi’s heart. She immersed herself in the measured calmness that was Inanna’s being, allowing it to soothe her. After several long minutes, they separated. Naomi was glad to see she wasn’t the only one with damp eyes.

  Inanna smiled up at her, cupping Naomi’s cheek and thumbing away a stray tear. “It’s too long between visits, sweetness. I’m so happy you’re here.”

  Naomi sniffled and laughed. “Me too.”

  Becoming businesslike, Inanna opened the backpack’s belt strap and turned Naomi around. “Let’s get that off you. You can take the bike up the hill.”

  Soon Naomi found herself astride the motorcycle, Inanna in the sidecar with the backpack in her lap. She had a couple of false starts as she reacquainted herself with the gears, but before long they were on their way, wind in their hair. Sunlight trickled down through the foliage, speckling her vision with bright flashes. While she concentrated on the dirt road, she noted Inanna watching her.

  “I’ve had Cook working all day for your welcome home dinner,” Inanna called over the engine. “Everyone’s aflutter. They can’t wait to see you.”

  Naomi smiled, pleased. “Povitica?”

  “Of course! It might not be Yule, but Cook knows how much you love it. You probably haven’t had any since your last visit.”

  Her mouth watered at the thought of the sweet bread. “No. There aren’t many Croatian or Albanian restaurants in southern California.”

  “I’d imagine not.” Inanna caressed Naomi’s shoulder and back. “You’re looking well. A little tired.”

  Naomi stiffened. She didn’t want to delve into her nightmares or suspicions yet. She’d rather prolong her homecoming celebration for a few hours before broaching the subject of her visit. “It was a long trip.”

  Inanna accepted her answer with a gentle touch. “A home-cooked meal and a good night’s sleep in your own bed will do you wonders.”

  Muscles relaxing, Naomi grinned at Inanna. Ahead she came to the T-section crossroads. Forward were the gardens and playground. To their right a steeper path led through the trees to the complex. Naomi turned, eagerly speeding up the road to reach her childhood home. She steered into the pull-around driveway, cutting the engine off as they reached the main doors.

  The complex’s double doors swung wide as Naomi dismounted, and a dozen people flowed out to welcome her home. Children retrieved her bag and assisted Inanna out of the sidecar. Laughter and delighted shouts lifted her spirits as she was ushered inside, her mother following at a slower pace. The common room, a vast room of hardwood and cozy furniture had been decorated before her arrival. A banner hung from the high ceiling—“Welcome Home, Naomi!”—and colorful streamers were everywhere. It seemed that everyone employed by Inanna was present. Sixty people or more hardly crowded the common room, everyone with cheerful smiles as they shared out drinks in preparation of the night’s festivities.

  A mug of cider was thrust into Naomi’s hand, and her mother slipped an arm about her waist. She looked over the gathered throng, unable to dampen her jubilation. Her only unhappiness was that Joram wasn’t at her side to experience such a welcome. Someone suggested a toast, and Naomi lifted her drink with everyone else, silently saluting her missing friend.

  * * *

  The trip to Nathan’s monastery was decidedly easier in spring than in the dead of winter. Naomi and Inanna had a leisurely hike up to the saddle in the mountain, covering the distance in less than four hours.

  “I could have sworn it took all day to get up here last time.”

  Inanna smiled. “With the snowstorm we’d had that day, I shouldn’t doubt it. I was worried you wouldn’t reach your destination at all.”

  Naomi remembered the day well. The snow had petered out by the time she’d reached the heights of the mountains. It had been the bitter wind that she’d battled most of the way. She’d almost gotten lost, having exited the trees at the wrong point along the saddle. If it hadn’t been for Joram’s voice guiding her, Naomi probably would have given up and returned a failure. “What if I hadn’t made it? What if I’d have come back?”

  “Then you’d have tried again. And again.” Inanna glanced at her as they came to the crest of the saddle.

  What if I’d refused to take on the role you’ve given me? Naomi quashed the thought. What did it matter when she’d already accepted her purpose in the coming conflict?

  They turned east along the saddle. Nathan’s monastery was visible at this distance, as was the hovel Naomi had rested in all those years ago. As they passed by the small shelter, she reached out to brush the rock with her fingers, reliving the fond memory of her first conversation with her imaginary friend. “I think you’ll like the way I tease you.” She smiled in recollection, silently agreeing with Joram’s sentiment.

  “Sweetling?”

  Naomi pulled her hand away and shook her head. “It’s nothing. Just a dream I had a long time ago.”

  Inanna smiled. “It must have been a powerful dream.”

  Taking a deep breath, Naomi continued onward. “It was.” They continued along in silence, Naomi relieved that Inanna didn’t pursue the topic. Despite the knowledge that her imaginary friend wasn’t all that imaginary, Naomi’s worries and fears regarding her sanity had been long ingrained after years of secrecy. She knew she’d have to reveal what had happened to her all those years ago but wasn’t prepared to confess her connection just yet. If anyone deserved to know about her past first, it was Joram. Once Naomi revealed her connection to Joram—You mean “insanity,” right?—Naomi could explain the situation to her mother and mentor.

  At the monastery Naomi took the rough stone steps lightly, remembering the struggle it had been to climb them, frozen from the elements and barely conscious. Golden sunlight washed over the entryway, belying her memory of frigid winds and biting snow. She reached the bell pull and tugged on the coarse rope as Inanna stood before the door with the eight-pointed star, the rich sound of a gong echoing from inside. The doors parted, splitting the star down the center as they opened outward. The sight of brilliant light and warmth emerging into a gray winter day briefly superimposed itself across Naomi’s vision before vanishing. Inanna reached out, and Naomi took her hand as they entered together.

  Not much had changed inside the foyer. Two recliners still sat before the cold fireplace with a table and lamp between them. Naomi smiled at the sight of a bottle of whiskey and an ashtray on the table, smoke lazily rising to the ceiling from the cheroot parked there. Sitting before the chairs was a large screen television on a rolling stand. On the screen two parties were having a roaring gunfight in a ghost town. “Still haven’t gotten off that Western kick, huh?”

  A slim hand appeared near the whiskey bottle, index finger raised to caution silence.

  Grinning, Naomi approached while Inanna closed the door. The gunfight ended as she rounded the seating area.

  Nathan used a remote to pause the playback, carefully setting it on the table before bringing the recliner to its upright position. He stood, drained the last of the whiskey in his glass and set it on the table. Turning, he regarded her with a hint of a smile. “One must get one’s entertainment where one can.”

  “You know, if I thought I could have gotten a six-shooter through customs, I’d have brought one home for you.”

  “And I would have been forever in your debt, crude weapon that it is.”

  Naomi struggled with the joyful urge to hug him. Nathan had never been affectionate or demonstrative beyond a s
mile and praise. She’d never known if it was a personal quirk of his or something cultural and hadn’t asked. “I’ve missed you.”

  His smile was both affectionate and innately perilous, a cat content to befriend the mouse but only until hunger struck. “And I you, Naomi. You’ve been well, I hope?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Nathan tilted his head, long silver hair swaying. “Something’s changed about you…your heart beats stronger, with more purpose.”

  Naomi blinked, swallowing at sudden trepidation. How does he know? Even Mama hasn’t noticed. She glanced at Inanna’s curious expression. “I— Yes, I have.”

  He reached out, lightly chucking her chin as he stared into her eyes. “I see.”

  Swallowing again, Naomi felt pinned under his gaze. She wasn’t sure whether to take his comment as acceptance or threat.

  “Naomi?”

  With effort she pulled away from Nathan’s piercing eyes and looked at Inanna. “I’ve found someone, Mama.” Inanna’s immediate hesitation caused a hitch in Naomi’s heart before it began to gallop.

  “You mean you’ve found someone to love,” Inanna stated, a smile growing on her face. She took Naomi’s upper arms in her hands and beamed at her from arm’s length. “I’m so happy for you! When will I get to meet this mysterious person?”

  Naomi stuttered, clearing her throat. “Maybe when all this is over. She’s…she’s got a career that keeps her very busy, and I—” I’ve got to kill someone.

  Inanna’s expression was poignant as she pulled Naomi into an embrace. “If she’s as special as you believe she is, your actions in this war will not undermine her love for you.”

  Wordless, Naomi nodded, drawing strength from her mother’s touch just as she’d done as a child.

  “I’m elated!” Inanna pulled back to kiss Naomi, rewarding her with a brilliant smile.

  Naomi blushed and smiled, eyes stinging at her mother’s joy.

  Nathan’s dry voice interrupted the moment. “I doubt you traveled all this way to inform us of your amatory affairs.”