Immortals of Indriell- The Collection

by Melissa A. Craven

  I need to tell Jin about this. Aidan’s progress was something he felt more comfortable discussing with his mentor, Jin Jing, but he wasn’t certain how to explain this new development. He felt like a machine with little emotion—empty and methodical. But one thing was certain, whatever this trance-thing was, Aidan was sheer perfection!

  “Excellent!” Gregg lowered his weapon and Aidan had to resist the urge to take out his enemy when his guard was down.

  Da’s not your enemy, idiot! Get a grip!

  “You’re not so bad yourself, old man.” Aidan forced himself to act normal.

  Do you even know what normal is? In the seven months since his Awakening, he’d changed so much he didn’t really know who he was anymore.

  “You alright, son? Your eyes are blazing. It’s good that you can embrace your power when you fight. Not many can do that and maintain control. Even fewer at your age. But I don’t want you relying on it. If you were cut off—”

  “I know. I need to be able to perform just as well without the advantage my power gives me,” Aidan said nervously. He was having trouble reining this thing in.

  “How was your first day back?” Gregg moved to stow his weapon in the glass cabinet along the wall. He showed no indication that he realized what was going on with his son, but Aidan knew it was almost impossible to hide anything from Gregg. He always seemed to know. But he was also good at giving his children the space they needed to figure things out with their mentors.

  “The usual,” he said as the sensation finally passed. “Lots of pretense, forced smiles and mindless chatter about inconsequential things. The flood of all their suffering was more than I anticipated. It was a lot harder this time now that I’m manifested.” He dropped wearily onto the padded bench and grabbed a towel to mop the sweat from his face.

  “You will adapt to your gift, son. You just have to give it time. You’ll not always feel so much. As you get older, you’ll learn to protect yourself from their pain.”

  “I just wish I could skip to that part.”

  “High school was difficult for Darius too, but it got easier after he went on to college. He did better with more freedom. You’re a lot like your brother in that respect.”

  “I think I’m just tired, Da. I can’t help but feel like I need an escape.”

  “I know how important your music is to you, Aidan. And I’m well aware that your studies with the conservatory in Vienna would’ve happened this year. But you understand, don’t you?”

  “Of course. I know Vienna could never happen, but it’s such an incredible school.”

  “So is Cologne.”

  “You’re right, and two years is not an eternity,” Aidan admitted.

  “I know you’ve had a difficult year, but we have to stay one step ahead. The power you own is vast and you’re progressing rapidly. The time you’ve had to heal has been a setback in your training. But you’re back on your feet now, so you know what that means.”

  “More training?” Aidan felt the familiar panic clench his chest. He wasn’t sure how much more he could take.

  “Your seventeenth birthday is less than six months away. You’ll be experiencing a great deal of progress in the coming months and we have to make sure we’re constantly testing your limits.”

  “So what’s the plan?” Aidan sighed in resignation.

  “You’ll begin meeting with Jin for a two hour session before school, three times a week. You will also extend your weekly sessions with everyone by one hour. You need more time with all of your teachers.”

  “What about football practice? And orchestra?” They weren’t much, but they were the most normal things he had. He wasn’t ready to give up either activity yet. He’d always known he might have to choose one, but there was no question which he would pick.

  “We will continue to work around your schedules as we always have. At least for your junior year, but I cannot promise you won’t have to choose next year.

  “Good thing I don’t sleep much.” Between school, football practice, rehearsals and now extended training sessions, he didn’t have much time left for resting.

  “It won’t always be this difficult,” Gregg said. “Eventually you will reach your Proving and you won’t have to work quite so hard to maintain control of your power. And then you can have a life.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. He hated this almost more than Aidan did.

  “I can handle it, Da.”

  “You still aren’t sleeping well? I thought that was getting better.”

  “I’m just never comfortable and it’s hard to turn it all off.”

  “It should be getting easier by now. Sasha was restless for the first few weeks, but she’s found what works for her. Maybe you just need a little more time than most? That seems to be your M.O.”

  “Are you saying I’m slow?” Aidan asked dryly.

  “Nah. You’re just stubborn, lad. Now come on, I have a few surprises for you.” Gregg’s sudden grin was contagious.

  “New weapons?”

  “Just a prototype for now.” He led Aidan over to the glass cabinet where he pulled two wicked looking, curved daggers from the case. The blades were rather long and the weighted pommels could easily be used as a blunted weapon.

  “They’re beautiful.” Aidan stroked the razor sharp edge of the blade.

  “We’ve been training with the Italian rapier and dagger for a few months now, but I’m not convinced it’s the right weapon for you. You were better with the quarterstaff when you were little, but you haven’t faired as well with anything we’ve tried since. Your natural inclination to lead with your dagger tells me you might be more comfortable with dual blades. But check this out.” Gregg snapped the daggers together where the pommels joined.

  “Nice!” Aidan reached eagerly for the double bladed weapon, each end curving in the opposite direction. Where the pommels joined, it created a single handle that fit his grip perfectly. He could use it like a quarterstaff, with one hand, while the intricately linked crossing guards would offer him protection.

  Aidan twirled the weapon, going through a few practice elements to get a feel for its range of motion. It was familiar, like the quarterstaff, but the diversity of the weapon would bring a whole new level to his training. Aidan couldn’t contain his grin when he saw how easy it was to separate the blades in mid-motion.

  “Good job, old man!”

  “The length is modeled specifically to your height and wing span, so it should feel like an extension of your body as you move.”

  “I’m over Italian swords, Da. Let’s focus on this for a while.”

  “Aye, we’ll give it a few months and see what adjustments we need to make but I think this will suit you better.”

  “It does feel more like me.”

  “Now, on to your second surprise. Come with me.” They left the gym and made their way down the hall. “Starting next week, you will begin training Chloe.” Gregg stepped into the small office that Aidan’s older siblings, uncles and aunt used when they visited.

  “Huh? Why would I train with Chloe?”

  “Not with, son. You will be teaching her.”

  “What?”

  “This will be your office.”

  “No!” Aidan refused the set of keys his father offered. “Absolutely not! I’m no teacher! I can assist, but I’m not—I have nothing—” Aidan’s power boiled up inside him.

  “Calm down, son. Take slow, deep breaths.”

  “Da! I’m only sixteen!” His voice broke in frustration.

  “And Chloe’s training will be part of your training,” Gregg said. “I know you’re young and I hate doing this to you, but your friends already see you as a figure of authority. They have since you were small children. They naturally defer to you and you don’t handle it well. In the not so distant future you will be a very young man with a great deal of responsibility, and you must be able to lead.”

  “That prophecy is not about me!”

  “Whether it is or
isn’t does not matter. You will always be surrounded by those less powerful, and they will always see you as either a threat or a leader. You must learn to command that authority now while you have the opportunity to do so with someone who looks up to you like a big brother.” Gregg’s tone indicated the topic was not open for discussion.

  “What’s wrong, little bro? I heard your screeching down in the kitchen,” Darius said as he sauntered into the room.

  “Don’t you have some detective work to do back in the city?” Aidan snarled at his older brother.

  “Pawned it off on my partner. What’s with crabby pants?” he asked Gregg.

  Aidan stood, clutching the edge of the desk with white knuckles as he struggled for control.

  “He’s not thrilled about training Chloe.”

  “Are you really surprised, Da?”

  “Did you bring Kate with you, son? Your mother will want to see her,” Gregg asked, giving Aidan a moment to catch his breath.

  “Kate broke up with me again. I figured I’d get out of Dodge while I had the chance.”

  “What did you do this time?” Gregg asked.

  “I have no idea. Apparently I’m an ‘immature-butt-munch’—her words. And I’m ‘driving her batshit.’” He shrugged. “That’s what I get for trying to date so far out of my generation.”

  “You can’t deny she’s got a point,” Aidan interjected.

  “Better now, are we?”

  “Yeah.” Aidan let out a shaky breath. “So, it’s just once a week with Chloe, right, Da?”

  “Yes. We’ll try it for a few months and see how it goes.”

  “I don’t need an office.”

  “Take it.” Gregg handed him the keys.

  “Give it to Dare.” Aidan shook his head.

  “I don’t need it,” Darius said.

  “No, I don’t—”

  “Aidan,” Gregg reproached.

  “Just let me use your gym when I work with Chloe. I don’t need this. It’s ridiculous.”

  “Darius and the boys can use my office when they’re here. I want you to have a place that’s just yours. An escape. Somewhere you can do your brooding where I’ll know you’re safe,” he added.

  The room was furnished with a large desk and a sectional sofa at the center of the room. Two sets of doors flanked the fireplace; one led to a gym, the other to a private room.

  “This is especially for you.” Gregg opened the door. “I’ve asked Darius to soundproof it while he’s here.”

  “It’ll just take a minute and a little wave of my mojo.” Darius waggled his fingers.

  Aidan stepped through the door and knew he’d lost the argument. He couldn’t resist the little music studio, complete with a piano and recording equipment.

  “There’s a small bedroom at the back where you can spend your waking evenings, when you wish.”

  “You play dirty, Da.” Aidan sighed as he accepted the keys to his very own office.

  ~~~

  CHAPTER

  FOUR

  Allie:

  “What’s for breakfast? I’m starving.” Allie yawned as she wandered into the kitchen. Her typically unruly hair was an absolute disaster from a less than restful night. These days she just couldn’t seem to turn it off. As she reached for the coffee, she caught her mother’s eye.

  “Uh oh, I know that look.”

  “I’m sorry, Allie-girl,” Lily said.

  “Nuh-uh. No coffee, no talkie.” She held up one finger as she poured her coffee and reached for a doughnut. She added a second one to her plate because apparently it was going to be a two-doughnut kind of morning.

  “Alright, I’m ready.”

  “A colleague called while we were away,” Carson began. “I’ve been invited to participate in a research program at the University of New South Wales in Sydney.”

  “At least it’s not too far,” Allie said. “But what about your work, Ma?”

  “I can finish from Sydney.” Lily pasted on her platinum-fake smile.

  “I’m still going to Bali to see Joss, right?” Her sister was completing her residency at a hospital there and Allie was looking forward to spending a few weeks with her. Their parents were actually going to let Allie homeschool for the next term so she could spend some much needed time with Joss. Well they were going to let her, but somehow, she knew even those plans had changed.

  “Joscelin’s going to come visit us in Sydney,” Carson said.

  “No Bali beaches? Why not? I was looking forward to warmth and sunshine and you know, actual summer in the summer.”

  “With the move, I just don’t think it’s a good time,” Lily said evenly and Allie knew better than to push.

  “Boo! I’m more bummed about no Bali.” Her shoulders sagged in defeat. “When are we leaving?”

  “Tomorrow,” Carson said. “I’m sorry, honey, but it’ll be a quick move this time, so pack only what you can’t live without.”

  “My sculptures? Really, Dad?” She stomped her foot in frustration. That’s what sucked the most about moving. Most of the time they only took what would fit in their suitcases.

  “There’s a gallery in Wellington that might be interested in them,” Lily suggested.

  “Aw, Ma, they’re just junk.” Allie spent most of her time lately making sculptures out of things she found. She really didn’t want to leave them behind.

  “They’re beautiful, honey.”

  “Isn’t it in your mom contract that you have to tell me everything I make is beautiful?”

  “Yes, but in this case, it happens to be true. I showed one of your smaller figures to that gallery owner—”

  “At that cool urban place?” Allie gasped. “What did she say?”

  “She loved it! We’ll stop by later today and see if she’s interested.”

  “Cheers to that! If I have to leave them behind, I’d rather leave them in a gallery than on the curb. I’ll have to sort through the garage and see what I have.”

  “Go get packed first,” Lily reminded her.

  “Ugh! Packing!” Allie eyed the last doughnut, but thought better of it. “It’s so hard to choose what to take and what to leave behind.”

  “I’m sorry, Allie. I know this isn’t easy; especially changing schools again.” Carson had a tortured look on his face.

  “I don’t mind, Dad. Really.” She paused behind his seat to drape her arms around his neck. “Changing schools is no big deal. It’s the all the packing, moving and unpacking that I’m not a fan of.” She wrinkled her nose.

  “Well, you’re all set up to homeschool this term, so why don’t we just stick with the plan and you can start fresh the following semester once you’re settled?”

  “That would make all of this moving hardship a lot easier to bear.” Allie attempted to keep a straight face.

  “You’re laying it on a bit thick, kid. I could change my mind if you aren’t careful.”

  “Later, Dad. Homeschooling’s a great idea!” Allie bolted for her room to pack.

  ~~~

  “This is where we’re living?” Allie wandered around the tiny, sparsely furnished apartment. The move happened so fast, her head was still spinning from the whirlwind packing and traveling.

  “It’s just temporary, we’ll get something closer to campus once I get things settled with the university.” Carson glared at the depressingly small apartment. “At least it has a great view.”

  “It’s beautiful!” Allie gazed across Bondi Beach. “And the beach is within walking distance, not too shabby for Allie. It would be better if it was a warm Bali beach, but it’ll do. I’m going to check out my room.” She grabbed her meager belongings and headed to the smaller of the two bedrooms.

  They had lived in some strange places; like the tree house in Brazil, and the bungalow on the beach in the Philippines, but this was by far the crappiest place ever.

  “What are we doing here, Carson?” She heard her mother’s voice through the cheaply constructed walls.

&n
bsp; “He asked us to come, Lil. It’s been years since we’ve heard from him, but I wasn’t surprised. It’s nearly time.”

  “It’s strange, so many things happening all at once when we’ve had nearly two years of peace,” Lily said.

  “Was it really her? Back at the house?” Carson asked.

  “You know it was.”

  “She was early. By several months.”

  “I know,” Lily sighed. “I’m afraid we’ve just hit warp speed.”

  “But you did everything as planned?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then all we have to do now is wait.”

  Allie’s heart thudded in her chest as she quickly unpacked her speakers and docked her ancient, pre-wifi-iPod. She selected a random playlist to drown out her parent’s voices. She wanted to run into their room and ask them what they were talking about. Demand answers to a thousand questions she didn’t even know how to ask, but Allie knew it was pointless. She learned a long time ago there were certain questions her parents would never answer. Her intuition screamed for her to ignore it, and experience told her that anything overheard was best left forgotten.

  ~~~

  CHAPTER

  FIVE

  Aidan:

  “Chloe, if you say ‘yes sir’ one more time, I’m going to drop kick you across this gym!” Aidan paced along the padded mat, desperately trying to think of something—anything to teach her.

  “Sorry!” she giggled.

  “No, I’m sorry. I have no idea what I’m doing.”

  “You’re doing fine, Aidan.” She twirled her quarterstaff like an expert and hopped off the four-foot beam with a little flip.

  There wasn’t a single thing he could teach her that she didn’t already know.

  “I know can fight with this thing like a pro, but I’m fifteen now and I’m speeding nine-hundred miles an hour toward my Awakening and I don’t know squat about anything else. And no one seems to think it’s important to teach me anything new.”

  “We all felt that way, Chlo. You’ll be fine.”