Talisman

by S.E. Akers

  The top story was truthfully the most important one — for the residents of Welch, that is. Apparently, the early state inspection team found no evidence of methane gas and went on to suggest that the explosions in the main tunnel were most likely the result of safety violations. However, mine officials had another theory and strongly hinted the possibility of sabotage to local law enforcement. The article stated that all avenues of the investigation would be pursued and claimed that Xcavare Enterprises had been deemed a party-of-interest by local authorities. The paper had tried to contact Lazarus Xcavare for a statement, but they reported that, “he could not be reached for a comment at the present time.”

  No kidding…

  The article went on to mention that there was only one injury and no fatalities. Uriah Hatfield was being hailed as a hero for rescuing Samuel Clark. A paragraph about Samuel prompted a smile.

  He’ll love that. Now every single woman over 50 will be banging on his door to help him “recuperate”!

  I noticed a brief mention of Harper Riverside’s death as I got up and poured my coffee. It referenced a more detailed story on his passing that appeared in a smaller section below. The main article reported,

  The torch has been passed onto Mr. Michael

  “Harper” Riverside’s successor, his son,

  Michael H. Riverside III. Mr. Michael

  Riverside, a senior at Welch High School,

  plans to keep the mine open and is overjoyed

  knowing it will remain in his family as

  well as a mainstay to Welch’s economy

  for many years to come.

  As I stirred in my cream and sugar, I thought, I can’t argue with that.

  In the end, Mike got his wish. The mine was his to run — no sale. The town of Welch had been saved, though its residents weren’t privy to Lazarus’ ulterior motives. Xcavare Enterprises was about to pull out of town, trampling on the hearts and livelihoods of all the residents of Welch, and they didn’t have a clue. In a way, Mike was more of a hero than they knew. I smiled thinking about all the desperate, local girls vying to win his affections, not to mention — an engagement ring.

  Charlotte and Chloe sure have their work cut out for them…

  There was a nice write up about Mike’s father. I really felt bad knowing he’d become collateral damage in Lazarus Xcavare’s diabolical scheme. Foul play was mentioned, and Welch’s Chief of Police reported that Harper Riverside’s assailant, Karl Rodman, had been killed, but his cause of death was not mentioned.

  I’m not surprised.

  The police stressed that the motive for Mr. Riverside’s attack had been cited as a “botched robbery attempt” by their investigators, but that they were still checking for any possible links to the explosions at the mine. I took a sip of my coffee and thought, I’d love to see how they connect those dots and prove that!

  Suddenly Charlotte burst into the kitchen, forcing all of my muscles to tense up on the spot. Our last encounter was pretty heated, and I certainly wasn’t in the mood for a rematch. As soon as she spotted me sitting at the table, she rushed over and gave me…a tender hug, followed by an even more shocking kiss on my forehead.

  “Honey,” my mother announced, “I’m going to grab a cup of coffee and then hop in the shower before I whip us up a nice Saturday morning brunch — Okay?”

  I accidently spit up some of my coffee onto the newspaper. WHAT THE HECK? Wide-eyed and choking, I felt the sudden need to ring out my ears, just to make sure I wasn’t hearing things. The longer I stared at my mother, the more I sensed something other than just superb acting skills and a well-delivered line of crap. It was difficult to describe. Her demeanor was almost soft…and approachable, oddly. She didn’t seem the least bit groggy or hung over either, like she usually did this early in the morning. Even more peculiar, Charlotte was radiating a genuine aura of dare I say, “sweet”. I wouldn’t have been the least bit surprised to see a cute ’n cuddly bunny hopping up on the counter to pour some sugar in her mug or a little birdie swooping down to stir in the vanilla creamer with a daggone silver spoon in its beak. I would swear I even heard her humming! As I watched my now perky & pleasant mother take a satisfying sip of her coffee, it suddenly dawned on me that the amethyst had not only neutralized the effects of her wine, but her crappy attitude as well. I lowered my head, trying to contain my giggles.

  Charlotte sashayed towards the doorway, smiling so hard that her Botox finally just gave up and fell by the wayside. “You are hungry? Aren’t you, honey?” she asked.

  I smiled back at her. “Um, yes . . . Mom. I am,” I replied, notably amused. My mother passed me a cutesy wink & wave combo and then bounced out of the kitchen. It was priceless. I shook my head while I wondered how long her change of heart would last. I just hated I didn’t have a camera.

  Freakin’ YouTube “gold”…

  After the shock of Charlotte’s new & improved demeanor had subsided, I continued to flip through the pages of the newspaper until I found the section I both wanted and hated to read. The Obituaries.

  Even though Harper Riverside was featured in an article on the front page, he was mentioned here briefly as well. The next name to follow alphabetically and rightfully so, was Katherine Julia Stowell. I took a deep breath as I started to read the write-up her parents had submitted.

  While my eyes traveled over the words in Katie’s tribute, my teardrops fell onto the rough paper, causing the harsh black ink to bleed. It spoke about the life she had lived and went on to list all of her accomplishments throughout her mere seventeen years. Then it detailed her dreams and aspirations: the things she always wanted to do and all the places she wanted to see. I knew more than anything that Katie didn’t want to stay in Welch to run her family’s store. She had never told her parents anything of the sort because it would have hurt them deeply. Katie’s passing prevented her worst fear from happening, though her parents ended up broken-hearted anyway. That too, was bittersweet. My bosom friend had told me just last week that, “her body would never see the hallowed grounds of Welch”. I hated that her wish wouldn’t come true.

  The obituary closed with a listing of surviving family members. Katie was an only child, but she had several aunts and uncles, as well as a slew of cousins scattered around the country. Most of them were from up north, around Boston and the New York City area. I gasped at the next line. An amethyst the size of a house couldn’t dam up the river that was about to flow from my sad blue eyes. It read,

  Lastly, she is survived by Shiloh Wallace of

  Welch, West Virginia, the best bosom friend

  and closest thing to a real sister she ever had.

  Her mom remembered. I’d thought about that just last night — my favorite memory. I never dreamed it would have been on Mrs. Stowell’s mind as well. Funny how the random things we do as children are unknowingly noticed by our parents and treasured in their minds just as much as they are in our own.

  Overwhelmed with sorrow, I ripped out Katie’s section and ran upstairs. I didn’t dry my eyes. I decided to wait and let the water from my shower wash away my tears. This bout of grief was going to be just as hard as Daddy’s, maybe harder? I knew what Beatrix had said at the hospital was true. I’d have done the same thing for her, and I wouldn’t have let her stop me either. It was ultimately Katie’s choice. I knew if my bosom friend were here, she would probably smack me for even thinking about crying around the house all day over her. I’ll compromise. Only half the day…and then from there, I’ll just have to play it by ear. I’d shed so many tears lately I was becoming a pro at it. There were still plenty that needed to fall for my father as well. My new life had served as a Band-Aid, covering my feelings temporarily, but it was time to rip it off. I needed to let the sorrow bleed out naturally. I was going to have to face this head-on. No distractions and no amethyst — if I could get away with it.

  I whisked up the bathroom blinds as soo
n as I hopped out of the shower. The sun was rising, and it looked like it was going to be another picturesque autumn day — a cloudless blue sky, a crisp breeze whirling all around, and the last of the colorful leaves falling from the trees. I couldn’t count on many more of them. Winter was just around the corner. This might be the last magical fall day. I couldn’t ignore it and pretend nothing would change. I certainly couldn’t shy away from it or shut it out. I’d taken a lot of things for granted lately. I’d shut Katie out of my life this past week and ignored her friendship, selfishly, just so I wouldn’t have to face my grief. I never dreamed the few last memories of my father would be of him flipping pancakes in the kitchen or in the bed of his truck, gasping for air. I’d even taken a pass on several opportunities with Ty. Daddy had once commented, “I don’t know which is sadder? A moment not appreciated or a chance not taken.” I could feel those words being etched in my mind as I stared out the window. I couldn’t take anything else for granted ever again — starting with this day. I didn’t want to miss a second of it.

  I won’t, I thought as I dried off and hurried back to my room, determined and raring to greet it.

  I had to get moving. I’d left the hospital in such a fit that I’d forgotten to ask Beatrix when she was leaving. I wanted to see her off, but I mostly needed to apologize to Tanner. I was pretty rough on him last night. I’d taken both Ty’s memory loss and Katie’s death out on him. After all, I chose this. The diamond wand knew it, and so did I. And this choice was something I’d promised myself that I would never regret.

  In the midst of rushing to get dressed, I almost tripped on the legs of my jeans. I passed on all of my usual college sweatshirts and opted for a taupe, fitted shirt that was a little more feminine. I even threw on a little make-up too. Katie would approve of that. She never left her house without it. I pulled my hair back into my trusty ponytail as I glanced down at the little pouch lying on my vanity. I picked up the bag and rolled the velvet fabric around in my hand for a moment as I stared at my reflection.

  Katie hated my ponytail. Maybe I need to give it a rest? I removed my hairband and gave my tresses a quick shake. I smiled and mused, Yeah… She would like that, too. I started to open the pouch when I heard the loud, rumbling engine of a motorcycle approaching the house. I placed the tiny velvet bag back on my vanity.

  Tanner.

  My smile widened as I slipped on my sneakers and headed out to meet him, with my humility in tow.

  I spun back around in my doorway. Crap! The wand! I’d almost forgotten it. Tanner had stressed the importance of keeping it on me AT ALL TIMES. I could just imagine the scowl on his face if I came bouncing outside without it.

  When I pulled the wand out from under my bed, I happened to notice the transparent part of the platinum hilt that housed the diamond was glowing vehemently. Yeah, it’s still in there. I didn’t want to run out of the house waving it around in my hand, so I shoved it in the back pocket of my jeans. Needless to say, it was rather snug. I probably need to get some kind of holster for this thing…

  A strange feeling came over me, so instinctively I reached back under my bed and grabbed my new moonstone. I can’t forget this either, I thought as I gave the shimmery stone a quick toss and then tucked it into my front pocket. But that damn lapis lazuli can stay the hell over in the corner where I threw it last night for all I care!

  Though I flew down the stairs, I opted for a more casual amble once I’d opened the front door. I strolled out onto the front porch to find Tanner leaning against his Harley, all healed from his injuries and not surprisingly looking as fine as ever. I trotted down the steps and straightaway attempted my most sincere apology.

  “Tanner, I’m so sor—”

  He interrupted me. “That’s not necessary, Shiloh. You were dealing with a lot yesterday.”

  Still embarrassed by my behavior, I shyly smiled back at him.

  “Anyway,” Tanner continued, “I didn’t help matters by snapping at you the way I did . . . all day. You’ve handled yourself so well this past week, you made it easy to forget that all this is so new to you, and that you still have a lot to learn. And for that, I’m truly sorry.”

  I’m sure my beaming smile expressed how relieved I felt. I noticed the leather saddlebags attached to the sides of his motorcycle seemed fuller, and there was a small duffle bag strapped down behind his seat.

  “Are you going somewhere?” I questioned, hoping for any answer other than the obvious one.

  “To Yardley, of course. I do have to get back to my classes.” He laughed and added, “Though I’m sure my students wouldn’t mind if I took a few more weeks off.”

  “So you’re really leaving? This soon?” I posed, unable to hide my disappointment.

  He nodded freely.

  I could feel myself getting flustered. “But . . . don’t I need more training? It’s not like I can run down to the library and check out a book on any of this stuff,” I blurted.

  Tanner seemed amused by my crestfallen state. “Yes. You do need more training. A lot of it. That’s why Bea’s staying in town. There’s no need for her to leave now that the mine isn’t being sold, and that Lazarus has hopped a train out of town.” He smiled and added, “That reminds me. She wants you to come by today and help her unpack her things, since you already know where they go.” Tanner nudged me. “Don’t worry. The time will fly by. You won’t be preoccupied with a hidden agenda this time.” Tanner started rubbing one of his eyes, attempting to make a joke.

  I flashed him a half-hearted smile. I couldn’t help but think of Ty. Being over at Bea’s today would certainly force me to think about him — THE ENTIRE TIME.

  Mental note to self: Take the damn amethyst…just in case.

  The Amethyst Talisman’s radar picked up on my sorrow. He stepped closer and wrapped his arm around me. And of course I didn’t resist the first bit.

  Tanner’s violet eyes softened. “Shiloh, you have many years ahead of you. The loss of a love, especially your first, is tough.” He gave me a tight squeeze. “He fell in love with you once. If it’s truly meant to be, he’ll do it again.”

  I flashed him a lackluster smile. “Yeah. You’re right. It only took him eighteen years to do it the first time,” I countered cynically.

  “Well, for some it happens instantly, but eighteen years is just a moment of time in our world.”

  I let his comment roll around in my head for a bit. I needed to change the subject to something other than Ty. His statement did prompt a burning question of mine.

  “Speaking of that . . . Are you ever going to tell me how old you are? You might as well fess up. After all, I know you predate the destruction of Pompeii, so you’re at least pushing two-thousand,” I replied and batted my eyes knowingly.

  Tanner grinned and shook his head. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you, but not today.” He let out a laugh. “See, that’s what I’ll miss . . . all of your intriguing questions.”

  Just then, the front door swung open abruptly. Charlotte stepped onto the porch smiling, sporting an apron around her waist and waving a spatula in the air. I couldn’t help but giggle. At that moment, if someone were to have gilded her in gold, she would have looked like an ornamental topper on a Mother-of-the-Year trophy.

  “Shiloh, sweetie,” Charlotte called out. “Brunch is about ready. Oh, you can invite your friend in, if you’d like.” She smiled and swiftly headed back into the house.

  I turned to Tanner. “How long is that going to last?”

  Tanner grinned and lowered his head. “About a week. Two, if you’re lucky.”

  We laughed for a moment, but even Charlotte’s amusing situation couldn’t distract me from the fact that Tanner was leaving.

  “When will I see you again?” I asked somewhat anxiously.

  “Soon,” he assured.

  “So, can I call you . . . on the stone?” I grinned.

  Tanner loo
ked away, trying to hide his amusement. He straightened his face. “Yes. That was a good one by the way,” he replied.

  I gestured a bow. “Thank you.” Still downhearted about not seeing him every day, my tone turned serious. “And you’ll answer me . . . Whenever I call?”

  “I promise. I’ll answer all of your calls.” Tanner laughed. “Hey, I’m just glad you can’t text on it. You’d drive me nuts.”

  “A stone that makes you feel better, rids your body from toxins, lets you talk telepathically and lets you text . . . Now that would be impressive,” I teased.

  As our laughter dwindled down, we found ourselves in the midst of an awkward haze of silence. Tanner’s eyes popped open abruptly, and then he reached into the pocket of his black leather jacket.

  “I have something for you,” he announced with a crafty gleam in his eye.

  My smile widened, utterly intrigued.

  “Close your eyes and hold out your right hand,” Tanner instructed as his hand remained inside his jacket.

  I hesitated.

  “Come on, come on. All little girls like surprises.”

  “Not when you put it like that they don’t,” I snapped as I caved to his request. I waited with my eyes closed and my hand extended. Unexpectedly, he flipped my right hand around. The next thing I knew, something was being slid onto my ring finger. It had a strange, but familiar feel to it.

  “Open them up,” Tanner said softly.

  Dumbfounded, I opened my eyes to find my Welch High School class ring that I thought I’d misplaced. Though something about it struck me as odd. The clear acrylic stone looked different for some reason. Curiously, I rubbed my finger over its face. A vibrant light began to dance within the stone. It even emitted the same raw and robust energy as the diamond wand. Tanner had replaced my fake gem with a real one — a charged diamond. I was speechless.

  “I saw it lying on your nightstand when I carried you home from the cave that night. I couldn’t stomach the thought of a Talisman walking around with a tacky hunk of synthetic crap on their finger. I hope you don’t mind. I started to use the diamond you gave me, but then I found that one when I went back to clean up your mess on the railroad tracks last night. I couldn’t resist. You must have dropped it. I cut and polished it myself. It was a diamond from Adamas, himself. The one Caiden wore around his neck. It was your father’s.”

  I remained silent, still awestruck. I thought I’d lost it forever.

  “Shiloh, what’s wrong?” Tanner inquired. “Isn’t it big enough?”

  His jab about the diamond’s size snapped me out of my daze. “No, no. I’m just floored — that’s all.” Not only was I bowled over by the grandeur of the gift, but I was equally impressed with the thoughtfulness behind it as well. I forced back a tear that was starting to form.

  I smiled and gently squeezed his hand. “Thank you, Tanner. It’s perfect.”

  My touch must have triggered his emotional radar again. His normally cocky and playful demeanor took a serious turn as he held on to my hand.

  “I know you’ve made your choice, but it’s normal for a person to struggle with their destiny. It takes time for anyone to accept something wholeheartedly, especially when its been thrust upon them. With every day that passes, you’ll come to terms with what the future holds. I have faith in you,” he vowed.

  My ears welcomed his words, however it still prompted the same old nagging question.

  “Tanner, I still don’t know, why me? And, I’m not sure why the Moonstone Talisman turned her eyes on me last night. I’m nothing to her. I’m just getting used to the diamond’s powers and now I have a lapis lazuli to deal with — that I didn’t want, and a moonstone from a strange Talisman who saved my life . . . Oh, and not to mention, constantly having to worry about other Talismans out there trying to kill me. Quite frankly, it’s overwhelming . . . especially not knowing when a horrible memory will pop out of them,” I added fearfully as I thought about my new lapis lazuli. “I know I accepted this gift into my life, but I hope I have some control over how it unfolds. I’m worried that instead of these stones being a part of my life, they’ll force me to become a pawn in theirs.”

  “Yes. When you claim another Talisman’s stone, their memories are a part you can’t fully control, but you must accept them. But they’re not always a burden, Shiloh. You can learn from them. They only reveal their memories when they sense you’re ready. Stones are like life . . . They never throw anything that you can’t handle, no matter how unbearable it may seem at the time. As far as the wand goes, just remember to trust its wisdom and above all, respect it. When the time is right, it will lead you on your path. But Shiloh, you won’t ever be alone on your journey. The Onyx will always be watching you. Now that he knows you reign over the wand completely, and that Seraphina has given you a moonstone, his attempts will be less frequent, but far more calculated I’m afraid. The Onyx has many faithful followers who will do his bidding, so you must always be cautious. And don’t forget . . . Ferrol is still out there somewhere with a hunger for your scent. Always remember that trouble is but a stone’s throw away.”

  I gave Tanner a firm nod, letting him know I fully understood every heedful word he’d said.

  “Now, listen to me and do exactly what I’m about to say. Keep your wand on you at all times. Do you have it on you?” Tanner questioned skeptically.

  I turned around to flaunt the base of the wand’s hilt that was sticking out of the back pocket of my jeans and gave my rear a firm pat.

  “Nice,” he replied playfully.

  A funny feeling crept over me when I spied a sharp twinkle sparking in his eyes, leaving me to question whether or not he was referring to the clever place I’d stashed it or my ass?

  Tanner continued, “Only draw the wand when you’re prepared to use it. Its sole purpose for protecting the diamond’s power is to kill—not to intimidate—and it should only be used as a last resort. As long as you claim its power, you’re the only one who can summon the wand to emerge from its hilt. It’s imperative that you protect the wand from your enemies,” he stressed. “And you must always be on your guard and keep your identity a secret. As you’ve unfortunately already witnessed, it will end up complicating matters and could be detrimental to your existence.” Tanner added adamantly, “And don’t hand out your diamonds to just anybody.” He pointed his finger sternly. “And never, ever SELL THEM! You can’t afford for them to indirectly fall into the wrong hands. Your enemies would love to get their hands on them. Then you would become your own worst threat.”

  The thought of selling them had never popped into my mind until he’d just mentioned it. However, what he said rang true. It was out of the question.

  “I understand,” I pledged whole-heartedly.

  “I hope you do,” he stated with a firm nod of his head. Tanner opened one of his saddlebags and pulled out what appeared to be a folder of some sort.

  “There’s something else,” Tanner announced as he handed me the ivy-green folder. There was an elaborate, golden embossed design on its cover that framed a cursive capital “Y”. “There’s something in there you need to sign.”

  “What?” I asked as I opened the folder.

  “Your official acceptance letter to Yardley.”

  My mouth fell open, left speechless once again.

  “Really, Shiloh. I would think someone who’s smart enough to get into Yardley could’ve figured that out just by looking at the cover.”

  My elation waned when reality forced the price tag to go “cha-ching” in my head.

  “Tanner, I told you, I can’t afford this — not unless you don’t mind me selling a few of my diamonds,” I jabbed.

  “There won’t be any need for that. You’ve got a full academic scholarship . . . as long as you major in Geology, of course.”

  I looked at the diamond gemstone in my class ring. “Of course,” I acknowledged slyly. I quickly
pulled out the form I was to sign and cleared my throat. “Pen, please?”

  Tanner pulled a black Mont Blanc pen out from the inside pocket of his leather jacket. I noticed it had been customized with a tiny amethyst on the tip of its cap.

  “Imagine that,” I quipped and quickly signed my college intention letter without batting an eye.

  “Here you are,” I announced gleefully as I placed the letter back inside the folder and handed it to him. The flashy pen I returned with a flick of my wrist, adding a touch of dramatic flair. I couldn’t contain my excitement. Even though my life had taken a different path, I was still being allowed to fulfill one of my dreams. College. And not just any college either — the country’s best and finest.

  Tanner studied the form inside with an intrigued look on his face. He flashed it in the air. “What happened to your ‘y’?”