The Warriors, page 5
part #3 of Wicked Series
Mathaias went on to be a writer, determined to live within the Human World, sharing the love his parents had for one another, for it was that love that had given him life.
When Oliver finished reading, we turned to one another, hope and desperation in each of our eyes. Now, reading back over the story, I see how far-fetched the idea is, but we must try. We must.
Laura found herself speeding through the journal, reading over the meeting with Kane, learning about how they teamed up and sought out the essential charms. She read over their mission into the vaults, where they had stolen back some of Stella’s money after having lost it all when she left the Spirit World.
For the entire duration of the story, Laura found herself growing more and more anxious. Then, at long last, Cara managed to gain back her Identity Mark and was able to then find the Possession Charm. Cara was not precise in where she went or who she contacted. Laura understood why. That kind of information in the wrong hands could spell the end of the Spirit World. Well, assuming the approaching fight didn’t do that already.
It was the final entries that had Laura sobbing, as she truly came to understand some of what Cara had gone through; what she had done.
January 8th 1996
I can’t quite describe what had happened in the past few days since I last wrote. My life changed, that much I can tell you.
Upon our return to the Manor, I was weaker than I had ever been. I was in and out of consciousness. I was blacking out completely at times. I was dizzy and constantly sick, and I knew I had lost a lot of weight.
Leo and Stella did all they could to help me pull through, but it was clear that I was growing immune to the medicine, as we all knew I would. That meant the months were catching up to me, and fast.
Oliver fled the Manor with Kane to summon the Gods. How they did it, they will not tell me. Oliver, being human, could not have done it, so Kane would have been the only one who could have contacted them. I try not to dwell on how he did it. I can only accept what happened next, for it saved my life.
Oliver pleaded with the God Adissery, daughter of the Sun God. She was one of the kinder Gods, though that didn’t count for much. Fortunately, she must have seen something in Oliver, because she agreed to assist us in our quest. Her payment? She wanted the Westmill ruby. The one that still resided in the hilt of my sword. The one that my ancestor William Westmill presented to the Gods in exchange for an alliance and the hidden Island, Alast.
I knew my sword was still within the Corin Manor, where we had left it upon my leaving the Spirit World. So, Oliver snuck into the weapons room, pried the ruby loose, replaced it with a fake, and took the ruby to the God. She accepted it, and dispatched her Angel.
I felt it the moment she arrived in my room. She was almost completely invisible besides the glowing gold outline of a floating pair of wings. I was sweating, cold, and the room was black around me. I thought I was delirious; that I was dreaming.
And then she spoke to me. She told me she was here to help my daughter and I. She promised that with her assistance, we would both survive. She asked me to speak the words required to activate the possession charm, and I mumbled them after her through my haze.
Then, she disappeared, and I felt the immediate release of pressure inside me. The pain disappeared, the world grew clear, my skin dried and my fear’s fell away. I felt completely reenergized. I felt alive.
And then there was a beat inside my stomach. The beat of my little girl’s heart, strong, healthy, real.
Oliver burst into my room then, and the moment he saw me, he broke down.
I realised in that moment that we had done it. We had succeeded. My little girl, our little girl, she would live. We both would.
April 4th 1996
Only an hour ago my little girl was born. Oliver is smitten. He won’t let her out of his sight. He is currently sitting in the chair by my bed, arms wrapped around her, grinning down into her face as she sleeps. The smile on his lips is like nothing I have ever seen before. He adores her, and my love for them both only grows stronger with the knowledge.
We chose to name her Laura, for the name means sweet bay tree, which is symbolic of honour and victory. I felt it fit beautifully, not only because she represents the victory of our survival, but because she would always be my sweet baby girl. The girl I would do anything for. That Oliver would do anything for.
No one quite understands how the two of us survived. There have been many questions, however neither of us has revealed our answers. Kane, Oliver and I made a promise that we would not tell anyone for we all obtained the knowledge that the information was too dangerous. We inform anyone who asks that it was pure luck.
I know people will come for her. I know other Enchanted, maybe even Wicked, will want to know how she, we, lived. Those who are desperate, those who are like me. But I also know she is special. I knew it the moment I held her. I could feel the power in her veins, could see the gold in her eyes. I knew she would be different, and that perhaps scares me most of all.
Oliver and I still have a long road ahead in protecting her from harm, keeping the evil that might come after her at bay. Our time with Kane is far from over.
But for now, we have survived, and we are happy. That is all that matters. We have a lifetime ahead of us to fear what could happen. So for today, we will allow ourselves to smile. Because Laura is our miracle child, and we will not forget how lucky we are to have her.
Oliver glances across at me, and I see the sparkle in his eyes, the joy on his face.
Yes. We deserve this moment of happiness.
Laura stared at the end of the first part of the journal, unable to calm her sobs. She had never known, never understood. But reading the words written in her Mums handwriting had left her feeling as if she was able to find some form of peace.
She placed the journal face down, intent on finishing it, but she paused for a moment to take up her sword, which rested against the bedside table, and studied the red ruby; a fake. She pressed her fingers to its glittering surface, the tears still streaming down her cheeks, and yet, she found herself smiling. Her Mum had been so determined, so intent on succeeding, and she had done it. She had saved Laura’s life, and her own.
Laura felt proud to have had such an incredible Mother. She would never forget the things she’d done. Never.
Slowly, she replaced the sword, and retrieved the journal. Then, she continued to read.
~
By the time Laura had finished reading through her Mum’s journal, she had stopped crying. The entries continued sporadically up until she was seven, and then they stopped. Laura didn’t learn much more about the things Cara had done after saving Laura and herself. Most of her entries revolved around the growth of Laura and the love she had for her husband and daughter. However, as Laura closed the book, she smiled to herself, grateful for the journal. Without it, she never would have known that side of her Mum.
She reached over, placing the leather book in her bedside draw, then once again turned back to the remaining papers. There were still many, and Laura had been at it for hours, but she took up her glass of water, gulped down a few mouthfuls, and dove straight back in.
The papers, while interesting, were not helpful. Not all of them were about her. In fact, there were many relating to other clients and Enchanted. Even some Wicked, seeing as Sorcerers didn’t take sides and helped all within the Spirit World. So it took some time to find the pages that related to her, and even then, there were a number of gaps between pieces of information.
She and Drew had snatched up as much of the scattered pages as they could, but they hadn’t retrieved them all, which explained the gaps. It wasn’t until Laura started on the papers that had been kept in the compartment hidden under the floorboards that she found her desired answers. Well, sort of.
Kane discussed his adventures to far lands, seeking out anyone who could provide information or insight on what powers Laura might possess. Many told stories similar to that of Anetta and Mathew’s, of Enchanted begging the Gods for help, and receiving a miracle. A number even claimed knowing Warlocks who survived their pregnancies like Cara, only for them to move away with no word or trail.
It seemed stories were out there, and yet no one knew the entirety of those stories; of what had happened; or where those survivors were.
There was one entry from Kane claiming he even contacted the Gods, but due to not having sufficient payment, he didn’t receive his answers. It only frustrated Laura further, but slowly, as the stories came out, Laura began to notice a pattern. A pattern that Kane himself had discovered.
I couldn’t help but draw a single conclusion. A secret kept hidden from the Spirit World forever. All these stories led to one place. Many claimed those who fled went south, north, west, or east, depending on where these people lived. And when I took out my map, taking all these claims into account, I was able to discover the secret. A secret I assume has been kept for centuries. A place that will hold the only real answers Cara seeks.
The bottom of the page was torn off, and Laura’s heart began to pound as she retrieved the small scrap of paper she had discovered in the crack of Kane’s fireplace. The address.
The torn shred fit perfectly with the page, convincing Laura that, as Kane implied, that very address would hold her answers. The only problem? The address wasn’t exactly clear.
120SEOZ Mist Roe NS
Laura didn’t know what the address meant, or where it would lead her, but if she knew one thing, it was that Cara, Kane and Oliver were good at keeping secrets.
It was that thought that made Laura realise she would have to think outside the box for the address, would have to discover the hidden message within it. And for that, she would need help. But right then, she desired sleep.
She gathered the papers, carefully placing them back in her bag and hiding it beneath her bed. Then, she settled down under the sheets, and quickly found herself drifting off to sleep.
Chapter Five
The Growing Darkness
Caspian was the first to reach the hotels training room… or so he thought. Just as he placed his palms to the glass doors ready to push, he paused, having caught sight of a flash of red and movement beyond. He peered through the glass, noticing the red-head boy for the first time.
He was dressed in grey tracksuit pants and a white singlet, his pale, freckled skin and toned arms visible. His hands were wrapped, and he was hard at work beating the punching bag just as Caspian had during his prior training sessions.
Caspian moved to step inside when he noticed the boy’s form. He was well trained, that much Caspian could tell. From his stance to his punches, it was clear that he knew what he was doing. Caspian couldn’t help but admire the boy’s talent as he swung again and again at the bag.
All of a sudden the boy froze, his body tense, and Caspian furrowed his brow. In an instant the boy had spun around, producing a hidden dagger from within his pant pocket, his intense grey eyes set on Caspian face. Caspian straightened, wide eyed and shocked by the reaction. He stepped through the door, raising his hands before him in a calm surrender.
‘Sorry, I should have announced myself,’ Caspian said, ensuring he kept his voice even.
The boy relaxed immediately, lowering his dagger to his side. He shook his head, his sweaty red hair falling down into his eyes.
‘No need to apologize. I’ve been on edge since Erebus declared war. I can’t go anywhere without worrying.’
Caspian nodded in understanding. Since the meeting the entire island had been in utter chaos. Rushed preparations for ceremonies being made, Enchanted fleeing back to their own countries to spread the news and ready their forces, armies being dispatched to protect the Humans. It had become a fast nightmare, and yet it was their reality.
Caspian pushed further inside the room. ‘I just hope we’ll be ready.’
The boy’s mouth upturned grimly, ‘that’s why I’m in here.’
Caspian smiled in return, noticing the captain’s jacket hanging from a hook along the opposite wall for the first time. The boy’s eyes flickered to it then back to Caspian.
He extended his hand to Caspian, his smile growing into a grin. ‘I’m Oscar Price, I guess I should have lead with that.’
Caspian felt the need to widen his eyes at the statement, but he forced himself to hold back as he reached out to shake the hand of Oscar Price, leader of the Alast Guardians Guild.
‘Caspian Falcon,’ he managed to choke out in return.
Oscar inclined his head, ‘I’ve heard of you. Well, everyone has I guess, after all that happened with Erebus.’
Caspian felt a shiver rise up his spine as he dropped the young man’s hand. He didn’t like thinking about the soul that had last occupied his body. It just reminded him of the violation he felt knowing his body was, in a way, no longer completely his own.
Oscar appeared to notice the shift in character and thus let the smile fall from his face. ‘Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. It mustn’t be easy to… well, anyway, ignore me.’
Caspian forced his lips together, the corners lifting slightly as he nodded in appreciation. Then, he found himself frowning again. This young man looked to be barely be more than 22, and yet he was the leader of the Alast Guardian Guild? That was quite an achievement for one so young. Especially since he’d been in power for almost a whole year already.
‘Ah, I see you piecing together the puzzle. How am I so young? I’m glad you asked. I have a great plastic surgeon, I can hook you up?’ He said with a grin, and even Caspian had to laugh at that.
‘No, that’s not true. I worked hard, and trained even harder. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have a bit of charm,’ he said with a wink.
Caspian crossed his arms, ‘so you got the job because of your charm?’
Oscar shrugged, ‘something like that.’
It was then that Caspian caught the sound of voices floating down the hall. It seemed his lead hadn’t been by much, because his friends were about to enter the training room.
Oscar peered over Caspian’s shoulder, watching as the doors opened behind Caspian and Drew entered, the rest of his friends in tow. Caspian turned to greet them, his cheeks feeling a little warm.
‘Everyone, this is-‘
‘Oscar Price?’ Logan said in disbelief. ‘I’ve heard all about you. Youngest Enchanted to ever be appointed leader of the Alast Guardian Guild, best warrior of our age. It’s an honour to meet you!’ Logan said excitedly, reaching out to take his hand and shake it aggressively.
Caspian bit back a laugh; Logan had always been well read.
Oscar smiled awkwardly, unable to free his hand from Logan’s grip. ‘Yes, well, I’m pleased to meet you too…’
Grace giggled, reaching out to rest a hand on Logan’s arm. ‘Calm down, I think you’re scaring him.’
Caspian doubted someone like Oscar Price could really be scared off by Logan, but he still liked the easy banter that seemed to come to the red haired boy – something he himself severely lacked in.
Oscar raised a brow, ‘it’s fine.’
Logan grinned, ‘see it’s fine.’
Oscar laughed, ‘okay, you are scaring me a little.’
Logan flushed, quickly letting go of his hand. ‘Oh, yes, um so I’m Logan, and these are my friends.’
Slowly, he proceeded to introduce everyone and they each greeted Oscar with a calmer handshake.
‘I guess I should leave you lot to it,’ Oscar said once the formalities were over.
‘No!’ Caspian said quickly, then felt his cheeks redden at his outburst. ‘No, I just mean, there’s plenty of room in here for you to join us.’
‘Yeah,’ Logan added, ‘you could show us a thing or too.’
Oscar chuckled, ‘you’re the ones who fought Erebus.’
Gemma shrugged, ‘we didn’t fight Erebus exactly, just his minions.’
‘And still we lost,’ Drew added.
‘So we really could use some training,’ Grace insisted.
‘Especially me, I’ve been training as much as possible but I’m years behind the rest of you,’ Laura finished.
Oscar peered around at the group, taking a moment to decide. Then, to Caspian’s relief, Oscar gave them a nod, ‘all right then. Where should we start?’
~
Logan couldn’t ignore the admiration he had for Oscar, a man barely much older than himself, who had already achieved so much. Logan knew he was good at what he did; he knew he could fight, but watching Oscar teach them new techniques with a simple little dagger made him realise just how much more there was out there for him to learn. It also made him question whether he really was ready to undergo the Ceremony, as he had always wanted.
Due to his birthdate being so close to the Ceremony date, he had been asked to attend along with Caspian, Grace and Drew. He had, of course, accepted, but seeing the knowledge Oscar had obtained proved that there was a good reason behind why he would otherwise have been made to wait another year.
‘Good, Laura. If you just raise your elbow a little it’ll help put more strength behind the blow,’ Oscar said, aiding Laura in adjusting her arm.
Laura sized up her target, fixed her stance, and readied her weapon. Then, she spun on the practice dummy, sending the dagger slicing straight through its neck.
‘Excellent. I have to say, for someone who knew nothing about this only months ago, you’re catching on quick,’ Oscar commented.
‘She’s worked as hard as hell for weeks on end,’ Drew said proudly, and Logan noticed the look of admiration on his face, not for Oscar, as Logan had, but for Laura.
Logan supressed a grin as he went back to his own dummy and continued to practice the action for himself. Why couldn’t they just admit their feelings for one another already? It was blatantly obvious that they adored each other. On that note, however, Logan was forced to recall his own suppression of feelings for Grace and decided not to push his friends. Obviously they weren’t ready, as he hadn’t been.
‘You have good form,’ Oscar said from behind Logan, and Logan almost jumped out of his skin as he let the blade set sail across the room, imbedding itself in the opposite wall.
