Goddess Kindled, page 10
“Well, that sucked.”
Grumbling. She ached now from head to toe. Moving ever so slowly she took stock. Raising the arm she felt hit something, it was sore but her clothing was still intact. Opening, and closing her fingers she rotated her arm, didn’t seem like anything was broken. Gently sitting up nausea hit her instantly. Freezing in place, she tried to breathe with slow even breaths. Once it passed she remembered she hit her head too. Raising her banged up arm she felt her head. There was a small bump growing. Great, just what she needed. Pulling her hand back she noticed blood. Sucking in a breath to try, and calm her nerves. She was about to rummage through her pack when she thought she heard something.
Fritters she better move; she didn’t have time to tend to her wound just yet. Maybe once she found what she was looking for. Whatever that was. All she knew was what the book had told her. I guess this was the location based on her brother's experience when he was here. For some reason, she had brought the stone with her. It hadn’t been needed with the book, so she guessed it might be needed here. The book itself, she had left in a different hiding place for either Caden or Rowan with instructions. In case she failed, someone needed to pick up where she left off. Crazy, and sad how Cora had done the same.
Grunting as she pushed herself up. It took a moment for the world to stop spinning. Reaching up she held her head as if to stop the spinning. Feeling the pain at the contact.
“Ouch”
That goose egg was a good size now. Gingerly she took in her surroundings. It seems she hand found the basement of the structure Giant had talked about. Noticing a set of stone steps she headed towards them keeping one hand on the wall for support. She couldn’t afford another tumble. Slow, and steady keeping her hand on the wall she followed the stair downward. This structure reminded her of the pictures she’d seen of turrets, and their winding stairs. Stopping at the bottom to steady herself, and glance around there was only a doorway that at one time held a door.
She was starting to grow sleepy. That was a bad sign. Hitting her head caused a concussion? It would be her guess, based on how she was feeling now. She really had to stay awake now though. That was becoming a challenge with every minute that ticked by. Gliding her hand along the wall as she made her way through the doorway, Harlow was stunned at the beauty before her on the other side. She was still in a stone built room with an archway at the other end. Bright, and colorful light illuminating from the archway shone around the room. Surrounding it were carvings thick with picture art, and multiple texts. Just like it was in the book. The desire to rush over to it was so strong, she was holding herself back, but only just. With her head still spinning she moved, again keeping her hand along the wall. Reaching out with her other hand to run her gloved finger tips along the stone.
It was truly beautiful. This must have taken great skill, and time to complete. The weathered stone showed its age with grace, and integrity. Whoever constructed this should be proud. A stunning masterpiece of craftsmanship. It definitely has been loved, and cared for to have survived to this day.
Side stepping she moved along taking in its wonder. Wishing she could take her glove off to really touch it. Sadly that was not an option. This clearly was what the clues had led her too. Now what was she to do? Looking closer she noticed a notch carved on the inner side of the archway, which was a good foot, and a half wide. When she got closer, tracing her finger around the edge, it was the same shape as the stone. Could that be it?
Bending to reach the stone from one of the many pockets, she cried out in pain at the pressure in her head. Uprighting herself again she held her head as the pounding persisted. Awkwardly she maneuvered to the pocket to retrieve the stone. As she did so she heard her name being shouted.
“Harlow? Harlow where are you? I heard your scream of pain, Har.”
That sounded like Caden.
“Caden, is that you?”
She tried to shout, but her head just hurt too much. Moving quickly she put the stone into the opening. Well she tried too. It was getting harder to see straight. Using both hands, one at the cut out the other on the stone. She manured till she felt the stone was in place. The blood from on her gloved fingers wasn’t helping either. The stone kept slipping. Once it was in place she noticed she could push it in. Like a secret button. Before she could however, Caden stepped through the opposite doorway. He shouted.
“Harlow, what are you doing?”
His voice rang in her head. Grabbing her head again with one hand leaving the other on the stone arch for support. She squinted, and looked questioningly at her brother.
“What?”
She tried to ask. However she could only manage a whisper.
As Caden shouted
“You’re hurt”
He started to lunge towards her only to be pulled back. Jerking roughly out the grip caused him to stumble a few steps into the tiny room. Turning, and moving himself between her, and whoever was at the bottom of the stairs. He stood firm radiating anger instantly.
“I see you followed me Jasper. Where would your other half be then?”
At least Caden was talking loud enough for her to hear. Why would Jasper follow Caden? Other half, who was that? She got her answer as Sally walked into the tiny room. Waltzing over to Caden, she tried to touch him. He shrugged her off with disgust. Finally she thought. Blinking rapidly, she tried to focus, it was getting harder, and harder with each moment. Trying to zero in on the conversation hurt. Everyone still talked as if she wasn’t there, typical.
Caden snapped loudly.
“What do you want Sally?”
Trying again to snuggle up to him only to be rebuffed again. She sneered.
“Oh come on it wasn’t all bad, you liked it.”
Crossing her arms trying in vain to push up her cleavage.
“Enjoyed, ha”
Caden laughed. Actually, laughed.
“You really can’t tell when it’s fake eh? I was using you like you were using me.”
Shaking a pointed finger at her, he said in an angrier tone.
“But you should have left Harlow out of it.”
Turning to look at her. Again concern grew in eyes as he lunged for her only to be stopped by Sally this time. They began to grumble, and argue, all while struggling to free themselves from the other.
Her vision was really beginning to tunnel. Leaning on the wall for more support her hand slipped pushing the stone into place with a click. Bright colors of lights seemed to come from everywhere now. In pain, and shock she screamed.
“Caden.”
The light was simply too bright causing more pain. She saw both Caden, and Sally turn in her direction, frozen with confused looks on their faces. As Caden's face changed to worry she saw Jasper move in behind him on the other side. She was about to shout, to warn him when she was forcefully pulled backward, it knocked her off her feet. With her arms, and legs flailing about she screamed at the pressure building in her head.
Closing her eyes to block out the kaleidoscope of colors surrounding her. She tried to raise her arms to hold her pounding head. No such luck however, just as she began to move her limbs, instead of the intense backward pulling force she dropped from it to free fall. Before she could even blink she landed with another thud. Forcing all the air from her lungs. Trying to move hurt as did the little bits of air she managed to get. Cracking open her eyes she saw a black sea with twitching, twinkling dots.
“Oh, that’s nice.”
Before the blackness completely surrounded her she thought he heard someone chuckle.
Chapter Nine
Once again she found herself amongst the dense trees of a forest. Inhaling deep the sweet earthy smell, it filled her with a sense of familiarity. This place was really growing on her, like a sense of coming home. With excitement, and a little bounce in her step she began the trek towards the clearing. A large smile spread across her face as she did so. This time there are beams of sunlight poking through the treetops creating a mystical feel to the forest. It also made it much easier to see through the dense foliage.
Why hadn’t her other visits here looked like this she wondered. Filled with so much life, of singing birds, scattering animals, and the warmth of the sun's rays. Taking her time, she’d stop to feel the rough bark of tree trunks, and the silky texture of their leaves. Feeling the needles of some of the trees were smooth, and sharp to the touch. Where others had a soft ruff like texture. The variety was stunning to her.
So lost in her experience she jumped startled when she heard voices shouting. With her hand to her chest she took a few breaths to calm her racing heart. Would she ever not react every time something scared her? Once she calmed, and started her way towards the clearing, again she focused in on the voices. They weren’t clear enough to understand yet, they also didn’t sound like an argument either. More like tons of people just all talking at once. Why would so many people be gathered in the clearing she wondered?
At the edge she hesitated, the group of people mingling there was enormous. She’d never seen so many people gathered together at one time. Her heart was starting to beat a little faster. Seeing this many people frightened her a bit. Wrapping her arms around herself, attempting comfort in a hug.
As she calmed, and was remembering all the times she had been here before. No one had ever hurt her or had been able to see her. Well except the old man that is. She still couldn’t figure that one out. Why she would create this dream world was beyond her so far.
Inching forward ever so slowly she relaxed her arms. As she reached the edge of the gathering she began weaving her way through the throng of people. Wanting to see who was running this shouting match, and why. Her curiosity growing stronger with every step. As she passed people she could hear requests for something to be done, that it needed to be done. Plus what were they going to do about it? Noticing in fascination too, this group was adults of all ages, men, and women speaking their minds. Wanting a way to work together, and solve the issue. Whatever that issue was she wasn’t sure yet.
She was not used to such commonality, and community spirit on an issue. It was the Overseer who just simply dictated a result on any given issue he saw fit. Even when no issue existed. The True Guard was there to enforce the desired outcome. She was kinda liking this way better. Even if it was too confusing for her at the moment. The desire to learn more propelled her further.
Making it to the front of the group she was greeted by a line of people standing like statues taking in each, and every voice. Amazing, she thought. Their eyes rapidly moved around the mass connecting to each individual. Wow what must that be like to process information at a rapid speed like that. Inching a little closer she suddenly then froze in her tracks. The elderly man she had been dreaming about stepped out from somewhere behind the line of people, raising his arm in the air. It was then she noticed the staff he was holding as he stretched it above his head. There was something held within the top of the wooden staff, when he twisted his wrist slightly, it sparkled for all to see. Silencing the crowd instantly. With a booming voice.
“I thank you all for coming, and voicing your concerns. The elders have heard you. Trust your will to be done through them.”
Lowering his staff he then pounded it on a flat rock at his feet three times.
As if by magic the scene in front of her changed, in a poof the once shouting mass vanished. Once gone the elders, she guessed, now standing in a semicircle speaking with a small group of men, and women. Among the small group was the older man she saw die in the battle dream she had. She also recognized two other men from her dreams as well. They were all animated about their discussion, nodding in agreement with each other. As a decision was made the older man thumped his fist over his heart three times. Announcing then loud, and proudly.
“I will prepare all for battle.”
Bowing his head to the ancient ones he gave his thanks to them leading most of the group away.
The elders stopped three of the group. Worry, and curiosity shone on their faces. The two men were the ones she recognized earlier, the woman however was new to her, and still slightly hidden by the others. When the elders finally spoke, they had an eerie voice. A unified high pitch sounding like a slurring whistle. Instantly causing shivers to race down her spine.
“The destiny you three share will differ from the others.”
Very quickly, it seemed to her that the elders acted like a hive mind. For each spoke a sentence in the same high pitch whistle, one after the other.
“Long, and hard is the road ahead.
For together you create that, what will be the saving grace.
To heal for all is holding your hand.
The Raven shall light your way.”
Pulling her eyes away from staring at the elders to look at the three. Who all stood proud, firm with shock, and awe across their faces. Turning they looked at each other. The man she had seen most often stepped forward bowing his head in respect, and thanks. Rising his head he opened his mouth to speak. However, he never got the chance, the elders apparently weren’t finished. They all spoke as one, this time. Causing Harlow to cover her ears in vain.
“Never fear Kieran. Your destiny holds even greater gifts to behold.”
Moving as one the five elders shifted on the breeze back a few paces before continuing.
“For the one to see the futures past,
Is thrice blessed to conquer lightfast.
Fire be true,
With leadership firm,
Changing destiny to right.”
With that statement, in the blink of an eye the five elders vanished from sight. As too did her dream. She was thrust back into being aware of herself. She hurt all over, and was vaguely aware of voices in the distance. Trying to move she groaned in pain when she did. Opening her eyes to see what had happened to her she screamed, this time in pain caused by the intense light. Shutting her eyes tight, and locking down her jaw. She started breathing through her nose to stave off the rising nausea. She suddenly felt a nice cool cloth moving around her forehead, sighing at the comfort she relaxed into the bed. Hearing a whispered “Shhh little one. You are safe. Rest just rest.” With the comforting whisper she drifted off into a blessed dreamless sleep.
Finding the woman who had fallen from the sky fascinated him but also aroused his curiosity. He hadn’t known why he had been so drawn to that location today. He hadn’t been there since he was a very small child, and that was eons ago. It was a sacred place. One from the ancient acceptors. Never less today he had been compelled to be there. He was not able to even make it to the sacred site when he saw the woman falling through the air. Instant worry filled him, had him rushing to her aid.
A good thing too, when he found she was lying there unconscious, and bleeding from the temple. Knowing instantly filled him, he was sent to help her. She looked as though she had been in a battle, bruises covering every inch of showing skin. Which wasn’t much at all. Her clothing, and armor looked very strange to him. Where had she come from, he wondered. Bending to knee at her side, he tore a piece of his clothing to place on her temple, in hopes to stop the bleeding. As he touched her however a spark of familiarity, and energy zinged through his veins. She hissed in unconsciousness at the pain of the pressure. At her sound of pain his entire being screamed MINE. With the need to protect, and care. As if zapped he instantly pulled back.
“No. It can not be?”
That wasn’t possible, it was just a fairy tale they were told.
Putting his thoughts aside, he very gently lifted the woman into his arms. As she cried out in pain once more he shhhhh’d, and she instantly calmed. Still he questioned, shaking his head, ’it can not be.’ Rising slowly he began the long road back home. Every so often shhhhing as she cried out. Amazed that at the sound of his voice she would instantly relax. Could this really be true? He wondered. It was too much to hope for.
She fascinated him regardless if it was true or not. She was tiny compared to him, but he sensed a strong, vibrant inner strength. He wanted to learn more about her. Like the color of her eyes or her hair. Did she blush as her fair skin suggested it would. He’d have to wait till all her bruising held to see. Just looking at her soft skin marred with a kaleidoscope of greens, and yellows forming filled him with anger. Who would treat a woman so. It wasn’t right.
To be safe, and following instinct if anyone else had seen her fall, he took the long way less traveled. Instead of his home like he planned he headed in the direction towards Cormac’s cabin. She would be safer there, especially in her condition. She needed healing. Since Cormac was a shaman, and healer it was just the place to go. The fact he was also an ancient one was an added bonus. His powers, and knowledge would be a significant asset. His gut was constantly screaming to protect this woman at all costs. As gingerly as he could he quickened his pace without disturbing her. Needing to reach his destination a little quicker.
He had just rounded the corner in the woods surrounding the shaman cottage when he saw Cormac rushing to him. Shaking his head at himself, he should have known they would have a greeting. As Cormac skidded to a stop, Kieran continued to walk right past him. He’d never before seen their wise man as frazzled before. He was usually so calm, collected, and resolute in his surroundings. At this moment this man showed another side.
With a whisper heavy in concern he asked.
“What happened to her, Kieran?”
Looking over his shoulder he said with more venom then he intended
“I know not. But whoever did this to her will pay.”
Turning back he marched up the steps of the cottage, through the open door. Finding a cot already prepared in the middle of the room he laid her on it. Turning again to find Cormac right behind him, speaking softly this time.
