Goddess Kindled, page 7
Refocusing on her mission led her to a shelf lined with many ancient books. The spines of which looked to be made of leather. They were quite lovely. At some point in the distant past, they had discovered a way to preserve, and restore these ancient masterpieces. How Cora could have torn a page from one of these was horrifying to her. Looking closer, she reached out her hand, feeling the same vibrations she felt when she had touched the stone in Cora’s suite. So weird. Maybe they were connected somehow. With that thought in mind, she hovered her hand over the books until she felt the strongest tremor. Carefully wrapping her fingers around the spine a very pleasant warmth filled her.
This was all very strange. Why when touching a book could she feel like she was coming home. It didn’t make any sense. Shaking her head to dislodge the thought she needed to stay focused. She pulled the book from the shelf. Without even looking at it she very quickly made her way into the restroom. Once the light was on, and the door closed she turned the old turn lock securing the door. Just in case, it was better to be safe. It would give her notification should anyone try to enter. Leaning against the wall she took some quick breaths. This was exciting but scary at the same time.
How, and why could she feel these things? It didn’t make any sense. Had Cora been the same? Was that why she had been acting so weird before her disappearance? More, and more questions kept coming to mind, and no answers yet. This was really getting frustrating. Her emotions were all over the place too. Making it difficult to know what she was rightly feeling. Not trusting there not to be planted devices in here she went, and sat. Turning on the faucet as she passed it. Just in case, she had to be careful.
Looking at the book in her lap. It didn’t really look like something overly special. Running her fingers along the spine she could feel that there was great knowledge held within. The cover was also made of leather, although different from the spine. A very plain looking but thick book. Almost seemed as if it was wearing a disguise to fit in. Shaking her head she wondered where that thought had come from. Turning the book, was when she noticed that the book was locked. There were two metal arms stretching across, one near the top, and the other near the bottom. A lock mechanism in the middle connecting each.
Leaning back with a frustrated sigh. Well isn’t this just great. How am I supposed to look at it now? She didn’t have time to try, and figure this out in here. She had to get back to her chair, and look at other books. Fritters! Was she to hide the book in here? Put it back on the shelf? Or take it with her somehow? As she was starting to panic she remembered. Romance novels. That’s what she would do.
Jumping up quickly, and turning off the tap, goodness she had really been wasting valuable water lately. Never mind that she had a job to do. She moved swiftly, unlocking the door, and then making her way to the romance section. Grateful that this section was well out of sight for the camera as well. So it wouldn’t seem odd or out of behavior for her to be seen with an armful of romance books. The letter did reference them after all.
First she looked for a jacketed book the same thickness as the leather bound book. Once she found one she quickly removed the dust jacket placing it onto the leather bound book. Well as best she could anyways. After shelving the jacket free book she randomly grabbed some books she could add to the pile. Before she left the section she grabbed one more book cover just in case. Tucking it, the letter in the stack of books.
Moving quickly until just before camera range, Harlow slowed. She could really take her time now. Once back at her chair she carefully sat placing the stack of books onto the side table. Bending to pick up her bag, she began to gently each of the books into it. Careful not to reveal the locks on the special book to the camera. It had to be kept a secret. For the camera's sake she continued on as usual.
Returning to the section of study, and selecting more books. For the first time she was actually bored. She wanted to be in her room trying to open this special book. Not here reading over boring books filled with numbers, and financial advice.
Chapter Seven
As luck would have it she once again quite literally bumped into Sally. Though this time she suspected it was not her fault. Having seen her, and trying to walk around her. She wasn’t in the mood to talk or deal with the multiple sides of her personality right now. However she wasn’t so lucky, as per usual.
Sally barked as she grabbed her upper arms.
“Harlow, you really need to watch where you are going. Are you really so absent minded not to be aware?”
Trying to free herself from the firm grip.
“I was trying to walk around you, Sally.”
Her struggle was in vain, the harder she tried to shake free her grip only tightened. Through clenched teeth she begged.
“Please let go Sally. You’re hurting me.”
As if burned Sally released her with a little push. Causing Harlow to stumble back a few steps. To which she gladly sneered.
“See my point, you need to watch where you’re going.”
With a frustrated sigh, and trying with all she had to be polite. While remembering this was a member of the True Guard she was dealing with.
“I’m sorry Sally.”
She took a moment, pretending to fix herself, before she asked.
“Is there something you wanted? I’m headed back to my suite.”
Patiently waiting, she studied Sally’s face. The woman looked like she was sucking on a lemon with the expression she displayed. It seemed like her true colors were really beginning to shine through. Sadly though, only with her. If only her twin could see this person standing before her.
With time it appeared some internal decision was made, her face relaxed as she turned on her heel heading back in the direction she had come. Pausing to turn over her shoulder to grumble.
“Never mind.”
Then stumped off like a petulant little child.
Rubbing her hands on her upper arms to relieve the pain, and the sudden chill. She mumbled.
“The many faces of Sally were exposed. That woman is nuts. Why doesn’t anyone else see it?”
Shaking her head to clear her mind, she continued home to her suite. Once inside she was surprised to see Caden in their kitchenette cooking up a storm. Also making one heck of a mess.
Maneuvering her way through the room, she dropped her bag into her favorite chair. Asking.
“What’s with all this?”
She waved her arm indicating the set table, and him cooking.
With a huge smile in her direction.
“I felt I should cook for you for a change. You are the one to always take care of me, and Rowan. Don’t worry about cleaning up either. That’s all mine.”
He turned back, working his magic.
Wow, this was nice even if it felt wrong to her. She liked taking care of her family. It made her happy. Making her way to the table.
“Thank you, Caden. Is there anything I can do to help?”
While waving his kitchen utensil in the air he murmured
“No, no, I’m good. I have everything under control. Even if it looks like a tornado hit. Have a seat. It’s almost ready.”
Shrugging her shoulders she pulled out the chair in front of her taking a seat. Sitting back into the chair Caden brought over plates of food. Taking a deep inhale her tummy grumbled loudly. With her appetite growing she pulled her seat closer to the table.
“Caden, this smells amazing. So how did all your meetings go?”
Sitting across from her he displayed the biggest grin she’d seen on him in a long time.
“Well thank you sister dear. Digg in, I'm starving too.”
After shoveling in a mouthful he moaned before stating.
“Skipped the midday meal again, did you?”
Nodding her head in agreement she too began to eat. At the first bite, she moaned looking up to Caden. After swallowing she commented
“This is really good. Thanks for cooking.”
After that, they continued to eat in silence. Caden even helped himself to the remainder of the food. He was finished before she had even finished her food. Laughing, she asked him.
“Do you breathe at all or just inhale?”
He replied as he started to clear the table.
“Ha ha, very funny Harlow. Why don’t you go do whatever girls do to freshen up? That should give me enough time to clean up. Then I can fill you in on the meetings I had.”
With that, he turned and got straight to clean up.
Accepting his offer was easy, she wasn’t sure how she could tell him she opened the box. Found the letter, and read it. Then figured out some of it. Let alone the book she found in the archive today. Maybe she could come up with something while cleaning up. Getting up from the table she thanked her brother again, picking up her bag from the chair as she passed by. Once in her room, she leaned against the closed door. Today was turning into a strange day. That was saying something considering the past month. Pulling herself up she tossed her bag onto her bed. Opening it, she carefully took out the special book. She had the urge to pet it. Like it was a living thing or something. It deserved to be appreciated. Her reaction to it was so strange. It was just a book, right?
Reaching in the bag she pulled out the extra book jacket she grabbed along with the letter. Taking them with her. Once in her bathroom, she opened the secret hiding place, placing them in along with the other things. Quickly closing it, she moved about the room doing all she needed and wanted to do. Back in her room, she pulled out her favorite comfy clothes.
Putting them on, the thought about what to discuss with Caden. Perhaps she could bring up the many interactions lately with Sally. As well as all her many personality changes. Believing only she got to see the real Sally. While everyone else got the fake sunshiny girl. Even though she didn’t like the woman she was glad she got the real one, most of the time. However annoying or horrible she could be.
Just being in her presence made her gut sing with ill ease. It was the fact she didn’t trust her that bothered her the most. Or that no one else seemed to see what she saw or feel the way she felt. Like her feelings or experiences held no value. Arg anytime she thought of Sally she became super frustrated.
Try as she might to braid her wayward hair into pleats for the night. She gave up with a sigh.
“Good enough guess.”
With curls sticking out at every angle. Opening her door, and shuffling into the main living space. She was shocked yet again. Caden had lowered the lights and had two steaming cups of hot cocoa on the center table. Scanning the room, and not seeing him.
Shrugging she sat in her favorite chair. Wrapping herself in a blanket, and grabbing a mug. Harlow nestled deep into her chair. Taking a careful sip. Mmmm, this was good. Closing her eyes, enjoying the warmth, and the smooth flavor.
There was a big scream in her mind though. Her brother never did stuff like this. Did he want something? He could have just asked. Or did he have bad news to share? That seemed more likely, and he was trying to soften the blow. Dinner was made for her followed by cleanup, and hot cocoa. She liked it, yes, it was different. In the middle of her thinking, Caden emerged from his room all freshened up too. Raising her mug she smiled.
“Thanks, Caden.”
He nodded a welcome so she asked.
“What’s with all the buttering up? Got some bad news or something?”
Watching as he sat took his mug, taking sip after sip before replying.
“Well kinda ya but not really.”
He leaned back into the sofa for more comfort. At her scrunched brows he said
“I was given some time to spend with you. Bereavement leave they said. But my team has been temporarily assigned to someone else.”
Holding his mug now with both hands he drank it sip by sip till it was empty.
“I do think that you take more care of us than we do around here.”
As he waved his arm around indicating their suite. He said, shrugging his shoulders.
“It’s not fair. You have outside responsibility too. I figured this was something I could do to give back to you.”
Smiling at her twin as she continued to sip.
“Awe, that’s sweet of you Caden. I appreciate it. I don’t mind taking care of you or Rowan. You’re my family. I’m happy too. So is that all your news?”
Holding his finger to his lips, he then said.
“Yes, that’s all. We can just relax tonight. It’s been a very stressful month. Finish your cocoa, I’m going to turn in. I’m beat. Night sis.”
He rose from the sofa. As he passed her he squeezed her shoulder mouthing. ‘In time.’ After he cleaned his mug she said her good night. Watching him disappear into his room.
Well, that went easier than she thought. Remembering now about the listening devices. That would explain some of their choice of conversation topics. How could she have forgotten those so quickly? Caden must suspect what they are hoping to hear. So sad really that they were being treated like this. How they thought they didn’t know or wouldn’t find out was another confusion. She just wondered who exactly was listening to them. After pondering she was willing to bet it was Sally. It would explain her erratic behavior. She just wondered how her brother didn’t see it. She had long ago stopped bringing the subject up. Maybe he just didn’t want to see it. Or clearly, she only allowed him to see what she wanted him to. Though he too was a True Guard member so it baffled her how he couldn’t.
Enough of this train of thought. Rising from the chair she went to the kitchenette and cleaned her mug. Told the smart screen lights out, and felt her way to her room. After closing the door, and getting into bed, she snuggled into its comfort hoping for a good night's sleep. She was exhausted. The past month had been the most eventful of her life for sure. Perhaps even the entire compound too. Living with the fact that time was quite literally running out was driving people to craziness.
Why couldn’t she just turn her brain off, so she could get some sleep? With all these thoughts, and questions running through her mind. An endless loop of all the same things. She started to toss and turn. Trying in vain to get comfy enough to relax, and sleep. It wasn’t happening though. Cora had been right. There were more questions than answers. It didn’t seem to have an ending in sight.
With a frustrated growl, she tossed back her covers. Sitting up she swung her legs over the edge. Rubbing her hands over her face. She asked the empty room.
“What am I supposed to do?”
Waiting for an answer she knew wouldn’t come, she stood. Stretching her arms up she realized her leg had not pained her today. Odd, for the stress, and life happenings it would usually flare up.
“Huh, guess I’ll count one blessing.”
Making her way to the bathroom, and closing the door quietly. Turning on the faucet she splashed some water on her face before opening the hidden hole in the wall. Retrieving the book she quickly closed the opening.
Returning to her bed she sat asking for lights at twenty-five percent. Why was she compelled to pet this book? It was so strange. Looking it over in closer detail, she turned it this way, and that. Studying it from every angle. Maybe she could learn something by just looking at it tonight. She knew she couldn’t open it. She needed a key for that. Maybe she could look up in the archive how to open it without a key? After making that her plan for tomorrow along with recovering one of her books with this cover. She would return some of the books as well.
As she felt the book she noticed that the leather covering was actually a jacket itself. It was laid over an embossed cover beneath. Why would someone do that? She wondered. This book must be extremely important to disguise it in such a way. Now she wanted to see what was inside. Plus beneath the leather cover jacket. Turning the book to the back, she figured if she was going to try, and remove it she would start there. The leather wrapped its way around the metal straps. She would have to cut it.
Not happy with that, she still reached into her nightstand drawer grabbing the knife Caden had given her. Removing it from its protective covering she held her breath as she carefully sliced at the book's edge. After the deed was done she sheathed the knife, quickly filling her lungs with air. That was painful, kinda. Tossing the knife back in the drawer, her curiosity winning out. Gently lifting the corner of the leather. With a sigh of relief that it was not stuck down with some kind of adhesive. Pulling back slowly, a stunning cover was revealed. A brilliant white with scrolls of picture art, and ancient lettering. It was colorful, bright, and luminous.
Wow this was truly stunning. A beautiful work of art. Every inch was covered in a swirling pattern combined of both art, and text. She just wasn’t sure what the text said. It was unlike any she had ever seen before. The more she revealed the more it sparkled, and shined. This must have taken a great amount of time to create. Gently turning the book she revealed the spine. It contained similar markings however much darker, and demure in color. Interesting.
She hesitated about revealing the front. This felt almost wrong to her somehow. Like she was stripping the protection of the book. The leather had clearly afforded the decoration to survive this long. Safe from dirt, oils, and germs. It had clearly been covered before the restorative technique had been created. Perhaps because of its contents it was kept hidden. It would seem that was the case, based on all the events happening lately. Needing to know, while setting the book on her bed. With careful hands she lifted the leather to reveal the front cover.
Gasping at its beauty. It was similarly covered in scrolls of picture art, and ancient lettering forming a circle around a large embossed emblem in the center. It looked very much like a protective circle around something very important. Studying it further she recognized the design, it was the same as what was etched on the metal box. The raven with its wings splayed clutching an entwined design with its feet. Triangular figure composed of three interlaced arcs, with a crescent moon threaded through it.
