Goddess Kindled, page 9
Wrapping her fingers around the stone she held it to her chest. Now she had to protect it. How could she do that? Her hidden hole in the wall wouldn’t likely stay hidden for long. Now that the focus was clearly centered on her. For now though it would have to do. Moving quickly she tucked it, and box back into hiding. Finishing up the floor clean up she took the book into her bedroom. Checking the time on the smart screen. At least she had most of the night to read this book, and hopefully come up with a plan. The sooner the better.
Getting comfy to read hours on end with the lights dim. She opened the magical book. It was the only way to describe it. Why else would it sparkle, and shine? Or require blood as a key. Opening the cover to see it was just as stunning on the inside as well. Noticing no pages had been torn from this book. So where Cora got the paper for her letter was still a mystery. Just one that wasn’t a priority now.
Burrowing deeper into comfort she took a deep breath before beginning. Turning the first page she began to read about a great battle fought between good, and evil. Where evil coveted the power, and position good had. They would do anything to get it. Even enslave those weaker than themselves. Whereas the good battled to free the enslaved, and defend what they had. In the end both sides lost, and the enslaved were left without protection or their masters to fend for themselves. Thus decent began.
This story sounded very familiar to her. It was so much like the one told in the education program they had here at the compound. Weird, theirs wasn’t about good or evil though just people. A planet wide battle amongst each other, only to realize what they were doing had a cost to the plant. Resulting a unity of a common issue to come together as one to try, and solve it. They were still trying to fix all their ancestors had done. Without any success to be seen. The messages from other compounds had long ago ceased that all feared the worst. Still they would not give up.
This also reminded her very much of the dreams she’s had. Especially the one in which she is standing amongst those in battle. That battle really did seem to be an evil vs good scenario. With the good side being blessed with special gifts along with the use of weapons. The evil side only has one gifted individual with a weapon. To which Harlow shared an uncanny resemblance to. It scared her. Others from that side only had makeshift weaponry, and no gifts that she could see. It was a scary, and sad dream, one which she always woke up screaming, and crying.
Looking up from the book in shock. About to shout oh my god, when she remembered the devices on the other side of the door. She was reading the book. Actually reading the book. When, and how? This was weird. She had a knack for language printed or verbal, but this was just out right strange. She had never figured out a language this fast before. Not really having any time to ponder further she forced herself to read on, and on. The more she read the more she understood why Cora protected all this information. She must have been aware of the book, just possibly not its location.
Now the responsibility was hers to handle. One she would do, to the best of her ability. Only she had something Cora clearly didn’t. This book, and all the secrets it contained.
Glancing over her shoulder she noted the time. She would have just an hour to plan. Then immediately put that plan into action. The thought scared her. What if she failed or something went wrong. She’d be leaving the mess to Rowen, and Caden. She would just have to work them into the plan somehow, just in case. Crossing her fingers she hoped for the best. Closing her eyes she whispered in her mind. ‘Cora I’m doing this for you, and my boys. I will protect my family.’
With that she sprang into action. Where her boast of energy came after a no sleep night or the weeks of lack of sleep, was anyone's guess.
Harlow waited around the corner, holding her breath. Knowing she was just out of sight of a working camera. There were two True Guard members taking their time walking, and talking in the hall. She just didn’t want any personal interactions so she could avoid it. So far everything had been working the way she planned. Hiding away what needs to be hidden for each desired person. Where they could easily find along with the clues they needed to decipher the hidden objects.
Pretending to have an issue with her leg, she rounded the corner. Needing to account for the delay in her camera appearance. It wouldn’t do to have more suspicion placed on her. She had garnered enough already. Today was not the day to add to it either. So she was grateful that her limp leg finally came to the rescue, so to speak.
As per her usual she was headed to her responsibility in the archive. Only today she wouldn’t be staying there. She would be using a door in back of the library that opened to another hallway. A long ago forgotten one. There were some definite advantages to growing up within the main estate in the compound. Especially one that was built like a full city of concrete that spanned many, many levels below ground. A maze of rooms, corridors, and their contents all forgotten. Today she would be making use of them.
She would need what was in them if she was to go forward in her plan. The hope was everything would still be in working order. The only challenge was getting the information she needed. That would be her make it or break it moment. Again she was crossing her fingers, and hoping for luck. So far so good.
She made it to the library without any big issues. Only having to stop so as to not be seen by the men. As planned she tossed her bag like always, instead of the usual happiness she displayed greater pain in her leg.
Moving closer to the chair she set the books she had pulled out for the camera show. Rummaging around in her bag she grabbed her pain meds. Making a big deal when she found them. Ever so slowly she made her way limping to the restroom. Internally laughing all the way trying to keep a pained face on display.
Rounding the corner, she took a few more slow, and steady steps just in case. Moving to the door she needed, and reaching for the last book on the last self. Long ago discovering held all the keys to the doors, grabbing the appropriate key, she unlocked the door. Reaching into the carrier bag she had disguised beneath her cardigan she removed a large utensil. Wedging open with it, she returned the key, and the book. Swiftly moving through the door she tucked the utensil by the doorframe in the hall. It might be needed again.
Now she had to move fast even if she was in pain. Her fake out would only give her so much time. Less she suspected than usual given the suspicion on her. In the first room she entered she changed from her everyday clothes to that of an original True Guard member. Lucky for her she found an outfit that fit her perfectly. Using the inner connecting door she moved to the next room. This one was a gamble. It housed all the old tech. She just hoped it all still worked. She would definitely need it where she was going.
Looking over each piece she needed before deciding if it was good enough. She filled all the pockets, and compartments in her uniform. This stuff was better than what was used now. Only they couldn’t repair this equipment if it broke down. The technology didn’t exist anymore. Hence it’s being left to collect dust. On her way out of the room she saw a zippered sweat with an extra large hood hanging on a hook by the door. Smiling to herself she thought “this would be perfect.’ She had resided in the fact she couldn’t hide her hair fully, there was just too much of it. With its signature color, and its kinky curls, she was instantly recognizable. This jacket would go a long way in aiding that issue.
With a skip in her step she retrieved the sweater, putting her arms in the sleeves. Zipping it up she sighed in delight, it was a perfect fit. Pulling the hood up over her head it landed to just cover her brows. Smiling to herself again, ‘this was perfect.’ She had braided her hair in the shower that morning, so when she put the gear on she could tuck it down the back of the top. This hood graciously covered the rest. Giddy with excitement, and another skip in her step she left this room moving on to the next.
Her third room was an easy in, and out affair to get what she needed. This one however was the other big gamble. This was the room she had visited Caden, to help with his equipment. She needed the location coordinates of the device's malfunctions. None of this would work without them. There was also an exit from this room to the led out to the wasted. The land outside their domed compound. It’s where she needed to go for this all to work out.
Looking around the corner again, just to be safe. Confirming she was alone, and with a bundle of gear tucked under her arm she scurried across the hall, to the door. Hoping, and praying her hand scan would work. The other flaw in the plan. Now that she thought about it there were too many flaws, but that’s what she got in the hour she had. No way to get around it though without Caden here. He was much safer in the less he knew the better category, at least for now.
Thankfully the tell tale click sounded, and the door opened. Slipping inside she breathed a sigh of relief. Looking around she found what she needed. Moving quickly, placing her stuff down on the table. To then pick up the device she needed, and began to click away at the screen to find what she was looking for. She was so engrossed she didn’t notice the person coming up behind her.
“You won’t find what you’re looking for there.”
Startled, dropping the device she whirled around hand over her heart.
“I wh.. what?”
She asked. She was staring at one of Caden’s men. At least that was something. Still not good though. Asking louder this time.
“I won’t find what?”
Calm, and resolute, the man said.
“You won’t find what you are looking for there.”
Hands on her hips she asked a little rudely. His gentle calm demeanor juxtaposed to his large stature put her off a little.
“And what is it I won’t find? Huh?”
Crossing his big arms he simply stated.
“Well, the coordinates of course. Your brother had us scrub them.”
Defeated, she dropped her shoulders.
“Oh. Well, crap.”
On the last, she stomped her foot with meaning. She opened her mouth to complain more when tall, and big arms said.
“Here. I wrote them down for you though.”
As he held out a folded piece of paper. Looking up at him in disbelief, her shaking hand took the paper. Before she opened it he spoke again.
“There’s no need to study it. I have already programmed it into some equipment over there.”
He indicated pointing in the direction of a table next to the exit to the wasted land. This time with no hesitation she asked
“Why are you helping me? Also, how did you Know?”
Before she could get an answer he was moving. She had to run to follow him.
“Come we talk as you get ready.”
Turning his head to make eye contact
“OK?”
At her agreed nod he nodded with a smile.
“Good.”
As they reached the table he gestured to check her equipment, at her nod he worked quickly, and quietly. Nodding at each approved item. He even loaded her up with more, and some duplicates.
“You did good. Your Brother will be proud.”
Gasping aloud.
“What Caden.”
She took a step back, shaking her head.
“No, no, no he can’t know yet that I’m here. It’s not safe.”
His arms reached out, taking her arms in his gentle hands.
“Shhh, little one. Your brother knows nothing of this. This is because of Cora, and well I guess me too.”
Confused, she tilted her head, relaxing her tense posture.
“Cora set this up with you? But how did she know?”
Closing her eyes for a moment to shake her head to try, and put the pieces together. Unable to, she opened her eyes to look up at him again.
Sadness covered the gentle giant’s face.
“She didn’t know for sure, little one. She could only hope, and place the pieces, hoping they would fall where they were needed.”
Studying his sad face she realized sucking in a breath as she covered her mouth with her hands. At her realization, she spurted out.
“You loved her. Didn’t you?”
Nodding his head slowly he dropped his arms whispering. As he looked down at the floor.
“Ya.”
Wanting to comfort him, and unsure how or what the protocol was, she gently touched his arm. Whispering.
“I’m so sorry.”
Nodding once again in acknowledgment, they got back to work gearing her up to face the environment of the wasted. He then explained the device with the coordinates she needed, and what to expect for a visual if it was available to her to see. The wasted was forever a guessing game, and very dangerous. She was also loaded with extra nose pieces of air, and an extra set of coordinates should she need them or fail. He gave her a loaded up back sack he strapped to her. Before they finished though she had to say.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now you better get going. Rest assured I’ve erased the evidence of your hand scan in here. Also played with the recordings for the archives. Who knows how long it will take them to realize you’re all of sudden wearing yesterday's clothes again.”
He began to chuckle to himself. Again before she could open her mouth to ask he answered the question.
“Your brother will only know what he needs to know when he needs to know it. Ok? Now you get going. I’ll need to erase the log of this door opening.”
He ushered her out with his hands. As she moved she put in her nose piece and pulled up her face guard just above her nose. Securing it in place with her goggles, and its strap. Pulling her hood up she nodded and gave a thank you wave to her big rescuer. Without waiting for a gesture she walked out the door into the Wasted, pulling at gloves again for reassurance.
She was grateful for her giant friend. She needed to learn his name. Calling him giant wasn’t fair, especially since he was one of her family’s offshoots. Loving Cora, and being her partner meant he was instantly one of them. Why she never met him before was anyone's guess. She could however think of many reasons he was kept hidden. Mostly his protection was top of the list, given recent circumstances. She wondered if Caden knew of their relationship.
The gear he had set her up with she was grateful for. It was extremely helpful, for the Wasted was like a gray desert storm out here. Even though the GPS wrist smart screen was most definitely needed. Her favorite was the velcro headband holding her hood in place. Who knew something so simple would be so great? This way she was able to easily balance herself on the terrain as she walked, it was also easier to use the GPS. God only knew what her hair would look like later without that layer of protection.
From what she had been told she needed to look for the remains of a brick building at the coordinates. What she was after was very likely located in the basement of the remaining structure. Since ground levels have changed drastically there was a great possibility it would be down there. Its importance would have guaranteed its protection and preservation.
Sad that her friend knew this was an outcome. Having to plan events for after your death to protect a secret. One that even Harlow still had no idea yet what it was. It was a scavenger hunt so far. Solve the clue to reveal the next, and so on. It was sparking her curiosity for sure. The sneakiness at which she had to go about though kinda sucked. Having your privacy removed also sucked. While that did spur her on to move quickly. It was not the exact way she would have preferred. Also, she would have liked to include her twin in this. He was an excellent sleuth.
Ah well no sense in worrying about the past, it was over and done with. They lived on a planet showing the whole truth of that statement. It was dying as a result of humanity. Now humanity was still trying to save it. Chances weren’t looking favorable right now. At least from where she stood. Quite literally. Gail forces winds filled with lifeless earth moving constantly. No structures or vegetation left to slow the winds or maintain the ground.
Plus it was cold, so very cold. Brrr, she was shivering, even her teeth were chatting beneath her mask. Rubbing her arms in an attempt to get warm, she continued. Hoping she wasn’t far from her destination.
It was hard to track the time without having anything to reference. The speed at which she walked depended on the winds and her footing. She was also getting tired so she knew she was moving slower. Not a good thing with timing an issue. She couldn’t be sure she hadn’t been followed or if someone had figured her out also. Even with her big gentle giant helping her out.
It was even possible Caden could be close behind her. They did have a weird twin bond. Knowing things about the other without communicating. Not seeing the connection in other siblings they knew, they assumed then it was the twin thing. It could just be that they were raised differently than everyone else too. So they weren’t completely sure.
Ignoring the pain growing in her leg she tried to keep up her pace. From what she could see of the GPS tracking dots she was close. The challenge was the unit also showed topography. Sadly things had changed so much since it was created that accuracy was out the window. It changed daily out here. To her, it seemed to change hourly with these winds. They were getting stronger too. It was all she could do not to topple over. Grateful that the blinking dots on the screen were almost on top of each other now.
Using her hands she cupped them to frame around the protective eyewear. From the look of the dots she should start to see structure remains a little to her right. That is if there was anything left of them. Or could they have been covered up in this crazy mess of dirt, and debris? On her next step, she failed to lift her limp leg properly, her foot then connected with something sending her sailing forward. Landing with a thud she was grateful to have been able to get her arms out in front of her in time. This being a common occurrence when she was tired and pushed herself too hard, she had lots of practice. Still, she’d carry some bruises for sure.
Rolling to her side, she rolled her wrists, and ankles, and moved her limbs. Just checking to be sure. Sitting up she placed her hands beside her to stand when the ground beneath her gave way. Screaming as she plummeted down, hitting her arm, and knocking her head on her descent. She wasn’t prepared this time for the landing, a stone clad floor. Moaning in pain, it took a minute or two to catch her breath.
