Spirit Walker, page 8
My forehead drops to his chest as I gasp for breath. His heart is beating fast, and his breathing is erratic as well. I chance a glance at him as he pulls his hand from my leggings and say in a whisper “I’m so sorry, I don’t know what’s gotten into me.” I’m sure I’m beet red right now.
He gives a low chuckle kissing the top of my head.
“I know. I know what’s happening.” He nods to me.
My head whips up, knocking against his chin in a clack of teeth. “Ouch!” I groan, rubbing my head where I smacked his chin, and he laughs as he, too, rubs his poor chin. “I’m sorry! I’m such a klutz lately.” I rub the lump forming on my head... argh. He pulls me back to him, tucking my head under his chin again in a show of bravery. A warm buzz fills me, and I relax into him. A moment later, I recall what it was he said that made me jump up, and I question him from my spot on his chest pillow.
“How do you know what’s going on, Vaun?” My voice is muffled by his chest, his hand stalling where he’s smoothing my hair.
“Only one person ever called me elskan mín, and she’s been dead a very long time.”
This news should make my heart skip a beat, but I’m emotionally drained from what just happened. My body has no more fucks to give.
My head tho is filled with questions, waiting for him to continue. He slides me to the side, his eyes meeting mine as he slides his warm palm against my breastbone. The smile that lights his face takes my breath away. My heartbeat ratchets up a notch with warm palm on my breastbone.
His eyes fill with wonder, and I’m taken aback. All my life I’ve wanted someone to look at me like that, to see me, and now that someone is, it terrifies me down to my toes. The last person who looked at me like that… died. My throat goes dry, and I lick my lips in the vain attempt to swallow.
“I have waited a very long time for you,” he states, his hand moving just the slightest bit.
An apprehensive shiver runs through me causing me to move out of his embrace.
“You have?” disbelieving I edge a little further away from him.
“You need Brakken, he’s the keeper of Knowledge.” He states this like it’s something I should know, but I’m more confused than ever now. He stands, pulling me to my feet, and I have a moment to wonder where he’s taking me.
“But first, rest.” He pulls me along behind him as he heads down the hall to my single bedroom. I sigh in relief, as I don’t think I can take any more surprises today. He pulls back the comforter, holding it open for me to slip in. Who is this man? Never have I had a guy tuck me into bed. I slip between the covers with a momentary thought, wondering if he plans to join me and if so, what will I say? But he pulls the covers over me, tucking me in. He strides to my bedroom door, turning to glance at me over his shoulder.
“I’ll lock the door on my way out.”
I nod, overwhelmed at his care and thoughtfulness for my well-being. I yawn, hearing him shut my front door and fall into an exhausted sleep.
~ Vaun ~
Having left Andie sleeping, I make the drive over to Brakkens. I can’t stop thinking about her, how she jerked her door open, boldly taking me in. How she stood with the same haughty stance, hand on her hip, eyes alight with blue fire so like Idunn those many years ago. For a moment, I couldn’t speak, my mind instantly blank in awe. I can no longer deny she has returned. Or some portion of her has, anyway. But how is this possible, or better yet, what is this? I didn’t dare hope when I felt the Calling. The shock of it was written all over Brakkens face as well. Brakken… my mind drifts, whatever will he do? Brakken being her fiercest defender. He never gave up hope, unlike the rest of us tortured souls. My mind wanders back, recalling that first time I saw her as I drive.
A herald has appeared and requested to talk to the Foretelling Witch. The call has traveled around the village, bringing people from all around to hear what the Herald has to tell. Everyone in the village gathers in the central tent, crowding every possible spot. They all wait, vying for a better view, elbowing each other out of the way. The Herald calls for the next Chosen and they send for the Ancient Seer. After a time, the ancient crone arrives shuffling in, her apprentice guiding her. No longer able to stand upright from age and time, her grayed, ratted hair sweeps the ground as she walks. Wild and unkempt, she is a sight to terrify the young. People near me whisper prayers to Odin to protect them from her milky blind gaze. She mumbles and groans as she shakes her bone filled pouch. Tossing down a stiff hide that’s encrusted with runic signs, she wails and it’s a sound that shoots straight to your bones. Everyone is still in the tent. Shaking her pouch one more time, it rattles with finality as she tosses the various rune carved bones, teeth and rocks down on the hide.
Letting go a terrible screech making some jump back, she falls to her knees. Running her shaking clawed hands over the runes, until finally she pulls her chosen apprentice close, murmuring in the girl’s ear. The girl steps forward, chin lifted. She brings her arm up, her finger pointing as she shifts in a slow circle.
Everyone shy’s back. The apprentice stops and points right at me. My breath catches in my throat and the blood drains from my face. What is this old witch doing to me now? People near me scoot away, distancing themselves. That is never a good sign. I swallow my dread and step forward. Let me go fearlessly into the light if I must.
The apprentice gestures for me to kneel, and I do.
The Crone steps near and plants her aged, clawed hand upon my head. I work to not cringe. She moans and mumbles. Still, I cannot make it out. There’s a pinch and burn on my forehead, followed by a sudden trail of warmth moving down my face. Past my eye, blurring my vision, extending to the edge of my mouth, where I taste the copper tinge of blood, realizing she has cut me. It proceeds further down, dripping off my chin to hit the dirt floor in little plop plops.
The old Crone draws her finger through the blood on my forehead, bringing it to her wrinkled dry lips, sucking it off her finger. Everyone waits with bated breath to see what this will bring.
She nods, tugging her apprentice in to murmur in her ear once again.
The girl steps close to me, drawing her face level with mine. Her eyes falling into my own, she whispers. “You are chosen.”
People gasp, some clap and cheer. A lone wail breaks the air from the back, my mother.
I nod, for now I know my fate. I will do my duty. I rise, joining the Herald as we exit.
We travel to the furthest tip of the island where a stone and thatched roofed house stands, the village having built it in honor of her. It looks sturdy and in good repair. As we approach, a woman comes out to greet us. I catch my breath, having never seen her before. This is the much whispered about Völva I know as soon as my eyes meet hers.
She’s a fierce-looking woman, with hair as white as clouds, falling down her back in a thick braid of dreadlocks, adorned with bits of metal and stone that catch the eye. She’s painted her face a ghostly white, making her black eyes look even blacker by a thick layer of Kohl. Her gaze rakes over me as I wait.
Stepping closer to me, she runs her hand along my arm and down my back as she circles me. My own gaze takes in every little detail of her as she inspects me. Detailed runes are drawn upon her forehead and chin in delicate swirls and lines. There’s a little row of runes running along her collarbones, traveling down her arms and they glow a soft blue black as her magic pulses. She’s very striking to behold, like a storm in the making. Standing all of 5’5” with her hand on her hip, her gaze boldly taking me in from head to toe, assessing me. From twenty paces away, I had felt the power radiating around her. Now her being so close to me, it pushes at me, encircling me. Faint tingles travel up and down my spine, but I remain firm, not shifting my eyes from hers. Let the witch know I’m not frightened of her like the others. Seeming to decide upon something, her eyes dance with sudden mischief as she spins to the Herald.
“He will do nicely. Report to the Crone that I will have him.”
With that, the Herald departs, and I am left to wonder what will happen now. I sense this is the calm before the storm and she will doubtless be the worst storm I’ve ever seen.
Pulling up to Brakkens, I park jumping out, striding through the front door, calling out to him as I arrive.
“Back here,” comes the faintest of answers from down the hall. Brakken always did like his castles. I chuckle, shaking my head. His home now is an estate complete with restored colonial mansion built high on the hill overlooking the town and our logging operation. It’s all very Lord like, which we of course rub in every chance we get.
“Hey Bro” I enter his library, making myself at home.
“I’m assuming you're here with an update?” Brakken sighs as he flops a file down on his desk.
“I’m very sure now it’s her,” I state. No doubt left in my mind after last night.
Nodding his head, his gaze drifting off a moment before returning to examine me, his eyebrow raised “Why now?”
“She called me by her pet name, something only Idunn ever did. There’s no mistaking that.” I snort “She didn’t even know what it meant.” My fingers drill in a small gallop across the arms of the chair.
“Just as I dreaded and anticipated,” Brakken arranges items on his desk, his eyes coming to rest on mine as he holds up the file.
“Why Brother? Explain” I demand, standing to move closer as he flops the folder down on the desk drawing it open.
The file reveals a head shot photograph of Andie clipped to the top with pages of neatly typed information under it. He runs his finger down the page, my eyes following, as I see it contains all the usual details. Age, height, weight, sports, hobbies, school, family, DNA. You know, the usual. I smirk at this, basically, the girls’ life in a nutshell all typed out on a few pages. His finger stops, tapping on DNA, waiting for me to catch up. My breath wheezes out of me, my eyes going wide. “She’s related?”
I cannot even begin to figure out how we didn’t know that all this time.
“Fuck, Brakken! How did we not know this shit?” I rail at him, snatching the file, my eyes scanning it over and over. “Is it really true?” My eyes must be playing tricks on me. This can’t be real.
Brakken’s face slumps, his voice sounding lost and tired as he sits in his chair.
“I failed her brother… all this time.” He gulps heavily with emotion.
“Turns out Idunn had a sister that was moved to another village far away before she received her powers, before she chose us. They kept her family name hidden to keep her safe. It was feared the Darkness could come for her through her sister.” Brakken finishes explaining, slouching back in his chair, looking exhausted as he pinches the bridge of his nose.
For the first time since arriving, I notice his disheveled appearance, the dark circles surrounding his eyes, gaunt hollow cheeks. “How long have you been at this?” Worry for him fills my voice.
He stares off into space a moment before giving a light shrug.
“You need rest, Brother, and food. You look like hell.”
“This is important!” He roars, shooting to his feet like a wounded animal. I step back from him, my hands held out, placating him. This is not the calm, rational man I’ve known for an eternity. Nothing ever shakes Brakken. The man before me is chest deep in anguish and guilt. He’s lost his way, the acrid scent of his sorrow burning my nose. Nothing brings fear to your guts quicker than your leader falling apart.
“We will solve this, brother. Now that we know.” I trail off, unsure what I can possibly say to help.
“I don’t know that we can,” he sighs. Him admitting defeat so early in the battle has me worried more than anything before. This is not his typical manner.
I shake him. “Brother, we need to keep our oath, keep her safe. Our duty is not complete.”
He nods, eyes going distant. For a moment his eyes darken, then flash silver. Standing, running his hands through his hair, his gaze falling back to the mess of papers littering his desk.
I gaze down at all the information he’s accumulated over the years. It’s a lot. Photos, time frames, maps. He’s been searching for her soul from the moment we felt its loss.
“I’m sure you have some brilliant plan Brakken. If not now, then you will soon.” I reassure him.
He inspects me, his face filling with uncertainty as a frown forms. I offer him a grin of confidence as I shoot my fist out to punch him in the shoulder.
“You’re a crazy fucker, you know that? You have no idea what we need to do.”
“Enlighten me, and then we will gather and do what we must.” I say with assurance I’m not 100% feeling.
He groans, ticking off the various items on his fingers. Raising one, finger he says,
“Well, to start, we have to tell her.” He throws that out like a challenge. Yeah, this will be bad. How do you tell someone they have an ancient spirit attached to them? He holds out a second finger. “Knowing Idunn, she will be vengeful. It took us so long to find her.” he mutters.
“Yep, that’s our girl for sure. She’s going to be pissed.” I chuckle. I step to him, pushing his fingers down as I turn him to push him out of the office.
“But for now, food.” I give him a gentle shove, but he stops me by planting his feet.
“We will have to train her, too. I’ll need the potion.” He waits for my reaction. I freeze.
“Of course, are you sure?” I hesitate, dipping my chin so he won’t see my shocked expression. The potion is a onetime only deal.
“It’s the only way. We need to fulfill our vow before all is lost.” He turns walking out of the office, leaving me to trail after him.
“I understand,” I mutter as I leave his office, following him to the kitchen. Lord…The potion. This can only mean he is certain it’s her, and he’s prepared to risk it all.
This has the potential to get ugly, very ugly.
~ Andie ~
Fluffing my hair and checking my makeup for the tenth time, I twist to Val.
“This good for steak house attire?” I fret.
She steps back, critically eying my black lace-jeans and pearl buttoned cashmere sweater. It’s been a week since I’ve seen him and I’m nervous.
She steps close to unbutton the top 2 buttons.
“Now it is,” she smirks, wiggling her eyebrows at me as she picks up her wine glass. I am sure my face turns red. Vaun’s due to pick me up at any moment. I run my palms down my jeans again. This will be my first actual date since the accident. Shaking myself, I play a little “Lalala” in my mind to throw myself off thinking about that. I don’t want to ruin my mood. I’m just going to have a little fun. It’s perfectly normal to carry on living, I tell myself.
Val’s watching me like a mother hen. “You look fine. Will you stop? You're making me drink.” She chortles sipping her wine.
“Yeah right, I’m your reason for everything,” I tease.
She tugs me in for a hug, then turns me toward the mirror, giving my ass a slap.
“Tell that girl in the mirror she’s allowed to live.” She points at my reflection.
I nod, swallowing back the sudden rush of tears. Turning, I grab her wine and take a huge gulp.
“Hey!” She laughs at me. The doorbell chimes, causing us both to freeze. We giggle, eyeballing each other as I move to answer it.
Pulling the door wide, I find Vaun casually waiting. My eyes lift to his mussed blond hair tumbling to his shoulders. Soft cascading waves so perfect it makes me wish I could run my fingers through them. My eyes wander down his form, my breath catching at his perfect abs outlined in a tight-fitting black Tee that’s deliciously tucked into a pair of jeans that outline his thick thighs and… my eyes dart up to his and I grin at the slight smirk of approval he’s giving me. He exudes the hot surfer look and my throat goes dry. He holds out a single daisy surrounded by mint. The warm smile he’s sporting makes his features turn into something this side of beautiful. He steps close to me, and I get a whiff of his cologne, a spicy pine scent wraps around me as he towers over me, making my five-foot-four inches feel downright tiny.
“You look beautiful,” he states, handing me the little bouquet. I side-eye him giving a smile.
“Thank you, I love daisies. How did you know?” He just shakes his head at me.
“This is my friend, Val. Val, this is Vaun” I introduce the two and they shake hands, chuckling because they’ve already met.
I eye where they are clasping hands when a sudden wave of rage filled jealousy swamps me, stealing my breath. Holy shit! What the fuck is that? I’m never jealous. I feel like I want to rip Val’s arm off and beat her with it for touching my man. Shaking my head, I marvel at that thought. My man? Since when? As I look up, Vaun’s gaze snaps to mine and he drops Val’s hand as if she’s on fire.
I spin on my heel, walking to the kitchen muttering over my shoulder, “I’ll just put these in water, give me a moment.” Puzzled over these feelings, I pull down a glass vase. My hands shake as I fill it with water. Bringing the sprig of mint to my nose, I inhale deep letting the fragrance calm me.
As my hands stop shaking, I shift my gaze once again, finding Vaun’s. Boy, he’d look fantastic on his knees before me. My face heats at that image, causing me to shift, but not before I catch a glimpse of Vaun returning my heated look with one of his own. Val looks at us back and forth and fans herself.
“Wow, you two.” She laughs, continuing to fan herself, not even able to finish her sentence.
I glare at her, still not over her touching him. Setting the flowers, aside, I come back out, taking Vaun’s hand in mine. Turning, I swing our joined hands to my shoulder as I pull the door open. Catching Val’s eye over my shoulder, I give her a sassy wink as I tease, “Don’t wait up dear.” I tug Vaun through the door. Two steps out, his hand falls to the middle of my back, escorting me. Val’s delighted chuckle fills my ears as we head to his car.
