Goddess kindled, p.6
Goddess Kindled, page 6
Movement to her left caught her eye. Turning in that direction she watched in shock, and awe. People of all sizes, and strength fought each other. She was now standing in the middle of a battlefield. Her jaw dropped in shock as she watched transfixed. Some had weapons, others wielded makeshift ones. While others appeared to have no need of weapons at all. Relying on some kind of force to over power their opponent with an imaginary force, an element or a bewitched item.
Realizing this must be what they had called magic eons ago. Positive in thinking only that had been referred to as fairy tales. Something created for entertainment. Clearly she had been wrong. Here she was seeing the proof it surely was not so.
With an overwhelming sense of familiarity Harlow zeroed in on a woman with hair very much like her own. Sucking in a breath of unease, realization came that this must be the girl from her earlier dreams. She was fighting in this battle too. However she seems to be on the side of the people using weaponry. Not the side of beings relying solely on their gifts. That seemed odd. She was one of the gifted wasn’t she?
With time, Harlow noticed this woman seemed to garner some discontent for those like her. Looks of hatred followed by grueling remarks were tossed in their direction, while orders were shouted at the others.
Whatever had angered this woman she was using those lesser than her to achieve her goal. Whatever that was? Perhaps it had something to do with the fact she wielded both a weapon, and used her gifts. Or she was righting some injustice. Maybe it was just plain old jealousy, and greed. Wasn’t that what war was truly about in the end?
Now though it didn’t seem to matter to her who was on what side. She was casting down anyone in front of her. Using the pile of dead bodies she had created, she used it like a stepping stone to launch herself towards the man leading the charge of the gifted. Raising her weapon mid leap, and a few whispered words, she gripped it with both hands in a spin maneuver. With great force she easily slashed her blade through the man's neck. Severing his head cleanly.
However not before he raised his hand sending a powerful bead of energy that grew brighter as it traveled directly through her heart. Both bodies hit the ground dead. Instantly all other fighting ceased like a magical spell had been broken. All heads turning in the direction of the fallen leaders.
With everyone frozen in place Harlow rushed towards the fallen couple. Filled with a compulsion she needed to be right there. Weaving her way through the sea of bodies she noticed the young man she had seen before was doing the same as her. Assuming he was headed towards the young woman, she was shocked when he ignored her corpse to kneel at the body of the leader.
Howling in anger, and pain he grabbed the hands with his. Holding them over his heart. In a gravelly voice he spoke in another language, an ancient one.
“Thar ceann a oinigh.
A lá gaile.
Tá sé de bheith orm.
í gcónaí.”
At his completion sparks of light suddenly surrounded both men, causing the younger to gasp, and shudder in a wave of pain. His face though spoke of a different story. One of pure shock, and awe.
Once again the elderly man appeared from thin air standing behind him. Placing a supportive hand on his shoulder.
“His final gift to you.”
Again this man raised his head looking directly at Harlow. With a sad smile he spoke gently.
“Your time to help will come my dear. Have faith, and patience. You have more power than you believe.”
Before she could open her mouth to reply she was pulled upwards towards the sky. Tossing her arms out for balance as she screamed in fear. Suddenly the feeling of hands on her upper arms shaking her brought her to fight back. Balling her fist, and a shout “NO” she lodged it into someone's nose. At the sound of a familiar voice cursing she opened her eyes. Caden was holding his nose with one hand. The other held out to stop a further attack. At the sight of blood dripping between his fingers she was instantly regretful.
“Oh Caden. I’m so sorry.”
Rushing up she ran to the kitchenette for a towel. Grabbing it, and some ice from the cold box. Returning quickly to Caden. Offering him aid she said.
“Here. Why did you wake me?”
Using the towel to sop up the blood he mumbled
“You were dreaming Har.”
Rolling her eyes she voiced. Placing her hands on her hips with her demand.
“Well ya. But why wake me?”
At her pointed look he mumbled again. Sitting on the edge of the sofa he readjusted the ice.
“You were screaming.”
Taken aback she sat as well, on the edge of her chair. Looking unseeing into her memory she questioned
“I was screaming?”
Pulling the towel back he checked to make sure the bleeding had stopped.
“Ya. I could hear you down the hall. I thought something had happened to you. I rushed in to find you sleeping.”
Coughing he removed the ice towel.
“I know now to be careful when waking you. At least I now know you really were listening when I taught you how to punch. Your instincts are spot on.”
Touching his nose gently as he spoke.
“I think I might even turn a lovely black, and blue. Thanks to you.”
Remorseful. Reaching out towards him for a hug, only for him to back away. Laughing as he did.
“Oh Caden I’m sorry”
Smiling, he spoke softly as he got more comfortable on the sofa.
“No worries, I’m just glad I know you can protect yourself. Want to tell me what you were dreaming about?”
She hesitated before whispering
“I don’t remember.”
Why she just lied to her twin she didn’t know. She just felt this was to be private. She couldn’t take anymore analyzing. Like dreams were the mind's way of sorting out your own problems. This thought felt somewhat different, almost real. At Caden’s raised brow she knew he knew she had lied to him. They had never been good at lying to each other.
Rising from the sofa.He spoke before, he quickly disappeared into his room.
“Well when you’re ready to tell me, let me know. I’m always here to listen Har. I’m going to turn in. I’ll talk to you in the morning. Night.”
Defeated, she stood staring at his closed door for a moment. Before heading to her room. Shrugging her shoulders on a sigh she might as well go to bed too. Once her night routine was done, and all the lights were out she lay in bed staring at the ceiling unseeing. Her mind was a flurry of activity. From Cora, life, and her dreams. Everything was beginning to jumble together. She wasn’t used to this much activity.
All her life she was content to hide in the shadows, hoping no one would see her, and pay her mind. Now she was front, and center, involved in something she was clueless to. It had nothing to do with her defects or differences either. Only someone she knew, and the potential knowledge. Maybe that’s why her dreams have been so odd. Perhaps she just needed something to focus on. One thing, just one. Then she might not feel so scattered. Deciding tomorrow she would look in the box Cora left her. That was her last thought before drifting off.
Chapter Six
She was grateful Caden had been summoned again this morning for some kind of meeting. When he left he said he’d fill her in later. They had just enough time to eat a very quick boring meal with a coffee before his call came through. Luckily it was a member of his team calling giving him a heads up in the code they had developed. Therefore the extra eyes and ears would only know what Caden wanted them to. He even apologized for having to put off the opening of the willed box with her. Followed by a wink. Letting her know she could open it without him.
That was exactly what she had done. In her bathroom. She started the water in the shower creating a good steam. Carefully, and quietly removed the box from its hiding place. Opening the box on the floor only to find a letter within it, written on paper. A scarcity in their time for sure. The tears began to fall as soon as she unfolded the letter to see it was written in a beautiful hand script:
Dear Harlow,
If you are reading this letter, then you have received my last will, and testament to you. Sister of my heart I’m truly sorry to have left you so soon. Hopefully my demise was from natural causes, and not nefarious. But never mind that, the deed is done no matter what.
Just know I love you with all my heart, the sister I never had. Tell Caden the same, I love him as if he were my brother. To Rowan, I love that boy as if he were my own. I’m grateful to have been called his aunt, and to hear him say so. That nephew of mine is truly something special.
Please keep on reading my crazy red headed girl. I know you love to learn and discover new things. For you never know what wonders the library holds. Just promise me not too many romances. Ok. The pages of the books within hold many wonderful, and incredible things to behold. I know you will find many answers but also so many more questions too.
So farewell sister of my heart. Take care of our beautiful family.
Yours forever,
Cora Lewis
Thank goodness for the running water muffing her crying sniffles. After reading, and rereading Cora’s letter she quickly put it, and the box away. So grateful for having discovered that secret hideaway hole years ago. She had been able to keep her special things hidden.
Hoping into her now cold shower preceding an extremely quick cleaning rinse down. Harlow then scurried around getting ready all she needed to go to the archives. She would ponder the many meanings of the letter later.
Obviously whoever opened the box before her thought there was a secret meaning within the letter. They just couldn’t decode it. If she was positive, why else give it to her? Then there were all the listening devices installed around her. Surely they hoped she would understand its true meaning. But could she decode it? Or was it simply what it looked to be, a simple, and loving goodbye letter?
When they were teenagers it was a game they had always played as children. Cora loved creating phrases with a double meaning. Sometimes Harlow was even grateful for them. It was like having their very own secret language. Especially the times when they had to all gather together. Harlow had always been the topic of conversation. Why wasn’t she in all their other classes, like her brother was? Or why was her hair so crazy, and not like everyone else, smooth, and straight? Or her freckles that lightly dotted her face. Kids could be so mean at times.
The dual meaning she and Cora shared lightened the mood in those stressful times. Over time as they grew Harlow understood she was different. They just made fun of her because they were either afraid or not sure how to approach her. Now as adults they mostly ignored her. She preferred it that way. She felt safer. Oh, they still stared, usually with curiosity. There were still a few people who truly disliked her, as well as her twin, and son by extension. They wouldn’t dare stare at Caden or Rowan. Their responsibilities helped with that. So that left her.
Perhaps some of the animosity was because they lived within the Overseer’s estate. No one was sure why, not even them. They learned at a very early age not to question it. Having it drilled into you from your nanny every morning helped with that. As was watching anyone who ever asked about it, was immediately taken in to see the True Guard. It had very quickly instilled a level of fear, and jealousy. Sadly it was mostly always directed at her. She didn’t like it. Who would really? If it meant however Caden, and Rowan could live easier, then she would take it.
Now to the matter of Cora’s letter. It had some double meaning in it. Of that, she was sure. Since she was so clearly being watched. Either by recording devices or True Guard members. For Caden’s sake, she hoped she could figure this out. With him being a member, and Rowan soon to be, it would be best if she did this alone. The less they knew the better, and safer for them.
For Cora she would definitely figure this out. Her challenge would be doing so in secret while being watched. All while keeping this from Caden, and Rowan. Now thinking of that, she really should create her testament should something happen to her. Though she would likely hide hers in a place only Caden, and Rowan would know of. More information could be given to them in that case. Harlow took a deep breath, and an exhale of relief at the decision she just made.
It was like lifting a huge weight off her shoulders. Even though she was still about to do something risky, and take a step into the unknown. She would solve the clues Cora had left for her in hopes of finishing her work. Whatever that may have been. While also making sure her family could easily find all the information should something happen to her.
With a new sense of confidence, Harlow left her suite and made her way to the library archives. Today would be the start of her new mission. She was pretty sure some of the double meanings had to do with the library books. Especially the ancient ones. She planned as she walked how she could avoid the active cameras in the archive. That was the easy part. How she could change her habitual routine was another matter altogether.
Whoever it was assigned to watch the recordings of the library log would know if she made changes, and likely why. There was also the possibility the recordings were now live considering the situation. The need to appear as normal as possible was paramount. Guessing she could allow for moments of grief here, and there. Could be useful to her in seeking out what she needed.
Luckily today she made it to the archive with no physical interruptions. She would consider everyone except Caden, and Rowan a suspicious person from here on. The information Cora had but not revealed was of great importance. Perhaps it was even related to the current situation the planet was in.
Why else would all this secrecy, and deception be going on? As it was dying, and then along with it that was very like the case. If that were true, then she needed to hustle. Finding out, and solving the clues. Then putting everything into action, and completing the task. She would do this, for her family, Cora included.
Placing her hand on the door scanner she waited impatiently to enter the library. Today was going to be an interesting, and fun day. It was all she could do to appear normal, and not rush in. She was to be sad after all, having just received the willed box from Cora.
As she walked to her usual comfy chair she began pulling out the books from her side bag. The book in which she tucked Cora’s letter into, she placed it on the side table. This way she could have it close for reference should she need it. A thought she had while getting ready this morning. Going back to the hidden place to remove the letter. It was like bringing a piece of Cora with her today. In hopes, she could help her in revealing the clues and discovering the answers.
Allowing her bag strap to fall off her shoulder her bag landed with a soft thud beside the table. She had to go through all the same motions. She was a person who kept to a routine. Hesitating for only a moment she turned, and went about putting the books away in her arms. As she did she figured it would be best to pick from her latest usual section. Best not to alert anyone to her change in plans. At least not yet, she hoped.
Once getting settled in her chair, and had arranged the books into a reading order, tucking the book she had borrowed into the middle of the pile. When she would get to that book was when she usually took a bathroom break. It seemed like the perfect timing to her. Putting her plan into action.
A restroom was located in the back of the library. It would be easier for her to quickly scan the other shelves in the back. Her hunch was that was where she had to look. Even though there was very little lighting back there she was glad to have thought, and worn dark clothing today. It wouldn’t do for her to be caught on the loan camera searching the library.
Picking up the first book she scanned through like she always did, continuing like so for each book. Thankfully this pile she had gathered seemed to not contain anything of note. They had no need for financial economics within the world now. It was a trade or barter type of life now currency was a thing of the past. She still found herself fulfilling her job when all she wanted to do was go through the motions. It meant too much to her.
This would work well for her plans though. The bland topics with no relevance would allow her to alter the timing of her routine. Rising from the chair she collected the stack of books, returning them slowly. When it came time where her back was to the camera she quickly slid the letter from the book sliding it into her front cardigan pocket. When she pulled her hand out she made a display of the handkerchief she pulled out. Using it to dab her eyes, and wipe her nose before putting it back into her pocket.
She made a point to ask the smart screen the time before nodding and heading towards the restroom. Saying she might as well take a minute before once again rubbing her nose. May as well make it look real. Weaving her way through the aisles of bookshelves she was grateful the door to the restroom was around the corner. It meant that the camera wouldn’t pick up her opening the door. It was the only room back there with an automatic light that still worked. This way she could grab a few books on her way to check them in the light.
After reading, and rereading Cora’s letter, she was to get a few extra romances to take home each night. She also had an inkling that the very letter itself was a clue. Like maybe it was written on a page from one of the books. If Harlow was right she was in for a challenging task. With so many books housed here, how would she find the right book? Hoping she could rely on her gut intuition to find it or not zero in on its general location. Lately, her gut feelings have been very helpful.
Once she knew she would be out of the camera’s sight she paused only long enough to place her hand on her stomach. With a deep inhale, and a quick exhale she mentally asked, where? Heading in that direction she felt the strongest pull she weaved in, and out quickly. It took her around the corner past the restroom corridor to the back wall. Where there were several doors along the wall leading to forgotten rooms. Only she knew one of the doors held a secret. Cora must have learned of that secret too. However, she wasn’t sure. She had never told anyone, not even Caden when she had discovered it many years ago. It was something she had kept for herself. Feeling the need just in case at the time.
