Remeons quest, p.12
Remeon's Quest, page 12
“You look good, Jack. I’m so happy you’re out of the infirmary.”
Jack cleared his throat and waited another few seconds to speak, unsure of the strength of his voice. “Are you?” he questioned. “I think I know why you brought me here, to this overgrown park.”
Whisterly smiled. “No, I don’t think you do.”
Despite himself, Jack couldn’t help drinking in every inch of her. The lines of her face. The curve of her lips. The depth of her eyes. He was entranced.
He sat up straighter, his brows furrowed, focused and determined to plow through the pleasantries. “You knew I’d be completely overwhelmed with silencing all the communication around me in a crowd this size, so it’d be all that much easier to push me away.” Jack averted his eyes. “But it’s not necessary. Really it’s not.”
Suddenly silence replaced the cacophony in his head. He breathed a sigh of relief. “Nice trick. What’s next?”
Whisterly blinked her lashes and leaned forward. “It’s just us now. No one around us can hear us or intrude into our silent communication. And it’s not a trick. Given enough time, you could do the same thing.”
Jack scoffed and sat up straighter in his seat. “Why are you playing these games? You’re tearing me up inside. And I think you know it.” He took a shaky breath. “So just get on with it. You want to publicly shame the stupid human? Go ahead.”
Whisterly persisted. “Are you willing to listen?”
Jack nodded and hung his head.
“Remember the book we found in the basement? It’s filled with secrets and spells of generations of witches from my family.” I’m a witch, Jack.
Jack shifted in his seat. “That’s not a surprise.”
Whisterly continued. “If you’re willing, I need a partner, and I believe what we uncover can help you as well.”
“A partner…” Jack raised his eyebrows. “What does that mean exactly?”
Whisterly sighed. Read my thoughts, Jack. Right now I’m an open book, and you haven’t even tried.
Jack closed his eyes and hesitantly reached out, connecting to Whisterly’s pathways. Finding no resistance, he plowed forward. In fact, he felt her with him, pulling him deeper into the recesses of her mind.
He stopped, and his eyes popped wide open. What? You love me? How could that be? You’ve spent the past few weeks pushing me away.
You’ve got a lot to learn about women. Jack. Yes, I love you.
Jack struggled to keep his expression neutral, but his face contorted just the same. Sam had been right. He leaned forward and continued silently. Whisterly, you haunt my dreams… I’ve loved you since I set eyes on you that very first day.
A lone tear trailed down her cheek, and she whisked it away. Jack, if we pursue this…this relationship, we could both end up dead—or worse. I just wanted to be sure the feelings I had were real.
Jack laughed out loud. What exactly could be worse? And how’s that different from my current circumstances?
Her smile reached her eyes, and they appeared to dance in amusement. You have a point. I guess it’s not. Will you help me?
Jack’s gaze fixed on Whisterly, the glimmer in his blue eyes searing right through her. Your wish is my command, council mistress and witch who commands my soul. Now, can we leave here? I need to be with you for a few minutes. Alone.
I thought you’d never ask. Meet me by the door next to our basement at 1600 hours. But, for now, you must return to your quarters. Don’t be late this time, she chided.
Jack fought to contain the grin that threatened to take over his face. A herd of cattle chasing the devil couldn’t keep me away. He winked, stood, then mimicked a discrete bow. See you soon.
WHEN JACK APPROACHED the designated meeting spot at 1600 hours, he found Whisterly waiting for him. She brought her finger to his lips to silence any outward communication. Let’s go.
Jack followed her disappearing figure out of doors. Once reaching the light of day, he paused. It was the first time he’d been outside here on Remeon—well, that he could remember. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, grateful for the fresh air. His senses detected the damp earthiness of the soil and vegetation. A crisp chill surrounded him, and Jack wondered if it were fall here, his favorite time of year, when it was no longer so hot that work outside became unbearable.
A faint buzz grabbed his attention; then Jack felt the delicate patter of multiple tiny imprints from where an insect had landed on his hand. He raised his arm to inspect the small thing. A bug is a bug, it seems. It appeared to be the same as those from Earth. A pang of longing flowed through him. Today, though, he welcomed the intrusion. It proved in a small way that Earth and Remeon were connected in a very basic and primal way.
So many things were also different on this planet, but today, outside on Remeon, as the cool breeze unsettled the trees, he could close his eyes and imagine, even if only for an instant, that he was home.
Energized, he couldn’t help but grin, not to be tied to a table or cooped up inside. He scanned the horizon where he’d last seen Whisterly and took off toward her again.
“Jack, over here.”
She led him to a secluded glade. The small alcove of trees opened to a stream that bubbled and gurgled to the surface as it made its way downstream. He turned and glanced back over the path he’d come. His breath caught in his throat at the spectacle of the massive structure he’d just left.
“We call it The Compound.”
“Aah. Fitting.”
Equipment surrounding the huge building came to life, whirling and spinning, disturbing the peace of the small space and attesting to the fact that they really were far from alone.
“We don’t have long, but at least we’re away from curious eyes.”
The breeze rustled the air, as if the leaves shivered in response when they swayed in unison. This was certainly a welcome respite to being inside, shut off in an infirmary.
Jack reached for her hand. “We don’t need long, even though I would be happy to stay right here with you for however long you’d have me.” His gaze swept her from head toe. The glamorous emerald dress from earlier had been traded in for neutral-colored formfitting pants and a sweater. The material clung discretely to her slender curves. He made no attempt to hide his thoughts as he mentally devoured every inch of her.
Whisterly pulled away and reached her arms skyward. As she did so, colorful sparks emitted from her fingertips, and a dazzling aura formed around her being.
Jack nodded his approval. “Interesting display.”
Whisterly giggled. “It’s not just a display. I’ve temporarily hidden us from view from any passersby. We won’t be detected.”
Jack’s eyebrows rose. “Even better.”
“Being a witch does have its advantages.”
A million questions formed in his mind, but they died on his lips as she drew closer. Nothing mattered but Whisterly. Here. Now. He looked into her eyes, as if truly seeing her for the very first time. Jack reclaimed her hand, kissed it, then pulled her close, conforming her body to his own. She gasped as his mouth found hers. He lost himself. Suddenly all the tests, the loneliness, the grief, they all meant something—something real—culminating in Whisterly.
He pulled away from her slightly, and her breaths came in short wisps of air. Jack kissed her cheek. Pressing his lips lightly on her neck, he traced a line of kisses downward, then paused at her shoulder as she stepped back.
“Jack?” she whispered.
“Mmm?”
“Come on, over there.” Whisterly led him a few steps and patted a large rock next to the stream. “Let’s sit.”
Jack leaned against the rock, then slid down. “Your turn,” he said, pointing next to him. Whisterly scooted in, then grasped his head in her hands and brought his forehead to her own.
Instantly flashes of pictures filled his mind: Whisterly as a young girl, at school, learning to shoot a gun, running a meeting. The images kept coming. Moments later he sat back. “That was incredible. Can I see it again?”
Tears dotted Whisterly’s face.
“Jack, what happened to Sam, I’m so sorry.” She nuzzled her head against his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Jack kissed the top of her head. “Me too.”
“You must have been devastated.”
He nodded wordlessly, and Whisterly felt his grip tighten. “He was my lifeline to the world, ya know? He taught me about life. He took me in and loved me without question, more than my own father ever did.”
“I really can’t imagine. My parents have always been there for me.” She shrugged. “Certainly irritating at times and demanding, like now. But I’ve always known what my destiny would be, who I would become. It’s how I was molded from the very beginning.”
Jack chuckled as his fingers ran through his hair. “I saw. I’m envious. And here you are with an outcast. I’m definitely not part of the plan.”
Whisterly sat up. “Don’t be envious, Jack. From your memories Earth looks wonderful. At times I was suffocated. Oftentimes my parents are myopic and single-minded. I have only lived life through their lens prior to now, until I discovered my heritage. It’s like, over the past few weeks, I’ve found a gaping hole in my life that I already had the means to fill. Exploring my identity as a witch and having you in my life have changed me. I don’t ever want to go back. You’re now part of who I am.”
Jack grinned. “That’s good to hear. But things aren’t really that different, are they? I’m still a detainee from Earth, and you’re still heir to the council and betrothed to be married, to someone else.” He shook his head. “Not the best circumstances.”
“That’s true.”
Jack watched as Whisterly’s expression changed to what must have been a combination of disgust and despair.
“I cannot bear the thought of having his child or even being mated to Damond for that matter.”
“What can we do? You said he’s your preordained mate.” Revulsion filled him at the words he’d just spoken. I can’t give you up now. I won’t. “What would happen if we left—just ran away?”
“No good. We’d be hunted down and found eventually.”
Whisterly beamed at Jack. “How much do you want this?”
“More than anything.”
“There’s still something else…something I’ve not allowed you to read from my thoughts. I wanted to ask you in person, face-to-face.”
“Okay, shoot. I mean, go ahead.”
Whisterly gazed into Jack’s eyes. “There’s no easy way to ask this, so here goes.” She bit her lip, still hesitating.
“What is it? Nothing else could surprise me after today.”
“This will surprise you.” She took a deep breath. “Will you…father my child? There, I said it. I want to have a baby with you.” Whisterly averted her eyes. “You don’t have to say yes. I just had to try.”
Jack’s mouth moved, but no words came out. “What? You mean, you and me would? How… How would we do that?”
Whisterly scrunched her face, and her cheeks turned an interesting shade of red. “Well, the old-fashioned way of course. I’ve been taught it’s quite barbaric.”
Jack smirked. “Well, I wouldn’t know personally ’cause I actually haven’t…” Jack cleared his throat and began again. “But, uh, I believe you’ve been misled.”
Whisterly searched his face. “You do know how? I mean, you know what to do?”
He reached down and brushed his lips with hers and groaned softly. “Yes,” he said, raising his gaze to meet hers. “No worries there.”
Whisterly released a deep sigh. “Good. We’ll need to plan, the, uh…event, a few days before my next scheduled procedure, in less than a fortnight. That is, if you agree.”
“Whisterly, I’m speechless. You’ve made me the happiest man on Earth…I mean, Remeon. I don’t know what to say.”
She hung her head, unable to meet his gaze. “Say yes,” she whispered. “Please say yes.”
He nibbled at her ear, then murmured, “Yes.”
BITS OF MUFFLED conversation reached the pair. They were safe in their temporary oasis, but Whisterly’s finger rose to her lips just the same to be sure no stray noise from them would bring the nearby group closer to investigate.
The troop made little attempt to hide their trek. Outward conversation and their clumsy passage were clues they weren’t seriously afraid of being discovered. As the individuals passed, Whisterly considered confronting them outright, especially knowing her father and Damond were among them. But she reconsidered when she remembered Jack was by her side. They couldn’t be going far. Dugan isn’t well.
“Jack, I need to follow them. They’re not just out for an afternoon stroll. And my father’s with them. He doesn’t roam far from the compound these days, so it’s not likely to be a great distance.”
Jack nodded his head. “Okay, let’s go.”
She placed her hand on his chest. “No, I should go alone.”
Jack tilted his head. “You sure you don’t want some company?”
Whisterly took his hand. “It’s not that. I don’t want to subject you to more unnecessary scrutiny at this point. We have a lot to accomplish. We shouldn’t attract undue attention.”
Her eyebrows rose in question, and Jack shrugged. “Agreed. I guess.”
Whisterly pressed her lips against Jack’s. She lingered there, exploring, her insides warming from Jack’s response. Slowly she pulled away. “Will you meet me later? In the basement? I could use your help.”
“Let me think… I’ve got such a busy schedule…” He grinned. “Of course I’ll be there. That is, unless your hatchet men come for me again before then.”
A cloud fell over her face. “Don’t joke about that. I hate that we’re causing you pain. If I could will it away, I would.”
“Shhh. It’s all right. I was only half joking. When should I be there?”
“Come just after dark. I’ll leave the door unlocked.”
“I guess I’ll see you then.” Jack took her face in his hands and kissed her forehead; then his lips gently grazed hers, creating a shiver that traveled down her spine.
“Hmm, I should go. Oh. Wait, Jack. Let me give you this.” Whisterly pulled up her pant leg, revealing a knife secured there. She retrieved it and handed it to Jack. “Just in case. Do you know how to use it?”
Jack pulled the knife from its cover. The serrated edges shone in the late-afternoon sunlight as he held it up and examined it from all sides. Satisfied, he sheathed the knife once again.
“I do. When you’ve lived alone, self-defense is one of the first skills you realize you need to master.” Jack strapped the knife to his leg and adjusted its position. “What about you?”
Whisterly lifted up her other pant leg and winked. “I’ve got another.”
SHE CHOSE TO keep the charm active and thus stay hidden from view as she left in pursuit. All Whisterly had to do was follow the steady stream of noise as she moved through the wooded area.
The tree cover broke ahead, and she saw her father sitting on a rock in the clearing. A senior member of the council, Janus, spoke in hushed tones to Damond. Mila stood by Dugan, as if awaiting additional instructions. Whisterly edged closer so she could pick up on the verbal conversation and not risk potential disclosure by her use of telepathy.
“Janus, what do you think?” Damond asked.
“I believe we need to examine it much closer than we can from here,” he said, eyeing Dugan.
Dugan nodded, then peered toward Damond and Mila. “Let’s get just a little closer.”
Whisterly crawled nearer, as far as she dared. Cloaked or not, only a few more steps and she would be in the clearing with the bunch gathered there. She homed in on the conversation in the distance. Fortunately Mila and Dugan sat stoically, facing away from her. Janus spread his arms wide and spoke animatedly as the two engaged in vocal communication. Whisterly only caught phrases here and there. “Perfect for… Estimated numbers… Fortunate for the sick and dying…”
She scanned beyond the pair and murmured an enchantment, allowing her sight to go beyond the gathering. Her apparition turned around in the unfamiliar location. Damond and the others appeared to be more than a klick behind her now. It was cool and dry here. The opening she saw them through was the entrance to a cave. Vague memories of travel to this place, or another very much like this one, washed over her. If she remembered correctly, a whole chain of caves were connected through the underground tunnels. Could this be those exact same pathways that she had visited so long ago? If so, why would her father bring these people here?
She spotted the group from the mouth of the cave as they gathered and appeared to be heading back. She closed her eyes and spoke the incantation to be transferred back into her physical form. She marveled at the experience. That was pretty incredible. Her past few weeks of intense study had surpassed her expectations. Barriers had been trampled. It was as if her hunger for knowledge could not be sated.
“All because of you, Grandmother,” she whispered. “You’ve taken me to places I’d never dreamed I’d go.”
Oh, hold on tight. You’ve no idea yet. This is only the beginning.
Whisterly moved stealthily through the underbrush, retracing her steps, now back in more familiar territory. Dusk had fallen, but, even in the dim light, she saw the compound looming ahead. Her thoughts turned to Jack as she checked the sky. It would be dark soon, and she needed to change before meeting him. She connected to his thoughts and smiled inwardly at their ability to share these private intimate moments together. She would see him soon, but first she needed to eat—she was famished—and change. The cool early afternoon had turned warmer during her trek with the expedition, and now she was sweaty and grimy.
Indeed her late-afternoon discoveries required much more contemplation. She was reminded again how truly isolated she felt. Could she trust her father and mentor? Or was he under another’s control? And what about her mother? There was much more to this excursion than there appeared to be. Deep inside she knew it. She trusted those instincts and the newfound dread that now resided in the pit of her stomach.
