A Different Path

Chapter 12

And so does he.

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Narinder was able to hear Rose's beautiful voice once again through the missionary talisman. He heard her sing and even heard the rain she summoned. Looking outside, he saw that the sky became cloudy, but there wasn't any rain yet. Her power was truly tremendous if she could summon the rain like that, especially all the way where he was. Oh, how he wanted to hold her in his arms again... Narinder wanted Rose there with him so badly... But it was for her own safety... Though... maybe she could come if it's quiet for at least three days more... Vulcana has been radio silent for days, and so had the fox. Maybe they were actually giving up or laying in wait... Darn. Shamura had been keeping him updated on the situation, but nothing had been detected by the scouts. Vulcana's few followers disappeared from sight too. It was like they were never there to begin with. Narinder assumed she wanted to mess with their heads again. A sphynx cat was a champion at riddles, especially if they made it so due to their namesake.

Narinder remembered the last time he saw Vulcana. Shamura had given her a choice and they saw her destroy her own Crown. What they all thought it had happened, anyways... but they felt her divinity dwindle! It was enough to deem her neutralized! She even told them to consider her retired! Sneaky cat, more than him or Leshy, that was for sure. There had to be some way to sneak Rose there... Even if she portaled there, Rose would have to stay within the borders of the Cult where the protection was strongest. If this keeps up, Rose will be nothing more than a caged bird and Narinder didn't want that! Ugh! Darn bad guys targeting the love of his life!! Why can't they just leave her alone?! He then started to think... if he takes precautions, then perhaps Rose could come once again. Security around her would increase, but only until they had more information about Vulcana... Should Narinder discuss it with Shamura? That seemed like a good idea to get their guidance.

Narinder contacted Shamura and they met in person not too long afterwards. Narinder told them about his idea and wanted their opinion. Shamura thought about it... There has been no news whatsoever about Vulcana at all. It was like she popped in to say hello, then vanished without a trace again. Not even their best scouts could find her. Even Shamura went out to search her old domain in the desert, but came out empty handed. If she was hiding, then she did very well in that aspect. Shamura contemplated everything carefully. Until they had confirmation about Vulcana's fate, they had to be careful since it was Rose she wanted. So long as precautions were put into place, then everything should be okay. Shamura told all of this to Narinder, explaining the details. Narinder nodded and agreed, happy to be able to see Rose again soon. Shamura was happy to see Narinder smile, he'd been so sad since he couldn't see Rose in person for so long... Rose was probably really sad too. Callisto had written to them about Rose when they asked and even though she was holding up, Rose was upset. Narinder and Rose are truly meant for each other it seemed.

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Rose was surprised to receive not a letter but a call from the talisman from Narinder. She answered immediately and heard his voice once more. Rose missed speaking with him and he with her. They spent some time chatting about what has been going on before getting down to business about the matter at hand. How was Rose going to visit with the looming threat of Vulcana over everyone's heads? Sure, she hasn't been seen in a while but that doesn't mean she's gone for good.

"Narinder! I missed hearing your voice..." Rose held the talisman in her hands.

"As have I, my beloved. How have you've been fairing as of late?" Narinder asked.

"I've been okay physically, I feel better now that we're talking with each other again. Tell me, how are you? Is all well?" Rose inquired.

"So far, yes. The flock has been well. I have some good news as well. You can come to visit once more so long as we are careful. Vulcana is cunning and tricky, but if we play our cards right, she won't get her paws on a single hair on your head," Narinder explained his plan.

Rose listened and thought about it. "Hmm, doable. I can also go invisible if need be."

"Wasn't that how Leshy lost that wager you made with him?" Narinder asked.

"Oh yes," Rose chuckled. "He wanted to try and find me while I was invisible in a game of hide-and-seek! Heket still thinks I shouldn't have gone so light on him with what we wagered."

"I haven't seen him so grumpy in ages," Narinder snickered. "I'll make preparations here. Two days and then we can see each other again."

"All right. I will be waiting, even though I cannot wait to see you again," Rose said.

"I may be very patient, but I cannot wait to hold you in my arms again, mi amor..." Narinder truly missed her.

"Me too... wait, why do I feel like someone is listening in- niños!" Rose spotted her grandchildren who ran away the second she did. "Kids... I love them but they cannot be that nosy unless they're spying on bad guys."

"Was it your grandchildren?" Narinder asked.

"Several of them," Rose shook her head. "I'm surprised it wasn't any of their parents. Those five used to listen in to a lot of my conversations when they were young as 'spy training'."

"Espionage runs in the family," Narinder smirked.

"They learned from the best," Rose smiled.

The conversation went on for a bit longer before the both of them ended the call. They were glad to have spoken to each other after a while. Rose felt so giddy inside but then remembered that she needed to lecture her grandkids about spying on her private conversations. They can eavesdrop on shady folks or suspected bad guys! That lecture happened with a bit of enforcement from the parents, but it seemed that the message got through. Rose gave them a few tips on what to do to not get caught or be seen the next time they played spies. It reminded Rose of the times she had to disguise herself when out on missions. She still had those disguises but they haven't been used in years. Sometimes she showed her family her old stuff from those days, but it had been a while since Rose thought of that. For now, she was excited to see Narinder in the next two days. Even if it was a bit overkill, they would be the most careful they could be. Rose knew that things might happen that they could never predict, and planning for them is nigh impossible.

Not even her seer friend, Callisto, could predict the future whenever. He only had a sliver of clairvoyance that he was still honing. No matter. Rose would adapt to the situation as best she could given whatever circumstances there were. She had been in crazy situations before before the barrier was up. Seriously, there were a lot of times when she had to result to very unorthodox methods even if she had magic at her disposal. She wondered what Narinder might have in mind? Maybe she should bring treats for the flock? Rose saw that the sheep loved to eat a wheat based sweet. It was pretty tasty when she tried it. Maybe there was something similar to at least give to the kids, especially the babies! All she and everyone else could do was be careful and have their guards up until Vulcana either gave up or she was dead. She fooled them all once, but could and would she do so again? That was the big question...