© Stephanie Anne and Dee Atkins
Chapter Four
That night, sleep eluded me. After the dream of the boy with a shadowed face, I couldn’t fall back into a dreamless rest. Instead, images of the dream would come back to me in fragments, but the boy’s face would always be shadowed, his dark blue shirt always there, that smile implanted in my mind.
And it wouldn’t go away.
When light began to stream through my window, I knew I needed to do something that would advantage the mission, and I knew it had to be research on the behaviours of humans. So I got up and decided to look around my room, which I didn’t get to do last night before I’d collapsed into my dreams. As I looked around I noticed the room was rather small.
A small worn wooden cupboard rested against the far wall, looking as if it’d fall to pieces if I even touched it and I cringed. Paintings of landscapes and animals were hanging crookedly on the white walls with the cracked paint, and the carpet was a dark blue colour. The bed was large and beside it were two bedside tables.
A bookshelf with piles and piles of old books and other, book like things with shiny covers rested on the far wall as well. I frowned, walking towards it. I ran my smooth fingers over the splintery surface before pulling one of the shiny covered books out, cringing as a girl with bright blue eyes, blonde hair and shining white teeth appeared; I immediately put it down and chose another.
I picked up an old book, the cover reading Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and flipped it open, squinting at the faded drawings and the waterlogged pages. The book itself was old, that much I could tell, and it hadn’t been cared for all too well.
I wonder if Kali ever picked up this exact book. I shook my head and put the book down, yet again picking up one of the newer looking ones. I flicked through the glossy pages, skimming through passages about a boy named ‘Justin Bieber’ and how his relationship with a girl is ‘going down the drain’.
Sadly, I shook my head and flipped to another page, coming up with something about ‘Facebook’.
“What is all of this?” I groaned, throwing the book down onto the bed, sitting next to it with my head in my hands. I should have thought this through… I sat up straight and thought about Kali, about how she would have been in this exact same position, wondering what she should do and what would come out of it. Kali would have done as much research as possible, would have interacted with the humans to aid her need. She would have known exactly what to do, and not sound suspicious nor get caught.
Then how did she die?
I shook my head and opened the window, letting the sun brighten the room and warm me up. The sweet scent of the earth immediately hit my nose and I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes to relish the calming atmosphere before turning and looking around the room with a new purpose. This was supposed to be Kali’s mission. She was supposed to complete this and come back home to us. But she didn’t; she failed. And now it was up to me to right her wrongs and do my people proud. I had to do what Kali couldn’t. And there was no way I was failing like she did.
With my new purpose in mind I exited my room, making sure to lock the door behind myself. Surely there were other things in and around the motel that’d give me some sort of hint as to what normal humans did. Perhaps there were more books lying around that I could look through to get more ideas. Or maybe I just needed a change of scenery.
My legs took me through the building, my eyes scanning the halls and multiple doors, all closed, until I came to what seemed to be the back door. I stepped through and squinted at the sun which was shining brightly through the branches of the trees. A slight breeze ruffled my clothes and carried my long dark hair over my shoulders and I smiled slightly before descending the three rickety steps necessary to get to the ground.
Seemingly of their own accord my legs started to carry me deeper into the forest surrounding the motel, and I let them. The world around me seemed quiet and distant, only the rustling of the tree’s letting me know I was not alone.
My legs carried me to a clearing in the forest and I smiled when I saw the small stream and bright green grass. It reminded me of home, and I suddenly felt sad. I missed my family. I missed the birds, the trees, the streams. I missed the laughter, the chattering, the squeals of my kind. I missed everything. But I couldn’t think about them now.
Blinking away tears, I put up a hard wall to block all the memories out, to forget – or at least try to. Instead, I pulled out my katana. I swung the sword in arks, slashing at the trees around me, venting my frustration and anger. I screamed as I went, spinning, furious. I hacked endlessly at a large sturdy tree.
Slowly, I dropped the sword and fell to my knees, suddenly doubting my ability to complete this mission. Why? Why me? Why was I chosen? Taking in deep breaths, I squeezed my eyes shut in an attempt to drown out the thrumming of my heart. Heat spread up my body, igniting it in something, something different.
If I concentrated, I could hear my sisters’ laughter, my brother’s heavy footsteps as he stomped around the cottage. I could smell my mother's perfume, see my father’s smiling face. For a moment I relished the happy feelings I was getting. I sighed, wishing I could stay in this happy place forever. But it couldn’t be.
My serene thoughts were abruptly cut off when I heard a noise. I was immediately on guard, springing to my feet and sheathing my blade once more as I ducked behind the thick tree. I held my breath and remained as still as I possibly could, clenching my fists and readying to pounce if the unknown source of noise tried to attack.
But as I concentrated I could hear the noises more clearly. And they weren’t just noises; they were voices.
I held my breath, waiting for the voices to disappear. But of course, it couldn’t be that easy. I could hear them clearly, walking towards the clearing. They could be Ceaelie hunters, was the first thought that ran through my head, and I let go of my breath. Slowly, I unbuckled my sheath, hiding it in the hole of a tree. If I tried to run the damned thing would only slow me down, especially if the men had sufficient weapons.
“I honestly don’t think there’s anything out here, man. Really,” one said, walking through the clearing first. I turned my head slightly, trying to get a better look at him. His back was turned, and yet already I had a sense, a feeling that he was no good.
“Cam, anything could be out here. We just have to look…” The other man trailed off eyes wandering over the massive mess I made. I flinched at my own stupidity. How could I be so idiotic? I blew an angry breath of air out and waited.
“See what I mean? This could be one of them!” the blond one yelled, hands running over the marks the katana had made.
“Or, it was a wild beast. Really Daniel, you’re just as bad as my dad. There could be nothing here. For all we fucking know the Ceaelie could have moved on years ago and-”
“There was recent activity reported by Hank. He said-”
“And he’s full of shit!” the boy with his back turned yelled, running a frustrated hand through his hair. Something about him, with the way he talked and the way he moved almost made it look - and sound like - he wanted the Ceaelie to have disappeared, for whatever reason. “You know as much as me that he isn’t trustworthy.”
“And you know me well enough to understand my view on things, Cameron,” the blond boy, Daniel, said. “You should want these things annihilated as much as me, or am I mistaken?”
“Look Daniel, I just-”
He cut off abruptly when a small gasp left my lips, and I immediately covered my mouth, closing my eyes. How could I be so reckless? Why did I have to make a sound? They could’ve told me more, if only I hadn’t made a sound. But I’d been horrified at the thought of my race being annihilated. I’d felt my heart clench and my worries soar high.
But now I had bigger problems.
“Don’t make any sudden movements,” one of the boys whispered. I couldn’t tell which it was from just the voices alone yet. “Remain calm. I told you we’d find one, didn’t I?”
“We know you’re there!” the other called, and I gulped.
From the corner of my eye I noticed them both pull out a weapon I hadn’t seen much of. In our lessons when we were younger I’d seen these weapons. We’d been taught that they were lethal and all the wielder had to do was pull a trigger to let fly a bullet that could instantly kill you. We were always told to steer clear of them, but right now that wasn’t an option.
Slowly and carefully, I stepped out from behind the tree, stumbling slightly as if in fear. They seemed to look over me, then look at each other in question. They were unsure, unable to tell if I was Ceaelie or human. I wore human clothing and yet I was at the sight of a possible Ceaelie.
“I am so, so s-sorry. I was, I was just out hiking, looking around when I came here. I was over at the Inn, and then, then I don’t know what happened.” I teared up a bit for effect and the two men lowered their weapons, still unsure.
The blond one spoke first. “What’s your name?” He was still suspicious, I could tell.
“V-Valia, Sir,” I stuttered, wrapping my arms around my body. He still seemed doubtful.
“That’s an… unusual name, Valia.” He looked at the other boy, the one who watched me just as carefully, blue eyes relentless.
“What Inn were you staying in again, Valia?” he asked. I had to think of the name, but it escaped me. Oh God, oh God, oh God.
“Th-The Ridgeway Inn.” I looked down. I needed a cover story, something to tell people, a reason for why I was here. Damn, damn, damn. I looked up again.
Both boys put their guns away, shifting uneasily. They both looked skeptical, both staring me down as if at any moment I’d give myself up as a Ceaelie. But there was no chance I’d do that.
When I sniffled again one of the boys stepped forward, making me shrink back slightly, surprised at the sudden movement. He gently placed a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll take her back to the Inn, you continue the patrol,” he said, and I heard slight authority in his tone.
“Cam, I don’t-”
“Don’t argue with me, Daniel,” Cameron muttered, his grip on my shoulder tightening further, making me gulp. What was he going to do with me? Did I even want to know?
Daniel nodded, sending me one last skeptical glance before moving into the trees again. Once he was gone Cameron faced me once more, making me tense up, awaiting what was bound to happen.
“Follow me,” he whispered, leading the way, and I just stood there, shocked a moment before following him.
He led me through the forest as if it were the back of his hand. He stopped a couple of times to let me walk a few steps ahead of him, then would catch up. It was almost like a blur before we made it back to the town.
“I thought you were taking me to the Inn?” I asked in confusion, turning to him. He stopped, blue eyes bright with curiosity. He cocked his head and stepped forward, making me gulp.
“It’s actually a lot easier to get there if we go through town. I have no clue how you made it that far into the forest, but if you haven’t noticed, it can be quite dangerous out there.”
“What, like running into two men with guns?” It slipped out of my mouth before I could stop it, my eyes widening. He only chuckled and shook his head, smiling, even if it was just a bit.
“I suppose so.” We continued walking for just a bit longer. “Do you want a coffee?” He looked at me, waiting for an answer and I panicked. Cam seemed to pick up on it. “What? Have a boyfriend back home? Don’t worry, I’m not asking you out on a date.” Nervously, I laughed, shaking my head.
“Uh, not much of a coffee girl. I’m more into tea.” I winced at how stupid I sounded, almost grimacing. And yet he only smiled, leading me towards a small shop, walking straight towards the counter. He turned to me.
“See any type of tea that you like?” he asked, pointing towards the types on the board. I squinted, having no clue as to what would be there. I could recognise some teas, sure, but others sounded… foreign. That’s what you get for going into a human world, idiot. Scanning the words again, I decided.
“I’ll just have the mint tea, thanks.” Then I stuck my hands in my pocket, looking for money I thought I had put in there.
“Hey, I’ll get it for you. Let’s call it a sorry gift.” I raised my eyebrows as he ordered, shaking my head. Why would he do that? Why would he just buy me my tea? What did he want from me?
Once he’d ordered we waited for our beverages, and the whole while I managed to avoid his prying eyes. I couldn’t help but wonder what he thought of me. I didn’t know whether he believed my disguise or not. He seemed to be good at hiding his emotions, and I was just glad I could do the same. And if he did think I was Ceaelie why hadn’t he tried to kill me yet?
Cameron’s shoulder bumped mine suddenly, and I jumped, startled. He sent me a sorry smile and handed me my tea before we headed outside into the cool midday breeze. The tea warmed my hands through the disposable container and I inhaled it, loving the smell of the mint as it wafted up to my nose.
“Are you just gonna smell it or are you actually gonna drink it?” Cameron suddenly teased, making me gasp, shocked that he’d noticed and had been watching me. I could feel my cheeks heating up suddenly, making him chuckle at my reaction as I took a sip of the tea. It burnt it’s way down my throat but I managed it.
"So, what brings you to Blowing Rock?” he questioned as we walked up the path.
“Travel,” I answered immediately.
“Travel?” he asked. “Didn’t pick you as the travelling type.”
“I just wanted to get away from home and see other things, and other people,” I replied. “It was just way too overcrowded where I’m from. I needed an escape. Blowing Rock seemed as good a place as any to start.”
“Huh,” he mumbled, taking a sip of coffee. For a long while, we walked in silence, making our way down the fairly busy streets. We had just turned a corner when I felt something, a tickle on the back of my neck. Turning slowly, I caught the stare of a young girl, her eyes wide with what felt like hope. Hope for what? I wasn’t sure. But she seemed to be full of it.
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We are so sorry for taking so long to update! Thank you to those of you who have been reading this, and enjoying this and we hope you continue to do so!
-Steph and Dee