Eternal Starling (Emblem of Eternity Trilogy) (29 page)

Silence hung in the air until Emil asked, “Did you tell Evie about my past relationship with her?”

Alex pursed his lips. “Not completely.”

Emil considered that. “Did you tell her about yours?”

Alex shook his head. “I spent most of my time trying to get her to believe the Amaranthine and Daevos basics. She threatened to have me committed at least twice. Explaining our past relationship wasn’t a top priority.”

Emil didn’t reply. As Alex pulled up to Kneeling Camel Overlook, Emil pointed out the car of the Clan member he had followed earlier. They got out of the car, grabbed their packs, and Emil started off toward a trail. Alex followed him.

About fifteen minutes into the hike, Emil veered sharply from the trail. “You want to tell me where we’re going?” Alex asked.

“I think they went this way,” Emil answered.

Alex raised an eyebrow. “You think?”

“I only followed them to the Overlook,” Emil said. “I have a feeling they went this way though.”

Alex ran his tongue along his teeth, debating the merits of trusting Emil’s feelings, but ultimately Alex decided to follow him. They walked for another hour, backtracking frequently each time Emil felt like they needed to change directions. When they got to a large outcropping of rocks, Emil came to a standstill. The rock was part of a larger mountain peak that extended for what seemed to be miles into the sky.

“Is there a reason we stopped?” Alex asked, glancing around for signs that they were being followed.

“Joshua mentioned this area when I was talking to him. I think she’s in there.” He pointed to the rock, which, from what I could tell, didn’t have an opening—like most rocks.

“In the mountain?” Alex asked.

Emil nodded.

Alex clicked his tongue against the top of his mouth as he thought. “How do you propose we get inside?”

Emil looked around. “I doubt all of Caleb’s Clan members have the ability to disappear and reappear yet. I’m sure there’s a physical entrance, we just have to find it. You take the right, I’ll take the left.”

Alex nodded, and Emil set off in the other direction, both of them following the perimeter of the mountain. Alex had been searching for ten minutes when Emil came toward him. “I found it. The entry is obscured by trees, but it’s there,” Emil affirmed.

Alex followed him to what seemed to be the opening of a cave. The dark entryway was about seven feet tall and three feet wide. “It’s pretty brave of them to leave this area unguarded, don’t you think?” Alex asked.

“Maybe,” Emil assessed the area with a trained eye. “Or maybe they were hoping for visitors.”

Emil’s words seemed to make Alex more determined. “Then we shouldn’t disappoint them,” Alex said. He started into the cave, but Emil grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back.

“You can’t go charging in there,” Emil said. “We need to think this through.”

Alex held his hands out, palms facing each other and widened his eyes. “What’s there to think about? If they’re hiding in here, Evie is with them. Let’s go get her back.”

Emil shook his head. “It’s not that simple. If they set this up with the hope that you’d come looking for them, it won’t be easy to find Evie. They have powers we don’t know about or understand. Not only that, but they can sense you better than you can sense them right now; I’m sure they’ll be prepared for a fight.”

“Fine with me,” Alex shrugged.

Emil held up his hands in a gesture of defeat. “If you want to get yourself killed, you’re just making my life easier. If you’re dead, I don’t have to worry about who Evie will decide to be with.” He stepped back and leaned against the side of the rock wall, crossing his arms.

“Fine,” Alex said, conceding that Emil had a good point. “What should we do?”

Emil seemed to have a plan. “You need to follow me. Stay far enough back that you’ll be hidden from view, but you can still see me. If I run into one of Caleb’s Clan members, I’ll tell them I met Joshua at the store and that I’m part of another Clan in Greece.”

Alex thought about it, nodding his head once in agreement. “I’ll be behind you. Let’s go.”

Emil started walking and Alex stayed back as far as he could. They were only about thirty feet into the cave when darkness enveloped them like a black hole. I saw a small light ahead and noticed it was moving. I wondered if someone was coming toward Emil and Alex, but the light disappeared like it was being blocked, and I realized it was Emil’s light. He must have grabbed a flashlight from his hiking pack.

Alex turned his head each time he heard movement. He paid close attention to the crevices and alcoves in the cave walls in case someone was hiding from them. He also searched the walls for things out of the ordinary—a passageway, a cavern or room, someplace that I might be held captive—but he found nothing.

As they continued farther into the heart of the mountain, water dripped from the walls. In the blackness, they had to carefully dodge an array of stalactites on the ceiling and their companion stalagmites below. I wondered what other surprises the mountain contained.

As Alex and Emil rounded a corner, I heard a noise from ahead. It sounded like the muffled footsteps of people moving quickly through the cave. Alex crept forward, watching Emil, but Emil’s flashlight abruptly stopped moving. Alex leaned back into the wall of the cave, searching silently until he found a slight crevice he could conceal himself in. At the same moment, I heard a voice.

Evangeline.

I glanced around, but couldn’t see anyone. I turned back to Alex. He took a few deep breaths, pressing his hands to his head like he had a headache.

Evangeline. Wake up.

The voice had a soft, wispy quality to it, but still, I couldn’t find the person talking to me.

Evangeline! You need to help him.

I could feel myself being pulled from the scene I’d been watching, like my mind was letting go of the connection to Alex. Things were becoming fuzzy again. I glanced back at Alex in time to see his face tugged tight with agony as he fell to the ground. The last thing I saw was Alex writhing in pain as my head began to throb . . . and then the light went out.

Chapter 20

E
vangeline
.

Evangeline. Wake up.

Evangeline! You need to help him.

I woke with a start, gasping for breath. My head pounded and my clothes were wet from a puddle on the ground. My mind was muddled like I’d been dreaming. I sat up slowly, taking in the cave that had been my prison. I didn’t even know how long I’d been here. The candle on the table in the corner still burned, but how many times had it been replaced? I brought my knees to my chest and rested my head, trying to calm down and make the pain go away. I thought about what I’d seen while I’d been under Caleb’s spell. I remembered bits and pieces, but not a lot of detail. I’d been watching Alex and Emil. I knew they were coming to find me, but I didn’t know if they were in the right place. I put my hands on my head and rubbed the tender spots, hoping the throbbing would subside. Why had I woken up? Was Caleb done with me?

I got an answer, but it wasn’t the one I was looking for.

Find your soul mate, Evangeline.

The voice was feminine and melodic. I quickly scanned the room looking for the source of the voice. No one was there. I snorted. Since I was hearing things, I might as well reply. “I’m stuck in this room, so I’m pretty sure my soul mate will have to find me.” When the voice didn’t answer back, I asked, “Who are you?”

A friend.

The voice paused.

Help him, Evangeline.

I lifted my hands rubbing my temples as I mumbled, “I don’t know how.”

As I said it, I felt something hit my back like I’d been punched, only the sensation was energizing and the pain in my head instantly subsided. My soulmark pulsed as I watched two ropes extend in front of me: one silver, the other blue. The ropes slithered across the floor, and out the door.

The door! It was open! I jumped up and ran toward it to make sure it wasn’t a mirage. The heavy steel was pushed wide enough for me to slip my head through and look around. Candles flickered, but I couldn’t see anyone on the path. I looked both ways trying to decide where to go. Surely, Caleb would know I was no longer synced with Alex and would try to figure out the problem. I didn’t want to run into Caleb and his Clan if they came looking for me. The door opened onto a small pathway. I could go left or right. I wasn’t sure which way to turn.

Follow the bonds.

As the voice said it, my soulmark pulsed and the ropes stretched to my left, vibrating with light. I checked once more for Clan members waiting to ambush me, then I crept into the hall. Light flickered from candles placed in crevices of the wall every ten to fifteen feet. I followed the path up: a maze of switchbacks balanced precariously next to a steep drop that would have put the Mines of Moria to shame. I huddled close to the rock wall, gripping it for balance as I kept walking, guided by the lighted ropes.

It took about ten minutes to reach the top of the switchbacks. There, the path branched off in three directions. I assumed the two ropes represented the bonds I had with Alex and Emil. I was relieved to see that both ropes turned in the same direction: right. The path was wider now and I didn’t have to worry about the drop as much. But I still kept my step light, staying in the shadow of the cave wall so I’d have a place to hide in case someone came looking for me.

It wasn’t long before I heard the sound of muffled voices. I slowed my step as my eyes darted in every direction, trying to sense where the voices were coming from. The ropes continued to guide me until the silver rope made a sharp left, enveloped by a bright light. The blue rope continued forward. I wasn’t sure what was around the corner, but the light made me think I’d find people there. I scooted in close to the wall, hidden as much as possible as I tried to decide which rope to follow—then I heard a familiar voice coming from the lighted area. I crept closer, peering around the edge of rock into a cavern-like room where the voice had come from and almost jumped for joy when I saw Emil standing next to some other men.

I took a moment to consider whether to stay here and watch Emil, or continue on to find Alex by myself. I decided to wait and see what happened with Emil. There was strength in numbers and hopefully he’d be able to help me find Alex. Even in the shadows, I felt too exposed standing there, watching.

I shifted my eyes, noticing a ledge about four feet above me that offered a perfect vantage point of the room, yet still concealed my presence. I assessed the side of the rock, trying to figure out the best climbing path. I reached up, gripped the first hand hold, and started to climb. Trying to make the climb quietly was difficult, and took longer than I expected, but I made it to the top. I sat as far back as I could. I pulled my knees into my chest, trying to make myself as small as possible. Then I watched as I listened to the conversation, and waited.

Emil stood next to two men. He didn’t seem nervous and wasn’t being held against his will. I had the fleeting thought that maybe Alex had been right and Emil really was dangerous. What if he was working with Caleb’s Clan? I let the thought roll through my mind, but it didn’t feel right. I decided to see what else happened before I passed judgment.

Aside from the two men and Emil, I could see three other men in the room but didn’t know how many others might be in different areas of the cave, or obscured from my sight. Emil greeted everyone, grinning when he got to the last man.

“Hello again, Joshua.” Emil said, lifting his hand and giving the other guy a firm handshake.

“Emil. I didn’t think you’d take me up on my offer, especially not so quickly,” Joshua said. I wondered what offer he was talking about.

“You said you’d be camping near Deadhorse Trail. It’s been a while since I’ve seen any other Daevos so I was glad when I ran in to you.”

Someone else came into the room wearing a long black coat that fell to the middle of his calves, and a yellow dress shirt with black slacks. When he turned, I immediately recognized him. I had to hold myself back from jumping off the ledge and beating the crap out of him for what he’d done to me.

“Emil. It’s nice to meet you. I am Caleb,” he extended his hand. Emil shook it in response. “Joshua told me he met another Daevos in town. I thought he must have been kidding—it would be such an
odd
coincidence, especially since no other Clan is assigned to this area. But here you are, proving me wrong.”

“I had some business to attend to in Gunnison,” Emil explained. “The rest of my Clan is still in Greece.”

“It must be
very
important business. Most people wouldn’t have a difficult time making the choice between Gunnison and Greece,” Caleb mused. His tone and actions seemed so much more mature and calculated than when I first met him.

“I hadn’t planned on an extended stay,” Emil said.

“Ah, well it is a nice location. The proximity to a college full of love-struck young adults is a perfect hunting ground.”

Emil raised his eyebrows. “I imagine.”

Caleb paced around the room, focusing on Emil and asked, “What about you? Have you ever found your soul mate?”

Emil smiled. “That would be a little difficult considering what we believe.”

Caleb chuckled. “Yes, you would think so, wouldn’t you?” He stilled for a moment. “And what about the visitor you brought with you? Do you think
he
has found
his
soul mate?”

Emil tensed, giving a slight glance into the darkness outside the room. “What visitor?” he asked, trying to sound innocuous. My heart beat faster with the knowledge that they knew about Alex.

Caleb was both irked and amused. “It’s not kind of you to barge in without notice, but to bring a guest, especially one of your enemies, is highly unlike a Daevos. I wonder how truly loyal you are to the Resistance?” Caleb seemed to mull that over while Emil tried to decide his next move. “Maybe we need a test.” Caleb suggested.

Emil was cautious as he asked, “What do you mean?”

Caleb put his hands in front of his chin creating a steeple effect with his fingers. “Well, if you captured the Protector who followed you here, the same Protector who is in love with the woman you’re in love with—the woman we happen to be holding captive—not only would you get Evie, but you would prove your allegiance to the Daevos.”

My mouth fell open in horror. If Emil really wanted me—for whatever reason—Caleb’s offer would be difficult to pass up. Instead, Emil’s response was diplomatic. “You know that’s not possible, Caleb. We can’t capture Protectors. Daevos members don’t have that kind of power.”

Caleb smiled wickedly. “Ah, that is what most Daevos believe, but I have found a . . . loophole.”

Emil’s brow furrowed at the same time as mine. “How did you do that?” he wondered, a doubtful tone laced his question.

“Centuries of study,” Caleb explained.

“Study of what?” Emil asked, bewildered. I listened, trying to learn as much information as possible.

Caleb nodded to Joshua and he walked out of the room. “We have been conducting research on the Daevos and Amaranthine for quite some time. We’ve had some people help us willingly. As for the others,” at this point Joshua came back into the room, carrying a large brown leather-bound book, “we’ve taken the information we need.”

As Emil’s mouth dropped open, Joshua placed the book on the table. Caleb flipped through the pages. “This book holds secrets of the Amaranthine Society, the Goddesses, and information about Trackers.”

Emil seemed as confused as I was. “But . . . how is that possible?”

Caleb gave Emil a patronizing smile. “Torture, murder, abductions—they’re all rather effective. Plus, not all Amaranthine Protectors are happy with the life they’ve chosen, just like some Daevos members are more devoted than others.” He looked pointedly at Emil.

“What do you mean?” Emil asked.

“I mean that in the course of our research, there have been some Amaranthine members who were more than willing to help my Clan in our quest for more power. Some assisted us by choice; others needed . . . convincing, but they eventually helped us find Amaranthine members and Trackers. Over the last few months, one Protector gave us much of the information we needed to enhance our powers. He wasn’t even aware that he was doing it. The bond he shares with his client is impressive to say the least, and made it easy to get into his head.”

I leaned back hard against the rock, taking a deep breath. I felt like I’d been punched in the stomach. I knew Caleb was talking about me and Alex.

I heard Caleb continue speaking, “We owe him a great deal of thanks. In fact, Alexander, why don’t you come out here so we can express our . . . gratitude.”

From the darkness, I saw Alex walk into the room held by his arms, one man on each side of him. His clothes were ripped. He looked exhausted, but determination settled on his face. Caleb’s smile was sinister, predatory. “It’s good to see you again, Alex,” he said with a smug tone.

Alex looked him straight in the eye, confident. “The first time we met, we weren’t properly introduced.”

“Yes,” Caleb agreed, “and the other times, we were more interested in gathering information than dealing with pleasantries.”

Alex cocked his head, as if considering the other instances he’d been around Caleb’s Clan. “I’ve been watching your Clan members ever since I saw one of them in the park. Evie had some encounters with Clan members too.”

“Those weren’t the only times we saw you . . . or Evie,” Caleb smiled.

A shiver ran down my spine, but a realization seemed to hit Alex. “You were the one responsible for scaring Evie outside her kitchen window.” At the mention of the figure I’d seen, surprise flashed across Caleb’s face. “If you wanted me, why didn’t you take me?” Alex sneered.

Caleb’s mouth formed a sinister curve. “You have a lot to learn about me and my Clan. There are a number of reasons we didn’t capture you; the most obvious is that since your Protector mind shield prevents us from getting into your head, we needed to find another option. We realized we could get information from you by accessing your mind through Evie.”

His words sent hot rage through me, heat burning in my eyes. Alex’s expression echoed my own. The change of countenance was not lost on Caleb as he motioned to his Clan members to hold Alex tighter. Alex laughed, mocking Caleb with his tone. “Do you honestly think they can stop me?”