Talisman (87 page)

Regardless of the strong front Charlotte was putting up, I could tell I’d struck a nerve by
the icy look on her face.

“Are you
FINISHED?
” she growled through a set of gritted teeth.

“Yeah, that’s about it,” I replied as I headed for the door.  I threw my hands against the wood doorframe and stopped.  “
No
,” I announced abruptly.  “I’m curious about something. 
Tell me
… Which one of you is getting billed by the hour here?” I posed and then stormed out of the bedroom just as Charlotte threw Daddy’s shirt at me.

After I’d
retrieved my purse, I slung it over my shoulder and grabbed the doorknob.  I stood there, clinching it for a moment (pretending it was Charlotte’s neck) and then looked into the living room.  There was her wine bottle sitting on the coffee table.  I’d always felt that her “drug of choice” had contributed to some of her nastiness over the years. 
Not all
— but some.  I walked over and picked up the opened bottle of Pinot Grigio that was practically full.

Okay
, Charlotte… You took away MY security blanket, now I’ll take away YOURS!
  With that, I pulled my little amethyst out and dropped it into the bottle.  After a few swirls, I watched the stone dissolve into wine.  There wasn’t the slightest trace of it left. 
Bottoms up!
  Though I was pleased there wouldn’t be any remaining evidence, I had no idea it would dissipate like that.  But right now, I doubted I would’ve shed a single damn tear if she were to have accidentally choked on it!

No need to leave a note
. 
NOT NOW!
  I didn’t even see the need to go back upstairs to grab the bag I’d packed.  That wasn’t what I’d really come home to get anyway.  I wanted
my keepsake!

I stormed out
of the house and stopped on the front porch at the sound of the door slamming, halted by a revelation.

As one door closes, another
one opens
.

A
whole new world was waiting for me.  There was nothing keeping me from it, not anymore. 
Daddy was gone
.  The notion of having a “home” had been buried with him.  All that remained was a cold house with a stifling room that held insignificant things.  My memories would always be inside me.  They were all that truly mattered, and Charlotte could
never
take those away.

At that moment, I realized the only place I wanted to be was
down in that cave, and the only thing I wanted to do was claim my diamond wand —
my destiny
— once and for all.  I looked at my watch.  I thought,
Three minutes
, as I took off across the ridge, ready to embrace my future.

I arrived at the entrance to the cave within seconds.  To my surprise,
its secret door was wide-open. 
Ugh… Well, at least I’m not late
.  Disappointed that Tanner had already arrived, I waved my hand to seal the cave and casually trotted down the rocky spiral staircase. 
No need to rush now
.

I
carried on down the steps, past the lit torches, and arrived at the bottom with a minute to spare.  As soon as my foot hit the cave’s earthy floor, I called out, “I’m here, Tanner.”  All I heard were my words echoing throughout the dimly lit, empty cave.  Tanner didn’t answer.

That’s weird
, I thought as I looked around the cave.  A vague, restless feeling started to emerge, like I’d forgotten something important, but as soon as my eyes fell upon the wand, it vanished completely from my mind.

I threw my purse down and took a deep breath.  Slowly, I climbed up the ro
ck formation where the wand lay, still imprisoned.  Once more, I watched its dazzling light dance under my fingers all along its shaft as I stroked it back and forth.  However this time, when I felt its energy, it was
different
.  Not only could I feel the depth of its power, but a strong sense of peace inundated by entire body.  It was
indescribable
— like all the power in the world was at my fingertips, capable of anything, but surprisingly its energy wasn’t the least bit forceful or seductive.  My eyes closed as I tightened my grip around its shaft.  It was tranquil, almost like an aura of modesty, considering the magnitude of its awesome capabilities.  I’d thought of this wand —
this sword
— as being something brutal that was solely meant to inflict harm. 
But it wasn’t
.  My mind had been given a sense of clarity that was able to see past the wand’s mesmerizing, raw power.  It was pure and unpolluted by violent emotions.  Its life force was virtuous, unlike anything I’d felt before, and its power genuinely sought shelter in this savage vessel only for protection.  It had chosen me to reign over it and bear the burden of using its defenses to keep the diamond’s power safe and out of the clutches of evil.

Okay
, I thought as I firmly grasped the wand. 
I just hope my destiny hears me knocking
.  Gently, I started to pull up on the wand when suddenly a hand grabbed my arm.  I let go of it and jumped back.  I turned to see Tanner standing by my side.

“Where have you been?”
I asked.

Tanner looked at me curiously.  “Where do you think?  I’ve been out trying to hunt down Lazarus and Ferrol. 
Though I have to admit, I’m surprised to see that you beat me here.”

“
I didn’t
.  You got here
before
me,” I assured him.

Tanner’s eyes widened curiously.  “
No
…What are you talking about?”

I pointed up to the entrance.  “The cave’s door was unearthed when
I arrived.”

“Shiloh, listen to me.  I
just
got here.”  Tanner’s brow began to furrow as he checked his watch.  “The sun has already set.  The enchantment I put on the cave has lifted, but that wouldn’t cause the door to open.”

As soon as I heard the words “enchantment” and “door”
, my brain scrambled to remember if I’d said the right phrase when I’d left this morning.  The more I thought about it, I shamefully realized I hadn’t said anything at all.  Between the blast and worrying about Samuel, I’d totally forgotten to seal it with the magic words.  I’d simply waved my daggone hands at it as I ran off.

Aw,
Crap…

Tanner didn’t even have to “see” the look on my guilty face.  “I’m sensing a lot, and I do mean,
a lot
of shame and remorse, Shiloh.  Would you care to…
explain it?
” he grilled.

“
No
.  Not really,” I declined as I dodged his glare.

“It’s been open
ALL DAY
…
Hasn’t it?
” Tanner probed.

I shrugged my shoulders and lowered my head.  “It would appear so.”

Tanner started pacing and rambled out a few choice words.

I thought,
Ding, ding, ding… Here goes Round-Two
.

“Well,
little girl
…I hope you at least remembered to leave a few breadcrumbs for Lazarus and Ferrol.  We wouldn’t want them to get
lost!
”

Without warning, a menacing laugh echoed through the cave and a voice called out, “That wasn’t necessary, though a graciou
s thought.  I was able to find my way without the need for littering.”

Feeling more dismayed than outright aghast, we whipped our heads
around on the spot, towards the direction of the uninvited and regrettably familiar voice.  From out of the shadows strolled Lazarus Xcavare, twirling his cane and looking as sanctimonious as ever.

Tanner stepped in front of me and took a protective stance
.  My reflexes kicked in, and I found myself clutching his arms.

Lazarus laughed.  “Now, Tanner.  You don’t have to act so
defensive
.  Why I consider anyone who saves me fifty-million dollars a close, personal
acquaintance.
”  Lazarus removed a crisp white handkerchief from his pocket and started wiping the coal dust from his hands.  “Forgive me, dear, if I don’t call you a
friend
, but I typically don’t make a habit of wanting to
kill
my friends.  You understand,
don’t you?
  It’s bad for the overall relationship.”

I glared back at him.  He was j
ust as odd as I’d remembered, but tonight, he had a particularly more sinister air about him.  His ambience of haughty mannerisms and eloquence had been replaced with a foul stench of ruthlessness and wicked intent.  Warily, I watched him strut around the cave as he taunted me with a threatening look piercing from his steely blue eyes.  Tanner was still standing in front of me, trying to shield me from his line of sight.

“You might as well go back to New York, Lazarus.  She’s already claimed the wand’s powers,” Tanner revealed.  “Even if you were to remove it by —
other means
— it wouldn’t be of much use to you.  Only the one who reigns over the diamond can summon its power, and
I promise you
, before you touch a hair on her head, I’ll see to it that you’re nothing more than a bad memory and a new ring on my finger.  Personally, I’ve always been quite fond of the color,
blue,
” Tanner declared with a cocky smile.

“So
aggressive
, Tanner,” Lazarus mocked as he raised his brow.  “Then it’s a good thing I brought some
back-up
,” he announced with a boastful gleam in his eyes.

Ferrol stepped out from behind a large boulder and approached us, holding a large reddish-orange staff.  He was carrying something else in his other hand. 
My Golden Knights sweatshirt
.  The one I’d left down here when I’d changed into the ruby-dyed tracksuit.

Ferrol tossed
my shirt across the cave to Tanner.  “Thanks for the help.  It was nice to have a
name
to go with the
face
,” he replied with a foul smirk.

I stepped out from behind Tanner and grabbed it from his hands.  I held it up.  Sure enough, it was one that had my name embroidered on the arm.  Disgusted, I threw it down on the ground.  I didn’t have to look at Tanner.  I could see his head shaking from out of the corner of my eye.

“Yes, it wasn’t hard to figure out that the young lady who kept turning down my millions was the same girl Ferrol had been chasing around town yesterday,” Lazarus confirmed.  “In fact, the very same girl who had been mirroring the diamond’s signature vibe he recognized.  Personally, I would have been more discreet about it, but some people just like to
show off
,” Lazarus cracked brazenly as he snapped his handkerchief in the air and tucked it back inside his jacket.  “Too bad you didn’t have, I’m guessing a…
tiger’s-eye
to hide behind, like your friend, Tanner Grey. 
Isn’t that right?
”

Tanner
’s grin widened, confirming Lazarus’ suspicions. My focus intensified as I stared back at Lazarus.  His chilly intimidation tactics weren’t going to work on me.  Each word that came out of his mouth and every one of his gestures only fueled the hatred that burned inside me.

Tanner’s
gaze was locked vigilantly on Ferrol.  I could tell he was about to jump out of his skin as he tried his best to remain composed and by my side.  Even Lazarus noticed.

“Oh, Tanner.  You
must be wondering what Ferrol is doing here.  I didn’t
formally
introduce you to
my friend
yesterday.”

“We’ve met before,” Tanner spoke up crossly.  “No introductions are necessary.”

Ferrol scrutinized Tanner intensely for a moment.  Soon, his cold eyes widened. “Pompeii,
right?
” Ferrol asked Tanner.

Tann
er gave him a slow, confirming nod.  My mouth dropped open, astonished by the disclosure that this Talisman (as well as Tanner) was
that old
and by my guess, involved in a volcanic eruption that had killed so many innocent people almost 2000 years ago.

“I thought you looked
familiar
,” Ferrol confessed.

Tanner let out a bold laugh. “You missed all of us in the
Guild.”

Ferrol frowned at Tanner.  “Yes.
That was unfortunate.  But hey…It was one for the books.”

Tanner was struggling to contain his emotions.  Though I couldn’t see his face directly, I
sensed every time his glare blazed by the way the muscles in his arms tightened.

Lazarus seemed fascinated by Ferrol’s culpability for one of the
world’s worst natural disasters.  He turned to his cohort.

“That was
you?
” Lazarus asked inquisitively.