TheHealers (18 page)

Alexander clicked off of the phone and began to turn the truck off of the freeway down a long unfinished road. There were no signs that illuminated our way so I figured he had been here before.

“When you say school, do you mean with children?” Nervousness started to travel through my veins as I contemplated all these other Healers that had trained all of their lives. Would I be sent off with the children to learn?

“Our schools are filled with a large number of children, but there are also adult classes. This is to help the older lost ones we find.” The words reassured.

“The Conservatory is divided into sections, much like a university. They have classes for our young. Training for the lost and continuing health classes for our seasoned Healers.” The road got a little bumpy and I checked to make sure my seatbelt was securely fastened. The truck now turned into the woods. Literally.

“This is not a road.”

“It’s how we keep our Conservatory hidden to everyone.” I trusted him completely so my nervousness subsided. I figured I now knew why we were in a vehicle that looked like it belonged on an African safari. My hand reached down to grab onto his leg. He was my anchor. Always.

We climbed over rocks and through the thick brush coverage from the trees until we saw a gate. The wrought iron sculptures that were intertwined hinted subtlety at its misplacement in the backwoods of this small Texas town. The gate appeared locked, but suddenly opened to our vehicle. I’m not sure what caused more shock, the gate or the fact that it had a sensor to open when we approached.

“When are we going to have a chance to talk more about the discussion last night at dinner? What is my significance to everyone?”

“There are magic people that have helped to hide us over the time since Asclepius was lost to us. They have become forgotten in the world. Their ability to see things that we cannot has predicted someone like you. Someone to heal the mental and physical realms.” My quiet must have alarmed him suddenly because he stopped the vehicle and grabbed me close. The smell of him put a rest to any fear and allowed me to calm. “You have special gifts, Layna. Our Healers are specialized. Some are physical Healers and some are mental. The field you have chosen to work in leads me to believe that you can heal both.” A kiss to my forehead and more reassurances from Alexander.

“You will discover so many things about yourself here. It’s a place of learning and growth. I’ll be with you.” That last sentence made it bearable. I felt like I could do anything with him by my side.

He put the car back into drive and we descended into the unknown. At least for me, it was. I looked around expecting something to pop out at us. The horizon came into view and I saw little wooden cottages scattered around with what I would call grass skirt roofs. Not durable, but very peaceful looking. A few people walked around and they looked normal. I’m not sure what I expected. I was a Healer and so was Alexander, but somehow, I just expected some kind of college toga party. Actually, disappointment flaked across my face for a moment because the toga party thing would have been fun. No vehicles were in view so I knew we would go somewhere else to park.

“This is where the adults and families live. We’re going to the Think Tank area. This is a central spot where we eat and hang out. This is also where our Prime Minister works along with various other leading officials in The Order.”

“Is it like its own government?” I was entranced by the idea that there was an entire government for The Order. This was bigger than I realized.

“Yes. It’s a democracy. Our people vote and decide on new ideas together.”

“How many Conservatories are out there?” Hair blew around my shoulder as my head spun in a different direction to take in the scenery. There was an open courtyard up ahead that appeared to be almost an acre in size. It had a cover, for inclement weather I assumed. In Texas, the summer months are a part of the inclement weather. No one needs sunshine that much, too much of a good thing and all that.

“One on every continent. This is much bigger than it looks.” Alexander continued to have one hand on the steering wheel and the other on my leg. Sparks traveled all over my skin with our combined gifts. A thudding sound in my chest escaped from my heart.

“Wow. Why Texas?”

“They have the best laws for homeschoolers. We educate all of our children privately within our conservatory. The home school umbrella is easier to fall under rather than the invasion and constant supervision of a charter school.”

Our vehicle slowly crawled to an area shielded by a forest of trees and bushes. As we stopped I noticed other vehicles hidden off in this area. We stopped and Alexander turned toward me and leaned over to touch my lips to his. My insides went to mush instantly. Then he backed up.

“Are you ready?”

“I think so. Does anyone bite?”

“Some people do. I’m the only one allowed to bite you, though.” He sealed those words with a provocative nibble on my neck. Goose bumps rippled across my legs. That possessiveness he wanted to claim left me breathless. I would give him anything.

We exited the vehicle, without our bags, and began to walk to the Think Tank area. Alexander told me we could come back and get them later when we checked into our room. The cool breeze was wonderful, since our little walk was actually a hike. I silently thanked my Zumba instructor for being able to hike this far. The constant jumping around in that class had given me more endurance than normal.

Other people started to come into our view as we got closer. Murmurs of conversation touched my ears. Quite a few waves and smiles came our way, but they seemed to be towards the man that shadowed over me. The women noticed him
—
probably knew him, too. A pang struck in my stomach as I realized some of them might know him intimately. My jaw tightened in response to those thoughts and as if he could sense my discomfort, Alexander linked his hand with mine.

He was claiming me.

The Think Tank area was centered on a small river. The water in the river coruscated off the rocks so that you could see clearly under the water, even from the distance we were at. Small tipi huts were scattered around. People meditated in some, doing yoga, and others were filled with tables for meal times. The peacefulness in this serene environment brought on a sense of rightness in my body. These people were mine. I belonged here.

“You feel it, don’t you?” His warm eyes were focused on me solely.

“Do you always save all of the lost?” It absolutely ripped up my heart to imagine our kind that never got to be in this place. Never knew that they belonged somewhere.

“We try our best. No. Not always.” His words burned and his eyes were lost in memory for the ones he never found. We still walked, but at a slower pace.

“You saved me. I’ll always remember that.” The strong devotion in my heart shined in my face as well. He brought his face to mine and his lips grazed the tip of my nose.

Alexander brought me over to one of the small buildings that were scattered through this area. The building itself looked more modern than the little covered huts. It did have a rustic look that belonged in this region. A domed roof protruded out into the sky while the rest of the building had straight edges and windows. Different textures created a design on the flat cement exterior. A columned entry gave the building a regal touch that made me certain this was where the Prime Minister was housed.

A gentle touch slid over my shoulder as Alexander opened the door for me. Hesitantly, I walked in.

Chapter Nineteen

“
Can
I get you some water?”the dark skinned exotic woman asked me. Her beauty glowed from all over. It was almost painful for me to be surrounded by all of these Healers with so much power.

“No, thank you. Thanks for asking.” My southern politeness tended to escalate in situations that made me nervous. This was most assuredly one of those.

“I’m Harika. It’s very nice to make your acquaintance. Iostus will be with you soon. We’re so delighted to have you back home.” Compassion filled her tone. The immediate acceptance into this place was beyond real.

My hands continued to fumble on my legs and the chair. Alexander had gone in ahead of me for briefing reasons and I had been instructed to wait. Calming colors filled my view as I glanced around the room. It was a small room, nothing like a waiting room at a doctor’s office. Soft leather chairs were scattered around in an effort to almost mimic a den. The presence of others in the room had not escaped my notice, but the fireworks going off in my head prevented me from clearly seeing any of them. I could feel that this was a place of peace, but there was a little sense of discourse.

“I’m not psychic or anything, but you look a little wet behind the ears.” A soft chuckle came from the right side of the room.

“Wow. You must be a genius.” I met deep malachite eyes from across the room. My tone came across ruder than usual, but I was being picked on by a stranger. He chuckled at my comment and continued to stare.

“I’ve heard about redheads, but I’ve never been able to light a fire in one up close before.”

Was this man for real?

“Can I call you Red?” He stood probably close to six feet tall, and walked over to shake my hand. “I’m Madden.”

My jaw fell open. Did he really expect a nice disposition to come out from me now? Not sure of what else to do, I burst into giggles. Then I shook his hand.

“I’m Layna.” It was just a hunch, but I went ahead and asked. “How long have you been here?”

“Oh, on and off most of my life.” The chuckle was still in his eyes. He sat down in the chair next to me. It did not escape my notice that his features were quite complementary. The lean muscle was visible on his arms and I could see the flat line where his casual golf shirt splayed across his chest. “Who are you waiting for?” He looked to be close to my age or maybe a little younger. His brown hair was cut short, not really to my taste since I preferred the longer length, but he was handsome. I definitely noticed that.

“I’m waiting for Iostus. It’s my first day.” I sat still while waiting for some advice or another funny comment. Instead, he gathered up his body in one fluid movement and stood beside me. My chin tilted up to him expectantly.

“See you around, Red. I’m sure looking forward to running into you again.” He flashed me a confident grin and stepped out.

“Layna, they’re ready for you.” Harika’s soft tone interrupted my thoughts. I stood and walked over to her, then followed behind her and gazed as her deep silky dark hair whisked around. Her skin was a beautiful shade of mocha and the comfort that spread off of it was soothing to me. She guided me down a hallway and we stopped in front of a closed door. A loud drumming sound came from somewhere. It was inside of me. My heart pounded at the amount of energy I felt behind the door. Harika reached back to place her hands on mine and smiled.

“Everyone is eager to meet you. There is no need for worry.” The cadence of her tone lulled my racing heart down slightly.

“Thank you for your kindness.” The confidence slowly started to creep back in as I began to feel Alexander’s energy through the door. The invisible string pulled me to him. I grinned at Harika to indicate my eagerness to continue. I could do this. I belonged here, in this place. Harika smiled back and we turned together towards the big wooden door. The knob slowly turned and I saw Alexander. Everything else was a blur as I focused on him and the welcome arms he held out to me.

“Iostus, this is Layna.” The strong voice that I reveled in echoed in my ear. There was pride and claiming in his tone and written across his face. I stood at Alexander’s side as I reached out a hand to a man whose height was close to rivaling the man I adored.

“Hi, Iostus. It’s nice to meet you.” A warm handshake locked our bodies for a moment and then he let go. A small tingle ran up my spine. It was similar to when I first met Alexander, but not as profound.

“You are quite exceptional, Layna.” His voice was sharp and strong. It was clear that he was in charge here. Was he giving me a compliment or stating a fact? Unsure of his intent, I looked to Alexander for assistance.

That was when I noticed another person in the room. Seated in a plush dark colored sofa off to the side was a small older woman. Warmth radiated off of her. I could not help but make my way over to her. The other two men followed behind me.

She stood and reached a hand to me.

“Hello, Layna.” Her hand continued to hold mine and the power that emanated was quite strong. The voice that came from her throat commanded and was soft at the same time. My thoughts quickly spun with ideas about who this woman was when it occurred to me that someone should introduce us. I caught Alexander’s and Iostus’ eyes with an expectant look.

Iostus spoke softly, “Layna, this is Marissa. She’s the head seer.” I remembered a small portion of what Alexander had said about seers. It seemed like they were some sort of fortune tellers, but legitimate. I looked into her deep gray eyes. Shock hazed over my brain at the color. I had never seen that color in human eyes before.

Were seers considered human?

Small stifled laughs sounded in the background as I realized that my thoughts must be clearly expressed across my face. Both men now stood to my right to form a sort of horseshoe between myself and Marissa.