AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Hi. The returning voice was weak but melodic, she liked it. But one thing it wasn’t, was reassuring.
Can you tell me your name? she asked without thinking, cursing herself quietly when she remembered that wasn’t something she was supposed to know.
Sharara, the weak voice replied. Macey’s heart skipped a beat. That wasn’t the answer she’d been expecting.
Sister! Cat-Man’s scold sounded loud and clear through Macey’s mind. That’s not a name you should be telling. Especially in front of me.
Shh, brother, you’re giving me a headache, the voice answered.
A headache? You’ve had me worried sick, sister.
Macey found it interesting that he still wasn’t using her name. Though what was it he’d said? They had different names for different people? She wondered which one Sharara had given her.
I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that, Macey said, trying to send as many apologetic thoughts as she could. She was slowly getting used to this talking-in-your-mind stuff. A lot of supernatural species seemed to do that. Strangely enough, kelpies didn’t. Their language underwater was a mixture of whinnies and dolphin-like clicks. In Macey’s opinion, their way of talking was a lot more sophisticated than how humans did it.
It’s okay, you don’t know our customs, Sharara answered weakly. And I hate to say it, but I don’t have much time left, I can feel the darkness approaching already.
The darkness? Macey asked, wondering if the dog-woman was simply talking about losing consciousness.
He’s keeping me trapped in a sphere of darkness. I’m in the middle of it and all I can see are memories. Bad ones. They replay on the walls of the sphere. When I’m out of there, I know that they’re twisted and distorted, but now while I’m inside. And I don’t get many lucid moments anymore; the walls are getting stronger and it’s harder to escape.
How can I help?
I don’t think you can. But the young man needs your help.
Sister, stop being so stupid! You’re the one that needs saving, not that human. The cat-man’s rage filled their conversation and Macey strengthened her mental barriers, making sure he wouldn’t affect her. He definitely had anger issues, but that wasn’t a surprise, really, when she thought about it. Cats weren’t known for being rational.
I don’t see a way out of here, Sharara said sadly. But he is young, and his life is important. He was on his way to rescue his lady love... She sighed dreamily. It’s so romantic.
This isn’t a fairy tale, sister. Snap out of it and come back to me! The desperation was clear in cat-man’s voice.
I wish I could, dear brother. But I believe it’s the end of my story. I cannot stay in this nightmare forever. Please, you know what to do.
Never. I’m not going to kill you. No chance! He was shouting now and Macey was tempted to intervene, but she could see how it was a conversation the two siblings needed to have.
Then let the kelpie do it. That’s why you brought her here, right?
I... no, she’s here to save you! That’s why the Staran called her to me.
Kelpie, where were you headed? Sharara asked, finally including Macey back in the conversation.
It’s a long story, but we need to find someone. Two people, in fact; one of them is imprisoned and the other one is on his way to rescue her. And I believe you may know one of them...
Cat-man growled. No, we’re not going to talk about the human. The Staran wouldn’t do that to me... they brought you here to save her, not him... No, it cannot be. Sister, don’t do this, I beg you!
Sharara sighed. I’ve lived long enough, brother. We both have. But if the kelpie and her companions are looking for this human, then we should help them. Let me do one good deed before my life expires. Let me send her my memories.
I will have no part in this, cat-man growled. You do it yourself, if you must, but I will not watch you die.
I am too weak to do it on my own, Sharara whispered, her thoughts becoming weaker. Please, brother. Please.
The cat’s anger dissipated in a flash, replaced by a deep sadness that made Macey shiver. She could feel tears running down her cheeks, far away, and was worried that her men might think she was in trouble. She hoped they wouldn’t rip her out of her trance, or whatever else she was to call this.
Cat-man sighed deeply. If I help you, will you try and stay a little while longer? Maybe if I go and fight... the Voice, it will free you.
Oh my sweet brother, I wouldn’t have you sacrifice yourself for nothing. He is too strong. Stay with me in my last moments, help me go into the Beyond.
Macey wanted to leave them alone, but if there was any hope that Sharara had indeed seen Ice, she needed to stay. Finally, they were close to finding one of the other Wardens. And if they were lucky, Ice would lead them to Lightning. Then the only one left was Air, and then... well, what was going to happen then? Heal the Staran? Defeat the Voice? Live happily ever after? Somehow she was sure it wasn’t going to be that easy.
