Chapter 46: The Deal

A few days later I was practicing my Krav Maga in the backyard. I had managed to use several salves to cure the radiation burns from my hands. Mother hopefully would never find out about my ordeal. Although it seemed as my injuries faded, so had my memories of the event. I couldn't for the life of me remember what it was I went in there to get.

As I practiced, the light in the sky was failing, making the forest look particularly dark and menacing. I could feel this pulsating energy coming from the direction of the nexus point. It was like a pounding deep in my chest that thumped and thrummed in with an irregular beat.

As all things did that peaked my interest, I followed it. It usually got me in to some tight spots, but everything always turned out just fine. I was still here, right? I stepped lightly through the forest, careful not to leave a trace. Not that it mattered, but it was a good practice. The thrumming and pounding slowly started to reach my ears. As I moved closer, the beats started to collide into what might have been considered music.

I stood outside the first outer ring of trees. The tall pines towered over head. I peeked around one huge trunk to see bodies dancing around the next circle of trees. They were naked as they jumped and leapt through the air. Between me and the next set of trees, people stood in black robes. Their mouth hung open as deep rumblings of throat singing vibrated out. The whole thing made my skin crawl. It almost felt similar to when I absorbed power, but this gave my goosebumps goosebumps.

I spotted my mother not far off. She was standing talking to someone just inside the outer rim of trees. I moved around the edge a little more. I didn't want to interrupt, but when I saw Remi standing there, I shrank back a little behind the tree so he wouldn't see me. The conversation looked like it was getting animated, so I snuck behind the trees so I could get closer. I was able to pop in behind the closest pine without being seen. I hunkered down and became very still. I focused my mind and my power on listening.

"I can't interfere. I don't know how many times I have to tell you that," Remi said.

"We're talking about your freedom here." Mother said. Remi didn't reply, so she continued. "I know you are not as young as you look. You must be tired of doing this work. Do you really want to stick around to see all your charges die?"

Remi was still silent. I wasn't sure if he was nodding or shaking his head. I couldn't see either of them from behind the tree.

"I know you appear the age of your charges to gain their trust, but you don't have me fooled. I can read your aura, and yes you have one even though you're a demon, don't give me that look. Just take the deal. You'll never get a better offer."

Remi exhaled a breath. "I don't know."

"Charges die all the time. You know you aren't supposed to get attached. What does it matter if they live longer or die sooner to you? And in this case, it will be a balance and you'll never have to see it happen."

"What would I do if I was free?" Remi asked.

"That would be up to you. The world would be your oyster. You'd actually be in it."

"Would I get a life back? Would I be immortal? Would I keep my powers?"

"I don't know. I can only pull your soul and body back to the real world. What would happen from there would not be my issue. I can only make you alive again." After a bit a silence, Mother continued. "Do you really want to do this forever? Watching them live and die in front of you for eternity?"

"I need some time to think about it."

The conversation ended. I peeked around the tree and saw only mother standing there. I waited five minutes then stood and sauntered up with loud footfalls acting as if I was just strolling in.

Mother turned to me with a nasty look. "I've taught you better."

I nodded, but ignored her. "What's going on?" I took a look around at the throat singers and the dancers.

"We're preparing for the solstice."

"That's still four days away. Will they be doing this the whole time?"

Mother nodded. "In shifts."

"We've never done this in past years. It was never this big."

She nodded. "That is true, but this year is special. We are preparing for the merging. It will be a fantastic sight."

"Merging? That sounds ominous."

Mother sucked in a breath. "You don't understand." She turned to me. "Look, Lanie, I need you to go out and get some supplies. Take Remi with you."

"Isn't Remi always with me?"

She glared at me. "Just please, do this? Here is the list. Get started on it as quick as possible."

"Tonight?" I looked around the dark forest.

She nodded.

"Fine." I sighed. "I'll get right on it."

I strode back through the dark forest towards the house. I knew my way without needing to see, but the stars and the filling moon lit my path.

"Remi, you're supposed to come with me," I said into the night. I wasn't sure if he was lurking around, but at least I told him.

When I reached the house, I took a look at the list. "Thirty alexandrite gems, thirty pearls, thirty living roses, two moonstones, rosemary, lavender, dragon's tongue... What is with this list?" I said to no one in particular.

Well, the best way to get a few of those things was to break into a jewelry store. I knew of at least one in Salt Lake. It was a design place, so it would have a variety of rare gems a regular store wouldn't. I packed a bag with a flashlight and a few other things, then threw my bag in the old pick-up truck. I flipped the radio on an old 90's station and started on my way.