A Chosen Life (15 page)

“They eventually discovered that the Light, through the Radia shards, had shared the eight gifts with select humans—and—uh other Beings—whose duty it would be to exist among the humans, and unbeknownst to them, protect them from the Dark and work as spies for the Guardians. The Shards gave the human Chosen a single extra-sensory gift, as well as the ability to see the servants of the Dark. So, for obvious reasons, the Dark has been after the Chosen ever since.” She trailed off, wondering if Tolen had noticed her blunder. The last thing she needed was to have Bastian bite her head off for letting slip to Tolen that he was the
only
member of the Chosen who wasn’t human, but he was lost in thought, his eyes glazed over.

“That is definitely no fairy tale.”

“Nope.” She reached in front of him to the glove box and pulled out two more suckers—retelling creepy old legends was draining. He took the one she offered without really looking at it, ripped off the wrapper, and put it in his mouth.

“So what happens to a human Chosen if they lose their shard?”

Macy swallowed loudly. “They lose their gifts and are blind to the tactics of the Dark.”

“Wow, scary.”

“Yeah.”

“Strange. This is the first time since I found out I wasn’t human that I feel like it might actually be a good thing.”

Before she had the chance to really think about the pain Tolen’s words triggered in her, the Jeep lurched and sputtered again and she smacked the steering wheel instead. “Piece of crap.”

“What’s wrong?”

“This POS has been rusting in that garage for who knows how long. The carburetor isn’t happy.” She started to pull off at the next exit.

“Macy.” Bastian spoke from the back and her and Tolen jumped.

She glanced in the mirror and swallowed guiltily. “Yeah?”

“We really do not have time for a pit stop.” He was gazing ahead,
watching.

“Bastian, if I don’t get carburetor cleaner and some decent gas into this thing, we’re going to be walking.”

His eyes flashed. “Make it a fast stop.” A muscle twitched in his jaw and his hands were gripping the seat as if it was taking all his self-control not to rip it to shreds.

Macy’s hands tingled.
Is it that bad?

Bastian gave an almost imperceptible nod and his eyes flashed to the back of Tolen’s head.

He wouldn’t tell her until Tolen wasn’t within earshot. Goosebumps rose on the back of her neck. She glanced over to see that Tolen’s hands were clasped tightly in his lap again.

o o o

Tolen’s mind was running a million miles an hour as they pulled off the highway. He’d enjoyed the conversation with Macy, and for a moment had forgotten about the ache in his heart. He felt guilty, like he had again betrayed his mother and best friend by momentarily giving up his grief. He was also confused by the fact that he couldn’t hate this girl—no matter how much he wanted to. Talking to her had brought out all the earlier curiosity he’d had about her and intensified it. As their conversation went on he felt the anger settle deeper and deeper until he could hardly feel it at all.

Yes, she was more than he’d originally thought. He still thought she seemed a little arrogant, but there was depth to her as well. She was kinder and more considerate than her rough attitude suggested, and she genuinely seemed to want to help him understand. He felt frustrated that Bastian had woken up and interrupted them. As soon as the Watcher spoke, the anger rushed back to just below the surface and he’d had to beat it back down again, hide it beneath his mask.

But when Macy finally let go and really talked to him, all he wanted was to know more about her. But why? What was it about her that could make him change his focus so easily?

Who was this girl?

Chapter Twelve

A Storm
Is Coming

The tiny gas station in Winnemucca, Nevada, smelled funny, like wet wood and mold. Macy resisted the urge to plug her nose as she rummaged through the dusty cans and boxes in search of carburetor cleaner.

Tolen and Bastian raided the snack aisle beside her. Bastian tried not to look nervous, but his eyes told otherwise.

Tolen turned the corner, holding up a can of pears. The label looked ancient. “Do I even want to check the expiration date on this?” He lifted the can and grimaced at the numbers on the bottom.

Macy grinned. “It’s probably best to just put it in the basket, dude.”

“I thought there were laws against doing stuff like this.”

Macy laughed, “You can’t honestly tell me that they were good about it in that tiny little grocery store in Green River?”

Tolen smirked and lifted an eyebrow. “Actually, Mr. Grange was pretty good about staying at least within the year mark.” His smile faded.

Macy gritted her teeth. Chalk up another ‘stupid’ for her. Here he was, trying so hard to appear normal and in control, and she had to go and bring up sad memories. Crud, she was terrible at small talk.

“No, you’re not.” Tolen put the can in her basket.

“Huh?”

“Didn’t you just say—?”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Oh. I could have sworn . . . ” Tolen shook his head and shoved his hands into his pockets. “I guess I’m hearing things.”

Bastian looked at her and they shared a worried look. Her earlier suspicions were on the mark. Tolen could sense her thoughts.

A bottle of motor oil slipped from her fingers and bounced off her toe. “Ow! Damage!”

“Macy.” Bastian reproached quietly.

“What? I didn’t cuss.” She picked up the bottle and put it in the basket, instead of throwing it across the store like she wanted to.

“Close enough,” Bastian murmured.

“Why do you do that?” Tolen asked, fighting a smile.

“What?” Macy snapped.

“Use alternative swear words. Is cussing against a Hidden law or something?”

Bastian ran a hand along the shelf, occasionally pulling something off and putting it in the basket. “In a way. Blasphemy is not allowed in the Guardian court. But, I have my own reasons for why I do not like to hear vulgarities spilling from Macy’s mouth.”

Macy flicked her hair behind her ear. “Bastian believes that profanity is the attempt of a weak mind trying to express itself. If you’re so weak minded that you can’t think of a better word to say, then it’s better to keep your mouth shut.”

Bastian smiled.

Macy held up a finger. “But . . . ”

The smile faltered.

“ . . .
I
happen to think that a well-formed and properly timed expletive is usually the best way to get the desired effect,
and
release built-up tension in a less harmful way than throwing something.

“Besides, I don’t use normal, weak-minded profanity—I use my
intelligence
to come up with cleaner, less-offensive alternatives.” Macy nodded her head with the air of a dignitary speaking before Congress.

Tolen coughed to hide a laugh.

“I rest my case.” Macy grinned.

Bastian sighed and turned toward the checkout counter. “I think we have enough supplies to take to the Binithan.”

“Is it alright if I use the restroom before we leave?” Tolen glanced to the back of the store and Bastian nodded.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Macy stepped in front of Bastian.

“Okay, he’s gone. Spit it out, I can take it.”

“It is nice to see you two getting along. He hates me, but his feelings are softening toward you.”

“Yep. It’s great. Stop stalling. What’s up?”

Bastian sighed. “Something is not right.’

She rolled her eyes. “Nothing is ever ‘right’, Bastian.”

He gave her one of his most exasperated looks. “Not long after we escaped the canyon I felt a double shift in the Balance. One is an energy that has followed us both day and night—it is gaining speed, but is not sinister, and does not cause me too much worry. The second shift was subtle enough that, had I not been so in tune, I may not have noticed.”

“What is it?” Macy repeated, her pulse quickening.

Bastian’s eyes narrowed. “A force I have not felt for hundreds of years.”

“What?” she asked again, her Kuna heating.

“DéHool.”

Macy rocked back on her heels. “Those demonic dogs that hunted the Watchers during the Revolution?” That particular story still managed to make her break into a cold sweat. “But they were all locked in Misery with Darsapean. Weren’t they?”

“That is what we thought. Someone is working very hard to mask their presence, but I am certain that is what I can feel.”

Macy’s palms tingled, her Kuna building faster and faster. “Then what are we waiting for? Why didn’t you say something earlier?”

He looked her in the eyes. “It is worse.”

Panic swelled in her heart.

“I believe the Dark has discovered that Tolen is the Ninth.”

“How?”

“They are summoning every monster known on this earth to try and intercept us. They would not do that for just any Chosen.”

“Then let’s go somewhere else. Hide somewhere else.” Her voice rose, the clerk glanced over at them curiously.

“Shh, Macy. There is nowhere else close enough with the kind of power needed to shield Tolen until he learns to shield himself . . . ” Bastian stopped talking when Tolen appeared beside them with a forced smile.

“Talking about me again? I seem to be a favorite subject. I had no idea I could be so interesting.” His casual tone did not hide the frustration in his eyes.

Macy ignored him, more focused on keeping her Kuna under control, and followed Bastian to the counter where he paid for their items.

Tolen trailed behind as they walked back to the Jeep and stood off to the side as Macy popped the hood and poured oil into the motor; her hands shook so much she could barely hold the funnel still. Bastian followed her to the gas hatch and put his hand over hers as she dumped in the carburetor cleaner.

“Are you alright?”

“Seriously?” She shot him a glare.

“Um, Bastian?” Tolen walked toward them. “What’s that?” He pointed across the street to a row of old shops.

“What is what?” Bastian lifted his hand to shade his eyes.

“Do you see that?”

“See what?” Bastian and Macy asked at the same time.

“That row of trees in front of those shops. They’re swirling with color.”

“You can see colors in the trees?” Bastian’s jaw went rigid.

“Yeah, red and gold.” Tolen curled his fingers into a fist and dropped his arm to his side.

Bastian and Macy both leaned forward. Macy couldn’t see anything, but Bastian gripped the side-mirror. “They are sending you a warning.”

“Uh, duh! Ya think?” Macy poked Bastian’s back.

“Get in the Jeep. Now!” Bastian shouted but Tolen took off across the street.

“Tolen, what are you doing?” Bastian ran after him, Macy close behind.

Tolen stopped beside a small red-leaf maple tree, put his hand on the bark, and closed his eyes.

“It’s Ardia! She’s in a different tree, but it’s her. I can hear her.” His eyes snapped open.

Bastian circled the tree.

Macy’s heart pounded. The tree from beside the river? “But that was a willow tree.” She looked at Bastian.

“How is it possible?” Tolen ran his hand along the bark, a relieved, tender sort of smile on his face. The tree trembled under his fingers.

“The life forces of plant life are interconnected.” Bastian watched the exchange with awe. “They can choose to leave the place of their birth, and flit to other plants that will allow them room. It is uncommon however, as once they do, their lives are considerably shortened.”

“I can’t believe it.” Tolen whispered. “She says she’s followed me since the day I was born.” One of the small branches lowered to touch the top of his head.

Bastian turned to Macy. “Ardia is the good energy I felt following us. We need to get back on the road. Can you inform her of our situation? Perhaps she knows a better way to the Binithan.”

Tolen closed his eyes and answered a few seconds later. “She says she knows the route, but it’ll still be difficult. The Shadows are gathering in a huge coastal storm.” He started back to the Jeep. “If you let me drive, Ardia can lead the way for me.”

Bastian nodded and helped Macy into the front seat. “I will use the time to try and
see
ahead.” He climbed in the back and put a hand on Macy’s shoulder. “Will you be all right?”

She shrugged off his hand. She’d already guessed they were heading straight for the Shadows.

Bastian sighed and squeezed her hand. “I’ll protect you.”

Whatever.
Macy avoided Bastian’s eyes, not wanting to see how her attitude affected him. She hated being rude to him, but this was exactly what she’d been afraid would happen. Yeah, she wasn’t about to go down without a fight, she’d just been hoping deep down that a fight with the Shadows wouldn’t actually happen. Now it wasn’t only Shadows, it was
DéHool
!

She glanced at Tolen. His strange eyes were focused on the road ahead, but every once in a while they would flick to the plant life outside the windows and Macy wondered fleetingly what it was that he saw. Whatever it was, she knew it was only going to lead them from bad to worse.

She leaned her head back on the seat and tried not to think about what was waiting for them in California.

o o o

Tolen watched Ardia’s bright blue
life force
dart from tree to tree, his heart hammering so hard in his chest it felt like it was trying to leave his body. Macy’s stories rushed through his head, filling him with dread. He was a Chosen and the Dark wanted him. Macy had neither confirmed nor denied that the Dark was after him specifically, which didn’t give him any hope that he was wrong.

So, you trust the Watcher and his disrespectful ward?
Ardia interrupted his thoughts. The harsh way she said
Watcher
reminded him of the way his mother first reacted to Bastian.

I don’t know. I don’t exactly have a lot of options. I need answers and I’m hoping Dane’s people at the Binithan can help me. Is it Macy and Bastian you don’t trust or just Watchers in general?

He felt a tremor of fear from her.
It’s complicated.

Why?

That is a story that will take too long to tell. For now, stay on your guard Tolen. I will watch them and help you whenever I can.

Thank you Ardia, for following me. It’s nice not to be alone.
Tolen wanted her to tell him the story that made her not trust Watchers, but right now there was something bigger worrying him.

Ardia, what are the Shadows?

Her soft voice filled his mind.
The Shadow Wraiths are a creature of the blackest kind. They are the most fearsome weapon of the Dark. Protected and hidden, they are only awakened when the risk of losing them is less important than their mission. They once belonged to the Whisperers; a noble race of wind creatures that spoke to the world through the wind. They sang such beautiful music. They called in the rain and beckoned in the sun . . .

Until the Dark took them
.

Now
they are black as ash and just as filthy. Their music has changed from soft whispers on the wind into horrible gales that pierce the soul and deaden the heart. They magnify the Fear created by the Dark to the highest degree. When they cover you, you lose all that you are. You forget yourself, your purpose; all that matters to you disappears until you are lost in the black dreams of the Dark. Most do not return. Most dissolve into the mist that makes up the Shadow Storm.

But some, lost in a living nightmare, are taken
. . .

Tolen swallowed.
Where
Ardia? Where do they take you?

Into
their realm . . . to the Shadow Prison; where the Demon Masters use Tormentors to rob you of your gifts, your thoughts, your emotions, all that you are, until you become nothing more than a mindless slave to the Dark
.

That was what had happened to his father. Tolen’s hands tightened on the wheel.
How fast can the Shadows move?

It
depends on the strength of the storm they are controlling. The one headed for California . . . its wind speed is extremely fast.

Will we beat them to the Binithan?

I do not know.
Ardia replied hesitantly.

Tolen pushed his foot down harder on the gas pedal. The engine whined in protest.

“You might not want to do that.” Macy mumbled from beside him. She sat with her feet up on the seat, her chin on her knees. She looked smaller, almost weaker somehow.

Tolen eased up a little, and the speedometer dropped below eighty. “Sorry.” His heart raced and he realized he not only needed to ease up on the Jeep, he needed to focus and stay calm.

“That’s okay. If it was up to me, I would have stolen a jet to get away from the Shadows,” she whispered.

“You can fly too?” His heart slowed as he listened to her voice.

Macy shook her head. “I wish. Bastian’s not a fan of flying.”

“Why?”

She shrugged and swallowed loudly.

“Are you okay?” Tolen glanced over. She was trembling. Her arms were wrapped tightly around her legs as if she was trying to hold herself together.

She nodded but didn’t speak.

“Ardia told me about the Shadows.” He looked out the windshield at the darkening horizon. “I thought the Raksasha were bad.”

Macy leaned her head on the window and took a deep breath.

Tolen looked at her ashen face. “I take it you’ve dealt with them before.”

“Just once.” Her voice cracked.

Something unpleasant clicked in Tolen’s brain. Macy said her parents were dead. Could the Shadows have had something to do with it? He looked in the rearview mirror to see Bastian staring at him; he gave a slight nod.