Harmonizer's Evolution (Balancer's Soul cycle) (60 page)

As they
approached the eight guards made a loose perimeter ar
ound the Elders. Soon their family
passed the
ring and Sarah
saw Head Elder Amphrite’s seaweed green eyes glisten when she saw who
lay
in
her arms. Sarah smiled happily and hoped they
had time to speak later because Sorono took a step forward and asked
“How are events
proceeding
?”

The
group stopped when Connor did. Her
mate had been working throughout the entire night and most of the day so he didn’t look very presentable.
That wasn’t even a concern once
he began speaking. “I had the three Keeper’s you sent here, send out a three chiming call to everyone, which you are all already aware. After they did their job
,
I enlisted the help of the
local police to help keep the humans away from this area.”

Sorono nodded.
“That is a wise decision. It will also help ease the burden off the Immortal Guards who will begin patrolling the area for any unwelcome visitors…”

“Speaking of them,” Connor interrupted with a slight smile. Sorono was brought up short because he began blinking in a confused manner. “I was wondering if I could ask for four volunteer Guards. Preferably two Balancers and two Changers
because they look and can act human
. I’ve given the town sheriff a metal badge like what the Immortal Guard
’s
have
. I know it wasn’t strictly the best alternative, but he needs to als
o have some support if our kind
become
s
a little…overzealous
, with other
local
humans
.
It might not be an actual seal, but it would allow us to recognize that he is a friend.
”

Sorono smiled.
“That is a very good idea, and one I didn’t even
consider
.
Indeed,
I think your way is preferable. You may ask for the four volunteers
…
later. Right now we need to wait until they return with their assigned elder. Once there are enough Guard’s present to make easier shifts, then you may give our support to your
trustworthy
human companion.”
Then Sorono looked over all of
them
and glanced at
the
surroundings.
“I see that you have begun making quarters for my kind. By the looks of it, there is
still
much needed to be done.”

When Sorono quieted for a minute, Connor asked “So what did you bring in those enormous containers?”

Sorono met his gaze and stated
“In five of the crates is enough food for
six hundred immortals for two
weeks. I
n
the other five
,
are large cots that
can
hold enough to allow five thousand Keepers to rest comfortably.”

Then Sorono began saying what he’s been doing since he returned home.
“I’ve also contacted several of my suppliers and also bought several cargo planes. Within three days we’ll receive our first supply of necessities. In a week they’ll start dropping supplies that we will need to arm ourselves with. I’ve also ordered a surplus of food because there will be a lot of expended energy to come. I gave these exact
coordinates
to the shippers
and pilots
so they will drop everything in this area. If any supplies land elsewhere
,
due to any unforeseen wind shifts, we’ll send out
some
retrievers to bring the goods here. We will then receive a continuous supply until we begin moving out.”

“Alright, speaking of that. I’ve told those who will go live in town
,
and in the surrounding human area
,
to rent rooms until July first. I guessed that wou
ld be the most opportune date for everyone to
leave.”

Sorono grinned.
“We really do think alike. I also guessed that would be the best date
to depart
. The last shipment
that will be delivered
will be on June twenty ninth. I was planning to have a feast on the thirtieth. I thought it would be best for everyone to leave on a full stomach and lifted spirits
.”

“Food brings us all together and we all love a good party.”

Everyone close to them
began grinning.

Then Sorono asked
“So where can we help out around here?”

“Are you sure you’re up for it?” Connor grinned knowingly.

Sorono grunted and looked mildly insulted.
“Of course I can. I’m
in
top performance right now. I’ve mainly been eating since going home.”

“Alright then,” Connor then spoke to everyone. “all who can give a hand
,
or claw
,
can follow me. I can put you all to work.”

Sarah
glanced over to see Shannon make her way over to her mother and Veronica looked delighted to see her daughter again. It wasn’t difficult to assume that she and her mother would be almost inseparable for a time to come.

As Connor turned around and started walking away
w
ith everyone besides Kara and Sarah
,
they
overheard
Amphrite say “Poseidon, go on ahead and give them a hand. I need to speak with Sarah for a moment.” Connor glanced at
his love
and smiled. He entered
her
mind and said
“Have a pleasant chat, Princess.”

She
smiled back and thought
“Thanks, I’ll catch up later.”

“Sarah?”
An ancient and accented voice called.
She
turned and looked up into seaweed green eyes and a
beautifully tanned
complexion. Her hair
had grown
slight
ly longer since the last time they
met. Besides
Sarah
,
Amphrite
is the
eldest,
strongest
and one of the tallest
female
Balancers
there
are
.

She
smiled up to her and gave a small bow. “Hello
,
Amphrite.”

Her smile
became
brighter than the reflective gold
pentagram
that is sewn to her breast. “How have you been doing lately? Sorono didn’t tell us much besides what is going to happen
shortly
. He didn’t tell us that you’ve had your child.”

“Children.” Sarah
corrected.

Amphrite
smiled even wider as she looked between
her
arms and Kara’s. “Twins! Oh congratulations, Sarah. What are their names?”

“My name is Pearl.”
Her
daughter thought from Kara’s gentle arms.

The eldest Balancer became thunderstruck
, instantly
.

“And I’m Pearl’s brother, Darrel.”
Her
son said with a baby’s giggle.

Amphrite looked in complete shock between
the
children. Her lips parted
and spoke at an almost inaudible whisper. “They can talk? And why does she have a boy’s name?”

“Because I
am
a boy!”
Darrel said in an annoyed
mental
tone.
“Do you need to see proof that I’m not a girl?
Go ahead and check if you think I’m lying.
”

“Darrel!”
Sarah
chastised. “Watch what you say. You never speak like that to a lady, especially the Head Elder. Show some respect and apologize.”

“Yes Mommy.”
He said annoyingly.
Her
son then gave a formal apology.

Once he finished
,
Amphr
ite smiled. Then she looked at Sarah
. “It seems like the five of us need to have a discussion. I’ve missed much more than I originally thought.” Amphrite pointed to a shaded spot that
laid
out of the way of the workers. “Let’s go over there to chat.”

“I’m sorry,” Kara said and took a step closer. “but I have a lot of work to do and I don’t need Brother yelling at me
and telling me how to do my construction properly
.” Kara stretched out her arms. “Take care of my
niece for now.”

Amphrite was startled for a moment and then quickly regained herself. She bent
forward and carefully cradled Sarah’s
daughter. Once she was safe in the ancient’s arms, Kara turned around to get back to work
with everyone
. Amph
rite continued looking down at the
daughter
in loving wonder
.
The two of them had instantly worked their magic to have th
is
ancient
female
become entranced with them.
Then the elder cooed “It is a pleasure to meet you Pearl.
” Then she looked
to the
son. “And you too, Darrel.
I’m Head Elder Amphrite.” Then
both
Pearl
and Darrel
smiled and
thought
“Hi!”

Amphrite and Pearl followed Sarah
and Darrel over to the shady spot. Once
they
sat down
, Sarah
began explaining how it
was
possible for
her
to conceive a boy.
The woman
was astounded by all the new information
and she took it all
in
without hostility
. Then sh
e began speaking with each of the
adorable children. After the rough start with Darrel’s pride
feeling harmed
, they
all became quite close
and comfortable with each other
. Amphrite smiled almost continually as she got to know and understand them
,
and they did so with her too.

Before
they
knew it,
two hours had passed and the sun had just begun hiding behind the forest.
Over forty cabins were completed by this time and there were three other cabins that were made specifically for the other Elders.

Once th
e sunlight had only begun fading
, everyone heard Sorono’s ancient and proud mental voice.
“Everyone, will you please gather around.”

Durin
g her
talk with Amphrite, someone
had
lined up
all of
the large crates. Sorono
stood atop
of one of those crates so that everyone could see him clearly. Amphrite and
Sarah
stood up
,
just as both of
their
mates
began
ma
king
their way closer
to
them
. Poseidon saw who
m
his mate held and he smiled. Connor
found Sarah
and moved around to stand behind
them
.
She
leaned back into his
large
,
firm chest. The six of them
then watched as everyone made their way closer so they could understand wha
t i
s going on.

Once the gathered crowd
silenced, Sarah
quickly counted
three hundred and seventy one immortals, who
m
had shown up and remained.
There were still some who had gone into the town and made arrangements.

Sorono remained tall and proud as he stood atop the makeshift platform. He made himself look calm and at ease, but everyone could feel that this reunion wasn’t a time for fun
and a leisurely gathering
. Th
en his mental voice took on
his full
authority
as Head Elder of the Keepers and all
kind
immortals
.

“I know that each one of you were wondering why there was an emergency summons. Well it is time that you heard it all straight from me. What you need to understand is that we have a situation that cannot be avoided. How many of you heard about the Tsunami that occurred in South America?”
M
any hands went up. Many of the facial features were
both
calm and confused
because of
the
question
.
“What I’m about to tell you is all completely true. Close to four weeks ago
,
I was captured and tortured
while trying to locate my other brother, besides Connor.
He is the only other living Harmonizer and his name is Ranvan…
”