Chapter 20
Demeatral and Edmon were at the bottom of the stairs. "Good morning."
"Good morning." Lauren replied. "It's time to get Evandalyn to go get her treatment. We have to make sure she feels like everything will be okay until she is able to come back. I had a dream last night and her godly father came to me. He told me he would come for her tonight."
Edmon and Demeatral gasped. "Are you serious? How did you know it was him?"
"I recognized him." She replied. "I can't give you the details right now, but I will once we get Evandalyn to heaven. I promise."
"Okay. But you will talk." Edmon said with a smile. "So, I guess you have to show all that you can handle things. Let's go to our classes and then we can free some Harpies."
"And get some pegasuses back from a witch," Lauren added. "I know where they are and how to free them. We can also help the Orges get their mountain back from the Harpy King."
This shocked Edmon and Demeatral, but since Lauren had spoken to Evandalyn's father, anything was possible. "Great. That should convince her." Demeatral said.
They went to breakfast first and once they got their food together, went to eat with Evandalyn. "Good morning, Evandalyn."
"Good morning, dear," Evandalyn replied.
"How are you doing today?" Lauren asked. She sat down beside Evandalyn and gave her a slice of her pineapple.
"I'm doing better," Evandalyn said.
"That's wonderful to hear," Lauren said. "I want you to come to class with us today. I really want you to see how much I have developed and how well we can work as a team. I think it is time for you to go get your treatment and I want you to know we will be alright until you make it back."
Evandalyn was surprised. "Are you sure? I mean, I don't think you have had enough time."
"Well, after today, you will know that with my team and the teachers, everything will be okay until you come back. You need the treatment and your condition is getting worse. Just come to class with us and you will see that we can handle it." Lauren said.
"Very well," Evandalyn replied.
The group moved to Professor Garvin's class where everyone else was strapping on weapons and looking over a map and planning to rescue the harpies. "Ah, my dear Evandalyn. Come join me." The professor said. He sat her in front of a large screen. "We will be watching the student's first official mission together."
"We are ready to move out," Kento said.
"Let's go." Lauren directed. The group moved out with great precision, keeping Lauren encircled the entire time. Lauren rode Gerald's back and flew overhead with the rest of her flying crew, while the ground crew mingled into town covertly and took up positions. Once everyone was in place, Lauren, Gerald, Edmon, and Demeatral dropped into town. Tayla was already in the bar where they were going to meet with the harpies.
When they entered the bar, they saw it was filled with women. Edmon and the other men of the team stood out but they did not leave. Lauren and Demeatral moved to the table where Tayla was, while Edmon moved toward the other males. "Hey, Lauren. These are my sisters. They all want to be free from the hive. Sisters, this is the future keeper."
"Hello," Lauren replied. "It's nice to meet you. Is what Tayla is saying true?"
"Yes." They all nodded their heads and said.
Lauren looked around the room to make sure they were all agreeing. "Okay. Well, gather closer around me and make sure everyone is touching each other." All the ladies moved close and created a circle around Lauren. The men stayed to the outside of the room to stand guard.
"All right, now, this is going to feel weird but don't be alarmed, and don't let go of each other." They nodded. Lauren raised her arms and made sure the circle was touching her before she started. She went into a meditative trance and mentally searched for the string or web that connected them all to another outside string. There it was, a grey line flowed away from a blond woman at the back of the pack. She placed a dome over them and suddenly slammed the dome down hard to the ground, slicing the grey line in two. The women began the shriek and reel, crying and wailing uncontrollably. Lauren began to sing a lullaby:
"The sound of peace, so sweet, so still
The sound of peace, words of comfort real
The sound of peace, calm and sure
The sound of peace, my dear so pure
Be at peace, no more sadness you bear
Be at peace, only love to share
Be at peace, free from pain forever more
Be at peace on a peaceful shore"
When Lauren ended her song, the women were calm and not crying anymore. Lauren then sent energy through the encircled group. Her yellow light destroyed the grey strings and webs soaking all of the ladies in a bright light. Sighs of relief and shouts of joy filled the little bubble. "Okay. You are free from the hive."
Lauren accepted hugs from the ladies and shouts of gratitude. "What are you going to do now?" Tayla asked.
"We don't know?" Kyra replied. "We were hoping we could join the castle team."
"That's not quite how things work," Demeatral responded. "We would have to set you up as a separate colony or community first."
"I know. We are from an enemy species. If I was in your place, I would make you earn trust and respect before I would let you join my kingdom." Kyra said.
"Exactly," Demeatral said. "If you all agree, we will put you in a town near the castle. We can set up a school and anything else you need so that you can self-govern. When you show your ability to stand on your own, we can bring some of your team in as a part of the castle."
"I'm new to this, as we all know. Since I am still trying to find my way, I will defer to my guardians on this. Lauren said. "I do believe that you need a chance to stand on your own. You have been told how to live and what was right and wrong. You have never been given a chance to live your life. This would be a good time to do that."
"That sounds like a good idea and I think we will take you up on the offer," Kyra said. With that Lauren closed her eyes. She imagined an extension to the town around the castle with tall trees and high treehouses. The branches were so thick that they created roads that connected one home to another and a large school with an arena and training grounds. "That is so beautiful. It will be perfect for us." Lauren extended the security barrier to include the new grounds.
"I hope you like it. Feel free to change anything you want. I just wanted to give you something to start with." Lauren said.
"Wow." One of the other harpies said. "We have our own home."
"Now, let's see where this thread goes." Lauren stepped out of the healing dome the harpies were still in and followed the grey thread visually as it led into the mountains. Right to the area where the pegasuses were being held.
"Your girl is doing very well." Professor Garvin said pointedly.
"Yes. I have to admit she handled that situation beautifully." Evandalyn agreed.
"Good enough for you to leave her with us and go get your treatment. We are not going to take no for an answer."
"But she is still very new to this and I don't want her to feel I am using her. I want to make sure she is comfortable. She needs more training and guidance."
"We can give that to her for the short while it will take for you to get treated," Valentine said as she entered the classroom. "We will not let her down because letting her down would be letting you down."
"I don't know." Evandalyn sighed.
"All right, now let's go free the pegasuses!" Lauren said. "They are being held at the edge of the Deciduous Forest under Mount Seres."
"That forest hasn't had leaves for over a hundred years," Kyra said. "Do you think it's because the pegasuses are being held there?"
"Possibly. I do know that we are going there to free the pegasuses and you are welcome to come with us." Lauren said.
"A few of the more skilled of us will come to help. We don't want the witch to know we are free nor the hive king." Kyra replied. "What the witch knows, the hive king will soon know."
"Mount Seres was Mo's home until ugly man stole it." Mo said.
"Yes, I know. We're going to get it back." Lauren said.
The group was joined by Kyra and two other harpies as they made their way to Mount Seres. "It will take us two days to get to Mount Seres." Kento said. "We need to get on our way."
Lauren smiled. "No. It won't. Everyone gather close." They did as they were instructed.
"What are you doing?" Edmon asked. "You don't need to use up all your magic."
"Don't worry. I am not even close to using it all." She got on Gerald's back and created a bubble around the group. She closed her eyes and when she opened them again, they were at the foot of Mount Seres. "Now, Let's spread out and be on your guard. We are not wanted here by most but we must free the pegasuses and orges."
"As we planned it then." Edmon agreed. The wolves left to scout the woods, the bears stayed close and slowly advanced the group into the trees. Lauren stayed on Gerald's back. The unicorns stayed in human form and moved ahead with the bears. Edmon and Demeatral stayed near Lauren. Tayla, Kyra, and the other two harpies flew high and kept a watchful eye out for trouble.
As they moved deeper into the forest, things became darker and eerie. There was a misty fog seeping up from the ground and the air was sickly sweet. The ground cover seemed to move underfoot. Spider webs hung from the branches shimmering with dewy wetness. Vines covered the trees, strangling the last of their lives out of them as they tried to reach for the sun that didn't seem to shine over this forest. Then, there were the eyes. Yellow eyes stared out of the dense trees and kept pace with them as they walked through the trees.
Finally, there was a call from the wolves. "They must have found the clearing where the pegasuses are," Lauren said. "Let's pick up the pace and get to where they are." The group began to jog, still being careful to look for traps and pitfalls as they went. Soon, they were at the clearing with the wolves.
"There must be some kind of camouflage or something hiding the pegasuses." Damon, the acting Alpha of the wolves said. "I can smell them but can't see them."
"Yes," Lauren replied. "I can feel their spirits as well." It felt as if hands were reaching out of the darkness trying to get Lauren's attention. Gerald transformed into his human form and stood beside her. He cast a golden light from his aura and hundreds of faces were made visible for a few seconds. "Yes. They are here!"
Darkness. There was too much darkness. Lauren thought. That is why we can't see the pegasuses. They are right here in front of our eyes and we just can't see them because of the darkness. She formed a globe in her hands and filled it with light. She then sent it into the middle of the clearing. There, in all forms of bewilderment, malnutrition, and sorrow were the pegasuses. Their wings were tattered and torn. Their coats were dull and mud covered. Their eyes were dark and sunken. It was a sad sight. It brought Lauren to tears. She straightened her face and regained her composure because she had a job to do.
Lauren took a step toward the clearing. "What do you think you are doing?" A voice said.
"Who is asking?" Lauren asked.
"I asked my question first." The voice replied.
Curious, Lauren said, "I am going to free the pegasuses in this field."
"Who told you they could be freed? They are my pets and I don't want them freed." The voice said.
"Ah, so you must be the witch." Lauren said.
"Witch! How dare you call me a witch? I am just a person that is powerful enough to keep the pegasuses as pets. I am not a witch."
Well, that's what everyone calls you and the pegasuses need to be freed and cared for. They are dying. So, excuse me while I set them free." Lauren moved toward the field and was almost hit by a bolt of lightning. "Now that wasn't very nice."
"It wasn't supposed to be. The voice replied. "Who do you think you are? You have no right to come here and mess with things."
"It doesn't matter who I am," Lauren said, thinking twice about telling the voice her name and who she was. "I am going to free all that is held in this dark sullen forest." With that she again began to walk to the center of the field, only to again have a bolt of lightning hit the ground in front of her. Edmon was there with a shield and they started again. With each step, they dodged the lightning. They kept going until Lauren was standing directly center.
Suddenly, the rest of Lauren's group was attacked by goblins, orges, and giant spiders. Lauren knew she had to trust them to hold their own while she did what she came there to do. She closed her eyes and began to chant, only to feel something hit her in the gut and send her flying to her left. "What in the world?"
"I told you to leave my pets alone!" The witch materialized in front of Lauren. She was tall and slender with raven black hair and black eyes. "They are fine and they are mine!" She rushed at Lauren, only to be cut off by Demeatral.
"You don't get to touch her again," Demeatral growled out at her. They battled each other, exchanging blows that sent them far from where Lauren was.
Lauren got up and went back to the center of the field. Edmon and Gerald moved closer to her to guard her. She began to chant again. Soon she was glowing brightly and so were the members of her group. They blinded their enemies, stunning them till they weren't able to fight.
Lauren continued her chant and other creatures were illuminated within the forest. The trees soaked up the light and began to be filled with foliage. The mist burned away and the strangle vines began to die. The sickly sweet smell was replaced with the clean clear scent of fresh unpolluted air. Still, Lauren continued her chant. Birds could be seen sitting in the trees and forest animals all around were shining brightly. The water in a nearby stream began to flow again, washing away the stench of stagnant mud. Lauren kept chanting. The darkness in the sky receded and the sun shone over Mount Seres once again. That was when it happened. Hundreds of pegasuses came into view. Lauren called the rain and a sun shower fell on the pegasuses, healing their broken bodies and wings. They bathed in the sunlight and were made whole.
The battle waged on but Lauren's team held their ground. They talked to the person they were fighting, telling them that they could be freed also. They spread the words of peace and gave the orges and goblins hope.
The witch screamed because she was losing power and control over the pegasuses. "How dare you mess up my plans! I will not let you take this realm from me! You are not the future keeper! I am! I was chosen!"
"Yes. I know about you. You were chosen by the council. I was chosen by the Keeper. Her word is more powerful and since I have inherited her powers and am coming into my own as well, you will not be the keeper and in a few seconds you will be exiled to a prison realm that I am designing just for you and anyone that is on your side." Lauren informed the witch. She flew high in the sky and froze the battlefield. "Listen. I am going to imprison the witch and anyone fighting with the witch to a prison realm in a few minutes. If you do not want to go with her, take a knee and stop fighting. I will discern your heart and if you are true you will stay here and can earn your forgiveness."
She gave everyone the ability to move again and many threw their weapons away and took a knee quickly. Some were a bit reluctant but after looking around, threw away their weapons and kneeled. "Get up cowards!" The witch yelled. "You are my army. You should fear and support me! Get up and fight!" Nobody moved. She growled in frustration and shot magic lightning at Lauren. "You are ruining everything!" Again, she lunged at Lauren, only to be cut off by Demeatral. "You can't even fight your own fights. It's proof that I am stronger than you."
Lauren just smiled. "You see, I stand for peace, not war. I do not have to fight you because we are a team and my team does not work separately, no one is more important than anyone else. So, when you are being beaten by My teammate, you are being beaten by me." Lauren closed her eyes and suddenly a portal opened behind the witch. "Now, It's time for you and your support to leave this realm." People started to disappear and show up in the portal. The witch tried to use her magic to stay where she was. When she saw the harpy hive king pop inside the portal, she lost her hold. Once she was inside the portal, Lauren closed it.
Cheers of joy resounded from the battlefield.
"She is ready." Professor Garvin said. He gave Evandayln a firm look and took her hand.
Valentine walked up and took her other hand. "We will be here to support her and you can take the rest of today to give her the jewelry and things you want her to have. You can also give her your journals and write her a letter. She is ready."
Cosh and Tosh joined the conversation. "She is ready. We can get things ready for the ceremony so you can give her the title completely."
Evandalyn began to cry. "You are all for this? You won't miss me?"
Of course, we will, but your health comes first. We need you back once you are in full health. As you said, having both of you here in full health will just make things safer and stronger." Cosh replied.
"We are nothing without you," Tosh said. "We love you." They encircled her in a group hug.
"If my father comes, I will go but I need more than a day." Evandalyn agreed. "I do want to talk to her before I go and we do need to do the ceremony." They hugged her even tighter.