“Alex, I’m so sorry,” she starts to say but he stops her.
“Raphaim has never stopped hunting me, or our kind. He freed the Fallen and humanity didn’t stand a chance. We had no protection. I saved the ones I could and destroyed any that got in my way. I never understood the meaning of that moment, until now.”
He unrolls the cloth covered item and in his hand rests an antique quill. Intricately carved from wood. It is simple and beautiful.
“Alex, it must be for you. It was entrusted to you, not me, brother.” She says stifling a yawn.
“There is no such thing as coincidence, Elina. You can rest for a few hours that is all I can give you. I have to return to my people.” Alex rolls the quill up in the cloth and replaces it in the box
“Below you will find rations. Food and water. Eat and sleep. You will need your strength. You can sleep in the basement, I have made a small bed of sorts.”
She reaches for his hand, but he steps away.
“Alex? I’m glad you’re here. I’m sorry for all you have been through. We will figure this out together,” Elina promises stifling a yawn. She walks towards the basement and follows the steps down to get some much needed rest.
“Rest while you can, Keeper. Once my world knows of your existence they will bring all of hell after you,” Alex says with a dark look in his eyes.
Chapter 7
Elina walks into the darkness of the basement, aided by a small solar powered lantern Alex gives her. Electricity is a thing of the past and fire draws the demons. She sees a makeshift bed on the floor in the corner and is barely able to keep her eyes open. Elina kneels on the floor, placing the lantern and the box on the concrete ground. Bowing her head, she prays.
“Father, I am sinking. I am lost here, those I love are hurt or dead. I do not know why I am on this path, but I trust you to show me the way. Guide me and protect the ones I love. Amen.”
Alex listens to Elina’s prayer and he wonders how long has it been since he has called out to his Father. Had he walked for so long in anger that he’d forgotten how. He slides down the wall outside the stairs and decides to stay. He casts a protective shield around the house. He will watch over her and let her rest. He may not pray, but he does know that things always happen for a reason. They will figure it out, together. Alex leans his head back and closes his eyes, he dreams of her again.
“Our Dreams are more than just our hearts desire; they are a window to the universe. Pay attention to the details, write them down as they happen, before the images begin to fade into memory,” his deep voice tells her.
“I will Ya-Ya.” Maeling tells her grandfather. At eight years old, she is a gifted watcher and it is a family honor to assist those passing over. They are privileged to guide the lost and help them find their way home. All of that changed two years ago when Maeling was taken by a Demon to be used as bait.
The demons wanted to use her to catch the Keeper and they almost succeeded. Elina, the Keeper was able to save Maeling and warn her family of the danger. She told them not to use their gifts until they could shield themselves from the evil concealed in the dark.
In order to protect themselves, they agreed. But a child’s mind is easily healed as trauma fades to memory over time, and memories fade to dreams.
“Last night my dream was so strong, Ya-Ya. I saw a boy older than me and he was in a cave, and…” she starts to say but he interrupts her.
“Less talking, more writing.” He says as gestures at the small wooden table. Maeling’s mother brings in tea. As she looks at the two of them with their heads buried together, she sighs.
“Lessons are over now, Maeling,” her Mother says, “Why don’t you go to the docks and meet your father? You can walk home with him.” She laughs when Maeling jumps up excitedly and runs to get her shoes.
“I love to see the ships!” she calls out as she flies through the doors. The scent of spices fills the air and Maeling takes a deep breath as she looks around.
Maeling skips down the cobblestone street past the wooden markets and through the crowded city streets. Noise overflows as people visit all the markets, buying and trading their goods. She hurries past the fish market and turns the corner.
The massive ship comes into view and the black lacquer boat with red trim pieces is stunning. Today, they were testing the crimson accordion sails. Her Father designed the ship and was in charge of overseeing the construction. She loved to play inside the ship and often found other children her age to play with.
“Baba!” Maeling cries out when she finds her Father watching the sails rise and fall. He turns with a smile to greet his daughter.
“Is it quitting time already?” he asks.
“Yes Baba, we should hurry before the markets close,” she replies jumping up and down in excitement.
He laughs at her enthusiasm telling her, “Give me a few minutes little one. I need to oversee the loading of the cargo. We are checking it today to see how much she can hold.” Rubbing the back of his neck, he turns and yells at someone ordering them to pick up speed, then follows them snapping out orders.
Maeling makes sure to stay out of the way as she watches the workers load the ship. A
