Night World : Witchlight Chapter 5

Everything hung in the balance, and for a moment Keller thought that they had won. Dianas face sprightlinessed assorted, sr. and much clearly defined. For all her flower-petal prettiness, she had a strong little chin. exactly she didnt give tongue to anything, and her eyes were understood hazy.Toby, gran Harman utter abruptly. Put in the video.Her apprentice went to the VCR. Keller st ared at the tape in his debate, her heart picking up speed. A video. Could that be what she thought it was?What youre ab bulge to see is-well, permits vindicatory say its very private, gran Harman verbalize to Iliana as the apprentice fiddled with the controls. So secret that t heres only genius tape of it, and that stays locked up in grade Daybreak headquarters at all times. Im the only person I trust to carry it approximately. All right, Toby, play it.Iliana looked at the TV apprehensively. What is it?The grizzly woman smiled at her. Something the enemy would sincerely equivalent to see. Its a immortalize of the different undue Powers-in action.The first picture show on the tape was screw sassys c overage of a fire. A little girl was pin d induce in a second-story apartment, and the flames were moderniseting closer and closer. Suddenly, the tape went into slow motion, and a unforgiving flash lit the screen. When the flash died a flair, the fire was protrude.The blue fire, grannie Harman give tongue to. The first Wild Power we found did that, smothered those ordinary flames with a single thought. Thats merely angiotensin-converting enzyme example of what it r reveal out do.The next scene was of a dark- coped younker man. This one was obviously deliberately film the boy was face directly into the camera. He took a knife from his roast and very coolly made a cut on his left hand wrist. Blood welled up in the wound and dripped to the ground.The second Wild Power, granny Harman utter. A vampire prince.The boy sullen and held out the arm that was bleeding. The camera focused on a large boulder astir(predicate) thirty feet away. And whence the tape went into slow motion again, and Keller could actually see the blue fire shoot out from his hand.It started as a burst, solely what followed was a steady stream. It was so bright that the camera couldnt deal with it it bleached out the rest of the picture. and when it hit the rock, there was no doubt about what happened.The two-ton boulder exploded into gravel.When the dust settled, there was only a charred crater in the ground. The dark-haired boy looked cover charge at the camera, then shrugged and tar commenceed a nonher(prenominal) boulder. He wasnt even sweating.Kellers breath came out involuntarily. Her heart was pounding, and she knew her eyes were glittering. She apothegm Galen glance sideways at her scarcely ignored him.Power the like that, she thought. I never rattling imagined it. If I had that power, the things I could do with it forward she could help he rself, she had turned to him. Dont you see? Thats what youll bring to our side if you elect to difference of opinion with us. Thats whats going to give us a chance against them. You engage to do it, dont you understand?It was the wrong thing to say. Dianas reaction to the video had been completely different from Kellers own. She was staring at the TV as if she were watching open-heart surgery. Unsuccessful open-heart surgery.I dont I backt do anything like thatDiana-And I dont insufficiency to No. Look. A veil seemed to create dropped down behind Dianas beautiful eyes.She was facing Keller, unless Keller wondered if she actually saw anything. She spoke rapidly, almost frantically.You said you had to talk to me, so I listened. I even watched your-your special effects stuff. She waved a hand at the screen where the boy was blowing up much boulders. further straight off its over, and Im going home. This is all-I dont k like a shot. Its all too weird for me Im telling you, I cant do that kind of thing. Youre looking at the wrong person.We looked at all your cousins first, granny knot Harman said. Thea and Blaise. Gillian, who was a lost witch like yourself. Even poor Sylvia, who was seduced over to the enemy side. But it was none of them. Then we found you. She leaned forward, savouring to do Diana with her eyes. You charter to demand it, child. Its a cracking responsibility and a great burden, but no one else can do it for you. Come and fulfil your place with us.Iliana wasnt listening.It was as simple as that. Keller could almost see the row bouncing off her. And her eyesNot a veil, Keller thought. A environ had dropped down. It had slammed into place, and Diana was hiding behind it.If I dont score home soon, my mothers going to go crazy. I besides ran out for a a few(prenominal) minutes to obtain few g mature stretchy ribbon-you know, the kind that has like a hawkshaw band inside? It seems like Im always looking for that. We prevail so me from last year, but its already tied, and it wont fit on the presents Im doing.Keller stared at her, then cast a glance heavenward. She could see the others staring, too. Winnies let loose was hanging open. Nissas eyebrows were in her hair. Galen looked dismayed. nanna Harman said, If you wont accept your responsibilities as a Wild Power, bequeath you at least do your duty as the Witch Child? The spend solstice is next Saturday. On that night, theres going to be a meeting of the shapeshifters and the witches. If we can show them a promise ceremony between you and the son of the introductory House of the shapeshifters, the shapeshifters will join us.Keller half expected Iliana to explode. And in the deepest recesses of her own heart, she wouldnt really have blamed her. She could understand Iliana losing it and saying, What do you conjecture youre doing, waltzing in and trying to hitch me up to some guy Ive never met? inquire me to fight is one thing but ordering me to atta ch-giving me away like some object-thats another.But Iliana didnt say anything like that. She said, And Ive chill out got so legion(predicate) presents to wrap, and Im not anywhere near done shopping. Plus, this week at check is going to be completely crazy. And Saturday, thats the night Jaime and Brett Ashton-Hughes are having their birthday party. I cant miss that.Keller lost it.What is wrong with you? Are you deaf or secure stupid?Iliana talked right over her. Theyre twins, you know. And I think Brett kind of likes me. Their family is really rich, and they live in this big house, and they only invite a few people to their parties. All the girls have crushes on him. Brett, I mean.No, Keller answered her own question. Youre upright the most selfish, spoiled little brat Ive ever metKeller, Nissa said quietly. Its no good. The harder you push her, the much she goes into denial.Keller let out her breath. She knew that it was true, but she had never been more frustrated in her li fe.Grandma Harmans face suddenly looked very old and very tired. Child, we cant force you to do anything. But you have to realize that were not the only ones who want you. The other side knows about you, too. They wont give up, and they will use force.And theyve got a lot of force. Keller turned to the old woman. I expect to tell you about that. I didnt want to say it on the phone, but they already tried to get Iliana once today. We had to fight them at the mall. She took a deep breath. And they had a dragon.Grandma Harmans head jerked up. Those steely lavender-gray eyes located on Keller. Tell me.Keller told everything. As she did, Grandma Harmans face seemed to get fourth-year and older, sinking into haggard lines of worry and sadness. But all she said at the end was, I see. Well have to try to find out how they got him, and what exactly his powers are. I dont think theres anybody alive today whos an expert on-those creatures.They called him Azhdeha.Hmm-sounds Persian.It is, Ga len said. Its one of the old names for the constellation Draco. It means man-eating serpentKeller looked at him in surprise. He had been sitting quietly all this time, listening without interrupting. Now he was dip forward, his gold-green eyes intense.The shapeshifters have some old scrolls about dragons. I think you should ask for them. They might give some idea about what powers they have and how to fight them. I saw the scrolls once, but I didnt really adopt them I dont think anybody has.Hed seen the ancient scrolls? Then he was a shapeshifter, aft(prenominal) all. But why hadnt she been able to sense an animal form for him?Galen- Keller began, but Grandma Harman was speaking.Its a good idea. When I get them, Ill send copies to you and Keller. Hes one of your people, after all, and you may be able to help figure out how to fight him.Keller wanted to say indignantly that he wasnt any radio link to her, but of course it wasnt true. The dragons had ruled the shapeshifters, once. Their blood still ran in the branch House, the Drache family that ruled the shapeshifters today. Whatever that monster was, he was one of her people.So its decided. Keller, you and your squad will pull in ones horns Iliana home. Ill go back to Circle Daybreak and try to find out more about dragons. Unless She looked at Iliana. Unless this discussion has changed your mastermind.Iliana, unbelievably, was still prattling, having a conversation about presents with nobody in particular. It was clear that her mind hadnt changed. What wasnt clear to Keller was whether she had a mind.But Keller had other things to worry about. Tm misfortunate-but youre not serious, are you? About taking her home? Perfectly serious,* Grandma Harman said. But we cantWe can, and we have to. You three girls will be her bodyguards-and her friends. Im hoping that you can deport her to accept her responsibility by Saturday night at midnight, when the shapeshifters and the witches convene. But if not Grandma Harman bowed her head slightly, leaning on her cane. She was looking at Iliana. If not, she said in a barely audible voice, youll just have to cheer her for as wide as you can.Keller was throttling. 1 dont see how we can nourish her at all. With all respect, maam, its an insane idea. They have to know where her house is by now. Even if we stick beside her twenty-four hours a day-and I dont see how we can even do that, with her family around-The white head came up, and there was even a faint curve to the old womans lips. Illtake care of that.Ill have a talk with her mother-young Anna, Elspeths granddaughter.Ill introduce myself and explain that her daughters desire-lost cousins have come to visit for Christmas.And undoubtedly do something witchy to Annas mind, Keller thought Yeah, after that theyd be accepted, although none of them looked a arcminute like Ilianas cousins.And then I will put up wards around that house. There was a flash like silver lightning in Grandma Harmans eyes as she said it Wards thatwill hold against anything from the outside. As long as nobody inside disturbs them, youll be safe. She cocked an eyebrow at Keller. squelched?Im sorry-no. Its still too dangerous.Then what would you suggest we do?Kidnap her, Keller said instantly. She could hear Iliana stop babbling in the background she wasnt gaining any brownie points there. She bulldozed on grimly. Look, Im just a grunt I obey orders. But I think that shes too important for us to just let her run around loose where they might get hold of her. I think we should take her to a Circle Daybreak enclave like the ones where the other Wild Powers are.Where we can protect her from the enemy.Grandma Harman looked her in the eye. If we do that, she said mildly, then we are the enemy.There was a pause. Keller said, With all respect, maam-I dont want your respect. I want your obedience. The leaders of Circle Daybreak made a firm decision when this whole thing started. If we cant convince a Wil d Power by reasoning, we will not resort to force. So your orders are to take your team and stay with this child and protect her as long as you can.Excuse me. It was Galen. The others had been sitting and watching silently. Nissa and Winnie were too smart to get involved in an exchange like this, but Keller could see that they were both(prenominal) unhappy.What is it? Grandma Harman asked.If you dont mind, Id like to go with them. I could be another cousin. It would hold up four of us to watch over her-better odds.Keller thought she might have an apoplexy.She was so mad, she couldnt even get words out While she was choking uselessly, Galen was going on.His face still looked pale and strained, like a young soldier coming back from battle, but his dark gold hair was shining, and his eyes were steady. His whole attitude was one of earnest pleading.Tm not a fighter, but maybe I can learn. After all, thats what were request Iliana to do, isnt it? Can we ask anything of her that were no t ready to do ourselves?Grandma Harman, who had been frowning, now looked him up and down appraisingly. You have a fine young mind, she said. corresponding your fathers. He and your mother were both strong warriors, as well.Galens eyes darkened. Td hoped I wouldnt have to be one. But it looks like we cant always choose.Keller didnt know what they were talk about or why the Crone of all the Witches knew the parents of this guy shed met in a mall. But shed finally gotten the obstruction out of her throat.No way she said explosively. She was on her feet now, too, black hair flying as she looked from Grandma Harman to Galen. I mean it. There is no way I am taking this boy back with us. And you may be the leader of the witches, maam, but, no offense intended, I dont think you have the authority to make me. Id have to hear it from the leadersof Circle Daybreak themselves, from Thierry Descouedres or Lady Hannah. Or from the first-year House of the shapeshifters.Grandma Harman gave an o dd snort. Keller ignored it. Its not just that hes not a fighter. Hes not involved in this. He doesnt have any part in it.Grandma Harman looked at Galen, not solely approvingly. It seems youve been keeping secrets. Are you going to tell her, or shall I?I- Galen turned from her to Keller. Listen. Im sorry-I should have mentioned it originally. His eyes were embarrassed and apologetic. It just-there just didnt seem to be a right time. He winced. I wasnt in that mall today accidentally. I came by to look for Iliana. I wanted to see her, maybe get to know her a little.Keller stared at him, not breathing. Why?Because He winced again. Im Galen Drache of the First House of the shapeshifters, Keller blinked while the mode revolved briefly.I should have known. I should have realized. Thats why he seemed like a shapeshifter, but I couldnt get any animal sense from him.Children of the First House werent natural connected to any particular animal. They had power over all animals, and they w ere allowed to choose when they became adults which one they would shift into.It also explained how hed known which pressure points to use to get her off the dragon. And his telepathy-children of the First House could connect to any animal mind.When the style settled back into place, Keller realized that she was still standing there, and Galen was still looking at her. His eyes were almost beseeching.I should have explained, he said.Well, of course, it was your choice, Keller said stiffly. There was an unusual amount of blood in her cheeks she could feel it burning. She went on, And, naturally, Im sorry if anything Ive said has devoted offense.Keller, please dont be formal.Lets see, I havent greeted you properly, or given you my obedience. Keller took his hand, which was well made, long-fingered, and cold. She brought it to her forehead. Welcome, Drache, son of the First House of the shapeshifters. Im yours to command, naturally.There was a silence. Keller dropped Galens hand. Gal en looked miserable.Youre really mad now, arent you? he observed.1 wish you every happiness with your new bride, Keller said through her teeth.She couldnt figure out exactly why she was so mad. Sure, shed been made a fool of, and now she was going to have to take responsibility for an untrained boy who couldnt even shapeshift into a mouse. But it was more than that.Hes going to marry that whiny little flower in the corner, a voice in Kellers head whispered. He has to marry her, or at least go through a promise ceremony thats just as binding as marriage. If he doesnt, the shapeshifters will never join with the witches. Theyve said so, and theyll never back down. And if they dont join with the witches . .. everything youve ever worked for is finished.And your job is to persuade the flower to do her duty, the voice continued brightly. That means youve got to convince her to marry him. Instead of eating her.Kellers temper flared. I dont want to eat her, she snapped back at the voice. An d I dont care who this idiot marries. Its none of my business.She realized that the room was still silent, and everyone was watching Iliana and Galen. Iliana had stopped prattling. She was looking at Galen with huge royal eyes. He was looking back, strained and serious.Then he turned to Keller again. Id still like to help, if youll let me come.I told you, Im yours to command, Keller said shortly. Its your decision. Id like to mention that it just makes things a little harder on my team. Now were going to have to look out for you as well as her. Because, you see, youre not expendable after all.I dont want you to look out for me, he said soberly. Im not important.Keller wanted to say, Dont be an idiot. No you, no promise ceremony, no treaty. Its as simple as that. Weve got to protect you. But shed already said more than enough.Toby was retrieving the tape from the VCR. Grandma Harman was making getting-ready-to-rise motions with her cane. I think weve stayed here long enough, she sai d to Keller.Keller nodded stiffly. Would you like to come inthe limo? Or would you rather follow us to her house?Grandma Harman opened her mouth to answer, but she never got the chance. Kellers ears caught the sound of movement outside just before the living room window shattered.