Wardens of Avalon Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Bailey York

1. My room was dusty. Reginald sat next to me as I sat in my desk chair. There was a knock at my door.

2. “Come in.” I said pivoting to face the door. In came Marshall and his lumpy glory with a sizable stack of papers.

3. “You were right.” He said closing the door behind him with his foot. “They gave us everything. And I mean everything.”

4. “Ah, the pettiness of being overly helpful.” He inhaled through my nose. “Have you looked through it yet?” He gave me a dirty look. “Excused me for having high hopes in your reading speed.”

5. “It's not that good.” He said placing the four inch stack of paper on my dresser. He took a handful approximately half of the stack and handed it to me. “Start reading.” He ordered. He began to look around.

6. “There's a folding chair against the wall.” I pointed blindly as I took the stack and placed it on my miniscule desk. “If you want it, there is a large TV tray under the bed.”

7. He pulled the TV tray out from under the bed and fiddled with it for a moment before finding out how to get it to stand up. I had faith in him to figure it out quickly and went to work.

8. When you’re doing something you hate, time come to a crawl. Minuets take hours and hours take days. I sat reading reports hastily translated from French for six hours. I read about cattle mutilations in Normandy and how some people had disappeared in Bordeaux. The sudden activity of Dogs all over a South East province wouldn’t even try to spell correctly, let alone pronounce.

9. Then the door rattled with a knock of “Shave and a Haircut”. For a brief, moment I worshiped God for the break.

10. “Come in, Harrison.” I spun in my chair. The large figure of Harrison entered and Reginald wagged his tail. I was significantly less exited to see the binder under his arm.

11. “I heard you had ordered this, Master Marshall.” Harrison said lifting the three ring.

12. “Reports of activity over the east Coast of North American? Yes, thank you, Harrison.”

13. “You're welcome, Norman.” Harrison said. “Sorry I missed the induction ceremony.”

14. “It's alright.” Marshall said waving it off. “I'm sure you had better thing so do.”

15. “I take it you two know each other?” I said, then I remembered. “Right, Marshall is Buchanan's 'mentoree'.”

16. “I'd say he's closer to an adopted son.” Harrison softly punched Marshall.

17. “It's not that bad.” Marshall took the binder and sat back down.

18. “You have dinner with my folks more often than I do.” Harrison squinted.

19. “Thank you, Harrison.” Marshall said. “We'll be through it soon.”

20. “What are you two working on?” Harrison said. I wiped my face.

21. “We're looking into a disappearance.” I said, my voice distorting due to the rubbing for my face. “We're looking for the Questing-beast.” Marshall said absentmindedly as he flipped through the pages of the binder.

22. “And how is this going to help you.” Harrison asked resting his fists on his hips.

23. “The thing might.” I lifted my finger. “Might, bring about chaos when sighted.”

24. “That sounds bad.” Harrison said. “Um, maybe you should look into the Lake Okefenokee Swamp” he said taking the binder back from Marshall. He flipped through the pages of white printer paper until it landed on the page. “The Animals have been getting restless.”

25. “Huh?” I thought. “This things forest. It's a Moor, isn't it?”

26. “Yeah.” Marshall said. “And?” he led me.

27. “Isn't a moor a bit like a swamp? Colder yes, but very wet ground.”

28. Marshall and Harrison looked at each other. They shrugged simultaneously

29. “It's worth looking into.” Marshall nodded causing a small giggle of his neck.



30. I love being home. Sometimes. There's an amount of rest you get just by returning to where you grew up. Or even being close. I grew up here, in the swamps of the Southern United States. We bounced around a bit: Houston, Texas to Franklin, Alabama and finally wrapping up in my late teens in Jacksonville, Florida.

31. But the Swamps are dirty and the combination of the heat and humidity can make air around feel like you’re standing in an oven. There are also the mosquito the size of sparrows, which Marshall had not experience with. And lastly, you have to marvel at the sense of humor that God must have had when he saw this place and thought “You know what would make this place great? Giant lazy semi-aquatic lizards with bit strength that could crush a femur”.

32. Marshall and I landed in the swamp. Considering the trauma that Linda had been through the night before, we thought it best to not bring her along.

33. I felt a buzz the moment we stepped off the bus. I think most of those on board did too. The bus pulled away with the vast majority of the passengers looking towards the same direction I was.

34. It was slick and hot like and grease fire. Something primal about it. My mind wondered if this was what one of the primal forces, Powerful spirits of elements and nature formed in the first days, felt like. I'd never felt one of the primal forces. Some were still around. I heard they were hard to forget when you did.

35. “Do you feel that?” I asked Marshall. His quizzical expression gave me the impression of 'no'. Somehow that made me feel better. If he had, I would really have gotten worried.

36. I headed in. Given that there was a chance we would hit trouble, I had my Family sword by my side. An old Oakeshott XII with runes down both sides of the fuller. It was a bit of a beefy sword but not nearly the size video games lead people to believe. This thing was three pounds max and built for one handed use. I held it in my right hand.

37. In my left I held a beefy looking 9mm pistol. A mat black Hi-point I got when I turned twenty one. It's heavy, Ugly and I bought it for less than a hundred dollars used. It's also shown itself to be damn hard to kill. I'd put that thing threw situations that would make a Glock cry with rounds that I have little doubt would turn other hand guns into grenades. And, yet it still fired. So I say if it's ugly, but it works, it's beautiful.

38. I 'sniffed' the scent out. Marshall followed. He seemed to have a look about him I could not piece out. His was a scrunched nose and a squinted eye. It almost looked like he smell something foul. Later, it occurred to me that he never smelled a swamp before. I quietly chuckled to myself.

39. As we drew closer, something started to feel odd. The sense was clearing out. The primal part was ebbing away the further in we got. It started to feel familiar. I knew it was a bad thing, but I charged in.

40. Have you ever had nasal Deja vu? It's the worst kind. Your sense of smell is supposed to be the closest tied to Memory, so when something smells like you should remember it but you can't put your finger on what it is, it can quickly drive you crazy. The Wardens sense can be even worse because it sort of marks your soul when you have a lock on something. You develop a “Warden Scent” library and the Librarian gets pissed when he or she finds an empty place.

41. In hindsight, I should have warned Marshall. Communication is key and all that when you’re working together with someone. But I wasn't thinking straight. The Librarian had found a black space and damn was he going to find the book.

42. “Bailey?” Marshall shouted as he ran after me in knee deep mud. He'd listened to me and wore boots so he wouldn't lose them. “Where are we going?”

43. “I don't know.” I said, “But somethings this way.”

44. “Yeah, and it's freaking Reginald out.” He said. I stopped and looked down. Reginald had been a good Dog and stayed at heel, but there was caution in his eyes.

45. 'Dude, we should not be going this way.' I read Reginald face, 'Bad juju ahead, man.'

46. Reginald had always struck me as a “Follow you to hell and back” kind of dog. Which was too bad for him because I was a “where angels fear to tread' kind of guy. Together, it meant neither of us had a high life expectancy. We talked about it sometimes. Not when Rachel was round though, she didn't like that kind of talk.

47. The only way I know how to explain what happened next is something shifted in the Aether. We had stopped moving, which lead me to realize that something else was moving. The librarian found the book and just about shit himself.

48. “Go.” I said back tracking along the way we came. “Go, go go.” I ordered. It was coming closer. Reginald followed gladly with his head turned back.

49. “What?” Marshall asked as he came beside me, both of us moving as fast as we could in the mud. “What is it?”

50. “Chimera.” I said.

51. “What. A Chimera.” Marshal repeated. “What the hell is a Chimera doing here?”

52. “Don't know, don't care. Just leaving.” I said pointing forward.

53. “What kind?” he asked.

54. “Don't know, Don...”

55. “I get it.” He said taking a deep breath and swallowing it.

56. “How do we kill it?” I asked

57. “Well, best case would be for safe capture and relocation.”

58. “Not best case.” I said looking back, it was gaining fast. The primal energy was still there. “Survival case.”

59. “Um.” He dug threw his mind, “I don't know. Silver bullet to the head leading to decapitation over running water?”

60. “I don't like that questioning tone.” I warned.

61. “I don't know.”

62. “Look it up.” I said.

63. “Well, excuse me.” he exclaimed reaching behind his back. “The Cryptome isn't exactly a quick draw.”

64. I heard the rustling of the reeds. The being was close and the chance of us reaching anywhere close to safety was just short of none.

65. In one motion I drew the Sword and turned to face the direction I was sensing. Marshal turned as well and began to leaf through the book. Could see him and be at the ready at the same time.

66. “Reginald.” I address the nervous looking dog. “Game face.”

67. Then Reginald changed. The nice docile like puppy I petted tensed in the shoulders and face. His eyes squinted and his lips vibrated in a growl. The Growl got lower and lower rapidly.

68. From the reeds, the head of an eagle with horns parted the swamp plants. Next came a body like a black bear and then the back legs of a bull. It had wings coming from its shoulders.

69. “Wow!” Marshall said. The thing skulked out and began to circle.

70. “Not, wow.” I said. “It wants to eat us.”

71. “I know.” He jumped too. “But it's still beautiful.”

72. “Less sightseeing and more...”

73. It let out a screech that made it feel like my ears would bleed. Then it charged.

74. I jumped to the size and dropped the blade down, narrowly missing the neck. The Chimera strafed to my right.

75. “Marshall!” I shouted.

76. “Hold on.” He said. This got the beast attention. I lunged with the sword and found myself batted to the side with a wing. I hit the mud and sunk a little. “Marshall!” Shouted as the thing jumped at him, making a powerful flap of its wings to add thrust.

77. Marshall looked up to see the thing crouching. He slammed the book closed and held it in both hands. As the Chimera came in, it got a face full of Magical tome slammed across the right side of its face. The pound of the book against beak was so hard, I felt it.

78. As I got to my feet, whipping mud from my face I saw the chimera spin in the air and crash into the side of a tree. I looked at Marshall. For a moment his jaw seemed misshapen like it had tusks. Must have been the mud in my eyes.

79. The Chimera looked pissed as it got up.

80. “Any word on how to kill it?” I asked.

81. “I lost my place.” He said plainly as he cracked the book open and started back to where we was.

82. I chimera began returning to its feet. I moved as fast as I could to get between it and Marshall. On my way I lifted my gun hand and began to squeeze.

83. 'Pow' went one round. A small splash leapt from the water not a foot to the chimera's right.

84. 'Pow' went another round. The Chimera jerked back and some of its feathers ruffled with a puff of red mist.

85. That made it angry. I can't blame it. I got the direct impression that being shot was far from pleasant, whether it did any real damage or not. Something like a chimera, I wasn't sure it was vulnerable to lead and copper.

86. 'What about the other gun?' I asked myself. I felt the weight of my second side arm, a revolver by a Brazilian Maker that plays fast and loose with a funny loop hole in the laws that say what is and is not a shot gun. 'No time.'

87. I took a stance and held the sword in a ready stance. Just as I turned to take stance, it crouched and leapt at me claws first.

88. I will admit now, I've no formal sword training. All of my skill, if you can call it that, comes from “dueling” my brothers in the back yard as a kid with wooden swords we made. Being the youngest, I never thought I was that good.

89. I swept right to left for the legs attached to the claws, making an uptick at the end of the arc. I felt a slice a few things, but I wasn't sure how bad I'd hurt it.

90. All I knew was that I had disrupted its flight somehow and it careened to my right and hit the ground. I moved to see what condition it was in and got ready for a kill shot if need be.

91. I flopped in the mud for a good time. It took me a moment to notice its wings. One wing, the right one, was hanging by the muscle as gash ripped it down and broken the main bone.

92. “I...” I hesitated, not wanting to speak too soon. “I don't think it came get up.” I said, still holding the sword at the ready.

93. Marshall walked over with a large object in his hand.

94. “You think?” He asked. I looked down. It was one of the things arms. “The other one is back there somewhere.” He motioned with the disembodied claw, with flapped around limply. “I don't like that you had to do that. But given the situation.” He laughed. “That was really cool.”

95. “You’re use of Book as bludgeon wasn't too shabby either.” I laughed, relaxing a bit. “Did you find its weakness?”

96. “Don't think it matters now.” He said. “What is that?” he asked of my sword.

97. “Sword of York.” I said lifting it up. “Dad lent it to me for a mission where I needed something cold steel.” I answered. I pulled my handkerchief out from my back pocket and began to wipe the sword off. “He's not getting it back.”

98. “Sword of York?” Marshall said with concern. “Sounds like something that would go to the oldest son.”

99. “Normally.” I answered and put it in the scabbard. “But he's never asked for it and so I'm will keep it until he does.”

100. “I think I'd be pissed if my little brother took something that was meant to be mine.” Martial remarked as he looked at me sideways. “Does he know you have it?”

101. I sighed and saw where he was getting at. “He doesn't need it right now and I do. If he asks for it, or I here he's looking for it, I'll hand it over.” I looked at the Chimera thrashing in the mud. It was far from home, hurt and likely permanently maimed. I went over and lifted the sword over my head. “But right now, I have it.”

102. 'Dear Diary,

103. Today I learned what it feels like when a sword goes through bone. It's not something that I think I will forget. No matter how much I'd like to.'

Linda Yeoman

1. My room was empty when I woke up. Yesterday seemed like a bad dream. I wanted it to be a bad dream.

2. The way... that man said “So I hear”. The thoughts that he has been having me watched. That he knows my movements. I hugged myself to stop the shaking.

3. I heard movement from across from me. Slowly I half opened my eyes to see and hope not to be seen.

4. In a chair directly in-front of me sat a man. He was tall and slender. He wore a tattered trench coat and mud covered hat. The brim of the hat cast a shadow over his face, I could not pick out his feature besides that he had a long nose and big ears in silhouette.

5. This was not a Long nose in the perspective of a human. A nose of Cyrano de Bergerac prepositions poked out from under the brim of his hat. The ears were like kitchen knives. Sharp pointed.

6. Before I could stop myself, I inhaled sharply in a gasp.

7. “I see you're awake now, Girl.” He said hands place on his knees and staring directly at me. “You have been out for some time, Dear.”

8. I did not answer, hoping, praying, that he might believe I still dreamed.

9. “Now, now, girl, let’s not be children.” his voice a slick squeak. “The Silent games is so immature.”

10. I, against ever fiber in my body telling me not to, opened my eyes. Still I did not move remaining laid on my side. I saw more of him. His large eyes and tiny lips. The way his skin seemed flush pink instead of a normal hue.

11. “Better.” he said. “Now, what are we going to do about you?”

12. “Why?” I asked, finally able to speak. “Why are you here? How are you here?”

13. “Oh, Dear girl, this was my home long before it was yours.” He smiled an impossibly large smile that stretched beyond the bounds of his face. “Do you think that we Elves did not prepare ways in and out besides just the standard transport?”

14. I didn't answer. It made some sense, but I wasn't going to duel on the logic of the Fae.

15. “Why are you here?” I asked, braver that I intended.

16. “For you, dear girl.”

17. “How do you know me?” I asked lifting my head and combing scarlet strands with my fingers.

18. “I have my ways.” He said. His posture hadn't changed but somehow it seemed that he had leaned in for a lunge. “You have awoken sleeping things. Accomplished feats by raw accident that would trouble most with great focus.” He paused. “And by these things, gained my highest attention.” He leaned in further. “You're dangerous, girl, and the sweetest thing is you don't even know it.”

19. He laughed a sinister Cackle. It was a laugh you would never think would be used in real life. I swallowed my breath.

20. “Are you going to kill me?” I asked.

21. “Of course not.” He scoffed and waved his hand. “Why would I kill a creature as beautiful as you?”

22. “Because I'm dangerous.” I said.

23. “Not to me.” he squealed and then cackled, slapping his knee. “You’re dangerous to the Warrior Mediums. To these beasts, these monsters that killed my people and stole my home.” He laughed at the thought, though his glee seemed barbed and jagged like a serrated knife. Then he went dead silent and his smiled widened “I want to help you do that.”

24. I wanted to say “No.” I knew it was what I was supposed to do. What I should have done. Instead, when I opened my mouth “How?” is what came out.

25. He jumped to his feet and paced the tiny space of my room.

26. “By showing you true Magic.” He purred. “Not this weak shit full of discipline and self-control. Bah.” He spat like the word tasted bad. “No, I will show you raw magic, pour and sweet like lead.”

27. “Lead is toxic.” I answered quickly. I moved to sit up

28. “Perhaps that was a bad example.” He said, but his smiled did not put me at ease. “I will show you how to never be afraid again. So you never feel the pressure to conform to the stupid rules of the Wardens have place to keep you docile and under thumb.” He rushed over to me and placed his hands on my thighs. I saw into his eyes the whole mash of them were yellow, the whites to the iris. “I can give you the ability to touch magic like you would never dream.” He seemed intoxicated by the thought.

29. “Why?” I asked. “For what price?”

30. “Nothing.” he said. “I just want to see what happens.” his tone seemed begging.

31. I took a deep breath in. I thought about it. The Part of me that hated being afraid to step outside, the part the hated feeling helpless, thought about it. Images of launching Schneider over the edge and watching him fall to the land bellow flashed before.

32. I shook my head. It hadn't occurred to how angry I was. I never knew. It surprised me, caught me off guard and made me wonder for a moment how long it had been like that. I realized how often I pushed such thoughts down before I even fully realized I'd had them.

33. But I also thought of what it would mean it I acted them out. I would be why so many wardens demand control over us Gifted. I'd be the monster held up as an example why we cannot be trusted. Even little Linda Yeoman, ever so helpful Linda, gave into power. Even if I got out, got away, it'd be fuel for further restrictions. Those I left behind would pay.

34. “Are you who took the Questing-Beast?” I thought to ask. I don't know where it came from but it slipped out.

35. I saw the corner of his lips curled and then spiral.

36. “Perhaps.” he said matter of fact. “Is that an issue?”

37. “Yes.” I answered. “I would like to know why?”

38. “Why do you want to know?” he asked.

39. “It's what I'm supposed to do.” I answered.

40. “If you were going to do what you're supposed to, you would have tried to banish me the moment you realized what I am.”

41. “Would it have done any good?”

42. “No.” He laughed and the other corner of his lips spiraled.

43. “And that's why I didn't.” I stated. “I'm no fan of exorcizes in futility.” His head shook.

44. “You’re oddly brave in this.” he said. “I had come to believe you a shrinking violet.”

45. “Sometimes.” I said. “Monsters do scare me, people do.”

46. “Apt of you.” He nodded once. “You haven't given me an answer.” He said

47. “May I keep the option open?” I asked. He tilted his head to the left. His smiled straightened.

48. “I suppose.” He said. “It's better than a 'no'.”

49. “Would you have taken 'No' as an answer?” I asked. He scoffed and disappeared. “That’s what I thought.