Ch 5: A Secret

Note: I use a rune font for my doc. It doesn't copy to WDC  (runes) May Jan 8/13

I need to revise this chapter to bring into only one chapter. Not sure what to remove to make the chapter flow better.



Chapter 5: A Secret



         Blaine and Brody strolled down Berwick Lane, the long route to The Karma Diner. “Did you just see that Camaro?” Brody exclaimed. “I want one of those when I get my licence.”

         “Your dad would never allow his only son drive such a dangerous car,” Blaine said.

         “Dangerous? No way. But you’re right. He wouldn’t.” Brody sighed.

         “I don’t know why you insist on going along the road. We could just cut through the school field.”

         “And what, climb the fence? No thanks.” Blaine kicked a loose stone on the sidewalk. He shook his head. Brody was the adventurous one, the rebel. Blaine wouldn’t even think about climbing wire fences. He’d go the long and the safest route anywhere, even to his parents’ dinner.

         “Yesterday was cool, hanging with the girls all afternoon. Caleigh’s purple streak makes her look even hotter.”

         Brody punched him in the arm. “You should just ask her out.”

         “Maybe I will. You so should ask Alexis, I saw how she was sneaking a look.”

         Brody took a swing at Blaine. “She did not.”

         Blaine stepped away, avoiding the fist, stumbled over a crack in the sidewalk, and collided into the maple tree standing as a sentinel near Changing Seasons Coffee Shop. 

         Brody laughed. “That was a good one!”

         Approaching Changing Seasons Coffee shop, Blaine spotted a cat swatting butterflies fluttering among the flowers that bordered the wooden two-storey building.

          Brody whistled. “The cat doesn’t need to annoy butterflies. Mice sure, butterflies, not.”

         The cat stopped, looked at him and then raced to his feet. The friendly animal pawed at his shoe laces. Brody knelt to the ground and ran a hand across its back.

         “You and animals.” Blaine snickered.

         Brody laughed and then snuggled with the calico cat. “You know me too well.”

         Blaine watched his friend play for a few minutes then glimpsed a flash of light from the upper balcony of the coffee shop. “Not again,” he mumbled. He contemplated on the presence of the flashes of white light. He was seeing things that couldn’t be occurring in the real world and hearing whispering in the wind - words he couldn’t understand, but words nevertheless, that only he heard.

         “What was that?” Brody asked.

         Whisperings told Blaine that it wasn’t Brody’s time to see the silver light. Over the past week or so, Blaine had been seeing the village more vividly as well as hearing noises that he didn’t realize existed. “Nothing, just my eyes playing tricks.”

         “Fine.” Brody continued petting the cat.

         Blaine turned toward the weathered maple sign at the edge of the patio stones and took a closer step. “This needs a fresh coat of paint,” he muttered. (Runes to spell out Changing Seasons Coffee Shop)

         Could the message etched in the ceiling actually spell a word, like the symbols and letters in the coffee shop sign? Blaine thought back to the obscure markings that came to him in the dream. Only two were on the sign—the letters S and O. No words came to his mind.

         “Hey, Brody! I just found some of those markings! Take a look at this.”

         Brody ran up the step with the cat at his heels. “I’ll never forget the symbols, and some of them are here. Look. Three of those letters are exactly the same.” Brody touched the letters O and H in the word shop and then his finger traced the C in coffee.  (runes) “Those two baseball-diamond shape symbols are the same as in the message in my dream. See the two tails at the bottom.” His fingers trailed across the burned letters. “There’s another one, the arrow shape for the C in coffee. And the H - well, it looks almost like a N - but what could my letters possibly spell? OCH? Maybe the other two letters are Fs. Who freakin’ knows?”

         The cat weaved between Blaine’s feet while he examined more of the letters.          

         “I have no clue, Brody. But some of those letters made up my message too. The lightning shape is clearly the letter S. The diamond shape, has got to be the letter O.  I made out the letters O and two Ss and then two more letters, possibly an F too. And a mystery letter, an upside down L. What, the word FLOSS?  Doubt that.  Weird.”

         “Seriously weird!” Brody touched the carved corners.

         The cat purred at his feet. Blaine put one knee on the cobblestone, scratching her face. Her head wormed its way closer, rubbing his leg. “Hey, this is Basil and she lives with Kiera.” Looking at her green canvas collar, he noticed another symbol, but not one from his dreams. (rune) “Look at this, Brody. Do you recognize it?”

         Brody knelt beside the cat and took the disc in his fingers. “Nope.  I had only one of those arrowhead shapes, and not like that. I think it’s another symbol.”

         “Me too.”

         Blaine slid onto the benches and stretched out his legs. “You don’t think the symbols in our dreams are actually letters and spell out a word?”

         Brody paced around the benches and passed the wicker chairs with his hand on his face. Blaine recognized his behavior - Brody was thinking.

         “Of course. Look at the sign. Some are actual letters and others look more like symbols. The P is too straight in shop.” Brody again trailed his finger across the word Shop.

         “We’re on our way to The Karma for lunch. And now we’re at Changing Seasons and examining the sign.”

         The calico cat chewed Blaine’s shoe lace. “What’s up with Basil?”

         With his hand on his face, Brody said. “Maybe she wants you to talk to Kiera.”

         Blaine thought for a few moments and then started counting off his fingers with each sentence. “The fireworks were over her place. Her cat stops us at her café. Those symbols are connected to our dreams. I bet you a cheeseburger that Kiera knows what our messages really mean.” Blaine stood up and walked toward the front door of the coffee shop. Basil scampered up the steps and sat in front of the door.

         “Let’s go ask her.” Brody followed.

         As Blaine opened the door, the aroma of baked cookies and the sound of the wind chimes greeted him. “Smells like Grandma’s. She’s always baking when I visit.” Looking around, he found a plate of chocolate chips cookies on the counter separating the pair of ovens from the main area of the café. “No sign of Crissy. I’m sure she won’t mind if I grab a few.” With cookies in hand, he turned around. “Hey, Brody … where did you go?”

         Turning around, Blaine headed toward the sitting area of the coffee shop. He passed a couple of circular tables. A few ceramic vases were missing flowers. He spotted Brody looking at a painting hanging between a display case of seashells and a stone fireplace.

         “Is that the same lake you dreamt about last night?” Blaine asked.

         Brody jumped and faced Blaine. “Yep, see that point in the distance and that willow tree? Brody touched the painting. I remember seeing a white light. Not a lamp light, but more like a flash of lightning. I’m surprised it didn’t hit the tree.”

         “It was a dream. Anything’s possible.” Perhaps Brody was seeing the flashes too, if only in his dreams. He wondered what it meant. Something else for him to figure out. “I don’t think that lake’s around Berwick.” Chocolate chips melted in his mouth. “Mmmmm.” He handed the other cookie to Brody.

         “Thanks.” Brody took a bite of the cookie. “Tasty. I’ve never seen that lake in real life. Just in my dream. I bet it’s around Berwick. Why else would Kiera have a painting hanging on the wall?”

         From behind, someone dragged a chair across the floor. Blaine turned around. Crissy placed a wooden chair at a table and the set a colourful bouquet of flowers into a round lime green vase. “Hi, guys. I was out back gathering flowers.” Crissy grinned. “Looks like you found the fresh baked cookies.” She glanced at the flowers and then at the painting. ”You like that painting?”

         “Yes.” Blaine wiped the crumbs from his lips. “Kiera around? I wonder if we could ask her about it.” Blaine didn’t want to mention to Crissy about the dreams. She’d tell Emily and then the whole town would know. “Do you know where this lake is?”

         “I have no idea. Kiera’s upstairs.” Crissy waved toward the spiral staircase located in the middle of the room.

         “Sweet! I also want to talk to her about the sign. It needs a coat of paint. I’ll pay for these before I leave.” Blaine popped the rest of the crunchy cookie in his mouth.

         “No worries,” Crissy replied and returned to the tables and the flowers.

         Basil brushed passed the boys and scampered up the wooden steps, with Blaine following behind. On the second floor, the airy rasp of the wooden flute floated in the air as Celtic music streamed through the speakers. Fragrances of coconut and banana with a hint of peppermint tickled his nose. Blaine followed the railing around the stairwell and looked around the room. Snuggled against the northern wall sat a bookcase cluttered with rocks. On the other side of a window, candles occupied the other set of shelves. Wind chimes hung at the doorway, leading to a dome-type balcony.

         Stepping away from the staircase, he turned to the voices and faced the fireplace. “Oh!” Blaine wasn’t expecting to see Caleigh and Alexis.

         “What’s up?” Caleigh said, sitting in one of the sofas by the stone fireplace. Alexis sat beside her.

         “Well, Brody and I were heading to The Karma and the smell of cookies lured us inside.” Blaine walked across the room and stood between a plaid armchair and matching sofa, his hand on the end table. “What a surprise to see you. And your mother, Caleigh.” Blaine smiled at Caleigh and then acknowledged Jena, sitting alone on the sofa closest to the hearth.

         Caleigh smiled. “Just us girls.”

         “Hi.” Brody stood beside Blaine and wiped the cookie crumbs from his face.

         Alexis, sitting beside Caleigh, grinned at the boys.

         Kiera stood up from the plaid fabric armchair, skirted the coffee table, and settled on the other sofa, beside Jena. She glanced at Blaine and gasped.

         Blaine thought her expression was odd. It was as if Kiera didn’t recognize him. Flames from the pillar candles snuggled in the hearth crackled and snapped. “Bizarre,” he mumbled.

         Kiera pointed to the platter and mugs on the coffee table. “Help yourselves. Muffins and apple cider.”

         Blaine sunk into a comfy armchair, then tore off a piece from the crispy muffin top and popped it in his mouth. “These are better than my grandmother’s, but don’t tell her that.” He laughed.

         Brody sat in the other armchair and grabbed a muffin. “Wish my grandma would bake. I’ll have to come back more often. Better than onion rings.”

         “And healthier.” Kiera sipped her cider, then rested the mug on her knee. “Blaine, what brings you to my coffee shop?”

         Sipping the apple cider, Blaine gazed into the hearth. Firewood had been replaced with white and lilac pillar candles. Wax dripped down the side as the orange-yellow flames swayed. He wanted to talk to Kiera about his dream and how Basil distracted them from the intended destination - The Karma for lunch. But with Caleigh and Alexis in the room, would they think he was nuts? What would Caleigh think of him? He’s had a crush on her since the fourth grade. Would Brody want him to tell the girls about his dream? They would probably share his embarrassing dream with their friends.

         “Kiera, this might sound crazy, but your cat brought us here.” Blaine watched the size of the flames lower in two of the four candles, not wanting to look into her face. She’ll think I’m losing my mind, crazy for sure.

         Kiera’s voice was soothing. “She talks to me all the time. Basil is brilliant and very intuitive. Did she chase a mouse across your feet or pounce at butterflies?” She gazed into his eyes.

         Perhaps she would believe him and not assume he’s ready for the mental hospital. “Brody whistled to distract her from eating the butterflies, and then she ran over to us. She began to paw at his shoe laces, and stuck around. She didn’t go back to the butterflies in the flowerbed. Oh, that sign needs a fresh paint.”

         Kiera nodded. “Yes, I meant to mention it to you last weekend when you were cutting my grass. It sounds as if Basil was in need of your affection and attention.”

         “She kept weaving around my legs and …”

         Brody interrupted. “I told him that Basil demanded that he talk to you.”

         “That totally makes sense.” Alexis, sitting to his left, laughed. “Did she use her words?”

         “No.” Blaine’s face tightened and he continued. “We were looking at the Changing Seasons Coffee Shop sign, and well, some of the letters aren’t actual letters –like the O and the S are too straight, and the C looks more like an arrowhead.”

         “The P is too straight.” Caleigh said.

         Blaine noticed the tip of Caleigh’s tongue protruding, and she licked her lips. He wanted to kiss her, and was curious to know if she also dreamt of mysterious symbols.

         Caleigh scratched her face. “I had a dream with some of those symbols etched in trees. There was the arrowhead  - C, and a directional arrow. Also letters P, I and H. But those were too straight for actual letters. Well, besides small l or the capital l. Heck, it could have been the number 1. I have no idea, but it’s very mysterious.” The candle sitting on the table at the end of the sofa sizzled as the flame grew higher.

         Blaine gasped. “You did? So did Brody and I. We’ve been comparing our dreams.” He turned to Brody. “Carved in my ceiling … O, F, two S, and an upside down L. All the letters were capitalized, and very linear and straight. Five letters.”

         Brody nodded his head. “In my dream, the word was etched into the ground. Letters O, F, C, H and an upside capital L. But at the time, I didn’t think of letters, until we got to talking. I only recognized a funky F and an H that may have been an N. But I wasn’t sure, until I saw the letters in the coffee shop sign.

         Alexis folded her arms across her chest. “I had four letters, but I only recognized the capital F. I have no idea about the others, but I remember that two were the same.”

         Blaine looked at Alexis, then to Caleigh and swept his hand through his messy dark hair. “What’s with our dreams? And why did Alexis only have four letters? More importantly, what does it all mean?” Blaine turned in the plaid armchair and looked at Kiera and Jena, to his right. “The symbols are on your sign, Kiera.” He paused. “You know what they mean. I can tell by the look on both your faces. Spill it.” Blaine tilted his head.

         Kiera’s mouth curved upward and her violet eyes sparkled.

         Jena’s lower lip quivered, and her face dropped to her hands in her lap.

         Blaine was certain they both knew the symbols’ meanings. Would one of them reveal the information? What was the connection? Some of the apple cider splashed out of Blaine’s mug as he placed in on the table, beside his chair. Coloured rocks and sharp crystals snuggled together on the table. A purple and blue crystal caught his attention. Acorns and seashells lay on the table end of the sofa. A pile of gemstone sat on another table beside his chair. What does this all represent? Strange decorating.

         “Yes, and I’ll tell you all what they mean. I asked Brody’s dad to burn the special markings into the walnut-wooden sign. The mysterious symbols are runes - very ancient symbols - and each one represents a letter in the runic alphabet, and some are in that sign. They are carved straight because it’s rather difficult to use a sharp knife in stone or wood for curved letters. Besides, some Runes wouldn’t translate clearly in English.  No one would be able to read ‘Changing Seasons Coffee Shop,’ unless they understood Runes.”

         Watching Kiera talk so openly and warmly about runes, Blaine’s gaze fell upon Jena. Her face was flushed as she also observed Kiera. Her fingers clutched around the mug. He glanced at Caleigh. Her eyes focused on the young woman, and she had a smile across her face. Blaine saw a mirrored expression on Alexis’ face.

         Runes - letters. Blaine had been correct and the runes spelt out a message, but what sort of message? So many questions. He picked up the mug of apple cider, brushing against the mound of smooth stones. “What an awesome shade of blue.” He picked up the long, slender stone, curling his fingers around the edges. The colour reminded him of Caleigh’s eyes. A green stone leaning against the taken blue stone rolled to the edge of the round table and dropped to the wooden floor.

         Kiera stopped talking.

         “Sorry about that.” Blaine reached down and snatched up the treasure.

         “No worries.” Kiera grinned. “That Jade is always going on adventures. The blue stone is lapis lazuli. It’s almost the shade of Caleigh’s eyes.”

         Blaine felt his face get warmer and he played with the stones with his fingers.

         The Celtic music stopped. The wind chimes clicked together sounding like spun crystal. Another gemstone rolled off the table and stopped at his feet. With a sizzle, sparks from the four candles shot up the chimney.

         Blaine looked at his friends, all of their mouths popped open. What was happening? Blaine’s eyes narrowed and he faced Kiera. She was responsible, but he had no clue how. Perhaps the rumors were true.

         Kiera and Jena both dropped their mugs. Drizzles of cider sprinkled on the floor. “The elements are calling. It is time!” They said simultaneously.

         “It’s that phrase!” Blaine said.

         The mystery unfolded. He was certain the stories of Kiera were true. She commanded fire and rocks. Grandfather’s stories of early Berwick and the bizarre happenings involving her family were true. Blaine wouldn’t believe it. Yet he witnessed the rock falling, not pushed. The splashing of his drink, along with the sparks of the candles convinced him even more.

         Blaine’s eyes focused on Caleigh as she spoke.

         “Mom, this morning, when we were talking about my dream, your eyes went cold and you said, ‘It can’t be time.’ And when I asked you about it, you said it was nothing. Obviously, it was something. I watched you for a few moments and you said ‘It is time.’ You also whispered, ‘Time for her to know the truth. She needs to be told.’ It’s me? What do I need to be told? What’s happening?”

         Jena twirled her silver necklace and amulet between her fingers. “Caleigh, I’m sorry. I’ve kept this secret for too long.”

         Kiera touched Jena’s leg. “It is time. Let me explain, Sister.”



Chapter 5b: Family Secrets

         “Sisters? Mom, you have a younger sister?”  Kiera looked twenty-five. Caleigh quickly added and whispered. “Eleven years younger,” Caleigh said. She couldn’t believe her own ears. She wanted to scream. The lump in her throat grew. Mixed with anger and with the desire to punch the wall, she also wanted to hug her Mom and cry uncontrollably. How could Mom lie to me? Does Dad know? She glanced at the candle, sitting beside her. The flame fluttered.

         Caleigh gasped and dropped her empty mug. Caleigh stared in disbelief. She turned toward the women and then looked at the fireplace, the flames flickered and sparked. More questions filled her mind.  Did mom's parents really die in a car accident? Was that a lie? Did her grandparents really raise her since she was thirteen? Where are they now? Were there other sisters? Brothers?

         A tear trickled down her face. Sadness won the battle. Slowly, curiosity crept over her emotions. “Mom, what is really happening?” Her hands covered her face. She didn’t want to see the sadness in her mother’s eyes.

          “You two are sisters?” Alexis asked.

         “Yes girls, it’s the truth. Kiera and I are sisters,” Jena said.

         Caleigh smiled at Alexis, and then across the coffee table toward her mother and Kiera. Mom’s nervous. She watched her mother twirl strands of blonde hair. What else was she hiding? Her parents? A brother? Entire other family?  She recognized the sparkle in Kiera’s eyes and the warm smile brightening her aunt’s face.

         “This is too bizarre,” Caleigh whispered. Her world was changing. She required answers to her questions. “You’ve had a sister all this time. Is that your only secret? Why didn’t you tell me? I’ve known Kiera since I was like five years old.” Caleigh stared at her mother, waiting for a response. Why isn’t she speaking? She needed to explain why she kept this secret for all these years.  Kiera was a part of their lives, only not as family. Over the years Caleigh had spent weekends with Kiera. She had played in the gardens and walked in the woods behind the stone wall. She just didn’t want me to know she was my aunt…family. Caleigh folded her legs beneath herself. “Mom.”

         Kiera touched her sister’s arm. “Jena, I promised you would have the family, and I would keep watch, it’s therefore my story to tell, but not here.”

         Caleigh wanted to scream. The candle flame shrieked. Heat spread through her at the thought of the secrets and the betrayal. The candles sparked. Caleigh wanted to grab Alexis’ hand and escape. She wanted Brody to scream at her mother. Tell her to shut up and not ruin everyone’s life. She wanted him to protect her from further secrets. She needed the truth.

         Caleigh took a deep breath, ready to face whatever they threw at her. “Stories? When will I know the truth?”

         Kiera smiled. “We need to go to my home. It’s private. Caleigh, our family secret includes your friends. They will join us.”

         “My friends? I don’t understand.” Caleigh held back tears as her voice quivered.

         “You will.” Kiera assured her with voice sweet as honey.

         Her mom looked at Kiera and then spoke directly to Caleigh, with a smile. “I couldn’t tell you the truth. I promised to keep you safe. You were too young be told. It almost ruined my life. I love you.”

         Was mom keeping more secrets? What did she mean by those words? It sounded as if she wanted to say more, but was afraid. Caleigh heard the tremble in her voice.

         Caleigh pulled herself off the couch, hiding her face. She had enough of her mother’s excuses.  Passing a bookcase, she leaned against a plaid armchair and stared at the painting of a majestic hawk flying toward a dead oak tree. She wished to be free as the hawk and fly away from everything.

         Caleigh heard footsteps from behind and then Alexis wrapped an arm around her. She smiled. At least it wasn’t her mother with more lies. She drew strength from Alexis’ arms and her friendship. She sniffled and then glanced movement at the sofas.

         Brody jumped to his feet, and sprinted to Caleigh. He stood feet apart, solid a rock. He reminded her of a soldier standing guard, ready for an attack from any direction. Why would Brody feel he needs to protect me? Mom wouldn’t hurt me; just lie to me for my entire life.

         Blaine stood at her other side. His face tightened, and his cute nose twitched. “It’s gonna be okay. Your mom loves you. Kiera promised she’ll tell us everything. I believe her.” Blaine touched the tip of her nose. “You trust me?”

          Caleigh nodded.

          “Trust your mom.”

         Trust her? How could Caleigh possible trust someone who had lied her entire life? Her mother had kept the secret of a sister. She had known Kiera, as long as she could remember. Sadly, she didn’t know she was her only aunt. Kiera was family.

           “It’s time for the truth to be revealed. Jena, meet me at home. I’ll bring the others,” Kiera said.

          “Will they tell us the whole truth?” Caleigh whispered.

         “Doubt it,” Alexis touched Caleigh’s forearm.

         “Kiera will be honest. I trust her,” Blaine said.

         Brody turned around and faced his friends. “I believe they will tell us what they can.”

         What’s up with Brody? He had been acting weird, like too protective. Caleigh had known him all her life but still, his behaviour was odd, even for Brody. Caleigh wiped her face and stepped away.

         Brody followed her steps in sync, like a tether. Now he’s following me. I don’t feel angry toward mom when he’s so close. It’s like he’s sending warm vibrations, relaxing me, somehow. Weird.

         “Mom, I just need to know why.”

         “I know. But I didn’t want that life for you.” Jena glanced at Caleigh, and then pulled herself to her feet.

         “What life?”

         “Caleigh, remember I love you, for always. I’ll meet you at Kiera’s. I need time to compose myself and find a way to explain everything to you.” She ran down the stairs.

         “Everything? There’s more?”

         Brody’s hand rested upon Caleigh’s shoulder. He returned her smile and then his attention was averted toward the French doors.

         Caleigh ignored the laughter drifting from the streets, engulfed by the voices in her head. Secrets. Lies. Betrayal. Confusion. Don’t cry, be strong. The room was silent.

.

         Kiera gazed into the flames as the wax flowed down the candles on the coffee table.  Jena’s daughter deserved to be part of the coven. Caleigh was the next generation. Her birth right. Her choice. Years of learning and training. So much time had been lost. Without a word, she observed Caleigh and her friends huddled together and a thought crossed her mind—Ndan de Ceithre. Perhaps it was wishful thinking.

          Getting to her feet, she skirted the furniture and stood by the window, leaning against the cabinet. She needed a closer view of them. It was imperative to find Iarrthoir and the Ndan de Ceithre. The Gathering has begun. They must be told the truth. Could one of the boys be drawn to the dagger?

         Her gaze drifted to Blaine. He was focused on Caleigh, not the noise from outside. Not Blaine. The dark shaggy blond hair, of course, why didn’t I see it earlier? Brody’s protective. He senses danger. He’s the warrior.

         Brody turned away from his friends and headed to the opened doors, leading to the balcony. He tilted his head and shrugged his shoulders. He spun around and faced Kiera.

         Did he hear her thought? Or did something else whisper to him?

         His intense blue eyes stared at her, without a word. She suspected the meaning of the look. He was scared and worried. Could it be the laughter from the streets? She wanted to race across the room and tell him the truth. Tell them their destiny. They weren’t prepared for the upcoming battle. Grams’ warning of Scathanna had risen and the coyote was searching. What if Brody was the son? His birthday…she thought back to when his birthday was celebrated-- September, the autumn equinox. He is one of the Ndan. They are in my presence. I’ve always known. Kiera touched her pendant around her tanned neck. “He is…” She muttered and then turned her full attention back to Brody.

         He was standing close to the bookcase. His gaze fixed upon the scattered crystals. He reached out and touched an object on the middle shelf.

         The blade is whispering to him. Will he answer the call? Kiera took a few strides closer to Brody.

         He touched the handle, his fingertips following the etched rune. The arrow continued to the silver blade. Brody touched the blade.

         Kiera watched Brody caress the blade—Ariandagr-The Silver Dagger. Only one other person has ever touched the silver blade. A face flashed in her memory--shaggy blond hair, blue eyes. Shaking the reminiscence, she took another step and stood behind Brody.

         When it was time his heir, the true warrior would seek it out and use the power once again. Kiera remembered the words of the prophecy regarding The Silver Dagger.

          “My dream, this knife…this symbol.” Brody’s finger trailed the etched arrow shape along the silver handle. Kiera placed her hand on his shoulder and turned him to face his friends. “Look at them. They have always been with you. It’s time to reveal the truth. Ndan de Ceithre.”