Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Hidden Things

Gabriel handed the phone back to Allison, shaking his head slowly. “I have a really bad feeling,” he muttered from his dry lips. “How did Aiden know where to stop the assassin? Him showing up at that exact moment couldn’t have been just coincidence, right?” Gabriel’s mind began to spin.

“None of us saw him, I think your mind just might be playing tricks on you, babe,” Allison touched his back. Gabriel shook her off, walking to the window to stare at the left-over raindrops on the window’s face. “Master Eleazar never told us about any family members of his.”

“He did, to David and I, but they were all killed, at least that’s what he told us,” Gabriel admitted.

“You two were his favorites,” Jasmine stood up from her seat. Leaving Chris to feed himself the bottle of water.

“Aw, I like it when you take care of me,” Chris grasped the water bottle himself.

“Not favorites,” Gabriel’s mind peered back to the amount of abuse David, Kaitlyn, Liam, and Gabriel received. Tough love, he had thought of it, to only think of it now as child abuse. “If we were to start looking for the wolves, where would we even start?”

“I was thinking with the Order branch here,” Allison sat down. Sliding her phone back into her pocket. “But it seems like we’re not on the best of terms with them already.”

“The only thing that makes sense is to pursue this Aiden guy,” Richard stood near the door, arms crossed over his big chest.

“That would be crazy,” Ethan said, “Let’s say he is who he claims to be, there has to be a reason Master Eleazar never told us about him. For all we know is he could be some type of psychopath.”

“David would know what to do in this situation. This is our first large mission without him.” Allison said brushing her hands through her brown hair.

Gabriel clenched his fist, hating how no one felt confident in his actions or plans. “David’s not here!” He yelled, “If none of you want to do anything, fine. Just sit here and figure it out. At first Dawn, I’m going to go find Aiden and finish this mission by my damned self,” Gabriel turned around heading out the door.

“Gabe!” Allison yelled for him to stop. Gabriel heard her but didn’t listen. He slammed the door behind himself. Heading back into his room to gather his gear.

“You’re not going to stop him,” Jasmine said, “Gabe is too stubborn, once he sets his mind on something he’ll do it.”

“So, we’re just going to let him go alone?” Allison questioned.

“Without Gabriel, the strength of our team is going to drop twenty-five percent,” Richard pushed himself off the wall.

“Wow, you have a lot of confidence in all of us,” Ethan said, “Where am I in that bracket?”

“I don’t want to hurt your feelings?” Richard opened the door. Ethan laughed it off, knowing he was right.

“Where are you going?” Jasmine asked.

“Getting some sleep. If Gabe is leaving at dawn, that’s going to give me about four hours to sleep to leave,” Richard left the room.

“Well, there goes our defense.” Chris said, “Guess we all have to go now.”

“Agreed,” Ethan sat up to follow Richard. Allison stood up without a word.

Jasmine shook her head. “Get out of my room,” she told the stragglers.

“I take it you’re not coming?” Allison asked.

“If I’m not outside by the time you leave, you’ll know my answer.”

“Alright,” Allison said no more. She wasn’t one to motivate or inspire others to change their minds. Jasmine watched as the others left her room. Sitting down at the foot of her bed, putting her hands together. Interlocking her fingers to pray.

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David sat in the passenger seat, trying to nap. Eve drove carefully, this was her first road trip, realistically the first time driving a vehicle. Her parents had never given her, her own car let alone let her drive. The deal was if Eve had no incidents with her powers, they would have bought her a car. Eve’s longest streak was five weeks. A tear rolled down her cheek. Would they have been proud of her if they could see how far she had come? Or use it to insult her in some manipulative way?

She smiled softly, proud of herself. Her friends were proud of her and that was enough for Eve. Remembering one time Eve had snapped at the fact that one of her dolls had gone missing. Resulting in the destruction of her mother’s makeup box. Eve laughed to herself, not feeling an ounce of regret. She deserved it.

David’s phone began to ring, Eve quickly wiped her eyes. Out of fear of him seeing her cry. “God, why can’t anyone let me relax!” He cried out.

“Let it go to voicemail,” Eve suggested to him still lying on his back.

“It’s Leonora,” David let out a deep breath to prepare himself for an interaction with her.

“Definitely let it go to voicemail,” they both laughed. Though regardless of David’s wants, he still had to be responsible.

David answered the phone, “Memento Mori, you have kids we’ll abduct ‘em, we’ll train them. This is David how can I help you?” Eve’s eyes widened in heavy confusion.

“Let me start off with apologizing for doing that to you kids,” Leonora said, “I-“

“Master, It’s fine. I was just making a joke.”

“Perhaps not make jokes like that?” She asked.

“As the last surviving member, I think I have earned that right,” David argued.

“Right,” Leonora chose not to argue any further, “Have you had a chance to look over the dossiers I have sent you for recruitment?”

“Yeah, I have,” David sat up pulling out a tablet from under his seat. Flipping through the files.

“What are your thoughts?” She asked smiling in hope.

“I don’t believe any of these members have what it takes,” David admitted. “Something that each Watcher has is some type of trauma.”

“I don’t see why that is of importance,” Leonora pulled out her files. Browsing through each individual one.

“The way Master Eleazar put it. Is that when someone has an easy life, they don’t push themselves harder. They are more prone to giving up easier.”

“Most of the candidates I have chosen have high scores on their trials. With many missions completed.”

“How many mission failures? Or mission’s where they have had comrades die?” David refuted. Leonora stayed silent; she was beginning to understand where David was coming from.

“Do you have any suggestions?” Leonora asked.

“My cousin apart of Pike’s Swords, Lucas Smith,” David requested.

“Done.” Leonora began writing it down on a post-it note, “Any other requests?”

“Yeah, one more, Serenity Bates,” David asked.

“The former lieutenant of California’s Brotherhood? We have her locked up for a reason.”

“I know,” David said.

“What could you possibly want with her?” Leonora asked.

“War has lasted for too long if she can join me. We can bring this war to an end.”

“I can see, but no promises,” Leonora said.

“I know,” David muttered. “Still, continue searching for more recruits for me.”

“I will send you another packet by the end of this week.”

“Thank you,” David said. Leonora hung up the phone.

“What was that about?” Eve asked, watching the road.

“Master Leonora wants to expand the Watcher numbers. Though I would like to keep the numbers minimal. More people, the more the Order would want to use us a frontline force,” David admitted, setting the phone down in the center console.

“I like our little splinter group,” Eve said. Slightly in fear of having to meet new people to make friends with. “I was talking about the memento mori thing.”

David sighed, his face turned dark. “When I was seven years old, Master Leonora was in charge of a project that would create the next breed of warriors. That’s where I met Liam and Kaitlyn. The three of us were the only survivors of three hundred kids. The training was intense.” David looked out the window.

“I’m sorry,” Eve’s voice cracked. Reaching over to grab the top of David’s hand.

He let her, “I don’t know if I hate it or not.”

“It was wrong, I didn’t know the Order was capable of something that Evil.”

“The sad part about it, if I never had gone through it. I would’ve never met Liam and Kaitlyn. Or maybe I wouldn’t be as capable of a fighter. Or…”

“Or?” Eve asked.

“It’s not important,” David retracted his hand from hers. “I’m going to try to go back to sleep.”

“Alright then,” Eve understood his discomfort, however finding herself annoyed. Wanting to know what he was going to say. Why had the Order constructed a program for kids? Is this why David and Gabriel always butted heads? Or was it the reason David is always serious, being thrown into something like that should force someone to mature quicker. Eve didn’t know or understand what she would’ve done in a situation that young. David was right, he was an extraordinary duelist. Liam was terrifying to witness at the Sanctuary. She had only wished that she was given the opportunity to meet Liam and Kaitlyn. Liam’s true self.

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Virgil and Stephen sat in the library, both holding a bottle of water in their hands. Sitting on top of an ancient wooden table with dust on the top. Eyes glued to a heavy stone door. “Do you ever wonder what’s behind there?” Stephen asked.

“All the time,” Virgil answered, “Can be something cool, like an ancient sword. Maybe it’s something boring, like a plant that grants you friendship.” Virgil walked up to the door, “I wouldn’t even begin to know how to open it.”

“Think David would know?” Stephen asked, taking another drink.

“I’ve seen him walk in here a few times. It has to be something important; Gabe doesn’t even know what’s in there.” Virgil looked around searching for displacement along the wall. “It has to be some type of spell, nothing on this door shows any hint of how to open it.”

“I don’t know any spells that would be used for a seal. It would have to be an artifact.” Stephen stood up looking around the room. “Like a key to the Sanctuary in itself.”

Kevin walked into the room, “What are you guy’s doing in here?” Staring at the both of them knowing what they are doing. “Has anyone ever told you guys, that room is forbidden? You can’t get in. I’ve tried.”

“David’s not here, we have every chance to find our way inside.” Virgil paced towards Kevin.

“Yeah, we could. But it’s not a spell. I’ve watched David enter the room, no spells. He walked up and it opened for him. I can’t think of anything other than explosives.”

“We can’t use explosives, David would know,” Virgil said.

The three of them sat pondering on any ideas that would lead them inside. “Wait a minute,” Stephen said breaking the silence. “Was he wearing anything?”

“Just his normal clothes along with his swords…” Kevin paused, “Wait when David was given his ceremonial blade.”

“He was also given the key to the Sanctuary,” Virgil finished Kevin’s sentence. “Is it in his room?”

“I didn’t see him take it,” Kevin said, “It’s a horrible sword for dueling. He wouldn’t need it out there.”

“So it’s here somewhere,” Stephen said, “Where the hell would he hide it?”

“David’s too smart, it wouldn’t be in his room,” Virgil added, “It would be somewhere no one ever goes.” Virgil put his hand to his chin, stroking it as if he had a beard.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” Stephen sprinted out of the library. The gust of wind behind him caused some of the books to fall out of their cases. Virgil looked at Kevin, both shaking their heads following him out of the library and into the cavern. Their scavenger hunt would begin, unknowing of what dark secret awaited them behind that stone door.

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The sun shined through the window; dust particles danced in the streaks of light. Gabriel finished packing a single backpack. A spare set of clothes along with the gear he could possibly need for his search. Expecting to find the temple swiftly. Retracting his black blade into its hilt, placing it at the top of everything in his bag. Zipping it shut. Throwing it over his shoulder, Gabriel left the hotel room and down into the hallway. Richard stood waiting for him near the stairs.

“Coming with?” Gabriel asked as he passed by him.

Picking his bag off of the floor, Richard threw it over his back. “All of us but Jasmine. The others are downstairs grabbing something to eat out of the vending machine.”

“We’ll stop at a restaurant to eat before we head out,” Gabriel said taking the steps down to the ground floor.

“While you do that, I can go find a car to rent,” Richard said, “Paying for a taxi could get expensive.”

“I already got that figured out. There’s a train we can take that could get us most of the way.” Gabriel reached the bottom floor. Allison, Ethan, and Chris waiting for the two. Allison was eating a cake, Chris and Ethan were busy stashing their various snakes into their bags.

“Being responsible for once?” Allison sneered. Gabriel passed off the hostility, thinking it was best not to engage in an argument. Especially with the both of them being tired.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“There’s a restaurant nearby that we can eat at before we head to the temple,” Gabriel told them. Allison was annoyed that he didn’t reply to her. Not finishing her snack, instead of throwing it into the trashcan next to her. She stood up, putting on her backpack. Gabriel lead the way through the doors, the rest followed him out onto the streets. To their surprise, the streets were already busy. The sun was just cresting over the mountains. Gabriel lead the way down the street, the group walked in a single file.

Once they had reached the front of the restaurant, each of them ordered their food. Almost immediately their orders were ready in small white boxes. A pair of chopsticks sitting on the top. “Do you guys have forks?” Chris asked. The man behind the counter laughed at him, speaking in Japanese. Waving the white boy off. Chris backed away and joined the others on the street. “Does anyone know what he said?”

“He called you a stupid American,” Gabriel said shoveling the noodles into his mouth. “Do you not know how to eat with chopsticks?”

“I’m American, we use forks,” Chris answered. Gabriel smiled and just shook his head. “So no one is going to help me?”

“Here,” Allison handed Chris her food to hold. Swinging her bag over her chest, digging through the front pouch. Ripping an MRE out, tearing it open. Finding the spoon, she handed it to Chris. Taking her food back.

“Always prepared,” Chris laughed, “Thank you.”

“Yup,” Allison said continuing to eat. Chris still had a hard time eating the noodles and meat with a spoon, but it was better than trying chopsticks. The group continued to eat in silence.

Gabriel watched the people passing by. Always find it interesting to watch those with a normal life. Going to work and coming back to a family without a worry in the world. After David had explained to him in San Diego, that it is normal to feel some jealousy of not having to hide who you are. It was God’s plan for Gabriel to have to sacrifice that for the good of humanity. Most of the world can live happy not knowing that there was more danger in the world than they understood. Gabriel looked at a young kid walking with his father. “Because we keep them safe.”

“What?” Richard asked, mouth full of food.

“Something David told me,” Gabriel said. “I’m just thinking out loud.”

More time passed; the group finished eating. Heading to the nearest train station. Gabriel could hear the mountain call his name. “Did you tell David that you’re going to go make contact with Aiden?” Allison asked.

“No, I didn’t. I completely forgot.” Gabriel answered. He was unsure if he even wanted David to know. This was his mission, he wanted to prove he had what it took to become David’s secondary. To take Kevin’s spot.

“I figured, I texted him already,” Allison said, “He hasn’t replied so he’s probably making out with Eve or something.” Gabriel’s skin crawled from the thought. Even though he knew his brother wouldn’t go back on his oath. After passing that off, Gabriel felt annoyed that she went over to him to let David know what was going on.

“Do you guys not trust me to lead this mission?” He asked.

“I just assumed that David should be in the know. We could get captured, and then he would have to lead a rescue mission,” Allison answered, “Just doing the adult thing.”

Gabriel rolled his eyes, he hated she was right. The group jumped in line to buy their tickets. This looked like it could take forever. The station was jam-packed with people. All heading to work in the dense city. Gabriel decided to keep his face glued to his phone, scrolling through social media. Finding a picture of David and Eve what looked like to be a desert. Kevin’s photoshop skills were getting better. If Gabriel didn’t know any better, he would believe that the two were in the middle of the Mojave.

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Eve parked the van on the side of a road. Having veered off the highway for some rest. She could hear a soft hum in her ears. Rubbing her ears multiple times to see if it would go away. She looked around into the night, surrounded by nothing but trees and grass. Steering her eyes towards David who was fast asleep in the reclined chair. Reaching over to shake him awake, “David.” He shook himself awake, reaching for the sword at his feet. “No, it’s alright.” She told him. David rubbed his face, cleaning off the gunk in his eyes.

“How long was I out?” David asked.

“A couple hours,” Eve answered, she handed him a bottle of water. He thanked her, cracking the bottle open.

“The forest? Seems romantic.” David joked. Rubbing his ears repeatedly. “Is something wrong with the van?”

“So, you hear the hum too,” Eve handed him his phone. “Should we check it out?”

“Ever see a horror movie?”

“What’s a monster going to do to us?” Eve smiled, “But seriously, I think we should check it out.”

David reached down to grab his shoes. “I think so too.” Eve opened the door, the hum turned into soft singing. She had never heard anything more beautiful. A woman’s voice was singing a song, none of the words were comprehendible to her knowledge.

“I’m starting to think we shouldn’t check it out,” David said.

“Why?”

“It’s Latin, they’re calling us to come and see.” David stepped out of the van, sword in hand.

“It’s beautiful.”

“So is fire, but you don’t go and touch it do you?” David asked.

“I want to go,” Eve said against her better judgment. She reached inside the van, grabbing her sword from underneath her seat. “Come on, I’ll keep you safe.” Both arguing from the open doors.

“I swear if it’s a sin. I’m leaving you behind to get eaten,” David joked. Closing the door behind himself. Eve waited for him on her side of the vehicle. Hair tie in her mouth, tying her hair back into a ponytail. After she was finished, David was standing in front of her watching his wrist as if there was a watch he was staring at. “Oh, you’re finished.”

“If there’s a sin, I’m definitely leaving you to get eaten.”

The pine trees above them climbed high into the fresh night sky. Dark streaks of clouds wisped only visible from the crescent moon’s light. The fresh air assaulted their lungs. The smell of wet soil and remedied their senses. An overwhelming harmony of nature surrounded the two. Neither of them has felt the oneness with the spirits since being by the tree atop of the mountain in the sanctuary.

David took the lead off of the road and into the forest. Eve followed close behind, her mind racing. Unsure of what they would find and how they would react to strangers. David was completely relaxed, placing his hand on its tree. A type of echolocation, pushing his power into the wood. He could tell where the tribe was waiting. There was rumbling received back for them. Were they preparing for a fight? David stopped.

“Is everything okay?” Eve asked him quietly.

“I think they know we’re here,” David said under his breath. “Stay close to me. They could be hostile.” David wasn’t afraid of fighting them. Most of the free tribes practiced peace, meaning most of their warriors were nowhere near the training of the Order, let alone the Brotherhood. David pressed on, careful not to make any noise. Focusing on his footing. Eve did the same.

Eve looked around her, colors of the spirits began to surround them. Captivated by their beauty. David stopped at the wood line. Kneeling down he could see all the tents. Illuminated by the glowing dancing bonfire in the center. Eve rejoined with him. She began watching, her heart sank. Such beauty in all the colors in one place. Even the colors of red, she had attached the color to that of anger and malice. However, it was symbiotic with the rest. Blue, green, and yellow. All dancing together with the music in the distance. She could feel herself having a sensory overload. Something she couldn’t explain to David. She wished only that he could see it. “God,” is all she could muster from her mouth.

“What does it look like?” David asked.

“Otherworldly,” Eve didn’t want to blink. Her eyes wide to take in every second of it. Like a drug.

David watched her, smiling at her own absolute disconnection with the world around her. “Let’s get closer.”

“They aren’t going to try to fight us, are they?” Eve asked. David heard a twig snap behind himself, drawing his sword swiftly to defend himself. Eve did as well.

“It depends on your intent on being here,” A large dark-skinned man appeared from the shadows, along with others. All dressed differently from each other. Most dressed in warm clothes regardless. Eve could see just how different they all were from each other. Like a random mixture of races, men, and women, all looking as if they were from different parts of the world. The large man pulled out a flashlight, shining it on both of their faces. “David, you make it closer every time you visit.”

“I was hoping to make it inside the camp this time,” David smiled. Eve’s heart fell from a race into a calming rhythm. They were never in danger, David just pretended to be for his little game with this man. “When did you pick up on me?”

“About halfway, we were in the middle of eating supper,” His heavy laughter busted out. Walking up to David to shake his arm. David put his sword away, accepting the gestor. Grasping his forearm as if they were like Vikings.

“And who is this?”

“This is Evelyn Taylor,” David said as the man looked down on her. “Eve this is Malachi, he’s the anointed warrior of this tribe.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Malachi said shaking her hand like David. Eve reciprocated, though she didn’t use her strength. He laughed, “We will work on it.”

“Is the shaman here?”

“He’s in his tent,” Malachai answered, “Is she?”

“Yes,” David answered. “I need to speak with him.”

“Of course,” Malachai waved his hand for the others to follow. Eve put her sword away and followed David at his side.

“You didn’t tell me you’ve been here before,” Eve said to David.

“How else do you think I gave you the GPS location?” He smiled. “I don’t come often. I was sure they would still be here.”

“Why is that?”

“They’re waiting for someone,” David said passing by some tents. The large group walked into the center. Hundreds of chairs and stones surrounded the fire in the center. People dancing around the fire stopped in their tracks upon catching glimpse of Eve and David. Children stopped eating to watch the pair. The musicians stopped playing their various instruments. A single woman covered in tattoos and piercings took an eye on the couple. A warm welcoming smile shined from her face.

“Who are they waiting for?” Eve felt comfortable and welcomed by everyone. Though hesitant towards all the attention.”

“You,” David said walking towards the largest tent, built out of hiding and wool. Eve stopped in her tracks, why were they waiting for her? She pondered, she wasn’t anyone special. At least that’s what she knew.

“Me?”

“I have one question for you Eve, I’m giving you a choice.” David turned around to her. “We can head back. We can continue on as if this never happened and you can live on with your life as normal. As soon as you step inside this tent, everything you know will change. And there will be no going back. You will learn the truth of everything that has led you here. Everything could change of what you think of the Order, the world, or me.”

“Why are you asking me this?” Eve felt the intensity in his eyes.

“Because no one ever gave me the choice. You deserve to have the choice.” David said.

“I want to go inside,” Eve said without a second thought. All she wanted was the truth in everything. She didn’t care how she was going to learn it.

“Before we head inside, I will apologize from my end for hiding everything from you. I only did so to protect you.” David said. His heart raced, afraid of how she would react to the truth of it all.

“I know my safety has always been in your best interest. I know I am ready; I forgive you for whatever it is.” Eve was in love deeply with David. She felt nothing would change that. Eve hoped. David took in a deep breath. He loved her just the same, though he prepared his mind to lose her. “Maybe tell me the truth you’ve been hiding from me before I have to hear it from someone else.” She gave him this chance to redeem himself.

“You wouldn’t understand unless you were told everything,” David explained. “I wanted to tell you since I met you.”

Malachai went ahead of them, opening the draped-down flap. The entrance to the tent was clear. Eve was annoyed with David and wanted to hear nothing more from him. She walked towards the entrance with fear and confidence. Stopping at the door, Eve turned her head towards David, “Are you coming?”

“It’s best I didn’t,” David knew if he had to hear what she was and what she had done all those years ago. He would only fall again into a fit of pain.

“Please,” Eve begged. David closed his eyes, inhaling the fresh air filling his lungs. He couldn’t resist her pleas. David turned and followed her lead into the tent. Relieving Malachai to hold the flap open himself. “Thank you.”

Eve entered the tent; she was expecting to find a room full of treasures and artifacts. However, there was nothing but a round wooden table in the center. No, it wasn’t a table. It was a tree trunk, with smaller ones surrounding the largest one in the center. A blue and green woven cloth lay on top of it. Just behind it was a single bed, no bigger than a twin-sized pad laid across it. Turning her head to the left was an old brown leathery man. Dressed in a long cloth held together by a single clasp on his left shoulder. Her eyes fell on his face. The man appeared to be staring right through her. His eyes were gray, the energy around him was a deep green. Not like the others who held a bright green, or David who held a viridian green.

“Evelyn Taylor?” He asked holding onto a tall walking stick, a sword’s hilt came out of the top of it. Almost touching his eyebrow.

“Yes?” Eve asked.

“I have been waiting for you,” The man smiled as if he were prepared to cry with excitement. David entered the tent just behind her. “And David, the last I saw you. You had passed into the after.” David prepared to speak but was cut off by him. “I can sense you wish it had stayed that way.” David nodded.

Eve looked at David, deep in concern. David shook his head at her not to pursue the thought. She accepted he didn’t want to talk about it. Maybe he wishes he were dead because now it only means his destiny was still on track. “How long have you been waiting for me?

The man inhaled and closed his eyes. “A little more than two or so.”

“Years?”

“Two thousand.”

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Virgil lifted the sheets under David’s bed. Of course, it wouldn’t be there, was he an idiot? They were running out of places to check. Kevin was in the gym, checking under and behind all the equipment. Still nothing. Stephen had already sprinted up and down the mountain almost a dozen times. Nothing near the tree or the cemetery. All the rooms have been checked, besides the female rooms. None of them dared be caught on the cameras entering there. Kevin had already broken into Liam’s room. Only to find nothing but a sad memory. Kevin walked out of the gym, standing near the elevator to think.

“Kevin!” James called out to him leaving the dining room with a tray with three plates. “I thought you were all busy, so I decided to fix some food for you guys. I made enchilada’s tonight, but they will never be like Gabriella’s.”

“Thanks, James, but we’re trying to find something.”

“What might that be? I could help, I have the eyes of a hawk.”

“David told me that you had the special ability to detect artifacts through the spirits,” Kevin said. “Do you think you can help us?”

James set down the tray of food on a table nearby, “I did, but I cut myself off from the spirits. I would be no help to you.”

Kevin stood in shock, not understanding the situation. Never in a million years would Kevin think of doing something like that. He must have had a good reason for it, a damned good reason if he was once a Watcher as well. “Oh, um, well.”

“It’s fine,” James said, “I’ve lived here longer than you, and this place is full of secrets. Maybe I can help?”

“We’re looking for the Sanctuary’s ceremonial sword.”

“It’s in my room.” James told him, “Why do you need it?”

Kevin felt he could never lie to James. But his desire to enter the forbidden room was stronger than his morals. He decided to regret it later. He could say David needs the inscription on the blade. No that would be dumb, James watched David recite the words a thousand times. Probably even helped him practice. “David asked for me to find some information for him in the forbidden room.”

“What information?” James asked. Kevin began to feel his head heat up in a sweat. How could he possibly lie to James?

“He wants to know about the information on the first Watchers and their relationship with the Native Americans.”

“That’s not in the library?” James asked, “I could have sworn I’ve read that book a dozen times.”

“I guess there’s more about it in the forbidden section?” Kevin continued to act, hoping James could see through his deception.

“Alright,” James said. Some time passed, Stephen and Virgil were now standing with Kevin at the elevator waiting for James. Once he returned, James had the sword sheathed in his hands.

“I can take it from here.” Kevin put out his hands to retrieve the sword.

“I promised David I wouldn’t let anyone else touch it,” James said. He was right if Kevin were to touch it. The sword would keep Kevin’s spirit traced on it. The three stood and looked at the elevator.

“Okay then,” Virgil opened the door. No longer wanting to be around James. Not wanting to be an accomplice to being dishonest with James. The four entered the cavern, heading towards the library. James put the sword against the stone door. Symbols ignited across the once plain door, splitting open from the center. The three watched in awe. Kevin entered the room, lit only by glowing crystals. This must be where they have gotten theirs when first joining the Order and being assigned to the Watchers. The room smelled like old paper and dust. He didn’t envy David’s access to the room anymore.

Stephen tried to enter behind Kevin. Feeling the sword’s hilt against his chest, James was blocking Stephen from entering inside. Virgil stayed perfectly still, not wanting to enter the room to provoke the Locklear father, believing that their swordsmanship was a family gene.

Kevin looked around at the bookcases, all were old and dusty. Besides one book and a file, he reached for both. Grabbing the file, the title read, ‘Evelyn Taylor.’ Taking it and placing it in the back of his pant line. The second didn’t have a title, opening the first page it was David’s handwriting. “I can’t think of a good title for this.” Taking that one as well. Kevin began searching for a book that talked about the origins of the Sanctuary. Only not to raise suspicion in James. Finding one that read, ‘John Eleazar and John Locklear, an account of the beginning of the Sanctuary and its Watchers; written by …’ the name was rubbed out and unreadable. Kevin decided this was best. Taking no time to turn around and leave the room.

“Good?” James held out his hand to read the title. “Alright. Let me know when you need me to come back down to open the door for you like a gentleman.” He laughed, using the sword to shut the door, sealing it back to its original state. James left with the sword in hand, the three-headed back into the cavern. Watching James walk into the elevator, waiting for the doors to shut.

Once they did, Stephen began speaking. “Did you- “Kevin raised his finger for silence. Virgil looked up at the elevator. Waiting to hear the gears begin to spin up.

“I got two books and a file,” Kevin said pulling them out of his pant line. Setting them down on the counter near the kitchen’s entrance.

Virgil reached for the file. “This must be the classified version of Eve’s documents.”

Kevin slapped his hands before he could grab them. “Gloves,” He snapped, “If David even notices any fingerprints, he’s going to have us reprimanded,” Kevin remembered the last time they all faced punishment for one of their pranks on Eleazar.

“You’re right, I’m not trying to face a seven-day lockout in the forest again,” Stephen said. Once the group found and put on rubber gloves. Virgil picked up the file, eager to begin reading.

Flipping to the first page, Virgil read aloud in large, printed letters. “Reading or sharing any information within this file without proper authorization can result in the maximum penalty of…” He stopped.

“How many years?” Kevin asked.

“Death,” Virgil muttered. There weren’t many if any documents that were considered detrimental to the Order. The only other punishment that was grounds for death was exposing your powers to the public. “I don’t know guys; do you think we’re getting too curious?”

“I need to know what makes Eve’s information so important that we could die knowing,” Stephen questioned.

Virgil’s curiosity spiked again, taking a deep breath. Virgil flipped to the next page. His eyes read from left to right, his mouth reading every word carefully. With every sentence, the three pairs of eyes grew wider and wider. Virgil’s heart pounding in his chest. Kevin had to take a seat; his knees felt the weight of the knowledge of who Eve really was. A weight only David, Gabriel, and Liam had. The knowledge that had died with their late master. Everything began to make more sense; the pieces of the puzzle were now complete for them. A puzzle they had only wished they had left on the shelf at the store. One question weighed heavy on Virgil’s mind, how could their best friend ever possibly be in love with a woman who was responsible for the death of his own mother?