Callia's Redemption

Garth swears a half hour later into our little journey. “They really want to find you. They keep trying to reactivate the spell.”

“Well, if you didn’t need to say your spell, you must be powerful.” I say as I duck under a branch. “How does Gstalt not know about you?”

He chuckles. “My family went to great lengths to protect our power. Everyone thinks that we have none. My grandparents never again used their magic after that failed night. Well, that’s not true. Grandfather did place a protection spell around your body, to keep Gstalt from using magic to find it.”

I shake my head. “The power from a Hunter Demigod never ceases to surprise me.”

Garth shrugs. “It wasn’t a big deal. It’s the same spell we use to protect our kills.” He hesitates before speaking. “Callia, what was it like being dead?”

I flinch. “If you’re thinking it was pleasant, it wasn’t. I was in purgatory for failing to kill Gstalt. You don’t want to ever know the pain that I have gone through.”

We ride in silence after that. I get off Liza and start walking once it hits dark. I’m anxious to get away from Gstalt, and whoever is tracking me. They’re a direct line to a hunting god, so they’re likely powerful. That doesn’t make me feel any better. If anything, it just stressed me out a lot more.

“We should rest for the night.” I say three hours into nightfall. The Windy Plains will be almost inaccessible at night. For their protection they have the wind at high speeds when it grows dark.

Garth nods. “I’ll keep watch and take care of the horses. You look tired.”

I nod. “Fine. If you want food, there is some in my pack, outer corner. Don’t snoop cause Ambra will bite you.” I reach into my pack and give an apple to Liza. I grab a sleeping roll off her saddle and laydown, closing my eyes without giving it much thought.

My dreams are plagued with my latest century stay. Rats nipping at any exposed skin. Fire so hot I’m sweating at all times. Never ending starvation and loneliness. Anxiety that never stops as you try to rip your own face off to escape the pain. Screams so anguished you’d think they’re producing actual pain. Metal that chains you to the wall as creatures try to bite at or eat you.

I bolt up as I wake, sweat clinging to every part of me. I look around and do not see Garth or Ambra. What is going on? Liza nudges me and rubs her cheek against mine to calm me.

“Where are they?” I ask as I stand slowly. I quickly pack since I’m sure something is wrong. I really don’t want to have to run into the Windy Plains. They tend to attack people who do.

I grab Liza’s reins and she starts to lead me. I follow her for about ten minutes before I hear Ambra screeching. I drop Liza’s reins and start running. When I get into view Ambra is diving as Garth is lying on the ground with a bloody lip. There are two men that Ambra is attacking. Ambra appears to be struggling.

Quickly, I picture a tidal wave and it comes rushing at the two men, sending them sailing and slamming against trees. I picture rope tying them against the trees. Once they’re secured, I run over to Garth. “Are you alright?” I ask as I pull him to his feet.

“Yes.” He says quickly as he wipes the dirt from his pants. “I didn’t expect them to fight dirty.”

I look at the two men and groan. “Will you two brats just leave me alone?” I point at Alaric. “If you bring Gstalt to me I will kill you.”

Alaric shakes his head furiously. “I swear we weren’t here to hurt you.”

Garth snorts. “Then why did you attack the bird? I’ve never heard such a scream in my life.”

“Hey,” Arin snaps, “the bird attacked us.”

Garth thinks about it. “I can believe it. Now why are you following Callia? I can feel your magic, you’re the one tracking her.” He points at Arin. Then snaps his fingers. There is a black thread following Alaric. “And Gstalt is tracking that one.” He snaps his fingers again, severing Gstalt’s trail.

Alaric gasps and starts vomiting. Once he finishes, he looks up. “I can breathe! Gstalt has had that spell on me for years.”

I raise my eyebrows as we see another black line going for Alaric. Garth shakes his head, having a golden little ball surround Alaric and Arin. The line bounces off the shield and dissipates. Garth shudders. “Man that man is dark. Almost psychotic.”

Arin gapes. “You’re the one protecting Callia.”

“Well yeah. Now what do you idiots want?” Garth snaps.

“We want to help!” They both yell. Arin takes over. “Look Callia, Gstalt has been hurting our kind since your demise. Longer actually. Thanks to you making us talk to the village elders, we’ve learned a lot about you. We both want to end Gstalt’s reign. We want to be free.”

I cock my head. “If I remember a conversation already Arin, you’re the one who isn’t trapped. It’s your little buddy.”

“Yes I was!” Alaric yells. “But your little buddy freed me of being under Gstalt’s control. Now-wait a minute. How did you know that?”

I sigh. “I was at that waterfall. I heard your entire conversation. Even watched you run because Gstalt was coming.” Liza reaches my side at this point, Ambra takes the opportunity to settle on Liza.

“We should be moving. Gstalt is probably close.” Garth says quickly as he goes to retrieve his horse.

“Wait! Please!” The boys yell. Arin takes over. “Callia, I swear Alaric and I have no ill will towards you. We are not working for Gstalt. We want to help. Please.”

I sigh and let them go. The boys fall to the ground in a big flop and groan as they hit the ground. “You can tag along if you behave. If Gstalt keeps getting closer to me, I will hold you two responsible.” I swing onto Liza and get moving.

The three boys soon catch up to me. I’m looking for landmarks to find the place to enter. The Windy Plains are protected by multiple mystical forces, some natural some not. What worries me is, the others may not be able to pass. The Wind Gods choose who is able to see them. If you’re considered unworthy, then you’re not permitted to enter. I’ve been allowed to in the past, so I’m likely to be accepted again. In fact, I know I will.

There are two trees that mark the entrance. They look normal, but when you look at the branches, there are a set of two that twine together. It makes it a little harder for those to find who do not know what they’re looking for. After you find it, you must show respect and ask permission to enter. If you do not, you’ll walk through and only see an empty prairie.

Once I find the trees I get off of Liza, the boys following my example. I stop at the edge of the entrance, bow my head as I kneel, showing respect. I take off my hood as well, allowing them to see who calls on them. Ambra copies my movements “Those high above, and feel what is sought, I, Callia, request your permission to find what I seek.”

A silver archway appears before me, linking the two trees together. I grab hold of Liza’s reins as I look at the gaping boys. “If you three want to come with me, I suggest you follow what I just did.” I then trudge forward.

The world appears as if a veil has ripped off of it. Hundreds of men and women move around, little children following at their feet. There are not many children to be seen, but that is quite normal. Gods do not get pregnant very easily, and most choose not to have them. If they do, their children are usually centuries apart.

I look around, trying to gage a direction to go. Each building is made of stone, with platforms built in so the Wind Gods can use their power to propel them upwards. The new buildings appear to hover slightly above the ground. Those that hover seem more like dwellings than stores though.

Garth appears next to me as he steps in, observing the stone-built city. His mouth drops open as he sees the amount of food and goods that this city holds. “What is this place?”

“This is Air, the city of the Windy Plains, home to mostly Wind Gods. This city is very remote and extremely difficult to be granted access to. Your grandfather was only granted access a handful of times, over the hundreds of times we’ve visited.” The other two boys follow and gasp. “Now, you may explore; but remember that the majority of the people that reside in here are Gods. Be respectful and do not anger them. They’ll kick you out faster than you can apologize.”

“Where are you going?” Garth demands as he grabs my arm.

“To solve a riddle.” I answer as a woman with silver hair, green eyes, and willow colored skin comes to take our horses. Ambra flies off, rather than be handled.

I walk off while they’re distracted by the stable manager. I know that a wind god was the one to intervene and change the location of my resurrection. I need to find out why. Wind Gods do not intervene unless they want to or feel that it is necessary. I take off my cloak since it is warm and to get more attention. I know most of these Gods are old enough to recognize me, even if they appear young.

Gods do die, but they live three times longer than Demigods. Six times longer than mortals. If they choose, and get enough power given to them-whether by prayer, sacrifices, or just Demigods/mortals giving their life energy over willingly-they do have the possibility to live forever. There is a possibility to become a God-for a Demigod at least-but it requires nearly your whole life to achieve it. Very few have accomplished it.

I hear several gasps as they recognize me. They steer clear of me, either afraid I’m a possession of the dead, or I’m not who I seem. Many have the power to recreate themselves into a new person and form. It’s excruciatingly painful so not many do it. Also, due to the high chance of death, it’s also extremely illegal. I’m hoping that since I’m recognized it’ll draw the attention of the one that helped. I just pray not one of them is working for Gstalt. I sincerely doubt it since Gods are very egotistical and refuse to work for anyone weaker than them.

“Callia!” A woman calls from high above me. I look up and see a woman with blue hair and bright green eyes. Her skin is tanned, and it gives an odd contrast against her blinding white smile.

“Mary!” I yell up to her as I wave. She waves back fiercely and drops down from a stone platform. I get hit by strong wind as she breaks her fall. Immediately I’m wrapped up in a tight hug. Mary is slightly taller than me, just enough that she doesn’t have to stoop to hug me.

She pulls back. “I thought you were dead.”

“I was.” I chuckle as I link arms with her and start walking. “Gstalt brought me back, which I’m trying to find the full answer as to why.”

Mary sucks in her breath. “He’s still strong?” She demands.

I shake my head. “Has a little more than half of my known power. He’s still losing it as we speak. Lee was somewhat successful on that front. Gstalt had to use several, and I mean several, back up sources and power boosters to accomplish this.” I motion to myself as I walk with her.

“Why would he risk himself to bring you back?” Mary demands as she thinks about it. “Are you sure it was Gstalt?”

I nod. “I went back to the spot he performed the ceremony. I played a reenactment spell. I saw the whole thing with my own eyes.”

Mary gasps, “So what does he want? How did you know where to look for the location?” She then smacks her forehead. “Duh, you know how to read one of those circles.”

I nod. “I do. One of the things I saw, is that a Wind God interfered that night. What I want to know is which one of you did it. How did you know what Gstalt was going to do, and when, on that night?”

She nods. “I sensed a lot of power not too long ago. When were you revived?”

I have to really think about it. “Less than a month or so. The days are blending in together.”

Mary laughs. “I bet. How much have you slept?”

I shake my head. “Not much. Gstalt has been tracking me since the moment of my reanimation. It’s been near impossible to stay ahead.”

Mary thinks about it. “No one has really left the city in a month or so. Gstalt has been attacking any God that he sees. There is a man that is always with him, making it next to impossible to defeat him.”

I raise my eyebrow. “Man huh? I saw someone with Gstalt when I recreated that night. I only saw the back of his head.”

Mary nods. “From what we can gather, the man is a Demigod, belonging to the Hunting Gods. I don’t know his lineage, but the Hunting Gods have disowned him for his darkness and ties with Gstalt. His name is Arwen according to them. He’s very strong, but not as strong as Gstalt. Arwen has the unique ability to “lend” Gstalt his power, which is why we haven’t been able to beat him. Add to the fact that Gstalt has pure black magic in his veins, we’ve never come close to winning, even with added help,” she squeals, “but with your revival we have a chance. You said the spell worked?”

I nod. “I did. I ran into Lee’s grandson, and he filled me in on why I was killed. It appears Arwen stabbed Lee while he was finishing the ceremony. The spell took, but the speed in which his power is drained dwindled with the sudden distraction. I was killed but my body remained. Lee hid my body so Gstalt could not find it, which is why the spell was still in place. My body was the vessel.”

“Is that how he got the blood necessary to revive you?” Mary demands as she pulls us to a dead stop. “He can’t have your body Callia, or we’re doomed.”

I put my hand on her shoulder. “Relax Mer. The laws of nature would not allow two bodies to be in one place. As soon as I was reanimated my body should have disappeared.” I’ve seen a reanimation spell performed twice. This is what happened both times. Even with a protection spell, my body will forever be gone. The reason why Mary is scared is if Gstalt were to find my body he could control it and make it a soldier of the dead. The corpse would have my ability but would be unable to hurt me. It would, however, be able to wreak havoc for everyone else.

“That better be true.” She snaps.

“It is. Haven’t you read how to perform that spell? Two bodies, belonging to the same soul, cannot exist in one timeline. Since the spell transferred to my current body, my old one had to have vanished. It was the anchor.”

Mary grimaces. “I haven’t seen that spell actually. After your death Callia, Gstalt destroyed spell books, scrolls, and even carvings. He doesn’t want anyone expanding their power. It’s why the generations are growing weaker. Soon magic will cease to exist. He’s stifling it Callia. Gstalt is nothing but a poor excuse of a man.”

“He’s a demon, Mary, I refuse to acknowledge him in any other form. How else can he control dark magic the way he has? I knew Gstalt when we were young, Mary. He was the son of a Heat God. He had red magic. A demon conned him Mary. That is why he is what he is. He used to be the sweetest kid, now look at him.” I start walking. “We’ve got to get moving before that demon finds us.”

“Right.” She says quickly. “Why do you think it was one of us that helped you?”

“I saw that night. I lived that night Mary. There was power in those winds.”

She thinks about it. “There are only three people I know who are strong enough to create that massive storm we had. You’re one of them. Only one left the city this month.” She pulls on my arm. “Let’s go!”