Another Seeker extract. It's the last one for tonight I promise!
Bethan xx
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Ben growled, moving out of
the way of a huge guy dressed up in brightly coloured paper. The booming of
drums crashed around us and some men were chanting along in sync. The air
smelled of hot dogs and popcorn. Laughter and singing mingled in with the
raucous celebration and I had to catch by breath, fighting the disorientation
created by the parade. A huge dragon head suddenly filled my vision and I bit
back a scream, stumbling back a step into Ben’s chest. He placed a protective
hand on my shoulder and his touch helped me to relax a little.
I gulped. “What now?”
Now we need to find David Blackburn. You’ll feel him Lauren. You’ll
sense his presence – he’s an old and very powerful Seeker, so whatever you
do...don’t let go of my hand.
Ok.
Ben shoved into the crowds, ignoring the yells as we pushed
in the opposite direction to everyone else. We skirted around some floats and a
couple of cars and then plunged back into the crowds again. There were so many
people here. How on earth would we be able to find one man?
Ben glanced back at me and squeezed my hand.
Crazy huh?
Too crazy.
He’s got to be here somewhere, Lauren. Just hold on...
I am, I promise.
Flexing my hand in his, I realised how safe I felt with him.
Safer than I’d ever felt with...anyone, even Luke. It was nice. Very nice.
As we passed people melting under the baking sun, caked in
heavy makeup and costumes, I was glad of my light shorts and t-shirt. Looking
around at the sweltering crowds and dehydrated people, it didn’t seem like fun.
Not that this was –
What the...?
Ben’s hand tightened again. You feel that?
Yes, I replied, turning my head this way and that, checking the
crowds. What is that?
Ben drew to an abrupt halt, pulling me to a standstill. He
groaned. This isn’t happening.
What? I eyed him apprehensively, before following his gaze
through the parade.
There. He nodded his head and I squinted in the bright light,
trying to see what had caught his attention. Focusing, I searched the energy
that had felt a few moments ago, and
with my Seeker senses, I zoomed in on a young couple both wearing skin-tight,
dark suits, contrasting with their brightly coloured surroundings, in a corner
by an alleyway. They were both very beautiful, with clear, olive skin that
glowed in the hot sun. Both had black, satin hair; the man’s cropped short, but
the woman’s falling halfway down her back. There was a similarity in their
features that suggested that they could be siblings, but something wasn’t quite
right. There movements were too...animalistic and flowed much more smoothly
than a normal human’s would.
Titans, Ben thought.
No way...
Yes way, and not just any titans. He looked down at me now, his
eyes hard. Independent titans, ones that can think for themselves. They have a
master, but they are used as assassins by very powerful Seekers. They are
specifically hired for large, complicated missions. They’re very rare and very,
very dangerous.
My stomach flipped at the thought of independent, assassin
titans. I hadn’t even known that such titans existed, but they didn’t sound
good, especially if they were as dangerous as Ben claimed.
How do they kill? Do they have specific powers?
Ben’s face twisted into a frown. Extremely beautiful to lure their
prey, superfast and strong and they can use magic like us...
Not much then? I thought sarcastically in an attempt to quell
the fear rising in my chest. Why are they here?
Not to enjoy the parade, that’s for sure. Ben’s forehead
crinkled in concentration and concern. Lauren, I have to stop them. I can’t just
stand by and let them murder someone here, when I know that I could have done
something about it.
I know, but I’m coming with you.
No.
Yes.
Lauren, I don’t have time to argue about this.
Neither did I. Tugging out of his grip, I began pushing
through the crowds towards the alleyway. Feeling the heat of Ben’s growl on my
back, I looked over my shoulder defiantly. What do we do?
You do nothing. Just stay out of the way.
Not even given time to roll my eyes, I gaped as Ben shot by
me in a blur, disappearing into the dark of the alley. Panic suffused me at the
thought of one of the titans hurting him and I dashed into the alley after him.
The smell of garbage and vomit flooded my nose and I swallowed back the bile
that was rising in my throat. Stepping into the mouth of darkness, my gasping
breaths sounded overly loud and I clamped my hand over my mouth, willing my
eyes to adjust to the light.
A yell suddenly pierced the air and I dove forward, the
sounds of glass smashing and loud rustling setting my heart to pounding.
“Jesus Christ!” a man cried out in fear, his voice reaching
me only seconds before he stumbled out of the dimness, blood seeping from a
fleshy wound on his lower arm. Pale and weak, completely disoriented by fear, he
fell past me out into the main streets.
Stuff this!
Petrified, I strode into the alley, the shapes of
overflowing bins and liners bulging with sickly rubbish spilling out onto the
dirt-infested space formed before my eyes as they adjusted. Stepping
tentatively over a puddle that could have been anything from water to urine, I
wrinkled my nose, trying to hear past the pounding of blood in my ears. My eyes
widened at the sight of a bloody hand lying limp on the ground and as soon as I
saw the blood, the coppery smell overwhelmed the stench of rubbish, filling my
head. I couldn’t help gagging; the damage must be extensive to produce that
much blood, and I didn’t want to look to closely. Hurrying forward, I was just
about to fall to my knees and inspect him when a gust of wind blew past me,
carrying Ben in it. He slammed into the wall beside me, his head cracking
against the bare brick, a few rubbish bags breaking his fall. I bit back
another scream, but yelled out his name instead, my voice shooting up three
octaves.
Making towards him, I was surprised to be stopped by a large
hand wrapping round my throat. Clawing at the hand, I was lifted off the
ground, my feet dangling helplessly as I struggled to draw a breath. My captor turned
me around so I was facing him and my stomach flipped in horror. It was one of
the titans – the male assassin – strongly built and wickedly beautiful. Despite
my current predicament, I couldn’t help but admire his perfect features, even
as he boldly clutched my throat. He squeezed tighter and black spots danced
over my vision. Biting my nails into the titan’s hand, I raked them deep and
the titan winced, just before I lost consciousness.
Ben pounded a fist against the invisible enchantment the
titan has placed around him, while it choked the life out of Lauren. Before
it’d caught Lauren, Ben had been able to think. The titan was more powerful
than it should have been, almost as if it had been drawing energy from
somewhere. When the barrier went up around him, his eyes had zeroed in on the
trinket around its neck. A Seeker’s charm – it was drawing power from it. His
only thought had been the talisman around the titan’s neck and how he had to
destroy it...until he was unravelled by its attack on Lauren.
The emotions had almost consumed him as he kicked, punched
and spelled the invisible wall that was keeping him from her, was nothing like
they had described. There was no moment like this. There was terror and fury
and panic and helplessness. It was unrelenting and agonising as it clawed and
cloaked all rationality and coherent thought, reducing him to a slavering
animal, desperate to obliterate the titan who dared to hurt what he was bound
to protect. What was his.
When Lauren’s eyes rolled into the back of her head, Ben
stilled, staring in disbelief as the titan released her; its hand unwrapping
from around her throat. Lauren’s body hit the concrete with a thud as she
collapsed. Sprawled out on the filthy ground, her limbs were limp and her hair
spread out like a pillow around her head, her throat raw from strangulation.
Ben waited in agonising stillness for the rise and fall of her chest to start
again, and when it did eventually come, the tension eased, rationale seeping
back into his thoughts.
The titan took a few steps towards him, a smug smile on its
perfect face. Ben was filled with fury, and felt it build up, preparing to be
unleashed.
“I’ll deal with the girl after I’ve gotten you for good.
Intervening children. But you showed
some skill. What say I release you so we can fight it out like real men?”
Ben growled deeply, the sound so animalistic, he surprised
himself. Muscles coiled and ready to spring, he let the magic and adrenaline
seep into his body and flood his limbs with strength. A strength Lauren so
obviously lacked at the moment, he considered as he glanced at her, his stomach
twisting sickeningly at the sight. Blood had started to seep from the back of
her head as a patch of her hair darkened to a deep red and he felt sick. Hatred
flooded his veins and fuelled his anger and strength. The titan raised a hand
and suddenly Ben felt the barrier dissipate to nothing and launched himself
forward without hesitation. His foot flew towards the titan’s head at blurring
speed, but somehow it managed to catch his ankle and swing him off course,
moving unbelievably fast.
Ben crashed into the opposite wall and spat blood from his
aching mouth, scrambling back to his feet again.
“Boltflare,” he hissed, pushing the flames towards the
titan. But again, it deflected his attack and the flames dispersed instantly.
This is getting old,
Ben thought, hissing in frustration. He reached into his pocket and pulled out
an amulet, shoving the string over his head.
“Jetwing, attack!” he yelled and felt the instant release of
energy from the amulet. Jetwing appeared; talons already curled outwards and
tore at the assassin’s face. The titan screeched in pain, his hand batting the
air to fend off his attacker. Not wanting to lose an opportune moment, Ben
yelled “Surgir”, sending the assassin tumbling in the dirt and splitting a bag
of rubbish. Filth oozed from the split liner, revealing rotten food and the
titan’s head emerged, a filled nappy on its head. Disgusted, the titan ripped
it off and let out a growl of anger.
“Filthy Seeker child!” the titan screeched, his eyes bulging
as he lunged to grab Ben’s throat.
“I’m not the one with baby poop in my hair,” Ben quipped as
he dodged the attack, darting to the left. The titan snarled in anger, swiping
again and his foot connected with Lauren’s still body. She let out a groan and
choked, her fingers twitching. Ben’s eyes immediately flashed to her, leaving
him open. The titan took advantage of his distraction and blasted Ben off his
feet, sending him crashing into a wall. Ben groaned and shook his head, trying
to dissipate the black spots in his eyes. Suddenly the titan’s head filled his
vision; its perfect face twisted into an ugly snarl of rage. Its hand shot out,
gripping Ben’s throat tightly and lifting him off his feet.
“STOP!” a voice choked and Ben shuddered in relief at
Lauren, who has managed to pull herself to her feet. Her face was bruised and
her neck swollen and his stomach twisted again at the blood that was trickling
down her hairline. She was badly hurt, but conscious. “I command you to release him.”
Ben’s eyes flickered back to the titan, who had paused, its
face torn with loyalties. Even Ben felt the power in Lauren’s words; the cool
authority underlining her command as it washed over him.
“Now!” Lauren choked and coughed deeply, her face twisted in
pain.
Suddenly the titan’s grip released him, letting Ben fall to
the ground with a thump. He shot up quickly and pulled the titan’s hands behind
its back, restraining it.
“Ropebind,” Ben muttered and instantly the magical ropes
emerged from the ground, capturing the titan in an iron grip.
“Everfight,” Lauren whispered and Ben saw some of her
bruises fade and she stood up straighter, strength back in her limbs. She
touched her neck, wincing, before drawing those eyes of hers to meet the
titan’s.
“You ok?” Ben asked quietly, wishing he could just grab her
and hide her somewhere where nothing bad could ever hurt her again.
“I’m fine,” she reassured him, taking a few tentative steps
towards him, her hair falling into her face. She tucked a few strands behind
one ear with a trembling hand. Pressing her side up against his, it took
everything within him to resist putting an arm round her. She coughed, tears of
pain pricking her eyes before throwing her shoulders back determinedly and
grabbing the titan’s neck.
“Why are you here? Who sent you?” she demanded, her eyes
bright with anger. “Why did you attack us?”
“My...master” the titan gasped, eyes wide and staring. “We
were sent to capture you.” Ben’s hand curled into a fist, his muscles tensing.
Lauren’s eyes flashed to him, wide with panic, trying to cover the depth of her
fear.
“Why?” Ben growled, leaning closer. “Who’s your master?”
“Zafir Cronin,” the titan hissed, its expression strained.
His loyalties to his master must be strong.
“Why did he want you to capture us?” Lauren continued, her
voice steely.
“I...don’t know mistress. Forgive me.” The titan whispered
and Lauren swayed, her knees trembling. Ben placed a tentative hand on her
shoulder to steady her and she shot him a grateful smile.
“Where’s your sibling? There were two of you here,” Ben
demanded.
“She’s gone. I don’t know where.”
I don’t think we’re going to get anything else out of him Lauren’s
voice whispered in Ben’s mind and he nodded.
“Go back to your master and never come near us again.” The
titan blinked as the force of Lauren’s command seeped into it. It nodded once
and then disappeared into nothing.
They stood in silence for a few seconds, staring at the spot
where the titan had been.
That is some seriously
wickedly creepy power she has going on, Ben eyed Lauren, not sure what to
say. Catching his look, Lauren shrugged wearily.
“I know, it’s creepy.”
He couldn’t help but smile. “A little.”
“It worked though right?”
“It sure did.”
Frowning, Lauren whipped back around, her eyes falling on
the body of the guy. “We should help-“
“He’s gone Lauren.” Not wanting her to see the mess the man
was in, Ben caught her arm, pulling her back.
“But-“
“He’s dead.”
Hating the way her lip trembled with confusion and distress,
Ben wished that there was something he could say or do, but there was really no
way to comfort someone during their first experience with death, especially a
violent one.
“We need to get out of here,” he told her quietly, trying to
draw her gaze away from the young man. “We need to get out and find David. You
ok to do that?”
New chapter
Accepting that there was nothing to be done for the man was
harder than I could have imagined. Numbly, I followed Ben out into the crowd
again, disappearing into the main street just in time. Two policemen were
approaching the alley with cautious and sober expressions. Feeling sick at the
thought of what they might find, I turned away, gripping tight to Ben’s hand.
That garish costumes and masks – some seriously freaky – as well as the
thumping music and oppressing crowds felt difficult to manage after what had
just happened. I was quiet, not even speaking to Ben telepathically and he shot
me a few concerned looks, which I ignored.
Impossibly, the main street seemed to be busier than before
and people crushed us from all sides. I grimly held onto Ben’s hand and he
gripped mine just as tightly. If we lost each other in this mass of people,
then I doubt we would have found each other again for a long time.
Circling and searching the crowd again, I began to lose my
patience. Where was this guy? Why did there have to be so many people in one
place at the same time?! Sensing my frustration, Ben paused and looked down at
me.
We will find him Lauren -
But how? This is impossible!
Just as he was about to reply, I felt a strange tugging
sensation in my gut and my eyes widened in alarm. Looking up, I saw Ben’s face
had twisted into a satisfied smirk.
There we go... he said, searching around. With renewed
determination, we ploughed further into the crowd, until we came to a stop
outside a café just off the main street. Surprisingly it was rather empty; the
metal tables set out under large, brightly coloured umbrellas, plastered in
advertisement logos. A few couples were seated and one family, who argued in
Spanish, the children noisily slurping their drinks. But just off to the side,
was an old man, with bright white hair and fierce, grey eyes which stared
intently into the crowd.
Despite the colour of his hair, there seemed to be an air of
youth about the man, like he was much older than he appeared. From the
description Ben had given me of him, he’d seemed very old indeed, but he was by
no means frail. Judging from his appearance, he seemed to be in his
mid-sixties, but Ben had made him seem much older.
How old is he Ben?
I’m not sure, Ben frowned. A lot older than he looks though… He
was so unhelpful sometimes.
Now what do we do? We found him; what now?
Well…we go speak to him I guess.
I pulled Ben back into the crowd so that we were hidden from
the man’s view. Are you nuts? I gasped. We can’t just walk up to him and start
talking?!?!
Why not? Ben countered, challenging me with his gaze. We glared
at each other for a few seconds, neither of us willing to break away.
I caved in first. Fine, do it your way. But I think this is a
really bad idea. Ben rolled his eyes at me and walked back into the
open again. Tentatively, I followed, not sure what to expect. I mean…we were
about to meet the oldest and most powerful living Seeker in the world – a
living legend. This could go all of both ways…
“Mr Blackburn?” Ben asked quietly as he approached the man,
his eyes wary. Very slowly, the man turned his head towards Ben, his eyes
steely and focused on him. He didn’t say a word at first; he just stared. Then
he took a sip of his tea.
“Who wants to know?” he muttered, placing the cup carefully
back onto its saucer. His voice was smooth as silk, but his tone icy. His aura
pulsed out towards me and brought goosebumps to my skin; I shivered. I could
feel his power – not physical, not anymore. But his knowledge – it just seemed to ooze out of him – envelop him.
It occurred to me just then, that if I could read his power,
then he could read mine. What would he think of it?
“You’ve got a lot of potential, young one,” the man spoke,
addressing me. I looked up and met his gaze, awestruck and astonished.
“Y-you read my mind?” I gasped, shocked. “I thought only a
few Seekers could do that, and only if they deliberately shared their
thoughts.”
“For most people, yes,” Blackburn agreed softly, taking
another sip of his tea and then carefully placing the cup down on the saucer
once more. His smile was almost smug. “But as you have already discovered, I am
very experienced in advanced magic. Someday, if you work hard - and stay alive
– you too will be able to.” He held my gaze, pinning me in place so I was
unable to look away. I struggled under his look, but it felt like I was being
pinned up against a brick wall. I couldn’t move.
“We need to talk to you sir. Discuss an important…issue…”
Ben continued warily and at last Blackburn released me. I let out a huge breath
and sucked in fresh air, my heart pounding. My skin was prickling with
goosebumps and I was desperate to run away. My knees wobbled and I felt weak,
struggling to stay upright.
“It sounds like you had a nasty run-in,” Blackburn chuckled,
raising his cup to his lips, ignoring Ben. “You were very lucky. But your power
of commanding the titans – you managed to convince it to release your
friend…did you not?”
“Get out of my head,” I hissed, narrowing my eyes.
“Lauren! Don’t speak to him like that!” Ben reprimanded me –
the cheek – shooting daggers in my direction. I stared right back, unflinching.
I didn’t trust this guy at all; there was something seriously off about him.
Underlying dark intentions flickered in and out of reach as I tried to read his
thoughts – I could get a grip on them. God, this man was as slippery as an eel.
“You should listen to your friend, you know,” Blackburn
intervened as I continued to glower at Ben. “You don’t want to make an enemy of
me.”
“Maybe not,” I murmured, breaking out of the staring
contest. “But I know not always to trust the storied people tell me. Because
after all…it could just be a lie. Couldn’t it Mr Blackburn?”
The man chuckled humorously, and lent back in his chair.
“Ah, I see you are referring to your fateful brother, Ms Hayden. An unfortunate
occurrence that was…a terrible misfortune. Such potential, lost so young…” he
trailed off, staring at the crowds. My stomach twisted at his casual dismissal
at my brother’s death and my blood heated up in expectant anger. I looked away,
struggling to control my building temper.
As I glanced away, Blackburn tutted. “Now, now Lauren…we don’t
want to lose our temper now do we?”
I glowered at him, feeling my hands curl into fists and
magic dance across my fingers. Was he trying to make me hurt him? But as I
spotted the spiteful glint in his eyes, I knew that he was testing me. He was testing
my power, but also my control. He wanted
me to lose control…
Well I wasn’t going to give him that satisfaction. Taking a
deep breath, I pushed down on the angry lava of magic-induced anger that was
threatening to rise up. Squashing it down, I felt it settle and cool like a
hard lump of rock in my stomach.
When I met his gaze again, I saw his raised eyebrows and a
glimmer of respect.
“How long have you been a Seeker young one?” he asked, his
eyebrows still raised.
“About four weeks,” I muttered and he chuckled.
“I’m impressed. Even the most advanced Seekers would
struggle to contain that level of power so early on. And you have an even
greater challenge than most.”
“Sorry?” I frowned in confusion, and I felt Ben’s hand
settle on my arm.
“We just need –“ Ben started, but Blackburn let out another
low chuckle.
“You mean you haven’t told her?” His eyes were wide in mock
shock and he leant back in his chair, trying to hide a smirk behind his hand.
“Told me what?” I asked, turning to Ben. He was glaring at
Blackburn with intense anger and hatred. If I had been in the direct line of
his glare, I would have shrivelled up with fear. But Blackburn didn’t even seem
to notice. He just laughed harder.
“What is he talking about Ben?” I asked, putting myself in
Ben’s gaze. As his eyes met mine, his gaze softened slightly and he looked
apologetic.
“It’s not my fault, Lauren, I was told not to tell you…the
board and Owen and…” I glared and him and stepped closer, so we were nose to
nose.
“Just tell me,” I hissed through clenched teeth and Ben
sighed.
“Your heritage.” I raised an eyebrow.
“What do you mean, my heritage?”
“Well, you’re a direct descendent from the First Seekers.
You are the last true Seeker in the world.” He paused as I took this in.
“And you’re the one that has to kill Cronus.”
