Raven’s Personal Log 13.
We returned to the mansion. He took his role as lord. I watched him as he worked on the business of the hunt. Why did he not understand the importance of the titles I spoke? My love Cufaen was now Archer; leader of the collection entitled the Seattle hunt. He was one of the many as Aaron Wayne and was greater than all as the Master of the Wild Hunt. He flipped through papers and worked on a thing he had called a computer. I marveled at the sureness and speed he tended to his duties. I thumbed a book, as I stood just behind him unable to concentrate on anything but him. I had been blessed with his love and cursed with the fog that now filled my mind. He filled me and all else even my duty seem unimportant next to him. Blue and Cat sat on one of the couches flipping through notes on something they had done at a warehouse. Drake leaned himself against the bar still eyeing the newest member Blue.
SHE walked into the room where we were, greeting us with a single “HI”, as she made her way to an armchair. The tension filled the air as Sable took her seat.
Archer smiled weakly; his face was one of a child caught doing wrong. “How are you doing?” he asked her.
Drakeon smirked, as the play started, asking, “Does Sable got mind reading?”
Sable eyed the dragon kin as she answered Archer; “I’m alright … you?”
“Okay, I guess.” He lifted his eyes to her and quickly darted them away. “There are a few things we have to discuss in the news. I had a phone call from the SPD about a bank stake out.”
“OK, which bank? Or are we dividing up to cover a few banks?” Cat was eager to help. He paused as he realized something, “I assume too much. What about the phone call?”
Archer shifted himself in desk chair as his poured over the map of the city that he had laid on the desk. I stood, with my oversized cloak draped on one shoulder, to one side of him. I positioned myself as in honor of one who served another. Some how the little things made me feel as I could do right but the people of the green never did seem to understand the actions I took. The people of this land had lost the titles and the actions of honor. They had become so one unto themselves, they forgotten the actions of being one unto another. Of course Cat and Mystic were different. Cat held his parent with honor; he had shown that at the lunch. Mystic was the closest to my people but he was more to the other side. He was one unto his people and had almost forgotten to enjoy being unto himself. None other in this hunt seemed to under stand. They where totally one unto themselves and saw me as less than what I really was. The illusion protected me but also hindered me.
I focused back to the words my lord spoke; “The police have been concerned about the robberies over the last three days. The have put together four man teams to stake out as many banks as possible. Unfortunately, this leaves far too many uncovered.
“Maybe we should check out the campus. After all that is where they all have been by.” Suggested the detective Blue.
Cat was nearly bouncing out of his fur, “How can we help?”
I looked at the map; “Can you mark the points in which they attacked to see if there is a pattern to it, Cufaen.” My words had slipped; I dishonored him in front of the others. None seemed to notice but I did.
“They have asked if we could cover as many of the remaining banks as possible.” He marked the map and continued speaking, “Have you all seen the tape of the last robbery?”
“I think I could get Janine and a few others to look for us with a radio to alert us.” I suggested since we could not cover all.
Archer glanced at me; “I don’t think so. I don’t put civilians in harms way. That’s our job.”
“Yes, my lord.” I bowed my head slightly in respect to his authority.
Cat seemed apprehensive; “Will that will divide us. Which bank do you want me to check, and for how long?” The clock in the foyer struck the sounding of twelve.
I pointed at a bank near my warehouse. “I will go there I have connections near.”
Archer continued, “The previous three robberies have taken place at about two p.m.”
Drakeon must of teleported out of the room for he walked back in saying, “Hey.”
Archer glanced up at Drakeon irritated, “About time.” My loves mind was so preoccupied or was it mine?
I smiled at Drakeon; he was such a lonely creature looking for attention, “Good afternoon Drake.”
“Greetings Raven, how are you this fine day?”
Blue contemplated, “Beside the campus what is other common things involved in the robberies?”
“All three had a van driven into the doors. All three had six men involved.”
“Where the van picked up later?” Blue questioned.
“Yes, Blue.” Archer started
“By police.” Blue interrupted. “All stolen?
Archer jumped back in, “The vans had been stolen and heavily modified.”
I interrupted, “Thus you need someone like John to work on them?”
Archer looked at me but keep to his answer to Blue, “Within a mile of the respective banks.” I think I surprised my love with the knowledge I was gaining.
“Please mark.” I requested
Archer marked the locations of the vans. Still looking a bit amazed at me, “Actually, no, unless John is a welder.”
“Who is he?” asked Drakeon pointing his thumb at Blue.
“How far apart where they?” Blue asked sounding much like Archer when he questioned me.
Archer did not notice the question as he still held me in his stare, “Armor plate had been hung on the vans.”
Detective Blue asked, “How many shop are capable of these modifications?”
Cat grinned as he answered Drake; “Your replacement but we’ll let you sweep the floors if you still wish to stay.” Drakeon glared at Cat, than shrugged off his idiotic remark.
Archer continued though all the chaos was around him, “There are ten banks the city can’t cover. As I looked hard and long at the map, Archer marked the ten locations to be covered. “This group,” he circled a group of four with in a few blocks of the mansion. “Are they one’s the police would like us to take?”
Cat was just getting the drift of things, “How far apart are the banks that where hit? Also you’re telling me they used a different Van for each job?”
Blue spoke, “If we find the base of ops we can halt this easily.”
Archer shook his head as the chaos regained around him. “I doubt we have time for that, Blue.”
“At the moment your right after 2 o’clock is another story,” added Blue.
Drakeon suggested, “Why not follow a van after it leaves?”
Archer nodded at Blue and spoke, “We have to find one first, Drakeon.”
“What modifications where done on the vans? Were the vans left behind?” Cat asked.
Archer pointed at a bank very near the warehouse, “I think this one is yours, Raven.” His eyes avoiding mine.
“Yes, me and Valoki.” I agreed. I took my radio from my cloak and adjusted to my ear.
Drakeon smirked, “Yes I volunteer to hitch the ride on it. Which one can I take?”
“I am going to take this one.” He pointed to a bank that was far away from the others. “I am faster then anyone here and can response even from out that far.”
Archer looked at the map, then up to Drake, “I guess you pick one.” Drakeon looked down locating the one Archer choose and pointed to the one farthest from his.
“Look…they are fast, they get in and out in under two minutes.” The chaos was getting to Archer; “The cops can’t get there that fast. That’s why were are here.”
Cat looked down at the map, “Which one am I left with?”
“Pick one, Cat.” Archer looked up at Sable. I felt the discomfort. “Would you cover one as well?” She smiled with narrow eyes and did not reply.
Cat picked one closes to U of W. “That one.” The clock in the foyer ran in a new hour.
Archer looked at Blue who still studied the map, “Blue? These three here.” He pointed out the remaining ones to choose from. “You should be able to cover as Hawkins.”
“I should take my leave.” I felt the need to be away as Valoki talked into my ear about the stares of Sable. “May Spock, please place me at my bank?”
“Spock will Raven, but first,” He warned all, “These guys are carrying AK-74’s and as near as I can tell, wearing body armor. Our number one priority is the safety of the people in the bank. No one endangers bystanders…got it? Money isn’t important, people are.”
“As it should be.” I agreed. “I will do my duty as proctor my Lord.”
Archer smiled slightly at me; “You have to stop calling me that.”
Cat piped up, “Ok, I’ll do what I can. Just don’t get any one killed lizard lips.”
I grew impatient as I listened to the chatter of all. Every one started drifting to other matters, Like Drake wanted the secrets of Blue revealed to him.
“The light is burning weaker by the moment.” I spoke up.
Archer looked at me with his questioning stare, “Light?”
“What is the measurement you use? Um the hour is ticking?” I explained
“Ah.” He smiled at me, “Is that a hint to stop talking and get to work, little elf?” Blue took the hint as he headed out the door.
“Yes my lord,” I bowed my head slightly raising it to meet his eyes with a smile on my lips.
Archer pushed the chair back and climbed to his feet. “Alright, everyone hit the streets, and be careful.”
I called unto the spirit, “Sweet Spock please hear me!”
Archer ordered, “Spock, you will respond to Raven’s commands from this point.”
“Spock, please take me one block from the bank.” I requested.
Archer leaned over and kissed me quickly speaking softly, “Be safe.”
“May the flame be with my love.” I stated as I saw him move away and was gone from him. Some how I heard his voice, as I was but a flicker in light, speak, “And with you, little elf.”
Valoki and I appeared a short distance from the bank I moved to the allies and became formless to the eye. I made my way down the street having all friends leave the area. Valoki took to the air and rested upon the roof of the bank to keep a watch for the box cart called a van. The Bank was in a strip mall nestled between a Pawnshop and a liquor store. I entered the bank and watched the people through the glass as I leaned against the far wall. Many people came and went. Most of the people entered the two store of trade and a few within the bank. Every passing of fifteen minutes I heard my loves voice in my ear.
I radioed, “All is in the light of the flame.” The other responded in kind. Each sounding a little more bored as time went on. The timepiece Cat bought me read 2:06 p.m.
Drakeon radioed, “Anyone find anything yet?”
I radioed back, “All is in the light of the flame.”
Valoki reported into my mind. “A boxy cart is rolling your way, it is not smooth like the others but has things struck to it.”
Cat had radioed, “All clear here.”
I immediately radioed, “Valoki sees.”
Drakeon was speaking on the radio, “Clear on my side. What does Valoki see?” Archer voice echoed in my ear.
I was radioing, “I will report when it is clear.”
I watched the black van moving slowly up the street. It was within a measure of distant of the bank. The van turned sharply and gained speed as it crashed through the glass windows.
“DARK ONES!!” I screamed into the radio and went silent.
The rear of the van burst open and two armed men leapt out, weapons at the ready. I open my mind and sent forth a burst to the mind of the first I saw.
He stepped out of the van and stumble to his knees, dropping the gun and clutching his head. His partner looked down at him, “What is wrong, brother?”
But the man fell forward onto his face. In my mind Valoki cursed eloquently in Dragonish as his stinger hits something very hard as he tried to aid me in the defense of the bank.
Two men exit, one to each side. My eyes betrayed me. I blinked twice but they did not deceive. William had departed out of the van to the left. I sent the furry in me at the other on the right. The man dropped with out with a groan, his gun hanging from the strap over his shoulder. Valoki howled in frustration as again his attack meet armor. The guy at the rear of the van knelt beside his fallen brother and keeping the gun at the ready, checked his pulse.
William barked, “Get on the floor!””
The passenger door opened and the fifth man exited in his hand a loud hailer. “Okay people, take it easy and no one will get killed. All of you tellers empty your cash drawers into these sacks. He tossed sacks over the counter to each of the three tellers.”
The driver twisted and turned fighting to bring his AK to bare on the dragonette. I saw my buddy in danger and laid into the mind of the driver. He slumped forward, his elbow hitting the horn of the van and sounding it.
The man on the left had regain himself. He shook his head a bit, then spun around looking right in my direction bring his gun to bear. I held my breath. His finger pulled the trigger, spraying five rounds of full metal jacket in my direction. I was showered with bits of brick and plaster as the rounds rip into the building. The man on the ground behind the van sat up, his hand to his head.
“What happened?” he asked dazed.
The man who fired yelled out to his team “We got us an invisible type. Aim at my rounds! The man knelt beside his now sitting partner brought his rifle up and fired five rounds into my area.
“NO! I surrender. Please William don’t let them hurt me!” I screamed loudly into my radio.
The man at the counter also spun around and followed suit with another five rounds follow the others. Round after round chip brick and mortar, glass shatters, people in the bank begin screaming…
I barely heard Archer radio over the gunfire as he screamed, “RAVEN!!”
“If I show myself will you spare me?” I sent out a plead to the robbers as I talked into the mic.
Drakeon radioed, “Comin for ya hold on.”
Archer kicked in Military Speed, passing Mach One, the sonic boom echoing through the skies. Windows shattered in his wake.
William looked stunned, his weapon dropped to the ground “oh my God!”
“What are you doing, brother?” The man that fired first demanded. “You know we should expect to pass judgement on those that oppose us!
“Please I will stop on your word.” I made my voice sound frightened. As the last word ended I moved closer to the man with the gun.
Archer radioed, “Raven, where are you?”
As softly as I could I radioed back, “near.”
The radio sounded of a Second bank in the process of being robbed, this one covered my police.
I opened my mind the one I first attacked. The man to the rear of the van pulled his AK up. “Let’s get out of here, I think this one’s a bust!”
“Who asked you, brother, we have a job to do,” the man that was collecting the money said.
William walked toward the shattered doors, his gun hanging from the strap. “Raven?”
“I am here mate.” I could not help but answer him.
Valoki darted in, slashing with his stinger, missing his target and turning the air blue with dragon curses.
Archer dropped to the ground like a stone, naked katana in hand. He landed a few meters from the front of the building.
In the eyes of the man I hide behind I sent an illusion of me in native clothes. In his ears he heard me say, “Thou art not honorable men, for a lady to give herself, I only need thine word to appear I have not attacked.” The guy stared at the vision before him, the gun momentarily forgotten.
The radio reported a third bank was being robbed, the four cops are requesting back up.
Archer rushed the man at the rear of the van, the blade lashed out at the man’s weapon. With a fluid motion archer twisted his wrist, sending the AK flying, the blade coming up to cover the man.
“DO NOT HURT MY MATE! MY LOVE,” I screamed a warning. That was for me to do later.
The one near the tellers drew a bead on Archer and ripped off a burst, a single round striking him in the stomach. Archer’s force field absorbing the hit. My love grinned.
“Raven! Where are you?” screamed William as he rushed out the bank.
I open my mind and sent forth my darkness at the one who dared to attack my love. He sagged to the floor, unconscious. “I AM SEEKER AND I WILL SEEK YOU DOWN DARK ONES.” I felt something strange inside me. Why had I just said that?
Archer pulled back the blade and punched the man in the face. Blood sprayed and the guy hit the pavement.
Radio reported, “Police at the second bank are under fire…request backup.”
Archer radioed, “Drakeon, Cat, Hawkins, can you handle giving the cops a hand?” The others headed to the scenes of the other battles.
Archer glared at William “Drop the gun, William.”
I moved quickly to William, “Please love, not him.”
Archer slashed the blade at the man sitting on the ground “And you, don’t even think about it. Raven?”
“I AM HERE.” I stated strongly as I became one with the eyes. “Mate drop your gun.” I stood to William’s side, laying my hand on his sleeve, “I am sworn to protect you even against my love.” William pulled the gun off of his shoulder and dropped it to the ground. My eyes locked to my love’s now. I heard the others over the radio.
Kara radioed, “Report someone what is going on?”
Drakeon replied over the radio, “Party time.”
Cat radioed, “I’m at First Federal bank the corner of ### and @@@. How close are you Chameleon?
Chameleon radioed “I am leaving mansion flying as fast as possible.”
Archer picked up the AK-74; the man on the ground had dropped and unloads it, tossing the magazine into the van.
With my mind I turned on the last standing, he staggered but did not fall.
Archer bent the barrel of the AK-74 as if it was a toy. He watched William with a scowl. “What do we do with him, little elf?”
“We take my mate home my love.” I spoke, “and that one you can talk to as nicely as you wish.” I pointed to the last standing.
“Raven, he is breaking the Law.” Archer stated as it meant something.
“The rest the government can have.” I looked unto my love, “He will not again. I swear to you.”
“You are not responsible for him.”
“I am.” I could not believe he had said that, “He is one of my mates and I am bound to protect him. He will not leave my forest till the day of the cycle.” I looked to Archer, “Please, understand this once.” Archer glared at William. “Cufaen please, I beg of thee.”
Archer pointed at William “For Raven, I will let you go … but if you leave her home, you are mine, understand?
I kissed my love and whispered, “Thank you my love. Go help the others.” I turned to my mate, “Come William I will take you home. My lord has others to tend to.” I placed my arm in Williams and started away.
From behind me I heard Archer speak, “Spock! Take Raven and her ‘friend’ to her home.” I smiled as the beam of light joined with us and we travel with the spirit to the peace of the warehouse.
I held William in my arms and stroked his hair as he told me the reasons behind his deeds. Like so many nights he held me to comfort my pains, I now held him. He held me tightly. He held me as if he feared to let me go. His strong, sure arms now felt different. I assured him that he meant more than the green paper.
For he was a mate for my people and he was greater than all. I looked at his eyes and saw the pain, “William.” I lost my words. I now understood he loved me. “I have to go. The others will be meeting soon at the Mansion and Archer will be wanting to talk to you very soon.” I moved from his side. “Be well,” pausing I added “and William may not leave the warehouse forest.” I opened my locket and was gone.
In the flame and sands I sat. I let the warmth bath over me and thought of the night and of the day. Happiness of this new thing called love filled me in the arms of Cufaen. He was all. The pain of William crept in. My mind was clouded. I wanted to help my mate so much, yet I wasn’t sure what to do. I would think of something, he was my first mate and needed to be happy. I dressed. I looked upon the sands and flame and found no answers. This was a cold green trouble and I needed to find the answer there. I opened my locket and was once more at the mansion.
I sat on the couch reading a book on message techniques. All started to enter. Drake and Sable entered the room. She sank down into an armchair. I stood and replaced the book. Archer entered through the ceiling, coming to earth behind the desk. I took my position to just behind him.
Archer looked at the grouping, “Everyone okay?”
Sable spoke, “Just great.”
Drakeon started on papers and read through them pretty fast. “I am great”
“I know where the house of worship is.” I informed archer. “At least where it was.”
His head turned to me with a scowl, “When do I get to talk to William?”
Drakeon bragged, “Force field took the bullets from the second I hit.”
“When you wish to, as long as I am there.” I spoke as protector and stepped in his straight view.
Blue mumbled, “How many of them are left I wonder?”
My mind softened as I looked to his eyes, “I can refuse you nothing my … Cufaen.” I wonder if he understood my words. As Archer I would stand and fight him over my mate. As long as he was my love Cufaen I would never refuse him.
Drakeon remarked, “I am sorry I killed one of them but a lightning bolt was better than risking hurting the civilians.
Archer became lord again; “First of all…you all did a great job. No innocent was injured.” He glanced at Sable and Drakeon. “You two.”
Sable smirked, “yes?”
“A bit over zealous but the cops call it ‘justified’. It isn’t always that way…be careful, you have a lot of power.”
Drakeon replied, “Yes archer I will try my best.”
Cat seemed depressed, “Yea, right. As long as he’s fighting normal and still he makes us look like mad killers masquerading as heroes.”
Sable smiled slightly. Her eyes twinkled, as she commented, “Some of use are mad killers Cat.”
Archer looked at me, “What did William tell you?”
“He did what he did for me.”
“What was that?” Archer began his grilling.
“He wanted to prove himself as good as you. He wished to gain the green money that you have.” I stated.
“By robbing a bank?” Archer shook his head.
Cat was distraught; “If this keeps up I’ll have to leave. I don’t need to have my family honor dragged down like this.”
“How else would the discarded get great sums.” I said looking at little brother. I could not comfort him and defend my mate.
“But wasn’t he helping in other ways?” Archer continued to question.
“He wanted to further me in my quest. You told him not to.” I again stated the fact. Archer rubbed his face with a hand. “In fact, I believe in the land of green it is considered a threat.”
“But he was taking you into danger…. and I suspect, breaking the law.” Archer was now defending.
I did not wish to shift the blame it was the dark ones behind this not William, not Archer. “There is this house of worship that is ran by a great mover of words.” I began.
Archer tried to understand my words, “A Catholic Church?”
Sable joined in, “Oh … a cult … fascinating.” Archer smiled slightly as Sable laughed at him.
“I am a seeker, my path is one of such. I knew that when I choose my path it would be of danger.”
“But you aren’t prepared to meet the dangers in this world.” He took my hand.
“I am as prepared as I could be and I will learn. I am learning.”
“Yeah… You have to.” Archer sighed heavily.
“I think it best for us to speak to him and you tell them, better in the tongue of green” I wanted the questions to end.
“You have to do what you are meant to do, Raven, I will not stop you but I will try to ease your way.” His hand was warm but mine grew warmer. I squeezed his hand.
Blue looked at Cat, “Huh what did you say cat?”
Cat was deep into the shadows of his mind, “My gift goes from father to son. I don’t need the rep of crazed killer to follow my gift to my son or his son.”
Sable remarked, “Calm down Cat. No one thinks you’re a crazed killer.”
Drakeon joked, “Nah, that’s me and Sable.” Sable laughed. Drakeon grinned.
“GA I got a question. Does your computer have history of past events? Before I came into the group?”
Archer raised an eyebrow, “Such as?
Drakeon explained, “I want to know what this group did before I got here.”
“It didn’t exist.” Archer stated, “This team has only been together a few weeks.”
Drakeon nodded, “OK. So no history before I got here. That’s cool.”
Cat was diving deeper into his pain. “Haven’t you hear of gilt by association?”
Blue nodded in agreement, “Yes, Why do you think I try not to be so visible?”
Sable spoke off handed, “We’ll reassure anyone that asks that you’re as harmless as a kitten.” She seemed amused by her own words.
My spirit was moved to his conflict, “Little brother be at peace.”
Cat buried his face in his hands; “I don’t need to be dragged down by this kind of shit.”
Archer stepped around the desk and sat on the edge of it. I moved to shadow his back. He spoke kindly, “Your worries are justified, Cat. But in this case … What was done was within boundaries. Sable used a normal pistol, not some Buck Rogers’s ray gun. She just happens to be about the best sniper in the world. Drakeon … well, that was probably ‘excessive'”
Cat’s smile didn’t return but looked up at Archer, “Thanks GA.”
Archer turned to Drakeon to speak about the lightening bolt he had killed with. It turned into a comedy of words about tanks and such. They became to tease Archer with the idea and he began to worry that they would actually try to borrow a tank for the next mission.
He looked over his shoulder at me; “We have more then one maniac in the group.”
“Yes my lord.” I kept the smile from my face.
One by one each of the team left the room. Even Sable departed. I placed my hand upon his back and slowly massaged his neck and shoulders. Archer purred like a kitten as he began to relax into my touch. I moved my hands up and down his spine breaking up the rocks where I found them. A groan of pleasure irrupted from his lips. I whispered in his ear, “The book says it is better on a bed with hot oils.” I kissed the tip of his ear returning my massage to his shoulders.
Archer delayed in his response, enjoying my touches, “The book is right.” I smiled at his pleasure. He turned around quickly and pulled me to him. He firmly pressed himself against the full of my body. Not all ‘rocks’ were in his back.
I giggled as I spoke, “I think I can mange that one too.”
His eyes where filled with fire, “Where would you prefer tonight? The Manor or your home?”
“Your manor my love,” I reminded him of his requirement, “As the rule is I must not wear clothes.”
His eyes danced as I reminded him of his own words, “Manor …” He stopped his words and smiled as I held even closer to him. His lips touched my ear as he whispered, “Shall we talk to William first? I think I’d like to fly.” He looked down at me and I looked deep into his eyes and was lost into the dream. “I need to talk to William before going home … do you mind?”
“As long as I am there, I do not mind.” I needed to clarify titles to him and now seemed a good time. “My love, I am sorry that my statement of lord displease you but when you are in charge I do not wish to be looked on as anything else than a team member thus you are my lord. I need the statement. In my land we only do one duty as a time and title is important to them.”
Archer smiled slightly, “I have not been ‘Lord’ in many years and it is odd to hear it from you.”
“I as a Seeker must do them all and my title changes with the duty.” I paused, “I mean it of respect.”
“Well, I am not a lord.”
I shook my head. He still did not understand, “I wish you could understand the order of my people, the light of the way.”
He sighed as he pulled me even closer, “Ready to fly?”
I smiled, in his arms I did belong, “Always in your arms.”
Archer desolidified us, floating us slowly through the ceiling. I sang softly in his ear, in the tongue of my people, of the joy of breathing. We flew slowly in this state of between. The yard seemed to appear below all too soon. He landed and we became as solid as the rest of the world. I stayed in his arm not wanting to leave them.
“Now … Show me your ‘mate’.” He softly whispered in my ear.
“As you wish Cufaen.” I pulled from his arms feeling a loss as I did. I opened the door and entered. The Forest warehouse was silent. The vines hung from above and I took off into a run as I raised my voice, ripping the air to echo’s of my words, “William! The time is sooner than I thought.” Just outside of William’s hut I landed. He had chosen one only one level up but it was in a corner and above the entrance to the street. Archer leaped in one great motion from the floor to the beam. He walked down the length to where I stood.
From within sweet William spoke, “One sec, give one more minute.”
Archer stood behind me as I chuckled. I turned to my love. “I think we will wait for you by the waterfall. Let us descend.” I held back a laugh and Archer nodded.
Flinging myself off the beam I sailed through the air. The vine barely meet my finger tips as I pulled it tight and spun down the length. Something inside me made me felt a loneliness for my fireoak forest. I didn’t understand all the feelings I had. Josho tried to help explain the ones he knew but mine where much stronger and in the land of the cold and green took on new directions.
Archer stepped to the edge of the platform and eyed the ropes. He shrugged and leapt off the platform, landing softly in the grass. From the corner of my eye I saw Linda sneak out of William’s hut and ran around the beam to her own. A moment later William walked out. He went to the ladder descending slowly.
Archer took my hand. I knew he saw but he pretended not to notice. I smiled unto him, “Only in the land of the green.”
Archer nodded “Human’s have … repressed traits … some I have ‘learned'”
I knelt to the water and drank from the coolness. “I am glad I am not human. It is very sad to be them.” Archer sat on a root at the base of the tree, one knee drawn up. My tummy turned and my head swirled, I knew what was going to happen, “Excuse for a moment.” I ran quickly pass William. I felt both eyes staring on my back but I needed to make it to the refresh room. The evil from within irrupted and was more foul than last. I popped a mint in my mouth and went to rejoin the two. William still stood frozen in the place I passed him. I slipped my arm into his and leaned against him. Partly I did this cause I wanted to reassure him that Archer would not harm him as long as I stood and partly I felt weak. I knew he knew why I left so quickly. I guided my mate to my love. “Now is the time for you to talk.”
Archer’s eyes where as cold as the steel ones in my dream, “Have a seat, William.” I knelt down in the grass. William let his legs go from under him and landed down next to me. “What did you think you were doing?” the sourness in Archer’s voice filled the air.
William looked to me, “Whadda mean, doing … making money for Raven.” I put my hand upon his shoulder.
“Oh? By robbing banks?”
William glared at Archer, “Not to much work in my life … how else am I gonna get cash?”
“Didn’t you think you might encounter me or the team?” William shrugged. “You had guns … Didn’t you think you could end up dead?”
“Your concern touches me.” The tone in Williams voice the rage within his eyes, I was filled with concern.
Archer barked, “Who were you working for?”
“Some guy.” William held back. I could see he wished to anger Archer.
I pleaded, “William, tell him.” William looked to me. “Please sweet Sir William.”
Archer waited, saying nothing. “Tell him all of what you know.”
William scowled, “All right!”
I stroked his cheek lovingly; “You are of the light.” I smiled into William’s eyes. I turned them slowly away to look at my love.
William never turned from me. He spoke, “Look.. This guy was talking about overthrowing the bougeous government, you know all the commie shit from the 60’s. I listen to the guy, okay. Figured what the hell. He told us he was gonna ‘save’ all the people down this way. ya know, people like me. People thrown out by society. He talked real good.. Like he cared. He gave us money…not much but some to live on.” I turned back to his eyes; “I wanted the money for you.”
I held his hand. “You are worth more to me than the green paper.”
William glared defiantly at Archer. “At least I wasn’t hurting her! I was trying to help.”
I interrupted, “WILLIAM!!” I could not believe he was going to betray me. William looked down at his fingers.
William murmured “Sorry, Raven.” My heart ached for the pain I saw in him and let the tips of my fingers move upon the hand I held.
I looked unto my love; “I beg pardon Cufaen.”
“Let him speak his mind.”
“He has seen more than you have seen of my pains,” I heisted but I could not refuse him, “As you wish.”
“Continue….” Archer started but William had already started.
“Yeah! Who was here holding her hand?” My eyes dropped to the hand I held. His hands wiping the sweat from my brow. His arms held me through the nightmares. “Yeah! The guy gave me some cash, okay. He told me and some other guys he could get us more. A lot more. So, I listen, no harm, right? Well..It got weird…he started shouting all this ‘God’ shit and I figured just another bible thumper. I was gonna give up…but he gave us more cash….over a grand. Each! He bought my attention. Figured it couldn’t hurt to listen. Well, he tells me about this ‘Plan” he has to get a lot of money. Told us he had already proved it worked. He said he made three hundred grand in three days.”
Archer spoke with disgust in his words, “Robbing banks!”
“Yeah. He showed us the cash. Huge piles of it.” His stare brought my eyes back to his. My sweet William continued, “I figured it would set you up for the year.”
I understood his desire; he so wanted to help. “It seems I have even treaded in trade that Cufaen does not approve of.”
William smirked, “Yeah! No kidding.”
“I hold not your action against you. You are my number one mate.”
William glared at Archer, “What about him?” He turned to Archer; “You hold it against me?”
“Depends, William…on what it is.” I looked at Cufaen. I did not understand his answer. I heard something more in the statement.
William spat out his words, holding back others, “You wanna hear about this guy or give me shit?”
“Go on.” Archer looked at him. Josho cried loudly from above. I moved not from my first mate side. My duty was unto William.
They both watched me stay motionless as the sound of the little one echoed and filled the whole of the warehouse forest. It was as both saw my struggle and answered it at once.
Archer motioned, “Go to him, I won’t question him further.”
At the same moment William squeezed my hand and released it, “Go to him, I’ll be alright.”
I smiled at them both. William narrowed his eyes at Archer as Archer leaned back against the tree. They both had an honor to them and I did trust them both to keep this for me. I leapt to the nearest vine. I swung to the next till I landed up on the beam at my hut. I felt tired. I took the joy of life from his cradle.
Linda finally made it to the hut after the baby stoped crying. I gave him to her as I held my tummy. I could barely hear them talking as I rested.
“You ain’t good enough for her! You tore her heart out.” William spoke frankly.
Archer nodded, “Yes, but would you rather I use her like most men would, or learn to cherish her?”
I walked the beam, picking some low hanging fruit and carried a bottle juice. I took a ladder down.
“What are you going to do with her?”
I walked to them. The words between ended. Before them I lay the bounty. I opened the bottle and took a sip from it. “Eat.”
William took the bottle and chugged most of it down. Archer picked up an orange and peeled it watching William. William wiped his mouth on the back of his hand
I smiled unto my sweet William. What was it I was blind to? What was it that I could not see when I looked at my first mate?
Archer wasted no time, “What happened?”
“He promised us $100,000 each to pull off this robbery.” William started and again I took his hand. “That would set Raven up right for the year.”
“And if you killed someone?”
William shook his head sharply. The thought of my mate killing brought eyes to a single tear, that fell to the hand I held. “Wasn’t supposed to happen like that.” William looked on the droplet of water that ran on his hand.
“Did you think those were play guns?” Archer raised his voice.
I had to agree with Archer, though it pained me to do so, “No flame should ever be taken.”
“No, but I’d never shoot anyone.” He defended himself; “I know how to miss.”
William sighed.
I covered his hand with my other hand, “Tell him where the house of worship is.”
“There’s an old storefront church on Bakers street. We met in the basement.”
“Cufaen! Is that enough information?” I did so want to release my mate from this. He was not dark. He was doing it for me.”
Archer added, “What do they call this guy?”
“Reverend M.” William spoke and Archer nodded.
I wrapped my arms around William giving him a hug. “See my love his heart is in the light.” I stood up. Archer hide his words from the air but it was on his face. “May William go back to his hut to return to his thoughts?” I requested for him as he scrambled to his feet.
“Yes.” Archer spoke dryly.
William turned to go. I quickly asked, “May we go as well.”
“William!” Archer called out.
William turned back, his face wary.
“Thank you.”
Raven smiled at them both. William stared at Archer for a moment then turned, heading back up the ladder. I turned to Archer. “So much to do and only one of me.” I scanned his length as he lay against the tree. “Let us try the hot oils
Archer held out a hand. “I think your need it.” I took his hand and he pulled himself up. I looked into his eyes and was lost in them.
“I am old, little elf.. But not that old.” He softly smiled.
“You did not let me finish the knot you had,” an evil grin was upon my lips, “But I am sure it will come back.”
“Aye, it most likely will.”
I reached up putting my hands around his neck. “Than I think we should get started. It might take hours or even days.”
Cufaen pulled me close. “Maybe longer.”
“One could only dream of it.”
“Spock…home please.”
I rested my head in the beating of his heart. The spirit light surrounded us and I saw William slam his fist against the girder and turned to his hut. The Library was now around us.
“Welcome home, love.” Archer stated as he kissed me in his loving embrace. I was always home when I was in his arms. “Only in your arms, I’m I home.”