Firemancer Collection (Fated Saga Box Set Book 1) (6 page)

   The three took turns explaining, each filling in parts left out by the other, including meeting Jae.

  “I’m surprised you didn’t see him run by,” said Colin. “He was right ahead of us.” The adults shook their heads. None of them had seen Jae.

   With the adventure fully explained, the adults now laughed as hard as the youngsters had after the event had occurred, possibly harder.

    “We will grab you some dinner. You must be starved,” said Kanda, as she motioned Sebastien’s mother, Kay, to follow her into the kitchen.

   Uncle Arnon fell into a chair, still in disbelief. Sebastien’s father, Milo, patted Arnon’s shoulder, and set to lighting a fire.

   The twins, as exhausted as they were, could not help but feel the pat on the shoulder had some hidden meaning they did not understand. Especially when after a minute, Arnon disappeared into the trailer and hushed whispers escaped an open window.

   The twins grew more suspicious when Milo ordered them all closer to the fire, to warm up. The fire pit was too far away to overhear what they were discussing inside the trailer. The hidden conversation did not last long however, as minutes later they exited, serving dinner.

   Once warmed and fed, the Jacoby’s guests decided to head home. After a round of goodnights, the twins watched as the Jendayas and Kanda Macawi faded into the night.

   “I think we should make it an early night tonight,” their uncle said, while putting out the fire. “You guys look exhausted.”

   “I am pretty tired. I think I’ll clean up first though,” said Meghan. She sauntered into the trailer. A moment later Uncle Arnon and Colin jumped as Meghan let out a scream. 

   “What is it? Are you hurt?” asked her uncle, worried there was some overlooked injury.

   “Why did someone not tell me how terrible I look?”

   Both the Jacoby men rolled their eyes.

   “We did fall into a lake, Sis. Remember?”

   Meghan did not hear him. She was too concerned with pulling mud-caked weeds from her tangled hair and washing the dark streaked makeup off her face.

   “Ahhh!” she then screamed, again. “Get it off me!” she demanded, pointing at her hairline. “Get it off! Get it off! Get it off!”

   “Well stand still so I can see,” ordered her uncle.

   Colin’s stomach turned when a second later Arnon located the object of her horror.

   “That sure is a doozy!” he said, gently plucking a severely blood-bloated leech from her forehead. He opened the trailer door and heaved it into the woods, being sure to wash his hands afterward.

   Colin washed his too. He had not touched it, but he had been close enough.

   Meghan proceeded to grow more agitated by the minute and disappeared into the bathroom. Before showering, she did a full body search for any lingering bloodsuckers. Thankfully, she found none.

    After bathing she rested at the kitchen table, make-up-less, losing herself in a thought. She sipped on hot blackberry cider, a specialty of her uncle’s.

   Colin took his turn in the bathroom. After finding the still attached leech on Meghan, his uncle had done a search on him but found nothing. Colin did a once over in the shower, just to be sure.

   Back in the kitchen, Arnon sat across the table, watching Meghan intently, trying to grasp what she could possibly be thinking. He called her name, but she did not hear him.

   “Meghan,” he said loud enough to catch her mind.

   “Sorry, d’you say something?”

   “I was wondering about your dream last night. Wondering, actually, if that has ever happened to you before?”

   Meghan had almost forgotten about the previous night’s fiery dream, and the hairs on her skin felt instantly singed at the mere memory of it.

   “It was some stupid dream about me and Colin, and another little girl, who was caught in a fire.”

   “A fire. That would be scary.” He lifted his eyebrows, leaning forward. 

   “And was that the first time you and Colin have ever shared a dream?” he asked intently.

   Meghan gasped, speechless! She imagined her face must have given away how stunned she was, because her uncle continued without waiting for an answer.

   “Sorry, didn’t mean to frighten you. You did not honestly think I wasn’t aware of your talent did you? What kind of uncle would I be if I hadn’t seen it many years ago?”

   “How long ago did you figure it out?” she stammered.

   “Not long after you came to live with me, actually. You were both so little, then,” he reminisced. “You probably don’t remember this, but the two of you had this special language you spoke, just between the two of you. I could never understand what you were saying. But then one day, about a year later, you just stopped. 

   “I noticed little things after that. One or the other of you would respond to a question, or joke, and I was quite certain I had heard nothing said from the other. I caught on pretty quick.” He winked at Meghan.

   “You’re right, Uncle Arnon. I do not remember that at all. I really don’t even remember the exact moment that Colin and I realized we were different, and that not everyone could speak to each other through their minds, like we could.” She paused and added, “I’m sorry we never told you about it. I guess it seems silly now. We always thought you might be angry, or think we were freaks or something.”

   “Freaks! Never!” he insisted. “And do not be sorry, either. I have always been impressed with the way you two kept the secret. And believe me, there are people out there that would unfortunately think you are freaks.”

   Meghan nodded in agreement. 

   “So,” Arnon continued. “Was that the first time sharing a dream?” he asked again.

   “Yeah, it was. Why do you ask? And how
did
you know Col was in my dream?”

   “Curiosity mostly, wondering how your talent will develop. And Colin was clearly spooked, I sort of assumed,” he chuckled, adding more seriously, “You haven’t told anyone else about your secret have you?”

   “Only Sebastien,” she answered honestly, with a tinge of guilt. “He kind of guessed one day, a couple of summers ago. Don’t worry, though! He has never told anyone else.”

   “I assumed as much,” Arnon replied knowingly.

   Meghan still had the look of shock on her face as Colin came out of the shower. His eyes darted back and forth between them.

   “What?” He reached for his head. “Did I forget to rinse the shampoo from my hair again?”

   “Would you prefer to do the honor or should I?” Meghan asked amusingly. Uncle Arnon put out his hand in a gesture for her to go ahead.

   “Our secret,” she announced, “is out!”

   Colin fell backwards, his towel nearly falling off. After regaining his composure, he stood with the same flummoxed expression as Meghan had had, only minutes before.

   “Don’t worry, Col. He figured us out ages ago, even before we did.”

   “I thought we hid it pretty well,” said Colin.

   “That’s what I thought, too,” replied Meghan dryly. She sent Colin a transcript of the last few minutes’ conversation. Arnon seemed to understand this and gave them time to finish.

   “To be honest,” started Arnon, when it looked as though they were finished, “I’ve heard of twins having a secret language only each other can understand, but, I think you guys are a little different, so…”

   “So we shouldn’t go telling people about it,” guessed Colin.

   Arnon smiled. “Since Sebastien knows, that’s fine. He’s a good friend, and I do not think it’s something he would ever use against you.”

   “Sebastien, never,” Meghan defended. “Besides, what do Colin or I have, that people could hold over us, other than telepathy?” she added sarcastically.

   Seeing her uncle’s concerned face she continued.

   “We will, of course, be careful regardless. Because like you said, not everyone is as cool and understanding as you are.” She got up and gave her uncle a quick hug. Before she could let go, Arnon gave them one last warning.

   “I know you are both careful, but just remember that both Sebastien and I guessed, so others could, too.”

   “We will do our best, Uncle Arnon,” insisted Colin.

   Meghan nodded in agreement.

   Colin joined Meghan for a hot blackberry cider before heading to bed. It was a relief to have their secret out in the open; they had always felt guilty for not telling their uncle, but had honestly feared the consequences.

   Meghan finished her cider, moved a load of laundry from the washer to the dryer, emptied the trash, and then washed up a few dirty dishes. As she finished, Colin dropped his empty mug in the sink. She frowned, deciding to leave it there until morning.

   “Off to bed now both of you, long day tomorrow.”

   “Long day?” they asked in confused unison. Their uncle stuttered for a second then changed his phrasing.

   “What I meant to say is, it has been a long day today, and we all have a whole new day to get through tomorrow, which will be longer than today if we do not get our rest, after a long exhausting day like today.”

   The twins eyed him, untrustingly, but went off to bed.

   “Are you starting to get the feeling that Uncle Arnon is up to something?” asked Meghan.

   “Maybe he was nervous about admitting he knew our secret.”

   “Yeah, probably. Or maybe it’s our birthday party!” squealed Meghan, instantly sidetracked by the idea of presents. “I wonder what he’s planning?”

   “Night, Sis,” sighed Colin. He could sense by her wandering thoughts that discussing any topic other than birthday presents would be a useless endeavor.

“Yeah, night, Col,” she whispered back. She fell asleep minutes later dreaming of what wonderful gifts Sebastien would buy her.

   Meghan’s excitement leaked into Colin’s subconscious while sleeping. He opened the block, just a little, allowing her happiness to envelop him. It was a pleasant way to fall asleep.

   Shortly after, Colin jumped awake, remembering the previous night’s fiery dream.

   “No. I have to keep the block in place! No repeats of last night!” he said, determined. “We have to keep our dreams to ourselves, if nothing else.”

Chapter 3

   Meghan and Colin waited at the secret path’s edge for Sebastien. It was the first day of the Blue Moon Festival, which only took place during a summer that happened to have two full moons in one month. Mainly, the festival attracted tourists, but locals could often be spotted weaving through the crowds, too. It was a grand festival, with food, music, a flea market (Colin’s favorite) and a few old carnival rides no one was ever sure were safe to ride, but did anyway.

   While they waited for Sebastien, the twins wandered down the camp road toward the Gypsy camp, hoping to catch Jae and say goodbye one last time. He was nowhere in sight.

   Footsteps scraped across the gravel behind them. Hoping it was Sebastien, they spun around, but rather than their friend, the twins were accosted by two tall stacks of packages. In attempts to avoid crashing into the twins, the two people carrying the packages jumped out of the way, causing the packages to fall and scatter all over the camp road.

   An older, stern-faced and unfamiliar boy stood by a familiar one; the familiar face began anxiously picking up his scattered packages.

  “Hey guys, sorry,” said Jae, sounding distressed.

  “It’s a wonder you could walk at all, carrying all that,” said Meghan.

   “Let us help you the rest of the way,” insisted Colin, already picking up a package.

   The unknown boy, dressed in a casual sports jacket, had already picked up his packages and was leaving Jae behind, eying him sternly as he walked by, but never saying a word.

   His eyes grazed Meghan’s and she instantly found that she hated him. Could she really know this, so soon after meeting someone?

   “Is that boy always so friendly?” asked Meghan, as he disappeared.

   “Ivan? He’s not so much unfriendly, as all about business.”

   “All about business?” questioned Colin.

   “Hates wasting time, always working, that sorta thing.”

   Meghan offered again to help him back to his campsite.

   “No!” he replied hastily. “I mean, thanks, but I got it.”

   “Are you sure? ‘Cause it’s no bother,” she said.

   “No, I’ll be fine. I gotta hurry, though. They will be expecting me back by now.”

   The twins piled the last packages back onto Jae’s arms.

   “I hope you didn’t get into trouble yesterday for getting home so late,” said Colin.

   “Yesterday?” he appeared deep in thought. “Oh, that. Uh, it was okay.”

   The twins were pleased they had not caused him any trouble.

   “Sorry I can’t hang longer,” he added tiredly. “So many things to do today.” He trudged toward his campsite. “Maybe our path’ll cross again sometime.”

   “Yeah, maybe,” shouted Colin.

   “Good luck, wherever you go next,” Meghan shouted.

   “Thanks. Same to you,” Jae echoed back.

   “Wonder where they are heading with such a big group?” she asked.

   “Can’t imagine,” replied Colin. “It must be a ton of work. It’s a lot with only you, me, and Uncle Arnon. There must be two hundred of them all together.”

   Sebastien materialized from the secret path. “Hey guys.”

   “Finally,” said the twins in unison.

   “Sorry. Got held up helping my dad with something.”

   The twins forgot about Jae and his caravan, and the trio headed into town. Their uncle and the Jendayas were going to join them later.

   It was about a mile walk down a winding country road, which opened up to a sunny clearing about half way to the town. The thick pines gave way to birches and maples, surrounded by vast, blueberry bush covered fields. The surface of the lake shimmered in the distance as the trio walked passed a graveyard, which indicated their arrival into the town of Cobbscott, Maine.

   Music streamed through the breeze, followed by the hum of a crowd behind it. They quickened their pace, and Meghan, wanting to make sure her hair and clothes were just right, said aloud, by accident, “Hope I look okay.” She did not get the response she expected.

   “I think you look great!” said Sebastien, grinning. “Sorry, you weren’t talking to me, were you?” he realized.

   Colin did not wait for the two of them to get over their awkwardness. He continued onward, making a nasty face at Meghan as he passed by.

   “Not exactly,” admitted Meghan, blushing. “But, thanks.”

   “I meant what I said. You always look great! Though, I’m especially partial to when you wear slimy lake plants and leeches in your hair.”

   She humpfed and hit him in the shoulder. They hurried to catch up with an outwardly annoyed Colin.

   As soon as they were in Cobbscott, they went directly to the music. A rock band played, so they listened and danced. After a full set of music, Colin sent Meghan a thought saying he was bored and was going to the flea market. She noticed agitation in his voice.

   “We’ll find you later, okay?” she said. Meghan sensed him throwing angry thoughts at her and said, “Now what?”

   Sebastien threw a questioning gaze her direction.

   “Oh, not you. Colin, mad at me again.”

   “For what? Something I couldn’t hear you guys arguing about?” he asked, slightly miffed.

   “Well, yes and no.” She stalled, not wanting to admit,
we were fighting over your attention.

   “Anything you want to share?” he prodded. His handsome eyes peeled into the layers of her skin and she nearly let the truth fly.

   “I think we should just go find Colin,” she mustered out. “I have a feeling he might get into trouble. Those same bullies are around and
I’m
the only one
…”

   “
Who gets to bully my little brother...
I haven’t forgotten, Meghan.” He asked curiously, “Why do you call him your little brother anyway? Isn’t he technically older than you by a few minutes?” 

   “He’s small,” she shrugged. “An easy target for trouble. He always needs my help.”

   “Don’t you think you should stop sticking up for him so much? I mean, what would happen if you were not around? It’s bound to happen.”

   Meghan stared at him, baffled. He was talking like a grown up.

   “Why would I not be around?” she asked testily.

   “It’s always a possibility. You’re not going to be fourteen forever, things change.”

   “I’m not fourteen yet, I’m turning thirteen next week, remember?” She was getting upset now. How could he forget how old she was? “Let’s just go find Colin,” she said. “He enjoys spending time with you. You are the big brother he’ll never have.” She rolled her eyes as if her brother was intruding on her life.

   Sebastien followed, dropping the subject.

   They found Colin deep in the flea market, in a tent far away from the others. It was full of old books, antiques, and knickknacks that seemed to have no purpose.

   “Hey guys,” he beamed. He had not expected them to find him. He pointed to a tattered looking old man behind the counter. His long hair was white, and pulled back in a ponytail and he leaned on a cane.

   “This is Jasper Thorndike. He owns all of this.”

   The man nodded hello.

   They waited patiently, as Jasper showed Colin around the store. Meghan and Sebastien were only partially listening, but tried to act interested. On more than one occasion, they caught each other’s eye and tried not to laugh.

   They were finally about to leave when Colin stopped to browse over some books he had missed. At that same moment, Jasper Thorndike came out from behind the counter. He spoke with a grizzled voice.

   “I can’t help but notice that you like my books.”

   “I would take them all if I could,” Colin responded.

   “Don’t you have enough already?” argued Meghan.

   He ignored her, his eyes glued to an antique velvet-covered book the white-haired man pulled out of his vest. Jasper set it gently on the counter, pronouncing the title, seeing that Colin was not sure how to.

   “Magi-cantee…magic and then antee…like ante up, put together.”

   “Magicante,” Colin repeated, enthralled.

   Meghan and Sebastien glanced over his shoulder and watched as he opened it, carefully.

   “Wow, what are these?” Colin asked Jasper.

   “A collection, a pretty darn good one, and one I would only entertain selling to the right buyer.”

   Inside the book was a collection of thickly textured exotic leaves, colored in deep browns and reds, with glimmers of gold. They measured four to five inches wide, and were equally long. Meghan could see that Colin would not leave without the book. He loved collections and this one was unique.

   “These aren’t from around here, are they?” he asked, captivated. Deeper in, the leaves glimmered with yellows, greens and silver.

   “No, I dare say they are not! However, I am not at liberty to say where they came from, since I reckon I don’t rightly know.”

   Sebastien and Meghan watched as Colin flipped through the collection.

   “That book there is yours for the rock bottom price of five dollars.”

   “Are you serious? Just five?” Colin was already reaching into his allowance money.

   “Congratulations, young fellow,” said Jasper, taking the cash.

   The trio walked out of the tent and headed back into the festival crowd, making their way to the main road, where they were to meet up with Uncle Arnon and the Jendayas. They got to the road with just seconds to spare as Sebastien’s father, Milo, pulled up his car.

   Colin bounded to the rolled down window and showed them his new acquisition. After the youngsters piled into the back seat, the group headed to a small café, which resided in an out of use lighthouse at the end of the lake. Desserts were their specialty, in particular, the Whoopee Pie. Today’s flavor: maple molasses, which included a layer of maple cream in between two round, chocolaty molasses cakes.

   The group headed back to the central part of town to see what band was playing, and after a few more hours, Uncle Arnon decided it was time to head back home, as they were walking and he wanted to get home before dark. The Jendayas were staying in town to meet up with some local friends.

   By the time the twins neared the camp, the sun was beginning to fade. They lagged behind, mostly due to the fact that Meghan’s bootlace kept coming untied.

   “Oh come off it!” she grimaced. “It never does this.”

   Up ahead, Uncle Arnon rounded the entrance into the campground.

   “Don’t be too long,” he hollered back.

   Meghan stopped again to tie her bootlace. Colin waited for her.

  A branch snapped in the woods down the road a ways. Colin whirled around, searching cautiously. He saw nothing. They listened but all was quiet.

   “Let’s go,” said Meghan. At the same moment, footsteps crunching on dead leaves echoed out of the woods. The twins hid behind a nearby tree trunk.

   “Probably someone hiking through,” thought Colin to his sister.

   “Yeah probably,” she thought back.

   Still, they stayed hidden.

   Down the dirt roadway, two shadows emerged from the pine thick and crossed the road, heading into the campground.

   “Weren’t they from the Gypsy camp?” asked Colin, thinking he recognized the two men.

   “I think they are,” agreed Meghan.
Wonder what they’re up to
? Colin heard her thinking. “Let’s get a little closer,” she suggested in an excited whisper.

   “Really? Closer? I don’t think that is such a good idea, Sis.”

   She eyed him with her
we are doing it whether you want to or not
look.

  
“Fine,” he conceded.

   “C’mon,” she encouraged. “We don’t want to take too long.” They did not take two steps, however, when two more people, this time definitely identifiable as men from the Gypsy camp, walked out of the woods.

  
Meghan grabbed Colin and they ducked into a ditch. This time, the two men stopped at the edge of the road and spoke to each other.

   “All precautions have been checked and double checked, Vian Sadorus, sir. The schedule is set and we should be on time. Barring any unforeseen incidents, of course.” He glanced into the sky, looking apprehensive.

   “We are the last ones out, correct?” authoritatively questioned the one named Vian Sadorus. He was a fierce looking man that the twins recognized instantly, as he wore the same boisterous, too-warm-for-the-season coat.

   “Yes, sir. We are the last out. Everyone else is back at camp, readying for departure.”

   The man named Sadorus nodded and the two crossed the road and disappeared through the woods toward their campsite.

   “Why would anyone leave the camp through the woods?” asked Colin, bewildered.

   Once the coast was clear, the twins dug themselves out of the ditch. As they wiped dead leaves and bugs off their clothes, Meghan eagerly stepped closer to the path the men had come from.