Taryn's House

By the time they got to the house they saw two black SUV's parked side by side in front of their driveway.

“Wonder why they didn't park in the garage.” Sylvie wondered, glancing down the street at the single-story entrance to the huge underground parking garage where their armored semi-truck and trailer were parked along with who knew how many other assault vehicles, personal vehicles and nasty surprises that could be contrived.

Inside the house they saw everyone gathered around Taryn's kitchen table as people in old films surround a map in the war rooms.

“What's happened?” Sylvie asked directly, taking her place at the table.

Grim faces surveyed them: Chief Brodrick looked furious, Bengal cold and calculating, Wolfe, Josh and Stetson determined while her mother and Sylvie's parents had the worried looks of parents terrified but trying not to show it in front of their children.

“What happened is the Rio police fucked up.” Ben snarled.

Taryn felt a cold certainty wash through her even before the chief spoke.

“Nightshade has escaped.” she said calmly.

“Three weeks ago, apparently.” Agent Bengal said. “The local police thought they could handle the matter themselves, but too much time has passed. Without further information, it seems clear he has managed a clean escape.”

Taryn considered the information, then shrugged.

“Nightshade knows we are well-guarded now, and not interested in returning to his show.”

For a moment her right hand clenched as if on her spear, safe in its sheath on her flank.

“He knows he will fail.” she finished coldly.

“Maybe he's the looming threat in your vision.” Sylvie suggested. “Coming to take another Changed maybe?”

“What vision?” Josh asked quickly, beating her mother.

“It's why I wanted to call a meeting.” Taryn said, glancing at Sylvie, “before you guys called. I went for a walk with Sylvie to figure it out better first. But here it is.” Quickly she recapped her dream. When she finished the room fell into thoughtful silence.

“Well, it's obvious you can't go now.” her mother said firmly. “You'll be a prime target for that...that...” she couldn't say it.

“It may seem that way on the surface.” Taryn agreed. “However, I can't help but wonder what the cost will be if I fail to heed the warning and go.” she said.

“What do you mean?” Josh asked.

“I don't know.” Taryn said. “That's the point. But think on this! We heeded Sylvie's vision to a point even though we didn't understand it. What if we hadn't? What if we just assumed it was a dream and didn't train, hadn't kept alert? Hadn't pushed and asked questions until it was too late? Would we have survived? Would our town? I doubt it. I suspect magic plays for keep and the price of ignoring it is death.”

They all fell quiet, pondering. Her mother blinked angry, frustrated tears from her eyes. Taryn knew how she felt and sent her a sympathetic smile.

“A damned if you do, damned if you don't operation.” Ben sighed. “But the Grand Canyon! That's a lot of real estate to cover. You might miss your rendezvous simply trying to find the right place.”

Her mother brightened visibly.

“I doubt that.” Josh said. Taryn wanted to kick him. “Magic will likely ensure its instructions are able to be followed, even with difficulty.”

“Wait, wait. So, are we saying magic itself is...alive? Not just an energy field of some sort?” Bengal asked incredulously.

“There...is some evidence to suggest that.” Sylvie said slowly.

“Events falling one way or the other does not necessitate intelligent design, but merely luck and chance.” Wolfe argued.

“I'm not sure that argument could ever be solved.” Bengal said at last. “We've had a lot of our best minds looking at the problem and so far, we've come up empty.”

Ben snorted.

“Hardly surprising. We've never given it serious attention before, despite what Hollywood would have us think.”

Everyone chuckled.

“So, we have...what exactly?” Josh asked, rubbing his huge hands together and summarizing. “A message in a bottle telling us to come to the desert, a warning of an escaped lunatic that may come after us for vengeance, and an intelligent energy force that plays with lives like gamblers with cards. Does that about sum it up?”

“Well enough.” Stetson said dryly. “'cept about the part where you left out Taryn's family reunion.”

“Yes, I guess...WHAT?!!” Taryn gasped in unison with her mother. The others looked just as shocked.

“It's what makes sense,” he said, taking no notice of the shocked expressions around him. “The scorpion said, 'your family' and wants you to come to the desert to protect them. Your mother's family are in this area and most are already, forgive me, passed on. Your changed family, those that we know of, are already here. Logically, there's only one branch left that could be out that way.”

“My father's.” Taryn heard the rage in her voice, glacial fury ready to bury anyone in an avalanche of hatred.

The room fell eerily quiet. Not a sound could be heard in the house. Outside a bird trilled, but nothing else dared move.

Taryn locked eyes with her mother. To her surprise, instead of seething pits as she was certain hers must be, she saw only the shadows of pain, an old and bitter thing nearly forgiven, and sadness for her!

“Perhaps we shouldn't go.” Taryn suggested.

Instantly she felt wracked by misgivings. Something was telling her disaster lay that way.

“You don't believe that do you?” her mother asked. Her words were gentle, but an undercurrent of worry threaded through.

“Mom, Dad abandoned us when we were human, when I was still a baby! As soon as it became inconvenient for him, he moved on! What could we possibly want to do with him now?!”

“I think it's more to do with keeping others safe from Roland or Nightshade or other things than just who is the victim, dear.” she suggested. “You might not even need to see him.”

“That is not likely the case.” Bengal said uncomfortably.

Everyone looked at him.

“You've made several powerful, vindictive enemies, human and other. Enemies who would stop at nothing to attack you.” He continued in his deep, almost Shere Khan voice. “It is likely that they may be striking at whatever part of your family they can reach. Our intelligence places your biological father in that general area, although last reports I have seen have him in Las Vegas.”

“So even when it's not after us, it's after us.” Sylvie asked with a forlorn sigh.

Her father reached out and squeezed her hand.

“Don't worry sweetie.” he told her comfortingly. “We've already warned the rest of the family to be on guard. They're as safe as we can make them.”

Taryn frowned. Disquietingly, she realized she hadn't warned anybody to be careful. Not that there were many to warn. Her grandfather died years ago, and she had no aunts or uncles, not even distant relations that she was aware of. There could be some, but she didn't know who or where.

At least, on her mother's side. Her father's were a blank. She didn't know if any of them even knew her name: she certainly didn't know theirs.

Ah, but does that make them any less family? a sly voice whispered in her mind. After all, they didn't choose to be related to him either.

Taryn pondered that while the others (including Stetson) asked what they should do about distant relatives and made arrangements to alert them.

Her thoughts spun in circles like leaves in an eddy until a voice-her mother's-broke the endless loop.

“What about Megan and Cindy's families?”

Taryn blinked. Why hadn't anyone mentioned them before? For that matter, why hadn't she?

A familiar, guilty look stole between the three changed while Bengal answered.

“Their families are in Witness Protection, as everyone knows. There have been some planned trips for them to see each other already, but those are going to be more difficult. Some of the houses, however, are designed for their families. They are complete and I believe the plan is to bring them here so they can interact with each other comfortably on a regular basis. But beyond that, we have difficulty getting in touch with them to let them know anything, even about the new accommodations.

Taryn sighed.

“I'll try.” she said. “But I don't know what they'll be able to do. We can't bring them to the desert!”

“No, but they can keep an eye on the town in our absence.” Josh said thoughtfully. “That pearl of theirs...maybe it can act as a crystal ball? Or some sort of sensor, going off if it senses evil magic? Then they can get in touch with Ben and the CDF through Old Bill or their families.”

“I don't know if their pearl can do that, but I'll ask.” Taryn promised.

Much later she found herself in a launch motoring to Mermaid Rock. Old Bill sat at the controls near the back while Ben sat just in front of her at the bow. Cold water splashed her face, making her shiver.

No other traffic existed on the surface of the water but natural ones: a flock of ducks cruising the surface quacking contentedly, and here and there a silvery fish leapt high into the air to land with a tiny splash, no doubt after the myriad of insects that cruised the surface.

Humans were kept off the lake now by Megan and Cindy, with the exception of townsfolk or people that actually lived on the lake. Anyone else that tried to put a boat in found themselves in horrible weather that convinced them to abandon the attempt or be driven ashore.

The state park was full of tourists even so, rigorously patrolled by heavily armed park rangers. Campers, RV's, fifth-wheels, motorhomes, tents and even cars were resting places for travel-weary people who came to get a glimpse of a living mermaid and hear their sweet song.

From all accounts Taryn knew, Megan and Cindy sang most nights. Not scheduled performances, but simply because they wanted to sing. It had become one of their favorite pastimes, and all who heard them were willingly put under a spell of surpassing beauty and love.

There were side-effects to listening to the mermaids, listed on signs that ran around the camps and online for those that booked years in advance. Often the songs were about beauty in nature and caring for the green and blue worlds (the mermaids considered them separate from each other yet inextricably linked.

Taryn didn't think there was a speck of trash or a felled tree within a dozen miles of the lake in all directions. Millions of saplings were planted in the surrounding area and deforested places turning barren hills green again. Tourists or natives would form work parties after the concerts and go seek out garbage for removal, or care for a sick plant or animal.

Non-human creatures, too, were ensnared. They became nearly tame, though twice as shy of humans outside the lake. Outside the boundaries they were nigh-invisible, and hunters often returned empty-handed but never grumbled about their lack of success, for the animals would often help people themselves. Deer would carry garbage to the work parties. Birds would lead them to sick or injured creatures for healing. Some animals would bring fallen branches or bits of fallen wood to campers so they could stay warm at night whenever it was cold.

With such care and devotion, the area around the lake appeared almost garden-like. Well-tended, she might say. Taryn wondered how long the spell would last, if the mermaids ever left the lake.

Old Bill spun the launch sharply, nearly sending her into the gunnels. Grabbing on for support, she waited until her stomach resumed its place in her belly before looking around.

They were on the final approach to Mermaid Rock. Even as she watched two large, sleek forms lanced out of the water and onto the mass of granite known as Mermaid Rock.

Megan and Cindy looked concernedly on as the boat drifted near.

“Taryn!” they called. Even just speaking their voiced had a lilt and tone that made them seem to be singing. “What is the matter? It must be urgent, for you get sick upon the water easily!”

Taryn muttered balefully.

“Don't remind me! And I used to love water, you know. But something about the change...never mind. This isn't why I came. I do have news.”

Taryn told them of the meeting and her dream, and of the mermaid-friendly houses in the gated community it was hoped their families could soon move into. When she finished, they looked thoughtful.

“Yes, we could try to help the land-walkers, but water-bound as we are, I don't think we can manage much unless we have to rain out a riot.” Cindy said.

“Actually,” Taryn smiled. “Josh had this crazy idea that you might be able to use your pearl like a crystal ball or a sensor. Maybe it can vibrate in case Magic is being used nearby?”

“If that were true, it would be going off constantly. We are beings of magic, like you, Sylvie and Josh.” Megan pointed out.

“Well, it's a thought. Maybe you could tune it?” Taryn frowned, her mind travelling down possible avenues. “Perhaps my magic can talk to yours? That could be handy if we get in trouble with no cell service.”

“Now there's an idea.” Ben grunted, a gleam of approval in his eye.

“One minute.” Megan said.

She crawled in an ungainly fashion to the edge and dove in. Several minutes crawled by before she reappeared, gaining the ledge in seal-fashion, leaping gracefully out of the lake.

“Here it is.” she spat water from her mouth.

In the palm of her hands gleamed a large, white orb. Its mother-of-pearl surface shone wetly yet its luster, its beauty, made Taryn's heart stir.

Taryn looked hard at the polished sphere, wondering how she would “mate” their magic.

She extended her hand, palm out. Hesitantly, Megan extended the pearl until it touched her skin. A slight shock, like the jolt of electricity she might have gotten rubbing her wool socks on the carpet and touching the doorknob when she was nine, shot up her arm.

Taryn slowed her breathing, seeking focus as she sought the words in her mind.

Her mouth opened in an eerie, wailing chant, images flickering in her brain of drums and feet beating in tempo. The pearl and her necklace both began to glow as Megan and Cindy joined her. The light strengthened, as power fed into the link from the three spellcasters while Ben and Old Bill shielded their eyes.

How long they remained locked in the spell, Taryn couldn't say: she lost track of time during magic. When the spell ended all three were drenched with sweat and her hide looked sprayed with foam from a firehose.

“What happened?” Ben asked quietly.

“I asked the spirits to let us speak to each other, no matter how far apart.” Taryn replied tiredly. “From the sense I got I succeeded, but it'll be more like dreaming together, if I understand it right.”

“We don't know, for our part.” Cindy said. She sounded equally tired, and her shoulders sagged. “Just that tremendous magic was used here.”

“I'll try tonight to contact you.” Taryn said. “But if I don't, we'll know the spell has failed.”

“If that's the case, that's the case.” Megan said firmly. “But we'll help out Ben as best we can.”

“Yeah, and being able to chat to our families again is going to be nice.” Cindy chimed in.

“I hope so.” Taryn said smiling. “They're going to be pretty damn well protected. That compound we're living in looks like a gated community, but it is better protected than NORAD for all I can tell.”

“Nice!” Megan said. “That's something at least. I won't have to worry about them too much. Now, you best get home. We'll help Ben out and keep the town in your absence, don't worry.”

“Thanks.” Taryn said sincerely.”

“No worries. We changed have to stick together! Now, go on home! You look exhausted.”

“So do you.” Taryn retorted, smiling.

They made their good-byes and Old Bill turned the launch around to putter towards his house and dock. Taryn watched the ripples from the passage make the reflected stars twist and dance like fairies in a grove.

Odd thought. Wonder where that one came from, Taryn wondered.

Suddenly from behind them two siren's voices rose and fell in a sad melody of parting: so sad it made the stones weep and trees tremble.

Farewell! Farewell to hearth and hall

Farewell to woods and streams of gold

we must now part, in depths of Fall

And make our way with heart so bold!

We go for friendships sake lighting hope

To make day from night

With shield and spear, paint and gun, we will cope

with foes of dread, in the shadows of the night

O! Heroes bold, O heroes fair!

Will you dare for one so fair?

Will you face darkness and evil strife

To protect another's life?

Will you stand, when night is tall

When Darkness gathers amidst its summons call?

To War! To War!

In Sands of Rose and Stone of Red

You will face your foe of dread

O! Centaurs bold,

The light behold!

You will stand unafraid

Until the darkness you have paid!

Then we bid you come,

Come home to land so fair and green

Where trees grow tall unlike to some

Who shall remain unseen

And you will walk amongst the clouds

And then you shall know peace!

There was a deal more to the song, but the faithful boat carried them past easy hearing, even to Taryn's sensitive ears. No one spoke for a long while.

Taryn didn't get much sleep that night, or the next. Despite her best efforts she didn't manage more than a light doze, so she couldn't contact Megan or Cindy despite her promise.

Every time she closed her eyes a shadowy figure got between her and sleep. It never said anything, even when she called after it or chased it. It dwindled into immeasurable distance.

She grew more irritable with herself, which she knew and tried to control while around her the packing began.

She'd learned to travel light and be ready to move at an hour's notice thanks to Nightshade, but her mom took a long time to put together one suitcase, let alone pack for a trip.

“I just want to make sure I have everything.” She said when Taryn asked if she wanted help.

As for herself, Taryn put her war shield and spears in the trailer first, followed by her two spare costumes and some normal shirts and bras, and her toothbrush and muckrake.

She also filled the pantry and fridge with food and some sodas for the parents, leaving clean water for her and the other two centaurs. She could still have soda and occasionally indulged in one when she was feeling particularly human-sick and wanted to be as much like the old her as possible, but fresh water was sweeter now, and the more natural the better.

As she picked up the wrapping from the packaging, she saw Sylvie's father walking up the ramp with some of their belongings. He nearly banged his head on one of the large monitors Bengal had installed during the trailer's upgrade. They were arranged to play the part of windows or a central command station, providing a dedicated feed from small cameras set on the roof in all directions and receiving real-time information from satellite receivers set in domes on the roof. Taryn liked being able to “see” where they were going, it made such a difference to her comfort.

“I'll bring the rest over after lunch.” he said.

“Okay, Mr. Mathison.” Taryn nodded.

“How are you holding up?” he asked quietly.

“Fine.” Taryn opened her mouth to say, but instead.

“Horrible!” came out instead. Taryn listened in shock to her own voice, roiling with emotion. Not the calm, professional tone she'd wanted.

“I can understand that.” he nodded. “But I know you can handle it. You've handled everything else life has thrown at you. Horrible, difficult things no adult, let alone a child, should ever have to face, but you did.”

“Hell,” he admitted with a parental smile, “You've done better than Anne or I think we could in your place. For what it's worth, I'm proud of you, and so is everyone else.”

Taryn's throat tightened too much to speak, her eyes stung as, nearly overcome, she bent to hug him. Hot tears slid down her cheeks unchecked as he hugged her back.

A small sound at the door made them break apart.

Sylvie stood holding several suitcases steady on her back and a slightly abashed look on her face as she struggled to keep them from falling.

“Can I get some help?” she asked.

Taryn gave a watery laugh and hurried to lend a hand. She looked like a overloaded pack mule!

The three of them worked to stow the clothes, vitamins, and paraphenalia that Sylvie and her mother had packed. Or rather, Sylvie's mother had packed. Sylvie had learned to travel like Taryn, and her two bags were relatively small and compact.

“When will we leave?” Taryn asked.

“Next Monday.” Mr. Mathison replied. “Why?”

“Because there's just one last thing I have to do before I leave.” Taryn said.