Denai Touch: Excalibar Investigations Series (17 page)

“There’s still time. I think I know where she is.”

They reappeared in the woods she’d seen in her vision. Branches snagged on their clothes as they tried to move. Cate flung her senses out, scanning for Bethany. “Strange for Bethany to be so close. If I were her, I’d be long gone,” she commented. “We’re only a few miles outside the city.”

“What if she isn’t running?” Jason said. “Finding her like that was too easy. It’s why I pulled you back — I think we’re walking into a trap.”

“Trap or not, we’re going to find her and bring her in.” She used her kinesis to move more of the branches out of their way.

“Maybe we should call the team for backup.”

Cate shook her head. “Not yet. We can manage on our own for a while,” she replied, trying to scan the area. “Are you getting anything?”

Jason frowned. “Yeah, I can feel a disturbance in the elements, but I can’t tell from here.”

“What kind of disturbance?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know yet. Something just feels wrong.” He took her hand and gripped it tightly.

As they fought their way through the trees, Cate sensed a sudden feeling of panic.
Help me!
She almost jumped when she heard a voice inside her mind.

“Did you hear that?” she asked.

“Hear what?”

“A voice, someone was calling for help.” She cast her senses out again and searched for the source of the voice.

Help me! Please!

“It could be a trap,” Jason warned.

“Or it could be someone who needs our help.”

Who are you?
Cate asked, sending out the telepathic message.

Oh, goddess, someone has finally heard my cries. Please, you must help me.

Who are you?
Cate repeated.

My name is Freya. I’m a prisoner. Please, whoever you are, I need to get out of here. They’re killing me.

Cate tried to strengthen the telepathic connection, to get a sense of who and what the person was, but it felt as if she were hitting a brick wall.
Where are you?

I don’t know. I have been trapped here for so long. Please get me out. You must be a soul seer too if you can hear me.

‘Soul seer’, that was what Denais were called in other parts of the world.

Cate felt a rush of fear and excitement.
Freya, are you a soul seer?

Yes. Now, please tell me you will help!

Jason stopped moving as they reached a clearing. “There’s something up ahead.”

“I don’t see anything.” She switched to
Other Sight
and the trees blurred into wards of glowing energy.

“I think it’s time to call in the team.”

It took only minutes for Steve, Ian and Jade to arrive.

“Thank the goddess. Carey had me on desk duty today. Smarmy bastard!” Jade complained. “I think he does it to spite me.”

“Finally! Field work!” Ian grinned. “I get bored being stuck in the lab. You and Talbot get to have all the fun, sis.”

“I promise next time you can be the one that gets captured by the Covenant and tortured,” she replied. “We’ve got a lead on Bethany.”

“Wow! Already? That was quick,” said Steve. “Why didn’t you call me to scan the area?”

“Good point. I think we’re walking into a trap, but your sister has to go in feet first as usual,” said Jason.

“Steve, scan the wards. I can see a large building right in front of us, but I have no idea how to get in,” Cate said. “There’s a Denai in there that needs our help.”

Jade asked, “Who is it?”

“Her name is Freya. We came because this is where I saw Bethany and I heard someone calling for help.”

“Did I mention that I think this is a trap?” Jason asked.

“More than once, but it doesn’t matter. If there’s someone in there that needs our help then we’re not going to just leave them.”

“There’s no one called Freya in our coven, Cate,” Jade pointed out. “Maybe she’s a rogue.”

“Or maybe she’s dark and works for Raven,” said Steve. “Perhaps you should contact Gran and find out what she knows.”

“We don’t need to contact Gran every time we need to know something. I’m trying to prove to her I can manage the transition and still work. So there’ll be no calling her.”

Steve sighed. “I don't know how you ended up in charge sometimes, unless you used your powers to compel Gran.”

“Don’t I wish. Now get to work.”

“Ask Freya some more questions,” said Jason. “I want to make sure she is an innocent.”

Cate closed her eyes again.
Are you there?
Freya’s voice sounded urgent.

I’m still here. Sorry, I’m working on a way to get you out. My name is Cate by the way,
she said.
It would help if you could show me where you are. You are telepathic, right?

I don’t understand.

I mean, you see into people’s minds like I can. You must be telepathic or you wouldn’t be able to talk to me.

Yes, I can talk mentally and see thoughts. My powers are so weak.

Just look at your surroundings. Show me what you see.

Cate winced and clutched her aching head. “I’m having trouble connecting to her.”

“I’m working on bringing down the wards, but it may take me some time,” Steve said. “This is sophisticated tech.”

“That will alert them to our presence,” said Jason. “We need discretion.”

“Well, why didn’t you say so?” Steve fumbled around in his bag of gadgets. “I have the perfect thing. I’ve been dying to try this little baby out.”

“Is it the energy distorter?”

“Yep. Excited to try out our invention, partner?”

“Excuse me? You helped Steve with one of his stupid inventions?” Cate asked in surprise.

“They’re not stupid and yes, I did. He needed an elemental to help get the design working and I was happy to help.”

“Stevie, I’m starting to feel left out.” Ian pouted. “Inventions are
our
thing.”

“Ian, Steve has a lab full of geeks working with him every day,” she said and glanced at Jason. “I never knew you were a geek at heart.”

Jason grinned.
Why? Does that make you not want to go on our date?

No, we’re going to have that date. I hear geeks make the best lovers.

“What are you two grinning at?” Jade asked. “You’re doing the telepathic thing again, aren’t you? Damn, I hate it when you exclude us.”

Steve pulled out a device no bigger than his thumb. It was small, round and metallic. He kissed it and said a silent prayer to the goddess. “Don’t fail me now.”

Jade looked unimpressed. “That’s it? I have crystals more impressive than that and bigger.”

“It’s not built to look good.” Steve placed the device on the ground.

They all held their breath, waiting. Nothing happened.

“Well?” Jade said impatiently. “We’d have more luck calling Charlie and getting her to faze us through the ward.”

“It’s still in its experimental phase,” Steve protested.

Jason pointed at the device and static streamed from his finger. The device sparked to life and there was a flash as a wall of energy became visible. Slowly, a hole in the ward formed, just large enough for them to fit through.

“I love you!” Cate gave Steve a kiss on the cheek. “What would I do without you?”

“Fail miserably no doubt. And you only love me when something works.”

Jade shifted into her wolf form as Steve and Ian headed through the opening.

Don’t I get a kiss too?

Cate smirked.
Maybe later.

Jason sighed as they stepped through.

There were only walls of steel in front of them, with no visible sign of doors or windows. They all activated their glamour shields as they walked, so no one would spot them.

Cate reached out to Freya again.
Cate?
She heard Freya’s plea.

I’m here. Try to show me where you are.

How?

She thought for a moment.
If you let me–

No!
Jason said and brought her back to reality.
“Don’t go into her mind.”

Cate frowned. “I wasn’t going to, but I need to forge some kind of telepathic link with her.”

“No, you don’t. We have no idea who she is or how powerful.”

“Again with the over-protectiveness!” she said irritably.

“I’m just telling you to be cautious.”

“I’m cautious,” she muttered.

Images of a small room flashed through her mind.
That’s good, Freya. Remember anywhere else you’ve seen inside the building.

Hey, I think I found a way in.
Jade came trotting back.
There’s a door on the far east side. It’s guarded by two Mija.

“I’ll take care of them,” said Jason.

“No, we don’t want to kill anything unless we have to.”

Steve, got any uncharged crystals in that bag of tricks?
Asked Jade.

“Yeah, why?”

“If we could distract the Mija long enough, we could get in unnoticed.”

Jason supercharged the crystals and tossed them in front of a tree a few feet away from the Mija, where the crystals glowed and hummed brightly.

The five of them hurried through the doorway, which was thankfully unlocked and carefully moved past the nearby Mija. There were no guards on the inside, and the two corridors lead in opposite directions.

“I think it’s time we split up,” said Cate. “Jade and I will go this way. You guys –”

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” said Jason.

“I’ll call if I need you.”

“But what if you need me to disable a ward?” Steve asked.

“Or to heal you?” Ian prompted. “I’m not useless you know.”

“We’ll cover more ground if we split up and I can manage. I have my magic and Jade to back me up. Now, stop treating me like I’m an invalid,” she snapped.

“Jade, stay in wolf form. You’re more lethal that way,” Jason told her.

I'm lethal in any form
, Jade gave a wolfish grin.

“Call me and be careful,” Jason took Cate’s hand.

“We have our comm links so everyone keep in contact. Jason, we know Raven has a Deva so you be careful too.”

Cate followed the winding corridor, keeping her senses on high alert as Jade padded ahead of her.

So, what’s up with you and Jason? Are you two finally an item?
Jade asked curiously.

Maybe. I’m not sure,
she said uncertainly.
He told me he loves me.

Duh! Everyone can see that. Have you slept with him yet?

No, we haven’t even had a real date yet.

That's never stopped you before.

It’s different with him. I don’t want a meaningless fling.

Are you saying you actually want a real relationship?

I’m saying I’m still trying to figure things out. Now shush, I need to talk to Freya.

I’m with Talbot on that one. She could be a dark witch and then we’re really in trouble.

She might not be. There are witches like us in the Middle Kingdom that aren’t descended from Denai.

Yeah, but they're really reclusive. What are the chances of one of them being held captive by the Covenant?

Good I’d say. Raven is always looking to expand her power base.

Cate closed her eyes. Images of a lab and being stabbed with needles and wires flashed before her eyes, as did the echo of Freya’s screams. She saw another picture of Tasha’s face, seeing her through the other witch’s eyes. That bitch really needed to die!

Do you have any idea where we’re going? Or are we just wandering around aimlessly?
asked Jade as they continued down the passageway.

Jade had a point; they had no clue of the layout in this place. They couldn’t just keep walking around, it was too dangerous. Freya needed them and this was taking too long.

Hold up. I’m going to teleport to Freya.

Are you bloody mad? You can’t do that!
Jade said.
You could be heading right into a trap and have you forgotten the wards all around this place?

I haven’t, but it shouldn’t stop me from teleporting within the building. If I could get to her and bring her back to us –

Wherever she’s being held probably has wards around it too.

Cate sighed.
You’re right. I have to be rational. But goddess, Jade, if you could feel some of the things they did to her…

Which could all be fake – and you’re not going anywhere without me.

I wish you’d all stop trying to protect me!

You’re in transition and your powers are unpredictable, which is why we’re all worried.

Well, don’t be. I’m fine,
she said.
Maybe I can project myself to her, like Jason did with me.

That was different, he used a crystal.

Give me the crystal then.

It was unique. It won’t work with you and a stranger. Now might not be the best time to test the new range of your powers. You don’t even know what she looks like.

Doesn’t mean I can’t do it. Gran always told us that anything is possible when it comes to magic. It’s all about desire and concentration.

Maybe it is for you, unlike poor, powerless me.

You’re not powerless.

Right. I’m the intelligent one. Astral projection can take years to master. How do you expect to –

Just keep an eye out in case anyone comes along.

Wait a minute. If you’re going to project yourself somewhere, I should go with you.

I need you to watch over my body. I’m going to have enough trouble projecting myself, let alone two of us.

Jade sighed and sat at her feet, ears pricked.
Bad guys beware of the jaws of pain.

Cate laughed and closed her eyes.

Cate, are you here? Are you close?
Freya asked
. You were silent for so long, I worried something had happened.

Freya, I need you to do something to help me find you, okay?

Okay. What must I do?

Just think about how afraid you are. Give into that fear. If I feel your emotions, I’m hoping that my power will lead me to you.

That won’t be hard. I
am
afraid.

Okay, just hold on.
Taking a deep breath, Cate dropped her mental shields and loosened her grip on her power. Her amulet began to glow brightly, as her senses expanded and automatically locked onto the waves of fear.
Freya,
she thought.

Cate gasped as light momentarily blinded her. She took a deep breath, as the light gave way to darkness. There was a scream and the sound of movement. The only illumination in the room was Cate’s glowing astral form.

Yes! I did it!
she thought triumphantly.
See Jason, told you I could control my powers.

Someone with long, matted, red hair and wearing a torn dress, sat huddled in the corner.

“Freya?” Cate asked. “Freya, it’s okay. It’s me, Cate.”

The woman looked up, eyes huge with fear. “Cate? Is it really you? I thought you were a dream.”

“I’m real alright.”

Freya scrambled up and reached out to touch her, her hand passing straight through Cate. “Are you a ghost?”

“No, I had to project myself here.”

“You’re not real. You are just another trick they use to torment me!” Freya backed away as tears filled her eyes.

“Freya, listen. I promise I’m not a trick and I have no ties to Raven or the Covenant,” she said. “You’re not a descendant of Denai, are you?”

“No, I am from Eria. In the Middle Kingdom, as you call it.”

“Thought so. But you know about Denais?”

“Yes, you’re very powerful and respected throughout the lands.”

“Okay, then you know I’ll do everything I can to help you, but we don’t have much time. I can’t sustain this form for long. We need to find a way out.” Cate glanced around; the cell was little more than six feet by four.

“There is no door, they transported me in here, but the walls have eyes.”

“What do you mean?” she asked in confusion.

“They’re always watching me.”

Could someone see them? She didn’t think so, since she was projecting herself. There had to be some way out. She ran her hands up and down the walls.

“I have tried. There’s no escape,” Freya huddled back in her corner. “But you’re with me now.”

“We’re not staying here,” she insisted.
Steve?
She reached out to him with her mind.

No response. Apparently her powers didn’t extend all the way to telepathic communication whilst in astral form. Damn! Steve would have been able to find a way out.

“Freya, I have to go. I need to–”

“No!” Freya was on her feet. “You can’t leave me. You promised!”

“I need to return to my body. I can’t help you like this.”

“Please don’t leave me alone again. I beg you.”

Cate took pity on the poor woman and started feeling around the walls again. There had to be some way of getting in and out. “Freya, help me try and find a way out. There must be something here that transports you in and out,” she said. “If you want to get out of here, you’re going to have to help me.”

“But you have no power in this form.”

“I…”

Cate gasped as her spirit reconnected with her body and her eyes opened. She felt drained and staggered. “I found her, but we need to hurry.” She ran down the corridor, Jade trotting at her heels, until they came to a dead end.

There’s nothing here,
said Jade.

She’s here, I can sense her.
Cate ran a hand along the wall. Switching to
Other Sight
, she tried to find the doorway. There had to be a way inside. She could feel Freya behind the wall.

Jade shifted back into her human form and started to feel around too. “Careful, we don’t want to trigger an alarm.”

“Damn it, I don’t see anything.”

“Maybe they teleport her in and out.”

Cate stopped and smacked her head for not remembering that. “Maybe I can do that too.”

“Cate, if someone senses you –”

“Not teleport myself, but I could use my powers to move her out here.”

“What if they have cameras on her? They’ll see she’s gone and come after us.”

“We can’t just leave her here. You didn’t see her, Jade. She needs our help.”

Jade sighed. “Hurry! Once you’ve got her, we need to call the guys to make a run for it. What about Bethany? She
is
the reason we came here.”

Cate hesitated. “You get Freya to safety, Jason and I will find her.”

“How? All hell could break loose after we set her free.”

“Saving Freya is more important than finding Bethany.”

“I hope so.”

Cate took a step back, closed her eyes and called her magic.
Bring her to me,
she thought. Silver orbs sparkled in a swirling mass as Freya fell to the floor.

“Wow, it worked.” She smiled. “Freya, are you alright?”

Freya looked up and smiled. “You saved me.”

Not quite yet. We need to get the hell out of here,
said Jade.
Come on, let’s get moving.

Jason? We found Freya, meet us back at the entrance.

On our way. No sign of Bethany or anyone else. I don’t have a good feeling about this.

Noted. Jade and Ian can get Freya out while we find Bethany.

Cate and Jade hurried back down the corridor, Jade shifting back into her wolf form and Cate had her weapon at the ready.

“Someone’s coming,” Cate said, sensing the presence of people that weren’t Jason or her brothers.

The three of them raced down the corridor. Freya struggled to keep up so Cate grabbed her hand and pulled her long. “Hurry, we’re almost there!” Cate puffed.

There were almost to the exit when someone barred their way. It was Bethany and a Deva.
Oh crap!
Cate raised her weapon, as Jade growled in warning.

“I knew the lure of saving an innocent would bring you here,” Bethany smiled. “You Denais are all so noble in your pursuit of justice.”

Cate aimed her weapon. “Then you know we’ll stop you.”

“That gun won’t do you much good, witch,” the Deva said.

“Maybe not against you, but it will work against her.” She fired a stream of energy right at Bethany. The beam hit the other Denai in the chest, but Bethany didn’t so much as flinch.

What the hell?
Cate had her weapon set to kill; it should have disabled even the strongest of immortals.
Jade, come here. I’m going to try and teleport us out,
she said.
Freya, take my hand.

Freya laughed. “Silly witch, you really thought I needed your help.”

Cate turned, seeing madness in Freya’s eyes. Jade snarled and turned to Cate, who grabbed her and teleported. But Freya was too quick and had Cate by the throat, slamming her against the wall with supernatural strength. She felt the burn of the Touch at her throat, stunned as it suppressed her powers.

Jade leapt at Bethany, but was thrown across the corridor by a kinetic blast. She hit the floor with a yelp. There was a roar of air whooshing through the corridor as Jason and the McCray brothers appeared.

“Let her go!” Jason said and raised his hand.

There was a violent wave of kinetic energy pulsing through the air before everything went black.

Cate opened her eyes to find herself lying on a concrete floor. She groaned and scrambled up.

“Good. You’re awake.” Steve was a few feet away.

She looked over. Ian was examining Jade, whilst Jason lay unconscious.

“Oh goddess, are they hurt?”

“No, just out cold,” Ian replied. “Far as I can tell anyway. Our powers don’t work in here.”

Cate glanced over at the cell door and waved her hand. He was right, no magic. “Damn it! I’m sorry I dragged you all into this.” She unsteadily got up and went over to Jason, cradling his head in her lap.

“Forget that. It’s not the first time we’ve been tricked. Remember that kid I thought was an innocent and then tried to kill us?”

She remembered that all too well. “Still, I should have sensed it. I touched her, but her emotions were all over the place.”

“Probably due to the drug. Bethany is displaying signs of heightened powers, durability and strength,” said Ian. “I guess that explains how our victims all completely burned out.”

“Will those two burn out by any chance?” asked Steve.

“Doubtful, our victims were junkies and the Denai was poisoned with a pure liquid form of the drug. They could have found a way to perfect it.”

“The drug might explain their enhanced abilities, but Bethany never used to have the kind of powers she does now.” Cate sighed. “Forget the drug — we just need to find a way out of here.”