Betrayal (18 page)

The jewel was stunning, and barely had any weight to it. The medallion had a diamond eye in the center of it with a smaller diamond as the pupil of the eye. That smaller diamond was the color of the sky, and shaped like a lightning bolt. The bolt flashed every time the light from the chandeliers hit it as if it had the power of a lightning bolt. The twinkling stone felt so cool and smooth as I rubbed it with my fingers. I felt a tranquil feeling wash over me as I held the medallion. It seemed to draw from my energy, and was like a magnet drawn to my touch.

Bethany pulled her heirloom out from the neckline of her bodice, as Evan and Nikolas pulled their medallions from under their crisp shirts.

Bethany’s had an ice blue diamond tear drop in the center. Evan’s had a darker blue stone that resembled a whirling twister and Nikolas’ had an onyx bow and arrow inside of a garnet stone. The children looked at all four of us in awe. Probably anticipating the day they’ll be gifted with their own medallions.

“Cordelia, do you remember receiving the medallion?” Bethany asked anxiously.

“No.” I answered honestly, while dropping it into the bodice of my dress. I loved the way the medallion felt against my skin – like an extension of me.

“Your medallion has a diamond which represents your parents’ sacred bloodline. The lightning bolt is yours. The Tieron family is the first family of the Ischeros.” Thaddeus explained.

“Lightning bolt? I asked timidly.

“Yes, Cordelia. I will explain shortly.” Thaddeus said, opening his linen napkin over his lap.

Dinner was served by Sun Paw and Moon Rose. I hadn’t really gotten a good look at Moon Rose earlier, when I had spied on them. She was as pretty as Sun Paw. When she stood behind Bethany and placed a bowl of food on the table, she took a quick glance at me. It was as if she was playing poker because, I couldn’t read her expression.

We began to eat once the sisters left the room. I was told that the meat was venison. It was a bit too rare for my taste but still somewhat edible, and served with baby potatoes and carrots.

“What kind of meat is this?” I whispered to Evan.

“It’s venison, a young deer.” I nodded slowly, and immediately felt guilty, thinking of Bambi, and vowed to never eat venison again.

Suddenly Thaddeus stood up and raised his glass. “We shall toast to Cordelia's safe and eagerly awaited return.” All the glasses at the table shot up, including my own, although hesitantly. Everyone took a slow sip of the dry bitter wine, including the children. I watched curiously as Nikolas guzzled his in one sip and poured another glass full. He really needed to slow down on the drinking.

I continued to move my food around on my plate, and made a halfhearted attempt to eat some of it. The food kept coming and coming; twelve courses to be exact. Everyone ate quickly and with minimal conversation. The little conversation there was, seemed lively although a bit strained. I got the impression that there was so much waiting to be said, yet a real fear of vocalizing it.

“I hope that you find your chambers to be comfortable Cordelia. Please come to me if you require anything at all. I understand that you’ll need a little time.” Alexandria said firmly. “I’m certain that you will be re–acquainted with your surroundings, and more importantly with the family very soon.”

Although Alexandria Capius was smiling when she spoke, there was a hint of something in her eyes that gave me the impression that her statement was in fact an order. She expected me to familiarize myself with this way of life quickly.

“Thank you. I hope so.” I said tying to sound gracious.

“Hope is what one relies on when one has no control of one’s fate. We, my dear, have nothing in common with those who rely on hope,”

Thaddeus proclaimed.

“Mother, did you find the ride into town today resourceful?” Evan asked as his mother kept her eyes trained on me for a moment too long. It was obvious to me that Evan was trying to change the subject, and save me at the same time. Alexandria was making me nervous with that shadowy smile of hers. Her face appeared darkened when she smiled as if the lit candle in front of her had been blown out.

“Yes, my darling. As a matter of fact it was. Harper’s Hall must be as it was last year, with exquisite and grand décor. The Ball will be magnificent,” she quipped.

“It will be even better than last year’s, Mother,” Evan confirmed.

“And all the more special now that Cordelia has returned.” Bethany added.

I looked up at the mention of my name. All eyes were on me – every pair, sparkling with enthusiasm. I had no idea what they spoke of. I was familiar with Harper’s Hall. I believe the hall was built around this time. It was an old venue for parties. I guess there was going to be a party of some kind, but I wasn’t up for much partying or even discussing the décor for one.

“This year’s Masquerade Ball will be glorious,” Bethany beamed. “It’s when you will be crowned the new Empress of Ischera.” Bethany said, jubilantly to me. My stomach went sour and I could almost taste the bile in my mouth.

They chatted a little more about the Masquerade Ball, while I felt like I was withering away in my chair. Finally coffee and dessert was served; lemon cake. After that the kids were unhappily excused from the table to retire for the evening. They seemed to want to be in my presence. Sun Paw and Moon Rose came in to escort them to their respective rooms, as Alexandria wished everyone a good night, and excused herself explaining that she had an early morning. Thaddeus decided that the time was right, and his voice boomed across the table in my direction.

“Your emergence today was unexpected but on time. Although, time is something we don’t have, my child. Therefore what I’m about to tell you, must be taken seriously; fore it may save your life.”

Nine

Immortal

“Our families go back thousands of years,” Thaddeus said as his voice grew, demanding my attention. I suspected that he knew that he sort of scared me. “We are the Ischeros, the Powerful; direct descendants of the Gods.” Thaddeus added triumphantly, repeating what Evan had told me just a couple hours earlier.

Had I not seen Evan, Bethany, Nikolas, and unfortunately Victor in action, and heard Sun Paw’s and Moon Rose’s conversation, I would have expected the prankster who put these people up to this to leap out from behind the enormous grandfather clock, confirming that I’m on candid camera.

But seeing had me believing somewhat, so I knew there had to be some truth to what Thaddeus explained no matter how incredulous it sounded.

Everyone’s eyes were on me. Bethany gave me a look that I took as pay attention. Evan looked at me, and nodded reassuringly. I had to concentrate to tear my eyes away from his face.

When my eyes met Thaddeus’ again, I couldn’t tell if his expression was that of annoyance or the need for
Preparation H
. He looked extremely uncomfortable, but continued anyway.

“Our Empire of families, originate from the Twelve Olympians. Each family is a direct descendant of one of the twelve, mine being Poseidon. We are the second family. ” Thaddeus explained. “Our Empire has taken great lengths to have endured this long. We stand at only a hundred or so family members remaining in our empire.” Thaddeus explained.

I’d been reading about Greek mythology this year in Mrs. Holden’s Ancient Cultures class. I learned all about how the great Titans had been taken down by the almighty Zeus, the God of the sky, and his Olympians. I had loved the beautiful and horrific stories about these mythical beings that supposedly existed, living in the clouds on Mount Olympus above the people of ancient Greece. Everyone believed that they were just that; myths, stories.

“So when you say empire, do you mean an actual kingdom?” I tried to camouflage my skepticism.

“Yes, in a way.” He paused, and scratched his beard for a moment as if he were mulling it over. “We no longer reside in Greece as we did a very long time ago. Our kingdom, Ischera, was destroyed centuries ago,” Thaddeus answered.

“I see.” I said not knowing how else to reply.

I think my face revealed my astonishment because Thaddeus looked at me and said, “You know all of this already, my child. It is your ancestry, your sacred line of divinity. You only need to look within yourself to remember.”

I nodded and he continued. “The most powerful family is yours, the only family directly deriving from Zeus. Zeus has never wished to live amongst the humans, but has allowed his children to. Your parents and your parents’ parents and well… you get the idea. They are all his descendants.”

Thaddeus looked over at me admiringly, cleared his throat, and took another sip from his cup.

“And you are a descendant of Poseidon?” I asked, thoroughly intrigued.

“Yes, the god of the seas. Alexandria is as well. We are both demigods, as our children are.” Thaddeus’ breakdown of the intricate family trees was fascinating. It all made perfect sense; Evan’s morphing into a twister made up of a tidal wave and Bethany becoming water. I looked over at Bethany and smiled, slightly. I could never stay mad at her for long.

She smiled back, looking pleased. “I’m a water siren, and I can become and channel water, but I’ can’t transport by it like Evander. Evan can transport me but only If I’m made up of water.”

“That’s right, as well as by air.” Evan chimed in. “I’m part human, water, and air. I guess you could say that I’m multitalented.” Evan said with a slight grin.

“I also have visions, and can sometimes see into the future, but I don’t have full control of them as of yet,” Bethany added.

“And Nikolas is a centaur?” I said.

“Yes, Niko is also your distant cousin on your mother’s side.” Evan added.

“I’m a warrior and a descendant of the Dionysus, the joyful God of Wine. On that note, will someone please pass me the bottle of wine?” Nikolas said, with a wink as he grabbed his empty glass.

It was just too wild, yet I had seen him with my own eyes in the mirage. Centaurs have always appeared beastly, but were extremely powerful warriors with a penchant to drink, along with the satyrs.

I was happy that Nikolas turned out to be my cousin. He was probably the only person at the table that didn’t make me tense. I was ecstatic to learn that we are related. He is really like the older, protective brother I had always wanted. I smiled at Nikolas, who filled his empty glass. He definitely had the qualities of a warrior; unafraid and brave. I couldn’t help but wonder what my specialty was.

“And me? What am I? What do I transform into?” I said just above a whisper. I almost regretted asking the question when I saw everyone’s serious expressions.

“You are perfection; redeemed of any vices.” Evan answered, gazing at me admiringly.

“I’m not… perfect.” I said with conviction. I could feel my cheeks getting hot as I quickly looked down at my hands.

“Cordelia, your capabilities weren’t completely realized before you left for the future therefore, your abilities will not be revealed until your memory is restored, and when it is, you must do as we have and that’s keep the secret of your identity and your strengths hidden in order to survive in these modern and compromising times.”

“Modern times?” I asked to no one in general. I was just surprised that they thought this period was modern. “The year 1891 could hardly be considered modern. Compared to what – the days of cavemen and Vikings?”

“Indeed. We’ve existed long before them.” Thaddeus was staring deeply into my face, and I was finding it harder and harder to focus on what he way saying. “Forecasting into the future can be a hindrance to progress. It is the case with you. It has caused your mind to lapse for longer than any of us anticipated.” Thaddeus added.

So that was it. I had been in the future to long. And now I couldn’t even remember myself. If they knew all of this then why did they leave me there so long? I was annoyed with the idea that all of this confusion could have been avoided. But I figured what’s done was done, and it wasn’t going to help any by pointing fingers, so I decided to say nothing and let Thaddeus finish.

“The gods watch over us from the crest of Mt. Olympus, and have fortified us with the necessary powers therefore; it’s our responsibility to
not
call upon them to interfere. We have survived by concealing who we are and what we are capable of for centuries by living as the mortals do,”

Thaddeus said, continuing with the history lesson.

“We came to this quiet town and made our lives here. We've always had an understanding of how the mortals think. They can only trust what they know. Any secret of any kind whether it’s where you are from, or how you earn your living, is only a door left open to suspicion. Where there is suspicion, speculation will follow, and almost always ends in persecution.” Thaddeus stated as he lit a cigar.

I guess that made sense. When some people can’t get at the truth, they will dig and dig. If they are unable to find anything juicy, then they’ll make something fictitious up, and use the lies to discriminate against you.

“There must always be a credible trace to where ones financial status derives from. Therefore we used our power to place the now very lucrative and deadly minerals into the mines that make this town the booming mining town of silver that it is.” Thaddeus boasted as he blew smoke rings that slowly dissipated before reaching the patterned ceiling.

“The Ischeros, known to the townsfolk as just common, but wealthy folk, own the mines in this town and are respected by the people residing here. Although, after a few more decades we will be forced to move on so that we can continue to conceal our resistance to age.” Thaddeus said with a glimmer in his eye and a soft chuckle.

Not aging could certainly be considered a perk I guess until people start noticing that you’re not aging naturally, as they are. I was going to be a teenager for a long, long time which consequently meant being young for decades. I was definitely warming to the idea.

“How is silver deadly?” I asked Thaddeus.

“Despite the fortunes that have been made with silver by some of the townsfolk, and the droves of prospectors who’ve migrated to Nickel City, it’s been our primary weapon against certain beasts that appear during a full moon and creatures that hunt for blood at night.”