Carved Read online

  “Wow,” is all I can say to the closing door.

  I've been considering what Mica told me all night and what he might tell me. It’s on my mind as I wake up this morning too. Whatever it is, I need to know what he knows, now. “Why would he even think I might consider he’s crazy?”

  "Hello, Kendra, how are you feeling today?" Doctor Vargas says as he walks in with his serious look on his face. I've known him most of my life. I can't remember seeing him smile. So, I smile at him. One day he might smile back, right?

  "I’m fine, doc. I’ve been walking, and no problems have popped up that I know of. So, you think I might get to go home today?"

  "Everything looks good, Kendra. I am going to release you this evening. So, I know you will have a few more hours of supervision. The nurses will be here later to go over your release instructions. You can't go back to work for a several weeks. I'm sorry, but it could cause too much damage, you understand?"

  "Yes, I do, doctor. I'll call someone for a ride home tonight."

  Speak of the devil… in walks Mica. I introduce the two to each other, then Dr. Vargas excuses himself to continue his rounds.

  “I get to go home this evening. Will you take me?”

  “I’ll be here as soon as I get off work.”

  “Also, Mica—I need to know everything."

  "Okay, princess, as soon as I get you home. I’ll tell you everything I know. I won't hold anything back. Have you told your brothers, or should I tell them I’m taking you home?”

  “Please let them know you’re taking me home. They’ll worry less, and I’m going straight to bed. That way, they won’t be there trying to compete with each other over helping me!” I add, laughing.

  I think it must have been a relief to me to tell him I want to know. Because as soon as I did, I drifted off to sleep.

  The day goes fast, and time to leave comes before I know it. Mica loads his truck with all my stuff. My brothers had left earlier. We had agreed Jared could spend the night tonight and Dana would the next night. But they also have to let me have my time alone and not come over until late or when I call. I think they felt better after hearing the doctor tell them about how well I’m healing.

  Mica helps me out of the truck. Holding onto his arm, I make it to the apartment building doors. “Slow and steady,” is what I keep telling myself. I can tell Mica is a bit antsy with how slow I’m going. I laugh to myself. I’m almost to the elevators. Before I know it, he picks me up gently and carries me the rest of the way to the elevators.

  I don't have the energy to argue, and it feels good to be held, so I let him, and I don't complain. I’m awake, though, and aware of every muscle in his chest and arms.

  What? Really, Kendra? What’s up with that? I'm not dead, I tell myself. David has hardly been gone two weeks and I’m perving on my partner. I take a few seconds, questioning myself. The reality is I’ll always love David. I’ve thought I may never find anyone who cares for me again, and here is this gorgeous man who has done nothing but care. My body is responding to needs I’m not ready for mentally. I’m so happy he’s my partner. I don't want to ruin this new friendship. A girl can be proud of her partner, right?

  Mica gets me into my apartment, sits me on the couch, gets me a glass of water, and is back with my stuff in just a few minutes.

  "You want me to order a pizza or something, Kendra? I don't mind going to get dinner for us, if you want. It’s going to take a while to tell you everything. Do you want talk or food first? Also, do you mind if I stay the night on your couch? I can call Jared and tell him I’m here, so he doesn’t come and stay too. If you’re okay with that?"

  "Can we order a pizza and talk until it gets here? You’ll have to go down to get it, though. This building is protected from the evil pizza delivery people. You can stay too."

  "Good plan. If you get tired or it's too much, just shut me up, okay?"

  "Okay, I promise."

  I settle into the back of the couch, watching his face as he begins.

  He’s serious. I can't help but think his speech reminds me of what I have always thought a bard would sound like as he tells a story. His deep voice is soothing in the quiet of my apartment. He starts,” Kendra, there’s a race of people who I want you to understand first. If that's all right with you?”

  I nod my head.

  “These people were like us. They had families who they loved deeply. They lost family members and grieved each loss. They ate, drank, and in all ways enjoyed their lives. They were travelers without restrictions. Yet they kept to themselves, causing no trouble. They lived in search of beauty.

  “They made their homes in the cliffs of every nation. Mostly, the cliff homes were carved in stone, or had a stone edifice. Some were even built inside wonderful caves. Most of the things they owned were made of stone. They did use brass and a few other alloys. However, they had a limited place, to the extent that even stone was used to carve stone.

  “These people were big, strong, full of confidence, and had a fierce determination to help each other. Their whole culture made it commonplace to be loyal and help others. They valued helping ‘all’ others, even the animal kingdom.”

  “Do you have any questions so far, Kendra?” he asked.

  I shook my head no. I wasn’t sure where this was going, but it seemed like a good story and I didn’t care right now.

  “You know as well as I do there’s always a group of people in every time who are filled with prejudice and hatred for anything or anyone they deem different. We believe prejudice and hatred come from fear. It overrides any love of human kindness. Those individuals strike out and destroy what or who they feel is a threat to their ideals. That happened to the dragons in the 900's AD.”

  Okay, so now I know this is just a story to help me rest or something. I guess Mica thinks telling me this will put me to sleep and I won't do too much. It’s interesting to me though, so tough luck sucker. I'm staying awake to hear your story!

  Mica continues, “The dragons were not the evil man-eating killers that made men sacrifice their virgins to keep their communities safe. The real story is that even in ancient Egypt, they would save those sacrificed to them on the altars of religion. Those saved were made a part of their peoples. I call them dragons because that gives you a base for understanding. In reality, they were all shapes and sizes. Some looked like many of the creatures people think are just myth. Think of creatures like chimera, Sphinx, and even the fire breathing serpents. They are called the Ceorfan Guild, all of them are different yet the same tribe. Sort of the way you have giants, little people, females and males of different colors and shapes but you call them all humans.

  “Anyway, when the beautiful virgins were made part of the Ceorfan, they took husbands and made families. Their children were different than the humans and dragon peoples. Their offspring were celebrated for their differences, because that was the way of this guild. They soon came to notice the difference was not just in looks. These young had abilities. Some had the ability to communicate telepathically, others to teleport or shape shift—the list is endless.

  “Each ability was different, but sometimes family lines would exhibit the same abilities. One such family was the dragon line of the Ceorfan Guild. This line was made of the descendants of the dragons. The females were beauties who became leaders of the people quickly. They had much favor with the people because of their ability to make the ones around them stronger, heal them, and amplify the unexplainable. Men called it magic. If you had the privilege to be around these ladies, the dragon-children, many who had no progeny would be blessed with pregnancy. Not just normal pregnancy either—always multiple births. Or you could have magic of your own, be stronger physically, grow in understanding and knowledge. The people had no deformities the way they are thought of today, but if there was someone who had, for example, a limb not formed the same as others, it could also be magically reformed if a dragon were to give a gift of blood to the owner.

  “These l
eaders were sought out by everyone for healing. Those gifted with the special gifts felt it was their purpose to give their life for others. To heal and care for others. To make this world a beautiful place to live.

  “During this time, a war had broken out between men. The Scots and the Vikings were fighting over land and power. The Ceorfan were careful to keep their people hidden and away from the fighting. However, the Vikings could see their cave city as they came to the shores for their battles. Scottish royalty had pleaded with the Ceorfan queen to help them in their war with the Vikings. She was adamant they couldn’t be involved on that level. The queen tried to explain that they wouldn’t hurt humans. Instead, she agreed to help heal the injured and deliver supplies to the armies on both sides. Not happy with the plan but forced to agree, the Scots went home to devise an idea which would ensure the dragons would help them or they would suffer.”

  I startle as the intercom buzzer goes off and the doorman informs us the pizza delivery guy is down stairs. I guess the story was keeping me sitting instead of up, trying to do more than I should. Devious plan, Mica! But it’s working!

  “I’ll go get it and be right back. You stay there,” he tells me as he leaves, taking his phone out of his pocket—I guess to call Jared on the way down to get the pizza.

  I’ve got to move, though. I’m achy from sitting and I just flat-out want to do something. I’ll get the paper plates and drinks while he's gone. “Hurry Kendra,” I tell myself. “You need to be finished before he comes back.”

  I glance at the door he exited through. Odd, Mica left it open. “Oh, Kendra, don’t be silly. Go shut it.” I walk over to the door to see how close Mica is to coming back. I look toward the elevator. I can tell what floor it’s on, if the floor indicator is lit up. I can’t see Mica so I turn to shut the door.

  A strong arm shoots out, grabbing me around the waist while another holds my mouth so I can't shout. Ouch! Oh crap, his arm hurts my incision. I can't fight because I’m concentrating on fighting the pain. Every time I move, it sends lightning bolts of pain throughout my torso. My body feels like it’s being ripped open. I can't see my captor, but I can tell he’s dragging me to the roof.

  Whoever has me is strong. He’s so big my feet don't even drag the ground. He moves so fast, it’s like he’s flying. Mica’s shouting in the background, but I'm so confused. I can't understand what he wants. The arms that were holding me so tight throw me over the edge of the roof of my apartments. I scream, knowing this is the end.

  I’m not sure how, but I have time to say a short prayer, asking God to watch over my brothers and tell David I’m coming. Then I hit.

  “Wait, what the hell!” I’m not dead. I stopped, hard, but I didn’t hit the ground. Someone, or more like something has grabbed me out of the air!

  His arms pull me close to his muscular red chest. I see huge wings flying me back up to the roof. Again, wait! Did I say ‘red’? Great, I’m certifiable now!

  My big red savior hands me to Mica, who doesn't have on a shirt and he also has giant wings! I look up at him with what I’m sure is what’s left of my ‘panic look,’ combined with a ‘what the hell look.’ Mica still looks amazing, so I hope my look isn’t anything like, ‘I just took a panic shit’ look.

  He shakes his head with a look of resignation and carries me back to the sofa, where he gently set me down. Immediately, he franticly glances over me to see what my injuries are.

  I bat his hands away. "What the fuck, Mica! What the fuck! What the fuck! What the fuck! Are you kidding me? What the fuck is going on?" Looking at Mica straight in the face. I see his forehead wrinkled with worry and failure.

  “Kendra, get hold of yourself,” I tell myself. I take a deep breath and blow it out. I do it four times. One last breath, center yourself. Concentrate on calming yourself.

  I need to take stock of my surroundings. I need to be in control again. Nope, not happening! Looking around, I’m piling up questions. Several other gargoyles are now surrounding us, blinking, wide-eyed and alive. On that note, I pass out.

  I wonder how long I’ve been out when I turn over, waking up. Now that was a freaky dream. I can't remember being so out of control in a dream since I was a kid. “I’ve got to turn that shit around next time,” I say out loud.

  A voice breaks through my thoughts. Turning my head slowly, I see my outlandish dream come true. My red savior is staring at me, asking if I am okay.

  "No, I’ve lost my ever-loving mind," I tell him. I’m pretty sure it's a him, and he is gorgeous, in a monster kind of way. I would love to reach out and touch him. Not gonna happen—he might just suck me into those eyes. His eyes look like impossibly green diamonds in the dollar store lamplight of my bedroom.

  "Well, maybe, maybe not, little one. My name is Kokkino Petra. It means ‘red stone’ in Greek. Please call me Kino, and I am pleased to be of assistance, if you like. My commander, Mica, said to call him as soon as you woke. So, if you don't mind...”

  "No, I don't mind, I guess."

  Kino takes out a tablet and talks into it. I don't even care what he’s saying. I just want to watch him. He must be real… including those wings. I know he saved me, plucking me out of the air like a baby bird. At least in my dream. he did. I look closely to see if red is the color of his skin, or if maybe it’s paint. Nope, it’s a great airbrush paint job if it is fake, because it looks as real as my own skin color.

  "He said he is getting you a cheeseburger as a peace offering and replacement for the destroyed pizza. He will be here soon."

  "That sounds good, Kino. What happened to the pizza?"

  "Well, seeing the Crafted… That is what we call the creature which attempted to execute you by throwing you off the rooftop. Mica pitched your pizza to the ground as he was endeavoring to save you. Even had it remained in the container, it would have been inedible. However, most of it landed on the floor of the hallway.

  “Commander Mica is very fast, but I was already on the roof guarding. While I rescued you, the Commander destroyed the Crafted. They are nothing but tools, not real beings with souls like you and I. Their maker crafts them like robots, to do his bidding and to increase the size of his forces.

  “I do wish, Kendra, that you would have been able to learn of us differently. Commander Mica said, he was beginning the process of teaching you the history of our people. I know this must be a frightening shock to you. Will you please give him a chance to finish? We have only good intentions toward you and your family. But, the world is a bit bigger than you have been taught.”

  Kino continues, “I must require one promise from you. For you to stay aware of us and keep this memory, you must convince me that you will keep everything about us a secret. If you choose to disavow this memory and our race, we can make it so you don't remember any of this situation.”

  "Really? I’m hurting and maybe I’m taking out my anger on him when I should be evaluating whether my incision is bleeding. Kino—did you say your name is Kino?"

  "Yes Edling, that is my name."

  "Do you mind leaving me alone for a little while? I want to check my incision. I need to be sure my body is okay. I also need a sanity check."

  "Of course. I'll be close if you need me."

  After he closes my bedroom door, I lift my shirt so I can see if I am bleeding. I don’t see any damage. No blood. I feel better just knowing that, but my body is sore, and I’m exhausted.

  What do I think? So many things make sense now. What do I want to do is the correct question! I need more information, for one. Okay, if I want more information, I’m moving on and keeping my memory. Yes, I want to know more and figure out this whole new way to live.

  I get up and go to the bathroom to comb my hair. Looking in the mirror I tell myself, “Come on, Kendra, you can do this.” I walk over to the door and open it and walk into my living room.

  Mica’s at the bar in the kitchen pulling my food out of a paper bag. I walk over to him and reach for the plate. Sitting on a bar stool, I star
t to eat. No one says anything until I finish.

  Then I say, "Thank you, Kino, for saving me. I thought my number was up. Then suddenly, you grabbed me. All I can say is, ‘thank you’.” It doesn't feel like enough. “Thank you too, Mica, for... just everything. Or is it Commander Mica? You have done nothing but help me. We have only just met, yet you have saved me and fed me several times too. I’ll never be able to repay your kindness. I’d like to try, if you’ll be my friend. Maybe someday, I can return the favor.”

  Speaking to both, I tell them, “I want more information. Right now, though, I’m very tired. Will one of you be able to tell me more of this fantastic world I’ve managed to miss? I’d like to know more about the beautiful things you spoke of, as well as the people, when I wake later.” To Kino I say, “I’ll keep your secret of tonight—you have my word.”

  Kino nods approvingly and bows slightly to me.

  "You’re welcome Kendra,” Mica tells me. He and Kino share a glance that says they’re having the same thought, the way only close friends can share. “Most certainly, we’ll tell you everything we can as soon as you are rested.”

  Nine

  Knowing

  Kendra

  Seems like I’ve been asleep forever. I must have even been asleep most of my life, to have missed a whole race of people. Especially ones I’ve been attracted to my entire life. I thought they were myths.

  Is that coffee I smell?

  I glance out of my balcony doors and see it’s still dark out. I didn't sleep as long as I thought. It’s early in the morning, 5:00 am to be exact.