“There are no diaries of Raquen’s whereabouts for over a century after that. By the time she started writing again, the Chosen Alliance had become the HASEA. She joined the Warren. This was when I was still a Guardian. She seemed so sweet and friendly; you would never have dreamed that she was plotting revenge all that time. I assume that is why she was so competent at being an infiltrator — she had disguised who she really was for most of her life. The rest you already know.”
I stared out at the lake, letting the information sink in. “It’s so sad,” I said after a moment. “I mean I can’t condone what she did. It was reprehensible. But I think I can understand. I mean if Gabriella had been born two hundred years ago, then what’s to say her parents wouldn’t have been condemned to death by Chosen rather than Hades for their relationship? Gabriella could have ended up being just like…” I shook my head. “What I’m trying to say is I think I know why she did what she did. I hope she rests in peace.”
Faru nodded. “I am impressed with your attitude Alexander. You have come such a long way since we first met.”
We both stared out at the water.
“Faru, I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” I said after a while. It’s about something my Mum said to me soon after this all started.”
The Sage shifted on the spot. “Of course,” he replied in a slightly strained tone.
“When I came home after my Awakening, she went all strange for a moment, like she was in a different place. Then she whispered I thought you’d been taken too. I mean to start with, I figured she was worried that I’d died. But it was the expression on her face and the way she said it.” I turned to the Sage. “Faru, is there something I should know?”
He said nothing for a long while. Then he let out a long sigh. “That is actually the other thing I wished to speak with you about. It is a burden I have struggled with for several years. I made a promise. However, I feel that in certain circumstances, promises must be broken.” Without another word, he held out the rectangular book. As soon as I took it, I realised it wasn’t a book after all — it was a photo album. Lifting it towards the moonlight, I turned the page and my heart snagged in my chest. It was a photograph of Mum and Dad. And Faru. Fingers shaking, I turned the page. There was one of Faru holding me as a baby in his arms. I stared up at him. “What is this?” I demanded.
Faru looked at me with his shining white eyes. They were full of sadness. “Alexander, your mother Elaine knew about everything. Chosen, Guardians, the Warren, all of it.’ It felt like the world was crushing down on me. “How…how could she know?” Faru placed a soothing hand on my arm. “Because your father was a Chosen.” The words hit me like a freight train. I could hardly comprehend what he was saying. “W-what? How could he be?”
“It is extremely rare for a Chosen to be hereditary, but it can happen, like in Gabriella’s case.” He drew in a sharp breath as if trying to steady himself for something. I looked at him, trying to prepare myself for what he was going to say. “Alexander, your father may still be alive.” The album slipped from hand. It hit the ground and opened on a photograph of Dad giving Mum a piggyback. “How…no that can’t be right. He was killed in a hit and run!”
Faru shook his head. “No he wasn’t Alexander. Some time ago, Hades demanded for Chosen to be kidnapped and brought through the Veil, so that they could be placed into Colosseums — large battle arenas — where they would fight all manner of opponents to the death in front of audiences. Rogues working in the bases helped organise it. You father was one of those taken. They rarely lasted long. I myself believed him to be dead…we thought they all were. However, recently I received news that a large number of Chosen escaped the Colosseums and joined the resistance, which means that many still live. Whether or not he was among the escapees I simply do not know. Chosen are very resilient and your father more so than most. I do not wish to raise your hopes unnecessarily, but there is a slight possibility that he is still alive over there somewhere.”
I stared at Faru, unbelieving. I couldn’t speak. I Didn’t know what to say. Dad could be alive!
“After he disappeared, it broke your mother’s heart. We tried our hardest to find him, but it was turmoil over there. Our search came back fruitless. Your mother was so hurt; the not knowing was killing her. She said it would be better if she knew he was dead, at least that way she could try and move on, for your sake. One day Elaine came to me and begged for me to make her forget. To let her think that he had died so that she could move on with her life and focus on raising you.”
I could see deep pain in Faru’s shimmering eyes. It hurt him to talk about it. “Your father was a dear friend of mine. I cared for both him and Elaine deeply. I honoured her request.”
I thought back to all the times when I’d asked about Dad and Mum’s face had clouded over. I’d always assumed she was avoiding the question. But she wasn’t. She’d been charmed into forgetting. That was how she was able to move on so quickly. Her emotions had been paved over. I suddenly remembered what John had said during our argument. All I hear when she sleeps is the sound of her sobbing her heart out and repeating his name over and over.
“She can’t forget Dad,” I said in a matter of fact voice.
Faru nodded. “It would seem that over the years, her continuing love for him is breaking down the charm. It may be that one day everything comes back to her.” “So all the photographs…all the evidence of my father?” “Elaine made us take it all. It is safe here in the base. You can have it all of course.” Silence descended. I watched the gentle ripples of the water’s surface as hidden creatures swam about below. “Thank you for telling me Faru.”
The Seelian placed a hand on my back. “It is a relief to finally be able to Alexander. However, I must ask, now that you know, what will you do?” I didn’t need to even think about my answer. “I’m going to find my father and bring him home.” I turned and walked back towards the party, leaving Faru staring across the lake, the moonlight shining down around him.
Alex and Gabriella’s journey will continue in The Veil.