Darkside 35-36

The glow from a dozen bonfires lit the summer sky. Half naked men and women danced around them chanting. Avery stood over a table blessing the feast prepared by the towns people. The solstice celebration was not only a night of praise it was a night of drinking, feasting and fun. 

Bette and Shane had left the rest of the group the day before and rode ahead on fresh horses. They sat at the top of the hill just outside of town watching the festivities. 

“I can’t tell if she’s down there.” Shane said. 

“It’s almost as if something is blocking our powers.” Bette said. 

“There’s only one person who has that kind of power.” Shane said. 

“Avery.” Bette whispered. 

Avery finished blessing the ale and food and backed away from the table. The group of men and women converged on the table. 

“There.” Bette said. She could only see the outline. “That person isn’t eating.” 

“It’s the leader. They always eat last.” Shane said. 

“Let’s go.” Bette kicked her horse and took off. 

The closer they got into town the harder Bette pushed her horse. All the towns people were marked as was tradition on this night and they were all wearing masks. 

“We’ll never find her like this.” Shane said. 

“Avery was wounded. Look for scars on her arms and back.” Bette said. They rode through town slowly examining every woman and most of the men just to be on the safe side. The crowd was so thick towards the fires they had to dismount and search by foot. 

Bette climbed on top of a table. She scanned the dancing crowd. She saw a young girl who looked remarkable like Avery. Bette jumped off the table and ran towards her. She grabbed the girls arm and jerked her around. It wasn’t Avery. 

Avery watched the celebration from the center of the Island of the lake. She stood straight with her arms out. Energy flooded into her from everything. She could feel every emotion every heartbeat and every breath. The outlines of her marks glowed gold and pulsed. 

Bette walked through the crowd discouraged. She looked up and the bright stars. As she did she could see the energy from the festivities flowing from the crowd over to the island in the middle of the lake. She walked around the edge of the water and over the stones. She stopped when she reached the island. The figure standing in front of her was not of that skinny teenager she saw those many months ago.