Ava's War: Book 3 of 3

Chapter 6

When Ava trudged down to breakfast the next morning Lena announced with forced cheer that they were going on an adventure in the woods. Owen and Natasha were already dressed and cramming picnic baskets with enough food for a small wedding party.

Before Ava could blink the sleep out of her eyes, Lena grabbed her hands and pulled her through the back door. They crossed the clearing separating her grandmother's house from the encroaching forest.

Lena slipped an arm around her granddaughter. "I'm sorry about last night."

"So am I," Ava said. "Do you see her in me? Your sister? The girl who Gaia chose...even though you were the more suitable one? Is that why you're so angry I haven't been practicing?"

"Owen showed you my journal, then?"

In Australia, Lucas had tried to remove one of his own sangstones, causing his body to shut down. Ava had thought she might be able to save him by communicating with Mother Earth and taking on the mantle of the Alpha. To help her prepare, Owen had shown her Lena's journal. Lena's sister, Ella, had been the last Alpha of the Gaia and Lena's journals held some of the only clues on how to unlock the powers of the Alpha. Much of the Alpha lore had been lost over the past two centuries as the numbers and the power of the Gaia diminished.

Ava nodded. "Back in Australia, when I was preparing to meet with Mother Earth."

"I was jealous once of my sister, it's true," Lena said. "Although, I hope you know how much more love than jealousy there was. But no, I don't see her when I look at you. I see bright eyes and profound belief and the kind of charisma that knocks you over. I see someone who could change the course of this tired war, prevent the suffering of untold numbers of humans and animals. Someone who could convince the Elders." She added softly, "Someone who's already convinced me."

A peal of laughter saved Ava from having to reply to her grandmother's words. The praise disoriented her. She was consumed by pride and embarrassment and her skin felt too hot. They turned to find Sheba trying to jump on Owen's back for a piggyback ride.

Natasha was convulsing at the antics.

"I'm strong, Sheba," Owen grunted. "But not that strong. You know who's strong enough? Natasha!" he shouted, pushing the bear gently towards the laughing teen.

"Sheba, come join me, you old ham," Lena called, smiling.

The bear lumbered over and pretended to jump on the older woman's back. Quick as a flash, Lena bent over, surprising Sheba, and balanced the bear's weight. Ava turned around to see if anyone else was seeing what she was.

"Grandma! Be careful!" Ava said.

Sheba was now chuckling helplessly. Lena set her back on the ground and the two embraced. They started forward, walking hand in hand, swinging their arms joyfully like two schoolgirl chums.

Ava soaked in the scene, memorizing it like a squirrel stashing away morsels for a hard winter. These were the things that would sustain her on the journey ahead. Hands grabbed her shoulders and then Natasha had hefted herself onto Ava's back.

"Sheba had the right idea," Natasha said, still laughing.

Ava hooked her arms around her friend's legs, happy to play along. "Should we do a little sprint?"

"Like a human sprint?" Natasha asked. "Or an Alpha sprint?"

"I was thinking of going a little vertical..." Ava said.

"Oh, I s'pose I'm in the mood for adventure today," Natasha said. "Lead on, fair steed!"

Ava shot off into the forest, calling the wind to her back. They were flying, ducking tree branches and jumping fallen limbs. Natasha whooped and screamed. Ava clambered up a tree like a black bear, hand over hand. Turning to her side, she saw that Owen was ascending a neighboring tree—they traded smiles.