Chimera Awakened

Chapter Three

That night I dreamt of my mother and father. Maybe it was the barn scents that always brought them into clear focus. They were holding hands in a field of grass, surrounded by grazing horses and foals bounding on adorably long legs. My mother always loved watching the mares and their babies. My father just loved to watch her.

"Mom. Dad," I called, smiling as I walked toward them.

My mother turned and beckoned me closer. I walked to her and she pulled me to her side. She was so beautiful. Blonde hair, nearly white like most of mine, flowed to her waist and her deep golden eyes, the same shade as my left eye, shimmered with tears.

"What's wrong?" I asked, my brows furrowing in concern.

"You're not listening," she said sadly.

"Listening to what?" I looked from her to my father but he was gazing at the horses.

"Your gifts." She pressed her lips together.

"I use my gift to help animals," I said desperately. "Just like you taught me."

"You're more than one, sweet girl. Listen."

I had jolted awake then, sweat dripping down my sides, bedding soaked. This wasn't the first dream I'd had like this. They started a couple months ago and she always told me close to the same thing. "You're more" or "Use your gifts". Always though, she told me to listen.

"What the hell are you doing?" I heard a man yell from one of the training paddocks. Clint, most likely, yelling at an understudy.

Everyone was on edge with the Day of Darkness fast approaching. The horses we'd trained were ready, I knew that in my heart. But still, this anniversary was a big deal and we were all feeling anxious.

I approached the training paddock to see Clint in front of his understudy, Hale, flapping his arms and cursing profusely at the poor guy. Clint always yelled and cursed so his scoldings weren't as terrifying as he thought. I watched him, late fifties with black hair turning silver at the sides, pale face reddened with annoyance, yelling at Hale.

Hale just stood there, nodding calmly. He was handsome in a quiet sort of way. His dark skin made him stand out dramatically against the backdrop of snow and I knew his deep black hair would've sparkled in the March sun if he wasn't wearing a hat.

He shot me a look, one that said "here we go again", and I smiled apologetically as I shrugged. Hale showed promise as a horse trainer in the little time he was here. He came to me in November asking for a job and shelter, and I decided I couldn't let him freeze. Winters here were harsh and without shelter he wouldn't have survived. We were far north, in a land they called "Canada" in the Old Era - if I was remembering my lessons correctly.

Hale's family had disowned him for reasons I hadn't yet learned but something about him seemed trustworthy. There was no inkling of any sort of gift. Some people just didn't have any. But he was a hard worker and one of the few people who handled Clint's moods with grace.

"Wondering what he's like in bed?" Charlie's voice crooned from beside me.

Deep in my thoughts, I hadn't noticed her approach.

"Clint?" I asked incredulously.
She threw her head back and laughed. "No. Hale." She rolled her eyes at me before turning back to watch the men.

I chuckled and shook my head. My sister enjoyed the pleasures life had to offer without shame or guilt. Sex was seen as a natural human need and not something that devalued anyone. Charlie took advantage of that and enjoyed the company of men. I loved her unfaltering confidence.