Walk Through Thorns

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

"The eclipse is tomorrow night," Victoria said.

We were gathered in Avery's apartment. Linda was out, giving us the opportunity to speak freely.

I said, "The Children of the Briarheart believe they can access the Heavenly Throne on the eclipse. So we need to make our plan now."

Brandon said, "You still think that the SNO in Creighton mine is how they are going to get there?"

"I do," I said, "So we need to stop them. If we don't, the Briarheart will get access to... something. I was drugged out of my mind, and I didn't understand what he was trying to tell me."

Victoria chimed in, "It's so simple, I can't believe you don't get it."

Avery said, "Then explain it in terms sane people will understand."

Victoria huffed from the corner of the room. She had refused to sit on any furniture, citing that the dog hair would ruin her clothing. "The Archtree is the source of life and the Briarheart is a parasite. It wants to spread to more of the tree. Is that simple enough?"

Avery was sitting on the couch amid the dog pile. She was holding the figurine of Greta's character, turning it over in her fingers. "Let Howard deal with it," she said, "If he's got soldier buddies in town, I'm sure they can handle it."

Brandon said, "But if Celeste is right about the silver, then he isn't ready to deal with them. He is still trying to treat this like it's mundane crazy people."

Avery said, "I still think it is mundane crazy people."

Victoria said, "It's real. I know it seems out there since you weren't raised with it, but I promise you Celeste is right. We need to banish the Briarheart from their bodies with silver, or it will keep moving them around like zombies."

"We can still get Howard involved though," I said, "Victoria's idea was to make a distraction. That could be Howard's team. We don't need to get anywhere near the gunfire, we just need to break their machine. If they miss the eclipse, then we're good. Right?"

Avery said, "What if they get hurt?"

I said, "They're trained soldiers, and willing. Howard seems hellbent on going after them anyways. We'll be helping him."

Avery groaned. "I want it on record that I think this is insane," she said, "But, I'm in. Just to keep your stupid ass alive."

Brandon said, "You know I'm in. This is for Greta."

We all turned to Victoria. She had her arms crossed over her chest. "You seriously think I'm going to go into a stupid mine that people with guns are guarding?"

"You don't have a choice," I said, "You missed you're chance to be uninvolved when you attacked me and Greta."

Victoria rolled her eyes at me and said, "Fine, I'm in, but only because you're forcing me."

There was an uncomfortable silence, as the gravity of what came next loomed over us. I had to say something to break it.

"Look," I said, "This is going to be dangerous. If it's too much for anyone to handle, you can walk. I'll understand. But, if you're in, it's time for us to put on our war faces."

"My dad has a rifle," Brandon said, "I'll take it."

Avery asked, "Have you even ever fired a gun before?"

"Dad took me hunting a few times, before mom passed," Brandon said.

Victoria said, "My mom has silver hidden away. I'll bring it."