Evergreen [Book 1 of the Hierarchy Series]-Revising

Chapter 8

 "So, how have you been," Cassia asked as they walked through the woods, back to the wreckage. Liebei wanted to investigate the fire further for any clues to who attacked, and how to find the Wollem twins. Now in her human form, Cassia recognized the black hair, dark amber eyes and lean body of her old friend. Even if she didn't have many memories of their childhood together.

"Um, alright I guess." Liebei's eyes drew to her, curious like a puppy. "Other than my duties with the gang, I haven't done much else."

Cassia wandered after her, thoughts of the gang and the brothers swarming her mind. "Can you tell me anything about the crazy siblings that followed me through the city? The girl with white hair or the one you called Ghostie and the man dressed in black."

"Why do you want to know about them? Did they inquire something?"

"It's just," she exhaled, exasperated. "This whole prophesy thing. How am I supposed to trust a bunch of thieves and murderers with my life when their boss wants me dead?"

Liebei considered, tilting her head one way, then the other. A vein popped in her temple, and she clenched her jaw. "Well, consider this. Maybe the reason we are in a gang is that our choices were limited. You can only get money with a job, and jobs for those on the streets can be limited, especially for kids. That doesn't mean that we are bad people. Our primary goal is helping you, and keeping tabs on those who would rather see you dead."

Cassia sighed. The determination in her eyes proved the truth. "I just want to know about my past. I'm so lost without it."

Taluntain squirmed in her shirt, popping out of the back of her collar. Liebei watched her, thinking her next words. "Did you ever wonder why Taluntain can talk?"

The question seemed random and out of context, but Cassia shook the thought away. "Because animals can talk."

"Actually, they can't. Notice your horses don't speak, or your bird and family pets. Only Taluntain and a few others have. Did you ever wonder why?"

Cassia stared, confused. "I guess."

"Don't go there, Liebei." Taluntain gave her a threatening look, or at least what a weasel could muster as one.

"Any animal that talks are shifters. A human capable of shifting into a specific animal. Most of the time you see wolves because it is more common, but I've seen people shift into other animals too. Mostly predators."

Cassia turned to Taluntain for an explanation. "Your mother entrusted me to be your advisor. To help you through the process of remembering. Just in case it took too much of a toll on you."

"So, what do you really look like?"

Taluntain turned her face away. "I don't remember. I can't change back anymore. I've been in this form for too long. It doesn't really matter to me. I prefer to be an animal small enough to be concealed and spy." She squealed joyfully.

"What else should I know before I sound like an idiot to a king?"

Liebei stepped in front of her, her fingers tracing the chain on her neckline. She lifted it until the pendant slipped from her shirt, revealing the glowing jewels. "That necklace is the timekeeper. I can't touch it without your permission. Open it, and you'll find you have the knowledge of the universe, past, present, and future."

She opened the necklace, the face of a clock peering back at her. Nothing unique about it.

"You lost your powers along with your memory, once you take it back, you'll be able to see what it truly looks like. I can see it, though I can't touch it, not until you unlock its power."