Broken Wings

Chapter Fourty One

Harry:

I woke up not knowing where I was for a minute. Then it all came rushing back. I was shot. Now I was home. But no one is around. I'm not bleeding. I'm not in pain. This isn't right. Somethings very wrong.

"You're awake. Welcome home brother."

"Gabriel?"

"The one and only. How do you feel?"

I start to sit up but my head spins. "Confused. I'm home?"

"You are. There was in incident."

"I remember. But what about the others? Niall?"

"They are fine. We've been keeping an eye on things." He leans closer to me. "Your friends are not handling this well." By friends I assume he means Skye.

"How.....How is she?"

He just looks at me for a minute. " Not well. She misses you."

Swallowing the lump in my throat I nod. "I expect not. I miss her too." I wipe the the tears that forms in my eyes. "Am I......?"

He sits back up. "Your host is still in the house. It's heart has not stopped."

"Why? Why is he keeping me there. It will only hurt more if they are given false hope."

"You would have to ask him. I'm sure he has his reasons. Come. break bread with me." He stands up stretching his long legs.

At first I thought I was still in my jeans and tee shirt. But when I moved I found I was wearing a light blue robe with gold trim. I chuckled softly.

"What?" Gabriel says as he starts walking away.

"I don't get a white one this time?" Considering what I've done I would guess not. " So brother. How long have I been here?"

"Counting in Earth days? One."

"Seems like longer......" I follow him out of the small house that I've called mine for as long as I remember. We go down the path that leads to one of our many lakes. The flowers are magnificent. And fresh honey suckle fills the air. I take a deep breath and flinch. The pain is to much. "Where is father?"

"In council. On how to replenish the world. Stupid idea."

I just raise my eyebrows and whistle.

"What?" Gabriel ask.

"You know he can hear you. Right."

"I know. He knows my views on the whole thing. I think that he should bring the chosen ones here and be done with the rest."

"And give up? You also know he will never do that."

"One can hope."

We get to the lake where he has everything set up already. The food is more then I've seen in years. My heart sinks when I think of what's going on back there.

We sit on the grass across from each other. I pick up a glass of water and down it.

"Eat something." He rips a piece of bread and hands it to me. My water glass is full again. I have to get used to the way things are up here again.

We eat and drink for awhile not saying anything. Then he tells me father is coming.

"That must have been some meeting."

A few minutes later I see him.  The sight is wonderful. I stand to greet him and he pulls me into a hug. I have missed him.

"Welcome home my son. I trust your brother is taking care of you."

" Of course he is." I hate to do this but I must know. "Am I.....Am I staying?"

"I'm not sure. Do you want to stay home?" This is definitely a trick question.

"I thought you had a job for me? Am I done?"

"Ah. Your feelings are still strong." He grabs both of my hands like he used to do when a was a small boy. " I want you to sit in on a few council meetings then decide."

A few council meetings?? Uh oh.

"Do you want to see her?" He ask smiling.

"Please."

He turns his head to the right. "Look." I look over and a picture or more like a video appears. And there she is. Sitting next to me. My hand in hers. I look up at my father. My life, everything I am is because of him. I know in my soul,  that he would give everything he has for me. And he has. But right now he's killing me.

I look away. " I can't do this. Why?"

"I need a lesson here. I thought I said that."

"What lesson father? I am obedient. Am I not?" I look up at the scene in the clouds. Skye has her head on my bare chest. My stomach is wrap with gauze. I see a hint of blood on the stark white bandage.

"You are. This is not your test my son. It's theirs." As he says that Niall walks in the room. I watch as she slowly looks up at him and shakes her head. Fresh tears on her cheeks. He sighs heavily and kneels next to her. Then bows his head.

" Does Niall know what needs to be done?" I ask. It comes out a whisper.

"He does." He waves his hand and the scene disappears. " We've talked. Now are you ready for your first meeting with the council?"

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Yes Sir." I look over at Gabriel suddunly remembering he was there.

"They'll be fine." He mouths to me. I nod and follow our father. And I can't help but wonder why I'm sitting in on a meeting I have never been to before.