Through the Darkness

Chapter 19: Preparing for Battle

It was mid-morning when Cami finally asked her unusually quiet instructor why they had spent the earliest part of the day simply meditating and chanting. Freya slowly opened her eyes and looked at her curious student as they sat kneeling near the stream.

"Camille, I am going to be brutally honest with you. Your brother is going to have the advantage. You need years of training to even come close to what his abilities should be by this time. The only way you are going to survive and possibly win is to have the best defense possible and use the element of surprise in your favor."

Sighing in defeat, Cami muttered, "Well, I'm doomed. I am the most uncoordinated, un-sneaky person I know. This was all a waste of time."

Freya leaned over and took her hand. "No! You have done incredibly well and have learned more in the past few weeks than I thought was even possible! I have learned so much about you and it is no wonder why my brother is in love with you. You are brave and strong, and you never give up. I really think despite what I just told you, you have a fighting chance."

Cami looked down at the ground. The tears threatened to break through. "I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't terrified of dying. I have so much to live for now."

"Then, fight for it."

Nodding, Cami stood up with Freya and they worked on diversionary tactics using the basic magic spells that she had learned. Since stealth was not one of Cami's strengths, Freya managed to teach her a spell that would help her if she needed to conceal her presence to buy her time to strike, if necessary. They worked for the rest of the day, finishing with a satisfied feeling of a job well done. As they walked to the car, Cami asked, "Freya? Is there any way you can interfere to help me win the Merge?"

She shook her head sadly. "I am completely against this Merge and I think the Green Serpent Guild deserves punishment for interfering in something like this. So, if there was a way I could help you end this before it even started, I would. Never mind the fact that I consider you one of the few friends I have since I've come to New Orleans and I don't want to lose you."

Overwhelmed by Freya's sentiment, Cami gave her a hug. "I wish you could come with me."

Freya gently responded, "My brother loves you and if it is in his power, he will protect you better than I ever could."

Cami backed away to look at her. "I don't know what he could possibly do to help me. I think I'm on my own with all this."

"After seeing the extremes he went to for Hope when Aunt Dahlia posed a threat to her, I have no doubt that if there is a way to protect you or help you, he will find it, if he hasn't already." Sighing, she continued, "Now, let's get you back home."

Klaus had spent the day preparing for their trip to Mystic Falls. He had their bags packed, checked on the arrangements for lodging, and called Gianna, who reported that everything was ready. She had also told him that the heretic named John had indeed arrived back in Lily Salvatore's care and all was quiet in their camp. There were new developments that Klaus became aware of in relation to his plans, making him realize that his desire to have the upper hand was truly solidified. He was extremely relaxed and content as a result of this knowledge and decided that he would tell his family, not only to demonstrate his control of the entire situation but also to remind them that he is a much better ally than an enemy. As he made arrangements for an elaborate dinner feast, Elijah walked in to the dining room as he exited the kitchen.

"Niklaus? Add another place for dinner."

Lost in thought, Cami pondered what Freya had said during the entire drive, realizing that she was right. Klaus would go to the extreme for her, but what extreme would that be? Was it possible he knew a way to stop the Merge, but couldn't tell her and was waiting until the last moment? She knew if she asked him, he may not tell her the truth. Then, she thought of what it would do to Klaus if she were to die during the Merge. Would he be able to survive the loss of another loved one or would he go on a vicious rampage and try to avenge her death? She knew the latter was very likely, which would mean a lot of lost lives because of her. She wasn't comfortable with that thought. As they pulled into the drive, a familiar face greeted them with a big smile.