The Ylem by Tatiana Vila Read Free Book Online

only done so because you are special to us,
and you know it,” he said, stepping closer, crushing more pebbles
with the thick soles of his boots. “That’s why we’ve confided in
you. Your youth comes as a helpful connection to the nouveau world,
as well as your skills. And you have taken us closer to our goal
than anyone else. We trust you, but we would like this trust to be
mutual.”
    Everyone stared at Gavran, waiting for his
response. After a few long seconds of silence, it came with
humbleness, something that took us aback completely. “You have it.
Tell me what you’ve come to say.”
    “Thank you brother,” Moyset said with a short
nod. “Our father will be proud.”
    Gavran nodded.
    Moyset sighed and started pacing around our
circle once more. “The Keeper is different,” he continued. “The
counselor can feel her energy. She has an extra perception, a third
eye, and thus she cannot be overlooked, Gavran, no matter what her
outer shell is.” He paused and raised his gloved finger. “But our
biggest problem may be some other presence dwelling there.” He
turned to look at Gavran.
    “A Benandanti?” Gavran said at once. He
wasn’t the only one who was surprised. The worried stares in
everyone faces charged the air with heavy dread. A Benandanti meant
trouble, big trouble. “Well, that’s what I call VIP
information.”
    Moyset nodded. “We’re going to send you some
reinforcements to New Mexico, just in case things don’t go as
premeditated.”
    “I don’t think that will be necessary. My
pack will do. We’re young.”
    “It will be necessary, Gavran. Never
underestimate a Benandanti.”
    “Okay, okay,” Gavran raised his hands in
surrender. “Whatever you say. A couple of extra hands won’t be
that—” He trailed off. He was looking down at the small plastic bag
Moyset was holding out. He couldn’t help the smile stretching
across his lips.
    Deadly nightshade.
    It was a very powerful plant. Its berries
were lethal if eaten in big amounts. My brothers, and especially
Gavran, used them to weaken women and have fun with them. The toxic
berries made them lose their balance and blur their vision and,
most of all, dry their throats so they wouldn’t scream. The bag
that Moyset was giving Gavran was full of those berries. And I
could see Gavran’s eyes already spinning with ideas.
    “A small incentive.” Moyset told him,
smiling. “Allow yourself some fun.”
    Gavran pulled up the bag to his eyes and
stared, hypnotized. “Oh, I will.”
     
     
     
     
    4. THE
WOLFDOG
     
    KALISTA
    After what felt like five long hours of
shopping at the supermarket, we finally loaded the bulging bags in
the trunk and slipped inside the car. My dad turned on the engine
and then paused for a moment. “Honey,” he said, as if he wanted to
ask something I wouldn’t like. “Would you mind if we stop somewhere
else before going to the house?”
    My eventful agenda wouldn’t allow it .
“Where exactly?”
    “An art gallery. It’s just two miles away
from here. I need to go and meet somebody.”
    “From work?”
    “Not exactly.”
    "Sure. Let's go."
    The ride was short and the landscape the
same: big green trees and huge mountains instead of soaring silver
buildings and skyscrapers. The only thing that I might have
considered different was a beautiful golf course called The
Links at Sierra Blanca , which was a nice change from the jagged
scenery.
    We pulled in front of an art gallery called Studio W. From what it showed through the wide windows, it
looked promising. We opened the French door leading to the art
sanctuary and a cylindrical wind bell announced our arrival with a
beautiful cascade of chimes, as if inviting us to enter its
realm.
    “Look around if you want to. I’ll be right
back in a few minutes,” my dad told me and left, striding inside a
room that appeared to be an office.
    I turned around. The gallery was luminous
and vast. It seemed like a white, heavenly labyrinth with