The Kuthun Read online

  I nod.

  ‘I want to tell you something important,’ he says.

  ‘Okay,’ I answer hesitantly, wondering where this is going.

  He moves forward in his chair, closing the gap between us. I sit back slightly, a little wary about what he is going to say.

  He runs his hand through his hair roughly. ‘What this family has had to suffer to date is nothing short of horrendous. I have had to sit idly by and watch my mother and my sister murdered by monsters.’ He grimaces in pain at memories he would rather forget. ‘I may not be female, Ellie, but I am a Cole. Which means that while I don’t have all your supernatural abilities, I do have some skills that have been passed down.’

  My eyes widen in surprise. I always knew Uncle Jo could see Ama, and he does have this sneaky sixth sense, but I thought that was it. Most, if not all, the Cole power is passed down through the female line. In fact there have only been a handful of males born into the family and Uncle Jo is the last of them.

  He nods. ‘Ah, so you thought that just because I was male that we don’t share the same blood? Well, you’re wrong. I can sense energies and feel certain changes in the air. I see some things before they happen and I know when I am being lied to.’ He lowers his gaze, letting me know he is on to me, and takes a moment to gather his thoughts. ‘I spent years working for the government as you know. During this time I learnt many skills, both on the ground and in intelligence. I devoted many hours, over many years, tracing the Cole bloodline back in history. I wanted to try and understand our kind better, our reasons for being here, and the purpose of our survival. I also focused intensely on learning about and tracking these Venators. These skills have served me pretty well, but sometimes not well enough.’ He looks at me with a pained expression. ‘I used every resource possible to try and prevent your mother from being killed, but I failed,’ his says, lowering his eyes.

  I am stunned by the revelation that he knows more than I thought he did and hurt to find that while we Cole women spend so much time thinking about our own mortality, we sometimes forget that others who love us have suffered just as great.

  I reach out to touch his hand and he gives it a reassuring squeeze. ‘I know that something is going on and I want to help. I will not sit by and watch the same thing happen to you. So please let me in.’

  The anguish in his voice catches me off guard. I realise now that I can’t do this alone. Nodding my head I say, ‘I need all the help I can get.’

  He smiles wanly at me, nods his head in relief and sits back in his chair once more.

  I begin to explain everything that happened today, going into detail about the kuthun and its ability to teleport me back in time to certain events. I describe the feeling of being watched this afternoon and about Ama helping me understand some things. I finish off by telling him about the unknown entity who whispered sweet nothings in my ear only moments ago.

  When I’m finished I breathe a sigh of relief. It felt good to get everything off my chest.

  His frown deepens and I know he is worried. He crosses one arm across his chest, his other hand rubs his stubbled chin in thought ‘Well, it seems we have ourselves a dilemma,’ he states matter-of-factly.

  ‘That’s it?! No, wow how weird, always thought you were a little crazy?’ I ask him, a little taken aback at his calm reaction.

  With raised eyebrows he says, ‘You would like me to freak out would you? Well I am sorry to disappoint you, Ellie, but you forget that I grew up with your mother. There is nothing I wouldn’t believe when it comes to our family.’

  He has a point. ‘Well, what do we do now?’ I ask, hoping he has answers.

  ‘First, we have to make sure that you’re safe. I’ll take care of certain factors there but I need you to place a warding spell around the property to prevent anyone, other than those of us who aren’t a direct threat, from entering. If what Amaris says is true then we can’t take any chances. If you could do that this afternoon I think that would be best. But as a rule I do not want you to venture beyond the property boundary okay?’ He waits for my nod before he continues, ‘Secondly, I want you to be very careful when using that kuthun. You don’t know the full extent of its power so remain cautious.’ He holds my gaze for a moment. When he is satisfied that I heard him correctly he pats his knees and stands up. ‘This was good.’ He seems pleased with himself and turns to exit my bedroom.

  Before I lose my nerve I want to ask him something. ‘Uncle Jo?’

  He turns back to face me.

  Remembering the dream I quietly ask, ‘Do you think Mum’s alright?’

  Sadness fills his eyes. ‘I’m not sure, Ellie. But I do know that to get that kuthun to you took great skill and determination. Your mum’s a fighter. She always was and always will be.’ He smiles lightly before making his way out the door.

  I stay sitting for a moment, looking out the window, absorbing our conversation. I was selfish to think that he wouldn’t understand. I’m glad I told him everything and decide that I won’t keep anything from him again. As for Mum, I only hope that wherever she is she knows I love her.

  A flash of colour flies past my bedroom window, distracting me from my incessant thoughts. An owl has perched itself on the branch of the honeysuckle tree, its plumage a sophisticated blend of creams, beiges and browns. The owl is staring directly at my window, watching me with its large round eyes. It doesn’t look away and my instincts are telling me this is no ordinary owl.

  I remember being taught that in the west of Africa the owl is seen as a messenger to wizards and witches, with the owl’s cry presaging evil. In Australia, the Aborigines believe the owl represents the souls of women, therefore it is sacred. To Cole witches it means both.

  The owl did not make any sound so I can deduce that I am in no immediate danger but its presence indicates that the souls of my female ancestors are watching over me, warning me that danger is looming on the horizon.

  The owl moves to take flight. With wings outstretched it launches itself off the branch and gracefully enters the air. I watch it fly off into the distance, pondering its purpose for being here.

  My eyes are drawn down to the garden where Magi is hopping madly back and forth trying to catch a lizard with her front paws. I chuckle half-heartedly, aware of how tired I am, knowing that today has drained me in more ways than one. I look towards my bed, my body desperately wanting to fall into a deep sleep. But instead I do the one thing I know will make me feel better.

  I put my running shoes on.

  Jogging always clears my head and releases the good endorphins, which is something I am in desperate need of right now. I walk downstairs and out the front door, heading towards Old Olsen who is humming like a maniac. What is up with him? As I get closer, the humming becomes incessantly louder. The noise is deafening and I hold my hands over my ears to drown out the sound. Through the ear piercing assault I reach out my hand and place it on his trunk. Gradually the humming starts to die down, until all I can feel is a gentle rippling vibration through the bark. I leave my hand there for a minute not wanting to tempt a reoccurrence of buzzville.

  Something touches my shoulder gently and I look down to see a perfect green leaf land on my shirt. In the next instance a hundred delicate green leaves are falling from the branches and floating all around me, tickling me with their touch and evergreen scent. I stretch out my arms and close my eyes, revelling in the beauty of nature. I imagine tiny pixies dancing across my skin, laughing in delight at the freedom of their movement. The air around me swirls with life, my magic fusing with the leaves, creating a kaleidoscope of colour.

  After a few minutes I open my eyes to find the leaves lightly falling to the ground. I smile at the unexpected gift from this old tree, a little sad that the experience was over all too soon. I pat Old Olsen and say, ‘Thank you, I needed that.’

  Feeling more exhilarated I start to jog around the property, being careful not to disobey my uncle’s orders of staying within the boundaries. The pounding
of my feet upon the ground and my breathing become unified as one. The wind sails through my hair and I let my worries go. Magi has found her place running beside me, her tongue lolling out the side of her mouth and her fur blowing around like black wheat grass. Before long I have forgotten everything else except how good it feels to be alive.

  To be alive. Those words echo through my mind and I realise how important it is to not only be alive, but to stay alive.

  While running I move my hand along the invisible perimeter and place a warding spell around the entire property. ‘Tomara jesuk denali caza.’

  To the naked eye it would seem that everything is normal but to someone with the sight it would look like a faint, hazy shield, standing about ten metres high, surrounds the farm—similar to what egg white does for the yolk.

  To those wishing to physically enter it would be like coming up against an invisible wall. Those with a dark heart would face plant right into it, denying them access, while those with a pure heart would be allowed through.

  The sun starts to set and I head back towards the house. My legs feel like jelly and my heart is pounding but I feel so good and clear-minded after the run.

  I pour Magi some water and enter the back door, inhaling the sweet scent of Aunt Lily’s cooking as I walk past. I head upstairs to shower and change before dinner, silently hoping that when my head does hit the pillow tonight my dreams will be kind to me.

  Chapter 5

  I am walking along a dirt trail. Magi is beside me. The path is leading me into the forest. Up ahead I see a grove within the understorey of the tall pines that envelope it. The sun is glinting through the leaves, creating shadows that leap and play with the movement of the clouds. I feel nervous. As I enter the grove, senses alert, I see a globe of light suspended in mid-air. It glows and pulses and as I walk towards it, its form becomes clear. It is the kuthun. I sense another presence. I stop. Off to the left I see a shimmering outline of a person. My magic reaches out to reveal that it is male. He is dressed in what appears to be a gold and violet cloak that glitters beneath the sun’s rays. He is standing regal, transmitting powerful magic. In his hand he holds a staff. It too is gold, detailed with drawings and carvings that appear to look like Egyptian hieroglyphics. I cannot make them out for certain. My powers are heightened but I don’t feel threatened in any way. My vision is quickly directed to the right of me. Behind the thick trunk of a nearby tree eyes are watching me from the shadows. They have an intense heat about them, giving off a warning within me. I look between the two beings, confused as to what this means and then my eyes are drawn back to the kuthun. Its light is blinding and I shield my face with the back of my hand.

  I groan and turn my face into the pillow as I wake from another dream, this one so vivid that I can feel the residue it has left behind. I know now that the kuthun is central to everything that is happening and that the other beings involved play a significant role in whatever is about to go down.

  ‘Great! Mr. Dodgy eyes is out there, that makes me feel so much better,’ I grumble, throwing off the covers. I get out of bed, at least feeling rested, relieved that there weren’t any bad dreams about Mum.

  On the way to the bathroom I walk past the kuthun. It emanates a pulse that vibrates through my body causing the hairs on my arms to rise. I deliberately ignore it, fighting off the urge to pick it up, to feel its power once again. I forge past it and close the bathroom door shut behind me.

  As I’m getting dressed I hear a knock at the front door. Who would be here at this time in the morning?

  I hear my aunt’s voice. ‘Oh, good morning officer.’ Her tone reveals her alarm.

  Officer! What are the police doing here? I throw on the rest of my school uniform as quickly as possible and head downstairs.

  As I get to the bottom step I sit down and see two policemen standing in the front doorway. One is big and burly and reminds me of a Rottweiler. His eyes are alert as they fall on me and he nods in my direction. The other is more slender with downward sloped eyes and protruding ears, reminding me of a sausage dog. What an odd pair.

  ‘Good morning, Mrs. Olsen,’ sausage says. ‘My name is Constable Talbot.’ He gestures to Rottweiler. ‘This is Constable Rickson. We’re sorry to bother you ma’am but we’ve had a few reports in the last couple of days of strange sightings.’

  ‘Oh. Strange how?’ Aunt Lily asks.

  Talbot frowns. ‘An unknown man has been seen near the high school and his presence has unnerved a few people. Mr. Phillips, the school groundsman, saw him for a second time yesterday and started to walk over to him to find out what he was doing. As he was getting closer this person took off into the wood.’

  ‘Oh my! I’m sorry but I’m unsure as to why you are here?’ Aunt Lily’s suspicions are raised.

  I can feel the hairs on my neck begin to prickle with unease. Where is Uncle Jo? As if on cue he and Magi enter the back door in the kitchen, his heavy boots echoing against the wooden floor. As they move into the entryway Uncle Jo stops dead in his tracks, his face hardening as he takes in the scene. In one quick motion he is by Aunt Lily’s side.

  ‘What is going on here?’ Uncle Jo demands, his hand finds its way to the small of my aunt’s back.

  The policemen can obviously feel his concern as they take a step back. Their reaction is probably due to the fact that his aura has actually changed from a deep green to a bright purple in the last few seconds—indicating he is on edge and ready to defend his territory if need be.

  ‘Sir, as we were just explaining to your wife here, there have been unusual sightings of a man lurking around the high school outer grounds. No-one knows who he is, and we are just asking if anyone has seen him or had any other sightings that we need to be aware of?’ he cautiously replies.

  Uncle Jo leans his hand against the door frame. His other hand doesn’t leave my aunt’s back. ‘At the school you say. No, we haven’t seen anything unusual have we?’ He looks back at me and I shake my head.

  Rickson is leering at me. His inability to speak is starting to irritate me and I don’t think Magi likes it either as I can feel her growl low in her throat.

  ‘A quick question though?’ Uncle Jo has his interrogative stare going on. This should be good. ‘You’ve both come out here early in the morning to ask us if we’ve seen anything suspicious, but yet you’re indicating that we shouldn’t be concerned. Although for you both to be here this early, and by the way in which you are holding yourselves, especially Silent Steve back there,’ he jerks his head towards Rickson, ‘there obviously is cause for concern, am I right?’ Rickson backs off slightly. Talbot starts to respond but my uncle cuts him off. ‘And are you questioning everyone from the high school or just us? As that would be strange, don’t you think?’ Uncle Jo is standing taller now, his large frame filling the doorway. He gently pushes Aunt Lily behind him.

  Talbot notices the change in position and I see his body shift nervously. I smirk, interested to see what Talbot does now, especially seeing as my uncle has at least five inches and forty pounds of muscle on him. Rickson sees my expression and scowls slightly.

  Talbot looks at Uncle Jo and takes a moment to gather himself. He raises his hand in submission. ‘Sir, please don’t get upset. We didn’t want to alarm you unnecessarily. We have also had a couple of accounts out this way as well. Specifically near your property and two others.’

  Could it be the person watching me the other day? The dream I had this morning runs through my mind. Mr. Dodgy eyes perhaps?

  ‘Where specifically out here?’ Uncle Jo presses.

  ‘Well, a couple of ladies were driving along the main pass through here yesterday and saw a man standing near the trees across from the Campbell’s place.’

  I stand up quickly. ‘Phoebe’s house!’ They all look in my direction.

  ‘It’s okay, Ellie. She’s fine.’ Uncle Jo reassures me with his trust-me voice.

  I decide I don’t want to hear any more so I make my way into the kitchen to fix
some breakfast. I can still hear them talking out near the doorway but I’ve heard enough. Whatever is going on, it is happening fast. There can only be one reason for this.

  The Venator is here.

  My heart races, fear and anger intermingling with one another, causing my magic to ignite within me. I feel my skin getting hotter and my palms begin to sweat. Within seconds the air around me builds, causing the teacups to swing on their hooks and the drawers to shudder violently.

  Magi sticks her wet nose into my hand and the sensation jolts me back to the present. I’m projecting my power again. I reach for my locket and within a few seconds my breathing settles and the sound dies down around me.

  The front door closes and my aunt and uncle whisper a few words to one another before their footsteps move towards the kitchen. I’m busy making tea when they enter.

  Aunt Lily comes up behind me and gently touches my shoulder. ‘Are you alright, Ellie?’

  Her hand is trembling and a wave of sadness courses through me. She shouldn’t have to feel scared. This is all my fault.

  I force a smile. ‘I’m fine, Aunt Lily. Are you okay?’

  She nods and glances back at Uncle Jo sitting at the table. ‘I’ll leave you two to it.’ She pats my shoulder again before walking out.

  I carry my mug over to the counter. Uncle Jo’s eyes follow my every move. ‘You may as well get it out. I know you’re thinking it,’ I say, knowing we’ve both come to the same conclusion about what really brought those police to our door.

  ‘Ellie, this is getting serious.’ He moves to sit opposite me. ‘It has to be him,’ he says, his fist clenching against the benchtop.

  ‘I’m more worried about Phoebe right now.’

  ‘Phoebe! Didn’t you hear what I just said?’ He frowns.

  ‘Yes, I heard you. The big bad Venator is here,’ I reply sarcastically.