The Birth (The Black Wing Book 1) (25 page)

Dr. Graham’s cell phone is ringing without a break. His voicemail isn’t activating for me to leave a message. I dialed again, and nothing. The last person on my contacts is Jeremy.

A hissing sound rolled pass me, they’re the sound of wings flustering above. Jeremy’s line rang without limit, just like Dr. Grahams. Dozens of birds are flying pass me, completely engulfing the cabin. Their chattering cries are not just familiar, their certain. It’s a flock of crows. They propelled over the cabin, a few dove through the broken windows and out. Jeremy isn’t answering my call. Like Dr. Graham, I’m not even allowed to leave a voicemail. Suddenly, the ring stopped, and a tired voice answered.

“Jeremy!” I cried.

“Hello…” mumbled a sleepy Jeremy.

“Jeremy, its Lola please—come pick me up—call the ambulance this instant!” I begged.

“Hello?” replied Jeremy “Lola are you there?”

It’s just like the operator, he can’t hear me. I dropped my head in defeat. Tears welled up in me, and I sobbed.

“Are you okay?” he continued. “I think you hit the mute key.”

“I’m sorry.” I replied. “I’m sorry I didn’t go with you when you asked me to.”

I’m feeling more hopeless, that keep talking to someone who can’t hear me. At least he will be somewhat of a witness that I was once here. As I’m about to hang up, Jeremy didn’t finish.

“I don’t have a good feeling about this.” he paused. “I’ll be on my way.” 

Hope has rekindled! I hanged up energized.

I need to come up with a getaway plan. The freeway is the safest path to wait for Jeremy. For that to happen, I need to walk along the dirt road. On foot, it will take me 15 minutes to make it to the freeway. Going now won’t guarantee that the Elite will be doing the same. Since Jeremy lives out in the country, it should take him about four hours to get here. Before I decide to plant myself in one location, I must first get as far as I can from the Elite.

The strain in my pelvic is pulsating, the good news is that I feel no contractions. As much as I want to go back inside the warmth of the cabin, I can’t put out lives at risk. I will hide inside the forest, until the appropriate time passes for me to wait near the road.

I found Kinoki on the porch rail, snarling at the crows. It looks like the dark birds are bothering her. She jumped off the rail and ran back inside the cabin. It won’t be a good thing if the Elite is controlling these aggressive birds. If I want to remain unnoticed, I mustn’t draw the same attention Kinoki did.

A dark roar resonated from the cabin and the crows began to fall into the ground like droppings. Their bodies thudded into the grass, the survivors flocked to regroup above the dark sky. Together, they soared towards the porch, where the Elite revealed himself. I’m wrong, the Elite doesn’t have control over these crows. Something must have gone wrong for them to behave in such an aggressive manner. One by one they swooped in to attack the Elite. In response to their attacks, he retaliated and knocked them down. It’s outrageous to think that these birds would do something so suicidal like ganging up on a Lenur. In packs, they fluttered to the Elite only to fall into the wet cold grass. Any animal in their right mind knows when to flee, but they keep pressing on. The unusual combat is moving, slowly shifting towards me. The crows hustled together following the Elite who is now heading my way. I left the protection of the honeysuckle bush and entered the forest, leaving the cabin and commotion behind me.

The further I ventured through the cold fog, the less I can hear the cawing and grumbles of a frustrated Elite. There is no darker place as the wilderness, the forest wipes away any light from the sky. When I reached a reasonable distance, I flipped the emergency flashlight on my cell phone. While the fog isn’t helping me clear the way, at least I can see how apart the trees are form each other and how steep the slopes are getting.

My water hasn’t broken, the pain on my lower back still hurts, and my bleeding has stopped. I should be fine, as long as I’m still capable of walking. I’m fine. I need to wait, and resist any more movements.

F
ifteen minutes have passed since I left the cabin and entered the Okanogan Forest. I leaned over the stump of a pine tree to lighten the weight on my feet. Breathing in this dense fog is difficult. My hair is already damp and cold, the ends are starting to frost. My fingers are so numb the pockets in my coat aren’t conserving any warmth. I have lots of hot packets in the drawer of my bedroom, I’m stupid for thinking of bringing those with me.

“I know why he came for us.
”
said Serenata.

Her dry voice is worrying me, it’s sluggish, and barely audible. When I asked her what she thought, Serenata explained it all. It’s exactly what Avalon said to me. My breathing is like scent to them. The Elite had no trouble finding me, to him, I stood out like a beacon of light. It still doesn’t explain why he’s after us. He should have left the moment he saw Serenata’s little body in Avalon’s arms. The Lenur has no innocent motive to nonchalantly check the place out, not when he wants to personally see me. Could he suspect that Serenata is with us??

“I feel strange.
”
sighed Serenata.

“What do you mean?!” I stressed.

“I feel…sleepy.”

“Serenata.” I called. “Serenata, talk to me.”

An eerie flutter flew by my ear. I promptly turned off the light. A dark crackle grew close, it’s creeping closer and closer. I need to run, but I’m too stun to do it. The dark figure is flying directly towards me, I swung my arms screaming. My fists swung at the air, whatever I touched, fell on the ground and cried—it’s a crow.

“Get away from me!” I shouted.

I left its yapping calls and fled, fearing the Elite will hear us. Instantly, another crow flew down and pulled my hair, strands fell on the ground. Another flew so close, it pinched my shoulder. I waved my hands around, and hit another that missed my arm. Within seconds, most of the crows in the cabin found me. Their interests in me, is a very aggressive one. Maybe they think I’m the Elite’s ally.

“Serenata.” I muttered. “Are you still there?”

“She’s asleep.”
said a new voice, echoing in my ear.

“Who-who are you!” I exclaimed.

“Please. Do not be frightened, it’s just me, Ebon.”

His voice resembled a calm young man—too calm in this mess where’re in. So this is the entity Avalon mentioned countless of times.

“Why are these birds acting like this?”

I pressed my back tightly against a wide pine tree, the crows flew ahead. It won’t be long before they return.

“These dark birds are tainted.”
said Ebon.

“Tainted?” I panted.

“Their beaks reek of Avalon’s blood. It appears they ate from her remains. It’s possible they drank the remaining life in her blood, just before it faded away. The birds that are chasing you are no longer in the form of their creator—they are altered, unnatural, and perilous. You must escape before a murder of them advance. I should warn you, they are after Serenata and your child. To them, you are just in their way.”

I pushed through the forest, twisted and swayed aside the countless trees. Thanks to my flashlight, I barely grazed through two birch tree. Ebon’s words echoed inside me, “their beaks” he said, they consumed Avalon! The only being who shared the same pain is no longer here. I should have expect it, but I can’t believe it. Avalon’s smile, her glowing eyes, and the gentle way she held Serenata’s premature body. It’s gone.

A dark cloud of flying reptiles grew heavy over my head. They multiplied in large numbers.

“First the Elite, and now these crows!” I complained. “Isn’t there anything you can do? Avalon said you’re responsible for protecting our children!”

I started zig-zagging through the trees and slipping through the narrow shrubs. The swarm of crows are unable catch up, but every step is ripping me apart.

“Keep going.”
sparked Ebon.
“Avalon gave us an advantage against the Elite. She took out his eyes, and put up a fight worthy of a true Lenur.”

“You saw?” I stated.

“Yes.”
he replied.
“I astral project. Your suspicions are true, we couldn’t fool the Elite as we planned, he suspects Serenata is alive. That is why he went to seek you. Do not worry. He won’t be here long, he must report back to the Emperor. Your new problem is not the Elite, but these crows.”

“Why did were they acting so suicidal with the Elite?”

“These crows ate from the flesh of Avalon, previously, they wanted to consume the Elite. That is why they followed him to your home. Somehow you are producing the essence of a Lenur. It took them long to figure out that you have the taste they desire. You must be as far away from them as possible.”

This essence must be the blood that has now streamed down my leg. I’m currently in premature labor, Ebon doesn’t know, but I think he suspects. The branches shook above me, the crows have returned. They’re growing closer, before I could dash out of their way, my foot twisted on an open root. I sprang to avoid the fall, but as soon as I landed, my knees gave out. It happened so face, I didn’t notice the tree and smacked my face right into the truck. The black forest, these evil crows, and the Elite, all of these awful things vanished in an instant.

T
he pine trees are dancing, their branches are swaying under the emanating sky. The black woods are no more. A hint of gray is smudging the darkness, it’s fading from the arriving sun. My nose tickles, I wiped a thick line of crusty blood right off my nostril. I’m having a harder time rubbing off the cold mud that smeared half of my face. With my consciousness returning, so did my awareness of the merciless cold wind. Even with the few cracks of dawn, the fog doesn’t want to leave so soon. I pressed my jacket close to me and sunk my hands into my pockets. My mobile phone is missing. In anger I slammed my fist against the ground.

My throbbing headache worsened with the awakening pain of my arms and legs. My womb is fine, the contractions have slowed down and my back ache is gone. It’s a miracle that I sustained the labor. Now I need to return to the cabin, Jeremy will soon be here. By the time I get back, the Elite will be gone and this gloomy area will be full of warm sunlight.

“Don’t move.
”
said Serenata.

I didn’t. She startled me the moment she spoke, but her voice gives me great relief, my baby is alright.

“It’s nice to hear your voice.” I said.

“Ebon said they’ve been watching you for hours.
”
she continued, dismissing my concern
.
“They’re waiting.
”

I looked up, and met eyes with one.

A crow.

The fog has concealed them well, there’s dozens in every branch. Their ominous presence shivers me to the core. Their black eyes and sharp beak are expecting me. Among them, a black shadow crept towards me, this crow is bigger than the rest, older perhaps. I recognize the scruffy feathers. It’s the old crow from my trip back to the cabin. Wherever he moved, the rest shifted to give him room. To think I would meet this large monstrous crow again. The group are showing a lot of respect to this particular bird, and that makes me feel very uneasy. I must leave—now.

My chilly bones cracked as I rose on my swollen feet. The moment I lined up my spine, an overwhelming sting pounded in my temple. I didn’t just bleed through the nose, I slightly open a tissue on my forehead. I took a step and I cried out. The crows jumped—others landed on the ground. A warm tangy smell leaked down my leg, the sizzling vapor left from underneath my night gown. As I leaned to reach down I felt a soft head peeking at my dilated cervix.

“Oh my God!” I cried.

“What’s wrong?
”
said Serenata

“Where is Ebon?” I shook.

“He’s here, but we both can’t talk to you at the same time.”

“Serenata, can I speak to Ebon?” I chirped, frantic.

“I-I can try—
”
Serenata’s voice faded.

My icy hair swung down when I leaned to grab the nearest rock. I pressed it on my chest. This rock is my only defense against these dark spiteful birds. Every step is making my baby’s head rub more pressure on my cervix. What I thought to be slow contractions is starting to feel stronger. With every force in me, I’m walking back home. The crows followed, gliding so close, they almost hit me. I want to swing my rock at them, but I held my anger.

“Keep going.”
said Ebon, interrupting my second desire to stone a crow.

“What about the Elite, is it safe to return?” I asked.

“You came in contact with him from the kitchen window didn’t you? You know the vital signs of death he suffered. He will not decide to die here in vain. His duty is to return, and report to the Emperor about Avalon.”

“So the Elite really did—and these crows actually consumed—” I choked.

“You’re barely accepting it?”
said Ebon.
“Avalon is no longer with us.”

My cheeks are boiling, the sweat on my forehead is melting my dry crusty blood. Each step is bringing me closer to the cabin, but another step is becoming harder to do.

“Serenata is waking up.”
faded Ebon.

“Did I do it?
”
said Serenata
.
“Did you talk to Ebon?”

“Yes.” I replied. “I’m going back to the cabin now.”

“But the Elite—”

“He’s not around anymore!” I snapped.

I don’t want her asking about Avalon, I don’t want to tell her she is dead.

“Serenata, I think the baby is coming sooner than I thought. You must be strong for me, okay?”

“Y-yes—
”
stammered Serenata.

Some of the crows on the branches curved their necks, causing a bubbling chirp roll down their throats. It’s completely different from their raspy calls, they must be communicating to one another. When they stopped, they took off into the air. Ignoring them is no longer an option for me, they have resumed their attack. Their beaks tore holes into my coat, another tried to get scratch my face, and one almost plucked out my eye.

My arms folded over my head to shield me from these vicious birds that dominate every branch. They’re regrouping among each other, I have never seen so many at once. I know nothing of crows, except that their beaks are as sharp as a blades. The holes in my coat is venting the heat of my body. The sun has just started to peek over the horizon, but the crows chocked the light like a dark storm. Using my arms a shield isn’t helping and the rock in my hand is no better. Desperate, I pulled off my coat and swung it around me. My heavy coat made them back away.

I begged them to leave me alone, but they only acted out aggressively. One successfully pinched my skin, like a soft marshmallow, my skin ripped opened. If this keeps going on, I won’t be making it home in time. The crows above changed their formation and flew below my legs. They’re trying to trip me! Before I made a complete stop, I lost my balance. I locked my arms to catch myself and skidding on the soggy leaves, and shaving my knees on the sharp rocks. My belly is unharmed, but the fall damaged me.

Their plan is a success, the crows relaxed and retracted from attacking. They leaned on the branches, wondering why I plan to do next.

“Serenata?” I cried out. “Serenata!”

“She fell back asleep.”
said Ebon.

“Please, wake her up!” I wailed.

“I can’t wake her up, I can’t put her to sleep. She fell unconscious. That’s why I’m here, talking to you.”

“You need to help me get back to the cabin.” I demanded.

“Lola…”

“I need to wait for Jeremy!” I exhorted.

“Lola.”
persisted Ebon.

“As soon as I get to the cabin, everything will be okay—”

“Why are you lying to yourself? You know you’ve been in labor since last night. Accept it, your child is ready to come out!”

“You think I will let these crows eat my baby?!” I shouted. “My baby was supposed wait for 4 more weeks—4 more weeks!”

Ebon kept silent. I sobbed. I’m burning with anger, my mouth wants to shout the blame to Avalon, the Elite, Ebon, and Serenata. I wanted to let the world know of my hate towards them. They caused this, and I am fool to let them get their way.

“I know what you’re thinking.”

“Shut up, you have no right to speak to me!”

“
I know why this happened, but telling you why you got an abrupt labor will not help you, if you really want to know what happened I will gladly share that piece of information when you are capable of handling it.”

“Does it matter anymore?” I laughed. “It’s over.”

“I won’t let that happen. I will do everything I can to save them. Even if I have to sacrifice myself—I will do anything to protect them, but you have to give birth, otherwise you will both die.”

I dragged myself to the nearest tree and pressed my back against the trunk. I hugged the rough bark in the attempt to stand once again. I failed. I tried moving my legs and feet, but my orders are rejected. As I sat beside the tree, I looked at my wet soiled boots and touched my thighs. I can’t feel anything. Since when did I lose the sense of touch? I rubbed my legs, unable to feel my icy hand.

“I’m paralyzed, my legs have stopped working.”

“Lola…”

That’s all Ebon can say, he knows Avalon had a similar experience. I offered to help her countless of times but she said she couldn’t move. It’s because of this! Death is creeping up to me in the same twisted way it did to Avalon. Unlike her, I have no skill to sustain death, I’m not a Lenur who can fight my way through these demonic birds!

I looked at my sleeping gown, stained from the wet mud, a few dead leaves clung on the ends. My plan to return to the cabin is useless. The coat I swung at them fell an arm’s reach away, there’s no time to try to reach for it. Just the slightest move bothers them. Some crows circled from above, others hopped on the ground, and the rest watched me from the branches.

My belly is twisting, my contractions are not just stronger, they’re longer, and closer than before. This is the sign Dr. Graham warned me about, what I learned from the delivery classes he made me attend. Ebon knew I have been in labor, but I didn’t want to believe it. I wanted to stay oblivious about the current situation. Dr. Graham said there I have no health concerns, he always said I’m in the best shape I can be.

“Tell me.”  I cried. “Tell me why this happened!”

“I don’t think the news will help you”
said Ebon.
“You will only put yourself in more shock.”

“Tell me!” I shouted.

“The Elite.”
revealed Ebon.
“He caused it.”

“What are you saying?” I cried.

“You met him yourself. He looks nothing like Avalon, much less a Lenur. I have a strong feeling this Elite, is not genuine, but rather something else. One truth remains, under the Emperor’s command, that monster was sent to annihilate Avalon. When he fought Avalon, he did something that Avalon couldn’t predict. Do you recall anything abnormal before the Lenur reached the cabin?”

Yes, something did happen, after the rushing wind, and flashing lights, I started to bleed on the porch.

“Avalon couldn’t prevent the damage he caused.” he stated. “Before battle, the dark Lenur has already poisoned your womb. I’m sorry, Lola.”

It doesn’t matter anymore, knowing about it won’t change a thing. I shouldn’t be in labor—I can barely breathe for that matter. There’s not a drop of strength left in me left.

“What’s more alarming to me, is his attire.”
added Ebon.
“A mystery I may never solve.”

“What do clothes have anything to do with the Lenur who put me in this state?”

“Everything we do is purposeful. Elites have been wearing the same garments for centuries. This Lenur was wrapped in a coat of darkness, a skill I have never seen, a skill only he can wield. That must be why he was able to defeat our Avalon.”

That name, the one I created out of courtesy. I should hate Avalon. I should blame her for the destruction of my cabin, my induced labor, my cold body, and this forsaken place. When I gathered my anger towards her, the anger vanished instantaneously. I regret the moment our minds connected and our past experiences intertwined. It would’ve be easier to hate her, without exchanging our memories. I left the clutches of my abusive husband, she left the clutches of that tyrant Emperor. Our courage and strength to do the impossible came from within, nestled between our organs.

How I often dreamed for the day I will meet my firstborn. On my free time, I often daydreamed about cradling my baby in my arms. The nursery I worked so hard to decorate would glow by the presence of my newborn. I even picked out a yellow blanket that will wrap my baby, following my journey back home. Because I don’t know the gender, the color yellow is a perfect color. My dreams were to sit on my porch, and hum to my baby, snuggled in that stupid yellow blanket.

The muscles inside me expanded, clenching my uterus. My body gave me the command to push, but I resisted. This night robbed me of so much life, this cold weather is stealing handfuls of my strength. I can’t do anything! When a slight breeze picked up, a tingling numbness crawled on my face. I reached to touch my face, noticing I can’t feel the left side of my face. I must be having a stroke. This is a hilarious joke, life has not once been kind to me, and now I’m having a stroke. Someone should write a book about my life.

“You must stay alert.”
directed Ebon.
“I’m starting to pick up their thoughts, these creatures are scheming something.”

Ebon, he’s always giving orders, and doing nothing on his part. How I hate his calm voice. Why did Avalon put so much faith in him, why trust an apparition with a voice?

“Are you listening?”
snapped Ebon.
“These tainted crows are planning to consume the barrier Avalon created between your child and Serenata. To intervene, I will put Serenata into a deep sleep, and borrow her strength. This is the only way I increase their chances of survival.”

“You’re finally going to do something?” I mocked.

Ebon didn’t entertain me with a reply. Maybe he has been helpful, and I just insulted him. The crows creeping closer, their marbled eyes are gazing at me with every turn of their face. Their black talons startled me the most, my arms and legs know just how much they hurt.