Chapter 14

We might have had trouble digesting all of this, but Ann was despondent. Now, everyone but her had potential for power. She felt like the proverbial 'third wheel'. Wise Bird was of great help in this, as well.

"Many people have potential for achieving power", he explained, "in varying degrees. Very few ever realize it, and as a result, never miss it. There are ways to test for this, and unlock the gift. It takes a certain talent to do this. and it is not one that I possess. Steven told me that this ability is rare, but hereditary. This would mean that Sean and Susan soon will inherit it. Perhaps they can help you."

Ann seemed excited to hear this, but sad that she would have to wait in order to find out. Something else was bothering me, though. Bernie hadn't made the trip, but from what I knew, I didn't think her mother had any powers, and her dad sure didn't. I asked how that could be.

"Ah", Wise Bird nodded, "a Wilder! This is not unusual, but normally the power is small. Parlor tricks, and the like."

I explained some of the things she had done, but left out the 'regrowing her hymen' part.

He looked more serious then. "This IS rare!", he exclaimed. "You must train her before she is found out. She could be in great danger."

He explained that there were people who sought out those with power, and tried to use them to further their own agendas. Those that couldn't be coerced to cooperate, were eliminated. He feared that this is what happened to our parents.

I asked how we could protect ourselves, but didn't get much help.

"Your family shielded their magic", he explained, "but I do not know how they did this. It was beyond my meager capabilities. I would suggest that you study the materials left for you, and do it quickly!"

It would have to wait at least a day. It was much too late to head back today. We left for home at sunup. The first thing we told our new family when we boarded the plane, was that we were keeping Paul and Denise O'Halloran as our names. They seemed pleased, but that wasn't why we had done it. The O'Hallorans were the only family we had ever known.

There was a letter in my briefcase that was not supposed to be opened until we were home. Denise and Ann agreed with my decision to not open it until all three girls were with me. Since we didn't get home until late on Sunday, it would have to wait until we got home from school.

I also extracted a promise from both of them not to tell Bernie about the money in the briefcase, or the numbered accounts. When I explained why, they were all for it. They were a little perturbed to be left out of the shopping, but they'd recover. Mom was almost as excited as I was, when I asked her to help me pick something out.

We did a short inventory of funds. There was one hundred twenty thousand dollars in the case, but that was chicken feed. The off-shore accounts added up to twelve point five million. We hadn't even opened one of the chests, deciding to wait on Bernie for that, too.

Monday started out great, but went downhill fast. I awoke snuggled between my lovely bookends, did chores, ate, and went to school. The first thing I heard in homeroom, was an announcement for the football team to meet in th gym during second period.

When we got there, and settled down, Coach Nelson told us that he had been offered the position of offensive coordinator at Notre Dame. Most of us knew he'd be a fool to turn it down, but that didn't mean we liked it. We were all in shock, as we numbly headed to third period.

I had it better than most of the guys. I had three girls doing their best to cheer me up, and they were damn good at it. They eventually convinced me to take a 'wait and see' approach, to see what the next coach was like. There really wasn't any use in worrying about it until then. Besides, we had a meeting of our own to look forward to, after school.

By 'after school', I mean 'after school, chores, placating Diablo, and dinner'. It was past six O'clock, before we got together. After a more thorough explanation of Wise Bird's explanation of Bernie's talent, we got started. My hands were shaking, as I opened the letter. I read it aloud."

Dearest Sean,

If you are reading this, Susan is with you (don't ask!). Please tell her we love you both!

Please look at the trunks our friend saved for you. You will notice there is no visible latch, only holes. You must open them by inserting your right index finger into these openings. The trunk with two holes must be opened by both of you. It contains the materials you will need to begin your training.

The ones that open for only one of you, do this for a reason. These contain some personal things meant for the one they open for. They contain other things, as well. Feel free to share these with each other.

And now, to the meat of the matter. Beware of the government! They are the main reason you remained hidden. If you are discovered, they will do their best to enslave you! We know this, as it happened to people like us. We freed them, but in doing so, became suspected ourselves.

Ordinarily, it would be impossible for those without the talent to capture us. Unfortunately, even wizards can go wrong. One of these has joined with them, against us. He is powerful, so do not underestimate him. Harold is his true name, but he changes labels like a suit. He will not be known as this, and his appearance we can not even guess at.

Our best advice, is to seek out a place of power, where the Ley Lines meet. This will mask your location, and give you time to train. The 'joint trunk' contains instructions on how to find such a place. Please do this quickly!

Love, Your parents!

We were all smiling, at that last bit. At least we were ahead in one area. My new parents, along with my future father-in-law, had been present for all of this. They were worried, and I can't say that it surprised me. It sucked, but it looked like Denise and I had more baggage than we had thought. We tried to apologize, but they wouldn't hear of it.

Frank was the most vehement in this. "Now see here!", he said, "If what this feller says is the truth, my Bernie woulda' been scooped up by these no-accounts sooner than late. Y'all showin' up might be the best thing what coulda' happened. At least now we've got some warnin', and maybe a fightin' chance!"

Dad wasn't far behind. He stated "Paul, not only have you already saved Ann's life, but she's happier than she's ever been. Rachel and I are right glad we found the two of you, and that isn't about to change. We trust you to do your best to look after her, and we know you'll do your part. You'd best get to studying as fast as you're able, though. Luck only lasts so long."

Bernie spent the night with us, and we didn't even open one of the trunks. Instead, we discussed the future. We knew where we stood with each other, but some planning was needed. For starters, what would happen if we practiced at the house? Bernie and I both felt that the cave was much too far away to offer much protection. The last thing we wanted to do, would be to bring trouble to our folks. Their safety was the most important thing. Ann was the one who came up with the best solution.

"If there's not a big hairy hurry, why not go ahead and build the house we planned to for us next to the cave? If we explain the reason to our parents, I'm sure they will go along with it."

I was glad she hadn't mentioned the fact that Denise and I had the money to build it, along with a road to get there. Ann's sly little wink told me that she knew I'd want us to pay for it. The smile Denise shot me told me that she had noticed, too.

I knew we were all anxious to start, but we had waited this long. A little longer couldn't hurt. It was too dangerous here, and too damn cold in the cave during winter. With any luck, construction could start as early as March. That meant we would have to wait at least six months before we could do anything but read. In the mean time, we'd have to be careful to not do any magic unless it was absolutely necessary.

We would use some of that time to design the house we wanted, and get the blueprints drawn up. There were a few things I wanted to add, such as a landing strip for a plane like dads. As soon as I mentioned it, the girls all loved the idea. They wanted to learn how to fly, too.

We ran the idea past the folks at breakfast, and it met with very little resistance. The only condition was that we visit weekly. We quickly agreed to that, since it had been our intent all along. We'd ask Frank on our way home from school. I didn't think he'd object. The new place would be only a fifteen minute ride from his house, and that was by horse. We planned on making a gravel road to both sets of parents, and that would cut the time by a large margin.

School in the winter was boring. The classes weren't all that challenging, and I didn't have football to take up my time. There was still plenty to do around the ranch, and that kept me busy enough. The nights weren't even close to being boring. The girls saw to that.