THE SHIELD AND THE SWORD

Chapter 6 - TRAINING & HECATE

John 2 years later

I’m 12, and not much has changed for Elizabeth and me, except if you want to count the fact that our mother gets crueler and our father seems to be following in her footsteps.

He’s now become just as cruel as she has. Except with my father, it’s more physical than verbal. Thankfully, it just seems to be me. He likes to hit but not sweet Elizabeth.

With how intense things are getting with my mother and father, I have decided to start looking for books in the school library on defense or some physical training. However, I have a reasonably vast knowledge of different gifts and powers, as well as a good understanding of plants, herbs, and their purposes. I think now I might need to look into the physical aspect of my training.

As I walk Elizabeth to school and drop her off at her classroom. I keep reviewing in my head all the different types of books I can read. I head to the library during lunch.

As I’m scanning over some books on martial arts, I see our gym teacher speaking to the librarian. It appears he has a crush on her. It makes me realize that one day, I will meet my beloved.

As I took one of the books down to skim through it, I noticed someone was behind me. I quickly looked around and saw Mr. Richards. “Are you ready to run laps this afternoon, son?” he says. I gave him a tight smile and stated, “Yes, sir.” I know showing disrespect will get back to my mother.

He nods and quietly says, “You don’t have to, sir, me, John. I see you’re in the martial arts section here. Are you interested in learning?” “Yes, it does interest me,” I reply. “Have you ever taken any classes?” I ask. “Yes, I hold a black belt in karate,” he states. “If you are serious about learning, I would happily work with you after school.”

I think to myself for a moment and then ask. “Would it be all right if Elizabeth tagged along?” “Of course, that would be fine with me,” he says. “Can I also ask that you don’t mention this to anyone?” I ask. He gives me a knowing look and nods his head. “It will be just between us men.”

I check out the book I have in my hands and put it in my bookbag. I head to the lunchroom and grab a sandwich and a bottle of water, quickly eating it to go to my afternoon classes.

After I picked Elizabeth up from her class, I quietly explained that I would take private lessons with Mr. Richard’s. She smiles.

As I walk home with Elizabeth, I think of my conversation with Mr. Richard. When Elizabeth and I go to the gym for my lessons, he says he can lock the door so nobody comes in or interrupts us. If any questions are asked, he’ll state that I need extra physical activity.

The following day is our new routine. Elizabeth and I get ready. After we eat breakfast, we quickly grab our book bags and head to school. I’m excited for my first karate lesson.

The day goes by smoothly, and after school, I pick Elizabeth up, and we go to the gym. She does have homework, so she sits on the bleachers, and I get changed into my gym clothes again.

Mr. Richard met me in the center of the gym on the mat. Instructing me on the stretches that I need to do to loosen up my muscles because I’m going to be using them.

After an hour of different positions and moves and some light sparring techniques, he says to hit the showers. I’m pretty sore in my legs and arms, but I look forward to becoming stronger.

Once we are home, I keep going over in my mind that I will become stronger. I will protect Elizabeth and myself. I don’t care what it takes. I grabbed my clean clothes for the shower and got ready for bed.

I think I’m dreaming again. My feet feel so heavy. I can’t move, and it’s very dark. I’ll see what appears to be houses or cabins in the distance, and then I hear it before I see it. Multiple voices are yelling in the distance, and I hear running.

No, is that paws in the dirt I’m hearing. Suddenly, I see a large brown wolf with a girl on its back. Her hair is blowing in the wind. Behind her, I see another dark-colored wolf running fast to keep up. I raise my eyes at the flickering light in the distance, and I see a fire. Are they running from something? The girl looks so familiar.

The next thing I know, I’m pulled into a bright open field. A woman with long dark hair clears her throat behind me, and I immediately swing around. She’s short, maybe 5 foot 4, with black, braided hair and dark brown eyes. She slowly smiles at me and says, “Hello, John, we finally meet.”

I am in shock. Where am I? Who is she? This beautiful, strange woman begins to laugh a deep belly laugh. “Well, to answer your questions, you are in my realm. And who am I? Well, I’m Hecate.”

I’m a little taken aback, but I managed to be polite and say, “I'm pleased to meet you.” “Well, John,” She states. “I’m sure you have many questions, so I will start here. No, this is not a dream. This is the dreamscape where I can talk to my children.”

“I have seen the childhood your parents have given you. And I’m so very sorry for both you and Elizabeth. Every child deserves love, comfort, and security. You have none of those except what you and Elizabeth give each other. I didn’t want you to think you were alone. John, I need you to know that you are much stronger than you realize. And you have a great destiny ahead of you. We won’t get into that right now. But I will tell you that the beautiful young girl you saw with Selene 2 years ago will one day be your beloved. She hasn’t had an easy life either. Tonight, I allowed you to glimpse her escape from that life. She has her mother with her and a warrior from the pack who has helped her and her mother escape captivity and the abuse there.”

All I could do was stand there with my mouth agape. That beautiful girl is going to be my beloved? Who has hurt her, or what is she running from? I begin to feel angry and heat flowing throughout my body. I look back into Hecate's eyes, and a small smile plays on her lips. “She is strong, John, just like you were strong. Just as you have started your training, she has also started her training. Your destiny will intertwine. She has been focused on wanting to protect herself and her mother. At the same time, you have been focused on trying to protect Elizabeth and yourself. But John, you must realize your destinies are about so much more than that,” she pauses.

“I will explain all when the time comes, John.” She states. “Occasionally, when an event happens, I will let you glimpse her life. As I’m sure Selene will give her glimpses into yours,” she says. “You keep mentioning Selene. Are you saying that she is a wolf?” I ask.

“Yes and no. She is so much more. As you will be much more than a warlock, please listen closely, John.” I straighten my spine, look at her directly, and nod solemnly. Her following words shocked me to my core. “My dear John, things will worsen before they get better. Heart-wrenching pain can breed hatred. Never let that hatred consume you. Always remember that you can’t hold all accountable for the actions of a few. Promise me, John.”

I scrunch my eyebrows and consider her words. “I promise, Hecate, I won’t.” She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me. I feel so warm and safe; I can’t remember ever feeling this way. The next thing I know, I’m waking up in my bed, thinking over everything that just happened in the dreamscape.