Page 10 of Scarred

“We’re not going to fight.” Lily held her head up for quiet when the noise level rose. “There is a reason. Our magic will never be accepted here. Even if we defeat those hunting us today, more will rise.”

“We’re going to allow these people to run us away? It is our job to protect Iba, our home.” Amma didn’t understand. As a family, they were strong.

“As much as I want to stay here, it is time for us to look forward to protecting future generations.”

“Auntie,” Jo shouted over the other voices. “Have you lost your mind? Is a spaceship going to show up and take us away? Or are we all going to drink some kool aid?”

“You don’t need to be sarcastic,” Lily reprimanded her. “You will get all the answers you need once you leave here. I don’t have time to explain. I need you all to return to your rooms and get dressed in proper hiking attire. Don’t take too long. Once you return, I will give you your survival packs and you must escape into the woods. The wards on our estate are holding, but they may not last too much longer.”

“But we just renewed our magic,” Dhakiya said. “What happened?”

Lily frowned. “Strong magic and betrayal. Now, no more questions. Go get dressed and return as quickly as possible.”

Amma rushed back to her room and pulled on a pair of rarely used cargo pants, thick socks, running shoes, and a tee shirt. She glanced toward the window, but she didn’t see Mike or Sam. There wasn’t time to look for them, and she prayed they would get to the forest without being hurt. She would look for them once she was sure the rest of her family were safe. Amma returned to the hallway to see everyone dressed in almost the same attire as she was, except for Rachel, who refused to wear pants. She had at least put on a pair of hiking shoes under her skirt.

“Auntie, why don’t we fight?” Jo asked. “Between us, we will be able to hold them back.”

“Sometimes we have to know when to fight and when to run,” Lily answered. “The mob outside our gates are only a small part of the group coming after us. This world is not ready for us, and sadly it never will be. Our seers have seen a future in a place where we are accepted for who we are, and we can live freely.”

“Mom,” Amma started.

“There is no more time,” Lily cut her off. “Rachel, you are to look after your sister Grace.”

“I can take care of myself,” Grace said.

“I am not arguing with you on this,” Lily said. She turned and opened a cabinet. “You will find everything you need inside your survival packs.”

“Are we just supposed to run into the woods and wait?” Dhakiya asked.

Lily nodded. “Tonight, yes. Find somewhere safe and hunker down. When it’s time, you will know what to do.”

“Mom, you sound like Auntie Charlotte,” Amma said. “Where is she?”

“Feeding her magic into the wards,” Lily answered. “Line up and let’s get moving. Those who do not live here, I have smaller bags for you. Be careful and trust only each other. Our family will recover from this.”

As the eldest, Amma stood back and watched as each of the others took a bag, received a hug, and whispers from Lily. When most of the girls stepped back, they had tears in their eyes.

“What do you think this is all about?” Jo whispered to Amma. “A test?”

“I wish I could say yes,” Amma answered. “But the smoke has been getting thicker, and I can sense the intruders. Almost like my magic is shrinking away from them.”

“I feel the same thing, but no one has ever talked about this feeling,” Jo said. “I don’t like it. Why are they attacking now? We have lived here for generations in peace.”

“I have no idea.” Amma moved up as the line shortened. “I just wish they had given us a little more time to sleep before interrupting.”

“Isn’t that funny?” Jo nervously giggled. “We are under attack, and all we can think about is sleep.”

“Because they’re not really a threat. If my mom would allow us to fight back, this would be over in seconds.”

“You will not fight!” Lily snapped. “You are to run, hide, and survive. No heroics,” she said as she glared at Jo. “You hear me?”

“I don’t understand it, but I will follow orders,” Jo said. “Promise.”

Amma was pulled into her mom’s arms. “Daughter,” Lily whispered. “I need you to be strong and be the rock for the family. Your generation will need to lead.”

“Mama, you are speaking like you’re not coming with us.” Amma tightened her hold. “Please tell me you are going to follow.”

“I will do everything in my power to follow. The seers foresaw this moment, but not every detail.” Lily pulled back and handed her a backpack. “I love you, and no matter what happens, I am always a call away.”

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