Damned and Defiant by Kathy Kulig Page A

feet first, slowly,” Ambros continued.
    “Yes, I’m moving.”
    “When you reach Earth, you’ll be in the desert at a time prior to the event when you were unconscious.”
    This was where nothing happens, Haley thought. She’d land on Earth and find herself on Ambros’ couch. She hoped to at least get a flash or two of memory from that day.
    Haley finally stopped moving and her vision cleared. “Oh my,” she said.
    “What do you see?” Ambros asked in a soothing tone. “Are you in the desert?”
    “No.”
    “Perhaps you need to give yourself a moment. In your mind’s eye, set both feet on Earth. Have you landed yet?”
    “Yes.”
    “Very good. Now, open your eyes,” Ambros stated firmly. “Look around and tell me what you see.”
    “I’m on solid ground, but I’m not on Earth.”
    * * * * *
     
    With any luck, she wouldn’t remember. Dante searched the crystal room for stones that would react with his nebula stone. He sensed a high level of lifeforce energy here. Some mortals had learned to tap into the energy and had developed excess amount of lifeforce over time, while others like Haley, a Sha Warrior, had high levels naturally. These were the mortals Drones preferred to use as their Kithra because they harvested more chi. The Drones were busy collecting crystals and excess chi, preparing for the journey. Dante sensed the urgency. He knew the Drones and the demoness were remembering Tarik’s last attempt to return to Prygos had failed and nearly destroyed them. This time there’d be no second chance.
    As Dante studied the colorful stones in the glass cases, Leane asked if he needed help. Dante nodded, choosing the right stone might determine whether the journey was successful. She showed him different types of crystals and stones and explained the properties of each. “Were you looking for something in particular?”
    How could he explain about his horses? Or Anartia’s need for power. “Is there something I could wear to help calm agitated horses?”
    “Hmmm. Calming the beast? Maybe rose quartz or turquoise.” She showed him a couple pendants that had those stones in them.
    Dante nodded but didn’t make eye contact. He chose one with turquoise. “I like this one. If feels good in my hand.”
    Leanne smiled. “Then it suits you.”
    Dante looked down in the case again. “What’s that one? What kind of stone?”
    “This is a bracelet but it’s for a woman’s wrist. It’s amethyst. In sterling silver.” The large oval stone was set in a polished silver band.
    “Yes, it’s a gift,” Dante said then had a moment of doubt. “You think my friend would like it?
    Leanne nodded. “I know Haley, and she loves amethyst. It’s a beautiful piece.”
    “It’ll match the pendant she has.” Why was he buying Haley a gift? He couldn’t encourage anything between them, not when he was leaving in less than two weeks. Something to remember him by then. When had he gotten so sentimental? He told the woman he’d take the bracelet too.
    “I’ll wrap it up,” Leanne said.
    After he put his turquoise pendant on, he focused his gaze on Leane, giving her a slight push with his mind to send her into a light trance.
    Her eyelids flickered, then she frowned at him and touched the large crystal around her throat. “What else can I help you with?”
    Without breaking eye contact, he said, “I need something that holds great power, otherworldly power.”
    She selected several crystal points, some with a golden color and others that were clear, and held each one up to the light. When she looked at Dante, she locked her gazed with him and he felt a slight jolt go through him. My God, she was a Sha Warrior and she knew how to use her powers. He doubted a Drone would be able to harm her. “What are these called?”
    “Citrine and clear quartz,” she answered. “Both would meet your needs to boost physical energy and for grounding and balance.” She went on to describe other physical and spiritual