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“He is our problem now regardless, and he’s headed this way if the kindred have their information correct.” Master Hadden began.
"Manfred is a conjurer, not a particularly skillful magic, but what he lacks in skill, he makes for in sheer evil intent. He ismore proficient in the arts than Evan's family but hid his ability and took a subservient position in their household, which gave him access to Evan. Evan was around eight when Manfred took control." Master Hadden was filling in all the blanks.
“He knew Evan was a Charmer?” Conrad asked.
“No, but he knew he had suppressed abilities. The bracelet they made Evan wear gave him his first suspicions that the boy had more power than the family was aware, and he believed that it only needed to be nurtured and directed.”
"Does he really believe that he can come here and take Evan from us?" Conrad was incredulous, and Killian chuckled.
"You never know with these magics. I never had a clue what Nathan was up to until he almost destroyed us, so we take this very seriously. If Manfred is spotted, I have ordered that he be killed. Do not pause and do not question death is to be delivered immediately." Master Hadden was taking no chances.
“Yes, sir.”
CHAPTER SIX
Talk was circulating around the Coven regarding the Charmer, and many had doubts about the frail young man's ability to face evil, the likes of which was inhabiting the Hadden Center. Conrad heard the talk, and it made his heart clench, and fear for his beloved filled his every thought.
He stopped to have coffee in the dining hall with Dumas, a hellhound shifter and one of the new members. Conrad liked him and respected his competence as a soldier and guard for his beloved Evan. Master Hadden assigned Dumas to Evan's protection because hellhounds were impervious to magic.
If Manfred showed up he would have no power over Dumas. Also, Dumas could cut a frightful visage the man was scary in human form but was absolutely chilling when he shifted. “I appreciate your help.” He told him and Dumas waved it off.
"No problem. I'd love the opportunity to take out Manfred." He took a sip of his coffee. "Killian has gone looking for him, so we may not be bothered with the man." He smirked.
“True.” Conrad agreed. “Killian wanted him taken out back in Toronto, so he feels more than justified in hunting him down.”
"I say good luck. There's enough to deal with as it is. I'd prefer to have Manfred out of the equation." Dumas was always honest and clear.
“I agree with you there.” Conrad joined. He then turned the subject to the current discourse regarding his beloved. “What have you heard about Evan?” He asked and Dumas knew what he was referring to. He set his coffee down and regarded Conrad with an expression that implied all was not good.
“There are some who worry that Evan isn’t the Charmer that we have been searching for. They are concerned for his safety and fear having him enter the Hadden Center.” Dumas stopped and observed him for a moment before continuing. “I heard a theory about Batiste and the fact that he’s a trickster. He could be lying.”
“It was Master Louis DuCane who gave the location of Evan McCormick and referred to him as a Charmer. He received the information from the Black Knight from what I’ve been told.” Conrad clarified.
“Then people are mistaken regarding Batiste, but your Evan does not look like someone who is fit to battle the levels of evil that have taken over the Hadden Center.” He finished.
"Yeah, that's what I've been hearing, and although I do fear for Evan and doubts fill me from time to time, I trust Master Hadden to never put my beloved in an unwinnable situation." Conrad paused and glanced around the room thoughtfully. "Evan is much more than meets the eye, and I know that for a fact."
Conrad was to return in four hours and although Evan appreciated working with Marek he also kept watch on the clockand there was less than an hour remaining before Conrad’s return. Marek had certainly put him through his paces, and he felt stronger and more in control than ever in his life. But he had yet to feel the intensity that Marek spoke of in regard to the Charmer that supposedly existed within him.
“I haven’t called forth the Charmer Evan.” He stated having picked up on Evan's concerns. "I needed to help you gain control and confidence of the powers that have presented before you can take on the Charmer. It won't be long. The process comes naturally, and if you had been in an atmosphere more inclusive than what you experienced, the Charmer would already be present."
"The Charmer is a part of me," Evan stated.
“You are the Charmer.” Marek corrected.
“I am the Charmer.” Evan repeated. It was at that moment as the words left his lips that he sensed a change, he felt his body vibrating and his mind expanding. He could vaguely hear Marek saying something to him, but he couldn’t make out what it was.
The room became hazy for a moment and then cleared and suddenly his vision was sharp and precise. He looked at himself, and he had changed. He was taller, amazingly taller. He was looking down at Marek. His clothing was different. He was wearing a thin covering of fabric around his hips and thick boots. Giant wings unfurled at his back, made of gold and pure light. He was the Charmer, a muscled perfection and suddenly he possessed a complete understanding of what he was and why he existed.
There was a sword strapped to his waist and he knew how to use it. He’d never touched a sword in his life and yet he was proficient as he was with the dagger strapped to his left thigh.Everything was falling into place clear and to the point. There were no gray areas and no misunderstandings, he could feel the length and the breadth of the evil within the Hadden building. He knew he’d battle that evil before years passed in a land far from here.
“You are amazing Evan you are the Charmer.” Marek’s tone was soft and deep. He stepped back looking up at Evan who was now standing head and shoulders above him. A warm, loving rush ran through him a comforting sense of home, and he saw Conrad enter the room.
He loved Conrad, and that truth was as strong as everything else that had come clear to him. Conrad was his true one, his flawless and faultless lover, and that was certain. He reached out his hand toward his lover and saw the wonder and surprise on Conrad's face.
He rushed toward him, and the instant that their hands touched, Evan returned to his former self. The energy remained, and he still felt the power of the Charmer within him and realized he could call him up at any time.
Conrad took his hand and pulled him forward into his arms. "You are magnificent, my love." He gushed and held him firmly flush against his chest as he turned to regard Marek.
