Watcher Academy Read online

  Next question – You find yourself surrounded by dark pixies, what is the best way to defend yourself?

  I resisted the urge to write run like hell. Dark pixies were nasty little critters who could strip flesh from the bone, but they had a weakness.

  To distract dark pixies, throw a handful of glitter into the air.

  It sounded ridiculous and I laughed the first time Grandpa told me that, but it really worked. They were attracted to the stuff and it had a mesmerizing effect on them. Of course it really isn’t convenient to walk around with a pocketful of glitter, but luckily they are rare. They stick to dark forests, mostly in Europe.

  I turned over the page. Finally, I’m done.

  Gathering the pages, I wondered where I should leave them. Chelsea didn’t seem to have an office. I decided to leave them on the desk for now. No one would touch them overnight. Everyone had already gone home for the day. We worked from 9am to 6pm, otherwise people might get suspicious. As Watchers, we were always on call though.

  Chelsea said I could let myself out before she left. She probably didn’t want to sit around and wait for me to finish. I wondered if things would always be like today with her. She really seemed to have it in for me and I didn’t know what I had done to deserve it. Maybe she would mellow out over time.

  Collecting my bag, I headed for the door, eager to get back to my room and get something to eat. As I put weight on my broken boot, the heel gave way again. Sighing, I lifted it and put it in my pocket. The tape didn’t work, so a new pair of boots was in order. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d gone shopping. I’ve never given much thought to my clothes, other than if they were professional looking. At home, I lounged around in jeans and hoodies. Growing up with Grandpa, I missed out on the girly stage of being a teenager. I spent my days reading, taking pop quizzes and learning valuable skills like how to make weapons out of everyday household items. The kids at school called me a weirdo, but I didn’t care. Most of them were probably working in fast food or an office somewhere, while I had the opportunity to save the world. I wouldn’t swap that for anything.

  As I passed the table in the middle of the room, I noticed several crates piled up beside it. New artefacts? I hesitated, curiosity getting the better of me. I doublechecked no one else was around, but the place was quiet. They really shouldn’t have been left out like this, I wondered if the Watcher in charge had been distracted and forgot about them.

  It wouldn’t hurt to take a quick peek.

  Setting my bag on the table, I lifted the lid off the first crate. Inside, nestled in packing peanuts, were several objects. A broken jar, an old, cracked vase and a black colored orb.

  Grandpa used to tell me stories about some of the artefacts he handled from digs in Egypt, Rome, Ireland, all over the globe. His eyes would light up as he described the moment he unearthed something of value. I would listen to every word, imagining being there with him. Being able to hold history in your hands? I found it fascinating. It’s what drove me to study archaeology. I grew up on the myths and legends, mostly from the stories Grandpa would tell me, and being where they happened made me feel like I was part of that history. Unfortunately, the digs I attended through college were quite mundane, no magic or the supernatural involved.

  Carefully, I lifted the orb out for a better look. A little bigger than a golf ball, it appeared to be made of glass. There was no indication as to what it was or where it came from, but if it came here, then there could definitely be something mystical or magical about it. I checked the label on the side of the crate. It came from the Middle East.

  There were a lot of different cultures it could have originated from, it didn’t even have to be from the Middle East, that might just be where it ended up. Plenty of artefacts were stolen, traded and shipped all over the world. For some, they were valuable items which could be sold to finance their cause, for others, well they knew exactly what they had and how to use them. Which was why the League had Watchers in place everywhere to try and stop them and get the artefacts back. With the right one, some dictator could take over the world. A scary thought.

  Holding the orb up to the light, I whispered, “What secrets are you hiding?”

  For a moment, something appeared to glint inside. I moved my face closer to it. A clunk came from above, startling me, and I lost my grip on the orb.

  It struck the hardwood floor before rolling under the table and out of sight. Cold air hit me and I realized the noise was the AC kicking in.

  “Sugar!” I dived after it, fear coursing through me. If its broken, I’m so getting kicked out of here.

  Crawling along the floor under the table, I tried to make out the orb in the dim light.

  “Where is it?” I muttered. “Please don’t be broken.”

  I reached the end of the table, spying the orb under a chair. As my hand closed around it, a cloud of dust hit me in the face. I sneezed violently, banging my head off the table.

  Groaning, I rubbed my head. That table is really solid.

  Snatching up the orb, I crawled out and got to my feet. I turned it over in my hand, checking for damage. I found a one inch crack running along it.

  “Damn it,” I whispered. Well done, klutz!

  The orb suddenly felt hot in my hand and it began to glow. Gold colored glyphs appeared on the surface, before vanishing a few seconds later.

  “That can’t be good,” I murmured. I didn’t recognize them, but it could be some long forgotten language or spell.

  I waited to see if it returned, but it stayed dark.

  Now what?

  I could speak to Chelsea in the morning, tell her that it was an accident, but would she believe me? I shouldn’t have touched anything. God, I felt like such an idiot.

  What would Grandpa say if he were here? He’d be so disappointed in me. Thrown out after one day.

  No. I can’t just let it all slip away over one mistake.

  Heart thumping in my chest, I wiped the orb down, placed it back into the crate and replaced the lid. Anyone checking it would think it was damaged in transit. I hated being deceitful, but what choice did I have? My whole life was riding on this.

  I will never break another rule again, I will be a model Watcher from now on, I vowed.

  As for the writing, well, I’m sure more experienced Watchers than me would figure out what it meant. I just hoped I hadn’t unleashed a curse. Or worse.

  ***

  “Pay attention, Dell. One day this information could save your life.”

  I tried to focus on what Grandpa was saying, but his face kept fading in and out. Were we back at the house?

  Am I dreaming?

  He stood behind his desk, a stern look on his face. It reminded me of his lessons from my childhood. He would give me books to read, then quiz me on them. If I scored less than ninety percent, I had to reread all the books and try again. If I failed a second time, then I took over the chores from Delores for the week. Something I would do anything to avoid.

  Once he was sure he had my attention, he continued, “The items we protect hold great power. Some would argue that most were lost to time for a reason, but we cannot stop them from being dug up. We can only stop people from using them to hurt others.”

  “Yes, Grandpa,” I said, realizing that I looked like a little girl again. I sat at a small desk, a pencil in my hand. I must be ten years old. Definitely a dream.

  “Do you remember the rules when it comes to handling artefacts?” Grandpa asked.

  “Um…” I hesitated. I knew them, they were on the tip of my tongue, but my mind went blank. My head felt fuzzy and I wondered why I had to do this again.

  Grandpa sighed. “All artefacts are to be handled while wearing gloves. Another member of the League must be present and you must be very careful not to damage or open an artefact. If it is sealed shut, then it is that way because it is dangerous.”

  “Yes, Grandpa,” I mumbled. Nothing could be left to chance, or everyone’s life could be at ri
sk. Grandpa has the horror stories to prove it.

  He walked toward me, hands clasped in front of him. “Mistakes cost lives.”

  I nodded, feeling guilty. I ignored the rules at the Academy. What if someone got hurt because of me? Because I let my curiosity get the better of me.

  He kneeled beside the table, his face softening. “I need to be able to rely on you, Dell. Can I?”

  “Of course, Grandpa. I’ll follow the rules, I promise.”

  “Good, because there are more dangers out there than I told you about. Things you won’t expect. You have to be ready for anything.”

  More dangers? What else was out there?

  Chapter Three

  I woke to the sound of loud, obnoxious chewing. Opening one eye, I found my roommate, Brenda, sitting in the kitchenette, shoveling chips into her mouth. She was staring right at me as she chewed.

  Sitting up, I yawned loudly, feeling like I hadn’t slept at all. I normally got my full eight hours, but I wasn’t feeling it. The dream about Grandpa bothered me too.

  “Is there a reason you’re staring at me, Brenda?” I asked, since I’m sure she had better things to do.

  She swallowed another mouthful of chips before answering. My chips, I noticed. “I thought we discussed the rules when you moved in here,” she said, setting the bag on the table and wiping her hands on her black jeans. All her clothes were black. As was her eyeliner, hair, nails, lips – she took emo to the extreme. In comparison, my side of the room was decorated in white and baby blue.

  Why the admission board chose us to share a room is beyond me. I suspected they couldn’t find anyone else to share with her.

  I doubt anyone wants to be woken up like this.

  “What is it now?” I grumbled. She was forever finding fault with me. You’re too loud. Why are your books all over the apartment?

  “What time did you get home last night?” Brenda asked.

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. Couldn’t have been much past half six.”

  What is she? My keeper?

  “It was 3am.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, right. I’ve never stayed out to 3am in my life.” That may be an embarrassing admission, but it was the truth. No wild parties for me growing up, I kept a strict routine. I wasn’t getting killed by some beast because I didn’t get enough sleep.

  I got up and grabbed my robe. It was a little after eight, I needed to hurry if I was going to get to the Academy in time. If I was quick, I could grab a breakfast bar or something on the way in.

  “You stumbled in here at 3am, called me a stalker, then passed out,” Brenda said, as I passed her.

  “You must have been dreaming,” I shot back. Now she’s making up stories? Where does it end?

  She got to her feet, crossed her arms and glared at me. “If it happens again, I’ll be complaining to the Dean. You shouldn’t be here anyway.”

  Rolling my eyes, I headed into the bathroom. I don’t know what Brenda was smoking, well I had a pretty good idea, but it could wait until later. I could see why no one wanted to room with her. I made a note to look at listings near campus. A small apartment or a room in a boarding house perhaps. Although right now, I’d settle for a tent if it got me away from her.

  At least in the bathroom I had some privacy. As I was brushing my teeth, I noticed something sticking out of my hair. I reached up and pulled a small twig free from my chestnut curls.

  Where the hell did that come from?

  I didn’t go anywhere but to the Academy. It was a straight path there and back. I tried to remember if I took a detour, but I actually didn’t remember walking home. Or getting inside the room.

  What the heck? It was just a blank.

  Dropping the twig in the trash can, I wondered if I zoned out, after what happened with the orb, maybe I was too distracted to pay attention. That didn’t explain why I couldn’t remember making dinner or getting ready for bed or anything. I had my pyjamas on, but no memory of getting into them.

  “It’s stress,” I muttered, it had to be.

  There was no time to think about it now, I needed to get to work. After grabbing a quick shower and changing my contact lenses, I was ready for another day at the Academy.

  When I arrived at the building, I braced myself for what might happen. Someone might have found the orb, put two and two together and figured out that I was responsible. This could be my last day here.

  I tortured myself with scenarios where Chelsea kicked me out, most of them ending in all of the Watchers laughing at me while I was escorted out of the building. I wouldn’t rule out her having me shot with her attitude.

  The first thing I noticed when I came in, was that the crates were gone, probably in the back where they belonged. No one seemed angry or upset, that I could see. Maybe I got away with it? If they weren’t supposed to be left out, maybe the person in charge wouldn’t admit to the damage and get themselves into trouble too.

  That’s a lot of maybes.

  “Don’t look so nervous,” someone said in my ear.

  I jumped. Spencer grinned at me.

  “I’m not nervous.”

  “You might want to tell that to your face,” he joked. He held a silver travel mug in his hand. I could smell the coffee and it made me want one of my own. I should have stopped on the way in.

  “Oh. Well, Chelsea is kind of intimidating. Is she around?” I glanced about, but there was no sign of her.

  “She’s in a meeting which means you can sit and talk to me,” Spencer said, pulling out a chair for me at his desk.

  I took a seat. “Fine, but if Chelsea asks, it was your idea.”

  He shrugged, moving around to his own seat. “No problem. So what do you think of the place so far?”

  I couldn’t help but smile. “I love it. I’ve been looking forward to this for years. My whole life has been about becoming a Watcher.”

  “I guess it isn’t too bad. Although plenty of the Watchers have a stick up their asses. Chelsea especially.” He took a seat at his desk. Opening a drawer, he removed a bag of gummy worms and offered me one.

  Giggling, I took a red one. “You don’t seem like them. How’d you end up working here?”

  “My uncle is a Watcher, he’s based on the west coast. They needed a tech expert and I didn’t have a job, so here I am. Not really an exciting story.”

  “I’m guessing nepotism goes a long way around here. Not that I’m complaining.” There was a long list of applicants every year and only a few were chosen. I knew the Grimm name helped me when it came to making the final decision.

  “Pretty much. Both of Chelsea’s parents were Watchers. They died when she was a kid. Ever since, she appears to be hellbent on being the best Watcher ever.”

  I guess Chelsea and I weren’t that different after all. We were both orphans. I couldn’t see us hanging out though. I wondered who raised her.

  “Anyone else I should watch out for?” I asked.

  Spencer thought about it for a moment. “Not really.”

  I spotted Max stacking books on the desk in his office. “What about him?”

  “Max is okay. Kind of a serious guy, but he has his reasons.”

  “Which are?”

  Spencer shifted in his seat. “Probably not my place to say. Let’s just say he’s been through some shit in his life.”

  I guessed working with curses, there was a risk something could go wrong. That made me think of the orb. I wondered if it had been found yet.

  I placed my elbow on the desk, bumping Spencer’s travel mug. He caught it just before it tipped over. “Oh sugar! Sorry.”

  He laughed. “Sugar? We don’t stand on ceremony here, you can swear all you want.”

  I felt my cheeks burn. “It’s habit. As a child, the housekeeper hated anyone swearing. I learned to come up with alternatives. I guess I still do it.”

  “That’s adorable,” Spencer said, making me blush harder.

  “It’s not, it’s embarrassing. Can we change the sub
ject?” I took a bite out of the gummy worm.

  “Sure. So listen, I was wondering if you…” Spencer started, just as Chelsea came stalking toward me.

  I jumped up, dropping the remainder of the gummy work in the trash can beside the desk.

  “You’ll be doing training today, familiarizing yourself with the Academy. Your first task – shelving those books.” She pointed to several piles of books on the table, maybe thirty of them.

  “No problem,” I said.

  “And then those,” Chelsea said, pointing to the staircase leading to the stacks, where at least a hundred more books were waiting.

  “Got it,” I said, trying to stay positive. I expected this. I knew I’d have to start at the bottom. You had to prove you were ready to follow orders, no matter what they were.

  Spencer gave me a reassuring smile as I got to work. He seemed so normal compared to the rest of us. Part of me wanted to get to know him better, but I didn’t want to risk my job.

  At least I’ll get my step count in for the day, I thought as I carried the first pile up the stairs. I glanced at some of the titles as I went. The Demonic Codex and The Complete Guide to the Fae. I’d love to read them all. I guess I’d get the chance eventually. Grandpa had a few rare texts at the house, but some of these – they were incredibly rare, like only a few in existence rare.

  As the day wore on, I started to believe that I’d gotten away with breaking the orb and I relaxed a little. There were no cameras inside the building, mostly because the artefacts interfered with the signals. Grandpa always believed something should be done about it, but the artefacts were locked in an alarmed room. Anyone trying to steal them would set the alarms off and they would be sealed in the room, until the Watchers arrived. There were probably more security measures I wasn’t aware of too.