by C E Johnson
Portals of power, enshrined in dark,
To pass this way, make your mark.
Take only your body and what you wear.
Take across more, and Traveler, beware.
Live. Die. Sink. Swim.
With this step let your quest begin.
Droth heard strange noises like the sound of machinery starting up as he neared the portal void. The ogres formed a line, all touching each other. As the final ogre reached out to contact him, Droth steeled himself to not recoil from the touch of the half-dead; he didn’t like these creatures at all. He made sure his Dobermans were pushed against his legs before he made the mark for Acacia, an elaborate A, closed his eyes, and stepped through the void. Once he was enveloped in the magic, he felt a rush of power infuse him and he gasped, staggering into nothingness.
“We’re across,” an ogre grunted. Droth opened his eyes. He would never get used to the precarious position of this portal. He was on a ledge on a mountain in Eastern Acacia. One misstep forward, and he would fall thousands of feet. He slowly turned and backed away from the edge. The ogres followed him, their faces impassive.
A group of soldiers and black magicians were camped at the top of the peak. They quickly looked up, surprised to see a ‘crossing.’ Years could pass on Acacia between crossings. This group was well trained, and they responded rapidly, running swiftly to meet Droth and his half-dead workers. While guiding the general into the adjacent system of caves on the mountain top, the soldiers directed the ogres to a separate storage area. Droth was taken to a room where he was allowed to rest, but he didn’t really need rest. He walked out on a stone balcony, overlooking Acacia.
“I feel different than I have in decades,” he whispered to his dogs. “I’m reborn.” His vision and hearing were exquisite. Droth used a spell to bring his heightened senses into a more acceptable level, but he found pleasure in adjusting his sensations to the highest tolerable limit. His eyesight had been fading on Earth, but now could see like an eagle. Colors and textures were all perfect.
“Do you require anything, general?” A soldier in chain-mail, with a greatsword at his side stood at attention.
Rumanovah, he thought in his mind, but he didn’t voice her name out loud. “No, leave me.” Droth waved dismissively at the warrior. He needed to talk with Samil. Once he was alone, he contacted the arch-mage with a dream-link.
“Droth, it’s good to have you back on Acacia.” Samil’s tone was steely, his expression serious. “I’ve read the reports detailing your final work on Earth. Do you think we’re ready?”
Droth was shocked at how emaciated Samil looked and how dark his countenance appeared. “Yes. Blackbarb crossed.”
“And what of Emily?” There was a crazed light in Samil’s eyes. “Have you learned anything else about her?”
Samil is still obsessed with the girl, Droth thought. “She’s definitely working with Blacksky.” Droth wasn’t sure what else Samil wanted to hear. “I’ll fill you in on all I’ve learned at our next meeting.”
“She’s here you know,” Samil whispered, “on Acacia.” The inhuman light was shining brightly in his eyes. “I wish you had captured her when you had the chance.” Samil coughed to clear his throat. “Were there any troubles?”
“No, the ogres helped me.” Droth’s throat felt dry, his pulse was skyrocketing. Hesitantly, he asked the question that was dear to his soul, “Do you have my bondsmate?”
Samil smiled a gruesome yellow smile. Droth could tell Samil was back in control of his emotions and was now happy to taunt him. “Of course, my friend. We’ll meet in the next few days and I’ll have your reward here with me. A beautiful creature. Your eagle will be with you at the greatest battle of our lifetime. I hope to see you soon.”
Droth inclined his head to Samil as the link ended. Excitement and disgust warred in his mind. He cursed the power Samil still had over him. I’d love to walk away from Samil this moment. I could simply go to Rumanovah and see if she’ll marry me. Droth studied a hawk that wheeled in the sky far over his head. If I can, however, stomach him for a little longer, I’ll have my own bondsmate that will let me live for hundreds of more years with her. The hawk lazily drifted out of his heightened eyesight. I must stay focused.
C H A P T E R 2 9
The Banquet
Emily was nearly overcome by the fragrances of food flowing to her through Xena’s nose. Platters of steaming joints of meat were placed throughout the great hall in the castle in Haran with a wonderful banquet set out in magnificent splendor for the return of the king and princess of Angkor. Cooks were turning skewers of colorful peppers, bulging mushrooms, onions, and browning meat dripping with warm juice and grease. Thick soups laden with chicken, noodles, and beans were being ladled into bowls. Salads with almonds, parsley, cilantro, carrots, tomatoes, and bacon were at stations in the room. Wheels of white cheese were surrounded by blueberries, blackberries, apples, and grapes.
“Now this is more like it.” A happy smile spread across Luke’s face as he walked straight to his favorite location, the dessert area, to nibble on tarts, cakes, sweetbreads, and pies.
Musicians were assembled on a small stage at the edge of the eating area, and Isabelle wandered over to watch the entertainers. A wind band, stringed instruments and percussion group were playing together with a sweet harmony. As Ladon led Dr. D into the room, Ladon began sending a series of firework-type flames into the air to announce that the party had officially begun. Emily laughed happily at the dragon’s talents.
Emily and her friends sat with Dr. D and several of the lords of Haran at a massive trestle table of oak bound with silver and bronze. She passed a plate of assorted meat under the table to Xena, and Dr. D passed choice bits of food to Dax.
Thank you. Xena sniffed the meat, debating which to try first.
Emily’s father allowed her and her Earth friends some small glasses of a variety of Acacean drinks, and they were sampling the liquids tentatively.
Elizabeth set down a bread roll on her plate, honey running over her fingers. “Will we dance after the meal?” she asked. Her long blonde hair framed the smooth skin of her cheeks, accentuating her beauty, and she raised her arched brows questioningly above her large eyes of deep blue.
“I bet there will be a line of men from Angkor waiting to dance with you,” Dr. D spoke loudly to be heard above the crowded and noisy hall. “Emily, do you know any of our dances from your last visit?”
Emily felt a pleasant warmth running through her from one of the red drinks. She nodded enthusiastically. Her father gestured toward an area before the stage, “Would you mind showing us?”
Emily stood, heartrate increasing. She could feel a flush form on her neck as she went to the dance floor. Several groups moved their tables to create more room. A tall, lean young man with thick shoulders and auburn hair falling to his shoulders walked over to face Emily. He moved with a proud grace. A new tune began as he held out his hand. Emily accepted with a shy smile, and they began to demonstrate one of the dances of Angkor to her friends.
Emily could see Luke watching her closely. Jealousy was plain on his features, and she felt more attractive for it. When the two finished their dance, there was a thunderous applause and more individuals, including Emily’s friends, rose to prepare for the next dance. Suddenly Luke was before Emily and their hands were touching. “There’s no way he’s getting two dances with my girlfriend,” Luke grumbled. Emily giggled. As Luke learned the movements, they began to move more and more rapidly, until Emily felt flushed and breathless. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest as Luke moved in an increasingly graceful rhythm next to her, and she lost all track of time.
Late into the night they continued to whirl and twirl amidst the rise and fall of the flowing music. Luke held Emily firmly around her waist in an Angkorian slow dance and she put her head on his chest and shut her eyes. I feel so content right now.
You’re lucky to find someone who can close away the world for
you, Ammolite thought warmly.
Luke whispered in her ear. “This soirée is nice, but I still can’t decide if it quite compares to the party at my house in Austin.”
“So true,” Emily tried to look serious. “Your fireworks were so much better than Ladon’s feeble magic.”
“I’m sure we’re going to miss nights like this when the war begins … I think I better try and follow my heart when I have the chance,” Luke stammered with sudden emotion.
“What do you mean by that?” Emily asked, curious. She lifted her head from his chest and looked into Luke’s eyes, thoroughly enjoying the moment as she basked in Luke’s obvious attraction for her. Although she wasn’t using her magus, she felt a different type of magic in the air. Luke slowly leaned into a kiss and Emily tilted her head and raised her mouth to meet him. She fully unleashed her heightened sense of touch in her face, in her lips, reveling in the wondrous light and sensual touch, gasping in surprise at the rush of pleasure. Acacia is positively wonderful; Emily’s mind was spinning as fast as her heart was beating. So many feelings at a level I never would have thought possible. She began to focus on the marvelous butterflies flitting in her stomach and on the tingling sensation going up and down her spine. All at once, her knees felt weak.
Emily pulled back. “I’m going to miss nights like this, also.” She again rested her head on his chest.
Isabelle walked over after the song ended. “I think this is nice music but not quite like some of the classics our band plays. Do you think we could try to play a few songs from Earth?”
Emily looked at the happy crowds milling about the room amongst flickering torches and mage-lights. A hazy smoke from the fires drifted lazily toward the domed ceiling that rose high above her head. She threw caution to the wind, “Let’s try it.” The Acacean band was taking a break and invited Emily and her friends to use their instruments. Isabelle, and Elizabeth went onto the stage and borrowed stringed instrument that approximated their own guitars. Emily selected one with fewer stings, making deeper tones. She was responsible for the rhythm, the pulse, for the group. Luke organized a drum set, and Anna went to an instrument similar to a piano. With their heightened speed and hearing, they were able to tune their instruments and arrange them quickly.
Even with their new skills, they started off a little shaky. Cheering somewhat hesitantly after their first song, the crowd of citizens from Angkor began to gather near the stage at the sound of the unusual music. On their second attempt Dr. D began to clap with the rhythm, and others joined their king. The little band began to gain confidence and played a little louder; their new hand dexterity was taking them to an entirely new level. Isabelle changed the lyrics of their favorite Earth-songs to Acacean as she sang, and they received a much warmer applause.
“I think we’re pretty good,” Anna twirled with her guitar.
“If our war training doesn’t work out, I think we could have a decent job as traveling minstrels on Acacia,” Luke laughed while returning the drums.
As they went back to their table, King Dalton went to the stage, his mouth set in a grim line. An unnatural silence descended. He stood tall before them. “Samil’s oppression is changing our world. He has been growing his army of half-deads and Mavet raa, and soon there will be a battle that will shake Acacia to its foundation pitting Acacean vs. Acacean, and dragon vs. dragon in an epic war.”
Emily could hear the crowded citizens of Angkor muttering angrily. Hands were balling into fists as they stared at King Dalton intently, whispering threats and curses toward Samil and Cyril.
Dr. D fell silent for a moment, letting the anger fester. He cleared his throat. “We will need to make a choice soon. Will we be terrorized by the creatures of the dark, or will we join forces with our dragons of old, stepping boldly into the light?” A roar of approval went up from the crowd, supporting King Dalton and the dragons. Mugs were pounded on tables, and Ladon rose from the back corner of the room to send a stream of pure white dragon-fire toward the towering ceiling above. Angkor would fight with Tiamat.
C H A P T E R 3 0
The Elf Lands
After war preparations were well underway in Angkor, Emily, Dr. D, Anna, Isabelle, Luke, Elizabeth, Xena, and Ammolite departed the Dalton Castle in Haran in a small group. Dr. D predicted the horse-clan would not be admitted into the elf forest, so Cameron and his warriors remained at the castle to help organize the amassing army and to deliver formal messages to other rulers who might aid their cause. Dr. D had used a diamond device to slice fragments of a blue magestone into thin sheets, making message-stones. Within the ultra-fine slab of magestone, he implanted messages requesting troops be sent to Angkor. The message-stones carried authentications and images to his allies.
Emily guided her black stallion to keep pace by her father’s silver mare. The two horses moved in time with a silky gait. “When will we arrive in the elf lands?” she asked, feeling excited, but scared, eager, but still hesitant. “I can’t wait to meet Mother.” I so hope she’ll be all that I’ve imagined.
She will be, Ammolite assured her.
“We’ll be there soon.” Her father fingered the stubble on his face. “I performed a dream-link with your mother yesterday. Elves rarely grow impatient, but I could definitely sense a form of impatience in her.” He paused before adding softly, “She’s dying to meet her daughter.”
“Does she miss you, also?” Emily was curious. She couldn’t really understand their relationship. They were separated for so many years at a time.
Dr. D absently stroked the mane and neck of his horse. “She does miss me, but she is a very independent woman.” His throat sounded dry, and he opened a waterskin and took a drink. “I see her whenever I return, but there’s been an underlying tension between us for many years. She’s still upset at the loss of her children and I don’t think she’ll ever truly forgive me until I get you and Hadrian back to her.” As he guided his horse along the banks of a small river, the light bounced off the silver surface, glinting in his eyes. “She’s thrilled that you’re still so young … she doesn’t feel as if she’s missed too much of your life.”
“I guess it’s different with Hadrian?” Emily gave her father a long look.
“Yes, he’s older. We’ve all missed sharing his early years.” He looked grim for a moment and rubbed his eyes. He took another sip of water, wiping away the remnants from his mouth with the back of his hand.
Emily tried to change the tone of their conversation. “Will I have to undergo some ancient elven initiation? I hope I won’t be submitted to anything too painful.”
Her father gave a good-natured laugh. “I’m sure she’ll want to give both of you some intensive elven training someday.”
“What training?” Emily’s heart fluttered with excitement as she looked wistfully over the shimmering waters. “Do you really think we might learn some magical secrets from her?”
“I don’t know all of the teachings of the elves.” Dr. D’s voice dropped. “Many things are shrouded in secrecy, even from me. The elves and the dragons are the oldest races on this planet, and I can only wonder at the secrets and knowledge that both possess.”
Without warning, Ammolite appeared, gliding just above the river, forming a current on the water and sending droplets into the air. The liquid looked like jeweled fragments glimmering in the sun. Emily held her breath as she observed the beauty of her bondsmate. “Tell me about the dragons in the elf lands.” Her heart swelled with joy as she watched Ammolite fly. “Ladon only told me a little about them.”
Dr. D. stared at Ammolite thoughtfully before he answered. “There are mainly green dragons in the elf lands, different from many other dragons on Acacia. Instead of watching over the elves, they are more or less treated as equals with the elves.” He placed his hand holding the reins on the saddle-horn. “Their dragons don’t hide their eggs, but rather seem to feel it’s an honor to bond with the elves, and their eggs are kept in specially guarded sanctuaries. When the ha
tchlings leave their eggs, they’re first exposed to elves that have distinguished themselves through skill, strength, or knowledge.” He paused to focus on Ammolite as she gracefully rose back into the air. “But the green dragons are nothing compared to the multi’s.”
* * *
They rode for several days and Emily noticed the trees were becoming bigger and thicker. The paths on which they walked began to get darker as the sun’s rays were filtered by the trees and branches. The ground became spongier and the moss was thicker. Noises were blunted by the vegetation. Xena sniffed the damp air, informing Emily, There are elves close by.
Emily felt an excited tingling run through her body. “Xena can smell elves near to us,” she told her friends in a hushed voice.
“It’s getting a little creepy in here.” Elizabeth eyed the forest warily.
“Oh, no, I don’t feel that way at all.” Emily took a great breath in and looked around for the elves Xena had detected. “It’s positively wonderful. I feel so alive in here.” She felt even stronger than before. Her breathing was easier, and her mind was clearer than ever.
“Emily is literally returning to her roots.” Dr. D was the only one who chuckled at his poor joke. “She’s part elf, and we’re entering her ancient lands.”
