by T Nisbet
Before we entered the woods, Guldan took me aside and instructed me on how to create a light that would follow above me. He pulled energy in and a spinning sphere of flame appeared between his palms. He threw it up above his head where it hung motionless until he took a step, it moved with him remaining at the same height.
After listening and watching, I gathered in magic and I willed another light into being. I extinguished the old one with a thought and took a couple of steps. I was pleased when the new light remained above me.
After Prince Halifor dispersed his warriors and set a marching order, we entered the woods. Halifor and Guldan led the way followed by Brianna, Carla, Toby and Lathris. Andorthil and Ivy walked together behind them, chatting and giggling beneath the monstrous trees. The two had resumed their friendship immediately. It was nice to see Ivy so happy. I couldn’t help but stare she was so beautiful. Gill and I followed them, hanging back enough so as not to overhear everything they said. Behind us, Pierre brought up the rear with the two elves that carried Coach between them. Pierre insisted on guarding McNally even though Coach was trussed up and dangling from a pole held by the two elves.
Gill who would never be described as quiet, was as awestruck by the woods as I was, even though we had both been in among the gigantic trees before. We hardly spoke as we walked the loam-covered trails, past massive, smooth tree trunks, shivering ferns and berry-laden bushes. Every now again one of us would point at some strange iridescent bird, bizarre glowing plant or other beautiful marvel and we’d both stare in wonder.
The woods around us were alive with sound of nocturnal creatures going about their nightly business. Far off in the distance a wolf cried out its mournful song and was joined by another in a different direction. Had I not been surrounded by renowned warriors and escorted on all sides by elven hunters, the unearthly sound of the wolves’ howling would have scared the crap out of me.
After a few hours hike, I began to get de-sensitized to the majestic beauty surrounding me, and my thoughts turned to what lay before me. I couldn’t give Brianna’s father the ruby. That much I had worked out. I didn’t know what to do with it though. I needed to find out how long the binding would last in my world. I knew it needed to go back to the realm it was created in, but how long did I have? Once I somehow got it to the other realm, who did I give it to?
Then there was the question of Coach McNally. Did we dare bring him back with us? If released, we’d be in near constant danger. I couldn’t see any alternative but to ask the elves to keep him.
After what we knew about her father, I couldn’t see Brianna returning home either. There were still a lot of questions regarding his roll in all of this, but most of the answers to those questions tended to put him in a very bad light. Unless Guldan went through, I doubted very much if Brianna would.
Brianna’s father was the real unknown in returning. What he would do when he found out we’d returned and weren’t going to giving him the Cardinal Ruby, or hadn’t delivered Brianna as planned? There was no way of telling with any certainty. He undoubtedly had the means to do anything he wished, being a billionaire. That is, if he had survived the attack by the Vampire Council.
That got me thinking. What if the attack wasn’t over? I counted backwards trying to figure out how long I’d been in this dangerous, yet wondrous and chaotic world. Had it only been eleven days? It felt like so much longer. How much time had passed in my world? I was pretty decent with math, but not remotely as good as Brianna. I was sure she could have told me right away.
If there were fifteen seconds to an hour difference between worlds, and twenty-four hours in a day… fifteen times twenty-four equaled… three-hundred-and-sixty. That meant that every day here was approximately six minutes back in my world. I shook my head in disbelief. That meant we’d only been gone sixty-six minutes. That was an hour and six minutes? It didn’t seem possible, but I rechecked my math several times and came up with the same thing each time.
The attack on Mr. Kline’s estate might not have even started yet, if Brianna’s father was to be believed about an attack coming at all. If he was telling the truth, then we might be walking right into the middle of a battle. I felt my empty scabbard where Gwensorloth should have been, and realized how much I’d come to rely on having a sword.
It was still dark when we arrived at a clearing with the hill in the middle. I looked around for a few minutes before I realized where I was. I couldn’t see the granite stone on top of the table so I pushed more energy into the light and willed it to rise up above the hill. Guldan nodded at me and winked. I made the light bright enough so we could see pretty well at the bottom of the hill. Using magic to make light was becoming easier and easier. I wondered briefly at how crazy that was.
Toby came up to me smiling.
“We’ve been gone just one hour and eight minutes according to Brianna. We’ll be back in time for dinner.”
“My parent’s won’t even be home yet,” I said returning his smile with one of my own.
“You can eat over at my place. Think Mom’s cookin chops.”
“You would remember that,” I laughed.
“Mom’s chops… you know how good they are Jake-O,” Toby grinned.
I did. Toby’s Mom made just about the best BBQ I’d ever eaten. Her pork chops were truly amazing. Toby’s father didn’t seem to mind at all that his wife did the barbequing at their house. Usually barbequing was a point of pride with men. My dad bragged about his grill, to other guys. Toby’s father bragged about his wife’s grill and no one in their right mind ever made fun of him for it. Being nearly seven-feet tall and three hundred pounds might have had something to do with it.
“It’s not over yet Tob,” I said putting aside my sudden hunger. “We might be walking right into the middle of a battle between Mr. Kline and the Vampire Council.”
Toby grimaced.
“I forgot about that.”
Halifor called everyone together. More than two-dozen lithe shapes melted out of the edges of the darkness into the light. The elven hunters looked so confident and proud. I wished at that moment that I had their courage. Halifor’s gaze took in everyone gathered before him, and he nodded. I felt my heart beginning to race until Ivy appeared at my side and slipped her warm hand into mine.
“And so the ancient evil finally leaves this land. May all weep with joy on the morrow, as for tonight, let us honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have fallen, and those divinely chosen to complete the quest. Hail!”
“HAIL!” shouted the elves gathered around us.
Prince Halifor inclined his head towards Guldan.
“So what is the plan now big brother? Will you return with us to Lor Lorenith?”
“I’m afraid our quest isn’t finished just yet,” Guldan said looking at me.
“What can I do to help?” Halifor asked.
Guldan pointed to Coach who was lying in the grass still bound and gagged. Pierre stood over him, the tip of his sword in the hollow of Coach McNally neck. “This scoundrel needs to stay here,” Guldan said. “Would you be willing to take responsibility for him?”
Halifor grimaced as though he’d swallowed a bite of tart, green apple. “If I must,” he replied. “Will the esteemed pirate Rochelle be joining us in his guard?”
Pierre shrugged.
“I will.”
Pierre was a pirate captain? What the hell? I caught his eye, and he shrugged yet again.
“You have my thanks little brother,” Guldan said. “King Hammervil and I will act as escorts. As members of the ten, it is our responsibility to see this through to the end.”
“I would go as well, if you’ll have me,” Gill said, looking at me. “I would like to see this world of yours Jake.”
“Of course,” I said looking away from Pierre. “But we might be walking into a battle…”
“And you should know guardsmen, that your blade may be of little consequence there. They shoot metal projections out of various sized sticks in tha
t world.” Guldan interrupted. “The metal flies through the air so fast it can’t be seen. Whatever it hits, it goes through.”
There was a lot of murmuring amongst the elves gathered around us. Gill seemed to weight the dangers, then shrugged.
“I’m in,” he said.
“Will the stone be in danger, Death Drinker?” Lord Lathris asked frowning at his brother.
Guldan looked at his little brother and sighed, nodding.
“There is a good probability it will be Lathris.”
“Why?”
“The portal leads to the estate of an ancient vampire named Mephiso. It was he that sent his daughter off to fulfill the prophecy of the Un-blooded Queen. And it was he that gave the ruby to Jake for this quest, under the condition that it be brought back if the quest was successful. He most assuredly still has an interest in the stone.
Before it was given to Jake, he used it to threaten and blackmail members of the Vampire Council into doing his will. There was evidence that he used that power to drive a wedge between the Vampire Council and the Blood Elves.”
Lord Lathris held up a hand.
“Hold Guldan! You would have us believe this creture is playing all sides in this?”
“There is very little doubt of that, my brother.” Guldan answered. “The question is why. What his agenda really is, I’m afraid I don’t know.”
Bronn stepped forward.
“By my father’s beard, he’s the Demon seed!”
Silence followed Bronn’s statement. Even the woods seemed to grow quiet. My mouth suddenly went dry and a chill ran up my spine.
“He can’t be,” Brianna whimpered suddenly, collapsing in tears. Guldan caught her and held her tightly.
“But the Demon’s trapped! Can it still work its evil through a minion?” Lathris asked.
“When the Demon entered the stone, its connection to this world, and every other world was severed. If he is the seed, he is on his own now,” Guldan said still holding Brianna.
“And no longer draws power from the Demon…”
“I do not know for sure brother, but I’m starting to think that may have been Mephiso’s plan all along,” Guldan said. “I smell Sir Nisbet’s hand in this.”
“Wily bastard!” Bronn’s laughter echoed out into the clearing. He slapped his knee repeatedly.
“I don’t understand,” Brianna said softly between tears.
“Come, let’s go get an explanation,” Guldan said kissing the top of her head.
I was confused. I had wondered why Sir Nisbet had been at Mr. Kline’s estate in the first place. It had led me to believe Brianna’s father was on our side in the beginning. The betrayal of his only daughter had changed my view. Now it appeared her father had played for all the sides. I didn’t understand why, and it was maddening. If he were the Demon’s seed why would he set in motion a plan that would destroy his connection with the Demon? I wanted to blame someone for all that had happened. My rage at Carla’s torture, Ivy’s injuries in the dungeon, and my lost innocence needed an outlet.
Ivy squeezed my hand as we walked up to the hill towards the dark granite table. I willed the light hanging above it to soften. When we reached the top, we gathered in a circle around the mysterious stone slab.
“The difference in timing between the worlds shouldn’t effect us much going that way. Our only worry is arriving in the same spot as one another.”
“That would be bad?” Toby asked.
Guldan smiled at Toby.
“Extremely. Two people cannot occupy the same space at the same time.”
“Ouch,” Toby winced at the thought.
“Three at a time, I’d say,” Bronn said, folding his hands over his massive chest.
“Agreed,” Guldan said. “As soon as you arrive on the other side, move immediately please.”
“One second there equals four minutes here.” Brianna said, wiping the tears from her eyes and composing herself somewhat. “Ten minutes should give us two and a half seconds to move before the next person arrives.”
Guldan looked down at her and raised his eyebrows.
“Really?”
Brianna smiled up at him her eyes puffy and red from crying and nodded.
“Each group of three will wait ten minutes before going through then,” Guldan said. “Halifor, will you keep the time for us?”
“I shall brother,” he replied.
“Good. Bronn, Gill and I go first, followed by Toby, Carla and Jake, then Brianna, and Ivy.”
“I will go with the ladies,” Lord Lathris said. “I would not have them make the journey alone.”
Guldan smiled at his brother who looked away.
“It is settled then. On my mark we sit. Ready?”
“Don’t hold your breath Gill,” I said.
He nodded and winked at me.
Bronn and Gill moved into position.
“3, 2, 1.” Guldan said.
All three sat down at the same time, and promptly vanished.
“Excited about being able to use your cell, Carls?” Toby asked.
Carla shook her head.
“I left it back in that bastard’s castle.”
“I have some money saved up. We’ll get you another tomorrow.”
Carla smiled briefly.
“Thanks babe.”
“Come to think of it, mine’s gone as well. Guess I won’t be able to see how many hits your Youtube post of Jake-O getting leveled by that Defensive end has until I get home and check it out on my computer.”
“Great,” I sighed shooting Toby a dark look.
“Don’t worry love,” Ivy said squeezing my hand. “I’m sure it has gone viral.”
Toby laughed and Carla smiled.
I rolled my eyes and pretended to be ambivalent, but the truth was that for the first time in eleven days I felt like things might return to the way they had been before this all began. It would never be fully the same of course, but it just might be close enough that life would be enjoyable again.
It’s funny how time slows when you are waiting for it, and rushes along when you are oblivious to it. I watched Prince Halifor bathed in his honey-colored amber glow talking quietly with Lord Lathris who’s aura was more cream-colored. They were so regal, so elegant and graceful. Both were Princes among their people as was Guldan. Even after everything that had happened, it was still surreal to be standing this close to elves, much less royalty. The amazing deference paid to them by the other elves was not only noticeable but felt like it honored the servant as much as the royal.
Neither looked much older than twenty-five, but I knew they were in reality, far, far older. Their body types were similar, but Lord Lathris seemed like perhaps he was the more muscular of the two. Guldan by comparision was taller than either and easily heavier. That isn’t so say that any one of the three would have been called muscular as a description.
“Take care Dear Heart,” Ivy said, burying her head in my chest.
I put my arms around her and gave up concentrating on anything but the smell of her hair and the feeling of her body pressed against me.
“It will be okay,” I whispered softly. “This will all be just a crazy memory soon.”
She squirmed against me, and I became even more aware of certain parts of her body.
“I don’t plan on letting you off that easily Dear Heart,” she purred.
I smiled, feeling abnormally warm.
“Next three,” Halifor said. “Get ready.”
Ivy gave me an extra squeeze before letting go.
I took a couple of deep breaths and got close to the granite table along with Toby and Carla. I checked my pocket for the ruby again, and was satisfied it wouldn’t go anywhere.
“Fare thee well ‘Light-Bearer’,” Halifor said smiling at me. “3, 2, 1.”
I sat down.
One second I was sitting, the next I was once more hanging weightlessly in bizarre light filled tube. The current whipped me around again as th
ough I was being pounded by a wave at the beach, and I pulled my arms into my body as I had on my first trip through the portal. I concentrated on breathing normally and kept my eyes open. The tube twisted and turned like a cosmic waterslide. I was going home. A part of me felt a sudden enormous sadness, the other part cheered triumphantly.
Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by a stormy twilight, seated on the edge of the bench inside the fairy ring. A wave of nausea and dizziness hit me. Something was missing, I didn’t feel quite right. I remembered about getting up and moving even as a pair of hands helped me to stand and move away from the bench. Gill’s face formed in the gathering darkness. He seemed tense. I felt my pocket and my hand brushed over the lump in my pocket filling me with relief. But something still wasn’t right.
“You okay?” Gill said, looking me in the eyes. I nodded as large drops of rain pressed through the wind whipped trees surrounding the fairy ring, pelting my face and hands. It grew even darker as sheet of rain came down. I thought about making a light and suddenly it hit me what was missing. Magic. I looked down at my hands as Gill pulled me another step away from the bench, then left me. I wasn’t glowing blue, or was I? If I concentrated, I could see the barest suggestion of blue.
Gill returned with Ivy a moment later.
“You guys okay?” he asked. “That was… interesting.”
I nodded, and attempted a smile. Ivy hugged me tightly as a sheet of lightning in the roiling clouds above me lit the clearing. All of us had made it through.
As the lightning faded, beams of light crisscrossed the space around us making dancing points of light on everyone. Lazer sights! I was about to pull Ivy and Gill to the ground when a deep voice shouted out through the wind-blown rain.
“Lord Kline requests an audience with you,” said a dark clad figure moving around one of the trees outside the fairy ring. “You are surrounded. Please move away from the bench and place your hands in the air. My orders are to bring you inside alive, but I’ll bring you in wounded or dead if I have to.”
“Do as he says,” Bronn growled from the other side of the bench. “The metal projectiles follow the beams of light.”
Reluctantly, I let go of Ivy and put my hands up. I could see that everyone else had raised their hands as well.
“Wise decision,” said the figure. “Keep your hands raised and make a line in front of me please. My lord ordered me to congratulate you on your return. Are there anymore coming through the gate?”
“No. It is just us,” Guldan said nonchalantly, walking towards the man speaking.
I looked at the beam that dotted Ivy’s chest and followed it back to the dark figure pointing the gun. I concentrated on the source of the light and released my will. The laser sight sputtered and then stopped shinning. I grinned as I heard a small curse. I didn’t feel quite so helpless.
