by L. M. Fry
He stared at her in awe, and then held his injured hand in the air. Julia wasn’t sure what he thought would happen, but Danu patted him on the head like a dog and turned away. His face crumpled in disappointment. Julia almost laughed. Danu looked around the island and tsked.
“This place is barren and lifeless. I desire to see this modern world. Together, we will make it our empire,” Danu declared.
There was no way Julia would release Danu upon the unsuspecting people of the planet – Aetherian or otherwise. Julia could only imagine the destruction Danu would reap. With access to modern technology and weaponry, she’d be unstoppable. Then again, she may be unstoppable without it. Julia was beginning to understand why Danu’s daughters put her in the tomb in the first place. They had to distract her until they could get help.
Julia stepped forward and tried to humble herself. “Mother, would you not like to rest? Your waking must have been taxing.”
Her mind raced to think of a place to take the goddess. Julia grimaced. She sounded like such a fool. She was tired and drained from the day. Theo stepped up beside her and curtsied.
“We know a place where you can rejuvenate,” Theo said.
“A place called Subterria,” Julia added.
Theo and Valera nodded. Taking her into the broken city would give them time to figure out what to do.
“Where is this… Subterria?”
Danu didn’t seem impressed with their suggestion. Julia had to convince her and fast.
“Subterria is an underground kingdom fit for a goddess,” she lied.
“Very well,” Danu sighed. “We will go to Subterria.”
Eli moaned on the ground. Julia knelt beside him. She didn’t want to leave him behind. Danu stood over them and caressed the top of Julia’s head.
“Something troubles you?”
“Um, well, these people. We can’t just leave them.”
“As I’ve said they are not in danger, and they’ll wake soon.” Danu said. Julia didn’t feel any better. “And, yet, you still look troubled. You are attached to them?”
“Some of them, yes,” Julia said.
Danu knelt beside Julia, taking her shoulders and kissing her cheek. “You may each choose one to revive. They will accompany us to our palace.”
Julia’s heart clenched. Although her choice was easy, she didn’t want to leave anyone behind. She didn’t know what would happen after they left – if they could leave. Julia looked to Theo and Valera. Valera’s eyes teared up, looking between her brother, Nessie, and Gideon.
Julia bit her lip. She stood up next to Eli.
“Him,” she whispered.
Theo moved toward Victor. She was leaving Joe behind.
“Him.”
Valera knelt beside Gideon. Theo had made her choice easier.
“I will bring Gideon.”
Danu raised her arms and a light flowed to each man. Their eyes popped open right away, and they sat up. Even Victor was awake and aware. Theo squealed in happiness. She dropped down next to him and wrapped her arms around him. He jumped in surprise, but hugged her back.
“What’s happening?” He whispered. “There was a wolf…”
“Danu’s awake. She’s dangerous, Victor.”
He released her and got up. Valera ran to her twin in tears, with Gideon close behind her. Julia and Eli joined the group. Julia pretended to bring them all into a group hug.
In the middle of the huddle, she whispered, “We’ve made a terrible mistake.”
Chapter Twenty
Valera
Valera was terrified of what they’d done. Danu wasn’t the earth mother she’d expected. In fact, the very ground she walked on shriveled and died beneath her. This woman was demanding and selfish. She scared Valera to her core.
What did we do? Valera reached out to Theo and Julia. I’m scared.
The second the thoughts left her mind, she knew she’d made a horrible error. Danu faced Valera with her terrible grimace. Valera’s chest tightened.
“Do you regret your actions? Do you still fear me?” Danu growled. “I am your mother... your goddess. Do not question me, dear one.”
Valera cast her eyes at the ground. Danu’s hand slid down her cheek to her chin. The woman’s nail left a trail of pain over Valera’s skin. Then Danu lifted Valera’s head and wrapped her other arm around Gideon’s shoulder. A cold chill rippled through Valera’s spine. Even though a smile touched Danu’s face, Valera saw contempt in Danu’s eyes. She couldn’t let Gideon get hurt.
“Forgive me Mother, this is all so… overwhelming.” Valera’s voice trembled. “I’m in awe of your greatness.”
She hoped that flattery and humility would satisfy the woman, but Danu held tight to Gideon’s shoulder. He stood frozen in place, his eyes pleading with Valera.
“You have good taste, Valera. This one is intelligent and handsome.” Danu caressed Gideon’s face, then sighed, “You are forgiven.”
She released Gideon and whistled to Lawless, who came running to her side. Valera fell into Gideon’s arms, shaking.
“We’ll get through this,” he whispered into her ear, as he stroked her hair.
“It’s time to go, children. Take me to… Subterria,” Danu commanded.
Valera looked at the weathered lifeboats. They were the only way off the island, but they weren’t seaworthy. Not to mention, she didn’t want to be on the tiny craft with Danu or her strange blue-tattooed minions. The question was: who would explain to her that they were stuck?
Julia stepped forward, clearing her throat. “Mother, our transport was destroyed on the voyage.”
Danu erupted in laughter. “I have so much to teach you. You are like babes. We do not need the contraptions of man. We need only to imagine our destination. Close your eyes.”
Valera took Gideon’s hand and closed her eyes. She felt like a worm was wriggling through her mind. Danu’s voice sounded inside her head.
Visualize our destination.
Valera pictured Subterria from the last time she was there. The charred remains of a city in civil war. She imagined the barricades and the wealthy district in ruins. Someone else took her free hand. Her eyes flung open. One of the serpent-men crushed her hand in his. She tried to pull away, but he held firm. Danu stood in the middle of their circle.
Concentrate, Valera.
Even though she was sickened by the creature beside her, she refocused on Subterria. Theo, Julia, and Danu’s thoughts entangled with her own. Her body felt weightless as if she were drifting in space. A brisk breeze fluttered around her, turning into an icy blast. The feeling stopped, and the man beast dropped her hand.
When she opened her eyes, they were standing in a circle near the remains of the park. Subterria was dim and empty. The smell of decay was unbearable. Valera threw a hand over her mouth in disgust. Danu’s eyes went from amber to red as she eyed the city.
“What trickery is this?” Danu accused. “This will not do. You’ve brought me to a dungeon.”
Julia jumped forward and lied, “Mother, this is an atrocity. I lived in this city for many years. I don’t know what happened.”
Valera was impressed with the added tears that sprang from Julia’s eyes. Danu’s face softened – though her eyes remained red.
“Do not fret, my child. The city will be great once again,” Danu cooed.
She peered at the ceiling and aimed her hand at the aether orbs in the sky. A wisp of blue light floated up from her fingers. When the wisp touched the orbs, they flared to life. The city lit up brighter than it ever had before. Danu inhaled and blew a gust of crackling mist across the cavernous city. The decaying material fizzled away. The river waters ran clear again. The fountain reformed itself into Danu’s image and flowed to life. The charred patchy grass sprouted.
Danu turned to the Order’s headquarters. With palms extended, she lifted her hands. The cavern shifted and crumbled. Massive chunks of rock fell from the ceiling. Valera cowered away, but the rocks disin
tegrated just above their heads. All of the debris from the ruined buildings lifted and reshaped itself. The wealthy district merged into one massive underground palace. Next came a storm of flame that seared across every surface, melting the stone into a smooth, glossy finish.
“Come, daughters. Welcome to our new home.”
Moving toward the restored palatial headquarters, Danu ascended the stairs and the double doors swung open. Julia, Theo, and Valera filed in after her, followed by the boys and snake-men. They entered into a large empty room with crystal columns that ran up to the ceiling. Danu peered around the room, tapping her chin.
“A goddess needs a throne,” she snapped her fingers.
A polished rock throne grew from the ground at the end of the hall. She marched up to it as if she were in a royal procession. With all the grace of a queen, she sat upon her throne and looked out over the empty room. Once again she snapped her fingers, and Lawless sat on the floor beside her like a favored pet.
“I shall rest here, my children. On the hall to the left, you will find your rooms. My awakening was difficult for us all. Repose now, and we will speak later. Your companions may accompany you. Sleep well, my daughters.”
With that, the girls were dismissed. They explored the left wing of the palace and found three huge suites full of fine furnishings. Valera wondered where the antiques came from, remembering similar furniture in the wealthy district during the battle. Their names were carved on the stone doors. Valera stopped at her suite, but couldn’t bring herself to go in. She and Theo gathered in Julia’s room at the end of the wing. Valera wanted nothing more than to be far away from Danu. Valera curled up with Gideon in a chair. He ran a hand up and down her back. A yawn cracked her jaw. She had never felt so tired. Julia flopped on the bed. Theo fell beside her. Valera tried to speak to them, but she felt so drained. Instead, she closed her eyes and slept.
Chapter Twenty-One
Theo
Theo bolted awake. Julia snored beside her. Theo didn’t even remember laying down. All of them were in the same room, asleep in odd places. Eli was curled up on the ground, shivering. Victor was also on the ground, leaning against the wall. Valera and Gideon were still on their chair. Embers glowed in the fireplace. Had there been a fire when they came into the room? She couldn’t remember. With no clock, she had no idea what time it was or how long she’d been asleep. She shook Julia’s arm.
Julia muttered and rolled away. A strange thickness hung in the air as if there wasn’t enough oxygen. Her mind felt tipsy. She had to move. Slinking off the bed, she steadied herself and explored the suite. The walls and floor glistened. Danu’s magic had created extravagant linens and rugs, or perhaps they were taken from the rest of Subterria. A tiger’s pelt sat on the floor in front of the fireplace, and Theo almost screamed. The last tiger she saw was Moose from Harmony’s circus, lying dead near the fountain. Theo didn’t want to know if the fur on the floor had been his, but she had a sinking feeling that it was poor Moose. She picked it up and gently put it in a wardrobe. He didn’t deserve to be stepped on.
Theo wanted to explore the entire palace, but not alone. Danu scared her. Although Danu looked similar to the tapestries and pictures that Theo had seen, there was something off with her personality. Theo thought a goddess would be… more than Danu was.
Theo heard footsteps and voices in the hall. She ran back to the bed and acted as if she were still asleep. The door opened.
Why am I hiding? She thought to herself, yet didn’t get up.
People shuffled around the room. Glasses clanked and something was set out on a table. After a few minutes, the door closed. Theo sat back up. Whoever came into their room left a tray of tea and food in the sitting room and three clothing bags on the back of the sofa. Between the kettle and tea cups, Theo found a note.
She read aloud, “Good morning, daughters. Eat breakfast, and join me in the throne room. The appropriate attire has been provided.”
“Huh?” Julia yawned and stretched. “Man, I must have passed out.”
“What am I doing down here?” Victor grumbled.
Valera tumbled off of Gideon’s lap. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep. Are you all right?”
Gideon rubbed his legs. “Pins and needles… I hate pins and needles,” he complained.
“I don’t know what happened. One minute we were talking, and then nothing,” Valera said.
“Muscle cramps.” Eli hobbled around the room.
Theo picked up a crumpet and examined it. Her stomach growled, and there was no need to deny it breakfast. It appeared normal and smelled delicious. She chomped down on it and sighed.
“I think we were under a spell,” she said between bites.
“Mmm, food.” Eli gulped down an entire crumpet in one bite.
Julia opened one of the garment bags and pulled out a shimmering silver dress, much like Danu’s. Theo cringed. She wasn’t one to wear dresses, let alone sparkly dresses. She’d just gotten her t-shirts and jeans back. All three bags held the same dress.
“Has anyone else noticed that we don’t stink?” Julia asked.
“Eww, Julia,” Valera scolded.
Julia picked at her shirt and inhaled. “Seriously, I was filthy yesterday, but, now, I’m clean and my clothes are perfect.”
“I guess you’re right.” Valera shrugged, looking in the bottom of the clothing bags. “No shoes?”
“Shoes are the least of our worries,” Theo replied. “What are we going to do?”
Victor stood up and stretched. Theo’s heart thumped in her chest. Danu couldn’t be all bad. After all, she had healed Victor. Ever since his miraculous return, he’d seemed so different. He was happy. She caught herself staring, and so did he. His emerald eyes sparkled, and he smiled. She hadn’t realized how much she missed him. He came up to her and leaned close to her ear.
“Can we start over?” He whispered.
She felt as if her smile would split her face. She looked up to him and nodded. Valera clapped.
“I knew you would work it out,” she squealed.
Theo’s cheeks burned. Victor slipped his hand in hers. She felt right again, until Julia gagged.
“Seriously, this is not the time. Get dressed. We’ll have to face Mother Dearest sooner or later. Might as well be now.”
Theo threw a crumpet at her. “Food first.”
“We don’t know what kind of ingredients are in these,” Julia murmured, sniffing the delectable pastry. “Well, maybe just one. I don’t want to starve.”
Julia ate three of them, and then tossed one of the dresses to Theo. She caught it and slumped. There was no way Theo was getting into this thing. Danu would just have to deal with her normal clothes. Julia threw her hands on her hips and glowered at Theo as if reading her mind.
“We can’t make her mad,” Julia said.
Theo rolled her eyes and went into the bathroom. She slipped the dress over her head and looked into the mirror. The silky fabric kissed her skin. The slinky nature of it made her self-conscious. The neckline draped down to her lower back, the straps hung off her shoulders, and the slit in the side went too far up her leg. What she wouldn’t give to put her jeans and a tee shirt back on.
“Open up,” Julia yelled and banged on the bathroom door.
“No way.”
Valera shook the knob, “Don’t hog the bathroom. I need to get dressed too.”
Theo relented and cracked the door, pulling them inside. Valera slipped out of her clothes and threw on her dress. Theo’s mouth dropped. At least Valera filled it out. On Theo it was a like a sack, but Valera had curves. When Julia put it on, it made Theo even more self-conscious. The dress set off her white-blonde hair and ice blue eyes. Theo couldn’t compete. Julia whistled at herself in the mirror.
“I look hot.”
“I’m not leaving this bathroom,” Theo declared.
“Don’t be silly you look beautiful,” Valera gushed, swirling in the mirror. “You might want
to take the socks off though.”
Theo looked down at the black socks on her feet and sighed. She balled them up and threw them on top of her other clothes. There was no help for it, she had to go. They stepped into a cacophony of applause and hoots from the boys. Their enthusiasm didn’t help Theo’s nerves.
“You should wear dresses more often.” Victor nudged Theo’s side.
She gave him a death glare. He laughed. Offering his arm, he ushered her out of the suite and down the corridor. The doors to the throne room opened before they got there, and Theo froze. The palace was filled with people. Danu sat on her throne, smiling over her court.
“Her Highnesses Theo, daughter of Maera, Julia, daughter of Ealga, and Valera, daughter of Aeda.”
A blue tattooed man, wearing the pompous garb of the former wealthy elite, announced the girls as they entered. The room broke into applause as they walked down a green carpet toward Danu.
“Who are all these people?” Theo whispered to Victor.
He shrugged. “Go with it.”
“Ah, my children. You are lovelier than ever. Come to me.”
Danu waved them forward. Dr. Lawless sat cross-legged on a pillow next to Danu’s throne. The girls curtsied and the boys bowed at the base of her throne. Victor, Eli, and Gideon moved to the side. The goddess hugged Theo and kissed her on the head, moving down the row to all three girls. Once again the room erupted with cheers. Danu snapped her fingers and three smaller chairs rose out of the stone in front of Danu’s throne.
“Our devoted disciples exalt our rebirth, daughters. Sit and give them your blessings.”
Danu returned to her throne, and Theo sat in the first chair. Serpent men brought baskets and set them beside the girls. Although, Theo wasn’t about to deny Danu, she felt uncomfortable with all the pageantry. The situation felt so wrong.
The first three people to walk up to them were a Subterrian family. Their whitish hair and pale skin were giveaways. It was clear that they didn’t fare well in the civil war. Their clothes were dirty rags, and they smelled as if they hadn’t bathed in weeks. The man put a silver coin in Theo’s hand and bowed. Guilt gnawed at her gut.
