by L. R. W. Lee
Several minutes later a pair of firemen released Andy from his confinement, laying him gently on the grass next to Madison who paramedics attended. Mom sat in the open doorway at the back of the ambulance holding a cold pack to the side of her head as another medic took her blood pressure. Methuselah was nowhere to be found, but Andy was unconcerned.
Dad met them at the hospital. After the initial wave of relief that none of them had been seriously injured, Dad’s face turned stony. He fell silent, kneading his hands. On the way home, Mom kept glancing over at him as he drove. Cold silence lasted the entire way home and set Andy on edge. This was a side of Dad Andy had never seen. Say you were right. Say you feared something like this would happen. Say something…anything, Andy wished.
As they pulled into the driveway, Andy noticed a small chest waiting for them next to the mailbox. Dad scowled as Andy went to retrieve it. Investigation revealed four silver discs each the size of a half dollar. The accompanying note read:
Queen Emmalee,
I’ve finally succeeded in creating a protective barrier for your person when outside the protection of the shield. I’ve activated and tested them and am satisfied that they will not fail you. I’m sorry it took so long, but it was too important that I get it right.
Mermin
Everyone took a disc and scattered. Mom and Dad headed upstairs for their bedroom. Andy knew they were about to have a “conversation,” but he had no curiosity for the particulars. Mom closed their door as Andy passed.
Andy pulled the pouch from around his neck. He tipped it over and its contents spilled onto his bedroom floor: the gold key that had gotten him out of more than one tight spot; the sapphire from the dwarf mine; the ruby given to him by Gelon the gnome, who believed it would dispel hatred and discord and preserve its bearer from false friendships; and the pendant he’d found in the troll hoard when searching for the unicorns. He had nearly forgotten about the pendant and held it up to inspect more closely. He remembered the pattern of a square within a square clearly marking its face, but turning it over he discovered the faint etching of an ornate building that filled the middle.
Never noticed that before.
He walked to his desk and held it under the lamp. An inscription curved around the top edge: A Decim, Unum. Neither the letters nor the words resembled the Oomish he had been translating. Andy shrugged. Seated again before his pile of treasure, he added Mermin’s token and returned everything to safekeeping, then slipped the small sack around his neck once more.
Grandpa Smithson arrived from Phoenix three days later to join the Christmas celebration, and in keeping with tradition, Mom persuaded the family to watch The Wizard of Oz tonight. They’d watched It’s A Wonderful Life last night.
Dad had been quieter than usual since the incident, and like the night before, he managed popcorn production alone, in silence. Madison had baked Christmas cookies especially for Grandpa, a nod of fond remembrance to Grandma. Breaking the ban on food in the family room, they all stuffed their mouths with goodies as the movie began.
Two hours later, the scarecrow had a brain, the tin woodsman got a heart, and the cowardly lion found courage. The movie ended and Dad, Grandpa, and Madison headed for other pursuits.
“Mom, why do you love this movie so much?”
“I remember when it first came out. It was 1939 if I remember correctly.”
Andy chuckled, to which Mom smiled.
“It reminded me of the musical plays that traveled around Oomaldee when I was little. That coupled with the story being about finding a way home…well, I can identify. And Dorothy’s quest was successful.” Mom smiled and murmured, “There’s no place like home.”
Andy pressed a fist into his lips.
*****
Madison had started “dating” Connor shortly after Christmas, and this afternoon she waltzed into the kitchen holding a necklace he had apparently given her for Valentine’s Day.
“Look!” She thrust her hand under Andy’s nose, interrupting his after-school munching at the breakfast bar. At the end of a silver chain that she had wrapped around her fist hung a pendant, half of a heart.
“Where’s the other half?”
“Connor has it.” She let out a contented sigh and hopped up onto the stool next to Andy. She held it up and studied it further. Andy couldn’t remember seeing her wear such a silly grin in forever.
Yara would probably like one of those. A half heart…sure says how I feel…
The next news from Oomaldee arrived a week later. Andy first opened the envelope with his name in neat calligraphy:
Andy,
I got back from the library of Oomaldee a couple days ago. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything about what you asked me. If you can’t kill Abaddon with Methuselah, that makes me more than a little worried. What will kill him, I wonder?
Oh, when we got back, Regent Bellum approached the King. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but it definitely sounded like the officer didn’t want your father going on any more “excursions” as he put it, because of Abaddon’s recent activities, which seem to be intensifying. The King was none too happy, but he finally relented.
Oh, very exciting news! Mermin figured out a way to shield me from the zolt when I use my gift, so Hans is teaching me how to focus and strengthen my influencing abilities. I can already see improvement and I’ve only had four lessons with him! I wonder if I might find you, even in your world…
Missing you,
Yara
Andy paused at the thought, considered, then wrote a quick reply. A big smile perched on his face as he slid her half of a heart-shaped necklace into the envelope. He placed his half of the pendant in his pouch before turning to Alden’s note.
Andy,
Yara might have mentioned, but the King’s confined to the castle once more. While he tries to hide it, Hannah says she can sense that it’s driving him crazy. I feel sorry for him. After just a couple years of freedom, Abaddon’s succeeded in confining him once again.
With everything that dragon is up to, the war council’s been meeting more frequently. You’ll be happy to know Hannah, me, and Yara just found a secret tunnel that goes above the room where they meet and we can overhear their conversations. Nothing to report yet, but I’ll let you know if we hear anything you or your mom should know about.
Hope you’re doing okay,
Alden
Above! I checked all the walls in that room, but not the ceiling. I’d be shocked if Razen hasn’t been listening in and telling Abaddon everything, the little snitch. Father needs to know, but I don’t want to get Alden in trouble…
CHAPTER FOUR
Crimson Crystal
The first day of spring break found Andy and Madison working at Mom’s office packing up what remained after the recent sale of her business—with the goings-on in Oomaldee, she sensed it was time to sell. It had been awhile since Andy had visited, but without employees creating a constant hum of activity, the silence was deafening and made the space feel frozen in time, like Mom.
Andy boxed up the mugs, utensils, and dishes that had either belonged to the company or been left behind by employees. He had never been close to any of Mom’s staff, but he remembered with fondness the times he and Madison spent their summer vacations at the office. Inevitably Mom would command them to go play hide-and-seek out in the warehouse when their energy exceeded her patience. After she finished what she was working on, the three of them would go out for ice cream.
Andy wandered into the warehouse. The skeleton of empty racks where inventory once stood neatly stacked added to his melancholy and he sighed. He found it increasingly difficult to block out what he knew would soon transpire.
What will I do without Mom?
Recently, while Mom and Madison had been out shopping one Saturday, Dad and Andy had shared grilled cheese sandwiches together at home. Dad had permitted a rare moment of vulnerability and transparency. Andy remembered Dad’s words:
“Marrying M
om was like finally having the other half of my heart that I hadn’t realized I was missing. Everything I wasn’t, she completed. Where I felt insecure, she increased my confidence and gave me inner strength. She was the one who encouraged me to start my business, and she’s cheered me on every step of the way. Her wisdom has helped me avoid so many pitfalls. She’s extraordinary and makes my life so much better.
“We met online and exchanged emails for several months, becoming good friends. I finally worked up the nerve to ask her where she lived and suggested we meet. When I discovered she lived in San Antonio, where I also lived, I asked her out. I’ll never forget our first date. It was love at first sight, at least for me.” Dad had paused before shaking his head and adding, “I married way over my head.”
“It’s always been hard for me to wrap my head around her living forever. But her situation is now more real for me, especially since it seems I’ll outlive her.” Dad’s voice had cracked. “I begin to understand the loss she has felt in outliving everyone she has ever cared for, at least in this world. Immortality is a curse, but I’m a beneficiary of all the bad that has happened. I am thankful only that all her pain, all her heartbreak will finally end.”
Neither of them had said anything more. They didn’t need to. Their thoughts bound them closer than Andy could ever remember.
*****
The end of the school year came and went, as did Andy’s fourteenth birthday. Madison and Connor crashed and burned. Andy watched the explosive events that were the catalyst for the breakup and worried Yara might think the same of him.
August arrived, and as Madison’s birthday approached she begged Mom and Dad to let her take her driver’s exam for her present. Andy rallied in support, for once she passed he figured Madison could drive him places. He would just need to butter her up a bit.
But in the quiet moments, Andy’s concerns about when he would return to Oomaldee began to plague him. It’s been over a year. He pulled out the letters he received two days ago then opened Alden’s and reread:
Andy,
The King decided to let Oscray go on even though things are tense. He said folks need a constructive outlet. And I’m on a hot streak! It’s been my throws that have scored the most points the last five matches. You’d be proud.
Hannah’s started sensing evil, kind of like she feels when the bellicose is around. She says it’s somewhere in the castle but can’t place it. She insists it’s growing, and she’s making us both nervous. I mentioned it to the King, but until she can locate it, there’s nothing he can do.
I hope you return soon. Yara’s really been missing you. It’s like she had prepared herself for you to be gone a year, but once that passed, well… I hope you get back soon, for all our sakes.
Alden
Me, too. Andy sighed then picked up Yara’s letter:
Andy,
Shhh, don’t tell Alden, but I’ve been practicing on him. I’ve been filling his mind with positive thoughts when he plays Oscray. Haha!
A chuckle escaped, as it had each time Andy read her letter. Using your powers for good and not for evil.
At the last War Council meeting, Viceroy Stoneshield reported greater numbers of citizens have been turned and now they’re roaming the streets looting stores, beating folks without cause, robbing neighbors, and worse. It’s like the worst side of everyone is on display. The same thing happened just before Abaddon overran Cromlech. I’m worried, Andy.
Hurry back, we need you...
Yara
Andy changed the last “we” to “I” in his mind and longing flooded his thoughts. A minute later his mind registered: It’s like people’s consciences aren’t working. His stomach tensed.
*****
The start of the new school year loomed just one week away. Madison had passed her driver’s test and now spent nearly every available minute out with her friends since Mom no longer needed her new car for work.
So much for best laid plans.
Andy had made PBJ sandwiches for lunch and shared them with Mom. She hadn’t said much, which was fine with him since he didn’t feel like talking either. Andy now closed his bedroom door, flipped on his PS4, picked up a controller, and sank into his beanbag chair, seeking to distract himself from the growing anxiety at being stuck in Texas.
He selected Dungeon Deliverance, a game he’d gotten last week. Yesterday he’d finally made it to level ten, but kept getting killed by the sneaky dragon with its unexpected bursts of flames. The CGI was amazing and the lifelike rendering of the walls and floors reminded Andy of his explorations of the dungeon at Castle Avalon. All that seemed to be missing was the damp smell and the occasional rotten-egg stench of the green vapor Abaddon left behind.
Andy held his controller with both hands and using several clicks of a thumb, descended a dozen steps with his blade extended, then snuck a peek around the wall that shielded the stairs. All remained silent. Andy inched from cover and, staying in the shadows, made his way silently down the stone hallway before stopping at the corner. He paused. Still no sound. He glanced behind, reassuring himself he was not being followed, then put his nose around the stone corner and spied whether the coast was clear. With no adversary in sight, he stepped forward.
Instantly, flames greeted him. Andy pivoted and bolted back down the hallway. Reaching the stairs, he took them two at a time, but the second he reached the sixth step, his momentum stalled and he rolled backward down the steps. His head slammed against the stone floor while his body crumpled into a heap.
“Oww,” escaped as Andy reached a controller-less hand to the back of his head. His nose picked up a familiar damp, musty smell and he struggled up. The dim light revealed stone steps rising before him, stone walls on either side. Still rubbing his head, he wobbled up and spied the back of a tapestry with a tear on the right side at waist height. A smile burst across his face. “I’m back!” His celebration ricocheted around his skull and forced out another moan.
Andy smiled as he remembered the incident that produced the rip—the stone knights once had him and Alden practicing jumps and rolls in the large open space of the dungeon. The tapestry had given way as he mounted the wall, literally leaving him hanging. The accident had revealed the stairs and tunnels lining the castle walls.
Andy pulled the tapestry aside and surveyed the open expanse. Nothing had changed since the last time he’d been here. The stench of rotten eggs assaulted his nose as he stepped into the room. Abaddon was here recently.
“Prince Andrew?” A low but familiar voice echoed from around the corner.
“Is that you?” questioned another.
Andy heard a choir of stone joints protest, then two distinct thuds as he crossed the room. A horse neighed and stomped and another answered as Sir Gawain thumped into the room, Sir Kay right behind.
“It is you!” Sir Gawain threw his arms up as his stiff armor complained.
“How’d you get down here?” Sir Kay interrogated.
“Where have you been?” the pair exclaimed in unison.
Andy laughed. “It’s great to see you, too!”
“How’d you get past us?” Sir Kay questioned.
“Long story,” Andy covered.
“There’s been a lot of zolt traffic lately, more than normal, and Razen comes at least twice a day,” Sir Gawain reported, drawing a scowl from Andy.
“What’s he—?”
But before speculation could be voiced, the stone knight raised a hand then thudded a finger to his lips. The silence betrayed the faint approach of shuffling feet. The knights did clumsy pirouettes and thumped back the way they had come. Andy raced past them and dove into an empty cell.
The stout silhouette of a creature with frog-like eyes, a bulbous nose, and long arms waddled past Andy’s hideaway. He waited until the zolt rounded the corner into the large open space from which Andy had just come, then slipped out and followed on sneaker-clad tiptoes. He reached the corner and peered around. The vulture-guy stood in the corner to t
he right, staring at the wall. The sound of stone pulling across stone told Andy the man had engaged a hidden door, and seconds later, Andy barely cleared the opening as it closed. Thanks to torchlight coming from the end of the passage, Andy recognized the room where he had overheard Abaddon’s conversation with the minion’s father two years earlier. He passed by, focused on other pursuits.
The zolt continued forward, oblivious to its tail, and turned left, stopping at the end of the passage thirty feet away. It searched for and finally depressed a hidden stone in the wall and again waited for the door to permit entry. The vulture-man looked behind and Andy ducked back. Shuffling feet and stone grating against stone told Andy to hurry. He dove and rolled, nearly becoming the innards of a sandwich as the door thudded shut. He found himself in an entry. Four feet ahead rose a section of stone wall from floor to ceiling, concealing the contents of the space.
Andy peeked around the barrier. The chamber was dimly lit by four torches, one on each wall, and was empty except for three objects. A white stone block measuring three feet square stood in the center. Next to it was a rectangular stone of similar material about two feet taller but only half as wide, reminding Andy of a lanky older brother. Upon the taller stone sat a square crystal the size of Andy’s fist. It glowed and pulsed the colors of the spectrum, sending a rainbow about the room.
