by Martha Carr
On the other side he could see Leira’s living room just as he remembered it. He turned back and waved at the crowd.
“I’ll be back,” he said to Ossonia.
“Best to get going. Portal is ready.” Perrom took his hand off Correk’s shoulder as Correk stepped through. He turned around in time to see Ossonia wave as the portal closed, the sparks shooting out into the living room.
“Motherfucker?” The troll came bounding out of the kitchen, bouncing off the arm of the chair and flying straight at Correk, his tiny arms outstretched. He landed neatly on his shoulder, digging in lightly with his claws to anchor himself.
“The unofficial Earth greeting. Now I know I’m home.” Correk rubbed the tiny troll’s head and let out a deep breath. “Maybe we sit down on the couch to wait for Leira.”
“Call her.”
“Have you been talking up a storm while I was gone?” Correk plucked the troll off his shoulder and held him out in front of him in the palm of his hand. Yumfuck let out a soft trill.
Correk sat down and rested his head back against the couch just to close his eyes for a moment, falling asleep. His dreams were filled with memories from the battle as he saw the fireball being formed again. He mumbled the spell in his sleep, pulling the fireball toward himself, crying out in his sleep.
Yumfuck started and darted back to his shoulder, rubbing his head.
Chapter Four
Leira came in through the gate, her head down, thinking about the last case. A relic was found just outside of Killeen and it was a race to get there ahead of a contractor hired by a corporate group. Things were getting ugly out there in the race to stockpile magical energy.
She was working longer hours, getting sent out with Hagan to track down artifacts and secure them for the federal government ahead of foreign governments or corporate groups or even the Silver Griffins. Lacey Trader already beat her to the punch more than once, waving to Leira the last time with a grim salute and a nod.
Mara and Eireka were both on her about missing Sunday dinner at their place. Leira was getting called in to work early and coming home late at night sometimes. She wasn’t in a hurry to get home anyway. The guest house seemed empty since Correk was gone. She even found herself coming out to the patio and eating at the bar sometimes. Estelle usually stood on her stepstool behind the bar, smoking away while keeping her company, shooing away guys trying to buy her a drink or ask her about hotspots in Austin.
Yumfuck was better company. At least he was talking in short sentences. She was getting used to leaving out food for the troll and finding the food still sitting there and the refrigerator empty. It’s like having a teenager.
It called for more frequent trips to Costco and sneaking it back to the guest house when no one was around. The regulars at the bar would have asked what she needed with so much cereal or hotdogs. They were already taking turns every week to ask about when Correk would return. Soon. That’s all I know.
Tucked in the back of the pantry was a large bag of Cheetos waiting for Correk’s return. Even Yumfuck agreed to keep his paws off them. “He’ll be back soon.”
The troll had given her a hard nod and chirped, “Of course!”
Months have gone by. Maybe it’s time to let go and just get on with things. Soon is looking like never.
Leira got to the door of the guest house and looked back at the bar. None of the regulars were there. They were at the bowling alley getting ready for the new season to defend their championship status. “Fuck. How did I get like this? I used to look forward to putting that door between me and everyone else. Come on, Leira,” she hissed between her teeth. “Get your shit together and focus. Enough already…”
She opened her front door, resolute to get on with her life. The door swung open and she lifted her head, stopping in the doorway, frozen to the spot. She stood there motionless, watching Correk sleep. The last image she had of him was being carried away by the Gnomes, barely alive.
“You’re alright,” she whispered, letting out a gasp as she gave him a long look. “And still wearing the same suede pants.” A crooked smile came across her face as she gently dropped her purse in the red velvet chair and shut the door behind her with a soft click.
The troll stood up on Correk’s leg. “Aloha!
Correk stirred, lifting his head and slowly opening his eyes. “Hey, you’re home.” He stretched his arms over his head, feeling the soreness in his muscles.
“So are you…?”
“Back to stay? All in one piece? Wondering why the fridge is empty?”
“Okay, pick one of those first two. That last one I think you can figure out.”
Yumfuck looked up and cackled.
“I’m here to help people get used to the idea of Oriceran, whatever that means and help you with truth, justice and some kind of way. And yes, I’m in one piece.”
“Last time I saw you I wasn’t so sure. If it wasn’t for Turner Underwood…”
Correk stood up slowly, giving a grunt and a slight grimace. The troll bounced off his leg and scurried into the kitchen.
“Are you in pain?” Leira looked surprised. “I thought magic could take care of that.”
“Magic has its limits, especially when trying to fix something caused by magic. I’m fine, I promise. Too long laying in a bed. My muscles are taking a moment to get used to moving around.”
“I thought you were a fairly young Elf.”
Correk looked up, scowling. “I am quite young. Hundreds of years left before I qualify for any senior discounts.”
Leira felt the tension leaving her body. Trust that he’s okay. “That grunt you gave trying to get up says otherwise. What discounts? Oriceran has discounts? Are you attempting an Earth joke? Now, that muscle has to be really sore.”
Correk tried to hide the smile forming on his face. “I’ve missed this…”
Oh hell, fuck getting on with my life. Leira ran across the few steps between them, cutting him off as she wrapped her arms around Correk’s neck, holding him tight.
Correk started but put his arms around Leira. “If you’re checking me for broken bones I’m not sure this would be the best plan.”
Leira focused and pulled in just enough energy to light up her eyes, her chin ducked down as she sent a thin stream of energy through Correk, making sure he was really alright.
Correk lifted his head, arching an eyebrow. “You know I can feel that…”
“We’re family and this is efficient.”
Correk let go and gently took a step back so he could look at Leira. “I’m sorry I frightened you. I know, I know, you can handle anything. How is your leg? Can you still go on those long runs you insist on calling fun?”
“I’m slowly getting back to it. It’s taken a while. All the parts are working, though. Mom and Nana used their magic to speed me along. You know, before I met you I didn’t have a single scar on me. Not one. Never broke as much as a finger.”
“I had a hand in putting you in the middle of two worlds. But I also helped you figure out you have magical capabilities. Did you really think you never would have noticed? You should be thanking me.”
“Is that right?”
“Without me, your arms would have lit up like Christmas trees one day and freaked you out.”
“Freaked? Clearly, you’ve been watching television somehow all the way from Oriceran while you were laid up.”
“Let’s Make a Deal reruns and old movies. Alright, alright, alright.”
“Dazed and Confused, I get it and so appropriate. But don’t do that.”
“He’s an old Wizard. Matthew McConaughey. Very clever one. Retired from the Silver Griffins on Oriceran before he took up acting. You know he lives near Lavender Rock.”
“You’re making that one up. Don’t cross your heart. That’s not really a thing.” Leira brushed her bangs off her face. “God help me, I missed this too.”
“Well, you took a couple of hard blows to the head. Maybe it shook some sense
into you.”
“They told me later what you did for me. You saved my life and it nearly cost you your own life.” She punched him in the arm just hard enough.
“Two moons! First, you’re hugging me and now you’re punching me! Is this some strange human custom or more likely, your own version of good cop, bad cop that you can do all on your own?” Correk rubbed his arm. “You’re an enigma wrapped in a riddle.”
“Don’t do that again,” she said sternly. “I’m not losing any more family, not even temporarily. Next time, fucking duck dude. I mean, really, I appreciate the gesture but you couldn’t pull the fireball toward you and then just duck?”
Correk rolled his eyes. “Second time I’ve heard that one today. Fireballs are a little trickier than a bullet. Ducking isn’t enough. They seek out a target. I changed the target.”
Leira’s eyes grew wider. “You knew it would hit you… Did you think you’d survive?”
“Aren’t you the one who gets tired of the touchy-feely parts? Surely, this counts.”
Yumfuck came back from the kitchen, the oversized bag of Cheetos held over his head. “Welcome home!” he chirped.
“Saved by the snack food.” Correk took the bag from the troll, giving him a tiny high-five.
“First person in the history of the world who’s probably ever said that. Fine, I’ll drop it… for now. But I’m quizzing Turner. Clearly, he didn’t tell me everything about fireballs.” Leira pushed her purse aside and sat down, cross-legged in the red velvet chair.
Correk settled back onto the couch with the Cheetos bag in his lap. The troll quickly climbed onto his shoulder and put his tiny arms over his head, arching his back.
“Don’t even think about diving into this bag.” Correk quickly plucked Yumfuck off his shoulder and put him down next to him on the couch.
“He managed not to open that bag, even on days when he plowed through everything else in the place. We had a deal. Those were yours.”
“Time’s up!” squeaked the troll, holding out his paws.
“Give him a bowl. That orange dust is permanent. Just look up at our ceiling.”
“Those stains involve other-worldly gases. Magical fart dust.” Correk gave a grunt as he got up.
“I’ll get it old man. You stay there.” Leira watched him settle back as she got up, stopping to look at him more closely as she passed by the couch. “Is that a white streak in your silver hair?” She went in the cupboards and found an old red plastic bowl and brought it out, handing it to Correk.
The troll climbed in the bowl and sat down, holding out his arms.
“Not sure he gets what bowls are for.” Leira went back to her chair.
“Oh, he gets it.” Correk poured Cheetos all around the troll who let out a squeal of delight. “Kind of nice it takes so little to make him happy.”
“He hasn’t been this excited since you left. I think he missed you too.”
Correk looked down at the troll who had filled his cheeks, stretching them out to either side. He was chewing away as fast as he could. His eyes were shut and cooing could be heard above the crunching.
Correk looked up at Leira, watching him closely. “It’s okay. I promise you there’s nothing wrong with me and if another magical weapon comes at you I’ll send it at a tree or a rock instead. Tell me what I’ve missed.”
“There’s a lot to tell you. I guess I should start with all the groups racing for artifacts.”
Chapter Five
Leira looked out over Lake Anna the next morning, focusing on the day’s exercise. Another magic lesson. Turner Underwood was standing next to her, leaning on his cane, guiding her energy. His familiar bowler was tilted back on his head.
“You can learn to connect your energy with other magical beings who are willing to join you. Before, you did it under duress and with the help of your grandmother or your mother who knew how to connect.” Turner pulled in a stream of magic, lining it up with Leira’s energy, following the trail without crossing over or pushing.
He twitched his bushy eyebrows, surprised at what he saw and felt. “Hmmm… Your magic has a new flavor to it. Something in you has changed and from the looks of it, permanently.
Leira felt herself gliding along with the energy, letting it lead her. It was so much easier for her these days. The stream was pulling her along at a faster and faster pace, showing her different parts of the world. “Wow…” Her voice came out in a hushed whisper. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway, looking down over the cliff.
Turner tapped his cane hard on the slate pathway. “What are you doing? Part of having such great power is learning the maturity to restrain yourself.” He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Quit fucking around, my dear. This is not a game.”
Leira barely registered Turner was talking to her and concentrated on letting the magic pull her along, a feeling of joy lifting her up, soaring.
“It’s intoxicating.” She heard the echo of her voice, blending in with the light from the ribbon of energy, sparkling out in front of her.
“Well, that’s new.” Turner pursed his lips and closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath to get a better handle on what was happening. “You live almost a thousand years, you think you’ve seen it all. Then a little something happens and… ba da bing, ba da boom.” Leira’s magic grazed up against his accompanying stream and he felt the giddiness bubble up inside of his chest.
“That’s amazing.” His eyes popped open and he slapped his forehead with his hand. “Of course, you exist. If dark magic exists, you must be out there. A thousand years. You’re a bitch to find.” He shook his head and leaned forward on his cane.
Leira heard the echo of Turner Underwood’s voice and craned her head to the right, her eyes still shut. His magic was a sparkling copper, moving swiftly alongside her own.
The smooth, silkiness of the ride pulled her back toward the energy and she turned her head back. Every worry or frustration left her mind and was replaced with a feeling of serenity. Everything was possible. Any thought of the lesson was gone. She never wanted it to stop.
Turner reached out and firmly placed his hand on Leira’s forearm, sending his energy more forcibly straight through her, blending it with the deep river of magic Leira was entranced with, following every curve and turn. She felt the magic pull her out over the Gulf, the warm waters shining below her. She gasped as the magic made a sudden lurch and pulled her over the dark green fields of Ireland dotted with sheep. A sudden whomp surged through her abdomen, pulling her energy higher into the sky.
Turner drew up more energy from the Earth and focused all his abilities, introducing average, every day concerns back into Leira’s thoughts. Hagan and the next case. Correk is getting stronger all the time. The regulars are going bowling later that day. Leira glanced over at the thoughts and ignored them, a smile coming across her face.
“Thought for sure reminding you of Correk and Hagan would do it.” Turner scratched his head. “So be it. I can jostle you a little harder.” Memories of the dark mist flooded her brain and the battle against it. The death of Prince Rolim. The elder king trapped in the world in between sacrificing himself. Leira felt a heaviness coming back over her. Rhazdon and the necklace…
The breath was knocked out of her and she exhaled hard, falling back onto the ground. She lay back, letting her head rest on the ground as she struggled to get back the feeling of bliss. That’s what it was… Bliss!
Leira could feel the reach of joy and pain, both of them pulling at her from opposite directions. The rush was leaving her with an ache in the middle of her chest. She sucked in air, trying to fill her lungs, and opened her eyes.
Turner was leaning over her, blocking the sunlight. “You’re a very stubborn cookie when you want to be. I had to lay it on thick to get your attention. Relax, no need to hit me with those stares.” He held out his hand to help her up. She ignored him and sat up on her own, easily jumping to her feet.
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br /> Turner Underwood stepped back, crossing his arms across his chest and hooking his thumbs under his armpits. He was smiling, rocking on his heels. “I’ll have you know that I’ve been in battles fighting alongside my king and risen up against the darkest of magic. More than once! In all that time, only once before have I had the pleasure of experiencing what humans like to call pure joy. It was amazing! What a trip!”
“Then why the hell did you pull me out of there?” Leira still felt the remnants of joy passing through her chest, mixed with anger from the abrupt exit. The reminders of everything she went through lately wasn’t helping either. She took in slow, deep breaths, determined to recapture the glow.
“My dear, it makes perfect sense that Dark Magic announces itself so loudly everywhere it goes. It wants to cause harm and pull in as many fools as it can. It’s full of thousands of years of ego and willfulness and fear. When it’s present you can feel it before you even look up to see who is playing with it. A feeling of dread sinks deep into your bones and you want to turn away. Only the entitled and greedy go further and beckon to the darkness.”
“Not the question I asked.” Leira felt the edge of the happiness, a tingle passing through her body as she looked up at the clouds and felt weightless again. Her eyes shined with tears… but the feeling didn’t last. It faded into mist as she shut her eyes, feeling the last bit of it slip away.
Turner straightened the daisy in his lapel. “But Light Magic, in its pure form eludes us all. Stays a few steps ahead of us, as it should.” Turner tapped a finger against the side of his nose.
Leira looked out over the lake. She wasn’t ready to look back at Turner and be pulled right back further into every worry, every desire.
“See! That look you just gave. Light Magic is intoxicating in its pure form. I felt it right along with you!” There was excitement in his voice that Leira had never heard before. “You can feel how perfectly everything aligns in the world… in both worlds! Every care drops away and your mind goes blank. All you can do, all you want to do is take in the wonder. There’s the danger.”
