by R. G. Porter
"There is a chance he might find me out here too. I have to do this. If there is ever a chance of reversing the curse, this is it. I have no choice."
"Then we will go there, just not yet, but soon.” He wasn't going to stop her? She was truly thankful that she'd bumped into him now. “Let's take a few hours to rest before we set back out.” A protest lodged in Alayia's throat as she noted the fatigue that etched on Talon's face.
"Thank you Talon... for everything.” As much as she hated the idea of involving him any further, she knew she couldn't do it alone. There were too many unknown variables to consider. Now instead of keeping her distance, she was headed directly back to the lion's den. “We can make it there in a couple hours or so tops. Let's get some sleep for now and we can head out before noon-time."
"Gabriel won't be happy you know.” Her smile dissipated.
"I know, but if I'm going to save him I have no alternative.” He nodded as he laid down on his bedroll, his staff held tight in his grip. Resting back, Alayia's mind traveled the distance between what she knew and what she'd heard. If the page was indeed the right one she had no doubt there would be much to do in a very short period of time. As her body relaxed she sent a prayer on the winds that she would be able to conquer the quest she'd endeavored on and save Gabriel before it was too late. Letting her eyes drift shut, she took the smile on Gabriel's face with her as she embraced the rejuvenating warmth of sleep. She had a path and it was set before her. Come heaven or hell, she would find a way to save him.
* * * *
Echoes of screams filled her ears, rousing her from her sleep. The moment she opened her eyes she felt the stare of something close. Alayia tried to sit up, her body still numb from the day's travels. Try as she might she couldn't locate what had awoken her, the smell of fire and sulfur assaulting her senses.
"Be still mortal.” Her blood froze. The voice held no sense of emotion, its sound an echo of multiple voices. “We have much to discuss, you and I.” Her head turned toward the sound but all she saw was black space.
"Who are you?” Terror filled her bones as a cold breeze brushed against her skin.
"I'm the one you were reading about. Well I'm one of his helpers at least.” Realization rushed through her. Innok's minion, it had to be. The notion brought with it both curiosity and fear.
"I'm guessing either you've entered my dream or done something else as I know it's not nighttime yet.” A resounding laughter echoed in her mind.
"You are a quick one aren't you mortal? No. I've decided to meet you in your dreams. It's much easier to move around in a place that doesn't exist, don't you agree?” The demon wasn't stupid, but neither was she. Remembering that this was her dream, Alayia took charge of her dream and dismissed the invisible binds that held her at bay. The moment she felt the release she stood up, her eyes searching out the void for her enemy, yet nothing but empty space stared back.
"Come out and face me evil one. I know you aren't afraid of a mere mortal.” She held out that playing on its ego would work in her favor. She was right. Mist swirled in front of her as a wiry looking man emerged from the cloud. His eyes black and devoid of life stared back at her.
"Fine if you wish it."
"Why are you here?” She wasn't in the mood to play games. It wanted something or else it wouldn't have come. Could it be aware she was after the counter-spell? She prayed it didn't.
"I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about.” Now she was confused. What fuss?
"Explain minion. I'm tired and have a long trip ahead of me.” She didn't want to mention being this close to the demon made her skin crawl and her senses go into overload. She'd felt the same thing when she'd met Elroy, now she knew why.
"Well let's see. There is our fine boy Gabriel who wants nothing more than to be near you, not to mention the Lord Elroy who has his eye turned toward you.” The mention of Elroy turned her stomach into knots.
"So?” More than anything Alayia wanted this dream over. She didn't like being picked apart for dissection by anyone, let alone an instrument of the very thing that had cursed Gabriel. “I can't help what they think or do."
"Ah, so true mortal. You can, however, stop searching for the end to the curse.” It knew. Somehow it knew.
"Now why would I do something like that?” Annoyance replaced her initial fear. She was in her dream and had some power over the creature whether it knew it or not. Alayia felt a stirring in her mind another's strength aided to her own. She vaguely pictured a woman near her own size with long flowing red hair. Danielle.
Embrace my strength as your own. We are one and the same Alayia, we always have been. Search out the truth and free the beast that is held captive by the chains of despair. Alayia didn't know how it was possible but it was. She'd have time later to figure out the particulars.
"You are not listening to me mortal. You must stop or I'll be forced...” The creature's unfinished threat grated her nerves. Alayia's head snapped back toward the demon, her eyes full of contempt for what his master had done.
"You will be forced to do what?” In her mind Alayia wrapped a bright white banner around the creature holding it at bay. A screech of understanding resonated from its unholy mouth. “Now you will listen to me for a minute."
"What have you done? How? I'm a being of endless power, you cannot hold me back.” Try as it might the creature couldn't move and Alayia enjoyed watching it squirm. Its head twisted unnaturally toward her its eyes full of venom. “Release me mortal or you will pay dearly."
Alayia had heard enough, her hand motioning in the air a pattern she found floating in her mind's eye. Another screech resounded from the demon's parched lips a hiss following her every move. “I decided I want you to listen to me.” She paused a moment to allow the demon to understand the magnitude of power she wielded. It twisted and turned to no avail, finally spitting out at her in frustration.
"Fine mortal, but bide your time well and make your speech worth the air in your lungs.” His threats fell on deaf ears for Alayia's mind was already running the gambit of possibilities.
"First off, yes I plan to help Gabriel break the curse. I know there is a counter out there and whether you try to stop me or not, doesn't matter. I will find it.” Alayia walked over to the demon her hands rested on her hips as she stared at its macabre face. “I know where to find the spell I need and one way or another I will make sure I can reverse it."
"Will you free Elroy as well?” Alayia hadn't considered that. If she broke the curse on Gabriel would it release Elroy too? “I see you didn't consider that part."
"Honestly, no I hadn't. If in order to free Gabriel, I must also free that evil man then so be it.” She could deal with Elroy better as a mortal than one who could not die anyway.
"Be sure of this mortal. He doesn't plan to stop hunting you until he has you.” Alayia's head quickly turned in the demon's direction her head spinning with the possibilities. “Yes, I see you understand. You are correct; he pursues you just as he did with Danielle.” The mention of Danielle's name drew back the memories of what had befallen her when she was alive. “Do you wish a repeat performance?"
Alayia held her head upright, her body stiff as steel. “There will never be a repeat of what happened to Danielle. You can be very sure of that."
"Fine then, think what you want. Do what you must mortal, but be wary of the shadows for I'll be near. You can rest assured of that.” Seconds before she could say more the demon vanished into the darkness, his laughter spilling all around her and words she barely caught. “Things are not always as they seem mortal."
"Gods, I swear I hate demons.” Granted he'd imparted some beneficial information, she still didn't like his presence in her dreams. She was right, the curse could be broken, but it wouldn't be easy. Still, there was something it knew and she didn't. Why had he said things weren't as they seemed. Was there more to the curse? She needed that page but she had to be careful. The road wasn't going to be safe. Not at all. She need
ed that page and fast, hopefully it would provide further insight. Time was something they didn't have to spare and Alayia feared the more they waited the less likely she would be able to do what was needed.
You have to help him. Only you can break the binds of the dragon. He has to unlock his past to gain the control over his destiny. He needs you as much as you need him. She needed him? Since when? Her mind drifted back to Gabriel and the sadness she'd seen in his eyes. She wanted to help him. He didn't deserve to suffer the way the curse forced him to daily.. One thing Alayia did know she needed to find out the specifics of the spell. There was only one way to know for sure. She had to find something that belonged to Danielle. The thought of holding something of Danielle's both intrigued and frightened her. What would she see?
"Everything, that has already happened and all that might still come to pass. You must find it Alayia, you must or we will all perish.” The familiar voice jarred her thoughts. She spun to face the sound, coming face to face with Danielle's shimmering figure.
"Danielle?” In her heart she knew it was her.
Her body flickered as she moved closer her hands held tight in front of her. “Yes. Alayia there is much you have to do. Time is running out for us all. You are the hope I've waited long for."
"I am? There is so much I don't understand. You, Gabriel both feel familiar to me yet I've never met you before now. Why?"
"You will find the answers you seek soon. Head toward the western edge of the forest before you head to your home. There is something there you must see.” Why would Danielle lead her away from the answer to the curse?
"I don't get it. The paper I need is at my house. If I wait too long, it may be past the time that the curse can be removed.” Alayia watched as the apparition moved closer, her vibrant green eyes delving into her soul.
"Trust me in this Alayia. You must do this in order to be able to break the curse. You have to know the truth.” Truth? Hadn't Gabriel already told the whole story? Danielle continued closer, her head nodding in understanding. “I see Gabriel has told you some of what happened and yes you understand what befell both of us, but there is much more you have not witnessed."
"Why me?” Alayia wanted to pull the words back the moment they escaped her lips. “Please don't think I regret any of this or that I wish to forget about this because I don't. It's just that it's so overwhelming.” Her mind trailed off with so many unanswered questions.
"Alayia, each of us has a path we must follow. Destiny isn't always fair in what it chooses, but it is how we learn in each life we live.” Alayia felt drawn to the woman and her plight. “You must do this. He has memories of a past even he is unaware of. You will help him through what must be done. It's very important."
"But...” Her words caught in her throat as the spirit of Danielle slowly faded into the darkness. “I'm afraid.” She could still feel the warm presence of Danielle in her mind the act comforting.
"You should be.” A screeched voice came from behind her as the ground below her feet cracked. A scream barely escaped her lips as Alayia found herself falling into a black abyss, the echoing laughter of the demon following her down.
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CHAPTER: 8
* * * *
"Alayia wake up.” Talon's voice broke through the screams that continued to fill her mind. “Come on woman wake up!"
The moment Alayia opened her eyes she found Talon kneeling next to her, concern etched across his face. “I'm fine. I just had a bad dream as usual."
His brow furrowed at her admission. “Are you sure that it was just a dream?” Alayia watched as his hand moved down to her hand and the deep welts that had already begun to form. Could the demon have more power in her dreams than she had first considered? She knew she'd made it mad, but when had it done such damage? She snatched her satchel from her side and searched for healing salve. She needed to be more careful when she slept. Something told her last night wasn't going to be the last time she was visited.
"Well?” What could she tell him? “The truth is always best Alayia. Remember, I can sense the waiver in your voice."
Alayia began to twist a lone strand of hair with her good hand, her head turned toward the forest. “Let's just say that I had a few people decide to jump into my dreams last night.” Talon's body shifted, his hand on the cane he still held close tightening.
"Who exactly came to visit?” For once why couldn't someone just take the first answer?
"No one of any importance.” Alayia inhaled the purity of the forest to help calm her nerves as she refocused her attention back on Talon. “It was just one of the demons who serve Innok..."
"And who else? You said more than one came.” Alayia rolled her eyes. The man was persistent.
"Danielle. Danielle came to see me.” The look on Talon's face went from anger to surprise on that one statement. “I know. She's dead. She was there Talon, I swear to it."
"I believe you Alayia, but why? What did she say?” Relief swept through her knowing she wouldn't have to make him understand. The question was would he stop her from the deviation of their plans.
"There is somewhere I have to go to before I head home. Danielle said it's important to removing the curse.” Another breath in before she felt her heart slow down from the erratic rhythm it had been producing. “I believe her Talon. I sensed nothing but a desire to help us. This is something I have to do."
Alayia waited for his opposition to her change of plans. Minutes ticked by as she applied some of the salve on her skin, the sting of the welts reminding her of the danger they faced. If Talon chose not to follow, she would continue on. She'd come to enjoy his company during the day. His sense of humor always amazed her as did his compassionate heart. In many ways he reminded her of Robert. The fleeting memory of her brother brought fresh tears to pool in her eyes.
"Don't worry Alayia. I'm with you from now until the end, you know that. If we need to go somewhere else first, then so be it. I cannot begin to understand the world of magick and ghosts, but I know they exist.” Talon stood up once more his hand reaching out to hers, lifting Alayia to her feet. “We will figure this out as we go along. I see but one obstacle."
"What's that?"
"Gabriel.” The man was right. She'd not even considered what his reaction would be. What would he say about her dreams? She knew he wouldn't be happy. There was nothing more she could do except follow the plans that had been laid before her. If he protested, she would deal with it then.
"I don't know what he will say and honestly, at this point he can't say much. He wants the curse gone and this is the only way to figure out how. I have to go where Danielle has asked me to go.” Gabriel would just have to deal with it.
"Fine. Which direction are we headed then?” Talon had already put together their items and washed out the fire.
"She told me to head toward the western edge of the forest.” Talon's body stopped abruptly, his head turned directly toward her.
"You do know that is the forbidden part of the forest? Only those who practice the black arts congregate there.” Black arts? Danielle had never mentioned that part to her. Why? The hair on the back of her neck stood up knowing full well she would soon find out.
"She didn't say why, just that answers I needed would be found there. We will be fine. I don't think she would have directed me that way unless it was important.” It was one of the few things she was sure of. Why? She had no clue.
"Fine but I have a feeling when Gabriel catches up to us, he will not be happy."
"How long do you think it will take us to get there?” She didn't want to think about Gabriel right now. Every time she did, her stomach knotted and her heart flip flopped.
"I would say a day or two. We can go to a village that is between here and there. We can make it to the town just before nightfall.” A town? The idea was nice but somehow she felt odd going to it. She pushed down the fear. There was too much she had to do with next to no time.
"Let'
s go then. I wouldn't mind having a warm meal to be honest.” She reached down to grab the rest of her gear, her mind already miles ahead. What would she say to Gabriel when he figured out where they were headed? Would he really find them as he said? Only one way to find out and by this evening she would have her answer to both questions.
They moved through the forest, Talon's cane finding the best path to travel. Each new thing she saw Talon proceeded to explain their origins. Her head shifted back and forth between where they went and the beauty that surrounded them. Each tree held a story, their branches full and thick, the leaves that cascaded above full of such color. She'd loved the forest for as far back as she could remember. Such peace was held within its confines, the ability to lose one's self in the wood's embrace.
"Alayia, are you still with me?” So engrossed in the landscape Alayia barely caught Talon's question.
"I'm sorry Talon. The forest is so wonderful. I felt lost for a moment.” She still felt drawn to the mystery the woodlands held. So many stories she'd heard as a child about things that would happen in the forest. She'd always wondered which was fact and which was fiction. Not to mention that this part of the forest felt familiar.
"No worries. I just wanted to say we are getting close.” Alayia's stomach knotted at the thought of entering the village. Would Elroy have guards there? She'd not even considered that. “We will be as cautious as possible. No one will take you from us.” His protective streak warmed her heart. At the same time she couldn't bear the idea of something happening to him because he was protecting her.
"Talon, I don't want you to do anything that might get you in trouble. You don't need to come. I'm sure I can find my way from here.” She wanted to give him an out even though she wanted him to stay. Alayia turned her head away for a moment only to find he'd stopped, her body bumping into his.
"Alayia, listen to me. I am well aware of the danger we are both in.” He drew his breath, his face becoming expressionless. “I've already saved you from those idiots once. I have no intention of letting them get their hands on you again. I know the risks we both face. I've accepted them.” She couldn't have asked for a better answer, her heart light that he would not abandon her.
