She didn’t even know if the Grand Dragon believed her tale, but at least, he heard her words and had given her time to try to communicate with the one person who could return it. Once the stone stood back in its rightful place, the death would end, and peace would return to their land. She only hoped the hatred and rivalry between the two groups hadn’t become so ingrained that harmony would not be found again.
“The Event will happen again in three days,” the Grand Dragon proclaimed. “I would like you to rest so that you are ready to make the journey to the human dimension. We all need you to be at your best.”
“Thank you,” she murmured as she bowed her head again. “Shall I return later to try to reach Eric again?”
He nodded and crossed his large arms over his chest, staring at the film. “Yes. He’s our only hope.”
3
Eric turned on his favorite R&B station and cranked the sound, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel as he headed into the Blue Ridge Mountains. He’d taken two days off to get his affairs in order—stopped the mail, did laundry, paid some bills, and had gotten some much needed sleep.
Now finally on the road, the farther he got from Roanoke, the lighter he felt. His hands, which had been trembling for weeks, remained steady. The rock in his chest had disappeared, and his guts no longer seemed like a twisted mess of stress.
Yeah, this had been a good idea.
He’d been giving a lot of thought to the woman who came to him in his dreams. It was almost as if she tried to communicate with him by showing him horrible pictures of war, death, and dragons. It reminded him of some of the video games he used to play in college, made up of fantasy worlds of knights, dragons, and beautiful damsels in distress.
Last night, he’d made it through six hours of sleep without any horrible dreams, and today, he was a new man. It was the first time in months he’d woken with a clear head and not drenched in sweat. He had high hopes that now that he had no stress, the nightmares and the discombobulating feeling he’d experienced for so many months would fade into his memory and become nothing but a bad period of time in his life.
He slowed as he pulled into the town square of Saint’s Grove, finding a parking spot right outside the post office. Getting out of his car, he stretched his arms above his head and smiled, then took a look around.
The trees had turned beautiful shades of red, orange, and gold in the fall weather. People bustled about the square, doing their shopping or lounging in the afternoon sun in the café patio. On the grass, two men were setting up speakers and a microphone. There must be some type of event going on later.
He strolled over to the Mountaintop Bar and Grill, his mouth watering at the thought of their Club Sandwich. Perhaps it was the homemade bread the owner cooked up each day, but he’d never found one that tasted as good anywhere in Roanoke.
As he entered the establishment, he pulled off his sunglasses and allowed his eyes to adjust to the dim light.
“Come on in,” a woman said from the bar. “Go ahead and seat yourself!”
He nodded, remembering the woman’s name as Ellie, the owner. The bar was almost empty except for one couple eating in a booth and an older guy bellied up to the bar.
Eric took a stool, and Ellie grinned as she walked over, drying her hands on a towel.
“What can I get for you?”
“I’ll have a beer and one of those amazing club sandwiches.”
“I remember you now,” she said as she opened the bottle. “You live down the mountain. Haven’t seen you up here in a few weeks.”
“Yeah, work’s been busy, but I guess you could say I’m taking a bit of a sabbatical. Thought I’d come up here and stay for a few days.”
“You’re just in time for a big party,” a man about sixty years old said from a couple of stools away. “The whole town will be gathering tonight for a big astrological event.”
“Sounds interesting,” he said, taking a long swallow of the cool beer.
“Well, it’s got the astronomy professor over at the community college jumping around here like his ass is on fire.”
“Harold, watch your mouth in front of the company,” Ellie scolded. “He’ll never want to come back to our little slice of Heaven up here.”
Eric chuckled. “No, it’s fine. Trust me, I’ve heard worse.”
“I’ll get started on that sandwich for you,” Ellie said with a wink and disappeared through the door into the kitchen.
“Doesn’t sound like you’re too excited about the big event,” Eric said.
“Oh, no. I didn’t mean to give you that impression. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. The professor says that it’s never been recorded before, and it won’t happen again in my lifetime. You can’t skip something like that.”
“I agree. Sounds like something pretty special. What exactly is supposed to happen?”
“Well,” the man said as he stood and moved over next to Eric. “All the planets are supposed to line up right across the sky. Then, there’s a lunar eclipse. The professor is bringing his telescope over so everyone can get a look. Up close through the lens, I imagine it will be a sight to see.”
“I imagine so.”
Ellie appeared from the kitchen and set down his plate in front of him, his mouth watering again at the sight.
As he ate, he continued his conversation with Ellie and Harold.
“Where do you recommend I stay?” he asked.
Ellie and Harold exchanged looks, as if they weren’t sure of the town’s options.
“We don’t have a proper hotel here in town,” Ellie hedged.
“Yeah, it’s probably best if you head over to the bed and breakfast,” Harold murmured.
“It’s a nice place,” Ellie agreed. “Just down the street leading out of the square. It’s called Gloria’s B&B. It’s about two blocks down on the left.”
“The owner, Gloria, is a little strange,” Harold said.
“Harold, that’s not nice. She’s a little different, but if we were all the same, life would be boring.”
“There’s a difference between being different and claiming you’re a psychic, Ellie.”
“A psychic?” Eric asked, immediately intrigued. “Does she give readings or something?”
“I stay away from her,” Harold muttered. “She gives me the creeps.”
“She’s nice,” Ellie said, glaring at the man, her arms crossed over her chest. “Quit talking bad about people.”
There was a brief moment of silence, and Eric finished his sandwich and beer.
“It is the best place around,” Ellie noted.
“It’s the only place around.”
Eric chuckled and reached for his wallet, suddenly feeling a bit tired. He may have slept well last night, but he still had months of catching up to do.
“I’ll go see if Gloria has any room for me,” he said as he laid down a couple of bills on the counter. “Do you two know anywhere I can rent some camping gear?”
“You don’t need to rent anything,” Harold said, shaking his head. “I’ve got everything you need in my garage.”
He grabbed a pen from the bar and wrote something down on a napkin, then slid it over to Eric.
“You come by in about an hour, and you can borrow it.”
“Are you sure about that?” he asked, surprised by the man’s generosity, especially since they’d just met.
“Of course. I don’t use it anymore, so help yourself.”
That was the thing he liked most about Saint’s Grove. There was an immediate trust, and everyone wanted to help out.
“Thanks for the wonderful sandwich, and for your kind offer, Harold. I’ll definitely take you up on it. It was good talking to you two. Hopefully, I’ll see you both tonight.”
As he walked out into the afternoon, he slipped on his sunglasses. A few people he passed nodded at him, and he smiled back.
There didn’t seem to be any end to their friendliness and hospitality in Saint’s Grove.
In some ways, it made him uncomfortable, because he knew deep in his heart that there was no such thing as a utopia, and underneath the sheer perfection, darkness could very well linger—somehow, someway, it would show its ugly head.
He slid into his car and pushed the gloomy thoughts out of his mind. Until that side of the town showed itself, he would enjoy Saint’s Grove.
4
“Did you finally contact him?”
Tirvu sat against the wall in the Grand Dragon’s chambers and pressed her fingers to her temples. The ache began in the back of her neck and crawled up her skull to her forehead. Trying to contact Eorricris—or Eric—was not only exhausting, but gave her terrible pains in her head.
She wished the Grand Dragon would leave her alone for a while, but she also understood he was just as worried and stressed as she was, if not more so.
“No, she replied as she met his gaze. “I feel as though he senses me and that he sees the visions I have sent him, but I haven’t made direct contact.”
The Grand Dragon rolled his head, a sound she’d become familiar with as the snapping and cracking echoed across the crystal chamber.
“But you’re certain he’s in Saint’s Grove?”
“Oh, yes. He’s there,” she said as she turned and pressed her palm against the barrier. “He’s on the other side of this. When the Event takes place, and I can get through the seal, I will be able to find him in no time.”
“Are you ready for this, Tirvu? Please remember the last time the Event happened. Even as the two dragon factions war on this plane, we can only spare enough soldiers to protect the universal seam. Last time, it wasn’t guarded, and we had all sorts of horrible creatures venture into our realm—witches, demons, werewolves … I remember it as a terrible experience.
“We don’t have enough manpower to have anyone accompany you to the human side. It will be dangerous for you there.”
She turned to him and met his gaze. “I’m in danger here, as well. For over three hundred years, this war has continued. We risk self-destruction if I do not go.”
“You are correct,” he said with a sigh. “Please be careful.”
“I will, my lord. Hopefully, I’ll be able to find the Moonstone as well as bring back Eorricris.”
“He won’t remember you.”
She nodded, her jaw aching from clenching it so much. “I know.”
“He’s been through too many lifetimes on Earth. I fear we may have lost him forever.”
She refused to believe it, even though the Grand Dragon of the Forest was most likely correct. Eorricris had died in the last Event, and been reincarnated four times since. She’d spent centuries watching him live his life, trying to communicate to him that they desperately needed to know the location of the Moonstone. After failing for so long, she now had hope. It seemed as if he heard her somewhere in his subconscious mind.
“It’s almost time, Tirvu. I wish you luck on your journey.”
As the opaque film began to clear, she heard the Grand Dragon shift. The barrier waved, as if a soft breeze blew against it. She glanced behind her to find the ten-foot dragon, its pearl-like scales shimmering in the light, its blue eyes staring at the barricade with intensity, ready to protect the realm against any other creature who tried to invade.
When she turned back to the universal seam, it had completely cleared, and voices from other dimensions filtered in through the black void. Butterflies tickled her stomach as she wiped her jittery, sweaty palms over her thighs.
This is what she had waited for. She’d dedicated her life to finding Eorricris, to locating the Moonstone and bringing it back to her land, which in turn, should also bring peace.
Yes, she hoped that she could also remind Eorricris of what they’d once had, but if she didn’t retrieve to Moonstone, none of it would matter.
It was time.
Without another word, she took a deep breath and jumped into the darkness.
Eric stood on the edge of the grassy square eating a chocolate chip cookie from Bella’s Bakery, wishing he’d bought two. He glanced over at the store and saw he’d have to do with one. The owner, fittingly named Bella, was closing up shop. He didn’t know what the secret was, but it was probably the best cookie he’d ever had.
The sun had fully set, and the celebration was in full swing.
Families had gathered with their blankets and picnic baskets on the grassy square. Soon, the mayor, a man who held an uncanny resemblance to Hugh Jackman, would be making a speech. The astrology professor did indeed have a telescope set up, and people lined up to take a closer look at the sky.
Kids played tag while some of the adults lay on their blankets, talking and laughing as others tried to corral their runaway toddlers. It truly was a utopic small town event, and he felt very grateful he’d come up to Saint’s Grove just so he could witness it.
An ache of loneliness settled in his chest. Watching the families and friends of Saint’s Grove interact, he wanted to be a part of it. He tried to imagine himself with a wife and a couple of kids, and found he liked the sound of it. At thirty-five, he was ready to settle down; he just didn’t know where, or how he would support that family. The more time he spent in Saint’s Grove, the more certain he became that Roanoke wasn’t the place for him. Just like in Chicago, he felt as if he really didn’t belong there. But here, even after just a few short visits, it seemed like home.
Earlier, he’d easily found Gloria’s Bed and Breakfast. The large Victorian building had been painted purple and lay on an acre of land nestled in oak and pine trees. A quick hike behind the house, and he’d find himself deep in the forest, which would be great for his camping excursion.
Gloria had been a character, just as Harold and Ellie had described. A rail-thin woman with flaming red hair caressing her shoulders, he placed her in her fifties. When he’d arrived, she’d grinned and said she had been expecting him. Since she claimed to be a psychic, the proclamation had startled him for a moment, but then, he’d had to chuckle, guessing Harold and Ellie had called Gloria after he’d left the bar in an effort to freak him out a little.
After getting settled into his room, he’d headed over to Harold’s to pick up the camping gear. After a quick demonstration on setting up the tent and what all the gadgets were for, he then had come back to the Bed and Breakfast where he’d had a quick shower and a nap. When he’d risen, he’d made his way to the square.
He looked at the sky.
The seven planets had lined up, and the lunar eclipse was now total. He didn’t find it nearly as interesting as some in attendance, but he also knew he was witnessing an event that had never before been recorded by man.
Suddenly, the night sky came alive with what seemed to be a meteor shower, but nothing like he’d ever seen. Bright, multi-colored lights filled the sky and descended upon them, almost as if it rained stars.
The crowd, already excited, became louder as they pointed upward, their “oohs” and “ahs” filling the air, the atmosphere around them electric. He’d never been one for studying astronomy, but he had to admit, he was really enjoying this display, and the excitement of the crowd rubbed off on him. He grinned as the light show continued.
A moment later, an ear-piercing scream sounded from the front of the square up by the statue of Peter Saint. He glanced around to find out what had happened, but he couldn’t see past the throngs of people.
Suddenly, chaos erupted.
Cries of terror filled the night as people grabbed their children and ran.
Right in front of him, a man grabbed a woman, tackled her to the ground, then brought her neck to his lips. The woman thrashed and fought against the man, and Eric ran over to help her. The man glared up at him, his face covered in blood. He hissed, and Eric blinked a couple of times, swearing he’d just seen fangs protruding from the man’s mouth.
As his heart thudded in his chest, the man rose and took off in the other direction, seeming to disappear into thin air.
A woman came running toward him carrying two children with tears streaming down her face. She tripped over a blanket, sending all three of them to the ground. He raced over and helped them up, the children now crying hysterically.
“What happened?” he yelled. “What’s going on up by the statue?”
She shook her head and took off again.
As he glanced around at the chaos, the most basic human instinct of flight or fight took over. He didn’t understand what was happening, and that lack of knowledge had his pulse racing and sweat breaking out on his brow. Yet, he wanted to stay and help people, but from what? What was going on?
A light breeze caressed his neck, and he looked up to see … angels? Men and women in white-flowing robes with white wings raced through the sky, each carrying golden weapons of knives, bows and arrows, and swords.
What the hell was happening?
A pack of wolves ran by him, one stopping directly in front of him. He held his hands out, afraid that it would attack at any moment.
Its coat began to shimmer a yellow color, and a moment later, a naked human woman with long, black hair stood before him.
“Run,” she growled at him as she got to her feet. “You aren’t safe.”
“What … what is this?” he asked.
“You’ve been warned,” she answered as she dropped to all fours. Her skin began to glitter again, and the big black wolf appeared once more.
He glanced over at the bakery to see a huge battle taking place inside between what could only be described as a demon and an angel dressed in black leather. The owner of the bakery had jammed herself between the window and the glass door, her screams meeting his ears. Just as he was about to go to her and try to get her out of the store, the demon ran out into the night.
“Eorricris!”
The word carried to him on the nighttime breeze above the din of the others’ screams. A shiver traveled down his spine at the familiarity of the word, even though he’d never heard it before. Yet, he looked around to respond to it.
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