“Yes,” Alex laughed. “Tolfer does most of the cooking. Although I have been accepted as third choice in cooking if he is not available. My aunt Norri, who is an excellent cook, is everyone’s favorite right behind Tolfer. She will be here tomorrow morning to help out and to meet you.”
Starc got the impression it was time for girl talk and he was a third wheel. “I will see you tomorrow morning. I should get back to the common room and see if there are any last minute items that need to be addressed.”
He left the two women to their chat. The men had their heads together and were talking quietly. No doubt they did not want the girls to overhear what they were planning.
“I would not go against Alex’s plans if I were you. Besides, she is too smart to fall for any lame plan you may put in place to prevent her involvement.” With Cianan present, Starc could not comment that Alex could hear everything that was communicated in the warrior telepathic channel.
“You cannot blame me for trying,” Tarsea said. “However, we could not come up with anything. With Shirl staying here, Alex will be super aware of her comings and goings.”
Starc saw Cianan’s questioning look regarding Alex’s protective stance regarding Shirl. “Alex just arrived in Aster Province. She does not have many girlfriends yet. Last night she bonded with your sister. The two have been attached at the hip since.”
“We have figured out everything we can for tonight,” Darden said. “Let us head on out. Cianan, make sure you say goodnight to your sister. Be as charming as you can, you have a lot to make up for.”
Starc followed alongside his twin as they walked to the door. Koel waited for Cianan. Once they were outside, Starc could not hold back the question he was dying to ask. “How do you think tomorrow is going to go?”
“It is going to be a disaster. We cannot trust Cianan, neither of us have been to the Nightshade universe before, and Alex is going to be a wreck. To top everything off, although she will not admit it, Shirl is scared to death of the portal.”
Chapter 7
Shirl walked up the mountain trail behind Alex. Her friend hiked on a regular basis and was handling the trip with ease. Shirl did not know if it was her lack of conditioning or the amount of food she ate for breakfast, but she was panting as she continued to make her way up the trail.
“Step it up, Shirlyn. You are lagging behind,” her brother complained. Although he was now acknowledging her presence, she wished he would call her Shirl. He probably called her Shirlyn, just to annoy her. Everything about her brother bothered her. That may have been the name she was born with, but it was not her. She had always hated the name Shirley, Shirlyn was just as bad.
Breakfast had been lovely. She met Norri, Alex’s aunt, and fell instantly in love with her. Shirl could understand why Alex felt she was blessed with her extended Troyk family. Norri was accompanied by Solfa’s mother, Pattrice. Now that woman was a piece of work. Pattrice cried throughout breakfast. She continually hugged Alex and Shirl, exclaiming how happy she was that the girls were home. Although Pattrice got on her nerves, Shirl was touched by how strongly she felt about them. Shirl was unofficially adopted by both of the older women. Pattrice continually tried to get Shirl to move in with her and Norri. She did not have to reply, with Alex foiling her cousin’s attempts. It was hard to fathom Solfa was Pattrice’s daughter.
Shirl took another moment before complying with her brother’s request. She watched him as he continued up the path. His familial bracelet caught the sun, shining in response. Everyone in the Troyk universe wore one. It depicted the history of the family the wearer was a member of. Norri had given Alex her twin sister’s bracelet, which she had held onto all these years. Alex finally had something that belonged to her mother. Shirl wondered what had happened to her parents’ bracelets. She felt she stood apart from the others not having a bracelet, including Alex.
She increased her speed, regretting the second muffin she ate this morning. It felt like a ten pound weight in her stomach. The discomfort was partially due to overeating, but primarily due to nerves. She was going back into the portal, to a world that caused everyone concern. On top of everything else, they were accompanying two people to their deaths. Why didn’t she just stay in bed, feigning a relapse of portal sickness?
Earlier, the prisoners were not present when they reached the trail. Cianan decided they would begin their ascent anyway. The Palace Guard had either started without them or were delayed rendezvousing with them. Shirl was thankful they were not making the trek with the prisoners. The less time she had to spend with the condemned individuals, the happier she would be. She was also concerned about Alex and the guilt she carried related to Chartail.
“We are stopping here,” Darden said. “We do not want to activate the portal until the prisoners are present.” Although he had never accompanied the condemned to the Nightshade universe, Darden was knowledgeable about protocols.
Shirl looked down at the Aster Province, her new home. She was taken in by the beauty of the city and the layer of purple haze that hovered over it. When she first arrived, she had only been conscious for moments. Now she was able to bask at the magnificent sight before her. She noted a group of people coming up the trail, about half way to their destination. They would leave shortly for the Nightshade universe. Although Darden spent time with her before breakfast, Shirl was still nervous about stepping into the portal. Traveling to other worlds both thrilled and terrified her. Dreams were one thing, reality was something else.
There was a grumbling among the men. Shirl rejoined the group to see what had happened.
“What is going on?” she asked Alex. Shirl noted that Tarsea had positioned himself between Alex and the approaching party. The man was overprotective where her friend was concerned. Shirl could not help but like Tarsea and appreciate everything he was doing to keep Alex safe.
“Raine Narmouth is leading the group,” was Alex’s reply. She could feel her friend’s body stiffen next to her. Shirl instinctively joined the group of men who stood between Alex and her approaching stalker.
As Narmouth approached, Shirl was surprised how good looking he was. She could not understand why such a man would have issues getting dates and had to resort to abduction. Raine was one of eight guards who accompanied Chartail and Stephano.
Chartail was as beautiful as Alex described. Rather than wearing a tunic, she had on a midriff and a pair of leggings. The material was black, which further brought out the fairness of her skin. Her blond hair was pulled into a bun at the back of her head. Stephano just wore black leggings. Both prisoners had their hands tied behind their backs.
Alex started to move toward the new arrivals, but was stopped by Tarsea. He did not say anything, but in a world of telepathic people, that did not mean anything. Shirl imagined they were arguing through the pathway they shared. At one point Tarsea loosened his grip and accompanied Alex to meet up with Raine and say goodbye to Chartail.
Shirl focused on Narmouth’s face as he watched Alex approach. She did not like the way the man looked at her friend. His eyes roamed her body several times and he licked his lips. He reminded her of a predator cat just before it sprang on its doomed victim. Tarsea’s stance reflected that he, too, saw the response Narmouth had toward Alex. Since Tarsea’s back was to her, Shirl could only imagine the look on his face.
“Alexia, you look beautiful this morning,” was all Narmouth said. He stood his ground, not taking a step toward Alex. The man’s eyes continued to consume her best friend.
“I am here to see Chartail before she enters the portal,” Alex addressed Narmouth. She walked past him. Several of the guards stepped aside, allowing Alex to stop in front of the condemned woman. “May I touch her?”
“Yes, as long as you stay clear of her bound hands,” one of the guards answered.
Alex carefully positioned her hands and hugged Chartail. “I wish we had met earlier. We woul
d have been friends.” That was all her friend had to say through the tears she shed.
“We are already friends, Alexia,” Chartail responded. “It means a lot that you came today. I do not know what will be on the other side of that portal, but I face my death knowing at least one person cares.”
Tarsea came closer to Chartail, kissing her on the cheek. “Make that two people, Chartail. I am so sorry I failed you.” Shirl knew, like Alex, Tarsea was filled with guilt related to the woman’s fate.
“Just treat Alexia right,” Chartail said to Tarsea. “I will come back and haunt you if you discard her the way you have all the other women you dated.” Shirl imagined Chartail would find a way to come back to keep her word. The woman seemed a force to be reckoned with. She could understand the strong attachment Alex had for Chartail after such a short period of time. Alex would always bear the guilt of turning in Chartail and Shirl would be responsible for delivering her to her death. At least they had each other to share the weight of their actions.
Raine Narmouth approached Cianan, “I turn the prisoner over to you for transfer to the Nightshade universe. Four of the guards will enter the portal with you. Only you, your sister and her guard may enter the event horizon. As the agreement with the Nightshade government dictates, all weapons must be left behind.” Once again Raine Narmouth’s eyes were on Alex. “The rest will join us on our journey down the mountain.”
Starc handed his weapon to Darden. Shirl could tell they communicated telepathically when Darden nodded to his brother. Starc made his way back to Shirl, ready to enter the portal beside her.
Cianan approached the area where the natural portal existed and as with her crystal, her brother’s quartz started to glow. An event horizon came to life and Cianan partially entered the portal. Shirl could not help herself, she stepped into the portal next to her brother. She listened as Cianan adjusted the frequency. Her crystal was reacting to his. Her brother grabbed her upper arm and they both stepped out of the portal.
“We are ready,” Cianan said. “The trip will be easier if we enter the portal as close to each other as possible. I will enter first, followed by the guards and the prisoners. Starc, you bring Shirlyn with you.”
Shirl stepped back, as the four guards came forward with their charges. Stephano started to struggle and two of the guards had to forcefully move him forward. Chartail walked with dignity to her death. Shirl watched as each entered the portal. It was time for her and Starc to enter. He placed his hand on her hip and gently steered her into the event horizon.
Chartail was facing her death. Shirl was not sure what she would find on the other side of the portal. Just prior to stepping into the event horizon, Shirl thought of a typical Star Trek episode. Whenever the “away team” was beamed to a planet, an unnamed security team member would meet his death. She was so glad she was not wearing red today.
Chapter 8
The Nightshade Universe
Starc was correct, moving through a portal correctly opened, was like walking through a door on a windy day. She had barely finished that thought when she stepped onto solid ground. Although the portal was a dark void, the world she entered was just as dark. It took a minute for her eyes to adjust to the near absence of light. They had entered a room or a cave, she was not sure which. The air was cold, but wet with moisture. She felt a shiver of foreboding.
“I claim the female offering,” a deep voice said. Shirl turned and stared into glowing red eyes. There were a number of men standing around a man seated on a throne. “Have the male offering brought forward.” The men did not hesitate following orders. Shirl stepped back, closer to Starc.
As two of the guards pushed Stephano forward, she continued to survey her surroundings. They were in a large cavernous room with torches ablaze in the distance. Her eyes went back to Stephano and the guards as they brought him to his knees and chained him to the floor.
“Turn around, Shirl, you do not want to see this,” her brother stepped closer to her. The fact he called her Shirl should have warned her what was to come. Although she knew she should have listened to her brother, Shirl could not take her eyes off the chained man.
“Let the decorated soldiers of our Nightshade Force take their reward,” the man on the throne continued.
Shirl watched in disbelief as three men with glowing red eyes slowly approached Stephano. Stephano started to struggle, but was helpless against the chains that bound him to the floor. As they opened their mouths, their eye teeth elongated. She had to be dreaming, there were no such things as vampires.
While her mind struggled with what it saw, the three vampires attacked the kneeling prisoner. One ripped at his throat, while another attacked his torso. The slowest of the three had to be content with a flailing arm. Her ears were assaulted with the sound of crushing bones and Stephano’s cries. Shirl screamed and backed up in horror, as Starc braced her with his hands on her sleeveless arms.
As her eyes reacted to the horror before them, her body reacted to Starc’s touch. Every nerve ending was on fire. What little capacity her brain had, she remembered what Alex told her about the extreme reaction soul mates had the first time they touched. It was within the gore and terror of this encounter that Shirl discovered who her soul mate was.
Starc felt like he had been struck by lightning as he held onto Shirl’s arms. This woman could not be his soul mate, not here, not this way. Tarsea had confided in him how he felt about Alex from the start. He had not reacted to Shirl in such a manner. She was beautiful and he felt protective of her, but he was not consumed with lust for her as Tarsea was for Alex. Yet again, Elzbeth had destroyed his capacity to love.
“What can we do?” Shirl asked through the soul mate channel, even though she continued to scream. Starc imagined she did not know she was communicating to him, just thinking to herself.
“There is nothing we can do,” Starc replied through their private channel. “Calm yourself, we will leave this God forsaken world behind us.”
“We cannot leave Chartail here, to die in the same manner,”
Starc brought Shirl into his arms, sheltering her from whatever was left of Stephano’s torment at the hands of these vampires. He had heard tales of such creatures, but did not believe they were true. How many of the Troyk Prime Council knew what a death sentence truly meant? Did Prime Adholm know what his daughter was going to face in the Nightshade universe?
Cianan shifted positions to stand in front of his sister’s back. Although he had been violent and hateful to his sister in the beginning, Starc was moved related to the protective manner with which Cianan treated her since they entered the Nightshade world. Cianan had not admitted to having been to Nightshade, but Starc thought based on his reactions, he had.
“Take the female offering to my quarters. I have much to discuss with the representatives of the Troyk world.” The master vampire rose from his chair and approached. Starc took Shirl deeper into his body, encasing her in his arms.
Chartail walked beside her vampire escorts. Smart girl. After witnessing what happened to Stephano, it was a good idea to follow instructions given. She may or may not be facing the same fate as the man whose bloody corpse lay before them. Best not to upset these creatures.
“I am Yorik. You three are guests in my home and members of my nest for as long as you are here.” Starc imagined that the vampire was addressing him, Cianan, and Shirl. “The Troyk are behind in their offerings to me. Quite a bit behind, actually.”
“Capital crimes are becoming rare in our world,” Cianan responded.
“It has been too long since you have traveled here and provided me my tribute. I have provided your Prime Ruler with his bounty, but you fall short in providing mine.” Yorik walked around their party, assessing them as he would had he been purchasing cattle.
Starc and Cianan did their best to hide Shirl from the master vampire’s gaze. There were too few of them an
d so many vampires. Even if they had weapons, they were grossly out numbered.
“I have a way to even the stakes,” Yorik said. Shirl turned around in Starc’s arms. He held her closer to his body, if that was possible. “You will travel to the world you know as Ginkgo Terra and retrieve my daughter. Her mother stole her from me fifteen years ago. The girl should be fully grown and of use to me now. Crystal telepath and your guard will find my daughter and bring her here. I will hold the second female as assurance you will return. The four remaining men will help to reduce the shortage in the offerings owed to me.”
A swarm of vampires came upon them and the guards protected themselves and their charges for all of five seconds. The men who accompanied them were attacked in the same manner as Stephano had been. Although they were not bound and chained, there was little they could do to stop their terrible fate. In the chaos that ensued, a second vampire’s voice cut through the mayhem. “I claim the female crystal telepath for the duration of her stay.”
The vampire that spoke walked from the shadows and into view. Where the other vampires had eyes that exhibited their blood lust, this new vampire had clear dark brown eyes. He was pale, but still had color to his cheeks. He was also dressed differently. The vampires in the room were clad in black, this vampire wore blue slacks and a dark green shirt. The man resembled what Darden would look like when he returned from Ginkgo Terra. Starc would never have mistaken him for a vampire.
“It is not your place to make such a claim,” Yorik growled.
The other vampire merely shrugged. “Blood says otherwise. The girl will be placed under my guardianship.”
Starc looked around him, their four guards were on the ground, dead. He did not have any options as far as he could see. Death was all around him and his soul mate was in his arms. His only hope of keeping her alive was turning her over to this vampire. He seemed to have some kind of power over Yorik.
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