***
Pandimora's search led her through inter-dimensions that were empty of life. She felt as if she followed an old trail, and she concentrated deeply, seeing more dimensions in her mind's eye than even she knew existed. Tentatively, she pressed through another dimension and felt a soul vibrating within.
"You're here," Irfin's voice came flatly from behind her, and the words were accompanied by a sigh.
Pandimora quickly turned. "Did you think I'd just let you leave?"
"I knew you wouldn't understand," the little man said. He sat perched atop a stump that glowed in colors of pale peach. "You're angry about the crystals. No harm was ever meant to you or Drew. I was not responsible for the explosion. I tried to avert it, but Lukais had already set it in motion. I warned you to grab the devices," he added, not quite meeting her eyes.
"Why, Irfin?" she asked.
"I felt you'd be safe if I sent you through your dreams to find the crystal. There was less risk that way."
She clenched her fists. "Now I truly understand the emotions related to feeling betrayed. How could you do this?"
But he did not reply.
Pandimora paced the smooth ground, the surroundings bland and lacking life. "You sent us to secure it and then you steal it with no explanation." Despite trying to remain calm, Pandimora knew her raised voice carried traces of aggression as it echoed all around them.
"I'm gratified you are not afraid of stating your opinion," he said. "I thought about telling you I needed the crystal, but I couldn't risk it. If Lukais had pulled the information from you prematurely, all would have been lost."
"Why?"
"The crystal belongs to the fae."
"I agree, but this was not the way to do it! And now you have destroyed the crystal by snapping it in two!" Pandimora said. "Surely its power is diminished?"
"On the contrary," Irfin exclaimed, holding up two crystals. "We now have twice the crystal power." Pandimora stared at the crystals, equally beautiful, both four inches or longer. "I tested my theory that I might be able to grow the crystals. Aren't they magnificent?" he asked with glee, moving the crystals this way and that so the light caught them, spinning all the colors of the light spectrum in the air around them.
Pandimora couldn't shake the feeling she'd been betrayed. "Drew was right, you planned this from the start -- my ejection from Aisywel, you pulling Drew into this scheme and then taking the crystal for your own means."
"It was not that simple Pandimora." He placed the crystals out of sight in a pocket. "I never meant to put you or Drew in harm's way."
"What did you think would happen when the elder found out the crystal was found? Of course there would be repercussions! And here you sit, still intent on keeping the crystals."
"The machinations set in place were unavoidable. These crystals must be returned to Aisywel," he said stubbornly.
"To Lukais."
"It is one and the same," he said. "They should never have been separated."
"Who hid the crystal?"
He shrugged. "Who is to know?"
Pandimora turned away impatiently. "You have betrayed me and more importantly you have betrayed who you are. Drew hovers near death -- how can I dare to hope he will live and how will I ever find my family now? The elder cannot be trusted and it appears neither can you."
Quietly, Irfin said, "Pandimora, choices had to be made -- however, rest your mind, your sister has left Aisywel for the moment and is in the earth dimension."
For the first time since leaving Aisywel, Pandimora felt a moment's relief. Her sister was safe.
"But it appears there are already stirrings of trouble," Irfin continued, "since it is reported the portals have been locked."
Pandimora's worst fears began to materialize. "Locked?"
"Due to the manifesting unrest, the dark creatures in the netherworld are stirring. I've even heard they're clamoring at the portals."
"So faerie and human alike may suffer. Lukais will make innocent blood flow through Aisywel because of his stubbornness, his determination to hold his insane plan to harness the crystal power for his own ends. And you will be by his side." Pandimora swung away from him, shaking with helpless anger. "I have been a fool to trust in the goodness of the fae. When did all this turn around? How could I not see it, the evil lurking all around me?"
"Pandimora, you are upset and concerned about the future of dear Aisywel, as am I. It is a terrible thing that Drew got caught in the crossfire of our dimensions. I am doing my best to lay the plans for the future, but it is impossible to promise lives will not be lost."
"What if I had failed to find the crystal?"
Irfin smiled gently. "Pandimora, you have a great soul gift, destined to create world change with your talents and your ability to care. You were chosen for this specific purpose because I knew you could be trusted to do what is right."
"And what about you, Irfin? Will you do what is right?"
"I will do what I must." Irfin avoided her eyes, looked instead at a device on his wrist. "Come with me. I can renegotiate your return to Aisywel."
She shook her head, backing away. "No. I need to recover my family."
"Clare and Declan are gone, Pandimora," he said quietly.
Pandimora drew in a quick breath, and another. "I will not lose what I had always wished to have."
"They chose their path so that their children may live."
She could barely breathe. "What are you talking about?"
"They let their souls be burned into the afterlife so their children could survive. It was an agreement."
"An agreement? How do you know this?" she asked suspiciously.
He sighed. "You are not the only one who has heard the elder's thoughts."
"So he is responsible for their banishment?"
"I don't know. All I know is he is aware there was a signed agreement that night."
Stubbornly, she shook her head. "I will find them."
"Pandimora!"
She ran, pushing herself from the dimension. Panic burned through her. She must return to Isidghe and convince the goblins to help her shift matter. Her parents could not be gone. She would find them.
It was time she returned to Aisywel, but on her own terms.
Find Me: Faeries Lost Page 23
