The meadow ended and they climbed over old ranch-style fencing that gave way to a large field of high grass. Esther presumed it was grass, even though the thin, tall blades were blue. They reached up to her waist and gave off a smell that was similar to mint, but with a hint of lavender. It was crazy, but as she walked through this field, the unusual scent made her feel less frightened and more confident that she would yet find a way to escape Zortek. He was scary, yet she refused to let him dominate her determination to break free from him.
She looked up, and the position of the sun told her it was early afternoon. Is he really not going to stop and rest for a while? She’d never walked so far in her life. By now her face must be sunburned and the heat blazing down on her head was relentless. She was also continuing to perspire. She felt even hotter because her hair was down and around her shoulders. Esther was certain she would pay dearly for such long exposure to the sun. Yet why doesn’t it bother him? His silvery skin looked no different than it had at the beginning of the day and there was no sweat on his brow, or anywhere else on his naked upper body. The heat of the sun wasn’t affecting Zortek in any visible way.
Eventually, Esther could see the grassy field was coming to an end. Beyond it were densely-clumped trees, so another wood with rewarding shade was waiting for them. As they drew close, she heard the flapping of wings overhead. She looked up and saw another demgel circling above them. He flew around and around two or three times and then dropped down a few feet away from Zortek’s left side. This newcomer spoke several unintelligible words in a measured, deep voice. Whatever he said made Zortek angry. He gripped Esther even tighter and shouted a response.
Unlike the dead one, this demgel was taller and broader than her captor. He was wearing pants that looked like raggedy shorts, and well-worn sandals. His skin color resembled a golden tan, his wings were brown, and his dark eyes were blazing at Zortek. He uttered more incomprehensible words, and the tone of his voice and his body stance told her he was undoubtedly issuing a challenge. To Esther it seemed as though Zortek hesitated for a few seconds, then he released his hold on her and strode over to the newcomer. His claws became evident, as did those of his challenger. The other demgel snarled at Zortek and she could see he possessed long fangs. They then went at each other with even more ferocity than the previous fight.
Is this another opportunity for escape? Or will Zortek also kill this second combatant? Esther thought it was better to try getting away rather than stand there and watch another killing. She took a couple of steps backward but stopped because the new demgel’s eyes were locked on her, and his right arm was outstretched in her direction. His left arm was clamped around Zortek’s body, pinning his arms into immobility. He pointed a golden claw at Esther and mouthed something. She felt a tremor pass right through her and when she attempted to continue moving away, her feet felt like they were glued to the ground. This was different from what Zortek had done to her muscles, but it was equally as powerful. She was unable to do anything other than stand and watch the two demgels fight.
Somehow Zortek managed to free himself and his claws were swiping at his opponent. He connected with tissue, and Esther could see golden blood discharging from gouges in the other demgel’s chest. Yet her captor was faring worse. He had even deeper gashes on his arms and body and it was obvious he was the weaker of the two. The new demgel now had him confined in a bear hug and appeared to be literally crushing him. Zortek opened his mouth and bit down on his challenger’s shoulder with his fangs. The other one’s face contorted with pain. He violently threw Zortek down on the grass and was instantly astride him. His knees were holding his opponent’s arms immobile and the pressure of his long legs kept Zortek’s legs still. Esther watched in dismay as his left arm shot upward. She knew what he was about to do.
“No! No! I can’t bear any more killing.”
The demgel’s arm remained up in the air as he looked across at her. She shook her head vigorously and held her breath, waiting for him to make the killing strike. It didn’t happen. Instead, his claws vanished and his hand smashed down and delivered a jaw-breaking blow to Zortek’s chin. He was immediately rendered unconscious.
The victor got up and walked over to Esther. He had to be close to seven feet in height so he literally towered over her. The golden scales across his shoulders and chest were almost standing up on end, but they slowly lay down flat against his body. His fangs had also retracted back into his mouth. He stared down at her with a look that sent dread rushing through her mind and body, yet she hoped she could hide her fear. If he was about to kill her, he wouldn’t have the satisfaction of seeing her cower away from him.
He leaned close to Esther and sniffed her face, just as Zortek had done. Then, while straightening back up, his left hand reached out toward her and she waited for the possible death blow. However, he only touched her lightly on the arm and said, “You can move now.”
She tested his words by shuffling her feet and they were no longer stuck to the ground. Esther toyed with the idea of running away from him as fast as she could, but before she had a chance to decide what to do his arms encircled her and he lifted up into flight. His wings beat strongly and his body was angled almost horizontally. Esther was held closely under him. All she could see was the swell of taut muscles under his golden tan skin, and a deep wound running across his chest. There was also a light odor of sandalwood coming from him. She gave thought to breaking free from his grasp, yet that would be foolish. If he let her go, she’d fall and Esther was sure they were flying high, so that would mean certain death for her.
They flew for some distance. At least his body was shielding her from the merciless sun. Is he now taking me to that unknown thing, a mejin? Esther decided that once they were back on the ground she would try to escape. She would have no idea about which direction to take, but at least she’d be free. Meanwhile, it was sensible to allow him to take her wherever he was going. Esther closed her eyes and tried to appreciate how she was being given a new and different experience, that of flying.
The air seemed to be getting cooler and the demgel was suddenly plummeting headlong downward. Her upside-down line of vision was blocked by his broad body so she had no idea where he was heading. As he altered his diving position to a slower, more upright one, his hold on her eased sufficiently to allow Esther to look around. They were coming down among what looked like pine trees, except their needles kept changing color.
He landed on his feet and his wings folded behind him. While continuing to clasp her, he informed, “Do not attempt to move away from me when I’m no longer holding you. If you do, I will anchor you again.”
She nodded but had every intention of doing what he’d told her not to do. He set Esther down and released her. She darted away, hoping his gluing ability wouldn’t work if she could just get some distance between them. Esther was aiming to reach the trees, but before she even came near them, her feet became glued to the ground.
He strode over to her and asked, “Didn’t I speak your language plainly? You must not go away from me. There are many dangers here.” He gripped her hand and must have released the anchoring because he pulled her back to the spot where they had landed. “My home is but a short distance from here. You’ll be safe there.”
The ground slanted upward so she presumed they were on a hill or the side of a mountain. He guided her past a bubbling stream and toward what looked like a log cabin. His hold on her was firm, but not forceful like Zortek’s grip.
Esther felt annoyed at her inability to escape, so she asked, “Are you going to take me to your mejin? Isn’t that what demgels do?”
“I do not serve a mejin.” There was definite pride in the way he said this.
As they approached his home, Esther saw what looked like a black wolf lying on the open front porch. It saw them, got up, jumped straight down over the steps and came charging at them. She wasn’t afraid of dogs, but had only ever seen wolves on film. This one was extremely large. It stood u
p on its hind legs and nuzzled its head into the demgel’s chest. He hugged it with his free arm and spoke some words to it in that other language. Now the wolf was back on all fours and it looked at Esther with pale gray eyes.
“Let Toldo smell you, then he might allow you to touch him.”
The wolf came close and began sniffing her feet and pant legs. Then he moved up to her waist and she slowly brought her unrestricted hand close to his nose. He tickled her palm for a moment as he smelled her, and then he licked her hand.
“Ah, Toldo likes you.”
She scratched under his jaw and gently moved her hand to his head and began stroking him. He licked her arm. The demgel said something to the wolf and he went back to the porch and lay down.
“Toldo is usually wary of strangers. You must be trustworthy for him to accept you so quickly.”
She’d never heard that word used to describe her before, but if he believed she was dependable, Esther thought he might not be expecting her to make escape plans. She would go with him into the cabin, but would be looking for any opportunity to escape.
The demgel looked down at her with a penetrating gaze and she had the uncanny feeling he’d understood what she was thinking. Esther knew that wasn’t possible. Yet his grip on her hand tightened. They climbed the steps and went to the front door. It was made from a very thick and sturdy section of wood. He waved his hand close to the doorknob and the door swung open and inward. They moved inside and the door closed.
Chapter Six
“This is my home. It is simple compared to your earthly buildings.”
Esther nodded her agreement because the cabin made her apartment look like a palace. There was a large room that contained a square table, two chairs, and a tall cupboard. Close to this furniture was a large, long window. On the wall opposite the window was a bookcase filled with old-looking books. An over-sized armchair was positioned next to it. Dominating the room was a stone inglenook fireplace. A thick, weathered section of wood served as the mantel shelf and in the deep recess stood a box filled with logs that promised warmth and comfort. At the far end of the room was what must be a stove, but totally different from any she’d ever seen before. A deep sink and draining board were also visible. There were two doors in the end wall, indicating further rooms. All of the furniture looked solid but undecorated, and a braided rug covered most of the floor.
By now, he’d released her hand, walked over to one of the chairs and dragged it away from the table.
“Come and sit down,” he commanded in a low voice.
Esther felt extremely wary of him, but was determined not to show her distrust. “Thanks, I’m exhausted. Zortek made me walk for miles.” She sat and he pushed her chair close to the table.
“Are you hungry?”
“I haven’t eaten since yesterday evening so I’m starving. I’m thirsty, as well.”
The demgel went to the cupboard, opened the doors and took out a pitcher. He poured water into a narrow earthenware container and placed it in front of her. She gulped down the ice cold liquid and proffered the container toward him.
“May I have more, please?”
He filled it again and this time she sipped more slowly. The water tasted so good.
“Thank you, that was wonderful. The sun made me hot and thirsty, but Zortek wouldn’t stop and let me rest or have a drink.” Esther’s fear of this demgel was beginning to diminish.
He made no reply and went over to the stove. Somehow small flames were suddenly moving beneath a large pot, but she hadn’t seen him turn on the gas. Next, he came back to the cupboard and removed two earthenware bowls, a board with a round crusty loaf on it, and a serrated knife from the drawer below the cupboard doors. He placed the board, bread, and knife on the table and took the two bowls to the stove. After a few minutes the flames under the pot disappeared. The demgel ladled something into the bowls and brought them to the table. The bowls were steaming and when he put hers down she could see it was soup. She wondered if there might be meat in there, but she really didn’t care. Her hunger wouldn’t allow Esther to be fussy.
He cut several slices of bread and told her, “Eat some bread.”
He sat down and stared at Esther, which was nothing new. She was becoming accustomed to the fact that demgels usually did this when she ate with them. He lifted the other bowl to his mouth and drank. Obviously, his table manners weren’t any better than Zortek’s. Doesn’t he have any soup spoons? She reached over and took a slice of bread and bit into it. The taste was similar to whole wheat, but a little stronger. She liked it. He took two slices, ate them and finished his soup. A delicious aroma was wafting up from her bowl and she was desperate to try the thick, reddish-brown broth. Esther placed her hands around the bowl and speedily removed them. The heat was so intense she couldn’t drink it down like this demgel. He must have iron guts.
“Do you have a spoon I could use?”
He looked puzzled for a moment, and then remarked, “Oh yes, humans use utensils to eat.”
A fork appeared next to her bowl.
“That’s a fork, I need a spoon. Do you know what that is?”
The fork disappeared and was replaced by a spoon that was really too big for her mouth. Should I say something? Esther decided against doing that because her stomach was beginning to growl. She dipped the spoon into the bowl, brought it up to her mouth, blew on it and swallowed the soup. It was undoubtedly the best she’d ever tasted. Esther kept spooning the thick broth into her mouth until it was gone. Meanwhile, the demgel was watching every move she made. She knew she would have to say something to him about that, but not until her hunger was satisfied.
He took her bowl, filled it a second time and Esther devoured that helping with equal enjoyment, but a little more slowly. She also ate another slice of bread.
Now it was time to address the staring, but first it was her turn to gaze at him. Looking at his chest, she was surprised to see the wounds were already closing and didn’t look inflamed. Then she stared directly at his face and realized his eyes were actually black, not dark brown. It was impossible to know where his pupils ended and his irises began. His nose was straight and not overly large and his mouth wasn’t as large as Zortek’s, but had the same thin lips. This demgel’s hair was not as long as her angel date’s and it was black and wavy. Esther decided he was definitely better-looking than Zortek, as long as she could ignore the pointed ears, scales, and horns.
“Do you have a name?”
“My name is Dreydon.”
Esther thought that was as weird as the name Zortek.
“Well, Dreydon, don’t you know it’s rude to stare?”
His gaze didn’t falter; his dark eyes continued their intent staring.
“Is staring something demgels do? Zortek kept doing it, too, on our date.”
“What do you mean? A date is a day on your calendar, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but it also means when you’re out with someone, like having a meal or going to the movies.”
“I don’t understand. Humans do strange things.”
“Oh, we do strange things, but demgels don’t? How about being unfamiliar with cutlery, having no manners, and sniffing someone? And, of course, there’s the staring.”
“I stare because you are very beautiful.”
She hadn’t expected flattery. Score one for Dreydon. “Don’t think you can side-track me with a compliment. I want you to stop staring at me. It makes me feel nervous and very uncomfortable.”
Finally, he looked away for a moment and said, “That is not my intention.” Now he appeared upset and Esther felt a twinge of guilt. He’d given her food and water, which was so much more than Zortek had done, yet she’d spoken to him like he was a naughty child.
Trying to change the subject, she asked, “How do you know English? You spoke to Zortek and your wolf in a different language, so I’m guessing that one is yours.”
“I’ve been to your world and can speak several of its languages,
including English. Once someone talks to me in their language, I then know it.”
“To know a language instantly is amazing.” Then, wanting to confirm something, she added, “You were going to kill that demgel, right?”
“Yes, if I didn’t kill him, he would kill me. I let him live because you looked so distraught.”
“That’s because a while before you stopped us another challenging demgel was killed by Zortek. Do you think that one wanted to take me to his home?”
“No, he would have taken you to his mejin.”
The memory of the violent attack caused Esther to say, “Zortek ripped his throat out and his blood was everywhere. It was horrible.” She shuddered.
“That is one way demgels kill. We can also strike an opponent with fire from our eyes and burn them.”
This conversation was becoming alarming. In almost a panic, she speculated whether Dreydon would kill her with fire when she tried to escape. That thought rekindled Esther’s fear of him. She tried to reassure herself by deciding this whole experience was nothing more than a long, drawn-out nightmare, so she might as well join in the craziness. “Demgels think nothing of killing! Right?”
“When it is necessary we do it. Humans kill, don’t they?”
“Yes, but…” She really couldn’t argue with the point he was making. “Anyway, what is a demgel? You look like something out of a fantasy story.”
“A demgel is half demon, half angel.”
Okay, more crazy stuff. Yes, this must be a nightmare. “Angels and demons don’t really exist so how can you be a combination of both?”
Stolen Away Page 4
