Curse of the Sea

by Joni Parker

  “Good morning, Mrs. Lewis. I was wondering if you could give me a hand. May I introduce a friend of mine? Her name is Alex. She’ll be attending a cocktail party tonight and needs a suitable dress and shoes—semi-formal. Could you possibly assist?”

  “Oh my, you’re tall, aren’t you? Let me see, a long dress or short?”

  “Long,” he said.

  “How about this one?” She showed him a yellow gown.

  “No, something more conservative.” He checked the price tag and grimaced.

  She pulled out a black dress from the sale rack and held it up.

  He checked the price tag. “Yes, much better.”

  “Can I try it on?” Alex admired the dress. Although the dress was black, the long sleeves and trim were in violet.

  “Of course, follow me to the changing room.”

  “Whilst you two are busy, I shall be in the men’s department. I’ll return shortly.” Tyler left the two women.

  In the fitting room, Alex put on the black dress. It had an open slit on the left side just above the knees. “This fits nicely, but I don’t have any slippers to wear with it.”

  Mrs. Lewis took her to the shoe department and picked out a pair of low-heeled black shoes. Alex tried them on and walked about. Then Mrs. Lewis picked out a sparkly hair clip to hold her hair back and turned Alex around. She raised her eyebrows and smiled. “I think that will do. Do you like it?”

  Alex checked her reflection in the mirror and nodded. “Yes, very much. It isn’t too expensive, is it?”

  “No, everything’s on sale. Now, change your clothes and bring everything out to me. I’m sure the Inspector will be back soon. He doesn’t like to waste time.”

  When Alex came out of the changing room, she handed the dress, shoes, and hairclip to Mrs. Lewis who scanned them under a light. Tyler arrived a few minutes later and paid for them using his mobile phone. Mrs. Lewis handed Alex the dress wrapped in a long, plastic bag with the shoes and hair clip in another.

  “Don’t you have to pay for these?” Alex held up the two bags.

  “I did.” He showed her his phone. “It connects to my bank electronically, very convenient.”

  “It sounded like you’ve been here before.”

  “Several times. I brought my ex-wife here a few times. She loved this store.”

  “I didn’t know you were married.”

  “I said ex-wife. We’re divorced.”

  “Do you have any children?”

  “No.” His lips set together firmly.

  “Well, all I’ve got is the check you gave me. I haven’t gotten the reward money yet.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll work it out with the Admiral.” He drove her back to the base through heavy traffic and dropped her off at her room. “I’ll be back around eight to take you to the Admiral’s reception.”

  “Fine.” Alex had a few hours to get ready. She was still in her sweaty cammies and needed a shower. After her shower, she felt refreshed and packed her clothes in the duffel bag. She watched the telly to fill in the time.

  At eight, Tyler knocked on her door. “Alex, it’s time to go.” When she opened the door, his jaw dropped. “You look fantastic. That dress didn’t look this good on the rack.” In fact, he didn’t like the dress at all when he first saw it, but the price was right.

  “Thank you. I’m glad you like it. You bought it.” She smiled and picked up her duffel bag.

  “Why don’t you come back for your bag? Just leave it by the door.”

  Alex dropped the bag by the door and left, closing the door behind her. She had no place to keep the plastic key card so Tyler put it in his pocket.

  At the Admiral’s house, Captain O’Leary was dressed in her finest uniform and snapped to attention when they approached. She smiled at Alex and handed her a name badge.

  “Thank you, Captain.” Alex stared at it. “I can’t pay you for this.”

  “It’s a gift. Don’t worry about it.”

  “I’ll cherish this, my friend.” She saluted, placing her right hand over her heart. “Thanks, again. I love your uniform.” She stared briefly at the bright red jacket with gold epaulets, gold buttons, and black slacks.

  Graham took the badge and put it in his pocket. He took her arm and they stepped into the parlor where the Admiral was speaking to others, all dressed in military uniforms.

  Alex drew their attention when she came in.

  “Ah, there you are Alex.” The Admiral waved her over. “Ladies and gentlemen, may have your attention?” He raised his hand in the air. “I’d like to introduce you to my friend, Alex. She’s the young lady who’s aiding in the return of our sailors from her homeland. Alex, these are the commanding officers of the ships who participated in NATO Exercise Hunter Dawn 2031. I was wondering if you’d explain to us how this exchange is going to happen.”

  Alex hesitated and swallowed hard. She hated public speaking even more than she hated parties. “Later tonight, an entry point will appear here in Portsmouth that will connect us to my home in Eledon. Your men and women will be allowed to return and I’ll be allowed to go home.”

  “My name is Captain John Delacruz, Commanding Officer of the USS Gerald R. Ford. What’s an entry point?”

  “It’s a…um…a connection between our worlds, like a portal. I’ve heard it called a wormhole, but it’ll look like a white arch.”

  “That’s impossible. No one can create a wormhole.” He took a step forward and stared into her eyes.

  “Our Mentors know how. They’ve done it before.” She broke into a sweat. “Really.”

  “And what time is this going to take place?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Who told you this will happen?”

  “Lord Arethus. He’s my grandfather’s grandfather, the first Tree Elf.”

  “Bullshit!” The Captain raised an eyebrow. “This is a crock of shit, young lady. We’ve wasted a lot of time and money on you. How about telling us the truth?”

  “I know it sounds a strange, but it is the truth. Honest.” She raised a glass of wine she picked up from the table. “May I propose a toast?” She held up her glass. “To the return of your sailors.”

  “Hear, hear!” The Admiral raised his glass. He was the only one.

  Alex sipped her wine and picked up a tray of hors d’ouevres, offering it to the Captain, but he held up his hand and turned away to speak to the Admiral. She smiled at the other officers and answered a few questions, but they were skeptical. Most drifted away, talking among themselves in languages she didn’t understand. Soon, Alex stood alone with the half-empty tray in her hands and an empty wine glass; her cheeks flushed and her stomach tightened.

  Even the Admiral looked back at her with a grimace.

  No one believed her.

  What do I do now?

  Chapter 49

  REPRIEVE

  Outside the Admiral’s house, a bright white light flashed and the power went off. Alex rushed to the window and opened it. Standing in the meadow across the street stood a glowing white arch, the entry point. Alex gasped.

  “Yes! It’s here!” Alex shouted at the Admiral as he stood with Captain Delacruz. “Admiral, it’s here! Look across the street. I told you it’d be here.”

  Graham came up beside her. “It looks like the same white arch at Glastonbury.”

  “I need to get my bag. Give me my key, Graham.” She ran to her room, only to find her key didn’t work without power. Using magic, she unlocked the door and grabbed her duffel bag. She threw it over her shoulder and ran down the stairs to the meadow, stuffing her key card and name badge inside. In the meadow, she was enveloped in a blanket of fog. Alex dropped her bag at her feet, staring curiously. It reminded her of the fog when she’d sailed to Seaward Isle, many months ago—the curse of the sea. She shivered. Was this an omen?

  Captain Delacruz stepped up next to her. “Is this it?”

  “It is.”

  “I guess I owe you an apology.”<
br />
  “Thank you. I knew it sounded strange, but it was the truth. I just don’t know what this fog is all about.”

  From behind, dozens of security vehicles slowed to a halt as their lights went out and car batteries died.

  Captain Jonas ran over and spoke to one of the security officers. “Stay alert. It’s happening now.”

  The man nodded and spoke into his walkie-talkie, but it didn’t work. He shook it. At that moment, dozens of Marines, led by Captain O’Leary, ran up, wearing cammies and helmets and carrying rifles in their arms. They lined up in formation.

  The Marine Captain ran up to Alex. “What is that?”

  “The entry point, but I’ve never seen fog come out of it. How’d you change so fast?”

  “Practice.” The Captain positioned her Marines while the commanding officers of Hunter Dawn lined the street, their eyes on the arch. Captain Delacruz shook his head in disbelief.

  As the fog dissipated, two columns of Rock Elf soldiers marched through the entry point, wearing full leather and metal armor with helmets, carrying shields and long spears. Swords dangling. Then, Lord Fissure of the Rock Elves stepped out, staring arrogantly at the gathering crowd. His long, brown hair flowed over his shoulders and his brown velvet cloak fluttered in the breeze. He glared at Alex.

  “Keeper!” Lord Fissure scowled. “Have you forgotten your manners?”

  “No, Lord Fissure,” Alex replied in Elf as she saluted and curtsied to him.

  “Who’s in charge here, Keeper? What are all these men doing here?” Lord Fissure glanced at the armed Marines. “You will properly introduce me.”

  Alex led him over to Admiral Teller.

  “Who’s that man, Alex?” The Admiral’s eyebrows rose.

  “His name’s Lord Fissure and he’s the leader of the Rock Elves. He’s very concerned about all these soldiers.”

  “No worries. It’s just a precaution.”

  “Can you pull them back?”

  “Captain Jonas, pull the Marines away from the field.”

  “Yes, Admiral.” Captain Jonas turned around. “Captain O’Leary, have your Marines step back.” He waved.

  The Captain turned and waved her troops back several steps.

  “Admiral, Lord Fissure wants me to introduce you. I’ll translate for you.” Alex escorted the Admiral forward. “Lord Fissure, may I introduce Vice Admiral Sir Malcolm Teller of the British Royal Navy? He’s the senior officer here.” Alex spoke in Elf and waved her hand at the Admiral. “Admiral, I’d like to introduce Lord Fissure, leader of the Rock Elves and distinguished emissary to the Council of Elders,” she said in English.

  “A pleasure to meet you, Lord Fissure.” Admiral Teller nodded and extended his hand.

  “It’s an honor.” Lord Fissure spoke in English and shook his hand. “I see you’ve even managed to get the Keeper in a dress. Congratulations.”

  Alex’s jaw dropped. “How--?”

  Admiral Teller smiled. “I’m delighted to hear you speak English.”

  “We’ve learned many things from those who were on Seaward Isle.” He smiled. “Admiral, as a leader, we’re both driven to protect our people, so I’m sure you’ll understand when I tell you that this young woman, the Keeper of the Keys, is a lethal threat to my people. In order to protect them and keep my world safe, I will not allow her to use this entry point. She must remain in your world for the rest of her life, or none of your people will be returned this evening.” Lord Fissure cast a sly glance at her.

  “You can’t do that!” Alex stepped forward, her eyes glinting. “I am not a lethal threat to the Rock Elves. What have I ever done to them?”

  “Lord Fissure, I want my sailors back.” Admiral Teller nodded. “Alex, step over here by me. I know you want to leave, but we must get our sailors home.” He pulled her back.

  “There, you see, Keeper? A rational man.”

  “Admiral, don’t believe him. I’ve never done anything to his people—well, only in self-defense. I will use the entry point, Lord Fissure! You will allow the sailors to return and allow me to go home, or you will die.” Her jaw clenched; teeth bared as she pointed at him.

  “If I die, so will Lord Odin.” He waved his arm at the arch.

  “What?” Alex froze. Her eyes grew wide in disbelief.

  Lord Odin stepped out, escorted by two Rock Elves. His long, blond hair and his purple cloak billowed in the wind. He glared at his escorts as they pushed him along with the tips of their spears.

  “No!” Alex screamed; her face flushed crimson. “You cannot threaten the life of an Elder. How dare you!”

  “You will stay, or he dies.” Lord Fissure’s eyes hardened as he pointed at Lord Odin.

  “Lord Fissure, I protest!” Lord Odin scowled. “The Mentors have authorized her return. I demand that you comply with their guidance.”

  “Guidance.” Lord Fissure sneered. “That’s what it is, guidance, not a mandate, not a rule, not even a law. Just guidance. The Keeper stays here, or you die!”

  “Grandfather!” Alex ran to Lord Odin and threw her arms around him, holding him in a tight embrace, as if she could protect him from the Rock Elves. Tears ran down her face.

  He closed his eyes and held her tight. “Oh, my dear Alex. I’m afraid we’ve lost this battle. There’s nothing we can do. You must stay here until the time is right. The Rock Elves don’t make idle threats. Remember that your grandmother and I love you very much. We’ll always love you.” He ran his hand over her hair as she sobbed on his shoulder. “Your grandmother will be pleased to hear that you wore a dress tonight.” He smiled through his tears.

  “I love you, Grandfather.” She sniffled as she swiped her face with her sleeve.

  “We must return to Eledon, my lord.” Lord Fissure bowed his head and snapped his fingers at the two guards. They forced Lord Odin to release Alex and turned him around. He marched through the arch, looking back over his shoulder at Alex.

  “No!” Alex was pulled back by Captain Jonas and Leftenant Nelson. “You will regret this one day, Rock Elf. I swear it!” Raw and hoarse, her voice quivered with hatred. Her heart pounded in her chest as her blood boiled.

  “Do not threaten me, Water Elf!” Lord Fissure glowered at her.

  Captain Jonas pulled her back. “Stay back, Alex!” Her body language told him she was ready to attack and violence could erupt at any moment. Captain Jonas nodded to the Admiral as he held onto Alex. She didn’t resist.

  “We have her, Lord Fissure. I ask that you release my sailors.” The Admiral put his hand on his chest in a proper Elf salute and bowed to him.

  Lord Fissure nodded, saluted, and went back through the arch.

  After a short pause, Captain Williams, the American female senior officer, marched through the portal, followed by the rest of the sailors from the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, France, and Canada, forming ranks on the open field. The Captain stopped before Admiral Teller and saluted, hand to her brow. “NATO Force Hunter Dawn 2031, reporting for duty, Admiral.”

  The Admiral returned her salute. “Welcome home, Captain, and to all of our sailors. NATO Exercise Hunter Dawn 2031 is now officially concluded.” Tears streamed down his cheeks.

  All of the sailors stood at attention. “Hand salute,” Captain Williams shouted. The sailors saluted at once. “Ready two,” she said and they dropped their salute as one.

  Then from the ranks, one of them shouted, “Hip, hip--”

  “Hooray!” The rest responded and threw their fists in the air.

  The Admiral was overcome with joy. He dabbed tears from his face as Captain Williams threw her arms around Captain Jonas and cried. Then she joined the reception line, shaking hands as the security forces guided the sailors to a large warehouse for processing.

  Captain Jonas put his hand on the Admiral’s shoulder. “I can’t believe it—she did it.”

  “I told you she would. Did you see her grandfather, Jonas? And that other one, Lord Fissure. My goodness, they were
real Elves, absolutely magnificent. And they had pointy ears.” The Admiral wiped more tears from his face. “This is a remarkable. I’m not sure how I’ll explain it to Chestermann. Do we have this on video?” He turned and looked for the security cameras. “What kind of cameras are these?”

  “Tyler told us that the arch emits some sort of electromagnetic energy that kills anything with batteries. We scoured the city for some old-fashioned cameras to record events.” He pointed to several, set up on tripods. “We found several wind-up motion picture cameras and we had to use special high-speed film for low light shooting. We should get some good footage.”

  “Who ordered all this security?”

  “I did, Admiral. I was sure Alex was up to something.”

  “Are you convinced now? She just wanted to go home.”

  Alex stood by watching the sailors—deflated with tears running down her face.

  Captain Williams, the American female officer, came over and hugged her. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you so very much, Alex.”

  “Sorry, it took so long. I ran into a few problems.” She sniffled.

  “I understand. It wasn’t so bad there, once we got over the shock of it. I’m sorry you aren’t allowed to go back. That’s a real shame.”

  Alex shrugged. “I’ll figure something out.”

  “Good for you. If you need any help, don’t forget to call on the USS Lonestar. We owe you one—a big one.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” Alex pressed her lips together and nodded—she didn’t think she’d ever need to call on her, but she never knew what the future would hold.

  As soon as the sailors cleared the field, more people wandered out from the arch—men, women, and children. They gathered on the meadow uncertain where to go or what to do.

  “Alex, who are these other people?” The Admiral grew alarmed.

  “I don’t know.” Her hand flew to her face. She was shocked. “What have they done?”