Doors of Destiny

by Bronwyn Leroux

  Kayla watched, incredulous, as Jaden began laughing. “How about I let you see the monster first, and you can tell me then whether monsters are real?”

  Shianna frowned. “I don’t think —”

  “They’re real. Believe me, I saw them today,” Markov said.

  “Where?” Shianna demanded.

  “Right here. Outside my house. If you want proof, why don’t you come look at this?”

  The entire group rose and followed Markov. When they reached the shattered window, they seemed surprised, but they weren’t unduly concerned. That was, until they saw the claw marks around the window frame.

  Shianna immediately stepped closer and began inspecting the gouges. “These are impressive claws.”

  “They’re actually talons,” Jaden corrected. “And if you think those are scary, wait until you see the beak. The tail will totally blow your mind.”

  “These were made by a bird?” Shianna inquired.

  It was Markov’s turn to laugh. “Not any bird you’ll ever be able to identify!”

  “Okay, before we get into any arguments,” Jaden said, “let me tell you the rest of the story. Shall we go back to the lounge?”

  The group traipsed back and took their seats. This time, Shianna didn’t pick up her photographs.

  “Before I start, can I ask that no one interrupts until I’m finished?” Jaden requested. When they agreed, he began their story. An hour later, Jaden flopped back into his chair, drained.

  Kayla waited for the questions. As she did, she examined the faces around them, all shocked. The bounce was definitely gone from their bungees. What would they make of all this? Would they believe Jaden? She didn’t have to wait long to find out, but the question was not what she expected.

  “So you and Kayla have known each other for a few months already?” Tarise challenged.

  Jaden shifted uncomfortably. “Yes, and Atu has known us almost that long as well.”

  Kayla wondered whether the others had noticed Jaden’s marked inclusion of Atu. Tarise nodded but said nothing more. We tell her some fantastical tale, and that’s all she’s interested in?

  “Well, that’s an incredible story,” Shianna commented. “If I didn’t know you so well, I’d think you were yanking my chain. But if what you say is true, I think I’d like to meet these gliders of yours.”

  Jaden grinned. “Just because you implied you believe me, why don’t you join me on the roof? You can meet them now.”

  Shianna squealed and rocketed out of her chair. “Really?”

  Kayla laughed with the others as they headed for the roof. Stepping onto the landing deck, Kayla smiled at Taz. Jaden had warned the gliders what to expect when it came to Shianna. “Taz, I’d like you to meet Shianna,” Kayla said with a wink.

  Taz huffed. “Let’s get on with this then.”

  It took another hour for Jaden’s childhood friends to fully acquaint themselves with the gliders. By that time, Kayla was tired of all the questions. She was thankful when they went back downstairs and into the kitchen. Food! She was starving. Risking a glance at Jaden, she noticed how drawn his handsome face was. He was more than tired. When was the last time he had slept?

  “Bree, thanks for bringing the food,” Kayla said as she helped Bree open the containers. She handed Jaden a plate. “You need to eat.”

  His wan smile confirmed his gratitude. Jaden piled on the food and then made way for the others. Before wandering over to join Jaden, Kayla added food to her own plate. The others were just as eager to sample Bree’s creations, and they huddled around the island of food as they ate and discussed Jaden’s revelations.

  Kayla was thankful that Markov took the lead as they finished their meal. “Now that you all know what’s going on, who wants to come with me so we can learn how to fly with these gliders?”

  Markov didn’t even have to plug Sven or his accomplishments before everyone agreed. Even Tarise. Shocker! But Kayla was glad they had been able to keep Sven’s name out of the conversation. The fewer people who knew about him, the better. He had been so careful to escape the life he despised. It would’ve been wrong for them to compromise that.

  Kayla turned to Jaden. “I think I’m going to head back home. I need to tell my parents what’s happening. And if I know them like I think I do, they might want to join Markov.”

  Jaden’s face was priceless. “They’d want to go flying around on gliders, fighting dark and dangerous beasts?”

  Kayla giggled. “You’ve seen them with the gliders. They’re totally besotted. Besides, there’s a side to them that you don’t know. My dad’s . . . skills will be useful. And even though my mom’s a contract lawyer now, she was a prosecutor before. She’s not one to back down from a fight.”

  Jaden raised an eyebrow. “Exactly what does your dad do? All you’ve ever said is that he’s a contractor.”

  Kayla hesitated. “Let’s just say he’s good at security.”

  “Ah. I’m guessing the kind that likes guns and knives and uses stealth?”

  “Yup. You should’ve seen him when I showed him my DD. To say he was fascinated would’ve been an understatement.”

  “I’ll bet.” Jaden grinned.

  Kayla grinned too, then sobered. “I’ve probably already said more than I should have, so can we leave it at that?”

  Jaden led her away from the others and pulled her into his arms when they were alone. “Of course. I’m sorry. You’re just always so secretive about his work.”

  “And now you know why.” Kayla shrugged. “But I should go. My folks will be worried.”

  Jaden gave her one last squeeze before taking her hand and leading her upstairs.

  Taz was waiting for them. “Time to get back?”

  “Yes, please.” Kayla turned to Jaden. “I’ll see you soon. Please tell the others I said goodbye.”

  Taz streaked back, and Kayla leaped on, urging Taz to take them higher and faster. She needed time to unwind. Taz must’ve sensed this because they weren’t headed directly back to her home. She rubbed Taz’s neck.

  “Want to talk about it?” Taz asked.

  “I’m worried about Tarise. I think she may have thought she had a chance at more than friendship with Jaden, and then I came along and put a spanner in the works. And instead of accepting this and being happy for Jaden, she’s obsessing about us.”

  “Since I am no expert on human emotions, I’m afraid I can’t really help,” Taz confessed. “However, I will say that I did find her attitude quite unacceptable.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, she was quite aggressive. An atypical response like that by a human towards gliders usually warrants closer inspection.”

  Kayla thought for a moment. “You’re saying we should keep an eye on her then?”

  “That would be my recommendation.”

  They flew for another thirty minutes, much to Kayla’s delight. By the time Taz took her home, Kayla felt more like herself. Waltzing into the kitchen, she found it empty. She followed the hall to her mother’s study. “Hi, Mom.”

  Her mother looked up, surprised. “Back already? I thought you’d be gone longer.”

  Only then did Kayla notice the tight set of her mother’s shoulders and her white-knuckled grip on her pen. Kayla walked around the desk and hugged her mother where she sat. For a moment, her mother’s posture held. Then Kayla felt her tremble. “Oh, sweetheart, it’s so good to see you,” her mother whispered.

  “I know, Mom, I can’t imagine how difficult all this must be for you. Not knowing where we’re going or when we’ll be back.”

  “That part’s okay,” her mother asserted. “It’s those things you have to fight that worry me more than anything else.”

  “What would you do if you had the chance to join the fight?” Kayla asked.

  “How? We can’t even see those things.”

  Kayla quirked an eyebrow. “So how did you see Taz this morning without the relic stone?”

  “I—oh! Yes, I did, did
n’t I? But how is that possible?”

  Kayla released her mother and sat on the edge of her desk. “This won’t be easy to hear. You know how Jaden’s parents were taken?” Her mother nodded. “Well, Jaden got it into his head to go and do something about it—something he didn’t fully think through. Now you’re going to be seeing a whole lot more of the other world than you probably would’ve wanted.”

  “What did he do?” Sadie asked.

  Kayla explained only the essential details. “The point is, now that you know you’ll be able to see these monsters and that there’s a war on the horizon, do you think you’d want to be part of it?”

  Her mother’s face was grim. “If there’s a chance I can help you and your friends, I’m taking it. What do we need to do?”

  “Don’t you want to discuss this with Dad?”

  Her mother laughed. “Do you really think he’ll want to skip out on this? It’s right up his alley!”

  Kayla had to smile. Yes, it was. Her hand went to her arm, and she rubbed her birthmark.

  Her mother stopped laughing. “While we’re on the topic of difficult questions, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

  “Shoot.”

  “I never pressed you about why you changed your mind about learning that language Grammy insisted on. Can you tell me why you did that?”

  Kayla studied her mother. “Why is that question coming up now?”

  Her mother pointed at the arm Kayla still held. “Your birthmark.”

  Kayla immediately felt defensive. “What about it?”

  “No need to get touchy. It’s just that . . . Well, right after we moved here, I was putting your laundry in your room when I saw the books Grammy gave you.”

  “And?”

  “The emblems on the covers of those books have the same shape as your birthmark. I don’t know why I never noticed it before. But that day, there it was, glaring at me like I should’ve paid attention.” Her mother paused. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

  Kayla ignored her mother’s question as something that had been nagging at the back of her mind coalesced. “That’s why you’ve been acting so strange since we got here! I thought you’d just gotten an upgrade on your mom-radar. You’ve suspected since then?”

  “Well, since you met Jaden and you two started going off on those ‘fact-finding’ missions of yours. I mean, the library? You loathe printed books!”

  Kayla had to smile. “Yes, I suppose that was a dead giveaway.”

  “So will you answer my question?” Sadie pressed.

  Sighing, Kayla stood. “Yes, it’s the same shape. And yes, those books have something to do with this mess we’ve been thrust into. The language in those books is what I had to use to decipher a code when we were in the tower. I’m expecting to have to do more translating as we travel this path. But why my birthmark is the same shape as the emblem on the books—who knows? I just used it as a sign that I should learn the language.”

  “That’s why you changed your mind so abruptly?”

  “Yes. Speaking of the books and coincidences, I have a question for you. How did Grammy get those books?”

  “From what Grammy told me, she bought them off a traveling saleswoman. You had just begun to show your talent for linguistics when this lady appeared at Grammy’s front door with books teaching language. Grammy couldn’t resist.”

  Kayla wanted to reach behind her and pick off the spiders feathering up her spine. But they weren’t real. “Mom, did Grammy tell you anything about the woman who sold her the books?”

  Her mother frowned. “Hmm, the only thing I can remember my mother telling me is that she wore the most outrageous clothing. And she had the quaintest shoes—with real, old-fashioned buckles.”

  Kayla sank into the nearest chair. “Awena!”

  “You know the woman?” Sadie croaked, hand to her throat.

  “You could say that,” Kayla murmured. “Just another one of those ‘coincidences.’” She filled her mother in on their encounter at the library. Then she sighed. “But that’s something else we can’t do anything about. Let’s focus on what we can do. How about we call Dad and see if he can come home early? The others are anxious to leave, and I told Jaden I wouldn’t keep them waiting past tomorrow.”

  Her mother stood, nodding firmly. “Yes, let’s do that.”

  The next few hours passed in a blur. Before Kayla succumbed to sleep, she sent Jaden a message. “Folks are in. Don’t let the others leave without them.”

  It was late, so she was surprised that Jaden replied. “Excellent. Couldn’t think of a better way to keep them safe with the Legion heading up to Sven’s.”

  Trust Jaden to think of that. Bless him for it because the thought hadn’t even crossed her mind. She had assumed Pallaton would leave some gliders behind, but that really wouldn’t have been feasible. Yes, Sven’s would be the best place for them to hide out while she and the other voyagers embarked on the next part of their journey. Her parents would be too preoccupied with their training to worry about her, and they wouldn’t know when Kayla left or how long she’d been gone for. A truly inspired solution.

  Yes, she would have to thank Jaden. Tomorrow. She allowed sleep to claim her.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Jaden groaned. He wallowed in his bed, not wanting to get up and face the day. What he wouldn’t give to hear his mother nagging him to get up. Or smell whatever delicious thing she was cooking. But the harsh reality was that his parents weren’t here.

  Had he been wrong to give his mother the relic stone? How long would it take for them to free themselves? Would it even be possible? Jaden felt sudden horror. Would the relic stone function in the alternate timeline? Its powers here were no guarantee there.

  Too late to second guess what he’d done now. Jaden had to have faith his actions hadn’t been in vain. He rolled out of bed. Time to move on.

  An hour later, Jaden and Han hovered outside Kayla’s home. Taz drifted next to them. Kayla made sure her parents were safely in their ‘pod before aerial connecting with Taz. Then they assumed positions on either side of the ‘pod, ready to escort Kayla’s parents to Markov’s.

  After a journey without incident, Kayla’s parents stepped onto Markov’s rooftop landing site. Jaden grinned as they stood rooted in place, their heads turning as they surveyed the Legion. Yes, they would be fine with the strange situation they found themselves in. Jaden and Kayla dismounted, joining her parents on the roof.

  “Aren’t they magnificent?” Sadie breathed, reaching for her husband’s hand.

  Vicken’s eyes glittered as he surveyed the gliders around them, and for the first time, Jaden glimpsed the man behind the mask. It was a terrifying sight. Just as well not many people saw that side of him. Vicken and Sven would get on like a rocket burning fuel.

  Jaden turned as the door to the home opened and the rest of his friends joined them, including Atu and Iri, who had spent the night at Markov’s in case any Gaptors reappeared. Jaden noticed his childhood friends had taken his advice and were appropriately bundled up. They also had backpacks loaded with supplies slung over their shoulders.

  Vicken released his wife’s hand and reached back into their ‘pod, removing a few bags of his own. Sleek, black bags that bulged menacingly. Noticing Jaden’s interest, Vicken grinned. “No harm in bringing a few toys along, especially if they get us there a little more safely.”

  “Yeah.” Jaden was unsure how much he should say. Although they were still some distance from the others, he wasn’t positive that they wouldn’t be overheard. Even so, did that mean Jaden could discuss things? Had Kayla told her father that she’d revealed his secret, although not in so many words?

  Vicken chuckled. “Yes, Kayla told me.”

  Jaden started. How does he know what I was thinking?

  “When you do what I did for as long as I did it, you learn to read people really fast. And you’re an open book, kid.” Vicken winked.

  Jaden
blinked. Alrighty then! “So you’re okay with me knowing?”

  “Yeah. I’m not in that covert line of work anymore. I branched out a while back with my own security firm. Since then, I’ve been looking for a place to base our HQ. And I think I’ve found it here.”

  “That’s why you won’t be moving around anymore like you did before?” Jaden guessed.

  Vicken nodded. “About time too. Not only is this location prime, but my wife and daughter are happy here. What more could a man ask for?”

  “A gun and a mission?” Jaden quipped, gratified when Vicken howled with laughter.

  “A man after my own heart.” Vicken clapped Jaden on the back and unloaded the last of his bags. Looking at the not insubstantial pile, he said, “I thought the other gliders Kayla told me about wouldn’t mind carrying the extra load. Do you think they will?”

  Jaden shrugged. “Why don’t you ask them?”

  Jaden called Pallaton. When Pallaton drifted right up to the edge of the landing site, Jaden greeted him and then introduced Vicken Melmique. Jaden was amused when he noticed the way Mr. Melmique sized Pallaton up.

  The two conversed for a few minutes before Mr. Melmique obtained the required consent. This done, he turned to the rest of Jaden’s friends, still hovering near the home’s exit. “You chaps going to hang out there all day, or are we going to learn how to fly with our allies?”

  That got them moving. Would Markov even get a chance to lead with someone as capable as Mr. Melmique around? But they would have to work that out. He and the other voyagers had their own mountains to climb.

  Stepping forward, Jaden instructed the group on how to climb onto their gliders, where to put their legs and hands, and what to expect when their gliders launched them into the air. “Don’t forget to hold on tight!”

  “Or you’ll end up on your backs like Jaden did.” Kayla grinned.

  Jaden smiled, remembering the first time he and Han had flown together. “Someone please fall off so that I’m not the only one.”

  But none of them did. Even Bree. She did need Stovan’s help getting onto her glider, but once she was on, she stuck like glue. Watching his friends climb onto the backs of the gliders that floated down to become their steeds was almost painful. Had Jaden looked that clumsy climbing onto Han the first time? Thankfully, those days were long gone.