by Simone Pond
“You’re impossible. You know that?” Nils picked up his rod, and though he sounded irritated, I caught him grinning a little bit.
“She can’t help it,” said Benjamin. “She’s the boss.”
“Okay, let’s get out of here before we see something else that’s all wrong.”
We started walking down the street again—the kid still clinging to my leg. “Don’t worry, kid. I’m not leaving you out here in this pit.”
The young boy’s bright blue eyes lit up.
“But I need my leg, so you’re gonna have to walk next to me. Okay?”
He loosened his grip, but remained huddled right up against my side.
I asked him, “You got a name?”
“I’m Thatcher. But you can call me T. That’s what my friends call me.”
“So we’re friends?” I teased, messing up his hair.
He nodded.
“Where are you from, T?” asked Nils.
“Alexandria,” he said.
Benjamin patted the kid on the back. “You’re in luck, T. That’s where we’re headed.”
I glanced at CeeCee. She kept a professional demeanor, but I sensed her concern. I gave her a nod and she returned it to let me know she was still with us. All of us were making sacrifices. Some more painful than others.
The seven of us stayed in tight formation as we continued through the insanity of the city. We received several stare downs, cat calls, and a few attempts on our lives. We dodged some fireballs and lightning blasts, and those three burlesque witches from the brothel showed up to lure in Benjamin again. But Isabella and Lily handled them with a flick of their wrists. Their magic was stronger and cleaner now that it was being used for the Ancient One. I was grateful for this, since mine had been reduced to a finicky shield that worked at random times. CeeCee was like a hurricane blowing back anyone who got too close to us—and especially the kid—taking out any angst about heading toward her former city on the delinquents of the Madlands.
We got through the worst of it and made a single-file line so we could trek down the narrow flagstone path leading to the docks. CeeCee led the team with Lily giving directions.
“So, Lily,” I called ahead, “who’s this contact of yours generously willing to take us across the river?”
She glanced back and gave me a demure smile. “My ex.”
“Great,” I muttered.
“Don’t worry, there won’t be any drama. Once he sees me like this again, he’ll be quite eager to help out. He was so disappointed when I … well, when I chose that other path.”
Isabella asked, “Why did you go that route, anyway? You were such a lovely enchantress in Endor.”
“After I escaped from Glendora’s wrath and came to this place, everything changed. William, my ex, followed me here to help keep me safe.” Lily paused and took out a handkerchief to pat her eye. I was shocked to see her getting weepy. I slowed my pace so we could walk together down the path.
“What happened?” I asked, giving her a friendly smile.
Lily took my hand and squeezed it tightly, then continued her story with more confidence. “At first, I fought back the call of the wicked. But it became louder and louder until finally I caved. William promised he’d stay until his dying day, fighting to bring me back to my former self, but whenever he came near me, I was so cruel …” She paused again and let out a soft whimper.
“It’s okay. You were under the influence of evil. We all make mistakes from time to time,” I reassured her.
She patted her eyes again with the handkerchief. “His visits became less and less frequent, then eventually he stopped coming altogether. I guess he lost hope.”
Keeping up with all the adults, Thatcher poked his tow head out from behind Benjamin and said, “Don’t ever lose hope. Things can change.”
The kid’s wise words plunged into all of our hearts so none of us could speak for a few moments. He had some serious rebound abilities. Dodging a sorceress’s sacrifice can be a perspective-changer.
Nils mussed Thatcher’s hair and chuckled softly. “From the mouth of babes …”
“I agree with T,” said Benjamin. “Even when I was at death’s door, I knew everything would be okay. I even knew Bella would be back.”
Isabella wrapped her small arm through Benjamin’s and rested her head on his robust shoulder. I wanted to say something positive and uplifting to contribute to the conversation, but I was feeling a bit wobbly with my father and Matthias in another dimension. But I could say one thing … one essential thing that had kept me going this whole time.
“The Ancient One is faithful. It might not look the way you thought it would, but it does work out,” I said.
Nils peered back at me and instead of wearing his typical sly grin, he had a tender and kind smile. It held a million rays of hope. I looked out toward the River Elin, which was now in view, and wondered how different this phase of the journey was going to look from what I’d pictured. Part of me was excited to see what would happen. Another part of me worried.
Lily pointed down the hill. “I see my William’s boat! He’s still docked!”
“See!” said Thatcher. “Don’t ever give up hope.”
CeeCee turned around and waited for me to give her the go-ahead to proceed. Though it pained me to put her in such a position, I had no choice but to follow instructions. I gave her a thumbs-up and with her shoulders back and head held high, she continued forward and we made our way down the steep slope. Nils slowed down and waited for me to join his side.
He nudged me with his elbow. “You ready for the adventure of a lifetime, partner?”
I nodded, staring out across the river toward Alexandria in the east. Lights sprinkled the hills like hundreds of flickering candles. Then I saw it. The Colosseum. It dominated the middle of the city like a mountain of luminous white ice. A cold chill shivered down my spine and my insides hardened.
“As ready as you are,” I said because that seemed like the safest answer.
He held out the rod. “This is yours now.”
I refused to take it. “No way. You need that for protection.”
Nils laughed and forced the rod against my chest, grinning. “I have all the protection I need.”
The rod felt cold in my hands until I touched the warm part where Nils had been gripping it up until that moment. I held it in silence, watching the others walk ahead.
“This is crazy, right?” I asked.
“Yep.”
“What happened on that bridge?”
“Nothing you need to worry your pretty head about.” He tugged my ponytail and limped forward along the path. Though he wasn’t at full capacity, Nils came off strong and confident. A powerhouse who would shatter any opponent who crossed him. Yet, he still looked vulnerable. He glanced over his broad shoulder and waved me along, and I knew in that moment that I’d do anything to protect him.
At the bottom of the path, the seven of us turned left and headed toward the dock at the farthest end of the bank. We passed by a slew of scows and some carriers caked in barnacles and rust. The boats got smaller in size the farther we walked until the only remaining vessels were motorboats. When we got to a rowboat with a rickety shack attached to the backend, Lily reached for CeeCee’s arm, motioning for her to stop.
“That’s William’s,” she whispered.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or groan. There was no way seven people were squeezing onto that tiny boat and making it across the rapid river currents … alive.
“That’s it?” I asked, not bothering to stave off the disdain.
“Isn’t it just charming?” Lily squealed.
I let out a laugh. “For a miniature couple on holiday, sure. For a group of people trying to get to Alexandria … I’m not so sure.”
Lily smiled mischievously. “Looks can be deceiving.”
The delicate beauty flitted ahead, requesting the rest of us remain behind while she had a word with William so she could properly ex
plain the situation. I watched as she stood on the dock next to the front of the ramshackle boat. She looked around, then walked over to a dented cowbell hanging on a nearby post and tugged the dangling string. The low clank echoed over the riverbank, mixing in with the undertones of the distant foghorns. We waited quietly.
A flicker of light appeared in one of the tiny windows and the boat swayed a touch as someone came forward to greet Lily. When the small red door to the shack opened, a handsome blond-haired man wearing pajamas appeared holding a lantern. It dropped from his hand as he stared at Lily standing before him. Fortunately, she swiftly caught it before the thing hit the boat, averting a potential fire. The two embraced for an extended moment, the boat rocking to and fro. Then she pointed to us and began explaining the situation.
Nils buddied up to me, resting his hand on the small of my back, which sent a quiver down my legs. “Let’s hope this is just the weekend boat.”
I thought about politely moving away—still confused about my physical reaction—but I stood still, enjoying the pleasure of his touch. It was better than the brewing concern about our transportation.
“It’s going to be fine,” said Isabella.
“I’m not worried,” I lied.
“William is a talented wizard,” she added.
Lily turned toward us and waved for everyone to come join her and William on the dock. Thatcher couldn’t wait and darted ahead. CeeCee took the rear as the rest of us ambled forward.
William had a boyish charm and jumped up to the dock, reaching out his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Jordan Temple. I cannot appropriately express my gratitude for what you’ve done to restore my Lily.”
All residents of Endor spoke in a vernacular too refined for my tastes, but coming from William, it sounded pleasing. I got the overall sense he was a good man, all the way down to the bone.
“Oh, you should thank him.” I motioned to Nils, then I glanced up to the black sky and the spattering of stars, which had reappeared now. “And the Ancient One.”
William bowed his head slightly to Nils and again to me, then gave a proper salute to the heavens. “Thank you, all. I had practically given up hope on my dear Lily. She was an awful mess, she was.”
Thatcher moved in between everyone. “But you didn’t. You wouldn’t have stayed and waited. Right?”
William knelt down and held Thatcher’s arm. “Correct, my boy. Absolutely correct!”
“And Lily’s told you that we need your help getting across the river?” I asked.
“Indeed she has. I’d be delighted to escort this fine crew to Alexandria.” William beamed as he waved for us to step onto the small boat. “Come, come.”
Lily, Isabella, and Thatcher were the only three who heeded the invite. Benjamin, CeeCee, Nils, and I stood on the dock eyeing the boat.
“I don’t think there’s enough room for these guns.” Benjamin held up his muscular arm and flexed, trying to make a joke of what appeared to be a grim situation.
“We can go in multiple trips,” I suggested.
“No, no, no. Please, come now. There’s plenty of room for everyone.” William hopped back onto the dock and nudged us forward, assisting us onto the crowded rowboat.
“This seems pretty tight,” I said.
“Oh, but you haven’t been inside yet.” William opened the red door, ushering all of us into the rickety shack that was sure to break off the back half of the boat and sink to the bottom of the river.
I stepped over the threshold and froze.
CHAPTER NINE
Inside the shack portion of the boat, the room opened to the size of a grand parlor just as fancy as any Victorian-style mansion. The decor was extravagant and lavish with red velvet lounges, books galore, and plenty of open space to walk around or rest. It was large enough for a party of twenty, let alone the eight of us. I watched William finish fastening the multiple golden locks on the door with a sparkling silver wand that he slipped into the front pocket of his pajama top. He looked over and gazed at me proudly, giving a slight tip of his head.
Isabella whispered in my ear, “I told you he was talented.”
“Everyone make yourselves comfortable,” said William. “I’ll be at the helm, steering us away from this wretched pit of despair and onward to new and thrilling adventures.” He whisked Lily into his arms and kissed her deeply and longingly.
She giggled as she pulled away. “William! Not in front of our guests.”
He cleared his throat and straightened up. “Help yourselves to food and drink. Lily will be assisting me up front. She’s quite the navigator, this enchantress …”
William hoisted Lily up into his arms and carried her away. I felt my own cheeks heat up at their candid display of affection. Or maybe it was the way I had caught Nils staring in my direction from across the room. I beelined over to the giant oak bar, laid the iron rod that Nils had passed over to my care on the glossy surface of the bar, and poured myself a shot of bourbon. Not much for the hard stuff, but I knew the journey was about to get rocky and I wanted to enjoy a moment of calm before the cyclone hit.
“On the rocks for me,” said Nils as he sidled up to the bar.
I quietly and somewhat awkwardly scooped a few cubes of ice and poured some bourbon for Nils, grateful for the large slab of wood between us. Before he had a chance to start a conversation, Thatcher ran up to the bar and hopped onto one of the stools.
“I’ll have a Shirley Temple, barkeep,” he said, grinning at me.
I fixed him up a drink with a bright red cherry to boot, and soon CeeCee joined us. Isabella and Benjamin found a private corner and kept to themselves, while the four of us sat by the bar and marveled at the opulence spread out before us.
“Is it real?” asked Thatcher, digging into his tall glass to pull the cherry up by the stem.
“Illusion,” I said.
“So, am I really eating this cherry?” he asked.
That was a good question and one I couldn’t answer. It sure seemed like he was eating an actual cherry. And that I was standing behind a physical bar, fixing real drinks. But was this our minds playing tricks on us, syncing up with the coding of the illusion? I didn’t know.
“Sort of,” answered Nils.
“How can anything be sort of real?” The kid had a relentless need to understand everything.
I tipped back the rest of my bourbon, picked up my rod, and slunk away from the bar. Nils and CeeCee could babysit for the journey across the river. I needed to get in a nap. I also needed to prepare my mind. The most important thing you do is what you do before you do anything … I forgot who said that, but it was accurate. So I plunked down into a cushy air chair and rested my heavy boots on a foot stool, leaned back and passed out.
In my dreams, I saw fire streaming from the rod that I held in my hands. The flames spread over lands and burned down trees and mountains. Screaming and melting faces filled my visions. Who were they? Innocents? Followers of Ashtar? I saw the River Elin rising up with the blood of slain bodies. Buildings and mountains crumbled. The earth cracked cities into pieces. The peoples’ cries screeched in all directions and their shrieks popped my eardrums. Blazes of light came from the heavens, catching the earth on fire and burning everything to ash.
“Jordan … wake up … Jordan …” A hand shook my shoulder until I rose up out of the heavy layers of sleep.
I gasped for air, jolting upright, scoping from left to right to get my bearings. I’d forgotten where I was. Who I was with. What I was doing. Where I was going. I didn’t exist on any plane. I wasn’t sure I existed at all.
“Where are we?” I muttered, finally recognizing Nils’s crystal-clear blue eyes as they peered down into mine with deep concern.
“We just docked in Alexandria. You okay? You were screaming.” He handed me a glass of water, which I chugged back in seconds.
“Bad dream is all.” I sat forward and reached for the rod, knowing from that moment on, it could never leave my hand. The rod was my n
ew best friend.
I stood up, scanned the room, and made my way to a grand dining room table, waving everyone over for a huddle. William and Lily came out from the helm, faces aglow and hair messy. They joined the party in the dining area.
“CeeCee can give us some background since she hails from here,” I said.
Thatcher raised his skinny arm and waved it. “I’m from Alexandria, too!”
CeeCee smiled and nodded to the kid. “Why not let T break it down. I haven’t lived in the city for many years. He knows better than me.”
Thatcher puffed up his chest, taking the challenge with confidence. “What do you need to know?”
“Where will Claudius be this morning?” I asked.
“What’s today?” asked Thatcher.
All of us were quiet a moment. I had no idea what day it was. The passing and tracking of time no longer made sense to me.
William took out his timepiece and clicked it open. “It’s precisely seven thirty-four on Wednesday morning.”
“They’ll be getting ready for Wild Wednesdays festivities at the Colosseum, so he’ll probably be there,” said Thatcher.
Benjamin laughed. “Whoa, dude. What’s that supposed to mean?”
CeeCee pushed her chair back and rose, then began slowly pacing around the table. I was worried she’d have a change of heart and not want to join us. We needed CeeCee—I needed her. We’d be less safe going on this pilgrimage without a healer accompanying us. But I kept quiet and gave her the space to work out whatever was eating her up inside.
“It’s when the slaves ride wild animals and fight each other to the death,” explained Thatcher.
CeeCee stopped walking and stood behind the boy’s chair, resting her hands on his small shoulders. “The animals they ride range from lions to panthers, and even bulls. Usually the animals kill their riders before the people kill each other. And then the animals devour what’s left and one another.”
Nils groaned.
My stomach roiled at the thought of people finding enjoyment and pleasure in such a spectacle. And the idea of exposing kids to such gruesomeness was morbid. No wonder CeeCee didn’t want to return to the city.
