by Jana LaPelle
“Little goddess, you and your companions are going to get a crash course in all things Underworld. Yours truly will be your guide. Alaric has found a pure of heart soul to guide him, and I have no worries as to his wellbeing. You will need to trust me on this.”
Through gritted teeth, I respond, “Trust you? I barely know you. If it were not for you, Alaric would not be here in The Underworld.” I seethe.
“If not for me, your precious kindred would be rotting in Morríganna’s dungeon, and you would be no closer to finding him than you were before I broke him out of there. At least here, he has had a chance to heal and recuperate from his time with his deranged captor. On top of that, as long as he remained in The Morrígan’s clutches he could be used as leverage against you and The Tree of Life. You should be thanking me.”
“Way to go, Ashlinn. You have just pissed off the prince of darkness.” Jaz whispers in my ear nervously.
I had all but forgotten that she was here. I take a deep, steadying breath before looking back out over this strange land. I know he’s right. I just don’t approve of his methods. I find myself absently rubbing at the ache that has settled in my chest. I look back at our host feeling almost defeated when I say, “You were correct in your assumption. Not going directly to Alaric does not sit well with me, Luc. It goes against my baser instincts. I know that Alaric needs me, and we need him back. I need him back, damn it!”
“I expected no less, but you will obey me on this. Ashlinn, The Underworld is a primitive and dangerous place, and most beings here react on pure instinct when their very existence is at stake. That shadow demon that you encountered in The Otherworld? That’s just the tip of the proverbial ice burg. Those greater demons reside in the depths of Hell. They were placed there for a reason and a purpose, under lock and key. The Morrígan could care less as to the destruction her actions will wreak. Her primary focus is attaining power and control. She cares not who or what suffers in the wake of her actions. That’s why it’s so important that you are here Ashlinn. She is ready to unleash the wrath of hell upon The Mortal Realms, and you and those that stand with you need to understand what that means for your precious worlds. Here on this side of The Great Divide, we are more civilized, but over there…” He motions toward the mountain range that runs for as far as I can see with his drink in hand before he continues, “Here there is order. Here they follow me because I see to their needs. The greater demons resent the hell out of my control over them. They relish any time that they are freed from their imprisonment.” Luc points again, his glass almost empty now, just one swallow remains, “That abomination will unleash Hell on Earth. For now, it only appears to those that are content but soon that beacon of light will grow and once it reaches the other side of the divide, be ready, little Keeper. If that rift cannot be contained, then all matter of demons with soon spill forth and walk in The Realms of the Living. So yes, Ashlinn, I intend to keep you here until you have a firm grasp on just what it will mean for all hell to break loose on the other side of that rift.”
Sighing, I look down at the drink in my hand. Instead of tossing it back, I sip the contents and wait for the alcohol to relax me before looking back at the prince of Hell. I’m still pissed, and thus far, I’m far from relaxed and having a hard time reigning in my anger at once more being separated from Alaric, before biting out, “Then, by all means, Luc, give me the CliffsNotes version. So far, The Underworld has not been all that daunting. Alaric and I were able to banish a shadow demon back here. So please spill.”
Luc sighs, “That’s because you have only seen about a tenth of what this realm has to offer if that. Trust me Ashlinn, I’ll know once Alaric begins the second leg of his journey through the Fields of Punishment. Once that has happened, I will send you forth to collect your kindred. For now, you remain here as my guest.”
I make to argue with the male in front of me when my vision begins to bleed to black around the edges. I stumble, righting myself and think dear God, what’s wrong with me? I look over to see Tarron and Tolin slumped over in their seats. Realization dawns on me as my fingers lose their grasp on the crystal glass in my hands. I watch numbly as the glass slips from my fingers to crash to the stone floor shattering and spilling the liquid contents within to pool on the tiles in a glittering mess. I blink a couple of times trying to clear my head.
I hear Luc speak as if from down a far away tunnel and his voice warbles, “I’m so very sorry, my dear guest, I had no choice. I knew you would resist my attempts to keep you here. The effects will wear off soon, and then we can talk once more. Jasmine, watch over your friends, they will be made comfortable shortly.” My vision fades as he easily catches my useless form. All my senses are shutting down under the influence of whatever drug Luc has slipped in our drinks. Luc gently pulls me up into his grasp and carries me from the spelled room and down the hall. I’m helpless but to look around me drunkenly. He enters a room and deposits me on a soft surface pulling a cover over me. As everything fades to black, I hear, “Rest easy, little goddess. No harm will come to you or your friends while under my protection.”
But what of Alaric? I wonder, unable to murmur the words aloud before darkness claims me.
Chapter 9
(Alaric)
Paynga noticed my unrest several days ago when she caught me absently rubbing the spot just above my breastbone. After explaining to her that the cuffs I wear nullify not only my abilities but my kindred bond as well, she suggested that I try meditation. Her theory is that, if I’m able to reach a level of spiritual enlightenment that I could override the physical binding of the irons I wear and reach out to Ashlinn. So here I sit in the lotus position on my sleeping cot. Everyone has gone to bed. It feels as if I’ve been sitting here for hours while everyone around me sleeps. My determination to connect with Ashlinn is pushing me hard to succeed. I just need to let her know that I’m okay so she will not worry so much about me. The last time she saw me, I could read the concern in her eyes. That and I just need to feel her through our bond. I miss the feel of the brush of her mind against mine, the support she sends my way, and the raw emotion she so willingly shares with me. My need for my kindred makes me a pathetic, selfish bastard, but that changes nothing. If I can find a way to connect with Ash, then I will. I’m not really sure how many days we have been parted now, but it has to be at least a week, probably much more.
Exasperated with my lack of success, I decide to quietly step out of the dwelling where I have been staying with Paynga and Pip. I think that my restless mind will be calmed near the water, I’ve always loved the peace that the waterfall back home has brought me and decide to seek out the waterfall here. I slip into my boots and tiptoe past a slumbering Pip. He hangs from his sleeping post like a bat, his clawed feet clasping his post tightly. His arms are folded over his chest, and his wings are wrapped tightly around his small frame. As I slip out of their hut, I look around to see that there is little to no activity at this time in the borough. I quickly make my way to the sound of the waterfall toward the bottom of the cavern. My leather soled boots make little to no noise in my wake as I traverse the gently sloping alleyways. No one stops me, and before I know it, I’m standing before the waterfall that feeds the cavern’s underground lake. I can already feel myself relax standing here next to the falls, listening to the thundering rushing water, and staring out over the lake. I close my eyes and imagine myself back home, for just a moment my mind lingers on the thought. Sighing, I look back up toward the archaic town, the lighting in the borough is dimmed this time of day. There are street lanterns that are lit providing just enough light to navigate the streets and paths through their town, but the rest of the cavern has been plunged into a darkness that is so extreme in its intensity that it makes me uncomfortable. Looking up at the cave’s ceiling, I always expect to see stars and for them to be absent seems wrong and reminds me yet again that I’m in a foreign place.
In the darkness here, a certain splendor
can be found in a place that has never seen the true light of day. Not that there is a brightly shining sun in this realm. The lake has an electric blue luminescence, tiny micro-organisms school together to light up the water wherever they go. Then there are the rock walls of the cavern, a fungus grows on the damp walls that glow neon green. They call it Foxfire. I find the bright neon colors soothing in this dark place. Truth be told, I miss all of Ashlinn’s beautiful color, the twins, and the vibrant colors of my world. Tomorrow I’ll set out on my own. I need to find the rift, and I need to put distance between me and the borough.
Paynga shot me down in my offer for them to come with me to The Otherworld. Rynik had already talked with her, and she was adamantly opposed to leaving their underground sanctuary behind. As much as I wanted to argue with Paynga, her reasoning was sound. Sighing, I find a place to sit and I slip off my boots to settle down. I assume the position that Paynga said would help me find peace and the place in between. My legs are crisscrossed, and the backs of my hands rest lightly on my knees with my index fingers and thumbs touching, pointing upwards. I inhale deeply and exhale. Centering myself, I close my eyes and let the sound of the thundering water relax me. For a moment my mind slips away, and I reach out to the creator of all the realms in silent prayer. My plea is not a simple one, “Father, for the first time in my life I feel as though I’m faltering. I need your help, your guidance, I feel as if I’m lost. I don’t know what I’m doing, and I no longer feel worthy.” I don’t feel worthy of so much now that all my abilities are bound.
“Have faith, Alaric, and follow your heart, you are not defined by your abilities alone.”
I jerk back as the masculine voice echoes within my mind. That’s the second time that I have heard that voice, and yes, I now know who it belongs to. I honestly did not expect an answer. I’m determined to follow his advice. Okay. I can definitely follow my heart. I can do that because following my heart will take me to Ashlinn. Breathing deeply, I once again settle back down and reach for Ash. The sound of the water has begun to lure me away.
Breathe in, breathe out.
Breathe in…
Out…
Breathe in…
Out…
I’m not sure how much time has passed when I sense that I have reached the place in between. I feel my consciousness lift up out of my body and reach for Ashlinn. She’s near. She’s here in this realm. I suck in a psychic breath as my consciousness soars upward and passes through the rock above and quickly emerges above the terrain. I’m heading for the mountain range, the Great Divide, and soon I’m over the mountains and looking down on the civilized town and castle where I know that Ashlinn resides. Her soul calls to mine, it sings a beautiful song even now, the call is irresistible.
One moment I’m above the castle turrets and the next I’m inside a room where my kindred is sound asleep. Jasmine is sprite size and vigilantly watching over her. She marches back and forth, and with every other step, she flutters upward to land lightly back down on the bed, not missing a step. She looks pissed, but I don’t have time to ponder why. I’m here for Ashlinn. Her mind is foggy as if she has been drugged. She’s struggling to reach out to me. She knows that I’m here. I feel her swear as she struggles against the cobwebs in her mind.
I whisper through our bond, “Shhh, it’s okay. I’m here. I miss you, Ash. I love you mo grá. I told you. I will always find my way back to you. I need you to know that I’m okay, and I can find my way to the rift. I need for you to wait for me there. Okay?”
“Alaric? How… are you… here?” Her thoughts and words are slurred as if she is drunk. I don’t understand, that’s not like her at all.
“It’s okay, álainn. I have missed you mo grá, you and the twins. Tell me, what’s wrong Ashlinn?”
“Luc… he drugged… us.” She twitches her supine form, and I sense that she is becoming more alert before she continues, “Are you really here? I don’t feel your touch.”
“No, I’m not really next to you. I’m still somewhere in the Fields of Punishment, but I have found sanctuary for now, and my wounds are all but healed. I will find my way to you. Tell me, Ashlinn, why did Luc drug you?”
“Because I was pushing to go to you…”
I chuckle at her tenacity, then ask, “Are you safe here, mo grá?”
“I believe so, but Luc has his own agenda.” Ashlinn stirs and her beautiful amber eyes flicker open, looking around the space, “Where are you? I don’t see your dream walking form.”
“That ability has been nullified just like the others. I can’t project my form, just my consciousness. Paynga was right. I was only able to find you through meditation. It has taken me a little while to figure out what she was talking about. I’ve been trying to do this for days. I’m not sure how long I can stay, if my concentration is interrupted, then all bets are off.”
“Who’s Paynga?” Her thoughts have a biting edge. “Gah, I wish I could see you.” She sits up and looks around the room.
Jasmine is instantly in front of her, “Finally, you’re awake. We need to go check on the others and then we can go kick Luc’s ass for drugging you, Tarron, and Tolin.” She narrows her eyes and looks around the room, trying to see what it is that Ashlinn is searching for, “What are you looking for Ash?”
“I’m looking for Alaric,” her tone holds pure exasperation as if Jasmine should know what she is doing.
“And there it is…,” Jasmine draws out the word there, “She’s finally snapped. I knew the strain of it all was going to be too much. Honey, he’s not here.” Her tone placating as if she’s talking to a deranged child. “He’s out there somewhere in this hideous realm,” her hands jester wildly about as she lifts off her feet, her tiny wings fluttering furiously. “You were right! I really hate it here! The negative energy is suffocating. Next time, I’ll listen to you.”
“Jaz, please, shush. I can’t get a read on Alaric with all your antics.”
Chuckling at their banter, I think through our connection, “By the goddess, I miss you all so much.”
“There you are. You didn’t answer my question, who’s Paynga? By the way, I am coming for you, no doubt about it.”
“Paynga is an imp, a healer, and a friend. Her son, Pip, found me and they are giving me shelter until I was healed. I’m leaving out today and will make my way to the mountains, to you Ashlinn. I don’t even know what awaits me in the Fields of Punishment, then there is the Citadel of Depravity, not to mention the Valley of Despair, and let's not mention the…”
“I don’t care what’s over there. I’m not going to just leave you there to-”
Ash is still trying to pinpoint my consciousness. Not realizing that I’m right in front of her.
“Ash, you don’t understand. They take prisoners here that become slaves to do the bidding of the elite few. The Princes of Hell run the show and if you are unlucky enough you end up in the tournament… If that happens, it’s a battle to the death. Please stay put. If you know where the rift is then go there and wait for me to come to you.”
“Alaric, the rift is a beacon of light here in this realm. Once it grows to reach the other side of the Great Divide, all bets are off. Luc told me that when the time was right, he would send me to you. I will come for you. You don’t have to do this alone, we’re here for you. I miss you Elf-Man.” She looks around the room with sad eyes, looking for my presence.
I wish with all my heart that I could hold her in my arms and put all her fears to rest, but that is not to be. I fear that our time together is about to end and say through our connection, “I love you… You and the twins are my world. Never forget that.” I push all my love to her through our bond, hoping that she is able to receive it.
“Alaric, please don’t go,” she begs aloud.
“I’ll see you soon, mo grá, take care. You and Jasmine stay safe.” It takes everything inside me to say my goodbyes. I allow myself to drift back. I see the rift before heading back over the Great Divide. Ashlinn is righ
t, the rift shines like a bright diamond demanding attention in the eerie red twilight.
I hear Ashlinn shout out after me for everyone to hear, “You stay safe Elf-Man! Until we find one another again!” Her voice echoes around the valley and punches right through my heart, and I smile.
In the blink of an eye, I’m back in the cavern. I have quite a distance to traverse to get to the Great Divide. From a distance, I hear, “Mister? Hey, Mister… Are you okay? What are you doing all the way down here? You ain’t planning on leaving without saying goodbye, are you Mister? You promised...”
My concentration is officially broken, and it is as if I never left. I look around to see that the borough is a hive of activity as my brain comes back online and I register that I’ve been gone for a while. I look up to see Pip staring down at me.
“Where did you go?” His question is simple and intuitive. His large crystal blue eyes are inquisitive.
“I had to see Ashlinn, my kindred. She’s…” Words cannot describe what Ashlinn is to me, and I grin thinking about her and the twins.
He peers up at me with wide eyes filled with wonder, “She is your love, isn’t she? How do we get you back to her?”
“We… don’t do anything. You Pip will stay here with your mother when I leave here after breakfast.”
Pip looks at me assessing, “I don’t want you to go. I like having you here, but I know that you can’t stay. You don’t know nothing ‘bout The Underworld. You need a guide, Mister.”
“Well, I don’t see anyone here volunteering for the job of my guide. Not that I want to put anyone here in danger of becoming a slave or worse, be thrown into the games. Come on now, I bet your mom is looking for you, and I bet breakfast is ready.” I ruffle his white hair, carefully avoiding his horns before clasping his shoulder firmly and we walk in a companionable silence for a while.
“Mister, I could be your guide.” Pip looks up at me with bright, hopeful eyes.
