Beyond the Forest

by Kay L. Ling

  His hand moved instinctively to the purple gem beneath his robe. If they got the chance to overthrow Sheamathan tonight, he must send word to Lana and Jules, but it wouldn’t be easy to get away from the woodspirit long enough to summon Franklin and entrust him with a message. Elias sighed. Lana had a reputation for being lucky and resourceful. “Please let that be something we have in common,” he muttered under his breath.

  * * *

  Lana and the boys spent a moment in tearful goodbyes at the bus station. The boys took her phone number and promised to call. Ironically, a few weeks ago, she had been desperate to get rid of them, and now she was sorry to see them go. She had become surprisingly fond of them, she realized, as she watched them walk into the bus station. How had they won her over? No one had ever been dependent on her, much less looked up to her. Was that the secret? It was nice feeling like an older sister. Sure, she had missed her privacy, but now the prospect of watching TV by herself and eating alone left her feeling empty inside.

  Jules laid a comforting hand on her arm. “I’m sure you’ll see them again.”

  She nodded and put on a brave face. “I guess we should get going.”

  After stopping at her apartment to get Folio’s coffee, they headed for the park, and she drove the entire way in pensive silence, feeling tense and jittery for no reason that she could explain. She debated saying something to Jules but she didn’t want to alarm him. After all, she had nothing to go on—no dreams, visions, or telepathic messages—just a sense of uneasiness.

  When they reached the park and she was about to get out of the car, Jules caught her arm. She turned to look at him and saw the worried look in his eyes. “You’ve been unusually quiet,” he said. She could hear the suspicion in his tone. “You feel it too, don’t you?”

  She tried to hide her surprise. “Feel what?”

  He gave her a look that said she knew very well what he meant.

  “Okay, you’re right,” she said reluctantly. “I feel uneasy. Is that what you mean?”

  He nodded.

  She looked out the windshield and said quietly, “At first I thought it was something to do with Greg or Jordy, but now I don’t think so.”

  “It could have to do with our trip to Shadow,” he said slowly. “It might be a warning.” He paused. “Or maybe it’s about Elias. Maybe he’s in danger.”

  “See, that’s just why I didn’t say anything to you.” She looked at him and shrugged. “It feels like a warning, but a warning about what? Without having some idea, it won’t do us much good.”

  “At least it will make us more cautious,” he said as he got out of the car.

  They walked to the portal without seeing anyone. Thanks to their gem powers, it wouldn’t be difficult to use the portal during the daytime—or so Jules said. She wanted to cross now while nocturnal predators were sleeping. As they approached, she could feel the energy field’s vibrations. How strong would the repelling force be? Jules drew his knife and then held out his other hand. She slipped her hand into his and after a brief pause he led her through.

  The forest on the other side was quiet, almost serene this time of day. The sky was a pale blue, nearly white, with high wisps of clouds. She stood very still, listening for movement in the trees and underbrush. Jules continued to hold the knife. And her hand. His fingers tightened protectively around hers, warm, strong, and reassuring.

  After a moment they looked at each other, a wordless communication passing between them. It wasn’t quite mind reading, she thought, and yet they knew what the other was thinking. It seems safe enough at the moment, but keep a sharp eye out.

  They set out for Strathweed. She still felt edgy. How could she relax when she sensed danger but didn’t know what it was?

  The air was completely still, without a hint of breeze. As she walked the winding, tree-shaded trail with Jules, the only insects she saw were normal-size. Even so, her eyes flicked nervously over the woods on either side of the trail, and she was especially wary of gullies and thick patches of brush where something might hide.

  After a mile or so she felt more at ease. It was almost like hiking at County Forest Park, except the trees were so otherworldly. Just as she was about to comment on how peaceful it was, Jules pulled her to an abrupt halt, his hand tightening around hers. He looked up and scanned the sky, his expression unreadable.

  What had he seen? She was about to ask when something dark passed overhead. She tensed, searching the sky for another glimpse of it, but the thick canopy of leaves obstructed her view. Whatever it was, it was far larger than most birds, but too small for a pythanium.

  Jules’s pulled her into the trees.

  There it was again—a black bird, as big as a turkey, circling slowly.

  When Jules’s hand relaxed, she stopped watching the sky long enough to glance at him. His expression was more curious than afraid, and she found that reassuring. Together they watched the sky for the bird’s next appearance.

  Wings flapped loudly, and then the huge bird appeared, descending rapidly with a shrill screech. Lana let out a startled cry. The bird flew over the trail, its wingspan nearly as wide as the trail itself.

  “Don’t be afraid,” Jules said. “I know this bird. It’s Elias’s messenger.”

  Lana’s mouth fell open. Elias had a messenger? If so, the bird must be enchanted. She tried to relax, but it was hard not to feel apprehensive when it landed a short distance up the trail and started walking toward them, its head bobbing in bird-like fashion.

  “Hello, Franklin!” Jules called. “Did Elias send you?” Pulling Lana with him, Jules started toward the bird.

  “Yes,” the bird said in a high, clear voice. “Elias told me to find the human woman, and the man who used to be the wolfhound would be with her.”

  Lana blinked in surprise at the mention of the wolfhound. Folio must really trust this bird to give out that kind of information.

  “Is something wrong?” Jules asked.

  Franklin bobbed his head. “Sheamathan sent a cart to bring Elias to Shadowglade.” He paused, as if to let them digest the information. “He’s worried that the driver will see you, so hide if you hear the breghlin’s cart.”

  “We’ll stay off the main trail,” Jules said.

  Lana tightened her grip on Jules’s hand. “Sheamathan sent for him? I don’t like the sound of that. Should we be worried?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t think so. Elias planned to meet with her—just not this soon. She’s probably worried because I didn’t come back. By now she’s heard that twelve miners are gone. Strange things are happening, and Elias is the only one who can advise her.”

  Franklin angled his head and said, “When you did not return on time, the woodspirit retreated to her private chambers to seek knowledge from her gemstones. She believes your enchantment has been broken.” The bird’s gaze shifted to Lana. “She suspects this woman was involved.”

  Jules absorbed this information with a worried frown. “Things are escalating quickly,” he said to Lana. “Sheamathan thinks I’m human again, and who besides you could break my enchantment? It took Fair Lands powers.” He paused. “I didn’t think she’d suspect the truth so soon.”

  Lana twisted a strand of hair nervously. “Folio was right. He said she’d suspect what had happened right away, and I never stopped to think about it, but of course she’d use her gems to figure out what had happened.”

  The bird screeched—a sound like harsh laughter. “The woodspirit is frightened. She’s afraid of people she can’t control!”

  Jules looked away and folded his arms. After a moment he said, “Elias will meet with Sheamathan in an hour or two, and he’ll set our plan into motion.”

  Did he welcome that or find it disturbing? The thought of confronting the woodspirit so soon made Lana feel numb. “I want to go through with our plan,” she said slowly, “but I don’t feel ready.” Jules looked at her with no trace of fear and she wished she could feel as calm. “We only have one
shot at this,” she reminded him. “We can’t afford a mistake.”

  He downplayed her concern. “You’re viewing this from our perspective—now look at it from hers. After nearly a century, Sheamathan overcame her restrictive collar and started to feel invincible. Then you arrive with Fair Lands gems and the Challenger’s blade, and I break my enchantment. How do you think she feels now?”

  “Vulnerable.”

  “Exactly, and Elias will prey on her insecurities.”

  His optimism was encouraging. “I hope so. We need to keep her off balance.”

  “She’s never known the extent of my abilities. Wouldn’t that bother you if you were her?”

  Lana nodded. “And over the years, you might have discovered things about her—maybe some of her weaknesses.”

  His expression grew thoughtful. “I wonder if she ever considered that during my lucid periods I might have been studying Shadow gems and plotting against her. Fair Lands gems are a threat, too. That’s why she’s afraid of you.”

  Lana laughed. How could the woodspirit be afraid of a twenty-two-year-old gemologist with an old Toyota and a dumpy apartment? It seemed ridiculous.

  “Don’t laugh. I’m serious,” he protested. “Sheamathan doesn’t know much about you, but you were able to use the Challenger’s blade, so she knows you have gem powers. The idea of us working together, looking for ways to disrupt her powers, has to be unsettling.”

  “I hope so.”

  “Elias is sly. When he’s through with her, she’ll be a nervous wreck.”

  To Folio’s credit, he had already pulled off some pretty good stunts, like the wolfhound enchantment and the restraining collar. Sheamathan had taken his bait and played right into his hands. Now he had to do it again.

  “Elias knows Sheamathan’s weaknesses,” Franklin agreed. “He’ll choose his words carefully.”

  “If it were me,” Jules said, “I’d make her question whether the blight is still spreading. We could have reversed it by now. We want her to go there and check.”

  Lana wet dry lips. The thought of Folio trying to out-maneuver Sheamathan made her stomach churn. He had to shield his thoughts while playing the role of a supportive, sympathetic friend—a deadly game. If Sheamathan glimpsed his true feelings and discovered he was plotting against her, she’d strike him with every dark power at her disposal.

  She said grimly, “When Folio needs us, we’d better be ready.”

  “If I can watch without being seen, I’ll spy on the meeting,” Franklin promised.

  “We can’t thank you enough,” Lana told him.

  “We’ll stay at Strathweed until Elias comes home or you bring us a message. I’ll leave the door open.”

  “The woodspirit often serves him tea on the terrace. If she does that today, it will be easy to spy on them. Wish me luck.” Franklin bobbed his head and flew away.

  “And so we wait,” Lana said heavily, watching him disappear above the treetops. “I hate suspense.”

  Jules took her arm and they cut through the woods, avoiding the trail that led to Strathweed. Her mind kept wandering to Folio. He had amazing powers but the woodspirit was an ancient being, as infused with evil as with gem powers. Folio was about to face that black-hearted abomination. Lana felt a sudden sadness that surprised her. For the first time she saw Folio as a vulnerable old man—a vulnerable old man that she cared about.

  Chapter 34

  The cart rattled down a narrow path and then circled behind the castle. Elias took a deep breath, willing his pulse to slow. He placed a hand over his stack of bracelets, drawing peace of mind, courage and optimism. Today, of all days, he must appear calm and relaxed.

  In a moment the driver would pull up by one of the rear entrances and guards would take him to Sheamathan. Typically, she served him tea on the terrace. A vine-covered arbor shaded the terrace, which sounded quite delightful, but the vines were poisonous like the woodspirit herself. He frowned. Fortunately, his gems would warn him if she served him anything laced with drugs or poison.

  As the cart rolled to a stop, he cast a furtive glance at the sky. Twice, he had seen Franklin following at a distance. That meant his faithful ally had already delivered the message to Lana and Jules and now he was here to spy on the meeting.

  The cart beast stamped its feet impatiently and let out a bellow. The breghlin jumped off the driver’s seat and came back to assist Elias. Elias took his hand, climbed out of the cart, and followed him to the rear entryway. The door opened immediately. Two breghlin with sheathed knifes on their belts stood waiting.

  “She awaits you,” one said in a gravelly voice. Neither breghlin looked Elias in the eye. They were afraid of his powers, assuming that if they offended him, he would punish them, just as Sheamathan did.

  “Very good. Shall we go?” Elias followed them into the castle.

  When Sheamathan wasn’t in her throne room, she was usually lounging on the terrace. It extended from the second floor, supported by stone columns, and overlooked an ornamental garden of poisonous and carnivorous plants. Sheamathan delighted in that garden and often made sketches of it, showing Elias her handiwork with the praise-seeking enthusiasm of a five-year-old child.

  Today, four guards stood just outside the terrace doorway. Elias walked past them and paused for his escort to announce his arrival.

  “The gem master of Strathweed!”

  Sheamathan was sitting on a wrought iron bench with her back to him. The infuriating woman continued to stare at her garden and made no effort to move or reply.

  “It’s a fine, gloomy day,” Elias ventured. The woodspirit hated sunny days nearly as much as cheerfulness.

  She finally stood, set something on the bench, and faced him. “Yes, gray skies are soothing,” she agreed, and then she looked past him and snarled at the guards, “Stop staring. Call for tea and fruit!”

  Elias turned to look at them. “Yes, My Lady,” the stouter of the two said, bowing repeatedly. Trembling, they backed through the door, probably afraid to turn their backs on her.

  “The dolts seldom remember my habits or anticipate my needs,” Sheamathan grumbled.

  Here we go again with the list of breghlin offenses.

  Unlike the breghlin, he knew her habits and made a point of remembering what pleased her. He walked to the round, wrought iron table and sat down, idly studying the tabletop while he waited for her to join him. Spiders, beetles, and pythanium had been worked into the table’s intricate design. As always, a pot of various carnivorous plants—pale green, variegated yellow, and blood red—sat in the center of the table. Sheamathan enjoyed the insects’ hopeless struggle to escape before the plants digested them.

  She walked toward him, barefoot as always. Wild, untamed waves of jet-black hair hung to her waist. She wore a full-length black dress. Sheer, three-quarter length sleeves covered, but did not hide, the gem-studded silver bands encircling each upper arm. On her wrists, and up her arms nearly to her elbows, she wore gold and silver bracelets encrusted with every color gem. Gold rings with gems adorned three fingers and both thumbs. She wore fewer necklaces than he did. Four large pendants with gems hung from intricate silver chains. The grayish metal collar, her restrictive device, lay smooth and flat against her collarbone, her only jewelry without gems.

  Sheamathan chose her usual chair facing the garden. From this vantage point she could study his face while enjoying the scenery behind him. Her black eyes flicked over his face. Below the surface of his mind flowed an undercurrent of thoughts that he hoped she couldn’t penetrate. He allowed a few unimportant thoughts to float along the surface, like breadcrumbs on a pond.

  “If I imprisoned every incompetent breghlin, I would have no one left to serve me,” she said irritably.

  “They’re afraid to act without orders,” he said with a shrug.

  Sheamathan waved a dismissive hand. “I don’t mean the fools who just left. They’re the least of my problems. I had a security breech at my work camp.”

&nb
sp; She never called it a mining camp, even though they both knew it was, Elias thought with a touch of amusement. And they never discussed alamaria. No doubt she hoped to keep him in the dark about its powers. “Security breech?” he repeated blankly.

  Her index finger absently traced the outline of one of the wrought iron beetles in the tabletop. “Twelve gnomes disappeared the other night. The guards didn’t see or hear anything.” She looked up and her eyes glittered angrily.

  Elias asked placidly, “How is that possible?”

  “Gem powers,” she snapped. One hand strayed to the stack of bracelets on her arm, and her fingers played nervously over them. “How else could twelve gnomes escape from a pit, especially without making a sound?”

  He stroked his beard, making sure he looked very concerned. “Who could free them? And who would want to?”

  She leaned forward and her probing black eyes met his. She was trying to read him. A prickle of fear ran up his spine. Her eyes held his for an uncomfortably long time but he remained calm and didn’t look away. She sat back in her chair, apparently satisfied and said, “I have another piece of news that may answer your question.”

  Trying to look only mildly interested, he waited patiently.

  “The full moon is past and my wolfhound did not return.” She frowned and added, “You, of all people, should know what that means.”

  It was time to feed her fears. He gave her a worried look. “That is troubling on many accounts. I assume you’re implying that he’s human again. You think he freed the gnomes?”

  “Yes. Exactly.” Perspiration glistened on her brow. She stared moodily at the carnivorous plants on the table, perhaps hoping he’d tell her that she must be mistaken.

  He cleared his throat. “Well, that’s certainly a disturbing theory.”

  She raised her cold, black eyes to his and he fiddled with his pendants, purposely looking nervous. “If you’re right, the missing gnomes are just the beginning. Gem Master Jules will cause you no end of trouble.” He spread his hands in a helpless gesture and asked bleakly, “But how could this happen? How could he break the enchantment after all these years? It hardly seems possible.”