Magic Portal (Legends of Llenwald Book 1)

by DM Fike

  Avalon was just beginning to feel claustrophobic when an unfamiliar voice called out, “Who enters here?”

  “Halicia Shinkai.” The pale general entered a larger room.

  The cavern took Avalon’s breath away. Easily four stories tall and circular, it looked like a massive fairyland church. Snow and ice formed intricate fractal patterns on the walls, coming to a dome-like point near the center of a football field-sized arena. Star-like lights twinkled above. The walls contained closed doors and other hallways, not only at ground level but also on upper floors that required navigating precarious ice shelves. A few open doorways had no visible way to reach them. The ground itself was made of ice interspersed with streams flowing here and there. A few pools of clear turquoise water appeared at odd intervals like strange fishing holes.

  And the people that roamed about. Their skin tones mirrored the room in hues of white to sky blue. Many wore skin-tight tops and shorts, although a few donned fish scaled armor and shiny silver helmets. Their pointed ears denoted their Aossi heritage. Most of them walked across the expansive field or in and out of doorways.

  They definitely bore a resemblance to the female Guardian: slender, pale, and aloof.

  Halicia offered her hand, palm up, to an albino guard bearing a trident, little tufts of feathery gills jutting out at his neckline. The guard ran his index finger down the center of Halicia’s palm. Where his finger traced, a line of frost flashed in Halicia’s hand.

  “Welcome, General Shinkai.” He relinquished her hand. “Why does your travel bring you to White Cliffs?”

  “I require a mollusca chariot to Emerged Falls.”

  He nodded. “I will summon one, but first, the Ice Titan must see you.”

  “Of course,” Halicia said. The guard moved to the side so she could pass. Avalon scuttled after her, but the guard stuck his trident in front of J.T., cutting him off from the group.

  “General Emerson,” he said. “If you would be so kind as to refrain from fire magic inside White Cliffs.”

  “I have to use a little to keep me and the girl warm,” he protested.

  “You know what I mean, General Emerson,” the guard insisted.

  J.T. rolled his eyes. “I accidentally melted some crusty jug once, a decade ago, and you still have not forgiven me.”

  “That ‘jug’ was a magical urn created by the very first Ice Titan.” The guard tapped his trident impatiently on the ground.

  “Aye, I got it. I won’t break anything else.”

  The guard kept the trident in front of J.T. for another second, then finally moved back to let him pass. J.T. grumbled under his breath as he rejoined them. Avalon couldn’t be sure, but she thought Halicia coughed to hide a chuckle as she led them under the dome.

  The icy floor proved difficult for Avalon’s sneakers. It took most of her concentration to keep from falling as she tread across the slippery surface. Halicia got ahead of them quickly, her legs as steady as if on firm ground. J.T. had less trouble with the surface, but he hung back to give Avalon an arm.

  As he guided her across the ice, he spoke to her. “We will meet the Ice Titan first. All of the Ancient Tribes have a Titan. He’s like their king, their spiritual leader, and the master of their element all in one. The current Ice Titan has a reputation for being harsh but fair.”

  They made their way to a crowd of Arctic Merfolk huddled in the center of the gigantic room, the apex of the dome exactly overhead. Pearls and seashells had been woven into their white robes with similar accessories peeking from the strands of their light-colored hair. Some of them carried ornate boxes and baskets, their webbed fingers clutching them to their hips like mothers holding toddlers. Several Aossi discreetly glanced toward them as they approached. Avalon tried to meet their gazes, but they quickly turned away.

  The crowd waited in front of an Arctic Merfolk dressed in a navy-blue robe with lights that twinkled like those embedded into the dome itself. Halicia made her way to him, past the line, and whispered in his ear. He nodded, then motioned J.T. and Avalon forward.

  “General Emerson.” He bowed his head.

  J.T. inclined his head forward.

  The dark-robed Aossi’s piercing gaze focused on Avalon. She awkwardly bobbed her head.

  “This is Avalon Benton,” Halicia said. “She is from the human settlement called Utah.”

  “A pleasure.” He bowed. “The Ice Titan will see you now.”

  He pointed toward a pond carved out of the ice floor. Frozen rose bushes fenced in the oval water all around except for one small viewing area in the front. At the edges of the pond, Avalon caught glimpses of arm-sized ivory-colored fish, their bodies sinking and rising inside the water. Three large stepping stones created a path to the center of the pond. The waters in the center swirled independently of the rest of the pond, foam outlining a circular boundary that the fish avoided.

  Halicia stepped aside to let J.T. in front of her. “Guests first.”

  J.T. frowned. “You enjoy this.”

  “Every time.”

  J.T. stepped over each stone until he had both feet planted on the final one closest to the center of the pond. Light seemed to illuminate from within the center water, and without warning, a gigantic splay of water erupted from its depths, shooting like a rocket to the topmost part of the dome. Avalon jumped in surprise, although she noticed everyone else in the crowd did not so much as flinch. They were still too busy trying to watch the three of them without appearing interested.

  The water continued to flow upward, a reverse waterfall. “I hate these things!” J.T. yelled, then threw himself into the stream. He rode the water upward until he disappeared into a tiny opening at the top of the dome.

  It was a geyser elevator.

  “You’re next,” Halicia said to Avalon.

  She gulped, wondering if she could decline.

  Halicia leaned in close. “Take a deep breath before you enter and relax. The nami will do the rest.”

  Something ebbed from Avalon’s body. Goosebumps formed up and down her arms as the stark cold of the room seeped back into the skin. With J.T. moving out of range, she’d freeze to death in this place.

  Avalon could feel the eyes of the Arctic Merfolk as she took giant steps across the stones. Water sprayed across her bare arms, icy little daggers that brought her temperature down further. It’s like going off a diving board, she tried to reason as she grabbed her nose, took a deep breath, and plunged into the water.

  Cold shocked her as if someone had smothered her in ice cream. It knocked the breath out of her as she jetted upwards. She opened her mouth in panic and water rushed in. She tried not to breathe, but her empty lungs screamed for air.

  Just when she felt she would drown, she collapsed onto solid ground. Gasping and waiting for the cold to overtake her, she was surprised to feel herself warming again. An Arctic Merfolk in a simple white robe hovered over her, arms outstretched. He lifted his hands high like a conductor, and Avalon burst into laughter as a tickling sensation brushed over her skin. A puddle of water formed between the Aossi’s palms. He walked away with it at the same time that J.T.’s face came into view.

  “It’s terrifying, isn’t it?” he asked.

  Avalon nodded, attempted to pat herself down. She was surprised to find herself completely dry.

  “The attendant dried you off.” J.T. pointed to the white-robed Aossi who now stood in front of Halicia. Halicia emanated regality despite being soaked, legs slightly apart and arms at her side as the Aossi drew water droplets off her too, pooling together before the Aossi’s hands. Before long, her hair and clothing regained their gorgeous quality.

  “This way,” Halicia gestured toward an ornate frozen door on the opposite wall. She threw her hand in front of her, and it slid neatly to one side.

  They stepped into a gigantic aquarium-like room. Half of the back wall showcased the ocean, actual mermaids swimming by, their brightly colored fins a contrast to the dark waters. The upper half showed the
edges of the snow and ice cliffs, their sides glaringly bright under the midday sun. Water trickled down the other three walls, babbling as they hit a stream that surrounded the room like a moat.

  An Aossi sat on his haunches inside a gigantic frozen rose, its petals folded over to form a rough chair. His robes shimmered like waves on a beach, trailing off the flower and forming a fish-like tail to one side. His legs bore scaled armor. His long white hair parted evenly on both sides. His gills floated around his neck, feathery and covering almost translucent pale skin.

  The door slid shut behind them, and two Arctic Merfolk guards banged their tridents on the frozen floor. “General Shinkai, her honorable husband General Emerson, and Avalon Benton of Utah,” one of them called forth.

  Halicia folded her legs underneath her to sit in a seiza-style position across from the regal Aossi. J.T. did the same on her right side. Avalon positioned herself on the left and a little behind them.

  “Ice Titan.” Halicia and J.T. bowed simultaneously, arms spread toward him on the floor. Avalon hastily copied their motions, only sitting back up when they did.

  The Ice Titan nodded. “Welcome back to White Cliffs.” Each syllable sounded slow and purposeful, as if he carefully selected each. “I assume you did not complete your mission.”

  “Nay,” Halicia said. “Desert Rose was gone before we arrived.”

  The Ice Titan pondered this. “You found Bedwyr’s moving fortress in Arctic Merfolk territory?”

  Halicia nodded. “Within a day’s walk, due west.”

  “He grows brazen.” The Ice Titan’s lips set in a tight line.

  “He’s recruiting a diverse set of followers,” J.T. said. “His new propaganda is striking a chord with some Aossi.”

  “Some Aossi long for the old ways of life,” the Ice Titan said.

  “The old ways brought war and destruction,” Halicia pointed out coldly.

  “I did not say I agree,” the Ice Titan rebuked.

  Halicia slouched her shoulders. “I did not mean to question your allegiance.”

  “I understand your apprehension,” the Ice Titan’s voice softened. “I, too, feel deep concern over my granddaughter’s actions. I wish you would have found Desert Rose.”

  “Desert Rose is your granddaughter?” Avalon asked without stopping to think. When all three pairs of eyes focused on her, she threw her hand over her mouth.

  “My apologies, Father,” Halicia said. “This human has little knowledge of merfolk ways.”

  Father? Avalon flipped her head from Halicia to the Ice Titan and back again.

  The Ice Titan sized Avalon up over the bridge of his nose. “And who might you be?”

  “Avalon Benton.”

  The Ice Titan addressed Halicia. “She is the striking image of your young charge from long ago.”

  “Merely coincidence,” Halicia explained. “Bedwyr had her locked up as a human prisoner. We rescued her and will escort her to her homeland.”

  The Ice Titan seemed appeased by this info. “What will you do about my granddaughter now?”

  “We,” Halicia emphasized both her and J.T., “will investigate all future leads.”

  “I pray you can keep the matter contained. The Arctic Merfolk do not wish to be associated with Bedwyr and his ilk.”

  J.T. shifted to say something, but Halicia placed one hand on his shoulder. He reluctantly remained silent.

  The Ice Titan missed the exchange and continued, “I am displeased to hear of Bedwyr trespassing on our territory. I will send more guards out into Kori. You will know immediately if we hear of his whereabouts.”

  Halicia bowed deeply. “And we will, of course, keep you informed of any new leads on Desert Rose.”

  The Ice Titan returned with a curt nod. “Until next we meet.”

  “Until next we meet,” Halicia said, still bowing.

  Halicia and J.T. both stood, Avalon mimicking them. J.T. threw the Ice Titan a small wave. “Always a pleasure, Pops,” he called.

  The Ice Titan grimaced with disapproval. “General Emerson.”

  * * *

  “‘Pops?’” Halicia repeated to J.T., anger lacing her voice. “Was that necessary?”

  “You heard him talking about Desert Rose as if she were a political nuisance.” J.T. stared at his reflection in the glass windows of the mollusca chariot. Pulled by bottlenose dolphins, the airtight shell enclosure cut through deep ocean waters, rocketing back toward Halicia’s and J.T.’s home. The interior could not have seated more than seven people but felt spacious with only the three of them. Two gill-like vents on the port and starboard walls allowed fresh air to circulate, the cool breeze teasing Avalon’s arms if she leaned into the airstream.

  “My father has to worry about the merfolk first.” Halicia crossed one slender leg over her knee, sinking down into the baby blue cushions. “It’s what good leaders do. That doesn’t mean he loves Desert Rose any less.”

  “He’s got a funny way of showing it.”

  One corner of Halicia’s lips bent in a slight smirk. “He’s the Ice Titan. He’s not going to feel the same passion as the son of the Fire Titan.”

  Avalon remembered the Ice Titan’s remarks about Bedwyr. “What is Bedwyr doing in Arctic Merfolk territory?”

  “Trying to gain followers,” Halicia said in disgust. “Bedwyr has few traditional allies. Most of Llenwald tires of the violence that has plagued humans and Aossi, but as Father mentioned, some yearn for the past. Bedwyr exploits that anti-human sentiment.”

  “It doesn’t hurt that Bedwyr is a powerful healer,” J.T. added. “He uses his magic to cure the rural Aossi tribes, and in exchange, indoctrinates them with his hateful rhetoric.”

  “He’s waging war?” Avalon asked.

  “Not exactly, but he’s stirring up trouble. Most have not taken him seriously.” Halicia scowled. “But now he’s moved from pure propaganda to actively training soldiers.”

  “Whatever he’s planning, he won’t succeed,” J.T. insisted. “The Ancient Tribes have pledged to protect all people under the Emerson Accords—human, Aossi, and everything in between.”

  “Which makes Bedwyr’s trespassing on Arctic Merfolk territory even more bold,” Halicia said. “Between this and thinking he has found a Child of the Statue, Bedwyr grows more delusional.”

  “And perhaps more dangerous.” J.T. stared into the murky ocean depths. “We should summon the other Guardians to discuss this.”

  Halicia nodded. “Agreed.” Both of them turned to scrutinize Avalon.

  Avalon’s face flushed. “Did I do something?”

  “When we are all gathered, you must tell the Guardians everything you know,” J.T. told her.

  “I already told you I don’t know where Desert Rose went.”

  “Unfortunately, this is bigger than our daughter,” Halicia said. “We need to know as much about Bedwyr’s operations as possible.”

  “You were there,” Avalon protested. “You know as much as I do.”

  “That was the first time we’ve tracked that blasted fortress down,” J.T. said. “You’ve seen much more than we have. Every detail will count.”

  “I don’t know how much I can add.”

  J.T. moved to sit beside her. “Kryvalen coordinated the genocide of thousands upon thousands of people. Whole tribes were destroyed, human settlements razed to the ground.”

  “History cannot repeat itself,” Halicia set her jaw.

  “It won’t take long,” J.T. promised. “And afterwards, we will bring you home.”

  Avalon perked up at this. She’d been so busy staying alive, she hadn’t thought much about going home. “You can take me to Earth?”

  “Earth?” J.T. asked. “Is that near Utah?”

  Avalon’s heart sank. They didn’t know about her world. She didn’t feel up to explaining alternative dimensions. “Yeah. It’s near Utah.”

  Appeased, J.T. and Halicia discussed how to locate the other Guardians. Avalon only half listened, overwhelmed wi
th the problem of how she’d find her own way back.

  CHAPTER 31

  THE MOLLUSCA CHARIOT made land hours later on a dark, secluded beach, waking Avalon from the first deep sleep she’d had since coming to Llenwald. The dolphins clicked a farewell and sank back into the water like ballerinas. Avalon could barely stay awake as she lumbered behind Halicia and J.T. on a dirt road heading inland. She vaguely remembered entering a large wooden building and falling asleep the minute her head hit a pillow.

  A deep, muted voice pulled her from sleep. She cracked her eyes open and saw J.T. sitting on the bed across from her, holding a square metallic device that fit neatly into one palm to his lips.

  “Has anyone contacted Symph and Colin about Marcus?” J.T. was saying.

  “We’ve contacted them,” a male voice replied in the static. “They should get here a day or two before him. When will you be leaving Fierro?”

  “Soon.” J.T. broke out into a grin when he noticed Avalon stir.

  “Inform me the moment you arrive,” the voice said. “I would like to speak with your guest.”

  J.T. sighed. “Of course you would. Keep it formal, will you?”

  “I’m always a gentleman,” the voice on the other end insisted. “Safe journeys.”

  Avalon pushed herself out of the covers, taking in the cozy wood-paneled room. Besides the two beds and a table, the room held little else. The rising sun shone from behind two tall leafy trees outside. She stretched away her sleepiness.

  “Glad to see you up,” J.T. said. “I hope you enjoyed good rest.”

  “Who was on the telephone?”

  “Telewhat?”

  Avalon pointed to device still in his hand.

  J.T. palmed the machine. “This is a communicator, one of Shivant’s many inventions. He was the guy I was talking to. He swears it will catch on with the rest of Llenwald, but so far, we’re the only ones who use them with any regularity. Like the electric orbs.” He pointed toward the ceiling.

  Avalon followed his fingers and saw a teardrop-shaped bulb affixed to the ceiling. When J.T. touched a button next to it, it glowed exactly like an incandescent light bulb, the filament a sharp orange.