Realms Gate

by Juliet Anderson

  Gudrun put her at ease as soon as she was shown into the lavish royal quarters.

  “Erin, my dear, I am glad you could join us. It will hopefully be a much quieter dinner than yesterday.” She steered her over to a beautiful sitting area and put a golden goblet in her hand.

  “Who is joining us tonight?” Erin asked.

  “Olav, Wilhelm, Birdie and Ajax.”

  A few minutes later Birdie and Ajax appeared. Erin was pleased to finally meet the curator of the Archives. He appeared to be about the same age as Birdie and looked more like a university professor than a Viking. He crushed her hand in his.

  “I’ve been waiting to meet you for many years,” he beamed.

  “Ajax knows just about everything there is on the history of Lokranor and the Circle of Lokmuir.” Birdie informed her.

  “I don’t suppose you have a simple handbook for new priestesses?” Erin asked frivolously.

  “Sadly not,” he apologised.

  It seemed there were no short cuts to learning the role.

  “I understand from Magnus that you’ve been using a few new skills,” Birdie questioned her.

  Erin wished people wouldn’t talk about her behind her back, she hated it. In fact she hated being the centre of attention. Her life had suddenly become very public and she was starting to tire of everyone poking their noses in. She wanted to retreat to the obscurity she was used to.

  It was Wilhelm who saved her, he appeared just before she could respond. “Will you excuse us, I need to talk to Erin?” He led her out to the massive terrace off the living room. “You were looking very uncomfortable, like you wanted to escape.”

  Erin threw him a grateful smile. “Thank you.” She wandered over to the balustrade and looked down on the town below. “I just get so fed up with having every aspect of my life scrutinised. It’s like I have no privacy.”

  “That is one area where I can sympathise with you. I too have very little privacy.”

  “For the last ten years of my life I’ve been virtually invisible. And now, all of a sudden, everyone wants a piece of me.” She could not keep the anguish out of her voice.

  Wilhelm’s arm slid around her shoulders protectively. “That is because everyone is pinning their hopes on you being an extraordinarily powerful priestess. Every new skill you inherit just adds to their hopes. This afternoon you raised the bar even higher by beating one of the land’s best warriors without even breaking a sweat.”

  “Sorry about that,” Erin murmured, feeling a twinge of guilt. “But it’s my life, not anyone else’s.” She rested her head on Wilhelm’s shoulder, worried that she might be not able to stop the tears that were threatening to spill over.

  “It might offer you some comfort to know that Birdie and Magnus were dead set against you coming to Lokranor until you were older. Birdie wanted you to have some sort of an attempt at a normal life.”

  Erin stared up at Wilhelm a little shocked. “Heinrekh must have discovered that. Which is why he snatched Birdie, knowing I would follow. And once here, there was no going back to what I know.”

  “You must hate me for making you stay in Lokranor.”

  “Not to have come would have insulted your father. It was my choice in the end. I guess I was curious.”

  “We all were. Never has there been a Priestess born of two Realms. Your whereabouts until a while ago were a closely guarded secret, known only to a few people.”

  Erin looked at him curiously. “I am only born of one Realm, Wilhelm.”

  She caught the look of confusion at first then understanding in Wilhelm’s eyes. There was something he was not telling her, something he had almost let slip. And she had a sneaky suspicion he had just confirmed something she suspected for a while.

  Before she had a chance to tackle him, a guard appeared. “My lord,” he bowed his head. “The King has asked for you to join him in the Great Hall immediately.”

  Wilhelm nodded. “I will return as quickly as I can, Erin.”

  If Erin and Wilhelm wanted privacy, they were not to get it. Gudrun was watching them intently from the living room. Wilhelm had been acting like a true prince of Lokranor since Erin had arrived. She had not seen that model kind of behaviour for a while. Ever actually. She recalled how they looked together walking into the Banquet Hall, and now, out on the terrace, they seemed like a young couple trying to snatch a few private moments together.

  Gudrun gave a deep sigh. “Oh Birdie, when Wilhelm said he would have to look outside the kingdom for his future bride, I did not expect him to look out of our Realm.”

  Birdie glanced out at the terrace and laughed. “Erin is young and inexperienced with boys. I wouldn’t be setting a wedding date just yet. Besides, you’re forgetting she is of your Realm too.”

  “Yes, you’re right, I do forget. But Wilhelm is very taken with your niece, I can see it in his body language.”

  “Perhaps it is a relationship we should not encourage too freely. The future King of Lokranor and its High Priestess. If it ended badly, Erin could forsake Lokranor permanently.”

  “You have a point,” Gudrun nodded. But in truth she did not agree, they were perfectly suited to each other. Both brave, both hot headed, it was a match that would never be dull.

  Erin stared out across the kingdom. She wondered what was so urgent that Olav would call Wilhelm away and delay dinner. It could only mean Heinrekh. And if Heinrekh was up to something, Magnus would know.

  Are you going to tell me what’s happening?

  Heinrekh’s attacked the border of Skarsgaard. He’s just trying to rattle his sabre, that’s all.

  He’s making a point. Come get me. What’s the King planning?

  To take the troops to Skarsgaard.

  Both the King and Wilhelm?

  Yup.

  What of me?

  You’re to stay at Lokranor.

  Yeah, right. Are you all in the Great Hall?

  Yes.

  Make sure you’re close to the King when I get there.

  You’re not planning on zapping anyone, are you?

  Erin laughed. You’d better make sure I have no reason to lose my temper.

  Erin headed back inside the royal quarters by another window and slipped down to the Great Hall undetected. She entered by the door closest to the throne. Magnus, as instructed moved towards the King as soon as he saw her. Her only problem might be Wilhelm who was seated next to his father.

  The noise in the Hall was deafening and she was almost in front of the King before anyone noticed her. “Kloxardin,” she spoke softly and waved her hand, sending up a force field between the rest of the Hall and them.

  King Olav looked at her in surprise. “This meeting is not for women.”

  “I disagree, I believe this is directly related to me. I understand Heinrekh has attacked the borderlands. It is a direct challenge to me and I plan to answer it.”

  “Out the question, you are to stay here,” Olav responded bluntly.

  “It is not a point I am willing to argue on. Heinrekh is only interested in seeing if I respond. I am not going to let innocent people die because of me. I will go to Skarsgaard.”

  Olav glanced at Magnus. “Is she always this obstinate?”

  “Worse usually,” Magnus responded flippantly. “But she is right. Heinrekh is not challenging you, it is her he is after.”

  Olav looked at Wilhelm. “What is your view, son?”

  “I would rather leave Erin in the safety of the castle, but it is not my decision to make. It is hers. I do believe that Heinrekh is not serious about all-out war. He just wants to see what powers Erin has already.”

  The King gave a heavy sigh. “Very well, Erin, you will accompany us to Skarsgaard. We leave tomorrow morning.” Olav looked at Wilhelm. “I suggest we have dinner then organise our troops for a departure at first light tomorrow.”

  Erin glanced at Magnus and smiled. Thank you.

  “Wilhelm, take Erin back to our quarters, I will join you momentarily,�
�� Olav commanded. “And Erin, could you please release the shield? My guards are about to do themselves an injury.”

  Erin waved a hand and the shield vanished.

  “That was a brave decision you made,” Wilhelm gazed down at her as they walked back to the Royal quarters. “I hope we do not live to regret it.”

  “It is so obvious that Heinrekh is calling me out. I could not stand by and let him kill your people in an attempt to get my attention.”

  “Very noble, but you must not put yourself in direct danger.”

  “I shall try not to. And thank you for supporting me in front of your father.”

  “After the conversation we had just had about others trying to run our lives, I could not do otherwise.”

  Birdie however almost blew a blood vessel when she found out. “Absolutely not, young lady. I forbid it.”

  “Sorry, Birdie, but the only person who can forbid me going is Susannah. Are you going to call her and tell her I’m in a parallel world about to take on an evil sorcerer?”

  Birdie snorted loudly. Of course she couldn’t. “You’re in my care, so I am responsible for you.”

  “I’ll have Wilhelm and Magnus watching my back. Besides, I don’t think Heinrekh is out to kill me. He’s just testing my strength.”

  Dinner proved to be a very tense affair, with no-one wanting to talk about the impending fight with Heinrekh, but everyone thinking about it nonetheless. Erin was pleased to finally get back to the sanctuary of her quarters.

  Was she really suited for war? Of course not, she was a soft teenager from the twenty-first century. Volunteering had seemed a good idea at the time but now in the cold light of day, she wasn’t so sure. But she couldn’t back down. To do so would look cowardly.

  She heard a soft knock at her door. You still awake, kid?

  No, I’m fast asleep. Did your date for the night not come through? I’m flattered but you’re really not my type.

  Open the door, you irritating brat. I’ve a present for you.

  Erin bounded over to the door. “I love presents.”

  Magnus held up a leather corset-looking thing.

  “Have you been watching those weird, bondage films again?” Erin laughed.

  “It’s your body armour,” Magnus sighed loudly. “I thought you might want to try it on before tomorrow morning.”

  “In which freaky universe is that armour?”

  “Quit sniping and lift your arms up,” he instructed firmly. “I’ll show you.”

  Erin stuck her arms above her head as Magnus slipped the corset looking thing over. Once in place over her torso, he laced it tight up the back. “The leather has been treated and is almost as strong as steel. Wilhelm wears something similar. Although not quite as fetching.”

  Erin swatted him playfully. “I feel like I should be auditioning for a burlesque show.”

  “I’d hire you,” Magnus grinned. He attached her sword for her. “You look fit for battle, my lady.”

  Erin turned serious. “Am I doing the right thing, Magnus. Or is it my pride leading me on?”

  “A bit of both,” he responded honestly. “But don’t forget, I always have your back.”

  Erin threw her arms around him. “But who’s watching your back?”

  “Anyone who admires a perfectly honed butt, no doubt,” he joked. “Now get your beauty sleep, you don’t want to scare small children.”

  Erin kissed his cheek. “I really don’t know why I bother caring,” she sighed.

  “Because I’m delicious,” Magnus shouted over his shoulder as he headed out the door.

  Erin stared at her reflection in the mirror, she really was starting to look like a Viking warrior. She slipped the armour off and headed into the bathroom, she needed a good soak after a tiring day.

  She was pleased she had a sheet wrapped around her when she emerged from the bathroom as there was a ghostly figure lying propped up on her bed. With the long blonde hair and chilly expression, she had no doubt who it was.

  “Heinrekh,” she scowled.

  “It is a pleasure to finally meet you, child,” he nodded.

  “Dare I ask what you’re doing projecting yourself into my bedroom?”

  “We need to talk.”

  “No, really?” she responded sarcastically. “How about on the battlefield at Skarsgaard?”

  “I was kind of hoping you might pay me a visit tomorrow instead.”

  “And what did you think would entice me to Vasmaar?”

  “I have several choices, but I shall only use one for now.” He stood up and headed over to stand by the fireplace. He waved his hand and an image of Sasha asleep flicked into life. “I have Sasha McBride staying with me at the moment. Such a lovely girl. It would be a real shame if anything were to happen to her.”

  Erin felt her blood run cold. She could not allow anything to happen to Sasha, she was an innocent in all of this. And how the hell did Heinrekh even know about her friend? Then the penny dropped. Someone in the Circle must be loyal to Heinrekh.

  “How do I know you actually have Sasha?” Erin wasn’t taking any chances.

  “She talked about you not turning up for your ride today and also about a boy called Tobias. He too let her down.”

  Bugger, she thought. He must really have Sasha. “How long does it take to get to Vasmaar if I leave at first light?”

  “If you ride flat out, I should expect you by late afternoon.”

  “One minor problem, I have no idea where I’m going.” Erin wondered if the SatNav app on her phone would work here.

  “Ride out of Lokranor by the main gate and my Sparrowhawk, Destain, will lead you the rest of the way.”

  “Sparrowhawk. That’s a big eagle-like bird, isn’t it?”

  The corners of Heinrekh’s mouth twitched. “Yes, a big bird. Be warned, though, the route to Vasmaar is not without its dangers, so you will need to be vigilant.”

  “I would have thought a sorcerer as powerful as yourself should be able to grant me safe passage,” Erin taunted.

  Those steely eyes bore into her. “I could. But I’m interested to see how you defend yourself if you run into trouble.”

  As his image started to fade, Erin called him back. “A warning, Heinrekh. Lay one finger on my friend and you will live to regret it.”

  “I could not possibly hurt something so lovely,” he responded. “But I cannot say the same for my mercenaries.”

  Erin stared at the empty space after he had gone. How the hell had poor Sasha got caught up in all this? She had no options. Heinrekh had only asked for a meeting, perhaps he was not up for all-out war. If it meant saving the lives of Lokranor’s troops, then she had an extra reason to go. She knew however she would have to keep her mind clear, make sure her telepathic barrier remained up at all times so Magnus could not get wind of what she was doing. A wave of nausea washed over her; she would shortly come face to face with the man who killed her father.

  CHAPTER 22

  Erin barely slept, her mind was focussed on her meeting with Heinrekh. Not only that, she had to ride alone through some pretty hostile territory. But she had to for Sasha’s sake.

  She was up and dressed in her jodhpurs and body armour well before first light. She glanced in the mirror and gave herself a pep-talk. “You’re a twenty-first Century teen, time to kick some ancient Viking butt.” She just had her sword and cape to attach and with one final glance around the room, she was slipping silently through the castle towards the stables.

  Luckily, because the troops were due to move out early that morning, the stables were a hive of activity so her presence went unnoticed. It took just a couple of minutes to tack up Athena, then she was riding out through the castle main gates.

  A loud squawk highlighted the arrival of Heinrekh’s Sparrowhawk, Destain. The black bird looked cold and evil, a perfect side-kick to his master. She headed along the path that Destain took, and settled down in the saddle for a long ride. Her mind was preoccupied by Sasha. Whoever had b
etrayed them would pay dearly, she would make sure of that. Sasha had mentioned Angus’ visitor with a Scandinavian accent, but she could not believe Angus would endanger his own sister. And what must Sasha make of this alternate Realm? The poor girl had led a very sheltered life, being held hostage must be a terrifying ordeal.

  Lokranor was now far behind her, there was no turning back. She remembered part of the route from her first day. The landscape opened up into a vast open plain. Erin nudged Athena forward into a fast canter. She was concentrating hard on keeping her mind clear so Magnus would not be able to detect anything. He was going to be so pissed at her for leaving and riding headlong into the enemy camp unprotected. But in her eyes no army could protect her from Heinrekh, only she was capable of that. Birdie too would be upset, and if she made it out of Vasmaar in one piece, she wasn’t too sure she would make it past Birdie unscathed.