by Alana Grerig
“Mmm…thank you so much. I thought my hands would remain like that for the rest of my life,” he sighed. Flexing his fingers, he heard the small joints crack. Smiling, he took Eve’s hands in his and kissed her palms. “You are a marvel; I am truly honoured to name you amongst my friends.” Blushing slightly, Eve removed her hands and busied herself with arranging sleeping areas for the three of them.
Jericho arrived at the camp a short while later dripping wet with a huge grin on his face and clutching something black and slimy looking. Dropping to his knees, he began peeling his acquirement. Under the black outer layer lay a peach-coloured substance that reminded both Eve and Caleb of a milk pudding. Fascinated, they watched as Jericho finished peeling and placed the ‘pudding’ into the cooking pot.
“Excellent! Once the girls get back from gathering the wood, we shall have a feast indeed!” Jericho beamed. At the thought of food, Caleb seemed to perk up.
“What is that you have brought to eat? I have never seen anything like this that did not require milk from one of the animals,” Eve asked, drawing closer to the pot.
“It is custard weed. It can be found in most rivers, though you need to be a strong swimmer and able to hold your breath for a while,” Jericho explained. “The plant grows at the very bottom of the river. Only the very tips of the plant can be seen above the sandy floor.” Picking up the black outer cases, he showed them the part that they would see, if they ever chose to go looking for it.
A rustling came from the trees; the owls had returned. Sapphire had a beak full of dry twigs while Keisha had dry leaves and kindling. Once they deposited their burdens, they immediately took flight again. “Off in search of their own supper,” remarked Jericho as he built the fire. Reaching into a pouch at his hip, he removed his flint, and within a few moments, a fire crackled merrily, throwing shadows out around them.
“It smells wonderful, like my mother’s vanilla pudding,” sighed Eve, her stomach rumbling. Her mother would say that she was a slave to her sweet tooth, and at that moment, with the appetising smell of the custard weed drifting to her on the breeze, she was inclined to agree with her.
“Mm…hmm, this is going to be a treat for you both!” Jericho announced, handing Eve, then Caleb a bowl. Taking a spoon, Caleb tucked in. His eyes widened, and then with a groan he savoured his first mouthful.
“It tastes like my Auntie Heather’s raspberry pie,” he mumbled through a creamy mouthful. Smiling, Jericho continued to eat his portion. Confused as to how it could possibly taste anything like raspberries, Eve raised her spoon and had her first taste. No, definitely not raspberry. However, it also didn’t taste anything like vanilla pudding as she had expected, given the tantalizing smell.
“It tastes wonderful, like chocolate with pomegranate and toffee ice-cream!” she exclaimed, spooning more of the weed pulp into her mouth. Grinning at them both, Jericho licked his lips and took the kerchief from around his neck to wipe his whiskers.
“Yes, it is rather tasty. Though, to me it tastes of peaches and cheese fruit. This weed is a chameleon plant; it changes to suit the tastes of the eater. Maybe next time you sample it, it will taste of something different,” Jericho explained. Looking both amazed and incredibly tired, Eve finished the most interesting meal she had ever eaten. Taking her bowl to the river she washed it and then her face. Lastly, she took a drink of the refreshing waters before making her way back to camp.
“Right, gentlemen. I am rather tired, so I bid you a goodnight.” Yawning, she headed for her sleeping bag. The witch and the Miscurt regarded each other across the campfire. Even though they had been in close quarters for over a week, they both sensed the animosity that radiated off the other. The nocturnal creatures were creating a symphony of their own, which was both eerie and soothing. Despite this, the silence that hung between the two males was deafening. Becoming uncomfortable with Jericho’s piercing black eyes boring into him, Caleb decided to call it a night, too.
Mumbling what sounded like goodnight, he retreated to his sleeping area. Jericho remained by the fireside; he was aware of the witch’s unease around him. No doubt this had a lot to do with the bad blood he believed existed between their two races. Eve clearly had not had a chance to enlighten him on that subject. As he watched the gentle rise and fall of the elf’s sleeping form, Jericho realised he had respect for her. She was so brave and compassionate: a warrior. After all, she had cleanly dispatched several werewolves. The burden she carried was huge, and yet Eve still managed to help others and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
“I will go with them,” Jericho whispered to himself. He also decided to put Caleb out of his misery and reveal the truth about the past. As tensions within a travelling party were always a risk, this was one that could easily be rectified with some truth telling and a handshake between men. Stamping on the dying embers of the fire, Jericho walked the camp perimeter. Not finding anything out of the ordinary, he returned to the camp. Just as he was climbing into his sleeping bag, he saw the two protectors land a few meters away. “Goodnight, girls,” he whispered. The two owls looked over, the moonlight reflected in their enormous eyes. Smiling, he rolled over and fell asleep knowing they would not be disturbed, not with the protectors so close.
***
The morning’s journey was eventful, to say the least. Caleb had to be physically put onto Keisha. It seemed that his fear of flying was deeply ingrained. Unfortunately, all of Eve’s and Jericho’s reassurances sounded hollow when, after twenty miles, they hit a snow storm.
“HOLD ON, THIS COULD GET ROUGH!” Jericho bellowed, his words snatched by the wind. Securing her hands deeper in Sapphire's feathers, Eve leaned into the bird’s neck and prepared to conserve as much body heat as possible. The cold was biting, Eve had never experienced snow before. She had read about it in books, and it always seemed such a magical thing, floating down to kiss one’s nose and cheeks, each flake a unique work of art, individual crystals of dancing lacework. This, however, was not the experience Eve had read about. The wind howled, whipping her hair about her. The snow fell in an aggressive deluge, the flakes small, and when they made contact with any exposed part of her, it felt like being pricked by a thousand needles. Her skin both burned and felt numb. It was unclear how long it would take to pass through the storm; she hoped it would be soon. Looking to her left, Eve tried to spot Keisha, Jericho, and Caleb through the swirling white. It was futile since the snow was falling in such quantities. It was a white out.
Do not fret, dear one, they are there. Keisha is keeping them safe, though she wishes Caleb would stop screaming about dying. It’s becoming tiresome. Sapphire implanted the message into Eve’s head. Knowing that her protector would not lie to her, Eve re-adjusted her seat and hunkered down once again.
“How much further? I am so very cold now,” Eve asked. She was still surprised by her unique connection with Sapphire. A telepathic link was certainly an advantage, especially in this weather.
Not for much longer. I can feel the warmer air currents coming from the west; we shall leave the storm soon, Sapphire replied in her soothing tone. Feeling glad that they would soon leave this penetrating cold, Eve closed her eyes and weaved tunes with the howling wind.
They landed on a rocky outcrop an hour or so later; Keisha was already there. Sapphire clicked her beak and shook her head, Eve gasped when she saw the build-up of ice on the bird’s wings. She was about to start brushing it away when a bedraggled Jericho appeared from behind the boulders off to the left. His coat was wet, making the fur on his head stand up at odd angles. He did not look happy.
“Don’t fret about the ice, they will sort themselves out. I suggest you come and talk to your friend.” Rolling his eyes, Jericho retraced his steps and disappeared. Knowing that Caleb must be trying the Miscurt’s patience, Eve hurried to follow him. Caleb was red and pacing, his hair a wet mop of blond waves that fell into his eyes. The way he pushed it back off his forehead showed Eve how upset he really was. He was trying to
shout, though the cold had caused him to lose his voice somewhat, so it sounded more like a rasp.
“I will not get back on that infernal bird! Never in my life have I been so scared! I swear she was banking like that just to hear me scream and hoping I would fall to my death!” Caleb raged, his strangled vocal cords protesting and his face scarlet.
“Cal, will you please calm down? No one is making you get on Keisha. We are all wet, cold, and in need of a warm drink at the very least,” soothed Eve. She began to dig about in her bag, glad that it was water-proofed, and that its contents were still in perfect order. Removing some sage, lemon grass, and a small wax sealed jar of honey, she turned to Jericho.
“Could you please start a small fire? I will make us some warming tea.” She looked into the Miscurt’s black eyes and smiled sweetly. Huffing, he nodded and retreated to the far side of the outcrop where a few trees and bushes grew. Walking over to Caleb, Eve gave him a quick hug and then moved on to dig through his backpack in search of the kettle and mugs she knew were in there. Finding the items she needed, Eve returned to her bag, sat down, and began to make the tea.
“Ah, thank you. My poor throat feels raw; this tea is a balm indeed.” Caleb sighed in-between sips of the steaming hot brew. Pouring himself another mug full, Jericho reclined against the boulder and drank in silence.
“How far are we from the border? It’s already afternoon,” Eve noted, as she packed away the herbs. Though she would never admit it, she was not feeling her best and would give anything for dry, clean clothes. Finishing his tea, Jericho motioned for Eve to join him.
“You see the river winding its way towards the hills in the distance? The border is on the other side of those hills, no more than four hours’ ride. If the protectors are agreeable, we could be there by tea time.” The thought of being back on an owl was too much for Caleb; he choked on his mouthful and began to cough. Running over to his side, Eve began to thump him on the back. Eyes watering, Caleb made it extremely clear that nothing was going to get him back on that ‘evil flying spawn.’
“If that is how you feel, then so be it; however, be very sure. The walk is long, and the animals here are fierce,” Jericho informed him. “You see this?” he pointed to a pile of dark brown lumps. “That is the waste products of the fanged tree cat. I would not want to be anywhere near here when the sun goes down,” he concluded, face deadpan. Jericho found it highly amusing to watch the indignant witch ponder over the two choices he had. After a lot of pacing, hand rubbing, and opening and closing his mouth likes a fish out of water, Caleb finally decided that possible death due to plummeting from the sky was preferable to certain death of being ripped apart by a large fanged cat. Chuckling under his breath, Jericho went to check if the protectors felt up to continuing on their journey.
Chapter Nine
Caleb spent the last leg of the journey thinking that he had always known that an adventure awaited him; he just didn’t realise that it would come with the possible destruction of the entire world. As he gazed out towards the slowly approaching horizon, he came to the conclusion that he would need to tell Eve what he knew of the prophecy. Reaching down, he withdrew his pendant from beneath his shirt. In the afternoon sun, it flashed with electric blue. Rubbing it between his thumb and index finger, Caleb made the decision to begin using his ‘real’ magic; he was no longer within the boundaries of Clear Water Valley and so was not subjected to the consequences of rule breaking. At least, he hoped that was the case.
Jericho, too, was contemplating the future. The young elf was stronger than she appeared. An iron will was hidden beneath her youth and beauty. Yet, he felt protective of her. It had not gone without notice the way her very presence lit up a room. Her smile was infectious, and her compassion seemed to be limitless. Jericho very much wanted to continue with her on this quest. However, he was under orders to return once he had seen the couple to the border. Though he knew there was no way for him to be brought back to the city, Maximus would make his punishment most severe when he did return.
Deciding not to make any solid plans until they reached their destination, Jericho returned to gazing at the breath-taking views of his homeland. He would never become tired of this view, not if he lived to be one hundred.
We will land soon, dear one, please hold on tight, crooned Sapphire. She had become quite attached to the elf, which was not very surprising. They had been destined to find each other. Sapphire was concerned with how little Eve knew about her destiny and how significant her part was. She knew that Eve was strong-willed and intelligent, but what caused her the most concern was her undiscovered gift. Sapphire knew what it was, of course. However, she was unable to reveal it to her companion. I wonder if it will be too much for her? she thought, worry clouding her blue eyes. Keeping the telepathic link closed, Sapphire allowed herself a few moments to consider how best to fulfil her role within the prophecy. Even as she pondered this, she knew that whatever she decided, the future was pre-ordained, and there wasn’t anything she could do to change it.
***
They were enjoying a snack of wild berries, tiger lily stems, and pansies. Though they should have arrived at their destination by now, they had not arrived because Caleb had practically begged for a break. They were an interesting party to behold: two giant owls who stood like sentinels, a Miscurt warrior, a witch, and an elf maid. All were a little sore from the long hours spent sitting on the backs of the owls. Each also had much on their minds.
“I have decided to stay with you for a while longer if that is acceptable to you, Eve?” Jericho had made his choice; he felt both relief and dread. Not wanting to see her reaction, he continued with his meal. Eve was quite surprised; she had believed that Jericho found his babysitting duties tiresome and beneath his rank. She wondered why he wanted to accompany them into Gloria. Was it on Maximus’s orders? Eve didn’t think that was likely. A smile touched her lips at the thought of the cantankerous old rodent.
“I have no reason not to agree to your company, Jericho. Indeed, I haven’t the power to prevent you accompanying us even if I disliked the idea,” she replied smoothly. Keeping her eyes on the Miscurt, she did not notice Caleb. He looked like he would very much like to decline the rodent’s request; he did not trust him. Still, he would not be made to look foolish, so held his tongue. Caleb was sure that Jericho would prove himself untrustworthy soon enough.
“Well, it’s nice to have an extra pair of hands. Are the protectors…err… coming along as well?” Hoping the answer to his question was no, Caleb tried to look indifferent as he awaited a reply. Smiling at her aero-phobic friend, Eve approached the two protectors, who were busy grooming their lustrous plumage. She waited quietly to be noticed, as she did not wish to interrupt what appeared to be a rather important exercise. After a minute, Keisha looked up. She looked rather cute with her feathers ruffled from her grooming - that is, if you could ever call an oversized owl ‘cute.’
Walking up to the beautiful creatures, Eve reached out with her mind and inquired about their status now that their task was almost complete. Her eyes sparkling in the sunlight, Keisha replied, No, I will return home. I have young that I must attend to. As for Sapphire, I believe she will be staying with you; you two have a bond like nothing I have ever witnessed. You are a part of each other; that much I can tell. Keisha clicked her beak and leaned forward so that her head touched Eve’s. You have much to overcome, young one. Remember, darkness cannot survive where there is light.
Unsure what all that meant, Eve lifted her hand and stroked the great bronze bird’s cheek. Thanking her for her help and her patience with Caleb, Eve stepped away from her and turned towards her snow-white friend. Taking a moment to admire the powerful beauty and grace that emanated from Sapphire, Eve felt truly blessed to have met this magnificent creature and was honoured to call her a friend. Walking over to her, she was about to ask whether she was to stay with the group when she felt their connection flare.
I will be with you. We are
bound together, dear one. There is much more I have to share with you. Sapphire held her gaze as they shared a silent conversation. Eve felt as though they were on the edge of a discovery. So many things were falling into place. Looking up into Sapphire’s eyes, it suddenly hit her. The owl’s eyes, her name, the prophecy!
Three companions… you will know them by their gems.
There was, of course, the possibility that she was wrong. However, it gave Eve some comfort to believe that she was correct. It meant that the path was set. The elements of the prophecy were coming together. Eve wholeheartedly believed that she was another step closer to finding her brother.
***
The Fae, or ‘The Enlightened Ones’ as they liked to be called, were a flamboyant race. The King and Queen were famed for their outrageous attire and themed balls. Nothing seemed to be taken very seriously in Gloria, with its rainbow waterfalls and lush forests. It was as if a story-book had come to life.
The sentinel guarding the mirror that was the passage into Gloria was bored Jerry was cloaked in invisibility and sat on the fallen tree that was positioned to the right of the mirror. Unless a creature was aware of its existence, the mirror was hard to find. It was an oval, suspended a foot off the ground, nine feet high and four feet wide. One could walk past it and not see it. It had been three months since anyone had discovered this entrance.
“Yet another boring day; here I am sitting alone,” Jerry grumbled to himself. He was still sore from the disciplinary action he had received for being found asleep at his post last Tuesday. Sliding off the trunk so he could rest his back against it, Jerry closed his eyes for a nap. He was hoping that if he were caught asleep again, they would give him a job on the Gloria side of the portal. With that thought bringing a smile to his lips, Jerry fell asleep to dream of Sarah.
