by G. S Tucker
“Hello my love, I have returned to you unscathed and well, I have missed you every second since we parted and now I am home I feel whole once more.” Raising the image of Helen to his lips, Fredrick kissed the cold glass and sighed. The last part of his home coming always felt hollow these days; he did not feel complete returning, when his beloved wife was no longer here to greet him. Every homecoming was the same, how happy he was to see his daughter who had her mother’s face, apart from her eyes. No one knew why her eyes were ice blue. All vampires had the same colour eyes. A rich burgundy that when viewed up close, the beholder would clearly see the flecks of bright red within the iris.
Replacing the photo frame, Fredrick picked up the pile of missives, which were neatly bound with a golden ribbon and dropped down into his comfortable armchair. Kicking off his riding boots, he untiled the ribbon and flicked through the notes, party invites, a petition for marriage, a dispute over payment for goods. Content that he was not going to find anything that could not wait till tomorrow, he put the pile on the coffee table and headed to his wet room for a long soak in his rather large bath.
Winter, found Ariana waiting outside the entrance to her wing of the castle, smiling at her friend she quickened her pace. Ariana didn’t return her smile as expected, in fact, she had been crying. Concern suddenly filled Winter’s heart, she hurried the last few feet between them.
“What wrong Ana?” she asked reaching for her hand.
“Nothing, It’s nothing,” Ariana mumbled wiping her eyes and smudging her mascara. It didn’t look like ‘nothing’ to Winter. However, there was no point in trying to find out what had happened, Ana would tell her when she was ready.
“Well, I am ready when you feel like talking. In the meantime, we need to sort your face. You have mascara all over the place,” she said smiling , pulling Ariana along with her. They half ran to her bedroom where they spent the next hour giving each other makeovers and doing impersonations of Dame Higshot, their old school mistress.
“The others are blaming me for the lack of raids,” Ariana suddenly blurted out. Winter was horrified; that was in no way true, and every vampire in the castle, indeed, within the city walls knew that the reason the raids had stopped was due to her father being away dealing with the civil unrest. How dare they blame Ariana.
“Nonsense, they know full well why, and they should not be blaming you for anything!” Winter replied as anger flashed in her eyes. Feeling worried her friend would make things worse, Ariana begged her not to tell her father.
“We both know why they do it, and they shall continue to do so. It was silly of me to get upset. I have made my bed, and now I must lie in it.” Ariana replied.
Sighing, Winter promised. This whole situation had to end and one way or another she was going to make it happen. Her father needed to know that his subjects did not always behave in the way he expected, indeed, under her rule in his absence they seemed to do exactly as they damn well pleased.
“I will speak to my father, but I will not mention the incident you have confessed to me. There is more than one way to get the right result for this,” Winter assured her friend, determination radiating from every pore. Right then, Ariana could see the great Queen Winter would one day become.
Chapter Seventeen
Eve and her companions travelled as far and as fast as their mounts could accommodate. Being from the Royal stable, the horses were incredibly quick. They were almost at the portal which would allow them to exit Gloria; when finally, they began to slow down.
“I think it’s time for a break, the horses are beginning to tire, and we have been in the saddle all day. We should stretch our legs and have a moment to gather our thoughts before we head through the portal,” Jericho said as the group slowed and finally stopped. Eve slid from Bobby’s back and promptly landed on her backside.
“Ooof!” She huffed, glad it was only her pride that was bruised, though by the feel of her bottom she could be wrong. Deciding she would wait until feeling returned to her legs before trying to move, Eve lay back on the clover and stared up at the late afternoon sky. It had been such an eventful few days; she could still hardly believe that they had found Eli. Turning her head, she saw her twin talking with Caleb; they seemed to be getting along fine.
“Are you alright, Eve? Would you like some help moving further into the field?” Asked Jericho, his shadow shielding her eyes from the sun. Smiling at him, Eve explained that helping her would require being carried, as her legs felt like they were made of custard root pulp.
“Well, allow me to assist you,” he said laughing as he bent down and gently scooped her up in his arms. After walking a few meters into the lush clover covered field, Jericho deposited a grateful Eve with their companions on a blanket.
“Here, you must be hungry and thirsty, I know I am!” Caleb said cheerfully, as he handed her a lump of fruitcake and a flask of water. Laughing, Eve took the offering; she was indeed extremely hungry. Bobby was keeping the palace horses in check a little further into the field. How idyllic this would have all been if the fate of Orea didn’t weigh so heavily on her shoulders.
“What are you thinking about, dear sister? I can feel your worry,” Eli asked as he moved to her side. Taking her hand, he rubbed the skin on her knuckles in a soothing manner. Sighing Eve really didn’t know where to begin; it was all too difficult to explain. Looking at her twin, she saw the concern on his handsome face and it pained her that she should be the cause of such a look.
“Do not worry yourself, dear brother. I am just road weary; I shall feel more like myself once I have finished my snack and regained feeling in my legs,” she replied. Knowing there was far more to the pensive look, and the deepening colour of her chameleon irises, Eli gave a nod and the twins sat in a comfortable silence.
“Sorry everyone, but we should be moving on now,” Jericho announced as he walked towards the group leading the horses, Bobby, of course, made his own way. Eve stirred, she hadn’t meant to fall asleep. Shortly after Eli had joined her, Caleb had offered to help her with the aches she had from the hard ride. He had cast a healing spell over her, it had been exactly what she needed; she hadn’t been aware how sore she truly was until the pain was completely gone. Jumping to her feet, pleased that she was able to do so, she headed for Bobby and with a boost from Caleb, made herself comfortable on his back.
“We need to follow this road till we reach the black hills,” Caleb explained while pointing to the charcoal coloured mounds on the horizon. “We will make it within four hours if we ride like the wind,” Jericho added, looking at each member of the group in turn. “Caleb, you stay with Eve, I shall ride at the rear with Eli.” They set off at a rolling canter their eyes fixed on the black hills.
Twilight had arrived as the group arrived at the foot of the black hills. Not wanting to rest for a second, Caleb cast another healing spell only this time over everyone, including the horses. Passing around a flask of water, they walked their horses to a cluster of apple trees and tied them loosely. They would not be able to accompany them on the next leg of the journey. Bobby followed them as they made their way around the foot of the hill. After around half a mile, Caleb stopped. Pointing ahead of them, to the top of a large boulder of black rock.
“Up there, that is where the gate is,” he said
“Wonderful, how are we going to get up there? I really don’t feel like scaling a boulder. Even though I feel just fine, my memory is very aware of the hardship my body has been through today.” Groaned Eli. Everyone turned in shock, it was Jericho that reminded everyone that Eli, though clearly a strong young man; had grown up in a palace and was not as hardened to the road as the rest of them.
“We have to, so I suggest that Jericho climbs up first as he is the most agile and the strongest. He can help pull the others up with the help of Bobby if he is willing?” Suggested Eve. Turning to look at the beautiful unicorn, she felt a connection flare between them. Yes, I will help you, Light Carrier, in any way I can. H
is voice was pure and his aura glowed a brilliant white. “Thank you, dear Bobby, you are indeed a most noble being,” Eve replied aloud.
One by one, they followed Jericho up onto the boulder. Eve requested to go last so she could say goodbye to Bobby. Opening the connection between them, she thanked him for his help and his bravery.
You are most welcome Light Carrier if you should need me, call my true name within your mind and I shall find you. Honoured that such a pure creature should offer yet more help. Eve reached out and stroked his soft nose.
Thank you, I shall be forever in your debt, but Bobby, I do not know your true name she replied.
My true name is Shakti; it means divine in the language of my race, Bobby answered, his eyes gleaming. Eve thought it one of the most beautiful names she had ever heard, also the most befitting. Leaning forward, Eve placed a kiss on his nose in farewell and then vaulted onto his silky back ready to be lifted onto the boulder by Jericho.
Bobby looked up at the group and dropped into a bow, once he had risen, they each bowed in return and called out farewell. Turning to the portal, each member of the party wondered what was waiting for them on the other side.
“I shall go first this time,” Jericho said, eyeballing Eve. “Eli, you shall follow, then Eve and Caleb you bring up the rear.” Everyone agreed to this and one by one, they crossed the celestial border to land feet first in another place which was certain to hold another set of challenges.
Thankfully, nothing was lying in wait for them immediately on the other side of the gate. Where they were, no one was sure. Eve consulted the map she had, but according to it, they were still in Gloria as the black hills were now just behind them. She was just about to suggest taking a look around when she heard the most welcome voice enter her mind.
Thank the Goddess you are alive Dear one, though you are, much changed. Sapphire's soothing voice sounded full of joy and relief. Eve was so pleased to hear from her that she started to rush ahead of herself. Thankfully, Sapphire managed to glean from the messy message, that they were standing at the foot of some black hills. Asking Eve to wait, Sapphire circled until she saw, far off in the distance, the low black mounds that must be the hills. Flying higher she caught herself in the air currents and sped towards her friend.
Soon enough, Jericho was pointing at an ever-growing speck in the sky. Sapphire landed a few metres away from the group, doing her best not to stir up too much of the black dust that covered the ground. Eve raced over to her friend, throwing her arms around the great owl’s neck, she held on and finally relaxed. After introducing Eli, she explained what had happened during their enforced separation. Sapphire listened, and though she knew Eve was not telling her the full story, she was aware that Eve had activated her powers, and only now she was truly ready to complete her quest.
“We need to enter the realm of Vampires; do you know how far we are from the border Sapphire?” Asked Jericho bowing in respect, he too was grateful for her safe reappearance. Sapphire turned to Eve to indicate that she was relaying the answer, after a few moments Eve turned to the group looking slightly stunned.
“We are very near the border;” Eve replied, relaying Sapphire’s Words.
“How close is close?” asked Caleb while keeping a wary eye on the Protector, he still did not like flying and was hoping he would not have to ride one anytime soon.
“We have to enter the cave that is a mile from here; from there, we must travel by river to Mieron.” Eve clarified, trying not to smirk at the fearful expression Caleb kept throwing Sapphire.
“Then there is no time to lose, come on we should get moving,” Jericho announced while picking up his pack. Sapphire gently plucked the pack from his hands and let out a low hoot. Understanding he collected the group's packs except Eves and handed them to the protector. “Sapphire will fly alongside us, as she is now able to accompany us once more,” Eve relayed as they began the mile walk to the mouth of the cave.
Eli had remained quiet through the whole exchange; he had never been outside the border of Gloria, and now, he had passed through a portal and was in the company of a giant owl. It was an awful lot to take in; his senses were reeling. Catching up with his sister, he asked her about Sapphire and how trustworthy she was. Understanding his concern though hurt that he felt the need to question her, Eve explained that Sapphire was a dear friend, and he would have to trust her. Accepting what he was told, Eli then continued to ponder his next dilemma, when to explain his extra ability to the group. The opportunity came sooner than he had anticipated.
Their group arrived at the mouth of the cave, it reminded Jericho of a fanged mountain cat with its mighty jaws open, ready to devour its prey. Caleb created an orb of blue fire that bobbed in the air ahead of them, lighting the way. Eli was horrified; the cave was dank, dark, and full of dirt and puddles. His shoes and the bottoms of his trousers were soon splattered with mud and Goddess knew what else. Glancing at his two male companions, he was shocked to see that they didn’t bat an eyelid at the mucky conditions. Indeed, even his sister was unfazed by it. Feeling foolish, Eli continued to walk while trying hard to be more manly and world-wise than he was. Adventures, it turned out, were not as glamorous as the books he had whiled away his afternoons reading had led him to believe.
The cave was massive, so Sapphire had no trouble flying through, and due to her excellent sight, she flew ahead of the group and the fire to check for hidden dangers. Some time later, they all emerged unscathed a few metres from the banks of a great river. Taking time to look for some sort of jetty that may hold simple boats for them to use, it soon became clear that whatever method had once been used to travel the waters, was long gone. This was confirmed when Sapphire performed an aerial scout and came back with a large part of a broken hull.
“Well, I guess we can either swim or fly,” Jericho concluded. Looking at Eve, he asked her if Sapphire would mind very much making a couple of trips to the border, given she was only able to carry two people at a time. Eve was in silent conversation with Sapphire when Caleb stepped forward and with a sigh of resignation blurted out.
“I can fly, so there is no need for her to come back for me.”
The silence that followed that statement was deafening, four sets of shocked eyes were trained on his red face. He had not kept it a secret to save from doing it, in fact, it wasn’t until he was about to leave the Royal household after Eves death that he realised the ability to connect with the lay lines was active once more.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Aerophobia, I swear you just said you could fly, which of course can’t be correct, I have seen the impressive shade of green you turn at the very thought of sitting astride a Protector!” Jericho scoffed. Right on cue, Caleb’s face turned a sickly green tinge.
“I know, and until very recently I had lost the ability. Now, however, I am confident I am able to once again travel by lay lines, so that is one less body for Sapphire to carry, and I am able to travel extremely fast and if need be, carry another,” he explained, all the time looking at Eve. Would she think he was lying? The look on her face told him she was shocked but nothing more.
Just as Eve was about to make a move to climb onto Sapphire so they could begin the journey to Mieron, Eli piped up.
“There is no need to come back for me either.”
“What? But you need to come! a Caleb hasn’t flown for a long time going by what he is saying; so I think it unfair to expect him to carry you,” Eve said doubtfully.
“No, I meant I can make my own way.” Eli continued looking anywhere but into his sister’s eyes.
“Time is getting away from us, Eli, spit it out or climb aboard Sapphire we need to get moving,” Jericho growled, he had no time for dramatics; he had, had his fill of such things of late.
“What do you mean, brother?” Eve encouraged seeing how pale Eli had turned at the sound of Jericho growling.
“I mean; I can alter my shape at will.”
“I don’t fully under…” Eve never finished
that sentence, as before her eyes her blond twin slowly morphed into a blue jay.
You see Sister I am able to change my body into any living creature with a beating heart.
Eve was completely lost for words, the mental connection with her brother was the strongest she had ever felt, which, had she thought about it, would have made sense, they were twins after all.
“Right…Jericho, you and I shall ride with Sapphire and the others shall make their own way.”
“As you say, Eve, though how will we contact Eli should we be separated?” Jericho asked, eyeing the slightly larger than normal blue jay.
“I can hear him the same way I can hear Sapphire, so we shall be in contact. Caleb can use his magic to find us if we are separated. We should get moving; I have a feeling we are not alone,” she answered while scanning their surroundings for watchful eyes.
Casting his sharp eyes into the mouth of the cave, Jericho caught site of a small leathery creature carrying a crossbow. Quick as a flash, he threw one of his poison-tipped knives at the creature, Eve followed the knife and saw the aura of whatever lay in wait; it was coloured dirty brown shot through with red and black streaks. The enemy must be watching the portals; her survival would soon be known.
Chapter Eighteen
Jericho hit his mark, the creature cried out in pain. Eli was about to congratulate the Miscurt on his excellent shot, when an orange light appeared next to the creature, illuminating its leathery body, Jericho’s knife was embedded deep in its chest. Realising that the creature was about to escape Caleb threw a paralysis hex at it but it was too late, the creature pitched forward through the orange portal and vanished.
