by Tina Engel
“He lets me sail his waters, staying safe from harm, and in turn I do tasks for him at times. But that one order, to let Jordan die, was not something I could do.”
“Poseidon?” I questioned.
Adam nodded his head but said no more.
My grandmother changed her look from irritation to sorrow as she looked from Angelina to Jordan, as they were looking at each other with longing in their eyes. “It has changed Angelina’s future now, the path that she was to take.
“Angelina will not go forward and become what she was meant to be. She will stay with Jordan, now that they have been reunited. I know she will not leave him. Her destiny has changed.
“In turn, Emilee’s path has changed a bit, and will be more challenging. It will end in a different manner, but Emilee’s quest to save all life, hasn’t changed.”
“But I don’t understand?” I questioned softly. “My wings, if Jordan had died after saving me from the octopus, the tears from my mother and father? What about my wings?”
My grandmother looked a bit flustered for just a fleeting moment before standing a bit taller and confident and answered, “Your wings were to become a part of you but not the way they did. Shinar was to help your wings emerge but as one slight decision changes the future, it trickles down and changes other possibilities for the future.”
My grandmother paused then for a moment and with a look of curiosity, in her eyes, as she looked at me, said in a questioning tone, “I didn’t see your wings emerging this way. The tears from your mother and father are full of love and combined, they…maybe this was how it was supposed to happen, but I didn’t see it. Curious.”
Jordan went over to Angelina then, and taking her in his arms, they embraced and he placed a simple kiss on her lips. I hadn’t seen any physical affection from them up until now, maybe they were afraid to allow their feelings to show, but now they knew as did I, that they would make it together.
But as for me, what did it mean? More challenges for me in the future? And why did my grandmother not see the future as it unfolded where my wings were concerned?
Everyone was silent then, not quite knowing what to say or do. It was a bit awkward too, Jordan looking at Adam with suspicion and Adam looking defiant.
“Well then” said my grandmother, with a tone of authority, “I guess, it is time to get Emilee to Pineville so she can see to her human family and then get back on track. I fear it will change the future, a future that didn’t need to be, but when it happens, we will deal with it.
“Eagle, see to it that she gets there safely and you already know my name, you all do, Varda Elentari, but Varda is sufficient. Lily, it is time.”
Varda, my grandmother, went to Angelina, hugged her genuinely and then came over to me and did the same. As she released me, she said, “I will see you soon, don’t be foolish, and listen to Lily, for she is not alone. I am always watching; she speaks for me.”
She turned to Brett then and cautioned, “Keep your feelings and desires under control, for she has her own to deal with and combat. You will have to be strong for both of you. Stronger now. Let us not do anything else too damning, to change the future. I can only do so much to fix the messes that you all make.”
Brett opened his mouth but stopped, thinking better of it, when Varda gave a look of challenge.
Eagle then spoke, “How am I to get her there?”
Varda responded curtly, “She has wings, go with her and fly quickly. There is a doorway on the beach, which she can use to get through to her Pineville. Rose, you go with them, she still needs you.”
Brett frantically spoke, “I’m going too. I’m not leaving her alone.”
“Of course you are, Brett, but she will not be alone.” Varda replied. “Eagle will get you there, and as for the rest of you, Adam will get you all back to port safely.” And looking at Adam, she added, “Correct?”
Adam gave her a scowling look and stormed out of the room. Jordan came to me, taking me in his arms and hugging me sweetly, told me to be safe. I was his daughter, and he wasn’t about to lose me now, and he headed out the door after Adam.
I turned towards my grandmother, wanting to ask if she would be there too, like in my dream but before I could, she was surrounded by the glow and then Lily walked towards it and they both were swallowed up by the light. When the light subsided, only Lily, the cat remained.
“I wasn’t done!” I fumed. “I want to know about the female water fey who is helping the Dark One. Did my grandmother know she was Queen Anahita’s twin sister?”
Lily just chuckled and said with slight irritation in her voice, “She knows most, but she doesn’t tell me everything either so, you will have to wait until…”
“Emilee, let it go for now.” Lily continued, but I knew it was Varda, my grandmother who spoke then.
Lily stormed towards the door as she said, “Well I was hoping to be done, but I guess we are still stuck with each other for a while longer. Let’s get this show on the road, shall we.” And Lily left the room, assuming that we would all follow.
Looking at Brett, I regretted mentioning Queen Anahita just then. For Brett, hearing about her twin and the deception that must have occurred during his time with her, must have been painful. He had fury in his eyes. He looked at me for only a moment and suggested we follow.
We did just that, followed Lily to the deck of the ship, where Adam and Jordan were having a heated discussion. As we approached them, I asked if everything was okay.
Jordan slapped Adam on the back a bit more aggressively than he should have, as he said, “It’s all worked out Emilee, not to worry. This buffoon kept me alive and I am thankful for that. It’s good that he doesn’t always do as he is told.” And he let out a boisterous laugh.
Angelina came to me then, and taking me in her arms, kissed me on the cheek and told me to be careful. Her love for me was so full, shining in her eyes, and then a few tears fell. I realized that I was crying too, and we hugged tightly. She told me that she wasn’t about to lose me now and that she would be waiting for me. Angelina then went over to stand by Jordan.
Trevor was next, giving me a large bear hug, then did the typical fey parting and told me that Adam was a good man and he would be with him until we saw each other again.
“Can we be done with this silly emotional display and get on with it, please?” Lily muttered. “Eagle, you will be carrying Brett, anyway you please.”
Eagle spread his wings out and held up his hands. They turned into talons, long and sharp and he smiled an evil grin, but then laughed and Brett laughed with him.
“Emilee, you will carry me, for I don’t really trust that Rose, as small as she is, could carry me safely.” Lily commanded and looking at Rose, she winked.
Rose, smiled, and spreading her wings, lifted herself into the air and suggested, we all get going. Eagle scooped Brett up in his talons and I heard Brett grumble something about being careful with those sharp things as he was lifted up into the sky.
Lily jumped up into my arms and suggested we follow. I stood there for a moment, and then my wings released as if they had a mind of their own and lifted me up into the air too.
I was a bit clumsy, I might add, and almost dropped Lily. She commented that maybe she should have let Rose carry her, and I just laughed as we all followed Eagle up into the sky, towards the sun.
Chapter 16
Family!
People you love,
And who
Love you!
The air got thinner the higher we went. Suddenly, the stars were above us, but there was a barrier between us and the stars. It was a glimmering protection, keeping stars and planet separate.
We went no higher, flew just under the barrier, heading in the direction of land. It was cold and quiet up there between stars and land, but I felt calm, like this was a place I belonged.
Looking at Brett and Rose, they seemed to be handling this strange place with no problem. Brett however appeared to be a bit chil
ly. He had his arms wrapped around his chest and looking at me, he smiled and I heard him say, “You can warm me up later.” And then smiled as he winked at me.
Rose was facing Eagle with a look of concentration on her face, not looking at anyone or anything as she flew ahead, as if in a hurry to get there.
It didn’t take long before I saw land and we started to descend out of the place between the land and stars. I felt a longing to stay up there, but also to go farther, up past the barrier to the stars.
I could see the water meet the land then, the docks with ships and boats, large and small. We were still in Terrafirma, the colors all around so vivid and alive. As we got closer, there, just out of sight from the docks, was Kimberlite and Queen Anahita, standing next to a waterway, a river.
As we landed, out from behind some bushes came a wolf and as he changed into his fey self, I saw that it was Weylyn, the wolf pack leader.
They stood there waiting as we approached them, and as we did, Kimberlite came up to me and did the fey greeting and I gave him a look of annoyance. He chuckled then and gave me a hug as Queen Anahita just stood with her arms crossed over her chest, looking irritated.
Brett went over to her and her expression softened, as they gave each other a chilly embrace. I was a bit surprised and miffed, that he would even want to touch her, but then, they had been close once. I knew now that it was her, Queen Anahita or her sister, who had ended their relationship, whatever that was. It was none of my business anyway. Brett would have to deal with it at a later date, if he so chose.
I noticed Brett whispering into Queen Anahita’s ear and I couldn’t help myself, I wanted to know what he was saying. I pushed myself into his mind, feeling his struggle to keep me out, but then, I don’t think he was struggling that hard because I was there, and heard him say, “You have some explaining to do, when this is done.”
Brett stood and looked at me with annoyance across his face, but in his mind, he was chuckling a bit and said, “Can’t mind your own business, can you?”
I smiled meekly as I looked down to the ground and when Weylyn spoke, I looked to him, trying to ignore Brett’s stare.
“Follow me, Princess, we must hurry. I was sent to bring you to the humans’ realm.” And he headed back into the bushes.
As we walked between the bushes, there not far ahead was another circular glowing shape, a doorway that I hoped would take me straight to Pineville. I knew it would take too long if we had to traveled by land and underwater routes.
“Rose, you come with us but the rest of you stay here. These are orders from Douglas.” Weylyn said.
Lily, turning back into her fey self, declared, “Excuse me, but I will be going too!”
“Of course, I wasn’t including you. That was a given that you would be coming.” Weylyn stuttered.
Brett of course, was having none of this and insisted he come too. He was not to leave me alone and would be alongside me every step of the way.
Lily walked over to Weylyn then and turning towards us replied, “Brett, don’t worry, she has plenty around her to keep her safe, but the fewer bodies going into the doorway, the better. She needs you safe here, according to Varda.
“We will be back soon. It looks like you and Queen Anahita have things to discuss, anyway.” As she looked towards Queen Anahita and gave a sly and snotty smirk, just like a cat.
Queen Anahita gave me a smug look which I didn’t appreciate and those stupid jealous feelings came gushing back. Well what could I do but go up to Brett and taking his face in my hands, brought him down to my face and gave him a very intense, long kiss. (Was it a good idea, you ask, probably not)
I had only intended to anger Queen Anahita, but as our lips touched, the longing I had for Brett exploded, I ached for him and I knew that he felt the same. Suddenly, we were alone, no one else was there, only Brett and I. Where we were, I couldn’t say, it was as if we were in a space in between dimensions, earth and sky, just the two of us. The passion was overwhelming, stronger than ever and I knew that I couldn’t stop myself. I wanted Brett, every part of him, but especially his blood.
It was Brett in my mind then, telling me that we had to stop. He kept repeating over and over, that it wasn’t time. I could feel his desire, his want for me, not my blood, but me. He was stronger though, than I, and I felt his hands go around my waist and pull me away, breaking our kiss. It felt like a blast of hot air hitting me as our bodies separated and we were back there on land, with everyone standing and staring.
I realized then that Lily was standing next to us and she had a hand on both of our shoulders. She had been the one to help Brett stop us from doing something that would ruin everything we had accomplished so far.
Lily just shook her head, and taking my hand, led me towards the doorway as Brett released me. As I walked past Queen Anahita, the look on her face was exactly what I wanted, the look of jealousy. I should have felt like I had won a battle, but I didn’t, I felt lost, not being in Brett’s arms.
Rose and Weylyn were standing in front of the doorway and disappeared into it, and we followed. As we entered, it was cold with a sound of wind whipping all around, but I felt no wind at all, it was still. The colors were that of a vibrant mural, colors everywhere, swirling all around, pulsating. Then as we took a step, we were out of it, in the forest of Pineville, behind my house.
As I looked around, I knew instantly we were in the humans’ realm. It was grey and dull in color. Of course it wasn’t really grey, but felt that way. After being in Terrafirma for so long, I had forgotten how different the two realms were.
I saw Douglas first. He was bent over someone, Emilee, the human Emilee. Lily released my hand and headed towards Douglas. As she did so, she started to glow and Varda separated from Lily and knelt down next to Douglas.
Weylyn was with other wolves, and they had someone backed up against a tree, Stephan.
Rose, I realized was next to me, holding my hand. I removed my hand from hers as I hurried over to the other Emilee. I looked at Stephan with contempt, and he had a smug look on his face.
I knelt down and looked at Douglas, as he said, “We got here too late. He had her on the ground. We were too late.”
I looked into Douglas’s eyes and saw the sadness and rage, but as he looked from me to my grandmother he said, “Varda, my dear Varda, it has been too long.” And as he touched her cheek, his look softened.
“What can we do for her?” I begged, “She can’t die!” and as I stood and faced Stephan, I continued, “What did you do to her? She has nothing to do with this.”
Stephan started to laugh and the wolves, all growling now, moved in closer to him. Stephan threw out one of his hands then, and he held something in it. A force of wind came, knocking the wolves back a few feet, and holding the other hand up over his head, he held the dragon egg, large, gleaming and emerald green.
Varda let out a soft moan and said simply, “No.”
Suddenly, tree fey came out of their trees, surrounding us all, and they were not here to protect us, I knew.
At almost the same moment, from behind one of the trees to my right came Queen Widow, as hundreds of spiders came down from the trees.
Douglas, stood and barked, “Emilee, you, Rose and Lily, take this Emilee to safety. Hurry, she doesn’t have much time!” And he headed in the direction of Stephan.”
Varda, my grandmother, stood and stepped back as Lily, Rose and I lifted Emilee and before I turned to help carry her in the direction away from Stephan, Varda started to glow and I heard her yell, in a commanding voice, “Enough!” And all was still, except for Stephan, Rose, Lily and I.
Stephan laughed and lowered the hand with the dragon egg and said, “I have it and there is nothing you can do now, my lady. I am protected, a protection that you gave to him, a long time ago and now he has given it to me.
Rose, Lily and I put the human Emilee down out of harm’s way, and I put my shield up around us as I listened to what was being said.
> Stephan then continued, “Emilee, it is time to go. You need this creature that I hold in my hand. You can come with me now and make it easier on you and the rest, or be stubborn as I know you so well, from the past…” and he smiled an evil grin, “or more will die, the one being that pitiful human they kept alive for so many years, just waiting for the time that you would return to Terrafirma, and they would then put her back where she belonged.
“They were fools, all of them, for she was the one who held the dragon within her. You were to come back and retrieve it without harming her, but well, I didn’t have that special touch that you must have, so I took it from her forcefully.
“You have the choice, my dear sweet Princess, to come with me and get this over with, or stay behind and heal her, your choice, but she will probably die anyway. You can heal her, but wake her, now that is something different. The torment that I put her through, has damaged her small, weak mind. Her mind is gone.” Stephan said and held out his hand for me to come.
Varda struck out with her hand, sending a streak of light at Stephan but it shot off of what seemed to be a force field and struck a tree next to the wolves, shattering the tree. It fell on several wolves and they were buried under the rubble.
Stephan let out a boisterous laugh and said, “You have forgotten what this can do, my lady.” as he held up a small glowing object.
Varda let out a soft cry, and in a whisper replied, “I was told that it was taken away from him and destroyed. Where did you get it?”
“They are not all faithful to you. You are foolish to think they are. You may have banished him to that place, but those who took him there may not have followed all of your instructions.
“He promises protection to those who are loyal to him. He will win.” Stephan said with a smug look, and then held out his hand towards me again and said, “Are you coming Princess, or are you going to make this just a bit more fun?”
I looked to my grandmother and she shook her head as if to say no, and told Stephan to go crawl back into the tree from which he came.
