by Jason Nugent
“What we were trained for.” He put an arm around her to comfort her as well as himself. “What we were trained for, my love,” he repeated. “And may the Gods be with us.”
She added, “I hope they can find us in this strange world we now call home.”
Nine
NADINA WATCHED ERIC through the front picture window as he raked the leaves that had fallen from the tree in the front yard. A cup of steaming coffee was held firmly between her still trembling hands. The poor boy had no idea the dangers that now lurked, searching for him. But he also had no idea who he really was.
Nordon had left early in the morning before Eric had risen, to meet with Samuel. She hoped he came back with a plan that allowed them to continue their lives in peace. She paused the cup inches from her lips as an alternate thought came to her. She hoped he had a plan that allowed them to continue living, period.
Eric was a good boy. They raised him as a mission initially, but along the way, fell in love with him as if he were their own. He seldom gave them trouble of any sort. He did his chores with no complaint, was a stellar student and amazing athlete, even if he wasn't allowed to participate in any sports at school.
He was tall, and though slender, had a strong toned frame that promised to fill out in a most alluring way. His handsome features, dark-blonde hair, and brilliant smile drew much attention from the girls at school, as well as the local MILFs and cougars. He was a splendid male specimen who had a great life ahead of him, providing he lived long enough to realize it.
She consummated her sip, the taste, warmth and aroma invigorating her. She remembered the first time she'd been introduced to the then, vile liquid. It was bitter and strong and made her stomach heave. Now, she could barely function without at least two cups of the beverage each morning.
It was amazing what she learned to enjoy over the past fifteen years. Fifteen. Had it really been that long since Nordon and her were thrust into this new world and given the task of protecting Eric, then known as Erthic? She was but a girl herself, unmarried, naive and frightened. But the mage found her in the lower chambers and forced a pledge of protection from her. Then, he’d pushed her through an opening between worlds with the then three year old boy and a man she'd never met, and had entrusted her with the future of their world. My God, how far they'd come.
Samuel found them and set them up as Don And Dina. Nordon and her were forced to live together, complete strangers, in a strange place that moved much faster than either of them thought possible. In those first few months, they barely left the house for fear of having to interact with the people.
Eric piled the leaves, then moved on to rake another area of the lawn. He wiped his sweat coated forehead on a sleeve and caught sight of her standing in the window. He smiled, waved and went back to his task.
She waved back even though he was no longer watching. Warmth spread through her in a far superior and more intense form than the coffee ever could. He might not be hers, and perhaps she'd never have any of her own, but she did love him deeply and that love was enough for her to lay down her life to protect him.
With that thought in mind, she climbed the stairs to check the monitors again, praying she would never see a threat of any sort. The monitors were clear, the wards silent. Loathe to leave Eric out of sight for too long, she tucked a handgun into her slacks at her back and lowered the heavy sweatshirt over the weapon. Though warm for this time of year, the constant bone chilling iciness she felt made the sweatshirt necessary and not just to cover the gun.
Downstairs, she took a look out the front window to make sure Eric was still there, then refilled her mug and sat on the front porch. As she watched him work, a warmth spread from her core melting her chill if only for the moment.
Eric hummed. His body perspired from the effort, but the work wasn't strenuous. He enjoyed toiling outdoors. He stopped for a minute and closed his eyes as a slight breeze against his damp skin seemed to invigorate him. The wind lifted his hair from his head and dropped it back out of place. He ran a hand down it's length to plaster it to his head.
He finished another pile of leaves and started on the last section of lawn. From across the street, Madeline, the cute and curious three year old, who lived in the two-story house two down on the opposite side, called out.
“Hi Reric.”
She couldn't quite say his name. Her long brown curls bounced as she walked and waved.
He smiled and waved back. “Good morning, Madeline. How are you today?”
“I'm good,” she said in a sing-song voice.
She turned down the apron of the driveway directly across the street. Eric shot nervous glances down both directions of the street. Dina fired one toward Madeline's house looking for her mother. Sissy was a nice girl, but she was only a few years older than Eric. Addicted to her cell phone, she often lost track of Madeline. She felt sorry for Madeline, knowing she was left on her own to entertain herself much too often and for way too long. Dina also worried, since she wandered the neighborhood on her own on a daily basis.
They lived in an older area of town called the North End. The streets were lined end to end with one and two story homes built in the early to mid nineteen hundreds. They had little street frontage and were set close to the road. Cars were parked on each side of the street forcing traffic down to one lane—a problem when cars came from opposite directions at the same time.
It was not a poor neighborhood, but at the same time, it was a long way from being a wealthy one. Most of the properties were well kept and turnover was low, but as the older owners passed away or moved to smaller retirement dwellings, many of the homes were purchased by landlords, or younger couples who did not spend as much time on upkeep as a house demanded. In the few years they'd been there she'd witnessed a drastic change.
“What are you doing?” she asked, stopping at the edge of the street. Her body swayed as she watched Eric.
“I'm raking leaves.”
“Oh. Is it fun?”
He chuckled. “No. It's just something that has to be done.”
“Can I rake leaves with you?”
He stopped, leaned on the rake and glanced toward Madeline's house. Missy was sitting on the porch, her feet propped on the brick half wall with her head down in typical cell phone using position.
“Ah, no thanks. I’m almost finished.”
“Ohhh!” Her voice had a whine to it, as if ready to cry.
Eric had a soft heart. He wouldn't want to make Madeline cry, but also didn't want the responsibility of watching her. That was her mother's job, even if she was incapable of doing it.
“I'm sorry. Maybe next time you can help me. Okay?”
“Okay.” But it clearly wasn't okay. Her lower lip stuck out in a pout, far enough for Dina to see from the porch.
Eric went back to raking trying to finish before she cried. He worked fast perhaps hoping to finish before Madeline cried. Dina smiled and sipped her coffee only vaguely aware of the screeching tires and racing engine from down the street. The roar of a mufflerless engine drew her attention when it was half a block away. She glanced in its direction fearful the vehicle was a threat to Eric. Dina dropped the mug and launched from the chair. Her hand reaching for the gun.
Eric stopped to watch as the car flew closer. Dina reached the steps seconds before Missy screamed, “Madeline!”
Dina glanced toward the little girl and horrified to see her stepping into the street between the two parked cars on either side of the driveway. Oh God, no. Eric tossed the rake aside as the entire world went into slow motion. He broke into a sprint, his powerful legs pushing to full speed in two strides. She heard him shout, “Go back, Madeline,” but it came from somewhere in a hazy distance.
She tried to reach him, still afraid the car was meant for him, but he was too fast and out of reach within two of his long strides. “Eric,” she called, but his focus was locked on Madeline.
Adrenaline laced fear spiked extra speed from her, but even as s
he missed him and understood his intent, in her heart she knew he would not arrive in time. He raised his hands and waved them above his head in a frantic attempt to catch the driver's attention. Unaware of the danger, the driver barreled forward. Dina noted he wasn't paying any attention to the street ahead. His eyes were riveted on the rear view mirror. She stopped and raised the gun thinking to fire a warning shot, but unsure of where to place it. The sound of sirens gave her pause and the reason for the driver's distraction and the speed. He was fleeing the authorities. Dina lowered the gun helpless to do anything to prevent what was about to occur.
With all his strength, Eric focused on Madeline, intent on somehow getting to her before the car slammed her into eternity. The car closed. Too fast. She knew he would not make it in time, yet still he pressed on.
“Eric,” the word ripped from her soul.
Three things happened simultaneously. Madeline emerged from between the cars, the front bumper moved to within three feet of her and Eric shrieked, “Nooooo!”
Then the world went went crazy.
Ten
NADINA SAT ON THE EDGE of the chair in the hospital room that held her son. The fact he wasn't really her son, made no difference to how she felt. Having raised him for the past fifteen years, she felt she had the right to the claim. Besides, everyone they knew in this world thought Eric was her son, and she saw no reason to dissuade their beliefs.
She rocked back and forth, elbows on knees, hands folded. She stared at the comatose boy. The doctors had been in, three of them. None had answers, but all wanted to run tests. So far they'd taken blood and had an EKG done. Eric was scheduled for an MRI next.
She didn't know what to do. Reaching him after the collision and finding him unconscious, lying in the driveway, with the little brat from across the street wailing in his arms, she was at a loss, frozen, as fear clutched her heart. The police were there in seconds, already giving pursuit to the driver. They called for an ambulance, but were confused about what occurred.
The two officers had witnessed Eric's bravery, darting in front of the onrushing car to save the girl, but were baffled about how the car made such a sudden, sharp ninety degree turn, slamming into an old oak tree, fifteen feet off the ground.
The little brat’s mother ran over, suddenly all concerned about her baby. She screamed at Eric even though he was unconscious, blaming him for hurting her baby and threatening a lawsuit. Nadina clenched her fists, but held herself in check, until the young woman drew her foot back to kick Eric.
Nadina stomped her foot down on the woman's leg in mid-kick, blocking the strike. A red fire, born of fear for her son and rage at the woman, burst behind her eyes. A powerful hand shot forward clutching the woman by the throat. She yanked the frightened woman to within inches of her face. “You ever try to hurt my son again, I'll rip your throat out and your daughter will be safer for it. Now go see to her scrapes like a real mother would.” She gave her a shake and shoved her backward. Between sobs, she issued legal action threats.
The officers rushed to separate them. The one holding Missy told her to clam up. “If it wasn't for that boy you were about to kick your daughter would be dead. He saved her. You owe him gratitude and then some, instead of threats. And just so you know, Officer Petry and myself will testify on his behalf. He's a hero. Now take your daughter home.”
The ambulance arrived and Nadina called Nordon. He did not answer so she called the number she was instructed to memorize and never use unless it was an emergency. She judged this fit.
A man answered. “Yes.”
“There's been an accident.”
“What?” the tone more concerned now.
“He's hurt.” She remembered she wasn't to use any names. “An ambulance has come. They're taking him to a hospital.”
“You can not allow that to happen.”
“But—but he needs medical attention.”
“Did you call the ambulance?” the voice was angry.
“No. The police did.”
“Police?” The voice rose an octave. “Did you call them?”
“No. They were already on the scene.”
Silence.
“Okay. It's too late to stop it now without drawing attention. Let me know what hospital and I will deal with it. Go with them and try to stall any tests or treatments.”
“Okay. I have to go. The ambulance is leaving.”
“Go, but don't let him out of your sight.”
The line went dead.
Upon arriving at the hospital, they were rushed into an examining room. Nadina was told to wait outside, but she stayed close enough to hear the conversation between the EMT's and the Emergency room doctor.
“I'm telling you, doc, we didn't find anything. His heart rate is low but nothing drastic. His blood pressure is slightly elevated. He was unconscious when we got there but could find no obvious cause. He has a few bumps and scrapes along his arms, consistent with diving on cement, but nothing severe. No lump or soft spot on his head. We didn't find any obvious spinal injuries, but boarded him anyway.”
“Okay. Make sure the paperwork is complete,” the doctor said, then he started ordering tests.
Nadina knew she should stop them somehow, but her contact wasn't there. He didn't see Eric's condition. She didn't want to disobey, but she was worried about Eric. What if he died because she refused to let them do their tests? She couldn't live with that. And since she was the only one there, she decided to say nothing.
She dug out her cell phone, an object she thought magical years earlier, but now felt as comfortable using as if she was one of these people. Dialing Nordon's number once more, this time she left a detailed message. Finished, she drew in her courage and called the secret number again.
“Yes.” The same voice answered.
“We're at St. Rose's hospital.”
“Did you stop the tests?”
“I wasn't allowed inside.” True, but not completely.
“I'll handle it. You stay in position to protect him.”
He hung up. For a moment she stared at the phone as if it were an evil entity, then, her hands began to shake. It spread to her entire body and the tears welled. She fought them, but in the end lost the struggle and she buried her head in her hands.
An hour later she was in Eric's assigned room watching, waiting and praying. Although she wondered if the Gods she prayed to could even hear her in the strange world.
Eleven
TWENTY MINUTES LATER, a slightly short, round man in a light gray suit, entered the room. She recognized him. His name was Samuel and he was the man they first met upon crossing over into this world. He’d gotten them set up, instructed them in how to survive in the new world and trained them how to use the strange weapons and to protect Erthyic. After pronouncing them ready, he left them to fend for themselves. At first he checked in with them a few times a year, but when he stopped coming, Dina wondered if he might be dead. She hadn't seen or heard from him in more than a decade.
He nodded at her, and moved straight for the bed. He placed a hand above Eric's head and closed his eyes. His lips moved but whatever he said, perhaps a prayer, was too low to hear. Her eyes widened as his hand began to glow, first yellow, then like a sunset, eventually turning a bright red.
She stood, awed and afraid, yet ready to move to protect her charge. What was this strange little man doing to her son? She moved forward, but even with his eyes closed he was aware of her. He held up his non-glowing hand and she stopped.
His hand drifted down Eric's body and the red glow dimmed to a soft amber, before fading out completely. Samuel's eyes fluttered open. For a moment he appeared weak and had to grab the bed to keep from falling. He bent over the bed and shook his almost bald head. His scalp reddened almost as bright as his hand. Minutes later, he straightened and turned toward her.
“Tell me what happened and what has been done here, so far.”
He offered his hand and Nadina thought it was to greet her, but o
nce his hand surrounded hers, he placed his other hand over hers and held it tight. He pulled her closer. His eyes darkened and bore deep into hers. She gasped.
“Now, speak child.”
She relayed the story, but as she spoke she saw vivid images of the events playing in her mind. The vision was so real she could feel the emotions of the moment and hear the sounds from voices to backgrounds noise of birds and traffic. When her tale was finished, he held her hand a moment longer as if searching for something deeper within, perhaps details she'd forgotten or refrained from mentioning. Satisfied with what he saw or didn't see, he released the hand.
“You did well under the circumstances. Nordon is home checking the monitors to ensure this wasn't an attempt by our enemies to do damage to the rightful heir.”
That thought hadn't occurred to Nadina. “You don't think they'd try to kill him, do you?”
He shrugged. “How can I know what goes through their evil minds. They really only need one of the heirs. The other is expendable. Perhaps they found the other one.”
“Other one? Did his sister come through, too?”
Samuel pursed his lips as if realizing he'd said too much. He drew in a deep breath and eyed her as if coming to a decision. Then he said, “Yes, his twin sister, Elysande was saved, too.”
He picked up a chart and scanned it. “Stay here and watch over him. I'll deal with the tests.”
He left and Nadina sat down. Her mouth remained open since hearing Eric was not the last heir. His sister had been found and saved. She wondered why she had never been told. Maybe they saw her as a threat to their security. A weak link in their defenses. Well, they might find out how resolved she was if the threat to her son was real. She would fight to her death to keep him safe. She prayed it would never come to that, but knew the truth of her convictions deep in her soul.
