Sitting beside her, Laurel gazed at her with a serious expression. “What?”
Athenia tensed. She won’t approve of this idea. None of them would. But she’d better not try to stop me, because I’m doing this one way or the other. Forcing out the words, she said, “I’m summoning a supernatural creature.”
Laurel turned white. “No, you can’t.”
“With this spell, the demon, Bathin, can transport me anywhere I want to go, even Hell.”
“But the danger...” Laurel whispered.
“I’ve thought of that. He’ll be in a protective circle with me, so he won’t be able to harm anyone else.”
“What about what he might do to you?” Laurel took her arm. “You haven’t thought this through.”
Athenia raised her chin. Why do they all act like I’m an impulsive child? Irritation added an edge to her words. “I appreciate the risks, and I’m taking precautions. Whatever happens, it’s worth it to help Thorne.”
“You don’t have to do this.”
She stiffened. “Yes, I do. This is the only way I can make amends. Even if I die in the process, I’m going through with it.”
Laurel gazed into the distance.
Incense infused the air, sweet and woody.
The candles added the scent of melting wax.
Athenia waited.
Finally, Laurel brushed her hands on her pants. “All right, then, I’m helping you.”
“What?” Athenia flinched back. “As I told you, I can’t take you with me. There’s nothing you can do.”
Laurel stood. “I can wait while you’re gone. I’ll make sure the candles and incense remain lit and anchor you to this place. If something goes wrong, you may be able to reach me through the ether. Either way, I’ll be here to help you take care of Thorne when you return. You’ll both be exhausted, possibly hurt, so you’ll need me.”
“If we don’t—”
Laurel interrupted. “Don’t even think that way.”
Warmth filled Athenia from Laurel’s understanding and caring, and she smiled. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
Laurel shook her head. “Just stay safe and bring Thorne back.”
“Time may be different there. What will you eat while you’re waiting? There’s not much food left in the cabin.”
“Have you met me? I live in the mangrove swamps on my own. Don’t worry, I can forage everything I need. Let’s start.” She held out her hand.
Athenia took it. “All right.”
Laurel pulled her to her feet then let go. “What do you need to do next?”
“Make a twenty-meter circle with salt.” Picking up the fresh box, Athenia opened it and poured a generous amount. “That should be enough.” With the decanter, food, and drink bundled in her arms, she entered the ring. “Make sure you stand far enough away, and don’t approach once I initiate the summoning.”
“Okay. Best of luck and safe travels, my friend.”
She called me friend. Athenia choked back a sob. “Thank you. I promise, I’ll find him and bring him back.”
With her bare feet dug into the dirt and her arms flung out, Athenia proclaimed an approximate English translation to the Enn, the Invitation for Summoning Bathin. “In the name of the entire darkness, make Bathin appear and submit to my will.” She paused then chanted in the demonic language. “Dyen Pretore on ca Bathin.” After she waited a few seconds, she repeated the summoning in English and demonic two more times.
This time there was no dramatic flash of light or crack of thunder. No opening of the earth or tornadic wind. Everything went dead inside the zone. Although outside a breeze stirred the Spanish moss and a crow cawed as it hopped about, inside silence and stillness reigned.
With a slight pop, the air pressure equalized. Bathin, astride his white horse, appeared in front of her. “I answer your call, sorcerer.” He gave her a slow once over. “How may I serve such a lovely woman? Or are you a woman? Your energy signature isn’t quite human.”
She kept a stern countenance. “Not your concern. I brought you here to help me.”
He swung his leg over the pommel of the saddle and slid to the ground. Looking her up and down, he strutted to her and stroked her hair. “What a beautiful color and so silky. Gorgeous creature, I would be honored to assist you.”
She kept her breathing slow and regular. Got to make him believe I’m calm and in control. “Would you like sustenance before we make our bargain? I brought this for you.” She proffered the bottle.
Bathin took it and inspected the label. “A good quality cabernet. How thoughtful. Most wizards provide the cheapest swill they can find.”
As Athenia presented the other delicacies, she said, “I hope you’ll approve of these, too.”
He put the wine on the ground and took the Brie and the loaf from her, then he unwrapped them and stuffed a bite of each into his mouth. After chewing and swallowing, he grinned at her. “Cheese imported from France and bread made in Cuban fashion. Some of the best cuisine.”
In a couple of enormous chomps, he finished eating, then chugged the entire bottle of wine. “Delicious. I’m in your debt. What may I do to repay you?”
“I want you to take me to Hell.”
He shrank back. “Why would you want to go there? Most want to avoid the underworld as long as possible.”
“I’m going to rescue my friend.”
“All spirits must cross the river Styx. You cannot fight death. It’s the order of things.”
“He’s not dead. He’s still alive in a stasis state.”
Bathin ogled her again. “I can make you forget any other male.” His serpent tail curled around his legs. “I possess, uh... talents, they can’t match.” He twirled the sinuous appendage, bringing it to tickle her bare arm.
She brushed it off. “Not interested.” She held out the lead crystal decanter, which caught the sun and sparkled. “If you take me, I’ll give you this.”
He wet his index finger with his tongue then ran the digit around the rim. The crystal rang. “I love lead in this form. Please, give it to me.”
“Will you transport me and bring us both back when we’re ready?”
His tail lashed. “That’s changing the terms of the agreement.”
Creepers of fear brushed down her spine. “I apologize, I thought I implied a return. If you agree to the bargain, I’ll reward you with more lead crystal. Perhaps stemware to go with the dispenser...?”
He gazed longingly at the gleaming glass. “Done. That, and a matching goblet in return for a round trip for you and a one-way return for your friend if you succeed.”
“Perfect. There’s no chance I’ll fail.” She gave him the carafe.
Bathin stowed it in a bag attached to his saddle. After he mounted, he reached down for her.
Boosting herself with a puff of air, she jumped on behind him and wrapped her arms around him. “All right, let’s do this.”
When he spoke a demonic word, the stallion reared, almost unseating Athenia. She cried out, and they flashed into another world.
ΨΨΨ
Furnace-like heat slammed into her. Light-headed and dizzy, she swayed.
Bathin encircled her with his serpent tail to steady her. “Are you all right?”
Unable to speak, she nodded.
He slid off and helped her down. When he pointed at the equine, it closed its eyes, apparently asleep where it stood. “Are you sure this is what you want? I can take you back now.”
A strong, metallic odor, like ozone after a lightning strike, permeated the area. Beige desert flowed like an ocean in all directions. Not a trace of green anywhere. No trees. No bushes. No grass. No water. Overhead, a putrid yellow sky lowered to merge with the ground at the horizon.
As Athenia stood there, pain from the broiling dirt flared from the soles of her bare feet into her calves. She hopped up and down, yelping. “Ow, ow, that hurts.” The longer her feet contacted the sand, the worse it scalded. She tried to call magic to
cushion her feet, but nothing happened.
The demon touched her arm. “Mage powers don’t work here. This isn’t part of the normal world, but a different dimension.”
She yelled. “The sand is burning me.”
Bathin picked her up, strode to his steed, and rummaged in his pack.
Alarmed, she kicked at him. “What are you doing? Put me down.”
“Hold on.” He withdrew leather booties. Holding her above the ground, he slipped them over her bare feet. “There. Those will protect you.” He set her back down.
“Th-thank you. That was kind. I wouldn’t expect consideration from...”
“A demon?” he asked, grimacing. “We’re not all heartless. Sure, we’re a different species. Some of us are bad but not all.” He glared pointedly at her.
“Oh. Uh, I apologize. I always heard demons were pure evil.”
“Well, next time don’t judge until after you know one.” He folded his arms across his chest.
She twisted her lips. “I am sorry. I encountered a malevolent one of your species, but I shouldn’t assume you’re all the same.”
“Who did you meet?”
“Surgat.”
He grunted. “Oh. Well, he’s a badass. Hates everybody. Did you try to bind him to your will?”
The heat of shame flamed through her body. No matter how much I need help, I shouldn’t have tried to force another being to serve me. Can’t deny it. I’m probably pink as a salmon. “Yes.”
Bathin chuckled. “Though I doubt the experience ended pleasantly for you, you’re still alive, so it could’ve been worse.”
“The encounter was, ah, you might say…painful, but that’s over now.” She gestured to her feet. “How did you happen to have these booties with you? They’re perfect for this environment.”
His smile faded. “Though I don’t receive such requests often, you aren’t the first person I’ve brought here. After a while, I figured out how to keep my clients going. The rule is I won’t get to keep my lead crystal decanter if you don’t make it back.” His eyes held a mischievous glint.
“Oh. Thank you.” She rubbed her arms, shedding little flecks of dead skin in a snowy drift.
His gaze dropped to her arms. “This place is devoid of moisture. Whatever you are, the dryness is affecting you more than most. I wish you’d reconsider.”
She shook her head. “No, this is something I’m obligated to do.”
He sighed. “All right. Since you’re determined to go on, I’ll give you another gift.” He took a leather cord with a round pendant suspended from it and hung it around her neck. “Use this when the time comes.”
“What is it?”
“An ancient Greek coin made from a naturally occurring mixture of gold and silver called electrum.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
He touched her cheek. “You’re so fierce and loyal. I had a lover once. If only she had fought for me so hard.”
Her chest ached. “Thank you, but Thorne and I aren’t lovers. Just friends.”
His gaze sharpened. “Tell me what species you are.”
She shuffled her feet. He’s been helpful, but I prefer to maintain the mystery. “Not now. Maybe after we come back to the real world.”
“If you tell me, I’ll forego payment.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. “What a gracious gesture, but I won’t back out of the bargain. I’ll search out the wine glass for you. Two, since you’re so compassionate.”
He kissed her hand. “I must go. I hope you find what you’re seeking. However, I must warn you. Others have tried to overcome death. None have ever triumphed over the grim reaper.”
She straightened her shoulders. “Someone cheated the mage of his normal life, and I mean to get him home.”
He bowed his head. “You win. When you’re ready, I’ll come for you. Call me by repeating the Enn three times in Demonic. I’ll hear you wherever I am.”
He grabbed the reins and swung into the saddle. Instantly, the animal awoke. Bathin patted its neck and crooned. The horse licked and made chewing motions with its mouth. “Good boy.” He stroked the stallion’s withers. “Goodbye, Athenia. Until we meet again. I hope.” He saluted her.
Fighting the fetid atmosphere, Athenia staggered over to Bathin. “Thank you.”
He nodded, squeezed his heels into his mount, and disappeared.
The silence of a sterile desert surrounded her. Now what?
Concentrating on Thorne, she willed herself to find him. This way? She headed south. Seems like as good a direction as any.
Her sense of him increased marginally. Guess this may be right.
Although she walked for what felt like hours, nothing changed. The surroundings looked exactly like the place where she’d started. What if I only think I’m moving, but I’m not? Maybe I’m still in the same spot. Deceit and illusion are all the father of lies gives you.
Adding to her unease, her internal sense of Thorne’s location hadn’t changed since the last time she checked. At least he’s not farther away. What else can I do but keep going this way?
Thirst battered her like a physical adversary, leaving her mouth an arid cavity. Sores erupted around her gums.
Skin so dry. Scaly sheets fell off, leaving patches of red, which turned white, then black.
Her lungs rasped, and she coughed constantly. Don’t know how much more I can take. But I won’t give up. I’ll save Thorne or die trying.
ΨΨΨ
Athenia trudged on. The featureless plane stretched endlessly, and thirst sapped all her vitality. She prayed. Please, help me reach water to survive so I can find Thorne.
Far ahead, the jaundiced light jittered. A mirage. A few steps further on, the sheen flattened out on the ground. What is that? A chasm? Another obstacle to cross. Not sure I can survive this. If my powers worked, but... Though she sought for a little bit of magic to give her strength, nothing happened. Discouragement settled over her shoulders like a ghost net. Not enough moisture left in my body to even shed tears.
A voice spoke in her head. “Keep going, you’re almost to your goal.”
“Who’s that?” She looked in all directions but found no one. Great, now I’m hallucinating.
However, her spirits improved a little from the encouragement, even if imaginary. She slogged on. How long have I walked? An hour, a day?
Shading her eyes, she peered into the distance. The ravine seemed larger. She increased her pace. If that’s water, I’ll be okay.
Without warning, she tripped and landed on the ground. It seared the bare skin on her legs and arms. Howling, she jumped up and slapped at her body, trying to rid herself of the sand stuck to her. Red burns blistered her.
Without thinking, she hurtled forward and threw herself into the lightless gorge.
She splashed down into water dense as a black void. Despite the obsidian color, the liquid eased her pain and seeped into her pores, rehydrating her. Before she could stop her downward motion, she plummeted many meters.
As soon as she gained control, she transformed to Nerei, and her gills opened, pulling in life-giving oxygen. Thank you, divine one. As your servant, I pledge you an offering.
She thrust herself up. When her head broke water, she spotted the shore with her enhanced Nerei vision. She swam the few meters, then pulled herself on to the bank and shifted back to bipedal form. I feel much better, but I lost my clothes and the booties back in the water, so I need to find something to wear.
The channel divided the desert from a rocky terrain which appeared as lifeless as the previous area. The air was cooler, but still arid. Nothing to cover myself with. At least the rocks aren’t scalding hot, so my feet won’t char any more.
When she tuned her senses to Thorne, she perceived him as much closer and still in the direction she’d been moving.
As she turned to walk on, the water changed. Light beamed from far below and rose in a column all the way to the surface and abo
ve. The brilliant gleam brightened the area. Within the glow, something moved.
A figure emerged from the water and hovered in the air. A beautiful woman, whose black tresses flowed to her feet and covered her like a robe, beckoned Athenia. “Daughter, I would speak with you.”
Athenia knelt beside the water. “Are you a Nerei?”
“My name is Styx. This is the waterway named for me.”
“Greetings, mother. Nerei history glorifies you. As one of the Oceanids, you are an ancestor of mine. You honor me.”
The goddess pursed her lips. “That isn’t why I’m here. You crossed without permission. No living being may enter the underworld.”
As fear dried her mouth, Athenia swallowed. “I’m so sorry, but I tripped and fell. When the sand burned my body, I hurled myself in the water. I should have asked, but I wouldn’t be here at all except I have to correct a terrible injustice.”
“What’s that?”
“My mentor, a mage to whom I owe my life, was abducted by one named Gelion who brought the man here before the end of his allotted lifespan. The human is being kept here in stasis until I either give all my magic to this creature, or I somehow rescue my teacher.”
Styx frowned. “Unprecedented. What is this Gelion? A demon?”
Athenia wrinkled her nose. “He calls himself the devil of the Christian theology.”
As her expression became one of understanding, Styx nodded. “Oh, yes. Another of his many names is Lucifer. I have heard of him. While I sympathize with your human’s plight, I cannot allow you to continue on unless you make payment.”
“But I don’t own anything. When I transformed, I lost all my clothes.”
Styx moved her arms in a sweeping gesture, and thunder reverberated through the rocks.
Athenia’s heart stopped. Oh no, I’m not going to like what happens next.
Something cold pressed against her chest. “Wait. There’s this.” Bathin’s gift still hung attached to the cord around her neck. She held out the coin.
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