The King's Gate

by K T Munson

  Her parents exchanged glances. Very carefully, Selene explained that Serena had a daughter and that although Selene hadn’t met her, she sounded like a wonderful person. She let them know that Elisabeth was fighting to save the world from a very bad person and that she had been captured. Her mother gasped when she told them that Elisabeth had been raised by a reformed demon, but Selene ardently defended him.

  “Who was that girl with you?” her mother asked. “Does she also know your cousin, like Nanette?”

  “Kerrigan?” Selene asked and her mother nodded. Selene paused. How did she describe Kerrigan? She thought of her friend, and a smile touched her lips involuntarily. “She is my dearest friend,” was what Selene managed, though it wasn’t enough. Selene knew that her attachment ran deeper, but that was an avenue of thought for another time.

  “I am happy you have found a friend.” Her mother patted her cheek.

  Selene forced her lips into a smile because mother didn’t seem to understand. “They are all my friends.”

  “You will be safe with them,” her mother said, tears glistening in her eyes.

  Selene froze. “You don’t want me to stay with you?”

  “Oh honey,” the mother said, glancing at her husband.

  Her father took it upon himself to explain. “We won’t let you be taken again. You cannot live on Lyreane. It isn’t safe.”

  Selene hadn’t even considered King Tricten would still be searching for her. Yet as they spoke, she realized she hadn’t intended to go back with her parents. She wanted to help save her cousin and friends. It was a startling realization. She had clung to her dreams for so long, believing she would be reunited with her parents, but now that it could be reality, she no longer wished to go with them.

  Her mother must have taken her long pause to mean she was upset. She threw her arms around Selene and gathered her close. “We want you. Don’t think for a moment we wouldn’t take you home and love you with all our hearts, but I won’t let that evil man take you. I would rather know you were free and happy far away from us than condemned again to that terrible prison.”

  As her mother cried on her shoulder, Selene patted her back. She loved her parents, but she didn’t know them anymore. Although she was relieved to see them once more, she found that she was more withdrawn and less likely to show emotion than she used to be. It was an ability she’d learned to avoid angering the King, but now it was just natural.

  “I’m all right, mother,” Selene said as her mother moved back to have a good look at her face. “I understand.”

  There was a soft knock on the door. A moment later Nanette’s head popped around the corner. “It is getting late. I know you said you should be careful not to be missed, since King Tricten is likely surveilling you.”

  Her mother’s fingers tightened on her shoulder. “I know I said it was for the best, but I don’t want to say goodbye to you.”

  Selene’s lip quivered, but she took a steadying breath. “It isn’t forever. It is until next time.”

  They all hugged. Her mother was still teary eyed when she left. Selene stood in the quiet room and realized how surreal it all felt. It wasn’t that long ago that she’d been sure she would die in that room in the tower or fling herself from the window out of desperation.

  The door burst open and Kerrigan came in, wide eyed. “You’re not leaving?”

  It was in that moment that she realized it was more than for her safety that she wanted to stay. She finally understood that was truly free and that if she was captured again, there were people who would come rescue her. For the first time she was important to people for more than just the color of her hair. There were people who wanted her to be with them because of who she was.

  Unexpectedly she burst into tears again—overcome by feelings she wasn’t used to experiencing. “I am,” was all she managed between sobs. Kerrigan immediately embraced her. For the first time in a really long time, Selene felt safe and loved.

  Chapter 15: Ashlad

  Nanette was packing clothing when the gong sounded. She covered her ears at the sound as she searched for the cause of it. Rushing out into the hallway, she glanced back and forth, expecting to see others before she remembered she was alone. She’d been packing her and Elisabeth’s clothes while A.J. assessed Troy before returning to guard Ashlad’s gate in Malthael’s absence. Suddenly, she saw one of the Netherhounds shoot out at the end of the hall before turning down the stairs.

  Confused, Nanette immediately rushed down the hall after it, but the Netherhound was gone. She cringed when the gong sounded again and slowly started down the steps, trying to imagine what could be causing such a ruckus. It only took her a moment to realize it had to be the gate. What else could cause such distress in the mansion?

  The study door was closed, but Netherhounds didn’t need to open doors—they could just convert to their spirit form and slip right through nearly any barrier. She threw the door open and paused in the surprisingly mild room. The roaring fire that Malthael normally kept was absent, a reminder of how hollow the mansion was and how much had changed. Shaking herself from her thoughts, she hurried to yank on the lamp that was the hidden switch.

  The door behind the tapestry clicked open. Nanette wasted no time entering the secret passage. Two steps into the darkness, though, she realized it would have been better to bring a lantern. Before she could turn back, however, a soft glow flooded the interior, drawing her eyes to the luminous mushrooms on the ceiling.

  The way appeared before her in the gentle blue light. As she made her way down, a soft whine came from below. Squinting, she tried to spot the Netherhound in the darkness. She was nearly to the bottom when she caught a flash of light. As she stepped off the last stair, she saw the Netherhound’s tail.

  “Nathan?” Nanette asked. After a pause she called, “Duke?”

  The Netherhound grunted at her. She smiled as he came to stand by her, locked against her side like a furry protector. When she patted his head, his rough pelt gave her surprising comfort. She approached the gate. Tentatively, filled with anxiety at what else she might find, Nanette pulled on the gate’s dial.

  Immediately it sprung to life, but instead of the normal soft light, this was blood red. Fear clenched her throat as the dial jerked itself from her fingers and clicked into place. Half stumbling back to the top step, Nanette saw a familiar face form in the foggy substance.

  “Father?” Nanette’s voice was nearly a whisper. “What’s wrong?”

  Taking a step closer, Ruhan threw up his hands to stop her. “Stay there.”

  She stopped and stared at Ruhan’s reduced form. The last time they’d spoken he’d filled most of the gate but now he was diminished, as though he’d been shrunk down. Although she couldn’t figure out why, her entire being told her something terrible was happening. “What is it?”

  “Where is Malthael?” Ruhan’s expression was hardened. Exhaustion creased his skin, and his eyes betrayed bad news. “I must speak with him at once.”

  “He is on Hystera,” Nanette replied. “You look worried. You can tell me what’s wrong.”

  He paused. “You can’t come home.” Nanette blinked in surprise. “Something is wrong with the gate. I can feel the connection breaking.”

  Nanette felt ill, her stomach filling with nervous butterflies. Tears immediately sprung to her eyes as she tried to claw at an understanding that explained what he had said. It was one thing to leave home knowing that one day she might be able to return, when she was much older, but it was quite another to know her only connection to her planet and her family was breaking.

  Shaking her head dislodged one of her tears. She stumbled toward the gate. “I can’t lose you now,” she said through quivering lips.

  Ruhan shook his head. “You’ll never lose me. Malthael will fix this. Once Elisabeth is found.”

  At hearing her friend’s name, she felt a sob escape. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she fell to her knees. Her friend was still missing; Et
handirill was unaccounted for, having gone missing when the fortress had gone into lockdown; and now she was losing her father.

  “What will happen…” Nanette paused to try to fight down the hysteria. “What will happen if the connection breaks?” Ruhan paused, emotions flashed over his face. Nanette watched him through her tears, wiping her nose on her sleeve. “Father, I need honesty.”

  Ruhan bowed his head before facing her. “I cannot say what the long-term effects will be, but if it is broken, Oran’s connection will be severed.”

  Nanette fought to compose herself. Every fiber of her being wanted to break down, but there wasn’t time for that. Her hand on the cold stone of the gate, she felt Duke whine as he pressed his nose to her shoulder. She reached back to pet his head, as she buried the heartache.

  Nanette swallowed. “What do you need me to tell Malthael?”

  “Tell him what I have told you,” Ruhan replied, his hands clasped tightly in front of him. “Tell him it is not just Morhaven that will suffer.”

  “I will.”

  “Using the gate weakens it,” Ruhan told her. “Know this, my daughter. I love you. You have grown into a wonderful woman before my eyes, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

  Despite her resolve, a sob escaped from her lips as fresh tears slid down her cheeks. She covered her mouth in an attempt to silence her escaping cries. His words broke through, and she felt a mixture of love and anguish. They had repaired their relationship, only to be separated.

  “I love you.” Nanette put her hand to the light, but didn’t pass it through.

  “The longer the gate remains open, the more it stresses the connection. Stay strong.” Without waiting for a reply, Ruhan disconnected. His image vanished, and Nanette was left staring into the murky gate.

  “I will,” she whispered, her voice strained. Glancing behind her, Nanette realized that her packing could wait. She needed to see Malthael.

  Chapter 16: Hystera

  Troy groggily opened his eyes. As he sat up, a newfound feeling drummed through him. Sweat no longer covered his brow, and an odd calm came over him. He needed to find Malthael and speak with him. His feet hit the carpeted floor, and he looked down at his toes. He searched the floor for his shoes. When he didn’t see any he strode to the door, opened it, and walked through. It was quiet in the hallway, probably because it was late. Troy hadn’t even considered the time, only the feeling in his very soul that was driving him.

  The skin in his arms reacted to the cold night, prickling at the change in the temperature. He ignored it; nothing mattered but his message. He had to locate Malthael and tell him. A kitchen girl dropped a platter in shock when she saw him.

  “Master Troy!” she said, startled.

  “Malthael?” he asked emotionlessly.

  Her hand quivered as she pointed. “They are at dinner.”

  Troy nodded and continued toward the dining area. It was left turn, two hallways, and a right turn before he arrived at a spacious area. Gathered around a large table was the largest group of people his home had seen in some time. They were mostly familiar faces—Nanette, Malthael, and Elisabeth. There were two dog-like creatures underfoot, waiting for scraps. It took a moment, but Troy remembered they were Nathan and Duke. When the blond girl turned her head, he realized it wasn’t Elisabeth at all, but someone who resembled her.

  “My father was certain the connection would break,” Nanette said to Malthael.

  “Here it is!” Kerrigan said, carrying a basket in her hand.

  As she started to set it on the table, her eyes wandered toward him. Slack jawed, she dropped the basket the last of the distance and Nanette jumped to steady it before its contents spilled out. “That was close!” Nanette cried before she noticed Kerrigan’s shocked gaze.

  When Nanette looked his way, she shot out of her seat. Her eyes locked on him. “Troy!” Everyone looked in his direction.

  “Ethandirill Det Mor sends a message to be delivered to Malthael, the Mad Dog of the Netherworld,” Troy stated as most of them came towards him. They all stopped dead at his words.

  “Troy?” Kerrigan said, but Malthael lifted a hand, cutting her off.

  Malthael’s voice rumbled as he spoke. “What is his message?”

  “Be lithe,” Troy said simply. “I also carry a message for Ki, child of the Shadow Clan.”

  Malthael and Nanette exchanged glances. Finally, Malthael spoke. “He isn’t here.”

  “His message cannot be delivered until he returns.” Troy felt strangely detached. “I shall wait.”

  Nanette came around the table and put a hand on Troy’s forehead. “He is so cold!” Nanette exclaimed, slipping a shawl off her shoulders and wrapping it his slight frame. “Let me get you back to bed.”

  When she tried to usher him from the room, he stood firm. “I will wait here until I can deliver the message.”

  “Malthael?” Nanette said, sounding distressed.

  Malthael came to stand beside her, his attention on Troy. “I’ve seen this before. There are powerful forces at work.” Rushing from the room with the hounds he called, “Nathan. Duke—find Ki and bring him back.”

  Troy watched everything happen dispassionately. Although conscious and aware of what was going on, he felt disembodied. He was cognizant of their words and their actions, but he wasn’t in full control of his facilities. When Kerrigan brought him water, he drank, but felt compelled to remain in place. He had to deliver his message, he had to wait. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and his legs shook, but he refused to waver.

  “Can’t we just carry him?” Nanette asked when Malthael returned.

  As she put a thicker blanket around Troy, Malthael answered, “We need to be careful. Right now, Troy is a vessel on a mission. I can’t say for sure what would happen if we tried to move him, but for now let’s hope Nathan and Duke can hunt down Ki quickly in Oran. They should be able to since he has a tracking talisman with him.”

  The clock in the dining room ticked, matching the steady drum of Troy’s heart. Ki reappeared with his hands on Duke’s and Nathan’s backs, his clothes torn.

  “Duke and Nathan seemed distressed,” Ki began. “Was there something you—”

  “I carry a message for Ki,” Troy said before he could finish, “child of the Shadow Clan.”

  Ki visibly tensed at the words. His jaw clenched as his gaze returned to Troy. Silence fell before Ki finally spoke. “What message?”

  “Your heart must have a home, a new home, a place your heart finds dear. It must connect each part of your heart to its two halves and make a home that exists between each. Blood calls to blood upon the second hour of need. Be clever,” Troy recited. He then collapsed, swallowed by a wave of blissful oblivion.

  Chapter 17: Hystera

  “It is obviously a riddle,” Nanette said, pacing back and forth.

  “I think he is talking about Elisabeth,” Ki replied.

  They were standing in Troy’s study again, dispersed around the room. Ki was sitting on the windowsill, watching Nanette pace; she could feel his eyes following her. After Troy had fainted, Malthael had carried him back to bed. Once there, Troy had been still, so motionless that Nanette had thought him dead until he sighed in his sleep.

  Kerrigan was very quiet as Selene stood next to her. Nanette had been surprised that Selene had decided to stay with them, but she understood the dangers of her staying in Lyreane. Part of her wondered if the horror of Selene’s life would have been Elisabeth’s fate had she not been born half Spirit Collector. Her mind immediately snapped back the riddle rather than dwelling on such disturbing thoughts.

  “So two halves of a whole means what?” Nanette asked, pausing to cross her arms and stare at Ki.

  “If Elisabeth’s name is changed out for ‘your heart,’ then I think I’m supposed to find a place that Elisabeth finds dear and connect it to the Netherworld. Her two halves.” Ki shrugged.

  “Why are you supposed to do it?”

  Ki paused.
“I’m the ‘it.’”

  Nanette’s heart fell into her stomach. “I’m sure Ethandirill didn’t mean that.”

  Ki shrugged. “But that does make the most sense. To a Det Morian I am an ‘it.’ That, at least, has been well established.”

  An uncomfortable silence followed. “Why would he leave me such a simple message? ‘Be lithe’ by itself is nonsensical to go to such lengths for. Why bother at all?” Malthael finally asked, breaking the quiet.

  “It likely has a double meaning as well,” Ki stated.

  “Your message was first, which has to mean something,” Nanette said. “Perhaps we can rearrange the letters to make a new word.”

  “I can try that,” Selene said jumping to her feet. “I’m good at word puzzles.”

  “Can I help?” Kerrigan asked.

  Selene shyly nodded as she went to the desk. “Yes.”

  “So we know that Elisabeth needs a home that connects the Netherworld and the planets. Can we use your home, Malthael?” Nanette asked hopefully.

  “No,” Malthael replied with a heavy sigh. “It is already connected to the Netherworld, but as we know it isn’t working. Whatever Arawn has planned, he was careful to disconnect the gates’ connection to the Netherworld, and the King’s gate in Morhaven is no doubt heavily guarded.” Malthael crossed his arms. “What I think Ethandirill is proposing is creating a bridge to the Netherworld, almost like a gate, that exists both in the Netherworld and one of the planets.”

  “Is that even doable?” Nanette asked Ki specifically.

  “In theory,” he said, “but it has never worked. I know the Shadow Clan tried to use a ritual to bring back the Black King, from other planets and from the Netherworld, but the Croatoan was entirely cut off and it failed, time and again.” Ki shook his head. “We must be missing something.”

  “Perhaps,” Malthael said. “That is what Ethandirill is trying to tell us. The secret to linking them.”