by Sela Croft
“That would be the least of it,” Jason said. “The trick would be to stay alive out there. And you can’t do it alone.”
I was speechless. “I couldn’t ask you to risk yourself for me.”
“I’m offering,” Jason said. “It would make my life mean something. You cannot deny me the opportunity to do something for the human realm, to live up to my heritage. And…to have hope for the future.”
Jason’s honorable intentions had touched me deeply. I’d agreed to take him with me. All I had to do was get a magical key. That shouldn’t be so hard. Upon reflection, I’d done more difficult things already. I pondered different approaches.
I considered how I might bargain for the key. Iris was human, after all. Possibly, she had a weakness, something she would take in exchange for helping me. But that was where it all came undone. Iris wouldn’t help me under any conditions.
The woman was loyal to Silvain, and though human in physical form, I’d witnessed a nastiness under the surface that made me wonder if she was part vampire. Negotiating my release would be tricky, as I had a clear disadvantage.
Despite my blossoming powers, I was still very human and vulnerable. I couldn’t bluster and threaten my way out of my prison. Then it dawned on me that I had something I could use. Excitement rose inside me; it just might work.
At dinner one evening, I decided to test my theory. The tactic was so simple that I’d nearly overlooked it. My apparent innocence was my weapon. No one—Iris most of all—suspected me of guile. It was generally agreed that I was naïve in the ways of the world.
I could tell by how others acted around me. Sometimes I was described as pure of heart, naïve, and other exaggerated terms for lacking experience and wisdom. All that may have been true, but I was rapidly changing. I was fast learning that the fates offered up tough lessons and didn’t coddle to those who weren’t up to the tasks.
But Iris didn’t have to know that. It worked to my advantage for her to view me as an innocent—so I played that up. Iris sat adjacent to me, in her usual dinner seat. The food had been served and she was savoring her meal.
I nibbled at mine and sipped my tea. Then I began chatting about inane things. I spoke of the gardens, the roses, what shade my bedroom wallpaper was. “I’ve come to like that shade of gold. Were you the one to choose it?”
Flattery didn’t hurt my cause. Iris seemed to puff up at the comment. “As a matter of fact, I was,” she said. “I have an eye for color.”
“I can tell that by how you dress.” I held my teacup in both hands. “I trust that you choose your own dresses?”
“I make a habit of it,” Iris said. “And I assisted in filling your closet before you arrived.”
I was careful not to overdo it. There was a fine line between believable dullness and obviously faking it. I had to be cautious that Iris didn’t catch on to my trick. Her mind revealed that she was merely pleased that I’d taken note of her sense of color.
“Gold is so striking,” I said. “It reminds me of gold coins, jewels in gold settings, bright, shiny objects.” As I said it, I thought of the key that the guard had used. Iris couldn’t read my mind, but it didn’t mean I couldn’t offer a thought to hers.
When I mentioned shiny objects, I focused on a gold key, until Iris had the thought. I saw it in her mind, an ornate passkey. I just needed to know where it was kept.
“Where does one keep gold, do you suppose?” I said, playing dumb.
Iris glanced at me, but immediately thought of a wall safe in her bedroom. I focused on my food and carved a slice of beef, seeming not to notice her.
“Gold must be guarded closely,” Iris said. “Any person wealthy enough to possess it would surely have a secure place to keep it.”
“I suppose so,” I said, appearing slightly bored. “It would have to be secure, as you say.” The moment I said it, Iris thought of the safe again, secured against any intruder. I read her thoughts clearly:
You’ve heard me before, yet you hear me again,
Then I die till you call me once more.
It was a riddle I’d have to solve. Iris had blocked the answer from her mind. It was what I needed, though. “What’s for dessert?” I said.
“Chocolate mousse, your favorite.”
I smiled at her. “Oh, I have overstayed my welcome. My hostess knows my favorite dessert.”
Iris stabbed her last bite of meat, then flagged the waiter. She didn’t acknowledge my comment, not having recognized it as a clue that it was time for me to go.
The next day, I pondered the riddle. It had been clever to set up security that way. It prevented a thief from merely discovering a code and opening the safe directly. For hours, I strolled through the castle, close to the answer but unable to bring it to mind.
I avoided Jason, just to be safe. I went out in the garden once to see that he was there. It was reassuring that he was outdoors and accessible if I needed to talk. He’d told me where his quarters were, so that I could find him there if an emergency arose.
Iris had misjudged me, which was a grave error. She’d inadvertently provided me with a way out. All I had to do was solve the riddle—yet the answer escaped me. For relaxation, I went to the library.
Before I could settle in with a book, I heard Iris. It startled me, but then I noticed that she wasn’t in the room. My ability to hear thoughts had magnified, so that I heard her from down the hall. Since Iris had no idea that I could read minds, she didn’t suppress her emotions.
Iris was rattled. She’d received a message from Silvain. I closed my eyes, not wanting to miss anything. Reading thoughts from a distance was new, and I’d require more practice to perfect the skill. Thoughts were more broken up, less of a constant stream.
I focused and strained to hear. Iris seemed to be alone, stewing over recent communications. “Silvain…is furious. Draven’s capture…”
I lost the connection, so stood and walked over to the hall. “Not according to plan…” Then there was silence. I held my breath. “Draven won’t survive.”
My heart seized, then I put my hand to my throat. What had happened to Draven?
Then I was bombarded with fear coming from Iris. “The master is on the way.”
That meant Silvain was coming. My window of opportunity for escape was closing. I strained to hear more from Iris, but she’d left the room. I’d heard enough. The alarm I’d sensed in her thoughts told me all I needed to know. The dark master was on his way to the castle; I must get away without delay.
Panic surged in my chest, and I leaned against the doorframe. Draven was foremost in my mind. Iris had been led to believe that he wouldn’t survive. I had to get to him. I couldn’t wait in this castle for the disaster that was about to befall me.
CHAPTER 24 – MIRELA
It was late in the day. Luckily, dinner had been served already, because I didn’t think I could face Iris. There was no time; I had to go immediately. I’d been unable to discover how far away Silvain was, so I had no idea how long it would take for him to arrive at the castle.
I went directly to my bedroom, taking note that the guards paid no attention to me. I’d become a regular in the halls of the castle, and since the estate was well protected, they appeared unconcerned about me.
Once in my room, I went to my closet. I couldn’t very well wander in a rainforest wearing an evening gown. I rummaged for something more appropriate. Lily hadn’t been able to locate the clothes that I’d arrived in, so I had to settle for something Medieval.
I settled for a long-sleeved gray dress of heavy material. It didn’t have the laces and ruffles, and the skirt wasn’t too large and wide. Judging by the dark color, it was meant to wear to a funeral. As I put it on, I hoped that I wasn’t wearing it to mine.
Lily had braided my hair that morning then wrapped it in a sensible style. That was to my advantage for a journey into the forest. Shoes were going to be an issue, as mucking around in delicate slippers wouldn’t work at all.
&n
bsp; I found a pair of thick-soled overshoes that tied over normal shoes using leather straps. And there was a shawl, so I grabbed it then secured it around my shoulders. The rainforest was likely warm and humid, so I doubted that I’d need a coat. But there was no way to predict weather changes as I progressed on my journey.
That was the best I could do. My hosts hadn’t anticipated my travel; the clothes provided were for indoor activities. I wished for my university garb of jeans, cotton shirts, and jogging shoes or hiking boots. But I had to settle for what was available.
After throwing a couple of items in a small cloth pouch, I wrapped the drawstring around my wrist. Then I paused to see if I’d forgotten anything. There were no personal belongings to consider, and I had no way to carry much with me. What I had available would have to do.
Each evening, Iris met with the household staff. It was certain that she’d do so that night, after receiving word that the master of the castle was returning. She’d want to make sure that all was in order. If I had any hope of entering her bedroom, that would be the time.
At the door, a pang of regret hit me. I hated leaving Lily. Although she’d be okay, she would worry about me. But there wasn’t anything I could do. It would have been unwise to leave any note. I’d have to reconnect with her, after I was safe—if I was.
I stepped into the hall, pretending all was normal. The calm demeanor I portrayed was hardly what I felt. Without rushing, I swept through the passages, ignoring the guards, as I usually did. The library was ahead, a place I often frequented.
Stepping inside, I listened. My skill for picking up thoughts from a distance would come in handy. As predicted, Iris was in the main dining room, meeting with her staff. The topic discussed wasn’t anything I needed to hear about.
Having confirmed that Iris was otherwise involved, I went up a set of stairs leading to the bedrooms. I could very well have been going to mine.
The practice of not locking doors in the castle was sensible. With guards stationed throughout, there was no reason for locks. Slowly, I strolled along the upper hall. In case anyone was watching, I went in the direction of my room.
The hallway was unusually silent, with no guards visible. I suspected that Iris was lecturing them on how to best prepare for Silvain’s return, so that was my chance to move about unseen. I glided toward the bedroom where I’d learned the safe was kept, then entered.
There was no telling how long Iris would be busy, or when she might look for me. In the evenings, I was normally left alone, but with the master arriving soon, circumstances might change. If there was any hint of my errant behavior, no doubt I’d be locked up for real.
It wouldn’t do for Silvain to arrive and find me missing. I had a brief breath in time to get free, before the scrutiny of my activities increased. The likely place to put a safe would be in the closet behind the dresses, and that was where I found it.
I stared at the keypad then panicked. In my hurried preparations, I’d forgotten that I’d yet to solve the riddle. My life, Draven’s future, and even Jason’s hinged on my success. Suddenly, my mind went into overdrive. I remembered the riddle.
You’ve heard me before, yet you hear me again,
Then I die till you call me once more.
Seconds ticked by, then the light began to dawn. Of course, the answer was: an echo. That had to be it. With trembling hands, I stepped close to the wall safe, then punched in the letters—E C H O—but the safe didn’t open. Anxiety riddled my belly; Iris might enter any moment.
If I had any brilliance to draw from, I’d best not delay in using it. I tried to think of the problem logically. I was certain that the riddle was about an echo. I whispered the riddle again, lingering over then I die till you call me once more.
An idea came to me. The secret might be the last line: call me once more. Quickly, I typed in E C H O. Then I typed the letters once more. The safe clicked, so I yanked on the handle and it opened. I breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of golden passkeys.
There were jewels and coins, with other treasured items. But I had no need for those. I wasn’t a thief. I snatched one of the passkeys and slipped it into my pouch. Then I closed the safe and moved the dresses back in place.
Before opening the door to the hall, I listened. Unfortunately, I couldn’t read a vampire’s mind, and the guards tended to be stealthy. I hoped that fortune was on my side, because if I was seen coming out of that bedroom, I’d have a lot of explaining to do.
It wasn’t wise to think of possible consequences or consider failure. I had to continue; there was no going back. The hallway was empty, so I stepped out and closed the door behind me. I retraced my steps back to the library.
Iris was still occupied, and the atmosphere of the meeting was intense. That was good, as it would buy me time. I’d learned of a discreet exit out of the castle, by way of the kitchen. I’d made a point to befriend the humans who worked as servants, so I was confident I could rely on their discretion.
Since the evening meal was over, there was only one cook who was finishing the cleanup. I smiled as I walked toward the back door, then I put my finger to my mouth and made a shushing sound.
The cook nodded and went back to work, so I went out the door. There were shrubs and an herb garden beside the path. I hurried to Jason’s cottage, then tapped on the window. That was to be our code. It wasn’t too late, so Jason was still dressed.
The instant Jason let me in, he went into motion. I entered the cottage and shut the door behind me. There was no time to admire his quarters, but at a glance, I liked the place. There were pictures on the walls and homey furniture. It was more to my liking than the sterile castle environment.
Jason returned with a bag. He draped the strap across his shoulder and chest to secure it. “I’ve been packed and ready ever since you told me you planned to escape.” He wore a cap over his dark hair and had a jacket over his shirt.
“There’s no time to waste,” I said. “Iris will discover my absence soon enough.”
“This way,” Jason said, then took me out a back door. It led to a path, overgrown with bushes and vines. The greenery provided good cover.
At the end of the path, the way looked unpassable. But Jason motioned for me to follow him. He wove through the branches, and I followed. Then he turned and put his finger to his lips. I nodded, hardly able to breathe. If the guards spotted us, it would all be over.
Jason pointed at a portal. I was able to see a seam in the otherwise transparent bubble. The trouble was that there were two guards stationed at that point. I’d have to use my magic. I held up my hand to let Jason know that I had an idea.
Reaching into my pouch, I retrieved the golden passkey and held it tightly in my palm. I raised my other hand and waved it across the sky, then sliced jagged lines through the air. The tranquil night erupted in thunder and lightning.
The guards looked up, puzzled by the unexpected shift in weather. Thick lightning bolts shot from the sky, spearing through the trees in the dense forest and lighting up the castle grounds. Jason and I took the last steps to the exit at a run. With the passkey, I parted the seam and burst through to the other side, with Jason on my heels. Then he grabbed me around the waist and pulled me behind dense foliage.
The only sounds were our heavy breathing. There was no indication that the guards followed. Jason peeked through the leaves, then whispered. “We weren’t seen.”
I stood up. “Let’s go, then.” I stuffed the passkey in my pouch, not wanting it to be found. It had worked its magic, allowing us through. It wasn’t like a door that had to be shut after exiting. It had just let us pass through the transparent barrier.
I was out—none too soon, I was sure. Being in the rainforest was disorienting. The environment was foreign to me—and despite all I’d learned of Lumea, it was new. I dared not slow to take in the sights.
The most important thing was to get as far away from the castle as possible. Jason raced ahead of me, then looked back. “I know th
e way,” he said. “Remember…I used to live in the kingdom. I wasn’t always trapped in that castle.”
The air seemed fresher than it had at the estate. I took deep gulps and found it revitalizing. The realm was magical, and my connection to the supernatural surged. Strength coursed through my body, my abilities more certain. The environment recharged me, and I sensed that I’d be able to draw upon my talents with greater ease.
Yet the escape wasn’t complete. The guards were close enough to come after us once they discovered I’d left. And I was certain there were many dangers throughout the kingdom; Jason had said so. A knot of fear twisted in my stomach.
Lumea was unfamiliar, and I was unequipped to deal with its challenges. But I had Jason to guide me, and my newfound powers to assist me. Draven was out there somewhere. At last, I had a chance to get to him. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity because of my fear.
The only way was forward, the only option to keep going. I caught up to Jason, then jogged beside him through the dense trees. He seemed adept at avoiding the thick moss, and somehow finding the way. I stuck close to avoid getting separated. Alone, I’d be lost for sure.
It was impossible to avoid the thick foliage, and branches brushed my skin as I moved through. I couldn’t avoid the wet touch of the leaves. Yet it wasn’t as hot as I’d imagined—possibly, because of the lack of sun. Curious, I asked Jason.
“There are two types of rainforests,” he said. “You’re familiar with the type that is found near the earth’s equator, where it’s warm and rains most of the year. This is a temperate rainforest, as it’s closer to the coastal area where we’re headed.”
That explained the milder temperature. Yet the wooded area was much like any rainforest I’d seen pictures of. Giant trees formed a canopy that blocked out most of the moonlight. The plants seemed to thrive on starlight, just as they had in Jason’s gardens at the estate.