by Brenda Trim
I tugged Danalise’s tight brown top. “He’s a dragon?” I whispered when she looked back.
“Yes, I am,” Argiess called out over his shoulder. I jumped out of my skin and clasped my chest. He was nearly as bad as Sebastian. I wondered if they were friends.
“You don’t look like a dragon,” I pointed out.
He ignored me as he pushed open some double doors at the end of the hall. We’d passed a set of stairs that lead to the second floor, but my mind was racing with a million questions.
“Seriously though, I’m not your savior. I’m a middle-aged widow trying to start my life over. I have a bum knee and the odd chin hair.”
Argiess stopped in the middle of a small kitchen and turned his glare on me. It made me want to shrink against the tall cabinets behind me. “No, you aren’t a savior. Nor are you the subject of a prophecy. There are no such things. But we do have seers that gave us hope in the form of a powerful hybrid.”
I pointed to my chest. “I’m that hybrid.” I’d taken everything with a grain of salt so far, but the thought of a being that could see the future was too far down the rabbit hole for me.
It wasn’t that the room was small, just that Argiess was so big he took up all the space. The kitchen made me think of how things used to be before electricity. There was an open brick oven along with what looked like tables. There was a small table with chairs, as well.
Argiess went to a dark closet and started pulling out platters of food. “Unless there are more like you in your realm, I believe Danalise is right and you are that hybrid. Now that we’re in a closed environment, I can feel your power.”
Danalise lifted the lid off what looked like fruit. Some looked familiar, but it didn’t smell like I expected. “She fought Thelvienne. She’s the reason the Queen has been locked inside her rooms for months.”
One of Argiess’s eyebrows lifted and his brow puckered. “Are you sure you’re not our savior? I’ve never seen one of the royal family injured like that.”
I waved my hand in dismissal and popped a piece of what I thought was apple. The flesh was white and the skin bright red. My jaw masticated three times before I spit it out and started choking. “What the hell is that?”
“That’s dewberries. You don’t like it?” Danalise had a frown on her face and she was looking at me sideways.
“They taste like flowers and dirt. Not my favorite.” My mouth felt like a moldy flowerpot.
A knock sounded from the back of the house, and Argiess left the kitchen the opposite direction from which we’d entered.
Three tall elves entered, one carrying a plate with what looked like sliced bread. “Marikhoth, Respen, and Eirina this is Fiona. She’s the hybrid.”
Eirina put the plate down and came at me with her arms out and a smile on her face. Another round of me denying the fact that I was their savior. My heart raced ever faster as these newcomers were excited that I was there to save them.
“We need to organize everyone and come up with a plan of attack,” Marikhoth said excitedly as he nibbled on the bread. “Once we know the details, we can have the gnomes spread word to the other towns, so we have a unified front.”
To my surprise Argiess corrected them before I opened my mouth. “That’s not happening anytime soon. Fiona isn’t staying. She must return to her realm. She has friends in danger, two of them are kids. It seems someone is terrorizing her town.”
Respen gasped and covered his mouth with his hand. “You don’t think Vodor sent a bilge do you?”
Argiess pursed his lips and tapped the countertop. “I’d say it’s likely.”
I lifted a hand. “Do they have scales and fire? A brownie was killed by fire and I found a red scale near her house.” My mouth still tasted like a hundred-year-old garden, so I grabbed a piece of the bread and popped it into my mouth. It was dense and surprisingly sweet.
“No scales. They’re black with smooth skin and no fur. They look like a Grimm, a giant dog. And, I’d say it’s likely it was trying to hide its actions and set up a dragon.” He paused and clenched his hands into fists before continuing.
“We’re known to be volatile, and of course, fire is our natural weapon, if you don’t count our teeth. But no dragon would bother killing a brownie like that. They’re no threat to us. It’d be like burning your snack because it pissed you off. Pointless.” Argiess broke off some bread and popped it into his mouth.
“Okay, so I’m looking for a black dog. Can you help me get back to the clearing and through the portal? I have to get back home.”
Argiess shook his head from side to side. “None of us could help you. We’d only bring attention to you which is the opposite of what you need right now. But you don’t want to leave anytime soon. It’s dark out and kobolds are out hunting now.”
“We might as well make some plans while we’re trapped here, that way we can gather any supplies and weapons we’ll need for when she returns,” Marikhoth suggested.
The group started talking over each other and I sank into one of the chairs at the table and cradled my head in my hands. I was hungry and exhausted, and wanted to go home. The second it was safe I was out of here. I hated the idea of leaving this group in the lurch, but I had no choice.
Chapter 8
My hand flew to my hip as a gasp left my lips. My back hurt like a bitch after spending the night on the sofa in Argiess’s house. You didn’t have to lay there being miserable. You were offered a soft bed. The reminder was unwelcome. As if I really had a choice. I was in a foreign realm and had no idea who I could trust. Argiess was good looking and his group talked a good talk, but I wasn’t willing to put my life on the line by letting down my guard.
They were desperate to remove Vodor from the throne and people in that position would do almost anything to achieve their goals. After all, living under tyranny made it so there was little left to lose. That had me pacing the living room for a while before deciding to try and get some rest.
The sofa was soft, but not comfortable to lie on. After tossing and turning and trying to squirm into a better position, I gave up and returned to a sitting position. At first it had been wonderful after a long stressful day of running through the woods, but then my back and hips started aching.
I sat there thinking about everything that had happened and trying to recall everything I had read about the portal. It felt like hours passed and it should be morning, but I had no idea how long it had actually been. Apparently, time moved differently in Eidothea than on Earth.
Exhaustion dragged at me thanks to my inability to sleep a wink. How could I when my best friend’s children were missing? Getting back home wasn’t going to be a simple task and Eidothea wasn’t a friendly place for me at the moment. I was subject numero uno on the King’s wanted list.
I’d already been aware of how awful he was, but I’d learned so much more about how he was stealing the vitality from the Fae to feed his need for more power. Because of that there wasn’t anyone strong enough to battle him for the throne.
This group was staging a rebellion and gathering powerful people together to overcome the King’s power and oust him, and they wanted me to help them. I couldn’t help but question everything they’d told me. Was it really that unsafe to return to the portal? Were they waiting there for me?
My gut said yes, they were, and I didn’t care. I had to try. I wouldn’t stay here while Violet needed me. While Argiess seemed to support me returning home, I couldn’t be sure. I didn’t know him and wasn’t going to blindly trust him when I knew he needed something from me.
Getting to my feet, I crossed to the window and noticed it was still night outside. There wasn’t even a hint of it shifting to daylight anytime soon. I needed to take my chances out there and make my way back.
My stomach rumbled and fatigue dragged at me, making me hesitate. I needed to eat, and I needed caffeine. Did they even have the nectar of the Gods here? I could always wait around and ask when Argiess or one of the others got up. They’d be happy
to feed you while outlining all the reasons you can’t leave!
It wasn’t that I was cold hearted and immune to their plight. I hated what they were being put through at the hands of some evil megalomaniac and I wanted to help them. But I had to get home. There was just as much at stake on Earth. More for Ben, Bailey and Violet.
Glancing around, I searched for something I could grab to eat. I hadn’t been brave enough to try very much last night. Who could blame me? The two types of fruit I’d eaten had tasted like mold, and I refused to try anymore. My stomach had threatened to bring it all back up. The last thing I wanted to do was get food poisoning when I was in a foreign place and being hunted by thousands of soldiers.
The bread! While it had been dense and bland, it wasn’t awful and would be nice right about now. I hadn’t eaten in at least a day and I wasn’t going to make it very far without something.
Opening the cupboard, I saw the plate of biscuits and grabbed three. I had no way of carrying them, so I put one back and searched for a bottle I could fill with water. Stealing from Argiess after he’d given me a safe place to rest and food went against every fiber of my being, but I was in a bind.
“Morning.” I jumped at the sound of Argiess’s deep voice. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
I clutched my chest and turned around to face the sexy dragon. He was as muscled as Sebastian and nearly as attractive, but he didn’t get my motor revving like Bas did. So much for sneaking out. “It’s alright. I’m on edge.”
Argiess crossed the room and it was then that I noticed the soft pants he was wearing. Alright, so I didn’t exactly notice the pants until I forced my gaze away from his chest. Yep, he was sexier than a man who could turn into a giant lizard should be. And, he wasn’t malicious like I had begun to think of his kind.
“Did you get any sleep?”
I shook my head to clear the inappropriate thoughts. “Not really. You wouldn’t happen to have any coffee, would you?”
He paused with his hand on an upper cabinet. “Coffee hasn’t really caught on here. Neither has television. Two of the reasons I visit your realm as often as I do.”
I titled my head to the side. “I’m a demon without my coffee in the mornings, so you’ll want to keep your distance.” I hadn’t considered the amenities they didn’t have here. I scanned the room quickly and noticed something important. “Do you even have electricity here? I know you have toilets like they used to have on Earth about seventy-five years ago, but hadn’t really considered anything else.”
Argiess chuckled as he opened the cabinet and grabbed two mugs and a jar. “You’ve been worried about your friend and her kids since you arrived. I’m not surprised you didn’t notice much. But to answer your question, no, we don’t have electricity. The magic here interferes with it, so we gave up more than a hundred years ago. You’re hungry I see. That’s a good sign.”
I jolted at his observation and glanced down at the bread in my hand. I’d crumpled it and held pieces now. “Uh, I am actually. Honestly, I’m not real sure about eating anything. That fruit I tasted last night was awful.”
“I understand that. Your food is so different. There’s a strong chemical component on your fruits and vegetables. But you haven’t tried fried orc. I think you’ll like it.” He went to the cold storage where he kept food and grabbed one of the plates, I’d seen last night. After the fruit, I hadn’t looked too closely at anything else afraid I might see eyeballs or intestines. My mind immediately conjured the creatures from the Lord of the Rings movies which made it even less appealing.
I scrutinized the fried orc and noted it kinda looked like month-old chicken fingers if I squinted and tilted my head just so. “Nope. Baby poop green isn’t an appetizing color.” My hand covered my stomach as it started to churn.
Removing the plastic wrap, Argiess turned a scowl my way. “I didn’t say to eat it raw.” With that announcement he selected several pieces and crossed to the brick oven set into one of the walls.
Heat filled the kitchen a second later when he opened his mouth and blew a stream of fire at the slices that he’d carefully set across the stone platform set on the grates. My arm shot up to shield my face from the warmth, as well as the bright orange flames.
A mouthwatering aroma filled the kitchen. It leaned heavily toward garlic with sage and thyme added in to make it savory. Reminds me of turkey on Thanksgiving. “It smells delicious, but if it’s still baby poop green there’s no way I will be able to eat it.”
Argiess made a sound and his flames flickered before they went out altogether. “You’re something else, Fiona. Do you trust me?”
I watched amusement dance in his dark eyes, but I barely registered his teasing. My mind had traveled back to my struggles a couple hours earlier. “I don’t even know you,” I told him, sharing the conclusion I’d come to. “I’d like to say yes, absolutely, but I know better. Let me ask you something. Will you keep your promise to help me reach the portal?”
Fate must be at work because if I’d left when I wanted and avoided Argiess altogether I would be running around the Fae countryside lost and alone. I had no idea which direction to head.
“I made a promise and will follow through on it, but we need to be careful as we travel to the clearing. It won’t do any good if we take the direct route and get caught. The journey will be long and arduous.”
My mouth fell open. “What? It took me a day to get here. Why can’t I get back before nightfall? I need to get home.” My heart started racing and my breaths turned choppy.
Argiess reached into the oven and pulled out a piece of orc. Instead of the green, slimy strip I expected, he held onto a crispy, piece of kiwi. Not the worst. Holding it out to me, he smiled. The look was full of challenge.
“They have all main roads covered and Vodor has extended the search well into the forest.”
I didn’t bother thinking too much about what he was offering. If he was right, I needed to keep up my energy, so I took the meat and took a bite. To my surprise my teeth sank through the tender flesh and it was easy to take a chunk of it. Flavor exploded across my tongue.
My eyes widened at how yummy it was. There was a slightly slimy texture, but the flavor overrode that enough that I could swallow. I might be able to eat a couple more pieces, but not much more than that.
“It’s alright. The texture takes some getting used to but it doesn’t taste like boiled assholes, which I had expected.”
“Have some more. You’re going to need your energy. Would you like some tea?”
Shaking my head, I grabbed another piece and ate it quickly. “I’ll pass on the tea. Get dressed so we can head out.”
Argiess watched me closely. I ate another piece and was happy it got better the more I consumed. His stare was unnerving and had me fighting the urge to check my hair and face. I hadn’t washed the makeup off my face the night before. It never occurred to me.
Thankfully, I was no longer a twenty-something year old or I would be breaking out by now. Another benefit of being middle-aged.
I opened my mouth to ask if he changed his mind when he turned and left the room. Picking up one of the mugs, I went to the sink and was happy to find a faucet that had a lever to turn the water on and off. I filled the cup and drank it quickly to wash out the aftertaste.
Argiess was back in no time and had grabbed all the remaining orc, some bread and a few starfruits. At least that’s what it looked like to me. It had yellow skin and had a five-point shape to it. He picked up a leather backpack and tossed everything inside.
“Stay close to me. If we happen to get separated, go to the nearest town and search for the rune for flame on a building and ask for me. They’ll get word to me and keep you safe.”
I bobbed my head and followed him outside, only to stop in place. “I have no idea what the flame rune looks like.”
He gave me a how-the-fuck-have-you-survived-this-long look then bent down and drew in the dirt with his finger. “You’ll see an orange
glow around the symbol, as well. It’s hard to miss.”
I stared at it for a second then we both stood up. “Thanks. Next time I come back I will have more knowledge. My Grams recently returned to me as a ghost and she knows everything and will teach me.”
I followed him through his backyard and into the trees. We’d come in the opposite direction, so it was difficult to continue walking away. I’d give him an hour before grilling him about where we were headed.
Traveling with Argiess was very different than with Danalise. She and I had run like a bat out of hell to get away from the patrols. Now it was as if I was on a Sunday stroll. Or a date. I wanted to choke myself for the stupid thought. That was the last thing on my mind. But it felt more intimate than I anticipated. My heart was back to hammering while my mind ran through ways that I could escape him and find my way back to the portal.
I’d follow the ley lines, but I wasn’t certain they worked the same way here. For the first time I sensed the powerful pathways. If I looked closely enough, I could almost see the glowing lines.
“What are you thinking about? Your energy signature just spiked. It disappeared before anyone could pick up on it, but If it gets worse, we’ll need to find a spell to mask you.”
“I was thinking about being caught. How can I keep it under wraps?” Everything in the Fae realm was so much more intense.
“Imagine there’s a clear cylinder around you. You can see out, but the glass is thick enough to hide you from detection. If you had friends here, you could reach out to them and share energy, so it’s felt in various locations throughout the realm.”
“We did something like that at my house. My power was split four ways, so I was harder to find.”
His head turned my way and I caught sight of his wide-eyed gaze. “This is a diluted form of your energy? You have to be the most powerful being I’ve ever met. You can definitely help us beat Vodor and Thelvienne.”
I shook my head side to side. “I’m not all that potent. I think being cut off from them forced the focus back on me entirely. Which way from here?”