by Brandon Fox
“Give me your answer,” Varian shouted. “I grow tired of waiting.”
Dannel took a last look around the circle of friends, giving them an unsteady smile. “Think of me sometimes, when you’re sitting around the campfire. But now it’s time to act. When the count reaches three, run like the wind. One… two… three!”
Ander turned and sprinted for the inner chamber, cursing the tears that blurred his vision. The roar of outraged men resounded as Varian and his warriors gave chase.
As they entered the inner chamber, the portal’s rumble almost drowned out the sounds of pursuit. Ruby light bathed the walls, and streamers writhed from the portal like beckoning arms. Ander forced himself to look away, careening around the huge artifact just behind Skorri. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Dannel leaping onto the platform in front of the portal.
Strong hands grabbed Ander and pulled him up. He found himself on a wide pedestal in the portal’s shadow. Thane put an arm around his shoulders and tugged him to his knees. Skorri and Erik huddled a few feet away.
“Hold on!” Thane shouted, pulling Ander against his body.
A deafening crash like thunder boomed around them. Spears of searing white light bathed the chamber. Even behind the portal, reflections etched lines in Ander’s eyes. Screams filled the air before being cut short. The stench of burned hair and flesh clawed at his throat.
The chaos ended as suddenly as it had begun. Ander looked up and blinked. Colored streaks of light still danced before his eyes, but the chamber had grown still. Even the portal had fallen silent. He felt Thane’s embrace and returned it hard.
“He did it,” Ander whispered. “He succeeded.”
Thane’s body shook. Grief flowed through their bond in a river of anguish.
“Don’t blame yourself,” Ander said gently. He touched Thane’s cheek, felt hot tears. “He found what he sought. He was his own man at last.”
Thane took a ragged breath. “So many have died. So many friends lost. When will—”
Footfalls echoed around the chamber, slow and deliberate. Thane looked past Ander, eyes wide with shock.
Ander turned. Pallaton appeared from the other side of the portal and walked toward them. He glowed with a silvery nimbus and carried a limp figure in his arms. When he saw Ander, he nodded gravely.
“Perhaps I judged too hastily. You and your companions have more strength than I thought. When this one unsealed the Passage, I decided you were worth saving. But you must leave now. You have much to learn before you can safely touch hsien powers.”
Ander got to his feet. “Dannel…. Is he dead?”
“I shielded him,” Pallaton said. “A simple thing, if you have understanding.” He extended his arms, holding Dannel as if he weighed nothing. “Take him. He will awaken soon. The Sentinel is destroying the intruders in the valley, and the scrolls have been returned to the library. Where would you and your companions go? I will send you where you wish.”
Thane stood and helped Ander support Dannel. He was feverishly hot, but still breathed.
“Home,” Thane said. “The zamindar’s death is near. There will be troubles, struggles for power. Our friends will need our help.”
“Come.” Pallaton beckoned, and they followed him to the front of the portal. Its tumultuous surface had calmed and turned jade green, like the surface of a gently rippling pond. He turned to Ander. “I know your mind best. Show me where you call home.”
Ander thought of Thane’s estate, its weather-softened castle nestled along a river and surrounded by gardens. A moment later the portal chirruped. The rippling jade was overlaid with a view of the courtyard between the castle’s tower and the stables. Dawn blazed in rose and gold glory beyond the old fortress wall.
Skorri whooped and slapped Erik on the back.
“Go ahead,” Pallaton said. “That is where you belong. Not here.”
Thane nodded, and Skorri walked through the portal with Erik. A golden shimmer limned their bodies as they crossed the threshold; then Ander saw them standing in the courtyard laughing and hugging.
Ander and Thane stepped up to the portal, supporting Dannel between them. Ander turned his head and met Pallaton’s steady gaze.
“Will we see you again?” he asked.
“I cannot foresee the future. Anything is possible.”
Ander looked at Thane, his heart soaring. Together they carried Dannel through the portal. The sweet smell of spring welcomed them home.
PLEDGED TO MAGIC TRILOGY
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About the Author
BRANDON FOX’s first love was music, but he also started reading fantasy and science fiction at an early age. Inspired by recent novels with strong gay characters, he decided to start writing himself. He’s a romantic by nature, and nobody was surprised when M/M romance provided the heart of his character-centered stories. His writing has been ranked in the top 1,000 best-selling print books at Amazon and included on the Top 10 list in the erotica category.
Brandon met his partner in college, and they live in the Pacific Northwest where they enjoy hiking, camping, cooking, and keeping fit. They were married for a while, until a court waved its wand and made more than 3,000 marriages vanish. Their plan is to marry again when it becomes legal in their state or they win the lottery and can afford to move. Brandon is a believer in romance and thinks it will all work out in the end.
Contact Brandon at [email protected].
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