by Teri Barnett
“If anyone asks, I could tell them you’re not able to talk, then you stay covered.”
“That’s fine, as long as I don’t have to use these tortuous things.” He closed the box and handed it back to Bethany. “Do we have everything we need?”
Bethany nodded.
Connor took her by the hand. “Good. Now, let’s get out of here before another ice storm hits.”
Bethany and Connor moved through the Digger’s camp as the sun began its ascent through the sky. “Do you think the Eitellans are nearby?” she asked.
“I don’t know. Those guards scattered all too quickly yesterday, even if my gun scared them. I’d also imagine the two I wounded are itching for a fight.” He scanned the horizon, his mouth set in a grim line. “My guess is that this High Priestess of theirs will be plenty angry and will most likely send out an even bigger group after us.”
Bethany agreed. “You’re probably right. We need to get to Paran as soon as possible.”
“How far did you say it is?”
“About half a day’s journey, to the west,” she gestured with her chin.
“Let’s get a move on, then,” Connor said as he picked up his pace. “I’m sure your friend’s help will enable us to find Sarah that much sooner.” He glanced at her as she rushed to match his long stride with her shorter one. Her long blonde hair floated out behind her like a cloud. Her cheeks were rosy from the cool air and brisk walk.
Her beauty entranced him. He surely had been in a drunken stupor when he’d first met her, not to notice that. Then again, she had appeared in the form of an angel. Yes, she was a beautiful woman, but her strength and spirit amazed him—made his heart constrict in his chest.
Oh, Lord, I hope everything turns out all right. I hope we find Sarah healthy and unharmed…
He also hoped that Ian Johns—Bethany’s so-called family friend—would not challenge him over Bethany.
The sun was high overhead when Bethany and Connor reached the outskirts of Paran. A small town, it consisted of about two hundred families and a square containing shops where goods could be bought and sold.
“I expected your towns to be different than where I come from,” Connor commented, scanning the area from their perch in the hills surrounding the town. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d almost think I was back home.”
Bethany began her descent down the slight hill, Connor following closely behind. “How are our buildings different from yours?” she asked as she walked, her Digger curiosity aroused.
“Well, in the west, the homes would be built mostly of wood, though some of the settlers use stone, like you have here. And, they have a pitched roof, for drainage and storage above, like this.” He made a triangular shape by putting his fingertips together and spreading his arms apart. “It looks like yours are constructed almost entirely of stone with flat shale roofs.” As they moved closer, he added, “We do have long porches on the fronts, though, like you.”
As they entered Paran, several women hurried toward Bethany. Connor turned his back to them, drawing the blanket up over his face.
“Bethany, we’re so very sorry to hear about little Sarah,” one cried.
“Truly a tragedy to lose a child,” another added, shaking her head.
Bethany cringed. “I haven’t lost her yet,” she said, gritting her teeth. She knew the women were only being kind, but she still refused to believe Sarah was dead.
“It’s all right, Bethany. It takes time to adjust,” one of the women said as she approached Bethany from behind, placing her arm over her shoulder.
She turned around. It was Mara, Ian’s mother. “So I imagine, Mara. But I truly believe we’ll find her soon.”
“I understand you have to keep faith for a little while. You’ll know when the time is right to let go.”
Bethany considered the woman for a moment. “Tell me, have any more children disappeared? Before I left Paran, Father told me a few of the beggars were missing.”
Mara nodded slowly as the other women drew closer. “The last of the ragamuffins vanished just last night. She always stayed near my house as I feed her. But she didn’t come by to see me.”
“Do you think she just wandered off? Maybe she found someone else to take care of her.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve looked all around town today while I shopped. I’m the only one who takes care of her.” Mara shivered.
“What’s happening, Bethany? Can you use the Knowing to tell us?” another woman asked.
“Yes, Bethany. Can you tell us what you see?” She clutched the baby she carried against her breast. “I fear for my own child.”
Bethany took the woman by the hand. With the other, she gently caressed the baby’s head. “All I can tell you right now is to keep your children close by. There’s a force out there greater than we could imagine and it wants our babies.”
The women gasped. “Do you know what it is? Is there anything we can do?”
Bethany shook her head. “Please, don’t ask. I can’t say right now. Just know that I will see it ended soon.”
Mara patted Bethany on the arm. “May the Mother of All keep you safe in this battle.”
Bethany smiled warmly at the woman. “Thank you, Mara.” She looked through the crowd to where Connor was hanging back behind them. Their eyes met and she smiled at him.
“Who is that?” Mara asked. “I don’t remember seeing him around here before. Who are you, Son?”
“He can’t speak, Mara. His, um, tongue was ripped out and his mouth mangled when he was attacked by a woolet.”
“A woolet, you say? I didn’t know there were any around these parts.”
“There aren’t. I mean, he’s not from here. He’s from Vaydah.” She took a deep breath, trying to relax as she concocted the story of Connor’s origins. “His name is Connor. He’s a good friend of mine. We met on a dig.”
“I don’t remember Ian mentioning any Connor from Vaydah.”
Bethany felt Mara’s eyes bore through her. “Really, Mara, I do go on digs without Ian. You know I travel with the group from Vaydah sometimes.”
“Mmm. I suppose.” She let her gaze move from Connor and back to Bethany. “Well, as I said before, I wish you success on your journey. I hope you do find Sarah.”
Bethany hugged the woman. “Thank you, Mara.” Since her own mother had died so long ago, Mara had always been there for her. She knew the woman’s concern was out of love, in spite of her nosiness. “I appreciate your words.”
Mara patted Bethany on the back before releasing her. “Come along, ladies,” she bade her friends, “and leave Bethany to her work.”
“Mother’s blessings on you,” they called as they walked away, throwing curious glances at Connor.
Bethany let out a long sigh. Connor stepped closer to her. “Do you think they believed me?” she asked.
“Hell, I even believed you and I knew you were lying.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners and Bethany knew he was smiling at her. She fought the urge to touch him, afraid someone may be watching. It wouldn’t do to have rumors swirling about them.
“Tell me, what’s the big deal about me being here anyway?” he asked. “I thought this ‘crossing the planes’ was commonplace.”
“No, it’s not really,” she replied. “I didn’t even know for sure it could be done until I visited the Weaver, Maud Hekate. She’s the one who sent me to Zachariah.” Bethany glanced around to make sure no one was listening. “And she made me promise I wouldn’t discuss it with anyone.”
“Your secret is safe with me. I certainly don’t want to be the one to tell.”
As they spoke, Bethany’s home came into view. “Look! There’s my house! Come on!” she called as she picked up the pace.
It’ll be so good to see Papa again.
She crossed her fingers,
hoping he’d have some word of Sarah the women hadn’t known about.
Bethany reached the front porch as Abraham stepped out from the side of the house where he’d been working. “Papa!” Bethany ran to him, arms outstretched.
“My daughter!” Abraham embraced her tightly. “Where have you been these past ten days? I thought I’d lost you, too.” He held her out at arm’s length, assessing her appearance. “Look at you.” He shook his head. “You’ve lost weight. Come inside and I’ll fix you something to eat.”
“Wait, Papa, here’s someone I want you to meet. Connor Jessup, this is Abraham Stendi, my father.”
Connor seemed to hesitate, pulling the blanket tighter around his mouth.
“It’s all right Connor,” she smiled, motioning for him to let it down. Abraham took a step back as Connor let the blanket drop to his shoulders.
“I’ve never seen someone with hair so dark. What is he doing here?”
“He’s a friend, come to help us find Sarah.” She turned to Abraham and wrapped her arm around his. “Let’s all go in, Papa. I have so much to tell you, I don’t know where to begin.”
Chapter 24
“Eitel isn’t the long dead religion we thought it was. I wouldn’t have believed it myself, Papa, if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.” Scooping up one final spoonful of the hearty, meaty stew, Bethany sat back in her chair. “They actually exist in this time and place.”
Abraham shook his head. “Who would have thought it could happen?” His eyes filled with tears, as he placed his hand on top of hers. “And they stole our butterfly. What are we going to do?”
Bethany stared past Abraham and Connor, her sight fixed on the totem of her child that now supported one end of the fireplace mantel.
Papa must’ve carved that while I was gone. He believes she’s dead.
“Is that Sarah?” Connor asked.
“Yes,” she whispered. She turned her attention to her father. “You did a fine job on Sarah’s totem, Papa. I only wish you hadn’t gone to so much trouble. You should have waited until we were certain what happened to her before making it.”
“But I wanted to carve it while her features were still fresh in my mind.” His voice grew wispy. He stood and went to the mantel. “Why, look at the eyes. They’re always the hardest to do, but this looks exactly like our baby.” Abraham ran his hand gently over the wood. “I think I got the color right, too. What do you think, Daughter?”
“You did, Papa,” Bethany whispered.
“Angel, are you all right? Can I get you something to drink?” Connor asked.
“Over by the fire there’s a pitcher of bitters. I’d like some, please.”
As Connor picked up the pitcher, Abraham eyed him suspiciously before turning to Bethany. “What’d he call you? Angel?”
“It’s a pet name, Papa. Like you calling Sarah ‘butterfly’.”
“Well, I don’t like it. It sounds too familiar to me. Just how well do you know this man? Where’d you meet him?” He glanced back at the other man. “And he certainly doesn’t look like anyone I’ve ever seen before. Why just look at his strange clothes and that dark hair.” Abraham leaned forward. “Where’s he from?”
“Slow down, Papa.” Bethany took a deep breath. This wasn’t going to be easy. She might as well tell him the truth and get it over with; he’d probably figure it out eventually anyway. She had promised Maud not to, but how could she not explain everything to her own father?
“What I’m about to tell you, Papa, you must promise not to repeat to anyone, ever.”
Connor returned with the bitters. “Bethany, are you sure about this?”
“I have to tell him; otherwise he won’t leave you alone. He needs to know.” She returned her attention to Abraham, who was listening intently. “Connor is a traveler from the Earth plane. I went there and asked him to come back with me to help find Sarah.”
Abraham held up his hand. “Wait a moment. You’re telling me he’s from another world?” He shook his head. “That’s not possible. It’s only legend.”
Bethany met his gaze straight on. “Like the Eitellans.”
Abraham leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. Taking a deep breath, he turned to Connor. “This is true, young man?”
Connor glanced at Bethany. She nodded. He looked back at Abraham. “Yes,” he answered simply.
“So, tell me then, world traveler, what’s in it for you?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You heard me. If you’re like most beings, you surely wouldn’t venture across such a great chasm out of the goodness of your heart, now, would you?”
“Papa, please! Leave Connor be! We have more important things to discuss this evening.”
“I understand, Daughter, and we will as soon as I have some answers. Is the man not capable of speaking for himself?” He looked Connor in the eye.
Connor cleared his throat. “As a matter of fact, Sir, I did come for a specific reason other than finding Sarah.”
“Ah-ha! I knew it!”
“Now hold on there a minute. You don’t know the half of it. My wife, Elizabeth, left me and came to Paran and is somehow connected to these Eitellans of yours. At first I wanted to find out if she was still alive and to see her again if that was the case.”
Abraham’s frown turned into a scowl.
“But your daughter here cured me of an awful sickness. In the process, I was healed of my obsession with Elizabeth as well. It doesn’t matter to me anymore if I see her or not. I no longer love her.” Connor glanced at Bethany as he sat back down at the table. He squeezed her hand. “All that matters now is finding your granddaughter.”
Abraham was quiet for a few moments, looking from Connor to Bethany and back again. “What about your feelings for my girl, here. Didn’t you just say you already had a wife?”
Bethany shifted nervously in her chair. This isn’t going well at all. “Why do you assume there are any? Connor is simply being a friend.”
“I’m an old man, child. I’ve seen many years and I can tell if two people are in love when I’m around them.” He shook his head. “You look at each other with the same light I used to look at your mother with. And I loved her with all my heart.” He strummed his fingers against the arm of his chair.
“I’m sorry, Papa, but we’re not prepared to discuss our feelings one way or another at the moment.” Bethany’s cheeks heated with her blush. “Right now, the most important thing is finding Sarah, don’t you think?”
Abraham pounded his fist on the table, sending the beverage cups and bowls jumping. “Of course, it is! Do you think I’m so old I don’t know what’s important anymore?” He leaned over and patted her on the arm. “You’ve been through a great deal of pain, Daughter, and I don’t want to see you hurt again.” He turned his attention to Connor. “It’s a father’s prerogative to fret over his daughter. Wait until you have a child. You’ll see.”
Connor’s eyes met Bethany’s. “I hope I have the chance someday.”
Connor’s warm gaze heated her from the inside out. She smiled and gave him a small nod, then turned her attention back to her father. “If you’re finished with this inquisition of yours, we’ll make our plans for rescuing Sarah.” She was happy Connor had stood his ground with Papa, but the questions raised concerning his wife’s existence nagged at her. What if Elizabeth were alive? Would Connor feel the same way once he saw her again? She tamped down those worrisome thoughts.
First, find Sarah, then I can worry about Elizabeth.
As Bethany started to speak, a heavy knock sounded at the door. She rose to answer it and found Ian Johns standing there, his silhouette filling the entry. “Beth! Where in heaven’s name have you been? I’ve been worried sick.”
No doubt Mara had told him she was in town. She probably told him about the silent stranger a
s well. This was all she needed right after Papa’s interrogation. Bethany took a step backward. “You didn’t need to worry, Ian. I can take care of myself.”
Ian peered over Bethany’s shoulder. “May I come in? My mother told me she saw you and your friend over there in the square today. You should have sent for me,” he gently scolded, his eyes on Connor.
Bethany touched his arm, diverting his attention from Connor. “I’m sorry, Ian, there wasn’t time to contact you. Won’t you come in?”
He started to walk past Bethany, then stopped. Ian faced her squarely, then, before she could react, took her into his arms and kissed her.
Bethany froze, first shocked by the man’s action, then repelled. Her fury exploded as she shoved him away from her. “Don’t ever do that again!” she spat. “What’s the matter with you?”
“Bravo, Lad!” Abraham called out loudly, clapping his hands. “You should have done that years ago. Maybe you two would be married by now.”
Bethany sensed the hurt that ran through Ian as his eyes met hers. She wiped at her mouth and, looking away, saw Connor watching her every movement. She cringed, knowing he must be thinking the worst, but his face was set in stone—unreadable and void of emotion.
Ian walked up to Connor. “I’m Ian Johns,” he offered his hand to Connor, a smug smile playing about his lips.
Connor looked at the hand, then back at Ian. “Connor Jessup. Of the Vaydahn Jessups.” Connor leaned back in the chair. He stretched out his legs in front of him, a hand resting on the butt of his gun – a movement that wasn’t lost on Bethany.
“Connor.” She looked at the weapon meaningfully, remembering the encounter with Esther.
“Don’t worry, Bethany. I have no intention of wasting a good bullet on this ‘friend’ of yours.” His eyes narrowed as they caught Ian’s. “Unless, of course, he forces me to.”
The tension in the room was almost unbearable. Bethany kept looking from Connor to Ian, the undercurrent that ran between them a tangible emotion.