Bluestone

by C E Johnson

  Isabelle was pulling back her long, wavy brown hair into a ponytail while singing quietly to herself. She stopped her song as Emily approached and put her hands on her hips. “Sleeping in today?”

  “Everybody seems to think I nap all day,” Emily protested while grinning at her friend, instantly feeling more herself. “Besides, I thought you might need a little more practice time with your voice … I still can’t believe we made you the lead singer of our band,” Emily taunted.

  “At least someone knows talent when they hear it.” Isabelle flashed a mischievous smile.

  Emily reined to a halt next to her friend. “I need your help. Dr. D hid a treasure for me out here.” Emily pulled out her phone from her backpack and typed in the numbers from memory. “The site’s only a few miles away.” She urged Apache forward. “Try and keep up. And no singing. We’re going undercover.” They galloped off, Emily first with Xena and Isabelle following. Isabelle ignored Emily’s comment and immediately burst into a song about being fearless.

  After several minutes of riding toward their goal, Xena sent Emily the smell of horses, leather and guns. Men approaching, Xena warned her. Emily’s eyes were drawn to her right side. She could make out a group of riders in the distance in a loose formation wearing military style jackets that were gunmetal gray in color.

  This must be one of the groups that Mr. Henry mentioned reserved his horses, Emily worried.

  Could they be Blacksky agents? Xena wondered.

  “Are you up for a few jumps?” Emily pointed out the riders approaching to Isabelle. She tried to sound confident, but the words rang hollow in her own ears. “I want to lose this group that’s a little too close to us.”

  Isabelle didn’t hear Emily’s underlying concern and her eyes lit up with excitement. “You know Mr. Henry doesn’t like us jumping on our own, but who cares. Let’s go!”

  They jumped over a series of low fences and after fifteen minutes of riding, Emily was pleased to look back and see that the agents were not skilled enough to follow where they were going. Ahead was a small copse of trees. “Dr. D gave me this clue.” She read aloud, “You cannot outrun my reach. I am black darkness, but I cannot survive without light.” Emily saw only a boulder in the field. “We’re within ten or twenty feet of his coordinates.”

  “I’ve heard that riddle before,” Isabelle boasted while placing her reins to the side, so Argos moved in a circle. “The answer is a shadow.”

  Emily studied her surroundings. The only shadow in the area was from the boulder. Okay, Z. Show me who’s been here.

  Easy, Xena whispered confidently. She began to dig in the darkness created by the boulder, eventually grabbing a container out of the dirt and proudly bringing it over to Emily.

  “Cool. What is it?” Isabelle asked while leaning forward in her saddle.

  “It’s a message from Dr. D. It’ll only take a minute for me to go over.”

  “Tell me what it says when I get back,” Isabelle began. She pulled on her reins, wheeling her horse around. “I’m taking Xena on a hunt for a javelina. Come on, my hunting dog.”

  Xena glanced at Emily in question, Should I go?

  Please protect her, Emily urged Xena.

  No harm will come to her, Xena promised. She loped off in pursuit of Isabelle. Emily stayed on Apache, opened the container, and started to read.

  CHAPTER 16

  Departure

  Samil let his fingers lightly trail across Maaca’s dark rosebud shaped lips. His senses felt electrified with the tenderness exposed in his hardened assassin-warrior. It was midnight, and they were seated shoulder to shoulder on a couch in the highest tower in his castle on Bashan. He spoke to her softly with a heavy dread in his heart, “It’s nearly time for you to withdraw to the Dothan Forest where you’ll be safe.”

  “My prince, I know you have your plans, but why don’t I stay with you? I can guard you from danger.” Maaca delicately placed a soft kiss on his cheek. Her head drifted to a location on his shoulder, a place where it fit perfectly.

  A warm thrill passed through Samil’s mind whenever Maaca spoke. He would miss these sensations, but Drogor would berate him if he didn’t let Maaca develop into the assassin that they needed to complete their plans. Someone had to destroy Shadoe.

  I can help you protect her if you want to keep her here, Skyler offered Samil. Skyler was in his dragon lair in a mountain peak not far from Samil’s position.

  It cannot be, Samil replied to his bondsmate. Samil reluctantly pulled himself away from Maaca even though his chest began to ache instantly. Mage-lights, a mixture of white and black, lit the room. Samil mentally dialed them down to their lowest level. He knew his growing feelings for Maaca would be considered an abomination by most.

  That doesn’t lessen what you feel, Skyler whispered gently.

  Samil walked to a window and gazed out over the valley. The city and farmlands spread out like a tapestry below him in the light of a full moon. The outlines of the tall gray-black mountains that ringed the periphery of the island looked enormous, like the walls for a kingdom of giants. The peaks were jagged promontories and they pointed darkly upward to the stars burning high above. The twinkling dots of light were golden tonight, bright and pure. “Kill any magicians you wish to build your strength and assimilate their thoughts and skills. In the future, I want you to counter an elven leader, Shadoe.”

  “You’re so formal today,” Maaca’s lips were full and pouting. She had just showered, and her hair hung heavy on her shoulders, silver and shimmering as brightly as a polished sword.

  “Get dressed,” he said softly, reluctantly. “It’s time to go.” He longed to go to her, to pull her to him and bury himself in the smell of her skin, but he resisted.

  She’s your soul-mate, Skyler whispered tenderly.

  It’s not right, Samil retorted. I have a wife and sons. I have plans for her.

  Wearing only a black robe which she let fall to the ground, Maaca arose.

  Samil was amazed to feel himself blush. I can kill men without compunction, but here I am becoming weak before a half-dead, he chastised himself. He watched as she slowly dressed herself in a tight-fitting tunic and leggings, and then in black leather armor, tall boots, and a hooded fur-lined dark cloak. Once she was finished, she went to him. She stood before him. He found himself staring into her deep blue eyes, almost losing himself in their molten beauty. He gently reached out and put up her hood. “Hide your appearance when you can.” He wondered if she could hear the longing in his voice.

  “Are you certain this is what you want for me?” she asked in a husky tone, leaning toward him. Her silver-wet hair was beginning to dry and strands fell upon his hand, moving lightly on his skin in a soft caress.

  Who makes the rules? Skyler questioned Samil.

  Samil couldn’t speak over a lump that was forming in his throat. Turning from Maaca without warning, he walked to his open tower window once again. As he looked over his lands, a burst of icy wind streamed through the opening, gripping his heart with a cold hand. He could picture Drogor staring at him, watching him from Ater.

  Samil shook off the image, took her hand, and walked her to the stairs. “This must be done,” he said in a hushed voice filled with pain. They proceeded wordlessly the rest of the way to the docks, to a ship that would take her from the Island of Bashan.

  “I will never forget you,” Maaca whispered. She clutched his hand. He felt something magical in her touch, traces of desire merged with electricity, flickering delicately on silken fingertips. He could scarcely believe that he had a hand in the creation of something so lovely.

  “We will meet again,” Samil spoke softly as he held her close to him. He loved her warmth and he soaked up a pure memory of her essence. She smelled of leather, soap and Acacean spiceflowers. He murmured an incantation, saving everything with a memory spell so he would remember this undiluted moment for the rest of his life. He released her and abruptly whirled away, heading back toward his castle.
“Go now before I change my mind.”

  He wasn’t sure how, but he managed to refrain from looking back at her as she boarded the awaiting vessel. He heard the captain’s deep voice calling out commands to his oarsmen as the galley reversed from its mooring. Once he returned to his tower window, he peered down upon the ship, gliding across the water like a skimming stone as the oars rose and fell in a steady rhythm. He was dying to call her back, but he closed his eyes tightly and again focused on images of Drogor.

  Maaca stood at the prow of the ship, cloak whipping around her in the wind. She peered through the gathering mist, ignoring the spray that was sending tiny glistening droplets into her silver hair. Emotions roiling inside her, she lifted her face to the bright stars winking at her through the hazy fog. I will make him proud.

  CHAPTER 17

  The Second Clue

  Emily,

  Go to my castle in Angkor and there you will be advised by Ladon. I’ve arranged for him to counsel you, but he must be in contact with you to perform your prophecy. I hope that his advice includes your going to the Island of Bashan, the most magnificent academy for magicians on Acacia. There are requirements for admission, challenges monitored by a council of twelve magicians. If you show them the strength of your link with Xena and give them a glimpse of your powers, I predict you will be admitted.

  Your talents will be bolstered by a phenomenon that occurs in travelers going from Earth to Acacia, and this strength should help keep you safe. You will have heightened abilities for a short time, but I recommend you only reveal your newfound strength in times of peril. The longer you remain on Acacia, the more your heightened powers begin to weaken; therefore, it’s optimal to stay on Acacia only up to three years before returning to Earth. If you keep a visit short, you won’t experience much pain on reacclimating to this planet.

  There were more pages of advice that Emily read through. A fantastic world of fantasy and magic continued to form before her. Her godfather added much more information about the mysterious portal. There were problems with it. He discovered that going through his portal from Acacia to Earth induced a weakness so severe it nearly killed him when he first crossed, just as it nearly killed her when she was a baby. And there were complications going from Earth to Acacia. Time was different between the two planets. One day on Earth was equivalent to one year on Acacia. He had spent years on Earth, thinking he would return to impress his relatives with his newfound knowledge. However, his homecoming was not what he had imagined. He discovered that thousands of years had passed on Acacia when he returned. All his relations had died.

  Emily closed her eyes and leaned into Apache’s mane, thinking over his sad plight. Once her breathing slowed, she attempted to accept just a portion of the information overload that was before her. She was proud that he thought she was so capable, but she wasn’t sure if she was strong enough to embark on such a wild adventure. The warm wind felt comforting on her face, soothing her.

  No matter how incredible these rules sound, we need to at least consider the possibilities he’s revealing, Xena panted. She was currently in the woods, racing after Javelina with Isabelle. What about your brother and family? Xena asked curiously.

  Nothing. Emily frantically shuffled through the papers once again, she wanted to scream in frustration. He gave so much information, but he ended his letter abruptly without anything about family or my birth.

  Is there another clue? Xena panted. Emily could tell she was enjoying her run with Isabelle.

  Yes, Emily answered. She hastily pulled the next clue out of the container and typed the GPS coordinate into her phone. The next hidden correspondence was in the region of her fencing academy.

  Destroy the letters, Xena advised solemnly. Performing her spell of fire to destroy the paper, Emily watched with some satisfaction as the heat roared as powerfully as her annoyance, causing the paper to disintegrate in a blazing burst of blue fire.

  I’m heading back with Isabelle, Xena informed Emily. Before Isabelle and her bondsmate returned, Emily thought over all she had learned from the manuscripts. She urged Apache over to one of the clear lakes on the property. A light breeze flitted across the surface making ripples that sparkled silver in the sunlight. She jumped down, cupped the crystal-clear water in her hands and splashed the liquid over her face, hoping to clear her mind. Apache bowed his head to drink the water before startling at something and backing away.

  Without warning, a brown, furry blur leapt at Emily from the water—an otter. “How did you get here, Dax?” Emily blurted. She tried to slow the rapid beating of her heart. “You scared me,” she admonished. She picked up the wet creature who was moving slowly, exhaustion reflected in his every motion. Dax stared into Emily’s face. Sensing a gentle tug on her mind, Emily realized the otter was attempting to project a dream-link. She closed her eyes and accepted the link. With concentration, she was immediately mentally transported to the lake where she found the first letter. She was viewing a scene that Dax had experienced recently, listening to magicians talking about their leader, a man named Droth, and their plans for her and Xena which included cages and tranquilizers.

  Emily sank to her knees. She felt a black cloud of fear threaten to overtake her mind. Days ago, the worst thing she could imagine was a scary movie, and now she was involved with mercenaries, cages and weapons. Everything around her was in an upheaval. The knot was forming again in her throat and it hurt to swallow.

  We’re being forced to make a choice, Xena spoke in a steady tone, calming Emily’s mind. Dr. D wants us to go through the portal if we can find it.

  But there are two groups coming for us, Emily blurted. Mercenaries and Blacksky agents. Trying to quell the worry and dread that made her limbs suddenly difficult to control, Emily nervously splashed more water on her face. I’m in a nightmare. I wish Dr. D were here.

  Danger, Xena delivered a new warning. Emily looked up, alarmed to again see the group of men with gray jackets on horseback.

  They found us pretty quickly, Xena whispered worriedly. The men sat bolt upright pointing at Emily’s position while their horses broke into a canter. Appearing both fierce and protective, Xena arrived at Emily’s side. She was baring her teeth while rumbling a menacing growl, deeper and more ferocious than anything Emily had ever heard.

  This time is for real, Emily said to her bondsmate in a low voice. She reached out a hand and ran it along Dax’s damp fur. He was still studying her curiously. “Thank you for making me aware of the trouble I’m in,” she said in a soft voice to the otter. The creature nodded proudly. Dax appeared drained by his substantial use of energy. He turned, reentered the spring-fed water, and drifted slowly away. “Stay safe in the lake,” she called.

  Isabelle will be here any second, Xena informed Emily. You both need to ride for the ranch house.

  Emily sprinted over to Apache, who had drunk his fill of lake water and was now nibbling on clusters of pale green and yellow grass. She vaulted up on his back and wished she could push away the horrible tendrils of fear that were threatening to take hold of her body.

  Abruptly, a dark shape shot out of the woods and Emily gasped in concern. Squinting, she could see a javelina charging in her direction followed closely by Isabelle. Instantly, Xena redirected the beast, and the javelina careened away into an area of dense cedar. Apache reared, trumpeting in surprise with his front legs pawing the sky. Emily quickly shifted her weight forward, dropping the reins and clinging to his thick mane. Adrenaline surging, Emily felt better as the event actually cleared her mind. As her horse came down, she urged him forward to join Isabelle.

  “Your gray tagalongs are approaching again,” Isabelle teased. Her face was flushed pink from her exertion and excitement. Apparently, she had forgotten about the letter. She gestured toward the men advancing in their direction.

  “Why don’t we show these gray ghosts what ‘girl power’ looks like?” Emily joked uneasily, attempting to keep the worry out of her voice. “Let’s race them back
to the stables.” I need to get Isabelle to safety.

  Isabelle nodded with a devilish grin on her face, eyes laughing. “It’s getting late. We’d better get back before the goblins come out. I’ll race you back,” and she was off. Only one of the men departed from the main contingent and started to follow Isabelle. Isabelle immediately leaned further forward with all her weight on the stirrups and none on her seat, her brown curls streaming in the wind. She was easily outdistancing her pursuer, riding with a reckless abandon.

  As Isabelle galloped away, Xena looked to Emily, brown eyes shining in anticipation, lean, strong and swift. We can do this, Xena whispered.

  Emily knew she could count on Xena unconditionally. Let’s go back along a different route than Isabelle to keep her away from danger.

  Very well, Xena said as she leapt forward. Emily put her heels in to Apache and rose up in her saddle, moving into a similar position as Isabelle, urging her horse after her bondsmate. As she began to ride, she could faintly hear Isabelle singing, the song drifting toward her ears, soothing her amidst the chaos. She could barely catch the words over the hard breathing of her stallion. The song was about a princess and a fairytale and ended with a description of catching someone. Even though tension was building, and men were trying to capture her, she was able to smile at what a tease Isabelle was and that felt good. Emily directed Apache toward the Henry ranch.

  Giving her horse freedom with his head and feeling strangely alive, Emily rose up even higher in a jockey position. The wind blew through her hair and tugged insistently at her clothing. With her increasing speed, she became convinced she could escape her pursuers. She had begun to put some distance between herself and the initial gray group, riding with a smooth and silky gallop.