Bluestone

by C E Johnson

  Words

  Hadrian shoved the bar loaded with weights violently into its cradle. He was shirtless, working out in his well-appointed indoor gym. He paused in his workout to run his hands along the numerous scars on his legs. Glancing behind him, he saw his back in a wall mirror, a tattooed masterpiece. There were intricate patterns of ink which melded together with scars and burns in a strange form of perfection. Hadrian rarely allowed others to see his back. No one would really understand what he had gone through to receive this gift, this honor. He rubbed two swords in the design. I miss my weapons, he thought to himself, wondering in whose hands Mistmaker and Smokeslayer currently rested.

  He rubbed a large bruise on the front of his thigh, a gift from Dysis. He was a step slow with everything he did, and Dysis was able to defeat him time and again during their sparring practices. He stood abruptly and walked to a hallway where he used a retinal scanner to allow himself access to his secure office in the center of his extensive mansion.

  Using an electronic signature, he completed the order sending his best field agent, Tebah, to the Middle East to infiltrate the freedom fighters that worried the President. If Tebah can complete this mission, I’ll change him to an inactive status for a long time to get him some rest, he vowed. He sent Tebah all the information for his mission.

  Hadrian opened his files on Dr. Dalton and Emily Whayne. His heart skipped a beat as he watched footage of Emily Whayne launching herself with ease from the pool. There was definitely something different about this girl. Her speed at the end of that race was unnatural. Was there something unusual about her ears? They weren’t exposed enough under her swim cap, he’d have to ask Dysis.

  He started as his phone rang. “Hadrian, we reviewed the recordings on Dr. Dalton.” Something in Dysis’ voice suggested a growing disquiet with the man. Her puzzlement resonated through the receiver. “We listened to every microphone in the room just before he passed out. We’re pretty sure he was repeating something over and over before we called the code.”

  Hadrian forgot his question about Emily’s appearance. “What was he saying?”

  “It sounds like, ‘Portals of power, enshrined in dark,’” Dysis answered. Does that mean anything to you?

  Hadrian was quiet a moment. His mind reeled like a ship caught in a storm. He’d done it. He’d found someone who had used the portals. “When Dr. Dalton recovers, I need to talk with him immediately. If he starts spiraling down, call me over to the hospital. I need to see him at least once while he’s alive.”

  “Yes, sir,” Dysis sounded confused. “What are we going to do about the girl?”

  Hadrian could hear the worry in his lieutenant’s voice. “I want to protect her too, Dys. Wait a few more days.”

  “Still using her as bait?” Dysis asked. Hadrian could easily hear her growing concern. She continued in a rush, “My feelings are all over the place with her.”

  “What do you think we should do with her?” Hadrian asked gently.

  Dysis was quiet for a moment before continuing in a tone that became softer. Hadrian could tell she was questioning herself. “I wanted to find something special in her, then I just wanted to let her be. Now I want to protect her from these men who want to kidnap her.”

  “I do want to catch Droth,” Hadrian answered grudgingly, “but I don’t want her injured. I’ll assign extra agents to watch her.”

  “Make sure she doesn’t get hurt,” Dysis said firmly. There was a steely edge to her voice, poorly concealed beneath her warm-hearted concern. Her mixture of iron and silk made him wish she were there next to him. Although she was strong, he could tell she needed comfort.

  “Give it a few more days then call the Whaynes and tell them Dr. Andrew Dalton is very sick,” Hadrian said slowly. He didn’t mind giving in to Dysis. “See if they’ll let their daughter fly out to see him. They can come if they want. You can watch over her out here.”

  “Are you ready to interrogate her too?” Wariness laced Dysis’ words.

  “I need to interrogate both Dr. Dalton and Emily Whayne,” Hadrian answered solemnly. “I’d also like to talk to Droth,” he added. “Get some rest, Dys,” he said quietly. “I’ll let you be present when I talk to her.”

  Her tone softened again, “Thanks for watching over her, and thanks for watching over me.” She ended the conversation.

  Hadrian’s mind wandered as he pulled out a set of folders Dysis had organized for him; he could smell her faint scent of jasmine. He pulled out the information on Droth. He had never encountered a criminal before that could evaporate so easily. The lack of a past was similar to portions of the life of Dr. Andrew Dalton. Could they somehow be linked?

  CHAPTER 24

  Castle-Cave

  Emily felt somewhat leery of running through the forest after witnessing the black dragons, but her desire for warmth and food outweighed many of her concerns. She studied the enormous trees around the lake, so much larger than even the giant sequoias she had visited in California with her parents. As she gathered fallen branches for kindling, she marveled at the appearance of the darkening woods, shadowy giants reaching sturdy arms to the sky. She made a pit and organized her firewood, pausing before saying the fire incantation. Instead, she smiled to herself and picked up two sturdy, small branches. She held them away from herself over the pile of kindling and rubbed them together as fast as she could. A small flame burst from the wood which began to spit and crackle.

  Not bad, Xena whispered. Emily chuckled at Xena’s impressed expression. The rest of the kindling burst to life, and flames began to writhe like a living creature.

  We need to find Dr. D’s supplies, Emily thought. Warmed, she stood and looked through the trees in the direction of the lake. There had been a rainbow over the waterfall by the largest tree, which must be the Eldest Tree, where the mist was the densest. Like her vision, her mental processes were increased, and she could picture the scene with clarity.

  I’ll find it, Xena volunteered. Without waiting, she swiftly disappeared into the forest. Emily waited anxiously by the fire, hating to be separated from her bondsmate at all. I’m fine, Xena whispered. I’ve found it. Minutes passed, and soon panting could be heard. Xena pranced into the clearing dragging a rather large package, which she pulled to the ground next to Emily.

  Emily hugged her bondsmate before opening the package, revealing a bow and a sturdy black backpack. She ran the tips of her fingers lightly along the length of the bow. There was a very faint green aura emanating from the graceful black weapon with raised gold scroll forming a lacy contrast to the polished wood. She counted a dozen silver-tipped arrows in the quiver.

  Xena studied the weapon. It’s just like in the picture above Dr. D’s desk on Earth.

  Emily nodded realizing Xena was right. I’ve never shot a bow before, but I guess he’s set up a new sport for me to learn. She opened the backpack next and looked with wonder at a compass. The glass surface was encased in smooth bronze with a black arrow spinning gently from the center point in a layer of fluid that was silver with the cloying consistency of mercury. The edges had the Acacean words for North, South, East, and West, but there were also constellations and Acacean symbols etched into the metal. Next, she carefully unfolded a map, painted in masterful detail and vivid colors. There was texture to the parchment with ridges on the surface for mountains, tiny points for trees, and a silky sleekness to the plains and grasslands. The water features had a creamy feel, but there was no residue on her fingers, and she traced the oceans of Acacia.

  Do you see the Castle Cave? Xena asked.

  Emily moved the map so Xena could see the location of Dr. D’s Castle Cave on the map. This was where they would head first. As her fingers groped in the bag for the next item, she gasped. From a supple leather sheath, brushed and polished, she pulled an exquisite steel dagger, gold hilt engraved with dragons. Emily smiled as she next donned a new set of clothing. There were soft black pants, a tunic, and leather boots neatly bundled in the pack. T
hey were a perfect fit.

  This might work, Xena said while dubiously sniffing a steel and leather harness that she supposed was some sort of canine armor. Xena suddenly thrust her nose into the box, and Emily sighed thankfully as she was flooded with the smells Xena sent her. Emily reached into the container and sorted through various dry food rations. There were even traveling pots, pans, and utensils. Collecting lake water, they cooked rice over the fire, and the heightened smells made Emily’s mouth water. She pulled over the backpack and went through the last pockets while they feasted, feeling rewarded when she discovered a short book written by her godfather, titled simply, Acacia.

  I’ll save this for tomorrow, she thought tiredly. Stomach full of rice, Emily wrapped herself in her warm new blanket. She gazed into the night sky through the trees and listened to the lapping of the lake against the shore. Although she missed her mother and father, she felt proud of what she had accomplished so far. Three moons, two white and one rust-red, shone down on her. Her thoughts began to drift, and she found herself wondering what a yapok was and how fast they could move over the ground. She squinted at the shadows lurking under a tree, feeling a surge of unease mixed with homesickness.

  We’re fine, Xena whispered gently while snuggling closer to her. Emily soaked in the comfort emanating from her bondsmate—warm love calming her mind and abating her fears. The two were quiet for a time, serenaded by the wind, calmly watching dancing shadows advance as the fire burned down.

  Emily awoke at dawn to watch the last glowing embers of the fire flicker out. Her bondsmate wasn’t next to her under the covers. A faint coppery smell of blood rose to her nostrils, and she rolled over to see Xena with flecks of blood on her muzzle. A fierce sense of pride seeped through their link, and Emily looked down to see three dead birds by Xena’s front paws—quail-like creatures with a thin layer of bronze scales.

  Ew, Xena! Emily recoiled from the birds. Did you have to kill them? Her protest, though, was cut short by her stomach growling loudly.

  I’m adapting, Xena whispered gently.

  Emily studied her powerful bondsmate who was definitely evolving in her mind’s eye. I guess I’m going to have to get used to this, Emily thought reluctantly. Xena’s stomach was rumbling, and Emily realized her bondsmate hadn’t eaten yet. As hungry as she was, Xena had waited to dine with Emily.

  Look at them from my perspective, Xena urged.

  Emily tried to look at the half-eaten birds through Xena’s mind. What a rush, she murmured, shocked by the vastly different smell, taste, and appearance of the dead animals through her bondsmate’s point of view. There was a tangy smell to them that reminded her of grass and the forest. She could even catch a hint of aromatic herbs mixed with the fragrance of the game. The taste was suddenly an ambrosia of luscious flavors, so succulent and juicy that Emily licked her lips, imagining the full-bodied bliss.

  Can we eat them? Xena asked hopefully.

  I guess we shouldn’t waste them, Emily answered slowly. Mouth watering, Emily got out her beautiful new knife and began to clean the carcasses. I’m sure I’m wasting half the meat, she thought.

  There’s plenty of muscle on these birds, Xena retorted warmly. Emily revived the fire and the flames licked hungrily toward the food. Squares of blackening meat on a skewer dripped grease which dropped satisfyingly into the fire with a juicy fizz. Soon she had enough for a hearty meal.

  Here, Z. Emily gave Xena the best pieces. She found immense pleasure in sharing the food with her bondsmate. As she sampled the meat through Xena’s senses, she realized how intoxicating, how rich in flavor scents were—almost more satisfying to her bondsmate than the food itself. She reluctantly drew herself back into her own mind and finished her meal. Almost as soon as she wished she had something sweet as a dessert, Xena returned with an apple-like product in her jaws. The fruity taste exploded in Emily’s mouth with a rush of extreme sweetness, like peach mixed with pineapple, mangoes, and hints of bananas. Emily rubbed her bondsmate in appreciation.

  We should move, Xena urged. I’m not sure what else is out here in addition to dragons.

  Emily knew Xena was right. She stretched, stiff from sleeping on the ground and pulled her hair back, tying it in a ponytail with some leather strips that she had found in her package. Retrieving her backpack and organizing it, she studied the map and compass until she was certain of their course and they started off. Mom and Dad would love this place, Emily thought while admiring the lush flora as they walked.

  Pick up the pace, Xena teased, disappearing into the forest.

  Heart beating steadily in her ears, Emily began to run until the ground began to turn to a blur under her feet. Every ligament, tendon, and bone flowed in harmony. As she sailed along the ground, she felt like a lithe cheetah. The wind became cold with her insane speed, filling her hair and her mouth. Even with all the added power, her coordination was intact. Thinking of the yapoks, she slowed and glanced around nervously.

  Xena reappeared instantly. There’s nothing around, Xena assured her while sniffing the air to put her at ease. The land smelled clean, cool, and crisp through her bondsmate’s nose. The fresh scents were mixed with a heady rich hint of pine. There were no unusual creatures around that Xena could detect.

  We’ll probably just run from the yapok if we encounter them, Emily resolved. The majority of the trees were proud ironwoods, the kings of this forest. However, there were also coniferous varieties, especially firs, birch, aspens, and spruce, similar to trees on Earth but on a much larger scale. The trees were close together by the lake, but as they progressed the woods became more loosely grouped. Emily took off her boots to feel the mossy ground cover under the soles of her feet. Once the canopy opened, there were wildflowers of ruby red, deep blue, and vivid yellow in the open areas beneath the enormous trunks. Small rodents scampered over the rich carpet of pine needles and leaves and climbed the trees to peek out at them as they walked.

  They both experimented with their strength and powers while hiking. Emily swiftly learned her heightening had a physical limit—it could be used with a high-level activity, such as running, for several hours or at low-level activity for half the day. Her hearing and vision use had no real limitations, but a headache might flare up if her brain became overwhelmed by the input.

  When Emily sat down to take a break, she took out her field guide, Acacia, from her backpack. Xena curled up next to her. They ate the leftover cooked meat from the birds, kept cool by a container of lake water. Emily was impressed at the amount of meat she had carved, enough to feed their ravenous appetites multiple times. She read:

  A guidebook on Acacia, for Emily.

  I believe our advantages on Acacia have something to do with the speed of electrical impulses. Every thought and command that we give to our body is empowered by a tiny electrical-type impulse, which jumps along the myelin on the nerves in our body. Here on Acacia, these impulses move at much faster rate than we could ever imagine on Earth letting us do things at a fraction of our usual rate. You will find yourself almost knowing what a person is going to say because you can read their emotions and facial contours before they speak. We are most likely the highest of the intellectual thinkers on this planet, aside from the dragons, with clearer mental processes than you could once imagine.

  Magic is a tricky concept. Magic is something that we’re born with, so fragments will not change no matter which planet we are on. Our magus is also conducted through our mind and nerves. With our ability to speed our thoughts, our magic is more powerful. Some spells done on Earth are amplified up to 100 times here, while others have no change whatsoever. On Earth you moved a pencil and twirled it around, but with the same concentration and energy here, you can move large boulders. Your body is also stronger and tougher; your bones are used to different forces on Earth. You will be able to withstand much greater impacts on Acacia than on Earth.

  I have a collection of storerooms set up through Angkor. I’ve marked several on this map; others I will
show to you at another time. Kings always have secure sites where they keep wealth and arms, so they can rebuild their lives if necessary. The stronger the magician, the greater the cave, because with spells, you can carve passages straight into stone. My ‘Castle Cave’ is close to Portal Lake. The castle is built into the upper aspect of a small mountain. Generations of Angkor kings have used this hideout. There is food for you there, and a library where you can relax while you learn about the land of your birth.

  Emily felt excited by the security offered by his cave and she continued on her course. The map directed her to the western border of one of the mountains where she used a stone bridge to ford a swift-moving stream. The water cut a dazzling line of silver down the side of the exposed face of the ridge. The wildflowers changed as she rose in altitude; their faces became smaller but more intricate and dappled with three and four colors. The majority had black centers with ruddy orange petals directed downward like a delicate dress flecked with white. Some had fronds of pink petals, with a lacy periphery of cream, while others sat upright like the tail of a cat. She was far from the sea, but the area somehow smelled of the ocean, clean and fresh. Vibrant red berries contrasted with the deep green of the tree leaves and enchanting birdsongs echoed through the majestic mountains and rolling hills.

  The ironwoods in the area were not as large as by the lake but still prominent. They were casting shadows across their path that became more ominous as the sun drifted down in the sky. We’re going to lose our light soon, Xena whispered with some concern.

  They wound their way upward with more speed and once they were in the region of the cave on the map they paused, searching for the entrance just before the sun went down. It should be right here, Emily said. She walked back and forth by the rocks, studying the vertical stone.

  There’s a different scent in this area, Xena offered. She sniffed her way to a large, round boulder made of a solid gray stone by the remnants of an old path. This rock has been moved before, Xena said adamantly.