Double Star

by Cindy Saunders

  “Have I done something to offend you?” she said.

  He found nothing about her offensive and, when he began to walk toward her, he did not consider Corm. He did not think about anything other than what his heart was speaking. He stood in front of her, slowly raised his hand, and put it upon her cheek. He leaned close. Her breath fell upon his face. He closed his eyes and covered her lips with his own.

  And then hers were moving, searching out his, not willing to let them part. Something inside of him, asleep for far too long, awoke. He lifted his head, but she placed her hand on the back of his neck and pulled him closer. The brush, still in his hand, dropped to the floor, and he wrapped his arms around her.

  He held her face within his hands and put his mouth over hers. He tasted the sweetness of her breath, felt the softness of her lips and, reluctantly, allowed them to part so he could bury his face in her hair, kiss her neck. It was more than he ever dreamed. It was unbelievable. It was…

  “Cool,” he whispered in her ear.

  ***

  Not exactly the word I would have used… Ally pulled back and looked into his eyes, trying to catch her breath.

  “Liam, Ally, dinner!”

  Thea’s voice startled them both and she laughed. “Well, that’s one way to ruin a moment.”

  He cupped her face and kissed her forehead. “It is a moment I will never forget.”

  During dinner, Thea was busy talking about the roots and herbs they’d found today. She and Liam answered her questions but said little else except what transferred through their eyes to one another. She’d known it from the moment she saw him… the boy from her dream. Nothing had ever felt so right and, when their eyes met, she knew he felt the same.

  “How about a duet, if you’re not too tired?” Ally asked once they finished clearing the table.

  “If you are sure you do not mind playing with a novice such as myself,” Liam replied. “It has been a while but, because you asked? Of course.”

  He returned with an acoustic guitar as handsome as the fiddle, and she sat beside him while he put it in tune. “Give me a moment.” He continued to play with the pegs while the wind howled outside.

  “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.” And then, very slowly, she began to smile. For the first time since arriving in this strange place, it wasn’t a statement that made her sad.

  ***

  Liam walked from the chicken coop, a basket of eggs in his hand. The wind from the previous night brought in dark storm clouds and the morning light was murky. How would he tell Corm about Ally? As his friend rode toward him, he realized the truth was the only place to start.

  “I did not expect to see you today,” Liam said. “Is everything all right?”

  Corm dismounted Lightning. “I have some news for you.”

  “I need to talk to you as well.” Liam shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

  Corm held up his hand. “Let me speak first since it was I who rode here at this early hour. I am not sure how much of this was spoken in confidence, so I will relate only what is necessary. There is something compelling about Ally. I have been attracted to her since we first met, but her heart lies with you.”

  “I am aware of that as well, and I am sorry.”

  “There is no need to be sorry. I am disappointed, but it was not meant to be,” Corm said softly. “But, I need to be honest. There is a bond between she and I, and it is one I cannot ignore. I suspect, given enough time, she and I will become good friends.” Corm smiled. “Now, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

  Liam returned the smile. “Never mind.” Corm followed him inside and watched while he placed four slices of bacon into one skillet, dropped a piece of butter into another, and began to crack the eggs.

  Corm sat at the table. “Shane, Ian, and Oisin are planning to venture into the forest for a few days to perfect their skills. They want to prepare themselves for the next competition.”

  Ally walked into the kitchen. “Morning,” she said cheerily.

  Butterflies invaded Liam’s stomach. “Good morning,” he answered, turning around, finding it difficult to take his eyes from her.

  “Morning, Ally,” Corm said and pointed to the stove. “Liam?” The butter had started to burn and smoke began to fill the kitchen.

  “You’re cooking again?” she asked.

  He smiled. “If you can call it that. Please, have a seat.” He poured the egg, cream, and cheese mixture into the skillet.

  “They would like for us to join them,” Corm continued.

  Liam looked at Corm, confused, and then recalled what they had been discussing. “And what would I concentrate on?” But the question was not accompanied by the bitterness he was accustomed to.

  “Moral support?”

  The back door opened and Thea walked in. “Liam, your father’s bird was with the others this morning.” She handed him a piece of paper.

  William,

  Meet me in Portsmouth at the Davenport Inn in five days’ time with our guest. I have learned that her journey home will begin here. Will explain when I see you.

  “Portsmouth?” Liam asked.

  Ally stood. “Home?”

  “Will you be traveling east then?” Corm asked.

  Liam closed his eyes. “Aye… I believe we are.”

  “Allow me to accompany you, then.”

  His father had knowledge of how Ally could return home? Liam glanced at Thea, but her face revealed nothing. He looked at Ally. She appeared excited by the news. But why should he be surprised? She did not belong here. And she certainly did not belong to him.

  “Thank you, but that is not necessary, Corm.”

  “Aye, but you have no idea what awaits beyond the borders of the forest. Remember what transpired at the gypsy encampment.”

  That was true. He was not worried about himself, but would not take a chance that might put Ally in danger. “Perhaps you are right.”

  “I will leave Lightning and fly home to make my parents aware of my intention. I will return with Magic. Another horse will be required to carry supplies,” Corm said and hurried out the door.

  “Liam, allow me to see your neck,” Thea said.

  He lifted his hair.

  Ally raised her eyebrows. “That’s different.”

  “Come.” Thea motioned for Liam to follow her. He walked into her bedroom and looked into the mirror.

  His star had changed into the outline of a sword.

  Chapter 20

  Caleb finally felt a sense of purpose. He was tired of waiting and wanted his worth realized. They would be leaving the safety of the forest with the girl. Once she was in his capable hands, he could dispose of the other two in any manner he chose. The Master would be pleased. He needed to move quickly, but it was going to be too easy. After all, it was only a girl, a boy, and a Shayeen hawk.

  ***

  Cepheus stared out the window of his chambers. “Maelyn, the boy is weak.” He turned to face the witch.

  “I was told Caleb must be the one to deliver her. The oracle was clear in that regard.” Maelyn stared at him with her right eye. The left was missing, the upper and lower lids stitched together.

  “Do you have any idea how long I have been prisoner in this miserable world? How long I have waited? For your sake, I pray you are correct. It would be a pity if you were to lose your sight altogether.”

  She was his most trusted advisor. Her ability to see the future was more reliable than any other in this world. Her talent at seeing the present had been powerful at one time as well, but that gift had betrayed her. The source of her misinterpreted vision, her right eye, had been removed and found a home, with his other charms, on the locket around his neck. There was no reason to doubt her, she knew what was at stake, but he had sensed Caleb’s vulnerability when the boy had been at the lake.

  “I loathe the fact my ability to use him, to see through him, has been compromised,” he said.

  “The forest has always
been difficult for you, my lord,” Maelyn replied.

  “It appears difficult for you as well.” She flinched, but he knew she spoke the truth. His sight had always been limited in Gilgamesh but, upon his return from the other world, he could barely glimpse anything, as if the girl was interfering with his powers. He needed what she possessed. The final piece of the puzzle had been revealed and his intent was to simply take it, but that was proving more difficult than he anticipated.

  The winds pulled her out of his reach and into the only place he felt… vulnerable. He could not risk entering the forest again, not without consequence. The council was aware of his existence and was preparing to stop him. Not that they possessed the ability or the imagination to do so, but there were forces within the forest that threatened him.

  And there was another matter. There was something, recognition perhaps, in the girl’s eyes when he approached her on the other side. Had she been forewarned? “Impossible!” Maelyn had told him. “The trinity’s alliance is pure. I am confident the others have not betrayed you.”

  The Chaos in her world had exceeded his expectation, and he longed to linger a bit, but he was powerless there… for now. Soon, the only door that mattered would be unsealed, the one that would allow him to travel across in human form, to transport anything he chose between the two worlds. Then, he would possess what was necessary to destroy the forest and those who threatened him. The girl held the key… of that, he was sure.

  “Leave me,” he said.

  Caleb had to accompany the girl out of the forest, but two of his most powerful warriors would escort her the rest of the way. Soon, my boy, you will get the reward you deserve. He sent the thought to Caleb and smiled at the boy’s response. Pulling his cape around his shoulders, he descended the tower stairs. He wanted to inform his prisoner that his child was on the way.

  Chapter 21

  “The sword?” Liam heard how his voice shook with the question.

  “What does the sword mean?” Ally asked.

  Thea took Liam’s hand. “It means that Liam has been blessed with the gift of strategy. That is why he has always been more successful than others from Pembroke in the game of chess. It is one of two traits of the star not often seen.”

  “The traits...” Ally said. “Corm mentioned those to me. We studied mythology in junior high. I remember now. The eight qualities deemed vital by the gods. Strength, Shane. Swiftness, Ian. Courage?”

  “Oisin,” Liam replied.

  “Of course. Perception, Corm. Strategy, Liam.” Ally continued. “Camouflage and determination. That’s all I remember, but that’s only seven. What is the eighth?”

  “A virtue you possess, my dear,” Thea answered. “You are the reason Liam’s mark has changed. The eighth trait is inspiration.”

  Surprise coloring his features, Liam looked at Ally and then to Thea.

  “Liam,” Thea said, “the feelings inside that Ally has brought to life have made you whole, have made you strong. The passion, which has found life in your soul, has allowed the sword to be revealed.”

  Thea pulled an envelope from her bureau drawer. “Your father left this for you. He suspected he might not be here on this day.”

  Liam took it from her hand—saw that it was marked with the Cheveyo family seal. He opened it and read the letter silently:

  My Dear Son,

  I hope with all of my heart you are well. I am saddened I could not be with you today but my responsibilities dictate my place is elsewhere. Your destiny has come to light and you, and the others who come of age, must do what is necessary to secure a future for the forest. As our time is less each day, the weight you carry increases. You have been given an earthly reward. Bear it well and with honor.

  I am indebted to you for assuming the duties of the household in my absence. I know it has not been easy and I apologize for not being there, perhaps when you needed me most. I could never have asked for more.

  I give you all the blessings that a good and tender father can give to his son. Your beloved mother and I are proud of you.

  Your father,

  Jon Cheveyo

  Liam put the letter on the bed and his head into his hands. The sword suggested his place might be on the council. Some born with the sword had even taken positions as great statesmen outside the forest. He thought about his father. What had public service done for him? Nothing, except take him away from his family. It was a thankless position and one Liam refused to even think of assuming.

  “Why, Thea? Why the sword?” he asked.

  “One cannot choose one’s destiny, Liam. Your father took his seat upon the council because of your mother, because of his love for the forest. However, it is up to you to determine how to use the gift you have received. But, your first order of business is to travel to your father. Upon your return, we can—”

  The front door slammed. “Liam, Thea, Ally!”

  What now? Liam rushed from Thea’s bedroom and collided with his sister. “Whoa, Meg,” he said and put his hands upon her shoulders. “What is the matter and where is Mr. Acrisius?”

  “He accompanied me to the gate. I told him I needed to come home right away… after my journal spoke to me.”

  “What in heaven’s name are you talking about?”

  Meg pulled the leather book from her bag and handed it to him. “Read the last entry.”

  He fumbled with the clasp. “It is locked.” She removed the rawhide strip with the small key from around her neck. He opened it, found the page, and read the words aloud:

  The cat, the hawk, the wolf, the bear,

  With Ascencia’s blood—the magic rare

  And this land’s breath—the Malakai

  The inspiration from elsewhere.

  With The Bumon, his strength, his might

  His sword is ready to see the light

  The time grows short, they must depart

  The forest and beyond their sight.

  Vulnerable this six will be

  In the days ahead on their journey

  No concealment or unremitting body

  To carry them to their destiny.

  Thea peered at Meg. “Did you write that, dear?”

  “No… I mean yes. The quill was in my hand, but the words flowed to the page on their own.”

  Thea took the journal from Liam. Her fingers traced the faded “S” engraved on the cover. “Where did you get this at the fair?”

  “We were walking along Illusion Alley, and a woman called to me. She had two journals for sale. I preferred the red, but she insisted I purchase the green.”

  Thea’s hands tightened on the book. “The Diaries of Seshat,” she whispered. “These were thought to have been destroyed.” A smile came to her lips. “The wind was strong last night. Messages were being sent from above… to you, Meg.”

  “What do the words mean?” Meg asked. “It mentions the Bumon but I know of no one born with that symbol.”

  “Your brother now bears the marking of the sword,” Thea answered.

  “Let me see,” Meg said and ran to his side.

  Liam lifted his hair.

  Meg touched his neck. “Cool! And ‘the inspiration from elsewhere’ in the poem? That must be Ally. Are you taking a trip then?”

  “Aye,” Liam answered. “Ally, Corm, and I are traveling to see Dad. He has requested we meet him in Portsmouth. He knows how to return Ally to her world.”

  “It mentioned the others, I think—Ian, Corm, Oisin, and Shane. Are they going as well?” Meg asked.

  Liam shook his head. “Perhaps the diary was incorrect on—”

  There was a loud knock. “Hello. Is there anyone home?”

  Liam opened the door. Shane walked in, followed by Ian and Oisin.

  “Ha!” Meg said. “It was right!”

  Liam looked at the journal and then back to his friends. “What brings you here?”

  “Corm stopped by and declined our invitation into the forest,” Oisin said. “He said you three were plan
ning to travel to Portsmouth. So we would like to accompany you, instead.”

  “Ally, I knew there was something different about you the moment we met,” Shane said, “but another world? I had no idea. How amazing!”

  “Aye,” said Ian. “Corm provided a brief explanation but I have more than a few questions.”

  “I will do my best to answer them,” Thea said. “But, let us wait for Corm to arrive. There have been a few additional… discoveries since he left.”

  Once Corm joined them, Thea told of the appearance of Liam’s mark, and Meg eagerly shared her experience with the journal.

  Shane put his arm around Liam. “The sign of the sword? Impressive.”

  “Indeed. Congratulations,” Ian said.

  “Thank you,” Liam replied. “And, although the diary has foretold of us journeying together, I do not want you to feel any obligation.”

  “Liam, surely you are not serious,” Oisin said. “I love the forest but I think I can speak for all of us when I say, we are more than ready to adventure beyond its boundaries.”

  Ian looked over the words again. “Aye, but this mentions we might be vulnerable once we leave. Again, the journal is correct—outside the forest, we can no longer change into our animal counterparts.”

  “Yes, that is true,” Thea said. “You will retain the characteristics you have inherited, but the magic of the transformation lies entirely within Gilgamesh.”

  Shane held up his fists. “We will not be vulnerable as long as we have these.”

  Ian shook his head. “Aye, but the diary might help warn of any potential danger, if that is its purpose. If the legend is correct, Thea, the messages are only delivered to the one it has chosen.”

  Thea nodded her head. “It will only speak to Meg, true. But it has been placed in our hands for a reason.”

  “Then I need to go, too,” Meg said.

  “No,” Liam answered. “You need to stay here and help maintain the household. Thea could not possibly attend to all the chores on her own.”