by R. G. Porter
Gabriel turned toward the man next to him. “So, Innok drew the essence of the dragons from the people by tearing half of their souls away for his use.” It was a statement he knew didn't require a response. The sudden clarity of the fate of this village burned in his mind. No wonder they despised the demon with such passion. He'd destroyed their lives in more ways than he'd ever imagined. Still, this didn't explain how his fate was tied to them other than cursed to be a dragon by day.
"Continue on Gabriel. The truth will be made visible to you; you need only to keep your mind open for it. For now you know the reality of what happened here. Go back to your world. You will learn what is needed soon enough.” Gabriel wanted to ask more but found his voice gone. The world he stood in began to fade away, the trees and people dissolved into nothingness. One thing Gabriel had learned quickly, when they decided time was up they meant it. Mist seeped from beneath him, wrapping around his body in a tight embrace. He wanted to stop it, to find out more but knew it would be futile. The world he'd been standing in was already gone, replaced by a grey and black. He was returning to his world and no matter how much he protested it wouldn't stop it.
"Some day you guys will stop and let me go when I want.” He knew no others were around but he felt better just saying his thoughts. He was tired of being pulled back and forth between the past and the present yet knew it would continue till things were resolved one way or another. Before he could release the breath he'd been holding Gabriel found his body back at the entrance to the cave. He'd been brought back, but how much time remained of the night? He needed to find Alayia. Why? He still wasn't sure. Before he could think he found his feet headed in a direction more familiar to him than he could have imagined and to a place he thought he would never see.
"This is wonderful Talon. Thank you so much!” Her head felt light as they continued to move across the floor. She'd never thought that someone with no sight would be as agile as he was.
"Do you mind if I cut in?” Gabriel's words brushed across her skin.
Alayia's head turned to the sound of his voice, the call to his side strong. The moment his body filled her vision the air in the inn began to grow warm. His eyes held such emotion that Alayia swore she would be scorched if he continued to stare at her. His breath came in gasps and she could only presume he'd hurried in their direction. Why she wasn't sure. He continued to look in her direction till she felt a blush steal across her body, forcing her to divert her gaze. Never in her life had Alayia ever felt such a pull to someone yet here she couldn't even look at him.
"Gabriel.” Her voice whispered out his name, a talisman she held tight to. He must have been waiting for that very signal for the moment she spoke he was at her side, his hand a soft caress across her cheek.
"Alayia you look beautiful in the glowing firelight.” The man sure knew the right things to say. Alayia lifted her head to look at him, a smile crossing her face. He'd definitely rushed to where they were. Sweat still trickled down his forehead making him appear even more delicious in her mind.
"You didn't have to hurry you know. We weren't going to go any further than the village.” Why she felt compelled to tell him this she didn't know, but right now she didn't care either. Having him so close released all concerns she'd had from earlier. For once she felt whole. “Are you hungry?” The look he shot her answered her question more than she had bargained for.
"That I am but first I want that dance. I need to feel you close tonight.” The man was incorrigible but Alayia found she couldn't deny him even if she'd wanted to. “Come. The music is wonderful tonight."
They moved further to the middle of the dance floor, the music surrounding them in a lovers hold. Everything around Alayia faded till she saw just Gabriel, his black obsidian eyes full of emotions she couldn't fathom, staring back. They flowed in tempo to the music, a haunting melody that pulled their bodies together in a timeless embrace. Time meant nothing at that point to them, the people around gone and only the stars above to light their movements around the dance floor. Each beat of the drum synchronized with their hearts, the beauty of the rhythm sparking a kaleidoscope of colors around them. At first Alayia just enjoyed the feel of Gabriel's arms around her, but as the song went on something began to ebb at the back of her mind. There was a familiarity of the words being sung, making their way deep into her soul.
Her head turned up to face Gabriel. “I know this song.” Her voice whispered into his chest.
His day had been hell, but finally he was at peace. From the moment he'd left Alayia this morning his heart had drummed in his chest. True he remembered little as the dragon, but there were fleeting visions. He'd watched over them as they'd traveled. Somehow the dragon knew her and didn't attack. Why? He didn't know nor did he care. As he'd followed the woodlands had taken on a familiar feel. He'd been here before. At the time his mind didn't comprehend where they were headed. He'd swirled above the clouds keeping a watchful eye for any who might pose a problem for his friends. Thankfully none had. The moment the town had come into view he steered off, the temptation of human flesh more than the dragon would be able to handle. She'd be safe in the town; he knew it in every fiber of his being.
Hours had trekked by till he roared out his frustration. He felt his body pull into the direction of the town, his need to find Alayia more than an addiction he could quench with one taste. Somehow she'd cast a spell on him and he had no clue how to break free. Then there was the woman. Always before nightfall she seemed to pull at his soul, showing him things he still didn't fully understand. This last vision more potent than the last. Slowly, night approached and the dragon fell into slumber once more, his body contorting back into his human shape as the woman released him from his visions. Falling to the ground he could have sworn he heard Innok's laughter echo through his mind. Could he know? He prayed not.
Alayia's voice brushed into his mind, singing along with the song the minstrels were playing bringing him back to the present. He turned his attention to the words, instant recognition pulsing through him body. “Alayia, where did you learn this song?"
He watched as confusion crossed her lovely face. “I don't know. I was listening to the music and the words just floated into my mind. I told you I knew this song from somewhere."
Gabriel pulled away for a moment and looked down into Alayia's upturned face. Such innocence and trust resonated from her that he wanted to gather her into his arms for safekeeping. “This song is only known by a few and only to those of this village.” Gabriel didn't want to mention that it was a song that Danielle had sung to him a few days before she'd died. His chest tightened at the memory.
"Gabriel what's wrong?” Compassion laced her words as he felt the warmth of her fingers across his chin. “I'm sorry if the words bothered you. I'll be more careful next time.” Her words touched his heart, the sincerity in their meaning helping to ease the weight on his chest.
He reached down and pulled her hand to his mouth, pressing a gentle kiss onto her fingers. “Alayia don't ever be afraid to be who you are. My memories are what they are. Some are painful, some are not. You make life bearable. Please, don't stop on my account.” He'd hated the thought of hurting her by his words. “If you wish to sing, then sing. I was just surprised you knew the words.” He still wondered how she'd learned them, but it was a mystery he would solve another day. For now he wanted to enjoy the evening.
"I'm not afraid of who I am.” He felt her stutter, her voice a mere whisper on the wind. “Gabriel there is something going on inside me that I don't understand."
"What...?” She placed her hand on his mouth, her fingers a mixture of salt and honey.
"Please. Right now I can't answer more than that.” He could feel her tremble in his arms. More than anything, he wanted to chase whatever demons were haunting her. Could Elroy have done something he wasn't aware of?” No he hasn't. Don't forget I can read you Gabriel."
"I'm sorry Alayia. I just want to help. I don't trust that man."
&nbs
p; She withdrew from his arms and retreated out into the night. He followed her lead. He couldn't have done otherwise. Every part of him had to be near her. Whether she admitted it or not she needed his help as much as he needed hers. “Gabriel?"
"Yes?” His arm snaked around her waist pulling her closer to him.
"You know where we are, don't you?” Alayia turned to face him, her eyes full of questions.
"Yes. I do.” He couldn't lie even if he'd wanted to.
Alayia leaned her head back against his chest, the breath escaping her lungs. “We are in your home aren't we?” How could she have known? “That's how you knew where to find us."
"I knew you came here but not because this is my old home. I can find you anywhere Alayia.” Her body shifted once more, her head turned to face him.
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly as I said. I've been close to you; I know what you smell like, I can sense you miles away.” He promised to be honest and refused to stop now. “There isn't a place in this world I couldn't locate you. Trust me in this. I won't lose you, not like I lost her."
The gentleness in his voice brushed against her skin. She had to move away before he saw the tears that shimmered in her eyes. “That's not possible. No one can do that.” She needed to balance and fast. She couldn't afford for him to see her emotions.
"Of course it's possible. It's just as possible as it is for someone to read other people's minds or the items they touch. Why would one be natural and the other not?” His words made sense but it didn't make her feel any better. She needed distance.
"Why don't you go inside? I need to walk around for a bit.” She was pushing him away. “I'll be inside in a few minutes. I just need to clear my head."
He moved toward her. “No, you want to try and rationalize what is forming between us.” His hand touched her shoulder in a light caress. “There is no rhyme or reason for the strength of the bond between us. I don't understand it either."
"So why is it?” Her words cut through him. He could feel her tears eat at his soul. She was confused and he couldn't blame her. “Why do I feel like I know you, like I know everything about you when I've met you not long ago? There are things I see that make no sense to me."
"Alayia..."
"No, listen to me for a minute.” Her resolve firm she turned to face him her eyes red from the tears she'd held back. “I've been through my brother's death and vowed to hunt down his killer only to find you. I can't kill you, for it wasn't your fault, so I've sworn to find a way to release you."
Gabriel's hand moved to cup the side of her face, his thumb erasing the tears that had begun to fall down her cheeks. He hated the pain she was feeling, the despair of not knowing what was happening, and he couldn't blame her. There were powers at work even he didn't understand.
"We can figure this out Alayia I promise.” He wanted to hold her so tight in his arms and wipe away any fears she had.
"That's not the only problem. There is a part of me that I feel is missing that I have to find. Until I find it I won't be whole.” His mind swam at her words. What could she mean? Why wasn't she whole? Gabriel watched as Alayia turned back out into the night, her hair flowing in the evening breeze. “I have to go there. Now."
"Go where?"
"I have to follow the voice; it's the voice of the woman who keeps haunting me.” Her words took a second to register. His head shot up just as she vaulted into the woods her footfalls echoing into the night air.
"Alayia!” Gabriel turned his head toward the inn his heart lodged firmly in his throat. “Talon, hurry. We have to catch her.” He didn't wait for his friend to answer and instead turned and moved in the direction she'd gone. His mind spun with her parting words and what they could mean. What woman's voice? Was it another trick? Where was she headed? For once he wished he had the speed of the dragon. The moment the thought entered his mind he pushed it aside.
"Where did she go?” Talon's voice interrupted his thoughts. Damn the man was fast.
"I'm not sure. I know which direction I'm just not sure why.” So many questions continued to pummel his mind that Gabriel wanted to roar out his frustration.
"We will find her. She's pretty resilient.” Talon's observation did nothing to ease his concern. “Besides, she'd told me she needed to come out this way.” His confession drew his attention.
"She did? Did she tell you why?"
"Not in so many words. She just said that some dream lady told her she needed to come. Something about in order to fulfill the circle, or something, she needed to be shown the past.” Fear pulsed through his body turning his blood to ice.
"I don't trust it. We need to hurry.” They continued through the forest their shouts not answered. He found the direction she'd headed in and increased their speed. There was something familiar about the area.
"Gabriel I don't like this. The forest here feels different. It's as if the balance is not right here.” Every step they took felt heavy, the air not as light. “Listen to your feet as you walk. They sound hollow.” Gabriel took a step forward and listened. It was true; the sound it made wasn't natural.
"There is evil in this place.” His head tilted to the side as they rounded a bend, a stone structure jutting up out of the ground. “It can't be.” Recognition shot through him.
"What is it?"
"I've been here before. I should have recognized this place right away.” He wanted to smack himself for not seeing it sooner. “I knew it felt evil for a reason. But it was so long ago."
"What is it? Work with me here Gabriel. Remember I can't see these things.” He needed to focus. They needed to find Alayia and soon.
"This is where I was brought with Danielle. This is where Elroy conjured Innok and cursed me.” His skin began to prickle at the mention of the demon's name. Even the dragon inside roared out in frustration.
"How did she know about this place?” Talon's questions mimicked Gabriel's own. “Is she near? I can't sense anything. Nothing is as it seems."
"She's close.” Gabriel breathed in her scent his head turning. “This way."
"Gabriel wait.” Talon's arms grabbed hold, his grip firm.
"What?” He didn't want to give her too much space to distance herself from them.
"Don't try and keep her from her destiny. There is a power at work here that none of us understand, but it's stronger than anything I've ever felt.” He couldn't argue that fact. He'd felt it with every breath. “I don't think what is drawing her to this place is evil. She has to face this in order to continue on."
Gabriel couldn't find fault with his assessment, yet he didn't want to admit it might be true. Instead he pulled his arm free and turned in the direction of Alayia. He wanted nothing more than to make sure she stayed safe. He'd already lost one person he loved; he didn't want to lose her as well. A swoosh of Talon's staff stopped him dead in his tracks.
"Why did you do that?"
"Shhh. She's close.” His hand pointed to the left of their position. Gabriel tilted his head, a guttered growl lodged in his throat.
"The stones, this is where it happened.” Questions without answers pummeled his mind. “How did she find it?"
"I was led here Gabriel. You can come out now.” Her voice washed across him like a spring breeze. “You too Talon. I don't feel like being watched from the bushes."
Gabriel turned to face Talon, a look of surprise on both their faces. “I guess we should oblige her request.” Talon's voice held a hint of humor.
"I guess we should.” Gabriel's head ducked out from under the brush, his gaze never leaving Alayia. “Why did you come here Alayia?” Gabriel found he needed to know. He swore he would never step foot in this evil place again, yet here he was.
"I had to come. I had to link the circle.” Her words floated in his mind.
He moved toward her, his hands outstretch to pull her close. “Come back to me Alayia and explain this. Why did you have to come? What circle?” More than anything he needed to make sure she w
as real and not a ghost come back to haunt him.
"She called me, told me that I had to come here to understand. That it was up to me to free her from the chains that bound her and unleash the truth of the past.” Her words drummed at his heart. What could she mean? What woman? Who could have called her here?
"What lady called you? What past?” He hated to pound her with questions but he was out of his element. He was able to deal with flesh and blood but ghosts were not his expertise. “Tell me Alayia, please."
"Danielle. She drew me to this place. She told me that I have to see the past to remedy the present and save the future.” The moment she'd uttered Danielle's name Gabriel felt his heart stutter.
"What? How can that be? She's been gone from this world for years.” It wasn't possible, it couldn't be. He turned his head to watch the swaying of the trees, his mind a jumbled mess of emotions. “Are you sure? Maybe it was the knock you had from before.” He didn't want to push her away but he couldn't think about Danielle. Not this close to where it all began.
"Believe or not Gabriel, but the truth remains. How else would I have come here? I see things that are so strange, yet familiar, that I have to follow them.” The beat of his heart drummed in his ears as he strained to hear her voice. His body felt numb to everything as the visions of that day came crashing back to haunt him.