Chasing Portals: Swords and Science Book 1

by Jason Parker

  “I didn’t—” Jhenna tried to interject, but the High Priestess held up her hand and shook her head, silencing Jhenna. She hated being so submissive to the woman but was completely thrown off balance.

  “Now, as I said, I’m certain it was all a misunderstanding. We’re fortunate Wexworth approached me with this matter rather than the Triumvirate. The Church does not need its reputation damaged by charges of harassment toward members of the court. I must request you stay away from Wexworth and the science facility until this has had a chance to blow over. In any event, I suspect you will be too busy with your new assignment to have any such notions.”

  With a pointed look she stood and scrutinized Jhenna for a moment. “I believe we have an understanding,” she said as she turned, opened the office door and walked out. Jhenna stared with her mouth slightly open watching the back of the High Priestess’s white robe swish away until she turned out of sight toward the infirmary exit.

  She silently cursed herself for being so easily cowed by the woman. She had barely uttered two sentences during the one-sided conversation. She held up her arms, gritted her teeth, and flexed her fingers—a quiet snarl slipped past her lips in the process. She wanted to request more time to move to the Cathedral. She wanted to ask about Dennan. She wanted to find out exactly what Wexworth had said. Instead she just sat and quietly accepted her orders like a meek little girl.

  “Priestess,” Vynnera’s voice called from the door, interrupting her thoughts.

  “What is it now, Vynnera?” Jhenna snapped, instantly regretting the sharpness of her tone.

  Vynnera fidgeted nervously, seemingly uncertain whether to say anything else or just run. Jhenna smiled at her in an attempt to ease her discomfort. Finally, she stammered, “J…J…Jeffers would like to see you.”

  “Thank you,” Jhenna said softly, “please show him in.”

  Jeffers appeared a moment later looking extremely troubled. His eyes were red and she wondered if he had been crying. She dismissed the thought. He was a tough guy. It would take a lot to bring him to tears and he didn’t appear to be hurt. He stared at her without speaking.

  “Is there a problem with your wound?” she asked, breaking the momentary silence.

  “No,” he said holding up his arm. The laceration was almost completely healed. “I’m fine—there’s no easy way to say this, Priestess. Skenan. He…he…he was found dead this morning. I wanted to tell you before it started spreading through the Castle. I’m so sorry, Priestess.”

  An audible gasp thwarted itself from her heart. She opened her mouth to speak but was unable to produce words. She could barely breathe. She placed her hand on her heart and the other on the table. Her vision clouded with tears. The room spun around and closed in all at the same time.

  Suddenly, Jeffers was next to her, down on one knee, pulling her toward him—gently, he pulled her head to his shoulder and let it rest there while he stroked her hair. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered again.

  Jhenna’s head swam with flashing memories of Skenan. The pain he was in the first time he’d been brought to the infirmary. The timid determination on his face the first time he’d brought her flowers. The laughter they shared on their first date. The tenderness of his lips and the magical moment of their first kiss.

  She raised her hand and wiped her eyes with her index finger. She slid out of her chair and sat on the floor next to Jeffers. She leaned her back against the desk for support. “How did it happen?” she asked quietly.

  “I don’t know all the details,” he said, easing back against the desk next to her. “But he was found in an alley near the Silver Chalice. Robbery was mentioned. He apparently had a good night at dice but no coin was found on him.”

  Jhenna’s tears formed again. It was her turn to work the infirmary night shift last night. Skenan had the evening off and offered to stay with her and keep her company, but she knew he was itching to play dice. He hadn’t gambled since before their first evening together. She insisted he go and have fun.

  “I need to go there,” she said in a weak half whisper.

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Jeffers asked as he tugged at his moustache. “It might still be a little…um…messy where it all happened.”

  “I know—but I still need to go,” she answered.

  “Then let me go with you,” he urged.

  “No,” she said reaching out and squeezing his hand. “I need to be alone for a while. The walk will help me clear my head.”

  Jeffers looked at her for a moment then reluctantly nodded.

  “Before you go, would you mind explaining what happened to Vynnera?” she asked. “I don’t think I can go through it with her right now.”

  “Of course,” he replied, giving her hand a squeeze this time.

  The infirmary night shift had held Jhenna hostage and she’d gone without sleep for nearly a full day. Exhausted from this and the added emotional toll of Skenan’s death left her bones even wearier. Flashes of his smile, his broad shoulders, his grace produced another round of tears. Adrenaline surged as she walked out of the Castle and into the streets. The weather was misty and she quickly put her hood over her head. People without faces shuffled by her. Clacking carts and wagons and dung and hay mixed into her consciousness. More tears. Skenan’s image came in over and over and over again. She quickly wiped away the tears when she realized she had arrived at the Silver Chalice. The entire walk was a blur.

  A sign on the door read, Opening at Noon. She glanced back in the direction from where she had come. The Castle clock tower was visible and indicated the time was approaching 11:30. Jhenna was surprised it was already that late. She took a chance and pushed on the door. It was unlocked. As she stepped inside, Ghost’s familiar voice called out, “Hey, read the damn sign. We’re not open yet.”

  “I’m sorry to intrude. I was hoping I could speak with you for a few minutes,” she said. The smell of some kind of roasting meat wafted through the air.

  Ghost looked up from behind the bar. “Oh, it’s you. I was wondering if you were going to show up.” Ghost grabbed a towel and wiped her hands. “Look, I don’t know what you and Skenan had going on, but I’m really sorry about what happened. He was a good guy. I don’t think there’s much more I can tell you…”

  Jhenna removed her hood and crossed her arms. Aside from clanking in the kitchen and muffled voices, it was just the two of them in the tavern area. “Cut the crap, Ghost,” she said with a tinge of anger. “Were you working last night or not?”

  They locked eyes for a few long moments until Ghost finally shifted her gaze and muttered, “All right, hold on for a minute.” She then walked into the kitchen.

  She reemerged a few seconds later. “I’ve got ten minutes. Let’s go outside.”

  Ghost locked the door behind them and then turned down an alley next to the tavern. “It happened down here,” she said.

  After they walked a few yards, Jhenna noticed a dark patch on the hard packed earth surface of the alley. Realizing this was Skenan’s blood brought a fresh set of tears which she struggled to suppress.

  She looked at Ghost who seemed more than a little uncomfortable. “What is it you’re not telling me?” she asked.

  “Look, you know he was killed. I’ve shown you where it happened, what more do you want from me?” Ghost replied holding out her hands, palms up.

  “Skenan was very special to me,” Jhenna said, tears welling in her eyes. “He brought out feelings in me I didn’t even think were possible for me to have. I want the bastard who did this to pay and I need your help.”

  Ghost turned away from her. “Look, I don’t know what you…” She looked at Jhenna and sighed, “Oh, hell. I don’t know what it is about you. My friends would think I’m a complete idiot for confiding in a Priestess. Now, I don’t have much time so just follow along.”

  Ghost grabbed her wrist and yanked her further down the alley. Just before they reached the wood fence at the end there was a brief shimmer and
suddenly they were in the Castle art gallery.

  “What?” Jhenna said looking around in disbelief at where they were.

  “No questions,” Ghost said shaking her head. “Just listen.”

  For the next five minutes, Jhenna stared transfixed as Ghost quickly explained her portal ability and how she had been an unwilling captive of Wexworth while he attempted to build a machine that replicated her powers. She finished by describing how the events leading up to and following Skenan’s death the previous night transpired.

  When she finished, Jhenna rubbed her temples trying to absorb and make sense of the barrage of information. Not knowing what to say, she uttered a simple, “Thank you.”

  “For what?” Ghost asked, screwing her face in confusion.

  “For not letting Skenan’s murderer get away,” she answered.

  Ghost walked over to a statue of an unknown elderly man and rubbed her fingers along the dusty bronze surface. She shrugged. “Not like I had much choice. Once Jurg realized who I was, I’m pretty sure he was thinking he’d just found a two-for-one special. And anyway, Jurg was just the tool—Wexworth plotted and killed Skenan.”

  Jhenna nodded. “Now we both have a reason to make him atone for what he’s done. Can you meet me back here tonight?”

  “Tonight? You’re crazy,” Ghost accused. “You’re overly emotional and not thinking straight.” She blew the dust on her fingers toward a weathered painting of the Castle. Her breath stirred up more dust.

  “However,” she whispered with an arched eyebrow, “Wexworth has got to be nervous as shit about Jurg not returning. He must have heard about Skenan and his right-hand man is nowhere to be found.”

  Jhenna flipped through a group of paintings and pulled one out. She held the image of Wexworth’s haughty features and bald head toward Ghost. “So you’ll help me go after him tonight?”

  Ghost tapped her fingers together. “It may not be the smartest move, but maybe he’ll be preoccupied and careless tonight. It’s worth a shot—but we do it my way. If we don’t see a good opportunity, we abort and come up with a better plan later. Got it?”

  Jhenna nodded. She was eager to do something. Ghost was right, she was emotional, tired, and unclear. She didn’t care. She rammed her fist through the canvas of the portrait.

  Ghost chuckled. “Okay, then. I’m only working the afternoon shift today. I’ll meet you back in this room at eight.” She opened a portal. Jhenna glimpsed the alley next to the Silver Chalice within it before Ghost stepped through and was gone.

  Saddened by memories of Skenan and filled with anxiety about the forthcoming evening, Jhenna went to her apartment to get some sleep. She was too restless, however, and she tossed and turned. A couple of hours before the appointed meeting time she gave up on her attempts at meaningful rest and paced about the apartment, wringing her hands and wiping tears.

  Ideas about how to storm the Castle science center floated in and out of her mind, but none solidified. Her plans were filled with holes. She hoped Ghost would come up with something or they would just have to wing it. The only good decision she made was to abandon her clergy garb for something simpler and less noticeable. Although paired with Ghost’s blue hair, they would stand out no matter how she dressed.

  The walls of her apartment were starting to close in on her and she needed to do something. Anything. Even though she was early, she decided to walk to the art gallery and wait. When she opened the door to the gallery, she was surprised to see Ghost waiting for her. She was dressed in a hooded red jacket under a black shirt with black pants and boots. The hood was pulled over her head, covering her blue hair. If you didn’t look closely, you could easily mistake the outfit for the black and red livery of the Castle staff. Jhenna smiled. Smart girl!

  “Good evening, Priest---ess,” Ghost said exaggerating the title—seemingly amused to see her without her white robe.

  Ghost tossed a blue and red object toward her which she reflexively grabbed from the air. She immediately recognized the object as Skenan’s lucky charm and felt tears rising. She turned away from Ghost, trying to hide them.

  “I told you earlier about finding this, and I thought you would like to have it,” Ghost said. “Anyway, I’ve been bouncing around the Castle a bit. Not too many people walking around the halls. That’s good.”

  Grateful for the change of subject, Jhenna composed herself and explained, “Dinner service is over and most of the staff and courtiers have retired to their quarters or one of the recreation areas. There’s not much activity in the more formal areas of the Castle this time of night.” Jhenna regarded Ghost for a moment. “Oh, and you can call me Jhenna. I think we’ve reached the stage where you can drop the formalities.”

  “True enough,” Ghost nodded. “I found a secluded dead end corridor off the main hallway you showed me the other day. There are a couple of rooms along it filled with chairs, tables, some discarded heaps of tapestry, and other random junk. It’s maybe halfway down from the center on the west wing side.”

  “I’m somewhat familiar with the area you’re referring to. Unless someone needs something from one of those storage rooms, it’s deserted,” Jhenna said.

  “Good,” Ghost said drumming her fingers along the base of a cracked marble statue that vaguely resembled Lord Vergilus. “Didn’t you say the doors to the wings were always guarded by a couple of watchmen?”

  “Yes, at all times,” she said, narrowing her eyes. “The personal quarters of the Triumvirate and the higher ranking court members are in the east wing. The dungeons and, of course, the science center are in the west. The watchmen don’t let anyone in who doesn’t have a reason to be there. Did you see something different?”

  “Uh, yeah,” Ghost responded. “There’s no one guarding the west wing doors.”

  “That’s great!” Jhenna exulted. She pumped her fist, thinking they had caught an unbelievable break.

  “Hmm, maybe too good to be true,” Ghost said with considerably less enthusiasm. “But let’s go take a look.”

  “Wait, there’s one other thing you should know. It just occurred to me,” Jhenna said. “The night we were in the Silver Chalice together—I think you overheard Skenan and me talking about an infection spreading in the north that makes people savage and crazy.”

  “Yeah, I heard it mentioned by some of the other staffers, too.” Ghost shrugged. “What of it?”

  “Well, one of the last things Skenan told me, before…” Jhenna paused and inhaled deeply. “One of the last things he told me was a watchman saw a group of Wexworth’s men drag what looked to be an infected person into the lab. I’d like to try and find him.”

  “That’s interesting and all, but I doubt we’re going to have time to tour the place,” Ghost said rolling her eyes. “Now, let’s get going—and stay focused.”

  A portal shimmered to life and Jhenna could see nothing but darkness within. Ghost grabbed a lantern from a nearby stand and stepped through. Jhenna followed her into a cramped storage room. Jhenna immediately sneezed and waved away dust particles. Ghost shot her a nasty glare and put a finger to her lips. As Ghost was setting the lantern down, Jhenna fleetingly worried she was ill suited for all this cloak and dagger business. Maybe this was a mistake. She looked at Ghost and was reassured. Confidence exuded from her. She was in her element.

  Ghost slowly opened the door enough to stick her head out and scan the hall. After a moment, she opened the door wider and motioned for Jhenna to follow. The small corridor was dimly illuminated by a couple of weak incandium fixtures mounted in decorative wall sconces. Ahead to the right was the much brighter main corridor.

  Eager to see if the west wing doors were unguarded, Jhenna circumvented Ghost and walked toward the main corridor. Just as Ghost closed the door, she hissed at her to stop. Too late, as Jhenna rounded the corner she saw a dark-haired woman in a black and red dress ahead of her walking toward the deserted west wing doors.

  The woman was dressed in the livery of a typical Cast
le staff member. However, the elegance and confidence with which she carried herself betrayed her as did the perfectly toned muscles in her arms and calves. She only knew of one woman who had that posture and form—the High Priestess.

  Just as the High Priestess slowed her stride and paused, Ghost roughly yanked Jhenna back around the corner and pulled her into the storage room. Keeping hold of her, Ghost retrieved the lantern with her free hand, opened a portal to the art gallery, and walked through with Jhenna in tow.

  “What the hell were you thinking running into the corridor? That was stupid!” Ghost scolded.

  Ignoring the reprimand, Jhenna said, “Did you see that woman? It was the High Priestess.”

  “The High Priestess!” Ghost exclaimed, shaking her head. “I knew something was going on tonight. It was almost too quiet—then the missing guards. It just didn’t feel right. We’re done for tonight. It’s too risky. If the High Priestess is headed to the west wing we’re not going to be able to sneak around.”

  Jhenna nodded in agreement. “The High Priestess was dressed in Castle livery rather than her clergy garb. What do you think that means?”

  Ghost shrugged. “No idea. Maybe she’s sneaking around like we are. Who knows? It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change our situation.”

  “I suppose you’re right, it’s just odd,” Jhenna said as she rubbed the scar on her cheek. “Anyway, seeing the High Priestess reminded me of something. She stopped by the infirmary this morning and promoted me. I’m supposed to report to the Cathedral the day after tomorrow. I’ll catch up with you at the Silver Chalice when I can.”

  Jhenna embraced her. She felt Ghost tense up and then relax before she pulled away.

  “We’ll find a time to try this again,” Ghost promised as she opened a portal and stepped through.

  CHAPTER 30

  As he approached the sign carved in the shape of a gigantic flame, Nightlocke reined in his horse. Loud music with an upbeat tempo emanated from within the building. The air shook.