The Realms Unite (Realms Gate)

by Juliet Anderson

  “Help me up,” she waved her hands at Wilhelm. “I’m more than capable of walking.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  Her head spun as Wilhelm hauled her to her feet.

  “Are you alright?”

  “Fine,” she leant against him for support. “Now let’s go. Birdie and Jasper will think we’ve stopped for dinner.”

  “I can carry you, Erin. It’s no problem at all,” Wilhelm was fairly insistent.

  “I walked in, I’ll walk out.”

  Erin was relieved she had marked the walls as the bracelet had indeed shut down since they found the medallion. It still took them a while to retrace their steps with her limping along, leaning on Wilhelm for support. Emerging into the bright sunshine blinded her for a moment. She remembered hearing a faint popping sound and Wilhelm hurling himself at her. As she fell to the ground with Wilhelm on top of her, she spotted the two figures in black standing above the exit from the labyrinth. Her hands were gloved so she was virtually powerless as they took aim once more. With Wilhelm’s dead weight on her, she could not free her hands. A moment later, both figures fell. Jasper and Birdie were standing behind them, crossbows in hands.

  She had never been happier to see her aunt. Now she could worry over Wilhelm who had still not moved. She rolled him off her and saw the snow tinged with red. Dear God, he had been shot.

  “Birdie,” she shrieked. “We need you.”

  Birdie was beside her in seconds. “Unzip his suit.”

  Erin did so Birdie could examine the wound. “It’s not much more than a flesh wound. We’ll stem the bleeding then patch him up back at the hotel.”

  “Thank you, by the way.”

  “For what?” Birdie tilted her head.

  “For killing those guys.”

  “You’re welcome,” she kissed her niece’s forehead. “Magnus, help bring Wilhelm around, we need to get out of here in case more Vokteren are on the way.”

  Wilhelm’s eyes flew open suddenly. “Am I relieved,” Magnus grunted. “I thought I might have to give you mouth to mouth.”

  Back at the Arctic Hotel, Birdie sewed up Wilhelm’s wound. “Luckily it’s on your left hand side, so you can still use your sword.”

  “Is that what your modern weapons can do? Pierce a man from a distance?” Wilhelm was perplexed.

  “Yes. Guns are rather lethal.”

  Erin cornered Jasper, she could not believe he had killed one of his own. “I cannot thank you enough,” she hugged him. “But you took down one of your own men.”

  “They do not act for me, Erin. In truth, I have never really been an ardent follower of Valkarin, I am more of a historian. But being a Voktere by birth, I had very little option as to my future.”

  “You saved Wilhelm’s and my life.” She kissed his cheek.

  “And I would do it again willingly.”

  “In future perhaps you should be a little more vigilant,” Birdie snapped. “Your hands should never be covered unless you know for certain you are safe.”

  “Yes, I’m well aware that my wee oversight could have cost us.”

  “Your life, most likely. Had Wilhelm not acted so quickly, we would be burying you.”

  “Thanks for reminding me,” she hissed at her aunt and stalked out the room. She headed down to the bar and ordered herself a coffee. She thought about something stronger but realised she’d probably be asked for ID and that was back upstairs.

  Curling up in a chair close to the fire at the far end of the room, Erin tried to stem the tears. She was only too aware that she and Wilhelm could have died earlier, all because she had gloves on. And that she had been too pig-headed to let someone take care of her.

  And what was the point of it all? She couldn’t give a damn about the Second Realm, it meant nothing to her. Although Wilhelm did. But then they weren’t exactly in a formal relationship. Perhaps she needed to get away from it all, spend a week or two on a beautiful hot beach. Or take that trip down the Nile. According to Birdie, the estate was very profitable so she could well afford it. Deep down however she knew she could not leave at such a time. If Jasper was willing to give up his family ties to stand with the McLomards, she could not disappoint him by running away, however much she wanted to.

  She let out a frustrated snort before slurping her coffee. Could she not for once just have a normal teenage day, with normal teenage problems?

  You alright, kid?

  No. I want to go somewhere hot and lively where a dead Viking overlord and his lackeys aren’t trying to kill me.

  Make that two of us.

  I’m fed up with having to fulfil this role. I never thought I’d say it, but I want my crappy old life back with my uncaring stepmother. At least then no-one was trying to eliminate me.

  No, you just managed to do a good job of nearly terminating your existence by yourself.

  Dick.

  Yes, I have a rather impressive one.

  Ooh, gross, she squealed.

  That’s not what Ingrid says.

  You’re a toad.

  “So you keep telling me,” Magnus sat down beside her with a Coke in his hand. “Birdie only had a go at you because she cares. We all do. And it was just not your misjudgement this afternoon. It was mine too. Remember, I am your protector. I should have been the first one out the labyrinth, to check that it was clear. Especially as I had warned Jasper and Birdie earlier that we might get company.”

  “How’s Wilhelm?”

  “Fine. Trust me he’s had far more painful injuries before. Which reminds me, your cut needs looking at as well.”

  “I’ll get Birdie to see to it later. Have you had a good look at the medallion?”

  “Yeah, it’s similar to the McLomard medallion, except for the tiny purple crystal on it.”

  “I think that must be Aria’s personal mark, the dagger is the same.”

  “We’ve split them up between us, by the way. Wilhelm and I will hold onto the dagger, Birdie the medallion and you should hold onto the bracelet. That way if we have late night visitors, someone can’t grab them in one go.”

  “Not a bad idea,” Erin conceded.

  “Are you ready to head back upstairs? It’s probably not too safe to be sitting here in full view of everyone.”

  “True,” Erin started to get to her feet then sat back down.

  “Are you feeling dizzy again?”

  “No. But some Vokteren have just entered the bar.”

  “Crap,” Magnus grunted. “You can’t exactly vaporise them in public.”

  “No, but I can make them leave.”

  “I don’t think they’re the type that gets intimidated by a diminutive, golden haired teen, however bad-tempered she is.”

  “I’m going for subtly,” Erin smiled and shut her eyes. Two minutes later, the three Vokteren left the bar.

  “I hate to ask, but how did you do that?” Magnus tried not to sound impressed.

  “Mind control. I just dropped the thought that they were at the wrong hotel and had not seen me.”

  “How about we head up before more come through the door.”

  “Guess I have to face Birdie some time,” Erin moaned.

  “Cheer up. Wilhelm will be only too happy to show you his battle scars if you need entertaining.”

  “What makes you think I haven’t seen them already?” Erin raised an eyebrow in response.

  “Experience,” he gave a knowing smile.

  Birdie hadn’t softened much when they got back to the room. “Dear God, child, why didn’t you tell me you were injured too?” She growled at her niece.

  “Wilhelm’s injury needed treating first. Mine’s just a scratch.”

  “I disagree.” Wilhelm joined in the debate. “She lost a lot of blood in the cavern.”

  “Sneak,” Erin hissed at him. He was sitting there wearing just his jeans, his torso bare, looking far too attractive.

  “Well, I can’t treat it with your jeans on,” Birdie sighed.r />
  “I’m not about to get undressed in front of everyone,” Erin scowled.

  “You’re quite right. In the bedroom.” Birdie propelled her through the door.

  Erin peeled off her jeans to reveal a nasty cut underneath. Birdie was only too happy to air her opinion. Erin just laid there and gritted her teeth as her aunt treated the wound.

  “You’re lucky I’ve not had to give you stitches,” Birdie dabbed at her leg. “But you should be more careful. We can’t afford to lose you over something so avoidable as a cut.”

  “Fine, I get the message loud and clear. I screwed up.” Erin pulled her jeans back on. “So please feel free to get off my back and give me some damn space to breath.” She stormed out the hotel room and headed outside. She didn’t care she wasn’t dressed for the weather, she’d had enough of everyone having a go at her. Her leg throbbed, her whole body ached, but no-one really cared. They just wanted her to defeat Valkarin.

  She had no real idea where she was going, she just continued walking down the street. Well, limping in truth. It was not the wisest of moves with the Vokteren around, but she didn’t give a damn. Suddenly her cloak fell around her shoulders and strong arms picked her up.

  “What are you doing, Wilhelm?”

  “Keeping you safe,” he said flatly. He carried her to a barn situated close to the water’s edge. It was empty apart from a few horses. He plonked her down on a bale of straw. “You are aware Vokteren are in this town?”

  “Yes. But I find myself no longer caring.”

  “We need you, Erin. I need you,” he took hold of her hands and kissed them. “And I am not prepared to see any harm come to you.”

  “I’m not the right person for this, Wilhelm. I’m just a grumpy teenager with a messed up life. I can’t seem to do the most basic of things without screwing up.”

  “You never screw up,” Wilhelm squeezed her hands. “You might make the wrong decision on the odd occasion, but you are young. Magnus and I still make mistakes all the time.”

  “But my mistakes could have got you killed.”

  “The price of leadership. I too have to make decisions quickly when I lead the army, and as my father will be more than happy to tell you, I frequently get it wrong.”

  “You at least have a fair idea what you’re doing. I really don’t have a clue,” Erin stood up and paced around.

  “And no-one expects you to. Your skills and abilities are so unique that it is almost impossible to find anyone qualified to train you.”

  “I don’t think I’m cut out for this.”

  “You are stronger than you think,” he pulled her to him and kissed her softly. “I have complete faith in you and will follow you wherever you go.”

  “That’s what scares me,” Erin rested her forehead on his chest. “What if my mistake causes your death? I couldn’t live with that.”

  “I’m Viking,” he ran his hand under her cloak. “It is an honour to die in battle.”

  “If you’re so keen to get to Valhalla, I can show you the short route,” Erin muttered.

  “That sounds more like my Erin,” he laughed. “The attitude is returning.”

  His kiss removed all traces of negative thoughts. Actually it left her drained of any thought. Well, not all thought, one thing was pressing on her mind. Warm stable, raging hormones, no-one around. Wilhelm, it seemed, was on the same wavelength. He lifted her off the ground and tossed her into a pile of straw in one of the stalls.

  “Are you planning on getting all Viking on me?” she said huskily as he dropped down on top of her.

  “Most definitely.” His voice was heavy with emotion.

  His hands wandered under her top as she felt up his bare back. It was different from previous encounters they had had, this one had a touch of urgency to it. Almost as if they had to snatch this moment.

  Her pulse was racing like never before as he reached for her belt, this time she didn’t stop him. She wanted this, she needed it.

  They both froze as voices approached.

  “The child was definitely headed in this direction.”

  “She was alone?”

  “No. The Prince was with her. Valkarin will the doubly pleased if we take him out too.”

  “We should spread out, we cannot miss the opportunity.”

  Wilhelm rolled silently off her. Erin was royally pissed, how to really kill the moment! Would they ever get a break? Doing her belt back up, she slithered over to the wall of the stall and peeked through a crack in the wood. She could see six Vokteren, and was pretty sure there were more outside.

  Are you still in the hotel?

  Yeah, what’s up?

  Wilhelm and I are surrounded by Vokteren.

  Where are you?

  In the barn down near the sea.

  I wonder what you were up to. Erin could hear the amusement in his voice.

  Don’t judge everyone by your standards.

  I’m on my way.

  I can dispatch the guys inside the barn but I’m not sure how many are outside. And Wilhelm is unarmed.

  Keep your heads down for a couple of minutes until we get there.

  We?

  Jasper kind of likes his new macho role.

  Erin signalled to Wilhelm to keep low for a few minutes. They just needed to wait till Magnus got close. Well, that would have been the plan had she not let loose the mother of all sneezes. It must have been the dust in the straw. Losing the element of surprise, Erin leapt over the barrier of the stall and vaporised the first two Vokteren closest to her. Calling her Talmar she dispatched another. Bending down she grabbed his sword and tossed it over to Wilhelm as a Vokteren headed towards him. The last two were hit with Loxhadrin.

  “Nice thinking,” Wilhelm joined her having dispatched the remaining guard.

  You here yet?

  Just about. Are you keeping a low profile.

  I sneezed.

  That would explain why a group of Vokteren are descending on the barn. It must have been quite a light show.

  We’ll wait till they engage us.

  “We’re about to have more company,” Erin turned to Wilhelm.

  He gave her a hard kiss on the lips. “There is no greater turn on than fighting by your side.”

  “You’re just so Viking,” she sighed wistfully tapping his cute behind.

  With their back to the stall, they waited for what was headed their way. Erin vaporised some, the rest were dispatched the old fashioned way. Wielding her Talmar was hard as her leg was complaining every time she made a quick movement. Wilhelm too winced a few time as his stitches pulled from his wound. She was relieved to see Magnus and Jasper wading in to help them out.

  “You two alright?” Jasper asked.

  Erin looked at the blood starting to seep through Wilhelm’s top. “I think Birdie might have to repair her handiwork.”

  “And you?”

  “Fine.”

  “Why don’t we head back to the hotel in case any more Vokteren crawl out the ground?” Magnus suggested.

  If Erin hoped to avoid Birdie, she was out of luck. She’d snuck into her room to take a shower, but Birdie was waiting for her when she came out.

  “Can we save the lecture for another day,” Erin groaned. “I’ve already had my fill for today.”

  “I’m sorry. You are so very precious to me, I just want to keep you safe.” Birdie sat on the edge of her bed.

  “You can’t. Dad left me a legacy I have to try and fulfil whether I like it or not.”

  “But we can try and protect you along the way.”

  “I don’t know what I’m doing,” Erin replied hotly. “And as no-one can really teach me, I’m having to learn as I go. And the last thing I need is constantly being told I screwed up. I already know I have.”

  Birdie came and wrapped her arms around her. “I’m also learning as I go. I’ve not had much experience with teenagers, let alone one with startling powers.”

  “How is Wilhelm?” Erin changed the topi
c.

  “Good. I’ve stitched him back up, but he should rest for a few days to let his wound heal properly. As should you.”

  “I’d be more than happy to, however Valkarin isn’t as eager. At least I know now he’s issued the order to have us Wilhelm and I terminated.”