by Krystal Wade
I give up. “Arland, you have nothing to be sorry for. You have done everything you could to help me see my family again. I could never be upset with you over this, but it’s just not going to work. We need to get back before something happens to the others.”
A grin plays across Arland’s face. “It is going to work. Now kiss me.”
I laugh. “Yes, sir.”
He leans forward, and our mouths meet with so much depth and love, I have to pull away. Arland takes me by the waist and draws me into him.
I give in and kiss him, longer and harder, until I feel our bodies meld into one. I’m not worried about Flanna and Cadman watching us; they won’t share what’s happening between Arland and me with anyone else.
“Well, look at that. You are both radiating fire now,” Flanna says, staring at us. Golden yellow light reflects in her eyes and gleams on her skin.
The blue is gone, and we both burn in the same brilliant, golden-yellow fire that swirled around me in the woods before.
Smiling, Arland looks down at himself. His eyes widen.
“Close your eyes, and ask the magic to open the portal, Kate,” he says, his voice smooth, calm, knowing.
God, I need you, please open this portal. I need to see my sister and mom.
“Incredible.” Arland’s word hangs in the air.
The glow is so bright it appears in my vision, even before I open my eyes. When I do, my jaw falls slack. The beautiful light from our bodies shimmers through the portal, illuminating the water on the other side. I can’t move. My legs are useless. I’m stuck where I kneel, clutching tightly onto Arland’s hands.
Sensing my nerves, he lifts me to my feet and chuckles.
I squeeze his fingers between mine. “Step through at the same time as me, please. I don’t want the door to close and lose you, too.”
Arland holds me steady and meets my eyes. “I promised I would never leave your side … unless you want me to.”
I shake my head. “Hold your breath.”
We each place one foot through the portal. Warm water soaks through my boot. Thrusting the rest of my body into the rippling wave between two worlds, I hold tightly to Arland’s hand.
Chapter Eighteen
The water is warm and inviting. We could stay here forever, be happy, be free, be at peace. It would be so easy to run away from everything. But we can’t. Everything depends on us.
We swim the short distance to the surface. It’s midday. The sunshine sends delightful tingles over my skin; the earthy smells of living trees and plants fill my nose, easing my nerves.
Arland squints at the sky and smiles. The sun has a captivating beauty I could get lost in; I think Arland is already lost in it. He looks back at me, his skin glowing. The worn look in his eyes has been replaced with a healthy, youthful one. Arland is beautiful. He catches me watching him; I shake my head at the déjà vu feeling.
Was I not staring at Brad in this swimming hole a few weeks ago?
“The sun makes me want to leave it all behind and stay here with you, forever,” Arland says, looking at me with hungry eyes.
“We would never get over the guilt that would cause us both.” I lead him from the water to one of the rocks along the edge of the river.
“I have not seen the sun in such a long time. I was only five years old when Darkness began stealing our light, Kate. Although, since I met you, Darkness has not seemed as lonely.” Arland takes my hand and spins me around, as though he’d like to kiss me again, but there will be time for that later.
“We’re going to fix it all. Then, we can live wherever we want,” I say, trying to pull Arland out of his obvious desire to sit in the sunlight the rest of the day.
“Come on, let’s move. If Brit and my mom have been waiting for us, I know exactly where they’ll be.”
My feet are so familiar with this trail, I run at a full sprint, with Arland behind me. We jump over vines, duck under branches, run harder and harder until we make it to my family’s “reserved” spot in less than ten minutes.
Blue and red tents grace my treasured place in the forest.
“Mom! Brit!” My heart races at a rapid pace from the run; sweat and water drip from my forehead.
“Kate?” Brit’s muffled voice brings tears to my eyes.
She unzips the door and runs into my arms, nearly knocking me to the ground. “Oh my God, Kate. Are you okay? I’ve missed you so much, I love you,” my sister says, squeezing air from my lungs.
Mom steps out, hands pressed to her mouth. She runs to smother me with her own hugs. The three of us swap I love yous, kisses, and tears.
Mom catches sight of Arland, then leans back and smiles.
“We don’t have much time?” Mom asks, holding my head in both of her hands.
I shake my head. “No.”
“Brit, gather the supplies, and let’s go.”
Brit runs to the tent, grabs a couple bags, and is back in an instant.
Looking around, I try to find my stepdad. “Mom, where’s Gary?”
“I tried to get him to come with us. Convincing these humans of our magic is not easy. He thought I had lost my mind, threatened to call the police when you and Brad didn’t come home. I had to leave him behind. The spell I cast over him was so strong, he’ll be positive we had a very quick divorce and you kids never want anything to do with him again,” Mom says, her voice flat.
She doesn’t appear as sad as I feel she should be.
“That’s terrible, Mom. Gary has been so good to us. He’s the only father I’ve ever known.”
Frowning, Brit nods.
“Unfortunately, it’s a price I knew I might have to pay when your father died. I had to keep you safe,” Mom says, no smile, no sadness—expressionless. “We need to go.”
“And Mr. Tanner? What does he think about Brad’s disappearance?” I have to know the answer before I’ll even consider moving back along the trail.
“Mr. Tanner thinks you and Brad are extending your time out here. He’s under the impression you have finally entered into a relationship.”
“But it’s been weeks. How long would they expect us to stay out here?”
“To them, it’s been only one week. Don’t worry, dear. The spells will continue for as long as necessary. Time for them is slightly suspended right now.” She nudges my shoulder.
“Huh,” I say, because her explanation doesn’t make sense.
“Don’t worry, once Brad gets back, it will all work out. Where is he?” Mom glances around.
“If we can get him back. He’s not here. We need antivenin, Mom. Brad has been seriously injured, and he’s in a coma.”
“What?” Brit drops the bags; tears well in her eyes.
Concern creases Mom’s forehead. “If Brad has been hurt by something in Encardia, no antivenin in this world will save him. We can talk about it once we get on the other side.”
We head back to the trail and race to the swimming hole, but my feet refuse to run as fast as they did before. I might not ever see Gary again. Even if I do see him, he’ll think I hate him. My heart, which has broken in so many different ways, has room for one more tear … maybe two. This is no longer my home, but I guess it never was. Arland and I cannot come back here after this whole war is taken care of—there’s no home to come back to.
I say goodbye to my favorite forest, my favorite swimming hole, and my favorite world. We swim through the water, then hold onto the rocks by the falls and stand in a half-circle around the portal to Encardia.
Goodbye, Gary. We may not have the closest relationship, but I love him.
Brit looks at me, another tear streaming down her face. She must be experiencing the same emotions. The last time Brit was in Encardia, she witnessed the coscarthas advancing to attack us. I hope Mom told my sister about what the people are like, how they’re similar to us, and how we have to help them; otherwise, Brit wouldn’t want to set foot inside this portal.
“We all go through at the same time. Ho
ld onto our shoulders,” I say, water from the falls splashing in my face. “Arland and I will stay in the front, with our weapons drawn, just in case.”
“Okay,” they agree at once.
Taking a deep breath, I draw my sword with my right hand. Arland holds my left and fumbles to grip his sword. Mom and Brit hang on to our shoulders.
“Ready?” I ask.
Receiving three nods, I stay vertical and step through with my sword in front of me.
We all fall on top of one another.
Chapter Nineteen
I look back toward the portal. It’s closed. Getting to my feet, I dust myself off. “Did anyone get hurt?”
“I’m fine.” Brit lifts the duffle bags and smiles.
Mom squeezes water from her shirt. “Me, too.”
Arland grins; it’s all I need to know he’s fine, too. He’s more than fine. We’ve not only shared a kiss, but he’s also fulfilled his promise to me.
Thank you, God, for helping me reach my family.
I put the claymore back in my holster. Next time we go through the portal, I am going to have to find a way to pass through without getting my clothes wet. Goose bumps riddle my skin. I wring the ends of my tunic and hair, then return my attention to Arland.
“Brit, you will ride with Kate; Mrs. Wilde, with me.”
Mom sucks in a sharp breath. I don’t remember ever hearing her called Mrs. Wilde.
“Flanna, Cadman, you are to ride flank again,” Arland says. “Kate and I are glowing so brightly, we are sure to attract the attention of daemons. We must move fast.”
Brit climbs onto Mirain with me. “Why does your skin look like it’s on fire?”
Warmth flashes in my cheeks from the memory of exactly why I’m on fire. “I’ll tell you later.”
I kick my heels into Mirain, and she takes off. The horses gallop as hard and as fast as they can, making the trip through the clearing in no time at all.
At the forest line, Mirain spooks and rears onto her hind legs, nearly throwing Brit. Arland, Flanna, Cadman, and Mom whisper words to the trees.
“What is it, girl?” I lean forward to get a look at her face.
She turns her head to the left.
Following her lead, I catch sight of them; hundreds of coscarthas creep between the trees. Enormous, black, wolf-like creatures travel with the daemons, eyes red and blazing. I gasp for air, bringing all of the creatures’ attention upon me.
Charging through the underbrush, they come right for us.
“Arland, look to the left,” I rush out my words; every fiber of my being shakes.
Arland closes his eyes, but only for a moment. His desperate look is replaced by a scowl, by his determination to live. “Hounds. We cannot go back to base while any remain alive; they will track and surround us. We will be trapped there.”
“We certainly can’t fight them, there are too many!” I say, waving at the army of thousands heading our way.
“They cannot”—Arland points to Brit, Mom, Flanna and Cadman—”but we can.” Arland looks down at his glowing body, arms spread widely. The color changes from yellow to blue, and his confidence makes the flames burn even brighter.
I have never felt concern so strong in my life. If this doesn’t work, everything I hold close to my heart will die—my sister, mother, Arland, and my world.
God, you have been here for me so far. Please, help me fight until Darkness leaves this land.
“Kate, you can do this,” Arland reassures me.
He turns Bowen to the right. “Flanna, you and Cadman take Mrs. Wilde and Brit back, but only a few feet. We are going to focus on what approaches from the left; hopefully, nothing comes from any other side. Keep your senses keen. Abandon us if you have to.”
We climb from our horses.
Arland steps around Mirain and takes me by the hand.
We stand our ground as one united force.
A flash of Arland and me standing in a patch of sunlight, happy and proud we’d killed all the daemons, enters my thoughts. I close my eyes. That was a dream. Searching my memory for details that might help us now, I remember when we turned to leave, a hound jumped at Arland from his right side. It bit his neck until he stopped breathing. The vision diminishes as abruptly as it appeared. I shudder from the memory of losing him, but take this memory as a warning; I’m sure it was sent to me for a purpose.
“We will make it through this, and we will be taking our bath together in no time,” Arland says.
My soul aches at the thought of no more baths together, no more kissing, no more sleeping in his arms. I stand on my toes and place my lips on his cheek, then we draw our swords and wait for the first wave of daemons to descend upon us. They draw nearer, but I cannot be afraid.
Instincts take over. “Stop!”
Magic wakes up all around us. Carried along by the vibrant reds, blues, yellows, pinks—all the colors of magic—my voice floats though the air toward the daemons, becoming brighter and brighter until it reaches them and knocks them down.
A few coscarthas dart under bushes, trying to escape the light, but others get up and continue their forward advance—ignoring the power.
“Please, help us burn these hideous beasts, and return them to their own world,” I beg of the magic.
Nothing happens.
More and more creatures get up and approach. Howls echo through the night, sucking any warmth right out of the air. Shrieks ring in my ears. The earth shakes from the daemons’ stampede.
What were we thinking? How could we think we could fight? Why would anything want to hurt us like this? My heart races; my short life flashes before my eyes. “Arland, what am I supposed to do?”
He readies himself for the fight, bracing his legs apart and holding his sword in front of him. “Ask the magic to help.”
In the forest, earlier, I didn’t have to think about the fight. It just came to me. Here, waiting for the creatures, I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to make magic respond.
“I did. Nothing happened.” Fear controls me now. I can barely think, move, look at Arland, or speak. The only thing that keeps me from lying in the fetal position is the fact that I can’t let him down, or Brit, my mom, Flanna, or even Cadman.
“Kate,” Arland says, his skin burning brighter—the magic is obviously responding to him—”I love you.”
Hearing Arland say he loves me—staring with a look of absolute adoration—and knowing this could be it, we could all die, makes me strong and determined.
We are going to make it through this, yet I still don’t know what to do.
Arland crouches. “Think of the things you love. Think of what you need the magic to do for you.”
The daemons have reached us; there’s no time for me to think. I still don’t know how to make magic respond, but I fight. I fight with everything in me. I stab at the coscarthas as they swipe their long claws at me. They shriek with rage when they miss. I duck, swipe, jump, run, live. Everything I do only aggravates them to attack harder.
Daemons advance in waves.
I kill them, one right after the other.
Arland and I separate; he fights on my right, I on his left.
Coscarthas descend on us faster than we can kill them off. We’re being forced back toward the others, unable to fight them all.
“Kate, you have to use the magic.” Three daemons encircle Arland, getting closer with each slash of their claws.
Mirain neighs wildly; Brit screams, a loud and bloodcurdling shriek. The two sounds combined bring my heart to a complete stop. Shaking, I turn to see what caused my sister’s scream. She’s not on Mirain. Brit’s on the ground, trembling in fear, eyes closed.
A hound made it past Arland and me. Standing on all fours in front of her, fur raised on its haunches, the daemon sniffs her skin and snarls.
It’s going to kill my sister.
“Arland!” I call, ready to run to Brit.
He stabs his sword through the chest of a coscarth
a. “You cannot go to her. They will kill you both. You have to find the magic.”
My little sister’s face is soaked with tears, bottom lip quivering. Flanna and Cadman release arrow after arrow into the daemons. My mother whispers to the trees. My love is nearly overrun by daemons.
God, my family needs you—I need you—please, help us.
Confidence blankets me, warming my skin from head to toe. I see each daemon as a target, and somehow I hear their horrible thoughts. They are eager to kill us.
I’m now aware of how each one is going to die; I’m going to kill them.
Energy pulses at my fingers. My body ignites in uncontrollable blue flames, different from the golden flames when I kissed Arland, more powerful, more willing to fight … more willing to kill.
“Stop,” I yell again.
Everyone pauses—the daemons, Arland, Brit, Mom, Flanna, and Cadman—and sets their attention on me. Above our heads, a patch of Darkness breaks open, allowing the sun to shine through and illuminate the trees and underbrush. The drooping leaves and bushes spring to life, as they did between the training facility and the base, earlier. My friends, family, and enemies stare at the light in the sky.
Mom smiles and nods.
The daemons growl.
Everything buzzes with the electricity of life. Little sprite-sized beings peel themselves from trees and rise out of the ground. They come out of everything—everywhere—and fill the air all around us with bright lights. The beings are small and have little wings on their backs. All of them are different shapes; some are like the bark of trees, others like blades of grass, leaves, and they are all translucent.
They fly through the war-torn forest and bump into each other as they wake from what was certainly a very long nap. Some of them swirl around our bodies, as though trying to protect us. No one moves, other than the little beings. I get lost in their beauty, the magic of it all, and reach my finger out to touch one. A human-like face appears in the brightly colored leaf in front of me.
I hold my breath.
My finger warms as it nears her light.
She smiles, but moves away and fades back into the leaf before I reach her. Swarms of them gather in front of me, and they glance at each other, then me; they seem to be begging for direction.