Shirl approached the natural gateway and the event horizon opened. As before, Starc’s crystal glowed as his soul mate’s did. She turned to him and smiled. That simple act eased his nervousness about this mission. They had worked this morning on the frequency that would lead them to the Terra Flora universe.
His soul mate would adjust the frequency and Starc would only intercede if she did not get it correct. He would be able to hear as she made adjustments, knowing if she was heading in the right direction. Darden and Cianan were just there for the ride and protection once they arrived. They entered the portal and Shirl started to adjust the pitch being emitted. Within moments they entered the Terra Flora universe.
They were immediately assaulted by the heat and humidity of this parallel world. At least they did not have to deal with the almost constant rain that usually plagued Terra Flora. It was great for plants, not for humans. Starc’s tunic was already sticking to his body and sweat trickling down his back. The sun beating down on them with no cloud cover did not help. They were not far from the jungle that would provide some relief from the sun. It presented a whole new variety of dangers. They brought insect repellent, he was just afraid they would sweat off the spray.
“Let us get Jarlyn’s crystals we came for. The faster we find them, the faster we can leave,” Cianan said. Shirl’s brother’s hair was already soaking wet and he was shaking off excess water. It was the first time Cianan had been to Terra Flora. Descriptions did not do justice to the impact the heat and humidity this world produced.
“If we head to high ground, we would have a better chance of finding what we are looking for.” Shirl seemed to have a natural instinct related to crystals. For someone who had never been in this world before, she spoke with knowledge born of confidence. “If I was not afraid of being locked up, I would say the crystals were calling out to me.” She communicated to him through the soul mate channel. He loved the intimacy she was willing to share with him.
Shirl wet her handkerchief and tied it around her neck. Starc wanted to lick the excess sweat off her throat. He could almost taste the salt in his mouth. Shirl looked quite alluring, as she pulled her hair into a ponytail. He felt like a wet rat.
Starc knew he had to get the group moving. He needed to stop being distracted by his soul mate and focus on the mission. There would be time to spend with Shirl later. He looked around and decided best to head west, the same direction Shirl was looking. There was an inactive volcano that would provide a good place to look for crystals.
“Everyone needs to keep drinking,” Starc instructed. “We do not want anyone to get dehydrated or start suffering from heat exhaustion. Take it easy, none of us are used to the humidity. The last thing we need is for someone to faint. If anyone starts getting a headache, let me know.” Starc knew all the symptoms of heatstroke. It was his job to make sure everyone got home in one piece.
Darden led the way, with Starc bringing up the rear. As he suggested, they took it nice and slow. His brother set a moderate pace, balancing the need to accomplish their mission and still not get sick. The insect repellent was doing its job. He could see mosquitoes all around, but none landed on him to feast. They could not afford to bring back a disease transmitted by one of these insects.
He followed his own advice and took a drink of water from his canteen. As he drank, his eyes landed on his soul mate, who walked behind Darden. She seemed the least impacted by the extreme heat. Shirl had told him about Phoenix and the very high temperatures they would have in the summer. Unlike Phoenix, this world had humidity, instead of a dry heat.
“Tell us about the crystal we are supposed to find,” Starc asked. He wanted to get his mind off how extremely hot it was. If his mind could concentrate on something else, it would stay sharp.
“Jeryl Jarlyn showed me the crystal when I visited with him,” Shirl shared with them. “It is similar to the pinkish-red phantom crystal, although I had never seen one personally. On Earth it is extremely hard to find. I saw a picture of it once. It had been found in Madagascar. Never been there, but it was a cute movie.”
Yet again, he had no idea what his soul mate was talking about. He used to laugh when Alex said something no one understood and Tarsea would mumble something under his breath. He found it charming, but he loved everything Shirl did. That thought stopped him mid-stride.
It was the first time he had thought of Shirl and love in the same sentence. The little things she did or said were the things that moved him, not the incredible sex. Every nuance of her was slowly working into his psyche. That thought was quite overwhelming, as he realized what having a soul mate truly meant.
“What is wrong?” Cianan asked him, noticing he had fallen behind.
“Nothing,” he answered. He quickened his pace to catch up, without exerting too much effort. “What does the crystal do?” he once again asked Shirl. Starc had been amazed by her knowledge of crystals. Her love for those stones must have created a kind of kinship with Jeryl Jarlyn, which cut short his examination of her regarding Benko when they met.
“I am not sure about this one,” Shirl answered. “The one I am familiar with helps with feelings of abandonment. It must have been difficult on our Prime Ruler to have lost his son in the manner he did.” She probably said those words for the benefit of her brother. “The one he showed me had very little power left. He has been obsessed with finding Benko and the rest of us. I would imagine this stone provides the same benefits as the one I know about.” Shirl communicated through the soul mate channel.
They walked for about an hour and then rested. There was no place to sit and it was too dangerous to wander off. Everyone finished their first canteen and refilled them with the water they ported. Conversations were held to a minimum, taking a mental, as well as a physical break.
After fifteen minutes they continued on their way. They probably had another hour to walk before reaching what they hoped was the first mine. If they were lucky, they would find the crystal there. The mission only called for a single type of crystal to be recovered. Anything else they could keep for their own use.
Starc’s legs were getting heavy from the exertion when they came upon their destination. They pulled out their crystal powered flashlights and entered the cave. Various pieces of quartz lined their way, evidence that mining had already been done by a previous party. The question arose whether the other group had taken what they searched for.
Slowly and methodically they looked at the stones on the floor and within the walls. Fortunately it was a little cooler in the cave. There was a small trickle of fresh cold water falling down the face of one of the walls. After they tested the water to determine if it was safe to drink, they enjoyed the cool life giving liquid. It had a mineral taste about it, fortified by all the elements contained in the mountain adjacent to the volcano.
He noted that Shirl had examined a couple of crystals and placed them in her pocket. “Have you found what we came for?” he asked her through their closed link. The fact she had not spoken aloud made him doubt that was the case.
“These are rare Faden quartz tabby crystals. They help to support physical, mental and emotional stability. Chartail could use them. She is still a mess, although that is not surprising.”
“Shirl, come here,” her brother called. “Take a look at this.”
Shirl walked to where her brother stood and examined the stone. “Thank God!” Shirl sighed. “These are exactly what we are looking for. They also are emitting a lot of energy. Jeryl Jarlyn should be able to use these crystals for years before anyone has to come back to this world and gather more. Can we take a little longer and see what else we can find in here. We have come all this way, we might as well grab some additional crystals. This place is amazing.”
Darden stepped out of the cave and returned almost immediately. “We need to be on our way within the hour. I want to be long gone before the sun sets. There are a number of la
rge nocturnal animals that call this world home.” His brother always did his homework and researched the different worlds he entered.
Shirl found a number of extra crystals, explaining their uses as she placed them in her knapsack. They found a small amethyst geode they decided to drag home with them. Amethyst were the best crystals for telepathic portal travel. A crystal telepath would go through several crystals a year. They gathered their findings and packed up. It was time to head back to the portal and home. The walk back would be harder because of the additional weight, but at least it should be a little cooler, Starc reasoned.
They made their way out of the cave, to the clearing just short of the jungle path they had taken earlier. “What is that cute little animal?” Shirl asked.
Starc looked in the direction Shirl pointed. His heartbeat accelerated as he looked upon a larma beast pup. “Shit! Where is its mother?” Before anyone answered, an animal larger than the one at the Aster Province zoo emerged from the jungle and headed straight for Cianan.
Shirl stood in mute horror as she watched the Giant Larma beast attack her brother. She was so petrified, she could not move. Starc and Darden pulled out weapons and ran toward the animal before it took off Cianan’s leg. They placed warning shots next to the beast. The animal either was not hungry or no longer sensed its young was in danger. It removed the grip its mouth had on her brother’s limb and disappeared into the jungle. Her soul mate and his brother quickly started to examine her brother’s leg.
“It does not look like the femoral artery is impacted. Thank the Supreme Being,” Darden said. “Your leg is still a mess. I cannot tell if any of the bones were crushed, can you stand?”
Her brother gallantly tried, but was unable to. Shirl was finally able to move and knelt near Cianan. “You guys will either have to act as crutches or we have to make some kind of litter and drag him back to the portal.”
“Shirl, see if you can open a temporary portal,” Darden asked. “I do not like how his leg looks. The crystal I am wearing does not have enough energy. I was not expecting we would run into this much trouble.”
Shirl concentrated, as she had in the Nightshade universe. She did not seem to be able to pull up the right frequency. “Something is interfering with my ability to open a temporary portal. It must be all the crystals in the cave.”
Darden swore underneath his breath. He looked up at the sky and then the surrounding area. “I do not think we have the luxury of time. We have to help you walk back through the jungle. Starc and I will alternate supporting the side with your bad leg. The path is too narrow for all three of us to walk. Plus due to the heat, the other can semi-rest when he is not supporting you. Everyone should have a healthy drink before we start on our way. We will walk for thirty minutes and rest for fifteen. That will still get us back to the portal before the sun sets.”
Shirl always had a good sense of direction. Once she had been somewhere, she could always find her way to the portal. She took lead, as they traced their way back. The crystals did not add that much more weight. However, it was not any cooler than before.
She pulled back her hair, allowing her neck to once again be exposed. The more skin she uncovered, the better job her body would do at cooling. Shirl turned around and the men were dragging along. Although it had not been thirty minutes, she decided they should stop. The trail widened and would be an ideal place for everyone to rest.
“Let’s stop here,” Shirl said as she arrived at the spot she designated as their first rest area. She helped the men remove the burdens from their backs and joined them sitting on the path. Her brother looked in bad shape and the twins did not look much better. Everyone was drenched with sweat.
She stretched out her leg, leaned against a tree, and closed her eyes. Thinking she heard a rattle, she quickly moved her feet and opened her eyes to see a thick snake strike her lower calf. She screamed as a chill ran down her spine.
“Shirl, did that snake bite you?” Darden asked. Starc was already examining her leg. “Does anyone know what do about a snake bite?”
Darden’s words cut through Shirl’s shock. “You regularly hike a trail in Sedona and you do not know what to do about a rattlesnake bite? Arizona is swarming with rattlesnakes.” It was a bit of an exaggeration, but she was permitted. After all she was just bitten.
“Relax, Shirl,” Starc said through the soul mate channel. “Breathe with me. Then tell us what we need to do.” Shirl could feel her heart rate decrease and got her breathing under control. It was as if Starc was directing her body’s functions. She was once again amazed by the power soul mates had over each other.
“First thing, I need to remain calm.” She looked at Starc and nodded. It was her way of acknowledging what he had done for her. “We need to immobilize my leg, so the poison does not spread. We need to wash the bite and cover it with clean, dry dressings. Lastly, I need my calf at or below the level of my heart.”
Starc drew a knife from his boot and was about to cut her leg. “No!” Shirl cried. “The Internet site said not to cut or try to remove the venom.” She looked her soul mate in the eyes, “You have to carry me and Darden will help Cianan.” Starc nodded and started to do as she instructed.
After he washed her leg, he further bent down and kissed her calf, not far from the snake bite. He did not say anything. Shirl figured it was his way of saying it was going to be all right. Starc tore his tunic, to use the material to dress the wound. Shirl had never seen anything sexier in her life. His now exposed skin shimmered with sweat. She longed to wipe the wetness with her tongue. Salt after all helped retained water. There would have been a perfectly good reason to do what she longed for. After a moment she discarded the notion. These men had already witnessed too much of what Starc and Shirl had done together.
After Starc did everything he could, they started their trek back to the portal. They took it even slower than before, knowing they probably were not going to stop again. Starc carried her as if she weighed less than a feather.
Darden soldiered along, assisting her brother. Slowly they made their way along the trail, but losing their race with the sun. With the diminished light she was not sure, but she thought her calf was starting to swell. She chanted, trying to stay calm.
Shirl grabbed her necklaces and concentrated on controlling herself. Blue stones were for calming. Shirl had an aquamarine among the crystals around her neck. Originally she had not worn that piece, but changed her mind at the last minute. She had the foresight that something could happen that required the crystal.
“This is not going to be easy,” Darden advised the group. “We need to get off this path and make our way through the jungle. There is a nocturnal boar in this world and we have been walking on its trail. I have been noticing the bark of the trees showing evidence of boars. They are most dangerous during the dusk hours. Starc, you cannot wait for us any longer. Get Shirl to the portal and to a med-tech as soon as possible. Time is more of a factor with her.”
“Go,” her brother said, reinforcing what Darden asked. He looked terrible. What little rational capacity she had left, she was weighed down with guilt. Why had she not been able to open a temporary portal? That is what mated crystal telepathic females could do with ease.
“Sorry, Shirl,” Starc said. “I think we are both going to get a little scrapped up, but I need to get you out of here and fast.” With those words, Starc increased his pace. Fortunately, so close to the boar’s path, the foliage was not as thick. He made his way around trees, with some of the limbs ricocheting back at them. A few of them stung, but they were making good progress. She could still hear Darden and Cianan behind them.
Shirl closed her eyes and drifted to that annoying state between being awake and asleep. She struggled to keep her eyes open. Every time she jerked awake, she was overwhelmed with waves of nausea. The fever came on.
“We are going to get trampled, Starc!”
&n
bsp; “It is all right, it is the fever. There is boar activity on the trail, but we are safe from them. Your ears are just a little hyper-sensitive.”
“I have never had sensitivity to sound when I ran a fever before,” Shirl complained. She felt terrible and was getting scratched up as they made their way through the woods. Shirl knew she was whining. Was a comfortable bed too much to ask for when she felt like crap?
“Your thoughts are leaking into the soul mate channel. You are not whining, by the way. The sensitivity to sound is connected to your crystal telepathic abilities. Since you had not used them before, you did not experience this side of having a fever. Hang on a little longer, we are almost there.”
She felt like she had been hit by an eighteen wheeler. Everything hurt. Shirl could not understand why Starc kept hitting her with some kind of rod. When she felt better, she was going to make him pay! Where was her blanket, she was so cold. Her teeth were chattering and it was really annoying.
“Cool! My crystal is glowing.” She found herself drifting into unconsciousness.
Chapter 17
Shirl woke up feeling absolutely terrible. Both Alex and Starc were hovering over her. She saw relief wash across both their faces. Shifting in bed was a big mistake, her body still ached from the fever. “How did we get back?” she asked.
Starc smiled. What a sight! “Your crystal opened the portal when we got in close proximity of it. Since we are soul mates, I was able to navigate using our telepathic bond. It is a very different experience being able to navigate the portal myself. Thank you for that.”
“You are welcome, Starc. I’ll certainly look into getting bitten the next time we travel.” Shirl knew she was being catty. She was parched, it felt like she had been in a desert. “Can I have a glass of water?” It was funny watching both Alex and Starc fumble in their attempts for one of them to satisfy the request.
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