Simon smiled at her tone.
“Are you ready to go then? If so, I'll join you in a few minutes.”
“More than ready, my friend. This city holds too many memories for me now. I will keep them in my heart forever, but I can no longer abide living here.”
“Okay then. It will take me a bit of time to get there, so go ahead and gather whatever else you want to bring with you and I'll see you soon.”
“Excellent, Simon. I will be ready.”
The wizard broke the spell and looked at the elementals.
“Well, time to get ready, I suppose. You guys all set?”
“Of course, master,” Kronk assured him. “You remember the names of my two brethren that you will be summoning when you arrive at the new Nottinghill?”
“Yup. Kallich and Roke, right?”
“Very good, master. Call for them and Aeris and I when you arrive. It will save you using energy to Gate us along with the lady paladin and her baggage.”
Simon got up and walked over to the cabinet to put on his winter coat. He looked over his shoulder at Aeris.
“Hang on to that bag of beets or when I call you, they'll be left behind.”
“I am well aware of that, my dear wizard,” he replied, sounding a bit testy.
Simon turned as he pulled on the coat and stared at him.
“What's up with you?”
The air elemental just shrugged but Kronk looked at him and smiled.
“He is worried, of course, master. Like me, I suppose. We don't want you to overexert yourself so soon after your miraculous return.”
“I'll speak for myself, thank you,” Aeris snapped at him.
“So speak!” the earthen replied shortly.
Aeris scowled at him and then looked at Simon a little sheepishly.
“Perhaps he's right. It is awfully soon for you to be casting major spells, don't you think?”
Simon put on his heavy boots and then walked over to the door and grabbed the staff that was leaning next to it.
“Hey, I don't disagree, guys. But what choice do I have? Liliana has more than earned some consideration from us, don't you think? And Clara could use the help. Plus, I really want you and the others, Kronk, to help with the new town's construction. There just aren't enough people down there with the proper skills to do the job both well and quickly.”
“Yes master, I know.” The little guy smiled shyly at him. “But we worry because we care. I suppose it is as simple as that.”
“Thanks, both of you. Okay, this won't take long.”
He grounded that staff and leaned against it a bit as he recited the Gate spell. When he was done, he grinned at the anxious expressions on the faces of both of his little friends.
“See you soon,” he said, trying to sound confident and then, keeping Liliana's face firmly in mind, he activated the spell.
“Invectis!”
The void was cold, dark and empty. Simon felt adrift in wherever the Gate spell took him when he was between one place and another and clenched his fists as he waited, desperately seeing Liliana's visage in his mind's eye. It seemed to last forever.
And then he fell to his hands and knees and began sucking in great gulps of warm air. Warm firelight flickering around him helped to erase the horror that was the void from his mind and he slowly sat back on his heels and looked around.
Liliana was hurrying across the room, her silver armor ringing musically, an expression of concern on her face.
“Simon! Are you all right?” she asked as she knelt down in front of him.
“I'm...” he took a moment to catch his breath, “fine, thanks. That was a little more intense than I remember though.”
He noticed that she had braided her hair to keep it from impeding her, should she need to fight, and that a sword was now hanging on her left hip.
“Here, let me help you,” the paladin told him. She stood up and gently pulled him to his feet with a strong, steady grip.
“Thanks. I'm okay now. Just a little winded.”
He looked around the room appreciatively.
One wall was covered in shelving that was stuffed with hundreds of books. The marble fireplace appeared even larger in person and above it was a huge painting of what looked like a country scene, complete with children running and playing over hills and fields. Heavy leather chairs and couches were scattered all around and the smell of old oak and a hint of cigar smoke lingered in the air.
“Wow, this guy liked his comfort, didn't he?” he muttered.
“Yes, he certainly did.”
The paladin grinned at him and nodded toward her belongings.
“If it isn't too much of a burden, I thought I'd bring along a case of vodka. Perhaps the people of Nottinghill would like to celebrate their new home, once it is finished being built.”
The wooden box wasn't very big and Simon smiled.
“I think I can handle that. By the way, when things have settled down a bit and I'm feeling stronger, would you mind if I came back here and, um, lifted that easy chair and that leather sofa? I lost mine in a fire and I've really missed them.”
The paladin laughed.
“They are yours for the taking, my friend, with my blessing. I'm happy to think that they will be of some use to someone. Otherwise they would eventually rot and be lost, like so many other things from our former lives.”
“Excellent. Thank you.”
He walked over to the pile of bags and the wooden box.
“Please make sure that all of your things are touching and that you keep a hand or foot on one of them as I cast Gate. The circuit has to be made or the stuff won't be pulled along with us.”
“Got it,” Liliana told him. “Are you sure you wouldn't like to rest a bit first?”
“I'm fine. I told Clara that I'd stay for a few days once we got there, so I can get my rest and my earthen friends can help with some of the town's construction.”
“Oh, that is generous of them.”
“They love to feel useful,” Simon told her with a grin. “I suppose that's true for most of us.”
“I agree.”
Simon braced his staff on the ground, using it to help him stand, and began the Gate spell incantation.
“Put a hand on my shoulder, Liliana and keep contact with your things,” he said as he finished the chant.
“Done,” she said as she put one glove hand on his right shoulder.
“Okay, here we go.”
Simon focused on the new town and made sure that he had a clear vision of its central area before invoking the spell.
“Invectis!” he said firmly and felt the void closing in around them.
Chapter 23
Simon and Liliana were welcomed into the center of the new town by warm breezes and bright sunlight. It was about ten o'clock in the morning by Simon's estimation and the setting drew an immediate smile from both of them.
“Oh, this is wonderful,” the paladin exclaimed as she looked around avidly. Simon had to agree.
It was amazing how quickly the winter cold could erase memories of warm weather and the sheer pleasure of having to take off his coat because he was too hot was exhilarating.
He took off his boots and socks as well and rolled them into his coat, which he tucked between Liliana's things on the ground. The grass under his bare feet was warm and soft.
There was a general bustle of people moving back and forth and the sound of hammering and digging echoed within the town's outer walls. The feeling in the air was one of energy and rebirth and it was invigorating.
Clara had obviously been watching for their arrival and appeared almost at once, along with Malcolm and Virginia.
All three of them greeted both of them warmly, with Malcolm and Liliana exchanging firm handshakes. The big man was wearing chain mail over leather, probably because of the heat, and his handsome black features were, as usual, open and friendly. The warrior and paladin obviously admired each other quite a bit.
�
��Simon, so great to see you!” Virginia exclaimed and hugged him fiercely.
She was wearing a simple knee-length dress and a white blouse and looked even more beautiful than usual. Her light blond hair still flowed down to her waist and she looked like she'd stepped off the page of a fashion magazine. But she carried herself with assurance and was not someone that Simon thought of as physically demonstrative.
He returned the embrace hesitantly and then pulled back, a bit puzzled.
“What was that for?” he asked, noticing Clara's look of amusement.
“What was it for? You were dead, you idiot!” Virginia said loudly with a scowl. “Even when Clara told us you'd come back, a lot of us couldn't believe it. But here you are!”
She grinned and hugged him again quickly.
“Um, thanks?” he said doubtfully and everyone, including the paladin, burst out laughing.
“You're welcome. Now, are you okay? You look a bit pale and your knees are shaking.”
“They are?”
Simon looked down and, sure enough, he saw his knees trembling underneath his robe.
“Yeah, I wouldn't mind sitting down. Gating is a bit draining and I'm not at a hundred percent yet.”
“Follow me, my friends,” Clara said to both Simon and Liliana. “Malcolm and his scavengers managed to dig up a pile of folding chairs from a flattened warehouse and we've set them up over here.”
“I prefer to think of us as re-claimers, not scavengers, my lady,” Malcolm said loftily as they moved through the settlement.
“Whatever you like,” the cleric said with a smile. “But you and Aiden and the others have done a wonderful job and we are most grateful.”
She led them to a spot near the wall where a dozen wooden folding chairs had been set up in the shade under a tarp. A few small tables were scattered around as well and the cleric waved both of her visitors toward the seats.
“Sit down, please. I'll get you something to drink.”
“I'll do that, Clara,” Virginia said firmly. “You rest. You never really stop, you know, so have a seat for a change.”
The cleric thanked her and sat down next to Simon, who sighed in relief as he got off of his feet. He felt a bit light-headed and was grateful for the chance to catch his breath.
Malcolm followed Virginia, offering to help, and they chatted quietly as they disappeared into a nearby tent.
“I noticed the pile of belongings that you brought with you,” Clara said to Liliana. “Is there anything else you need? We have dug up several caches of clothes and shoes if you need any.”
The cleric herself was wearing a simple, sky-blue robe and her brown hair was tucked behind her ears.
The paladin smiled and shifted in her chair, which creaked alarmingly under the weight of her armor.
“I thank you, my friend, but no. As you can see, most of the time I wear armor. I find that it feels more natural for me to do so. Part of being a paladin, I suppose.”
“Funny. Malcolm has said almost the same thing from time to time.”
Clara folded her hands and rested them on her lap. Then she looked from Simon to Liliana and back again.
“You both look well. Liliana, please allow me to offer my condolences on your losses. After all of your efforts, to lose your people despite that, is truly a tragedy.”
The paladin's face paled but she accepted Clara's words with grace and dignity.
“Thank you, my friend. I grieve for them, but I also hope to help you and your fellows here, if you will have me.”
“There has never been any fear of our not accepting you,” the cleric assured her warmly. “Not only do we need any help that we can get with our rebuilding, your skills in combat and your ability to heal will be invaluable to us.”
Simon watched the interaction between the two women with interest. Both were strong people, loyal and fierce in their wish to protect those around them and he'd been sure that they could work together, but until this moment, there had been no guarantee. He felt a sense of relief and allowed his mind to wander lazily for a moment as he looked around.
The inhabitants of the new town were all looking healthy and happy. He saw and heard a lot of laughter and joking, but they were still working steadily at the same time.
Among the tents, several clotheslines were heavy with laundry flapping merrily in the warm breeze. The three children of the town, a boy and two girls, all under five years of age, were playing together, running here and there and getting underfoot, but everyone was being very patient with them.
It takes a community to raise a child, Simon thought and wondered where he had heard that. It seemed to be the case here as each child would occasionally be lifted up and hugged or tickled by the adults they were running amongst, to screams of laughter, and then put down to continue playing. It was remarkably joyous to watch.
“Don't you agree, Simon?”
He looked at Clara blankly.
“Sorry?”
She laughed and looked in the direction he had been staring.
“They do look happy, don't they?”
“Remarkably so. The move from up north looks like it's invigorated them. And I see some people are finally getting a little color from the sun.”
“Yeah, my tan's coming along great,” a deep voice boomed and Simon turned to see Malcolm approaching along with Virginia.
They all laughed at his joke and the wizard watched as the pair put down a large pitcher of orange juice and several glasses on a table. Clara thanked them and poured a glass for everyone.
“Oh, this is wonderful,” Liliana exclaimed as she tried the juice. “I haven't had fresh orange juice in, well, I can't remember when.”
Simon savored the delicious sweetness and nodded appreciatively.
“I agree. When I get my strength back, I may Gate down here regularly to steal a bottle or two, so don't say I didn't warn you.”
The cleric looked at him fondly.
“Anytime, my friend. Oh Simon,” she said and took his hand, holding it in both of her own. “I'm still trying to believe that you are really here, alive and well. Do you know how deeply your loss affected us?”
The wizard set down his glass and returned Clara's grasp.
“I'm not someone who's used to people caring about him, to be honest,” he told her slowly, glancing at the others as he did so. “Back in the old days, Simon the middle-aged computer guy had only one very good friend and that was Daniel. Now look at me. I consider all of you friends and, frankly, it's a bit overwhelming to hear that you cared enough to mourn for me. But I want you to know how much I appreciate your friendship and that I will do anything in my power to help you, Clara, and your people.”
She gave his hands a final squeeze and sat back again.
“Thank you for that. Now then, Liliana, there's a tent set up for you and, when you're ready, Virginia could probably take you over and you can settle in.”
“I'd be happy to,” Virginia told the paladin with a smile.
“That is very much appreciated. Perhaps we can do that now? I find that it may take a while for me to acclimate to this warm weather and, perhaps, I will change into something a little less constricting than my armor.”
Liliana finished her juice and stood up.
“Guys? Before you go?” Simon said quickly and both women turned to look at him.
“With Clara's permission, I'll be staying over until tomorrow, to rest up and call in my earthen friends to help with construction. But before I go, Virginia, I'd like to talk to you, Anna, Eric and Gerard. And you as well, Liliana. No rush. In fact, I'd rather wait overnight so that I can be rested and a little more clear-headed before we meet.”
“What is this about?” the paladin asked, obviously intrigued.
Simon could feel everyone's interest sharpening and he suddenly felt nervous.
“Well, I don't want to spoil the mood or anything but,” he hesitated, “it's about the war against the dragons in the elven lands. I intend to
be ready if and when my friend Daniel requests my help, and I'd like to discuss the possibility of the five of you joining me, if you're willing.”
Dead silence.
“Well now, that was unexpected,” Clara finally said as she stared at the wizard. “Our newest member of the community hasn't even settled in yet and...”
“I know. I know. Believe me, I was hesitant to even bring it up but our future, the human race's future, may hinge on the elves defeating the brown dragons. If the dragons win, they will swarm back into this world stronger and more blood-thirsty than ever.”
Simon thought for a moment.
“I suppose, in a perverse way, that it's kind of lucky that we have them separated from the red dragons here on Earth. We can focus on one problem at a time. Bad luck for the elves, of course.”
“Bad luck is an understatement,” Malcolm rumbled. “But why choose those five? I mean,” he looked at Liliana, “the paladin I can understand; she's a born fighter, that's plain. But Virginia and the others? Why them?”
“Are you implying that we aren't up to fighting back against the dragons?” Virginia bristled at him.
The big man held up his hands placatingly.
“Of course not. But you guys aren't natural fighters; surely you'd agree on that much, wouldn't you?”
Virginia's glare softened and she gave a sort of accepting shrug of her shoulders.
“Yes, that's true. But it doesn't mean we won't fight if necessary. Surely our defense of Nottinghill against the wights proved that much.”
“No one is doubting your courage, or the courage of your friends,” Clara told her. “But defending your home is one thing. Deliberately going up against dragons? That's something else entirely. Simon,” she turned to the wizard, “I have to echo Malcolm's question; why those four?”
“Because my friend Daniel, who you know is trapped in the elven realm, told me specifically that their four-way bond will prevent them from prematurely aging if they travel between worlds. The time-line between Earth and the elven lands is too volatile for most people to survive crossing over and then returning safely. Sometimes it's very fast, sometimes a lot slower, but it is never the same as the time passing on this world. It aged my friend to the point that his returning home would kill him instantly. Apparently a wizard ages much more slowly than most, so I should be fine for a short stay. Virginia and the others also share this because of their magical bond. And Liliana,” he looked at the paladin, who was listening intently, “heals almost instantly. The time difference will not harm her either.”
Tales from the New Earth: Volume One Page 149