In front of Reno, the wooden chair lay on the floor at the exact position when he and Arturion had rushed back to Merleina. Dust coated the once impeccably clean furnishings, proof that the wards had been breached weeks ago. The owner of the house was nowhere to be found, another addition to the rising number of missing individuals. Futilely, he hoped that his friend had gone into hiding. He righted the chair and surveyed the room one last time. At the center table, a bowl of potpourri caught his eye. It had graced the corner table between the sofa and chairs before. Using his Sight, he saw a vision: his friend stood by the sofa with his back turned to him. Arturion lifted a twine from his neck. His head moved sideways, expecting someone to sneak up on him. He clasped the necklace with both hands as if in prayer. Then, he lifted the glass bowl of potpourri and hid the necklace within. Turning to the center table, his lips moved as he held the bowl while his eyes darted around the room. The furniture trembled slightly at the incantation and ceased after the last word was chanted. Arturion placed the object in its current position and hurried out of the house.
Reno reached for the bowl then stopped, his hand hovering over it. He remembered he had to check on his niece and the Guards he had assigned around the perimeter. They were to stick together as a group to prevent an ambush from their enemies. He straightened and scanned the room, wondering why he continued to linger in this part of the house. His gaze dropped to the center table again. The potpourri was not in its usual place… Arturion had probably repositioned it for some reason. He moved to the door and thought of how his friend had made efforts to make living in the third dimension bearable. He had left nature to run riot in the garden – a poor imitation of Merleina’s forest in Reno’s perspective.
Commander, a human approaches, one of the Guards warned. Her behavior is suspicious. She is attempting to scale the wall. Should we apprehend her?
Leave her be. I’ll handle it. Reno sighed as he saw the intruder pull one leg over the wall and the next. He had glimpsed her face. Even half-concealed with the large sunglasses and her hair hidden underneath the hood of her baggy jacket, he recognized her.
“You could get in trouble for trespassing in private property, you know,” he called out to her as she persisted in moving stealthily among the vegetation. Reno waited, allowing his words to sink in.
“And you could go to prison for operating your business illegally.” She shot up behind a bush, her sunglasses askew, glaring at him. He would have been more concerned of this piece of knowledge she about his affairs if it had not been spoiled by the state of her appearance. The weather had not been kind, recently. It had rained all day and it showed in Mindy’s clothes. Mud, twigs and leaves stuck to her.
“Come out of there. Then, we’ll talk.”
Mindy stood in place, her expression wavering with indecision. She had meant to investigate on Arturion and possibly spy on him against Reno’s advice.
“If you’re worried about Arturion finding you out, he’s gone.” He leaned on the doorframe and crossed his arms. A few moments later, she noisily struggled against plant life that blocked her path. She marched inside and swiveled to face him. Hands on hips, she demanded: “Where is he?”
“There’s a path from the gate leading to this door. You might want to use it next time.”
“Uncle.”
“I don’t know where he is.” He shrugged. “And I specifically told you to stay out of this.”
“I did until I discovered that everything about you is a lie,” she accused. “For all I know, you had us all fooled into thinking that you’re related to us.”
“Unfortunately, we are.” Reno regretted sharing information with Mindy with the purpose of keeping her safe. He should have just kept her in the dark and trusted his people to keep an eye on her. His niece was far too clever for her own good and he had encouraged it. He taught her sleight of hand tricks in their meetings and passed on what he knew in hacking computers. Now, it seemed he had dragged her into deeper trouble. He could just imagine his mother raving at him when she learns what he had done, especially for involving Mindy in his investigation.
“What?” Hurt reflected on her eyes.
“Mother would kill me when she finds out,” he motioned a hand towards her, unable to continue.
Mindy’s face cleared, then replaced by a scowl. “What do you actually do for a living?”
“I’m the head of an intelligence agency.”
“So, the firm is actually a cover story. Where does Arty come in?”
“He works for another organization. They find people.” His niece looked skeptical. “You don’t believe me.”
“How could I when you give me vague answers?”
“I can’t give you what you want. I took an oath of secrecy.”
“Aren’t there supposed to be exceptions for the head of an agency?” Reno gave her a stern look. “Fine. Who do you spy on?”
“Potential enemies.”
“Argh! This is so frustrating.” Mindy gestured widely with her arm. “When will I ever get a straight answer?”
Reno wasn’t in his best form to answer his niece’s barrage of questions. He was tired from going to and from Merleina and if he wasn’t careful, he might accidentally give her more details about his work than allowed.
“No. Sorry.” What he couldn’t say was the oath he took had been uttered in the Old Tongue, preventing him from breaking his promise. The few who managed to work around it usually ended up paying the price for the deed; mainly, it was because they overlooked a minute detail that enforced the pledge. It followed the universal law that every action has an equal reaction. The consequences varied depending on the gravity of the offense. It was easier to bend or break the Council’s orders. At least, one could predict the judgment they would pass than go against one’s word spoken in the Old Tongue. Reno had found a flaw in the oath he had taken but it required him to speak carefully. Still, the easiest course of action was to have someone willingly release the individual from one’s oath.
“What do you mean he’s gone, anyway? Has Arty gone AWOL or something?” He didn’t know if he should be glad the topic wasn’t about him anymore now that she was making inquiries about Arturion.
“He’s missing. Many of my people have been disappearing. If my observations are correct, Arturion was the last person they took.”
Confused, she said: “But I just saw him yesterday.” Reno pushed himself away from the doorframe.
“Where?”
“Here. He was with Fred.” She arched an eyebrow. “He’ll be here in—” Mindy looked at her wristwatch. “Shoot! He’s coming. We’ve got to hide. Quickly!” She dashed to the nearest room and stopped abruptly. “Oh, right. You’re Arty’s BFF.”
“B-F-F?” He stared at her, quizzically.
“You know…” At that exact moment, one of his men mentally informed him of Arturion’s arrival. His instruction to them to stay hidden and alert for signs of trouble baffled the Guards; but training and loyalty would keep them from disobeying his orders.
The sound of a gate closing was heard before Arturion’s head became invisible among the thick foliage.
“Hide behind the bar.”
“Huh?”
“Just do what you’re told,” Reno snapped. His niece glared at him, defiantly. “I’ll explain later.”
With unhappiness written all over her face, she finally obeyed; all the while, muttering under her breath. Reno’s gaze followed her to the bar. Now he knew where he got his rebellious streak. It apparently ran in his mother’s family. Returning his attention to Arturion, who was nearing the front door, he scanned his friend’s expression.
“What are you doing here?” Arturion passed by him without a glance.
“Warm welcome you have for a friend.” Reno folded his arms. Arturion’s auric color was off. It was too human. No, it was worse. “I noticed your wards are down.”
“I didn’t have the time to put it up again.” A lie. “In case you haven’t noticed,
we’re losing people.”
“No need to be snappish. Why don’t we sit down for a moment and swap information.” He sat on the couch. A flicker of annoyance crossed Arturion’s face.
Seated on the chair, the Commander had a better look at the new Arturion. The physical appearance was flawless. He would have mistaken him for his friend, but the bad attitude was a dead giveaway. Reno would have to get a closer look to check for telltale signs of plastic surgery. Still, they were up against a technologically advanced enemy. It was highly possible that he was facing Arturion’s clone…
“Are you redecorating?” he asked, his gaze landing at the potpourri, which kept snagging his attention.
“No. Why?” Arturion said, then his eyes widened in realization. He reached into his pocket a second too late. Reno’s eyes flashed. The man flew to the other side of the room, hitting the wall with a loud crack, and fell senseless on the floor.
A squeak erupted from the bar; breaking Reno’s focus from the person he had attacked. He rarely used telekinesis at such an extent. The Guards didn’t know half of what their Commander could do. Their knowledge was limited to his competence in Indariki inside the training grounds and bargaining skills with the Captain of the Sentries.
“You can come out now.” Mindy emerged from her hiding place and looked at the prone figure, then to her uncle.
“Is he…?” Fear colored his niece’s voice. He had never demonstrated violence in front of a relative.
“He’s alive.” Reno internally winced at the indifference in his tone. She must think the worst of him.
“What – happened?” The Guards were also asking him the same question.
“He’s not Arturion,” he said to Mindy and his men.
“What made you think that?”
He pointed at the potpourri. Mindy warily came to his side, alert for any abrupt movement. He was not sure if she was scared of him or the impostor. She picked up the bowl and scooped a handful of dried flowers, revealing two pendants; one of which was the crystal issued to all Gate Keepers.
Reno snatched the bowl from her. He felt an invisible barrier snap in the ether as he grabbed the twine holding the crystals.
“Alfredo knows,” an ethereal voice broke free from the binding in one of the pendants.
“What was that?” Mindy asked.
He stared at her, pocketing the necklace. When had she become clairaudient?
“Who was that?”
Should I tell her the truth? he thought.
“Uncle, that wasn’t a ghost because I don’t hear them, I’m not crazy, and that wasn’t you. Do you have invisible man in your team of X-men?” Her hands had returned to her hips looking like his mother in her youth.
“X-men?” He frowned.
“Mutants.”
Mutants, indeed. “We’re not. And – who was that again?”
“Invisible man.”
“He’s not part of my team. The voice came from this.” He retrieved the object from his pocket.
“That,” she said, incredulously.
“Highly advanced technology.” He shrugged, hoping she wouldn’t ask more.
“And what’s that got to do with Fred?”
Fred. Alfredo. Were they talking about the same person? More importantly, what did he know that made Arturion cast wards to prevent anyone from finding and taking an interest in a necklace? The working was more complex than usual. Reno had been compelled to forget inspecting the bowl’s contents. Mindy’s casual act, however, did not trigger the first ward.
The secondary barrier held. If he had not been part-Merleinan, he would not have seen the object right under his nose. Likewise, the spell would remain intact until it entered Merleina’s territory. The tinge of darkness in the last ward astonished him. If the necklace fell into the wrong hands, an unfortunate fate would befall the keeper. It was a dangerous spell that could backfire on the individual who had cast it. No Merleinan in his right mind would resort to such desperate measures, especially Keepers. Arturion was the last person he had anticipated to use the Dark Arts.
Suddenly, a loud crash erupted directly above them. Reno sprinted up the stairs, Mindy following at his heels. The Guards would take action soon. The events of the day have been unexpected. His niece snooping on his friend’s house; Arturion’s spell-casting; the impostors; now, this.
From the staircase’s landing, he saw a very blonde woman sitting in the middle of the chaos.
He sighed.
Mother’s going to kill me.
Chapter 24
Liyanna
Her eyes flew open at the sound of glass breaking.
Oh, no. She cringed inwardly at the sight of her surroundings. She was neither in Merleina nor in Kelor-dan’s palace.
Liyanna had been practicing the lessons she had with the Rituvan in her spare time. A week ago, he had begun teaching her new breathing patterns for initiating Merkaba. She was surprised that the technique came easily to her and made her first trip in two days. Those who watched her training, including Kelor-dan, did not comment on the pace of her progress. On the days the Prince was present, she would sense Pellinor nearby. They obviously did not trust the Rituvan, even if he had bound himself to her service. Still, everyone encouraged her to learn what she can by allowing her to use Merkaba within the realm. Her few short trips were not perfect; yet, it had never thrown her this far from her chosen destination.
Footsteps ran up the stairs. One pair, light and quick; the other, heavier and slower.
The crunch of glass made her look down. She was sitting on broken glass. Another crunch. She looked up. Reno bent over her worriedly and glanced past her.
“Is she okay?” Liyanna jerked at the familiar voice. Pain seared her hand. The sudden movement had caused a shard to pierce her hand.
“Yes,” Reno replied. To Liyanna, he said: Can you heal it?
She shook her head.
A shadow crossed his features. Instinctively, she expanded her awareness. The place was teeming with people. Mindy and Reno; a stranger downstairs; the Black Guards. Each Guard was fighting two mindless beings. The Black Guard Commander was torn between family and duty.
“Go,” Liyanna said.
Reno’s head snapped towards her, he had been mentally communicating with his men. The stranger downstairs was moving and Reno was still staring at her. Before he could react, she twisted towards Mindy and flung the glass that had hurt her. It hit the person that had sneaked up behind her friend. The man lost his balance and fell down the stairs.
“Commander. Go.”
“I can’t leave you both,” Reno said in Merleinan.
She fisted her hands to hide its shaking, but Reno was quicker and noticed it.
“Liyanna. You’re my priority.”
“Not anymore,” a voice boomed in their minds, making them flinch. A man in a pin-striped suit came out of Arturion’s room.
“Haron,” Reno said in a deceptively calm voice. He moved between her and his spy. A hand nudged hers. I’ll deal with him. Take it and go.
She took the objects from him and retreated to Mindy’s side. Before she could touch her friend, the spy vanished and reappeared in front of her.
No one’s going anywhere. He smirked at her, his hand grabbing her arm tightly.
A quick peek at the Commander and she knew she was on her own. Reno was already fighting three men. One of the stones he had given her was smooth and faceted ending in a sharp point at its tip. Adjusting the object in her palm, she slashed it across the man’s face. A jagged gash formed, some of the blood spattering on her. His hold tightened even more. Anger flared in his eyes.
Then, there was a blur of movement. The spy screamed, cupping his face with both hands. Liyanna looked beside her. Mindy’s hand was raised, gripping a can of pepper spray. Quickly, she embraced her best friend and said: “Close your eyes.”
Light engulfed them both.
She was back in her bedroom with Kelor-dan and a distressed Theona standin
g in the middle of it, probably discussing her disappearance. At the end of the room, the tapestry draping the doorframe was moved aside and Pellinor entered.
Liyanna cleared her throat. They all turned to the sound and saw her and Mindy. They were definitely not expecting Liyanna to be bringing a human in their realm.
“I got lost,” she said.
“Well, it seems Liyanna has managed to find her way back. If my services are no longer required here, Kelor-dan…” Pellinor trailed off.
A nod from the Prince and he was gone.
Theona returned into her tree. Kelor-dan took her bloodied hand and examined the wound. “This is not your blood,” he said. How much does she know?
Mindy stood frozen in place with a dreamy quality in her eyes. Kelor-dan had cast his Glamour on her.
I don’t know, Liyanna said helplessly and recounted the events starting from her accidental trip to the third dimension.
The Prince released her hand. The pain had gone, momentarily itching but that receded, too. Her palm was flawless once more. “You will have to decide what to do with your friend. Remember that you shall always have my support.”
The willow’s drooping leaves parted for Kelor-dan. He would come back when she had decided. Liyanna returned to her friend’s side. The Prince tolerated Mindy’s presence for her sake but he would not have a mortal human see him.
“Mindy.” The effect was instant. Mindy snapped back to reality. Her head whipped from side to side, taking in her surroundings. She tripped on her own feet and her backside landed against the carpeted floor.
“Where are we?” she breathed. Mindy turned to the person who had brought her to an unfamiliar location in mere seconds. “Where’s Uncle Reno? What is this place? How did we get here? And what are you?”she asked, her voice rising after each question.
Hurt stabbed Liyanna with the last one even if it was understandable in a human’s perspective. It’s not often you meet a person who travels faster than the speed of light. She noticed how Mindy’s gaze shifted from her face to her blood-stained hands. Liyanna’s hand twitched. It took all her willpower not to hide them behind her.
The Realms of Ethair Page 16