Bridge Between the Worlds

by R. B. L. Gillmore

  “One of the humans revealed an object to me which I believe must be magical in some shape or form. Judging from the feelings of the humans, the device is common and forms some kind of connection with other humans. I believe if I can discover how to utilise such a device it could be very helpful to our search of this… Earth.”

  There was a pause while Gorhoth assessed this news. Demeron awaited his answer nervously. He didn’t dare discuss the other magical items. It would only make him appear incapable. The lack of communicable magic in the odd world still baffled him. How could a world even function without the forces of magic to hold it together? He had considered the notion that perhaps, unlike in Otthon, the magic of earth could not be directly communicated with. This still left the burning question, how did humans control all of these seemingly magical objects? It simply didn’t make sense.

  “Very well Demeron. Let us see what you can make of this… object of communication. As for the use of magic in this world, I will consider this observation more deeply. Without any kind of binding magic a world cannot sustain itself for long. It is a matter of discovering how to control the magic that must inevitably be there.”

  What had happened to Gorhoth’s anger Demeron wondered? He had seemed furious, now he was brushing off Demeron’s news as if it didn’t bother him? Could it be that something in this last piece of detail about the world’s magic had pleased Gorhoth? Maybe he already knew something that he wasn’t telling Demeron. Either way, Demeron was glad of the change and he tried to cover up his sense of relief. He had been surprisingly lucky. He wondered if he was going to be dismissed now to continue working.

  “Come, let us discuss your findings as we attend to other matters. Sometimes a distracted mind is the most likely to become enlightened when it is otherwise at a loss.”

  Gorhoth rose out of the throne and seemed to expand somehow as he stood up. At first it might have been put down to perspective, Gorhoth standing on higher ground, but even when he descended the dais and stood beside Demeron he was a good head taller than the tips of Demeron’s horns and significantly broader. The figure standing there could not possibly have fit into the throne as it had moments ago. Demeron appeared to be perfectly well acquainted with this characteristic of his master’s. If he was surprised at suddenly being dwarfed, he showed no sign of it.

  The two of them strode purposefully out of the hall and into the sprawling Citadel. Wherever they went human slaves cowered away in fear and even the minotaurs and other dark servants seemed to try and avoid them. The few slave drivers that they stopped to speak with answered hurriedly and with fearful voices.

  Most of the slaves were made to forge weapons and armour for the swelling numbers of dark creatures in the citadel. Gorhoth had every intention of dominating every human on the face of the planet and using them as part of his greater plan. He needed many human dreamwalkers to make up for a single elven one. War was going to come to their doors but that was still a long way in the future. Gorhoth needed to find the elves first to ensure that the Arbiters could not interfere. Then, ultimately, he would bring down their domain as well.

  “Now tell me Demeron, this new world where the elf has hidden herself, have you discovered yet how it came into existence?”

  “No, my Lord. The humans appear to have many childish explanations for their existence but none are tangible or valid. I wondered if perhaps it could have been the Arbiters using the dreams of humans here on Otthon?”

  “Highly unlikely. Human dreams lack structure. Often the Arbiters cobble together worlds from the imaginings of humans but they are unstable and do not last long, usually filled with the horrors or desires within their souls. Sometimes humans even perceive these temporary worlds in their dreams. It seems to have led them to their belief in heavens and hells in all shapes and forms.”

  “I am not sure then, Lord, how this could have been possible.”

  “Something which you should endeavour to discover, young Demeron. It will be vital if we are to understand what rules govern this new world and how they can be broken. I had little doubt that we would need to resort to a physical presence there. The elf’s dreams will not be easily manipulated. She is, after all, an elf. If we can trap her in the physical domain we may have a chance of… persuading her to do as we will. Ideally of course we would bring her into contact with the orb.”

  “Perhaps I should spend some time gathering information about this world rather than hunting blindly for her?”

  This was a very risky idea for Demeron to propose but something told him his master’s intrigue about the new world would keep him open minded enough to take the suggestion for what it was. And sure enough:

  “Yes, perhaps that would be worthwhile. We do not seem to be otherwise making progress. It should not hurt overly to focus our attentions on the world itself for a time.”

  Demeron wasn’t sure if he should be relieved or if this was a test of some kind. He was not going to take the risk.

  “You know I am still determined to find the elf my Lord. Nothing would please me more than catch her and force Arnorial to show himself, so that I can rip him apart.”

  Gorhoth had an almost amused tone in his voice as he responded.

  “Yes, of that I am certain. The elves have a distinct way of creating enemies.”

  “Indeed. Though I do not fully understand what you want to do with the woman? Why not simply kill her, surely it would be easier?”

  Demeron’s mistake was to assume that the elves were simply a barrier to Gorhoth’s plans like they had been in the past, not a gateway to achieving his ultimate aim. This was hardly his fault however. Gorhoth did not share all of his plans and intentions. He had offered Demeron a chance for vengeance and dominion. He was involved in the plans for war and his abilities were used where they were needed with the vague explanation that the activity was important and would lead to his revenge.

  They exited a large hall onto a high parapet where they stood gazing out over the desolate land before them. Demeron waited uncomfortably for an answer but was slowly filling with a sense of regret at having asked at all.

  “I admire ambition Demeron. It is the reason you enjoy your position and your privileges. Along with your other… innate skills, it makes you almost invaluable.”

  Gorhoth followed up his own remark with a snort that distinctly held an air of disdain, then he continued by saying,

  “Which I say as an expression only. Nothing is truly invaluable. Everything has an estimable value.”

  He turned and glared directly at Demeron whose skin crawled. Outside in the light Gorhoth’s bizarre cloud-like appearance was just visible under his hood and his eyes were truly horrifying.

  “I despise insolence and I will not tolerate it. It does not concern you what I have planned for the elf as I have told you before and if you ask again,” he paused before practically spitting out the last few words, “I will have you torn to pieces as a reminder to my servants of their position.”

  “Very good my Lord. I would be deserving of it my Lord. Forgive me.”

  Demeron was backing away from Gorhoth slowly as he bowed low in apology. Gorhoth was bristling with visible energy and the air around him seemed to have all of the light drawn out of it. As Demeron continued to retreat however, he shrank back to the size of a regular human and the energy around him dissipated.

  Demeron may have been accustomed to his master’s new body since his return to power but that made it no less disturbing. Before the war with the elves he had appeared like a powerfully built human. He had possessed the same unbelievable control of magic as he did now but at least his own body had appeared to be confined to a degree of normality. Now his new body seemed to more accurately depict whatever strange tormented soul could be said to be inside him. It was fragmented, unfathomable and utterly terrifying.

  “Tell me Demeron, do you fear me?” Gorhoth sounded amused this time.

  “Yes, my Lord.” Demeron didn’t dare to lie. Besides, it w
as what Gorhoth wanted to hear.

  “Then why is it that you have come to serve me?”

  “Because you are powerful my Lord and you can help me achieve my own ends where it might otherwise be impossible.”

  Demeron’s voice gained strength and confidence as he spoke. The reminder of his hatred for the elves helped to distract him from the fear of his master’s threat.

  “And you shall have it Demeron. Yes, I am sure that when we capture the elf-woman, then Arnorial will show himself again. He will seek to aid her and when he shows himself, I will give you the power that you need to kill him.”

  “You do not need him alive then my Lord?”

  “Not in the slightest. Whether he lives or dies I will leave to you. Just make sure that if you keep him alive it is only to make him suffer.”

  Demeron made a noise of deep content somewhere in his powerful throat. Yes, the idea of torturing the elf was very pleasing to him. Better than simply killing him outright. Then he could not enjoy his revenge for as long.

  “Now to other matters. How goes the preparation of our forces? Have the Hartiani pledged their allegiance to us yet?”

  “Not yet my Lord but it is only a matter of time. The problem was, they kept killing the messengers that we sent. This time I have sent another of the minotaurs. They will have much greater difficulty killing him before he can relay his intentions than our previous ambassadors.”

  “Excellent,” replied Gorhoth, “and what of the mountain goblins? Surely they do not wish to miss a chance to cause chaos and mischief for the humans?”

  “We are still negotiating. They are deeply in agreement with our aims but they refuse to come anywhere near the smoke Citadel. Their reasons were… most intriguing. Apparently, they believe that the Citadel itself could turn on us at any moment and kill us all. Something to do with being possessed by one of their ancient enemies?”

  Gorhoth gave a somewhat mild smile which would almost have been friendly if it wasn’t for the distinct schadenfreude within.

  “They need not fear anything while they are here but I am quite sure they will not come, nor is it necessary. I am quite content for them to operate from anywhere that they choose. They work better on their own ground anyway.”

  Their talk continued in this way for some time as Gorhoth took in all the news about the preparations for war. It was a long game to play and as yet was still in its infancy. As Demeron concisely indicated, “It will take at least half a year before we can think to be ready Lord. Then we can begin to co-ordinate against the humans.”

  “The time is of little consequence so long as we capture the elf. Once we have her we can make our first move and not before.”

  “Do you believe anyone else will come to the humans’ aid my Lord?”

  “No one will be able to if all goes to plan. Then, once the humans have fallen, you may have control of all their land that you wish.”

  The idea pleased Demeron so much that he did not even stop to think why Gorhoth would hand over so much control. It was clear that he had greater plans but as Gorhoth had just reminded him, they were his own and if Demeron wanted to live long enough to see the benefits of his work, he would follow Gorhoth’s command without question.

  “Very good my Lord. I shall hasten my efforts in this new world.”

  Demeron spoke with great confidence but uncertainty still nagged at his mind.

  “Yes, we return to an important point, how to find the elf in this new world. A world without communicable magic. This point of information intrigues me greatly. If the world is stable then there must be binding forces that hold it together and maintain a balance and order. Learn what you can Demeron. Who knows what this world holds. There could be many useful things to discover there.”

  Demeron had to agree with this statement. He had seen truly strange things in this new human world that he could not explain but could clearly be used to their advantage with the right direction.

  “What do you make of this device I described to you? Do you really believe it could be of any use?”

  Gorhoth gazed out over the dead land surrounding the abode, deep in thought.

  “Yes. I believe it could be very useful if its purpose is as you perceive. Do what you must. Discover its powers and find a way to use it to your benefit.”

  These words had an air of finality to them and Demeron sensed that he had been dismissed to carry on with his work. He turned and left Gorhoth on the parapet.

  Their meeting had not gone as badly as he might have expected, though he was still glad for it to be over. He was nearly at the door when Gorhoth called out to him coldly.

  “Fascinating as this world may be Demeron, I still expect to have the elf in my grasp soon. Do not disappoint me again. I expect results next time.”

  Demeron turned and simply bowed low to the ground in answer before continuing on his way to the quarters that had been given to him.

  Chapter 9

  The next few days proved fruitful for Demeron. He was taking leaps and bounds in understanding these strange devices that humans used to communicate as he had correctly predicted. It had not been overly difficult to find them for study purposes. Practically every single human whose mind he dominated seemed to be in possession of one. They had various shapes and colours but in essence were all the same. They all had some kind of number and letter sequence which would be touched to make the device respond. Using them resulted in various flurries of colourful lights which formed pictures, symbols and more language. The pictures shown on the various devices were often different but they all seemed to have at least two images in common. The first was a small symbol often accompanied by the word he had translated as ‘message’ and the other was a strange picture with a word he could not understand. When he touched the message symbol the device would change its picture, moving as if it was alive and proceeded to show a list of messages that the human had received from other humans. What surprised Demeron greatly was that these messages appeared to be utterly mundane. The humans seemed to use these incredible devices to simply banter with each other about their day to day activities. This is what he assumed at least, he only understood a limited number of the words he read and often they were interrupted by more symbols or else were completely nonsensical to him.

  Interestingly the messages appeared to be delivered almost instantly regardless of distance between the humans, a powerful tool Demeron thought, but there was never any military information, no important news that seemed to be at all urgent. In truth, Demeron was fast coming to the conclusion that the humans took their communication devices very much for granted and if anything, wasted their time writing messages to each other about nothing. Their talk could certainly have waited until they had seen each other in person.

  This was the second most surprising discovery Demeron had made about the devices. The most surprising discovery was that the humans didn’t seem to use them for contacting anyone other than people they knew well and saw regularly. Demeron was getting much better at handling these interactions. He simply relinquished enough control over his human subject to allow them to communicate fairly automatically with other humans. He still seemed to get odd reactions from the communicating humans but they seemed to talk anyway. It was in this way that he was beginning to understand their language when it was spoken. Their messages still seemed almost cryptic. In reality he was learning two distinct languages. The dominant language here sounded remarkably like elvish, the other seemed to be used often between humans who were evidently from different cities or lands and was almost identical to the language of the humans on Otthon.

  One thing continued to elude Demeron, and that was how the strange human communication devices actually worked. The humans never seemed to use any magic to operate them and yet their function should have been impossible. Try as hard as he might to understand what made them tick, Demeron was no closer than when he had first seen one. He still had a burning desire to discover this but there simply wasn’t e
nough time. How they worked was not so important as whether or not he could use them, and indeed he could. It took him a full week to discover but he had now worked out that every human seemed to have an identifying number for their device and it was this number which he needed to use when sending messages. It ensured that the message was delivered to the correct human recipient. He did a little more digging, then one day he finally discovered something that he could really use as the last piece of the puzzle. The humans had developed a very effective system for remembering the numbers of their friends and family. He wondered if they knew how easily the system could be used against them, whilst considering himself extremely fortunate to have stumbled across it.

  He had dominated the mind of a day dreaming man in an immensely tall building, wrapped almost entirely in glass and filled with work tables, each with, what he learnt was called, a computer. These computers fascinated him but he didn’t have the time to delve further into research around them. The human whose mind he had dominated was a frail and pathetically weak creature thought Demeron and as such he was not overly surprised when a clearly more dominant human approached him and posed a question in an authoritative voice. Demeron let the human mind take over enough to converse. Had he been able to look on as a third party he would have realised that the reason people reacted to his puppets with such confusion was because his technique still left them with an incredibly glazed look in their eyes and an overall vacant expression that made it seem as though they were talking to themselves rather than with the other person.

  “Német, I need to contact Wimbly in the London office, do you have his number?”

  Demeron’s puppet quickly responded with some words that Demeron could not follow, “No but the number should definitely be in the contacts database, let me look it up for you.”

  What happened next left Demeron both stunned and exceedingly satisfied. The Német man did something on the computer device in front of him and suddenly a long list appeared, the information within appearing to Demeron as veins of pure gold. It listed human names matched up against their relevant identification numbers for the strange communication devices. There was other information as well that Demeron didn’t understand but it was irrelevant. He had something exceedingly useful, something he could present to Gorhoth as a step in the right direction at last. The humans kept extensive lists of identifying numbers. He needed only to find the right list and he could use it to track down the elf. There was no doubt in his mind that she would have such a device. Everyone in this strange world seemed to have one.