Behind the Third Door: The Innocence Cycle, Book 2

by J D Abbas

She whispered between sobs, her words muffled by Sasha’s fur, “Tell me they’re just nightmares. Tell me they aren’t visions.”

  Haldor considered for a moment. “You were sleeping. Whatever you saw was in your dreams, but I can’t tell you what they were without more information. Will you tell me what you saw?”

  “No, I don’t want to make them any more real by speaking of them.”

  “Their reality is not based on what you do or do not speak. They are what they are. Let me help, if I can.”

  Elena slowly raised her eyes to his, uncertainty wavering in them. “It’s dark and ugly.” And he heard the unspoken there as well: she was afraid of somehow tainting him, defiling him with her filth. He wasn’t as holy and pure as she believed him to be, but he knew he couldn’t convince her of that.

  “I am more than willing to enter the darkness and ugliness with you, so you do not have to be alone,” he replied. “Remember what I told you of Shefali. I have passed through great darkness. I have seen the ugliness of the world, including my own. I have been fortunate to have been touched by the beauty of the other world as well—not because I was so terribly worthy but because I was so desperately needy. I am a man reborn, but one who has not forgotten the darkness from which he was and continues to be delivered.” He sat down on the floor, gazing up at her. “You will not harm me.”

  Elena cocked her head as if weighing the truth of his words. He nodded and smiled tenderly. “It is all right. Tell me.”

  She tried to take a deep breath, but it was shaky and weak. “It’s my brothers…” She swallowed hard before she could continue, gripping handfuls of Sasha’s fur as if it anchored her. “I see my brother Lavan’s home. I can see his children playing in the yard and his wife washing clothes as he comes up the road. Suddenly he’s running. There’s a blackness pursuing him. Everything behind him is gone, devoured by this dark and growing void. He grabs his children and his wife and runs into the house, closing the door behind him. He covers them with his body as a black wisp enters under the door. It grows until it fills the room, wrapping itself around him and his family like a rope, slowly coiling higher and higher until they are no longer visible. Then the rope tightens. I can hear them screaming as the blackness squeezes”—a strangled sob broke her words—“the life out of them.” She paused, gasping for breath. “Then the shadow leaves, and I see their dead bodies lying on the floor… severed in pieces.”

  As she related the dreams, Haldor, who possessed a powerful connection with the middle realm, felt an enigmatic energy invade the room. A cold breath exhaled down his neck, sending a shiver along the length of his spine. He worked to keep his mind from succumbing to the Zhekhum.

  Haldor grasped Elena’s forearm, willing his strength into her. She gazed down at him and seemed to gather her courage to continue. “Then the dream repeats with each of my brothers, until they and their families are all dead.” She pulled away from Sasha and wrapped her arms around her knees, rocking back and forth. “This is all my fault. They’re being punished because of me.”

  Elena buried her face in her knees and wept for several minutes while Haldor sang softly and prayed. Sasha licked her arm and whimpered, as if she felt her pain as well. This helped Elena to regain control. “There’s a second set of dreams that I’ve been seeing pieces of for days. Tonight they finally came together.” She hesitated.

  Seeing the renewed fear, he said softly, “It is all right, Elena. Trust me.”

  “I’ve also been dreaming of two small children, a boy and a girl, who are being cut in pieces while they’re still alive and with each slash they’re being told that their mother did this to them. If she had loved them, they wouldn’t be suffering.” Elena broke down again.

  “Do you know who the children are?”

  She lifted her gaze to his, her eyes filled with a new depth of grief. “They’re my children.” Her voice was nearly inaudible.

  No. Haldor felt the unbidden moan rise from deep within. He prayed for strength before he spoke, working to keep his voice steady. “I didn’t know you had children.”

  She nodded, wiping her nose on her sleeve. “I just learned of it myself. They were taken from me at birth. I don’t even know what they look like or where they are, but I have no doubt they’re being told I don’t love them and I’m the cause of their suffering.” Elena rocked back and forth, unable to console herself. Sasha nudged her arm, but the girl seemed not to notice.

  “These dreams sound like fear—your fear for your children’s and your brothers’ safety. What makes you think they may be visions and not just horrific dreams?”

  “It’s difficult to put into words. I have nightmares every night. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t tormented as I slept. But sometimes the dreams feel different… truer. These dreams tonight felt real. I fear for their lives. I can’t help but think that Anakh and the others will punish my family for my betrayal, especially if she can’t punish me directly. She knows it will cause me greater pain if they hurt my brothers, who are all innocent, and even more so, my children.” Another sob erupted, sending her rocking again.

  “I-I want you to convince me that I’m just being foolish and none of this will happen. Can you do that?” She looked at him, pleading.

  “I wish I could, Yabéha.” Oh, my dear child, how I wish I could. “I do not know the future, and I am not an interpreter of dreams. I also do not know what Anakh is capable of doing. We can speak with Celdorn in the morning and see if he is willing to send out men to check on the welfare of your brothers. Perhaps that will ease your heart.”

  She sniffled loudly. “That’s not the answer I wanted to hear.”

  Haldor rose and sat next to her on the bed. He laid his large hand on her head and gently leaned her into his chest, singing softly. The moment he touched her, the Zhekhum assaulted him, and her terror flew into his body with a force that nearly toppled him. Refusing to give way, he increased his volume and held tighter. Gradually, the fear subsided as the light increased. Elena’s body relaxed, growing limp in his arms. He laid her back on the bed, holding his hand on her head for some time. Sasha wiggled alongside her and laid her massive head across Elena’s chest with a sigh.

  “Sleep with peace, Yabéha,” he whispered as he kissed her forehead. He patted Sasha’s head and returned to his chair to continue his watch, troubled that he had sensed the truth of Elena’s visions when he touched her. He would inform Celdorn first thing in the morning, praying these things had not yet happened.

  Chapter 7

  The next day, near the end of the morning meal with his inner circle, a guard requested to speak with Celdorn in the corridor. “Yadar Toreno from the doqajh in Rhamal is here. He wishes to see you.”

  “Did he say what it was regarding?” Celdorn asked.

  “No, only that he wanted to speak with you.”

  With all that had happened in Rhamal, Celdorn was immediately suspicious. Toreno didn’t know that Elena was here—at least they hadn’t told him, so why was he here? And how would Elena respond to seeing the Yadar?

  Celdorn glanced back into the room at the exhausted girl. She was sitting by the hearth with Sasha beside her, absently stroking the dog’s ears as she stared into the flames, eyes alternating between half-lidded and wide-open as if fighting sleep. Earlier, when Haldor escorted her to Celdorn’s chambers, he told Celdorn it had been a rough night and had some concerns he wished to share. Celdorn wondered what had occurred.

  In the end, he decided to meet with Toreno downstairs, accompanied by Shatur in hopes the young man might assist by seeing through any guise or deception.

  The tiny priest gave a hurried half-bow as soon as Celdorn approached. “Silothani, Lord Protector, I beg your pardon for coming here uninvited, but I felt compelled to see you this day.” He dipped his head again. “Something is troubling my spirit, and I knew no other way to quiet it than to follow my heart. It led me here.” Although wizened with age and dressed in the drab brown robes of his order, Tor
eno made a striking impression with his piercing blue-green eyes and the halo of hair that encircled his bald pate like a copper crown.

  Though puzzled by the priest’s words, Celdorn said, “You are most welcome, Yadar.” He glanced at Shatur, who nodded his approval. “Please follow me.”

  Celdorn led the priest up the stairs. When they entered his chambers, Toreno seemed as surprised to find Elena sitting by the fireside as she was to see him entering with Celdorn.

  “Giara? I didn’t expect to see you here.” There was a lilt of joy in the old man’s voice.

  “Hello, Yadar.” Elena forced a smile but kept her eyes averted, her air formal and strained.

  This was the first time since coming to Kelach that she’d seen anyone who knew her in Rhamal. Celdorn felt the fear that washed over her and watched her head droop with shame. He hoped she’d be able to hold on and not shift in the priest’s presence, which would only complicate the situation.

  A deep sadness filled Toreno’s eyes as he looked at the top of Elena’s head. He sighed and lowered his own gaze.

  “I’m sorry we didn’t tell you Giara was at Kelach, Yadar, though around here she is known as Elena.” Celdorn glanced at her with a warm smile. “We—”

  “Elena… hmm… It is a more appropriate name for you, my dear,” the priest interrupted.

  She pulled Sasha closer, hugging her head, but didn’t comment.

  “We thought it was better for you not to know her whereabouts, so no one could press you for the information.”

  “I understand.” Addressing Elena directly, Toreno said, “I am glad you are well. I have been praying for you. I know you were near death not long ago.”

  Elena’s head shot up, and she stared at the priest. Her terror exploded in the room, eliciting a yelp from Sasha. Several of Celdorn’s men staggered as if physically struck.

  Toreno stumbled backward, his eyes widening with surprise, though he quickly recovered his aura of serenity. “No, Elena,” Toreno said, agreeably using her new name, “I do not practice the dark arts. My spirit serves the Jhadhela and that is how I knew you were ill.” The priest stopped and studied her, his brow furrowed. “You are the reason I have come today. You have been tormented by visions in the night.”

  Elena’s mouth dropped open. She looked at Haldor with a question in her eyes; he shook his head. Celdorn wondered what was unspoken.

  “Yes… they are visions, not nightmares,” Toreno said half to himself, nodding. “They may not necessarily be what will happen, but what could happen.”

  Elena gaped at the Yadar.

  “Their interpretation may not be literal, of course,” Toreno added.

  Celdorn watched as Elena grew increasingly distraught. He moved next to her and put his hand on her shoulder. Sasha leaned into his leg as if grateful for his nearness. “Yadar, I think you had better explain yourself. I’m unclear what you’re referring to, but it’s obviously upsetting Elena.”

  The priest startled. “Oh, I am sorry, my dear.” Toreno bowed slightly toward the girl then to Celdorn. “Lord Protector, forgive me. I did not mean to leave you in the dark. The words came rather unbidden from me, and I am uncertain myself as to their meaning.” He turned back to Elena. “Have you been troubled by visions?”

  Elena pulled Sasha closer and hid behind her, only her wide eyes and top of her head visible. She gave a tiny nod.

  Haldor glanced at Celdorn then, stepping alongside the girl, laid his hand on her head. “Elena has had nightmares concerning certain events. Last night’s were particularly vivid. She is unsure whether or not they were visions. Do you know what is in the dreams, Yadar?”

  “No, I only know what I have spoken. I am unclear as to why I was to speak the words. Sometimes I feel as if the Jhadhela leads me by a chain and pours forth utterances from my lips. I had hoped the words would bring solace not despair,” he added, his face troubled.

  “Elena, can you tell us about the dreams?” Celdorn asked.

  She shook her head vigorously, looking as if she might diminish any moment. She glanced up at Haldor, eyes pleading before burying her face in Sasha’s fur.

  He nodded. “I will answer, Celdorn. Last night Elena dreamt repeatedly of a shadow spreading over the valley and moving toward the homes of her brothers. She saw a growing void cover her brothers and their families, squeezing the life from them and leaving them dismembered in its wake.”

  As Haldor spoke, a chill air filled the place and the room grew increasingly dark, much like they’d experienced during the encounter with Anakh at the encampment. Celdorn found himself searching the corners of the room, half-expecting creatures to step forth from the shadows.

  “And the clear message was that their deaths are my fault,” Elena squeezed out between shuddering breaths.

  The room fell into a strangled silence.

  Celdorn tipped his chin toward the Yadar. “What meaning do you find in the dreams?”

  “I do not know if the vision is meant to be literal, but I think that there is clearly a darkness in the valley connected with this business that has been exposed. I suspected Elena’s brothers were being watched, perhaps because these people do not know where Elena is and hope that she will make contact with them.”

  Elena sat up straight. “So they are alive?”

  “Your brothers? Oh very much so, my dear,” Toreno answered. “I saw two of them just yesterday. They too seemed aware they were being watched. I noticed them glancing around, acting a bit nervous.”

  Elena closed her eyes and shook out her hands, letting out a slow breath. Then she gathered herself, leaned forward, and in a whisper of a voice asked, “Yadar, do you have any idea why they are pursuing me so fiercely?”

  Toreno pondered the question. His expression pulled into a frown as he eyed the girl. His gaze shifted to Celdorn, eyebrows arching.

  “We live with truth here, Yadar.” Waiting wouldn’t make it any easier for Elena to bear.

  Toreno gave a heavy sigh and moved to the hearth to sit opposite Elena. He wiggled his shoulders as if welcoming the warmth of the fire into his old bones. Then he raised his eyes and met Elena’s gaze directly. “I believe it is because of certain gifts you possess.”

  She stiffened as a shudder ran through her. “What gifts?” Her voice was barely a whisper.

  He leaned in closer. “You are able to pass images and feelings to others without having to speak; you see through illusion; you can call forth white fire; you have visions of things before they come to pass; and you have the ability to change form. Am I right?” His brows arched over his piercing eyes.

  Celdorn squeezed Elena’s shoulder, stopping her before she answered. “How do you know these things, Toreno?”

  The priest straightened. “I learned about her race in Queyon.”

  “My race? I am Wallanard.”

  He glanced toward those still gathered around Celdorn’s table and lowered his voice. “Oh no, my dear, I have been studying your family. According to my sources, you have other blood.” His tone was confident, decisive, brooking no argument. “Am I right about your abilities?”

  “I would say yes, but only minimally. I can’t control them nor do I know what is true or not in what I see. Why would they seek me because of these things?”

  “My guess is that it has to do with your lineage. Your grandmother shares these same gifts, though much more powerfully. She did not have any daughters, so they would pass to you.”

  “To me? Why not to my father or brothers?”

  “From what I have learned of this race, certain powers are passed only to the females, gaining strength with each succeeding generation, and since your father had no sisters and your brothers have no daughters, you are the end of that line.”

  Elena glanced at Celdorn and Elbrion. “No, Yadar, I am not.”

  Heads and eyebrows raised around the room as the men caught the meaning of her words. Celdorn had hoped to protect her from this scandal, but it was too late now. He found hi
mself watching Silvandir’s reaction with particular interest. The young man’s mouth gaped as he stared at Elena. Then he seemed to remember himself and lowered his gaze, but not before Celdorn saw the tears that welled. Silvandir’s chest seemed to collapse, and he sagged into a chair.

  “So they have already used you as a breeder then,” the priest said.

  Elena gasped. “A breeder?”

  The priest closed his eyes. “Oh, Toreno, when will you learn to control your tongue?” he chided himself. “Forgive me, Elena. Those words should never have passed my lips. Let me say it more delicately. My understanding is that those who are so gifted are quite rare, so it is a priority to produce as many female offspring as possible to perpetuate the powers.”

  “And increase the shadows,” Elena added miserably.

  “Perhaps in their minds, my dear, but these gifts come from the Jhadhela and were twisted by a certain woman named Anakh and her followers to serve the Zhekhum. They are not dark in themselves.”

  Elena began to tremble. “Anakh? I-I know her.” She looked up at Celdorn then Elbrion, her eyes frantic.

  Celdorn tightened his grip on her shoulder. “We believe we saw her at the encampment,” he told the priest. “But we know little else about her.”

  “She is from a race of people called the Alraphim, who were the original Guardians of Qabara,” Toreno explained, “They were similar to the Elrodanar but much more powerful. It is in their name: Al, light, and raphim, shifter. Shifters of the Light. What we later called the Rahim, for the males, and Rahima, for the females. They possessed the gifts I mentioned and used them for the good of all.

  “Over a millennium ago, however, Anakh and her followers decided to use their abilities to rule rather than serve and protect. Their arrogance and greed gave shadow an entryway. Soon the evil was whispering in every Alraphim ear, but most were too innocent to recognize its deception and where it would end. Little by little, the Zhekhum overcame the Jhadhela and these valiant people fell into the deep shadow of desolation, devouring one another in their quest for dominance.