by Beth Hodgson
It was now a race between her and the High Court. And to hell if they were going to get the green magic first.
Just you wait and see, Belinda, you bitch! I will get that green magic first, even if that means I have to break every single nail in the process to ensure I come out on top!
Ikaria narrowed her eyes at Kohren. “Who has the green magic? What era?” Ikaria surged more magic through his body.
Kohren struggled, remaining silent except for little gasps of air. He continued to fumble with his thoughts, trying not to give away anything.
“Fine, have it your way,” Ikaria spat. She squeezed the breath out of him, until his soul was on the brink of leaving him. She released her grasp, and he breathed, rasping for air. Then she did it all over again. And again. Ikaria continued until her magic found what she was looking for.
Kohren’s knowledge poured into Ikaria’s consciousness like a shiny precious jewel being discovered. Only this jewel was an emerald. Princess Emerald. A gifted from the Millennium Era, a time that was very close to the Apocalypse of the Earth itself, settled within the kingdom of Arcadia. Ikaria gasped with an odd pleasure at Kohren’s thoughts and memories—he had been studying the princess before Ikaria had shown up. His orders from the High Court were to find a green-gifted person. That whole time, he had been combing through the library, reading all about Arcadia. No wonder Ikaria had read so much about the warring brothers. Everything prior to them had been removed. The missing books had dealt specifically with the princess.
Turning to Kohren, she frowned dramatically, mocking him. “Thank you, Kohren, for sharing your knowledge with me. It was quite useful.” Ikaria narrowed her eyes, straining her hands while her violet magic continued to pour into his mind. “One last question: How is the High Court taking away everyone’s magic?”
Kohren shook his head, the blood of his nose continuing to run down his face and onto his delicate clothes. “They aren’t.”
“Really?”
“I swear it!”
“And the Spectrum of Magic? Is the High Court trying to complete it? Have they been consuming magic?”
“What? No!”
“I don’t believe you.”
“It’s true!”
Ikaria forced her energy through his mind, streaming her way through his thoughts. He wasn’t lying. What he said was true to him. It wasn’t surprising that he was doing their bidding while being left in the dark.
“I have no further use for you. It’s a shame to see you end up like this, being that we are good friends and all.”
Kohren’s eyes bulged, fear painted on his face.
With that, Ikaria sliced his neck open with the knife, his glowing blood spilling to the floor. A hot rush of excitement filled her, knowing she now had access to the gift of the blue. She was one step closer to overthrowing the High Court.
Advancing to his neck, Ikaria reached out with her tongue, licking the blood coming from his jugular, tasting the iron flavor. Ensuring that the power would come fast, she latched on and drank the blood pouring out of his neck, until she felt its magical effects. Vibrations overwhelmed Ikaria as her heart quickened, beating firmly with the magic working its way through her body.
“Suri,” Ikaria called out in a raspy voice with her blood-soaked lips, slumping to her knees. “Are you there?”
Her servant appeared with an orange glow, fading out of the shadows, appearing before her. “As always, Enchantress.”
Ikaria’s breaths became irregular, gasping for air. “Please, clean up this mess,” she said, waving around aimlessly. “I won’t need help out.”
“Yes, Enchantress,” Suri murmured, bowing her head. She made her way over to Ikaria, gracefully laying her on the floor and brushing Ikaria’s hair out of her face.
Ikaria closed her eyes as the magic pounded its way through her system. It was like the first time she had sex—pain and pleasure all at once.
The pounding became heavier as a deep sadness sunk her soul into despair. Memories of that lonely moment, the one where everyone had betrayed her. It came raging in, playing with her emotions.
Ikaria screamed in agony. Flashes came before her. Faces of the High Court. Their sneers. Her father’s sad face. And Cyrus. Where was he? Missing. Coward.
They would all pay.
As the magic began to subside, time and space swirled around Ikaria, beckoning her to call upon them, consuming every fiber of her being until she did so. Thinking of the Princess Emerald of Arcadia, her mind began to swim through time, like flowing down a river through a galaxy of stars. It came to a stop, giving her a view of a fantastical city, one the likes of which Ikaria had never seen in her lifetime. Within the city came an image of the princess—beautiful long, wavy emerald hair and glowing green eyes, with ivory skin like porcelain. But there was another overshadowing her, one that was somehow the key to her power.
A prince, shrouded in blue. A tall, dark, handsome prince.
And his mind was accessible.
Completely accessible.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
GREEN
Swirling portals and galaxies faded away as another era formed around Suresh. Blacks, grays, and crimson reds assimilated into patterns and shapes, slowly melting into recognizable figures.
An ornate room spread out before him, with ruby walls patterned with black designs. Thick crimson velvet curtains draped the windows, and the black floors gleaned with slick polish. Bookshelves lined the room, containing many books, scrolls, and tomes haphazardly shoved on the shelves. On the back wall stood a grand fireplace with a sizable freestanding harp nearby, cast in silver.
What year is this? Suresh wondered.
No one appeared to be in the room, as no sound could be heard except the roaring fire and the thumping of Suresh’s heartbeat.
Cautiously glancing in each direction, Suresh decided to approach the fireplace. The space-time continuum had always chilled him to the bone, and the fireplace looked rather inviting.
As he approached, Suresh sensed the fire’s magical properties, enchanted with the magics of red and orange. Fascinated, he held his hands toward the fire, warming them. The flames still burned with intensity, but they were transparent and smokeless. He was amazed at how the future gifted had conceptualized the idea of enchanting things with combined magics. Why hadn’t the past ever thought of it? It was brilliant.
Out of the silence, a light clanging sound echoed in the room. Suresh’s heart stopped, and he glanced out of the corner of his eye. Had someone seen him?
Sharply turning around from the fireplace, all Suresh was met with was a lavish black desk squeezed in between two bookshelves, with papers scattered about. He was in someone’s study, or possibly a personal library. There were empty chalices and wine bottles, some dirty, empty, and thrown about, others cleaned and ready for their next use.
The sound clanged again, this time louder.
Suresh paused, still and silent, waiting for it to happen again. A minute went by, and the noise rattled once more. This time, it was ever so softly.
Acutely aware of where the sound was coming from, Suresh turned toward its direction. A wired cage stood in close proximity of the desk, rattling with slight movement. Meeting his gaze was a red parrot perched within, cocking its head curiously at Suresh.
Sighing a breath of relief, Suresh smiled at the bird, laughing inwardly from being startled by such a creature.
“Silly bird,” Suresh muttered under his breath.
“What are you doing here?” a voice called from the corner.
Suresh jumped in place, startled at the voice. Whirling around, he glanced at the shadowy corner of the room where the harp sat.
From the depths of the darkness appeared a well-dressed man with chin-length crimson hair pulled back in a stubby ponytail. As he stepped into the light, Suresh saw the man had light skin with flaming red eyes, his body adorned with amulets, rings, and earrings. He was dressed in rich fabrics. The firelight caught the
jewels, giving the man a shimmering effect.
There is a Ghost Man with the power of red that needs our help! he recalled Geeta saying. Was this the man?
The man walked across the room and pushed aside the dirty chalices, looking for a clean cup. After he found what he was looking for, he poured himself a glass of wine and sat down in his chair, taking a deep drink.
“It’s not every day that a green-gifted appears in my room. Especially when they shouldn’t have the power to do so.” The man eyed him, inspecting Suresh’s clothes.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude…”
“Where are you from, time traveler? Or should I say, what era are you from?” the man asked, making himself comfortable in his chair.
“The past.”
“‘The past’ is quite vague.”
“The beginning,” Suresh answered slowly. “The beginning of time.”
The crimson man took another drink, reflecting on Suresh’s words. “And what brings you here, time traveler from the past, to my chambers, specifically?”
“I am trying to find someone. Well, two people, actually.”
“Really? Do tell.”
“Yes. A woman with violet magic. I have been following her for many years. I need to find her.”
The man raised his eyebrow, leaning in curiously. “What business do you have with her?”
“She is looking for the Ghost Man.”
“Ghost Man? Never heard of him.” The man laughed as if Suresh had just told a joke, finished the last drop of his wine, then poured himself another. “But as far as the violet-gifted, if your business is with Ikaria, then we will have some issues, you and I.”
“Ikaria?” Suresh gave the man a confused look. “I don’t know any Ikaria, sire. I am looking for Geeta.”
“Geeta, you say? The only violet-gifted I know of is the newly instated Sorceress Ikaria of World Sector Six.” The man put down his wine glass, walking toward the harp. “And this Ghost Man you speak of, I am not familiar with him, and honestly, I don’t really care.”
The man was about to play his harp but was interrupted by a knock at the door. Unsure of what to do, the redheaded man quickly stretched out his hand, funneling orange magic over Suresh, making him invisible. The fiery man shot Suresh a look, indicating that he should be quiet.
Suresh gasped at the man’s magic, taking a step back in awe. This man had the full capabilities of his adjacent magic, something that was rare with all gifted throughout time. Through Suresh’s green gift of life magic, he could sense the man’s life force. The man not only had the full power of the orange gift, but the violet gift as well. But there was… something else.
Maybe he has consumed other colors? Suresh wondered. But he quickly decided against his thought, as the man’s hair hadn’t turned any shade darker—it was still pure red.
“Get behind one of the curtains. They will still be able to detect you even if you are invisible out in the open,” the man said in a sharp whisper.
Obliging the man, Suresh followed through and stashed himself behind the thick velvety curtain.
Another soft knock came from the door.
“Come in,” the man called out loudly.
Suresh heard the door creak open, then shut. Light, swift footsteps could be heard.
“High Inquisitor Rubius,” a gentle woman’s voice said in greeting.
Rubius walked quickly over to the woman. “Not today, Poliente. I’m not in the mood.”
“But we had this arranged already… I need the money,” the woman said insistently.
“Here.” Suresh heard coins jingle. “Five hundred pounds. What we agreed to.”
“Are you sure you don’t want—”
“Yes, I am sure,” Rubius said, cutting her off. “Please leave. Perhaps next week we can arrange something.”
“Sure,” the woman agreed.
Suresh heard the door open, then shut. A minute of silence followed.
“You can come out, stranger,” Rubius called out.
Suresh emerged from the curtains, still invisible. Rubius waved his hand, and the magic twinkled orange around Suresh, dissipating around him.
“Sorry about that. As you can see, I have my own problems, and I have little time to be dealing with others.” Rubius’s eyes took in Suresh’s color, then he gave a weak smile. “Sorry to disappoint you on your quest to find those people you are in search for. I am not much help.”
“Are you sure you have never heard of the Ghost Man in passing conversation? Not even in myths or legends?”
“Quite sure,” Rubius replied. “However, perhaps you can answer me something. Something that has been troubling me for many years.” The crimson man took another drink of his wine, then walked over to his harp, strumming it softly.
“You can ask, but I am not sure I have the answers you seek,” said Suresh.
Rubius nodded, his eyes glowing with red magic while he played a tune. “There is a woman who has appeared in my dreams for as long as I can remember. She is green-gifted, very beautiful. Delicate pale skin, bright-green eyes, and long wavy green hair the color of an emerald jewel. I see her every time I close my eyes. I feel like a fool for even telling you this, for it all sounds a bit ludicrous.” Rubius faltered for a moment, pausing his tune, eyeing Suresh. “Have you come across any woman like that in your travels?”
He awaited with anticipation, not making any movement, nor any sound from his harp. Not even his parrot rattled in its cage.
Suresh thought about Queen Elyathi. She had absorbed his healing magic for a moment, then transferred the green power to the baby inside her womb. He had seen no other green-gifted in the times he had traveled, mostly red- and orange-gifted, as Geeta was in search of the man with the power of the red magic. But what about Elyathi’s child? Maybe this man was dreaming about her?
“I haven’t seen any green-gifted woman,” replied Suresh, then he paused. “Although there was a unique woman I encountered during my travels. Her power absorbed my magic, transferring it to the baby in her womb. I believe she had the gift of the white.”
“Gift of the white. Never heard of that one before,” Rubius said, sighing in disappointment. He walked over to the parrot’s cage, opened the door, and gave the bird inside a soft stroke.
He must not know of Elyathi. Suresh frowned, thinking of the sad queen. He’d wanted to help her but didn’t know how.
“And the baby? Was it a girl?”
Suresh snapped out of his thoughts. “I am most certain it was a girl in the woman’s womb,” he answered. “I felt her life force.”
“I see,” Rubius said, letting the parrot out of the cage, allowing it to perch on his shoulder. “And where is this woman?”
“Back in the Millennium Era. I don’t know the exact year, as I never know most of them precisely, but 2100–2300 M.E., I would gather.” Suresh hesitantly sat down on the man’s furniture.
Rubius sat down across from Suresh, grabbing his chalice and drinking in silence for many moments. Finally he said, “If you do happen across this green-gifted woman, would you please come back and tell me? I would be forever indebted to you if you did so, time traveler.”
“Unfortunately, I cannot at this time,” Suresh started. “You see, I have to find the Ghost Man. It is imperative…” Suresh’s thoughts raced about the fate of the world. There will be no green-gifted woman, or anyone else for that matter, if I don’t find Geeta or the Ghost Man.
“I understand,” Rubius said, taking another drink. He downed the liquor, tossing the cup aside.
Suresh got up from the couch, then started heading for the door. Violet magic splashed in front of his eyes, pouring over the door, then a clicking sound could be heard as the door locked.
“Oh no, friend. You can’t go out there.”
Suresh turned slowly to face Rubius. “Why? I told you before, I have to find the Ghost Man.”
“Not in this time era, you won’t.” Rubius turned his attention to Sur
esh, getting up from the couch. The parrot squawked. “I think it would be best if you go now. You see, if you tarry here any longer, I will be in a bit of a predicament, forced to hand you over to my superiors. It would be a shame for someone like you to get caught up in the politics of this time. My superiors would kill for green-gifted blood. And that, my friend, puts a giant mark on your back.”
“If my blood is so desired, why wouldn’t you want to turn me in to your superiors?”
Rubius laughed, amused. “Let’s just say that I really don’t feel like dealing with them right now.”
“I guess I should say thank you, then?”
“If you like. Sorry I was not of any help to you. Hopefully you find your Ghost Man.”
“I hope so too, for all our sakes,” Suresh said. “And I hope you find your green-gifted woman.”
“I as well, for my sanity,” the man said bleakly. He gestured for Suresh to leave.
Suresh called upon the power of blue magic that burned inside of his life force, focusing on his unnatural consumed color. It surged through his soul, rumbling inside like a force waiting to be unleashed. He felt the world around him turn black, and the red room faded away into nonexistence.
Suddenly a tugging feeling overwhelmed him, a surge of power radiating from the man to him, connecting the two. Through his natural green gift, Suresh saw what was inside the man—green magic, filled with life, radiated from the man’s life force, binding his soul together.
“Why is there green magic within you? Does it have to do with the woman you seek?” Suresh called out, his question echoing through the time magic as the room started to disappear around him.
The man went pale and was about to speak, but Suresh’s deep greenish-blue magic washed over him, and the man faded away into the void. Familiar galaxies and swirling, glowing portals of magic took the room’s place, glowing brightly in the space-time continuum.
Once more, he was at the crossroads of time.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Within the deep azure of the night, warm delicate hands touched Derek’s chest softly. He stirred in response, awaking to its touch. The hands glided their way toward his neck, the caress igniting a desire deep within him.