The Reckoning

by S. L. Morgan

  “Wow! We have to do that again some other time,” Harrison said with a smirk. “Now, may I ask why we are on this ship?”

  “Given that no machinery of any sort works on Earth due to the magnetic field disruption, we must use a vessel that can handle the high seas, and these sails will bring us to the location of the triangle.”

  Harrison clapped Levi on the shoulder. “Well, ahoy, then. Get to work on these sails. I must captain this ship.” Harrison jumped up to the helm, everyone watching him as if he’d lost his mind. “Get to work, you swashbuckling bilge rats.”

  Levi rolled his eyes as Marian laughed. “Grandmother was right about you. You certainly seem to find humor in any situation.”

  “You have no idea, sweet one,” Levi said as he walked over to the ropes of one of the sails. “Let us not upset Captain Blackbeard up there. It seems we have our orders.”

  Harrison smirked. “I have a beautiful, living, breathing, soon-to-be wife—unbeknownst to her, of course—that I am particularly eager to see, so get busy.”

  “Let us get to the triangle before I order the boy to walk the plank, and we leave him here,” Navarre said with a laugh.

  “Now,” Harrison gripped the ship's wheel as it slowly glided away from the docks, “bring me that horizon.”

  Reece watched and tried to keep up with Navarre and Levi as they hoisted the main sails, and she was relieved to find the wind had picked up and the ship was gaining speed.

  “Come on!” Harrison growled.

  Everyone followed Navarre up the steps to where Harrison steered the ship. “What is the problem, Captain Crazy?” Levi asked.

  “The wind is on our side, fine!” Harrison grumbled, “But this ship is only reaching a top speed of 3.9 knots! From where we are, the triangle is roughly 677 nautical miles away. We will be on this vessel for at least a week.”

  “We do not have that kind of time,” Marian said.

  Everyone studied Marian while the emotion of hopelessness took over their once profound excitement to embark on this journey.

  “Marian,” Harrison spoke up, “do you think you can use your transporting magic and get us to the triangle instead of waiting on this slug to bring us there?”

  Marian’s lips twisted. “I can try. I’m not sure it—”

  “If you believe you will harm yourself, then we must deal with the alternative and hope that we can make it before anything changes for the worse on Earth,” Levi interrupted.

  Marian’s eyebrows knit together. “It won’t harm me. It simply will not happen if I am unable to do it.”

  Marian walked over and gripped the railing of the ship, closed her eyes, and suddenly they were in a horrific storm. The bow of the ship dipped hard into the enormous wave that crashed into them. Water spilled over the deck as rain poured down so hard on them, it felt like rocks hitting Reece’s skin. Levi gripped Reece and Marian as Navarre pointed at the compass.

  “We are in the triangle. What must we do now?” he shouted over the thundering rain.

  “Everyone, quickly, seek shelter in the ship,” Marian ordered. “The triangle is already trying to transport us. It will take the vessel, but I must separate us from it when the wormhole opens. I need all of you close together, and Grandfather,” she gripped Navarre’s hand, “you must focus intently on the exact time when you were in that carriage alone.” She looked at everyone around her. “As I said earlier, you all will simply wake up as if you were in a daze in your bodies when your consciousness blends with your former one. I have no idea where you will be or what you will be doing, but I suggest not speaking immediately so that you may get your bearings for where you are at.”

  Reece gripped Levi’s hand. “Back to dating again?” She laughed.

  Levi kissed her forehead. “Our second chance to finally have a normal life together. Are you frightened?”

  “I’m ready to see everyone and finally be home in Pemdas again.”

  “NOW!” Marian shouted.

  Everything went black at that moment.

  Reece’s eyes snapped open, and she was face to face with Simone, surrounded by Lillian and Catherine in a carriage. She swallowed hard, and unable to refrain from saying anything, she blurted out, “Not again!”

  “Excuse me?” Simone snapped.

  “Oh, did I say that out loud?” Reece questioned with a forced smile.

  “Are you feeling put out that we are returning to the city again?” Simone questioned condescendingly.

  Second visit to the city? Shopping? Of all the time periods we could have shown up at, it had to be when I was stuck with these insufferable broads! Reece thought as she forced a smile on her face.

  “Put out? Of course not, shopping is every girl’s favorite thing to do.” She reached down and rubbed her leg. “I just got a muscle cramp, and it’s really uncomfortable.”

  Simone’s eyes narrowed at Reece’s fake smile. “I do hope that you can keep up with us today, as I am in no mood to be slowed down by a woman from Earth.”

  Reece bit down hard on her bottom lip and stopped herself from saying anymore. Hopefully, Levi and Harrison were already on their way back to the palace, because she was in no mood to deal with this woman and allow this entire scenario to play out again.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Levi had to blink a few times to adjust to being brought back to this particular point in time. He sat around a large dining table at an inn in the Sandari Kingdom. King Hamilton, his wife, and Angeline had joined them there after learning of Elizabeth’s accident. Recalling this night, he knew that Reece had been in the care of Lillian, Simone, and Catherine for two days now. His stomach tightened in knots, wondering how Reece was coping with the time period in which they had awoken. They had to get back to the palace, and quickly. It was time to start planning how they would stop Simone and Michael from revealing to Movac that The Key resided in Pemdas.

  He glanced around the table and was thankful that everyone was fully immersed in their meals and no one noticed him or Harrison trying to adjust to the fact that they traveled back in time. He took a bite of his food to stay out of any form of conversation until he got his bearings.

  “I must say that I am happy to hear Elizabeth is being released from the doctor’s care tonight,” King Hamilton said as he sat back with a glass of wine.

  Lady Allestaine, who sat to Levi’s left, nodded. “Indeed. Navarre is currently making the journey to ensure she is recovering well. He should be here this evening.”

  “Ah, the old man and I need to catch up anyway, and since we have reserved the finest rooms in Sandari, I believe we can make the best of this unfortunate situation with Lizzy,” King Hamilton said with a smile.

  “Perhaps Lizzy can spend the rest of her time recovering at our estate, Father?” Angeline softly responded, bringing Harrison’s dazed expression toward her.

  Angeline sat next to Levi and across from Harrison. Harrison's eyes were transfixed on her face, and he would not look away. As Levi watched his cousin’s eyes turn glassy in response to her being alive again, he couldn’t help but intrude on Harrison’s thoughts.

  Harrison! You must either find an excuse to dismiss yourself or pull it together! I cannot imagine how this must feel for you, but you must force yourself to act natural, Levi ordered his cousin.

  Harrison cleared his throat and took a large gulp of wine. He blinked a few times and brought his attention back to Angeline. Levi noted that he recovered; however, now he was staring at her with longing in his eyes. Before Levi could mentally correct him and advise him to dismiss himself without causing concern, King Hamilton spoke up.

  “Is something on your mind, Harrison?” King Hamilton said with an arch of his eyebrow.

  Harrison leaned back in his chair and casually took another sip of wine. “Forgive me. I believe my thoughts were with the fact that Miss Bryant is most unfortunate to be at the palace as of late—I simply mean that it is so very lonely for her. Since Angeline is suggesting that Lizz
y vacation at your estate until further notice, I thought perhaps—I mean, if the ladies would like to—” He smiled at Angeline and took a breath. “Would you consider returning to Pasidian with all of us and being excellent company for Miss Bryant?”

  Long winded, but nice, Levi telepathically told Harrison. You have to keep it together, man!

  “Angie?” King Hamilton nodded toward her. “Would that arrangement be agreeable to you?”

  Angeline’s eyes brightened, and Levi watched Harrison give her that same yearning look again.

  Harrison! Get a hold of yourself. Hamilton is no fool. Stop staring at his daughter like that! If you cannot pull this together, you must dismiss yourself with a lame but believable excuse.

  Harrison glared at Levi, and then his expression softened.

  “To meet The Key?” Angeline asked delightfully. “That is most agreeable. I am honored that you would suggest so, Harry.”

  Fortunately, Harrison nodded in response and maintained his composure. “It is nothing. Miss Bryant has a delightful personality, and I am confident that she would enjoy being in the company of well-mannered ladies.”

  “I have not had a chance to applaud both of your efforts in bringing her safely to Pemdas,” King Hamilton added. “Did she cope well upon her arrival?”

  Lady Allestaine let out a small laugh. “I was detained with duties at the time, so she was left in the care of the men until I retrieved her for dinner.” She blotted each corner of her mouth. “Fortunately, Levi was there for her after she learned of the news of who she was. All things considered, I believe having to adjust to our fashions and customs were her greatest fear at the time. She has been adjusting very gracefully, and she is a pleasure to have with us.”

  “Miss Bryant is a strong woman, to be sure,” Levi finally spoke out. “I am impressed by how she has handled everything.”

  “I should add that she did almost pass out as we escorted her to where Emperor Navarre awaited her,” Harrison said with a laugh.

  “If I were stuck in the company of you two offering me unimaginable news, I’d likely feel the same,” King Hamilton responded.

  We need to find a way to make our exit, Harrison. We must return to the palace tonight.

  That is fine, but I must at least have a moment with Angie before we depart!

  You invited her back to the palace, can it not wait?

  You didn’t watch Reece just die in your arms, Levi! My wife died, and now, by a miracle, I am seeing her again, yet she knows nothing of our past. She knows not how much I love her, and she certainly does not love me at this time. This is not your decision. I must have some kind of moment with her. Harrison stared unflinchingly at Levi before Levi subtly nodded sympathetically.

  Dinner had finally come to an end, and Harrison and Levi stayed back as all of the guests left the private dining hall.

  “All right, you give your mother some believable excuse as to why we must leave,” Harrison said. “I will use this opportunity to speak with Angeline alone.”

  Levi gripped Harrison’s arm, halting him from leaving. “Harrison, do not forget how you finally won her affections. Right now, she believes you to be a man who takes a woman for his own selfish pleasures.” Levi stared intently into Harrison’s eyes, “And if I recall correctly, this evening was an evening that I lost you and was forced to spend the rest of my time in the company of King Hamilton and my parents.”

  “You are correct.” He peered over at the door. “I will guard my words, but I must speak with her.”

  “Allow me to be present while you do so,” Levi insisted. “Believe me, it will be less awkward to have us both approach her than for you to do so alone.”

  “Oh, thank you, Levi. What a romantic gesture.” Harrison rolled his eyes as he brushed past him. “Let us get this over with.”

  They entered a large parlor where everyone was gathered either having tea or wine as they spent the rest of the evening relaxing in conversation.

  We inform my mother of our departure first, Levi instructed.

  Both men strode across the room to where Allestaine had just taken her first sip of tea. “Harrison! Levi? This is quite a surprise,” Allestaine said with a smile. “I believed you both had plans to spend the evening out?”

  “Something has come up,” Levi started. “We have orders from Samuel to return to the palace if Lizzy is healthy enough for us to leave.”

  “Go, then. I will inform your sister of your unexpected assignment, and after Harrison’s kind offer to Angie this evening,” she studied Harrison with a curious grin, “I believe we shall be seeing you back at the palace within the next few days.”

  “Very well,” Levi said before turning to leave the room, forgetting that they had planned to allow Harrison a moment with Angeline.

  Harrison subtly gripped Levi’s arm, halting him. Levi spun around and looked at his cousin. “Make this quick and lock it up. We need to get out of here, and your actions have raised suspicion with more than one person this evening. Allow me to approach her.”

  Angeline sat peacefully in a chair in front of the fireplace, fully engrossed in a book she had taken from one of the bookshelves in the room.

  “Pardon our interruption,” Levi said, announcing their arrival.

  Angeline snapped the book shut and glanced up at both men. “Hello, boys. I thought both of you had made plans to spend your evening out tonight?” she responded in confusion.

  “Those plans have been interrupted. We are to return to the palace tonight. We shall only take a moment of your time,” Levi said formally. “Before we departed, Harrison and I both wish to thank you for your willingness to keep Miss Bryant company at Pasidian.”

  Angeline stood. “Levi, you know I enjoy our vacations at Pasidian, and I am genuinely looking forward to making Miss Bryant’s acquaintance. There is no need for either of your gratitude,” she kindly smiled.

  Harrison reached for Angeline’s hand. “You have definitely grown and proven to be not only a beautiful woman but a generous soul.” He gently brought the back of her hand to his lips. “I am unsure if I have yet told you how stunning you look this evening?”

  Levi watched Angeline’s cheeks turn bright red under Harrison’s gaze and adoring smile. The whole exchange was making Levi feel awkward. “Yes, indeed,” Levi said, trying to save Harrison from the emotions that must have been overwhelming his cousin. “Angeline Hamilton, quite the picture of beauty you are this evening.”

  Unexpectedly, Angeline laughed. “Gentlemen, there is no need for you both to compliment me so greatly.” She slanted her eyes at both of them. “More than that, you need not refer to me so formally either. I know you are trying to thank me for helping keep Miss Bryant comfortable, but truly, it is all my pleasure. I am sure Lizzy will enjoy meeting her as well.”

  “Very well, then,” Levi said, stepping back. “We will inform Mrs.—forgive me—Miss Bryant of her newest companions when we return to Pasidian.”

  Levi went to leave but found Harrison still beaming at Angeline. “Harrison?”

  As if snapped out of a daze, Harrison released Angeline’s hand, offered her a short bow, and turned to leave the room with Levi.

  “That was virtually a disaster,” Levi said as they strode toward the exit of the inn.

  “The woman has always loved me,” Harrison said haughtily. “I simply needed to break the ice between us.”

  “I believe you broke a lot more than that. You better hope that everyone forgets your odd behavior tonight.”

  As they mounted their horses, Levi tightly gripped Areion’s reins. “We should be passing my father along the way. Let us inform him of our excuse to leave this evening and ensure that he and Marian are well.”

  “Lead the way, Your Imperial Highness.”

  Two hours into their journey, they encountered the emperor’s convoy. Once halted, Levi smiled when he saw Navarre and Marian engaged in a lively conversation.

  “It appears you two got off easy,” Ha
rrison said with a laugh.

  Navarre and Marian stepped out of the carriage, Marian walking directly toward Levi and embracing him. “I am unsure how mother is at this time,” she looked at Harrison and to Levi, “but it seems you and Harrison adjusted well with the time jump.”

  Levi placed a quick kiss on his daughter’s forehead. “We barely got out of there before Harrison caused an unneeded scene with Angeline.”

  Navarre laughed. “Harry, you know that King Hamilton has a keen eye toward anyone who takes an interest in his most beloved daughter. I am sure, now, that I have my work cut out for me when we arrive.”

  Harrison rolled his eyes. “I was my usual charming self. I do not see the need for all the fuss.”

  Navarre’s eyes narrowed. “Now, I am really concerned.”

  “Father, we are on our way back to Pasidian to check on Reece and form our plans to begin the process of stopping Simone and Michael. I informed mother that we were called back to the palace by Samuel, and she did not question the reason why.”

  “Very well. Marian and I are prepared to have our discussion with your mother, and we are also ready to introduce the others to the newest addition to the family.”

  Levi tilted his head in confusion. “You believe everyone will believe that you adopted her? The emperor?”

  “Your mother has proven to be one of the most charitable women in Pemdas.” He smiled lovingly at Marian. “So after I inform her that I encountered this lovely orphaned child and offered to take her to board at a woman’s center, your mother would not have it.”

  Harrison laughed aloud. “Excellent idea. Let’s hope you both do a better job lying than I did tonight. The good thing is, you are the emperor, so everyone pretty much has to believe you.”

  Levi embraced Marian once more. “We are on our way to your mother right now. I am confident she is well, but I do not wish for her to suffer alone in Simone’s presence. We should be at the palace by daybreak.”