“So if we don’t age how do we even get to eighteen?”
“As I said, you stop aging after you turn eighteen when you’re sworn. Old people don’t exist in Everland, at least not physically. When you’re mark loses its energy, you’re simply gone. If you continue to drink from the lagoon, you can live forever, unless you get physically hurt that is.
“We’re here.” Koli put the SUV into park, and handed Gwen a bottle of water. She drank it quickly.
“Pete’s been living in hiding for one hundred and twenty years, making the risky journey back to Everland every five years to drink from the lagoon. You’ll need to spill your blood and drink now too that you’re sworn…I’m sorry Gwen.” Andrew got out of the car and shut the door. Leaning his back against the window, he mentally tore himself to shreds. He had destroyed her life with one touch.
Gwen wasn’t sure whether to get out or cry herself into oblivion. She stared out the window to the cabin. It was magnificent. Nothing like the cabin she’d remembered out there. It was made from beautiful blond wood, with stone embedded in the faces of the house. There were so many entrances, Gwen wasn’t sure what one they would use. The third story was decorated with large French doors and a thick balcony made from actual tree limbs, where she saw Tok pacing from one side to the next, surveying the land. It was as if he hadn’t even noticed their arrival. Beautiful shimmering boulders edged the property. As Gwen looked closer, she noticed Green sparkles dancing off the rocks like fireflies jumping in the night. Stunning, she thought. Even their landscape was gorgeous.
Pete walked out like some sort of fitness equipment model. He had on black athletic shorts and a tight gray T-shirt that hugged his bulging arms. He stared lingeringly at the Escalade. Gwen knew she should get out and talk to him, her betrothed, she guessed. She desperately wanted to be alone. She knew there had to be a reason he wanted her over the others. It wasn’t her looks or her personality. It was her pure blood. She wanted to resent him, hate him even, but something about him still intrigued her. Still made her sweat at just the sight of him. Andrew walked to the oversized door and shook hands the way guys do patting each other on the back, huh. At least that’s universal she thought. Andrew proceeded inside as Pete began walking to the SUV. Gwen wanted to lock the door. He knocked softly on the glass.
“Can I come in?” he asked opening the door a crack. She wanted to knock his face in, but stare at it for a while first.
“Yah, I guess.” Gwen slid over and looked the other way. She could feel his eyes on her.
“I know you probably have a lot of questions,” he began.
“That would be an understatement.” Gwen couldn’t look at him. It felt so awkward sitting next to him now.
“Andrew told you quite a bit?” he questioned softly.
“Enough that I think my head is going to explode.” Gwen crossed her arms. Ashton. She remembered.
“So, tell me about Ashton. She’s been a lie this whole time as well, I imagine?” scalding hot tears began to build in her eyes. Her friend, her only friend, was forced to be her friend.
He hated to see her cry. “She’s an Alchemist. She and the thousands of others make sure the middle humans don’t know about our world. Though, she’s not just any Alchemist, she’s the granddaughter of the greatest human Alchemist that ever lived. Her grandmother passed her knowledge to Ashton’s father who then in turn has passed it to Ashton.”
“So she’s human?”
“Yah she’s completely human with superhuman knowledge,” he tried to joke. Silence. Pete didn’t know what to say.
“Oh.” Gwen just wanted to go home. Go home, get in her bed, and go to sleep.
“Are you feeling okay? After the bond?” he questioned.
“Yah my head still hurts I guess, but other than that I’m fine now.” Fine. Ha.
“I could kill Andrew and thank him at the same time for initiating the bond like that. It’s not supposed to hurt that much, not anymore with the alchemists around now, but I guess I do owe him for saving you…I’m sorry I wasn’t there Gwen.”
“You had no obligation to be there. Pete I don’t even know you-”
“But I know you,” he interrupted.
“What?”
“I left Everland and went into hiding in the Middle world in 1892. I’ve been around a while. After I heard your mom left, I kept an eye on her, knowing she’d have you. I wanted to know you. It began as just curiosity. I watched you grow Gwen. You’re mother let me see you for in instant the day you were born. I fell in love the first time I saw your beautiful face. I’ve kept track of you ever since…”
Gwen felt a little anxious. He had been watching her? Her hands began to sweat. After a long silence she asked. “Why haven’t I ever met you before now.”
“We have met before…”
“When?” She whispered. Pete got closer to her. His eyes were full of concern. She felt she should be scared, but she wanted him closer.
“Remember, two years ago when you turned sixteen? You and your friends went to a party in the middle of winter at Emmerson’s Lake?” Gwen remembered. It was the closest to death she’d ever come.
“Oh my God. It was you. You…saved me?” It had been years. She searched high and low for the mystery man who had saved her life that day. No one had ever come forward.
“Yah that was me. I was watching from afar, making sure you were safe with all of the alcohol around. You were pretty infatuated with that boy at the time, the scrawny one with the blond hair -”
“Jesse?”
Pete smiled. “Yah Jesse. Good kid. I knew I had to follow you when you two went out, onto the lake. I knew it wouldn’t hold. Actually, I was amazed you got to the middle when the ice gave way, and you fell in. I went in after you…and back again for Jesse.”
Gwen didn’t know what to say. He had saved her life. He was her mystery hero. “The doctors could never figure out how we had managed to get from the middle of the lake to the shore after falling in. It makes sense now.
“Did my mom know?” Gwen asked softly.
“Yes, she knew. She couldn’t risk exposing all of this though Gwen. If a human ever found a way into the portal there’s no way of knowing what would happened to this world. What would enter it. It takes a lot of practice, and there are rules to portals”
“Like the pirates?” Gwen asked.
“Yeah, for starters. There are many other creatures who reside in our word that could wreak havoc here.” Pete looked so passionate.
“I’m starting to remember these stories my mom used to tell me before bed. They sound a lot like the creatures I’ve learned about from Everland so far.”
“Oh yes, her bedtime stories. They’re true. It was always Janie’s way of revealing her secret without outright telling you. She wanted you to live a normal life. Away from all the dangers and responsibilities of Everland as long as you could.” Pete looked a little uneasy. “I know it seems unfair Gwen. I’ve always wanted to tell you but the risk was too great.”
Just then, another SUV pulled in behind them. Arthur got out first and walked around to open the back door. Jonah and Mike jumped out. Tears were streaming down little Mikey’s face. Forgetting about Pete Gwen jumped out of the SUV, running to her brothers.
“Gwenny, what’s going on? I was so scared.”
Gwen scooped the chubby little boy up in her arms hugging him tightly. “Oh Mike it’s ok buddy. Everything’s going to be fine. You’re with me now,” she comforted stroking his messy hair.
Jonah gave Arthur a death stare. “Monster here grabbed us from the school parking lot, saying dad sent him to pick us up because you were busy.”
Arthur shrugged “Stranger Danger 101 little buddy.” He said crunching into the apple he brought with him.
What the hell’s going on Gwen?” Jonah’s eyes darted from Pete to Arthur. “Are we kidnapped?”
Gwen looked over her shoulder as if noticing Pete and Arthur for the first time, “Oh.. no, we are n
ot kidnapped.” Gwen said.
“Then what’s up? Let’s go home Gwen,” Jonah said nervously.
Gwen nodded her head. “You’re right Jonah, we should get going home.”
“You can’t go home Gwen. Not now. They’ll find you there. They can sense immortals. Kind of like Andrew can sense them.” Pete explained.
Jonah looked confused and ready for a fight. “Who in the hell are we talkin’ about Gwen? Who’s after us?”
“Come on kid. I’ll tell yah all about it.” Koli said putting his arm around Jonah who just looked blankly at Gwen, his bright blue eyes narrowed from beneath his black hair.
“I want to go too! I’m hungry,” little Michael shouted squirming out of Gwen’s arms.
“It’s ok Jonah. You can trust them.” Jonah grudgingly walked alongside Koli and Mike tagging behind.
“It all starts with us, the real heroes of this story-” Koli trailed off as they disappeared into the house.
As soon as Gwen made sure her brothers were out of ear shot, she turned to Pete. “If it’s not safe for us to go home, how are my parents safe?”
Pete looked worried. “Your mom is mortal now. They shouldn’t be able to sniff her out. Besides, they left for the time being. It will take a while for the portal to re-energize and for them to regroup.”
“How long’s a while?” Gwen prodded. She wanted an exact answer.
“A couple days or so. No way to be sure. I will have Art and Koli do a drive by your parents every once in a while to be sure they are safe.”
“Thank you.” Gwen added. “How are we safe here? Can’t they sniff us out?”
“Nope see those greenish sparkling rocks?” He motioned to the landscape rocks Gwen was admiring on the way in.
“Yes? So?”
“They are enchanted. Ashton and Tina worked together to come up with one hell of a protection hex. It would take a small army to get into the cabin. It deadens our scents and makes the cabin virtually invisible to anyone from Everland. Once inside these lines, we practically don’t exist.”
Pete began walking to the large front porch. Gwen followed obediently behind stopping before climbing the stairs. “So what now?” She wanted to burst into tears again.
“Well…now we have to drink Gwen. I’s been almost a year since I’ve been back to drink from the lagoon, and you have to drink soon too. The mother stone is running out. It needs our blood.”
“What happens if I don’t?”
“You’ll die Gwen. Our immortality only lasts if we drink.” Pete looked so serious. “Everland will cease to exist without the mother stones magic. Everyone will die.”
“So the entire fate of Everland is up to us? Me. I see.” She couldn’t wrap her mind around what Pete was telling her.
“Yes.” He walked back down the stairs and locked eyes with her. “You and I are the only hope for our world.”
“Your world Pete. This is my world. This is the only world that exists to me. Everything I’ve ever known is here. My family, my friends are all here. Keeping my family safe is the only thing that matters to me.”
“You don’t think you have family in Everland Gwen? What about your aunts and uncles? Cousins? You still have family in Everland. There’s not as many of us left, but enough worth fighting for. Not to mention all of the others who call Everland home.” His tone lowered and the cocky boyish twinkle in his eye disappeared. “If Everland ceases to exist, the entire universe will be out of balance. Middle world could fall as well as the others.”
“Others?” Gwen asked. She found herself oddly close to Pete. He was so passionate. Just then the front door opened. Koli appeared. “Hey guys you, whoa. Sorry am I interrupting something?”
Pete stepped back. “No, we were just coming inside.” He brushed past Koli.
Koli looked behind him ensuring Pete was indeed inside. “On his soap box again?” Koli quietly asked.
“Yah. I guess.” Gwen said.
“Oh he gets like that. A little overboard with the Everland will vanish stuff. Though, it really is true Gwen.”
She nodded.
“Come on in we’re making lunch. Tina’s special,” he offered.
“Great, so mine’s sure to be poisoned.” Gwen sighed.
Koli very seriously added. “No, she knows she needs you around.” He hesitated. “You were being sarcastic weren’t you?”
“Yah I was! You mean otherwise poisoning my lunch would be a possibility?” Gwen asked shocked.
“Well, she doesn’t like you much.” He shrugged.
“Really? I never noticed.”
“Really? How couldn’t you?”
Gwen stared blankly at Koli.
“Right. More sarcasm. Sorry.” Koli flinched and squinted his eyes.
“Why doesn’t she like me? I’ve never met the girl! Not long enough to do anything to her anyway.”
“Tina’s always had a thing for Pete,” he whispered. “And fairies can be ornery little things, especially when they’re jealous.”
Tina appeared behind Koli. “Especially when they catch someone talking about them,” she whispered snidely in his ear hovering off the ground.
Koli laughed nervously and walked quickly into the house.
“Well come on in, princess,” she bowed and raised her hand as if presenting the door. The fairy rolled her eyes and walked ahead of Gwen. The entrance to the cabin was extravagant. The floors were covered with marble leading up to a large double staircase that met in the middle at the top. They continued past the stairs into to the kitchen.
“By the way I wouldn’t eat the rolls if I were you,” she added raising her eyebrows and tossing one Gwen’s way. She struggled to catch it but managed to snag the bun just before it hit the ground. Gee, thanks.
The kitchen was magnificent. Tall vaulted ceilings towered above their heads. The impeccable dark hardwoods appeared glossy beneath Gwen’s bare feet. She had always thought her home
was nice, but this was a whole new ball game. The kitchen was made from all natural stone and some sort of cement. Earthy tones consumed the space making it calm and spa-like. Gwen saw Mike sitting on a granite island in the center of the kitchen shoving spoonful after spoonful of some succulent casserole dish into his mouth. Tina dished another plate.
“Jonah, do you want something to eat?” she asked. Jonah was leaning against the cool glass patio doors that overlooked the brilliant emerald and chocolate woods. An eerie fog was beginning to set in. His breath made fluffy clouds on the glass of the door. With a simple shake of his head, he answered Tina’s forced hospitality.
Suddenly he turned. “This is stupid!” Jonah exclaimed. Arthur and Koli, who were shoveling food down at the large dining room table, slid their chairs back, jaws clenched, instinctively in protector mode. Pete brushed his chest and the two relaxed. “We should go get those punks that threatened my sister. Meet them head on. Instead we are hiding out like some kind of scared fools!”
Tina rolled her eyes. “Calm down, wonder boy. We’re working on something. As of right now, you would be smashed like a little tiny bug,” she said, rubbing her thumb and forefinger together.
“Tina’s right, though a little blunter then I would have put it.” Pete concurred. Tina shrugged and Pete continued. “The pirates have pretty much taken over all of Everland, there are a few royal campsites left, and some of us have taken shelter with their guardians in Lycan country, well the parts left.” Andrew flinched. “They are anticipating my return to drink and spill into the lagoon, they will be ready and waiting.
“So it’s impossible to go back then?” Gwen interrupted.
“No, not impossible, just…difficult and risky. If I… we can get our blood into the lagoon, Tina’s powers will increase immensely. She’ll be able to do a lot to help us in the fight against them. I’ll send word to the Manticans and the rest of the regals tonight that Gwen has been sworn and is ready for the return in one week. They’ll be prepared to fight in hopes of holding them off lon
g enough for us to replenish the mother stone, and refuel all of our powers.”
“Wait – our powers?” Gwen was confused.
“Wow, she really doesn’t know anything does she?” Tina snottily stated. Gwen shot an innocent look her way ready to defend herself when Pete chimed in.
“Yes. When sworn, you possess certain…..abilities.” Pete said.
“Like what kind of powers are we talking here? Like super hero comic book style?” Jonah crossed his arms.
“Gwenny’s a superhero! Wow!” Mike said eyes wide.
“Sort of, but we’ll get into all of that later. For now, we need to eat.” Pete handed a glossy white plate to Gwen, who reluctantly held up a hand.
“I’m really not hungry.” Her stomach still in knots over the incident in the gym, she decided it was best to wait to fill it up again.
“Well I am!” Mike exclaimed, mouth full. Everyone smiled. So innocent, Gwen thought. Mike shouldn’t have to endure all of this.
“Honestly, I need air,” she said, peeking out the window.
“Come on.” Pete answered, nodding toward the back of the house. Tina huffed as Gwen followed him through an amazing living area adorned with stark white couches and expensive looking luxury chairs. The giant fireplace flickered and crackled as they passed. The area smelled sweet and familiar she thought…s’mores and…campfire.
She trailed behind Pete, passing closed doors. Private people. The bright hallway came to an end with two massive French doors. Gwen wondered what could be in there. They turned right and finally made their way to an all seasons room. No, all seasons wonderland. This was the only part of the house that actually looked lived in. It was huge and encased completely in glass. Even the ceiling was glass. A real live snow globe. Plush furniture sat in ideal view of the picture perfect view. Woods stretched out as far as the eye could see. The sun danced over the glittering orange and yellow of the trees every once in a while finding that sweet spot of green still going strong, refusing to give into the fall.
Darlings Page 6