“Will you take us?” Gwen asked.
She sighed. “Yes. We’ll have to be quick. The dark ones know you’re here, they felt you too. They’ll be searching. Catching you would mean great power.”
Emma breathed hard and rose to her feet. “We’ll need help. Come on.”
The thin girl disappeared quickly down the dark tunnel that smelled of worms and flower pots. Gwen followed her sister, examining her shadowy form. She’d always wondered what Emma would look like. Gwen knew she’d be beautiful, but not so thin. There was so much Gwen wanted to ask her...tell her. They reached the central hole where they fell.
“This way,” Emma whispered and she crouched to enter another tunnel, this time smaller. Gwen ducked and glanced at Rynnal behind her. He was basically crawling due to his tall stature. It was similar to the tunnel that lead to Emma’s…hole. Emma moved fast and the two struggled to keep up. Gwen could feel her thighs turning to jello and was thankful when they arrived at the next dwelling that she could stand again. The hole looked pretty much like Emma’s without the table. Remarkably good sketched photos were stuck on the dirt wall using gray wood slivers. They appeared to have been taken in the 1800’s. Though all were particularly beautiful, one caught Gwen’s eye. It was a ballroom scene of dashing couples dancing across the floor. The girls wore puffy dresses and their hair in long ringlets, and the boys looked so debonair in their uniforms.
“Analise, wake up,” Emma said, barley loud enough for anyone else to hear. Paper thin blankets rustled and a girl poked her head out. She had long light auburn hair and brown eyes. Gwen recognized her in the sketches as a girl with an especially full dress being escorted down a grand staircase by a handsome man with a mustache. She was a picture of poised perfection in the sketch, holding out her dainty gloved hand for the man to gently hold, his other positioned behind him. Gwen looked closer and saw a delicate ornate crown drawn onto her buoyant ringlets.
“What?” the girl asked, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
“Remember when you said you found Hollow’s hole?” Emma asked, quickly sitting on the ground by the girl.
“Yes…” Analise answered eyeing her unexpected guests.
Emma continued, “I need you to lead me to it.”
The tired girl sat up straighter. “Why would you want to go back there-”
Emma cut her off. “Just do it, okay?”
“Yah…sure…” The girl slid from her blankets and threw on a pair of wooden shoes. She brushed her hair from her eyes and looked closer at Gwen and Rynnal. “Who are they?”
“They’re…friends,” Emma answered.
Friends? Gwen thought, but decided to ignore it…for now.
“Alright. We’d better go quick, Gus will be back soon. You know we’re not supposed to go out after sleep time.”
“I know but it’s…important ok?” Emma said.
“Okay, okay I won’t ask Em. Let’s go then.” Analise led the way as the others followed close behind. As they reached the central hole, the wooden shoed girl methodically grabbed a tall ladder from the wall and placed it just to the hole’s rim. She crawled up slowly sticking her head out. The stealthy girl nodded, confirming the coast was clear and they climbed the ladder behind her to the surface. It felt freezing to Gwen in their world, though Ry didn’t seem to mind. Her teeth chattered as they began running through the gray frosted forest. They ran over logs and under icing tree limbs, though there was no snow. They ran the rough terrain until Gwen thought she couldn’t take another step when suddenly, Analise stopped dead in her tracks holding up her hand.
She listened and swiftly climbed a nearby tree like some sort of monkey. Emma followed and motioned for Rynnal and Gwen to follow suit. Rynnal struggled with the first branch but finally managed to swing his lanky legs up and over. He climbed to the next set, making way for Gwen. No one spoke a word. Gwen jumped and grabbed the ice covered branch. Her hands burned like fire and she prayed she’d be able to pry them off. Thankfully, her hands slid free and she scrambled up into the thick leaves. Icy leaves, that’s a new one Gwen thought.
She climbed higher and higher until she felt the branches sway. There she sat still as possible trembling in her cocktail dress. It was then she realized she couldn’t feel her feet…a bad sign, frostbite would be in her future if they didn’t get out of the tree soon. Then, a small black figure came into view. She was a small woman with large black wings covered in a flowing black robe. Her face was covered in what looked like burns and her eyes….were gone. She didn’t fly despite her large wings, but walked barefoot instead. Her jagged toenails dug into the ground and she slowly made her way to a nearby hole in a rather large old tree. The hole was the size of a quarter and Gwen wondered if she would insert a key? Find a hidden door? Neither. The fairy shrank to miniature size before their eyes. Now, no larger than a wasp, she flew into the hole.
From farther up, Analise whispered, “There,” as she scuttled down the large tree. Without another word, she was gone. Emma hopped from icy branch to icy branch with ease, until she was crouched next to Gwen.
“That’s her,” Emma murmured. Gwen nodded shifting from one frozen foot to another. Noticing her sister’s pain, Emma took off her own cloth shoes and tied them around Gwen’s purple feet.
They stared at one another. “Thank you,” Gwen whispered. Emma returned her gratitude with a soft smile and nod.
“Ready?” Emma asked. Not waiting for an answer, she hopped down the tree and landed in a stooped position on the ground. She made sure the coast was clear and motioned for Gwen and Rynnal to join her. Gwen made a wobbly exit and clumsy Rynnal plain fell out face first with a thud as he hit the ground. Shaking her head, Emma began walking to the tree hole as Gwen and Ry followed. She put her luscious lips to the hole and surrounded them with her cupped hands, saying something Gwen couldn’t quite hear. Quickly backing up, she pushed Gwen behind her. The small fairy emerged like a honey bee from its hive and suddenly took on her larger form.
The fairy was very different from Tina. Her mouth was twisted as she spoke in a low hiss. “Half-dead….you are foolish to come back here. Have you attempted to meet your inevitable fate?”
Emma swallowed hard. “I have…but I ask something in return.” Inevitable fate? Gwen was confused.
“Ah yes. The spirit walker you have with you…is it about her?” the dark fairy asked.
“Yes…she needs you to bring three back.” Emma stated sternly.
The fairy laughed low eerily. “Why would I do such a thing? I should take you now.”
“You could,” Emma agreed. “You could take me now. I’d fight you, but you’d more than likely win. But…if you don’t and you wait…I’ll take you to the others.” Gwen felt her heart stop.
“No. Emma, no. You cannot sacrifice yourself for me,” Gwen whispered.
Emma strong-armed Gwen back behind her, which only turned out to be a nudge through her liquid-like form.
“Interesting proposal…” The fairy raised her crooked finger. “Done. Take me to the ones you wish to bring back.”
“No,” Gwen said as Emma walked briskly back toward the way they came, not stopping to look back. A plan Gwen thought. Emma had to have a plan. She took off after her, Rynnal silently following.
The fairy quickly took on her insect sized form as she fluttered behind them. They walked hastily in silence as they made their way through the forest, avoiding the central hole. Gwen played out scenario after scenario, but couldn’t figure out what Emma was going to do. She was surely not going to turn herself over…was she? They walked in thick silence until they finally arrived back at the gateway tree.
“Samuel? Adeline? Etu?” Gwen called softly. The three emerged cautiously, Etu leading the way.
Gwen looked back and to her surprise, the fairy was in her human scaled form.
“I see,” the dark woman growled. “Come,” she said revealing a crystal from beneath her black cloak. A midnight blue crystal hanging from a gold chain. It
reminded Gwen of a dagger. Suddenly, as fast as lightening, the fairy pricked Gwen’s arm, and drew blood onto the dagger. Gwen didn’t even have time to feel the pain. “Who will be first?”
“Her,” Gwen said pointing to Adeline and rubbing her small wound. She was still not of present mind spinning circles of madness, arms reached to the sky.
The fairy walked ever so slowly up to the unfortunate girl and stood directly in front of her. Adeline stopped spinning abruptly. She stared into the fairy’s missing eyes, when in an instant, the dark woman hurled the crystal into Adeline’s abdomen. Gwen screamed as Adeline fell to the ground, blood rushing from her puncture. Gwen rushed to her side, attempting to cover the wound, but as her hand swept through Adeline’s body, she remembered she wasn’t able to touch her. With one final deep breath, the girl lay still.
“Adeline! What did you do?” Gwen shrieked at the fairy now holding the wet crystal.
Samuel and Etu stood frozen staring at the fairy’s victim…which proved fatal as the fairy moved quick as lightening stabbing them as well before they even had a chance to defend themselves.
“I’m sending them back,” the fairy grunted.
“I’ll kill you!” Gwen yelled scrambling to her feet and lunging at the fairy.
Emma grabbed her by the shoulders with her play dough like hands. “Gwen no. She’s telling the truth. They’re being sent back to where they want to be. The crystal knows where to send them. It’s ok. I promise. This is how it’s done.”
“Feisty one,” the fairy hissed as she made her way to Rynnal. She raised the crystal and attempted to thrust it into the odd boy. Nothing. The crystal wouldn’t penetrate. She tried once more, and again the crystal was stopped like a knife on rock.
“What’s wrong?” Gwen asked nervously.
“This one doesn’t want to go back. The crystal knows when one doesn’t wish to leave. When one wishes to stay, nothing can be done. Now be gone and come along, Emma.”
Gwen looked terrified at Rynnal. “Ry, what are you doing?” she shouted at the boy. “No, wait. Try again.”
“Gwen stop. She’s right,” Rynal fiddled awkwardly with his long fingers. “Let. It. Go,” he said, eyebrows raised, clearly trying to convey a cover message to Gwen. Opposed to her urge to convince him otherwise, Gwen relented.
“Emma smiled faintly at her sister. “Guess that’s my cue. Go Gwen. Rynnal.” Her eyes were swelling with tears. “Save them,” she whispered as she threw her arms around Gwen’s neck for a split second.
Gwen was confused. Where was the plan? Was that it? Emma was going to…die and go where? Rynnal was going to stay in the spirit world. No lights were here for her to follow.
“Emma, no! I’m no leaving without you,” Gwen said as panic grew in the pit of her stomach. This was not how things played out in her plan.
“Yes you are Gwen. You’re leaving because I am one. They are many.” Emma whipped her eyes and clenched her jaw. “Go!” she yelled. Startled, Gwen and Rynnal ran to the tree, but stopped. Gwen turned around just in time to see it. The ugly owl came soaring through the air and took the crystal in his large talons. In one swift movement, he flew it into the fairy’s heart, letting out a howl. Her ear piercing scream echoed throughout the forest as she fell to the ground and turned to black dust. Emma smiled as she ran to Gwen. Her plan. She did it.
“You must go sister. The others will be coming,” she said looking anxiously over her shoulder.
“No. You’re coming with us,” Gwen said, running for the crystal.
“Stop Gwen. It’s no use.” Emma said softly. “You can’t bring me back.”
Gwen stopped and turned to Emma confused. “But the bird,” she said
“You weren’t responsible for my death….” she explained. “He killed her…and took her eyes. He was the only one that could send her back…to Everland. Hollow. Her name is Hollow. Stay away from her Gwen. She’ll want revenge.”
“Mom. Mom has to bring you back,” Gwen stated, attempting to push the vomit in her throat back down into her stomach.
Emma nodded. “You know as well as I do sister. She must bring me back…so you can kill me.” Tears ran down her face. Now go. Please hurry.”
Gwen would have to leave her sister behind. “I can’t. I won’t.”
“You have to. Go Gwendylon…I…I love you.”
Gwen felt frozen tears begin to form on her cheeks.
“I will come back for you. I will be back. I promise Emma. I won’t leave you here forever,” Gwen said through sobs.
“I know you will. I’ll stay hidden until you do. I won’t let them get to me to open the portal. Now go!”
Gwen scrambled back to the tree and Ry placed his hand through hers. With her remaining hand she covered the black heart. Looking once more at her baby sister she said, “I love you too, Emma.” Then, closing her eyes, all went black.
Chapter 11
He was strung up on the wall in human form, arms extended. Andrew was being whipped again and again in front of Gwen’s eyes. She ran to him but it was no use, he couldn’t see her…he couldn’t feel her.
“Andrew!” she screamed over the crack of the whip. “Oh my god. Stop!” blood trickled down his bare back and down his leg into the drain in the cement floor below. His head hung and his eyes were closed. The pirate was relentless.
“Gwen,” Rynnal said from behind her. “Gwen, listen to me. You have to get through to him. Now is the time. It’s time. You have to break the barrier…completely. I know you can Gwen. Break it. Break his collar too. Focus. Use your anger. Pull it in.”
Gwen knew he was right. She had to break the barrier. For him…for Lily and Tiger…Gwen closed her eyes as she felt the energy. For her brothers….for Lilly…for all the prisoners….It was cracking….for Pete…for her….sister Gwen pushed and felt the snap. Her mind was free. The barrier was gone. The collar was of no use. She’d done it.
“It’s gone” she whispered.
“Good!” Rynnal said excitedly. “Now his, Gwen. Break it. Follow the energy tunnel and crumble the block. You can do it.” Gwen obeyed and crashed through Andrew’s mental barrier like a road block on the interstate at full speed. Her knees shook, as she reached to touch her mark. Andrew. Andrew, can you hear me?
His head raised and he looked slowly from side to side. He couldn’t touch his mark. Damn. Andrew I’m here. If you can hear me shake your head.
Andrew shook his exhausted, heavy head. Gwen was right in front of his face now, extending her hands to his cheeks. She wished she could touch him. She prayed he could see her. I’m here in front of you she thought.
He again looked up between wincing in pain and gave a soft very forced smile. Listen. You’re collar’s block is gone. His eyebrows raised. Yes. I’m close. When you can, I need you to touch your mark and tell Pete and the others to get ready. They should be here in Everland by now with the rebels. They need to attack soon. Like clockwork. The pirate decided Andrew had had enough and let him down. Andrew’s crimson stained body fell to the ground. He sat crouched, wearing only a pair of bloodied and ripped blue athletics shorts.
“Good,” the pirate said proudly. “We like to keep you weak. Looks like you’ll be healing from his for quite some time.” Gwen felt something sliding down her calf. Blood. Andrew was taking her pain as well.
She looked to Rynnal, whose face said it all. He cringed at the sight of Gwen’s bleeding back. “We don’t have much time,” Gwen anxiously said. He can’t go on like this much longer. We have to act now.”
Rynnal nodded. Andrew, Listen. I need you to tell the other Manticans to be ready.
“Get up!” the old pirate shouted as he kicked Andrew in the back. Suddenly Gwen saw the ferocious rage in Andrew’s eyes. The intense rage that appeared right before he turned to his primitive animal form.
Andrew, don’t change. Control it. You can’t let them know I’ve broken your collar. Focus. Stay focused…for me.
Gwen could see his internal bat
tle. He closed his eyes and shook trying to control the urge ripping at his chest with every inch of his bloody god like body.
“Up!” the pirate hollered again. Gwen prayed the pirate would shut his jagged mouth. With one last deep breath Andrew pushed himself up with all he had…and he stood. Gwen knew it was ripping him apart inside but he did it…for her.
You did it. Now get them organized. Spread the word. Their collars will be broken…Gwen secretly hoped.
He touched his mark. I don’t know how you’ve done it, but we’ll get them Gwen. I’ll have them ready. Be careful.
I will. Don’t let them see you touch your mark. We can’t let anything give us away, she thought.
Andrew nodded as he limped out of the cement torture room. Gwen wanted to follow him, to make sure he was alright, but knew better. She had to return to complete her mission. With her shiny emerald eyes full of hot tears she bit her quivering lip and turned to Rynnal. “Ry. Why didn’t you go? You-”
He interrupted her smiling, “Gwen we’ve almost made it. We’re almost there. You need me for this part. I couldn’t go back. Don’t break down now. You’ve come too far.” Rynnal pushed his broken glasses back upon his large nose as he commonly did.
Gwen stared at the colorless boy in the cement room. “I wish I had half your courage,” she said quietly.
Again he smiled, and his eyes lit up with excitement. “But you do Gwen,” he threw his hands in the air. “Look around you. Look what you’ve done, are still going to do.”
“I will come back for you as well Rynnal…if you want me to,” Gwen stated firmly.
“I know you will Gwen. That’s why I’m not afraid,” he said pretending to kick a pebble with his transparent foot. “Besides I can’t leave her there alone.”
Gwen lifted a thin eyebrow. “Who?”
“Lilly,” Ry admitted gawkily.
“Lilly?” Gwen was shocked. “You and Lilly?”
“No, no,” he said quickly. “Just me. She…doesn’t know.” An odd match Gwen thought. The brilliant alchemist and the mantican, well, unchanging mantican. She wondered if he knew of her feelings for Pete.
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