by Renee Travis
“I guess that’s the only way we’ll be able to trade or send things until this is all over huh?” I wondered after a few moments of silence.
“Yes, now I have to go. Call me if you need anything little sister.” With that the mirror went blank and I found myself staring at my reflection again.
Chapter 10
“Oh, it is beautiful Ereshkigal!” Nanna exclaimed as I opened the package that had arrived after dinner the next day.
My brother had sent me a shinning black circlet with symbols of the Three carved into it in a magical glinting black light.
“Here, allow me,” my Uncle said in hushed tones, I bent my head and he placed it, regally on me. When I lifted my eyes to his there were unshed tears in them.
“Now you truly do look like a Princess.” Nam whispered, in awe. This I had to see for myself. I found the nearest mirror and looked. The circlet did make me seem more royal somehow.
“It will be gorgeous with the dress I bought for you; this evening you will outshine everyone.” Nanna seemed so excited I could not squash it; I was more than a little nervous about this party being thrown in my honor.
“You bought her a dress?” Nam’s voice held concern, probably hoping my Aunt’s taste didn’t mimic my mother’s.
“Yes,” she winked, “in proper Adura attire. Trust me, I remember the horrors I was forced to wear in the castle. Biri designs stifle so.”
We all had a good laugh about this, and it felt amazing to be with people who didn’t look at me with scorn and fear.
“Ereshkigal, our friends will be here within the next few hours, you’d do well to get ready.” Zaltu informed me, looking at the clock on the wall.
“Now, since we only had days warning of your arrival we are only introducing you to prominent people from Damu, perhaps fifteen or twenty.” My Aunt was trying to relieve my trepidation, and it worked. That was not as many people as I had feared. I knew we were holding this “ball” of sorts downstairs in the banquet room of my aunt and uncle’s bank.
“Well that’s not too many,” Nam said into the silence that followed her statement. “C’mon Eshie, I’ll help you get ready.”
As we made our way back to my room there were butterflies in my stomach, and not the good kind. More like the I’m-gonna-puke kind.
“Breathe, you are a Princess and if you ever want to be Queen you may as well get used to this sort of thing,” Nam sounded annoyed as he shooed me through the door and closed it.
“I don’t know if I will ever be ready to be Queen,” I admitted, sitting on the bed as Nam grabbed the package off the dresser that, I assumed, was my clothing.
“Well you better get ready, this is coming. If you don’t want to be Queen better tell them now, not later.” He spun around smiling, holding out clothing.
I looked at him, feeling a little angry at his nonchalant attitude, “who else but me?”
“That is the question isn’t it?” He raised an eyebrow and I shook my head, yup that was Nam giving me a suck-it-up speech.
“Okay, make me beautiful.”
“You already are, this will just improve it.” He laughed.
It only took a few hours for Nam to decide I was presentable enough.
My hair was loose and flowing down my back, the circlet keeping it from my face. I was in short ruffled red skirts and a matching tunic with a black corset. As we descended down stairs to where everyone was waiting for us I had to steady myself in the knee high black heeled boots my aunt had insisted I wear.
Nam looked very handsome standing next to me in a sleek pin striped suit, hair pulled back from his face. I hadn’t had time to explore much so I took my time glancing around the inside of my family’s business. It looked like a bank should, which was nice, large, sterile and smelling of money. What I enjoyed most were the symbols of the old ways hidden everywhere, carved into the marble benches and in patterns on the stationary.
We opened large doors and I walked into an Adura party. There was soft, haunting music piping into the room, thousands of candles were lit, lighting up the space but throwing shadows far and wide. Tables and chairs were draped in black and servers dressed in red and white were bringing food and drink to the people sitting and milling about.
As I entered they stopped talking and everyone turned to look at me. I could feel my heart fluttering in my throat and my hands felt clammy, Nam pushed me in farther. I watched in kind of a daze as my aunt bustled towards me, hands out, smiling.
I frowned as the warnings I had put in position started to go off. Someone was trying to attack my barriers, forcing their way through the protection spells I had placed on myself. I felt my magic lash out and make contact but it was too late.
The thick smell of incense, perfume and food filled my nostrils as hands reached for me and for the first time in my whole life, I fainted.
When I woke up I knew I was dreaming, or at least in a dream state. As I sat up not only was I irritated, could this please stop happening to me? But concerned, unlike when I had awoken with the Three this was different. The Dream World made my powers null and void. I had no magic and that was never a good thing.
“Syb?” I whispered. The Dream World was her realm, so I thought I had a chance of her hearing me. After a few moments with no response I guessed not.
Standing I took in my surroundings, I was in a building, that was obvious, and I was also in a long, dark hallway, which made me nervous. There were several doors and a flickering lamp that made the darkness more ominous. The smell permeating the hallway was musky and stale, like someone hadn’t opened a window in years. There was a large window at the end of the corridor; looking behind me I saw there was just a wall.
So I had no choice, the window or a door, great. Had I been truly in Adura this would have been some haunted house somewhere, but in the Dream World, who knew? There could be unicorns or a laundry room behind one of the doors.
Making my way to the window I stopped and tapped the light trying to get it to steady itself, but I only managed to make it worse, plunging the room into absolute darkness. I stood, frozen for a few seconds, the only sound in the room my breathing. I shivered as the temperature seemed to drop and then the light came back on, soft and yellow, barely touching the gloom in the corners.
I shook my head, noticing with pleasure I was still dressed the same, so at least I had that much control. I grabbed the dust covered curtain and pulled it back. Annoyance filled me as I looked at a brick wall, perfect. So now I had no other choice but to pick one of the doors. I grabbed the handle of the one nearest me and turned, but it was locked.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I grumbled. I hated dreams for this one reason, nothing made sense and everything was ridiculous.
Daughter, we truly cannot help you here…. Something is stopping us. However, in the Dream World your best defense is your imagination.
I heard Syb’s voice in my mind and touched her ring, rubbing my thumb over the cool stone. If the Three couldn’t get to me, that was a problem. Particularly since the Dream World was Syb’s home away from home, just as the Heavens were Pesu and the Underworld Zalm.
“Excellent, what is this? Pick on Eshie week?” And now I was talking to myself and what did Syb mean by my imagination being a defense mechanism? I continued trying the doors until the one at the opposite end of the hall opened. Taking a deep breath I stepped through and into a softly lit parlor.
“Oh, Dark Goddess, a funeral parlor.” There were four coffins near the walls, each shining in shades of black and brown, lids closed. The walls were covered with thick brown curtains. The room smelled sickly sweet, like flowers that hadn’t been thrown away fast enough, and stagnate because of their water, just sitting there for who knows how much time. My feet sank into the deep carpet as I wandered around the room. There was no other door, no other way to get out. Whatever was about to go down would do it here and probably soon.
Fingers sliding across the lid of one casket I relished in the
cool feel of the metal, then I stilled, I couldn’t tell if there was anyone inside and a part of me didn’t want to know. A bigger part, however, needed to. Had this been anywhere else, anywhere real, my magic would have connected with a corpse inside.
“Do you like that model?” a voice from behind said. Startled, I turned and raised a hand to fend him off, before I remembered I was powerless. The man before me was a Mormos and it was obvious. I didn’t care for Mormos; they were devilish, cunning, crafty and well… slinky. Not to be trusted. They tended to keep to the darkest parts of Adura and fed off blood.
“It’s ok,” I answered cautiously, wondering what the hell this pasty Mormos was doing in my dream.
“Perhaps you would care to look at it more?” He smiled, flashing dingy looking fangs, in a red brown mouth. I took a step back, without my magic I wouldn’t be able to fight him much, I was strong and fast….But not more than a Mormos.
I tapped down my fear, this was the Dream World, traditionally nothing really horrible could happen, this was a nightmare and I just needed to wake from it.
“Sure, does it have silk lining?” I asked, I could play along. With a flip of his long fingers the coffin lid sprung open. Looking down I saw it was filled with pretty dark blue silk sheets and a matching pillow. He brushed his long, chipped fingernails over the finery.
“It’s soft and breathable, one of our finest and most popular models.” His eyes were blue and fever bright so I kept my gaze trained at his nose. Mormos could swallow you with their stare if you didn’t have the power to stop them. I had no interest in this dream becoming worse than it already was. I was feeling very out of control and a part of me feared I wasn’t as in charge of my dream and I should be.
“Why does it need to be breathable?” I rubbed the silk between my fingers, it did feel nice. Glancing around the room, I was taken aback by just how quiet it was. In a real Mortuary there would be bad music and more people. As I thought it, soft nondescript music began to play in the background.
The Mormos jerked, like he hadn’t expected the music to turn on. As I watched him he seemed to compose himself, “you won’t know if you should purchase unless you try it out.” His voice echoed in my mind sounding pleasant and reasonable.
Feeling distant from myself I allowed him to help me in the coffin, “It is rather comfortable.” I said in a far away sounding voice. Something was very wrong, why was climbing in this death holder a good idea?
Panic began to flutter in my breast as his eyes flashed above me and he lowered the lid, this wasn’t a good idea in fact, “this is a horrible idea. Wait!” I screamed as the lid snapped closed and I heard him throw the outside latches.
Staring up at the darkness I took several deep breaths, the darkness enveloping me as I realized how close the lid was from my face, I could barely move, I was so constricted. I tried to stay calm, frantically breathing or screaming would just lead to no air and death. While I was not afraid of death, I was not going to bite it before I had done at least SOMETHING with my life.
“Okay…. Think Eshie, can you actually die in the Dream World? Won’t you just pass out and then wake up on the floor, Nam looking down at you worried?” My whisper sounded loud in the closed space.
“Stupid Princess, do they teach you nothing in your schooling? If you die here you die for real.” An alien sounding voice came from the other side of the lid; I placed my hand against the inside of the cover.
“Help me,” I begged, feeling stupid and scared. I did not enjoy being powerless.
“No.”
I waited a few moments and knew I was alone. Tears began to drip down my face as I struggled against wanting to scream and waste the oxygen. As I was reaching a pinnacle panic moment Syb’s words came back to me, then I remembered the music in the room turning on.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes tight, this was the Dream World, and I could change the outcome. Lucid dreaming and I never really worked; I always thought it was a fun idea, but had never accomplished it.
Thinking, I tried to find a connection that I could use to warp this dream. Eyes widening I remembered that I had always made Mash and Ishtar promise if I died they would place me in a coffin with a latch from the inside, with a key tied around my neck to the door of the Family Mausoleum.
Letting the air out of my lungs I reached up and found a button, pushing it created a swooshing sound and the lid snapped open. I sat up taking huge deep breaths, shoving my fear into a tiny box in my mind. I climbed out and stood, on shaky feet, for a few moments before noticing the weight dangling around my neck. I touched something cool and small hanging about my throat on a thin chain. I tore it off and looked down at my hand, it was a key.
“A key for what?” I mean I knew it was for a door but the door I had come through was gone. I had a feeling if I didn’t find a way out I was going to be stuck in this place until I went crazy.
“This sucks, I could really use some help,”
As the words left my lips I felt a cold nose touch the hand that was hanging at my side, squealing, I jumped, turned around and looked down. Next to me sitting calmly with a peaceful expression on its face was a huge dog. Its head came to my hips and it was long and graceful looking with small pointed ears and a long muzzle.
“Ummm, hello.” Yeah, that was intelligent. The dog butted its head against my hand again and gave me a lick, which was friendly AND gross.
Wiping my hand on my skirt, “can you help me find the door?” Couldn’t hurt, I mean I asked for help and the dog appeared. It seemed to nod and as it stood and began to walk towards the wall, I followed. He, yes he, it was pretty obvious now, was silver with gold eyes and blue-black spots.
He nosed a curtain aside and I saw what looked just like the door to my family crypt, crying out in joy I jammed the key into the hole and twisted. I stepped through the door and found myself being licked by the dog, looking up at a ceiling.
Confused I squeezed my eyes shut and realized I was lying on the floor, the dog sitting next to me and a dozen people gathered around me with looks of concern, horror and amazement on their faces.
“Oh, I feel like ass,” I grumbled, this was met by laughter; Nam helped me sit up.
“Are you okay niece?” Nanna asked, placing an arm around me, helping me up.
“What happened?” I was curious to what they had seen from this side of things.
“You fainted and then we couldn’t wake you. I tried to connect to your mind but found not only were you in the Dream World, but that we couldn’t get to you, something had you blocked.” Zaltu answered me.
“It was a trap,” I explained.
“We figured as much when the Hound showed up and laid next to you; your Goddess Marks glowed as well.” Nanna actually looked happy about that.
“I am sorry I ruined your party.” I felt bad, leave it to me to faint during something so important.
“Oh no! It is a blessing actually, when people saw the Hound and your gifts glowing there was no doubt. In fact most left parting gifts with their pledge to assist you in taking over rulership of Adura before taking off.” Zaltu was chuckling.
Looking past his shoulder, I saw several people staring at me. When I smiled at them they all bowed. Eyes widening, I was frantic that stop.
“Please don’t, I don’t like that,” I managed to spit out, elbowing Nam at the same time since he had snorted behind me.
“But you are to be our Queen…” one confused party go-er said.
“Yes, and to prove your loyalty, I need nothing more than your support and help. I don’t like such formality,” I said, stepping away from Nanna and Namtar.
They all seemed to be confused and satisfied with my response and one by one they left the four of us alone.
“Now, who are you?” I knelt by the dog, patting his head.
A new companion for you daughter. One of Syb’s Hounds, imbibed with all our magic. He may go where others do not. You must reach the Aduran estate by the morning, ti
me is of the essence. Pesu’s voice rang in my mind like bells.
“Well then, what shall I call you?” I asked the dog, his eyes were full of knowledge and alertness.
“That is a Syb Hound, we have read of them but never seen one,” my uncle stated.
“A strong protective dog like that does need a good name, Eshie,” Nanna patted his head as well, adoration clear in her intent.
“I think Lahar is good,” Nam suggested.
“That’s a Biri name,” Nanna frowned.
“Yeah, but the valet who owned it had an affinity with dogs, he was always really nice to us.” I agreed with Nam’s choice and looking down at Lahar, I asked, “is that ok? Does Lahar work as your name?”
He seemed to ponder this for a few moments and then bowed gave a slight nod.
“Aunt, Uncle, I am sorry to cut our visit short, but the Great Three feel like I should reach the Aduran estate as soon as possible.” They looked sad and I felt bad. I really had wanted to spend more time with them in Damu.
“As soon as we are settled, I am sure Ereshkigal would want you to visit,” Nam said cheerfully. This made them seem a bit happier.
“Then you may want to back track, take the Middle Road just after Namba River and right before Siddi River cut through Aritu Forest, it should only take you four days travel.” Zaltu stroked his chin in thought.
“Is there not a faster way?” I asked, remembering the Goddess’s words.
“We could try a Teleportation Spell tonight.” Nanna suggested.
“Those take at least a day to set up,” I complained.
“Yes, but one of the guests did leave you a Transportation Amulet.” Nam looked excited by the prospect of trying something new.
“Yes, but the Steeds and your things would still have to travel the long way, only you, Nam and Lahar would be able to go,” Nanna warned.
“That’s fine. Uncle, would you make sure our things are packed and that the Steeds know to meet us at my Estate?” I felt bad treating him like a servant, but we had very little time.
“My pleasure. Go with the Goddess my Queen,” He kissed my forehead and headed upstairs.