by Nira Steele
“Hey, it’s okay,” she cooed soothingly. “You’re lost aren’t you?”
“I am. I’m such a ridiculous idiot,” Andie blubbed.
“We must get you inside soon. There’s something rather dangerous out here.”
Andie picked up on the comment, stopping mid blub as her eyes shot open.
“Something flew over me, it was really large and -”
“What is that?” Tessa interrupted her. She was staring down at Andie’s hand.
Andie released a little sigh as she remembered what she was holding. Slowly she raised her hand and presented the large gem. Tessa’s eyes started bulging as she made a little gasp.
“You have an Eye stone,” she breathed. “Where did you get it from?”
“I found it in my aunt’s house?” Andie responded with a grimace.
“Found?”
“In a manner of speaking,” Andie mumbled.
“Oh my goodness,” Tessa muttered. Rubbing her chin her eyes began darting around. “You’ve run a long way. You weren’t… chasing what you saw?”
Andie did not know what to say. Dropping her gaze she wasn’t sure if she should reveal anything.
Shaking her head briefly Tessa began frowning.
“We can discuss this later. Do you think you can manage to walk a short distance?”
“Sure,” Andie responded meekly. At this point she was willing to crawl if necessary. Staggering forward she tried not to look too ashamed. Knowing she would have to confess to Tessa later was almost as painful as trying to move.
Fortunately her little saviour gave her something else to focus on.
“Here let me help. You really have worn yourself out,” Tessa said with a sudden smile. Hooking an arm around Andie’s waist she looked up at her. “You can lean on me if you need to.”
“Thank you so much,” Andie gasped. Putting an arm around Tessa’s shoulders she let her take some of her weight. Roughly stuffing the gem back into her pocket, Andie allowed herself to be led away.
✽✽✽
Darkness was encroaching all around them now. They moved slowly through the forest, barely able to see in the dim light. The moon was above them somewhere glowing faintly through the thick haze of clouds.
“So you’re collecting flowers?” Andie asked. She had managed to strike up a conversation to pass the time.
“Oh yes!” Tessa gushed. “Many of the rarer wildflowers are blooming right now. There’s the Gentiana Acaulis which is everywhere at the moment… oh its common name is the Enzian Flower. The little blue petals are just magical I think.”
Leaning heavily on the little blonde’s shoulders Andie smiled weakly in response. She had concluded Tessa must be a botanist, or at least a very knowledgeable gardener from what she was saying. Before Andie could ask another question they abruptly stopped in a small clearing.
“Here we are,” Tessa declared as she released Andie’s waist. “Just wait for a moment while I check the cave.” Then she disappeared into the darkness.
Within a few seconds the air lit up. Blinking into the light Andie identified the rough outline of an archway.
“Come inside,” Tessa beckoned.
Staggering through the entrance Andie expected to see the makings of a small camp. Instead she was greeted by a dully glowing space.
“Don’t worry, we won’t be staying here,” Tessa advised her with a smile. “But before we proceed there is something I must ask of you.”
“Okay?” Andie muttered.
Tessa moved up right in front of her. Looking intently into her eyes Tessa’s mouth formed into a firm straight line.
“I’m about to take you somewhere special,” the little blonde stated levelly. “This place is secret so you must promise never to tell anyone.”
Andie’s brows furrowed deeply. Flicking her eyes around, she saw nothing but rocky walls. It suddenly occurred to her she was placing a lot of trust in Tessa. In spite of her helpfulness she was still a complete stranger to Andie.
“Exactly why is it secret?” Andie asked with a little frown.
Tessa continued to stare at her. Then she reached forward and gently took one of Andie’s hands. Smiling warmly her face softened into its angelic facade.
“I’m sorry but it’s really important you give me your word. In return I shall swear to keep you from harm. In the morning I will return you promptly to your abode.”
Andie thought this was an odd turn of phrase for such a young person. Well what choice did she actually have here? She would not get much sleep in this cave tonight. At least Tessa seemed like she was being genuine with her. The conviction in those big doll eyes looked real enough.
“Alright, I’ll give you my word,” Andie responded.
The corners of Tessa’s eyes crinkled as she broke into a big smile.
“Good,” she declared. “Let’s get you into some warmth.”
The thought of being somewhere cosy was very enticing indeed. Tessa turned and started moving forwards, gently towing Andie behind her. Within seconds she had reached the back wall of the cave.
Squinting over Tessa’s shoulder, Andie saw her touch something large and shiny. Then she turned to face Andie with the cheekiest of expressions. Tessa’s little face was almost splitting with a huge grin. Was she actually enjoying herself now?
“Are you ready for a big surprise?” Tessa asked with an arch of her pale eyebrows.
Andie thought this sounded rather daunting.
“I think so, but what are you….”
Chapter 2 - The Arrival
The world had faded away.
Andie couldn’t see anything in the darkness. There were no sensations – it seemed her body had vanished. All that was left were her thoughts and feelings floating around in an empty void….
Then her vision abruptly returned. Stretching out before her was an expanse of white wall. Squinting fiercely she was briefly blinded by the sudden brightness. As her eyes adjusted she detected a line of orbs. Delicate balls of spun silver were glowing along the pale surface.
Gasping slowly Andie’s eyes dropped to the ground. Spreading out beneath her was a sea of tiny mosaics. The colours were amazing, shades of blue and green mixing in with the purest of whites. They covered the entire floor space in endless swirling patterns. She followed the spirals as they wove around and around.
“Are you okay?” Tessa asked. She had stepped in front of Andie to stop her from spinning.
“Yes?” Andie responded in a whisper.
Sighing, the little blonde’s brows wrinkled up.
“Don’t be alarmed but we just transferred here. I know it sounds strange but I cannot explain it right now.”
“Transferred?” Andie muttered as she blinked rapidly.
“Well I know there’s a new word for it, just give me a second to remember.” Tessa stood there frowning while she pinched at her chin.
“Teleportation?” Andie suggested.
“That’s it!” Tessa declared with a quick smile.
Andie’s whole face went slack. Things like teleportation weren’t real. Nobody had that kind of technology. Or did they?
“Come,” Tessa said as she suddenly moved forward. Making a small yelp Andie staggered after her. Glancing down, she found her hand was still in the grasp of her little escort.
They crossed the sea of swirling tiles and passed underneath a high stone archway. As they entered a long stretch of corridor Tessa abruptly pulled up.
“We must move quickly so we are not seen,” she murmured. “Do you think you can move unassisted?”
“I think so,” Andie responded. “You don’t need to keep -”
Tessa quickly turned and begun towing Andie behind her. But her pace was a little too fast for her exhausted companion.
“Can you please slow down at bit?” Andie begged as she stumbled along.
Tessa did not respond to her. She just kept pulling Andie forcefully along the corridor. It was surprising just how strong she seemed
to be. When they came to an intersection Tessa abruptly pulled up again. Andie could hear a jumble of strange sounds echoing off the walls. They quickly faded so Tessa moved forwards again with a jerk.
Andie released a loud squawk.
“Shhh!” Tessa hissed over her shoulder.
“Oh come on!” Andie pleaded as she frowned at the back of Tessa’s head. She was dragged on for another two turns before they eventually stopped again. Then Tessa glanced back at her and quickly pressed a finger to her lips. Andie could hear the distinct humming of a strange language in the air.
As they stood there waiting Andie let her eyes wander around. She spotted more of the silver sconces running along the walls. Their light wasn’t strong enough to reach the ceiling high above. Up in the gloom she could see metal strips glimmering faintly.
Andie began frowning as she tried to work out where she was. Then she shuddered as a waft of frigid air flowed over her.
It suddenly occurred to her she had not seen a single door here. Or even a window for that matter - perhaps this was some kind of mining facility? It might explain Tessa’s outfit although it was a bit too tailored for such an environment. Completely lost in her thoughts, she almost tumbled over when she was yanked forwards again.
“Sorry, we’re almost there now,” Tessa murmured.
Turning yet another corner a huge wooden door appeared. Tessa emitted a little gasp as she slowed her pace. Reaching the entrance she pressed one palm against something glowing on the wall.
There was an audible click before the large wooden slab slid into the wall. Tessa quickly darted forward and pulled Andie inside.
“Oh wow,” Andie breathed.
She was now standing at one end of a sumptuous living area. The long room was filled with lavishly carved furnishings and decorations. To her left sat a large wooden dining table covered with intricate inlays. Its round surface was so perfectly polished it shone like glass. Positioned neatly around it was a set of very unusual chairs. Their carved legs and low armrests were formed into half-moon shapes. On the right hand wall loomed a long expanse of dark wooden shelving. Beautifully carved and polished, it was filled to capacity with books.
Beyond the furniture ran a line of elegant partitions. Framed with what appeared to be filigreed metal, the high panels had a strange kind of refraction. It was almost as if they were made from huge slices of clear crystal. Visible behind them was a set of chaise lounges swathed in rich blue fabric. Piled at one end with patterned cushions, they could have been mistaken for extravagant day beds.
And the floor… it was the same as the corridors. Smooth and white, without a single seam.
Andie’s mouth fell slowly open. Well this definitely did not look like a miner’s house to her. Then she caught a movement out of the corner of her eye – it was a person emerging from a hallway.
The first thing Andie noticed was the woman’s beautiful gown. Made from a soft pearlescent fabric it hung in folds reaching to the floor. The waist was pulled in with a thick jewelled belt which glittered like diamonds. Then she noticed the woman’s long hair, a pale blonde flow running right down her back.
The exquisite woman pulled up when she saw the two intruders.
For a moment they all stood in silence. Then Andie felt a sharp sting in her hand as it was quickly squeezed. Tessa gave her a quick glance before launching into a little speech.
“This young woman was lost in the forest,” she declared in a slightly brittle voice. “She has injuries all over her body so I just couldn’t leave her there.” Then she paused briefly for a moment to suck in a quick breath. “She carries the Eye stone of a Mercator and claims to have seen the creature.”
The woman’s pale brows narrowed.
“I send you to collect floral samples and this is what you return with?”
There it was again - the strange accent. This time it was more pronounced, a sort of curling of the vowels. Andie realised it sounded Mediterranean in origin.
Tessa held her position as Andie stood silently beside her.
“But she was at risk. She could have perished during the night,” the little blonde stated.
The regal woman let out a tiny huff.
“Very well then. Find your father and bring him here,” she declared.
“Yes mother,” Tessa responded levelly. Dropping her eyes she then quickly released Andie’s hand. Turning swiftly on her heels she headed towards the door.
Andie was left on her own now. Bowing her head, she could feel the woman’s cool gaze settling upon her. Holding her breath she tried not to wince as Tessa’s mother started gliding towards her.
“What is your name?” she purred as she sauntered past Andie’s shoulder.
In a slightly hoarse voice Andie responded, “My name’s Andie, I’m so sorry to be a bother.”
“I am Willa,” the intimidating matriarch stated. Making a little sniff she then lightly touched Andie’s arm.
The contact made Andie twitch and look up from the floor. Staring mutely she could not believe how striking Willa looked. It was extraordinary – she was literally a slightly older version of Tessa. But this woman was obviously someone important, a person of far more consequence than her daughter.
A gentle smile crept onto Willa’s lips as her eyes began to soften.
“I see who you are now. Come sit with me and I will tend to those wounds,” she said smoothly. Turning away Willa let her hand drop from Andie’s arm.
Andie tried to follow her and awkwardly began lurching forward. Her legs were worn out though and one knee decided to stop working. Twitching violently it made a small click before giving way underneath her. As the other knee quickly buckled she released an involuntary yelp. Andie gaped down at the smooth pale floor….
Fortunately she never made it to the ground. Somehow Willa had managed to catch her mid-air. Gasping heavily Andie felt her face beginning to burn.
“I’m so sorry. I’m not normally like this,” she muttered shakily.
“Oh you poor dear,” Willa breathed softly. “How did you end up in such a state?”
Before Andie could answer Tessa had reappeared in the room. She had burst back through the door, yelling out something in a strange dialect.
“Stercis!” she bellowed as her eyes shot wide.
“Language!” A voice boomed out from behind her, “and I don’t mean English!”
Glancing sideways Andie caught a glimpse of a stocky fair haired man in a long dark robe.
“Please come and assist me,” Willa requested calmly.
Within moments a strong hand had slipped underneath one of Andie’s arms. Together the couple steered her towards the far end of the room. Tessa darted in front of them and slid back two of the partitions.
Lurching along sheepishly Andie mumbled a brief thanks to them. It was the last thing she managed to do before the remaining shreds of her dignity crumbled. As she was lowered onto a sofa she slumped forward in defeat.
Willa settled gracefully beside her and gently lifted up one of her arms. Tessa watched on from in front as a slight frown creased her brows.
“Shall I fetch some water and a cloth?” she offered.
“Please do,” Willa answered her. Tessa made a little nod before trotting off around the petitions.
“Brew some tea as well,” Terenus called out after her. Then he moved in front of Andie and kneeled down to inspect her. Now Andie could really feel her cheeks beginning to burn. She knew how dreadful she must look but all this scrutiny was making it so much worse.
Terenus murmured softly as his eyes raked all over her. Then he abruptly stopped and began scratching his small pointy beard. Raising his eyebrows he turned towards his wife.
“We’ll have to notify the Magister Officiorum. If anyone has seen her we shall be in great strife,” he stated.
Willa sat silently for a moment with her hand hovering over Andie’s arm.
“Yes,” she responded smoothly. “The penalty will be significant if we
do not declare her presence.”
Andie froze mid breath when she heard Willa’s statement. Then she was distracted as Tessa dashed back into the living area. The little blonde was now carrying a rattling tray of items. Placing it down on a side table she proceeded to fold up a piece of cloth. Dipping one corner into a bowl of water, Tessa then handed it to her mother.
Gently Willa pressed the fabric against the gash in Andie’s arm. Puckering her lips Andie tried not to wince too much.
Sighing loudly Terenus rose to his feet. He crossed his arms and glanced briefly at his wife. Clearing his throat he then turned to address his daughter.
“I’m going to notify Magister Thaddeus,” he advised her.
“But father, he may....” Tessa’s words trailed away as she started wringing her hands.
“The young woman has an Eye stone,” he declared smoothly. “It should provide her with a degree of protection I believe. You know we must declare her presence or the consequences could be dire.”
The little blonde did not seem pleased by her father’s statement. Stepping right in front of him she gazed up into his face.
“I could sneak her away in the morning,” she whispered fervently. “We managed to get inside without being seen.”
“If that is true, then it is a concern in itself. The guards should have detected her immediately,” Terenus pronounced tersely.
“It will be fine my little petal. You know Thaddeus is a merciful person,” Willa chimed in. “It would be disrespectful to hide this from him.”
Tessa wasn’t comforted by her mother’s words. Still rubbing her hands, her eyes flicked back and forth between her parents. Then Terenus brought the discussion to an end.
“I will return soon. Make our guest as comfortable as you can,” he stated firmly. Uncrossing his arms he strode towards the door. Before leaving he paused and glanced back at his daughter. “For goodness sakes stop doing that. Go and make our visitor some tea.”
Emitting a tiny whimper Tessa dropped her hands and scurried off.
The room fell into an awkward silence. Andie started to grimace as she glanced sideways at Willa. She was beginning to wonder if she would have been better off staying in the cave. The calm matriarch smiled warmly back at her.