by Martha Carr
Hagan followed her, moving around the kitchen, making tea and setting out a tray, still not saying anything. He was lost in thought. Leira put her hand on his arm to get him to stand still for a moment. She waited till he looked her in the eye. “What’s going on?”
Hagan’s shoulders sagged and he looked down for a moment, blowing out a breath as he put his hands on his hips. “It’s Rose,” he said quietly. “Something’s wrong. We thought it was the flu at first but the doctors say it’s her heart. She caught something and it traveled to her heart. We didn’t know it was happening.” His voice broke as he got out the last words. He looked up at Leira, his eyes shining. “I can’t lose Rose.”
Yumfuck poked his head out of the box, the remains of a pizza slice in his hand and a smear of grease across his face. He dropped the slice and stepped out of the box, looking from Leira to Hagan.
Hagan tried to manage a smile. “You know it’s bad when Yumfuck puts down greasy food to listen. I really must look bad.”
“What can they do for her?” Leira found a dish towel and wiped off the troll’s face, putting him up on her shoulder.
“Damn doctors said to make her comfortable. Talk to hospice. They’re giving up…” he hissed through his teeth. “I’ll be damned if I give up that easy.” An idea came over him and he became animated, waggling his fingers in the air. “Can you pull off some kind of magic thing? Make her better?”
“I have no idea but I’m willing to try.” She squeezed his hand. “What if we pool the resources?” Fuck me, if Rhazdon turns out to hold the answer… Can Rose be moved? I say we take her to the sanctuary and ask the Gardener of the Dark Forest.”
“What about that hellion, Rhazdon? I hate to even say it out loud, but she knows so much magic.”
“Dark magic. She’s well versed in how to twist someone into something unrecognizable. Not so much in repairing things. But the Gardener is the opposite.”
“Isn’t he more of a veterinarian at best? I mean, not that I’m unwilling but…”
“He’s the best practitioner of the healing arts that I know of and has trained himself in healing organic matter. I don’t think it matters what species. Worth asking and after that rescue you pulled off with his son…”
“Would have done that either way.” Hagan shook his head, waving his hand in the air. “No question. Wasn’t trying to bargain for something.”
Leira gave a crooked smile to her old friend and partner. A good cop to the end. “I know, it’s just who you are. The Gardener is kind of mythical when it comes to helping the outside world. You, though will be an exception. Come on, I’ll help you get Rose ready. We can carry her through a portal.”
“What happened to the rule about using magic on Earth and especially portals? Don’t need the Silver Griffins on our tail.”
“Fuck the rules.” Leira followed Hagan down the hall and up the stairs.
Hagan looked back at her with a surprised expression. “That’s new.”
“Okay, I still get off on rules but let’s say I’m catching on that every group has their own set. Not going to be able to follow them all. It’s a new world. May have to come up with some of my own and near the top of the list is going to be, I don’t let loved ones suffer in order to keep any of the other rules. Fuck that philosophy. I’m coming up with my own rules. Next rule is fuck the other rules. I’m going to rewrite justice.”
“I like this idea. Leira 2.0 with the gloves off. Look out world.”
“Probably past due. Stop fighting magical demons with worn out rules made up by others.” Leira stepped into the bedroom and saw Rose propped up with pillows, breathing oxygen from a mask. Rose looked up at Leira with the same kind, brown eyes and held out her hand. Leira took it, gently squeezing.
She pulled in energy through her feet, letting her eyes glow and the symbols appearing along her arms as Rose’s eyes widened in surprise. She sent a ribbon of magic energy through Rose, setting an intention and watched her skin pink up.
Leira felt the connection and pulled back. Rose’s heart could only take so much energy.
“What is it? Why are you stopping?” Hagan paced at the end of the bed.
“It’s not working. I’m not fixing her heart, just making it work harder to keep up. I could easily overtax her. Come on, on to plan B.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Leira and Hagan helped Rose swing her feet over the edge of the bed and slipped a robe around her shoulders. Hagan gingerly held his wife up as he sat next to her on the bed.
Leira stepped back and formed a ball of light in her hands, opening a portal to the Texas sanctuary, relieved to see it was deep inside the forest, making it easier to find the Gardener.
Hagan easily lifted the small frame of his wife and stepped through the portal as Rose craned her neck to look all around her in wonder. Leira picked up the oxygen tank and stepped through after them. Yumfuck bounced along on her shoulder, holding on to her collar.
Leira reached up and plucked him off, putting him on the ground but he wouldn’t move.
“It’s alright. We’ll make sure to take care of Rose. You can go play. You haven’t been outside in a while.”
But the troll stood right where he was, crossing his arms and steadily gazing at Rose.
Hagan took his handkerchief out of his back pocket and blew his nose. “Will you look at that. He doesn’t want to leave. Yumfuck you are worth every bit of money I’ve spent on you and then some. Next box of doughnuts is on me… again… and you can even have first pick.”
Leira gave up and put the troll back on her shoulder as she felt the bracelet warm on her wrist. The bionic animals were nearby, she could sense it. The Gardener was hopefully not far behind.
There was a loud rustling in a dense stand of old growth trees and Leira waited to see an old bull or an elk with bionic parts. She could feel the connection growing as the animal drew closer.
A figure emerged from the depths as the scales along Perrom’s body flipped over from browns and dark greens to honey brown. “Perrom! You’re better!” Leira felt a relief and went to hug him as he pulled back turning his left side away from her. Leira pulled back, surprised and felt the connection with him even before her hand touched his shoulder. A look of confusion passed quickly across her face. “The connection is with you.”
Perrom took a step away from her, a cold, angry look in his eyes. That’s when Leira saw his other shoulder. What was left of his arm was connected to his body by a reformed artifact. A magical prosthesis. I’m connected to you.
Perrom wouldn’t look Leira in the eye and instead focused on Rose and Hagan. “Why are you here?” There was a cold edge to his voice that Leira had never heard before.
“Rose is sick,” said Leira, but Perrom continued to look away from her. “We were hoping your father could help.”
“My father is not a doctor,” Perrom said, bitterly.
Leira could feel the anger inside of Perrom, passing through her. He feels lost. Your father saved your arm. Perrom suddenly looked up at her, balling his hand into a fist. Leira held her place as the troll’s fur ruffled and he stood up on Leira’s shoulder. Please don’t make me defend myself against you… because I will.
“Enough…” The deep, loud baritone of the Gardener of the Dark Forest rang out as birds took to flight, disturbing the calm of the forest. “Felix Hagan is always welcome in my sanctuaries.” The Gardener walked next to a large moose, his hand resting on the large animal’s neck. The vines in his long dreads wove themselves around, pulling his hair off his shoulders as small blue flowers opened and shut.
The Gardener was holding a small chipmunk in the palm of his hand as the small creature vibrated with fear. “He’s not fond of visitors.” The Gardener stroked the small animal’s back, putting him down under a large fern. He quickly ran away, searching for a hole into his burrow.
“They’re looking for a miracle,” Perrom spit out, glaring at Leira.
“We’re looking for a way t
o help Rose live,” said Leira, softly. My patience has limits, Perrom. Zip it or find somewhere else to be.
“Miracles are what we say when we can’t explain things. Let me take a look.” The Gardener held out his hand to Rose who reluctantly reciprocated.
Leira noticed Rose was already standing taller as the Gardener sang out to the forest and a yellow beetle answered, landing on his hand and walking quickly over to Rose.
“Ow!” Rose tried to pull her hand back as the beetle stung her. Hagan pushed against the Gardener without success, who still bore the same expression of stern mixed with calm. He shielded the beetle from Hagan before he could squash it as the bug released its venom into Rose.
“The beetle is sharing its gifts with you.” The Gardener smiled, something rare as he looked at Rose. “Take off the mask. You don’t need it here. Help her.”
Rose cautiously reached up as Hagan helped her get the mask off her face and she tentatively breathed in the deep, cool air of the forest. She blinked, looking around, taking another breath, half expecting to feel the crushing weight in her chest again at any moment. But there was nothing.
“I can breathe. How is that possible?”
“Is she cured?” Hagan was anxious and hopeful, all at once.
“Cure I cannot do. The yellow beetle is from Oriceran and it helps align your system to the rhythm of magic. The magic takes on some of the load of working to keep you alive. It’s the same theory behind why some magical beings live so long. Magic does some of the work.”
“What does that mean for Rose?”
Leira spoke slowly, wondering if she had done the right thing bringing Rose to the sanctuary. “It means she will live as long as she stays here. The sanctuary is now working to keep Rose alive.”
“But that won’t work. I have my garden and the book club, and all my friends. I can’t stay here.” Rose looked from face to face for another explanation.
The Gardener shrugged and let go of Rose’s hand as the beetle flew away. “You can always leave. You’re not a prisoner here. Nothing that lives here is held captive.” The Gardener gave a side glance at his son. “But you will return quickly to your former state. There is nothing I can do to fix your heart. It’s one of the most complicated parts of any being. I suppose that’s good and bad news.”
“What do we do now? I had no idea this was a one-way trip.” Hagan swore softly under his breath. “I’m sorry, Rose.”
Rose took in another deep breath just as the sun broke through the canopy in rays that touched her face. She shut her eyes and felt the warmth against her skin, smiling. She tilted her chin down and opened her eyes in time to see a doe leading her fawn across a path and butterflies lifting off a forsythia bush. “This place… it’s not where I expected to live out my golden years. But it’s like a little Eden.” She gave the Gardener a hard stare. “Provided there’s a roof that goes over our heads.” She quickly smiled, her eyes shining as the Gardener smiled broadly back at her.
Two times he’s smiled in one day. That’s your miracle. Leira shook her head. The world is changing all around me. “Rule number two. Roll with what is.”
“Another good one, Berens.”
“There’s a small cottage that’s been empty for a while. You can live there for as long as you like.” The Gardener gave a gentle nudge to the moose, sending him off at a trot as he followed behind him. Not bothering to beckon anyone else to follow.
“That’s his way of saying, walk this way.” Leira held out her hand in the direction of the Gardener even as Perrom hung back.
“I suppose I can commute to work from here.”
“You can even work from here.” The Gardener was going deeper into the forest into places Leira had never seen before. “We aren’t all Pixies and Elves in the sanctuaries. You’ll find I adapted to reality and life on this world more than others would have guessed.”
***
The hike took them down winding paths with Perrom following at a short distance from the rear. At one juncture where the path split in two directions the Gardener chose a third direction and walked straight toward a thicket, only to pass easily through it. “A glamour…” Leira marveled at the spell, taking Rose’s hand as they pushed forward.
On the other side stood a long, low building with a thatched roof. “Don’t be fooled by the simple surroundings.” The Gardener led them inside the building, only to reveal a room hardwired with technology and screens at a table down the middle. Hagan’s eyes widened as he rushed toward the nearest end of the table, looking from screen to screen.
“You’re monitoring the world from here.” Hagan’s voice was full of awe. “This is like the warehouse but raised to a whole new level.”
The Gardener stood back by the door, near his son even as Perrom moved away from him.
“He put all of this in after the beast broke through the protection…” Perrom’s voice trailed off and Leira felt the ache pass through her chest from Perrom, sending a pulse through the scar on her belly. She saw the anguish flicker on the Gardener’s face.
“I should be getting back. Hagan are you okay staying here?” Leira put her hands in her back pockets, watching Rose look out the window toward the gardens in the back and Hagan resisting the urge to press any buttons. This might just work.
Rose smiled as Hagan kept moving, not hearing what Leira said. “We’ll be fine. I’ll make a list of things to bring from the house. That would make this easier.” She went to the door and stepped outside as Hagan reluctantly followed her.
“This is all moving a little fast for me,” said Hagan.
Rose took his hand. “It’s okay, Felix. We’ll do this together, like we’ve done everything else.”
“I don’t get how you can just give in so easily. This morning we were happily in a life we love…”
“We weren’t… not really. That life was quickly slipping away. I mean, I liked our old life… a lot.” There was a wistful tone to her voice. She crossed her arms, determined to find the good. “But the old life was being taken from us, and according to some pretty decent doctors, pretty quickly. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to sound like I’m struggling to be grateful. What do I call you, is it Gardener?”
“That will do. My given name has been lost to time and another life, and no longer suits me. Gardener will do.”
Perrom opened and shut his mouth a few times, trying to find the words. Leira felt the beginning of a shift inside of him. Rose has her own kind of magic. Things work out the way they’re supposed to. Another Hagan rule. Make that my rule number three.
“I suppose I could see this as a chance to have a bigger garden… Grow a few flowers.”
Yumfuck saw his chance and leapt from Leira’s shoulder to Rose, landing neatly on her arm and scrambling up to her shoulder. She let out a short whoop, and held still, looking at Hagan as he rolled his eyes.
The troll leaned in, whispering something in Rose’s ear as a smile spread across her face and she broke out in laughter. Yumfuck smiled and cackled, running back down her arm, leaping into the air, sailing across the distance back to Leira’s shoulder.
“Consider that done,” said Rose.
“What did he ask you?” Hagan felt some of the tension leave his body. All he wanted in the world was for Rose to be happy. It made it possible for him to do anything else.
“Sew him a new mask and a cape. Something in blue. I’ll tell you what. I’ll make you a few. Maybe a nice gold, and a red one.” Rose shook her head. “I suppose dying is just as weird and that was going to be my next stop. You have to let go of everything you know whether you like it or not. Making a super hero costume for a…”
“Batfuck,” chirped the troll, puffing out his chest, his hands on his hips.
“Sure, okay, yeah… So, I landed in a kind of heaven with a lot of weird mixed in. Where’s this cottage? Leira can you make sure I get my sewing machine? I’m assuming there’s some kind of electricity around here. Which way do we go?”
Leira hung back as the Gardener led them down a path further into the forest. She grabbed Perrom by the arm, his new arm, feeling the energy course through her veins. “I’m glad you survived. It’s the only thing I can think of to say. I’m not sorry your father found a way to help you come out of this as some kind of whole being.”
Perrom worked his new shoulder, a soft hum Leira didn’t notice before breaking the stillness of the forest. “He didn’t give me a choice. By the time I woke up, it was already done and I haven’t had the courage to tell him to rip it off.”
Leira held out her wrist with the bracelet on it. “I have my own kind of addition. I know it’s not the same but there’s a similarity. I didn’t ask for any of this. The light could absorb me into nothingness. The dark energy is hunting me like I’m some kind of prey. There are different sides all seeking to stake their claim on this world. Some of them have better intentions but I’m not sure anyone has the right to be called virtuous.”
“What do you do with the new rules.”
“Break every fucking one till I figure out which ones are still mine and follow those till they don’t and make up some new ones. Repeat.”
“Tell Correk for me.”
“You’ll tell him yourself, when you’re ready. You’ll tell Ossonia too. Correk told me. She’ll understand all of it. Give her a chance.”
“I don’t understand it.”
“Okay, she’ll get it enough to stay. That’s the point, anyway.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Leira met Correk out on Rainey Street just as the bars were warming up and the college students were out in force, moving in and out of the bars like a constant stream of ants. On nights like this Leira’s nickname for the street was ant hill. She looked out over the sea of heads bobbing along the street and smiled as she saw Correk in the middle of the crowd.
She was leaning against the green Mustang as he came down the street. He was dressed in his cowboy boots that were getting worn in nicely, jeans and an ATX t-shirt. He looks like he’s from Austin, just in time for me to drag him somewhere else. If he’ll go… “I am going to have to get used to awkward as a state of being. Fuck me.” She put the smile back on her face despite the butterflies in the pit of her stomach.