Alora: The Portal Read online

  “Too late to run and hide.”

  Her mouth kicked up on one corner, an expression he’d come to adore. Somehow, with Alora at his side, he felt he could handle his father’s disapproval.

  The parental pair wore identical scowls. Charles spoke first. “Graely and I would like to speak to the two of you in private before Doc comes out with the results of the scoping procedure. He said we wouldn’t be disturbed if we use this room.”

  Alora’s hand gripped tight to Kaevin’s as they followed his father and Charles through a door labeled ‘Consultation Room,’ her lips trembling on the background of her pale face.

  *****

  Alora grimaced at her uncle’s stony expression. Graely had evidently been chosen as spokesperson, and so far his barrage of questions and indictments showed no sign of subsiding.

  “You’ve still given no reasonable explanation for your behavior.” Graely’s jaw muscles flexed so hard, Alora could almost hear his teeth grinding. “Why would you go to Laegenshire to retrieve Jireo, in direct opposition to our prescribed plan, without consulting me first? As your father and your clan leader, I demand obedience in these matters.”

  “I’ve tried to explain, Father, but you aren’t listening. I had a strong urge to go to him at once. Considering Jireo’s dire circumstances, don’t you feel we made the correct decision? Is it your wish that we’d ignored the feeling? Jireo might very well be dead now, had we not arrived when we did.”

  “And our headaches are gone, too,” Alora added. “We think it had something to do with Jireo.”

  “I’m glad you’re both pain-free and, of course, I’m glad Jireo lives. However, you can’t make decisions based upon your feelings. You must obey orders. You have to trust the wisdom of your leaders and your elders. Not to mention, the disrespect you demonstrate by your disobedience.”

  Kaevin’s fists clenched as two bright red patches appeared on his cheeks. His temper barely held in check, he opened his mouth to speak. Alora held up her hand before he said something he might regret.

  “Wait, Kaevin. Maybe I can explain it.”

  Graely sat back, crossing his arms. “Please. I’ll be happy if I you can enlighten me.”

  “Well, I’ve been thinking, maybe Kaevin and Jireo really can sense each other. Remember how Kaevin heard Jireo crying out when Arista was kidnapped? Then we both heard Jireo call out during the last battle. Then today, our heads quit hurting after we saw him. Maybe they really do have some kind of connection. It could be because they were practically raised together. Kaevin’s told me lots of stories about growing up with Jireo. Or maybe there’s something to this bloodbrother thing. Or maybe, since they spent almost every—”

  “Bloodbrother thing?” Graely sat up straight in his chair.

  “No, that’s the wrong word. What was it? Oh… they’re defenders. Right, Kaevin?” Alora looked to Kaevin for confirmation, but his eyes were glued to the floor.

  “Defenders? Are you referring to the defender bond?” Graely’s brows dipped low over his eyes.

  “That’s it. The defender bond,” Alora confirmed. A glance at Kaevin found his face in his hands.

  “Tell me she’s mistaken.” Graely spoke between tight lips. “Tell me the two of you weren’t foolish enough to perform the ceremony.”

  “It’s not a big deal, sir.” Alora could feel the tension between Kaevin and his father; it was even worse than the vibes she was getting from Uncle Charles. “Kaevin told me about it, but it’s not a real ceremony, you know. That’s an old wives’ tale. Kids do that all the time here in the States, but nothing really happens. It’s not like sharing your blood makes any actual difference.”

  Graely squeezed his eyes shut, his hands balling into tight fists. “Tenavae is not Montana. Blood binds in Tenavae.” He opened his eyes to plead with Kaevin. “You didn’t say the ceremonial words, did you, Kaevin? Tell me the truth.”

  “We did, but it may not have been binding.” Kaevin pushed his fingers through his hair. “We only had six years at the time.”

  “Six years? How came you to have knowledge of the ceremony with only six years?” Graely’s jaw hardened.

  “You may remember, Father. Two actors performed the ceremony during a play when you took us to the fair in Glaenshire. We only did it as a lark.” Kaevin picked at a piece of lint on his pants.

  “Then the fault is mine, if you two are bound.” Graely looked to the ceiling as if the answer to his problems might be written on the acoustic tiles.

  “What does the ceremony do?” Alora asked.

  “The binding of blood is a life-long commitment. To defend. To serve. To follow. To lead. To guard. Until death.” At Graely’s serious expression, Alora’s stomach clenched.

  “That almost sounds like a marriage,” Uncle Charles remarked. “Surely, two little kids can’t make that kind of commitment.”

  “Yes… yes, that must be correct.” Graely’s tight features relaxed as the words left his lips. “Two children having only six years could never accomplish the defender ceremony.”

  “So it’s not like being soulmates?” Alora breathed a little easier.

  “No, it’s different. The defender bond is a voluntary ceremony, quite common among adults. Defender partners agree to guard one another until death,” Graely explained. “When one’s life is at risk, the other is compelled to defend him or her. Many times, warriors will take the oath together… especially married couples.”

  “But why bother? A married couple’s already committed for life, right?” Charles asked.

  “Those who take the oath receive a gift; one always knows when the other’s life is in danger, despite separation. During a battle, of course, this would simply be a constant awareness. At other times, the gift serves as a warning. Defenders would never want to live far apart, since the compulsion is so strong in the face of a threat.”

  “So it’s something Kaevin and Jireo might’ve chosen to do at some point in the future?” So the soulmate bond will interfere with Kaevin and Jireo’s close friendship… just one more thing Kaevin will resent me for.

  “Denalae and I were defender partners.” Graely’s voice dropped almost to a whisper. “When she died giving birth… I knew it was happening, but there was nothing I could do.”

  Alora sensed Kaevin’s guilt over his mother’s death and reached out to grasp his hand. Kaevin bowed his head as he spoke. “Father, I apologize for my actions. I certainly never intended to show disrespect.”

  Graely nodded, reaching out to grip Kaevin’s arm. “I believe you, Son.”

  The fierce expression on Uncles Charles’ face had softened during the discussion. “I think the main concern your father and I have is that you might change the plan in midstream on this portal expedition without consulting us. I can’t help being worried when you make decisions based on your feelings. Although this time I can’t deny you arrived in the nick of time.” He reached out to touch Alora’s chin with gentle fingers. “Just be really careful. Okay, Alora?”

  “I will. I promise.”

  *****

  Kaevin’s mind wandered as Dr. Sanders gave his report to the group. Even before the healer explained he expected Jireo to fully recover, Kaevin knew his best friend would survive. More and more, he suspected their childish attempt at the defender bond ceremony had been truly effective. He needed to speak to Jireo as soon as possible.

  Arista had appeared terrified at the prospect of losing her brother. In Kaevin’s mind, it was a good sign she had the ability to recognize the real possibility of death. Her glib attitude toward danger brought him no comfort, knowing the peril they would face on their quest to close the portal. Perhaps she was normal after all and merely put up a brave front to keep her fears under control.

  “With only slight damage visible on the scoping procedure and a high oxygen saturation, I’m going to release him to go home,” Dr. Sanders said. “But I have a list of warning signs, so he’ll have to be observed closely. If his condition worsens
, you need to get him back here immediately.”

  Dr. Sanders removed his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose between bloodshot eyes. “This has been a very long day, and I’m ready to collapse.” He looked behind his back, obviously checking for interested eavesdroppers. One eyebrow lifted into a point as he spoke in a quiet voice. “I’ve learned all I care to learn about Tenavae for now. Please spare me any more details until I’ve had a chance to get some sleep. For heaven’s sake, could you be a bit more careful? It’s like you’re all trying to get yourselves killed.”

  Dr. Sanders chucked Charles on the shoulder before departing, pushing a large silver button on the wall, at which the double doors slowly swung back against the walls like a yawning giant.

  “I must return to Laegenshire. I worry about the damage from the fire, and I can only pray no one lost their lives.” Graely turned to Charles. “The expedition should begin as soon as possible, but I leave the decision in your hands. I’ll be belted in iron so Alora may speak to me, and we will have Darielle to communicate with Jireo after Alora enters the portal.”

  Charles nodded, but by his expression, Kaevin knew he still had reservations about the plan. Kaevin started when his father’s forceful hug nearly choked him and put pressure on his tender rib.

  “God-speed. Know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you and Alora and Arista.”

  Kaevin returned the embrace, swallowing the lump in his throat.

  “When do we depart?” Arista interrupted. “Since my brother will go home tonight, can we leave on the morrow?”

  “Charles will determine the group’s departure when Jireo is well enough to go. Do not forget your promise to obey him in all things.” Graely’s tone was gruff, but his mouth kicked up in a half smile at Arista’s obvious enthusiasm.

  As Kaevin grasped Alora’s hand for the transport, he heard Arista prattling on to Beth about the expedition. Did Arista say something about finding treasure? I must have a serious talk with her before we embark.

  ~ 13 ~

  Regaining control over all of his citizens had taken a toll on Vindrake’s body. The added process of separating his faithful followers from those who obeyed solely by blood coercion was both tedious and exhausting. As he suspected, those truly loyal were rare, and many of his most talented warriors and citizens failed his test. This only confirmed what he already knew. I cannot depend on anyone but myself.

  He’d extinguished some who came before him, trembling with the knowledge they could never hide their innermost thoughts from his prodigious gift of judging. Killing to replenish his energy, he didn’t relish the task as he had with Malphas. He felt no animosity toward the multitude that merely responded to his puppeteering. Though he found a number of gifted warriors whose allegiance was without question, he detested the necessity of relinquishing his control for the incursion through the portal.

  Fortunately, he’d found no sign of anyone guarding the other end of the portal, for he’d seen only animal footprints in the deep snow surrounding the mysterious steaming pool with the spouting tower of water. An initial scouting party would split into groups of three and four with the goal of exploring the new realm and discovering the most promising resources.

  Since Alora had spoken Tenavae, he assumed his scouts would be able to communicate when they reached the citizens of her realm. The group would carry weapons that could be easily concealed, hoping to negotiate with the native population rather than engage in conflict on their initial foray. For this purpose, each group would also carry gold coin for trade.

  Vindrake knew he might eventually need a larger force to accomplish his goals in the new realm, and such a company must be carefully controlled. What if he imbued one of his commanders with the power to wield the bloodbond? Of course he would be walking a dangerous line if he allowed another to access control, even temporarily.

  A thought wormed its way into his mind… If only Alleraen had chosen to join forces with me. He expelled the annoying idea at once. No benefit in longing for the impossible. Still, the notion returned, and he considered the possibility, however unlikely, his brother might finally consent and unite with him as his second in command. How long had it been since they’d spoken? Six moons? A year? He should visit him in the secure chambers immediately. Realizing it was the middle of the night, he hesitated for a moment. What matter? What did night or day mean to someone who’d been locked away for years?

  With his mind made up, he hurried from his chamber, shutting the heavy wood door with a thud and turning the key to fasten the lock. He grabbed a torch to make his way through the winding hallway.

  Rounding the final corner, he heard a gasp. A child, his face hooded in a bulky cloak, stood poised to ascend the stairway. The child stumbled back, perhaps preparing to retreat, but Vindrake stretched out his hand to squeeze off his airway. As the child halted, clutching his throat, Vindrake strode to bar his escape.

  “Halt! Who are you? Show me your face.” Vindrake relaxed the chokehold.

  The child, though too young to bear the bondmark, obediently pushed the cowl from his head, lifting a defiant chin. With pride in his bearing, despite a dirty face and an oversized cloak, he spoke in a haughty voice. “I came to see my brother, still locked away despite your promise to release my family if I performed your task.”

  “Ah, Markaeus. Yes, yes. All in due time. At the moment your grandfather is still needed for his gresses gift.” He frowned, suddenly recalling Malphas’ words concerning Markaeus. The boy had already shown possession of the minor gift of gresses. He couldn’t be trusted near the secure chambers. Vindrake felt his ire rising. “How came you to this place alone? Where is the guard sworn to accompany any visitors?”

  Markaeus took a step back, reaching in his pocket and retrieving a bit of bread and cheese. “I’m bringing my brother some food. He’s always hungry. Perhaps you don’t provide enough to keep his stomach filled.”

  Markaeus’ words inflamed Vindrake for their content rather than the insolence displayed. He’d given strict orders to keep all the imprisoned children healthy and fit until the day they could take the oath of fealty. The boy was confined in the large group abode reserved for children of ten or eleven years who were deemed a flight risk. This policy had been adopted when a number of young Water Clan citizens had simply ‘disappeared’ before their twelfth birthingdays. The company of potential warriors was a valuable resource for Water Clan, customarily receiving training and exercise, along with the highest quality of meat, fish, fruits and vegetables.

  Vindrake had experimented briefly with separating infants from their families at birth but found the children developed strange mal-affectations while the breed mothers often passed on to death, presumably as a result of their grief. So now he left the children with their mothers. The threat of harm to their families was an effective incentive to coerce the children with twelve years to take the oath of fealty.

  Upon acquiring sixteen years, youths gifted as shamans were culled out for special education, while the others were sent to train together as warriors until the trials during their eighteenth year. In addition to selecting the most gifted in strength, weapons, and agility, the fatal matches had the further benefit of eliminating youths with gifts of judging and farsight, two gifts Vindrake found useless or threatening in light of his own giftedness.

  As a noxious odor wafted into his nostrils, Vindrake flinched, raising his torch to examine Markaeus more closely. “You are filthy, and you smell of refuse! Do you never bathe?”

  He shrugged. “I’ve no parents to make me, and my grandfather has lost his sense of smell.”

  “Be gone!” Vindrake flipped his hand toward the exit corridor, turning his head from the stench. “I’ll attend to your brother’s nourishment. See that you never return unaccompanied by a guard. Next time I may not be in such a benevolent mood.”

  *****

  Markaeus let out a string of curses as soon as Vindrake was beyond earshot and was immediately laden with gui
lt. He heard his grandfather’s chastisement in his mind. You live in the presence of evil, but you do not have to behave in such a way. How many times had he heard the words since their capture? Too many to count. Yet he couldn’t help the expletives that slipped from his mouth. He’d been so close.

  Finding the hidden door had been simple; he’d noticed it while peddling his fresh fish in town. With no salt to preserve the catch, he trudged to the refuse pile to toss away his leftovers. There it was, underneath the smelly trash pile, as visible to his eye as a gaping hole.

  Waiting until mid-dark when no one was about, he’d carefully rearranged the refuse to allow access to the hidden door in the ground. To all appearances a patch of dirt and stone, the door lifted easily at his touch, even without a key to open the camouflaged lock. After a brief exploration, he realized he was inside the cavernous maze comprising Vindrake’s underground lair.

  Knowing his brother was confined somewhere within, he’d begun nightly excursions to search for him, but each time, he’d been forced to retreat at the appearance of the patrolling guards. Gradually, he’d mapped both his route and the patrol schedule of Vindrake’s sentries. He’d even discovered the perfect way to escape with his brother… a hidden portal in a bathing chamber.

  Though his grandfather hadn’t been allowed to discuss his recent task for Vindrake, Markaeus strongly suspected the portal was involved. Summoned by Malphas due to his gifting in gresses, his grandfather had returned, weary and haggard. Since that day, his grandfather had given daily instructions to Markaeus about every aspect of portals, including how to recognize, open and seal them.

  Markaeus had been careful and thorough in his planning, even wearing an extra cloak for his brother. His brief exploration through the portal had revealed a frozen world, covered with a thick snowy blanket. Markaeus had collected a small stash of cheese and stale bread to feed them on their journey. He had no idea how he and his brother would survive in this new realm, but at least they had a chance. In Portshire, their fate was sealed, especially as his brother’s birthingday loomed a mere seven-day away.