Alora: The Portal Page 33

  “That’s right, she’s septic. And we’ve wasted so much time she probably won’t make it to the hospital.”

  A throb of pain alerted Alora to the fact the ice had melted. “Wesley, can you bring a new ice cube?”

  “I’ll bring a gallon Ziploc bag of ice cubes.” He dashed away.

  “Why can’t Alora just transport to the hospital?” Beth asked Raelene. “Now that she’s awake and has enough strength?”

  “I’ve discovered Alora has been using the soulmate bond as her source of power, rather than drawing from water, stone and forest. If she transports again, I fear she might kill them.”

  “If she doesn’t transport them to the healing house, they’re going to die anyway.” At Jireo’s harsh whispered words, Alora felt a rush of compassion. He was clearly agonizing over the thought of losing Kaevin. To her surprise, she realized Jireo cared about her possible death as well… separate and apart from Kaevin’s.

  “Here are the ice cubes.” Wesley opened the bag so Alora could slip her hand inside. As she fisted a frozen cube the pain dissipated, but she also noticed her racing heart and rapid panting.

  “Alora, can you transport to the hospital with Kaevin and Dr. Sanders while you concentrate on the ice?” Beth’s voice seemed to come from a tunnel.

  “Maybe…”

  “Yes! Yes, you can do this. This will work, Alora. I feel it. Please try.” Jireo pleaded with red-rimmed eyes.

  “I’ll try…”

  “Wait, Alora! A.J. needs to go. Come on A.J.”

  “What? What are you doing?” Dr. Sanders protested, but Beth grabbed his hand, tugging him toward Alora.

  He might as well give up. Beth always gets her way.

  “Now, Alora. Go now. Take us to the hospital.”

  As the ice melted around Alora’s fingers, a comfortable peace enveloped her, like a soft, warm blanket. It’s so nice not to feel pain. Turning her head in response to Kaevin’s squeeze on her other hand, she saw his face, blurred and fuzzy. She blinked until he came back into focus. Deep emotion shone in his eyes. He loves me. He really loves me.

  “Alora? Can you transport us? To the hospital?”

  She moved her lips, but she couldn’t form any words. Strange. Why can’t I speak? Her eyelids refused to stay open.

  “Alora?” Kaevin’s urgent voice drew her attention. “Can you transport us to the hospital?”

  Why does he want to go to the hospital? I don’t hurt anymore.

  “Alora!” Someone shook her body, and she blinked her eyes open to find Beth’s face inches from hers. “If you don’t transport us to the hospital right now, I’m going to post that video on Facebook… the one where you were dancing around in your underwear.”

  No. She wouldn’t do that, would she?

  “Now, Alora. To the hospital.” Beth wore her no-nonsense expression.

  Beth can be really bossy sometimes, but I love her for it.

  *****

  Wesley stood staring at the floor. Two cell phones and a set of keys lay on the carpet where his friends had been only moments before. Will I ever see Alora and Kaevin again?

  He jumped when Daegreth spoke behind him. “Do you believe they made it to the healing house in time?”

  “I hope so. I’m not even sure that’s where Alora took them. They could be anywhere.” Wesley stuffed his hands in his pockets to stop their shaking.

  The door banged open and Steven ambled into the family room, flopping onto the couch. “I’m full as a tick.” Steven rubbed his belly. “You should have come with us, Wesley.”

  Brian stepped through the door, halting in mid-step as his eyes fell on Daegreth. “Hello, Daegreth. I’m… I’m glad to see you. What made you decide to uhmm… to come out of the bedroom? Not that I’m worried or anything.” He lifted a questioning eyebrow to Wesley.

  His mother came in behind his father, pushing him out of the way as she turned to shut the door and hang up her coat. “Why are you blocking the doorway, Brian? And why don’t you take your shoes off before you track dirt everywhere? You, too, Steven. We missed you at lunch, Wesley. I’ve brought some food home for you and…” Her voice trailed off as she caught sight of Daegreth, backing toward the bedroom.

  “Don’t leave, Daegreth. Jireo says you’re safe now.” Wesley caught his arm.

  “Your parents still fear me, and with good cause.” Daegreth studied his feet.

  Wesley pulled him back to face the family. “While you were gone, Kaevin and Alora showed up here, with Jireo. They’d been injured, and I called Beth, who came over with Dr. Sanders. It’s kind of a long story, but Raelene came too, and they all transported to the hospital just a minute ago. I mean literally… a minute before you walked in the door, they were all still here.”

  “Are they okay? How badly were they injured?” Karen pulled her coat back over her shoulders. “We should probably go to the hospital.”

  “What about the portal?” asked his father. “Did Jireo tell you if the portal is sealed?”

  “Jireo said the portal is closed for good. Vindrake can never come here unless Alora brings him. So Daegreth really is safe now. That’s why I cut him loose.”

  Steven rose from the couch, walking around the other end toward Daegreth. “That’s wonderful news, son.”

  Their father rolled his eyes. Steven had been milking the genetic relation for all it was worth. He’d even started calling their parents Grandpa and Granny.

  “Yikes!” Steven yelled as he rounded the corner behind the couch. “Who’s this dead guy?”

  “Cripes!” Wesley’s heart pounded, fighting to escape his ribcage. “I forgot all about Alleraen. He’s dead?”

  *****

  As he trudged along, Charles scrubbed at his teeth with the frayed end of a stick. I really miss my toothbrush and toothpaste. And my bed with my good mattress. And my shower. In front of him, Graely came to a sudden stop, and Charles slammed into his back, jamming the stick into his gums.

  “Ouch!”

  “Shh…”

  Charles froze, his hearing zoning in on every sound in the forest. A bird warbled. The wind whistled through the treetops. A twig cracked. Tiny hairs stood up on the back of his neck. He tasted blood in his mouth, but he didn’t dare move.

  “Clear ahead.” Morvaen spoke the words in a soft voice rather than calling out to the entire group.

  “Clear ahead,” Graely repeated over his shoulder.

  “Clear ahead.” Charles passed the message in a whisper to Markaeus, who parroted the words to Haegen, and on to the last of the company. Two days of trekking through the woods, waiting to be attacked, had every muscle in Charles’ body tense and aching.

  He touched Graely’s shoulder, speaking in a harsh whisper. “Can we assume we’re home free? I mean, if none of the Water Clan warriors have found us yet, we’re probably safe, right? Just one more day until we get to Laegenshire?”

  Graely started moving again, and Charles followed, pushing though the low-growing bushes that grabbed at his thighs. I’m glad I’m wearing heavy-duty work pants. Normal ones would’ve been torn to shreds.

  “No, Charles. I’m afraid we’re unlikely to cross the river without meeting resistance. Vindrake won’t waste time searching for us in the wooded areas, knowing the river lies between us and Laegenshire. He’ll send his warriors down the road to intercept us.”

  “Can’t we just follow the river down and wade across instead of crossing on the bridge?”

  “We’ll do just that, for there may be a hundred Water Clansmen lying in wait this side of the bridge. We’ll attempt to ford the river at the low-water crossing. Unfortunately, during this season, the river runs fast and deep. There’s but one place where the water is shallow enough to cross, and Vindrake’s warriors have the same knowledge.”

  “What are we going to do?”

  “I wear Darielle’s sightstone, so she can see through my eyes. She knows we are coming. We won’t have to fight the Water Clan warriors alone; Stone Clan
will be there.”

  Though Graely spoke in a whisper, Charles could hear the confidence in his voice.

  “I hope you’re right.” I’m just a liability, now. No more helpful than Markaeus and Haegen. At least the boys will be valuable when they develop their major gifts. I’m pretty much worthless unless I can sneak up behind someone with my knife.

  As if Graely could read his thoughts, he spoke over his shoulder. “We’re not far from the river crossing. Can I count on you to keep the boys safe? They may want to join the fight, but they mustn’t. It’s a rare occurrence for the ungifted to win against the gifted in close combat. Had we some spare arrows, I might allow the boys to participate at a distance; but we have precious few, and I dare not let them be wasted.”

  “I’ll keep an eye on the boys.” I wonder if he made up that task to make me feel better.

  The group hiked in silence for another thirty minutes or so before Morvaen called for mid-day break, setting Ochraen, Worster, and Flaeren to guard the perimeter while they stopped to rest and eat. Charles moved closer to Markaeus and Haegen, who insisted on eating the food from Markaeus’ pack, despite its less than palatable condition after being dunked in the water.

  “We don’t have enough food to share.” Markaeus tone revealed his sharp disapproval, despite the whisper.

  “I’m only giving him part of my portion.” Haegen hugged his arms closer, and Charles noticed what appeared to be a long greyish potato root extending from the crook of his elbow. “Grey Nose is only a baby, and he’s lost his mother.”

  “A baby? If he’s this big as a baby rat, he’ll be your size when he’s grown.”

  “I’ll do without food if I must. I don’t wish him to starve to death. Perhaps if I take care of Grey Nose, someone else will take care of Furry and her babies. I left without saying goodbye, and she’s probably wondering where I’ve gone.”

  Charles was tempted to intervene with a sarcastic comment about no rat ever starving to death, but his heart melted when Haegen turned his head, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. “I’ll make sure you don’t run out of food, Markaeus. We’re almost back to Laegenshire.”

  “We don’t wish to be dependent on charity.” Markaeus lifted his chin. “We’ll earn our keep.”

  “Of course you will. I’m certain Graely will put you to work.”

  “I shouldn’t have left Furry…” Haegen stroked the disgusting rat like it was a sweet puppy. “I didn’t even tell him goodbye.”

  A cry from the forest made Charles jump, his bread slipping from his fingers. “Water Clan! Water Clan!” Worster burst from the thicket into the clearing, drawing his sword.

  “Run for the river! Follow me!” Arista yelled as she darted past them, nocking an arrow as she ran.

  Markaeus and Haegen were fast on her trail, and once again Charles struggled to keep up, his sore muscles protesting. I’ve got to start working out.

  “This way!” Arista flew through the forest on a non-existent trail, dodging the trees.

  The branches the boys pushed aside flew back to slap at Charles as he followed. I guess Arista knows where she’s going. If not, we’re in a heap of trouble.

  Charles heard heavy boots pounding the ground behind him. He slipped his hand into his pocket, withdrawing a knife. Not that it’ll do me any good against a sword.

  “On your left, Charles.” Flaeren zoomed past to catch up with Arista, an amazing feat considering her pace. At the edge of a clearing, Flaeren held up his hand, and they skidded to a halt. He ducked to the side, nocking an arrow, and Arista followed suit. “Get down! Water Clan warriors!”

  Charles dove to the ground behind Markaeus and Haegen, landing hard on his right hip and scraping his elbow through his coat. The knife flew from his fingers to be lost in the thick bushes. He cursed out loud, flinching when Markaeus and Haegen turned to stare at him with wide eyes.

  “I’m sorry, boys. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “Does that mean the same thing as ‘glare it’?” asked Markaeus.

  Haegen gave him a sharp elbow. “Don’t say that. Grandfather would be disappointed if he heard you.”

  “I didn’t really curse. I simply asked about the words. It’s not the same thing.”

  “Now! Now! Run for it! Follow Arista!” Flaeren’s voice jolted them back to the moment.

  The boys were up and running before Charles pulled himself to his feet. Some protector I am. He pushed himself to the limit, picking up speed and gaining on the three. The river crossing lay ahead, ten yards wide with fast running water. A dozen Stone Clan archers had waded through from the opposite side to crouch behind the boulders. Their arrows flew in a constant stream, providing cover for their escape.

  “Go across!” Arista commanded as she hopped down the river’s edge, turning to crouch and draw her bow at the enemy from behind the embankment.

  “Hold my hands.” Charles stepped into the cold rushing water with Markaeus on the upstream side, his left, and Haegen on his right. It was then he noticed Haegen was still cradling the rat in his right arm. “Don’t let go of me, no matter what.”

  The boys nodded as Charles forced his way into the thigh-deep driving torrents. Rising to Markaeus’ waist, the water lifted him from his feet, and Charles blocked with his body to keep him from being swept away. With a few extra inches on his brother, Haegen managed to keep his feet.

  Midway, Charles slipped on a loose rock, and his legs flew out from under him. He stumbled and fell, the icy water taking his breath away, but he kept his hold on the boys’ hands. As he regained his footing, he stood, lifting with his hands to pull the boys upright again.

  “Grey Nose! Grey Nose! I dropped him! Grey Nose!”

  Charles saw the little rat swept away in the current, until the water deposited him on a large boulder in the center of the river, fifteen feet away. On the bank behind them, he heard shouts and turned to find the Water Clan warriors overrunning the Stone Clan archers.

  “Come on, Haegen. The rat will be fine. We need to hurry.” Charles tried to keep his voice gentle and encouraging, despite his rising panic. He bent to grab them, one in each arm, and lunged through the rushing water. Twice, his feet stumbled on the rocky bottom, and he battled to keep his balance. Reaching the far shore, he dropped them on their feet. “Run! Get out of the clearing!”

  Markaeus dashed away with Haegen on his heels. Fighting exhaustion, Charles took three steps, picking up speed. He felt a punch in his back on the left side. As pain shot through him, he dropped to his hands and knees. What happened?

  “Uncle Charles! Uncle Charles!” Haegen called, sprinting back toward Charles.

  “No, Haegen… keep going.” Charles tried to yell the warning, but his voice was weak. He could barely take a breath.

  Haegen was three feet away when the arrow struck. His eyes widened and he cried out, wrapping his hands around the shaft protruding from his chest. With a slow gasp, his lids fluttered closed and he crumpled to the ground.

  “Haegen!” The cry of despair tore from Markaeus’ mouth as he raced to his brother, dropping to his knees to fall over him. His wail was heart-wrenching. “Haegen! No, no, no… Haegen, please. Please don’t die. Please don’t leave me.”

  With the last of his strength, Charles crawled across the short span, collapsing over the two boys to shield them with his body.

  ~ 22 ~

  It wasn’t the first time Graely had officiated a departing ceremony. On the contrary, he’d spoken the customary verses of blessing and farewell for hundreds of Stone Clan citizens over the years. Yet this time, more than any other, his eyes stung and his throat constricted. He swallowed hard, brushing the tears from his face as he stood before the distraught faces surrounding the funeral pyre.

  They waited—expectant and trusting—for him to bestow some amazing words of wisdom, to offer a reason for the deaths, to provide hope for the future, to assure that all would be well. Graely closed his eyes, searching deep in the well of his soul for the rig
ht words but came up dry.

  He felt a hand on his shoulder and started. How long have I been standing here?

  “Graely? Do you want me to do it?” Nordamen’s watery eyes were filled with sympathy and understanding.

  “No. No, I’ll do it. It’s my responsibility.”

  Nordamen nodded but remained beside him, his mere presence bestowing encouragement. Graely realized how much he hated being alone, how much he missed having Kaevin at his side. He cleared his throat.

  “Friends… Today we bid farewell to three souls whose lives were cut short by malicious intent. Their deaths leave a hole in our hearts that cannot be filled by any others. We will never know what good they might have accomplished had they lived their full lifespans.

  “To say I understand the reason evil was allowed this victory would be a lie. To say we will miss them seems a hollow promise. To say we will avenge their deaths is against the commands of our God. Yet should we let this day throw us into fear and despair? Should we allow Vindrake’s iniquity to triumph because we’ve lost our courage?

  “No! If we give up the battle, these three have died in vain. If we lose hope, their martyrdom is worthless. There is naught we can do to restore these souls to our world, for they have passed on to a better one. All we can offer is our own lives—to live or die in sacrifice—protecting the innocent, fighting against evil, following right with unwavering steps. Only in this way do their deaths have meaning and purpose.

  “Yet this sentiment is for tomorrow. Today, we mourn. We shed our tears, recalling their lives, holding fast to the memory of their faces. Today, we cry for them. Tomorrow, we live for them. Today…” He choked, realizing tears were pouring from his eyes. “Today, we weep.”

  Graely lifted his hand, and the pyre was lit. He turned his head, unable to watch, though the bodies were covered up for dignity. His eyes fell on Morvaen, who stood uncharacteristically still, his eyes closed, his face contorted in grief. Arista was weeping openly, her head buried in her mother’s arms.