Alora: The Portal Page 34

  Standing alone to the side, Markaeus appeared small and lost. With his head bowed and his blond hair falling forward to hide his face, his shoulders shuddered as he sobbed into his fist.

  The sight shook Graely to the core, but he steeled himself to finish the ceremony, speaking the words he’d repeated so many times before… too many times. “Farewell friends. We commit your souls to God and your memories to our hearts. Farewell until we meet on the other side.”

  Graely threw a small pouch into the fire, which flared with reds, blues, and greens. “Farewell, Naegle BarKlaeren.”

  He tossed in a second pouch, igniting another feast of colors. “Farewell, Worster BarWaenly.”

  The third pouch flew in, exploding in a flaming rainbow. “Farewell, Haegen BarGabeno.”

  From the corner of his eye, he saw Markaeus running away. Graely thought to follow him, until he saw where he was going… the healing house.

  *****

  “I’m proud of you for going to the funeral. I’m sure it was hard, and I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with you.” Charles wrapped his arms around Markaeus, who stretched to hug his chest as he lay on the bed. “I’m glad you rescued him from Vindrake.”

  “But if I hadn’t opened the iron gate to let Haegen out, he’d still be alive.”

  “And soon he would’ve been forced to take Vindrake’s bloodbond. From what I hear, that’s like having Satan live inside you.”

  “Satan?”

  “Uhmm… the devil? The personification of evil?”

  “Personi-what?”

  “How about a demon? Have you heard of that?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, when you accept the bloodbond, it’s like having an awful demon inside your head, telling you what to do and say all the time. We know because we talked to someone who had the bondmark.”

  “Grandfather didn’t act bad after he took the bloodbond. Perhaps it wouldn’t have been as terrible as I thought.”

  “I don’t know, but I think it’s worse if you’re a warrior. I think he makes you kill people you don’t want to kill.”

  Markaeus took a shuddery breath. “Then I wish Haegen and I would’ve escaped through the portal instead of sealing it. I know that’s selfish, but I simply wish for my brother back.”

  “Of course you do. That’s not really selfishness, that’s missing your brother. Yet it was Haegen who encouraged you to seal the portal. He was willing to die to help fight against Vindrake. I imagine he would’ve felt really guilty if you’d been killed instead of him. He’d have felt like it was his fault for talking you into it.”

  Markaeus straightened, balling his hands into fists. “It wasn’t his fault. He only wished us to do the right thing. Grandfather always told us to remember we were made for a purpose.”

  Charles nodded. “Your grandfather was a wise man. So was Haegen.”

  “Grandfather’s still alive. I left him in Portshire.” Markaeus stuffed his hands into his pockets. “He never said so, but I believe he knew I was leaving with Haegen. I can’t even go back and tell him Haegen’s dead now.”

  A sharp throb shot through Charles’ back, and a moan escaped before he could stop it. Markaeus’ eyes rounded, filling with tears. “Are you going to die, too?”

  “No, I’m going to be okay.”

  “It’s been two days since we came to Laegenshire, and you don’t seem any better.” Markaeus pursed his lips, regarding Charles with severe, accusing eyes.

  Charles suppressed a smile. It’s amazing he can make me feel guilty for not recovering from an arrow wound fast enough.

  “That’s something I wanted to talk to you about. I’ve got an infection from that arrow, and Laethan can’t heal it.”

  “So you are going to die?”

  “I’m not going to die, but I’m going away. I’m going to a place called a hospital. It’s a healing house in the other world—the one the portal went to.”

  Markaeus nodded, his lips quivering. He whipped around and marched toward the door. “Goodbye, then. I hope they can heal you in the other world.”

  “Wait, Markaeus. Come back and talk to me. Just for a minute.”

  Markaeus stopped. His shoulders twitched. Pivoting, he moved back to Charles with his chin tucked down.

  “Markaeus?”

  “Mmm…” He kept his eyes glued to the floor, but Charles could see tears shining on his cheeks.

  “I wondered if you might want to come live with me. Now it’s a big decision. I live in a different world, and I totally understand if you want to stay here in Laegenshire. It’s not like we’d never come back here at all—”

  Markaeus surged against him, practically climbing on the bed in an effort to hug his neck. “Yes. Please take me with you. I promise I won’t cause any trouble.”

  Folding his arms around the trembling boy, Charles released a chuckle. “I seriously doubt that’s true, but I’m willing to risk it. Are you sure you don’t need time to think about it?”

  “No, I’ll go anywhere with you.”

  “And how would you feel about having a sister?”

  “A sister?” Markaeus lifted his head, wrinkling his nose in distaste.

  “Yes, you’d have a sister of sorts. Remember Alora? The girl we talked about—the one we came to rescue from Vindrake?”

  “Stone Clan’s bearer? The one who’s soulmates with Kaevin? She’d be my sister?”

  “That’s the one. Do you think that would be okay?”

  Markaeus’ mouth turned up at the corners in the first semblance of a smile Charles had seen on his face since before Haegen’s death. “I suppose so… if I must have a sister.”

  *****

  “I feel fine now. Better than fine… I feel great.” Alora pouted at her continued confinement to the hospital bed.

  “Though I’m thrilled you’ve become accomplished at masking your pain, rather than sharing it, your body is still damaged from the burns. You need to rest and recover.”

  Irritation seethed in Alora’s mind at Raelene’s words, though they were meant to be soothing. Via her newly recognized gift, Alora recognized the emotion behind her grandmother’s speech… condescension. All the adults in Alora’s life, as well as a number of her peers, seemed to have an opinion about her every move.

  “I’m afraid Raelene is correct, Alora,” Dr. Sanders said. “It’s amazing you don’t seem to feel any pain, but the lab results don’t lie. The antibiotics are only now bringing the sepsis under control, and your kidneys have almost quit functioning. We’re using hemodialysis, hopefully on a temporary basis, until your kidneys start working correctly. To be honest, I don’t understand why you’re not unconscious right now.” Dr. Sanders frowned as he reviewed her test results on the computer.

  “The only reason she’s awake now is because Alleraen donated an extra measure of strength about ten minutes ago.” Kaevin sat at her bedside, where he’d stayed day and night since their arrival.

  Despite his fatigue-sunken eyes, he smiled, and Alora’s frustration slipped away like a wisp of smoke in a heavy breeze. Taking full advantage of her gift, he radiated selfless love and concern. The emotions overwhelmed her, making it impossible to nurse her petty annoyance. She smiled back, her exasperation gone.

  “Alleraen?” Dr. Sanders looked up. “The Laegenshire man who was half-dead when Brian Franks brought him to the hospital, after we all flew here Star-Trek style? Is he back in the emergency room now?” Dr. Sanders cringed as he awaited the answer, the dark circles under his eyes speaking of his exhaustion and anxiety almost as loudly as Alora’s empathy.

  “No, Alleraen and I are being very judicious with our strength, allowing enough time to recover between endowments,” Raelene said. “Alleraen is resting, but his life isn’t in danger. Actually, he’s sleeping in there.”

  Raelene pointed to the flimsy curtain dividing the hospital room into two separate areas, then addressed Alora. “But be warned, this spurt of energy you now feel will be short-lived. I predict
you’ll be asleep again in four fingers.”

  “I’m sorry. I promise to rest and recover without complaining again. You can expect complete obedience and compliance from this point forward.” Alora made the declaration, hoping her verbal promise would help her carry through in her actions.

  Kaevin snorted behind his hand.

  “What are you laughing about?”

  “Only that complete obedience and compliance seem to be a bit at odds with your personality.” Fortunately for Kaevin, his all-embracing adoration was obvious despite his teasing words.

  She stuck out her tongue, and he laughed, flashing his dimples. She was alive, pain-free, and loved. She had everything to be grateful for, and nothing to be angry about. Soon I’m going to see Uncle Charles. Life is good.

  Jireo returned from the hallway. “Darielle says Charles is almost prepared for you to transport him, but don’t do it yet. He’s bringing someone with him if you have the strength… a boy named Markaeus.”

  “The more the merrier, as far as I’m concerned.” Alora turned a questioning eye to Raelene.

  “As long as you’re careful to draw your power from the elements, the transport should have little effect on your strength. Perhaps we should let you touch something to be certain you don’t make an error.” Raelene placed a small stone and a piece of wood in Alora’s hand.

  “An ice cube would be easier.”

  “You can do this,” Raelene answered.

  Noting the roomful of observers, Alora’s heart rate sped up, causing a shrill alarm on her heart monitor.

  Dr. Sanders moved to press a button, silencing the bell. “Try to stay calm, Alora. The last thing we need is to have a nurse come running in here in time to see you transport two people into this room. She might have a stroke. In fact, I may close my eyes, so I don’t have a stroke, myself.”

  Kaevin brushed the hair from Alora’s face with a gentle touch, betraying his concern.

  “I’m fine, Kaevin. I’m really not in pain at all.”

  “You are, but you don’t realize it. I feel it when you’re unconscious.” Kaevin lowered his face to her ear, speaking in soft, soothing tones.

  She flared her remorse. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize I’m still sending my pain to you when I’m asleep.”

  “No, don’t apologize; it’s way less than before. I simply can’t help worrying. I don’t know how to stop myself.” He lifted his shoulders in a sheepish shrug. “Because I love you.”

  “I know you do.”

  Jireo stared into space, mumbling indistinct words. He nodded his head and turned to Alora. “Darielle says the preparations are finished. Charles is ready to transport.”

  “Okay.” Alora reached out for Kaevin’s hand. “I won’t draw from the soulmate bond… I promise. But I could use a little courage.”

  Kaevin wrapped both hands around her fingers, lifting them to his lips to place a gentle kiss of encouragement. With calm blanketing her senses, she pictured Uncle Charles in the hospital room.

  He appeared with a blond boy, maybe eight or nine years old, at his side. The boy’s mouth dropped open, his eyes wide with wonder, as he surveyed the room. So this is Markaeus. I wonder why he’s with my uncle.

  Dr. Sanders shoved a wheelchair behind Charles, and he collapsed into it. Without thinking, Alora accessed his pain, and the intensity of it overwhelmed her.

  “Uncle Charles!” I’ve got to get to him. She struggled to rise from the bed, but Kaevin held her down with one arm.

  “Don’t move, Alora. We’ll bring him to you.”

  Dr. Sanders pushed the chair as close as possible to Alora’s bed.

  “I did it, Uncle Charles.” She sniffed, reaching out for his hand. “I stayed alive, just like I promised.”

  “I know, sweetie. I’m so proud of you.” His voice came out gravely as he stared at her bandaged arms. “Does it hurt very much?”

  “I don’t feel any pain now, Uncle Charles, but I can feel yours.”

  “I’m strong as an ox; I’ll be fine. I’m just worried about you.” Charles lifted his eyes to Dr. Sanders. “How is she, Doc? I need to know.”

  “Alora’s burns are quite severe, Charles,” Dr. Sanders answered, looking graver than Alora thought he should.

  “I’m fine, Uncle Charles. Don’t listen to him.”

  Dr. Sanders counted off on his fingers. “She’s got an infection from the burns, and her kidneys have shut down. Her white count has been sky high, although it’s finally started dropping. We still have her listed in serious condition. She’s got a long way to go, and she may need skin grafts at some point.”

  “I’m so sorry, Alora.” Charles blinked rapidly, his voice choking.

  “What about you, Uncle Charles? I know you got hit by an arrow, and I can feel how much it hurts. Are you…” Alora gulped. “Are you dying?”

  “Uncle Charles isn’t going to die. He already promised me.” The little boy who’d arrived with her uncle stepped forward, puffing out his chest as he made the declaration.

  Alora gave him a teary smile. “I’m glad to know that. Your name is Markaeus, right?”

  “Yes, and you’re Alora and that’s Kaevin. I met him in Laegenshire when he knocked me over, but that was when I was spying for Vindrake.” Markaeus wrinkled his nose like he smelled something awful. “He didn’t let my family go like he promised. He’s a bad man.”

  “I’d have to agree with you about that.”

  “Uncle Charles said you’re going to be my sister.”

  Distracted from her heavy emotions, Alora chuckled. “Nice to meet you, Markaeus. I’ve always wanted a brother.”

  Alora sent a silent question to Charles with arched brows. His shoulders went up as he mouthed, “It’s a long story.”

  “I’m afraid we need to get you admitted to the hospital, Charles. You can come right back; there’s an empty bed in this room.” Dr. Sanders backed the wheelchair up, but Charles lifted his hand.

  “Wait… before I go… I need to say something to Kaevin.”

  Alora could feel how nervous Kaevin was as he stood to face Uncle Charles, wiping his hands on his pants. "Yes, sir?"

  Charles extended his hand, and Kaevin returned the gesture. Their fingers blanched from the firmness of the mutual grip. “Thank you for keeping your promise,” said Charles in a trembling voice. “Thank you for bringing her back to me.”

  Kaevin answered with a sharp nod. “I love her.”

  “I know you do.”

  Alora almost fell off the bed. With great effort, she closed her gaping mouth.

  “You can continue this another time,” Dr. Sanders declared as he backed the wheelchair out of the room. Charles blew a kiss at Alora, smiling at her shock.

  “May I come with you?” Markaeus pleaded with Charles.

  “We’ll both go along, Markaeus. My name is Raelene.” She fell in step, placing her arm around the boy’s shoulder.

  “I hope Alleraen awakens before Dr. Sanders returns to put Charles in that bed.” Jireo’s mouth twisted in a wry smile.

  “I’m awake already.” Alleraen’s voice came from behind the curtain. Pushing the cloth aside, he emerged, his curly auburn hair askew. He took a few wobbly steps before Jireo moved to his side, straining to support Alleraen’s muscular frame as he shuffled to the nearest chair.

  “I don’t know if I’ve ever thanked you for all you did to save us from Vindrake.” Alora experimented with her gift, sending heartfelt appreciation to Alleraen.

  “I appreciate your words, though I still don’t feel deserving. You couldn’t realize my grievous error, but I had an opportunity to kill my brother. Unfortunately, I allowed my desire for revenge to overcome my good judgment.”

  “I believe you’ve more than compensated for any temporary lapse in wisdom,” said Kaevin. “Alora and I are both in your eternal debt.”

  “We really are,” Alora agreed. “I know you risked your life to save mine. Is there anything I can do for you in return?”
>
  “In all honesty, what I would love most is to be a part of a family… to be a true uncle.” Alleraen’s usual confident demeanor disappeared as he stared at his fingers in his lap.

  “I’d love that.” Alora’s voice sounded small in her ears.

  Looking up with a hope-filled expression, Alleraen’s nostrils flared. “I was afraid you wouldn’t wish to have me present as a constant reminder of your father.”

  “My real father is Uncle Charles; I’ll never call Vindrake my father again.”

  With her emotions spilling out, Alora felt spikes of pain. Reaching into the pail on the table, Kaevin snagged a piece of ice, which he slid into her hand. She gripped it, relieved to regain control of her gift.

  “Having you as my niece and seeing how Drakeon tortured you gives me yet another reason to wish my brother dead. Some day, I’ll see it happen.” Alleraen’s jaw took on a determined set.

  The room narrowed and Alleraen’s face blurred. Darkness overcame her.

  Pain speared into Kaevin’s consciousness as the ice slipped from Alora’s fingers. He squelched a grimace, keeping his tone light. “She’s asleep again.”

  “How do you endure the pain?” asked Jireo, wincing. “Even I can feel it since she began to use her empathy. When she sleeps, she pushes it away from her to all in her vicinity. Perhaps you might distance yourself during her sleep periods so you can rest.”

  “Distance is no boon for me; she sends to me regardless of my location. But I can assure you, what I now feel is barely noticeable compared to the agony we shared before.”

  “Still, you could find a place to stretch out rather than sleeping in that chair,” Alleraen suggested.

  “She’s so frightened when she awakens to the pain, before she blocks it with her gift. I don’t wish her to face it alone. I fear she might accidentally transport somewhere without me.” Tightening his grip on her fingers, Kaevin rearranged his chair and fluffed a pillow to support his head.

  “Then we’ll see you on the morrow.” Jireo patted Kaevin’s shoulder before helping Alleraen to the door.

  “Though I’m thrilled Alora has accepted me as family, I’m afraid I’ve no desire to continue sharing in her pain,” Alleraen admitted.