Alora: The Portal (35 page)

“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.

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 right 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.

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.”