The Carnelian Legacy (5 page)

Darian began to pray, and although she couldn’t understand what he was saying, the sound of his voice was captivating. Commanding and deep, it matched his face perfectly. She listened as he spoke their strange language, noticing how well it flowed, without any harsh or guttural sounds.

When he finished, she opened her eyes. “So basically I came through some black hole?”

Arrie swallowed a mouthful. “No. You wouldn’t have survived a black hole. Those will rip you apart right down to the subatomic level.”

“Oh.”

“The vortex of which I speak is really more of a wormhole—except you didn’t go forward or backward in time, you simply passed from one dimension to another.”

She shook her head. “This is—nuts!”

“I understand your skepticism, milady, but I’m afraid it’s true. What most people fail to recognize is that they are constantly overlooking other dimensions all the time and don’t even realize it.”

She stopped. “What do you mean?”

His eyes narrowed. “Have you ever felt like you were being watched? Even though you knew you were alone?”

Marisa shuddered. “Yeah.”

“You just
sense
it. You know something is there even though you cannot see it, but you just
feel
a presence. Some people swear they’ve seen a ghost. Others call it paranormal activity or having a sixth sense. But in reality, these people have actually just caught a glimpse of someone or something in another dimension.”

“That’s just creepy.”

“Indeed. Most people choose not to believe in spiritual anomalies beyond their comprehension. It scares them to open themselves up to the possibility, so they simply deny their existence.”

“So a vortex is the only way between worlds?”

Arrie nodded. “As far as we know. Of course, we cannot predict exactly when and where a vortex will open—we only know certain areas have a higher rate of occurrence than others. Still, the chances of being in the right place at the right time to be drawn into a vortex are extremely small.”

Her eyes widened. “Do you mean to tell me I’m
stuck
here?”

“Perhaps not,” he offered. “Some have traveled there and back again.”

“Okay—but Arrie, there’s something that just doesn’t add up. How can a guy living in a world without cars, computers, or any kind of technology explain the theory of the vortex?”

“But it isn’t just a theory, it’s a scientific fact…” he trailed off.

She cornered him with her eyes. “You didn’t answer my question.”

Arrie shrugged. “The truth is, I traveled through a vortex into your world purely by accident. I lived there for a few years and attended a university where I studied quantum mechanics. Then, most unexpectedly, I was drawn back to Carnelia through another vortex.”

“Wow. And that’s why you can speak English so well—because you’ve been to my world?”

Arrie nodded sadly.

Darian eyed her suspiciously as he whispered something to Arrie. He hadn’t said much all afternoon, but she noticed that he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her.

“Did anyone accompany you through the forest?” Arrie asked.

“No, I went riding alone.”

“Alone? What were you doing in those woods unescorted?”

“I’m almost eighteen. I can take care of myself.” She raised her tankard and took a sip.

Arrie shifted uncomfortably. “Indeed, milady. I meant no disrespect.” He quickly changed the subject. “That is quite a remarkable ring you’re wearing. In Carnelia, a ring such as yours symbolizes ownership. Does it hold particular significance for you?”

“Yeah, it was a gift,” said Marisa. Her eyes moistened.

“A gift from whom?”

“From a man I love very much.”

“Ah, I see.” Arrie and Darian exchanged glances.

Marisa gazed down at the magnificent ring made of rose gold. In its center, an exquisite teardrop-shaped diamond sparkled in the candlelight. Curled around the stone on both sides of the band were flowers containing three small diamonds nestled within.

“So, you say you’d just come from earth when we discovered you?” Arrie asked.

“Yeah—I think so. I mean, I may have been knocked out for a while before you found me.”

“Did you happen to see us before you fell off your horse?”

“No.” His question irked her. “And I didn’t
fall
off my horse. Something sucked me up into the air. I must’ve hit my head because it knocked me out. Next thing I know, I’m waking up to find the two of you above me. Why are you asking me that anyway?”

Arrie looked sheepish. “Our friend over here wants to make sure you’re not a spy.”

“A
spy?
He thinks I’m a spy?” She turned angrily to Darian. “Look, dude, I’m really sorry you’re stuck with me, but I’m not a spy!”

Darian glared at her for a moment and slammed his tankard down hard on the table. People stopped to look as he stood abruptly and headed for the door. He shoved a few coins in the proprietor’s hand and stormed outside.

Marisa’s jaw dropped. “What
is
that guy’s problem? I’m starting to think you should have just left me back in that forest. It’s pretty obvious I’m puttin’ you two out.”

Arrie sighed. “There are some things you should know about Darian, and if I were you, I would not be so hard on him. He’s been through some very trying times, and there are undoubtedly many more ahead.”

“Well that may true,” she said, drumming her fingers on the table, “but it doesn’t give him license to act like a jerk.”

“Do not take it personally. That man has a tremendous burden to bear for this country, and he is only trying to discern his friends from his enemies.”

“He seems pretty young for an ambassador,” she said. “Maybe he can’t handle the pressure.”

Arrie downed his ale and looked at her. “Marisa, we will do everything we can to help you return to this Jackson’s Ville; however, we have a job to do and must be able to see it through.”

She smiled at his mispronunciation. “What job?”

“A very important job. And I am here to protect him.”

She was intrigued. “Protect him?”

“Yes, you see, Darian comes from a very influential family—the most powerful house in our country, as a matter of fact. He is of noble blood, with rank and a title, and must demonstrate absolute discretion with those whom he chooses to associate.”

She held up a hand. “Listen, Arrie—I don’t expect Darian to
associate
himself with me, but really, some common courtesy would be nice.”

“But if you would just—

“And I don’t appreciate the rude way he stares at me like I’m some kind of freak. I thought ambassadors were supposed to be, uh, you know—diplomatic!”

He shook his head. “It’s not like that. Darian’s duty is to protect our lands from those who are trying to tear it all apart. He has some very dangerous enemies, and there are even some in his own family who are trying to destroy him.”

“So what does all that got to do with me?”

“I’m only trying to show you things from his perspective. I happen to believe that you are just an innocent bystander in this scenario, but Darian, well—he can be slightly paranoid. He tends to err on the side of caution.”

“
Slightly
paranoid?”

“Milady, you must understand that he has every right to be suspicious of you.”

“Why? What do you mean?”

“Well, after all, it was a remarkable coincidence that we just stumbled upon you as we did up in those woods. It would be just like his opponent to send a beautiful woman to spy on him.”

Realizing that she may have been too quick to judge him, her shoulders sagged. Her father had always warned her about pre-judging people before she knew their background and circumstances.

“Marisa, I must caution you that this mission is vital to the survival of our society. At the very least, Darian must assume you’re a shrewd spy for the enemy disguised as a damsel in distress. At best, you’re an unnecessary distraction he cannot afford to have at this point.”

Arrie leaned back as a young man removed their plates.

“Okay, I get it,” she said. “I need to give the guy a break. But he can’t honestly think I’m a spy. Isn’t it pretty obvious that I’m not from around here?”

He shrugged. “He’s just being cautious. Darian is an extremely complicated man. And to those who do not know him well, he can appear distrustful and cold. He’s a lot like his father was.”

His father.

“
Arrie, I really appreciate that you’re explaining all this to me, but—” she choked up, unable to get the words out. “You should know that my father just died, and we only buried him this morning.”

“Oh, no,” he groaned.

“I was already having the worst week of my life before I wound up here. I just want to wake up from this surreal nightmare.”

She buried her face in her hands and wept softly.

“Oh, Marisa, I’m so sorry about your father. Believe me—I know what you’re feeling. I lost mine when I was ten years old.”

“I just don’t understand why this is happening.”

Arrie handed her a napkin. “Come, it’s time that you got some sleep. You’ve had a rather long day and week from the sound of things. But first, let’s go find Darian and make amends.”

He offered her his arm, and they left the people, music, and dancing behind and stepped out into the chilly night air. She blew her nose with the napkin. She didn’t feel like talking to the unfriendly young man.

She followed Arrie down the main road, and when her eyes had adjusted to the darkness, she spotted a tall figure standing on a bridge a few hundred feet away. It was Darian leaning over the railing, staring down into the water in quiet contemplation.

Arrie stopped her. “Let me go talk with him first. You wait here and come down in a few minutes.”

Marisa said nothing but just nodded and watched as Arrie hurried down to Darian. She gazed up into the heavens, stunned to see millions of stars. The sky was pitch black. Somehow the skies seemed so much darker than on Earth.

She waited impatiently as the men discussed something for several minutes. Each of the men took turns glancing up at her. Darian’s arms were crossed in defiance as he shook his head at Arrie.

At last Arrie motioned to her, and she walked to the bridge.

“Mar-eesa, I am sor-ry,” Darian began, emphasizing her name.

“
What!
You can speak English?” she exclaimed. “You made me think you couldn’t understand anything I was saying!”

“I must first make sure you are not a spy,” he said, his rich accent enveloping each syllable. “And it has been a lit-tle while since I spoke English.”

“Darian, please, I’m not a spy, okay? I can barely manage my own life right now.”

“I am very sorry about your father,” he offered. “Please ac-cept my, ah—condolences.”

“Thank you,” she said, loving the way he pronounced her name. “Listen, I don’t know yet what is going on, but I’m just a high school grad with an uncomplicated life. Or at least that’s what I used to think.” She smiled shyly at him. “You probably have no idea what I’m talking about, do you?”

“I think I do,” Darian said, revealing a stunning grin.

Arrie stepped in. “Pardon my intrusion, but Your Excellency, the hour is getting late, and we need to get some rest. Tomorrow we have a long journey ahead of us,” he said.

Darian hesitated but finally nodded. The three exhausted travelers returned to the inn and trudged up the stairs.

As they reached the door of Marisa’s room, Darian stepped up to unlock it for her. She stood close enough to feel his warmth and noticed that he was a full head taller than she was. He opened her fingers and gently placed a small key in the palm of her hand. She looked up into his face and his eyes locked on hers. In only a fraction of an instant, she saw an intense sadness buried somewhere in their depths.

“Good night,” he said softly.

She paused before entering the room. She quickly turned to say goodnight, but they were already down the hall, quietly discussing something in their own language. She closed the door and slipped out of her dress and into her T-shirt before climbing into bed.

As she laid waiting for sleep to fall, Marisa’s thoughts drifted back to Darian. He was unquestionably the most attractive man she’d ever seen. Truth be told, there weren’t very many fabulous-looking guys in the small town of Jacksonville. But even if there were, none could match his striking appeal.

Beyond his good looks, he had an air of quiet sophistication about him. It was almost as if he had already seen and done far more than most people in their entire lifetime. She listened to the music still playing below in the tavern and was haunted by the image of his piercing eyes. Their color reminded her of the seaweed she and her dad used to find washed up along the beach.