Page 4

Chapter Four

A fter hours of Liam and Padriag going on and on about the virtues of the other realm, Niall was more convinced he wouldn’t go. To be back in the world he’d once known, where he’d planned to raise a family and grow old with a wife, the stark reality of Devina in his life would only make him more miserable.

Finally, after pretending to relent by stating he’d think about it, the two did stop their quest to change his mind.

Each night he had but one prayer, that Devina would not come to him, and he could have an entire night of sleep.

Thankfully, that night he slept without interruption. Usually after Devina’s visits, she didn’t come to him for several nights.

A loud boom sounded, and Niall jumped from his bed and rushed to look out. It had finally happened. Meliot’s minions had breached the safeguard and would soon be descending upon their keep. Gavin and Tristan’s escape had angered the wizard, and he was determined to keep the rest of them captive.

What the wizard wasn’t aware of was that Liam’s curse had also been broken, and the Englishman was free. Unlike the other free men, Liam was able to traverse between the realms and had agreed to remain in the alter-world to keep his escape a secret.

“They’ve broken through!” Padriag called out, appearing at Niall’s bedroom door. “We must leave at once.”

Once dressed, both men rushed to a doorway in the back of the keep. It was very possible the attackers had surrounded the keep, but there was a small inner garden that would allow them to dematerialize and get away before it was reached.

With swords in hand, they raced down the stairs and into the great room. Liam was already downstairs waiting.

“The horses are east, I managed to get them to the woods.”

Together they went to the back door, and Niall pushed it open, only to slam it shut at seeing several creatures had climbed over the wall.

“The roof!” he yelled.

It wasn’t long before they got to the opening to the roof. Although Meliot had dragons, they’d not heard the tell-tale signs of their ear-piercing screeches.

Once again, being the strongest, Niall pushed the heavy metal hatch open and peered out. “They’re not here yet. Hurry.”

No sooner did they emerge onto the rooftop, than claws appeared over the ledge.

Without hesitating, they dematerialized and reappeared in the forest.

They came upon their horses only a few yards away. The steeds were not only covered in thick fur-lined blankets across their backs, but their legs were also wrapped in the same. Plush cloaks were thrown across the saddles for the men and they donned the warm coverings and mounted. As if sensing the urgency, the horses broke into a gallop, the huge beasts using every inch of their muscular legs to cross the distance between the keep and their destination.

They had to escape to Atlandia, a treacherous zone that was protected by ice storms that could freeze most humans in less than a pair of hours.

Once they crossed the border into Atlandia, they would be relatively safe. Not only was the threat of the icing a deterrent, but the royals kept huge wolf sentries that attacked intruders without hesitation.

Padriag studied the sky. “We have to make it to Atlandia before the first sun sets and The Icing begins.”

Looking up, Niall noticed there were two suns that day, one lower in the sky. By its position in the sky, it would be several hours before it would no longer be visible.

Already the wind was frigid, and he pulled the hood up over his head. The thick cloak helped, but nothing withstood the freezing temperatures that were accompanied by sleet so sharp it felt as if it cut through a person’s skin.

“Keep an eye out for the sentries,” Liam said, the blond Englishman’s head swiveling from side to side. “I sense them near.” Liam had been gifted with foresight by the powerful enchantress who had tried to help them when they’d been enchanted.

The enchantress had tried valiantly, but hadn’t been able to break their curses, yet somehow managed to give each of them a gift. Padriag had the gift of simple magic like warding and making things disappear. Niall had received the gift of healing others, Tristan the gift of strength, and Gavin the gift of seduction, much to his chagrin.

As they climbed a steep ridge, a shortcut to the castle where they’d seek refuge, the road became perilous. Despite trudging slowly, more than once, the horses slipped, the brave animals managing to remain upright.

Atlandia was a treacherous land, dangerous as it was beautiful. Tall snow-covered mountains flanked the horizon, the forest, although snow covered, was lush and majestic.

Moments later the road became barely visible as the sleet sliced through the air, the shards falling like icy sheets from the darkened sky. The falling ice was accompanied by a howling wind.

The Icing had begun.

Niall leaned over the horse, making himself as flat as possible to keep his face covered. Thankfully, the horses wore head guards that kept their eyes protected, else they too would be unable to see.

“The sun is setting,” Padriag screamed as loud sounds like thunder boomed overhead.

“It hasn’t set enough, unfortunately,” Niall called back. “Soon it will get worse.”

Liam waved an arm and held up a hand, signaling for them to stop. “Sentries should be appearing soon. Can you do something to let them know who we are?” he asked Padriag.

“Three humans traversing into the Icing should be a pretty big hint that we are idiots and therefore not a threat,” Padriag replied dryly. “I can make us invisible, but it won’t hold for long in these conditions.”

“Let us continue forward whilst keeping a steady pace,” Niall suggested.

It was hard to keep his teeth from chattering. The air felt as if he was dunked into an ice bath. Despite the cloak and warmth of the horse, he couldn’t stop the shivering. The horses seemed impervious to the cold, and he wondered if it had to do with the fact they were from that realm. The animals continued forward, their exhalations steaming in the air.

Glancing over to Liam and Padriag, he noted both men, like him, rode with their bodies flat against their horses. If they didn’t arrive to shelter soon, they would not survive much longer.

The winds shifted in direction, the sleet lessened, and finally, Niall could make out mountains to the west, which shielded the castle they were headed to. Thankfully, they’d been heading in the right directions, however, they were still at least an hour’s ride away.

Pulling his cloak tighter, he scanned the trees for the royal sentries. Movement caught his attention, and he concentrated on the area to ensure his eyes weren’t playing tricks.

“I think I see something moving,” Liam said, confirming that there was something or someone watching from the edge of the forest.

Moments later, a pack of enormous wolves seemed to materialize out of thin air. Their light gray and white fur perfectly blending with the background. The largest of the wolves, whose shoulders were as high as the top of the horse’s legs, neared and shook snow and ice from its huge head. The wolf’s light blue eyes met Niall’s.

They were the royal sentries, all shifters of some sort. This large wolf who stood before the rest of the pack had to be the shifter called Argo.

“Argo, we are here to ask for asylum from your rulers,” Padriag called out. “We had to flee from our home. It was attacked by Meliot’s forces.”

The wolf’s head slowly turned to Padriag, its eyes narrowing. Meliot and the royals of Atlandia were mortal enemies, although they’d lived in relative peace for the last decade or so, with each side ensuring they kept within the boundaries of their lands.

The wolf seemed to nod, then turned to face the pack. The wolves then formed two lines, leaving just enough room for the three men on horseback to continue in a single file.

Escorted by the wolves, the horses seemed to feel protected because they moved forward at a faster speed until galloping with the wolves easily keeping pace.

Niall wanted to cry in relief when the huge gray stone castle came into view, the magnificent structure a beacon of warmth and safety. He prayed the princesses within were amenable to allowing them to stay. The rulers were sisters, Rubiana and Esmeralda, identical except for the colors they wore. Both blonde, Rubiana always wore blood red, whilst her sister was usually draped in deep green.

Flanked by the wolf sentries, they traversed a bridge to arrive at massive gates upon which another group of wolves appeared, their yellow eyes seeming to glow in the darkness.

It was strange how these beings seemed impervious to the freezing temperatures of Atlandia.

Their guardians lifted their heads, seeming to communicate with the gate guardians because the massive structures began opening at once.

Passing into the courtyard was a shock to the senses. Huge bonfires warmed the surroundings, a welcome reprieve from the frigid temperatures outside. Niall looked up almost expecting to see some sort of dome that kept the heat in place. The only thing above was the cloudy sky with only one sun barely visible.

A large male approached, wearing a thick cloak over what Niall guessed was a naked body. He recognized Argo, who’s neutral expression was neither menacing, nor welcoming. The male waited for Niall, Liam and Padriag to dismount and then signaled to others, who took their horses away.

“They will be warm in the stables,” Argo stated in a deep voice. “Meliot has attacked your keep before. What was different this time that you seek refuge?”

Although Niall understood the male was in charge of the royal’s security, the questioning still angered him.

The more diplomatic Liam replied. “We are not from this realm and are limited in protecting ourselves from creatures here. Those who attacked today were much stronger and with powers we cannot defend against. Two of our group have broken away from this realm. We believe it angers Meliot.”

If Argo was surprised at the news that two of them had left, he gave no indication. Instead he nodded in understanding. “Follow me.”

They entered through an arched entryway and down a short corridor that was lit with sconces along the walls. The floor was padded with thick carpeting. They followed Argo into a space that was not unlike the largest room at their keep. Inside was a long table flanked by ten chairs on each side. Long buffet cabinets on both sides of a huge fireplace graced one wall, and on the opposite stood a dais of sorts with a shorter, intricately carved table in front of three, just as decorative chairs with tall backs.

A thin man dressed simply in a tunic and long leather breeches hurried into the room, followed by two women with a tray in each hand. The man motioned to the long table in the center of the room. “Welcome gentlemen; I hope your travels were not too perilous.”

Obviously a servant of sorts, the man seemed anxious to please. He moved around behind them as they, along with Argo, settled into chairs, then the women placed trays with bowls of warm water and cloths for them to wipe their faces and hands.

“A meal will be brought for you straight away,” the thin man stated, his eyes following their every move. Once everyone made use of the water and cloths, the thin man signaled for the women to remove the trays as he poured from a pitcher into their goblets.

“Hot spiced wine to warm you,” the thin man informed them and then added. “I am Fitz, at your service, for whatever you require.”

Padriag drank from the goblet and then looked at Argo. “Does this mean we are granted asylum?”

“Their highnesses had agreed to give you asylum when Tristan asked during a visit. We expected you would come ... eventually,” the wolf shifter replied and leaned back into the chair, drinking deeply from his goblet. “I am sure they will speak to you tomorrow.”

The rich aroma of spices wafted through the air just before the same pair of women returned. One set a basket filled with enticing loaves of bread between them, the other woman placed deep bowls of a thick broth with chunks of meat and what looked to be carrots and potatoes in front of each of them.

Despite not thinking he was hungry, Niall ate every bit of the stew and an entire loaf of the freshly baked bread.

Their goblets were refilled as they ate, and they drank their fill.

“We appreciate the princesses’ hospitality,” Niall said to Argo, who nodded in response.

“Can I ask,” Padriag said, “why do you seem impervious to the cold?”

Argo’s large shoulders lifted and lowered. “Our species is native to this region. Some of us do not live in structures, but out in the wild, or in huts. We have thick undercoats to keep us warm. We are bred for surviving here.”

“Makes sense. That’s awesome,” Padriag replied.

“If you are ready, I will show you to your bedchambers,” Fritz exclaimed in a tone that was much too cheerful for the occasion.

Leaving Argo in the dining room, they followed the thin man up a stairwell to the third level and there they were shown a large chamber. The first thing Niall noticed was that they would be sharing a set of rooms. The spacious bedroom had four beds and next to it was a small sitting room and another room he assumed was a bathroom.

Padriag made a beeline for the bathroom. “I wonder if they have running water.” The knight peered into the room. “Nope, there’s a basin and several large pitchers full of water and chamber pots. I hate chamber pots.”

Only one thing worried Niall. Would Devina find him there? If so, what would occur if his friends tried to wake him during the time she had taken him away in his sleep? How could he possibly keep the secret of what happened to him?

Liam studied him. “Is something wrong Niall?”

Looking around the room, he tried to figure out which bed would serve him best. “I do not like being here. Having to seek asylum for the rest of our days here.”

“I foresee something interesting,” Liam began. Niall froze, not wanting to hear what Liam had to say. The Brit’s abilities to see the future was yet another thing to worry about.

“I see you going places, some sort of travel,” Liam continued. “It’s probably just your trips back and forth to see Tamara.”

Padriag walked out of the bathroom, a chamber pot in hand. “So what the hell am I supposed to do with this?”

“Put it back,” Liam yelled, “For god’s sakes, I know you didn’t just walk out carrying your shit. They have servants to clean up.”

“So I just leave it?” Padriag scowled. “Fine, but it’s going to be stinky in there.”

“It is getting smelly in here,” Liam retorted, holding his nose. “Go away.”

After an eventless night, Niall woke and stretched from under the thick coverlets in a bed so comfortable, it was tempting not to complain about staying there for the foreseeable future.

Liam was sitting up in his bed, his blond hair askew, a frown between his brows. “I will have to return to the other realm in a few days.”

Having met his partner, a man called John Stewart, Liam’s dour disposition had softened significantly. That Liam remained more in this realm, to help the two who remained there, was admirable.

“I want coffee,” Padriag said with a loud yawn. “I bet they don’t have coffee here.”

Throughout the many years trapped in the alter-world, Padriag was the one who’d kept in touch with the changes in society. He spoke in modern English, which admittedly was helpful. However, the knowledge of how things had changed meant Padriag was constantly complaining about the lack of amenities in this realm.

After a knock on the door, Fritz and the ever present two women entered the room. “Good morn gentlemen. I have fresh clothing for you to wear when greeting my princesses. Once you have completed your morning ablutions, I will accompany you to the throne room.”

The women walked out and returned with bowls of warm water and cloths; then they walked out.

“I will be right outside,” Fritz announced with a wide grin, he walked out and closed the door.

“That guy is way too cheerful. Its creepy,” Padriag grumbled.

From his position on bended knee, Niall looked up at the two princesses. Their breathtaking beauty did not distract from their distant royal demeanor. The sisters waited for them to plead their case although they were already aware of why they were there.

“Your Highnesses, Sir Padriag Clarre, Sir Liam Murray and I, Niall McTavish, Duke of Lennox humbly request asylum from you and your people. In exchange for our swords which we pledge to you.”

“Please rise,” Rubiana, the princess robed in red, told them. The three knights stood, hands on the hilts of their swords signaling fidelity to the crown.

“You come at a good time.” The other princess’ gaze fell on him. Esmeralda’s ice blue gaze shone unnaturally, and he wondered what kind of entity the princesses were, and if they also were able to shift as well. “Our villages on the valley side have been attacked by Meliot’s minions. They have defended themselves valiantly, but it’s time for us to put a stop to this.”

Rubiana addressed them next. “In two days we will dispatch guards to Middlesex for protection and to ensure that when Meliot’s fighters appear, they learn our people are not without protection.”

She looked over to where Argo stood to the side of the thrones. “These noblemen will travel with you to Middlesex.”

“If I may be so bold to ask another favor,” Niall asked before they were dismissed.

“Speak, knight,” Esmeralda said, curiosity evident as she leaned forward.

“I request permission for us to go to another realm from within the castle walls. We have business to attend to there that is important in our fight against Meliot.”

The princesses looked at one another, both silent. Niall suspected by their cocked heads that they communicated telepathically. Finally, Rubiana looked at him. “Permission is granted, but you must wait until after returning from Middlesex.”

That was not an acceptable option. Niall went to speak but Liam cleared his throat, and he hesitated.

“Your Highnesses, if I may be so bold as to request that at least one of us be able to return to the other world if only to advise our allies about what happens.”

Again the Princesses were silent. Neither seemed too perturbed at Liam’s request. One thing about the Brit, his demeanor always seemed to smooth the way for easier negotiations of any kind.

“Permission is granted. Send the young one,” Rubiana told them.

Niall ground his teeth. He’d given his word to Tamara. A knight did not break his word.

Wolves approached.

They’d been dismissed.