Portals (16 page)

“Thanks, Aurelia. I appreciate that. There’s enough for me to worry about already. I brought sunscreen, too, if you think ours would work.”

We went to my backpack, and I handed her the bottle of a high SPF lotion. She poured a small amount onto her finger and pronounced it as usable. However, she added that the elven version would be better. Like that was a big surprise.

Staying hydrated would also be very important in this desert climate. At least it would be for the humans, and I assumed the other races as well, but of course I didn’t know for sure. I asked her about that, too.

She said that some, like the Light Ones, had a higher tolerance, but water was going to be important for all the races. I thanked her for the info and went off to find Jones.

He said there should be enough water, even if none was found that even the Light Ones and elves could use. The rest of us would be unable to use the water on Neva. However, it was possible the elves could make it non-toxic for us, if it came to that.

Thulu and Reo got first crack at the Hummers. The rest of us took our places behind the wheels of the jeeps. I noticed that all of the vehicles had extra fat tires.

With Mihren leading the way north, the caravan set out. I didn’t start right away. Watching the angels take flight was absolutely incredible. Adults and children both unfurled wings and leapt into the sky. Most of the children seemed especially pleased to be back in their home skies. They played flying games with each other, whose rules I couldn’t begin to fathom. Still they didn’t have the sheer joy human kids would have had under similar circumstances.

I’d brought a camera and pulled it out of my backpack. I snapped several pictures before starting the jeep and putting it in gear and driving off into terrain that reminded me of pictures of the Sahara Desert.

We drove for several hours, with short stops to rest. The Light Ones appeared to have amazing stamina. When they flew their bodies were almost horizontal to the ground, and it was only when they were taking off or landing that they touched feet first.

The terrain was barren, and we rarely passed any type of plant life. The sand ranged from almost pink to deep wine colors. It was quite beautiful, but so very strange. And the red sun was going to take some getting used to. It gave everything a ruddy, sunset glow.

The sun was dipping low in the west when we stopped for the final time of the evening. Jones and Stuart directed us to where the various supplies were in the vehicles. Reo, Sloane and several elves started on food.

The night was clear, so we opted to keep the tent walls rolled up for the night. Setting up camp was not nearly as onerous a task as I thought it might be. Having people capable of magic really does come in handy. Many of the elves had brought their own food, as had the fairies.

Camping stoves were set up and soon the smell of food cooking over burners began to spread through the camp. It was a good thing Jones had known there would be little to no brush for kindling.

Jones really had planned for just about every contingency. There was a good abundance and variety of food, canned and fresh. We would eat the fresh fruit and vegetables first, I guessed. However, Jones assured me the containers with the fresh food had spells on them that would keep the food fresh for weeks, if need be. Better than a refrigerator would.

I raised an eyebrow and wondered how I could get one of those magic containers for home.

There was plenty of variety, and I doubted we would get bored before we left. At least, that would’ve been true if we were on our original schedule. I hoped it was still true.

As darkness fell and the stars came out, those of us from Earth had a bit of a shock. Not that any of us expected the stars to be the same, but we sure didn’t expect what we saw. The sky was an absolute blanket of stars. Wherever Neva was located, it sure as hell was a lot closer to the center of the galaxy.

Thulu and I exchanged astounded glances as we sat gazing up at the sky. But even that brilliance was dimmed, when first one, then another moon rose to dominate the night sky.

I knew I needed sleep, but I doubted I’d be able to get much as Thulu and I connected our sleeping bags. It was too warm to actually get into them, so we simply curled up on top of them and watched the night sky.

I wondered about Carter. I missed his sweet little face as I read his stories to him. I missed his solemn demeanor when he carefully relayed messages from the dead. Only a mom for a bit over a month and he was in my heart deeper than I could have imagined.

Maybe having known him all his life helped with that. He’d always been my special boy. On some deep level, maybe I’d felt he was like me and that accounted for the connection. I’d fully expected to be indifferent to him, since there was no love lost between Lynda-Jean and me. We were polite, but never close. However, the moment I saw Carter at a few days old, I’d fallen in love with him. And I’d been able to calm him when he was upset. Something that had surprised everyone, me most of all.

“I hope someone remembered to read Carter a story before he went to sleep,” I murmured to Thulu.

I saw his teeth flash white in the bright moonlight and knew he’d smiled at me.

“I’m sure they did,” he replied, just as softly. He pulled me close and we continued to watch the sky.

In spite of missing Carter and my fascination with the stars and Neva, I did sleep. For a while, anyway. I awoke in the middle of the night with a roar in my ears. I blinked up at the strange sky a few times and the sound ended as quickly as it had begun. Maybe it was the different air pressure or something affecting my ears. I was too exhausted to give it much thought and soon fell back to sleep. And slept pretty solidly too, since it took a gentle shake from Thulu to wake me up the next morning.

The camp was already getting ready and packing up. We ate some protein bars and called that breakfast. Thulu had managed to get his usual cup of coffee. I was about to pour a cup for myself, looking at the pot sadly, when Jones showed up. He gave me a formal bow and with a flourish presented me with an ice cold can of Coke. I could have kissed him.

“I’ve heard you are not quite human, unless you have this to start your day.”

“Oh my god, Jones, you have saved my life.” I answered with a grin.

He simply smiled and sauntered away, whistling, obviously pleased with himself. Well, hell, I was pretty pleased with him, too.

Thulu dimpled at me, and we toasted with our morning beverage of choice. It was a good start to the day.

Reo practically danced around camp. He was certainly in his element. I never would have taken him for the camping type. In fact, anyone who had seen him perform as the sultry Brandy Malone would have been surprised. But he seemed completely happy and carefree.

I wondered how much of that had to do with Sloane and how much with not having to worry about his show or his self-imposed duties patrolling the night streets of San Francisco. Probably both, I decided.

Stuart was more subdued and I felt that maybe he wasn’t as thrilled to be here. Since he was Jones’s assistant and chauffeur, he went where Jones did. That didn’t mean he loved it all, though. Stuart was always the perfect employee, so it was hard to tell if he was unhappy. He’d stayed by Jones’s side, I’d give him that. Or maybe he just wasn’t a morning person. I could surely relate to that.

The rest of our party was busy and soon the camp was packed up. We got back in the vehicles and followed the Light Ones’ lead once more. It was my turn to drive one of the Hummers and it drove like a dream. Not that I’d expected anything less.

That day was much like the one before it. As was the third day. Follow the flock of angels, drive, stop, eat, rest, move on again. The terrain never seemed to change. It was one gigantic desert, with few landmarks to tell you where you were.

When we stopped on the third night, I asked Jones if the whole planet was desert, but he said he didn’t know the planet at all, since no daemon had set foot on this world before this week. At least, none that was recorded in their history. If any had gone through the portal, they had disappeared completely from their records.

Thulu frowned. “Isn’t that a bit weird, Jones?”

Jones started to answer, but stopped. He looked back and forth at us thoughtfully for several long moments. “Yes, Thulu, it is very weird, now that you mention it. We are not usually a curious people. In fact, I am probably my people’s most curious person. It is one of the things that sets me apart from my own kind. I do not think any of us questioned it when we were told to never cross into Neva. There is no punishment for doing so, but the implication has always been that we would die if we did so. Presumably killed once we got here. That is why none of the other daemons accompany us on this mission. My brother begged me not to go.”

Thulu had that look on his face that meant he was on to something. “Maybe it wasn’t death, Jones. But when you came through, the portal disappeared. Maybe that’s why you were cautioned against going through. It’s a one way trip between the two worlds.”

“Yet, the Light Ones came through and slaughtered our people. They were able to pass through with no problems and returned the same way.”

“Somehow, it was tied only to the daemons.” Thulu nodded, as if to himself. He didn’t usually “find” abstract things. Only people and things. But every once in a while he found a “truth” and once he did, you could count on it.

“Wait, what about when you had the supplies sent through? Didn’t daemons come through?” I asked.

Jones shook his head. “No, only the acolytes from Earth and a few elves. They opened a portal to the Neva portal as soon as they got to Phaete.”

It was an interesting theory and certainly explained why the portal closed right behind the only daemon in our party. Jones said he would mention it to the others and see if anyone else had information on the portal. The goblins kept excellent records, according to Jones, and it could very well be in their chronicles.

While finding the reason the portal closed might lead to a way to re-open it, nothing was going to happen until we hooked up with the others.

Three days of unrelenting heat and crimson sand had sapped my strength. I wanted to know how much more of the desolation we had left. As stunning as the desert was, with its shifting reds, I was pretty much done with it. Also, I desperately wanted a shower. Using a bunch of wipes might work, but it sure didn’t make me feel clean.

 I sought out Mihren and asked him if the entire planet was nothing but desert. He smiled slightly and shook his head.

“We have some areas that are quite beautiful, with many forms of plant life. We should reach the mountains tomorrow. They are not very high, but there are a number of ranges one after the other. It may take us a day or so to get through them with the vehicles. On foot, it would take much longer. Obviously, flight is the preferred method of travel, as that reduces the trip to only a few hours. Several of us will scout through and find a path for you to travel in your vehicles. Among the mountains are our forests. That is where the settlement is that has become the gathering place for all of us.”

I asked after his people and he politely told me they were anxious to join the rest of the Light Ones. He said it was a historical gathering. That all of the three million Light Ones would be gathered in one place for the first time ever, to his knowledge.

I was suitably impressed and said so. I thanked Mihren for his information and returned to Thulu and Reo and filled them in on what he’d said. Finding the group of elves working on the cure and seeing how their progress went seemed to be our only option at that point. So push on is what we’d have to do.

The thing is, I wasn’t as worried as I’d been the first day. I was only mildly concerned that we might be later than we’d told the family, even though I wasn’t thrilled that we would have no way of letting them know. I hoped that Parker wouldn’t panic when he discovered the portal was closed, but that he’d go to Nana Fae and Mama Deb. He was one smart kid, and I figured that’s what he would do.

The next morning, we broke camp, and topped off the gas in all the ATVs from the cans Jones had brought. The cans always seemed full, and I wondered if they had been magicked into staying that way. We headed out with a little more excitement than on previous mornings. Knowing there was an end to the desert, perked up all of our spirits. And indeed, we spotted the smudge of mountains on the horizon about two hours into the drive. The terrain became harder packed and there were even some bushes across the foothills in bright blues, yellows and purples.

Mihren had flown ahead, to scout as he often did. As we got closer to the mountains, he flew back and told us to veer slightly east. There was a decent pass that should accommodate the ATVs, with only a little bit of clearing using elven magic.

I was back in a jeep that day and followed behind the rest of the caravan as we began our ascent. While the sand had given way to something a lot firmer, it also included more rocks. The ride became a lot rougher than before.

Mirhen flew alongside my jeep for a few moments.

“It’s already cooler, La Fi,” he shouted at me in an almost chipper tone.

“If you say so!” I answered back.

He waved and flew up and pulled ahead.

I didn’t notice that the weather was any cooler. Of course, when you reach a certain point over a hundred degrees, it all feels the same. Unbearably hot. At least there was no humidity to complicate matters.

It took careful maneuvering and we stopped to remove hard, red and grey boulders from the path. The elves simply waved their hands and the boulders obligingly rose into the air and moved aside. They showed special care to be sure that they placed the boulders carefully each time, so as not to start an avalanche.

It slowed down our progress, but Mihren was right and it was still faster than on foot. Tall, blue trees sprouted as we went higher, and we had to navigate around those as well.

Jones called a halt once we hit the top of the pass. Ahead were more of the mountain ranges that Mihren talked about. I had to admit they were breathtaking. They weren’t particularly high, but their colors were spectacular. I think there was every color of the rainbow spread across the sides of the mountains, mostly trees and bushes from what I could tell. I could see the striations in the rock that would have told the geological history of the area, if I’d known how to read them. And, best of all, they were a welcome change from the red desert.

We stopped and stretched our legs under those strange blue trees. Even the bark was a dark blue-green. At the top of the pass it was much cooler than on the desert floor, but it was still pretty warm. At least I didn’t feel like I was living inside an oven.

Mihren said that it could take another day to reach the settlement.

“I intend to send my child and the rest of my people ahead now. They can reach the settlement in only a few hours. I will stay and scout the way for you.”

“That is most kind of you, Mihren,” said Jones. “If you could simply draw a map for us that would be more than enough help.”

Barterian had joined us and overheard the conversation. “I shall send my child ahead, but I too, shall remain. It would take almost as much time to scout the area for a map as to guide you.” He turned to Mihren. “The more eyes, the faster it will go.”

Mihren agreed that it would indeed be faster, and he asked his people for more volunteers. Several others agreed to stay with us.

Soon the rest of the flock had taken off for their settlement. I once again admired the beauty of seeing them in the air.

After a leisurely lunch, we pushed on down the mountain and repeated the exercise on the next pass. We’d gone through several valleys and had hit the top of yet another peak as night fell.

Mihren told us we were still one pass away and suggested we stay at the top for the night.

“This is the highest mountain and has the most rocks and boulders. It will be safer here for the evening.”

We did as he suggested and spread out under the trees for the night.

The next morning, we were up with the dawn and ready to move out soon after. Everyone was excited to get to where we were going. Although, I confess I was also nervous. Considering there were about three million Light Ones on the other side of that next pass. However, knowing the elves, I was sure everything was under control. I figured if they could keep humans calm, the already placid Light Ones should be a cinch.

Mihren pointed out the path to take. I was back in a Hummer that day and we moved carefully down the mountain. As Mihren said, it took a while, with a lot more boulders and rocks to be moved, but we eventually hit a tiny flat valley that led to the final pass.  We drove carefully up this last mountain, which was just as rocky as the one before it as far as I was concerned. We finally crested the peak, and I pulled the Hummer in behind the others.

The rest of the vehicles had stopped and everyone was out of them and looking down. I joined the group to see an incredible sight. The valley was a very large oval shape, maybe fifteen by twenty miles. Countless trees and shrubs in the now familiar rainbow colors were present on the valley floor.

But what took my breath away were the angels. And from where we stood, they did look like a host of angels flying on the wind. Their hair and wings probably covered every pastel and pale color the human eye could see. And maybe even a few we couldn’t.

Mihren flew over with a shouted, “I shall go on ahead and let the leadership know you are here.” He gave a wave that was almost jaunty and flew off. Maybe being home made even the stoic Light One happy.

Jones decided we should probably just wait where we were and Belus and Aurelia agreed. We grabbed whatever came to hand to munch on and most of us just sat and watched the teeming life going on in that valley.

I didn’t see any buildings, but then Jones said that Light Ones didn’t usually build. I did see angels landing in trees and wondered if they had tree-houses. Which I thought would be totally cool.

It wasn’t very long before we saw a figure flying our way. I don’t know why I was surprised when he landed a little ways away and folded his wings to carefully make his way to us.

But then, Michael was very different from his brother, Gabriel. His hair and wings shone gold in the late morning sun. I was actually kind of glad to see him. Which is weird, considering the last time I’d seen him he’d had a dagger to my throat. The same dagger he’d later handed to me and was resting in my backpack.

He addressed Jones first. “We meet again, Dhavenbahtek. You have brought home the last of our people. For that, I thank you.”

He looked around at the rest of us and when he saw me, I got a small smile. Definitely an improvement over the dagger to my throat. Hey, sometimes, it’s the small things.

“We shall talk more, when you arrive at our Gathering. Once you come to the valley floor, an escort will show you where the elves are set up. That will be the best place for you, I think.”

With that Michael walked a short distance away and leapt into the air. His powerful golden wings caught the wind and light alike, and he flew back down the valley, coasting on a downdraft. He was a gorgeous sight, no doubt about it.

We lost no time in getting back into our ATVs and getting under way once more.

Driving down the mountain was a bit hair-raising. It was steeper than the other mountains. Finding paths that would be wide enough for the vehicles was a challenge, but we managed to do it.

We reached one area that was narrow in the extreme. It was a very rocky section, about forty feet long, with a sheer drop that went down about a hundred feet. The elves cleared the rocks and boulders out of the section ahead, but it still wasn’t smooth. Everyone got out of the vehicles, except the drivers.

Stuart was in the lead in the other Hummer, followed by Jones and Reo in their ATVs. They made it across with ease and I carefully watched them.

When my turn came, I eased my foot gently on the accelerator and then moved my foot to the brakes for the downward slope. I kept my eye focused on the narrow strip that was only wider than the Hummer was by about two feet. I kept my attention in front of me and not on the drop so close to my own window.

I was about halfway through, my heart in my throat, when my wheels lost traction. I gently pressed the brakes immediately, but my momentum down continued. One of my tires caught on a large rock or edge of the mountain or something. I lurched to the side, the side with the drop, for one heart-stopping moment.

I knew I was going over the edge and my hands became slick with sweat as they gripped the wheel in a death grip. I swear one tire was over the edge, but my momentum or, more likely, some magical help carried me past, and I eased down on the brakes once more.

After I was past the bad area, I drove on to give those behind me room to pass that evil section. As soon as I could, I stopped. My hands were shaking so bad, I couldn’t continue and simply rested my head against the steering wheel. I concentrated on taking deep breaths, very thankful I was alive.

Thulu had been right behind me. Soon my door was opened and he pulled me from the vehicle. I only had a moment to catch the fear and relief in his eyes before he enveloped me into his arms. I stayed there trembling for some time, safe in a tight hug and in no hurry to move away.

The others gathered around me, and I felt pats on my back. I turned to them with a shaky smile, assuring them I was just scared, but would be fine. Once we had all the vehicles on this side of Evil Trail, we took a short break. Sloane came over and did his magic empath thing to ease my fears. He followed it up with a hug, which made me feel even better.

It took another hour as we proceeded carefully the rest of the way down the mountain. When we reached the valley floor, it was with a very heavy sigh of relief on my part. The first half of our journey was completed. I think we were all glad to see the end of it.

It turned out the elves had been assigned a large clearing near the edge of the forest nearest the mountain we had just driven down. We were able to get our ATVs fairly close to it. I cut the engine with another huge sigh of relief and leaned back in my seat. Not driving would be fine with me for a while. I wasn’t in a hurry to have to return up that mountain any time soon.

There were maybe another four dozen elves to add to the nine who had come with us. Some came to greet Belus, their prince, before returning to whatever they’d been doing. Most of those who had come with us joined them and left.

Thulu came over to me and took my hand. I wanted nothing more than to sit and do nothing for a little while. Setting up camp could wait as far as I was concerned, but food was an enticing idea, so we only took a short break before moving to an unused area of the clearing.

Since we weren’t sure how long we would be there, our group took a bit more care to set up a workable arrangement. The tents went up and air mattresses were inflated and put inside, along with sleeping bags. A cooking and communal area was set up in the center and camp chairs were brought out.  We set lanterns on little folding tables.

Before long, we were done and food was cooking on the stoves. It smelled like stew, and I wandered over to see Stuart heating a pot of frozen stew with all sorts of vegetables and chunks of beef.

Jones’s chef Raoul had prepared it in advance. As much as Raoul hated to do it, he had agreed to allow it to be frozen for the trip. Since his cooking was the closest to divine I’d ever eaten, I was perfectly willing to bet that even frozen Raoul stew would be wonderful.

I perched on a camp chair and asked Stuart how he was doing. He still didn’t seem to be his usual self, although he made every effort to be pleasant.

“Not much gets by you, does it, La Fi?”

“I don’t know about that, Stuart. I don’t consider myself very observant. Not like Thulu. But I can tell when a friend seems down. I’m here for you if you want to talk about it.”

“It’s okay. Simply a matter of bad timing. I had to cancel a date with a lovely lady. And cancel at the last minute, which is not cool.”

My ears had perked up. Date? Lady? I smiled expectantly.

“Really? Do tell.”

He chuckled softly. “Actually, I suppose I should thank you for distracting Jones from his former hobbies. I never would have become involved with anyone under those circumstances.”

I nodded in understanding. Jones had been involved in some very unsavory businesses. I wasn’t sure if anyone had moved in to take over his little crime syndicate, but I hoped he was slowly dismantling it. Of course, that simply meant someone else would move in to fill the void.