Lucan lit the lantern after he was sure he wasn’t followed. Holding it high above his head, he turned slowly, checking one more time for any motion. Certain that he was alone, he sat with his back against a large tree. He put the lantern down cautiously as he prepared himself to look once again in his bag.
There has to be something I missed, he thought.
His bag had been the one thing that made the trip from Storality into exile and back. He thought he had lost it when the others were captured, but it was left abandoned near the Way. The remaining allies he was currently working with were still sleeping while he tried to understand why Theterm’s life was worth saving.
He sent me away to die, he thought as he pressed the back of his head roughly against the tree.
One by one he removed items from the bag and placed them next to him. When the bag was empty, he placed it on the ground and surveyed what was arranged around him. He reached for a piece of paper that had a picture on it and a small bit of text. The picture was faded and the caption incomplete, but he could tell it was the moon, and what was legible read, “Blood red.”
“That’s not too uncommon.” He picked up another slip of paper that had larger letters that read, “Rethe Calls for Preemptive Strike.”
Scraps of paper with partial pictures and incomplete stories collected during his wanderings left him no closer to an answer than the day he unwillingly left Storality.
“I’m so tired of this.” He gathered up the items and put them back into the bag again. “There’s too much I do not understand, but Theterm should be able to shed some light on what happened to this world.” He huffed when he saw numerous slow, blinking red dots in the sky. “How can we beat them all?” he said aloud as he extinguished the lantern.
Even though the ships were high above Storality, he was sure they now knew for sure where they were hiding.
Might as well wake everyone so we can move again, he thought as he raced toward the others.
“I want the truth,” Fixx said as he stepped abruptly in front of Lucan.
Lucan managed to stop before colliding with Fixx, but Lucan was now furious. “What are you talking about, you annoying little man,” he growled, swinging the lantern at Fixx. “I told everyone everything already.”
Fixx grinned as he easily dodged the lantern on its return swing. “No, you misunderstand me.” He frowned.
“Does anyone ever understand what you are talking about?” Lucan said as he pushed past Fixx. “You really are wearing my patience thin with your silly games.”
“Stop!”
Lucan turned and saw Fixx standing with his hands on his hips, tapping a foot.
“Okay, I’ll play along. What truth did you want that I did not already give you?” Lucan said.
Fixx smiled broadly as he stepped close to Lucan. “Which was it?” Fixx asked quietly.
Lucan knelt down so he was closer to Fixx’s level. “I really do not understand you,” Lucan sighed, rubbing his temples. “What are you talking about?”
“Did you see me or hear me?” Fixx asked, looking intently at Lucan.
“Were you spying on me?” Lucan lunged at Fixx but only managed to grab air. “I wanted to be alone!”
“We are all working together now. There is no sneaking off, especially now that there are others looking for us. What’s in the bag that is so important that you would risk all our lives?” Fixx walked close to Lucan again. “Should I take it?”
Lucan laughed in Fixx’s face. “You are very strange.” Lucan stood up and began walking toward their camp again.
“What’s in the bag?” Fixx asked. “I won’t tell anyone.” He tugged on Lucan’s cloak. “Please tell me.”
Lucan stopped and looked upward at the stars. “If I give you the bag, do you promise to stop following me and asking questions?”
“You have my word.” Fixx held out his hand, but Lucan just shrugged the bag off his shoulder and kept walking.
Fixx sat down and opened the bag in the bright moonlight. He pulled out some papers and looked at them. He put everything back and ran to catch up with Lucan.
“What is all that?” Fixx said.
Lucan stopped and knelt down to Fixx’s level. “Do you remember that promise you made mere moments ago?” Fixx was about to say something, but Lucan continued. “Stop following me and asking me questions.” Lucan rapped Fixx on his head and continued toward the others.
“Fine, I’ll tell Dack,” Fixx said as he sped past Lucan. “He’s not mean like you.” He disappeared into the dark.
He’s worse than a child, Lucan thought as he continued. Dack won’t make sense of it, but Laird might.
By the time Lucan arrived at camp, the others were gathering around Fixx as he was handing out pieces from Lucan’s bag.
“We need to leave,” Lucan said as he pointed up and joined the others.
“What is all this?” Dack was able to see some detail as he concentrated on the piece he was holding. “Fixx told us you think that Theterm has something to do with this. Is that true?”
Lucan looked at Laird until she looked away. “Do you have something to add?” he asked.
Laird looked at Ghera and then slowly shook her head.
“Then only Theterm can tell us what happened.”
“What does it matter?” Laird said as she stepped forward and took the bag from Fixx. “Put all of them in here so we can leave.”
When the others did not begin to move, she shook the bag. “Come on.” When all the scraps were replaced, she held out the bag to Lucan, who took it reluctantly. “Once we move to safety again, we can discuss my plans. Are you ready, Dack?” She held out her hands.
Dack moved to the center of the group, and the others put their hands on him. When he made sure he wasn’t missing anyone, he closed his eyes, concentrated on where he wanted to go, and then whispered the location. Immediately, everyone was there and then fell over, doubled in pain.
“Will it ever get easier?” Alin asked. He regained his strength first and helped Ghera stand up.
“Hopefully we won’t have to keep doing it,” Maggie said as she brushed off some dust and then looked around. “This place is new.”
“It’s my house,” Dack said. He closed the curtains and then lit a lantern.
“I thought you lived in Theterm’s keep,” Fixx said, plopping down roughly on the bed. “At least this thing is comfortable.”
“We built this place together.” Dack paused, fighting back a wave of sadness. “Anyway, your castle is probably being watched now, so we needed a new hideout.”
“At least it doesn’t smell like Fixx’s bulls,” Ghera said as he wrinkled his nose.
“We cannot stay here long,” Laird said. She sat in a chair and waited for everyone’s attention. “Escaping Storality now is our only option.”
“There is no way I am leaving Storality,” Dack said. He tried to remain calm, but his face betrayed him.
“I understand your desire to right this wrong, but you are needed elsewhere first.” Laird tried to keep her tone soft.
“If Storality falls, then I will have nothing to return to when everything is over.” Dack waited for someone else to speak. “Am I wrong?”
“The Alkaskre are everywhere.” Laird watched them all for their reactions. “Do you know what that means?”
“I know you are going to tell us.” Maggie leaned against the wall with her arms crossed.
“You know what they can do.” Laird pointed at Maggie. “They were controlling you and your world even generations after they were forced out.” Laird looked at Fixx. “They have begun again to actively destroy your world. There will be nothing to return to for you either.”
“No loss.” Fixx shrugged.
“Are you serious?” Maggie looked at Fixx with a raised fist. “We have to return now.”
“Soon, but not to save your world. We all have a part in bringing down the one that has been manipulating everyone for years. I was trying to do that covertly before we met, but now that is not an option.” Laird paused and looked at Dack, who was scowling. “Can you trust me?”
“Dack is right that Storality’s future is important. However, if you have a more convincing argument as to why we should leave, then I need to hear it.” Lucan nodded to Dack, whose expression brightened slightly. “Tell us your plan.”
Laird ruffled the feathers on her head and blinked. “We need to react exactly like we are expected. Dack can stay here for now, Maggie must return home, and Lucan must make amends.”
Lucan was about to speak, but Alin stepped forward.
“What about the rest of us?” Alin asked. The others could see he was wiping away tears. “What about my brother?”
“What would someone expect you to do?” Laird asked, cocking her head to the right.
“I guess to help find him.” Alin wasn’t sure why Laird was looking at him strangely.
“Then that is what you should do.” Laird nodded. “Ghera would be expected to follow Lucan and Fixx to follow Maggie.”
“Really?” Fixx giggled.
“What are you going to do?” Ghera asked as he quietly stuffed some of Dack’s possessions into a few pouches, which he secured to a belt he previously acquired from Fixx’s castle.
“I am going to betray all of you, of course.” Laird laughed awkwardly when the others sat quietly with blank expressions, unsure how to take her comment. “At least, that is what Jory will expect in the end.”
“Glad to see me?”
Theterm heard the words but could not tell who was speaking. He was very confused and had trouble thinking.
“Speak to me.”
A buzzing sound in his head grew louder until he could no longer bear the pain. He moaned.
“Almost. Form words. Do not give up.”
His jaw opened slowly, and he forced out a breath.
“In your mind!”
He heard a slapping noise and then felt searing pain on the right side of his head.
“I need his memories, what can you do?” Jory said as he rubbed the back of his right hand to reduce the sting of the blow. He stood over Theterm, mere inches from his face. “I asked you what can be done with him.” He turned and looked at the frail man operating the machine that was keeping Theterm immobile and in a controlled state. “Well?”
The man tried to avoid Jory’s gaze by tapping small pieces of glass on the panel in front of him. “Reduce the dosage.” He dared a quick glance at Jory. “He might die if you keep him bound and drugged too much longer.”
Jory pulled on the metal bonds keeping Theterm firmly motionless. “He cannot be allowed to speak, is that understood?”
The man nodded.
“Fine, go ahead and bring him back,” Jory said.
At first, Theterm thought he was dreaming until Jory’s face came into view. Theterm tried to sit up and then saw the restraints. He tried to open his mouth to tell Jory exactly what he was feeling, but he couldn’t remember how to speak.
What have you done to me? he shouted at Jory in his mind.
“Much better, thank you.” Jory motioned for the thin technician to hurry out of the room. Once the door closed loudly, Jory reached for a stool and sat down next to Theterm. “I wanted to confess something to you,” he whispered with mock shame. “I never liked you.”
Well, I only agreed to all this because of her. Theterm managed a wink.
“Now that you mention her, she is the only reason you are alive. Once I have what I need, your life means nothing, but if you behave, maybe I’ll let you go.” Jory jostled Theterm’s head roughly. “Shall we begin?”
Theterm heard a buzzing noise in his head and knew that Jory was trying to control him.
Get out of my head! Theterm summoned all the remaining strength he had to hate Jory in hopes of breaking the bond they shared. He felt wave after wave of pure rage fill him as he focused on only negative feelings and thoughts while staring unblinkingly at Jory’s eyes.
“Whenever you are done, let me know. I’d like to begin before your heart fails, old man.” Jory smiled when Theterm was obviously shocked. I do not need your approval to step into your head while you are hooked to this device.
Then take what you need and leave. Theterm turned away and saw the machine that was keeping him sedated.
“It pains me to tell you this, but I cannot get what I want without your help.”
Theterm licked his lips and tried to speak, but the result was another bout of confusion. Something seemed disconnected between what he wanted and what his body did.
How are you doing this?
“Great advances have been made while you’ve been away.”
Theterm turned again to look at Jory.
“I need your help and am willing to make promises for getting what I seek,” Jory said.
What do you want?
“When I get it, you will have your freedom. Storality will be left alone and your allies will be set free. Is there anything else you want?”
Theterm thought carefully about what he wanted.
No harm is to come to Dack and Lucan.
“I promise.” Jory put his hand over his heart. “Honest. Can we begin?”
Theterm considered his options and decided that helping Jory might reveal his plans and provide an idea on how to permanently stop him.
Yes.
Jory stood up and walked over to the machine. “I need you to remember the first time we met,” he said as he flipped a switch.
Theterm’s body convulsed when the dosage increased again. “Relax and remember while I watch” was the last thing Theterm heard as he drifted off into a wakeful state of twilight.
Theterm saw a younger hand reaching for a book and slowly remembered the event in vivid detail. He was not in control, only a passive observer, but subtle nuances long-ago forgotten gave him the feeling that he was experiencing it all again like never before.
“That one is selling well.” Theterm turned to see the shop owner watching him closely with an excited look. His accent was thick, but he spoke clearly. “I haven’t read it myself, but I know quite a few that have, and it comes highly recommended.”
Theterm flipped through the book and read the first page.
“Are they your parents?” the shop owner asked.
Theterm looked up to see who the man was gesturing toward, and saw a pale man with long white hair and cropped beard in an expensive suit whispering to a strikingly beautiful woman with mousy-brown hair dressed completely in black leather.
Theterm laughed as he studied the contrast between almost every detail. “I’ve never seen those two before.” He looked down again at the book.
“You are a little young to be traveling alone. Will you be okay?”
Theterm closed the book, attempting to hide his annoyance, put his hand in his pocket, and pulled out a roll of money. After doing the conversion in his head, he peeled off a note and handed it to the storekeeper.
“I don’t have change for that.”
“I do not want your change, just this book. Thank you.” Theterm picked up his suitcase and walked away quickly, avoiding the two who were definitely watching his every move. His train would arrive soon, and then he could relax and read. He sat on a wooden bench outside and looked at the book he purchased.
“She thinks you can go back and do it all over again,” someone said as Theterm was studying the cover. “I think it would just complicate things. What do you think?”
“I don’t know either of you.” Theterm looked crossly at the pair now standing behind him. “Is there something you want?”
“Yes. What is your name?” The woman sat down to Theterm’s left and leaned close. “You can trust me.”
Theterm scanned her face and noticed no blemishes or imperfections, only what he considered pure beauty. “Martin,” he heard himself tell her even though he made up his mind to keep silent. “Martin T. Rethe.” He sighed longingly.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Lyssa, and my companion is Jory.” She looked at Jory and then at Theterm. “Did you get the sense that you knew us when you first saw us?”
Theterm did not want to admit that there was a strange connection he couldn’t explain. “I thought you two looked silly whispering to each other and staring rudely. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to start reading.”
“Why did you pick it?” Lyssa asked, pulling the book slowly from Theterm’s hand. “There were several to choose from.”
“The man in the store said others liked it, so I decided to buy it. Now can you please give it back and leave me alone?” Theterm held out his hand.
Jory sat down to Theterm’s right and leaned close. “We have been following you since you entered this country. We know why you are here and where you are going. More importantly, we know what you can do.”
Theterm furrowed his brow and stared at Jory. “Are you with the police? I have all of my papers in order, I assure you.”
Jory stood up, walked away, and Lyssa followed quickly. They talked briefly.
Lyssa returned and stood in front of Theterm. “Listen, I am sorry.” She handed him the book and walked away.
Theterm watched the two of them talking and watching from a distance. After a few moments, he shook his head slowly and opened the book to start reading. A small card fell out, and he picked it up.
“Alkaskre” was the only thing written on it. He flipped it over several times, looked at the pair, and then went back to reading. Within ten minutes, his train arrived, and he boarded, watching the others carefully. His seat allowed him a view of the station and noticed neither of the two made any movement toward the train. As the train lurched forward, he waved to them and noticed that Jory was yelling and pointing at Lyssa, who did not look happy either.
Hours later, the train came to a stop, and Theterm awoke abruptly. He pulled out his pocket watch and saw it was one thirty in the afternoon. After rubbing his eyes and stretching he put the book, which had fallen from his hand when he fell asleep, into his suitcase. He was in a great mood until he looked out to see Jory waving to him from the station.
“How was the trip?” Jory reached for Theterm’s suitcase as Theterm tried to move past Jory.
“How was the book?” Lyssa asked, trying to break the tension.
Theterm looked at Lyssa, who was fanning herself.
Theterm put down the suitcase and scanned the rest of the people nearby. “I do not want to know why you are here or even how you got here faster than a train. As soon as I find my friend, my plan is to leave. If I see either of you again, I will make sure the authorities are notified.”
“I sent Zara ahead to the hotel, if that is who you are looking for.” Lyssa leaned close to Theterm. “He’s very sloppy but definitely borders on genius. Jory doesn’t like bugs the way I do, so he waited here.” She rubbed Jory’s back tenderly. “He is working on that though.”
“I would like to go somewhere to talk if that is okay.” Jory waited for Theterm to respond. “Did you hear me?”
Theterm sized up Jory before opening his mouth. “Even though I’m just a kid, I can defend myself. I know I can outrun both of you if it came to it, so don’t bother. What is so important?”
Jory pulled on Lyssa’s arm. “Let’s go. We can wait for the next one.”
Lyssa stood motionless, eyes locked with Theterm. “Do not bond with him!” Jory demanded.
A still small voice began to grow louder and clearer in Theterm’s mind as he watched Lyssa moving closer to hold his hand.
You are special.
Theterm wanted to pull away but instead covered her hand with his other hand.
“How are you doing that?”
She shook her head. No words, just thoughts.
Can Jory hear us?
No.
Good. Theterm relaxed and looked at Jory whose expression was one of sheer hatred.
I really do not like him.
She smiled at Theterm and then looked at Jory momentarily. He has forgotten how wonderful all this can be. Now he acts like a stuck-up “whisperer of lore” with little happiness. Help me help him, please. She let go of his hands and stepped back.
“What is Alkaskre?” Theterm held out the card to Jory. “I’m ready to listen now.”
“What did you say to him?” Jory asked.
Lyssa shrugged sheepishly, which only caused Jory to seethe.
“If you promise to keep no secrets from me, I will go with you to talk.” Theterm put the card in his pocket and picked up his suitcase, holding it out to Jory. “You can carry it now.” Theterm walked away, leaving Jory to carry his suitcase like an unwilling porter.
“I will entertain Zara until you two return. Hopefully he will agree to come with us too. We could really use both of you.” Lyssa put her arm around Theterm as they walked in front of Jory carrying the luggage.
“Time to wake up again.”
The scene faded slowly as Theterm tried to hold on to the feel of Lyssa’s arm. He looked down at his hand and saw that it was wrinkled, like normal.
Did you get what you needed?
“I learned a few things, but not what I had hoped for. You will need to rest before I can watch again.” Jory walked over to the exit and pushed open the door.
If you tell me what you need, I promise to tell you.
“I believe that. However, what I am looking for is something I am sure you have forgotten.” Jory watched Theterm closely until the machine caused him to become unresponsive and still. “I will return.”