Lucan bent down and picked up a branch. He tossed it casually into a pile that was nearby. All around, he saw that the once twisted trees that he remembered from an earlier visit had grown through the building that once surrounded the Way. Most of the windows were now broken, and the faded curtains that covered them were shredded and in a heap. Nature had overtaken the already dilapidated structure, giving what was left an earthy odor.
Ghera moved around the space, carefully picking things up and studying them. “This place is almost completely dead.” He touched the trees and frowned. “It was never very inviting. Are you ready to go?”
Alin held tightly to his brother and surveyed the area. “They lived like this when you met them?”
Alix said something quietly.
“What did you say?” Alin asked.
Alix cleared his throat. “I was repeating something Orex had told me. He said they never felt at home wherever they went. Always on the move, never feeling safe, never feeling welcome.”
“Did he ever talk about me?” Lucan asked.
“Yes. He said it took a long time to put his hatred for you behind him, even when the truth came out.” Alix pointed to Ghera. “He wanted to talk to you but never got the chance.”
“Talk or beat?” Ghera snarled.
“I am sure, in the beginning, he wanted you dead, but being isolated gave him time to think.” Alix looked at Alin. “He was very proud of Dack.”
“That’s nice,” Ghera interrupted. “Now what do we do with that urn.”
Lucan stepped forward. “Do we just leave it and go?”
“He mentioned there were several places he was fond of, but I’m not sure if they are nearby.” Alix looked at the urn. “How much time do we have?”
“What do you have in mind?” Lucan asked.
“Maybe if we go outside, we’ll see a nice place to put that, and then we can go. A big tree with lots of shade near a stream or somewhere better than this”—Alix waved his cane— “depressing dump.”
Alin began walking toward what looked like a suitable exit while helping Alix. “Laird won’t miss us if we take a few minutes.”
Lucan followed, carrying the urn, and Ghera walked behind, kicking little bits of stone that littered the ground. When they were all outside, it became obvious that beauty was a long way off.
“I think this might have been a mistake.” Lucan put the urn down and held his hand up to shield his eyes as he looked for anything but sand and clusters of tall weeds. “This place was never this bad. I don’t see anywhere that’s nicer than here.” He picked up the urn and looked at the others. “Do you agree?”
“Let’s get this over with.” Ghera looked around nervously. “Something or someone is watching us right now. I can feel it.”
“Any guesses as to what?” Lucan turned looking for any signs of its location. “We will need to protect Alix if we have to run, okay?”
Alin nodded. “Put the urn down, and we can all follow you back to the Way. If I tell you to move, are you ready?” Alin asked Alix.
Alix began shouting something in another language as he walked away from the others. “Over here,” he called pointing with his cane. “Follow me.”
“He’s speaking Shadow Cult,” Lucan sighed. “I don’t understand everything, but he’s naming colors or something like that.” He caught up to Alix. “What are you saying?”
“I’m talking to the one that is watching. Can’t you see her?” Alix smiled at Lucan. “Orex said they were beautiful.”
“We need to leave now.” Ghera began running for the Way. “Trust me, she’ll kill us all.” He almost made it inside before something wrapped around his ankles, tripping him. “Let’s go, don’t just stand there. She’s coming for me.”
Alin watched as something approached Ghera. He wanted to step in front of the figure and hold out his hands in a friendly posture. As he moved though, he saw something blur toward him and felt it connect with his eyes. Alin’s tears formed, and he needed his hands to wipe away the powder that also coated his face. A blow to his right shoulder and then his left knee put him on the ground, close to unconsciousness.
Lucan rushed forward, trying to tackle her from behind but received a similar treatment. When he turned, she planted the pole used on Alin in the ground and kicked Lucan solidly in the chest with both feet as she swung around. Another whack to the back sent him down, trying hard to breathe.
Alix shouted something, and she looked at him.
“Orex?” she asked and then spoke something in return. He nodded and pointed at Ghera, who was trying to untangle himself during the distraction. She turned and pointed her pole at him.
“Give her the book now, Ghera. If you don’t, we will all die like you said.” Alix shuffled closer, intent on helping Alin and Lucan. “She knows who you and Lucan are, so only the book will save us now.”
Ghera reluctantly produced the book and held it out to her. “It’s all yours.” He grinned as he continued to loosen the rope holding him immobile. She took it and tapped him on the head with it. After moving a small distance away, she opened the book and began looking through it.
Alin sat on the ground, trying to let his tears clear the powder. “What is going on, Alix?”
“I told her that we came to return Orex’s body and his book to its home.” Alix looked at her and smiled. “She is beautiful, don’t you think?”
“All I saw before she blinded me was shimmering white. She was there, but it was like I could only see her outline and not much detail.” Alin looked at her again. “I can see her better now. She’s sickly pale like the other Cult, not too beautiful if you ask me. At least she doesn’t shave her head like most of the men do.”
“Orex told me the men are trained to blend in with the dark and the women are trained in the light. Something about their cloak helps you to miss seeing them in the right light. When I got closer I saw her even though you couldn’t.” Alix helped Lucan sit up. “Are you okay?”
“She knocked the wind out of me. What is she doing now?” Lucan felt his sides and took a few deep breaths.
“She is reading what Orex wrote about you and Ghera. Orex kept a log of important events since arriving on Storality, up to his death. He thought his people should know even if he never returned. I am not sure what she is going to do, but at least you know.” Alix could tell Lucan was concerned about the outcome, so he stood up. Alix said something, and she answered.
“What now?” Ghera asked, finally being able to stand up. “What did she say?”
“Iris.”
“What does that mean?” Alin asked as he and Lucan stood up.
“That is her name. Pretty nice one too.” Alix winked at Alin.
“Can’t we just sneak away while she’s reading?” Ghera pointed. “We’re closer now.”
“Theterm?” she asked, looking at Ghera. She looked at Alix and read something from the book.
Alix nodded and looked at Ghera. “She wants to know why you hated Theterm.”
Ghera looked at the ground and kicked the dirt. “I’m not sure how much Laird will want me to say.”
“What kind of answer is that?” Lucan demanded.
“He used my people and stranded them on another world.” Ghera looked at Iris. “Tell her I did to her people exactly what someone did to mine.”
“You can’t tell her that.” Lucan crossed his arms. “Is that even the truth?”
“Ask Theterm.” Ghera tapped his nose twice. “Wait, he’s not here.” He looked at Alix. “Tell her what I said.”
Alix relayed the message, and she said something else. “She said she was sorry that happened to you and your people. What do you think should happen to Theterm for doing that?”
“I am not falling for that.” Ghera wagged his finger at Alix. “Whatever I say is what she’s going to do to me.” He stomped his foot. “Honestly, now all I want is to go home, but Laird said only Jory knows the name of the Way to my real home. Theterm and Lucan can help me rescue my people from the other world, but ultimately, I need Jory’s help. Tell her all that.”
Alix did, and she looked at Lucan and said something.
Lucan furrowed his brow because he understood some of it, but he shrugged. Iris held the book out to Ghera and smiled.
“What is going on?” Alin asked as Ghera secured the book again.
“She said Orex wanted no harm to come to Lucan. Also, it is now her responsibility to see that Ghera makes it home safely. Orex wanted to end the cycle of violence and put things right.”
Alix nodded to Iris, and she spoke some more. “First, however, we have to go tell her people that she is going to leave with us.”
“Do you think any of the others will want to come with us?” Alin asked.
“The Alkaskre don’t stand a chance against her, let alone a bunch more of her kind.” Ghera was very happy and again reached for the vial of medicine he carried but remembered what Laird said.
“I need Laird to tell me her plan before I ruin it,” Ghera thought.
By the time they arrived where Iris wanted them to go, the sun was beginning to set. Since Alix was the only one that understood her completely, she held his arm tightly as they all walked at his pace. Both talked in hushed tones and would erupt in laughter on occasion. It was obvious that he had a lot of questions, and she was happy to answer each one.
At the end of a dirt path that led into a thick forest, she stopped and told them to wait. She moved quickly and gracefully into the inky darkness ahead, disappearing without a sound. The others felt a bit nervous, but no one spoke or moved during her absence. In front of them, dozens of lights appeared as if floating in the air, approaching rapidly and spreading out as they drew closer.
A deep hollow sound echoed through the woods in front of them, and Iris appeared again. She informed them that they were welcome to enter and waved them on with an encouraging smile. When no one moved, she grabbed Alix’s arm carefully and helped him through the fallen debris in the growing dusk.
The lanterns of all those around them illuminated the path as they went deeper. Each of them also realized that there was no chance of leaving if the Shadow Cult suddenly stopped being helpful. A mix of different-colored cloaks moving outside the fringe of the light let them know that a sizeable group was following their every step.
In a clearing, there was a ring of bright torches with a large carved stone in the center. As they approached, the other Shadow Cult closed around them in an almost perfect circle. Iris stopped and so did the others. She walked over to Ghera and gently took Orex’s cloak. After putting it on, she approached the rock and climbed on top. She began speaking loud enough for all those gathered around to hear.
“What is she saying?” Ghera asked Alix quietly. Alix shushed him and kept listening.
Ghera walked over to Lucan and stood behind him. “Do you understand what she’s saying?” Lucan ignored him as he was having some difficulty translating all the words fast enough.
Iris pointed to Ghera, and everyone began looking at him. “She wants the book,” Alix said to Ghera. “Please give it to her again.”
Ghera took out the book and held it over his head so everyone could see it as he walked up to Iris. She smiled at him as she took the book. There was a murmur from the crowd, and she looked intently in the direction of the disturbance. She pointed at the dissenters and motioned for them to come forward. Two figures in dark-gray robes moved to the front of the crowd and stood with their arms crossed.
“Now what?” Alin asked.
“They want to kill all of us.” Lucan pursed his lips and stared at Ghera, who was still standing near the rock. “Blood for blood. That’s what they want.”
Iris tapped the book and stepped down from the rock. She walked over to the two older Shadow Cult men and gave it to one of them. He looked at the cover then the edges and opened it. After flipping through it, he handed it back to Iris. She walked back to the rock, stood on top of it again, and began speaking to the crowd.
Lucan knew that Iris wanted him to step forward, so he did, and stopped next to Ghera.
“Do you have any idea who Iris is?” Lucan asked Ghera.
Ghera shrugged.
“Orex’s daughter.” Lucan said.
“We are going to die, aren’t we?” Ghera looked nervously around the area.
“Well, at least they’ll kill all of you.” Lucan nudged Ghera.
Iris touched Lucan and Ghera on the top of the head, and they both looked up at her. She kept talking to the crowd and then stepped down. Putting her arms around both of them, she led them over to Alin and Alix.
Alix began clapping and shook his head slowly as he studied Iris’ happy expression. He said something to her and then said, “That was wonderful.”
“I do not understand,” Alin said, feeling confused.
“Iris told them everything. They did not believe that Orex would let Ghera and Lucan live for what they did, but they saw it for themselves. She told them she would go with us and return with the other Shadow Cult that don’t want to stay on Storality.” Alix laughed. “You’re usually the smart one, brother.”
Alin looked at Iris and bowed. “Thank you.”
She smiled and nodded.
Iris said something to Alix, removed the cloak, and then put it on him. She gave the book to Ghera and he put it away.
“We won’t have to walk back,” Alix announced. “Iris has arranged for a cart. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a little tired.”
They followed the path out of the forest and found a cart ready for them. Lucan said something to Iris and she grabbed him by the hand and helped him into the back.
“What’s wrong, Lucan?” Alin asked.
“Those lizards are the same kind that burned down your home, right?” Alix asked.
“Yes. Iris assured me that they are tame.” Lucan rubbed his chin. “What happened that night is still a very powerful memory.”
“I could get rid of that for you,” Ghera grinned. “Only temporarily, of course.”
“Do you really think that is funny?” Lucan reached for Ghera, but Alin held him back. “Your manipulation of my mind is what got us all in this mess. Stay away from me, do you hear me?”
“I was joking,” Ghera said humbly. “I’m sorry.”
“I will gladly send you back where I found you.” Lucan sniffed when Ghera’s expression hardened. “Not too funny, is it?”
“This is not the time to have everything fall apart.” Alin locked eyes with Lucan. “Do you hear me? All of us have to work together to get through this. We’ll go back to Laird, find out what to do next, and then move on.” He looked at Ghera. “We need you too.”
Ghera put his hand out to Lucan who huffed and then shook it.
“Good. Laird will be wondering where we’ve been,” Alix said as the others helped him on to the cart.
Laird tried to hide her anger when Lucan stepped through the Way. She ruffled the feathers on the top of her head and quickly walked up to Lucan as the others appeared behind him. Lucan could tell she was mad, so he merely nodded and tried to go around her. With great force, Laird placed her hand on Lucan’s chest, stopping him from going any further. When she saw Iris, her hand dropped quickly.
“Where is Orex?” Laird whispered in Lucan’s ear.
Lucan stepped back and motioned for Iris to greet Laird. When Laird began speaking Shadow Cult, they all gathered around.
“What were you thinking?” Laird said to Lucan.
“It was her idea to come with us. We can use all the help, right?” Lucan pointed to Omeran. “Looks like Fixx and Maggie had the same idea. What’s next?”
“You all disappear for hours, and I’m supposed to let that pass without saying anything?” Laird was furious. “I had a plan, and now it has to be altered because you went your own way without checking to see if that was okay.”
“We thought you would understand if we returned Orex’s body to his world,” Alix said crossly. “In any event, I’d like to thank you for sending the others to bring me back.”
“Body?” Laird looked around the group for Orex.
“I have the book,” Ghera said, holding it up for her to see. “That’s the only reason you sent us. Isn’t it?”
Laird took it and breathed a sigh of relief.
“What’s so special about it?” Maggie asked.
“What did she have you get?” Ghera asked.
“Something wrapped in seaweed.” Fixx looked around. “It’s gone though.”
“We are running out of time.” Laird moved away from the crowd surrounding her. “Dack is in danger. Do you want to rescue him or not?”
“Of course,” Alin said. “What about the Alkaskre?”
“Plans have been made to keep most of them occupied. I will make it so the Way will stop more troops from entering. You will still have Merson and a few of those guarding him to contend with, but no one else will be able to open a Way to Storality. Maggie can keep me up-to-date with our bond.” Laird put her hand on Maggie’s shoulder. “Are there any questions?”
“Where is Dack?” Fixx asked.
“As far as I can tell, he’s being held in the Southern Territory’s castle. When I alter the Way, it won’t be long until Jory will know. He will most likely tell Merson to kill Dack, so be quick.” Laird looked at Lucan. “If Dack dies, then you will all be on your own. He is the only one that knows the name of the Way here.”
“How are we supposed to get to the castle quickly? It isn’t close to the portal area fortress,” Alin said.
“The piece of the Way that Theterm gave to Dack will be given to you when you arrive. It has been reacquired from Merson.” Laird looked happily at Fixx.
“Is that a nice way to say stolen?” Fixx clapped. “I might use that.”
“Is there anything else we should bring back?” Ghera asked Laird.
“Dack is enough.”
Laird sized up Ghera. “I see you did not use that vial,” she whispered in his ear. “To get what you really want, you will need to use it at the right time. Be selfish for a little while longer.”
Ghera growled and pointed at her. “This had better not be some elaborate plan to get rid of Jory so you can control the Alkaskre.”
“I told every one of you I was planning to betray you all.” Laird poked Ghera. “If it doesn’t look that way, then I can’t close the trap in the end.” She opened the Way to Storality. “I think Alix should stay with me, don’t you think?”
Alin started to object but could tell that Alix would not be able to handle much more. “You will be missed,” Alin said, hugging his brother.
“I’ll make sure Laird isn’t plotting against you while you go free Dack.” Alix sat down on the ground and watched the others looking at him fondly. “Go ahead, I would only slow you down.”
The others quickly passed through the Way, and Laird closed it.
“I will be right out after I alter the Way on Storality.” She pointed to the control room as she moved in that direction.
“What are you really doing, Laird?” Alix asked accusingly.
“I really would like to tell you.” She moved toward Alix and leaned down. “If I do, though, your life will be in danger.”
“Look at me,” Alix said, pointing to himself. “I’m happy every time I get another breath. I gave up all hope years ago of ever seeing my brother again. I know you want to tell me.”
“You are right. I do want to tell you.” She stood up and scratched her shoulder. “What if I could give you back all those years you were separated from your brother?”
“Then I would not have had the time getting to know Orex. I’m not sure if I would want to trade that.” Alix shrugged. “Does that make sense?”
Laird smiled. “I think so.”
“There’s no guarantee spending the time with Alin would have been better than with Orex. It would be different, but there’s no way to know now. If you start unraveling all the choices you made in your life, you might not be able to stop. Is that something you plan on doing?” Alix tried getting comfortable on the hard metal floor. “I hope not.”
“That was Jory’s plan.”
“Not yours?”
“I must admit, there are some very big mistakes I’ve made that I would like to undo.” She sighed.
“Like what?”
“I let the Alkaskre convince me that wiping out my entire planet was the right thing to do. If I could stop that from happening, I would.” She sat down next to Alix. “That would be the first one I would redo.”
“If you didn’t help them, would they have killed you?”
Laird thought about the question. “Definitely.”
“Then who would be stopping them now?”
“Someone else, I guess.” She looked at Alix. “Right?”
“I don’t know. What happened must have been terrible, but you are doing what you can to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Being able to change the past sounds great, but there’s no way to know if the outcome will be more to your liking. What if you save your world but doom fifty more to a worse end?” Alix could tell that Laird wasn’t listening anymore.
“I need to alter the Way on Storality.” She stood and entered the control room. With the door locked, she flipped through Orex’s book and began reading. After a few moments, she hid the book next to Jory’s device and exited the control room.
“Thanks for listening,” she said as she sat next to Alix.
Merson looked at those lined up. Each one was struggling against their chains, fighting to free themselves. He walked as close to them without being in any real danger but still giving the appearance that he had no fear. He nodded, pointed, and tried to make the captives believe that he was the one in charge and had the power.
“Puppet,” someone called out.
Merson looked at the prisoner and smiled.
“I bet the lives of everyone here that you are nothing but a coward hiding behind the Alkaskre.” Another yelled, having nothing to lose.
“I will take that wager.” Merson took his staff and put it to the chest of the man. “Do you have anything else to say?”
“Go ahead. You’re next after all of us. Do you really think they need you?” The man laughed. “You helped form the Scarlet Brotherhood. We followed you into battle against those things Lucan brought through the Way. Look what that got us.”
“I have been working my whole life for this day. The King’s Tournament was a joke. This entire island should be run by one person.” Merson pointed to the other captives. “None of them will be alive to see it. When the Alkaskre are long gone, I will still be ruling Storality.”
Two guards entered the courtyard pushing Dack in front of them. He tripped several times as his foot got caught in the chain connecting the shackles around his ankles. Cuts and bruises highlighted the savage treatment he had been enduring in the prison cell below. The other captives lost some of their hope when he tumbled in front of them and did not move.
“Dack was your best chance at freedom,” Merson said aloud. “He saved all of you, getting you to safety before the guards stopped him. None of you had the sense to stay away, did you?” He pointed the staff at each of them. “Dack is a Whisperer of Lore just like Lucan. The Alkaskre are here to take him away and then depart. Do you really want to die for someone like that?”
Dack twitched and then moaned. Merson looked at him and then at the guards.
As Merson and the guards watched, Dack sat up and looked around. “Where am I?” He patted his ribs and winced when he tried to stand. “I think I’ll sit for a minute if you don’t mind.”
“I thought you said he was almost dead,” Merson whispered through gritted teeth to the guards.
“He was,” one answered quickly.
“Then why is he almost ready to walk around again?” Merson saw that Dack’s amazing recovery was filling the prisoners with hope. “Take them all back to the cells. Make sure Dack is separated from the others and kept barely alive. The Alkaskre want him alive if possible, but I will not risk having him inspire those captives to do something heroic. Do you understand what needs to be done?”
The guards nodded and carried Dack away as Merson motioned for more guards to remove the rest of those in chains.
When the courtyard was empty, Merson ran toward the bedroom he was now occupying. He sat on the edge of the bed and closed his eyes, reaching out with his mind to the Alkaskre. “Hello?”
Yes?
“I did what you said and rounded up those loyal to Dack. I even had him almost beaten to death as an example.”
Then what is the problem?
“He got better. I watched him healing right before my eyes. You need to come and get him now.”
Kill the others now, and I will take Dack soon.
Merson could feel sweat rolling down his face. “Is that still necessary?”
Is it still necessary to have you in charge when we leave?
“Understood. When will you be here?”
I am opening the Way now.
“Good.” Merson relaxed.
There was silence and then an angry buzzing.
Have you had any reports of trouble on Storality?
“Trouble? No, why?”
The Way has been altered.
Merson opened his eyes when he heard multiple explosions. He ran to the window in time to see more large fiery objects plummeting from the clouds, each causing the castle to shake on impact with the ground. Closing his eyes again, he tried to concentrate. “What is going on?”
We have lost contact with the ships above Storality.
“They aren’t above Storality anymore, they’ve crashed. What should I do?”
Jory has been notified.
“Who? Is that supposed to make me feel safer? Are you going to send help?”
That is impossible. Until further notice, you are on your own.
Merson felt his legs go weak, and he opened his eyes in time to catch himself. “Guards!” he called as he ran in search of help. “We have to secure this castle now,” he told the remaining guards that were milling about.
“This is as far as I dare go.” The creature with the gray-striped fur in a white robe and purple sash handed the piece of Storality’s Way to Lucan. “Most of the Alkaskre troops have been called back by Jory until another council meeting is held. He knows for sure that Laird is involved but does not know that others like myself are helping. I hope to see you all again when he is no longer a threat.” After bowing, the creature walked in the direction of the Central Territory.
“Now what?” Fixx asked, looking at Lucan.
“We get in, get Dack, and return to Laird.” Lucan looked at the castle in the distance. “Any suggestions?”
“There’s no way they’ll let us in, so maybe we should wait until its dark before trying to find another entrance,” Alin suggested.
“Why do you humans love sneaking around?” Ghera snarled. “Lucan, walk up there and tell them who you are.”
“What is that going to accomplish?” Lucan demanded.
“Don’t you think Merson will let you in? Tell him you want to work with him. With no help from the Alkaskre I’m sure he’s going to need some protection. Everyone hates him.” Ghera grinned. “Appeal to his ego.”
Maggie laughed. “Then what?”
“Lucan can find Dack and get out.” Omeran pushed up his glasses. “Right?”
“Sure.” Ghera shrugged. “That’s better than standing around. Are you up for it?”
Lucan put the piece of the Way in the pocket of his pants and looked at the others. “If I have any trouble, I’ll let Maggie know through our bond.”
“We will stay out of sight. Meet us here when you find Dack.” Alin waved, and the others moved toward a small group of trees.
Lucan ran his fingers through his hair and straightened his clothes as he approached the castle. “I am sure Merson will not be happy to see me.” He leisurely strolled closer to the main gate until he was sure someone would hear his call. “Is Merson available?” He saw some movement and was sure a few guards were watching him from the ramparts. “Please tell him Lucan would like to help.”
Through the front gate, guards could be seen lining up with swords drawn.
From above Merson appeared. “I can’t let you in.”
“I came to help.” Lucan held his arms out and spun around slowly. “I’m alone and unarmed.”
“Where did you come from?” Merson called back.
“I rode from the portal area fortress. It’s been days since I had a good meal.” Lucan put his arms down. “The Alkaskre seem to have abandoned Storality. I thought you might need some assistance.”
There was no immediate response. “The Way doesn’t work right. Did you do something to it?”
“No. I guess I’m staying here for a while then.” Lucan saw that the gate was rising up. “Should I come in?”
“With the Way broken, you must be harmless. Yes, come in, and I’ll meet you in the courtyard.” Lucan watched the guards closely as he went past them and stood waiting. As the gate lowered, he readied himself for betrayal, but none came.
Merson appeared moments later, a little winded but very excited. “It has been many years.”
“Yes, indeed. If Ghera hadn’t controlled me, things would have been very different.” Lucan pursed his lips. “Theterm’s betrayal also left me wandering for a long time. It is for his mistakes that the Alkaskre want to punish me.”
Merson looked confused. “Who is Ghera?”
“He is a creature that I met when I went through a Way to his world. His plan was to take revenge on Theterm by using me. Didn’t the Alkaskre tell you all this?” Lucan pretended to be annoyed.
“No.” Merson leaned closer to Lucan. “All they keep telling me to do is kill everyone.”
Lucan held his hand up to his mouth in mock shock. “I did not know that was their plan.” He put his hands on his hips. “What are you going to do?”
Merson could tell that the guards were listening. “I think maybe we should go somewhere private to talk.” He told the guards to return to their posts and then led Lucan to a plush sitting room.
“I never visited the Southern Territory when I was growing up.” Lucan looked around the room, walked over to the empty fireplace, and admired the knickknacks on the mantle. “This castle looks like it has been taken care of nicely. How long have you been here?”
“Not long.” Merson motioned for Lucan to sit and then did the same.
“I didn’t see anyone outside of the castle as I was approaching. Everyone is probably afraid of those falling objects.” Lucan opened his eyes up wide. “That was something, wasn’t it?”
“They were Alkaskre ships. I can’t imagine what happened.” Merson sat forward. “Do you know who Jory is?”
“I think he’s their leader,” Lucan said rubbing his chin. “I’ve definitely heard the name before.”
“Once he figures out what is happening, I guess the Alkaskre will return. I’ve got quite a few prisoners below that I’m hoping will behave until then.” Merson smiled. “Sometimes you have to strong-arm them to take away their courage.”
“Is that something you need me to help with? I could go down there and rattle some bars and tell them their favorite Whisperer of Lore is back.” Lucan pointed at Merson.” What do you think?”
Merson laughed out loud. “I don’t think you are their favorite anymore.”
Lucan furrowed his brow. “Really? Who has taken my place?”
Merson sat back and stretched. “I think I have a treat for you. There’s another one like you here. His name is Dack. He killed his share too, but for some reason, everyone seems to love him. We beat him to within an inch of his life so he would die in front of the other prisoners.”
“Really?” Lucan sat forward.
“Strangest thing, he got better quickly. Is that something you can do?” Merson eyed Lucan nervously.
“I wish.” Lucan smiled. “Do you think he’ll start stirring up the captives?”
“I am sure of it. Let’s get something to eat, and then we’ll go talk to him. Okay?” Merson stood up.
“That sounds great. I am hungry,” he said, rubbing his stomach. “Can I freshen up first?”
“Sure. Follow me.” Merson led him down a hallway and stopped. “In there,” he pointed to the nearest door. “When you are done, continue down here and I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
“Thank you so much, Merson, you’ve been a great friend.” Lucan shook Merson’s hand and waited for him to walk out of sight.
After entering the room, Lucan closed the door, and leaned his back against it. Everything is going well in here. Are you all right? he asked Maggie.
It’s boring sitting around.
Tell the others I’ll be done soon. See you later. Lucan washed up from a bowl of clean water, dried off with a clean towel, and opened the door. Surprised that there were no guards, he continued down the hall to meet Merson.
The conditions in the dungeons below were in stark contrast to the luxurious accommodations above. Lucan heard the other prisoners yelling at him and Merson from their filthy cells as they carefully kept away from the hands grabbing at them as they passed.
“Dack, you have a visitor,” Merson called through the last cell door at the far end of a dimly lit corridor, well away from the other captives.
“Leave me alone,” Dack grumbled.
“Can I give him a couple of hits?” Lucan asked excitedly.
Dack turned his face toward the door when he heard Lucan’s voice.
“That perked him up,” Lucan said, eyeing Dack sharply.
“Are you sure you want to be alone in there with him?” Merson was concerned. “He’s very wiry.”
“I’ve dealt with worse. Go ahead and open it up.”
Merson found the right key, and the cell swung open. “Thank you.”
Lucan walked in and stood in front of Dack. “Are you ready for the worst beating ever?”
Dack began laughing. “With what? Your hand?”
“That reminds me.” Lucan fished in his pocket and slipped the nut from the Way on his finger. “Merson, I just wanted to thank you for this opportunity. You’re about to see how much I truly appreciate it.”
“Anything for an old friend.” Merson laughed.
Lucan balled his fist and shook it in Dack’s face. Lucan stepped back, swung as hard as he could, but only lightly touched Dack’s forehead.
Moments later, they were both surrounded by their allies waiting outside. After the pain subsided, Lucan gave the piece of the Way back to Dack.
“It’s good to see all of you again,” Dack said as an alarm was being raised at the castle. “Well, sounds like it’s time to go.”