When the shaking and flames stopped almost as quickly as they started, everyone stood still wondering what happened.
“She did it,” Ghera said, nudging Theterm. “It’s been one big trap all along. Are all Alkaskre this devious?”
“It didn’t need to end this way,” Theterm said sadly.
“Jory was never going to stop willingly,” Zara reminded him. “You told me that on many occasions. Laird was the only one he trusted.”
“I don’t understand,” Maggie said. “Where did they go?”
“It looked like the hub we’ve been using,” Lucan said.
“Then let’s go get her,” Maggie demanded.
“Does anyone know the name of that Way?” Lucan asked.
“I do,” Dack admitted.
“Then let’s go rescue her,” Maggie said, pushing Dack. “She helped all of us.”
“That is not what she wanted. Ghera is right, that place was meant to keep them both locked away. One prisoner and one guard.” Dack knelt down next to Maggie. “She bonded with you so you’ll be able to know she’s safe.”
Maggie closed her eyes and reached out to Laird. A mixture of feelings swirled as she felt a connection. Sadness coupled with satisfaction filled her when she wondered why. Slowly, the emotion faded, and Maggie knew that Laird had broken the bond.
“It’s what she wanted,” Maggie sobbed.
Fixx put his hand on her shoulder, and she smiled tenderly.
“I hate to break up this moment, but we should go before any more of Jory’s troops arrive,” Sicar said, approaching the Way. “Anywhere but here would be fine by me.”
Lucan glared at Sicar as he put his hands out to open the Way. “I don’t feel anything,” Lucan said, looking at Dack. “Did Laird shut it off ?”
Dack stepped forward and tried. “Nothing at all.”
“We’ll have to use the other one then,” Theterm said. “Chad, can you scout ahead to see what we’re up against out there?” Chad nodded happily and ran out clinging to the shadows.
The group organized itself and moved cautiously to the outside opening.
“Well?” Farah asked as Chad reappeared, growing more human as he moved closer.
“That quake brought down the platform. Now there’s simply a long pole sticking out of the ground with a small box attached. The Way is closed, and no one is out there.” Chad shrugged. “Not sure how we’ll get up there, but no one’s going to stop us.”
Theterm looked at his wrist and then at Lucan’s. “Did Laird say anything to anyone about this bracelet?” Theterm asked, taking his off and showing it to the others.
Omeran stepped closer. “May I see that?” he asked Theterm, holding out his hand.
Theterm gave it to him, and Omeran looked at it closely. “This will act like the armor, watch.” He put it on the ground and stepped on it. Flattening out, it spread, attaching to the bottom of his boot.
“Now all I have to do is lift my foot.” Omeran stepped in the air and pulled himself up, balancing on the boot with the silvery sole. Stepping down again, he touched the ground and forced his floating foot down.
Lucan took off his bracelet and gave it to Omeran. “Laird gave us two,” he said, handing the second one to Omeran.
“We can flatten these out and create a bigger surface. If the thing touches you, then it will be easier to control going up and down.” Omeran smiled as he worked the two together into an area big enough to stand on with two feet.
“I can get up there and open the Way to Storality,” Dack said. “It’ll take a while, but we’ll all get out of here, right?”
“I’m fine with that plan,” Lucan said. “What about Jory’s guard? Where do you want to go?”
The guard was surprised that the others had remembered him and were willing to treat him kindly. “I have no reason to return to the Alkaskre. I would like to see Storality, I’ve heard a lot about it.”
“Then you are welcome to come with us,” Theterm said warmly.
Walking carefully outside, the group followed through with their plan and eventually were all safely back in Storality.
“I can no longer open Ways,” Theterm said when they were all standing outside of the portal area fortress. “I had something in me like the council. When Laird removed it, I lost that ability, like the others. She thought it might be temporary, but I am convinced Jory would have made sure it would be permanent. If he couldn’t control us with that thing, I think he would have forced it out of us, ending our ability to stop him. Either way, he would have the upper hand.”
“Where do we all go from here?” Dack asked.
“I think we should at least contact the council and let them know that Jory should no longer be a threat. Laird gave them a device that will still allow them to open Ways, so I would recommend they come here and discuss what to do next. Storality will need help to shake off the last effects of the Alkaskre and reunite itself.” Theterm looked at Lucan. “I will recommend that you take the lead here, but we’ll have to see how that suggestion is received.”
Lucan nodded. “I would like that.”
“I need to go feed my bulls,” Fixx said. When they all looked at him strangely, he stomped his foot. “Come on, it won’t take long if you push us there.”
Dack looked at Theterm and sighed. “I guess the council can meet there, right?” Dack asked, trying to make everyone happy.
“Then tell us your side,” the furry gray-striped creature said, trying to calm the rest of the council. “You are correct, all of our knowledge about you is second-hand at best.” It motioned for Theterm to stand as it sat.
Theterm stood and looked around the room at the council. Only he and Lucan were human, the other five council members were from different worlds. “Mistakes have been made by me, I will not deny that, however, I have learned from them and am committed to helping rebuild this world.”
“You say you have made mistakes,” one of the council began, “so why should we let you have an opportunity to make more?”
Theterm sat down. “Jory convinced me that forcing our people to accept the Alkaskre was the right path. He did the same thing to Laird.” He looked at Lucan. “I was wrong.” He looked at the one who asked the question. “I won’t make that mistake again.”
“What do you think we should do with Storality?” another asked.
“Remove any still loyal to Jory and gather those that want to once again reunite this island. The Scarlet Brotherhood, while greatly diminished in number, can help set the course because the people want something better. I would recommend Lucan be in charge, even if for a short time.” Theterm pointed at Lucan. “He can do it.”
The council members looked at Lucan and conferred amongst themselves for a few moments. “From what we understand, most people hold him responsible for starting a war by killing the kings that were in power. How do you propose to change that perception?” the council member with gray-striped fur asked.
“There are now those that know the truth who will support him. Some in the Scarlet Brotherhood have witnessed first- hand how he was being controlled and also how much he wants Storality united.” Theterm sat back. “I think, though, he should speak for himself.”
Lucan stood slowly and looked solemnly at the council. “I have spent years wandering through what is left of this world. From this island, we can help those that are out there trying to survive. Using the resources of other worlds through the Way, with the combined help of the Alkaskre, Storality can once again be one.” He pointed at Theterm. “Theterm trained me to be different, to be a Whisperer of Lore, not like what Jory became in the end. I know we can achieve what we have planned if you are willing to give us the chance.” He shrugged and sat down roughly, leaning back with his hands behind his head.
Theterm leaned close to Lucan and stared at him intently.
“What is your problem?” Theterm asked quietly.
When Lucan pursed his lips and rolled his eyes, Theterm turned to the council and smiled awkwardly. “We will need a few moments, please.”
He grabbed Lucan by the arm and yanked him to his feet and pushed him toward the door. “I will send Zara and Sicar in, I know you all wanted to speak to them.” Theterm opened the door and gently pushed Lucan through and closed it noiselessly.
“What is the point?” Lucan said when they were clear of the room.
Theterm looked down the hall and spotted Zara sitting next to Sicar. “Zara,” he called, “they would like to speak to you now if you are ready.”
Zara and Sicar moved quickly down the hall and looked at Lucan as they passed. “Is everything okay in there?” Zara asked.
“Be prepared to give the same answer to each of them, over and over again,” Lucan answered. “It’s not good enough to say you are sorry once, no, that would be too easy.”
Theterm stood in front of Lucan and smiled at Zara, straightening his clothes. “They will need your genius now.” He looked at Sicar. “If you can stay, I am sure you will be welcome.”
Sicar nodded and pushed Zara.
“Let’s get going,” Sicar said.
Zara waved and then entered with Sicar closing the door behind.
Theterm turned quickly and pushed Lucan against the wall. “What is your problem?” he hissed.
Lucan huffed and turned to leave, but Theterm grabbed his cloak by the shoulder. “Get off me, old man,” Lucan said, attempting to pull free.
Theterm laughed and let go. “Fine. Walk away from all of this.” Theterm held his arms out wide. “What do you want from me?”
Lucan pointed at the door. “What do they want from us?” he balled his fist and shook it in Theterm’s face. “What more?”
“Do you have any idea what I did?” Theterm asked.
“Does it matter?”
“Yes.”
“Then tell me,” Lucan said, folding his arms.
“It was my fault that almost everyone on this world died. It was my fault that this world is barren everywhere but Storality.” Theterm imitated Lucan by folding his arms too. “I can never apologize enough. I can never say I am sorry enough.” He took a step toward Lucan. “It matters to me.”
“What part does Jory and the Alkaskre have in all this? They are just as guilty.” Lucan held Theterm by the shoulders. “Get over it.”
Theterm shook his head. “That’s what makes us different. I acknowledge my mistakes and try to do whatever it takes to fix them without pushing the blame to someone else.”
Lucan stepped back and furrowed his brow. “You don’t think I am sorry for what happened?”
“You were controlled, right?”
“That’s right.”
Theterm sighed. “You wanted to do it. Ghera pushed a little, prodded a little, but it was by your hand.”
“He was in my head!” Lucan screamed.
Theterm poked Lucan in the chest. “That’s because the plan was already in there.” He poked Lucan again. “If not, he would have never been able to convince you. Have you ever admitted that to yourself?”
“What about you?”
“I know that’s how it happened to you because that’s how it happened to me.” Theterm looked down at the floor. “I wanted to get rid of everyone and everything. Humans were going in the wrong direction in my opinion. A direction I didn’t like. A direction I could change.” Theterm looked at Lucan. “That’s why they keep asking us the same questions over and over again. I used the Alkaskre just as much as they used me.”
Lucan rubbed the back of his head. “Well, it’s annoying.”
Theterm nodded. “It will get better only if you stay involved. Are you willing to do that?”
“Right now I want to walk around and clear my head.”
“I think I can cover for you in there,” Theterm said, pointing to the door. “You should find out what Ghera is planning to do now that he can go home.” He fished in his pocket and removed the piece from the Way. “Take this in case I get stuck in there all night,” Theterm winked, handing the item to Lucan.
“Thank you,” Lucan said, pocketing the piece. “You’ve given me some things to think about.” He patted Theterm on the shoulder and walked down the hall toward the voices of the others. He tried to slip into the group quietly and noticed that Fixx seemed to be the focus of everyone’s attention.
Fixx stopped telling his story and looked at Lucan. “See, they didn’t eat him,” Fixx said, clapping happily. “Where are Zara and Sicar?”
“They are talking to the Alkaskre now. Theterm is in there too.” Lucan looked at the others. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“What are we supposed to do now?” Maggie asked. “Fixx is running out of stories.”
Lucan rubbed his chin and shrugged. “We go on.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Dack asked.
“I plan on pulling as many of the people I’ve met off Storality back here. I guess I’ll be working with the Alkaskre and the Scarlet Brotherhood too.” Lucan sniffed. “Right?”
“That sounds like a good plan. We’ve decided to stay on Storality and take it easy for awhile,” Alin said, putting his arm around Alix. “We have a lot of catching up to do.”
Omeran stepped forward. “Maggie and I are returning to our world. There has to be others that are alive that haven’t been infected. Fixx, what are you planning to do?”
Fixx looked at Maggie and blushed. “I promise to be helpful if you let me go too.”
“I wouldn’t go without you,” she said, smiling widely. “What about you two?” she asked Farah and Chad.
“I was hoping they would help me,” Lucan spoke up. “That is, of course, if you have nothing else planned.”
Chad looked at Farah and then at Lucan. “I would love to see where you’ve been. Storality seems real small after everywhere we’ve been recently. Farah?”
Farah looked at Lucan and then at Chad. “I think it’s a perfect idea. He might need our strength and stealth.”
“I would like to get to know you better since you are the closest I have to family,” Lucan said honestly.
Everyone stared at Dack, who was angrily picking at the ground. “Dack?”
Dack looked at Iris and then at the others. “I guess I will take the remaining Shadow Cult home.” He shrugged. “Maybe stay for a while. I have a feeling there is so much more about myself that I can learn.” Dack paused and watched the others. “I might not be coming back.”
“Okay, they may need your help getting settled again. Perfect.” Lucan looked around at the group, rubbing his hands together. “That leaves you, Ghera. What would you like to do?”
Ghera smirked. “I now have the one thing I have been searching for, a way home. Do you think you could take me to the Way?” he asked Lucan.
“Right now?” Lucan asked.
“If that’s not asking too much.” Ghera stood up and moved toward Lucan. “I’d like to go alone with you, if you don’t mind,” he said softly.
Lucan looked at Ghera and nodded.
“Thank you,” Ghera said kindly. “I guess this is good-bye,” he said to the others. “You have all been helpful even though—”
Dack moved to Ghera and gave him a hug. “You are changed, that’s all that matters.”
Ghera stepped back and watched the others one last time.
“Ready?” Lucan asked, placing his hand on Ghera’s shoulder. “I will be right back,” he said as he pulled them to the portal area fortress.
“So what is the name of the Way?” Lucan asked once they had recuperated from the trip.
“I have to be honest with you,” Ghera said, leaning against the wall. “Once the Way is open, I will have to remove all memory of its name from you.”
Lucan stepped back and watched Ghera removing his cloak and belt. “Why?”
“You will keep coming back. It will drive you mad.”
Lucan laughed. “Isn’t that a little much?”
Ghera growled, “Look what it did to Jory.”
Lucan blinked. “That’s right, he’s been there. He got a taste, and he never stopped trying to control us. In the end, we allowed ourselves to believe that he could give us something we didn’t already have.”
“If it was so great, what could be better?”
“Freedom to rule rather than serve. It was something we all wanted.” Ghera looked around at the debris from the smashed roof. “Jory, it seems, was very good at telling that lie everywhere he went. Do you think he’s gone for good?”
“I hope so. I don’t know how to get to where Laird took him, so we might all be long gone before he’s a problem again. Hopefully, he’ll die.” Lucan sighed. “Only time will tell.”
“I promise you, my world will be one of the first he’ll visit if he can.”
Lucan moved to the center of the room and reached his hands into the Way. “I’d like to see it, what is the name?”
Ghera stepped close and looked around cautiously. He said the name barely loud enough for Lucan to hear it and then moved to the edge of the room as Lucan opened the Way wide. Light streamed in powerfully, and Ghera moved in front of Lucan to shield him from its blinding brightness. Ghera’s body began to glow and change as he absorbed the power. “You need to move on and forget about this place.”
Lucan tried to push past Ghera who stepped through the Way. Lucan hoped for a better look through squinted eyes. “You were right, I can feel something powerful.”
Ghera reached out and touched Lucan’s head gently. “Don’t make me forget, please,” Lucan pleaded. “I’m different than Jory, I can handle this.”
Ghera reached into Lucan’s mind and altered his memory as he pushed him backward hard enough for him to bang his head on the ground. When Lucan passed out, the Way closed and the memory of the incident faded. Moments later, he sat up, quickly trying to recall why he was on the ground. He picked up a stick and vaguely remembered tripping on something after he said good-bye to Ghera.
“I better get back to the others,” Lucan said, throwing the stick aside while reaching for the piece of the Way in his pocket.
“That was fast,” Alix said as Lucan returned to the others.
“No long teary good-bye?” Fixx asked, tugging on Lucan’s cloak.
Lucan rubbed his temples and looked down at Fixx. “What?”
“Are you okay?” Omeran asked, moving closer.
Lucan sat down slowly and tried to remember. “He did something to me,” he mumbled. “I can’t…”he paused. “Something is missing. I don’t know the name of the Way, he took it from me.”
“Why would he do that?” Maggie asked.
“I think he was trying to protect me. Protect all of us maybe.” Lucan stood and stretched. “I should get some rest if we are all going to go our separate ways soon.”
“What is the rush?” Dack demanded.
“I thought everyone would be excited to do something different, to go somewhere else. These last few days have been very exhausting.” Lucan looked around at the others who seemed to be in agreement. “It’ll be good for all of us.”
“Then we should have a big feast,” Fixx declared, and everyone cheered. “One last happy night together.”
Lucan looked around at what was left of the building. He reached down and grabbed a handful of sand and let it slip slowly through his fingers. “Nothing, it seems, stands the test of time well.”
“I take it this place has seen better days,” Chad said, looking at small pieces of glass scattered around the floor near the Way. “Time flows about the same here as it does at home, right?”
“Yes,” Lucan said, scanning the area for any signs of life.
“Then why hasn’t he ever come home?” Farah asked.
Lucan turned and stared at Farah. “This is his home now.”
“We were so close to each other, at least I thought we were.” Chad pocketed a few of the smaller shiny pieces of metal he uncovered. “Didn’t you think that too?”
“At the time, but really, it only lasted such a short while.” Lucan stretched his arms out wide and turned around. “Look at me, I haven’t changed one bit. You two have, but you’ve got the best years still ahead. Our time together happened so long ago, and I still look the same. Everyone around me will age and die, yet I will go on. I don’t know how long this will last, so I have to enjoy every minute.”
“Do you think he is enjoying himself here?” Farah asked. “Where are the trees? I thought they loved the forests.”
“He is where he wants to be right now, let him be.” Lucan walked carefully into the sand and started climbing the closest dune.
“Then why are we here?” Chad asked, following Lucan. “None of the other things that happened mattered enough to him. Why should this?”
“I agree, what’s the difference.” Farah moved next to Lucan and watched the horizon. “He wasn’t really his father.”
Lucan put his arms around Chad and Farah. “Is that how you would feel about me? How about Fixx? He raised you. Would you come back for one of us?”
“I see your point.” Chad caught a faint glint in the distance. “There is at least one coming toward us, maybe more. Are you sure he is still on this world?”
“While he has never allowed any of us to bond with him, I can still sense him. Maggie and I have been in constant contact. However, he has chosen not to.” Lucan put his hands over his head and encouraged the others to do the same. “He is close, I’m sure.”
As Chad looked around, he realized that they were indeed surrounded. Barely visible to the others, he was able to better detect the Shadow Cult. “Farah, are you ready to change?” he whispered.
“Sure, but only if the situation demands it. I would absolutely hate getting sand in my fur, so no tusks unless absolutely necessary.” Farah wrinkled her nose and turned to see that a white cloaked figure had appeared suddenly. “Iris?”
Almost in unison, ten other shapes came into sight, wielding weapons still pointing at them.
“Minwa par, Dack,” Lucan said calmly.
“It’s good to see you all again,” a voice from behind called suddenly. “What business do you have here,” Dack asked sternly, moving closer. His cloak matched the color of the sand surrounding them. While he looked healthy, his face was thinner and much paler. The only hair on his head was a small patch on his chin.
“You’re beginning to look like Orex,” Lucan said, stepping closer. Dack stepped away, and the other Shadow Cult intercepted with weapons drawn.
“What’s wrong?” Lucan demanded.
“I asked why you are here. I did not tell you to move.” Dack spoke quickly to those surrounding Lucan, and they moved away. “Why are you here?”
“Theterm is dying.” Chad put his arms down and looked annoyingly at Farah until she did the same.
Dack stared at Iris, and she nodded. “Thank you for telling me.” He reached out to Iris, and she handed him a book. He flipped through the pages and stopped on a blank page and wrote something. Closing it again, he handed the black covered book back to Iris. “Is that all?”
Farah lunged forward and slapped Dack. “What is your problem?” she screamed at him. “What has happened to you?”
Iris pushed Farah away and spoke to the other guards hurriedly. Lucan called out in the Shadow Cult tongue, encouraging them all to calm down. Chad moved toward Farah and watched for any reaction. Slowly, a single tear ran down Dack’s face.
“They need me here,” Dack said quietly.
“Theterm wanted to see you again.” Farah smiled. “I’m sorry for hitting you.”
Dack sighed. “It has always been about what someone else wants. Theterm forgot me as soon as Lucan returned. There was no reason to stay, no reason since to return.”
“Now there is a reason to return,” Chad blurted out. “Please.”
“I never meant to push you away, Dack,” Lucan said honestly. “I wish you would have told me how you felt.”
Dack locked eyes with Iris. They both stood motionless while the others watched.
Dack looked away and turned to Lucan. “What is wrong with him?”
“He’s old. It’s been nearly twenty years since you’ve been on Storality.” Lucan shrugged. “His body is shutting down like it is supposed to, like it will happen to all of us some day.”
Dack removed his cloak and handed it to Iris.
“How long will you be gone?” Iris asked, surprising the others.
“Until I am no longer needed,” he said patting, Iris’ shoulder. “You have heard all of my advice these many years, you could use a break.”
Iris dropped the cloak on the sand and hugged Dack tightly.
“I will be back, you have my word,” Dack said.
“Take good care of him,” Iris said.
Lucan assured her in the Shadow Cult tongue, and Iris greatly appreciated his kind words.
“When’s the last time you opened a Way?” Lucan asked Dack.
“When I left,” Dack admitted. “There were times I wanted to check on—” he stopped and bit his lip. “Well, there’s time to talk later, right? We should get back.”
Lucan pursed his lips and tapped his chin. “Yes, we should go.”
Lucan moved to the Way and opened it to Storality. Once they were through, he closed it and pulled them all to Theterm’s keep.
“Why is he still living here? This place can’t be safe.” Dack began to walk and then quickly stopped. “Where is he?”
“Maggie and Fixx were watching over him in his room,” Farah said, preparing to open the door to Theterm’s bedroom.
“Well, he’s not in there now,” Dack said.
As Farah opened the door and entered, Maggie rushed out toward Dack, sobbing. “What took you so long?” she cried, embracing him tightly. “He’s dead.”
They all gathered around the bed in disbelief. Theterm looked like he was peacefully sleeping. Dack could see the years had aged Theterm, etching deep lines on his forehead. “I am sorry,” he whispered while he gripped Theterm’s hand tenderly. “Thank you for everything.”
“Welcome home,” Fixx said to Dack. “I was hoping you would come back. It’s been a real long time since I’ve seen you.”
Dack noticed that Fixx moved a little stiffly, but looked almost the same. “Have you been on your world all this time?”
“Most of it, but we’ve come back quite a few times.” Fixx grinned. “It’s been hundreds of years, and Maggie and I are still alive.”
“I’m not sure if I’m looking forward to that much more time,” Dack admitted. He knelt down and hugged Fixx and Maggie at the same time. “I’ve come to realize that it’s best to spend it surrounded by those that love you.”
“What should we do now?” Chad asked, pointing at Theterm.
“We should have a big feast and celebrate his life and ours,” Fixx announced. “There are so many new stories to tell.” He clapped and danced merrily. “It’ll be just like old times.”