Magical Journeys: The Earth Realm: Magical Journeys, #5

By Terri J. Taber

They have finally reached the Earth Realm, but Melissa and Jason have more complications to deal with before they rescue their daughter from the grips of Alearia. In this final installment of the magical Journeys series Melissa and Jason have to work together to get to the earth sword before Alearia does and Jason has to overcome some painful memories along the way. All the while Iriana is in a state of war with the Dark Realm creatures and the governing council is unable to make decisions without Melissa. but all Melissa can think about is her impending sacrifice to save Vivian.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Terri J. Taber
• Release date: Mar 4, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386644149

Book preview

To My Grandfather,

Robert Ray Sr.

Thank you for telling me to go for my dreams.

I miss you Grandpa

Copyright 2011 Terri Taber

Cover Artwork By: Leah Keeler

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Prelude

Melissa Speaks...

If you want to save your daughter, then yes, you have to die... The Goddess’ voice rang over and over in my head as I stood there staring at my mother and the Goddess whom I have devoted my life to, for what feels like hours.

This is impossible... I finally speak, my voice hoarse and dry sounding. This can’t be happening.

There is a way you can be saved, sweetie. My mother’s voice sounds soft and caring but there is a tone of worry there as well.

How can Vivian and I both be saved if the spell demands a sacrifice? I demand as I stare at my mother. I don’t mean to be harsh with her, it just slipped out in my anguish over my own fate.

It is true you have to die, that is unavoidable. My mother said. But if he acts quickly, he can save you. He can pull you from the depths of the Spirit Realm and bring you back to life.

Who can? I ask, I can hear the confusion I feel slip past the anger in my heart.

Your one true love. My mother said.

Jason... Of course, he would be the only one who would know the Spirit Realm well enough to find my soul. But how could I ask him to relive that? How could I ask him to revisit the place he had nightmares about almost daily.

I can’t.... I knew the truth of the words before I even said them. I can’t ask him to do that.

Then you will be welcome at my side once you reach my domain in the Spirit Realm. The Goddess said. Now awaken, Melissina, and think hard on your decision before the time comes.

No wait! There is so much more I need to know. I tried but the forest of white trees faded into a fog and there was nothing but darkness and the feeling of someone shaking me awake.

One

Melissina Star Pendragon woke up with a start to her husband shaking her awake. As her eyes opened she could see the worried look on his face as his eyes searched hers for answers to an unspoken question.

I’m fine. She tried to assure him but she knew he wouldn’t believe it. He always knew when she was lying. It was just a bad dream.

I’ve been trying to wake you up for five minutes. Jastonio Marks said as he looked at his wife. That was no ordinary dream.

I was in the spirit realm.... Melissa whispered as she sat up and pulled her knees to her chest. I saw my mother conversing with the Goddess.

What were they talking about? Jason asked softly as he touched her shoulder.

They were talking about the ritual we have to preform to save Vivian. Melissa whispered as she pushed her black and purple hair behind her pointed ear.

What about it? Jason asked as his hand rubbed circles into Melissa’s shoulder, easing her tension.

At the end of the ritual.... An Elemental user has to die... Melissa whispered softly.

But the only two elemental users around is you and Vivian. Jason whispered.

Exactly. Melissa whispered as she looked up at him and her green eyes locked with his brown ones. In order to save Vivian I have to die... In order to banish Alearia to the depths of the Dark Realm where she belongs I have to sacrifice my own life... If I don’t she could take another host.

No... I won’t accept that. Jason said as he stopped kneading her shoulder. There has to be a way to stop it!

Shhh... You’ll wake the others. Melissa warned as she thought about her son and his wife sleeping in the next tent and her sister and her fiancé sleeping on the other side of the portal.

There has to be some way I can save you, Mel.... Jason said softly. You’re my everything.

Melissa debated telling him about the Goddess suggestion of Jason going through the portal to the spirit realm to retrieve her soul but then she thought about the time he spent in the Spirit Realm because of her and she shook her head.

There is no way. She lied as she looked down at the ground, unable to look him in the eyes. I have to do this for our daughter.

Vivian wouldn’t want you to sacrifice your life for hers. Jason said. It’s not right.

How do we know that? We barely knew our daughter. Melissa whispered. She had barely gotten back to us when she was taken?

Because she is your daughter. Jason whispered. You wouldn’t let me or Jonathan sacrifice our lives for yours and you know I would do it. I would do anything for you.

I know... Melissa whispered. That’s exactly why I don’t want to tell you the rest. Melissa thought to herself. We’ll deal with it when the time comes.

Mel, you can’t just dismiss this like that. Jason protested. This is your life we are talking about.

I don’t want to talk about it. Melissa whispered as she avoided his gaze.

There’s a way to save you, isn’t there? Jason asked. Why are you keeping it from me?

Melissa remained silent until he grabbed her shoulders and made her face him. I can’t ask you to do it. She whispered.

I would do anything for you, Melissina, I’ve told you that. Jason said. What are you keeping from me?

You... You have to retrieve my spirit from the Spirit Realm. Melissa whispered.

Jason’s face paled as he looked at Melissa, memories and fear crossing over his face as he gulped.

See... I can’t ask you to do it. You’re scared of the Spirit Realm. Melissa whispered.

No... No... I can do it. Jason said softly. I will do anything for you. He repeated. I can conquer my fears for you.

Jason, you don’t have to. Melissa said. I am prepared to die.

I’m not ready for you to die! Jason said loudly.

You’re being selfish! Melissa screamed back.

Then for once I will be selfish because I don’t want to lose the woman I love! Jason yelled.

Mother? Father? Jonathan called into the tent. Is everything alright?

We are not telling him. Melissa said sternly.

I thought there were no secrets from your knights? Jason said sternly.

They don’t need to know this... Melissa whispered.

They should know this! Jason said sternly.

Jason, let’s not fight about this! Melissa begged.

Melissina Viv Starr-Pendragon-Marks, when are you going to learn that I will always be there for you? Jason asked. If it means I can get you back I will go into the Spirit Realm.

You promise? Melissa whispered.

Of course I do... I would do anything to get you back. Jason said as he cupped her face in his hands. I love you.

I love you too... So much I do. Melissa whispered as he wrapped his arms around her and held her comfortingly close.

Is everything alright in there? Jonathan asked as he stood near the entrance to his parent’s tent.

Is everything alright? Jason asked as he looked down at Melissa.

Melissa nodded as she held onto Jason. Everything is fine, Jonathan, wake Dawn and Jaden, I want to have a meeting of the Knights.

Yes, Mother. Jonathan said before walking off.

You’re going to tell them? Jason asked softly.

Melissa nodded. You’re going to need all the help you can get before entering the Spirit Realm.

You’re going to have them ask the Earth Elves since I cannot. Jason said. The Dali knows more about entering the Spirit Realm then any faction of Earth Elves.

And they hate you for attacking their realm and will hate you even more for letting Vivian be possessed by Alearia. Melissa whispered.

I didn’t exactly let her be possessed, it just happened. Jason sighed.

They won’t see it like that. Melissa said. You are the King, you should have protected her in their eyes.

I know... Jason sighed. I just don’t like when people hate me for things I couldn’t control.

Well, you could control attacking their realm. Melissa said softly.

And let you and Jonathan be tortured? No way. Jason said. I picked the lesser of two evils in my opinion.

Mother, we are all assembled. Jonathan said through the fabric of the tent.

We’ll be there in a minute. Melissa said softly as she nuzzled into Jason’s neck.

What’s wrong, love? Jason asked softly as he ran his fingers through her black and purple hair.

Don’t want to leave the comfort of your arms just yet. Melissa said softly. I don’t know how much longer I have with you.

You have your entire life once I save you. Jason said softly. I will save you. I won’t stop until your spirit is safely back in your body.

Eternity doesn’t seem long enough. Melissa said softly.

It never is. Jason laughed softly as he hugged her close.

Dawnfire Northstarr kicked away piles of gold Arthurs as they waited for Melissa and Jason to emerge from their tents. She was having the time of her life lying next to Jaden in their tent when her nephew had told them they needed to assemble around the portal. Now they were waiting when she could have been spending more time with Jaden, running her fingers through his black, red and blue hair.

I am sure whatever it is it is important. Jaden assured her as he took her hand and calmed down the fire that was growing within her that was melting the gold Arthurs she kicked.

It better be. She muttered grumpily as she continued to kick her feet at the treasure pile they were standing on.

She looked around the chamber and saw Jonathan polishing his new shield at the other side of the portal next to Alicia Ravenwood, Jonathan’s wife, who was sitting reading a book she had found. They looked calm and quiet and didn’t even look worried about what Melissa could possibly want this early in the morning. Dawn wished she could have their kind of faith in her sister, their leader.

You worry too much. Jaden said comfortingly as he pulled her close. This probably isn’t about you.

I let Alearia manipulate me again. Dawn said. There has to be some sort of punishment for it now that we have what we came for. What if she takes away Inferno?

She gave you that sword; she’s not going to take it away just because you had a minor lapse in judgment resulting from my apparent death. Jaden said softly. Just calm down.

I’ll try... Dawn whispered as she gripped the hilt of her sword protectively.

The flap to Melissa’s tent opened and Melissa stepped out with Jason holding onto her hand. Dawn thought she looked pale and scared as she made her way to her spot in front of the portal.

Thank you all for assembling here, I know it is early. Melissa said, her voice sounding shaky and hoarse like she had been crying. I have an urgent matter to discuss with you.

What is it? Alicia asked as she closed her book, concern in her voice for her best friend.

I’ve had a vision of the goddess. Melissa said.

Aren’t visions usually Blondie’s thing? Dawn asked.

The Goddess didn’t send me this vision, I don’t know who did but the Goddess didn’t even know I was there for the first part. Melissa said.

What was it about? Alicia asked as she grabbed Jonathan’s hand.

My mother and the Goddess was talking in a glade next to a pool of silvery water. Melissa said. They were talking about me and Vivian....

What did they say? Alicia asked.

They said that in order to save Vivian, an all elemental user has to die.... Melissa whispered. Either me or Vivian has to die.

Alicia gasped as she looked at her friend. There has to be another way.

There’s not. Melissa whispered. And I am not about to kill my daughter so I am the one that has to die.

Melissa no... Alicia whispered as she turned her face into Jonathan’s tunic.

Tell them the rest. Jason said softly as he placed a hand comfortingly on Melissa’s shoulder.

There is a way to save me... Melissa said.

How? Dawn asked. I will do anything not to lose my sister. You’re the only family I have left.

My true love... Melissa said as she placed a hand over Jason’s and squeezed. My true love has to go into the Spirit Realm and bring my spirit back to my body. The rest of you have to keep my body safe until he returns.

When is this supposed to happen? Jonathan asked softly.

After we collect the last sword. Melissa said. And we perform the ritual... Alicia...

Yes? Alicia asked as she stepped away from Jonathan.

After I am gone you will have to complete the ritual. Melissa said. I will give you my mother’s book so you can study it.

I’ll do my best. Alicia said with a bow.

Now, since the Dali are the keepers of the Spirit Realm, they are the ones Jason has to seek out in order to get information about entering the spirit realm without dying. Melissa explained.

Aren’t they also the ones who hate Father’s guts for attacking their realm? Jonathan asked.

They are which is why we need you guys to help him get the information required. Melissa said. Pack up plenty of gold Arthurs. You’ll need it for bartering.

Good thing there is plenty around. Dawn said.

Let’s pack up and get ready to go to the Earth Realm. I have a feeling that we have a long trip ahead of us. Jason said as he squeezed Melissa’s shoulder.

Melissa watched as her friends started to pack up camp and gather up the money they would need.

They seem worried. She said to Jason softly.

They are. Jason said softly. But they are willing to help.

Two

Once they had packed up their makeshift camp amongst the treasures, they gathered around the stone portal situated below the giant pillar in the chamber. Melissa stood next to the portal with the green earth stone in her hand.

This is the last stop, the last sword. Melissa said softly as she reached into her pack and brought out the teal Iriana stone and the red fire realm stone. This is also the last chance any of you have to turn back. I will give you the stone for home and you can go home now... Or you can come with me and Jason and help us save our daughter and defeat Alearia once and for all.

What say you? Jason bellowed so loud that his voice echoed around the vast chamber.

Nay! The others chorused.

I believe I speak for everyone here when I say we aren’t abandoning you. Dawn spoke up.

She’s right, Boo. Alicia said. Especially since we know you will be losing your life temporarily to save Vivian.

It may not be temporarily. Melissa whispered.

It will be. Jason said, his voice sterner then she had ever heard it.

Jay.... Melissa tried.

No, I won’t hear of it, Mel. I am going to save you. Jason said, determination in his voice. No more negativity from you.

Alright... Melissa whispered. Positive thoughts.

Exactly. Jason smiled. Now that everyone is on board we should open the portal.

You should do it. Melissa said as she slipped the forest green earth stone into his hand. It’s your element.

It was my element... My hair isn’t all the way green anymore. Jason said softly.

You are still an earth user and you will stand in earth’s place when I cast the circle. Melissa said softly. It’s your right and duty to open that portal.

I just hope the Dali aren’t camped right around the portal like they were the last time I visited the Earth Realm. Jason whispered softly. I don’t want to go into the truth fire again.

With our luck they will be. Dawn said. I doubt they will be too keen on seeing me either.

Let’s just get this over with. Melissa said softly as she nudged Jason towards the portal.

Here goes nothing. Jason said as he inserted the stone into the portal and the portal shimmered to life.

Melissa looked in the portal carefully. She saw a lush forest full of life but no sign of any elves in the immediate vicinity. I think it’s safe to go through. She said as she stepped back so the others could have a look.

Looks peaceful. Jaden commented as he looked over at Dawn.

It could be a trap. Dawn said.

We will never know for sure until we go through. Melissa said. Just be ready for anything.

Jason nodded as he pulled out his sword and led the way through the portal.

The moment Jason stepped into the Earth Realm he had the strangest feeling of Déjà vu as a knife was pressed to his throat and he was pulled aside and forced to his knees. Melissa was next through the portal and even though their Dali elven assailants didn’t put a knife to her throat she was still forced to her knees on the opposite side of the portal as Jason. The others were treated the same way as Melissa, except for Dawn, who was forced flat on the ground and her arms were bound together with a shimmery rope, Jason suspected it was made from Unicorn hair.

We mean you no harm. Melissa tried. I am Queen Melissi-.

A familiar voice cut her off. We know who you are, Lady. Zarah said as she walked up. What we do not understand is why you travel here with enemies of the Dali.

I thought I established in the past that I am trustworthy! Jason protested as the knife pressed into his throat harder and he felt a trickle of blood run down his neck.

You still attacked our lands! Zarah spat. You will not be allowed to roam this realm unguarded.

Ok we can agree to that. Melissa said, glaring at Jason sternly when he went to protest.

As for Dawn the Destroyer, she will remain our prisoner until such time that you leave this realm. Zarah said.

What!? Jaden demanded. She has done nothing wrong to you!

She tried to take over Iriana and all of the Realms. Zarah said sternly.

The crimes of which you speak are not those of my betrothed but of Alearia, an evil Goddess of Chaos who possessed her body. Jaden said sternly.

And does this spirit still possess her? Zarah asked.

No! Dawn said as she struggled against her restraints. She left me two years ago.

Then who does this spirit possess now? Zarah asked.

Melissa cringed. She hadn’t wanted to tell them so early in the quest but it was unavoidable. They needed Dawn on the quest.

Vivian... Melissa whispered. The spirit is possessing Vivian.

You allowed my Goddaughter to be possessed by this evil goddess?! Zarah demanded.

We didn’t allow anything. Melissa said sternly. She was just in the wrong place when Dawn emerged from her stone prison.

That was my fault. Jonathan said. I was trying to show her why Mother and Father left her in your care.

By exposing her to the destroyer? Zarah asked.

She was in stone, I didn’t think she posed any threat to Vivian. I underestimated Alearia’s power and she gained even more when she took my sister. Jonathan whispered. It’s all my fault.

It’s not your fault Jonathan. Melissa said softly. You were trying to do the right thing.... The point is that Dawn is not a threat to you or this Realm, she is a good person now and deserves her freedom.

Zarah looked at Dawn once she had been lifted up to her knees and grabbed her chin with two fingers.

I lost my son in the Battle for Iriana. Zarah said. Can your change of heart bring him back?

Dawn adverted her eyes before speaking. No, it cannot. She whispered before her eyes snapped to Zarah’s. But I will do my best to avenge all the lives lost in that battle and all the lives Alearia took while in control of my body.

Zarah studied the determined look in Dawn’s eyes before she let go of Dawn’s chin and signaled to her men to cut Dawn loose.

You will be kept under guard like Jastonio. Zarah said. And you will be watched, closely.

Zarah, you know why we are here. Melissa said softly.

You seek Arda in the Ruins of Tepanith. Zarah said.

Can you lead us to the sword? Melissa asked softly.

Sadly we cannot. Zarah said. We are on a pilgrimage to our kinsman in the north, the Ruins are to the south.

Any help you can provide would be much appreciated. Melissa said with a slight bow.

I can give you horses and supplies, and two warriors to guard Jastonio and Dawnfire. Zarah said. I can also provide you with a map to the ruins.

We also require an exchange of information. Melissa said. Information about spirit walkers.

I see. Zarah frowned. Dine with us tonight, and we will see if this information can be exchanged.

I suppose that can be arranged. Melissa smiled.

That night Melissa discovered why her daughter had been so attached to living with the Dali. They were certainly a lively bunch. Melissa and the others sat around a green earth fire while the Dali danced around it.

They sure know how to throw a party. Jason said from his seat next to her as he ran his fingers through his hair nervously.

What’s wrong? Melissa asked as she took his hand into hers.

What do you mean? Jason asked, trying to play it off.

You seem nervous. Melissa said softly. Talk to me... please.

I could never hide anything from you. Jason smiled weakly. It’s just this whole guard thing... I feel like a prisoner. I’m the King of Iriana, not some criminal.

Well, you did attack their land. Melissa smiled weakly. Don’t worry, I am sure it will not be that bad. In fact I think it is a good thing that some of the Dali will be traveling with us. Things might go smoother than the other realms.

What happens when Alearia gets here? Jason asked. Jonathan did a good job of scaring her off but how long will it last?

I don’t know, I just hope we can hold her off long enough to get the sword and preform the ritual. Melissa whispered as Zarah walked through the dancing Dali towards them.

The Spirit Walkers will see you now. Zarah said and she held up her hand when Jason stood up with Melissa. Only Queen Melissina has been permitted.

It is Jastonio who needs the information, Zarah. Melissa said sternly.

I’m sorry but the Spirit Walkers will only meet with Irianian elves of royal blood. Zarah said. You will have to relay the necessary information to Jastonio.

Melissa looked at Jason worried, who squeezed her hand and nodded at her to go. Melissa leaned up and kissed him softly before following Zarah across the camp to the green lit tent by the trees.

You must disrobe. Zarah said once they had reached the tent’s entrance.

What? Melissa asked, thinking she hadn’t heard the woman right.

You must honor the Mother, Gaia, by appearing to the Spirit Walkers in the way you were created. You must go in undressed and unarmed."

But I.... Melissa stammered.

Modesty is a creation of humans. Zarah said. I suspect you lived too long amongst them.

Is there a place I can change inside? Melissa asked nervously.

Right here will suffice. Zarah said. As I said, modesty is a creation of humans.

Melissa bit her lip before she took off her bow and quiver and laid them on the ground gently. Excalibur soon followed before she started to pull off her forest green and pink tunic with gold elvish lettering on it. She took off her belt with the pentagram belt buckle before letting her pants fall to the ground and she kicked them aside. The breeze blew over her skin, causing her to shiver as Zarah looked at her expectantly.

What? Melissa asked. I’m naked aren’t I?

Your jewelry. Zarah said.

Oh no, I never take off my mother’s locket. Melissa said sternly. It is a part of me.

Have you infused it with your spirit? Zarah asked.

Of course I have. Melissa said with a frown. It is the most precious thing I own.

Then you may leave them on, but you must remove your circlet. Anything depicting status or rank will not be allowed in the presence of the Spirit Walkers.

Melissa nodded as she removed the circlet from around her head and placed it among the pile of her belongings.

You may proceed. Zarah said as she opened the flap to the tent.

Melissa took a deep breath before stepping inside the tent in the green light of the Earth Fire. The first thing Melissa noticed was the powerful scent in the tent. It reminded her of the time when she was a little girl and would watch her mother go into a trance to converse with the Goddess.

Dragon’s blood. She smiled as she took in the scent. It wasn’t real dragon’s blood of course, it was a resin taken from the plant Dracanea that only grew on Earth and in the Earth Realm. It was very rare in Iriana and her mother had often had trouble finding a supply since the Dali closely guarded the trade going to and from the different realms. They weren’t that willing to part with their herb.

Very good, Melissina. A male voice said in the shadows, causing Melissa to blush because of her nakedness. You know your magical herbs, I trust.

My mother taught me. Melissa said softly.

Lady Viviane, we knew her well. A woman’s voice said. She was one of the few we would trade the Dragon’s Blood to.

I am sure my mother appreciated it. Melissa said as she struggled to see through the smoke to the people who were addressing her.

Why did you seek an audience with us? The male voice asked. Which we only granted because we were friends with your mother and father.

I have a problem, or rather my husband has a problem. Melissa said softly.

Jastonio the Defiler. The male voice said, his voice harsh and cold. How can we help him and why should we?

Because it will mean my death if you do not. Melissa said sternly. "As soon as I and my party reach the Earth Sword we will perform a ritual that requires the sacrifice of an all elemental user. I will die at that time and Jason will have to