Shadow Fire

By Cheryl Byrd

“Dana Richards, you are a hard-core girl from New York, be sensible, things like real magic and time travel can’t be real,” I say to myself as the two massive warriors swinging their large swords clear the first set of ancient stones with battle cries roaring from their lips.
With nothing but a strange necklace and my wit alone, I have to find out who, where and just what I am if I’m ever going to have a chance of getting home again. But that’s kind of hard to do when you have a tasty man treat and long dead demon king fighting each other for your time and heart. All the while, in the shadows, a darkness grows ever closer to obtaining its goal... finding me.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheryl Byrd
• Release date: May 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370095209

Cheryl Byrd

Cheryl Byrd was born May 7th, 1981 in a small town in Ohio right on the Ohio River. Growing up her family didn't have a lot of money so they went to free places like state parks, many with trails and old ruins where her love for natural first took root. Continuing the tradition she and her husband take their kids to many parks all over the United States. Together they spend lots of time at Lake Erie, searching for buried treasure(they wish) and enjoying the sun. Her five cats, two lizards, a rat, and great dane keep her busy. When Cheryl is not head long into a gripping chapter that she just must finish tonight(next week) she enjoys taking photos and gardening. Currently she's working on several side stories from character in the Shadow Fire series who deserve their own moment in the spot light, while also working on her final book in that series.

Book preview

Shadow Fire

By

Cheryl Byrd

This book and all its contents are made and copyrighted by Cheryl Byrd

SMASHWORDS.EDITION

THIS EBOOK IS LICENSED FOR YOUR PERSONAL ENJOYMENT ONLY. THIS EBOOK MAY NOT BE RE-SOLD OR GIVEN AWAY TO OTHER PEOPLE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THIS BOOK WITH ANOTHER PERSON, PLEASE PURCHASE AN ADDITIONAL COPY FOR EACH RECIPIENT. IF YOU’RE READING THIS BOOK AND DID NOT PURCHASE IT, OR IT WAS NOT PURCHASED FOR YOUR USE ONLY, THEN PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR FAVORITE EBOOK RETAILER AND PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY. THANK YOU FOR RESPECTING THE HARD WORK OF THIS AUTHOR.

This book is dedicated to my family for all their wonderful patience… not and to my gang of friends who put up with reading my story over and over pushing me to finish. See I actually did something with it.

A word of caution from me…

This book is a work of fiction, although many events may coincide with actual events from our time and places may be the same…none the less it is fiction. So, if you happen to run into a super-hot guy, while in New York, that in no way shape or form has any business being there, much less talking to you, it’s just may be your lucky day. But, this is still just fiction.

With that being said, welcome to my world of crazy, brilliant women with a touch of romance and tons of adventure. These are people who are not just people, but people who deep down inside everyone wishes they could be. They swear… a lot and get into impossible situations. Expect it and don’t be shocked. I hate when an author warns you about something and then later people complain about what they read after the author warned them… Hello, if you know from the beginning it might be something you don’t like…DON’T READ IT!

Yeah, I tend to be a writing rule breaker. They said, don’t write from multiple character viewpoints…oops. Don’t have a lot of characters, people can’t keep up…yeah sorry, I can… so. Then there was… don’t write about situations that make people uncomfortable… why? Then we would have nothing to write about. Everything bothers or offends someone, welcome to the 21st century of millennials. With that being said, I fall into that category but you won’t see me pouting, hell to the no, let’s pull up our britches and march on.

There are real life situations in this book that most likely will make some of you squeamish. No room for apologies, it came out just the way it is… so enjoy and have fun. I know I did. For those of you that have a hard time following multiple characters, I have put in the back of the book a character glossary just for you. (You’re welcome Penny, my crazed reading companion.)

Foreword

The truth is, I don’t recall what happened to my family. All I can remember is the heat and yellow in the flames. All of my memories before that fateful night are gone. They said that all my family died in the fire and I was lucky to have survived, yeah, if you call this surviving. All I know is that I’m different from other people, I can see things others can’t and I can hear things you should not be able to. Most of the time it’s more of a pain than it’s worth.

There’s no choice, I have to find out who and what I am. My life and my friend’s lives depend on it. The pounding of my heart from the battle still raging around me reminds me that life is never what you expect it to be. I want to tell them as I look into their fierce warrior eyes, that I’m sorry… I never really wanted any of this to happen, or did I?

Table of Contents

A word of caution from me…

Foreword

Being Me is Tough

Did That Just Happen?

I Know I’m Not in Kansas Anymore

Things Don’t Always Go as Planned

It Looks Like I’m On My Own

With Every Upside, There’s a Down

Irreversible Changes, Had I Only Known Then What I know Now

The Things We Do for Other People

Why do Men Have to be Such Pains?

On the Road, Again

Breaking All the Rules

All the More Reason

Where Does This Road Lead?

And the Truth Shall Set You Free, Okay Maybe Not

Part 2

A Family Meeting

The Realm Through the Eyes of Another

Being a Man

Sometimes Love Sucks

Short on Time

A Quick Side Stop

Finding of The Stone

Please Not Again

Epilogue

Glossary

Characters

A Final Word From The Author

Being Me is Tough

What the freak, I’m going to be late for class again, but I swear that this time, I couldn’t help it. God, I know, it’s the third time this month, and the fact that I haven’t slept lately because of those damn dreams isn’t helping either. Every night now for months, I have had dreams of something chasing me in the dark, calling out my name with a voice so lost and sweet, that I ache to find it but tremble to know what it is.

Whatever it is, I can feel it getting closer each night and just as it grabs me, taking me into its embrace I wake up. Every time I have this dream it feels more real than the last time, I wake covered in sweat with its cold touch still tingling against my heated skin.

So, as I sit daydreaming about falling asleep tonight, enjoying my lunch break before I have to head back to class, bam! His thoughts run through me like a knife shredding paper. Instantly, I saw his plans for that sweet little girl that he’s watched walk home every day for two weeks. ‘Sara’, his mind says, and she isn’t his first.

What the hell am I going to tell the Professor this time? Truthfully, I know he takes it easy on me because of my family story and all but, that can only go so far. Plus, he warned me last time that if I was late or missed his class again, he was going to fail me. Then he gave me this fatherly look that said, I know you can do better and I’m very disappointed. Sometimes he’s an ass but, he knows after this semester I am to start my fellowship with Dr. Amile and he expects nothing but the best. Therefore, he pushes me even harder than the rest of the class to prepare me for it. Geez if he only knew, I’m doing my best here.

Okay Mr. Creepy you have officially pissed me off, r-o-yally. Why today of all days when I have a final next period? Suddenly, he turns then darts across the street. Wait… where does he think he’s going without me? No chance that’s happening, Sara is counting on me. At least she would be if she knew he was coming.

Trying to follow someone and look like you’re not following someone is harder than you would think. Seriously, I can’t let Mr. Creepy know that I am on to him or he might get spooked and not grab her today. Then I would have to follow him around for days and become his own personal stalker, which is so not happening.

Mr. Creepy had things all planned out, he knew her schedule like he was her own personal assistant. Right on time little Sara turns the corner heading past him on the crowded sidewalk. Mr. Creepy, after a few moments, turns around and starts to follow her. Waiting a few more moments, I turn to follow him and a guy bumps into me smiling.

Oh, my God, it’s you, he says, reaching for my arm and I take a step back.

Whoa there, dude, you must have me confused with someone else, I say and turn taking long strides trying to get my eyes back onto Mr. Creepy.

However, the hot guy continues to follow me. Are you sure you don’t recognize me?

Holding my hand out I stop him, Listen here man who could be a pagan god. His lips quirk up as if he found what I had said slightly amusing. Oh, lord and those dark eyes, yum. Any other day I would… No, that’s not right. Honestly, you have no chance in hell with me so, why don’t you try picking someone else up with your pathetic lines, k, I say ignoring the astonished look spreading on his face.

Gaping like a damn fish, he stands there with his mouth open, breathing hard, holding his hand over his heart. Oh, guess he’s not used to being turned down flat. God, I so hated to break his sexy freak’n heart, he was like melt in your mouth not in your hand delicious but it just had to be done. That man was throwing off some serious vibes, the kind that I haven’t had too much experience with. You know, the insta-fuckalicious type.

Now, back to Mr. Creepy, I know it’s going to happen soon because we just passed 77th street headed towards Central Park. In his mind, I saw that he grabs her just as she passes the first line of trees in the park near the pond pavilion. That’s it, he plans to hold her not far from there till dark, but that’s all I got out of his twisted brain earlier when he touched me. Sometimes, I see way more than I want to and other times, not enough like today.

Taking his time, he strolls along like it’s just another day in the park. Oh, he must know that no one can see him there, it’s like a blind spot. Trying to keep my eyes on him, I send a text to my pal, Detective Johnson. In short form, I tell him I need him to meet me in ten minutes, and where to look for me. Whoa, my phone buzzes back almost instantly, wow that was quick.

It says, ‘A little busy right now, can’t.

Quickly, I text back, ‘Right F’n now, emergency, it can’t wait.’

Dodging in and out of people, I try not to lose sight of Mr. Creepy now that the sidewalks are packed with commuters on their way home from work.

Once we pass into Central Park I can’t follow him as closely because there aren’t that many people to hide me and once we leave the buildings behind there’s nothing but trees. It’s a tough choice, if I fall back too far I could lose my chance and risk Sara’s life. So, I’m going to rely on my speed to get me there when I’m needed. Not to brag, but I am way faster than a normal person, that’s why I never run or play sports because then people would know I was different.

Slowing down, I grip my body tight against each tree moving closer. Wait for it. Wait for it, now. In the blink of an eye, I’m there on him like white on rice. As he goes to place a white rag over her mouth, I grab his right hand, then his wrist and pull his arm out until the elbow is out stretched taut. Placing my other hand on his shoulder, I yank his arm back. The front of his body is forced forward towards the ground. Then I place my foot on his back and push. Losing his footing, he goes down on his knees and then his chest hits the ground sending dirt flying. While holding both his arms out back behind his body, I place my knee behind his head on his neck. Jumping around like a seal, he struggles back and forth trying to get loose. Gripping tighter, I pull his arms higher, but it’s going to take all of my strength to hold him.

Breathing hard, I look back and forth for the girl, Sara? Where did she go? Sara?

Rocks crunch behind me, and a shaky voice says, How do you know my name?

Glancing over her dirty clothes, I check for blood. Come over here. It is okay, I am a friend, I’m here to help you, my name is Dana. Are you hurt?

Taking a small step, she moves closer stopping next to me and glances down at the scratches on her hands. Her tiny face is white and her eyes are glassy. No, no, I don’t think… so. I’m just scared is all, she finally says, glancing up from her hands and then back down at me.

A burning sensation moves through my muscles and I start to shake, I need help to get here soon. Reach in my back pocket, and get my phone. Then dial the number that says Detective Johnson, I say, trying to give her some task to take her mind away from the horror of the situation. With her hands shaking back and forth, she reaches toward my back pocket. Good job honey, now push the speaker button.

We both jump when his voice booms out. Dana, Dana, where in the blazes are you?

From somewhere behind me, I hear thrashing and cursing. Calm down, I can hear you close by. I’ll send Sara out to fetch you, I say, nodding my head to the left behind me.

Wait, who’s Sara? his voice calls out, but I didn’t hear the rest because the girl ran off to find him with my phone in her hand.

Just then, Mr. Creepy decides he’s not going to stay down without a fight. Up and down, he kicks, bucks, and thrashes from side to side trying to dislodge my knee. No way after all this and missing my class is he going to get away. So, I let him have a little zap. The power flows in a steady stream from my hands and when it hits his body, he stops moving.

Okay, I know it’s not right to use whatever it is that I can do on people, but… I don’t do it all the time. In fact, hardly ever, but he was like five foot eight and over one hundred and ninety pounds, so I zap him again for good measure. Just to be sure that he’s not going anywhere.

As time ticks by, my lungs burn and my muscles spasm, feeling like fifty pound weights each time I breathe. Using these powers or whatever they are, always takes a toll on me. Therefore, I try to only use it in small doses otherwise, I might pass out wherever I am. It happened once, very unpleasant business it was. Woke up in a sewer up to my neck in shit and rats, great big huge rats.

Johnson get your ass over here, I can’t hold him forever! I scream out, breathing heavy.

Crashing through the high bushes, he cusses and yanks his coat from the branches holding it tight. What in the hell are you thinking, how many times have I told you that you can’t go do these things like this by yourself? Call me before not after. Shaking his head, he looks at the man on the ground. How the hell am I going to explain this? he asks, throwing his hand out pointing at Mr. Creepy.

Straightening my head, I lift my chin high, Look cuff’em and I’ll tell you what I can. Plus, I did call you first. Well, I texted you but… you said you were busy.

His eyes turn to slits and he points his finger at me, Dana you can’t keep doing this. Breathing out, he puts his cuffs on the guy, and then rolls him over. What the hell did you do to him, he’s like a freakin’ corpse?

Dave, my feet and hands ache, but I still push myself to stand up and point to Sara, I’m sorry, okay, I know, I couldn’t just walk away. Seriously, just look at her. If you knew could you walk away?

Pushing his glasses back up on his nose, he looks me in the eyes. No, I guess I couldn’t, I just don’t know how I’m going to explain this, he says breathing heavy walking in circles. How is it you always seem to be around when crimes happen? Now I have to tell them you told me where to be or he gets away.

Pacing the ground back and forth, I try to come up with something that could even remotely be possible. Tell them an innocent bystander happened to be jogging by when they saw a man following a young girl and it looked unusual so they followed.

Right, he laughs out, and how’d I get here then?

Well, I whip around throwing my hand on my hip, that’s your thing to figure out. You asked how you were going to explain me.

Dana, he leans forward, pinching the bridge of his nose, you’re a funny, funny girl aren’t you. This is serious, I could get into a lot of trouble.

After straightening my clothes, I bat my eyelashes at him, I don’t know okay, I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you. I’ll let you take me to dinner. Leaning closer my insides start shaking and my breath becomes shallow as I take his hands in mine. I’ll even wear a nice dress for you.

Breathing out hard through his teeth, he turns taking several steps away. Stopping suddenly, he pivots around walking quickly back towards me, You really think I can be used that easy? Then as some of the tension leaves his face, he slows his step stopping just before my trembling body. Wait, did you say nice dress? he asks tapping his finger on his chin. Are you sure, last time you stood me up and if I’m taking the heat on this, you better be there.

Trust me, I’ll be there this time. ‘And I’ll make up for the last two times I ditched you,’ a voice says in my head. Shrugging my shoulders, I turn away from the closeness of his body. You text me when and where, I’ll be there, I promise. Are we even? I ask taking a step away from him, glancing up, trying to smile.

A smug like grin stretches across his face, Not even close and you will tell me how it is you always know when and where to be when there is trouble, right? he asks reaching out his fingers stroking my face. Oh, and um, I asked you before to call me Dave, he says smiling.

Now I know I’m in trouble, but I knew he was going to be trouble from the very first time I laid my eyes on him.

In the Stone Clearing with Ian and Gawen

Ian looks back and forth at the sparse clearing shaking his head. It had taken them days to travel to this spot and he sorely misses his own bed. No, no he is not as young as he used to be, his knees crack as he dismounts and pulls the rope tight holding his horse. Gawen, why do ye insist on comin’ back here year after year? Yer da is gone and I ken ye miss him, but ye can’na keep doin’ this to yerself lad.

Gawen thumps his fist on his chest, Oh, he’s comin’ back, I just `ave to find that witch. I’m telling ye, one of them is bound to show up and when they do, their arse is mine! he says smacking his fist into his other open hand.

Ian looks at Gawen with a big grin. What of the fact yer bound to one of them, ye think ye can break such bonds so easy? he says, smiling, watching Gawen’s face go straight and then become white.

Gawen kicks pebbles around under his feet as he looks around at the waterfall that sits inside a semi-circle of white stones. Green plants and flowers litter the bank swaying with the wind. Cascading water runs down to a pool so clear that you can see the bright colored stones at the bottom of the deep end. The smell of pollen is thick in the air, whirling past him each time the wind blows lightly through the huge stones. The truth is, he has been in love with this place ever since the first time he snuck here following the men that came for his father.

With a slight smile, he rubs his hands on the rocks and they are warm to his touch. `Tis almost time Ian for the summer solstice. A few more days and I will `ave my witch, I can feel it Ian, he says, rubbing the tips of his fingers over the rough stone again. But before the solstice, I need to speak to a woman named Ita. `Tis rumored that she has a cottage in these woods somewhere… His voice trails off. Totally engrossed, he watches what looks like a small ball of light dancing on the water and then it zings away.

It is said that she is very old and she may know some way to break this bond, he continues on scratching his head, looking back at the water several times, trying to figure out what it is that he just saw. Mayhap, it was one of those fairies, he mutters under his breath.

Ian turns from the bags on his horse carrying an armload of different items. But, as he’s juggling the items around, he trips on some loose stones, sending everything flying into the air. Moaning, he stands smacking the dirt from his pants and then he reaches down, digging through the jumbled mess. Breathing hard, he pulls his sword out and holds it high in the air. Turning it from right to left, he lets the sun shine off its metal, giving it a radiant glow. Then he places it next to his blanket gently as if it was a newborn baby.

Ian’s eyes dart over at Gawen and widen, his eyebrows wrinkle together, Ye know she’s a ban-druidh. Some even say she talks to trees and… bloomin’ fairies. Then he walks around looking down at the ground for what had tripped him, kicking small stones with his foot. Aye, she be old indeed. I `ave heard tales of her from my Da’s Da and she was old then, he says, squatting down looking at something strange that his feet had kicked up. I thought ye said ye doona like magic? That’s what she does, he says, pinching the white powder that is all over the rocks on the ground between his fingers. Fairy dust, he whispers, glancing around quickly.

Gawen turns and stomps off towards the trees. She’s nae witch, she’s a seer, and I’m in need of her help. Are ye comin’ or stayin’? he says then he continues through the thick brush.

Ian stands cracking his back, brushing off his fingers on his pants. Doona tell me, I did’na tell ye that this is a bad idea, he whispers turning and his eyes land on a young girl peeking out from behind a tree not too far from where Gawen had just been. There be yer witch lad!

Gawen and Ian both dash into the woods after the girl. Laughing wildly, she dances in and out of the huge trees that suddenly seem to be closing in around them. Every time they think they have her, she appears somewhere else sticking her tongue out and making faces at them. They chase her over a small stream and into an area with thick tall trees. Ian and Gawen swear that neither of them has ever seen this area before, even though both of them have been through these parts many times.

Turning around, she sticks her backside out smacking her butt and smiles at them both as she taunts them to come forward. When they get near enough to grab her, she whirls behind a tree and they both turn in circles. Looking back and forth through the trees, they try to find her but not a trace nor path could be found.

After several minutes, Gawen and Ian stop with their breath coming out hard and their eyes darting around everywhere. They can see nothing but tree after tree. The ground, though moist, shows no marks upon it, not theirs, or hers.

Ian kicks a branch lying on the ground, Great, we `ave nae swords, nae witch, and I think we are lost. Could things get any worse? he says and it starts to rain. Aye, I guess it can.

Gawen spins around, with his fists held high in the air, Come back here ye witch, I need to speak to ye.

A light fog drops down, rain puddles in low spots as they wander back and forth through the trees looking for a path. Gawen slumps to the ground with his teeth chattering and Ian pulls him up next to him gripping him around the waist. The two men drag on, blowing their warm breath on their hands, shivering, with their feet feeling numb.

When it starts to get dark, through the trees they see a light. Ian puts his hand on Gawen’s shoulder pushing him forward. Ye can go first, Ian says rolling his stiff fingers cracking them.

Just as if stalking an animal, Gawen approaches the fire through the trees. Stepping one foot after the other, he crouches down carefully, watching where he places his feet. Keeping his body in the shadows, he sees that there is a hut too as he moves closer.

After all that work, doona keeps me waitin’, a voice calls.

Breathing out hard, he stands up and heads towards the fire. When he walks out of the tree line and over a set of stones, the cold rain stops.

Curious about the rain are ye, well… I will’na be knowin’ anything about that since I’m nay a witch but a lonely old seer. Aye, I am Ita, the woman you seek, she says, motioning for Gawen to come closer.

Moving closer quickly, he sits holding his fingers out to the fire. I seek ye help, `tis a bond I wish to break, he says flexing his fingers letting the fire warm them.

Hmm, she smiles, placing her hand on his arm. All things are nay what they seem Gawen, mayhap ye look at things all wrong. When ye look at me, all ye see is an old woman, she says with a toothless grin.

Ian sits shaking his head, holding his fingers out to the fire too. Ye see an old woman? I see the girl from the woods and I’m sure she is the most beautiful lass, I `ave ever seen, he says smiling with his eyes roaming up and down Ita.

Gawen’s head turns at the sound of Ian’s voice, Ye is pullin’ my leg, she’s as old as those weathered stones back there, he says pointing towards the woods.

Ita watches Gawen with her keen green eyes, shaking her head back and forth, If ye doona believes in magic, then how can’na I help ye? `Tis folly, ye will never find what ye seek. Knows ye, I can help lead ye, but know it is yer own fate yer messin’ with and it will cost.

Gawen clutches his fist tightly in front of his face, Name it, anythin’. T’will be yers.

Is that so, she coughs… a wicked grin spreads across on her face. `Tis lonely in the woods and `tis been ages since I had me a man, she says, licking her lips, rubbing her hands together.

Gawen throws his hands and feet out crawling backwards away from the fire quickly. Whoa, doona look at me.

I will do it for ye...I mean, if it will help ye and all, says Ian with a huge grin.

Gawen looks from Ian, who is smiling like a fifteen-year-old boy then back towards Ita who is not where she was.

Suddenly she’s sitting right next to him on the ground, leaning towards him with her eyes wide, smiling. I can’na had ye nae ways, ye be spoken fer… she says blinking her eyes several times. Then she breathes out, But ye friend… I like. We do yer seekin’ on the morrow. This night, I take me payment. Then she gets up taking Ian’s hand and leads him into the hut.

Gawen shivers and pulls his cloak close, lying next to the fire. Warmth caresses his face, relaxes his aching body, and slowly he drifts off to deep sleep.

The dream starts almost immediately after I feel myself fall into a deep sleep. My chest heaves and my muscles burn as I dash through a castle trying to get to someone, but there are too many men around me fighting. Some of the men I recognize as my own. In an instant, I swing my sword over my head and in one swift move, a flick of the wrist, I lop off a head and with the next down stroke, an arm. A man swings at me from the left. Two men also rush from the right, and I feel like time is running out. However, the harder I fight the further away something seems.

Turning the corner, I run down the hall and the floor under my feet turns to sand. The more I fight the quicker I sink. Gasping for breath, I cry out as the pressure squeezes my lungs. The light darkens and sand fills the dip where my head had been. Then someone reaches in gripping my hair and pulls my head out.

I can’na thank ye enough, I say looking up right into Ita’s green eyes.

Ye can start by wakenin’ up, she declares, snapping her fingers.

Just like that, Gawen wakes up and it’s morning already. Ita and Ian are nowhere to be seen, but there is food cooking in an ornate pot over the fire. Confused, he sits looking at the pot that is made of a strange metal. Certainly, he would recall ever seeing that kind of metal before. The wind blows lightly and when the delicious aroma hits him, his stomach growls.

Well, at least they left me food, he says with his nose flaring.

Wasting no time, he grabs a bowl to dip some out, but as his hands near the pot they feel strange. Like when you smack something hard and your hands feel like needles are poking them. Filling his bowl quickly he then backs away, breathing hard.

A short time later Ita and Ian come out of the woods following a path that was not there before. Ita’s hair is sticking out all over the place and Ian has bags under his eyes. Breathing out, she approaches Gawen slowly with a long face and creased brow, How long `ave ye been `avin dreams like that?

Gawen’s mouth pops open, But `tis just a dream, how did ye know?

Ita turns with a smirk, shrugging her shoulders, Who knows, perhaps `tis magic? Then she goes about picking up things and adding wood to the fire.

Gawen eyes Ian, watching him reach into the pot filling his bowl without hesitation. Stretching his legs out, Ian sits next to him blowing on the food to cool it.

Just as he is about to take a bite, Ian looks up and notices Gawen staring at him, What?

`Tis nothing, I did’na sleep well and from the looks of things, neither did ye, Gawen says and punches Ian on the arm, causing the hot liquid to spill on his hands.

Merlin’s beard, Ian screams setting the bowl down quickly, shaking it from his hands.

Ita walks over pulling Ian’s hands up, grinning from ear to ear. Merlin had nae beard, I’m nay sure why people think he did, she says running her fingers over his.

Gawen rubs his hands together remembering the feeling that the pot had just given him. Ita that pot there… he says with his forehead creased.

Aye, she turns with her eyes wide, what of it?

Well, he walks forward, stepping foot over foot with his hand slightly out reached toward the pot, `tis it different somehow, special?

Walking around the fire, she comes to stand in front of him. Staring intently, she glances him over with her eyebrows raised and her mouth set in a hard line. The fire crackles and the wind blows hard for a second as if summoned by her when she puts her hand up to the sky. Reaching out suddenly, she grabs him by the shirt looking deep into his eyes. Gawen drawing in a breath stands shivering and trembling under her scrutiny.

A smile pierces her weathered face, `Tis nay time for that yet.

Time for what; I doona ken ye and what of the pot? he stammers, taking several steps.

Waving him off, she slams shut the door to her hut and he turns holding his hands out wide, staring at Ian.

Did That Just Happen?

True to his word Det. Johnson got me out of there with the least amount of questions possible, the world is not ready for me just yet. Let’s not forget I still have to face Professor St. Clair, and I haven’t come up with anything brilliant to say to him. Lord help me, I just can’t be kicked out of his class. This will be the second class this semester, and I could lose my grant to finish school, not to mention my spot with Dr. Amile. Crap, but just sitting outside his class isn’t going to help me either.

A throbbing pounding sounds through my head from sitting in that stuffy police station. These headaches come more and more frequently lately. But on the same note, more vivid the dreams are becoming. Well, it’s too late to think about what I’m going to say now, because here he comes with his hands in his pockets. Something he does when he’s irritated. The deep lines of his face are pulled up and his jaw twitches with every step.

Miss Richards, can I have a moment of your precious time?

Okay, he’s definitely mad. Crap, crap what am I going to say? Huffing out, I pick up my books one at a time, very slowly and drag my feet following him into his classroom.

Muttering under his breath, he slams down a tall stack of papers on his desk. Dana, I just don’t understand; you’re the smartest girl in my class. Hell, maybe the smartest student, I have had. Yet, you are always ditching my class. So why don’t you tell me what crazy story you came up with this time.

Slowly, I run my finger over my binder, tracing the hard edge, following it with my eyes to keep myself from looking up. Oh, my stomach has knots in it and there’s a thundering in my ears that sounds like the water cascading over Niagara Falls. It all makes it hard to focus.

Finally, I force my eyes up to meet his. Professor, I don’t know what to say. Just please don’t kick me out… I really do want to be here, but things just keep coming up.

Tapping on his cheek with his finger, he looks at me narrowing his eyes. Then he reaches out lifting my chin up, Why don’t you start by telling me the truth?

The look in his eyes mesmerizes me and without further thought, I blab out my whole day, every… horrible… detail. When I’m done, I look at his face and it is pulled back in a tight mask. His hands are in fists at his sides, his chest heaves in and out as he stares at me with his mouth hanging wide open.

Suddenly, he snatches my arm, Whom are you, from whence did you come?

Every muscle in my body freezes up like I’m in a block of solid ice. What did you do to me? I whisper, but I meant it to be a scream.

With a straight face, he leans in, What did you say?

Closing my eyes, I focus on getting the words out of my mouth. What did you do… to me?

This is incredible, he says as he walks around me in a circle. His face is white, and sweat drips from his brow. You… shouldn’t be able to talk. This is amazing, what else can you do?

It feels like my lungs are solid ice and being crushed. You better fix me, pronto. I… can’t… breathe…, I gasp out.

Rolling his fingers and then clenching his fists, he stops in front of me. Dana, when I release you, please don’t run. Listen, I have never met another like myself here before, he stammers. I can help you and maybe you can help me.

With that, I feel his power let go like some big rubber band had just snapped. I’m left feeling breathless as the air whooshes back into my lungs. Is that what it feels like to someone else when I use my powers? God, I will have to be more careful. It was like all the energy in my body had been sapped out at once and I slouch down into a chair. Damn, my head resting on my hand feels like a twenty-pound weight.

What the hell professor? How did you do that? His laughter fills the room, my stomach shakes, and my head pounds even harder than before. Oh, he’s laughing, why is he laughing? Seriously Professor? I say pounding the desk slightly with my fist.

Returning to his desk, he pulls out several drawers and rakes the contents inside around. I know... I know, but all these years I have searched and here you are, right under my nose. Honestly, I just would have never thought.

What, I say, jumping out of the chair stomping towards him with my feet feeling strangely numb, is there something wrong with me? Leaning over his desk with one hand, I slide my other hand across the corner of it, sending his papers flying. Am I not good enough to be like you?

That’s not it at all, my girl, he turns with his eyes closed. It’s quite the opposite. You are way too good to be like me. You’re smart and beautiful, talented like I have ne-never seen before… I wish it was anyone but you. But the last part was barely a whisper. His face turns a pasty white and sweat pours down his brow like rain falling from a sign hanging over a building.

Professor, I rush forward to steady him, you okay? I ask as he stumbles sideways.

Sitting hard in his chair, he waves me off, I need a moment, please.

Taking this time to glance around the room, I study things, trying to learn more about him. His desk is neat except for the pile of papers that are now all over the place. No trash or personal items sit anywhere. Noting several things, I look at him closely with my eyes roaming up and down. Ironed khaki pants with a deep crease at the knee and cuff tell me he is meticulous about his appearance. A white collared long sleeve shirt, ironed straight with a worn blue sweater vest over that, hide his still muscular body.

The reddish brown hair of his that’s starting to turn gray in places, makes it hard to guess his true age. His hands are strong, wide, and rough with callouses. They seem like they would be the hands of a man who has worked all his life with his hands, not those of a college professor.

Coughing several times, he waves his hand in front of me. Hello?

When I look up, my head swims, I must have been looking at him for some time. Look Professor, I have no clue how this happened to me. So, if you know anything… I want to know, and another thing, why did you say from whence did I come? I ask, but the look in his eyes said it all, he feels pity for me, but why?

When did you realize that you were, um… different? Did your mother tell you?

Snorting, I turn away, facing the other wall, My mother and father are dead. You know that and I have no other living family. So, no, no one told me. Quickly I turn, choking back those traitorous tears as my hands shake. I figured it out back at the orphanage I was sent to, when this horrible brat was making fun of my red hair. So, I set her hair on fire with my mind, I would like to say it was an accident, but that would be a lie. Breathing deep, wiping the tears from my face, I sit facing away from him. You still did not answer my question, Professor.

Oh, all right, he sighs and his chair screeches back across the floor. Then, I hear heavy steps as his shoes tap the tiles. Well to answer your question honestly is difficult, he says coming to a stop right in front of me. I am neither from this time nor this realm. Then he puts his hand on my shoulder squeezing several times.

Wait, what, my mind goes into overdrive and I jump out of the chair back pedaling several steps. So, what you’re saying... is... you’re from another time and place. Bull… shit, you’re making this up! Slowly, I stop, thinking about what he just said and then stomp towards him with my hands up. There’s only one way to get answers for sure and I’m going to get them from him just like he did from me. Game on Professor, you picked the wrong student.

It’s true, he says, stepping back quickly from me, holding his arms out away from his body to shield himself. I would not lie about this.

If what you say is true, then take my hand, I challenge, holding my hand out to him.

Cracking one eye open, he looks up and slowly he holds his hand out. Can you read my mind and how will you know it’s the truth? he asks, and then he pulls it back towards him after a moment, perhaps thinking more clearly.

Wiggling my fingers at him, I take several more steps toward him holding my arm out. I can read present thoughts, and see past and future events. However, it doesn’t work on everyone and sometimes it’s downright inconvenient. Like, when you have a class that you have to get to, I say with a smile, rolling my eyes at him at the irony of it all.

Okay, he tilts his head and a big grin spreads across his face, I guess we have to start somewhere, he says and then he thrusts his hand into mine.

This was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It was like a dream, everything fuzzy around the edges. O-m-g is that the professor, wow he looks so young. Startling red hair with touches of brown hangs down past his shoulders and bounces as he rides. Muscle covers every inch of him, and I mean huge muscles that flex each time he pulls on the reigns. The large broad sword strapped to his back and the fact that he’s riding atop a magnificent white horse leave no room for doubt that this is definitely, the past. There is also a beautiful woman with very long blond hair swept up in a coiled braid on her head and huge blue eyes.

I doona wants ye to go Elliot St. Clair, she cries, pronouncing every syllable of his name as she holds the fabric of his pants so tight her knuckles turn white. I beg of ye to stay, she moans with tears streaming down her face.

To the God’s ears alone, he rakes his hands through his hair. WOMAN ye doona know what yer askin’ or ye would’na be askin’, he says then pushes her away from him.

That witch can’na `ave ye, I will’na allow it! Nay, I will kill her myself, she says, pulling out a knife from the inside of her dress sleeve.

St. Clair’s mouth opens and closes, then he lets out a long hard breath, Crystala ye knew this was my duty from the day of my birth, doona make it harder than it is, I beg ye stop this.

With that he rode away, leaving the girl behind. Screaming out, she falls to her knees crying, gripping soil in her hands sobbing hysterically. Then the vision stops.

So, do you believe me now? he asks laced with sarcasm.

How do you know what I saw? I ask as I turn rubbing the sweat from my hands on my pants. To my knowledge, other than the first time this little gift of mine roared its ugly head, no one has ever seen what I could see from them.

Because through you, I saw it too and I forgot just how beautiful she really was, he says with a touch of sadness in his voice. Then he turns collecting the papers on his desk.

Who was that woman and what was that about a witch? Like did she mean a real witch? I turn about pacing the room, my mind working at light speed. Then I stop, realizing something. Wait, what year was that and how the hell did you end up in New York City?

Laughter escapes from him, It’s simple, he says and a smile spreads on his face from ear to ear as he reaches out to take my hands. I have magic just like you. But what I want to know is, how did you get to this time and place?

Pulling my hands away from him, I do an about face heading towards the door. What do you mean, I was born here, I am from this time, I murmur, turning back with my hands up.

You are not from this time. There are no magic bloodlines surviving today in this realm and time fabric, he says with all emotion now wiped from his face.

Realm, time fabric what the hell? Honestly, I don’t know what to say, all of my family had died. Until now, I thought they were my real family but in truth, I had no real proof that they were. After the fire, I was sent to the orphanage and stayed with them for thirteen more years until I became eighteen. Though many people came to the orphanage looking to adopt, I was never chosen. Mother Alvita used to say I was too good for them, that I was meant for a higher calling. Many times, she held me tight while tears streamed down my face when other children would leave with their new families.

Wiping my nose, I breathe deep, You still have not really answered any of my questions. If I’m not from this time, then how did I get here and why do you keep saying this realm?

Rolling his eyes around slowly, he moves to stand in front of me with both his feet planted shoulder width apart. His arms are bent at the elbow and his hands sit in the ready position.

What the hell are you doing? I ask quickly grabbing for the door handle behind me.

You are too smart for your own good, he says and he makes a strange circle motion with his hand. Snapping his fingers, he whispers something under his breath.

That is the last thing I remember before my knees buckle under me and I feel myself hit the ground, blackness surrounds me.

Gawen and Ian Back at Ita’s Hut

As night falls, Ita works up a roaring fire, adding more wood and some black sandy powder that makes it burn higher into the sky. Then she turns and sits next to Gawen. I need that which can grow even after yer death and that which flows, but if it runs can mean ye death. Lastly, I need something of which ye seek.

Gawen pulls his dirk from his sporran then cuts a length of hair and slices his finger. Ita holds up a cup that has strange triangle and half circle markings, it