The Crystal Ark

By Nancy Beth Lawter

In the final book from the Magic of Scerone series, the powers of good and evil are drawn together one last time.

While living in Fallorn with Rane, Sherry is discovered by King Greavus and forced to join the trials with Laurel and two other young girls to determine who will become King Greavus’ newest bride. Rane in desperate to free both the woman that he loves and his big sister. Forces combine with surprising results. Joshua and Jessica are swept up in the drama as Jessica accompanies Hanus to Fallorn where he is to be executed for treason. As she fights for his life, unexpected events throw her into the arms of her lost husband. Unfortunate, their joyous reunion is cut short when Jessica must make a terrible choice.

When Rane discovers the blue magic’s hidden cave, he risks life and love as he attempts to capture the magic and complete the creation of the Crystal Ark.
All seems lost, but Joshua finds he can once more trust in the power of fate and in the strength of true love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nancy Beth Lawter
• Release date: Aug 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370230105

Nancy Beth Lawter

Nancy Beth Lawter resides in Southern Missouri with her husband and her four youngest children and a plethora of farm animals. She is currently working on a series of children’s books that are a set of lighthearted memories for children and adults to enjoy called, When I Was Little. Look for the second book in the Magic of Scerone Trilogy, Between Two Queens

Book preview

Joshua woke to the blue-lit interior of the now familiar cave. His hands were bound again in manacles, though he couldn’t remember being put there. He could see Laurel and Tye also bound in the blue restraints. He didn’t remember anything after falling into Tye’s arms.

Though there was no sun to gauge the passage of time, Joshua was certain it was morning when Maura returned. She opened the manacles and allowed each of them to sink to the ground, their bodies aching from the unnatural way they had been held for so many hours. Standing a short distance away from them she produced three plates of food and three large cups of water.

You did surprisingly well at the puzzle games, she said looking at Tye first, then including the others in her gaze. I’ll give you one week to heal. Though truthfully, you don’t need a whole week this time. She smiled down at them as if she were a benevolent benefactor instead of their jailor. She watched as they rotated stiff, sore shoulders and wrists before they began slowly eating. They were hungry and thirsty, but, despite that, they were slow to reach for the food and water.

Maura stood in her flawless beauty watching them eat. I saw Jessica, Sherry and Rane yesterday, she lied, watching as their eyes flitted from their food to her face. Rane has been such a naughty boy that Jessica can’t trust him anymore. She relies completely on Evan now. He’s proven invaluable to her; in fact, he even took a knife that was meant for her. Tell me, Protector, she purred with a self-satisfied sigh. How long do you think it’ll be before the Guardian shows Evan her gratitude in a more physical way?

Joshua stopped eating to stare at her. He hated her! He hated Steevon! Suddenly he flipped the plate of food at her, the meat and cheese landing in the dirt at her feet.

I don’t want anything from you, he said in a voice too weary to sound angry.

The other two prisoners froze, staring at their jailor in fear.

Now that was ungrateful, she said slowly. But if one of you doesn’t want my generosity, then none of you shall enjoy it. She gave a wave of one hand and all the food, plates, drinks and cups disappeared.

Laurel couldn’t help moaning in disappointment, and Tye expelled a large, noisy breath of air and slammed the ground with one fist. Neither of them looked at Joshua.

The Protector felt intense guilt as he glanced at their disappointed faces.

I think you’ll benefit from a few more days of hunger, Marua said as she moved over to stand directly before Joshua. You’re no longer the King or the Protector. You’re a beggar that lives or dies by my good will. When you learn this, you will fare much better, she paused looking at Tye and Laurel, as will your friends.

In a flash of light she was gone, and the three prisoners sat in stony silence.

Joshua sighed, running one hand through his tangled hair. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for that to happen.

It doesn’t matter, Tye said, trying not to listen to his stomach which was screaming that it did matter. We’ll just enjoy the food all the more the next time she brings it.

Laurel didn’t say anything. She only sat staring at the spot on the ground where her food had been.

The day passed slowly and the night slower still. Maura was true to her word. She didn’t come with food the next day or the day after that. On the morning of the third day, she appeared in a brilliant blast of blue energy and stood there looking clean, and fresh.

Are you hungry yet? she asked, looking directly at Joshua.

Joshua nodded without speaking.

Say it. Say the words, Maura commanded.

I’m hungry, he said stupid with fatigue, thirst, and hunger.

Don’t be an idiot, Maura growled. I don’t care if you’re hungry. Beg for the food or no one eats again today.

Joshua’s throat burned from lack of liquid. Even so, if it had only been him he wouldn’t have begged, he would’ve been true to his word and died rather than ask anything of her. But he couldn’t keep his eyes from his companion’s faces. There was a look of uncertain hope on Laurel’s, though Tye’s face was set, determined to accept whatever fate his King handed him. He couldn’t bear to hurt either of them. Joshua pulled himself to his knees and bowed his head as he pleaded for their sake.

Please, your Highness, give us food and water.

Maura stared down at him. Do it again, with feeling this time.

Joshua fought to keep his fists at his side. Please, he managed through his pain. Feed and water us.

I don’t know, Maura said quietly. You don’t look sufficiently humbled to me.

Joshua wanted to cry; he closed his eyes on his agony and lowered himself until he was prostrate on the ground before the dark Dueen.

M’lady, he hated those words, hated the way they fell from his lips, hated the foul taste of them. Please feed and water us. We are poor, wretched, hopeless creatures. You alone can save us from the fate we deserve.

Maura smiled. True enough, she said, and food and water appeared before all three prisoners, and in a flash of light she was gone.

Joshua watched as his companions fell on their food, driven by thirst and hunger. He stared at his and wished he were dead.

Laurel paused between bites and wiped at her mouth with dirty fingers. The Guardian needs you, she said in words barely loud enough to hear.

Joshua closed his eyes and imagined Jessica, her blond hair framing her perfect features, her hands reaching out to him, her voice speaking his name. She needed him, he needed her—he had to live.

He forced himself to drink the cool water and then, slowly, he ate the food left by the Queen of his despair.

On the morning of the fifth day, Steevon appeared. He pinned Laurel and Tye to the wall and then without any sort of explanation other than something about the Queen being stubborn, he beat Joshua, again.

Tye wondered if he would ever stop, when Maura suddenly appeared. She grabbed Steevon by the shoulder, pulling him around.

Stop it, she growled. I haven’t interfered with your fun, now you stay out of mine.

He looked down at the battered form on the ground.

I was finished anyway, he said, shrugging his arm away from the small woman. Don’t heal him until tomorrow, Maura. I want him to suffer a bit.

Maura looked down at Joshua; the thought of his pain seemed to please her. Very well then, I’ll give you one day, but then I heal him so he’ll be ready for his next adventure.

Steevon nodded without speaking.

You may want to peek in on this adventure, Maura said as she ran the back of one soft hand over Steevon’s rough cheek. I think you’ll find it entertaining.

Her Champion smiled and leaned down kissed her soundly. He kissed her a second time for good measure, and then he was gone in a flash of light.

If your little usurper would learn to obey, you wouldn’t have to suffer so. If it’s any consolation, she purred, knowing the pain her words would bring the Protector, He beat Jessica just before he came for you. It’s rather romantic, isn’t it, the two of you suffering together. She smiled.

Joshua squeezed his eyes shut against the pain those words brought him.

***

On the seventh day Maura appeared without food. Instead, she had wash basins and piles of clean clothes. By now the three companions were so desperate for a bath they would’ve taken advantage of the opportunity if they’d been told they were bathing for their own funerals.

Joshua accepted the bowl that suddenly filled with hot sudsy water and a course rag with something very near a smile. Tye accepted his as well, with only a little less fervor.

Laurel looked at Maura’s empty hands with a huge sense of remorse. She wanted to bathe as badly as she had ever wanted anything. Maura moved towards her holding out her empty hands.

Don’t worry; you’ll have a bath as well. Then suddenly she had her hands on both of Laurel’s shoulders. Laurel heard Tye’s shout but it disappeared like everything else in the cave, and indeed the cave itself, as she was transported away from her companions.

When they reappeared in the house at Planthill, Laurel pulled away from Maura and put several large steps between them. The room was empty except for a bed and a large bath tub. The tub was filled with steaming water, and the soft scent of flowers permeated the room. Maura only smiled at her.

We girls need more than a bowl of water, don’t you agree? she asked in a conspiratorial tone. I never could understand how a man could bathe like that and call himself clean. No self-respecting woman would say such a thing. She laughed suddenly and moved away from the tub. Come now, we’re both girls; bathe while we talk.

Laurel knew that she would get exactly one chance to comply, then she would either find herself being bathed by large hairy men, or submersed in boiling water while blue magic held her down. Besides, she had to admit, the bath did look wonderfully inviting.

Laurel sighed, then turned away from Maura and she shrugged off her soiled clothes, leaving them in a dirty pile on the ground. She climbed into the tub’s warm embrace and couldn’t help sighing in pleasure as she did so.

Maura watched with a smile on her lips. She waited until the girl was enveloped in the warm water before speaking again. Has anyone ever told you the story of how King Greavus of Fallorn selects a new wife?

Laurel felt the pleasure slip from her. Was she to listen to Maura drone on and on through her entire bath? She only shook her head not bothering to mask her displeasure.

No? I must tell you then, it is a most fascinating tale, Maura said, as she sat down in a chair that had only just appeared.

Laurel doubted very much if she would find it so, but she concentrated on rubbing the rough sponge she had found over her body.

He starts with three orphans, she began. They are made to pass through three challenges. The one who wins the most challenges becomes his wife; the other two are executed at his wedding celebration. It’s a most efficient use of the useless.

Laurel ducked her head under the water, scrubbing her head enthusiastically. When she sat up, water dripping from her face and hair, Maura continued as if she had not been forced to wait for the girl.

Would you like to hear what the challenges consist of? Maura asked while she watched Laurel brush water from her face.

Not really, Laurel said, as she resumed scrubbing.

Suit yourself, Maura said, sounding disappointed. I’ve only told you the tale so you would understand your next adventure. The important part of the story was that the contestants are all orphans—so thanks to me—you qualify. But remember that the contestants come from the orphanage and Greavus is a stickler for tradition. Since you’ll be competing in the next set of trials, he must do as tradition demands and choose you from an orphanage. That makes it necessary for you to live with the other orphans for the next several weeks. It’ll give you a chance to get to know your competition. She finished speaking as she lifted up a dark heavy woolen dress. This is the fashion in the orphanages just now. Come now, you’re clean enough. It’s time to dress.

Laurel stared at the gown without moving, The trials? she managed to squeak.

You can either put it on or not. Maura shrugged her shoulders ignoring Laurel’s dismay, If you choose not to dress, then you’ll find that I would be just as happy to transport you to the orphanage still sitting naked in a bathtub.

Laurel felt as if the floor had suddenly fallen out beneath her.

I want to go back to the cave, she said her voice unsteady with fear.

We’re past that time, Laurel.

Take me back to my friends. the girl begged, pulling her knees up to her chest.

They’ll join you soon enough. But just like you, they have preparations to make for the next adventure. Now dress, unless you would rather go with option number two?

Laurel stood, despite the fact that she felt as if she hadn’t any strength in her shaking limbs. She dried off with the soft towel Maura handed her and then slipped into the dark dress. It was heavy and the material began to chafe as soon as it touched her. It smelled of strong detergent and itched dreadfully.

You’ll fit right in, Maura said as if she cared, which, she did not. Maura waved her hand and Laurel felt a brush move roughly through her hair, held by invisible fingers. The fingers slicked her hair back away from her face and tied it into a pony tail at the base of her skull.

Maura closed the circle before Laurel could form a plan of escape, though, truthfully, there was no place to go.

***

There was only a smattering of light in the main room of the orphanage. It didn’t matter all that much because all the walls and floors were the same dreary brown. There were no pictures on any of the walls to suggest that this was the dwelling place of young girls. Laurel was certain she’d never seen a room that made her feel less at home.

The woman that stepped up to take Laurel’s hand was dressed in a fine black gown that shimmered slightly. A far cry from the rough woolen dresses the girls wore.

Demora, Maura spoke as she pushed Laurel towards the other the woman. This is Laurel Krenull. She’s the one I told you about.

The dark eyed woman stared at Laurel for a moment. She’s clearly too old for an orphanage. Are you sure this is necessary?

Maura only tilted her head slightly to one side. Would I ask for her to live here if it were not?

Demora grimaced as she turned to study the younger girl once more. Besides fear, there was a dark anger that was easily visible in Laurel’s face.

You were right, the director nodded. I think she’ll be a challenge, but don’t worry; I’ve never met a girl I couldn’t break.

I have a feeling you’ll enjoy this game as much as I, Maura purred.

Demora smiled. Most certainly. The petite dark woman pulled a switch from the air with a glittering hand as she turned to Laurel. For the first week you’ll feel the bite of the switch each night before bed. It’s just my way of welcoming the girls into our little family. It also reinforces the fact that I’m in charge. If you don’t fully appreciate this right now, you will after the first week of your life here. Demora turned to Maura. I assume you’ll enjoy watching the first switching?

Maura smiled and nodded. Of course.

Laurel tried to pull away from the woman and was surprised to find that though she was small, her muscles were well developed after a decade of forcing orphans to cringe before her.

Lean across the couch, Demora said in a voice that sounded like pure iron.

No, Laurel said. I’m not a little girl you can turn over your knee. I—

Laurel cried out as Demora’s dark power folded her across the couch. The pain from the magic intensified suddenly, burning into her body as if the woman had doused her in scalding water.

I never ask for compliance twice, Demora spoke, as she bent down over Laurel, her mouth very near her ear. Pull up your dress.

Laurel felt the magic retreat from her tender flesh just as the second command came. She felt the raw edge of panic as she tried to process the words through her frightened mind and then suddenly the searing pain was back and she felt her dress being ripped up over her head. She began to scream as she struggled to pull free.

Then just as quickly as it had come, the magic was gone. Laurel was crying softly, her soft sobs the only sound in the quiet room.

You’ll find, Demora’s voice was quiet, it is far less painful to obey. There was only the briefest of hesitations before the switch struck her for the first time.

***

Laurel climbed the stairs, moving slowly. The small pile of personal items in her arms shouldn’t have weighed her down, and yet they did. She followed Demora down the long hallway. She glanced through one of the partially opened doors; the room behind it had identical beds along one long wall, each one made up with a matching threadbare gray quilt that may have once been white. The second door was closed, but the third one was open and Demora turned into it. This room was also rectangular and filled with identical neatly made beds. Demora stopped at the fourth bed on the left.

This one is yours, she said without looking back at the girl that followed her. The other girls will teach you the rules; listen to them carefully if you wish to avoid extra beatings. Remember though, each of the next six days will end with a switching. If you learn to obey quickly, you’ll not have to feel the pain of my magic as well as the switch. She paused as she waited for Laurel to look at her, when she didn’t, the older woman sighed and grabbed Laurel roughly by the chin. Have you nothing to say to me?

Yes ma’am, thank you, ma’am, Laurel said, her voice breaking once as she fought down the sobs that she’d only just mastered.

Demora smiled. You’ll join us for dinner tonight; I’ll send one of the girls up to fetch you. Until then, stay here.

Yes, ma’am, she repeated stupidly.

Good girl, Demora spoke, as she reached up to pat the girl on the head as if she were an obedient puppy.

Laurel waited until she heard the door close behind her, then she dropped down on the empty bed and cried.

Chapter Two

Tye realized too late that Maura was taking Laurel away. He made a dash for her, crying out in anger as he lunged in her direction, but he’d not been fast enough.

Cold fear exploded over him. There was no way to avoid the thoughts that slammed into him. What sort of things would she do to Laurel or let others do to her that she hadn’t wanted the men to interfere with?

Tye was torn between sinking to the ground in utter despair and dashing his bowl of water against the cave wall.

Joshua caught his friend’s arm, just before the bowl and water were airborne. Bathe and dress—and pray, he added softly. There’s nothing else we can do.

Tye knew that Joshua understood his pain. He stared at the Protector and wondered at the burden the man had been forced to carry for so long. He thought he would go insane with worry and it had only been a few moments since Laurel had been taken from him into the unknown. Jessica had been separated from Joshua now for over a month. How was he able to deal with the worry and fear?

Tye looked down into the steaming water in the large bowl he still held. He took his King’s advice and closed his eyes. He prayed to the only God he had ever known.

The men had finished bathing—twice, and had dressed, and still Maura hadn’t returned for them. They sat side by side, their anxiety growing with each passing moment. What could Maura be doing with Laurel—to Laurel?

Joshua looked at the clothes she’d given him. They were suited to commoners. Beside him, wadded up, was a cloak like any one might wear for cover or protection. He couldn’t help but notice that Tye’s clothes were plain, white britches and a tunic. He had the sudden fear that they wouldn’t be going anywhere together. Maura had something in mind, something very specific and Joshua was certain they weren’t going to like it.

Maura appeared suddenly in a flash of blinding light.

Where’s Laurel?" Tye asked jumping to his feet before the magic had finished fading.

It’s your turn, Maura said pointing to Tye, completely ignoring his question.

Joshua surged to his feet and moved forward so he stood directly between the dethroned Queen and his friend. Tye had saved him twice now, and he had no intention of letting Maura take another of them without knowing what was going on.

Problem? Maura asked in her sweetest voice.

Where are you taking us? What is expected of us this time? Joshua asked, trying to remain calm despite the fear and anger in his heart.

Oh, didn’t I tell you boys the good news? She paused, as if waiting for a response. Laurel is a lucky candidate in the race to become King Greavus’ new wife.

Tye lunged around Joshua towards Maura, his hands outstretched as if he were going to strangle the woman. He was yelling something about her ancestry when Joshua caught him; that was just before the blue magic struck them both, knocking them back against the rough wall of the cave.

I see I’ve chosen your next roll well, Maura said, grabbing the stunned Tye by the arm and closing the circle with a touch to his other shoulder. With that, the light that always accompanied her magic flared and the cave was empty save for Joshua and the remaining blue power.

Joshua groaned and ran his hand through his curly hair. How was one supposed to battle someone as powerful as Maura without even a shred of their own magic?

Tye wobbled a bit when they appeared deep within the bowels of Greavus’ dark castle. He wrenched his arm free and rubbed at the back of his head; his hand came away with a smear of red on it. He was still muttering dark oaths under his breath when an enormous man, one larger than any Tye had ever seen, stepped into his line of sight.

This him? the giant asked in a voice that was as deep as he was tall.

This is him, Maura said.

He don’t look like much, the tall man said, bending down to peer at Tye, like a young boy studying an insect.

Don’t worry, he’ll fight, it’s what he does best. Especially once you’ve explained the rules, Maura said, shoving Tye forward. Take good care of him, Menak. I’ve waited a long time to see him die. I want to enjoy it.

Menak smiled a huge crooked toothed grin that seemed to speak of everything unpleasant in the world. I know how to care for the likes of him.

Maura only smiled one of her dazzling smiles and then she was gone.

Tye felt the huge hand on his shoulder turning him in a circle while Menak appraised his new toy.

You ain’t got much meat on your bones, boy. But we’ll take care of that. You got any magic? ‘Cause we don’t allow any magic in the cage.

Tye shoved the giant’s hand off of his shoulder. Do you think I’d still be here if I had magic?

Menak stared at the newcomer for a moment and then his face split in a second smile. I like you, boy. I think you’re going to work out just fine.

Tye was not entirely sure that this fact pleased him. Suddenly Menak grabbed him by his shoulders and bent him over, nearly double. Tye tried desperately to pull away from the man’s grasp, but the glittering, blue ropes that suddenly snaked about him wrapped him sure and tight. Tye felt a cold pressure at the base of his skull. The pressure grew until he thought he would scream in agony. Then, suddenly the magic was done and Menak released him. The giant yanked the smaller man back up and Tye blinked, staggering slightly, his hand fumbling at the back of his neck. There was a space there as large as his thumb that was cold to the touch.

The magic that I’ve wound around your spine and through your nervous system will be used when you disobey me. When the magic is planted correctly it’s excruciatingly painful, if I’ve made a mistake it’s fatal. Remember this warning, for you’ll not receive a second one.

Without another word he turned away from the smaller man. With a touch of the giant’s glittering hand, the doors slipped open before them. The smell of sweat and hard work struck Tye; he took an involuntary step backwards, holding one hand over his nose.

Follow me, Menak said with a wave, and walked through the doors as if he couldn’t smell the stench. Tye staggered behind the mammoth, one hand still pressed to the cold spot on the back of his neck, the other pressed to his nose.

Tye was aware that the doors had responded to magic; that would probably mean that his jailor was the only one who could open them. It didn’t matter; he was still going to find a way out of here, of that he was certain. Laurel was near, she had to be, and he’d find a way to free himself and then her, and then they would find Joshua. Somehow they would do this. They had done it twice before, and they would do it again.

Menak stopped suddenly and Tye nearly walked into him. He turned and smiled down at the smaller man. Your new home, he growled in his deep bass voice. Then he motioned for Tye to follow him again as he moved off down the hallway. The walls were lined with doors; each with a set of bars about three fourths of the way up. Most of the cells they passed had an occupant. The men ranged in sizes, and temperament apparently, since some of them merely stood and watched while others made obscene comments and still others breathed out threats to life and limb. Tye was certain all the comments were meant for him, not for his jailor. He was uncertain as to why any of these men would want to, apparently, twist his head off.

Menak stopped before a door that was nearly halfway down the hall. He slipped a bronze colored dagger into the long slender key hole and the door screeched open.

The giant shoved Tye inside. You’ll have two weeks to train before I have to throw you in with the animals. Take a few minutes to get used to it, he laughed, thumbing towards the cell. It’s home from now until the day you die, which will only be two weeks from the looks of you. He was laughing loudly as the door screamed shut on its rusted hinges.

Tye looked around at the dismal gray cell; words had been scratched into the walls. There were dozens of sets of markings as if someone or several some ones had been keeping track of days or weeks or some other milestones.

He slumped into the corner without reading any of the scribbling. He wasn’t going to take any time getting used to this place because he wasn’t going to be here long enough to call it home. He was leaving! Laurel was waiting for him, depending on him, and he wouldn’t let her down.

***

When Maura returned, Joshua was sitting on the floor of the cave, the blue magic curling about him like a pet consoling a cherished master.

Your turn, little king, Maura purred.

Joshua sat on the ground staring at her. He was so tired of these games, so tired of pain of worry and loss. What is it you want me to do?

Maura smiled at him, You already know Laurel’s fate; Tye has been placed in the castle as well. You’ll need only to find both of your companions, touch the medallions in your palms, and poof, she shrugged her slender shoulders, you will be in the safety and comfort of your home away from home.

How will I find them? His voice was still emotionless.

Maura waggled one finger in front of his face. First you have to survive long enough to get to the castle, and then you’ll find them. She reached out and wound her fingers in his blond curls. But first some minor changes.

Joshua felt the magic as it spilled across his head, small blue splashes glittered at the edge of his vision. He moved quickly, reaching up and grabbing Maura’s wrist and yanking her down to him, her face only inches from his own. I am so tired of you and your games.

The hand that Maura used to slam into Joshua’s chest glittered an angry blue. He cried out and felt the magic lift him from his knees and toss him across the floor.

Maura moved over to stand beside the still form; he looked up as she reached slowly down grabbing his hair once more. Joshua’s hands reached up, pulling at her wrist, but the magic that she bore exploded into him. He grunted from the power and fell still, the magic still played about the dethroned Queen’s fingers and still danced amid the King’s hair.

Finish it, Maura hissed, and the magic did just as she commanded.

***

Joshua woke, moving slowly. He was aware of voices and rough hands tugging him, pulling at him. He shoved at the hands and staggered to his feet. Two dirty-faced children stared at him in surprise.

I thought you said he was dead, the smaller of the two said.

Joshua staggered sideways two or three steps before falling back to his knees. He cupped his head in his hands trying to clear the fireworks that still exploded there.

Well, he’s nearly dead, one of the voices said.

Joshua looked up at the children. The younger one, a girl, couldn’t have been more than eight and the older one, a boy, no more than ten. They were obviously related, since they both had the same narrow face with hawk-like noses. He stared at the dark eyes and hair that looked like it hadn’t been brushed since early morning.

Who are you? he asked or tried to ask, but it came out more like a croak. He tried again, clearing his throat this time.

Don’t answer, the boy said, pulling the girl back a step. All we have to do is stand here and wait a few moments until he dies, then we take his valuables. They stood with their feet planted watching him closely.

Joshua looked up at the night skies, the two moons providing the only light in the dark streets. What are your names? Why are you out so late?

Don’t answer, Jinny, the boy cautioned again.

I don’t have anything, Joshua said, sagging a bit with the pain in his chest and head. There’s nothing for you to steal.

The boy studied him closely then nodded. You’re probably telling the truth. You don’t look like much. Taking his sister’s hand, he pulled her back another step. There’s no use hanging around then, let’s get going. Mom will be worried.

The girl pulled her hand away. He’s hurt, Dane, she said, as if she’d only just realized that fact. We can’t just leave him.

We can’t do nothing else, Dane snapped, grabbing his sister’s hand a second time. He needs food and medicine to get well and we don’t have the money for either. Just let him be, let him die in peace.

I like him, Jinny said, pulling her hand away a second time. Besides, he may not have any money on him, but maybe he can get some for us if we help him. She sounded so hopeful Joshua wanted to laugh.

The boy stared hard at a Joshua again, Can you get us money? he asked, his tone hard.

Joshua looked at the girl and the boy in turn. Had fate sent these children to find him? An adult may have killed him before rolling him for valuables. These kids, sent by fate or not, could be the ticket he needed to survival just now.

I think, Joshua swallowed hard as the images before him separated becoming four children instead of two, then snapping back again into two distinct forms. I think I can get you some money, or something valuable. I’ll do my best if you help me find my friends.

The boy looked at the girl for a moment; she was looking back at her brother, a puppy dog expression in her eyes. You and your strays, Jinny. I hope they don’t get us both killed some day.

The girl smiled brightly, pretty despite the rags and untidy hair, and hugged her brother.

Dane moved over beside Joshua and wrapped one skinny arm around his waist. He helped him to his feet. Come on then, its way past our time to be home.

They walked slowly, Dane on one side and Jinny on the other, glancing up at him on occasion with curious eyes.

Joshua had a sudden thought; why hadn’t either of them mentioned his hair? He glanced up at the moon trying to judge the brightness, but he was rewarded by tripping over something in the path. He nearly fell, taking both children with him; he staggered forward several steps before catching his balance. He gave up on checking out the moons and instead studied the children’s heads beside him. He could clearly see the dark shades of their hair, could they not see his blond hair as well?

Watch where you’re going, the young boy complained, as he adjusted his hold on Joshua.

The Protector caught Jinny looking up at him then, a smile on her impish face.

Are you all right? she whispered.

He only smiled and nodded.

Joshua thought every step would be his last. It seemed like days since he had been pulled to his feet by his semi-reluctant benefactors. Every step set off more pounding in his head.

Suddenly they reached a dark alley. Joshua stared at it, uncertainty and fear washed over him. He didn’t have a choice; not really, he couldn’t take care of himself. He had to trust these children. So he continued to drag his weary feet down the dark alley.

A light flared in the darkness before them as a door opened and a woman’s voice beckoned the children forward.

They stood in the doorway with the woman staring at them and at their companion.

What have you done? she asked, fear in her eyes.

We found him, Mom. He’s hurt. He might have died without us, Jinny spoke in her soft voice.

Dane, the woman’s voice was hard. I know she hasn’t the sense of a stone, but you certainly knew better. I’ve no medicine or money to buy any. Just as well for him to die on the streets than in our home, far better for us. She opened her mouth to say something else then she froze. Suddenly she moved her hand up, grabbing Joshua’s chin and moving his face so the light struck him in the eyes. Who are you? she asked quietly. What’s wrong with your eyes?

My name’s Joshua; I’m very, very far from home. He struggled not to mumble as he answered her question. What he really wanted to do, more than anything, was to beg her for help.

The woman stared at him for another moment then yanked the door wider and motioned them inside with a quick nod of her head.

Joshua blinked at the brightness; he glanced over at Jinny and found her starring down at the ground as if she were ashamed.

The mother pointed towards the corner, Put him there, she said, then she moved to the other side of the small room. When she came back she held a worn, ragged blanket in her hands. Here, she said. It gets cold at night. I’ll share with Jinny till you’re well and gone. The message was plain: get well quickly and leave.

My name is Kailin, she said as she pulled the blanket up around her newest tenant, then a knife suddenly appeared in her hand and she moved it swiftly to press against Joshua’s throat.

We’re not defenseless here. I have a knife, and I know how to use it. Do you understand what I am telling you, Joshua from very, very far away?

Joshua tried to nod, but it was hard with the knife on his throat. Kailin seemed to understand all the same.

Good, because if you so much as touch my daughter or me, she paused, dark eyes staring into his blue ones, I’ll slit your throat.

Despite the threat, Joshua had no trouble falling asleep. He dreamt of Jessica and their mountains. He dreamt of his mother and sister. He dreamt of happier times.

Chapter Three

When Kailin rose the next morning, the chilly morning air seemed all the colder because she hadn’t gotten quite warm enough last night in the shared, thin blanket. She glanced back down at Jinny who still lay curled into a ball on the straw mat, most of the blanket tucked around her, just as it had been all through the night. Kailin dressed quickly, slipping into one of the three dresses she owned. She smoothed her skirt with cold hands, and brushed her hair out before stepping around the large piece of woven fabric that offered her and her daughter their only privacy. She looked first at her son, still dreaming, curled into a ball much like his little sister. Then she looked at the man that lay flat and stiff on the mat, unmoving. His face was glazed with perspiration in the chill air, his gray pallor spoke of his illness. She walked over and kneeled slowly down beside him, ever cautious. Reaching out tentatively, she laid one small hand on his forehead. He was burning up.

Joshua groaned softy and struggled to lift one hand in a half-hearted attempt to brush at whatever touched him. Kailin saw the glint of the light that flashed through the room as it reflected off something in his palm. She moved back quickly, startled. After a moment, when nothing else happened, she moved closer again, this time lifting his hand to peer into his open palm. A half circle of black metal glinted dully back up at her, she stared at it in wonder.

Glancing at her son once to make sure he was still asleep, she touched the half disc lightly with one finger. It was cold and icy to the touch. She gasped and let his hand drop back down beside him. Perhaps he was an escaped slave or a marked criminal. She’d never heard of such a marking, but she could never be sure in Fallorn. She thought of her husband and knew she could never truly be sure of anything. What if her husband had lain sick in the streets, would she want someone to help him, to nurse him back to health? She sighed and brushed the damp hair off the man’s forehead.

What am I going to do with you? she whispered.

***

Joshua was aware of the days passing only because he felt water and warm broth dribble down his throat on a fairly regular basis. The fever Maura had implanted deep inside of his body raged on, leaving him less than coherent. Fever dreams rampaged through his tortured mind, dreams of Jessica, of Laurel and Tye. He watched his mother and Tomas die a thousand different deaths. He watched as Jessica searched for him, always finding a dead end. Each time he followed along behind her like a wraith, calling her name, begging her to look at him. The dreams of Tye and Laurel were elusive, slipping away from him before he could put a face to their demons.

The children watched as the stranger thrashed and moaned, trapped in his tormented nightmares.

On the afternoon of the third day, the Joshua seemed to turn a corner. His thrashing stopped and he grew quiet. Jinny crept over to kneel beside him; she was there to hear him pledge his fealty of devotion as he was bound once again to the woman he loved. She watched as a smile spread over his face.

Joshua remembered that dream well. The other dreams would fade as the days, months and years wore on, but he’d never forget standing across from Jessica, speaking the words that strengthened the already existing bond between them.

The Protector woke on the morning of the seventh day to the soft touch of a hand being drawn through his hair. He opened his eyes to see Jinny’s young face peering down at him. He noticed immediately how clean her little face was, and pretty besides. He looked quickly around the room.

Where’s your mother? he asked, remembering the knife at his throat.

She’s at work, Jinny said softly. She told me not to wake you, but Dane went to get us some food and I was lonely, she said, staring into his blue eyes. "I was starting to think you were never going to wake