Traipsing Along the Veil

By Kimberly Vogel

Rune survived the encounter with her brother's captor, but it didn't end well. Arien wasn't there so he didn't see, but the wounds Rune received were more than physical. The guilt over her failure leaves the young woman without a clue as to what to do next. She knows she has to save her sibling, but it doesn't seem possible against the overwhelming force. Fortunately for her, Rune has made friends in more than just her part of the world. As she struggles on one side of the veil, those on the other side move to help in her quest. (This is the sequel to Destiny in a Mask)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 13, 2011
• ISBN: 9781105355301

Book preview

Traipsing Along the Veil

Traipsing Along the Veil

Copyright

Copyright © 2011 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-105-35530-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For additional copies refer to:

http://www.lulu.com/shakkathi

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me.

Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

CONTENTS

Part 1

Hello Again

Chapter  1 – Renewed Determination

Part 2

Here There and Back Again

Chapter  1 – A New Version of an Old Job

Chapter  2 – The Enemy Plots Within

Chapter  3 – If Wishes Were Fishes

Chapter  4 – A Not so Amusing Diversion

Chapter  5 – Another Place

Chapter  6 – Plans Gone Awry

Chapter  7 – Bye-bye Again

Chapter  8 – Back on the Other Side

Chapter 9 – Things Aren’t All That Much Better Now

Chapter 10 – Summer Nights are Made for Dreaming

Chapter 11 – A New Introduction

Chapter 12 – There has to be Another Way

Chapter 13 – A Warrior’s Rest

Chapter 14 – My Home is Not Your Home

Chapter 15 – Strength is not always in Numbers

Chapter 16 – Words of Wisdom in Many Mouths

Part 3

No Forever Goodbyes

Chapter  1 – Introductions to Eternity

Chapter  2 – Here Comes Eternity

Part 1 – Hello Again

Chapter 1 – Renewed Determination

TAV Ch 01 BW

Is she still sulking? asked a black-haired woman.

The young man nodded slightly. His green eyes remaining fixed on the back of another black-haired woman, he replied, Yes, I can’t get her to move from there.

It’s best you let her be then.

Sighing, he finally broke his gaze. With one pale hand he pushed back the brown bangs from his eyes. They easily fell back into place along his cheek. I just don’t like seeing her like that. Do you think she’ll eat today?

I don’t know, Arien. Why don’t you try again to get her to come down?

The twenty year old nodded slightly then rose from his seat on the ground. He slapped at the dust that clung to his black slacks. He wore a mocha-toned shirt. Over that was a deep red blazer. As he walked his black leather shoes made only a slight noise against the ground. His journey took him up from the barren ground to and up a ladder lying beside the house. It was only one story up to the roof. Part of his five feet seven inch form hung over the ladder as looked at the other person again.

As he went up, the woman he was watching barely moved. Her black eyes stared from the roof across the landscape from where she had come. There was dry dusty ground then rocky crag-filled mountains. She seemed to be solely focused on that place, perhaps searching for a figure to emerge.

Rune, please come down.

I don’t want to.

Please, if they want to visit you they’ll announce their presence. Meanwhile, you have to go on. Please, Rune, come down and stop us from worrying at least.

Fine, Rune replied. Sighing, she pulled her body from the ledge. She watched the man for a few moments then slid down the ladder after him. Her outfit was a simple one, all in black. There was a sleeveless shirt and a short skirt with leather flats. Rune watched him for a moment then followed him inside the dwelling.

When they finally came down from the roof, the other woman was setting the table in her small house. To the right in the center of the room was a folding screen that hid her bed from the rest of the place. To the left against the wall across from the bed was a desk. In the front half of the room shelves in the wall rose on both sides. The left side of the shelving held a variety of medical supplies. A kitchen-like setup was on the right side before the folding screen. A table rested under the shelves. Against the walls that held up the front of the house were benches set for guests.

How about something to eat?

No thank you, replied the younger woman.

You have to eat sometime.

Please, Rune.

The woman in her mid-twenties nodded.  Her silvery-blue eyes watched worriedly from her pale skin. She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. Some strands had escaped from the waist-length ponytail, but she soon brought the straight black locks under control. Her height was an inch shorter the younger woman’s five feet ten inch one. You need it for strength.

Very well, Magdiel.

The woman smiled, pulling the dusty white trench coat tighter around her body. At times as she moved the gray shirt and gray skirt showed, but not often. She was wearing white leather heeled shoes that were dirty. She hurried over to the kitchen-like set up. From the little stove she removed a pot filled with stew. It would be hearty, but it wouldn’t do much good if neither of the youths ate. She filled three bowls then handed them out.

The younger woman took the bowl in both hands. With her head tilted down, her bangs didn’t block her eyes, but the rest of the shoulder-length strands tried to cover her pale gray skin enough to hide her face. She just stared down into the bowl, though it didn’t seem like she was in prayer.

The young man bit his lower lip. He took the bowl from Magdiel, but he didn’t do more with it than Rune had. His eyes remained fastened on the younger youth while he watched her worriedly.

You should eat too, remarked Magdiel. She smiled softly while she watched the two. The female was her friend and the male was a friend of hers, thus both had become Magdiel’s friend. She was used to taking care of people as she was a doctor.

Maybe just a little bit, I’m not that hungry, replied Rune. She took the spoon the woman offered to her. With a faint smile, she scooped up the thick mixture; she nibbled on bits of vegetables.

Arien began to eat as well. He sighed, a smile on his lips as he savored the food. While Rune had been sulking, he had helped Magdiel to exchange services for food and trinkets. Though it wasn’t much, it was enough to keep from burdening the woman who had taken them in.

With both of them eating, Magdiel felt that she could do the same. Dinner was quiet as each was absorbed in their own thoughts. The doctor brought over cups of water for them to drink as well. When the meal was almost over, she spoke up. So do you plan to leave the town of Vidonia soon?

Yes, replied Rune. She smiled faintly as she looked up at Magdiel. I have to thank you for all you’ve done for me. I have to find a way to stop my brother, though.

I’ll come with you.

No, Rune said, watching Arien. I only survived because it amused that being. I’d hate to think it wouldn’t happen with you. You have your own life; please go lead it.

You’re just trying to push me away again, said Arien, frowning as he shook his head. He stood then carried the bowls over to the kitchen area. It didn’t work before and it won’t work now.

Arien–

No. I’m not leaving your side.

Don’t be stupid.

I know you’re trying to do this to make me safe. Arien smiled faintly as he watched her. I appreciate that. Still, I have my own life. I choose to do this. Now, stop fighting and accept it.

The young woman laughed faintly, putting her hand on the back of her head. Her bandages shifted. Though she didn’t need them, she found them a slight comfort as the wraps covered the warped ladder tattooed scars that went from her wrists to her shoulders and from her ankles to her hips. She looked at Arien and said, What about Kuri?

He paused at the mention. There was a small flinch, but it was only because he felt guilty. Arien shook his head. She’s going to school in Rumenea. It’s far from here at the northeastern border of Tsubasa, near the kingdom of Belden. She’ll be busy.

I don’t think they’d mind you visiting though, said Magdiel.

I just don’t feel right going away, replied Arien, smiling at the doctor. You can understand that, right?

Yes, but sometimes a little distance can be good, replied Magdiel.

Rune bobbed her head slightly, wrapping her arms across her waist. There weren’t any of the markings on her front, but she did have more of a zigzag pattern on her back. Yes, besides there are things I want to check up on alone. I am going to do that on my own whether you like it or not.

I – Well, if you’re sure... began Arien.

Rune bobbed her head. She smiled at him then laughed softly. Don’t look so upset. I won’t disappear. If I can’t come to you directly, I’ll write letters.

Where will you send them?

If you’re not in one place, I won’t know where to send them, replied Rune. She frowned then her expression returned to a small smile. You know a lot of my friends. If you stay near one of them I could write to that town.

It doesn’t sound like a very reliable way of contacting me.

Rune shrugged. She laughed softly then stood. Anyway, I think I should go to rest now. We’ll figure out something in the morning. Magdiel, do you mind if I stay another few days to prepare?

No, I don’t mind if you both stay for a couple days more, replied Magdiel with a smile. She waved her hand. I only have this little house with the benches for you to sleep on, though.

I don’t mind. It’s better than being outside, said Rune.

Arien nodded then sighed. Yes, but right now I’m getting tired, so do you mind if we go to sleep?

It might be good – I’m feeling rather tired as well, replied Rune.

Okay, go ahead and sleep. I’ll clean up. With a smile, Magdiel hurried to the kitchen-like area. She washed the bowls out. Once the area was clean she made sure the two had blankets to keep warm. Then she went behind the screen that held her makeshift bedroom. Goodnight Rune, goodnight Arien.

Night Magdiel, said Arien.

Rest well, said Rune. She fell into sleeping right away. When she woke, she noticed she was the only one. She rose from the bench then went outside. Glancing around, she looked over the landscape again.

They were on the north-west side of town. It was the poorer section of the living spaces. The houses were all crunched together, so much so that each shared three walls. Those who had the corner houses were the richest of the lot. In comparison with the rich people, they were as poor as the dying grass that covered the landscape under the town. The wealthy people lived in the homes carved out of the mountain’s face.

The young woman ran her hand through her hair while she tried to think of where to go next. Even though she’d made it up to the being’s stronghold, she’d been swatted away as though she had no more strength than a fly against a newspaper. She’d have to find a way to get back in. This time it had to be through cunning rather than strength. Strength hadn’t worked, though she’d managed to make some allies along the way. Both of her hands messed up her hair as she sighed heavily. I still don’t know what to do.

Arien yawned as he looked out of the door. Rune?

She glanced over at him. Welcome awake, Arien. With a small smile she turned to face him. I think I’ll travel to Coire.

That town is just north of here, isn’t it?

Rune nodded faintly. She smiled as she brushed her hair in a vain attempt to straighten it. Yes, I think I’ll visit Genna.

That town is just the next big one over, isn’t it?

Yes, it’s north-west along the mountains. We were there not too long ago. I’m sure she’s probably worried. I should write to everyone... Rune’s voice trailed off. She sighed. I don’t want to worry them by telling them what they might not know already.

Why don’t you write to those you do know are concerned? The rest you could write a more general letter to. If they’re worried, they’ll let you know.

Ah, I see, replied Rune with a soft laugh. She smiled as she watched the older man. He was maybe a year older, but at times she thought it was more. Her smile faded, though, while she thought about the next place. I don’t believe you’ve met Genna.

No, you wouldn’t let me come with you, replied Arien. He stepped over to a pile of stones then sat down. He rested his forearms on his knees. As of yet he didn’t have his blazer, so he was only in the shirt.

It wasn’t very cold out, though it was the end of winter. They’d sheltered from the storms in Magdiel’s place. It wouldn’t be spring for a couple months yet, but hopefully there wouldn’t be another onslaught of white when they traveled.

I had my reasons. I’m not sure whether it would be right to introduce you. It could be taken wrong.

I understand, replied Arien. He smiled faintly as he waved his hand. Though he still had feelings for her, it would be misconstrued if he pressed her hard again. I will go to the town though. You can’t stop me from doing that.

She laughed faintly. It is a free country. Rune watched him then crossed her arms across her waist while she leaned her back against the wall by the door. But yes, I don’t want to bother Genna with my problems. We have a business relationship as well as friendship. I don’t want to lose that.

Yes, sorry for insisting again, said the youth. He stood up then walked inside. Magdiel was gone for the morning already, but there were leftovers in the kitchen area from the previous night. Arien picked up a bowl and spoon; he took some of the stew for breakfast.

Rune followed him in. She took the last portion of the small meal. Once she had finished eating, she cleaned up all of the dishes. From there she went to clean up the rest of the small dwelling.

As she did, Arien checked on the supplies. He didn’t want to leave the place in a worse position than when they’d arrived. The young man left to fetch things from town. When he came back, he restocked the medical supplies and food.

By the time he returned, Magdiel had arrived back as well. The older woman smiled as she looked from one to the other. So, have you decided what to do?

We’re going to travel to Coire.

Yes, added in Rune. When we arrive, though, we’ll be going our separate ways.

I might be able to stay a bit longer if you need me to.

Ah, murmured Magdiel. She blinked at the offer from Arien. Then with a chuckle she shook her head. No, you better travel before the winter weather returns to normal. I’ll be fine here.

Okay, said Arien.

If we can, we’ll leave this evening. If we hurry then perhaps we’ll get close to the town before nightfall.

That’s a surprise, said Magdiel. The travel time is usually just over a day. Are you going to try and take a shortcut? I’m not sure how that would happen...

No, I’m just not going to stop for breaks or anything.

Rune, that’s not healthy, said Arien before Magdiel could say the same. Besides, I wouldn’t be able to keep up with you.

Oh, replied Rune, and sighed. At least we can get a good head start on traveling if we leave today. I’d like to do that. Even if I’m not doing anything, it at least feels like I’m trying to make progress.

Magdiel nodded then smiled as she said, I get what you mean. She glanced around her place then looked at them. If you need anything then feel free to help yourself to what I have.

Oh, no, I’ve taken too much already, replied Rune, shaking her head. She smiled as she collected the little belongings she had. There was a brown leather waist pouch hooked on a silvery metal belt. Though she hadn’t returned with them, her dirk and chains had been left on the doorstep wrapped in her dark gray cloak. She smiled and spoke while she wrapped all those in their proper place. Thank you Magdiel for taking care of me.

Yes, thank you for taking care of me too, Arien said, pulling his jacket on. He had less, only his clothes and a case with a guitar in it. He slung that over his shoulder. Take care.

Magdiel bobbed her head. Quickly she got a burlap sack then filled it with supplies; she handed it to Arien. She smiled as she watched the two youths go out of the door. She walked over to it then leaned against her doorframe. She waved. You take care as well.

The two waved to the older woman as they traveled away from her house. Around them the landscape was bare to the north and east while mountains covered the south-west part. There was barely anything for people to live on here. The well-off people had built their homes into the mountains to take advantage of the underground springs that branched off from the river which flowed almost completely down the center of the continent. The rest of the people built their houses out of the castoff from the interiors of the stone buildings. Down there, buildings were made of small rocks and boulders. There were very few though, as the inhabitants usually sought the free shelter in the natural caves created by the cracks in the mountains.

Rune glanced around while they walked. There were a few places she usually hid when she was traveling. She had found them long before she met Arien. The cracks she had found were barely enough for a person to sneak into, but the caves behind were quite large. She’d put up precautions, but hopefully no animals had made their homes inside.

Even though Arien had protested, from what he could see it didn’t seem as though Rune would actually pause in her travel. He hurried to catch up with her. From the sack he removed some dried fruit then passed it to her. He munched a few pieces himself to regain some strength. Even so, it wasn’t enough.

Rune glanced back as she found herself alone. With a small frown she stopped her footsteps; she put her hands on her hips as she looked for Arien. When she caught sight of him he was a dozen yards behind. She waited there for him to catch up then spoke, Are you doing okay?

He nodded then gave a breathy laugh. Yes, I just can’t keep up with you. Do you mind if we pause for rest?

With a quick glance around them, Rune replied, Yes, I believe we could. It’s afternoon now. It should be warm enough that if we nap we won’t get cold. We shouldn’t stop for more than an hour though.

Any time would be good, replied Arien. He stopped beside her. He leaned over and rested his hands on his knees with his back bent. He gasped to catch his breath.

Rune chuckled faintly as she watched him. She was only a little winded herself. She glanced around then motioned to a group of rocks. Let’s rest over here. She stepped over to it then glanced around again.

Ah, good, replied Arien. He stumbled over to the rocks then dropped down. He pulled his guitar from his back then rested it over his lap. Arien’s head dropped down as he rested. It was only a moment before he dozed off.

She chuckled faintly as she watched him. Rune sighed as she dropped down to sit. She glanced around the landscape while she took a survey of where they were. By dinner time they should reach a hiding place she knew. With a faint smile on her lips, Rune leaned back and rested until the time was up.

Arien woke before then. The both of them shared a bit of a more proper meal from the burlap sack. Once they’d eaten they both rested so their stomachs could settle. When the time passed, both of them stood then returned to the travel.

Even though they hadn’t made it to the town, the large buildings in the side of the mountain could be seen in the distance. If the two didn’t sleep then they could make it there halfway through the night. As it was, they’d have to rest. The place Rune thought about came into view, so she directed their travel away from the barren ground to the rockier part at the base of the mountains.

Arien glanced around as they diverted from the path. He was glad for his heavily soled shoes while he scaled the rocks. He couldn’t remember having stayed in this place. Rune had showed him some places she hid in, but this was more out of the way than he remembered. Arien chuckled as he squatted down to look at the opening pointed out.

Rune grinned as she dropped to her knees. She flattened her body on her belly then squeezed between two rocks. Come in if you can. She called back teasingly while she wriggled through the opening.

Arien chuckled as he watched her feet. He pushed the guitar in front of him then scooted in behind it. He glanced around it as he saw Rune pull it from the passage into the cave. When he finally wriggled out to follow it, he looked around the hiding place.

To light the place there were small buds of fungus; each glowed in a pale blue light. The cave was tall enough to stand in. Further back there were a couple of indentations large enough for a person to curl up on. A small fount of water poured from the rock into a pool about waist high; the water went from the pool into the wall then further underground. Though it had been left alone for months, it was rather clean.

Arien dusted off his stomach then knees. With a small laugh, he took his guitar case back from Rune. He smiled as he sat on a small outcropping that was rather like a seat. This is a nice place.

Thanks, it isn’t much, but it’s better than being outside. Would you like some water? Rune said and gestured to the stream. She leaned over and took a sip from it. She lifted up again then smiled. She stepped over to the other side of the cave and lay down. With a small sigh, she relaxed.

Yes, I’m parched, replied Arien, then he stood up. He walked to the shelf and leaned over. After taking a couple of gulps from the stream he pulled back, wiping his mouth.

I think I have a couple extra canteens here. We can take the water with us the rest of the way. I’m not sure where you’ll get the water after that.

It’s alright. I’ll be fine when we get to town, replied Arien. He retreated from the spring to the ledge. He sat there then unfolded the burlap from the food to take out a portion for dinner. We should split this up as well.

If there’s enough for breakfast, we could do that then, said Rune while she watched him. Let’s just eat and rest.

Arien nodded faintly. He portioned out the dried fruit. While he dug around he found a small loaf of bread. He broke it in half then handed over the food to Rune. He sat quietly while he ate. Usually he’d try to play a little, but it could be dangerous to do so in this surrounding.

Rune was quiet as well. She didn’t know what to say. She was somewhat distracted by thoughts of what had happened. She’d fought to find her brother, but as soon as she had found him she lost him. With a scowl she pushed the thoughts away to search for what could happen in the future. What other things that went on in the world she didn’t have the time to be concerned with, but if they came from her brother’s meddling then she’d have to find a way to right those wrongs as well. The real problem wasn’t her brother, though; it was her brother’s master. The being had him under complete control. She rubbed the heel of her hand on her forehead.

Are you okay?

Yes, replied Rune. She looked at Arien with a small smile. She couldn’t think if she kept getting interrupted. He was nice and all, but like she’d told him many times before in the past, she only had one purpose right now. She’d tried and failed, but she wasn’t going to give up just because of that.

All right, replied Arien. He smiled faintly, kicking off his shoes; then he lay down on the ledge. He left his guitar case on the floor since there was no room for it up there.

She smiled at him then looked away. Once she had finished her meal, she went to curl up on the ledge. She took off her cloak then wrapped it over her torso. Her weapons went on the floor. There was no need to keep them close; it should be completely safe there.

The two of them sat in silence for a while, but the travel had exhausted them. In the softly pulsing light, it was a comfort rather than a distraction. Soon both of them fell asleep on the stone ledge. The light from outside didn’t reach through the entry into the cave. Both would have to rely on their own internal clocks to wake at sunrise.

Rune woke easily. She yawned as she slid from the ledge. She scooted from it to the opening. She dropped down on her stomach then slid out far enough to check the time. Sure enough, outside the sun was just climbing up from the horizon to begin its travel. With a light smile, Rune pulled back