Julu

By Jan Anderegg

There is a magical land just beyond our imaginations called Jirvania; where stories grow. Muse faeries gather ripened “story-pearls” and carry them to writers, musicians, and poets here in our world. In the heart of Jirvania stands The Great Library, where every story is collected by the library’s guardian, Karel. This library is a portal to other times and places where one can step into stories and experience them first hand. Homework has never been such fun.

When eleven-year-old Jack Lemoine finds an opal dragon egg in Mystic, Connecticut, he discovers the real world is not what he thought.
Dragons, unicorns, faeries, centaurs, and countless others do exist. Unfortunately, so do witches, ogres, goblins, and monsters, and they want Jack dead, yesterday.

It has been prophesied he will one day save Jirvania, with the help of a magical opal dragon, Julu, but evil disrupts time itself, leading to the annihilation of Jirvania, seven years before Jack comes of age. Imagination ceases to exist. Libraries, art galleries, concert halls, and theme parks vanish. Our lives become meaningless and empty.

Jirvania's lone survivor, Karel receives a visitor from the stars, urging him to change the story.

Meanwhile, back in Mystic, Jack and his friend, Mia are thrown into a fantastical adventure when Julu hatches and takes them back in time to protect them.
Through her stories, they learn that family, friendship, and love are the threads that bind us together, no matter who or what we are and hope is often found in the most unexpected places.

Can Karel change the story and save our imaginations?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: May 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781642370751

Book preview

Chapter One

The Secret

The World Beyond 2018 - Jirvania 3035

Time Alert: Present

It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

THE GENTLE ROAR OF THE ocean tide was coming in along the beach shore of Mason’s Island, Connecticut, as Jack glared at his mother, Karyn, who was hanging out white sheets smelling of lavender.

You lied to me! I’m adopted!

Honey, she began, smoothing damp hands on her cotton summer dress. We’ve been waiting for the right time to explain.

Whatever.

His mother exhaled through pursed lips. When your father gets home tonight, we can discuss this.

He’s not my father. Jack kicked the basket of clothes pegs, sending them flying across the grass before he turned and ran.

Jack!

The neighbor’s daughter, Mia, was standing on the edge of the front lawn, one hand resting on the back of her dog, a Doberman named Astra. She waved.

Ignoring her, Jack ran down the lawn, leaped over the wooden steps to the beach, and landed with a thud on the soft sand. He ran along the beach until he reached a small rocky outcrop near the place they mined granite for years on this island.

One large rock, jutting out slightly from the rest, hid the narrow opening of his secret hide-out, a small cave. He snatched a box of matches from a slight depression in the rock. A large candle sat on a flat stone, its melted wax running in frozen rivulets to the floor. He lit the candle. The tiny flame grew steadily, and illuminated a tattered copy of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C. S. Lewis, propped against the cave wall.

Jack loved to read books about magical places, history, and ancient civilizations. The other boys at school were all into video games, football, and dirt bikes.

Jack snatched the black leather cord around his neck and dropped it. It had been a gift from his father last year for his birthday, with three silver charms; a wolf, an unpolished gem, and a heart locket. His parents told him it was a family heirloom, symbolizing faith, hope, and love.

Except Adrian Lemoine wasn’t his dad at all. He kicked sand over the necklace and sank down onto the damp floor, burying his head in his hands.

His leg bumped a giant conch shell, and he picked it up, letting the sound of the ocean whisper in his ear. His mom said the ocean’s voice echoed inside every seashell once it washed ashore, so they wouldn’t feel lonely not being a part of ocean life anymore. He’d always liked the idea of the ocean caring about the shells.

Adopted, adopted, adopted. The word slammed into his heart again and again, like a mallet pounding a stone wall, the cracks growing with each blow. He dropped the shell.

He thought of Mia Silverwater, standing there on the grass. They’d been neighbors since he and Mia were babies, but their parents had only recently become friends. On July fourth, his mom had made two apple pies, and they’d joined the Silverwaters for lunch, dragging Jack along. At first, Jack made it his mission to make himself scarce whenever Lily and Mia came to visit, which was far too often, in Jack’s opinion.

Then one afternoon, his mom asked him to take Mia to the beach, where he was going to find seashells after a big storm the night before. Jack had reluctantly agreed. To his surprise, he liked Mia. She wasn’t anything like other girls. She didn’t talk too much, she was smart, and she loved to read.

They found some great shells; shipwrecked on the beach right along with piles of seaweed, driftwood, and a couple of broken glass bottles, smooth-edged from decades in the ocean.

The following week, she’d started sitting with him on the school bus. The other boys made fun of him, but he didn’t care. Well, maybe a little bit.

From then on, Mia came over just about every day. Sometimes they sat and read books in his dad’s studio, but on sunny days they often walked along the beach, bare feet in the shallow surf, searching for shells and walking their dogs, Dara and Astra.

Pain gripped his heart like a vise, and he forgot about Mia for a moment. In the gym today, a classmate had leaned over and said, Hey dork, guess what? You’re adopted. My parents said you just appeared one day, like three months old, and your mom was never even knocked up.

Jack had contemplated punching Greg in the jaw until he’d noticed the gym teacher talking to the principal at the edge of the court. Instead, he’d stepped down to the gym floor, with Greg following.

Anyway, you’re too ugly to be a movie star’s kid, Greg hissed.

Whoops of laughter followed from Greg’s friends sitting in the bleachers.

The humiliation clung like a blood-thirsty leech. Jack lifted his foot to kick the sand again and stopped. Near the wall, something glistened. Jack reached down and uncovered a shiny egg-shaped stone with a kaleidoscope of colors.

This will look fantastic in my collection.

He picked it up, and his hands began to shake. The stone was vibrating. Jack flung it to the cave floor and jumped back.

Cracks appeared on its surface, and a humming sound filled the cave.

It began to spin faster and faster until its colors blurred.

Jack reached the mouth of the cave in three strides and bolted.

Chapter Two

Monster Man

The World Beyond 2018 - Jirvania 3035

Time Alert – Present

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.

Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC)

BY THE TIME JACK REACHED the top of the wooden steps leading away from the beach, he was gasping for breath. He stumbled onto his parent’s back lawn. The white stone walls of their home shimmered in the glow of the morning sun. Mia’s bright red bike was parked next to the clothesline, where sheets and towels swayed in the ocean breeze. He had almost reached the house when he heard his mother’s screams. There was no sign of Mia, but a colossal man wrestled with his mother on their deck.

Get away from her, Jack shouted, running toward them.

The man shoved Karyn aside and stood, his lip curled up in a snarl. His expression changed the moment he saw the boy.

Jack?

Jack jerked to a halt.

The man smiled. Good to see ya.

Don’t let him touch you, Karyn gasped. Run, Jack.

Jack stared at the man. I can show you where Mom keeps her jewelry and cash. Take what you want.

The stranger threw his head back and laughed. Well, you see, that’s just it. I came for you.

A terrible thought slithered into Jack’s mind. Could this be his biological father? Jack gasped as his mother collapsed behind them. Mom!

The man glanced over his shoulder at Karyn’s motionless form and shrugged. Aw, don’t worry. She’ll be fine.

If she dies, I’ll kill you.

You’re just like your old man. Relax, I’m a friend of his.

No, you’re not.

Sure I am. The stranger winked. Did you know your dad is on a secret mission?

Jack watched his mother struggle to her hands and knees and reach for a large rock. His heart skipped a beat as an idea came to him. If this man wanted to treat him like a stupid kid, maybe he could act the part.

Secret mission? he said, pitching his voice high.

The man’s crooked grin widened. Yeah, that’s right. How about we grab a pizza downtown? I’ll tell you all about it when we get there, well, everything that’s not classified.

Karyn crept forward, rock clenched in her hand.

Stalling for time, Jack glanced around the yard and spotted Mia’s red bicycle. Mia loves pizza. Can she come too?

The little girl? She went home. Let’s go.

Sensing a growing agitation in the man’s tone, Jack shrugged. Sure, why not? he said, just as his mother lunged forward and smashed the rock into the back of the stranger’s head. Jack watched him crumple to the ground like a wilting weed. Mom!

Karyn held out her arms, and Jack ran to her.

I’m sorry for what I said. I don’t care that I’m adopted. He glanced over at the man’s still form. Shouldn’t we call the cops or something? I think he’s dead.

His mother let out a strangled sound. She pulled him close and kissed him. Then she took him by the arms as tears welled in her eyes. Honey, listen to me. I need you to run. Now.

The man moaned and his legs jerked.

Jack’s stomach plunged like a lead weight. He’s waking up. He tugged on her hand. Come on; we’ve got to get out of here.

Karyn shook her head. Please, son. Go to your cave and stay there until- She broke off as the stranger let out an odd guttural sound. If you love me, run.

And for some reason he never quite understood, Jack turned and ran.

A guttural scream tore through the air as Jack reached the steps leading to the beach. He hesitated, but didn’t look back.

* * *

A few moments later, Jack ducked behind the protruding stone and into his cave. He sank to his knees on the sand, covered his face with his hands, and began to sob.

Jack?

Startled, Jack jumped to his feet, wiping his eyes. Mia?

Mia Silverwater sat against the back wall of the cave, cradling a small wriggling bundle in her arms.

Mia, are you okay? Where did you get the puppy? Jack peered around the cave. There was no trace of the humming opal stone. He stared at her, and the answer punched him in the gut. Whatever Mia was holding, it wasn’t a puppy, and it was making a soft, crooning sound. Jack stepped closer. It couldn’t be, but it looked like a dragon. Jack’s gaze swept over its wings, folded neatly on each side of its body, and the long tail curled over Mia’s arm. It showed no sign of aggression. If anything, it seemed to adore Mia. Were baby dragons like birds, imprinting on the first thing they saw when they hatched?

That’s incredible, Jack said, shaking his head. He sucked in a deep breath, and let it out with a low whistle, something he’d learned to do last summer. He took a cautious step forward, not wanting to startle the creature. Its hide and wings were a shade of lavender, but the scales were different colors, just like the stone had been. They looked just like opals, Jack decided. He’d studied geology last semester.

Mia looked up, eyes brimming with tears. Monster.

Jack shook his head. I don’t think so. It seems to like you well enough.

That’s not what I meant, she said.

He watched in amazement as Mia’s hands sent shimmering prisms of light from its back when she stroked its hide.

It tilted its head to look up at him, and Jack gasped. Deep blue eyes gazed into his, full of love.

Nothing else mattered, as his thoughts swirled out of control. He heard the echo of his mother’s voice bubbling up from a distant memory of the game they used to play when he was little, and suddenly he was there.

I love you, Mama, he said, throwing his arms around her waist and hugging her tight.

I love you more, she replied, kissing his wind-blown hair. Did you have fun at the beach?

Yes, but I love you more than you’ve ever loved me, he said, giggling.

You win, she said, sweeping him up to kiss his face and neck while he wriggled and squealed with delight.

The memory dissolved, and Jack was back in the cave, staring into the eyes of a gorgeous creature; knowing it loved him more than he had ever loved anyone in his life.

You win, he whispered.

The dragon’s eyes sparkled. I know.

Jack gasped. Mia, it just spoke to me. I mean, I heard it in my head.

Mia shrugged, as if he’d just informed her it was going to rain on an already stormy day.

Jack rubbed his eyes, never shifting his gaze away from the beautiful creature in Mia’s arms. What happened? Back at the house, I mean.

A monster took Mama. I saw another one coming, so I ran to your house, but the monster followed and started fighting with your mom. Tears welled in her eyes. I’m sorry, Jack. She moved the baby dragon to one side to wipe her face with the back of one hand, leaving glistening trails of sand on her cheeks.

Bile burned the back of Jack’s throat. That was just an evil man. We need to call the police.

"It was not a man."

Yes, it was.

Mia glared up at Jack. She leaned forward and deposited the sparkling dragon into his arms. Here. Take the ‘puppy’ then.

The little dragon nestled in his arms, resting its head against his chest. An overwhelming feeling of comfort and love flowed through him. He ran his fingers over the soft hide.

Mia gazed at the entrance of the cave. I tried to help her, but she shouted at me to run. She wrapped her arms around herself and hung her head.

How did you know where to find it? The cave, I mean.

Julu showed me, Mia said, nodding toward the dragon cradled in Jack’s arms.

Jack stared at her. What did you call it?

Julu, Mia repeated.

Not it. Julu is female. Not it, but her.

Jack’s mouth fell open as he looked down at the dragon, and a long forgotten memory flooded his mind. When he’d been little, he’d loved being read to at bedtime. His favorite had been a story about a land with magical creatures, where there was always happiness and love, and a dragon named Julu. The tale wove and twisted through different worlds and countries, some with magic, some without, but his mother had never finished the story.

When Jack asked how it ended, his mother would smile and say, It isn’t written yet.

Julu, Jack murmured. My mom read me a story years ago about a dragon named Julu.

Mia’s eyes widened. Mine too.

At that moment, Julu wriggled out of his arms, landing with a soft thud on the sand. She stared in the direction of the cave entrance, tail whipping from side to side.

Jack? Are you in there, buddy? Mom said I’d find you down here.

It’s my dad, Jack exclaimed. Come on.

Julu spun around to face the startled children and spread her wings, blocking the way.

Hey, relax, it’s okay. Jack stepped forward, attempting to move around her.

Moving so fast her body was a blur, Julu grabbed Jack’s shirt in her teeth and sent him flying backward onto the sand. He tried to get up, but Julu latched onto his jeans and dragged him even further back.

Let go, Jack said. Dad, I’m back here!

His father’s voice rang out again, echoing through the cave. Jack? There’s been a terrible accident back at the house. Do you have that little neighbor girl with you?

Jack jerked back and fell against the wall, scraping his elbow. His father would never refer to Mia as the little neighbor girl.

Jack, come out here, now, the impostor demanded.

Mia’s trembling fingers clutched the sleeve of Jack’s shirt as Julu sprang forward, hissing.

Unfolding her opalescent wings, she stretched them out to their full width in front of the children and vanished.

Chapter Three

Escape

The World Beyond 2018 - Jirvania 3035

Time Alert: Present

"Honor is like an island, rugged and without a beach;

once we have left it, we can never return."

Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux (1636-1711)

KARYN LEMOINE GASPED AND REACHED for another rock. Her head throbbed, but she shook it anyway, trying to clear her mind.

The Spore scrambled to its feet, roaring as oily green blood bubbled from its head wound. Unsheathing needle-sharp claws, it leaped onto her back, pinning her to the ground.

You’re too late. Jack’s gone.

Too late for you, the Spore hissed. But we’ll find your son and the little princess, too. Master has ordered it so. It yanked her over, forcing her to look into its empty black eyes. She gagged when its putrid breath wafted into her nostrils.

Once Jack is dead, Master will rule the universe.

Foolish Spore, that will never happen. You won’t win.

Oh, but we will. The Spore leaned in close to her ear. Imagine this, Queen Karyn. All the power and riches of this world could be yours. If you will join us, Master has agreed to spare your son’s life. What say you?

She watched a thread of green saliva slide down its jaw and shuddered.

Well?

Never.

With a furious snarl, the Spore stabbed her in the neck. Inky spots formed in her vision, blotting out the Spore’s hideous face, just as a hard, black shape slammed into them. The Spore screeched with rage and released her, turning to face its new foe. Karyn crossed her arms and barrel-rolled away from the snarling, tangled mass of bodies. Her Doberman, Dara, was attacking the monster. A flash of blue-gray blurred past her as Lily’s dog, Astra, joined the fight. The Spore let out a long hiss like sap boiling from a green log tossed onto a fire and collapsed to the ground. It twitched twice and lay still.

A burning sensation spread across Karyn’s chest and exploded in her lungs, but the pain in her heart trumped everything. She’d never get the chance to explain the truth to Jack.

Astra whined, and Karyn gasped. She hatched?

The Doberman responded with a sharp bark.

Then the children are safe. One Spore meant hundreds, possibly thousands more, but the monsters were too late. Julu would protect Jack and Mia. This Spore was dead. Now she too would die, but the children would live, as they must. Karyn lifted a trembling hand and caressed her dog’s silky ears. Thank you, girls, she whispered. Thank you.

How bad are you hurt? a familiar voice said. The Spore is dead.

Karyn choked back a sob, opened one eye, and looked up at her husband’s handsome face. Password, she gasped.

The password is Julu. If you open both eyes, you might notice the girls are licking me, not tearing me to shreds. Is that not proof enough for you?

Karyn tried to smile as tears welled in her eyes. He’s safe, Adrian. They’re both safe.

Are you certain? I saw more Spore soldiers on the beach. I went to Jack’s cave. He left this behind. Adrian held up the leather cord with the three silver charms and shuddered. He’s lost his protection. He and Karyn had spent years preparing the invisible cave for Jack to find. If he’d ever thought it strange that the only rocky bluff on Masons Island was right by their home, he hadn’t mentioned it. More than once they’d watched him slip behind those rocks only Jirvanian eyes could see into his secret cave that for years had been the perfect hiding place for the opal egg that contained their only hope.

Julu is here.

The egg hatched?

Yes. Please tell Jack the truth. He thinks he was adopted. I love you both so much. Karyn’s eyes rolled back in her head, and her body went limp.

No, Adrian cried out. Lifting her into his arms, he struggled to his feet. Come on, girls. We have to get back to Jirvania to have any hope of saving her. He hurried across the yard, with both dogs trotting behind him.

Astra barked, and Adrian stopped mid-stride. Lily? Are you certain?

Astra whined.

Adrian clenched his teeth and increased his pace toward the massive willow tree standing in the middle of the Silverwater’s lawn.

Mia’s mother, Lily, had planted the tree the day they’d moved in. Well-meaning neighbors had tried to explain that the willow tree wouldn’t grow well in this region. Lily had just smiled, patting down the last shovelful of soil.

It will grow, she’d whispered, and it certainly had. The tree towered over forty feet in the air, with silver-green leaves that were always moving, even when no ocean breeze stirred. Adrian stared up at the cloudless sky. Thank you. With Karyn cradled in his arms, he stepped forward past the soft branches to the center of the tree, a dog at each heel, and disappeared.

* * *

Five minutes later, sirens filled the air as emergency personnel raced to the scene of a possible assault at the famous Lemoine residence. Officers stood staring open-mouthed at the destruction. The once beautiful gardens resembled a mini-battlefield. Shrubs and flowers were strewn across the yard, leaving gaping black holes. Off to one side was a puddle of what looked like green slime, but smelled as putrid as rotting flesh.

News crews gathered like vultures, interviewing everyone and anyone who would talk to them. More police arrived, and soon the entire island was a mass of flashing red, blue, and white lights. Neighbors holding flashlights and cell phones huddled on the corner.

When Mia Silverwater didn’t turn up at school the next morning, and neither Beau nor Lily Silverwater answered their phones, the police returned and found the Silverwater home ransacked with no sign of the family. Yellow crime-scene tape soon surrounded both homes.

Television crews returned the next morning, and neighbors gathered, speculating over the fate of the two families. A small boy waiting for his mother pointed at the Silverwater’s yard.

Mommy, what happened to the pretty tree?

I don’t know, darling, his mother said.

The beautiful willow tree had died overnight. Dead brown leaves covered the lawn, leaving the bare branches drooping to the ground like mourners standing over a freshly dug grave. A reporter took some snapshots and questioned the child’s mother, fishing for information about the missing families, as the little boy tugged away at his mother’s dress.

Mommy, look. Mommy.

The woman glanced down. Just a moment, sweetheart.

But Mommy, it’s gone.

He pointed again, and this time his mother looked, gasped and fainted.

The willow tree had vanished.

Chapter Four

Poisoned

JIRVANIA 3035

Time Alert - Present Day.

If you have men who will only come if they know there’s a good road, I don’t want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all.

David Livingstone (1813-1873)

ADRIAN LEMOINE BURST THROUGH THE shimmering

Jirvanian waterfall and splashed out of the water, cradling his unconscious wife in his arms. He stepped onto the twinkling path leading up to The Great Library. Identical waterfalls coursed down on each side of the enormous golden oak doors. The vivid colors in the water changed in beat with the musical melody.

The building’s outer walls were shaped to resemble rows of books, their vertical spines towering forty feet high. The titles varied from classic novels from The World Beyond, such as The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, and Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, to books by Jirvanian authors such as Rainbow Catcher, by Petal Glitterlight, The Lonely Star by Gossamer Butterwiss and Unicorn Dreams by Pippi Moonfruit.

Dara and Astra bounded up behind Adrian just as a tall, dark-haired man appeared in the doorway.

Adrian?

She’s hurt, Adrian said, his voice breaking at the sight of his brother.

Alaisdair nodded. Her muse, Pippa, came ahead of you to raise the alarm. Follow me.

Did Beau make it back? Adrian asked as they hurried through the open doors into the vast atrium of The Great Library.

Alaisdair shook his head. Haven’t seen him. Is Lily with the children?

Astra, Adrian said. Tell him.

The Doberman ran up to Alaisdair and whined several times.

Alaisdair whirled. I’ll gather a team and go back through the portal the moment we have Karyn-

Adrian shook his head. It’s too late, he whispered. She’s gone.

Fists clenched, Alaisdair doubled his pace as faery muses flitted overhead, their tiny faces etched with concern.

A large wooden door swung open, and they strode into a long room lined with narrow cots, each having crisp white sheets and a gray blanket. Adrian lowered Karyn’s limp body onto the nearest empty bed as nurses in gray tweed tended the other patients. One nurse hurried towards them. Her long black skirt rustled around her ankles, and her hair was swept back into a bun and covered with a white lace headdress. She carried a small oil lamp in one hand.

It’s good to see you again, Florence, Alaisdair said.

Welcome to Scutari. Karel sent word you were coming. She studied Karyn, and her brow furrowed. Poison?

Yes. Spores invaded The World Beyond, looking for the children. Florence stiffened. Prince Jack and Princess Mia?

My wife fought the Spore off long enough for the children to escape.

Bless her. Florence pulled a strip of cloth from a basket. Wrapping it around her hand, she dipped it in a bowl of water and dabbed Karyn’s forehead. She’s burning up with fever.

Astra barked softly.

Alaisdair rubbed his bristled chin. Astra says the attack happened three hours ago.

Florence picked up one of Karyn’s soft hands. Her fingernails are already turning green. She lifted one of Karyn’s eyelids. Good. The poison has not yet reached the windows to her soul. She straightened, making a steeple with her fingers. I must confess, Your Majesties, I’ve never cared for anyone poisoned by a Spore. I’ve only heard stories. She lifted her chin. It’s a challenge I gladly accept.

Thank you, Adrian whispered.

Come, brother, Alaisdair said. We have much to do. He turned to Florence. We’ll return soon.

Florence picked up her lamp. I promise you. They won’t find her here.

Alaisdair gave her a wan smile. That’s precisely why we brought her to you, Miss Nightingale.

Wisps of silver smoke lingered as the men stepped back into the east hall of The Great Library.

Has anyone seen Goren? Adrian asked.

Alaisdair sighed. The faeries made a bed for him, and we were keeping watch over him in shifts. One night, a severe thunderstorm struck near his house, forcing the watchers to take cover. When it was safe to emerge from their shelter, Goren was gone and the house was in ruins.

Is he dead?

Alaisdair shook his head. Bàn says he lives. He pointed to a large marble tablet over the archway, etched with the words, ‘The Great Reading Room.’ Do you like it? The Narrador Dwarves presented it to Karel for Christmas last year.

Adrian looked up. A definite improvement. He swayed on his feet. Alaisdair reached out to grab his brother’s elbow. Come, sit for a moment, he said, guiding Adrian to the closest chair. I’ll get us some Julmust, unless you’d prefer Saft.

Julmust is fine. It’s been years since I visited Sweden.

The brothers had come to love these native Swedish beverages after following their friends into the story of Heidi when they were boys visiting The Great Library.

Adrian leaned forward to gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows encircling a third of the room. "You can see forever from here. I’d forgotten how beautiful the lighthouse looks when the sun’s going down over the Pearl Sea. And the Rainbow Forest just shimmers.

Look at those spectacular colors. Muse Mountain is at least two hundred feet taller than when we left. There must be a lot of new writers. He sighed. You brought me here on purpose, didn’t you?

Karel thought looking over your lands would bring some measure of comfort. It’s been a long time since you were forced to flee Jirvania to protect the children.

Karel always has been very wise. Adrian stood and walked to the windows. He raised a hand, and the glass melted away like mist. He closed his eyes as a gentle breeze caressed his face.

Alaisdair walked over carrying two frosty mugs and handed one to his brother. What will I do without her? The question was rhetorical, and the brothers stood in silence for several moments.

Look, Adrian said, affection glowing in his eyes. There’s Maisie.

Outside, a pale blue Pegasus dipped and soared, trailed by a small emerald-colored dragon. The winged horse circled back, allowing the dragon to catch up, and they did sky somersaults over each other for several minutes before flying off over the Pearl Sea.

She looks well, Adrian said. His brow furrowed. Is that singing coming from Muse Mountain? He listened. Wait, no, it’s coming from the lighthouse. That can’t be Goren’s daughter, Lucy. Is she still trapped?

It is and yes, she remains a prisoner.

Is there no way to break the curse?

Alaisdair rubbed the bridge of his nose. We haven’t found one yet. Even the troll elders have not yet been successful. Goren could release her, but he no longer exists. He is ‘Gorn’ now, a monster without a heart. We just can’t seem to find a way to rescue the child.

Adrian’s eyes flashed. Then we’ll make a way.

Alaisdair smiled through the tears welling in his eyes. It’s good to have you home, brother.

Chapter Five

Bàn

Mason’s Island, Stonington, near Mystic, Connecticut,

The World Beyond 2018

Jirvania 3035

Time Alert: Present.

"True love cannot be found where it does not exist,

nor can it be denied where it does."

Torquato Tasso (1544-1596)

BEAU SILVERWATER WAS SMILING AS he leaned his Ducati around the corner just minutes from his home on Mason’s Island, Connecticut. Intending to surprise Lily for their anniversary, he’d taken the afternoon off. He would take her shopping in Mystic, encourage her to choose a new outfit, then suggest she wear it home.

When they walked out of the store, a horse-drawn carriage would be waiting to whisk them away to a candlelit dinner at their favorite restaurant, the S & P Oyster Co. There he would present her with the Contraluz opal necklace he’d bought when they’d been filming on location down in Mexico last month. She’d been so patient with his hectic filming schedule. A director’s wife spends many long evenings at home alone, even on her birthday just last week.

The moment their property came into view, he knew something was very wrong. Several small groups of people stood huddled together, all staring in the same direction. Two police cars sat at the end of their driveway. Heart thudding, Beau pulled to the curb and turned off the bike.

Pocketing his key, he started toward