Portal Slayer: Hidden Journey

By S.L. Dooley

At The End of her Epic Quest, Raelyn Witt Thought She'd Saved Her Family.

 

She Couldn't Be More Wrong.

And after beating a relentless

• Language: English
• Publisher: Torn Parchment
• Release date: Jun 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781956418040

S.L. Dooley

SL Dooley writes fantasy that could be true. Her debut novel, thirty-five years in the making, proves time has no bearing on dreams becoming reality. She looks for adventure all over the world, in her own backyard and between the pages of a book. But she always walks her path with God's light at her feet. She lives in Texas with her family where she hordes old books and new journals.

Book preview

Chapter One

Raelyn rolled onto her side and pulled the blanket tight over one shoulder, swallowing the bile at the back of her throat. Relief was already chasing away the tremors of fear, the nightmare’s sharp realism fading, although the feel of Cosyn’s fingers in her hair lingered. Each night since they had escaped Olyaund, she had dreamed of closing the plye. Some nights, she was victorious. Other nights . . .

She forced her heavy eyelids open and stretched out on the down mattress, breathing in the cool air. Rays of late morning sunlight streamed into the Shalhalan room she shared with Jinny, illuminating the ever-changing painting on the ceiling. A vast lake rippled as golden leaves dropped from surrounding trees. Raelyn shut her eyes again, in no hurry to leave the folds of her blankets. There was no knowing how long the calm would last. Four days had passed since she had closed the portal to Earth Apparent and fled Olyaund City. They had not escaped unscathed.

Good morning, Jinny yawned.

Raelyn smiled without opening her eyes. Morning.

She propped up on one elbow and eyed the dark-haired girl, sitting up in an identical poster bed made of four thick tree trunks sweeping into a canopy of emerald leaves.

Jinny hopped down from the bed and began rummaging through her wardrobe, disappearing within the hanging Shalhalan shawls.

Raelyn pushed the blankets off her legs. Going to see Gabe already?

The healers have nearly mended his wound, Jinny said, her voice muffled by the shawls. She closed the doors, her tan Malvokian tunic and dark leather pants draped over her arm. He’s out of bed more and more. Her Korean lilt was especially pronounced, signaling heightened emotion. Worry? Sadness? It could be anything.

Raelyn’s stomach turned with the flash of memory: Radan nearly gutting Gabe with his spear. She offered an encouraging smile. He was awake when I visited yesterday. He was working on something.

Jinny pulled her tunic over her camisole, static lifting stray hair. It is a rope. The corner of her mouth tugged as she pulled on her leather pants. The healers try to keep him busy so he won’t get out of bed too soon. He is . . . impatient.

That shows progress. A rope? Raelyn cocked her head. It was a strange project.

A genuine smile broke out over Jinny’s face. He had the same reaction. Imagine, a man as smart as Gabe rope weaving. He spends more time analyzing the properties of the material. But I believe he enjoys it more than he says. She laughed. He has almost ten meters completed.

Raelyn grinned and shrugged. It may come in handy. Don’t forget, we have a briefing with Olmund and Othana this afternoon about traveling to Keala.

Jinny nodded and grabbed her boots as she sat on a chair next to her bed. I will be there.

Raelyn shivered as she eased onto the cold floor. Maybe they’ll have word on Kade and Avery.

Jinny finished lacing her boots. We can hope. She pulled her hair into a ponytail and strode to the door. See you this afternoon.

Raelyn smiled, but Jinny left without turning back. Jinny’s obsession with Gabe was to be expected. They’d developed a strong connection on their journey from Malvok to Shalhala. But it took the girl away from their current mission. It kept her so preoccupied they had little time to plan. In fact, Jinny had initially refused to join the quest at all.

Raelyn’s chest tightened as she crossed the room to the connected washroom. They could go nowhere until Gabe recovered. But they would be sent on. Again without Kade. Leaving it up to her to get to the next portal. She had done it before. But did that mean anything?

She freshened up and, dressed in her blue tunic and pants, stepped barefoot onto the shared balcony. Icy air bit at her hands and face. Sunbeams winked over a snowy mountain peak. In the quiet late-October morning, the forest of dormant trees and evergreens lay in frost and shadows at the foot of the imposing mountain range. Like the Shalhalans, it was calm and thoughtful with a whimsy that belied its profundity.

Joshua meandered up from his connecting room, tucking his dog tags into his tunic. His dark beard had nearly filled in; his shaggy hair was wet. A far cry from the clean-shaven Texas soldier she had met two months ago. He plucked a piece of fruit from a table and tossed it into the air. How long you think before we head out?

Raelyn shrugged and leaned over the cold clay balustrade. Visible several floors below, the edge of the terrace outside the library was dark and empty. Inside, Olvida would be waiting in the secret room to teach her more about the Bokar. Although Raelyn had managed to close the portal in Olyaund, to say she had mastered the book was a stretch. She would need to better understand its power before she led them on the next quest. It all came down to the book. And her.

She straightened and brushed her hair from her face, resisting the urge to pull it over the scar that ran from her temple to her jaw. If she had truly forgiven herself for her past, she needed to act like it.

After I meet with Olvida, we’ll go over our next move this afternoon.

Joshua gave her a side glance. With Olmund and Othana.

Of course. Olvida says the scouts are tracking the Olyaunders.

I’m sure they’re regrouping. The Olyaund leader won’t be put off for long.

No doubt. A flush of anger spread over Raelyn’s chest and she pressed her hand over the Durinial hanging against her throat. Surely they’d get the chance to make Radan pay for what he had done to Gabe. But the amulet had been still since their escape. Jinny’s already gone to the healing house.

Joshua took a large bite of the fruit. That’s good.

Raelyn shrugged. Yeah, but when she’s there, it takes away time for us to plan. Olvida said the plye is in a kingdom called Endyle, but first we have to get to Keala—

Gabe needs to get stitched up first. I bet Jinny’s helpin’ that along. The sooner he’s well, the sooner we can get a move on.

Raelyn nodded. I hope you’re right. I’ll let you know what Olvida says. She strode back to her room, calling, See you this afternoon, over her shoulder.

She pulled on her boots and tucked the Bokar into the back of her belt before hurrying out the door and down the steps, darting around Shalhalans as she nodded grim greetings. Their daily routine of crafting, trading, and celebrating had been exchanged for one of pensive preparation. Storing food, shoring up windows and doorways, and assembling weapons.

She strode to the imposing library doors, pulled the right-hand one open, and stepped inside. Gone was the hushed rustle of papers. On all levels, the keepers of history and learning rushed with stacks of books and arms filled with rolled parchment. Othana had warned them that, unlike the Malvokians, the Shalhalans were not warriors. But they were alike in that no fear showed in their demeanor.

Raelyn made her way to the back of the library and the unmarked doorway that led to the lower level and the additional pages of the Bokar. The single sheet adhered to the spine would no longer be enough.

She took a deep breath, as though about to dive beneath a deep pool of water, ducked inside to the stairway landing, and took the first step down. Instantly, the stairs seemed to slip sideways. Her vision blurred and a headache burst into her temples. But she was prepared. The basement, hidden in the realm of Velare, might give her the opportunity to see her brother. Perhaps her father. She stumbled down a few steps before they faded away . . .

She was standing on the top step of her childhood home. Just down the hall from Peter’s room. She had seen him as soon as they had returned from Olyaund, sitting up in bed, reading. Healthy, whole. But the fact that he was recovering back home with Dad might mean he still had a long way to go. Her hands shook with anticipation. Her hope in saving him from Cosyn’s curse had kept her moving for the last month. Closing the plye had been her only aim. But confirming her accomplishment, the fruit of all she had risked—her brother safe and well—could end the nightmares.

Raelyn inched her way down the hall and peered into his room. Empty. The bed was made; curtains were pulled back revealing bright sunshine. Her shoulders fell as she stepped into the center of the room.

Raelyn?

She spun around. Peter stood, holding onto the doorframe, frowning. His sweatpants and T-shirt hung off his thin frame. Only a shadow of her vibrant, confident older brother.

Peter! She took a step toward him, relief and joy filling her chest.

He took a step back, his eyes wide. Raelyn’s smile fell. What did she expect, a family reunion? Of course, he must be confused. Afraid, even.

Peter, it’s okay. It’s me. You saw me before. Raelyn’s heart pounded with giddy excitement. He didn’t just see her. He heard her. They were actually speaking.

He glanced over his shoulder and down the hall before looking back at her. He swallowed, as though with some difficulty. I don’t know what I’m seeing, he whispered. This could be a result of the illness.

Raelyn’s heartbeat alternated between frustrated disappointment and elated urgency as she shook her head. Olvida would give her the seripyn to bring her back to Alnok any minute. No, it’s really me. I know it’s hard to understand.

Tears filled Peter’s eyes. I miss you so much. We’re all worried. I guess it makes sense my brain would conjure you up.

The last thing I told Dad was I would find a way to save you. And I did. She held out her hand, and he took a hesitant step forward. But she pulled back. He couldn’t touch her. She wasn’t really there. Sit down. I’ll explain as much as I can. But I can’t stay long.

A hoarse laugh burst from Peter. Well, thanks for the visit anyway. But he shuffled past her and eased himself down on the bed.

Raelyn pressed her lips together and put her fingers on the Durinial. The precious amulet had provided direction in Kade’s absence, but it couldn’t give her the words to convince Peter. She’d have to find some way to make him understand. The story, a steady stream as fast as she could speak, rushed from her lips.

Kade’s invitation, given to her at the hospital where Peter lay dying. The secret Large Hadron Collider in Silo. The dimension, reported all over the news, was an actual place where she had been given access. Kade’s call for her to close the portal where the enemy, Cosyn, had targeted Peter, cursing him with an incurable illness.

Dad told me you left to find a treatment. His gaze darted to the door. He’s worried you . . . skipped out on us. But Rae, if this could all be true, and not just some hallucination, why you? Why not come back?

I’ve saved you, Peter. That’s what I came to do. Regardless of what dad thinks. But there is another portal. More powerful, putting everyone in danger. I can’t leave without trying to close it. Raelyn paused for the first time and frowned at the floor. Why me? she murmured. It’s in our genes, I guess. She looked back into Peter’s eyes. It could be than a simple matter of genetics. Something had nagged at the back of Raelyn’s mind since the last time she’d seen her brother. Maybe even since the Cord learned about their connection to Alnok detailed in the ancestral tree woven on the tapestry in Malvok . . .

A warm liquid tickled her lips and she swallowed. Our ancestors were here. A prophecy says we would return . . . Peter’s face blurred. That’s all I can say. But I’ll come back. I’ll find you— He was gone, and she was looking into Olvida’s ancient, pale eyes.

There’s our girl, she said in her dry, papery voice as she helped Raelyn to her feet.

Raelyn wiped her face, wet with tears that must have spilled while she faded, and let Olvida lead her to the center table. Olvida?

Yes, my dear? Olvida turned and looked at her with raised eyebrows. Pearly wisps of light rose from her hair, which was nearly identical in color.

Raelyn hesitated. Aside from the Cord, Kade had spoken little of their fading, only to warn that passing from the Periferie to Earth Apparent would have dire consequences. But they’d used the ability to close the portal in Olyaund. And Olvida didn’t seem concerned when Raelyn had seen Peter before. Seen, not talked to.

Either Olvida was unaware of this ability, or she didn’t know the Cord knew. And if that were the case, there may be a reason she and Kade withheld the information. Or maybe she didn’t want to explore reasons she conversed with her brother while the others had little to no interaction with those back home. Regardless, Raelyn followed her instinct to keep it secret.

I . . . uh, saw my brother again. He’s recovering.

Thanks to her. But her father thought she’d just left town. A deep disappointment wrapped around her heart, restricting each beat.

Olvida smiled. You have done a great thing, closing Cosyn’s access to your loved ones. Olmund tells me Joshua saw his daughter safe and Jinny’s mother was released from the institution with a whole mind. She gestured for Raelyn to come near. Gabe has not yet been strong enough to fade, but I dare say he will find his father exonerated and well on his way to rejoining the family.

Raelyn pulled the book from her waistband. And Avery?

I am confident his wife is safe and sound. Though not dismissive, Olvida seemed eager to move on to other things. And now, I have a gift for you, crafted from our most skilled artisans. She picked up a leather pouch attached to a long, matching belt, both stitched with the same vine pattern as the Bokar. The satchel was closed at the top with a single latch.

A fanny pack? Raelyn chuckled.

Olvida’s smile broadened. A holster. She held it out for Raelyn.

Raelyn opened the clasp and tucked the Bokar inside. She slid the belt over her head so that it crossed her body, the book hanging on her hip. She looked up and cocked one eyebrow. Can we add some pages?

Olvida nodded and tottered to a wall with shelves of translucent paper lying face out. The choice is yours.

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You don’t wanna consider alternatives? Joshua glowered at Raelyn.

Raelyn and he were sitting around a table with Jinny, Othana, and Olmund in a small chamber off the kitchens. Softly glowing lanterns hung along the walls, but it was Othana’s orange light and Olmund’s steel-blue hue that lit the room. They’d been going over maps and sorting out plans and instruction. The smell of roasted meat wafted through the doorway and Raelyn’s stomach grumbled.

She had a brand-new page in the Bokar. But the exhilaration that came with choosing it was drowning in a wave of argument with the others. And, that her father didn’t know what she’d accomplished, and likely had written her off as a lost cause, made the next quest less compelling.

I’m just saying, Raelyn said slowly, wanting Joshua to understand she had given it careful thought regardless of how she felt. We need to have our plan detailed before we begin a new one.

A solid path forward’s important, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start on a plan B.

And who’s to say plan A won’t be enough? Raelyn looked at Othana and then at Olmund for support.

Othana shifted her gaze from Raelyn to Joshua and back. You should be intimately familiar with and entirely confident in our journey from Shalhala to Keala.

See? Raelyn gave Joshua a cool look.

But—Othana looked pointedly at Raelyn—your journey from Malvok to Shalhala should have illustrated the need for an alternative.

Raelyn brushed her fingers through her hair. Of course. Can we just focus on one plan at a time?

This plye is . . . different. Othana distractedly organized a few of the maps on the table.

Joshua frowned. How so?

Cosyn’s purposes are greater. He failed to destroy your families. And—a gentle smile lifted her lips—you are still here.

This changes how we close it? Raelyn asked, not bothering to hide her irritation.

Perhaps not, but— Othana shot a glance at Olmund, who cleared his throat.

The prophecy alludes to how he might attack Earth Apparent. Olmund’s deep voice rumbled in the tight space. He stood and placed his hands behind his back. Just as Kade used to do. It is unclear. However, it tells of a great fire. One that will burn the world to ash.

What . . . Jinny’s dark eyes glistened as she looked from Olmund to Othana. What kind of fire?

Olmund shook his head. The source matters little. And there are some who deem the prophecy . . . unreliable. His eyes flitted to Othana.

A jolt of defensive anger shot through Raelyn’s chest. After all they’d been through, Othana questioned their presence. Just like Ditimer, Kade’s trusted friend, who had likely betrayed them. Raelyn crossed her arms. Kade seemed to think the prophecy had merit. He came for us— Her voice quivered and she swallowed, fighting back tears of frustration and loss.

We are not questioning your calling, Othana said softly, holding Raelyn’s gaze. Nor do we dismiss your great success in Olyaund. But Cosyn directly attacked your families. This . . . She shook her head and looked back at the table.

Prophecy or not, Joshua said. We’re goin’ to Keala. If Cosyn’s got a mind to light the world on fire, our families are still in danger.

No matter what path we choose, Jinny said, we can go nowhere until Gabe is well enough to travel.

Heat rose from Raelyn’s neck into her cheeks. It was precisely Jinny’s need to manage Gabe’s healing that was delaying their planning. And even now, she couldn’t focus. Raelyn took a deep breath.

We’ve got a map and a good idea of the terrain along the base of the mountains before we head south to Keala. But we don’t know if it’s better to use stealth or speed. How many should go—

Joshua rose from his seat and began pacing. And if that path is blocked? If we’re pursued? Someone injured?

Raelyn stood and faced Joshua. Othana and Olmund will be with us—

Kade was supposed to be here, too. Joshua’s voice rose as his drawl thickened. Y’all see how that worked out.

Raelyn narrowed her eyes, her pulse pounding in her ears. But Kade gave the Durinial to me, she growled. She lifted her chin to counter the instant internal regret at her statement.

A muscle worked in Joshua’s jaw as he glared at Raelyn. Right. He glanced from Othana to Olmund. Let me know when y’all got it all settled. Doesn’t sound like I’m needed. He stalked from the room.

Raelyn looked at Jinny for confirmation, but the girl gathered one of the smaller maps as she stood without looking at Raelyn. I’ll check on Gabe, she said and hurried after Joshua.

Raelyn held out her hands in appeal to Othana.

Othana gave a sharp nod and began rolling the maps. In testing out the shoes of a leader, you must be careful how you break in the soles.

You agree with Joshua?

Othana handed her the maps, taking a moment to search Raelyn’s face. I acknowledge Kade entrusted you with the Durinial. We will rely on your leadership. But you were each chosen for a reason. Do not discount the discernment of others. You must be in agreement.

Raelyn took the maps. If Kade trusted me, why can’t the others?

How is trust born? Othana touched her arm. A true leader must first learn to follow. She nodded to Olmund, who stood, and they both strode out of the room.

Raelyn looked down at the maps. Following was not what Kade had instructed her to do. They all looked to her to get them to Keala. If they failed, the responsibility lay on her shoulders.

Chapter Two

Raelyn made her way back to her room, the maps crumpled under one arm. A sour unease twisted in her stomach. She glanced at the Shalhalan’s rushing from place to place, kicking up dust as they fortified their homes against an attack by the Olyaunders, sure to come any day. But she couldn’t meet the gaze of any of them and trained her eyes on the hard clay of the courtyard as she strode to the stairway.

We’ll finish our plan tomorrow. No matter how long it takes.

She rounded the stairs, circling past the level where the library was located. On the next landing, the man named Lovid, who had greeted the Cord their first night in Shalhala as he swept off his doorway, was reinforcing a single window and didn’t look her way. His long white hair was pulled into a ponytail and a sword hung from his belt, seeming overlong compared to his short stature.

She reached the fourth platform, blessedly empty, and crossed to the narrow hallway to her room, clicking the door shut behind her. After cramming the maps into her pack and, tossing the Bokar, holster and all, onto the bed, she wandered onto the balcony. The sun cast its beams across the tops of the distant evergreens and set the copper clay aglow. Raelyn lingered until the sun winked out of sight and the evening star made its appearance, but neither Jinny nor Joshua returned. Likely dining with Othana and Olmund. Raelyn pressed her lips together and swallowed a lump of resentment. They didn’t seem to understand the burden left to her. When they escaped Malvok, she had trusted Kade’s leadership. But he passed that role to her. It hadn’t been easy, but looking back, she had proved herself again and again. She was done second-guessing her instincts.

Her shoulders fell as she strolled back into her room. The quest may have been successful, but her dad didn’t know. Her confidence no longer hinged on his approval . . . but how could he think she had skipped town?

Because you’ve made a habit of letting your family down.

Not this time. She’d seen the quest through, and brought Peter back from the brink of death. But even she could never have imagined what saving him would require.

Suddenly, sleep seemed infinitely more appealing than food. She glanced around the room, littered with clothing and papers. Something on Jinny’s bed caught her eye. A slender rope was coiled on the blankets. Raelyn smiled and tears stung her eyes. How could she begrudge Jinny’s affections? After all they had been through, their attraction was one of the bright spots. Joshua was probably right. Jinny’s attention to the young scientist was likely helping his progress.

She gave the room another look and shrugged. She could tidy in the morning.

She stowed the Bokar and her bow in the wardrobe, changed clothes and crawled into bed, the lingering twilight still casting shadows across the blankets. In the scene on the ceiling, the lake roiled and tossed waves onto the painted shore. Her eyes slid shut as a boat drifted into the picture, rocking from side to side.

The Durinial gave a short vibrating pulse and was still. Raelyn snapped her eyes open. The room was quiet and dark. But the sensation signaled something. A change. Danger.

A far away crash jarred Raelyn’s thoughts, the deep echoes reverberating through their balcony. She sat up, her heart pounding, and peered through the parted drapes to a pale morning sky. She glanced at Jinny, who was half out of bed, head cocked, staring out the window.

Another crash and a shout and Raelyn was leaping from the bed and racing to the balcony. She slammed into the clay balustrade and leaned over the edge. Joshua bumped against her, joining in the search for the source of the clamor.

They waited for a few seconds without speaking. Raelyn held her breath, praying they would hear laughter following the noise. But the Durinial pulsed rapidly and a charge filled the chilled air.

The Olyaunders . . . Jinny’s voice quivered.

Raelyn glanced over her shoulder. The girl stood just inside their room; the Seon pressed into her tangled hair.

Raelyn turned back and leaned further to see directly below, her breath coming out in puffs of vapor. The wide clay wall was smooth and cold. A swirl of wind caught her hair.

Jinny gasped. Raelyn!

BAM!

The cliffside, several floors below, burst, blowing chunks of rock, sand, and shreds of paper into the air. Sharp stones sprayed Raelyn’s face. A fine plume of dust hung in the air. Someone shouted in the distance. Raelyn looked to her left. It was Joshua, his voice muted after the deafening blast.

The library! Raelyn shouted as she pushed herself off the wall, forcing her mind to process through the shock.

Clothes.

Bow.

Bokar.

She raced past Jinny, grabbing her as she went, and yanked open the wardrobe. She threw her Malvokian uniform, the holster for the Bokar, and her bow on the bed before stripping off her nightgown.

Othana burst into the room, her orange light blazing like fire, as Raelyn pulled her tunic over her head.

They’ve taken the stairs, Othana shouted as she bolted the door and grabbed Raelyn’s pack from the floor, rolled maps still sticking out of the top. She crammed items into it from around the room.

The Olyaunders, Jinny said as she yanked on her tan leather pants.

Aye. They came across the Cham-al Lake. They are at the library level. The stairs are blocked. You must escape over the balcony.

What? Jinny gasped. Jump?

Othana pitched the pack to Raelyn as she crossed to the balcony. She looked over the edge and then turned, waving them over.

Raelyn buckled the Bokar into its holster and slipped it across her body. She affixed her bow and quiver to the backpack and shrugged it on as she sprinted past Jinny to Othana, who was already giving Joshua instructions. Jinny, dressed with her full pack on her back and holding Gabe’s slender rope, coiled in one hand, didn’t move. Olmund raced from the connecting room.

. . . from there you can make your way to the bottom. Othana pointed to the north side of the balcony.

Raelyn leaned around Joshua and craned her neck to look up and down the wall. I don’t see anything. She leaned even further. The clay wall shimmered in the pale light, smooth but for a few