The Shattered Earths: Legends of Kiamada, #3

By Ben Cass

The story that began in "The Lost Tayamu" and continued in "The Uncrowned Queen" comes to its conclusion……

 

"When two worlds collide, only one may survive."

 

Since ending Mathon's tyrannical reign several days ago, these words have echoed in Jen DuAston's mind.  Determined to get the residents of Groverton out of harm's way and onto Bar Truga, Jen uses a dimensional rift and returns to the tiny midwestern town that raised her for twelve years…. just before the Chiami strike with a devastating attack.

 

When Mathon's full diabolical plan is revealed, the Tayamu face an evil that hasn't been seen for thousands of years….not since Kiamada was ripped away from its home and brought to an alternate dimension.  To save both Earths from being shattered, it will take untold power…and, possibly, the ultimate sacrifice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ben Cass
• Release date: Jan 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215900529

Ben Cass

From a young age, Ben Cass was in love with the premises of fantasy novels and comic books: amazing creatures, fantastic heroes, and magical powers that existed right beneath our noses.  He created detailed storylines to act out with his toys, often updating the stories until he was satisfied with the plots. His love of writing began in his senior year of high school, when he had to write short stories for his English class.  He wrote the first one in ten minutes, all because it was due the next class period and he’d completely forgotten about it.  That story was greeted with laughter and applause by his classmates and teacher.  His subsequent assignments garnered even more positive responses, and Ben began to seriously consider writing as a hobby. A native Floridian, Ben attended Florida Southern College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, double-majoring in Secondary Education.  Ben graduated in 1998, and has been in education ever since.   Ben is a certified geek, and loves Superman, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and other sci-fi/comic book characters and stories.  You can find Ben on Twitter under the handle @bencassauthor.   Ben lives in beautiful Broward County, Florida, with his wife and son, where he continues his career as an educator and is diligently working on the Legends of Kiamada series.

Book preview

1

The moon’s glow filtered through the trees, dappling Amore Rock with just enough light for Mike Morris to see by.  Beside him, his girlfriend shifted on the blanket, snuggling into him.

Next time, we need to bring a sleeping bag, Sara said.  Her brown hair fell across her face as if it were trying to hide her.  This blanket isn’t thick enough.

It isn’t that uncomfortable, Mike said, stroking her arm.  Besides, it’s plenty warm enough right now.  He’d never been a fan of the high summer temperatures in Groverton.  How the hell do people live in FLORIDA? he wondered.  He couldn’t imagine having this kind of heat all year long. 

One more year of school, and I’m moving someplace cooler.

Sara sighed heavily.  That went right over your head, huh? she asked.

Apparently, Mike said.  He’d never been very good at reading into things, or so he’d been told numerous times.  He looked down, seeing half a smile on Sara’s face.  Okay.  I’ll bite. Why would we need a sleeping bag?

I can think of a fantastic reason or two, Sara said, stretching her body up and gently touching her lips to his."

Before he could say anything, a bright flash of light up the river caught his eye.  The hell? he asked, sitting up.

Really? Sara asked, her tone laced with annoyance.  "I was hoping for something a little more romantic."

What?  He realized what she meant and shook his head.  Oh, no, no.  I wasn’t talking to you.  He pointed toward the bright light, which was still visible.  "The hell is that?"

Sara followed his finger with her eyes and studied the light for a moment before shrugging.  A boat or something.  She reached up and gently turned his chin so they were facing each other.  So can we return to our...discussion...now?

The light grew brighter, nearly enough to read by, even this far away.  Mike pushed himself to his knees, then stood up.  No way that’s a boat, he said.  Besides, the river isn’t deep enough in this area for anything more than a canoe or kayak.

Sara frowned as she joined him, trying to lean forward to see better.  Mike knew it wouldn’t help; the river had too many bends at that point to have a clear view.  The light pulsed, sending shivers down Mike’s spine.

I think it’s time to go, he said, taking Sara’s hand.  He was getting a bad feeling, and he always trusted his gut.

Sara bent down and grabbed the blanket from the rock.  Definitely, she agreed, her voice shaky.  It hadn’t been that long since Maddie Pierre’s parents had been abducted right from Harold’s Diner, and the sheriff had put the town on curfew before he’d left with Maddie and the Evans twins. 

Mike had been reluctant to go out with Sara tonight, especially to Amore Rock, but his desire to spend unchaperoned time with his girlfriend had won out over his sense of caution, and he’d crept out of his house shortly after midnight.  His parents never noticed when he snuck out, so he wasn’t concerned about being caught by them.  Besides, since he was now eighteen and about to start his senior year of high school, he really wasn’t worrying too much about his parents’ opinions.

This, though, worried him.  There was nothing he knew of that made a pulsing white light that could light up the area like that.

Suddenly, the light flared and then went out, plunging the surrounding forest back into darkness.  Sara squeezed his hand tightly and pressed against him. 

Mike’s heart thundered in his ears, and he was pretty sure his breathing was louder than an English bulldog’s, but he forced himself to remain calm.  Let’s go, he whispered in her ear.  Watch your step and make as little noise as possible.

He led Sara off Amore Rock and back onto the forest path, walking as quickly as he dared.  The moonlight vanished, and Mike glanced up to see a thick patch of clouds covering the moon.  The woods were nearly pitch-black now, and it was difficult to see.

Should we use our phones’ flashlights? Sara whispered, shuffling beside him. 

Only if we absolutely have to, Mike whispered back.  Let’s just keep going for now.  The path should be clear all the way back, and I’ve walked it enough times in my life to have it memorized.

Sara gripped his arm tightly, and he wrapped it around her, pulling her close.  Hell of an evening, he thought darkly.  Go from making out to possibly getting murdered by some weird shit in the woods.  It’s like a bad horror movie!

A sudden, sharp crack echoed through the surrounding forest, the sound exploding like a gunshot.  He’d stepped on a small twig.

Sara froze, and they stared at each other for a moment, holding their breaths.  Mike wondered if it was safer to stay or to move.

The decision was made for him when an arrow flew between their heads, slamming into the tree right in front of them and making them both scream.

Fuck! Mike yelled.  Run, Sara!  RUN!  He sprang into motion, dragging her along as more arrows flew in.  He heard Sara crying and wasn’t ashamed to realize that tears streamed down his face, too.  The hell were we THINKING?

The moonlight reappeared, illuminating the path in front of them...a path that suddenly had two people standing on it.  They both held swords, and judging by the way they stood, knew precisely how to use them.

SHIT! Sara screamed.  Without breaking stride, Mike nudged her onto a side path, their feet kicking up dirt and leaves.  No need to worry about being quiet now!

Come on! he yelled, still pulling her along.  He knew Sara was slowing him down, but there was no way in hell Mike was letting those red-clad assholes get her without going through him first.  He’d just have to match her speed until they got free.

For one of the few times in his life, Mike was grateful for having lived in Groverton his entire life.  He’d spent countless hours in the Scarlett Woods, especially this portion, and knew where he was going, something these assholes pursuing them couldn’t say.

Branches slapped against his face, and Mike started holding one hand in front of him; he was tired of tasting bark and leaves every few feet. 

With no warning, a woman appeared directly in front of them, almost as if she’d stepped out of thin air.  Without thinking about the consequences, Mike dropped Sara’s hand and threw himself at the woman shoulder-first. 

It surprised him when his shoulder hit the ground instead of her body.  The hell?  Where’d she go?  Mike rolled, his athletic training kicking in, and scrambled back to his feet.

MIKE! Sara screamed.  He turned his head to see her being restrained by two men, each of them holding one of her arms.  She was begging for mercy as they forced her to the ground, her cheek against the dirt.

The woman Mike had tried to tackle moved in front of Sara, staring Mike down from only a few feet away.  An involuntary shiver ran down his spine when a shaft of moonlight hit her.

An eyepatch covered one eye, and thin white scars crisscrossed her face.  Her hair was black and spiky, and the way she held herself told him she knew exactly how to take him down with minimal effort.

Where are the Chiami? she asked, her voice cold and hard.

Mike threw a punch at her, forcing down his guilt at trying to hit a woman, but she dodged effortlessly and slammed a fist into his ribs, nearly lifting him off his feet.  Pain lanced through his side, and he stumbled backward, trying to catch his breath.  Her punch had felt like a football tackle!

Where are the Chiami? she asked again.

You mean those Little Red Riding Hood wannabes? Mike snarled, holding his ribs.  He lunged again, but she grabbed his arm and flipped him onto the ground, bending it behind his back.

Hold up, Seaile! a voice yelled.  Deep and familiar, it carried through the forest.  They’re friends!  Let them go!

The pain in Mike’s arm vanished as the woman released him and stood up.  Dave said that none of the townspeople would be in the woods, Alistair, she said as a man stepped into sight, his giant frame instantly recognizable to Mike. 

Doyle!

The town is under a strict curfew, the woman continued.  He said to assume that anybody out here would be trouble.

I know, Seaile, the former coach said calmly, but I suspect the sheriff failed to reckon with teenage hormones.  Doyle helped Sara up, pulling her into a hug.  She was still crying, and clung tightly to him, her eyes locked on the woman. 

I know these two, Doyle said, rubbing Sara’s back with his hand, and while they can be a bit annoying with their constant kissing, they’re not Chiami spies.  They’re some of Elowyn’s oldest friends.

Seaile’s posture changed immediately.  My sincerest apologies, she said to Mike.  We thought you were with the Chiami.

No problem, Mike said, flexing his arm.  It was still hurting.  "I’m just glad you’re on our side!"

Please, let me take care of that, Seaile said.  A green glow surrounded her hand, which she placed on Mike’s arm.  A warm sensation rushed through him, and the ache vanished.  Seconds later, his ribs felt like someone had never punched him.

Holy shit, Mike murmured, testing his arm.  It was as if the pain had never been there.  "What did you do?"

Healed your injuries, Seaile said calmly.  She turned her attention to Sara, who shook her head.  Mike couldn’t blame her; Seaile wasn’t exactly a comforting figure.

I’m fine, Sara said, keeping a tight grip on Doyle.  Seaile inclined her head slightly and stepped back, the green glow fading from her hand.

Join the others, she said to the two men who’d been restraining Sara.  The queen-sister plans on coming through soon, and we need to secure the area first.  We all know she won’t wait very long.

Boy, you’ve really figured her out already, Doyle said to Seaile, a grin dancing on his lips.

Figured who out? came a voice from the woods.  Mike knew that voice well; he’d been friends with its owner forever, as Doyle had pointed out. 

Ellie!  She’s back!  He wondered if she was bringing this queen-sister, whatever the hell that meant.

A tall, slender woman entered the clearing, pushing tree branches out of the way.  Mike almost choked in disbelief when a tree branch moved down toward her.

She swatted the thin branch away.  "Pink pigs on a falafel! the woman exclaimed impatiently.  I’m getting really tired of trees trying to cop a feel!"

ELLIE? Mike exclaimed, scarcely able to believe what he saw.  The last time he’d seen her, she’d somehow magically grown several inches, but not this many!  He thought she might now be taller than he was.  What happened to her?

Ellie, we agreed you would stay behind until we were sure the town was secure, Seaile said, her voice frosty.

"You did, Ellie said sweetly, wagging her finger from side to side.  I, however, never agreed to anything.  You said, and I quote, ‘Ellie, I’d like you to remain on Bar Truga until we know the town is safe’.  I just said okay.  She smiled innocently.  I never actually said I’d do what you wanted."

A growl of frustration escaped Seaile’s throat, and Mike had the stupid urge to smile as she stalked away.  He’d seen Ellie’s stubborn streak many times over the years and had been on the receiving end more than once.

Mike! Ellie said, finally noticing him.  "Sara!  Omigod, what happened?"  She moved forward to envelop Sara in a hug, shoving Doyle aside. 

"Y’know, you could’ve tried a little harder to comfort her, she said to Doyle.  The poor thing is still trembling!"  He rolled his eyes and turned to Mike while Ellie spoke quietly to Sara, gently wiping the tears away with her fingertips.

Coach, Mike said, offering a handshake.  Doyle accepted it, his grasp as firm as Mike remembered.  What are you doing here?  Did you save Maddie’s parents?

We did, Doyle said.  Amongst other things.  It’s a long story, Mike, and it’s better if I can tell it all at once.

Can I get the ELI5 version? Mike asked.

Doyle frowned.  "The what?"

"It stands for explain like I’m five.  It’s an internet thing.  Started on Reddit, I think, but I’m not sure."

Oh, Doyle said.  So I should use really small words and pictures if possible?

More or less, Mike chuckled. 

"Well, then, long story very short, we’re here to get everybody out of Groverton."

And go where?

Doyle smiled.  To a whole new world, he said.

THE portal she’d opened to Groverton closed in front of Jen, winking out of existence like it had never been there.  Spots danced in her eyes, no doubt an aftereffect of the bright light.  From what she’d gathered in her conversations with the sheriff, Maddie, and the twins, this part of Kiamada—possibly the entire country—was several hours ahead of Groverton.  Right now, it was breakfast time at Frimm Graefyir, so it was probably the middle of the night in Groverton.

She pressed her hands against her stomach, hoping to soothe the butterflies.  It had taken a few more hours than she’d hoped to get everything organized and settled, but finally, they’d gathered at Frimm Graefyir, and with Hisaar’s coaching, Jen had opened a portal to the first place she’d thought of in Groverton: the Scarlett Woods near the log cabin diner, around Amore Rock.  She’d wanted to go along, but Doyle and Seaile had overruled her, promising to send somebody back via the rift behind Doyle’s house in Groverton.  They’d be able to return to the nearby rift, the very one Jen had accidentally stumbled into all those years ago.

Ellie was supposed to stay with Jen and wait until Seaile sent word it was clear, but at the last possible instant, her sister had jumped through the portal, throwing Jen a mischievous wink as she did.

Beside her, Hisaar shook her head and yawned.  Too vacking early to be awake, the unicorn grumbled.  Vacking Tayamu and their early vacking mornings.  Why can’t they vacking sleep in like a normal vacking person?

Or a normal unicorn? Jen suggested, patting Hisaar’s back.

Precisely, Hisaar said.  She turned back toward the castle.  Why did you send them to that vacking location?  Some kind of special vacking attribute?

Something like that, Jen said.  It was the first place I thought of.  The place where my journey back to Ali and my throne began.

Hisaar tilted her head to the side and narrowed her eyes, which began rapidly moving from left to right.  Jen had quickly learned that this particular action meant the unicorn was scanning her memories.  Living repository of knowledge, indeed, Jen thought.  She’d had no idea how literal Doyle was being when he’d said that.  If she wanted to, Hisaar could access all your memories just by touching your skin.  She then stored everything in her brain, adding to the millennia of knowledge that she possessed.

At last, Hisaar blinked and shook her mane.  Technically, that shyte started when you literally vacking ran into him and then he saved your life, Hisaar said. 

That doesn’t count, Jen said, waving her hand dismissively.  Ellie and I agreed on that.

And your agreement just makes it the vacking truth?  Interesting.  Vacking interesting.

Oh, Hisaar, Jen chuckled, have you no sense of romance?

I’m a vacking unicorn, Jen.  Romance isn’t exactly a big vacking deal to us.  We vacking meet, we vacking rut, we go our separate vacking ways.  Occasionally, we stay together for a long vacking time.

How sweet, Jen said dryly.  Personally, I’d prefer to tell our children about the time their father and I inadvertently had breakfast together at a small cabin in the woods, then sat on a rock by the river while he bared his soul to me.

Bared his soul?  Hisaar snorted rudely.  He didn’t tell you a vacking thing that would have vacking helped!  That’s not vacking romantic at all!

Agree to disagree, Jen said cheerfully.

The door to the kitchen opened in the castle wall, and Bria stepped out, closely followed by Coll.  It had only been a few days since his rescue, but Jen was happy to see that he was already looking healthier.  Probably helps that Bria’s openly taking care of him.

She had finally worked up the nerve to directly ask Bria if there was a romantic relationship between her and Coll, and the cook had confessed that they had been a secret couple since Jen was little, which explained why the two of them had been so willing to help hide Jen’s relationship with Doyle.  Bria was older than Coll by several years, but that didn’t matter to either one of them.  If Jen remembered correctly, Bria’s husband had died of a rare virus shortly after they’d been wed, and she had never remarried.  Jen had informed them that she really hoped they’d be open about the relationship.

Going back to Bar Truga? Bria called out, holding a mixing bowl in one hand while stirring with the other.

Actually, no, Jen said.  They’ll be sending somebody through the dimensional rift to let me know it’s safe.  The rift is much closer to Frimm Graefyir than to Bar Truga.

Good, Bria said with a firm nod.  Then you have time for breakfast.

Jen sighed reluctantly.  Good to know some things don’t change, she said with a sigh.  Jen had never been much of one to eat breakfast, a fact that Bria had taken as a personal affront during Jen’s childhood.  The cook had made it her personal mission to make sure Jen ate breakfast every day.

Could be worse, Coll laughed.  You could have your sister cooking for you.

Coll! Bria and Jen scolded together.  He jumped like he’d been burned by scalding water, laughing as he did so.

Sorry, but that young woman takes far too many risks with food for my taste, he said.  She made breakfast for me the day after you rescued me, and it almost made me long for the insects I sometimes ate in the prison cell.

Bria pointed her spoon at him, the batter slowly dripping off.  The queen-sister has a passion for cooking and trying new things, she said sternly.  You leave her be!  She’s not hurting anyone!

Except our taste buds, Coll muttered.  Jen felt obligated to defend her sister, but privately, she agreed with Coll.  While some of Ellie’s...creations...turned out to be absolutely delicious, many of them were unappetizing, to say the least.  Ellie had tried baking cookies on Bar Truga after they’d arrived, but Jerry had put a quick stop to that when she’d tried to combine fish with cookie dough.

Bria turned her attention to Hisaar, but slid her eyes to the side to glare at Coll one more time before speaking.  Will you be joining us, Hisaar? she asked.  I made sure to whip up a fruit dish that I think you’ll really enjoy.

Hisaar’s ears perked up.  What about the vacking croissants? she asked.  Did you happen to make any of those little shyteheads? 

Bria’s lips pressed tightly together.  She, like Kira, was not overly fond of Hisaar’s language, while Coll, like Jerry, found the unicorn an absolute delight to be around.  All she said, though, was, Of course I did.  I know what my people like to eat.  She sounded offended at the very suggestion that she might not have considered what Hisaar liked.

Then I’ll absolutely vacking join you, Hisaar said, walking toward the door.  Bria arched an eyebrow at Jen, who sighed again and followed behind the unicorn.

I may be the queen of Kiamada, she thought, but Bria definitely runs this castle!  As she followed after Hisaar, Jen glanced back over her shoulder to where the portal to Groverton had been.  Don’t take too long, guys, she whispered. Their lives depend on you.

2

Apounding on his door interrupted Grant Jesse’s dream, pulling him off the beach and back into reality.  He sat up in bed, heart pounding as he tried to figure out whether the pounding had been real or a strange part of the dream.  He waited for several seconds, but it didn’t repeat.

Just when he’d finally convinced himself it hadn’t happened, it came again, a heavy-handed thudding that echoed through the house, accompanied by a yell.  Grant!  Grant, get your ass out of bed!  We need to talk right now!

Grant sighed, rubbing his eyes before glancing at the clock.  It’s two in the goddamn morning, Bellsley, he groaned.  I don’t suppose you’ll leave if I ignore you?

When yet another round of pounding and yelling ensued, Grant rolled out of the bed.  Sliding his feet into his slippers, he shouldered his way into his bathrobe and headed for the front door, tying the robe shut and yawning.  All right, all right! he yelled as he unlocked the door.  Goddamn, Bellsley.  Give me a minute!

The second he opened the door, a man with deep-set eyes and a nose that looked like it had been broken a time or two rudely shoved past Grant.  Let me clear the place, he grunted.  The large bow in his hand was nocked and ready to fire. 

Bellsley stepped through next, followed by a woman whose entire appearance grabbed Grant’s attention and held it.  Even though she was of average height for a woman, not much taller than his daughter Sara, an air of danger surrounded her.  The eyepatch and facial scars definitely didn’t give the impression of a quiet, demure woman, and the way her one good eye studied Grant made him feel rather like a mouse being stared at by a lion.

It didn’t take any investigative skills to know that this woman, and the man who was now somewhere in the house, were people like Alistair Doyle.  Grant harbored no doubt that this woman was more than capable of kicking his ass across the house without breaking a sweat, so he put on his best midwestern charm as he closed the door.

Good evening, he said jovially, locking the door.  Or good morning, I suppose.  Ma’am, welcome to—

Stow it, Grant, Bellsley said, cutting him off with a raised finger.  This is Seaile TuSante, the First of the Tayamu, and the gentleman scouring your house right now is Hual TuKarn.  I know you’re no happier to see me than I am to see you, but doesn’t matter right now.  We have more serious things to worry about than our mutual dislike.

Grant raised an eyebrow.  He’d thought his contempt for Bellsley was less obvious than that.  He’d known the man for decades, after all, and the sheriff had never given any indication that he knew Jesse didn’t like him.

It wasn’t that Bellsley was a bad guy.  He was very good at his job, and had been for a long time.  Grant just didn’t approve of his disgusting lifestyle—or the fact that Bellsley had more respect and sway in Groverton than the actual mayor did!  Not to mention using the title of Sheriff, when that was more an honorary title the townsfolk had bestowed on him.  He’d never won a damn election or anything.  He was just a police chief!

Still, the man had willingly gone to an alternate Earth in an attempt to rescue the Pierres and then returned in the middle of the night, seeming completely at ease with the magical people he’d brought into Grant’s house.  Grant may not like the man personally, but he was willing to give credit to where it was due.  Bellsley was one of the bravest men Grant had ever met.

And he could admit, however much it hurt him inside, that Bellsley was not a man to see problems where none existed.  If he said they had serious things to worry about, then they did.

Very well, Grant said.  He gestured toward the table on the other side of the living room.  Shall we sit?

The other man—Hual—emerged from the hallway, his bow now held loosely at his side.  The house is empty, he said.

My daughter’s sleeping in her bedroom, Grant said.  Or was, at least.  I’m sure all the racket woke her up.

Hual shook his head.  There’s nobody else in the house.  The two bedrooms in the back are empty.

Bellsley glanced at Seaile.  Which kids did you find at Amore Rock? he asked.

We didn’t find any kids, Seaile said.  There were two young adults named Mike and Sara.

"What the hell, Sara?" Grant groaned, covering his face.  The girl had been getting increasingly defiant over the last five years, but he hadn’t thought she’d sneak out, especially when it had been made clear that there was a curfew.

And going to Amore Rock at this time of night?  Jesse knew exactly what that meant and felt the blood rushing to his face.

Bellsley spoke again, interrupting Grant’s train of thought.  I know what you’re thinking, Grant, but you should be more pissed about them breaking the curfew and putting themselves in danger.  Sara’s a legal adult now, so you’re going to have to deal with the fact that she’s either sexually active or probably will be soon.

Seaile raised an eyebrow and looked at Bellsley.  That’s a concern on this Eruth? she asked. 

To a lot of parents, yes, Bellsley said.  Not all, but I daresay most.

Interesting, she said.  Her tone did not indicate her opinion on the matter.

The sheriff looked back at Grant.  Sara’s safe, he said.  She’s with Doyle and some other Tayamu at his house.  So, can we please focus on the reason I’m in your living room at two in the morning?

Absolutely, Grant said.  At this point, he would welcome anything that would take his mind off his little girl going against his wishes.  He led them to the table and pulled a chair out for Seaile.

She tilted her head.  Is there something wrong with this chair? she asked, lightly brushing its back.

Um...no, not at all, Grant said.  I was pulling it out so you could sit.

Why? she asked, sounding genuinely confused.  I’m perfectly capable of pulling it out myself.

Bellsley grinned as he sat in the chair next to her.  Because here, Seaile, it’s considered polite for a man to help a woman sit in a chair.

Are women that weak and incapable on this Eruth? she asked, glancing at Hual, who shrugged.

It’s an old custom, Bellsley said.  Grant and I were both raised that way.  It’s called chivalry.

She studied them for a moment, making Grant wonder if Bellsley had just mortally offended her.  I see, she said at last.  In that case, I will honor your culture.  She removed her weapons, laying them on the ground beside the chair, and sat.

Grant took the chair on her other side, settling into it, trying to figure out what the hell was going on.  Okay, Bellsley, he said, lacing his fingers together and resting his hands on the table, what’s so important that you had to break my door down at two in the morning?

ELLIE wrapped a supportive arm around Sara as her friend leaned forward, retching and holding her stomach.  Doyle had wind-traveled with her and Mike, and Sara was having the same reaction most people did. 

Not that Mike was doing any better.  At the moment, he sat on the ground, chewing the gummy which Doyle had just given him, his face pale and drawn. 

Doyle walked over to Ellie and handed a gummy to Sara.  Eat that, he said gently.  You’ll feel a lot better.

You really will, Ellie said, rubbing Sara’s back.  Those things are amazeballs!

Sara briefly eyed the gummy, clearly unsure, but shrugged and popped it into her mouth, chewing furiously.  A few seconds later, her eyebrows shot up in surprise, and she straightened up.

Holy shit, she whispered.  Where has that been all my life?

Right? Ellie laughed.  Crazy effective, aren’t they?

Mike heaved himself to his feet, still looking a little unsteady.  Man, that was not something I want to do ever again! he said, shaking his head.  How does it not bother you, Ellie?

She shrugged.  Probably because I’m a Tayamu, too.  This kind of stuff doesn’t seem to faze us.  Jerry’s not a fan, though, so you’re definitely not alone.

Are we all good? Doyle asked, looking from Mike to Sara.  Ready to go inside?

Go inside where? Sara asked, pointing.  There’s no house there anymore!

Oh, it’s there, Doyle said with a wink.  It’s just hidden by Tayamu magic.  He strode forward, vanishing from sight a second later.

Oh, not again, Mike groaned.  I’m not ready for this!

No worries, Ellie said quickly.  It’s basically a giant force field.  He had one at his family’s home in Kiamada.  It just feels like walking into Walmart with that huge air conditioner blowing down on you from above the door.  She held her hand out, and Sara took it.  Sara wiggled her fingers, and after a moment, Mike took Sara’s hand. 

Let’s go, Ellie said.  They walked forward together toward the spot where Doyle had vanished. 

As she had in Kiamada, Ellie felt something cool wash over her, and she shuddered slightly from the sensation, her skin prickling.  Doyle’s house was now visible, even though he was nowhere in sight, and lights began turning on inside.  He must have wind traveled up there.

We’re just walking, right? Mike asked hastily.

Absolutely, Ellie said.  They had a few acres to cover, she figured.  She’d forgotten how far back Doyle’s house sat from the road.

May I ask you a personal question? Sara said, as they walked toward the house. 

She turned her attention to Sara.  Yeah.  My body Changed again.  Getting really tired of the disrespect from the she-god.  Just let me look normal!

Sara shook her head.  I figured that much.  Maddie explained the whole Changing thing to Mike and I.  And, girl,—she snapped her fingers in the air—"you look fantastic, so shut the hell up about not looking normal."

Uh...thanks, Ellie said sheepishly. 

You’re welcome.  That’s not what I was going to ask, though.

What’s left to ask me?  Oh, Ellie said.  What is it, then?

Sara looked up—way up—at her.  In the woods, that crazy badass woman who made Mike her little bitch—

Rude, Mike said defensively.  "She’s like Doyle; how could I fight against that?"

Sara smiled at him.  I’m just teasing, babe.  Anyway, that chick...what’s her name again?

Seaile, Ellie said.

Yeah.  She said something about the queen-sister coming soon, and then you showed up, and she was pretty pissed that you did because she thought it might put you in danger.

Damn.  Ellie had been hoping she could keep this quiet a little longer, since she was still trying to come to terms with it herself.  That’s not a question, Sara, she said.

Sara lightly shoved Ellie’s shoulder.  "You know exactly what I’m asking, Ellie."

Ellie ran her fingers through her hair.  Yeah, she said after several seconds of silence.  I’m the queen-sister. 

Sara squealed and covered her mouth with her hand.  So does that mean that Jen—

Is the queen of Kiamada, Ellie finished.  Yes.  She finally regained all her memories and stupidly went after the guy who’d usurped the throne, killed our parents, and basically started all this shit in the first place.  That’s why we’re here now.  She won, and he’s pissed.

Wait, Mike interrupted.  Are you saying you’re royalty?

Sara rolled her eyes.  Obviously, Mike, she said.  "You know they’re actually sisters, right?  You do remember Maddie telling us that?"

Of course I do, he said.  I just don’t remember the part about Jen being a queen!

"Because she didn’t remember at the time," Ellie said.  A small burst of wind ruffled her hair, and she barely blinked an eye when two people appeared out of thin air right in front of them.  So weird that I’m used to that now, she thought with amusement.

Mike and Sara, though, weren’t.  They both jumped and screamed, grabbing hold of each other.  Easy! Ellie said, holding her hands out.  These are my friends.  They’re Tayamu, too.  She indicated each of them.  This is Yana DuHin and Grieg DuBel.

Hello! Yana said brightly.  "It’s so nice to meet more Eruthians from this world!"

When Seaile had chosen the Tayamu who would go to Groverton, Jen’s former bodyguard Coll had insisted that Ellie have her own personal bodyguards.  Tayamu or not, you’re still the queen-sister, he’d said, that deep voice of his allowing no argument, and at the very least, you need an honor guard.

All the Tayamu had volunteered to serve as Ellie’s guards, but the decision for her had been an easy one.  Yana had been ecstatic when Ellie had asked her and Grieg to come to Groverton as her bodyguards, while Grieg had accepted with a slight bow of his head.  Ellie still had no idea what he really thought about it.

This place is so strange, Yana continued enthusiastically, interrupting Ellie’s thoughts.  Nothing like I’m used to.  She looked at the house.  Oh, my!  How big are the torches in there?  It’s so bright!

Ellie laughed and hugged Yana.  Oh, Yana, she said fondly.  You’re about to have your mind blown.

Beside them, Ellie noticed Mike and Grieg subtly sizing each other up.  Boys, she thought, mentally rolling her eyes.  To her surprise, Mike offered a grin and a handshake.

Hey, he said.  I’m Mike, and this is my girlfriend, Sara.  His eyes widened in surprise when Grieg gripped his forearm instead of his hand, but he recovered quickly.

Nice to meet you, Grieg said, releasing Mike’s arm and taking Sara’s.  She didn’t look at all surprised that he was shaking her arm the same way he had Mike’s, but Sara had always been good at concealing her thoughts from people.

We should probably get inside before Master Alistair gets impatient, Yana said, sweeping her arm toward the house.

Eh, it’s good for him to know he’s not all-powerful, Ellie said, waving her hand dismissively.  As his future sister-mate, it’s my duty to keep him humble.  Well...as humble as possible.

Sister-mate? Mike asked.  Sounds like a bad reality show name!

That’s a Kiamadan term for sister-in-law, Ellie explained.  It means I’m the sister of his mate.

So they’re together? Sara asked, raising her eyebrows.

Ellie grinned widely.  "Oh, hell yeah.  They’re engaged!  They’ll be getting married as soon as Kira and I work out all the plans."

You and Kira?  Don’t they get a say?

In Kiamada, Grieg said, it is customary for the siblings to plan the wedding ceremony.

What if there are no siblings? Mike asked.

Then other relatives or close friends do the planning, Yana said.  I helped plan my cousin’s wedding ceremony because he didn’t have any siblings of his own.

Sara clasped her hands together.  "I have so many questions right now!" she said.  Ellie was glad to see her relaxing; it probably helped that Yana and Grieg were the same age as Mike and Sara, and that Yana was easily the most cheerful person Ellie had ever met. 

I think we all do, Grieg agreed.  Let’s go inside and see what we can answer for each other.  He quirked an eyebrow at Ellie, who sighed.

Very well, she said airily.  We’ve kept his future Majesty waiting long enough.

THE chiming of the cuckoo clock echoed through the quiet house, slightly annoying Bellsley.  He was not a fan of those infernal things, and his husband had three of them at home.  Mayor Jesse’s clock was louder and more obnoxious, though.

The mayor of Groverton currently sat with his elbows on the table and hands on the back of his neck, looking down at the floor.  Bellsley had told the man everything, and Seaile and Hual had added their perspectives as well.  Bellsley almost felt bad for the mayor; this was a hell of a thing to dump on somebody’s lap at this time of night.  At ANY time of the day, he amended.

Finally, Grant looked up.  Let me get this straight, he said, his voice flat and devoid of emotion.  You think this Mathon guy is going to come here and...what?  Kill everybody?

A distinct possibility, Seaile said.  We do not know how he might retaliate, but I have little doubt that he will try something.  He told Jen that he would destroy everything she loved, and from our conversations, I can tell that she loves this town.

So we call the FBI or somebody, Grant said, pinching the bridge of his nose.  Let them handle it.

Bellsley laughed darkly.  Sure, Grant, he said.  Let’s make that phone call.  Tell them that a deposed dictator and his army of dark wizards are crossing over from an alternate reality and are planning on attacking a small midwestern town that most people have never heard of.  He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and set it on the table.  Here, use my phone.

The mayor grimaced and rubbed the back of his neck.  I see your point, he said reluctantly.  But what other options do we have?  I sure as hell don’t want to have a war in Groverton between a bunch of magical folk.  He inclined his head toward Seaile.  No offense intended, ma’am.

None taken, Seaile said.  We don’t want a war, either.  We still don’t know for sure how many Chiami remain, or what their plans are, so we left most of our people back home to guard our land, while a small group of us came here.  A large confrontation could be disastrous for both your town and my Tayamu.

So what do we do? Grant asked.  I’m open to suggestions.

We already have a plan, Bellsley said, forcefully tapping the table with his index finger.  Bar Truga.

Bar what?

Bar Truga, Seaile said.  It’s the home of the Tayamu.  It sent us here, in fact.

Wait.  Your house sent you here? Grant asked, his eyebrows shooting up.

Bar Truga is a sentient island, Seaile said, rather more patiently than Bellsley would have.  It built an entire complex for your town to live in, then told us to come bring you there.

The island...talks?

Not like you’re thinking, Grant, Bellsley said.  It’s alive, though.  Bar Truga is the most incredible place I’ve ever seen.  The island provides everything the Tayamu need.

And interferes in our lives whenever it sees fit, Hual added.  He hadn’t spoken in nearly thirty minutes; Bellsley had almost forgotten he was there.  In a good way, though.

Grant stood up and tightened his bathrobe.  You want me to tell the people of Groverton that they’re going to walk into the forest and go to an alternate reality just in case we get attacked by a homicidal maniac and his band of evil wizards?

That about sums it up, Hual said grimly.

I can’t do that, Grant said, shaking his head.  I can’t force people to evacuate.

Bellsley felt his blood pressure rising and knew he needed to force himself to calm down.  Why the hell not? he asked through gritted teeth. 

They need to be given the choice, Grant said.  Just like evacuation orders for hurricanes or other potential disasters.  If they choose to stay, it’s on them.

That might be the stupidest thing you’ve ever said, Bellsley growled.  And you’ve said some idiotic things.

To his surprise, Seaile laid a hand on his arm.  He’s right, though, Dave, she said gently.  You can’t force them to just do what we want. 

How about a town meeting? Grant suggested.  You tell them everything you’ve told me, and we can give them a deadline to decide.

Bellsley wanted to curse loudly, but he forced it down.  Fine, he said.  But call this meeting in the morning.  Immediately.  We may not have any time to waste.

3

The soft sand beneath her feet squished up between her toes as Kira walked along the edge of the beach.  She had stumbled once, nearly falling, but Bar Truga had quickly shifted the sand upward to form a sort of netting and help her keep her balance.  Undeterred, Kira continued on her morning walk, occasionally feeling the island’s displeasure through small vibrations.

At least, she assumed it was displeasure.  She could not be sure, after all.  Even Alistair had said that the Tayamu could not be one hundred percent certain of Bar Truga’s moods.

A gust of ocean breeze threw her hair across her face, but she caught it easily.  Slipping a scrunchie—a most unfortunate name for a hair accessory—off her wrist and onto her hair took but a moment, and Kira continued her walk.

Just down the beach—or up the beach, depending upon your perspective—she spotted two people walking hand-in-hand, occasionally bumping into each other from the side.  Shading her eyes against the morning sun, Kira studied the couple.  Her eyebrows rose in surprise when she recognized Maddie and Larik TuSan.

How very interesting, she murmured.  She had not heard that Maddie and Larik were in a relationship at all, and wondered if that was truly what was happening here.

Pretending not to notice them, Kira kept her gaze fixed on the waves, enjoying the feel of the water lapping over her feet.  In her peripheral vision, she saw they had finally spotted her.  Larik jerked his hand away quickly and stepped apart from Maddie, putting a few feet of space between them.  Kira did not miss the annoyed look that Maddie threw Larik’s way.