The Light Keeper and the Other World (The Light Keeper Book #2): The Light Keeper, #2

By Christina Wallace

Isaac and Yara's search in London for answers about Prince Teris's disappearance comes to a halt when two powerful faeries abduct Yara through a portal.

 

Isaac must venture to the magic-starved faerie realm, where danger lurks in every corner, and allies are hard to find.
From dangerous man-eating trees to sparse deserts with voices that call out in the night, Isaac faces challenges beyond his wildest imagination. Yet, his determination to rescue Yara fuels his every step.

Meanwhile, Yara refuses to be a damsel in distress. Unaware that Isaac is coming, she forges unlikely alliances and uncovers a startling truth about the mall portal.

Will Yara and Isaac reunite and find their way home? Or will their time in the faerie realm alter their destinies forever?

 

The bond between two friends and the power of resilience and courage will be put to the ultimate test in a world where nothing is as it seems.

• Language: English
• Publisher: C. Wallace
• Release date: Nov 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9781960471031

Book preview

The Light Keeper And The Other World

Christina Wallace

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Author C Wallace

Copyright © 2023 by Christina Wallace

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [include publisher/author contact info].

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Book Cover by Irene Zeleskou

Illustrations by Etheric Designs

Contents

Dedication

Part I

1.Summer Break

2.Not Exactly a Lie

3.Up, Up, and Away

4.Settling In

5.The Other Keeper

6.Splish Splash

7.Just Rosey

8.Gizmo

9.Hunting For Answers

10.Taken

Part II

11.The Man With a Plan

12.Final Arrangements

13.Highwater

14.Into the Woods

15.Welcome Home

16.On the Other Side

17.Friendly Advice

18.The Four Seasons

19.What Calls in the Night

20.Sister Act

21.Side Quest

22.Tea Time

23.The Seeing Eye

24.Surprise Reunion

25.Family Bonding

26.In The Cover of Darkness

27.Renegotiating Terms

28.Yara's True Question

29.The Prisoners

30.Nature Walk

31.Having A Ball

32.Going Up

Part III

33.Reunited

34.Great Escape

35.Home Sweet Home

36.Two-Timed

37.What Lurks in the Shadows

38.Joint Decision

A Note From the Author

Acknowledgements

The Light Keeper, Book 3 Announcement

Praise for The Light Keeper

About the Author

To my nieces, Isabelle, Autumn, and Madison.

May you never be dependent upon a

boy to come and save you.

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My feet slid out from under me, but I didn’t let go as the beast dove into the mud and took off, pulling me with it. My face skidded along the surface, spraying the muck into my nose, eyes, hair, and, well, everywhere. The only thing that stopped my head from going under was the bolwrog slipping free. I groaned and spat out the gunk, but the grit in my teeth remained. A mouthful of mud was not the start to my summer break that I’d imagined.

On your left! Yara shouted from the sidelines.

I turned to see a ripple careening in my direction. Why did faeries always have to be so fast? Cristo was fast, Tommison was faster, and even Orvin the troll was faster than me. What I wouldn’t give to face a faerie who was more sloth-like in speed.

I tried to dive away from it, but while I’d been standing there, the mud had suctioned my feet in place. The bolwrog was getting dangerously close. I twisted my ankles side-to-side and rose onto my toes, and finally, one of my feet came free. I fell flat onto my butt and managed to slide away from the monster worm’s attack.

When Yara woke me up at dawn and said she had a faerie for me to face, I couldn’t get out of bed fast enough. Of course, she hadn’t told me much about it, only that it was interfering with the construction work going on behind her house as they were building a new subdivision. I don’t know what kind of faerie I thought it would be, but an oversized worm hadn’t been it.

The bolwrog turned around and headed toward me again. I kept my feet moving. I was ready this time. When it was almost upon me, I side-stepped it again and sunk my arms beneath its body. It was heavier than I expected, but I did my best to fling it into the air. This was the first time I could get a good look at it. The faerie was six feet long, mostly flat, and about a foot wide. Hundreds of little feet lined the underside of its body. The worm had slits for eyes and two antennas placed behind them. I’d never seen anything like it.

The faerie landed in the mud with a loud splat and started to burrow. I couldn’t let it get away. Instinct took over, and I dove onto its back, wrapping my arms around its body. The worm’s screeches sounded like an angry pig.

Stay away from its mouth; it has rows of sharp teeth, Yara’s warning entered my mind.

I slid my hands further down its body, but my grip wasn’t as strong.

You could have mentioned that sooner. What should I do?

Feel for a soft spot about halfway down its belly. With enough pressure, that should stun it.

Easier said than done. This thing was like holding onto a greased noodle with wet hands—almost impossible. I slid my hands down, and it bucked like it knew what I was after. With a couple more wriggles, the bolwrog slipped free. All that remained in its wake were ripples along the mud’s surface. The faerie was gone.

I really needed that win. After the battle at the mall, everything had changed. Faeries had come from all around to help me defeat Cristo, including my best friends, Jess and Jay. Maybe it was stupid to think we’d all go back to the way things were, but it wasn’t like that at all. Everyone left. Ms. Blankenship moved within a week, and suddenly, I had a new history teacher. Then Jess and Jay hit me with a bombshell and moved too.

I thought being the Light Keeper was going to be more exciting. I thought that after the mall, there’d be more faeries to face and people to protect like the next comic book series would be based on my adventures. But I was wrong. It just went quiet. That was until Yara woke me up and said she’d identified the bolwrog.

I turned toward my long-haired Guardian, the only one who hadn’t abandoned me. She sucked in a breath and covered her mouth with her hand. I didn’t miss the hint of a smile she was hiding. I must have had at least ten pounds’ worth of mud caked on me. It was in my ears, down my back, and in places I didn’t want to think about it. Had I known I was going to be mud wrestling this morning, I wouldn’t have chosen to wear jeans.

Something funny? I asked, using my hands to squeegee the mud from my pants.

Yara’s smile spread as, between chuckles, she said, You look ridiculous.

Somehow, even though the bolwrog had flung mud everywhere and I was covered in it, she was squeaky clean. Not one speck of dirt to be seen. I could fix that. A mud glop fell from my chin, pulling another laugh from her. She was always so serious and rarely smiled. I’m not sure I’d even heard her laugh before. It was pretty contagious. I had to laugh, too. It didn’t stop me from collecting a handful of muck from my shirt and flinging it her way, though.

The mud splattered more than I thought it would. I thought she’d dodge it for sure, but my attack hit her dead center and spread across her shirt, even getting on her face and in her nicely braided hair. Her jaw gaped, but only for a moment. When she used her feet to pull off her shoes without a word, I knew I was in trouble. Yara knotted the bottom of her baggy shirt so that it fit more snugly. She strode into the mud, scooped up the biggest glop of mud, and hurled it at me. It was game on.

Mud flew in every direction until neither of us had a clean spot anywhere. My ribs hurt from laughing so much. I hadn’t had real fun in months. I missed Jess and Jay so much that it hurt. Yara was my friend, but it wasn’t the same. We did Light Keeper and Guardian things together; we didn’t play. Sometimes it was almost like she was another adult, but covered in mud from head to toe, I saw just another kid.

The roar of construction trucks coming to life cut through the air and stopped our fight. The bolwrog had been messing up the foundations of the houses they were building, which was why Yara said I could take it on. The workers probably wouldn’t appreciate finding us at their work site.

I laughed as we slipped around the fence to the side of Yara’s house. I really needed that. Thanks.

Yara smiled. "Well, if you thought that was good, just wait until you see what else I have for you."

My heart skipped. Whatever it was, I was ready.

Yara froze, looking at our reflections in the glass as she reached for the door. I think maybe we should get cleaned up first.

She was right. We were walking disasters. Yara had enough mud in her braid I could probably mold a copy of her.

Okay, I’ll come back later. Give me a hint?

She twisted the knob and pushed open her door, taking a step inside. Looking over her shoulder with a sly smile, she said, I found a way for you to meet another Light Keeper.

My heart did a backflip as I grinned from ear to ear. I couldn’t wait. Yara chuckled and went inside, and I ran across the street as thoughts raced through my mind about who this other Light Keeper might be. Would it be a guy or a girl? Old like my grandfather, or maybe more of my parents’ age? There was a chance the Light Keeper would be around my age, but I hoped not. I really hoped it would be someone who could teach me something.

I flung open the front door and was veering toward the stairs when Mom’s voice stopped me in my tracks.

Isaac. Henry. Hale.

Mom was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in hand, giving me the look that screamed everything she wasn’t saying. Sarah snickered from the landing at the top of the stairs.

"You are in so much trouble."

Dad came around the corner and sighed as he looked at me, waving his hands toward the door.

I’ll take care of it, he said to Mom, and he kissed her cheek before following me outside.

Ten minutes of getting sprayed with the hose and a life lesson later, I finally got in the house to take a real shower.

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So, I said as soon as I walked into Yara’s bunker, who’s this other Light Keeper?

Yara was already sitting at the oval table, which was covered in maps and articles she’d printed out. I skimmed the headlines before taking a seat. None of them stood out as important to me.

Remember how I told you I need to find Prince Teris to help my mom? She waited for me to nod before continuing. Well, I’ve been pestering Marjorie about letting me visit to find clues for myself.

Isn’t Marjorie the person that you don’t like very much who’s supposed to be here, taking care of you?

Yara rolled her eyes. You wouldn’t like her either, but that’s not the point.

She quickly moved seats, taking the one right beside me and wheeling it so close that our knees almost touched.

She said I can come, she said, her voice was barely above a whisper like someone might overhear us.

Okay? It came out more like a question because I didn’t know what that had to do with me, another Light Keeper, or why she needed to be so close to me to say it. I felt another question coming on.

Yara’s eyes flicked to the table for a moment with a little sigh before she locked her gray eyes on mine. You have to come with me.

Wait— I racked my brain, trying to remember if Yara had told me where Marjorie lived. But she’s in—

London, Yara said as if it wasn’t a big deal. "She’s in London. And she doesn’t want me ‘running around on my own’. She used air quotes for emphasis. So I need you to come with me, and I told her your mom would need a really good reason."

I snorted. That was an understatement.

So… Yara drug the word out as she shuffled through the papers on the desk and slid me a printed copy of an email with a small, black and white picture. This is Charlie, a Light Keeper. Marjorie tracked him down. He works all over Europe but stays mostly in London, and he agreed to meet us.

Another Light Keeper. The picture was a little blurry, but there he was. He didn’t look a whole lot older than us, but if he worked all over Europe, I bet he had loads he could teach me.

I wish I could, really. I sighed and slid the paper back to Yara. But I don’t think that’s reason enough for my mom to let me go.

I know. Yara popped onto her feet. Let me worry about convincing her. I’ve been planning this for months.

Months?

I knew you’d have to wait for school to be out. I also don’t know how long it’ll take to track down clues about the prince’s whereabouts, so I need more than a Light Keeper as a reason for us to stay longer.

Yara reached over the table and tossed more paper in my direction.

This camp is eight weeks. Between Marjorie and me, I think we’ll convince your parents. And then— She shuffled away a few more papers, revealing two plane tickets and passports. Our pictures were in the passports, but the names weren’t ours, even though they matched the plane tickets. Our flight leaves tomorrow.

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Mom never got home until after five every night. Waiting for her so Yara could spring her plan on her had my stomach in knots. I even started dinner without anyone asking me to so that wouldn’t be an excuse.

You’re up to something, Sarah said, walking through the kitchen as she watched me pour everything into the pot. It’s not your night.

I rolled my eyes and tossed the lid on, turning the pasta mix down to a simmer. Can’t a good son just be helpful sometimes?

I looked out the window, checking for Mom’s blue car coming down the street.

"A good son could. She snorted and grabbed the juice from the fridge. But not you."

As tempting as it was to insult her right back, the last thing I needed was for Mom to walk into the house in the middle of a fight. The buzz of the garage door cut through my thoughts. She was home.

My mom is here,I said to Yara through our mind-link.

Mom walked through the kitchen and hung her purse by the front door like always before quickly doubling back and staring at me. Usually, on Mondays, she’d change out of her business clothes and then come back down to start dinner. I’d set the table, Sarah would make sure we had drinks, and it was Dad’s night out of the kitchen. My days to cook were Tuesdays and Saturdays.

This is a surprise, Mom said. Are you trying to get out of tomorrow?

If Yara’s plan worked, I wouldn’t be cooking all summer. In a way, I absolutely was. Three knocks sounded on the door before I answered.

Mom opened the door.

Hi, Mrs. Hale. Did Isaac tell you the amazing news yet? Yara’s voice was so upbeat it caught me off-guard.

Was I supposed to tell my mom about the Light Keeper in London? She hadn’t said as much.

No. Mom looked over her shoulder at me and opened the door wide, letting Yara inside. I just shrugged with a sheepish smile.

Yara pushed back a plate from the set table and opened her silver laptop. Now, I understand its very short notice, but the opportunity was too good to pass up, she said, swiveling the screen to face Mom. This is Camp Historia. It is an eight-week camp that teaches about different countries and cultures all throughout history. While it isn’t about Light Keepers and Guardians specifically, the experience and knowledge would be invaluable.

Mom pulled a chair away from the table and sat. She scrolled down the page. Fancy old buildings and pictures of kids in classrooms or sitting on the grass lined the page. More school wasn’t exactly what I wanted for a summer vacation, but I’d play along.

Eight weeks, Mom muttered before standing back up. That sounds expensive.

You’re right. But Guardians have a resources budget that this would fall under. Everything will be covered.

Mom began scrolling again, to the bottom of the page where all of the contact information was. I knew the moment she saw the location because her face paled and she began quickly shaking her head.

London? Absolutely not.

Yara didn’t miss a beat. I thought you might say that. If you look closely, you’ll see this isn’t an overnight camp. I have a friend of the family who lives in London and has offered us a place to stay. Not only will Isaac be able to call you every night, but you should know that I’ve also been put in contact with another Light Keeper who lives there. Think of all we could learn.

I’m sorry, Mom said, shaking her head once more. Isaac will have to email back and forth and learn that way.

The garage door opened, and Dad walked in.

If that camp is every year, maybe you can go when you’re older, like sixteen, but not thirteen, Mom said.

Told you, I said in Yara’s mind while stirring dinner.

Dad squeezed in next to mom and kissed her cheek.

What camp is that? He angled the screen for a better look. World history? That sounds fun. Isaac does love his history.

"It’s in London."

Dad shrugged. It’s a camp. An hour away or a day’s flight away, either way, we wouldn’t have access to him.

Mom placed a hand on her hip, squaring off with Dad. "It’s eight weeks."

Undeterred, Dad scrolled along the page, smiling as he skimmed through it. This looks pretty sweet. I would have killed for an opportunity like this when I was Isaac’s age. What’s the cost?

No cost to you, Yara said with a smile. Airfare, lodging, meals, and everything else will all be covered.

I say let him go, Dad said, earning himself a hard look from Mom.

He was a big kid at heart. He never minded me playing video games or trying new activities because it was what he liked to do at my age.

Give us a minute, Mom said, and she tugged Dad away to the living room.

Was your whole plan to stall until my Dad got home?

Yara shrugged. It was the backup plan.

She really had worked hard on this plan. Even with Dad’s blessing, I didn’t see myself getting on that plane.

A few minutes later, Mom and Dad came back into the kitchen.

"Maybe, Mom said. I want to talk to this family friend you’d be staying with."

I expected you would. Yara took the computer back and clicked on a chat icon. A cheery tune sounded through the speakers until the screen loaded and a woman popped up with a smile.

I could only describe her as glamorous, like an old Hollywood type. It was weird. She had perfectly straight, glossy brown hair. Her red lips and black-lined blue eyes really stood out. It took me a minute to realize I’d seen her before. It was the same woman who’d come to Yara’s house after she went missing. She looked completely different outside of the nurse’s scrubs.

Hi, Mom said with a smile before taking a seat and pulling the computer in front of her. Dad sat beside her and waved. I know it must be so late for you. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us.

It’s no problem at all, the woman said. I am Marjorie, a close friend of Yara’s father.

Mom introduced both her and dad, and after that, she fired away question after question. You’ll be home with the kids every night?

Marjorie was the picture of calm.

I can see that you are worried, she said, not answering the question. Don’t be. Camp Historia is prestigious and will provide a wonderful experience. The children will be under my care. You have my word.

Marjorie was a faerie. Faeries couldn’t lie, but that didn’t necessarily mean they were telling the truth, either. Yara intended for us to be running around.

What do you think she means by that?

Care is a broad term, Yara said. She probably means she’ll check on us sometimes and make sure that we have beds and food and that in general, we’re safe.

Mom actually relaxed. She was buying it.

It works because your mom is actually a caring person. When she hears the word care, she interprets it to mean what it would if she had said it. That’s what faeries do.

Can we see your place? Dad asked. I’d like to know where they’ll be staying.

The camera flipped around. Of course.

Everything in Marjorie’s home was white. White walls, white couches, white rug, white curtains. If anyone needed proof that Marjorie didn’t have kids, that was it; the place was pristine. The camera moved as Marjorie walked across the house and opened a door showing a room with two twin beds, both of course covered with white pillows and blankets. There was zero chance this was where we’d be staying.

So, Marjorie’s voice chimed before the camera showed her face again. What do you say? Let me take the kids off your hands?

Something about that wording made my heart skip. Yara didn’t seem to care. She wanted my parents to say yes. Her bobbing feet under the table gave away that she wasn’t so sure anymore.

And you’ll be at the airport when they arrive? Mom asked.

They will be picked up immediately.

The calm tone and winning smile had done it. Mom glanced uneasily at Dad and nodded. He squeezed her shoulder and smiled back. Alright. Let’s do it!

Excellent. I’ll see the children in twenty-four hours.

Yara popped to her feet and took the laptop back, closing it and tucking it under her arm. I’ll get out of your way. It smells like dinner is almost ready, and Isaac needs time to pack. Our flight leaves at nine.

Wait, wait, wait. Mom grabbed Yara by the shoulder. You already have plane tickets?

The look she shot Yara was one I only saw when Mom assumed I was up to no good.

What if we had said no?

I couldn’t risk tickets not being available. I would have figured out a way to return or exchange them. The camp starts on Wednesday.

The lid started rattling against the pan on the stove from all the bubbles, catching Mom’s attention and releasing Yara from a potential scolding. I moved the pan from the burner and tried to pretend like I wasn’t listening, but I had to, in case Yara needed me.

Well, fortunately for you, Isaac already has a passport from our trip to Spain a couple of years ago.

Yara already had passports—fake passports. I wondered what she would have done if I didn’t have one and my mom brought that up as a reason I couldn’t go. I couldn’t see Mom being okay with fake passports. How’d she get them anyway?

Yara squirmed a little. She could have said I told her about the trip and she figured I had one, but she didn’t say anything.

I told her about Spain, I said. And how awful my passport photo was. She knew.

Thanks, Yara said.

Dinner’s ready. I hoped my announcement would save Yara from any more of Mom’s questioning.

What about Salma? Mom asked. Who’s taking care of your mom while you’re away?

Yara’s mom didn’t need care; she was basically a statue. Mom didn’t know that, of course, and Yara had asked me not to tell anyone that her mom was frozen by magic to stop the mystery illness from spreading. Mom still thought she was in a coma.

Her care has been pre-arranged, Yara stammered out, slowly backing toward the front door.

She can’t know the truth. I glanced up, and Yara’s gaze locked on mine. Help me.

Just make something up.

It seemed easy enough to