Somnium

By Sean M. Campbell

A young man has finally reached a point in his life where he can afford a family. There is only one problem. The woman he loves has grown tired of waiting.
Then Galen is approached by a lawyer. His dying father wants to meet him. The father who abandoned him before he was even born needs him.
Galen has no idea, but he is about to have his life changed forever. He is about to take on a very different job. He is going to become the Guardian of Somnium.
Somnium is a world of swords, sorcery, and fantasy races. Somnium is where all the races of legend escaped to five thousand years ago. Somnium is a world from our dreams.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sean M. Campbell
• Release date: Nov 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215000571

Book preview

Chapter One: The Inheritance

My plane had landed. I had flown to Colorado on a moment’s notice, at the behest of a man I had never met – my father. The request had come out of the blue when a high-priced lawyer contacted me at my job.

At thirty-two years old, I had finally achieved a job that would support me, a wife, and children. I had been promoted to manager the week before. It had taken me ten years to reach that position. I had given up on the dream of being rich. I just wanted to make enough money to afford a family.

The day I received my promotion had been a day of mixed emotions. I had arrived home with a bottle of champagne in my hands, only to find a note from the woman I was going to ask to marry me. Beth had grown tired of waiting for me to propose, and she was moving on. I tried to call her and tell her what had happened, but she would not listen. She said the only reason I was proposing was the fear of losing her.

After we hung up, I pulled the ring box out of my pocket and set it on her nightstand, next to the bed. I figured if I gave her a couple of weeks, she would relent. I loved her and I had told her so, very often. I hoped she would not throw it all away over one day.

I had already scheduled a vacation for the following two weeks. My work that week had been training and learning. I held it together during the day, but the lonely nights were hard. I missed her.

Each night, I would hold the ring in my hand and cry until I was exhausted. After a week of this, she quit answering her phone. I had to admit to myself – it was over. The beautiful woman I had met in a restaurant ten years before had given up on me.

My heart still wouldn’t believe it though. It still held onto hope.

Then Friday had come.

On that day a man in a dark suit had come to the store. He had salt and pepper hair, with brown eyes, but his skin was pale. He was tall; just under six feet, I would guess. He looked like he spent very little time in the sun. He was also a little soft around the middle. He obviously enjoyed eating and it was telling on him.

He introduced himself as James Hunter. Mister Galen Leland Jacobs, your father has asked me to come to you and request for you to join him at his home for a week. He urgently needs to speak to you.

My father disappeared more than thirty years ago. Why would I go to him now? I said, turning my back to the man as I finished my paperwork for the day. My father had abandoned my mother and me before I was even born. He had found out my mother was pregnant, then he had slipped away.

My mother never said an ill word about him. She told me he gave her the best thing in her life, and she could never hate him for that. Then, I lost my mother when I was twenty-one.

I cannot divulge the reason for his request. I have been authorized to inform you that he has never lost track of you. He has always kept tabs on you and watched you grow from birth. He has also authorized me to give you a check for ten thousand dollars if you will agree to come and meet with him. He set a briefcase on the desk and his well-manicured hands opened it.

Out of the tan leather case, he pulled a check made out to me for the described amount.

Excuse me! He is willing to pay me ten thousand dollars, just to come meet with him? I am not a greedy man, but an extra ten thousand would go a long way towards many things in my life.

Yes, sir, he answered, punctuating his sentence with the snap of his briefcase latches.

Later that same day, I found myself on a plane headed to Denver, Colorado. It wasn't where I had planned on spending my vacation. I had intended to take Beth to Bermuda, to celebrate our engagement. I had been saving for a real vacation.

I spent the entire flight staring at my reflection in the glass of the plane's window. My dark blond hair was cropped short, high, and tight. I always wore it short because I felt it looked professional.

My brown eyes looked back at me, and I wondered what my reflection saw. Did he see a six-foot, three-inch-tall man, in his thirties? Or did he see a man who had failed the woman he loved?

I had waited too long, and now I bore the cost of that decision.

As I collected my suitcase from the baggage claim, a voice startled me from behind. Mister Galen Jacobs? A woman asked softly. The voice almost sounded like it was filled with sunshine and flowers. It was not sexy – it was gorgeous.

Yes, I answered, as I turned to see a slender woman standing there. She was tall and willowy. If I had to guess her height, I would say she was five foot eight inches. Her blue eyes seemed so deep; a man could get lost in them. A man could fall in love with those eyes alone.

Her hair was blond and hung just past her shoulders. The lights seemed to almost sparkle from its silky strands.

I have been sent to drive you to your father’s home. May I take your suitcase? Her smile was a light in any dark place.

I did not want this slight woman to struggle with my heavy case. I have it. I assume you have a car waiting outside?

Yes, sir. If you would care to follow me? She turned and began to walk towards one of the exits into the parking lot. I had no problem following her. I am a man, and she had an absolutely fantastic body. I was almost mesmerized by the gentle sway of her hips. The motions were hypnotic, to say the least.

We arrived at a large black limousine, waiting in the VIP pick-up area. When she bent slightly to open the trunk of the car, I nearly groaned out loud. My mind moved into a fog of fantasies. It was her voice that startled me out of my very ungentlemanly thoughts.

Sir, if you will place your suitcase in the trunk, we can begin our journey. We have a long drive ahead of us. There will be plenty of time for you to admire my backside later, she said, with a slight smirk on her face.

I shook myself with embarrassment, as I lifted my suitcase into the trunk. Not only had I been staring at her ass, but I had also been caught doing it. I was still red in the face as I climbed into the passenger side of the front seat.

When she sat down behind the wheel, she gave me a bit of a shy smile. Then she grasped the steering wheel and the car started without her using a key. The front windshield of the car seemed to come alive with small displays and information. Brenda, please plot a course for home. She said out loud.

The car answered through the speaker system. Yes, ma’am. Does our passenger have a preference for music type?

The woman turned to me as if waiting for me to answer.

I am fine with anything.

Very good, sir. I shall play a selection from my database. Miss Alashia, the satellite systems have identified a traffic accident on the interstate. Should I route to avoid?

Yes, Brenda. Thank you.

I watched as a yellow direction indicator appeared on the front windshield, and we began the drive to my father's house.

I was burning with curiosity about the man who had called me here, but I decided to try to keep it under control. I would get most of my questions answered soon – hopefully.

I watched out the passenger window, as Alashia navigated away from the airport. My mind drifted.

The last week had been rough for me. On the plane, I had come to believe Beth and I were through. I still loved her with all my heart, but she had made it clear she was tired of waiting for me. Nothing would make her believe I had meant to propose that night.

My thoughts had me headed toward tears again. I would just have to accept her choice and try to move on. I started a conversation, more to take my mind away from my sad thoughts, than anything else. Alashia – that is an unusual name.

I have worn it for a long time. My full name is Alashia Mossflower.

Is that a Native American name?

Her tinkling laughter was so musical it made my heart sing. When she shook her head from side to side, her hair flared out a bit. Her ear, I saw underneath it, almost put me in a state of shock. There was a definite point to it, at the tip.

You will learn who and what I am soon enough. Your father has asked us to wait until the two of you have met. She pulled smoothly onto the freeway as we started to head west out of the city.

I could not control my curiosity any longer. What kind of man is my father?

Your father is the greatest hero your world will never know. He has saved the world from evil more times than I can count. As she spoke, I could see a tear in her eye.

Is he dying? I asked. Something about her sadness had made me believe this was true.

I can’t tell you why he needs you. You would make me stop the car and not go there. You would think we are crazy, she said, as she maneuvered the large car through traffic.

I changed the subject, trying to get rid of the heavy air her tears brought. What do you do for my father?

Anything his heart desires. I was given to him as a gift by my father, she answered. The smile on her face was genuine and confusing.

What?! My mind reeled at what she had just said. You are a slave?

She looked at me with an amused expression. I am no more a slave than you are. I came to him willingly. He saved my people from great evil, and I was given as a gift of love and peace to him. It gives him no special rights to my body or mind. I serve him because I want to.

If you were given as a gift, he owns you.

You are thinking as Earth people do. Yes, I was given as a gift. I serve him as a bodyguard and run his household for him. Anything beyond those duties is up to me. By your standards, I would be a slave, but think of me more as a permanent employee. In many ways, I would be the same as a housewife, by your standards.

I returned to looking out the window. My thoughts were churning on new information. I was having trouble believing what I was thinking. My mind kept telling me, She’s an Elf. She had also said Earth people as if she were not one of us.

We left the city of Denver and headed into the mountains. I had lived in Louisiana my whole life. These giant piles of rock were amazing to me. They seemed to go up forever.

The highway wandered between these great peaks, slowly rising in elevation. Its twists and turns had me confused as to what direction we were traveling. After more than an hour of driving mountain roads, Alashia turned into a small pull-out, which had a large deadfall of trees at the back.

To my great surprise, the trees started to move. In an intricate mechanical dance, they lifted, standing by the side of the clearing, to reveal a wooded dirt road behind them.

We entered, and Alashia waited for the trees to move back into place, to hide the road we were now on.

We followed this dirt road, as it twisted its way up into the forest on this mountain until it dead-ended at an iron gate.

I watched the gate slide back, and the drive to the house revealed itself behind. The grounds were a thing of beauty. Trees towered over gardens full of flowers and shrubs. Every blade of grass looked like it had been manicured.

We pulled through the gate, and she watched it close behind us. Talu takes care of the grounds, but you probably won’t meet him for a while. He is quite shy, she said, as she noticed me looking at the property.

He does an amazing job. I would expect the short summers up here to stop the growing of a lot of flowers.

Talu has a way with plants, she informed me, as we started to move again.

The driveway seemed to last forever. Then we followed a bend in the road around a small hill and the house came into view.

House!?! That was a castle.

It looked like something out of a movie about the dark ages. It stood at least five stories tall, with battlements and towers. A grand balcony overlooked the driveway. A hooded figure stood on it, watching us pull into the circular drive.

Alashia saw where I was looking. That is Demoana. You will meet her later. She then got out of the car and walked around to open my door. Sir, if you follow me, I will guide you into the house. We will place your luggage in your room later.

I stepped out of the car and followed her up to the front door. The door was opened from the inside, as another woman stepped out.

She was tall, well over six feet, maybe even an inch or so taller than me. She also had flame-red hair and deep green eyes. Her physique looked like a female bodybuilder’s.

Then she spoke, and her voice was a thing of sultry heat. Has he been checked for weapons?

No. He is here at Malcolm’s request. I doubt he came to kill him, Alashia said, as she looked at me with a slight smile.

He has never met his father and may bear resentment for it. People have killed for less, the tall woman said, as she looked at me with something like an appraising glance. I was not sure if she wanted to test me in a fight or eat me for dinner.

There was also heat behind those eyes. A heat which told me she would gladly wrestle with me, in another way.

A voice from inside the house called out. Let him in, Garma, even if he does kill me, he will wait until after he finds out why he is here.

The tall redhead stepped aside, letting me into the house. Yes, sir.

I entered to see a man of about sixty years of age sitting in a wheelchair. He spoke softly, You have no idea how much I have looked forward to today. To finally be able to talk to my son is a dream come true, thirty-two years in the making.

You could have contacted me at any time, I said, with a sharper tone than I intended.

The gentleman sighed and seemed to deflate a small amount. You will understand soon why I couldn't contact you. It was dangerous enough for me to keep tabs on you. Please come in and relax. Dartha will be out in a minute with some snacks and drinks for us. His brown eyes were heavy with regret as he spoke. They were contrasted by the salt and pepper hair of his head and beard.

The man started to turn his wheelchair and head deeper into the house. As he did, Garma stepped up behind him and began to push his wheelchair. Garma, I am not an invalid. I can get myself there.

Malcolm, I have and will serve you for as long as I am able. If I can help in any way, then it is my privilege to do so. The woman's tone was much softer with Malcolm than it had been with me. When she spoke like that, she became a lot more attractive.

We arrived in a large room with chairs and tables set around the edges. The man motioned for me to sit in one of them, and then Malcolm’s wheelchair was pushed up near it.

As I was getting comfortable, a young girl entered the room. She was about three feet six inches tall.

When she carried a tray over to the table next to me, I had to reappraise her.

She was older than her size portrayed. She had a cute round face and very large breasts for her frame. Her stomach showed she was fond of fine foods, but I wouldn't call her fat. She was very curvy. Her button nose set off a set of beautiful brown eyes and hair, which were filled with merriment and laughter. Good evening, Mister Jacobs. My name is Dartha, and I am one of your father’s companions. Would you care for a cup of coffee or tea?

Coffee, black, would be fine, I said.

Her smile and demeanor were a ray of sunshine. I had the feeling she would be a pleasant person to be around.

She proceeded to pour a cup of coffee for me, then uncovered a dish on the tray. The platter was piled high with freshly baked cookies and little cakes. Help yourself to the snacks. It is not often I make sweets. Malcolm has not much of a taste for them.

The three ladies then made their exits from the room, leaving me alone with the man who had asked me to come here.

Mister Jacobs, I am Malcolm Dane, and I can assure you, I am your father. I have asked you to come here because I have a problem and I need your help. If you agree to help me, the benefits will be very large.

I now began to suspect he was going to ask me for a kidney, or a lung. I am afraid I don’t know if I can help you, I said, holding my thoughts close to my chest.

You can easily help me. I simply need you to take over my life. I am dying. I have only about six weeks left to live, and I need someone to protect Somnium. he said as if it hurt him to say the words.

Somnium? Isn’t that Latin for ‘dream’? You need someone to protect your dreams? I asked. His words confused me.

Yes, it is Latin for ‘dream’, but that is not exactly what I meant. If you follow me to the vault, I will show you what I mean. He started to turn his wheelchair.

A voice from out of the shadows spoke, startling me out of my skin. Sir, we do not know if we can trust him yet. It would not be wise to show him Somnium. The figure from the balcony stepped out of the shadows near the wall.

She was covered from head to foot in black. She wore a black robe with a hood, and her hands had black gloves. On her feet were black boots, and to top it all off, there was a black sheer cloth covering her face under the hood.

He must be shown, Demoana. You know that. I suppose you snuck in here to make sure I stayed safe? he asked, with a bit of annoyance in his tone.

No, I snuck in to get a good look at him, she said, as she rather obviously looked me up and down. He is quite handsome.

Malcolm shook his head and started to wheel his chair towards the door. Before he could make it halfway across the room, Demoana was behind him to push. I stepped in front, to open the door.

We traveled down a hallway to an elevator in the back of the house. As we approached it, the other ladies fell in with us.

Apparently, they had no intention of allowing Malcolm to show me the vault without them being there.

Once we were on the elevator, Malcolm pulled a key out of his shirt pocket. He placed it into the elevator control, and the elevator started to descend. At the bottom, the doors opened to reveal a small room, with an iron door at the far side. The door had more locks than I had ever seen in one place.

It took a full ten minutes for them to unlock all of them and open the door.

When it swung open, I saw a room with a globe spinning in the middle of it. It was the most realistic globe I had ever seen. However, it did not look like Earth. The continents were in the wrong places and had the wrong shapes.

I entered the room while maintaining my view of the globe.

As I watched it lazily spinning, I noticed several things. The first was that it seemed to be floating on its own in the center of the room. It had no visible means of support.

Then I noticed there was a haze tightly wrapped around the sphere. That was when the clouds caught my eye. They were actually floating above the surface of the globe.

I moved towards it and started to reach out my hand.

Don’t touch it, Malcolm said softly. You could kill thousands of people with the tip of your finger.

I pulled my hand back, and then what he said registered in my mind. It is only a fancy globe. There are no real people on it.

It is the planet Somnium. Five thousand years ago, the creatures of our legends arrived at a conclusion. The human race bred way too fast, and they would not be able to fight them much longer. Most of the other races had much longer lives and a much lower birth rate. The Druids of the time pooled their magic together and brought this planet out of its orbit around our sun. It was the sister planet to our Earth.

It was Alashia who continued the story. Once they had pulled it down and made it so small, they migrated to it with the help of the last Druid. One person knew the globe would be vulnerable, so he remained behind to protect it. He became the first Guardian.

She paused to take a breath. Then he needed a way to get onto the planet. With the help of the last human Druid, they built the door at the far side of the room.

I looked up at the door, free-standing near the back wall. When I saw it, my mind tried to bend sideways in order to make sense of it. It seemed to be so much bigger than the room in which it was contained. It gave the impression that it was more solid than the walls around it but was as ethereal as a cloud. My stomach nearly rebelled against what my eyes were telling me.

The door is our way to get there when it is needed. It is guarded by representatives from the great races, Malcolm explained.

I looked away from the doorway to try and regain my equilibrium. Why do you need me?

Malcolm continued, There are creatures of evil, as well as creatures of good, who live there. Sometimes the evil ones try to get back here. There is also the fact that with a simple hammer, I could shatter the field of magic that surrounds Somnium. If the spell is broken, then the planet resumes its original size and gravity. It would destroy both worlds in less time than it takes to say it.

This has to be some kind of joke. It wasn't possible. Magic wasn't real.

I assure you, it is real, and if you agree to become its new Guardian, you will travel there many times.

***

I lay in a bed in a huge room a few hours later. I was trying to digest the things I had been told. I was not sure I believed any of it.

One of the toppers was that Alashia had moved her hair back and showed me a full view of her ears. They were definitely pointed, with the tip of the ear a full three inches above the normal top of a human ear.

They had told me she was a Forest Elf.

Something deep inside me kept whispering it was all true. That same voice was telling me to be ready, I would be going to Somnium sooner than I thought.

Now, I lay here trying to make sense of it all. They had also told me that I would inherit all of this when Malcolm passed away. Somehow that was no comfort. My father had dropped into my life out of the blue, and now I had six weeks to learn who he was.

The last thing I heard, as I retired to the room I would use, was a question. It was not asked of me – it was asked of Malcolm. Demoana had asked him, May I go to him tonight? I never heard the answer.

My confusion deepened with each thing I saw and heard. I lay here in my pajamas after a shower had relaxed me. Then I heard a slight sound.

The door to my room had swung partially open. In the dim light of the room, I saw Demoana’s covered head. May I come in, Galen?

Come in, I said softly.

She entered and shut the door behind herself. As she approached the bed, she started to speak softly again. There was something we did not show you tonight. Malcolm thought it would scare you or drive you away. I feel you should see me before you make your decision.

I was confused. Magic wasn't real. There were no such things as Elves. There is nothing you could have under those robes, which would make anything clearer for me.

As I spoke, she pulled her hood back and pulled the cloth away from her face.

The next words I was going to speak froze in my throat. Her skin was covered with soft red velvet. Her eyes were gold, and on her forehead were two short nubs of horns. She had a mane of black hair on her head. It was thick and curly. It ran down, in ringlets, under her robes and made me wonder just how far down it went. Her face was as beautiful as any supermodel, and her slight smile showed a set of fangs that looked like something from a vampire movie.

I could not help myself, What are you? I know it was rude. A gentleman doesn't ask a lady what she is.

She smiled gently, That is a better reaction than I expected, but there is a question I would ask you first before I answer.

What? I was trying to fight down some fear. Was she a demon? Was she some kind of vampire? I was trying to maintain my calm, and this was not helping.

I have been almost a year without the touch of a man, she said, as she let the robe she wore, slide down her body. She was naked under the robe except for a pair of gloves and her boots. I discovered then that her hair went all the way down to flirt with the globes of her bottom. Will you hold me this night, please?

The begging in her voice made my heart melt. The fear slid to the back of my mind, and the part of me that felt everyone needed protecting, came forward.

There was also something else.

She was the picture of a gorgeous woman, with horns and red skin.

I lifted the covers I lay under and allowed her to join me in the bed. Does Malcolm know you are here?

Yes, he gave me permission to join you, if you would have me. The smile she wore lit up her face, and I saw nothing but her beauty. The color of her skin no longer mattered, nor did the small horns and fangs. Something I had done had made her very happy. I found myself wanting to see that smile again and again.

She climbed into the bed after she slipped out of her gloves and boots. I reached out and took her into my arms, and she snuggled into my chest and started to make soft cooing sounds.

I now lay in the bed with a gorgeous, if red, woman in my arms. She was also quite naked. The velveteen of her skin was not hair – it was the look of her skin. It felt like caressing the finest satin.

Some part of my mind felt guilty, but my logic demanded that Beth was gone. If what Demoana's body offered was true, I could use the soft touch and the release it would bring. I have answered your question. Will you please answer mine?

She was silent for a while and then I felt her shake and heard a sob. The wet splatter of tears fell on my chest where her head lay. The people of your world would call me a succubus.

After she spoke, I could feel her tense against me. I knew she expected me to react badly.

Are the legends of your people true? Do you steal a man’s soul if he makes love to you? I asked as she looked up into my eyes.

I felt her relax a little before she answered. No, we feed on the energy created during the exchange of pleasure. It also allows us to do our magic. You are also seeing my true form. I can appear as a human woman, but Elves, Dwarves, and Gnomes can see right through the disguise. Her smile turned a little mischievous. In a one-on-one situation, we suppress the fear reaction people have. It is not something we can control, but it helps us to find partners.

I reached down and caressed the soft, silky skin on her back as she lay there. I could feel the response of her body as she felt the pleasure of my touch. Then, if I were to make love to you tonight, you would benefit from it, and I would be unharmed?

Yes, she said, as I felt her excitement at the prospect play through the muscles of her body.

I pulled her face up to mine and placed my lips to hers. I could feel her hunger as she melted into our kiss.

***

As we lay in the afterglow of our lovemaking, I could hear her crying softly, with her head on my arm. What is wrong?

Nothing, I am just so happy. What can I do for you now? She answered. The tone of her voice told me what she said was true. The voice of happiness is so much brighter than any other voice.

You can lay here in my arms and keep me company in the night.

I felt her kiss on my arm under her head. I will stay, as long as you will have me.

May I ask you some personal questions?

I know what you will ask, and yes, your father and I have been lovers. I was with his father and his father before him. I have been a member of this family for more than a hundred and fifty years. It is my curse that someday I will be with your son and his son as well if I live.

I lay my head down, thinking about what she had said.

Does it bother you? she asked, with trepidation in her tone.

I would be a liar if I said it didn’t. I am lying with my father’s lover, in a room, in his house, while he sleeps in another room.

He knows and understands. All of the women here live much longer than humans. Though Alashia is the newest of us here, she is also the oldest of us. She is over five hundred years old.

I think I can learn to accept this. Are you the only one of the ladies to be his lover? I asked, wondering just how much my life was about to change.

All four of us have been his lovers, and if you will accept us, we will all be yours as well. We only go back to Somnium with him. Here, we comfort each other. She snuggled her backside tight against me and nearly distracted me.

How old is Dartha? I asked. I needed to have as much information as I could. I think I had already made my decision though. It had to be protected. I could not walk away. Somehow the woman in my arms had eradicated the last voice of doubt – it was all true.

She is the youngest of us. She is only fifty years old. Garma is just over two hundred.

I thought about this and ran everything around in my head. I had come here to meet my father. Now I was going to take over his life, including his women. I think I am about to start a whole new life.

Demoana rolled over to face me. Will you stay with us?

I think I have to. As I spoke, the door opened slightly. Dartha and Garma both stuck their heads in.

May we come in? Dartha asked softly.

I looked over at them and nodded. They came in and slipped out of their robes. When they did, I lifted the covers and held them up. Where is Alashia?

She is taking care of Malcolm tonight. I will take her place in a few hours. Garma said, with a matter-of-fact tone.

You don’t like me much do you, Garma?

I do not know you. In time, I will see you in battle. Then I will either come to respect you or despise you.

I am not a fighter, I said, in a half-truth. I was very well-trained in the martial arts. I hated to fight though. I wouldn’t even know which end of a gun to hold in my hand.

I will teach you to fight, but I cannot teach you how to be brave. We also do not take guns with us to Somnium. They are unknown there, Garma rebutted.

Then they would give us a tactical advantage, wouldn’t they?

It is possible, but you can make that decision after you have been there once.

As she spoke, my cell phone rang on the nightstand. I looked to see my ex-girlfriend’s name on the screen. I picked it up with shaking hands. Hello.

Galen, we have a problem.

What’s wrong?

I went to the doctor’s office yesterday because I have been nauseous a lot the last week.

Is everything okay? Do you need me to do something?

I’m pregnant.

Her words rocked through my soul. I had consigned my life to never seeing her again. I could not talk, I could not breathe, I could not even think.

Galen? Are you still there? She asked when I said nothing.

I am here. I am trying to think. I had to find my center quickly.

I don’t know what to do. I won’t have an abortion, but it is over between us, she said. I could tell she was on the edge of tears.

I will do anything you want me to, I said. She was the woman I loved, and I would always help her. She was also pregnant with my child, and I would never abandon my child. I couldn't even think of it.

I need help, she said. Her tears still threatened.

I have to talk to someone. I will do everything I can for you. I will call you tomorrow. Beth, I will help in any way I can. I told her. I had to figure out how much child support I could send.

Galen, please, I really need help. I am going to be a single mother. She was starting to calm down.

I promise to help you all I can. That will be my child, as well. I need to talk to someone tomorrow, and then I will call you. Try not to worry, Beth. I said in my calmest voice.

We talked for a few more minutes until she finally calmed down some. Then we hung up and I buried my face in my hands.

***

I slept badly that night. I had wanted to start a family, but not this way.

After a hot shower and a few minutes, I was awake and ready to try to figure out my solution. I would start child support payments immediately. I knew my responsibility as a father and a man. That was my child, and no one would ever have to force me to support it.

I moved down the stairs and headed for the kitchen area. I figured I could stand some breakfast. All I had for dinner last night was a few of the cakes and cookies Dartha had made.

I walked into the dining area, on the way to the kitchen, to find Malcolm and the ladies sitting at the table.

There was a huge breakfast ready. There was a platter with ham steaks, and another heaped high with scrambled eggs. Next to this was a platter piled high with pancakes, and a bowl of freshly sliced fruit. There was also a carafe with coffee and another with orange juice.

Malcolm looked up from his conversation with Garma. Galen, please join us. Garma was just informing me of your phone call last night.

As I sat down at the table, I gave Garma a hard look and spoke to Malcolm. She had no place discussing my private phone call with you.

Please forgive her. She is very loyal and believes I should be aware of anything that could cause problems. May I ask, what are your intentions?

I am going to start child-support payments immediately to help her get through. Hopefully, I can get her on my insurance at work to cover medical expenses, I said, explaining the decisions I had already made.

Galen, I must tell you that if you maintain any contact with her, you will put them both in danger. You have been exposed to this life now, and there are those who would use her against you. It is best to just sever all contact now. He shook his head. I could see the regret in his eyes.

My anger started to rise. So, your advice is to abandon her, like you did Mother and me? That will never happen. My child will be a part of my life!

Malcolm looked at me calmly. Then they will surely end up dead.

I stood from the table and started back up the stairs. I had to leave and go check on Beth. When I arrived back in the room, I started grabbing my clothing and stuffing them in my suitcase. I was livid that he would even suggest I abandon Beth.

I saw the ring box in my suitcase. I had packed it without even thinking. I picked it up and looked at the rings inside. Then I slid it into my pants pocket.

Alashia entered the room, just as I was zipping up my suitcase. Please, Galen, we need you. Stay and we will work something out.

I will not abandon her and my child. I can’t stay. I said as I snatched my cell phone off of the table next to the bed. I noticed that there was a message, but I did not have time to check it right now. Then I began to carry my suitcase down the stairs.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, Garma was standing there with her hands on her hips. Galen, I am sorry, but I cannot let you leave.

I had told her I was not a fighter. That was true. I did not like to fight. As a child, I had been picked on badly by the other kids. I didn’t have a father, and kids can be cruel.

My mother had enrolled me in martial arts classes so I could learn to defend myself as I needed. I have studied them all my life. I carried multiple black belts in four forms of martial arts.

Garma reached out to restrain me. When her arm met my shoulder, I released my suitcase and took her wrist in my hands. A quick twist and thrust of the hips sent her sailing past me and headfirst into the wall.

I watched as she got up from the floor with a wicked smile on her face. No man humiliates an Amazon without paying the price! She growled. Then she ducked low and stepped into me. A second throw left her face-first on the carpet.

I would need more room if this continued. I snatched up my suitcase and bolted for the door. I had made it about twenty feet out of the house when I heard Garma roar her way out the door.

I did not even stop to consider it. If she was going to press this, I was going to have to hurt her to stop her. I dropped and caught my balance with my suitcase. Then my foot shot out at the charging woman. It connected perfectly with her hip, spinning her to the side. That was when I realized she was carrying a sword.

This had just become deadly.

As she went past me, she swung the sword backward. I caught her wrist and bent it upwards. A little pressure applied in the right place and her hand opened, releasing the blade. I neatly snatched the falling blade out of the air and spun. With all the strength I had, I hurled the sword up and out. It sailed with a beautiful arc, to land on the third-floor balcony above us.

I heard someone shout, Talu, No!

Strong, large arms closed around me from behind, and an odor like a skunk washed over me. I did not wait to see what they would do. As I was lifted off the ground, I shot both feet back and connected with the legs behind me.

There was a loud cry as the arms released me. I spun in the air and brought my leg up, kicking the man behind me. What I saw as I landed brought me up short. I had just delivered a powerful rib kick to a Sasquatch. The next thing that happened shocked me even more.

The Bigfoot in front of me fell backward, crying. No hurt! Please, no hurt!

I stood there in total shock, as tears streamed down the creature’s face. Its voice had sounded like rocks, grinding together, but the words had been clear. I’m sorry. You surprised me. I didn’t mean to hurt you.

As I spoke, Alashia ran to the creature and folded its large head in her arms. Talu, he is not accustomed to you. He did not know you like to hug. He thought you were attacking him.

It was Malcolm’s voice that cut over all of the confusion. Ally, could you please bring the car around? We cannot force him to stay.

Yes, sir, she said simply, as she stood to head for the garage.

Garma spoke as she glared at me. Malcolm, if he leaves, Somnium will be undefended.

I turned to look at Garma. I did not say that I would not be back. I must protect my family. I reached up and brushed the hair away from her eyes.

Garma, I know, just from what you have told me, that Somnium must be protected. If I am allowed to protect my child and Beth, then I will do anything that is needed. I will not be told to abandon them.

She looked at me with open anger. You lied to me. You said you were not a fighter.

No, I didn’t lie. I hate to fight. There always has to be a better way. Fighting is the last resort, not the first choice.

She is just ruffled that you took her down so handily. Per the laws of her people, she is now your property, Malcolm said softly from behind me.

Is this true? I asked softly of the woman in front of me.

Yes, she said, as she turned her head to look away from me.

Please look at me.

She turned to look back into my face, As you command.

I will never treat you as my property. You are free to leave at any time you wish. I have not defeated you. You still had fight in you.

I saw her smile for the first time. Malcolm, may I request that Alashia and I accompany him to bring his lady here?

Malcolm displayed a smile of true contentment. If he wishes it, you are both welcome to travel with him. I will have Dartha arrange the plane tickets as you drive to the airport.

They may come with me. Now, I have one more question before it drives me crazy. Is that really a Sasquatch? I pointed at Talu.

Malcolm actually laughed. The people here call them such, among other names. He is actually a Forest Troll. Many Trolls stayed behind when the other races left. They are shy and hide in their hidden homes.

I walked over to where Talu still sat on the ground with tears drying on his face. I truly am sorry, Talu. I did not mean to hurt you. I extended my hand to him.

My hand disappeared into the cavern his hand formed, then suddenly I was clutched to his chest. I felt like a cartoon character being squeezed by Baby Huey.

I no mad. I only hug from front.

The smell of his fur was nearly deadly at this range. It was like being hugged by the rear end of a skunk.

When he finally let me go, he stood and headed back into the trees. I stood there trying to catch my breath and hoped that the smell would not cling to me.

Demoana moved in next to me, guessing my thoughts she said; Yes, the smell clings. You may want to go in and take another shower before you head to the airport.

I nodded my agreement and started to head back into the house.

As I was walking, I remembered the message on my phone and pulled it out. I thumbed the screen to life and saw it was a voicemail from Beth.

A quick push of a button later, my phone started to talk. I can’t believe you set that up that fast. Thank you. The extra twenty-five hundred a month and medical insurance will be a godsend. The lawyer told me you were out of state right now, but you had asked them to handle all the paperwork. They will be over this morning for me to sign it all.

Before I could even react, Malcolm was calling out to Dartha in the house. Dartha, get James on the phone and tell him to go pick up Beth! Get her on a plane to here, even if he has to bribe her with millions!

Chapter Two: Beth’s Fate

I came down from my second shower that morning and headed for the office, in the back of the house. Malcolm and his ladies were all there, waiting for the phone call from Malcolm’s friend James.

It seemed like years as we waited for the phone to ring. I was actually chewing on my fingernails. I nearly jumped out of my skin when it finally did ring. Malcolm put it on the speakerphone and answered. James, give me good news.

She was not at the apartment. It had been ransacked. Malcolm, I could smell the Ogres who had been there.

Find them, before they spirit her away. We cannot afford to lose her.

I think it is too late. There was also the smell of ozone in the house. I think she has been taken.

Keep looking! Hire any trustworthy help you need.

After the phone was disconnected, I asked Malcolm, Where would they take her?

Somnium. They would take her to Somnium.

Then they would have to come through here to get to the door.

There is more than one way to get there. The door is just our way. A powerful wizard can send others across the veil. Then there is the old Druid, but he would not help them.

If a wizard can cross, what stops them from coming here any time they want to?

A wizard can only send others, never himself. Also, wizards cannot come across because their magic would be locked in transit. The only way they can come across is through the door. The location of the door has to be kept secret at all times.

So, they would definitely take her to Somnium?

Yes.

I stood up and headed for the elevator. I could hear Malcolm telling the ladies, Go with him. He is going to need you. There was some argument from the ladies about not leaving him alone, but I was out of earshot before I heard his reply.

I was in the elevator before I realized I did not have the key to activate it. Demoana stepped out of the shadows in the hallway. If you can give us time to collect our gear, we will go with you. Malcolm has made it an order.

This is my battle. I will go after her.

You will need help. You have never been to Somnium before, she said softly, as she walked up to me. She laid her head on my chest and ran her finger along it. Please, Galen, I will do anything you want me to. Just don’t leave us behind.

I took her hand in mine. Do not ever think you have to do anything for me. I don’t want to be your lord and master. We are going after the woman I love. She does not want me anymore, but I still will do anything for her and my child. If you are willing to give me comfort because you want to, then I will gladly take you into my arms, but I will never accept your body as a bribe for an action.

She looked up into my face. I could just make out the shine of her eyes in the deep shadows of her hood.

You would not like me to be your sex slave?

No. I would like for you to be my lover, but I do not want a woman with no will in my bed.

Galen, sometimes I like to be treated like a sex toy. I like to be taken and used.

I ran that a lap around the inside of my mind. Then I reached out and slipped my hand under her hood. I knotted her beautiful black hair in my hand and pulled her head back. Then, with my free hand, I pulled the black cloth away from her face and threw it to the floor. When she gasped, I could feel her body shiver against mine. I leaned in and took ownership of her lips. I could feel her melt into my arms, as her body began to respond to my kiss. When I reached my free hand up to cup and caress her breast through her robe, she began to shake against me. Then with a light pinch of her nipple, she shuddered and moaned into my mouth.

As she recovered in my arms, I felt the splash of a tear on my arm. What’s wrong?

I will not get to have you tonight. One of the other ladies will try to seduce you.

Do I not get a say in this?

Always, but it would not be fair for me to get you two nights in a row. The others need a tender touch as well. We are alone here on this world.

Why do you stay if you are alone here?

Because we gave ourselves to your father. He released us all when he sent for you, but we truly believe in what we helped him to do. We believe in protecting our home world. The others will offer to give themselves to you,

They, like you, will not be allowed to give themselves to me. They can stay as they wish, and I will do anything I can to help them, but they are never going to be my possessions. As I spoke, I heard the others come into the hallway. I turned to see them carrying large leather duffle bags. Garma was carrying three of them, and the others had one each.

Garma tossed one of the bags to Demoana, then dropped a second at my feet. You will need to change into clothes that won’t stand out so much.

I bent down and opened the duffle bag. Inside the bag was a suit of armor, and a cloak. I have no idea how to wear this stuff. I am also pretty sure it will interfere with my ability to move when I need to. As I spoke, I started to pull the armor pieces out and toss them into a corner. Under the armor were a couple of swords and various weapons. These too, joined the pile in the corner. Near the bottom of the bag was a simple pair of burlap breeches and a lace-up peasant shirt. Under them were some moccasin-style shoes. These will do.

Garma coughed lightly. Sir, those are peasant clothes. They are only in there as a disguise when needed.

I am a peasant, Garma. I stood and began to take off my clothes. A few minutes’ work had me dressed in the simple clothes. Then I began to go through the pockets inside and outside the bag. There were a few items for traveling; a couple of small cooking pots and a bedroll, among other things. There were also several other outfits, including several sets of silk pajamas. I closed the bag and looked over at the ladies as they were changing into their traveling outfits.

Garma’s clothes looked like a suit of women’s fantasy armor. It was some simple scraps of chainmail with cloth padding underneath it. It was her weapons that caught my attention the most. She carried swords and axes in various sheaths. There were knives on belts all over her body. She also carried a bow that looked like I would not even be able to pull the string back. The limbs on the bow were bigger than my arms. The string was a piece of some yellowish-brown material. I could only assume it was animal gut. On her head perched a small tiara. It was made of shiny white metal and looked a bit odd with all the armor and weapons. It was set with several red stones I took to be rubies.

Dartha was the next to catch my attention. She was dressed from head to foot in tight-fitting black leather. She had many knives, she was tucking into various sheaths and scabbards. Her chestnut-colored hair fell just below shoulder length down her back.

Alashia was the next to draw my eye. Her diaphanous gown flowed about her like water and smoke. The color of it was not fixed. It changed with its motion, some areas looking pale red, others, bright blue. Then it was green and gold. It flowed around her body like liquid smoke, and as I watched a tendril of the cloth reached out to caress my arm. Its touch was like the flirting of a young girl. When Alashia noticed what the dress was doing, she started to blush. I am sorry, sir. It acts on my emotions and thoughts.

I smiled at her, then turned my attention to Demoana. Her outfit took my breath away. It could only be described as ropes. She had silver metallic ropes wrapped around her body. They were tied in knots and looked as if they were binding her up. She moved in them easily, though. She added a pair of high-heeled boots that matched the rope motif and then began to slip a few small knives through the loops. I had seen pictures of women in bondage. This outfit reminded me of many of them. She then looked up at me and smiled. With a deliberate grin, she pushed her hands through two of the loops and twisted them. This tightened the ropes under her breasts and made them stand up. It also placed her hands in a very interesting position. I thought about the words she had spoken earlier. Could I truly treat her as a sex object?

Garma then got my attention and motioned to the elevator door. Soon, we headed down to the room below the mansion. I was headed for another world to rescue my family.

The wait, as they undid all the locks on the door, drove me crazy. I felt a sense of urgency like I had never felt before. Then, I was striding through the door and headed to that eyesore of a portal. When I arrived at the door to Somnium, I reached out and grasped the handle. As I opened the door the others behind me gasped.

It should not have opened for you, Dartha said softly.

Why not? I said as I stared at what lay before me. The doorway was full of oily-looking black liquid. It rippled and moved like it was alive but did not spill out onto the floor.

It should only open for someone who has been accepted by the Council on the far side.

How do I go through it?

Alashia answered me. Take a deep breath and hold it, then step in. When you enter the liquid, swim upward, as hard as you can. You will see the surface above you. Be careful not to ingest the liquid. You will be seeing very strange things for several days if you do.

I took a deep breath. As I stepped into the liquid, I wondered if this would be a good time to tell them that I had never learned to swim.

I felt the water close about me and darkness claimed me. Then a voice spoke softly in my mind.

"Beware, Guardian, there will be many traps waiting for you on Somnium. The wizard Barast-Lech-Darus has taken thy woman to his stronghold. He will try to wrest away from you the power you possess."

"Who are you?"

"I am he who Malcolm called the old Druid. I am forbidden to ever step foot on the world to which you travel."

"Why are you forbidden?"

"The spells which bind this world were cast through me. As you are the Guardian, I am the anchor."

"How…"

"That is not important. What you do need to know is this: you have been born through many years of work. Your ancestors have been guided until you have come. You have