Chapter 9: It’s Never Easy

Orko would’ve jerked in surprise, if he’d been able.

Please, let us go, he implored, focusing on thinking the words. We mean no harm, we just didn’t know how to communicate with you.

You mentioned my brother, the apparent leader replied. His wings were primarily blue with red streaks and swirls. And you have his totem. Where is he?

Dregan can explain, just please, let us go. The men seemed to think about it, then the other four, as if receiving some sort of mental message, put down the mages’ things, and the four strangers to this plane could move again. “Dregan,” Orko said quickly, “they talk with their thoughts, like Natar does.” Dregan nodded as he retrieved his things, then looked at the blue-winged one Orko had been ‘speaking’ to.

I am sorry if we startled you, he thought. This way of communicating is strange to us. We speak with sounds.

We could hear your sounds, just not understand them. You mentioned my brother, Mirakris. Dregan lowered his gaze.

I am sorry to say, he’s dead. Mirakris’ brother’s wings dropped slightly.

I felt is was so, but now I have heard it. Thank you for bringing me this news. Dregan looked up to meet this one’s gaze. There was a faint, sad smile on his face. You should come with me. There are others who should hear it.

Very well.

Follow me. The others returned to whatever they had been doing before this little interruption, and the mages followed their guide through the town, most of the citizens staying out of their way. Not wanting to alarm them further, Dregan and Zentarou kept their swords sheathed, and none of them did anything that might appear to be casting.

The five soon arrived at a rather nice home. Nothing fancy, like the others made of wood with a stone or clay tiled roof and a lovely little garden out in front. A woman, rather pretty with brown hair and slender wings, a pastel yellow speckled with a dusting of pink all over, could be seen through a front window, apparently cooking.

Their guide walked up to the front door, then turned to face them and spread his wings wide.

Before I allow you to enter, I must ask this; I will not share lodging with my brother’s murderers: Did you kill him?

No, Dregan replied. We were captured, like your brother, but long after his death. The butterfly-like wings were folded.

Then I will allow you to enter my home. Wait here a moment. He went inside.

“He’s probably forewarning any family inside abut us,” Zentarou reasoned. “We must look very strange to them.”

“This place sure is strange to me,” commented Vivi. “And I’ve seen some very strange things.”

“Me too,” agreed Orko. The man reappeared at the door, and gestured them to enter.

Please come in, and welcome. They entered to see a home furnished primarily with pillows. The woman was standing in an open doorway between the entry room and what indeed was a kitchen. Her wings fluttered a bit as if she was surprised or alarmed upon seeing them, but she quickly composed herself. My name is Malachi, the man said, and this is my spouse, Glymrae. She nodded gracefully, and the mages nodded in return.

I am Dregan, and this is Zentarou Cat, Vivi Orunitia, and Orko. Malachi approached them, holding four pendants shaped like diamonds, only red in color, which hung from gold chains.

We generally speak using an open mind voice. It is like your speaking aloud, so many are able to hear if they wish. These will allow us to hear you in such a way, and for each of you to hear each other the same, if you wish it to be so. Dregan took them and put one on, then explained to the others who followed suit.

Thank you, Dregan thought, and all heard it. Malachi smiled.

Please, wait to tell what you know of my brother until after our family has assembled. For now, rest safe here.

Are you thirsty? asked Glymrae. Or hungry?

Both, actually. Zentarou chuckled. We haven’t eaten anything in a long while.

Then please, sit and rest. I’ll get you some food and drink. She returned to the kitchen as they followed Malachi’s example and settled down on the pillows. Glymrae returned moments later with a tray of six cups and plates of fruit, which she gave to each before sitting down with them. The fruit slices were foreign, but delicious, and the drink was fruit juice with a tart-sweet flavor.

After about fifteen minutes, other people came in; three men and two women. One couple was much older than the other, and the other woman, who was apparently alone, wore dark, somber colors. Malachi stood, as did the mages.

These are our parents, Tagai and Merelin - The older couple nodded. - and Kagan, Creala, and Shalinshu. They also nodded, each in turn, the somber clad woman last. Shalinshu slowly approached.

You know of my husband’s fate? she asked, making the four gulp quietly. Dregan took a deep breath

Yes. They all sat, and Dregan told of the sorceress, and what Natar had told them. All of them were silent as he told the tale, and their part in it, and when it was done, Malachi merely said,

Thus my brother’s fate is known. Thank you. Dregan gave a half-smile.

Not knowing is worse than hearing bad news, isn’t it?

Yes. This from Shalinshu. Long have I felt he was dead, but now I have proof. Thank you. She rose as if to leave, then glanced back at them. Take care of Natar. I know my husband would be happy knowing he is in your care. Then she left, and after brief words of thanks, so did the other family members, save for Glymrae and Malachi.

You may rest here as lone as you like, he offered.

Just for the night, Dregan replied. We’ve homes and families to return to.

I’ll prepare dinner. And Glymrae slipped back into the kitchen. Malachi smiled.

Enough of sad history. What is done, is done, and cannot be changed. Perhaps you can tell some stories of your worlds. Often my brother would tell of the places he visited to me, for I lack what magical talents he had. Dregan nodded.

That would be pleasant. They shared storied until dinner, and the four mages went to bed soon after.

  

Zentarou awoke after only three hours of reverie, not by a noise, but by a strange sensation. He blinked and looked around, struggling to orientate himself, then realized the vibration was coming from his pocket, where he’d put the gate cube.

“Huh?” He pulled it out, and it shook in his palm, making a buzzing noise. “Psst! Dregan, Vivi, Orko, wake up.” The other three slowly came awake, all confused.

“What’s wrong?” asked Vivi.

“My gate cube is shaking. “They each drew out their gate cubes, to discover that all were shaking in a like manner.

“What’s it mean?” Orko pondered.

“I don’t know, but I’m not sure I like it.” Dregan frowned pensively. There came a polite knock on the door, and Malachi’s mental query entered their minds.

Is everything all right? I heard you speaking to one another -

“They’re going faster!” exclaimed Vivi.

- and although I cannot understand -

“What’s happening?” Zentarou cried, his voice a bit echoic, as their surroundings became wavy and blurry.

- your tones seem distressed. Malachi began to open the door. Is some -

Before he could even finish ‘something’ there came a blinding flash of light, and the Bretheren Arcanum vanished without a trace!