Skinny Guard jerked, falling back in a slow arc, his bow rattling to the ground. From his chest bloomed an arrow.
“Thanks, Wesley!” called Jireo toward Markaeus and Haegen, who were still treading water.
“You’re welcome.” The voice came from above Markaeus’ head. The upper half of a boy, perhaps having Jireo’s years, leaned out in the air, a crossbow in his hand. He appeared as if he
were standing on the water, invisible from the waist down.
“The portal! The portal is back. We’re saved, Haegen. This is our escape.”
“You knew about the portal?” Jireo waded back toward Markaeus. “How could you have known? It was sealed.”
“I saw it before. I passed through to the realm on the other side. It’s cold, but it’s better than staying here. Haegen will have twelve years in less than a seven-day, and Vindrake will make him take the bondmark if we remain in Portshire.”
“So you have the gift of gresses?” Jireo asked.
“Yes, but when we came to escape, the portal was gone.”
The boy called Wesley spoke from above. “That’s because we came to seal it so Vindrake can’t get the weapons from our world. He’s too dangerous and powerful already. He could destroy your whole world if he got ahold of our weapons.”
“Then why did you open it again?” asked Haegen.
“I was compelled to open it,” Jireo’s jaws were clenched, and he spoke with heavy emotion. “I must rescue my friends and my sister from Vindrake before he kills them. At least I must try.”
“Do you mind if my brother and I go through the portal before you seal it again?” Markaeus hefted himself into the portal, sitting on the edge of the opening and dangling his lower legs in the water. “We promise not to be any trouble.”
“We can’t really stop you. The portal can only be sealed from the outside, and Vindrake’s captured our gressor.” Jireo swiped his forehead with the back of his hand.
“Oh… that’s too bad, I suppose. Come on, Haegen. Let’s go before any more sentries appear.”
“But, Markaeus… Vindrake will be able to get the bad weapons if we go. If we stay here, you could seal the portal.” Haegen hung with his hands on the portal edge, regarding Markaeus with a furrowed brow over earnest eyes.
“But we’re so close. We could be free.” Tears stung the back of Markaeus’ eyes.
“What would Grandfather say? ‘Always remember you were made for a purpose.’ This is your purpose, Markaeus. You’re the only one who can seal the portal now.”
“You know we can’t fight the guards, Haegen. I have only two knives left.” Markaeus sobbed, knowing he was saying goodbye to his dream of freedom. “We’ll die for certain.”
“I’m proud of you, Markaeus—you’re very brave. Whatever happens, we’ll be together.” Haegen’s lips trembled as he spoke, but Markaeus saw his grandfather’s eyes.
“Oh, hell’s bells!”
Markaeus jumped at the new voice behind him. How many people are inside this portal? A tall, thin man stomped about, throwing things willy-nilly and sorting through a great pile of weapons.
“Of course I can’t let these boys get killed closing our portal.” He grabbed a rucksack, tossing it to Wesley. “Here—throw this pack out to Jireo.”
“I could go, too.” Wesley mumbled the words before moving to heave the rucksack out the portal to Jireo, who waded back and tossed it on the dry stone.
“Here are my keys, Wesley. You might as well go home and wait. You’ll either hear from us, or we’re gone for good. Take care of the horses.” He pulled off his coat, flinging it out to Jireo, who caught it above the water, transferring it to shore.
“But Mr. Whitford…”
“Don’t even ask, Wesley. You know I can’t let you go with me. Go back outside. Call on your cell phone, and tell everyone to pray.”
Without further ado, the thin man slid into the water and held out his hands to Markaeus. “I’m Uncle Charles. What’s your name son?”
“I’m Markaeus.” He sniffed, jumping into his wiry arms and cinching his legs around his hips.
Charles turned grave eyes to Jireo. “We’ve held you up long enough. Go save them. My prayers are with you.”