“I simply don’t understand what happened to her. Why she can’t awaken. Did Laethan explain?”
“No, but I’ve given it much thought. The first time it happened immediately after she saw her father. Is that accurate?”
Kaevin nodded, but his expression was sour, as if the memory had a bad taste.
“I believe Vindrake may have cast an evil spell that is slowly draining her life force away.”
“Why would he aim at her and not at me? I was in the forefront.”
“As father and daughter, they share the same blood. He might have used his blood in the making.”
The muscles on Kaevin’s jaw clenched. “Then, I should go through the portal myself. Perhaps if I kill Vindrake, the dark magick will be broken.”
“That also seems a sure way to die. But, I swear to you, brother...” Jireo clasped his hands on Kaevin’s shoulders and looked him in the eyes. “If it comes to that... if I feel your remaining time is but a day, I’ll go with you to fight Vindrake. Better to die with honor. I’d be compelled to accompany you, regardless.”
Kaevin inclined his head slightly as his gaze came to rest on Markaeus. Sucking in a startled breath, Markaeus snapped his eyes shut and made a soft snoring sound.
“You may as well admit you’re awake, Markaeus. I know you were listening.” Kaevin sighed. “When Alora and I are gone, you and Uncle Charles will have only each other. You must be strong for him.”
As he opened his eyes, Kaevin and Jireo wobbled in his vision, through puddled tears. He sat up, wiping his tears on his sleeves, his face heating in mortification.
“It’s my fault. I’m to blame for everything that’s happened.”
“No one blames you for this, Markaeus.” Kaevin knelt on the floor in front of his chair. He sounded sincere, but Markaeus didn’t feel any better. Avoiding Kaevin’s penetrating gaze, Markaeus turned his face toward the window.
That’s when he saw it.
A portal.
And Markaeus knew in that moment exactly what he needed to do. He would return to Portshire, seal this new portal, and remain in Tenavae, thus protecting his friends. As Jireo said, Vindrake wouldn’t be able to create a new portal to Montana if he wasn’t present. And if God showed His favor, he might find a way to kill Vindrake, as well. He had to move quickly.
Trying not to cry, he threw his arms around Kaevin.
“I’ll miss you so much,” he mumbled, wondering if he would ever know whether Kaevin and Alora survived.
Kaevin squeezed him in a tight hug. “Hey. I’m not dead, y
et. I will fight to the end. Even when everything appears as bleak as a dim wintery day, the sun is still there. Simply because we don’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.”
Palming two ceramic knives from Kaevin’s pocket, Markaeus choked back a sob. “Farewell, Kaevin. Farewell, Jireo.”
Jireo’s confused face mirrored Kaevin’s. “Why me?”
Markaeus backed toward the portal. With one last look at his friends, he stepped inside and closed the door before his courage was lost. Hurrying through the winding portal, he breathed a prayer.
“Please. Before I die... help me make up for what I did.”
**************
“There are too many people in this corner. I can’t even breathe.” Alleraen shifted, bumping warriors on all sides, perhaps more roughly than necessary.
One of them shoved him back, hard enough to knock him off balance. “Morvaen ordered us to be here, and here we will stay.”
Welcoming the challenge as a respite from the boredom of watching the empty space in front of the window waiting for an open doorway to appear in midair, Alleraen crossed his arms, flexed his bulging muscles, and turned to give his most intimidating glare to Thalaena. Of course, the fierce warrior was not cowed in the least by his display, wriggling her fingers in the air before bringing them to rest on the hilt of her blade.
Arista had been there earlier, opening the portal and stepping inside to determine the best vantage point for observing the entrance without being visible to anyone who might venture out of the portal. Then she’d left, albeit with loud protesting, to search for other portals within the walls of Laegenshire, leaving a large group of warriors to guard the portal in her room. Most were waiting in the gathering room, with more outside the residence. But a small elite force was assigned to keep guard from within the sleeping quarters.
So the group of six pressed together in one corner, ready to pounce on any Water Clansman who stepped foot from the portal. And while they waited, the air grew warmer, the sweltering sun shining through the window.