Chapter 24

After their return from the stone’s location, they wasted no time getting back to the outside barriers of Pemdas. Harrison sat atop Saracen, waiting for Levi and Reece to join him where he waited. Once on their stallions, Levi guided Areion over to Harrison, with Reece following closely behind.

“We will cross the barriers into Pemdas from another location,” Levi instructed. “My wariness of Mordegrin continues to trouble me. He may well have an ability to see the barrier that we chose to cross out of Pemdas from. If we reenter Pemdas from a different location, perhaps it will make him question where we have travelled.”

“Do you really think he could know that from so far away?” Reece said.

Harrison looked over at Reece. “This guy has some pretty strange abilities. It is certainly better to be safe than sorry where he is concerned. I do not trust him for one moment.”

Levi nodded, and they began racing along the outside barriers of Pemdas. When they arrived at the palace, they met briefly with King Nathaniel, King Hamilton, and Lady Allestaine. Levi informed them they would be venturing to this new galaxy within the week. Levi requested King Nathaniel to summon all the kings of Pemdas to the palace in order to meet with them and explain in person about the plan to recover Emperor Navarre.

“I would like to meet and speak with Mordegrin as soon as possible,” Reece said with a determined expression on her face during their meeting.

“Reece, I understand your request; however, Harrison can relay any questions or information you wish to give Mordegrin without you risking—” Levi said, somewhat troubled by the request.

“I will be fine,” she confidently intoned.

Harrison studied Levi and inwardly laughed at how Reece’s personality seemed to have changed since she gained her powers from the stone. Here we go! Harrison thought as the room fell quiet and Reece and Levi both stared sternly at each other. To Harrison’s surprise, Levi’s features softened, and he subtly grinned at Reece. Ah, the beauty of marriage; the wife remains victorious every time, Harrison thought in amusement as he watched his cousin become persuaded to do something against his own strong will for the first time.

“Well?” Harrison spoke up. “Is Reece going to visit Mordegrin with me or not?”

Levi’s lips quirked up in humor when he looked back at Harrison. “I will send for Mordegrin this afternoon. Reece can speak with him then.”

After the meeting was dismissed, Harrison, Levi, and Reece went their separate ways to freshen up, change into their usual attire, and join everyone in the breakfast room. As Harrison walked through the corridors on his way to breakfast, he encountered King Hamilton on his way to the dining hall.

Hamilton brought his arm up and around Harrison. “It delights me greatly that we are closer to retrieving Navarre. It all seems more and more promising.”

“Are you prepared to leave with us, Your Majesty?” Harrison returned.

“I am more than ready. My wife shall be arriving at Pasidian tomorrow.” He laughed. “My beautiful bride still desires to spend every last minute with her husband before he journeys to other worlds, dimensions, and now, galaxies.”

Harrison laughed. “I believe she is only making her way here to scold you for doing such a thing.”

“Indeed!” He clapped Harrison’s shoulder. “However, I am prepared for it. That is what keeps the love alive, you know? A strong and feisty woman is needed to keep such a hard-headed man in his place.”

“Do you know if Angie shall be accompanying her to the palace?”

King Hamilton stopped and eyed Harrison suspiciously.

Harrison cleared his throat. “She placed quite the burden on me before she left, informing me that I am to ensure your safety on this journey.”

Harrison exhaled in relief when King Hamilton chortled, “That is my daughter for you. Angie is strong-willed in her own way. Her mother and I agree that she possesses the greatest qualities of both of us.” He resumed their walk. “I do, however, pity the man who tries to advance her in any way.”

Harrison looked toward the windows and rolled his eyes. “Yes, indeed.”

That afternoon, Harrison returned to the palace with the convoy that escorted Mordegrin from Casititor. He gripped the man’s arm, led him through a private door into the command center, and walked him down to a small, windowless holding chamber.

“When the emperor is ready, he will send for you. Until then, enjoy the delightful view,” Harrison dryly said before leaving.

“I shall delight in meeting the empress,” Mordegrin said strangely.

Harrison stopped in his tracks, spun around, and stared darkly at the man. “It would be wise to remain silent in the presence of the empress unless she asks you to speak.” Harrison grinned. “Do not assume that you have that privilege to speak a word to her unless she requests you to. I am surprised that the emperor has allowed your meeting at all, so you would be wise not to test him, or I fear his reactions toward you this time will not be as gentle as they were when you first met with him.”

Mordegrin waved his hand flippantly. “I understand your warning, Commander; and I thank you for making me aware of how I should conduct myself in this meeting.”

Harrison turned and left. Mordegrin was annoying for sure, but somehow Harrison found a way to deal with him. Levi, on the other hand, could tolerate nothing of the man and hadn’t seen him since the day he requested Mordegrin to be sent away from the palace. This meeting should be an interesting one, Harrison thought. He could only imagine Mordegrin’s condemnation if he chose to play his strange word games with Reece in Levi’s presence.

Harrison returned to his office and began going through the notes that the Guardian instructors had left for him. All but about seventy Guardians that were selected for the mission were at the palace, aggressively training for the journey they would embark on. The men were progressing in their training well, and Harrison became anxious to go into this world and handle matters with these Olteniaus females.

“Commander?” Vincent said.

Harrison looked up from his notes. “Yes? Is the emperor ready for us?” he asked.

Vincent nodded. “Yes.”

Harrison stood up and gazed at Vincent. “This should be interesting.”

Vincent chuckled. “Of that, I have no doubt. I wish you well.”

Harrison sighed. “Thanks.”

Harrison escorted Mordegrin into Levi’s office. Levi, who was standing in front of his large corner windows, immediately turned at the sound of their arrival. Just as Harrison expected, Levi’s expression was severe as he instructed Mordegrin to sit across from him.

“The empress will be arriving at any moment. Before she does, I would like to warn you—”

“Your Royal Majesty,” the man smoothly cut him off.

Harrison sighed and stared at Levi’s darkened expression.

“I have not asked you to speak!” Levi growled through his teeth.

Mordegrin dropped his head in a dramatic and humble nod.

“When—and only when—the empress wishes for you to speak, will you have the privilege of saying anything to her.” Levi’s lips tightened, and he stared deeply into Mordegrin’s eyes, “If I sense the slightest discomfort or upset from her. she will be removed from this room immediately,” a wicked grin played in the corner of Levi’s mouth, “and then I will personally destroy your presence in my world without any hesitation. Do you understand me?”

“Your Royal Majesty, you have made yourself perfectly clear to me.” Mordegrin exhaled. “I do not know what I have done to cause such mistrust and animosity from you. I have only come to you in peace, offering you a chance to recover your father and seeking your help in saving my world.”

Levi’s eyes narrowed, and his jaw was set tight. “I owe you no explanation for my opinion of you.”

“If I may, I have been very compliant with all of your requests of me, why—”

“Indeed, you have,” Levi interrupted him, “however, I am not unwise. I do not trust your motives, even now.”

The servant opened Levi’s door and admitted Reece into the room. Her eyes sparkled like green jewels since the moment she made contact with the stone. Her irises were the color of a brilliant emerald gemstone, very close to the color of the stone that illuminated within her hand when she held it in the caves.

Levi rose and walked toward her when she entered. He guided her to sit in a chair at his side. Harrison watched intently as she locked eyes and gazed somberly at Mordegrin from the moment she entered the room. Levi took his seat and brought his attention to Reece, who was seated at his side.

“Empress, as you requested, Mordegrin is here to answer any questions you may have,” Levi formally spoke.

Reece tilted her head to the side as she stared at Mordegrin knowingly. “Why did you tell us that I needed the stone in order to open a portal?” she asked firmly.

Harrison sat back, very interested in what Reece’s questions for Mordegrin would be.

“Empress, forgive me, but why do you feel you do not need it?” Mordegrin said with a look of suspicion, almost anger, on his face.

“Before I answer your questions, I would appreciate your answering mine,” she responded coolly.

This sounds familiar, Harrison thought. This idiot better not play games with her, or we will not be getting anywhere with information once again.

“Ah! My manners have failed me, it would seem,” Mordegrin said as he glanced at Levi and back to Reece. “You require the powers that are within that stone in order to create a gateway into our galaxy.”

“I have the powers already, and I have the knowledge about how this can be done within my mind as well.”

Mordegrin’s lips tightened, and his eyes squinted, seemingly frustrated with Reece. In all of the times Harrison had encountered the man, he never had seen him appear upset. Harrison tensed, prepared to take action at any moment should he get out of line with Reece.

Mordegrin exhaled. “You do realize you will be bending time in a way, slowing it down, and altering your galaxy’s physics when you create this portal; do you not?”

“I know exactly what I’ll be doing, and I do not need the stone’s power to do it, but I think you already knew that.” Her gaze darkened. “Why do you want the stone?”

Mordegrin’s expression grew fierce and daunting. “If you do not use the stone, all of the talents you have been enjoying these last few weeks or so will return to you void. Once you have expended all of the energy you carry within you to perform this task,” he looked to Levi, “you could very well lose your life. Without the stone doing most of the work to open the portal, you are risking your very own life force, Empress.” He sneered as he shifted his gaze back to Reece.

What are you doing, Reece? What are you thinking? Harrison looked at Levi uncertainly. Levi remained solemn and unaffected as he looked subtly to Reece, who was smiling in response to Mordegrin’s insinuation.

“Why do you want the stone?” she asked again.

Mordegrin looked at Levi. “Emperor, she is overestimating her powers. She may meet her demise after the portal is opened. You must convince her to return to Earth and use the stone for assistance at once, lest you lose your wife in the pursuit of your father.”

Levi grinned. “The empress overestimates nothing. It is you who underestimates her and my admonition to you about testing her before she entered this room.” Levi leaned forward. “Why should I believe you fear for her life?”

“I fear for her life as much as anyone else in a situation such as this would,” he answered steadily.

Harrison remained quiet as he watched the exchange intensify.

Reece laughed in what seemed to be annoyance. “Why are you avoiding my question?” she asked in a tone of disbelief. “Why do you want the stone?” she demanded in a deeper voice than usual.

Harrison leaned forward, knowing Reece was on to something. Why didn’t she mention any of this to us earlier?

“I have not avoided your question.” He smiled. “I have no interest in the stone—it serves no purpose for me. I am only concerned that you will harm yourself without using its powers to open the portal. You only have a certain amount of that stone’s powers within your being; they will eventually drain from you.” He cocked his head to the side. “This newfound confidence you have—the confidence that gives you the impudence to speak to me as you are—it will leave you. You are only human,” he finished with a smug grin.

Harrison and Levi’s fists both seemed to clench at the same time. The men stood when Reece got up suddenly and walked over to Mordegrin.

“Empress,” Levi called out to Reece in a deep voice.

Reece ignored him and brought herself eye-to-eye with the man. Mordegrin’s smile died. “You are a foolish child,” he said forebodingly.

Before Levi and Harrison could respond, Reece spoke up. “When we come into your world for Emperor Navarre, we will come for you as well. I do hope you will be ready for the justice we will give you.” With that, she gazed sternly at the man. “Your services are no longer required in Pemdas.”

Mordegrin’s eyes widened as he instantly gripped the arms of his chair. “You are incapable of such a thing!” he screeched.

Levi and Harrison stood in confusion about Reece and Mordegrin’s exchange.

She arched her eyebrow at Mordegrin, and as she did, Mordegrin became invisible. Reece inhaled deeply and closed her eyes.

“You may come for me; however, you will not find me,” Mordegrin’s voice called out.

Reece’s brow creased as she tightened her lips. At that moment, a large amount of water filled the chair Mordegrin was previously sitting in, and the water spilled down onto the floor around it. All that was left of the man were the cuffs that restrained him.

“What happened?” Harrison said, completely taken by surprise by what had transpired.

“Reece,” Levi looked at her earnestly, “what did you do to him? How did you do such a thing?”

Reece’s eyes reopened, and she shrugged her shoulders dismissively. “I simply mentally persuaded him to leave our world.”

“Why?” Harrison asked.

“Levi’s been right about him all along. He has been listening in on everything; I sensed it from him the moment I walked into the room,” Reece answered.

Levi ran his fingers through his hair. “I knew it.”

“At first, I only wanted to question him about why he would think I needed the stone. I thought that was strange.” She looked up at Levi. “But when I walked into the room, I felt his dishonesty radiating from him.”

“So is my father not alive, then?” Levi asked Reece in confusion.

Reece brought her hands around his waist. “Your father is alive. Mordegrin was the one that had him taken. He wants the stone, Levi. His plan all along was to have us bring the stone into his galaxy so he could have physical access to it.”

“Is my father’s life in danger now that we do not have the stone?”

Reece stepped back and shook her head, eyeing both Levi and Harrison. “He has no desire to harm Emperor Navarre. I don’t know why, but right now he needs your father alive.”

Harrison looked at Reece in confusion. “What would cause you to believe this?”

Reece’s lips twisted. “The emotions I was sensing from him. He needs Emperor Navarre alive as much as he needs us to bring him the stone.” She looked at Levi. “I don’t know why, I just know that’s the way he feels.”

Levi brought a hand to his chin in concentration. “It is a relief to have the knowledge that my father will remain safe.” He sighed and brought an arm around Reece. “So you are positively sure that you will not be harmed in any way while opening the portal without the stone?”

Reece nodded. “I will not be harmed; he was lying. It took a lot of energy for me to persuade his strong mind to leave, and I still can feel the stone’s power within me.” She stepped away from Levi and looked at Harrison. “We need to prepare everyone as quickly as we can. It is time to bring Emperor Navarre home and destroy Mordegrin and the Olteniaus beings.”

Harrison walked over to Reece and draped an arm around her shoulders. “Get over here, you crazy thing,” he said enthusiastically. “This shall be a remarkable journey, and I am certainly grateful that the Guardians have you on our side.”

Levi studied the wet chair and floor. “Interesting that he used the element of water to manifest himself in our likeness.”

“Yes.” Reece smiled mischievously at both men. “It’s the same way I will open the portal, too, and the reason why I don’t need the stone.”

“How so?” Harrison asked.

“The energy produced from a waterfall will easily work as a conduit for me to alter the physics of this universe in the way that I have to. I will harness its energy and use that to open the gateway into the new galaxy.”

Harrison stepped back and shook his head and looked to Levi. “You deal with your wife; I am going to go make sure our warriors are ready for this mission.”

Levi laughed, and relief was apparent in all of his features. “Find out when they and the horses can be ready. Have the silversmiths sent up; we will need them to prepare our weapons. I will advise your father that he shall be personally holding the meetings with the kings when they have all arrived.” He smiled at Reece proudly. “It appears we may have my father back at the palace before they all arrive.”

Harrison offered Reece a lively grin. “At this point, I might wager on it.” He turned and marched swiftly out of Levi’s office.

After three days of aggressively training and planning their departure to retrieve Emperor Navarre, the morning had finally come to enter Arsediean Galaxy. The kings and their families had already arrived at the palace, waiting to meet with King Nathaniel and learn more about the plan to rescue Emperor Navarre. Harrison was grateful for the distraction, due to the chaos in the palace at the time. When he was not distracted, he made it a point to see if Angeline had returned. When her mother, Queen Isa, arrived without her, he accepted that there was no reason to hope that she would return his feelings, even after his apology. It was obvious that she had taken great issue with him insulting her, seeing that she would not even show up to see her own father off before this mission.

Harrison focused on removing his regret from his mind. He had nearly a thousand men that he had to lead into this new galaxy to seek vengeance on Mordegrin and the four Olteniaus females, and he couldn’t afford to be preoccupied by his mistakes. With the sun rising, Harrison’s anticipation for this mission was elevated, and the warrior within him was craving the battle that awaited them.

He walked through the palace corridors, which were crowded with visitors. He had finished bidding private farewells to his family, Lady Allestaine, and Elizabeth, and he had only one more person to see before he left the palace. Once at the command center, he walked over to Vincent and extended his hand. “Vincent, the Guardians are yours to command until our return.”

Vincent reached out and shook Harrison’s offered hand. “Be safe, Commander. We will keep Earth and the other dimensions well protected while you are away.”

Harrison grinned. “I have no doubt about that.” He turned to leave. “Until then, my friend.”

Once outside of the palace, Harrison looked around at the vast lawns of Pasidian, which were covered with thousands of Guardian warriors as far as the eye could see. They sat patiently on their horses, prepared and waiting to take this unimaginable journey. Harrison could sense their fierceness and readiness to avenge their emperor and return him to his home. In addition to the warriors, an enormous crowd of people had already gathered in the fields beyond the horse stables. The atmosphere was euphoric, and Harrison let the incredible energy consume and fuel him for the journey that awaited them.

He approached the stables where Saracen stood in his armor next to Areion and Arrow. Once on his stallion, he directed him to where the Pemdai warriors sat poised on their horses in perfect formation. Watching these brave men patiently waiting to march their horses into this new galaxy without reservation was a sight to behold. A surge of pride flooded through Harrison as he was reminded about how fortunate he was to command such a fierce and extraordinary group of men.

Harrison gallantly trotted Saracen through the lines of these brave men, greeting each one as he rode past the rows of horses. Once at the end of the line, he turned his steed back up the hill toward the palace, which was no longer in sight. The men were ready, and so was he. It was time to search out Reece and Levi in order to begin this journey.

Once at the top of the hill, he guided Saracen over to the men who would lead each combat unit through the portal at their designated times. After being assured the men were prepared for the mission, he spun Saracen around, and he spotted Levi and Reece in the fields with Arrow and Areion. The crowds that lined all around the palace had tripled in size since he first walked out the doors. As he approached Levi and Reece, he laughed at Levi, who was distressed about Arrow’s halter while Reece sat on the stallion’s back.

He brought Saracen to a halt and watched in humor as Levi grumbled over Arrow’s tack. Levi was standing next to Arrow’s head, while Areion stood a few feet behind him. “I told Javian he needed to create another notch for this halter,” Levi muttered while pulling the dagger out of his sheath.

As Levi proceeded to puncture the halter and create another notch, Reece sighed. “Levi, it’s fine. It’s already tight enough around his head, don’t you think?” Reece argued, and then shook her head while looking over at Harrison. “We don’t need Arrow choking out while I am going through this portal.”

“Excellent point, Reece,” Harrison responded. “What exactly are you trying to do, Levi, strangle poor Arrow so we lose Reece somewhere in the portal?”

Levi exhaled while buckling the halter with the new notch he made. “I am not taking any chances after learning what Reece will most likely experience while opening the gateway. I am simply ensuring their safety,” he said, sheathing his dagger and checking the straps of the saddle.

Harrison grinned at Reece’s annoyed expression, “I must say, Reece, you definitely complement the Pemdai warrior attire very well.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I bet. I didn’t realize how heavy these clothes would be.” She laughed as she shifted in her saddle.

“Use your mental powers, and get over it.” He smirked. He looked at Levi. “The men are prepared to leave; I will see you both at the front of the line when you are ready.”

Harrison turned Saracen back to where the men awaited him and halted his horse when a familiar voice called his name.

“Commander?” she called out louder this time.

Angie? Harrison spun his stallion around, and his heart instantly reacted at the sight of the beautiful woman standing in the crowd of people. She stepped out from the large crowd and proceeded to walk out to him. He swiftly dismounted Saracen and walked toward her hastily.

“Angeline, this is certainly a surprise,” he said as he approached her. He stared into her shimmering bronze eyes, realizing that he forgot how mesmerizing they were. “I did not believe I would see you before we departed. I have spoken with your father, and I am assured he will be safe on this journey.”

“That is not why I am here,” she responded.

Without warning, and to Harrison’s great pleasure, she reached up and tenderly caressed his cheek. It was obvious that the large crowd likely witnessed their exchange; however, Angeline didn’t let it affect her, and Harrison certainly did not care if all of Pemdas stood witness to this.

Angeline tilted her head to the side, studying him. She smiled, and it halted Harrison’s breath. “I could not let our brave commander leave and lead our warriors into another galaxy without a goodbye kiss from the woman he declares that he so desperately loves, now could I?”

“Angie?” he said, disillusioned by this moment.

Her eyes bore into his. “Harrison, I love you. With everything that I am, I do. I always have. I simply needed some time to be sure that you could truly return my feelings. I needed to know that your declarations were, in fact, true and authentic. Upon reflecting over my own stubbornness, it was easy to see that I was not just any other woman in your eyes.”

Harrison was paralyzed. He was entranced by her eyes, her thick, curly, auburn hair, and the fact that this moment was truly happening. He had no idea what to do next. Fortunately, Angeline took the lead and brought her other hand up to his other cheek. He swallowed hard as he felt her soft finger tips glide softly along the lines of his face, resting on each side of the base of his neck. She leaned up and gently brought his lips down onto hers. Harrison softly sighed, feeling the softness of her perfect lips against his again. Her fingers ran through his hair, encouraging him and letting him know she wanted more than this tender kiss.

Fortunately, he wasn’t too lost in this moment to know that they had most likely created an audience that was more than likely already conjuring up words of gossip. Without reservation, Harrison embraced her tightly and spun her around, his back now facing the crowd and shielding his and Angeline’s passionate kiss. She pressed her body tightly into his, allowing him to hide their zealous kiss further. It was obvious that everyone knew what was happening at the moment, but Harrison did an excellent job of concealing it from them, protecting Angeline from their display of affection.

It took everything in his power to remove his lips from hers. Angeline stepped back, and her dazed, glassy eyes stared lovingly up into his. “I love you, Angeline Hamilton,” he whispered.

She brought her hands to his face and kissed his lips softly again. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and embraced him. “Be safe, Harry. I will eagerly await your return.”

Harrison leaned over and brought his lips to her neck, tasting of her delicate skin with a moist kiss, all while absorbing her sweet fragrance. He felt her body slightly shiver in response. “I will return to you,” he said determinedly. He rose up and caressed her cheek once more. “And when I do, I want nothing more than to hold you in my arms and prove exactly how strong for you my love truly is.”

Her cheeks colored red, and she gazed up at him shyly. “I will desperately be looking forward to that.”

Harrison smiled and brought his hands up and around the back of his neck. He unknotted the braided leather band and removed it from his neck. “I carved this arrow as a young boy; I refer to this as my lucky charm.” He softly laughed as he brought the black leather strap with a carved wooden arrow dangling from it to her wrist. As he wrapped it around a few times and fastened it, he watched Angeline softly caress the smooth arrow.

“This is beautiful.” She glanced up at him. “But do you not think this is the type of mission that you should keep this particular charm for?”

“You, Angeline, are my charm.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Wear it, and use it to keep me close to you while I am away.” He exhaled. “Now, I believe it is time that I must face your father about this moment we have shared.”

“Yes, you do.” She raised her eyebrows hopefully. “I am sure he will understand.”

“After all of the arrogant opinions that I have shared about women in his presence,” Harrison chuckled, “I am confident this will come at a price for me.” He brought her delicate hand into his gloved one and tenderly kissed it. “However, to have your love is worth any price that I might ever have to pay.”

Her eyes locked onto his seriously. “Please, be safe.”

Harrison bent to kiss her once more, letting his lips linger for a moment before he rose up and turned to mount Saracen. He avoided all eye contact with anyone; instead, he gazed down at Angeline as tears began to fill her eyes. “I will return to you soon.” He gave her a reassuring smile and a wink before he turned and hastily rode Saracen up to the front of the Guardian line.