Andy splashed down into a thick ooze of muck. He coughed and sputtered, then dropped the knives he still clutched and swiped at his eyes, trying to bring his surroundings into focus.
A forest of old dead trees stretched before him, their roots submerged in mire. Islands of grass peeked up where sediment had collected. Eddies of mud swirled around Andy’s legs as he righted himself and gazed upward. The canopy looked to be a tangle of vines supported by skeleton arms. The greenery vied for sunlight, greedily forbidding most of the sun’s rays from reaching the swamp’s floor. It smelled of decay.
What is this place?
He heard a grunt behind him and slowly turned. A hulking, greenish creature sat in the mire five feet away. Its pumpkin-like head bore oversize triangular ears, and a pair of canine teeth extended upward nearly two inches out of its lower jaw. It appeared to be female based upon its long black hair and the location of the scant attire it wore.
Andy glanced down, hoping to retrieve the kitchen knives, but they had sunk below the surface of the mud. The creature grunted again and motioned for him to come closer. When he did not comply, the brute planted a fist in the muck and pivoted, scooting next to him, coating him with a tidal wave of the foul-smelling ooze. Before Andy could react, she brought a muscular arm up and pulled him facedown across her lap.
Though Andy kicked and yelled, the creature kept him down with one arm and shoveled handfuls of mud onto his hair and shoulders, then proceeded to smear it around as if giving him a bath. Despite her size, her movements were surprisingly gentle. After thoroughly coating the back of Andy’s head with mud, she moved a clawed finger over one of his ears and grunted again. Andy could feel her breath on his neck as she inspected more closely. Another grunt and more feeling about.
She thinks I’m her kid and she’s trying to find my ear!
Andy intensified his squirming as another, higher pitched grunt sounded from behind. The creature turned to look and as she did, he wiggled free of her grasp. He leapt up, distancing himself as quickly as his feet could navigate the swampy muck trying to remove his shoes. He ducked behind a thick trunk and looked back. The creature stood and corralled a miniature version of herself. Her graceless splashdown in the mud sent a myriad of ripples through the bog.
That was close. I wish I had Methuselah. No sooner had he thought it than the hilt splashed at his feet. That’s so cool!
I know I’m in Oomaldee, but where? Another grunt sounded off to his right, choosing for him the direction his explorations would take. He headed left, sloshing through water and mud while keeping alert for more beasts. He attempted to remove the odoriferous grime with tree leaves, but his efforts proved ineffective. I feel like I did when I fell in quicksand. At least the mud isn’t sanding my skin like then. Each time he ventured upon a large green brute, he ducked behind a dead tree trunk until it passed or became too engrossed in something else to pay him any notice.
The few rays of sunlight that made it to the ground lengthened and Andy knew he needed to find shelter for the night. But where? And then his stomach started rumbling. I wonder what those things eat. Andy could not recall seeing anything edible in his travels. With no other option, he continued on as the sunlight began to fade. Just as dusk settled across the landscape, the trees began to thin and the swamp released him from its soggy grasp.
Mature oaks and chestnut trees stood grouped across the grassy plain before him, and he sighed. Well, at least there’s ground to sleep on. He scouted out a grove of oak trees that looked promising for camouflage and set about gathering dry leaves to soften his bed. His stomach complained again as he sat down, resting Methuselah next to where he had constructed a makeshift pillow.
As darkness consumed the area, nature began its ritual symphony: branches swaying in time to the gentle breeze formed the melody, while the sounds of crickets chirping and owls hooting provided the harmony. Andy smiled as he peeled drying mud from his ears. Despite the chaos that had brought him here and his ooze-covered condition, all seemed right in the world tonight. I hope Mom and Dad are okay. But even as the concern flitted across his mind, having seen Mom skillfully handle Methuselah eased his worry. When did she learn to fight like that?
His stomach grumbled once more and he attempted to ignore it. But the harder he tried, the more focused he became. The breeze shifted and his nose picked up faint wisps of something that smelled like Dad grilling. He tried to dismiss the notion. I’m so hungry, I’m imagining things. But his rumbling belly compelled him to investigate.
As Andy picked up Methuselah, the blade extended and lit up, illuminating the area. He lifted his nose, located the direction of the tantalizing aroma, and set off with purpose. He had walked a good distance when he spied a campfire in a shelter of trees across the plain. Andy slowed his pace, and Methuselah instinctively dimmed as he approached. His mouth watered with expectation as he drew to within five hundred yards of the camp. Muffled sounds of people talking and laughing echoed in the blackness as he neared the trees.
“Halt right there!”
The command from behind the nearest tree startled Andy, and he berated himself for allowing hunger to trump concerns for safety. He stopped and searched for the source as Methuselah’s light extinguished itself.
A sturdy soldier approached, his sword ready for business. “Drop your weapon.” On the left arm of his uniform was a crest of two crossed sabers.
Seeing the insignia, Andy sighed with relief, then complied. But as the blade retracted, the man’s eyes grew large. The soldier kept his weapon pointed at Andy’s heart and hesitantly kicked at Methuselah’s hilt, as if expecting it to bite. “Who are you and what are you doing here?” he interrogated, quickly composing himself.
Andy hesitated, pondering how best to respond. The same situation was playing itself out for yet a third time. He smiled as he chose to answer honestly. Maybe it will turn out differently this time.
“Something funny?”
“No, officer. Sorry. I’m Prince Andrew, son of King Hercalon V of Oomaldee.”
The soldier offered a forced laugh. “Very funny. Now answer the question.”
“But I am,” Andy insisted.
The man grabbed the front of Andy’s soiled T-shirt in his fist and brought him close. “No one insults the royal family, especially the likes of grubby urchins like you,” he growled and dragged Andy toward the campsite.
Oh well, I tried.
The soldier strutted to the center of the clearing, proudly displaying his catch as four officers closed in from the periphery. Those seated around the campfire ceased their conversations and stared at the spectacle.
“Andy? Is that you?” Alden queried, staring.
Andy beamed.
“You’re back!” Alden rushed to hug him.
Hannah screeched, joyously joining in.
“Andy,” Hans chimed in, laughing as he stood and approached.
The soldier’s face fell and he released Andy from his iron grip. “But how?” was all he could get out amidst the celebration. He shook his head and wiped his hands together to remove Andy’s grime.
“Is my father here?” Andy asked eagerly.
“No. Regent Bellum strongly advised against him joining us based on what happened a year ago,” Hans informed.
“Oh. Well, it’s still great to see you all!”
With no danger afoot, the soldiers blended back into the foliage.
“What happened to you?” Alden queried, examining his earthy ensemble.
Andy chuckled and recounted his encounter with the muddy mama.
“Those would be ogres,” Hans informed. “Lucky for you they don’t have very good eyesight. They’ll eat humans.”
“Oh.”
“Well, I just love your attire…so chic,” offered Hannah.
Andy laughed, scratching loose more of the drying ooze from his stiff hair.
“We heard the zolt might be after you,” Alden chimed in.
Andy frowned. “Speaking of which, why haven’t you sent me any letters in the last year?”
Alden and Hannah exchanged glances before Alden said, “The King forbade us.”
“What! But why?”
“Look, Andy, I know you’re upset,” Hannah started, raising her hands.
“Upset?!” Andy exploded. The understatement ignited his temper and, despite the letter, the frustration that had built over the year poured out. “I leave here after hearing Abaddon make a threat on my life. I didn’t know if he was going to hurt you guys or not. The zolt came after me. I watched them close in all year. They attacked my family today. My mom sent me here. It would have been nice to know what was going on!”
Hannah cowered and Alden nudged a stray pebble with his foot.
“Are you done?” Alden questioned, sensing the end of the firestorm.
Hans stood watching the exchange, eyebrows furrowed.
Andy nodded and Alden picked up, “Look, I told the King about the threat on your life as soon as you disappeared. He was afraid Abaddon might try something and wanted to let you know, but Mermin was concerned they might somehow trace the appearo beam if we used it. I hated it! You’ve no idea how many times I wanted to tell you what’s been happening.” Alden propelled the pebble across the clearing, underscoring his point.
Relief washed over Andy and he let go of his frustration. “Sorry I yelled at you.”
Alden nodded. “It’s okay. I was as frustrated as you, trust me.”
“Would someone mind explaining…” Hans interrupted.
The trio laughed, only now realizing Hans did not know Andy’s story.
“Let’s eat first,” Hannah suggested. “Andy, are you hungry?”
Over a hearty dinner of rabbit stew, Andy filled Hans in on his background. The healer kept shaking his head in disbelief throughout the telling.
“I’d never been able to put all the pieces together, but now it makes sense. Well, at least as much sense as your tale makes,” Hans finished with a chuckle. “It’s quite extraordinary.”
Changing the subject, Andy asked, “By the way, why are you guys here, out in the middle of nowhere?”
“I guess it’s my turn to tell a tale,” Hans replied.
Andy smiled and settled comfortably against a thick tree trunk near the fire while Alden and Hannah began cleaning up.
“Where to start…” Hans scratched his peppered chin whiskers with a bony hand as he organized his thoughts.
“You know I’m from Cromlech, yes?”
Andy nodded.
“Well, what you may not know is Cromlech, Carta, and Oomaldee formed a troika of cooperation.”
“A what?”
“A troika. The three nations pledged to act in cooperation with each other to care for the needs of all.”
“When? Recently?”
“Oh no, the agreement happened ages ago. Let me think. It was during the reign of King Savant in Cromlech. I believe it was King Gerrard I on the throne in Oomaldee. I can’t remember who ruled Carta at the time.” Andy assumed a blank expression and Hans continued, “Cromlech’s strength is in the healing arts, both physical and mental. With all its gold and silver mines, Carta’s prowess is in wealth management, be it lending or finance. And Oomaldee’s advantage is in its technology.”
“And?”
“Well, Cromlech agreed to lend healers to the other two nations in exchange for banking support from Carta and technology and innovation from Oomaldee. We healers go in seven-year rotations. I came to Castle Avalon three years ago. Before that I served in the palace of the king of Cromlech, and my assignment before that also brought me to Oomaldee. In all, this is my fifth rotation.”
“I had no idea. But what does that have to do with why you’re out here?”
Hans smiled. “I received an urgent message from Mermin, courtesy of your friend Daisy off the whisper stream, that Princess Yara is alive.” Hans’s tone conveyed enthusiasm.
“Who’s Princess Yara?”
Beaming, the healer continued, “If the message is true, Princess Yara may well be the queen of Cromlech.”
“May be queen?”
“Abaddon attacked Cromlech almost three years ago, just after I started my rotation in Oomaldee. He and his army ransacked the castle, killing the royal family. They pillaged the farms where medicinal herbs were grown and decimated the institutions of learning. Anyone who refused to bow their knee and pledge allegiance to Abaddon was killed, or worse.” Hans shuddered.
“I’m sorry.”
Hans shook his head. “Although risky, I traveled back to see for myself if the reports were true. I nearly got caught, but luck favored me and I escaped notice. Just barely. I searched the castle ruins and came across some survivors who were in hiding. They confirmed my worst fears. I’d watched Princess Yara grow up for the past seven years. She was like a daughter to me.” He swiped the back of his hand at the corner of an eye as he continued.
“With heavy heart, I returned to Oomaldee. So you’ll understand how, when I heard news that the princess might be alive, I had to investigate.” Hans’s smile proved contagious, and Andy could not help but mirror his excitement. Alden and Hannah, who had sat down next to Andy after completing their chores, shared the moment.
“Hans was going to go by himself, but we convinced him he needed my super sensitivity,” Hannah quipped.
“Yeah, and my awesomeness with the sword,” added Alden, smiling.
“How could I resist?” Hans grinned.
“So where are you headed to find her?”
“I’m not exactly sure. The message Daisy replayed was that the princess had run into a herd of wild pegasi that started to attack her but then inexplicably stopped. When she collapsed, the pegasi read her thoughts and put word in the whisper stream that the princess of Cromlech needed help. Daisy heard the message and passed it on to Mermin who passed it on to me.”
My dream! As Hans had been speaking, Andy’s mind raced. He gasped, drawing curious looks.
“By any chance does Princess Yara have blonde hair?” Andy winced as he asked, and Hans’s eyes grew large.
“How did you know?”
“I had a dream.” Andy quickly summarized the highlights, or in this case the lowlights. “If the dream revealed what’s happening, I think your princess is alive.”
“Oh, how I hope you’re right,” Hans wished aloud.
“So where do we go to find her?” Andy reiterated.
“I thought we’d head toward the palace. Hopefully we’ll find her on the way.”
“But isn’t that like searching for a needle in a haystack?”
Hans, Alden, and Hannah stared back blankly. Finally Alden asked, “Why would a needle be in a haystack?”
Andy chuckled. “It’s an expression. It means to look for something that’s nearly impossible to find.”
“I’m open to other suggestions. Time is of the essence,” Hans countered.
“Well, I can describe the landscape from my dream. Maybe that will help narrow things down,” Andy offered.
“Yes,” Hans agreed.
Andy shared and they planned. Their conversation devolved into catching up on all that had happened during the last year until yawns silenced the reunion. One of the soldiers offered up his bedroll for Andy’s use. When Andy resisted, the man assured him there would always be a spare because one officer would be standing watch. Andy relented, and with that resolved, he curled up under the blanket, closed his eyes, and waited for dreams to claim him.
But before Andy navigated to the land of slumber, a voice sounding like Dad growled, “You’re back.”
Andy opened his eyes and looked around. Seven lumps lay unmoving under blankets around the fire. Snoring sounds sang about the clearing.
Eh-hreehmm, echoed in his thoughts.
Oh, it’s you.
“Yes, it’s me. I’m rather upset with you.”
Andy rolled his eyes, wondering what charges his inneru could possibly level this time.
“Don’t mock. The sanitarium just discharged me.”
Sanitarium? What’s that?
“A sanitarium is an institution for the recovery of health.”
What happened?
“Do you remember the anxiety you suffered over whether to give the unicorn horn to the swirling sphere to save your mom, or to keep it and break the curse?”
Andy’s mood turned serious. How could I possibly forget? I was stupid to think I could save her.
“Did you not hear me cry out? The pain was excruciating. You broke me and then left. I languished in agony for who knows how long until headquarters realized you had left this world again and sent an agent to find me. If not for them, who knows what would have happened to me…or what would have happened to you when you returned.”
You’ve been recovering since I left? That’s a whole year! How could your injuries have been that bad?
“Andy, you have no idea the power of your distress. I nearly died. Of course, that’s better than some.”
What do you mean?
“Some innerus suffer a fate worse than death.”
Like?
“It’s awful. I hate to think about it.”
Oh, come on, what’s the big secret?
After a long silence, Andy’s inneru reluctantly divulged, “Some innerus are paralyzed, then used as channels through which their human’s thoughts are broadcast over the whisper stream. They can’t control what they share, let alone help their human modify inappropriate behavior.”
How does that happen?
“Dark magic.”
Andy’s stomach flipped. Does this have anything to do with Abaddon turning people?
“I am not privy to the cause. All I know is this fate is happening to more and more innerus and we are powerless to stop it. I’d rather die.”
Andy thought for several minutes before reengaging. I’m sorry I hurt you. I had no idea.
“You need to learn to listen to me. I only want what’s best for you, Andy.”
I know. Out of curiosity, what happens if an inneru dies?
“Its human dies too.”