Through the Portal

“She’s still there,” Josie exclaimed, cheerfully, as the mermaid smiled and waved at them, doing a few summersaults in the water, much to the child’s delight.

Katherine nodded, having seen her when she first woke up. “Well, let’s get ready to go, quickly. I’m sure everyone is eager to be out of these tunnels, tonight.” There was a murmur of consent as they all stretched out their sore muscles.

Valda decreased William’s exercises, a bit, since she was also eager to be out of there. Being underground was more of a dwarf thing. She and Tristan both felt more comfortable in the open air. The tunnel was just too stuffy for her liking. The group rushed through breakfast and headed out, longing to feel softer ground under their feet, soon.

“So, what does the other shore look like?” William asked Valda, because Katherine’s mind seemed to be preoccupied.

“White sands, leading up to dark blue fields,” she replied. “Well, that’s what I heard. I’ve never crossed the ocean, before.”

He looked at her, a little surprised. “I would have thought you’d be well-travelled.”

Valda shook her head. “I don’t usually go very far from the forest without my father. He likes to keep me close. He can’t travel very far, either, since he is the ruler of the forest elves and must be present when needed. I convinced him to let me help you on this journey because I would be serving the guardian. What greater task could the heir of the Fire Woods take on?”

William nodded his understanding, wondering how old she was. It was impossible to tell with the elves, but the question seemed rude. He figured she was much older than him, so it seemed strange to think he may have travelled more. “Well, it’s good that you are travelling, now, then. I’m sure you are eager to see more of Mirra.”

“Yes.” She looked around at the fishes surrounding the tunnel. “There are still a great many things I would like to see before this journey is over. This may be the only chance I have to travel so far, after all.”

William wondered what she meant by that, but she refused to say more, so he dropped the subject, not wanting to risk her anger.

They stopped for lunch with the mermaid still watching them. William went through his drills, as usual, but he kept an eye on her, wondering what it was she found so fascinating about the group. Was it simply that people didn’t pass through the tunnel very often? As he ate his lunch, he watched her, wondering if she would follow them all the way to the end of the tunnel.

“We should get going, soon,” Katherine announced, rushing them more than usual. Everyone assumed she was just as eager to get out of the tunnel as the rest of them, so no one argued.

Soon, the tunnel floor began sloping upwards, just slightly, which made walking more difficult as their feet slipped on the smooth floor. The going was slow, but they were determined, knowing the path would be easier once they reached the shore.

The light was just beginning to fade when they reached the opening to the other beach and stepped out onto the whitest sand any of the children had ever seen. They had looked at pictures of beaches, before, but it had never seemed quite as pure as this. The soft sand made walking a little difficult after having such solid ground for a few days. However, their legs were relieved to find even footing.

The mermaid poked her head above water, meeting Katherine’s gaze. The guardian walked over and the others followed, curious about what the mermaid was doing.

Katherine did her best to smile. “Good evening. You have been remarkably steadfast in your watching of us. I am Katherine, the guardian. Do you have something to say?”

The mermaid nodded. “I am Mona. I was following you because I heard the guardian and her companions were passing through the tunnels on their way to the Blue Palace. Is that accurate?”

Katherine nodded, in return. “We have business at the palace. Do you have information regarding our path or are you in need of assistance?” She had dealt with mermaids before and knew their attention span was not generally very long. If you didn’t keep them on topic, the conversation might go in any direction and last for hours.

“Information,” she replied. “My sister, Lumi, was swimming close to shore the other day. Our father always tells her not to do that, but she learns things when she does. Sometimes those things are useful, so she thinks it’s worth the risk.”

“Has she learned some useful information, recently?” Katherine asked, attempting to steer the conversation.

“She has,” Mona told her. “She saw some of the dark one’s soldiers travelling and heard they were heading to the Golden Fields for an ambush. Lumi figured, since that was usually the safest path to the palace, you would probably be planning to travel that way. She says you shouldn’t do that because they are waiting. You should go through the Starlight Forest, instead.”

Katherine frowned as she processed the information. “Thank you. I will put this knowledge to good use. Feel free to return home, now.”

“I will,” Mona promised with a smile. “Long live the guardians!” With a splash, she dipped back under the water and the group watched her swim away.

“The Starlight Forest would take longer,” Tristan commented. “It’s also riskier.”

Katherine nodded her agreement. “Even so, it’s better than facing soldiers with our small numbers, especially when so few have combat experience.” No one had an argument for that, so she sighed. “We’ll consider our options and make a decision when we cross the fields.”

They nodded their agreement, setting up camp in the blue grass, just beyond the shore. Valda sparred with William, glad to have soft ground, so he wasn’t badly injured when she took him down, which she did. She was satisfied that it was taking longer for him to go down, though. He was improving and that gave her some hope for his survival in the war.

That night, the elves helped Katherine set up a protection spell and they all lay down, thinking it was the most comfortable resting place they’d ever had. Everyone slept soundly, even without the guardian’s singing to lull them to sleep.

They all awoke feeling refreshed after their night on the soft surface. William didn’t even mind that much when Valda knocked him down, repeatedly. He was just glad that he was hitting soft ground and not laying on hard rock. Katherine found some bushes and they had a nice breakfast of sweet, silver berries. By the time they were done, everyone felt ready for a long day of walking.

However, Tristan caught up with Katherine, as they walked, so he could discuss the path she was leading them down. “I haven’t been in these parts, before, so correct me, if I’m mistaken, my lady, but aren’t we heading into Svartálfar territory?”

Katherine nodded. “Don’t worry. I know the wood elves and Svartálfar don’t always get along, but they won’t dare treat friends of the guardian unkindly.”

“Is it really necessary?” he asked, his tone making it clear what answer he wanted from her.

Katherine didn’t give it. “Out in the open, I can’t be sure if I will be able to protect them all, even with the two of you. The Svartálfar are not friends of the shadow master. They will help us if I ask.” She looked at the elf. “It’s just for one night.”

“One night too long.” He fell back behind the group, covering their flank, not eager to be the first to lay eyes on the dark elves.

They reached the village late in the afternoon, but it seemed to be just starting to stir. Svartálfar came out of their little huts, which were made of, what appeared to be, mud bricks. They all glanced at the newcomers, giving particularly unfriendly stares to the wood elves. Their slim figures, pointed ears and sharp facial features were similar to those of the wood elves, but their skin was darker than even Josie’s and their hair was jet black.

Meredith caught up to Katherine and spoke softly. “What’s with the glares?”

“Wood elves and dark elves don’t always get along very well,” she replied in an equally hushed tone. “Each believes their race to be superior and alienates the other.”

“So, kind of like the feud between Valda and Tristan.”

Katherine willed herself not to laugh at the accurate comparison. “A bit.”

“And we’re sleeping here, tonight?” Meredith asked. Katherine had explained that much of the plan to them.

“It is still the safest place for the night,” the guardian replied. “Don’t worry. No one will come to harm here.” She smiled as a Svartálfar approached them. “Good evening.”

“My lady.” His voice was soft and he gave a quick bow. Like those around him, his clothes were dark blue, trimmed with silver. They were completely different from the vibrant red and gold of the wood elves. “A scout told us you were approaching with some…friends.” His cold, grey eyes fell on the wood elves. “I take it you all seek refuge here, tonight.”

Katherine nodded. “I am sorry for the inconvenience, but these Dunyans must get to the palace.” She indicated the children. “Their security is of the utmost importance. The wood elves are helping me protect them, so we all need to stay together.”

The Svartálfar nodded, but didn’t seem pleased. “Friends of the guardian are always welcome here.” He looked back at her. “We have a single, unused hut. I am afraid it’s not much, but it is the best we can do on short notice. We do not often welcome strangers, as the wood elves do. We prefer to be more cautious.”

“You mean you do not offer kindness so easily as us,” Valda spoke up. “You prefer to be isolated and help no one but yourselves.”

The elf turned his gaze on her. “As you are a friend of the guardian, I will let that one slide, but I would suggest you remember where you are. The Svartálfar owe your people nothing, princess. Do not overstep here.”

Katherine spoke before Valda could respond. “We thank you for your hospitality. We would be grateful to see our hut, now, as we are all weary.”

The Svartálfar nodded to her and led the way to a brick hut, which was just big enough to squeeze all of them in. They would have to huddle together in the night, but there was a soft padding on the floor, making beds unnecessary.

“They are as inhospitable as I have heard,” Tristan commented, softly. He looked at Katherine. “How did they know who Valda was?”

Katherine shrugged. “News travels fast, among these parts. The guardian travelling with the heir to the Fire Woods is interesting news, don’t you think?”

“I think we should move on,” Valda replied. “Lest they slit our throats in our sleep.”

Katherine held up a hand to calm her. “Don’t be rash. No harm will come to anyone here, I promise.”

Tristan sighed and looked at the floor. “Shall we have males to one side and females to the other, then?” He was doing his best to adapt. He didn’t like the idea of sleeping in a Svartálfar village any more than Valda did, but he rarely argued with Katherine.

She nodded. “That would probably be for the best. In the morning, we can take turns changing clothes in here, since I’m sure everyone would like that.” They hadn’t changed in the tunnels due to a lack of privacy, so their clothes were getting uncomfortable. “Svartálfar are usually up through the night, so most of them will be sleeping in the morning when we leave.” She looked pointedly at the elves. “We will hardly see them while we’re here.”

Still unsatisfied, the elves picked their spots on opposite sides of the room. As Valda lay down, she called over her shoulder. “Meditate before you sleep, William.”

He nodded, although she couldn’t see him. He felt immensely relieved when the twins lay near Tristan, glad they would be between him and the elf. He took a seat and closed his eyes to meditate, as instructed.

Katherine lay down beside Valda, feeling the other girls squeezing in beside her. At the very least, the close proximity kept them warm, since nights could be chilly in these parts. She closed her eyes and fell asleep, quickly, knowing they were safe, that night.

When she woke up a couple of hours later, she saw William was asleep and smiled, thinking the whole group looked very peaceful. She heard a noise outside and stepped out to see what the dark elves were doing. She smiled as she found the one who had greeted them, standing outside the hut. “Hello.”

He nodded to her. “The council leader wishes to see you. I was sent to wait until you awoke.”

“Very well,” she replied. “Please, take me to the council, then.”

She knew better than to refuse such a request. The council leader was similar to the ruler of the forest. The main difference was that the Svartálfar elected a council and the leader, rather than them gaining the title by inheritance. Also, the council leader did not have as much power since all major decisions had to be discussed by the whole council and voted on.

The elf led the way to a large hut, which was where the council usually gathered. He indicated that the guardian should enter.

Katherine stepped inside and nodded to the she-elf seated within. “Good evening, Etta. I was not aware you had been elected. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” She sat on the floor, her posture straight and dignified. “Please, feel free to take a seat.”

Katherine took a place on the floor, in front of the she-elf. “I would know why you summoned me here, Council Leader Etta. Will you keep me wondering for long?”

“I will not,” the she-elf assured her. “I heard you are travelling with two wood elves as your guards.”

“That is true,” Katherine replied, simply. “There is no need for concern. We will be out of here at first light.”

“I think you are failing to recognize the issue,” Etta told her. “You have elected two wood elves to be your guards. One of them is even the heir to the Fire Woods. You do them a great honor, yet have failed to take a Svartálfar as your travelling companion.”

Katherine frowned, uncertainly. “I meant no insult. I did not plan to have the wood elves as companions, but I was ill and they cared for me. I could hardly then refuse their request to travel at my side and help me protect the Dunyans.”

“These children you travel with are quite important, correct?” Etta’s steely gaze was fixed on the girl. The elf looked fairly young, but her eyes gave away her long life.

Katherine nodded. “It is of the utmost importance that I see them safely to the blue palace.”

Etta nodded her understanding and took a long pause. “If that is true, then you will have help from the Svartálfar, as well.”

Katherine fixed on a smile, fearing what she meant by that. “Your people have already given us a place to sleep. We could not possibly ask you for more.”

“You did not ask,” the she-elf retorted. “I offered. The council has discussed it, already. If it is so important that the Dunyans reach the Blue Palace, we can’t leave the job in the hands of wood elves. Therefore, our best warrior, Kaelen, will accompany you. He is my son and, therefore, known to be reliable. He is sleeping, now, preparing to travel when the sky is light.”

It was as Katherine had feared. “I would not wish to cause such an inconvenience. I know the Svartálfar prefer the night and we must travel during the day.” In truth, she just didn’t like the idea of mixing a dark elf in with the wood elves. Tensions were high enough in the group as it was.

“It is not an inconvenience,” Etta replied. “As I said: he is already making the adjustments to his sleeping habits. He will be able to adapt quickly, enough.”

“But making the group larger will draw more attention, especially when people realize a Svartálfar is travelling with wood elves,” Katherine reasoned.

“So send them back,” Etta countered. “They have followed you, this far, and my son is worth both of them.”

Katherine tried to think of an argument that would not insult the Svartálfar in front of her. She knew it would be a bad idea to anger the dark elves. They may not fight against her, but she would need them on her side when the time came for battle. “Do you not worry for your son if he travels with us? After all, the shadow master has attacked us three times, so far.”

“Kaelen is a capable warrior and does not fear such things,” Etta informed her. “If you’ll have Aelfric’s daughter, you will have my son. It would not do for the guardian to show favoritism.”

Katherine swallowed, knowing there was no way out of it. “Very well. We will be grateful for the help.”

A shadow of a smile graced the she-elf’s lips. “Excellent. He will be ready to go in the morning.”

“Thank you, Etta.” Katherine stood and left the hut, wondering how she was going to explain this to Valda and Tristan. She imagined there would be a fair amount of yelling involved.