“What about the horses?” asked Stone.
“I can only transport two at a time,” explained Medea. “I will come back for them and also the others. But for now, we need to get the two of you to Elric. I will bring Lira next.”
“All right. I’m ready.” Persimmon closed her eyes, squeezing Medea’s hand, not sure what to expect.
“I hope this won’t be as terrifying as when Alaina whipped us through the air and—” Stone’s words were cut off as a vibrating sound filled Persimmon’s ears. Then her stomach became queasy and she felt a surge of energy bolt through her. With a sharp wind against her face, her body got lighter and lighter until she wasn’t even sure she was on the ground anymore. Curious, she opened her eyes to peek out and screamed. A blur of mountains below her was so far down that she almost had the feeling she had left this earth. Then, as fast as it started, it all stopped with a thump. Her feet hit the ground and she stumbled, thrusting forward, but Stone reached out to catch her.
“Whoa, there,” he said to her, almost sounding as if he were speaking to a horse.
“You’ll get used to it after the first few times,” said Medea with a big smile from ear to ear. “Do you want me to transport you all the way up the cliff to Elric’s house as well?”
“No. No more,” Persimmon answered with her hand on her stomach. She looked to where Medea pointed. Sure enough, a small cabin sat way up high, atop a pinnacle cliff. To the left of her was a big green castle that she was sure must be the Elven Queendom. To the right was a lake with a bridge leading to an area with a lot of quaint little colorful houses.
“Is that where the elves live?” she asked.
“Nay, that is the land of the Fae,” explained Medea. To your left is Castle Glint, and behind you are the homes of the elves.”
She slowly turned to see a bunch of cute little dwellings. Each one had a hedge of bushes surrounding it, as if it were done for protection of some sort or perhaps privacy.
“You look a little pale, and like you don’t feel well,” surmised Stone. “I think it’s best if we hike up the mountain on foot to see Elric, but thank you for the offer, Medea.”
“Yes. I agree.” Persimmon wasn’t up for another of Medea’s transporting trips just yet.
“All right. I’ll be back soon with Lira,” Medea told them. “I will get your horses, too. Do you want me to bring Rhys and the others here or drop them off at the cave?”
“Mayhap at the cave will be better so they can keep an eye open for Rancor and Sethor,” suggested Stone.
“And watch for the portal to open as well,” Persimmon quickly added.
“All right. Good luck with Elric.” With a wave of her hand, Medea disappeared.
“My, people come and go so quickly here on Mura,” said Persimmon.
“Don’t they do that on Lornoon too?” questioned Stone.
“I’m not sure. But in the convent, everyone moved slowly.”
“I still can’t believe you grew up in a convent.” Stone shook his head. “So you never practiced your magic? I mean, moving things with your mind.”
“Nay, not around anyone. It was forbidden. I only practiced in my room when no one was watching. Or on my trips home to see my mother.”
“Your relationship with your mother seems odd,” Stone continued. “I mean, my family was close when I was growing up. But yours seems so…I mean they seem to…”
“Shun me,” she finished his sentence for him. “It’s all right to say it aloud since it is the truth. And before you ask, I really don’t know why my parents did that. I am also sorry that Elric stole your king’s gemstones. I have always been told by my mother that the man is greedy.”
“I’m not surprised,” said Stone as they walked. “Taelgonoth is filled with greedy people, too.”
“So your homeland sounds like a place with lots of bad people. Is your king like King Sethor? Bad, too?”
“Not necessarily bad, but greedy and demanding. Honestly, I can’t seem to find anyone I trust on Taelgonoth anymore. Except for Aithrod and Fang.”
“Really?” Persimmon held up the hem of her gown and took a step over a puddle. “Then why do you work for such a man?”
He shrugged. “I have no choice. I need to earn a living to survive. King Helix holds power and with that power comes my protection.”
“Protection? I don’t understand. From whom?”
“From everyone, sweetheart. I am telling you, my land is a dark place to be right now. I was hoping if I can catch and bring in more thieves and murderers for persecution, mayhap the king will set things right again. The way they used to be when my father was alive and helping out the king.”
“And by bringing him back his jewels, you’re going to create more of an alliance with him. Right?”
“It can’t hurt.”
“Plus, you’ll marry his daughter,” she said sadly. “That will give you the protection you crave as well.”
Stone didn’t answer.
“Are the gems really your king’s? Or did he steal them from someone else? My father claims they belong to him.”
“I don’t know, and honestly, I don’t care,” Stone told her.
“You didn’t even try to find out?” she asked in shock.
“In my line of work, you have to be careful what kind of questions you ask.”
“I see.” She didn’t really see, but was hesitant to pursue this right now.
“We need to walk faster.” He held out his hand and she took it.
