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"The woodlands here are more connected to those of us who walk the magical path," Camille said. "Earthside, the forests are wild and unpredictable. They keep to themselves and harbor their secrets, darkly. Here the power of the forests is stronger, and allows us an easier communion. Though the forests don't like everyone, of course. There are those who enter the woodlands, never to emerge."
Morio nodded, staring up at the ancient behemoth, a rapt expression on his face. "I think I understand."
"We grew the oak around the portal," Trenyth said. "I remember when we planted the acorn. The moment you walk through the door, you'll enter the portal. May the gods be with you." He motioned to the guard on duty, who opened the door and stood back.
Trillian stepped to one side. "Here's where I must leave you. I'll return Earthside as soon as possible. Be safe." He turned to Camille and held out his arms. She silently walked into his embrace and their lips met. They looked perfectly matched. He loved her, and she loved him. In their own ways, they were as good as married, though I knew they would never wed. When she stepped away, Camille's eyes shimmered with tears.
"Every time you head out, I worry that you won't return. You make sure you keep your butt alive, you hear me?"
He held her hands in his. "These are dark times. I can't make any guarantee, but I'll always come back if there's a way."
"Walk under the Moon Mother's protection." She reached up and brushed his long silver mane back from his face. "You are mine. You belong to me."
Frost-colored eyes flashing, he merely inclined his head, then turned and disappeared into the night. Camille watched after him for a moment as Morio rested his hand on her shoulder. She motioned toward the tree.
"Let's go for it," she said and stepped through the portal, the energy sizzling as it sucked her in. Morio followed suit, and then it was my turn. Walking through the portal was like walking into a magnet factory in full metal armor. It was as if every cell was being yanked apart and then smashed together again before you realized just what was happening. There were no sights or sounds save blinding flashes of color and a perpetual buzz that rattled the skull. And then, as quickly as it had begun, the journey was over.
As we emerged into Aladril, I hoped that the man we were seeking in Aladril would be as anxious to meet us as we were to meet him.
The portal from Elqaneve to Aladril opened up into a small shrine about a quarter mile outside of the City of Seers. The guards had been alerted that we were coming through and were waiting for us. Though they looked full-blood human, there was an aura of magic about them. They positively reeked with it, smelling of ozone and burning metal.
Two men and one woman waited for us. All extremely tall, over six five, their expressions were forbidding. Long capes masked their bodies, the woman in orange, the men in indigo, but not a weapon was to be seen. I had the distinct feeling they didn't need them.
"Trenyth vouched for you," one of the men said. His hair was swept back, almost a buzz cut, and his skin was the color of coffee. He gave us the briefest of nods. "We usually don't allow demons of any kind within our city gates but your circumstances demand an exception. Don't disappoint us."
I bit my tongue. Not the time to come back with a witty retort.
He held out three necklaces. "Wear these at all times. Before you put them on, place the necklace and your hand onto this plate." He held out what looked like a square piece of silver and he must have noticed me shudder. "The metal isn't silver, so don't fret. It won't hurt you. What this alloy does is to key your identification necklace to your body chemistry so no one can steal your identity."
Now that was an interesting fact to tuck away. Sneaking into Aladril would be difficult at best, but identifying yourself to the guards would be useless without the magical GPS system they had going. Better than a trace, even.
"If you don't wear your identification, you will be considered a threat to the city and members of the guard are free to do as they see fit." Apparently that was the end of his spiel because he placed the necklaces on the table and stepped back.
I swallowed my pride and placed my hand and one of the necklaces onto the scanner. A few seconds later, a bright burst of light flared and the seer motioned for me to drape the beaded circlet around my neck. Nothing happened—no burns, no stings, no sense that I was hampered in any way. Camille and Morio followed suit.
"Thank you," I said. "We appreciate your help."
Camille grumbled something under her breath and I elbowed her. "Shut up," I whispered as low as I could. She quieted down.
"You are free to walk in our city. Obey the rules. If you don't know whether something is allowed, ask first. You have three days before you must return here and apply for an extension." The woman wasn't any warmer than the men. She motioned toward the path waiting just outside the door. "This trail will lead you to Aladril. Don't delay, and don't stray off of the path or you run the risk of death."
She didn't bother explaining exactly how we'd die, but I, for one, decided to take her word for it. Once outside, we found ourselves on a well-defined stone path leading toward the gleaming spires of Aladril. The path was clearly marked by globes of floating light lining the sides. We had no excuse for making a mistake and taking a wrong turn, that much was clear. As soon as she stepped aside, we hightailed it down the road.
I'd sat up late one night watching The Wizard of Oz with Delilah and Camille. Trust me, Dorothy's yellow brick road had nothing on this trail. The slate stones might not be yellow and uniform, and the surrounding forest wasn't exactly neon Technicolor, and Aladril wasn't the Emerald City, but we sure as hell weren't in Seattle anymore, Toto.
The walking was simple, though the lights illuminating the path gave off a creepy "we're watching you" vibe.
"They're eye-catchers," Camille said.
"Eye-catchers?">"So Delilah and Iris are staying here alone? I'm not sure how I feel about that. Dredge is on our tail. If we're gone…"
"Don't sweat it. Zachary and Nerissa are staying here with them. Speaking of which… you two make a cute couple."
I rolled my eyes. Of course she knew. When it had anything to do with love or sex, Camille was always on the inside track. "About that…"
"Don't say it. Don't say anything. I know there's nothing solid there, but the fact that you let her into your life… Just let it be what it is," she said. Then as we reached the kitchen, she added, "I'm happy for you, Menolly. I think this will be good for you."
Trillian might think Camille was afraid of getting involved with locals, but she certainly seemed to have my back on the subject. As we entered the living room, Trillian was there in his OW garb, and Morio was standing beside him in what looked like a ninja costume.
