Page 53 of Charmed

“When are they leaving?” Rhys wanted to know.

“Tomorrow at dawn,” the man reported.

“How long will it take for them to get there?” Stone asked, already weighing out the options in his head.

“It’ll take a full day on horseback to get over the mountains and to the Quamm Caves,” Rhys told them.

“Then we need to get there first,” said Stone. “We leave at once.”

“And do what?” asked Aithrod. “Stone, we can’t fight against or stop an entire army.”

“Mayhap not, but my brothers and I can certainly try, and at least slow them down,” said Rhys. “I’ll prepare my soldiers at once and send a missive to Zann to do the same.”

“Won’t that cause a war between you and Sethor?” asked Stone. “That is not what we want at all. I can’t let you make that sacrifice, but thank you.”

“Well, then what do you suggest we do to stop Sethor and his army from going through the portal and claiming Taelgonoth?” asked Rhys.

“I don’t know, but I wish I did.” Stone felt helpless and no longer hopeful.

“We have magic on our side. That should count for something,” said a woman.

Stone turned to find Persimmon and Medea standing there listening. He hadn’t even heard them approach.

“Aye, that’s true.” Rhys nodded. “Sethor has no defense against magic.”

“No, ladies, I can’t let you risk your lives this way,” said Stone, wanting to protect them.

“We need to get there before Sethor,” said Aithrod. “If luck is on our side and we can go back through the portal before them, we can warn King Helix. That way, he and his soldiers can be ready if Sethor and his men do get through.”

“Good idea,” agreed Rhys.

“I can get you to the caves quickly by transporting and taking you with me,” offered Medea.

“I will come with you,” said Persimmon. “Medea and I have powers to use against Sethor and the others if need be.”

“I can contact Alaina and ask for her help as well,” added Medea.

“Nay. Persimmon, I want you and the rest of the women to stay here where you’re safe. Aithrod and I can do this alone. I don’t want anyone from Mura getting hurt on my account. This is my mission and I will see it through to the end, no matter what the outcome.”

“Well, what about you two? And Fang?” asked Persimmon, reaching down to pet the dog. “We don’t want any harm to befall any of you either.”

“That’s right,” said Medea. “Please, let us help.”

Stone looked at Aithrod, not knowing what to do.

“I say, let them try,” said Aithrod with a shrug.

“Medea does have some awesome powers,” Rhys told him.

“And I haven’t been able to use them lately, since I’ve been so busy just being a mother,” said Medea.

“Nay. I will never forgive myself if anything happens to the women. Aithrod and I only will go. If we can get back through the portal and warn our king, no one but King Sethor and his army will be at risk.” Stone knew the magical help of the women could come in handy, but the protector part of him wouldn’t allow it. He didn’t want women at risk, and he certainly didn’t want little children to grow up without their mother if something would happen to them. “The question is, how do we even know if the portal is going to open again.”

“Or where it will appear,” added Rhys.

“And what about the gnomes? Don’t forget about those pesky gnomes.” Aithrod faked a shiver. “They are nasty and it’s not going to be easy to get past them.”

“Right. The gnomes,” said Storm, sighing and shaking his head. “Why can’t anything ever be easy?”