Page 63 of The Darkest Knight

The three moons remained in the sky. For some reason, they lingered longer than anyone had predicted. However, Padriag didn’t pay them any mind. For almost a year he’d remained in the alter-world alone.

Liam did return to stay for a few days here and there, for which Padriag was thankful, but it wasn’t the same.

Since being the last one trapped, time had seemed to slow to a snail’s pace, each day lingering, the nights not coming soon enough.

Padriag had taken to painting, a hobby he’d not tried before. He considered photography, but after managing to bring cameras from the other realm, he found that they didn’t work there.

After a few months in Atlandia, he’d returned to the keep. For some reason, Meliot and his minions hadn’t bothered him since, but Padriag wasn’t fooled. Sooner or later the wizard would strike, and he had to be prepared.

Making his way down the stairs after sleeping in as long as possible, he was greeted by the view of Liam setting the table.

“I made a full English,” the Brit said. “The best meal ever invented.”

Padriag rolled his eyes, “I prefer a full Scottish.”

“What’s the difference?” Liam asked. “Lack of taste in the Scottish one?”

In truth the food smelled delicious, but he couldn’t keep from teasing Liam. “It’s missing tattie scones.”

While they ate, Liam informed him about the progress they’d been making in assuring his freedom. Padriag barely listened. For the past months nothing had worked. In fact, it seemed to be doing more harm than good. He was finding it harder and harder to travel between the realms.

“You must come to the other realm in a sennight. There is a plan in place that Gwen, John and Sabrina are working on. They are sure it could work.”

“Could,” Padriag said, his eyes flashing to the windows as a shadow crossed outside. “I will do my best to be there. Right now we must prepare. It seems either Meliot has sent something to spy on us, or perhaps I’ve acquired a pet dragon.”

Both men hurried to the window and peered out.

A familiar creature circled the keep, its huge wings moving with grace.

“That’s Sterling’s beast,” Liam murmured.

A parchment floated in the air landing just outside the door, then the magnificent beast flew away.

Padriag hurried to the door and opened it. After insuring there was no one about, he fetched the rolled parchment and went back inside.

He read over it and then read it again.

“What does it mean?” Liam asked scanning the words probably for a third time.

“An invitation to live in his realm until I am freed,” Padriag replied. “It means Meliot has recovered from whatever the dragon did to him and will come after me with guns blazing.”

Liam let out a long breath. “We best get packing then. Looks like we’re moving to Esland.”

“We?” Padriag scowled at the Brit.

“I’ve always wanted to see it.” Liam raced up the stairs probably to pack.

Padriag trudged up the stairs. “We don’t have horses, remember, they’re in the other realm.”

Liam turned to look at him. “Your adventure begins my friend.”