Jake raised his shirt and rubbed his hand down his ribs. He had noticed the pain had subsided, and now he knew why. He was sure he had sustained at least two cracked ribs, yet his breathing wasn’t labored, and except for slight bruising, there were no signs of injury.
“Your blood did this? I mean, the platinum blood healed me?” Jake asked.
“I think what you meant to say was thank you,” said Shayna. Her raised eyebrows and a well-placed hand on her left hip emphasized that her words were more of a scolding than a correction.
“Yeah, you’re right. Thanks,” replied Jake. He was in awe. The healing had transpired without him noticing. He’d been so consumed with berating Rileau that he hadn’t thought about his injuries or about his near-death encounter with the murkgoblin beasts.
“Your blood could have killed him, right?” said Seneca.
“Healing properties and those that do harm have a close alignment, as do most elements in nature,” said Rileau. “There are always opposing sides. You can’t have darkness without the light, good without evil, and so forth.”
“That makes sense. It’s like when I use my sword. I swear it does exactly what I want,” said Shayna.
“That is true, Shayna. It is about focusing your intention. My blood is what makes the platinum elixir, and therefore, its purpose is directed by me,” said Rileau. “My intent was to heal. It was the desired purpose.”
“You mean the side effects make you act like a jackass?” asked Conner.
Seneca and Shayna couldn’t resist laughing. Seneca caught a slight grin on Rileau’s face as well. It was quickly replaced with a scowl.
“Hey, what’s up with that?” Jake asked. He turned to face Conner.
“No offense, Jake, but he’s right,” said Shayna. “You’ve been totally out of control. Am I right, Seneca?”
“Well, how should I put this? It’s like this—you’ve been a catastrophic jerk since we met Rileau,” Seneca said. “Hey, but at least we know there’s an explanation.” She was reluctant to chime in; however, she felt compelled to address the issue.
“I guess knowing it was the dragon blood that made me difficult does help,” said Jake.
“No, I’m fairly sure Seneca said ‘catastrophic jerk.’ I want to be clear on the epic scale you’ve hit today,” said Shayna. She smiled widely, and Seneca laughed.
“My mistake—I got it!” Jake chuckled. “Rileau, is there more I should know?”
“The rate at which you heal will improve. That is a benefit that should serve you well in battle,” said Rileau.
“Excuse me. I have a question,” said Shayna. “Is there a time limit here?”
“In other words, how much longer will he be acting like a you-know-what?” Seneca asked, cringing.
“What they’re saying is, will Jake be a jackass much longer?” Conner said with a huff, crossing his arms over his chest.
“If you’re speaking of the aggression, then the effects will taper off over time,” Rileau replied. “I am convinced it is happening already.”
“Thank goodness. I’m not sure how much more I can take,” said Shayna.
“Hey! I’m right here,” said Jake. He knew he hadn’t been acting like himself, but he was relieved there was an explanation.
“Only the healing qualities will remain. Once Jake’s body has healed, no remnants of the platinum will be evident,” said Rileau. “He will resume his previous state of being.”
“Splendid! I kind of prefer the old Jake to this new model,” said Shayna.
“I’ve gotta second that one,” said Conner. He gave Shayna a fisted knuckle bump. They simulated the action of a hand-explosion gesture with perfect synchronization.
“Me three!” said Seneca. She danced around Jake as she made various faces to mock his mood with alternating pouts and grimaces.
Jake laughed. “You know you look psychotic, right?”
“It worked! Hey, you can say whatever you want, but I got you to laugh,” said Seneca. She giggled and wrapped her arms around him. “I missed you. Welcome back.”
“Thanks. I guess,” said Jake.
“Great. You’re back to your dull self!” Conner laughed. He gave Jake a shove that set him off balance and made him stumble a few feet.
Jake didn’t protest. He worried about the damage he’d done to his friendships and his standing with Rileau. Since there was a clear explanation, he hoped all would be forgiven.
“Rileau, when Seneca touched my shoulder, it felt like she calmed me down. It really helped—I mean majorly,” said Jake.
He smiled at Seneca, who was taken aback since she hadn’t been aware of the effect of the massage. The revelation made her just as curious. She forced back a tinge of embarrassment. Having the focus shift to her was uncomfortable.
“I did that? I calmed you down?” she asked.
“It is possible she expedited the platinum’s effect. The massage quickened the rate of absorption. It would seem your friend is not just a druid but also a healer of sorts,” replied Rileau. “Not at all common, I acknowledge. I will look into assimilating this into your training.”
Rileau cleared his throat and motioned for them to gather closer. They complied without hesitation. Conner gave Jake another shove to keep the mood light. He knew Jake was becoming a great friend, and having him in the Otherworld helped to relieve some of his own anxiety. He had been more worried about Jake’s mood swings than he’d realized.
“I need you all to know that you have much to learn. I will not be able to explain all aspects of your lessons. You must find a way to trust me, or it will be useless to continue,” said Rileau. He addressed the entire group, but they knew his comment was meant for Jake.
“Trust is a tough one,” said Shayna. She’d discovered that she had been lied to her entire life. The truth that her mother was alive and living in the magical realm was still shocking. She hadn’t come to grips with her mother’s ability to change forms or the fact that her mother was Brigara’s sister. Trusting others was not high on her list of must-dos.
“You must understand that we’ve been dealing with a lot,” said Seneca. “The Otherworld is so different from where we came from.”
“Even our parents lied to us,” said Jake. “About some major stuff too. Like who my real parents are.”
“The primary difference between our Otherworld and the mortal realm is the absence of acceptance. Mortals are raised with skepticism and doubt in all they do not understand,” Rileau said.
“That’s no excuse—they could’ve made us understand!” Shayna protested as she scrunched her nose and tightened her lips.
“I’m sure your parents did what was best for you,” Rileau replied. “Can you imagine telling your mortal friends about this realm? Do you think they would believe you?”
“No, but that’s not the point,” said Shayna. “Look, the stuff we’re dealing with is so foreign. It’s like those care instructions on the label of your favorite sweater that have symbols instead of words. Hello—is it dry-clean only or what? I’m always thinking, Do you wash it by hand and lay it flat to dry? Is it too much to ask to make it clear and simple? I don’t think so.”
“Shayna! We get it,” Seneca said abruptly. She hadn’t meant to yell, but she sensed that it was highly unlikely there would be a break in the ranting anytime soon. “Nothing’s clear, but hopefully Rileau’s going to help with this. Am I right?”
“If you mean, will I assist in your quest to master your abilities, then the answer is yes,” Rileau said. “However, I will not be addressing the caretaking of sweaters.”
“Fine, but it’s going to be something I will be looking into as soon as we get back to our realm,” Shayna huffed.
“If we get back,” Seneca said. She had attempted to say it under her breath, but she knew Jake heard her. She appreciated his nonresponse.
“Maybe this is bad timing, but can we get something to eat?” Conner moaned. “I’m hungry-hippo starving!” He drummed on his stomach. “It’s echoing in there it’s so empty.”
“I have to agree with Conner. I’m barely functioning right now,” said Seneca.
“Then you shall dine,” replied Rileau. “Come along this way.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
It’s a Feast
Rileau led the famished foursome down a wide corridor until they came to a long, narrow, poorly lit hallway. His broad shoulders barely cleared the walls, but he continued without pause until they reached a spiral staircase. The center column, handrail, and treads were a majestic polished brass and showed no signs of dust or wear. The banister had flecks of gold that sparkled and reflected light.
“This is an impressive stairway,” Shayna said as she slid her finger along the smooth rail.
“Thank you for your kindness. Your meal has been prepared and waits at the top,” said Rileau. He bowed his head and extended his arm to allow her to pass.
“Maybe someone else should lead the way,” Shayna said. She was too apprehensive. She slid behind Seneca and nudged her forward.
“That’s a lot of stairs to climb, and I’m guessing there’s no elevator,” Seneca said flatly. She estimated it had to be at least six hundred or more steps to the top.
“No lift will get you to your destination other than your haunches and stamina,” said Rileau. “Follow me.” He began walking up the stairs without further discussion.
“What are haunches, and do they have a motor attached?” asked Conner.
“He means move your butt, so let’s go,” said Jake. “We’ve come this far, and we need to eat.”
“Come on, Shayna—I’m right behind you,” said Seneca. She returned the gesture of pushing her forward, causing Shayna to stumble a few steps.
“Fine. Let’s do this already,” said Shayna with a huff and a toss of her hair. She intentionally made sure to swing it directly across Seneca’s face.
Seneca scoffed, brushed Shayna’s hair away, and then spit out a few remaining strands that clung to her lips.
“Whoops, sorry about that.” Shayna laughed.
“Real mature, Shayna,” groaned Seneca. “Move your haunch before I kick it.”
Shayna smirked as she followed Rileau up the stairs; the others trailed close behind. They continued up several flights with no sign of the stairs coming to an end. The gold shimmers in the handrails provided intermittent gleams of light in an otherwise hazy stairwell. It was only made brighter when they passed the occasional lit lantern set deep in the stone wall.
“Are we there yet?” asked Conner as he tilted his head back to get a better view of the winding stairs.
“We shall arrive shortly,” Rileau called out as he whipped around and continued to climb.
He took long strides and periodically skipped several stairs. Shayna intentionally stayed a few steps behind to allow room for his tail to clear before she proceeded. She had a sudden image of stepping on it. She grimaced at the thought of him screaming in pain.
They scaled higher and higher up the narrow flight of stairs while engaging in minor conversation.
“We must be in one of the towers,” said Seneca. She was out of breath, and her legs ached. “I bet we’ve walked more stairs than the ones in the Eiffel Tower.”
“I’m getting sort of claustrophobic,” said Jake.
“Me too! And I’m a bit light-headed,” added Shayna. She placed the back of her hand across her forehead. “I think I’m running a fever too.”
“Really? You’re just sweating—that’s all!” snapped Seneca. “As foreign as it might be for you, it’s what happens when you exert yourself.”
“So, you’re saying I’m not the only one?” Shayna asked with a tone of sarcasm.
“Nope, not just you. We’re all sweaty. I’m just hoping the food is worth this workout,” said Seneca. “If I weren’t so hungry, I would have given up already. My thighs are on fire!”
“You’re going to have to come with me to my elite cycling spin class when we get back,” said Conner. “That will whip you both into shape. It’s all about the cardio.”
“You do spinning?” Seneca and Shayna asked simultaneously. They burst into laughter from the mental image they shared.
“Oh yeah! It’s improved my stamina,” Conner declared as he puffed out his chest. “Move over, and let me take the lead. You two are moving like snails.”
They stepped out of the way to allow him to ease past them. He trotted higher until he was only a few steps behind Rileau.
“I should tell him to watch out for the tail, but he deserves to get swiped, being that close,” grumbled Seneca.
“Impressive, Conner!” said Shayna.
“This is really steep,” Jake said as he craned his neck over the side and looked down the stairs. “I can’t even see the bottom anymore.”
“I think we’re nearly there. Can you smell it?” asked Conner as he licked his lips.
“Oh yeah—let’s go!” Jake shouted.
He pushed past the girls and moved just behind Conner. They jogged the last flight of stairs until they reached the top. The landing was connected to a vast and well-lit open space. The room was a perfect circle, with etched windows that went from floor to ceiling. Shayna eased into the room. She wiped moisture from her brow and gazed out the window. She stood motionless as she examined the panoramic view. She knew in the daylight she would be able to see the mountains and forest on one side and the ocean on the other. The moon was still high and reflected on the water below, but the rest of the landscape was cloaked in darkness.
“You can probably see so much from up here,” Shayna said softly. Her mind drifted to Dreya, and she tried to focus on the area she believed to be her final resting place. “Bye, Grandmother.”
She turned to join the others, who were gawking over the lavish feast set out on a large round wooden table. Positioned around the table were high-backed mahogany chairs upholstered in garnet tapestry, with ornate carvings along the armrests. The decor in the rest of the room was simple yet elegant. The table had been set with gold chargers and matching flatware, along with goblets filled with a lime-green beverage with clusters of blackberries set along the rims. There were several large serving dishes filled to the brim with stew, potatoes, and fresh vegetables. There was a platter of sliced meat, bowls of ripe fruit, and several breadbaskets; the aroma of the fresh-baked bread filled the room.
“Amazing!” Conner beamed as he rubbed his stomach. “This is a truckload of food. Wow!”
“And it smells great!” Jake said as he swallowed hard in an attempt to control his salivating response.
“I am glad you’re pleased. You must try the Cornish pastry and the scrumptious cock-a-leekie,” said Rileau.
“The what-a-leekie?” Conner asked. He wasn’t sure if it was something alive or something to be feared, but he was willing to try just about anything to satisfy his hunger pangs.
“It is a soup. I will leave you to dine and then return to discuss sleeping arrangements and other matters,” Rileau replied.
“You’re not joining us?” Seneca asked.
“I will not,” he replied. He turned swiftly on his heel. An iron door located at the end opposite where they had entered swung open. It closed silently behind him.
“You can’t tell me that guy doesn’t have something to hide—that was really strange,” said Jake. While no one else acknowledged it, he knew from their expressions that they agreed.
“Hmm, yeah, well, we can talk about Rileau at some other time. Let’s eat!” Conner exclaimed.
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Seneca said. “I wanna cram this whole thing into my face!” Her smile extended ear to ear as she held out a large loaf of bread.
“You’re
kidding, right?” Shayna asked.
“Oh no, I’m not joking. Stand back because this is not gonna be pretty,” Seneca mumbled after she bit down on the bread.
Crumbs tumbled down the front of her shirt. She brushed a few crumbs away and took another generous bite. She climbed into a seat and grabbed a bowl. She ladled in a generous heaping of stew and carelessly dripped some onto the table and down the sides of the bowl. She grappled through the basket of bread, pulled out a sizeable yeast loaf, and ripped it apart. She sloshed one end in the broth and then chomped down. She chewed quickly as she spooned a chuck of meat onto the remaining portion of bread and jammed it into her wide-open mouth. Jake looked at Shayna for a reaction, and she shrugged as she watched in awe.
“Your cheeks look like a chipmunk preparing for winter,” said Shayna. She frowned and walked away slowly while shaking her head. She strolled to the window and glanced out at the darkness.
“Humph. Who cares?” Seneca snapped as she swallowed hard and then reached for another slice of bread to repeat the process.
“I get it. I’m with Seneca. Pass the bread,” said Conner as he slid into the chair beside her. “Let’s see if I’ve got it down. Bread, dip, meat, and chomp.”
“There ya go!” she said jubilantly, but the food muffled most of her words.
Seneca never looked up as she slid the basket of bread in his direction. She dipped a sizeable hunk of sourdough into the remaining broth in her bowl and swirled it around until she’d collected all traces of the stew. She savored the flavors as she chewed each bite. She looked around briefly to the other offerings but decided to continue with her original choice and scooped up another serving of stew. She regained her vigorous meal consumption without pause.
“I guess we’d better hurry up and join them if we expect to get anything to eat.” Jake laughed.
He navigated around the table and chose the seat across from Conner. He couldn’t take his eyes off Seneca as he watched her with astonishment. He was sure she wasn’t bothering to chew half the time before she reached for more bread. He looked at Conner, who was doing a fairly good job of emulating her. He piled more meat on top of a piece of bread before jamming it into his awaiting mouth, but otherwise, he was following her methods.