“That’s brilliant, Conner. I agree. Ask them that,” said Seneca.
Jake searched for confirmation from Wren, but she remained transfixed on the water.
“They’re moving this way—straight for us. Do I ask now or wait for them to get really close?” asked Jake. His voice cracked as he tried to settle his nerves.
“I am positive they have heard all we have discussed,” said Wren flatly. She retrieved her staff and ushered Jake to the edge of the pond. “Pose your questions.”
“Will they answer?”
“I do not know. You should be aware that they serve another purpose,” said Wren as she watched the ripples in the pond.
“What is it?” Seneca asked anxiously.
“They keep track of elemental gifts. They are known to reveal themselves to the young. I recall seeing them once as a small child. I was first learning about my gifts of agility. I can climb the tallest of trees without much effort,” she replied proudly.
“Yeah, and hide in them too,” Conner muttered.
“Do you think that’s why they’re here—to record our gifts?” Jake asked.
“Perhaps, but not likely,” said Wren. “You will not know their purpose unless you ask. They have revealed themselves only to you.”
Jake stood motionless as he gathered his thoughts. It was alarming to know he was the only one able to see them. Their ethereal presence appeared fragile, but he reminded himself that he shouldn’t be fooled by that. He looked across the water and saw their movement was slow but deliberate. There was no mistaking their intent. They were coming for him. He braced himself as he let out a slow exhalation.
“You can do this, Jake,” Seneca whispered. She was nervous and tried to hide it. She didn’t want to add to his noticeable anxiety. She maneuvered next to him on his right, and Conner eased in on his left.
“You’ve got this, man.” Conner gave him a hardy slap on the back.
“Hello. I’m Jake,” he said more softly than intended. He cleared the phlegm gathering in his throat. “I was—I mean, we are wondering if we can ask you a few questions.”
Wren pointed to the water. Seneca saw it too. The murky green water was as still as glass. Not even the slightest ripple could be detected.
“Are they gone?” Seneca whispered as she grabbed Jake’s hand.
“No, they’re just dangling in midair. They stopped moving,” he said quietly.
For the first time since he had caught a glimpse of them, the Glactra’s movement came to a halt. Their airy transparent forms were suspended. Even the gentle breeze causing the tall grass and flowers to sway had no effect on them.
“I don’t know what happened, but they’re just—I don’t know—frozen or something. They aren’t moving at all,” said Jake as he looked to Wren for some guidance. “What did I do?”
“Ask your question again,” she replied. “This time, only represent yourself. Do not include us.”
“If you say so, but I doubt that’s the problem. Maybe we’re not supposed to talk to them.”
“We are not. It is you who is conversing,” said Wren.
Jake stared at the Glactra and thought how out of place they looked. The image of a possum rolling over to play dead flashed in his head. He wondered if their response was a defense mechanism. Then he remembered what Wren had said about their power, and he rationalized there had to be another explanation. Either way, he was curious about his ability to see them as much as their reaction to it.
“Excuse me. I would like to talk to you, if you don’t mind,” Jake said. “I am able to see you clearly, while others cannot. Is there a reason for this?”
Before he could exhale, one of the Glactra zipped to within inches of his face. Jake’s head jerked back in response. He didn’t dare run, even though every brain cell in his head was screaming, telling him that was exactly what he should be doing. He felt Seneca tighten her grip. He could tell she was reading his thoughts. In a strange way, that allowed him to relax a bit. The being didn’t move. It hovered with its ice-blue eyes transfixed on Jake’s. It opened its mouth wide, forming an elongated oval almost as large as its head. Jake was startled, but he didn’t move.
“You have returned, yet you did not retrieve what is yours.” It spoke with the voice of many. It transmitted high and low tones. The voices were a blend of both male and female as well as what sounded like a young child. The voices blended together but were slightly out of sync. Some words finished with an echo of others. The mouth did not open and close or move with the words; it remained open in the same position as a syphon for the sounds.
“We will not interfere unless you refuse to claim what is yours,” the Glactra said, using a lower register of tones. Jake couldn’t detect the child’s voice and found himself waiting to hear it. Somehow, hearing a child speak helped to create a safe zone. He pushed the thought out of his head immediately and concentrated on the message.
“What am I supposed to claim? We’ve accepted that we’re the dominion that’s supposed to stop Brigara—is that what you mean?”
“Are they talking to you, Jake?” asked Conner.
“Quiet! Do not disturb him!” Wren grumbled.
Jake resisted answering and waited for clarification.
“You and only you must retrieve what belongs to you. They must not be left, as she will find them and disrupt the balance.”
The voice rattled loudly. The other Glactra in waiting hummed on cue like a well-rehearsed choir. Jake assumed it was their way of agreeing. Upon completion, the lone Glactra returned to the others. They remained unmoving momentarily before gliding in concert to the far side of the pond. He tried hard not to blink until he could no longer see any sign of them. He released his hand from Seneca’s and paced around in a circle.
“Well, I’m sure you caught all of that, right, Seneca?”
“Caught what? I tried to read your mind, but it was all blocked off. I got worried. That’s why I was gripping your hand. That’s it.”
“What did they say?” Conner asked. “Did they tell you why you can see them?”
“Uh, actually, they didn’t, and now they’re gone.”
“What did they say?” asked Seneca.
“Actually, only one spoke, but it was like it was talking for all of them. It had a lot of voices—hard to explain,” Jake replied.
“Never mind that. What did they say?” Seneca asked.
“It—or they—said I have to get what belongs to me or something like that. I have to retrieve what I left behind. It really didn’t give much detail. To be honest, it was creepy.”
“Do you know what she was referencing?” asked Wren. “Do you know what you must retrieve?”
“How do you know it was a she?” Jake replied.
“It is the way it has always been. Do you know the reference of her directive?” Wren’s voice was forceful.
“I might have a clue,” Seneca said. She raised an eyebrow as she glared at Jake.
“Yeah, I’m guessing the same thing. We should tell Rileau about this so we can figure out what we need to do,” he said.
“Can somebody clue me in?” asked Conner.
“Later!” Seneca snapped. “We’ve got to focus on Shayna.”
“I am curious, but I agree—it must wait. Our mission is to release Shayna from the perplex,” Wren said sternly. “We must move quickly, as this area has been exposed to the enemy.”
“What do we do?” asked Seneca.
“Follow me is what you do!” snapped Wren.
Seneca sensed Wren wasn’t happy because they weren’t forthcoming about what they suspected. She felt Jake was right in not divulging too much information. They needed to talk to Rileau, the one they trusted the most to guide them, especially if it meant another trip to Leander.
“Let’s get to higher ground,” said Wren.
r /> Conner trailed a little too close and nearly stumbled into Wren more than once. Seneca watched Jake’s eyes drift off into the distance. She wondered if the Glactra were still lurking in the distance or if he was hoping for their return. She followed Wren without disturbing him. She knew he would join them without prompting. Jake turned and watched Seneca walk away. He had hoped she would offer some solace. He took a deep breath and sauntered quietly behind her. They listened as Wren began explaining how to free Shayna from the perplex.
“The way to break a perplex is to feed it,” Wren said. “You must provide the answers to release the hold.”
“How do you feed magic?” asked Seneca. “Provide answers? Do we even know the question?”
“You must give it exactly what it needs. To strengthen the dominion bond, you must provide the answers to prove your connection is true and pure,” said Wren. “Once you do, the perplex charm is broken.”
“If we answer correctly, then—poof—Shayna’s back?” Conner asked. “That’s it?”
“There is always a balance with magic. There is give and take. Once you feed the perplex, it gives back what it is holding on to—Shayna. It is magic of light, so it will respond in a positive way if fed correctly.”
“Does that happen with all magic?” Jake asked as he wedged between Seneca and Conner.
“Not exactly. However, there’s always a counter to any curse with an origin of dark magic,” said Wren. “The crux is finding a counter-spell by detecting the seam of light. It’s always there, as there cannot be darkness without it.”
“Just to be clear, you’re saying dark magic can’t be done without light or good magic?” Seneca asked.
“Dark magic has no origin of its own. All magic starts out as that of light, as its essence is to bring harmony,” said Wren. “It is only through corruption that light magic succumbs to darkness.”
“So that’s why you say there’s a seam of light—it’s like a coat over the good magic,” said Jake. “We find the crack in the dark magic, and we’re golden!”
“If we are done with the questions, then let us begin,” said Wren.
“Right. I’m sure Shayna is complaining that we’re taking way too long,” said Jake.
“Perplexes exist with the notion that you will solve one question,” said Wren. “The question is always the same. You must feed it by knowing the captive one’s greatest love.”
“Well, that’s easy,” said Conner. “It’s gotta be those boots she’s always going on about.”
“She’s not that shallow!” Seneca snapped. She frowned at Conner and shook her head with discontent. “It’s her family. Shayna loves her family—that’s her greatest love.”
“I have to agree with Seneca on this one,” said Jake. “She was pretty torn up when Dreya died, and she’d only known her for like a second.”
“She pretends like she’s detached, but she really loves her family,” added Seneca.
“Whatever. I still say it’s the boots, but if you guys say family, then we can go with it,” said Conner.
“It is love of family?” asked Wren.
“Yes, family,” said Seneca. She looked to Jake and Conner for confirmation, and they both nodded in agreement. Conner mumbled something inaudible and then grunted before folding his arms in protest.
“You must now use the power of projection to disengage the charm by tapping in on the love for her family,” said Wren.
“The power of projection?” Jake repeated.
“How are we supposed to do that?” asked Seneca. “It sounds complicated.”
“Only the first time, and then it becomes easier,” said Wren. “The important thing is not to doubt your intentions, as the perplex will only allow one try.”
“Excuse me. One try?” Jake asked. “What happens if we have it wrong—if her family isn’t her greatest love?”
“Then she will be enveloped in the perplex for eternity or be released to a realm unknown,” said Wren. Her tone was even, and there was no change in the inflection in her voice.
“Hold on a minute—this is just a drill, though, like a training exercise. Shayna’s not really in danger, right?” asked Seneca. “Or is she?”
“Magic is not a game. The perplex is pure. As such, there is a possibility Shayna will not be released to us,” said Wren. “Did Rileau not make this clear?”
“Rileau did make it clear,” said Jake. “I’m just hoping Shayna’s not in any danger.”
“The perplex is the closest charm to banishing one to the Inbetween,” replied Wren.
“He said that too,” Seneca said flatly. “He explained it wasn’t the same as what happened to Brigara but that she could end up in another realm.”
“No, it is not the same. You must be aware that Brigara is skilled at conjuring a perplex and may use it to neutralize threats as retribution. As you have discovered, you do not need a triad to cast it,” she said.
“So that’s why Rileau decided on it. Makes sense, I guess,” Jake said inaudibly as he thought about the logic behind the strategy.
“It serves two purposes: first to bond the dominion tighter and second to warn that Brigara might use it against us,” said Seneca. “Yeah, Rileau left that second part out.”
“It would seem so,” said Wren. “No need to dwell on what you cannot change.”
“She’s safe, right?” asked Conner.
“Within the perplex, Shayna is safe. If our attempt to release her fails, then she might be released beyond our reach. She would remain there until her time ends,” said Wren.
“We should have asked more questions!” shouted Seneca. She pulled at her hair and spun around in a circle. “This is so frustrating!”
“Talk about fine-print disclaimers. We definitely shouldn’t have signed on for this one,” added Conner.
“How much time do we have?” asked Seneca frantically.
“Not nearly enough for you to vacillate. You must not wrestle with fear, as you will never persevere,” said Wren.
“You’re acting as if we’re making an easy decision here. This is our friend we’re talking about,” Seneca grumbled.
“Then you must do whatever it takes to save her. You must not hesitate or deliberate. You have to act now,” said Wren. “Do you think you will have time to weigh your options if you are being thrashed with killing spells?”
Wren turned away from Seneca and swiftly moved to inches from Jake. He could feel her icy breath on his face.
“What is your decision?” she asked firmly. Her eyes were fixed on his, and he resisted blinking.
“We get Shayna out of the perplex—now!” he replied. He felt the urge to salute, but he resisted.
“Let’s do this. Shayna needs us!” Conner shouted.
“What’s next, Wren?” asked Seneca. Her wings fluttered quickly. She wiped her damp hands on her jeans. She felt exhausted and nervous. She knew they didn’t have a clue what they were doing.
“Trust your instincts. They are your greatest guide and weapon,” said Wren. “Know it to be true—beyond doubt, fear, and vision.”
“Got it. What do we have to do?” asked Seneca.
“You have declared her greatest love to be family,” said Wren. “You must be sure, as there is no second chance. Is it now clear to all of you?”
“Maybe we need to discuss this some more,” said Conner. “What if we get it wrong?”
“We’re doing it, Conner. Get a grip!” said Jake. “You’re sure, right, Seneca?”
“I think so. I know it’s a risk, but I truly believe Shayna loves her family. There’s no greater love for her,” said Seneca. “And before you say anything, Conner, it’s not the boots.”
“If you say so,” replied Conner. “Family it is. I’m on board.”
“Okay, Wren. We’re ready,” said Jake. He draped his arm a
round Seneca’s shoulders.
He was shaking, but she pretended not to notice. She reached for Conner’s hand, and it almost slid away with the amount of perspiration pooling in his palm. She gripped it hard, and he gave a gentle squeeze in return.
“We need to get Shayna back, so we’re sticking with it. Family has to be the answer. I trust—I mean, we trust Seneca,” said Jake.
He smiled down at her and could hear her words being planted in his thoughts. He grabbed hold of her hand and gave it a gentle pat before pressing her fingers to interlock with his.
Thank you, Jake. We’ll get her back.
“I only need one of you to recite what I tell you. It will be you, Seneca,” said Wren. Her voice was a flat monotone.
“Got it.”
“Seneca, Jake, and Conner, you must each pay close attention. Keep your hands joined, and do not release—no matter what happens. You must maintain your connection. Let us begin. Do exactly as I instruct.”
Wren stretched out her arms with her palms facing up. Seneca and Jake watched her actions as Conner closed his eyes. Jake noticed and shook his hand to get his attention.
“What? Huh?” Conner muttered.
“Pay attention!” snapped Jake.
Seneca took a deep breath and held it. She could feel her palms perspiring, but she tightened her grip on Jake’s hand to ensure a secure hold.
“Recite after me,” said Wren. “Eadrom sos fidjum.”
Seneca complied. She felt her body begin to warm as she repeated the charm.
“Love of family shall be the twine that breaks the bind,” said Wren. “Now you, Seneca.”
“Love of family shall be the twine that breaks the vine—uh, I mean bind,” said Seneca as she glared down at her hands. They were a vibrant scarlet, yet the heat they generated was tolerable. She glanced down to see Jake’s and Conner’s were the same hue. She clutched harder.
“We are done,” said Wren. “You may release your hold.”
Wren lowered her arms and picked up her staff. She walked to a nearby tree stump draped in moss. She sat down and crossed her legs. Seneca followed her with Conner and Jake trailing close behind.