“Okay, give me a second,” said Shayna, closing her eyes to focus. “She said something like ‘She will know what to do about those wings.’”
“She? Who was she talking about? Who is she?” asked Jake. “Is Brigara working with someone else?”
“I believe the elf was being truthful when she declared that it was not Brigara,” said Rileau abruptly. He rubbed his chin and tilted his head upward. “It was not Brigara. Curious circumstances. I must reflect upon this.” He repeated his last statement several times aloud as he nodded slowly.
Jake stared at the continuous chain of smoke that escaped his nostrils. Shayna decided to remain silent before adding anything else. Conner waited patiently without whispering a word. They were all interested in whatever Rileau was thinking.
“You are quite sure about the elf’s last words?” Rileau asked. It was clear he’d already made up his mind but sought a final confirmation just the same.
“Yeah. But I saw her, you guys! Trust me—the same stringy hair and bony fingers and that pitifully bad outfit. It was her. I’m telling you!” Shayna said with exasperation. She was frightened. She tried not to think about what Brigara would be doing to Seneca. It was sickening to imagine the torture and suffering Seneca was probably enduring. She recalled how Seneca had used her wings to block the fireballs being thrust at her, but she knew it was probably only a matter of time before the wings would no longer be an effective defense. She looked at Rileau with tears welling in her eyes. “We’ve got to save Seneca from Brigara. We just have to,” she pleaded.
“It was not Brigara!” Rileau said adamantly. “However, I do suspect the encounter was with a dubious follower. A dupelene, to be exact. Had it actually been Brigara, it is likely you would not be seated before us. Nor would I have hopes for Seneca’s survival. She is quite clever in her deceit, however. That is also quite telling.”
“What do you mean it wasn’t her?” asked Shayna. She hiccupped slightly and was reminded of her parched throat. “Then who the heck was she?”
“Obviously, it’s someone clever enough to fool people,” said Jake. “Fireballs and all! That’s some powerful magic to have going for this dupelene person.”
“Yes, it is quite disturbing,” Rileau said gravely. “It will take much to disarm such a power. The wrong attempt could be fatal.”
Shayna’s jaw dropped. She hadn’t learned to defend against fire spheres. Seneca had her wings for defense, but what did she have? She had a feeling she would be facing the fake Brigara soon, but stopping that kind of attack was beyond her abilities. She bit her bottom lip in contemplation.
“Whoa! Our crazy teacher has a look-alike roaming around?” asked Conner. “An actual Brigara evil twin?”
“Not exactly, but we are dealing with someone who has been in Brigara’s close proximity,” said Rileau. “It would seem Brigara has lured a rare dupelene to be under her control. Their gifts are not merely to look like another but to replicate mannerisms and basic magical abilities,” he explained. “Changing the outer appearance is a simple enchantment for a dupelene, but to mimic one’s gifts is a bit more involved. In order for them to duplicate gifts of another, the gifts must first be revealed and then used. Only then can they be mimicked.”
“Holy horse droppings! This dupelene thing can do all that?” asked Conner.
“Indeed, and far more. They are a rare talent in our Otherworld,” said Rileau.
“And you’re sure that’s who grabbed Seneca? A dupelene who took on the form of Brigara? Are we going to have to face a lot of them?” Jake asked.
“They are quite rare elementals. I was led to believe they were all removed from this realm since their powers can be corrupted. Their natural state is one of trust and innocence. This makes them vulnerable, and they may easily be misled or manipulated.”
“That sounds sad,” said Shayna. “Being controlled by Brigara must suck.”
“It is most unfortunate; however, you must not pity them, as they are quite dangerous.”
“How dangerous?” Jake asked. He felt his stomach tightening. The more Rileau spoke, the more anxious he was becoming.
“They come into existence as mimics, and as such, they are able to duplicate the magic they witness. Brigara obviously displayed her gifts for this particular dupelene. She is using it for her own gain,” said Rileau.
“And this dupelene is mimicking dark magic,” said Jake. “Like Brigara’s fireballs and making portals.”
“Precisely,” said Rileau.
“Let me get this straight. If she has to see it to copy it, then does that mean Brigara is here in the Otherworld?” asked Jake. He felt his heart jump in his chest.
“I am not convinced of that. The dupelene is likely to have held on to the mimic of Brigara until the time was right.”
“But it’s possible—Brigara could be back?” asked Jake.
“It is in the realm of possibilities,” said Rileau. “However, I do not believe she has returned. Her ego would not allow another to stand in her place. She craves the attention to boast of her conquests. It is most definitely a dupelene.”
“But she looks, sounds, and acts just like her,” said Shayna. “That’s creepy to be able to look like someone else, especially someone as hideous as Brigara.”
“Yes, that is essential to their mimic. It must be a complete transformation,” replied Rileau. “You must understand—do not confuse the dupelene with Brigara. It is not her, and you must accept this.”
“She definitely fooled me—I swear it was so much like her,” said Shayna. “I’m positive Seneca will think so too.”
“Well, she convinced you,” said Conner. “I’m freaking out, and I haven’t even seen her yet.”
“How long can the mimic last?” asked Jake. “Is there a time limit?”
“Excellent question. The mimic is temporary and can only be sustained for short bursts. The more complicated the magic, such as the fireball orbs, the shorter it lasts. My guess is that time may affect the results as well,” said Rileau.
“Since she was hurling so many fireballs and also opened a portal, do you think she’s lost the ability to produce Brigara’s power?” Jake asked.
“We should be prepared for the possibility that whatever power she is able to mimic might still be lethal,” replied Rileau.
Shayna gasped. The thought of two dangerous people looking alike and having the same powers was incomprehensible. “Do you suppose the dupelene’s torturing Seneca right now?” she asked.
“It is most probable that Seneca is highly uncomfortable,” said Rileau. “I surmise that she is being held until Brigara’s return.”
“We’ve gotta get Seneca back!” Shayna said as she threw off the blanket and leaped to her feet. “If the two of them team up, there’s no telling what they might do.”
“I concur. It is my hope that Seneca can prompt her to attack, thus diminishing the velocity of the orbs. It should not be too difficult to provoke such actions, as dupelenes are not known for their patience. They have quite a temper. The more orbs the dupelene creates, the better Seneca’s chances for survival,” said Rileau.
“How much time do you think we have?” asked Conner. He made no attempt to hide his worry.
“I hate thinking about Seneca having to deal with this alone. She’s probably scared out of her mind,” Shayna said softly.
“From what I know of the dupelenes, they must reduplicate continuously to maintain the magic they have mimicked. Otherwise, they return to their natural state,” said Rileau. “I am hopeful she has expended what magic she replicated from Brigara. It will be Seneca’s best chance to survive.”
“The worst-case scenario: she reaches Brigara before we get to Seneca,” Jake said. His mind raced quickly in an attempt to come up with a strategy. He knew they had to take action without further delay.
“I do shar
e your thoughts, Jake. We must not allow the dupelene to reach Brigara by any means to strengthen or replenish her mimic,” replied Rileau.
“No way are we letting that happen! We’ve got to find Seneca!” Jake shouted.
“Hopefully retaliate with a vengeance!” said Shayna. “I know Seneca learned some powerful stuff from Wren. So that poor imitation Brigara thingy had better watch out!” She could feel the warmth returning to her body. She was determined to find her friend, her sister, no matter the cost.
“Let’s get going!” Conner shouted. He balled one hand into a fist and punched the palm of his other. He yelled an incoherent battle cry and stomped several times in place as the others looked on. “I’m pumped!”
“What do we do? How do we find them?” Shayna asked. She was ready to take action. Witnessing Conner’s display of emotion made her heart race with even more urgency.
“Tell us what to do and where to go!” Jake said. He trembled from the surge of adrenaline rushing through his veins.
“It would seem you are ready; this is good,” said Rileau. “Very good.”
He extended his hand to Shayna and did a slight bow. She placed her hand atop his. She looked into his mesmerizing eyes as he raised his head momentarily and then looked down at her. She felt slightly feverish as she bit her bottom lip and scrunched her nose in anticipation of his response.
“Now is the time to put some good use to your reflectoire,” he said. “The truest use of this gift is to act as a guide for you and the others.”
“I’m getting better. I got back here, didn’t I?”
“Yeah, but you’re a bit soggy,” said Conner. “Before you go ballistic on me, I’m not teasing you this time. You should probably put on something dry.”
“You’re right—I’ll be back!”
Shayna ran in the direction of the stairwell and bounded up the steep stairs, skipping several steps at a time. Although she was brave, she longed to find a bed to crawl into where she could pull a warm comforter over her head and forget the danger they were about to face. Falling back into the routine she’d left behind in the mortal realm would be a snap. She envisioned her bedroom and the condition in which she’d left it on the morning she’d gone off to school. She hadn’t thought about cheer practice, her father, or the multitude of social events she’d missed for quite some time. Thinking about what she’d left behind seemed trivial. Her life had meaning and purpose. It was much more than pep rallies, high kicks, and sticking dismounts. She was becoming a warrior. She pushed the door to her room open and immediately disrobed and tossed her wet clothes onto the floor.
Jake had waited until he was sure Shayna was out of listening range. He knew she was worked up, and the pressure was mounting. They were all relying on her to get them to Seneca. He worried how she would handle it if she fell short in her efforts.
“Rileau, we didn’t choose to be involved in this war, and look what’s happened. Seneca’s in danger, and we don’t know how much. And now we’re expecting Shayna to find her?” Jake’s face flushed red.
“Actually, you chose to be in this war. You all did,” replied Rileau. “Specifically, you, Jake. You have always known your destiny. Your ego would not allow you to accept it.”
“But—”
“You’ve always had an unquenchable thirst to be better than ordinary. You’ve never been satisfied because you’ve always sensed that you were meant to do more, to be more. You are like your father and his father before him,” said Rileau.
“My father? What are you talking about? What do you know about my father?”
“I know that the man who reared you is not your natural father. You have been made aware of this. Am I correct?”
Jake shrugged and didn’t respond. He knew Rileau spoke the truth. He was accurate in his assessment. Jake did believe he was meant to do more than the norm. He’d never quite fit in. He gathered it was because he was from the Otherworld, but he had little else to go on. He cast his eyes to his feet and focused on his mud-caked cross-trainers. He recalled buying them with the father he’d grown up with. He had been excited that day; he was getting a top-of-the-line pair of shoes just before starting the new school. It had been a rare outing they’d made together, and he remembered enjoying the one-on-one time. He wondered if the father who’d raised him knew that he was the offspring of someone else. His heart fluttered momentarily, but he regrouped and pushed the sentimental memory away. He had to focus on the present.
“You’re right. We do have a choice in this war. And I want to end it without any of us getting hurt,” said Jake somberly. He didn’t want another verbal sparring match, so conceding was the best option.
“That is an admirable goal. Let’s see if we can accomplish it,” said Rileau.
They all looked up as Shayna came charging into the room. Her hair was brushed and barely damp, and a change of clothes draped her lean frame perfectly. Her favorite boots were strapped tightly and polished to perfection.
“Let’s get going—we need to bring Seneca back like a Chanel vintage handbag!”
“Oh yeah!” shouted Conner with a fist pump over his head.
“Are you ready to use your reflectoire as it is intended? It will mean that you must embrace the connection of the dominion. By doing so, you will propel the three of you to Seneca’s location,” said Rileau. “Your time in the perplex will now be tested.”
“This is major! What if she transports us into the middle of the sea or to the edge of a cliff?” said Conner. “Or in front of an oncoming wrecking ball? Ouch!”
“Conner’s got a point. Shayna hasn’t exactly mastered the teleporting yet,” said Jake as he grimaced and shot a worried look at her. “You know what I’m saying, right?”
“Look, you guys, I might not be perfect, but I didn’t get appointed cheer captain just because I wanted it. I’m fierce, and I know I can do this!” said Shayna. She swung one hand above her head and snapped while placing the other hand on her hip for emphasis.
“Fierce is a good way to describe you. Also, well, there is that gift-of-persuasion thing you’ve got going on and maybe—” Conner smirked, getting a glimpse of Shayna’s expression, which he took to mean he’d better stop talking.
“No, it’s determination! I refuse to fail!” said Shayna. “Seneca’s counting on us to get to her, and we will. If using my reflectoire is the way, then it’s happening. Unless one of you has some other negative thing to say—actually, scratch that. Don’t talk! Swallow it, and let’s do this. Got it?”
Jake and Conner exchanged looks and decided to remain silent. She was right, and they were not about to argue or protest. Jake smiled, and she flashed a wide grin in return.
“You just might be the dominion that has been prophesied,” said Rileau. His expression was one of pride and satisfaction.
“I believe we’re ready, Rileau,” said Shayna. “Let’s get our Seneca back!”
“Shayna, join hands with Conner and Jake. No matter what happens, you must not let go. You must follow my instructions precisely and without hesitation,” he said.
“What do we do once we get there and find her?” asked Jake.
“You return here at your first opportunity,” said Rileau. “That means all four of you.”
“Understood!” Jake said as he grabbed Shayna’s hand, and she looked at him and smiled. “We can do this. I trust you, Shayna.”
He gave her hand a firm squeeze. Shayna tried to squeeze back, but his hand was too heavy. It was uncomfortable, and she wanted to resist complaining, but her fingers were going numb. She decided it was better to speak up than risk losing all circulation to her hand.
“Loosen your grip just a bit, please,” whispered Shayna.
“Ah, yeah, sorry,” muttered Jake. “I just wanted to be sure I kept up with you, but I do trust you.”
“Me too. I’m with you one hundred
percent. Go big, or go home!” Conner said as he slid his hand into Shayna’s. “I don’t mean literally to go home, you know. What I meant to say is, we’ve got this, Shayna. No doubts!”
“I understand. Okay. It looks like we’re ready, Rileau. Let’s do it,” said Shayna.
“Listen to my voice, and do not activate your reflectoire until everything I say is precise. You must not let go of the image or sensation that will propel you to Seneca,” said Rileau. “Seneca has a connection to each of you, and together you must bridge that bond. Her voice is unique. Listen, and hear it speak to you. Her wings have touched each of you. Feel them. Her hair, her eyes, and the light that shines from them see you. Now you must see her.”
Shayna closed her eyes. She felt the now familiar sensation; it was somewhat similar to what she experienced when she commanded her sword. The reflectoire was finally beginning to feel as if it were truly a part of her. She relaxed into the confidence of knowing she could channel the power it generated. She was no longer afraid of failure. She tightened her grip on Conner’s and Jake’s hands.
“Get ready for an adventure like no other you’ve ever experienced,” she whispered.
Jake held his breath, and Conner bit down on his lower lip. He closed his eyes right at the moment a light breeze blew across his face. They were in motion, and he could no longer feel the floor beneath his feet. He focused on his hand, and suddenly, his grip slipped away. He opened his eyes in search of Shayna’s hands just as he stumbled forward. He fell in a heap on top of Jake, who had already landed on Shayna. She had ended up at the bottom of the pile.
“Get off me,” she muttered. She pushed and crawled out of the entanglement.
“Where are we?” Jake whispered. “Did we make it?”