“Yes, Conner, it is you who must ensure Brigara does not break through the door that secures this chamber. It is the only way out. To escape will be her first impulse. She will not hesitate to do whatever is possible to exit this chamber,” Rileau said. “You must prevent this, and by all means, do not allow her to use the Book of Grimoire.”
“Don’t let her get out, and guard the book. Okay, so what do I do?” Conner asked. Sweat poured down his hairline as he pulled at the collar of his shirt and craned his neck side to side. Even the crystals were of no assistance in lowering his spiked temperature.
“You will stand guard and not let her pass. No matter what distractions she creates, you must stand firm and righteous. Do you understand?”
“Yeah, I get it. I’d be happier with a suit of armor or at least a breastplate,” Conner muttered. He nodded nervously with squinted eyes and a stiff grimace.
“You must be brave and focused on the task you have been assigned. You have the light of the Himalayan crystals within you, as it is buckled around your waist within your very soul,” said Rileau. “Tighten it, and call on your power to come forward. You must stand your ground and not let her pass.”
Conner relaxed as he wiped the sweat from his palms onto his pants. Rileau’s words gave him a sense of calm. He felt confident and reflected back on the strength he had received from the crystals. He surveyed his hands. They had a slight shimmer, something he hadn’t noticed before. He pulled his shoulders back and raised his chin. He was ready.
“What about us? What do we have to do?” Seneca asked, wide-eyed. “I don’t want to be near her when she gets here.” She hoped her place was well beyond the reach of Brigara when she appeared. She fiddled nervously as she thought back to the terror she’d felt in dealing with a mere duplicate of the wicked druid. Anticipating the moment when she would face the real one was terrifying.
“You will do precisely as I tell you. You must remember to seize the Book of Grimoire. Do not become distracted, as she must not be allowed to use it,” Rileau warned.
“Got it. Book first, and then we take her down!” Shayna exclaimed. Unlike Conner and Seneca, she was anxious for the confrontation. She held Brigara accountable for all that had happened, from the death of her grandmother Dreya to the encounter that had led to the loss of Wren’s sister. She desperately wanted to end the conflict in the Otherworld. She could then reunite with her mother and find a way to return to the mortal realm to see her father.
“You must first take your seats,” Rileau instructed.
He ushered them toward the gilded chairs. Without hesitation, they did as they were told. Conner took his place near the door. Jake scanned the room and tried to imagine what must have happened during the ceremony that had ultimately removed her from the Otherworld. He wondered if the elder druids had felt any hesitation or ambivalence toward their mission. He knew they had faltered and hadn’t thought everything through. They weren’t amateurs and certainly knew more about Brigara, magic, and what ramifications to expect. Jake and his friends were at a disadvantage, and he didn’t care for the odds.
“Rileau, maybe we should use all four of us in the ceremony. We’re supposed to be a foursome, right?” Jake said. “The dominion should make us stronger.”
“It must be three who create the breach. It is the power of three that separates the realms,” Rileau said. “Four is a neutral vibration that links all existence together. It will take the off-balance number of three to force the seal between the realms to tilt. This shift is needed to force a fracture and open a gateway.”
“What do you think is going to happen? Is there something you’re not telling us?” asked Seneca. She could sense that Rileau was still holding back. She had watched his bleak expression. He wasn’t being forthcoming, and she knew it.
“I regret that I cannot be present when the gateway opens,” he said somberly. “It is you who crossed to our Otherworld, and in keeping this balance, it is you who must open it. It is the only way the magic will take hold.”
“What?” Shayna screamed. “We need you!” She jumped from her seat and faced him as tears welled. “You’ve got to help us! We have absolutely no idea what we’re doing!”
“None!” Conner added. He leaned against the door and banged his head, as his legs were begging to collapse.
“I will assist by guiding you in the incantation, but my presence is not allowed. I cannot interfere,” said Rileau. “You cannot dwell on what you do not have. You must focus on what is. You all have what is necessary to bring Brigara forth and hold her here until she can be properly dealt with.”
“Properly dealt with,” Jake repeated slowly. “You mean killed, don’t you?”
“It is not for me to make that determination, as the Elder Elf Council will have the say in that matter. They have taken the position of the elder druids in these times. They will decide her fate.”
Before he continued, the door opened slightly. Conner dodged as three arcane sprites fluttered inside and swarmed Rileau. Their voices were low hums, and no distinguishable language could be detected by Jake as he leaned in to listen. He sat back when the sprites abruptly retreated. The door closed silently. Rileau turned slowly to face them.
“I’m sure they had plenty to say, and it’s etched in their latest edition of the Prophecy Gazette,” Shayna huffed. She stood up and ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. “Come on. Spit it out! What’s the deal?”
“It is time,” replied Rileau.
“Let’s get on with this,” said Seneca flatly. She felt exhausted. She pulled Shayna to her seat; Shayna was despondent and did not resist. “We can do this. We are meant to do this,” Seneca said reassuringly. She rubbed Shayna’s back between her shoulder blades until she could feel the tension release as she exhaled.
“Okay. I’m okay,” Shayna said. “Just thought we had more firepower, but I’m good to go.” She refused to look directly at Rileau, but she could smell smoke filling the room. Her eyes narrowed as she allowed her anger to replace her fear. “I can’t wait to see the old bat again. I owe her for what she’s done to my family.”
“Yeah, I can relate to that,” said Seneca softly.
“Tell us what we need to say, Rileau,” Jake said as he looked to Shayna and Seneca for confirmation. He shifted nervously in his seat, straddling it like a bull rider in a chute, waiting for the gate to open.
“You will repeat the incantation thrice over and in unison. Remember, you must focus on the Book of Grimoire. Do not be detracted by her cunningness. She will attempt to dissuade you from what you seek,” said Rileau grimly. “Conner, once I take my leave, you shall assume guard of the exit. I will remain on the other side. When she is under your control, you must summon me without delay.”
“Got it,” said Conner. He pushed his back against the wall in preparation. His confidence was returning. He cracked his knuckles and flexed his arms.
“Seneca, it is likely Brigara will focus on you. She is aware that you are a druid. Do not falter. You are a powerful elemental, and she is quite aware, as it was you who held your ground against the dupelene,” said Rileau grimly. “And, Jake, Brigara will likely attempt to bait you, as you have the blood of those she truly envies. You, my fair Shayna, shall be the one she tries to lure to her side. You are of the same bloodline, and she will seek to prey upon your familiar connection.”
“Not a chance in hell!” said Shayna angrily. “We’re not falling for her nonsense!”
Jake was pleased that Shayna had spoken on their behalf. They were all feeling the same. They would not be pawns in Brigara’s game. Rileau’s words rang in his ears. Why would Brigara envy him? It didn’t make sense, but all aspects of the despicable woman were a ball of confusion.
“Let us begin,” said Rileau impassively. “Once I take my leave, you will recite the following.” He proceeded to reveal the incantation:
Gamma of past, ash of present, dawn of the unforeseen.
Our thoughts, our words, our deeds shall link the realms between.
One shall open whilst another shall close,
hence the jarring of the opening to unfold.
“Do you understand all that I have said?” Rileau asked.
They acknowledged they understood. He hastily left the room, shutting the heavy door behind him. Conner slid in front of it and nodded. His eyes were fixated on the center chair, his chin jutted out, and his lips stretched into a thin line. He was ready. Jake reached out and took hold of Shayna’s hand and then Seneca’s. His palms were moist with sweat as he held their hands securely. Neither resisted his tight grip.
“Let’s get this party started!” Shayna said.
They recited the words Rileau had spoken. Shayna took a deep breath as they began repeating it a second time. They exchanged nervous glances. Seneca clasped Jake’s hand tightly as they said the spell for the third and final time.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Family Betrayal
They had failed to ask Rileau what to expect. Without articulating it out loud, each of them had anticipated a grand entrance involving smoke or fire—anything grandiose that would signify the moment Brigara had crossed from the mortal world back into the Otherworld. To their dismay, there was no rumbling or bright flash of light to jolt them into readiness. Brigara simply appeared. There before them, in the center seat, sat the person they despised more than anyone they had ever encountered.
Brigara returned their stares through piercing bloodshot eyes. A lack of sleep was etched across her gaunt, pale skin. She rose slowly to manage her instability. Her spindly fingers stretched wide as she smoothed her clothing into place. Jake, Shayna, and Seneca quickly scrambled to their feet. They slid behind their chairs and formed a line to face her. Brigara shifted her focus and snarled. She tilted her head as if she were listening to something. Her expression changed, and she jerked with a flash of frustration. She scrunched her lips and lifted an eyebrow before tossing her head back. Her nostrils flared as she got a whiff of the air, and then she rolled her eyes and shook her head in disgust.
“I do dread the smell of adolescents,” she scoffed. “It would appear you have learned a bit about summoning. I am sure you had assistance, as none of you has an aptitude of any depth. You can be sure I will not be trifled with!”
Shayna opened her mouth slightly but resisted responding. Seneca could feel the heat coming off Shayna. She grabbed hold of her hand in an effort to calm her down. Shayna let out a slow exhalation as she licked her lips. Jake watched Brigara’s movements. They were prepared to respond to anything she attempted. Without turning around, he could hear Conner’s heavy breathing.
Brigara lifted a hand above her head and waved it back and forth as if she were in a parade procession. The Book of Grimoire was visible. She held it securely in the fold of her arm, pressed firmly to her frail frame. She began to slowly meander around the perimeter of the room, waving her free hand through the air while her eyes scanned the walls. Jake, Shayna, and Seneca turned to follow her movements. She stepped around Conner and smirked. She continued her stroll until she returned to where she’d begun.
All eyes were on Brigara, and she knew it. She cackled in delight. She lowered her hand as a white mist rose from the floor and looped around her feet. The slow-moving mist circled around her several times and then trailed off, creating another circle of mist next to her. Out of the mist rose a duplicate image of Brigara. The trail of mist moved on, looping and circling slowly, until another image rose from it. Another duplicate of Brigara appeared. Three equally jarring replicas of the druid stood menacingly shoulder to shoulder. They were living, breathing, and snarling in exactly the same way.
Together they began lapping the room, the mist creating more bodies every few steps. Their movements were identical, as were their expressions and clothing. Each had a book tucked under her arm. The cackle they made grew louder with each replication.
“What’s happening?” Shayna yelled. “How’s she doing that? She’s not supposed to be able to use dark magic in here!”
Jake didn’t answer. He didn’t know what to make of it either. His eyes locked on the parade of evil druids. Seneca remained silent as she counted the rapidly multiplying images. There are seven, now eight, now nine, she thought as she witnessed the hypnotic process repeat. Her wings emerged and spread wide as she grabbed hold of Jake’s arm. Shayna summoned her sword, which materialized and vibrated as she clutched the hilt. They glared in horror as Brigara continued to create more images of herself. They lined the outer edges of the room in a single-file formation.
“I don’t get how she’s doing this,” Seneca whispered. “It should be impossible.”
“Maybe the Book of Grimoire gave her extra power that even Rileau was unaware of,” said Shayna. Her voice was lowered, but she could tell from the shift of the eyes of the multiple Brigaras that she was overheard.
Jake pulled the girls into a tight huddle. He heard Conner nervously clear his throat. Although he knew it was futile, he gave a hand motion to let Conner know that he needed to relax. Conner’s eyes widened in response, but he remained at his post.
“It’s not dark magic. That’s why it’s working,” Jake said in a hushed voice.
“She’s using light magic?” asked Shayna.
“Yeah, but not in the way you think. She’s using science!”
“Science?” asked Seneca and Shayna simultaneously.
“She’s using the crystals in the walls. They have that optical-illusion effect, like you were saying, Shayna,” Jake explained. “She’s creating double images because of how the light is refracting from them. It’s all just tricks with the light and crystals.”
“Okay, so it’s not dark magic. That makes sense, but what do we do about it? I’ve got no idea which one is the real one or which book to grab,” said Shayna.
“We need to put something over the crystals—a barrier of some kind. That should stop the doubling effect,” said Jake.
“We need to block them out. Okay, I’m following you,” said Seneca. “How?”
“There’s nothing in here besides us, a few chairs, and way too many ugly druids. I’m not talking about you, Seneca,” said Shayna. She scrunched her nose and shrugged.
“I wasn’t worried,” Seneca said dryly.
“I’ve got it!” Jake said with a slight jolt. He struggled to keep his voice low, but it was masked by the increasing volume of Brigara’s cackles. “I can throw up a wall of water, and then you know what to do after that, right, Seneca?” Jake asked.
“Oh yeah. I’m going to enjoy it too!” replied Seneca, feeling jubilant with anticipation.
“What about me? What do I do?” asked Shayna as she peeked out from the huddle. She counted at least thirteen Brigaras marching around the room. All of their heads, with the same stringy dark hair, whipped around and glared at her with the same lackluster expression.
“Ew, they’re so creepy!” Shayna said. Jake tapped her shoulder to regain her attention. She ducked her head back inside the huddle. “Way too dreadful.”
“Shayna, she’s trying to intimidate us. We can’t let her,” said Seneca. “This is just a stall tactic.”
“Yeah, but she might come up with something else. What’s the plan, Jake?”
“Listen, Shayna, once all of the fake Brigaras are gone, you need to go for the book,” said Jake. “She’ll probably come up with something clever to stop you, but remember, your sword is of light, so you can use it. Get ready to follow my lead. I will give a signal.” Jake stood up straight and raised his hands. Shayna and Seneca stepped back.
A swirling pool of crystal-blue water appeared at his feet. It quickly picked up speed with each revolution. Shayna was mesmerized as she slid to his side and watched the pool expand. Jake caught Seneca’s
eye, and she gave a nod. She turned her palms upward and allowed two perfect spheres of ice to form. They spun and hovered in midair. Conner watched with fascination until he realized he needed to be prepared. He spread his legs wide and pushed his chest out; he balled his hands to form tight fists. His brow furrowed as he flexed his muscles.
Brigara was preoccupied with the continuous formation of her likeness. Her loud cackling transitioned into screeching laughter that sounded like harsh chirps from a flock of ravens. The expanding pool of water finally captured her attention. The duplicate heads turned in unison with eyes bulged. The entire procession came to a sudden halt, and the laughter ceased. Before the Brigaras had time to react, Jake gave the signal.
“Now!” he shouted.
He shoved his hands downward, spread them wide, and then raised them above his head. The water followed his command and thrust high in the air. Seneca’s wings reacted with a blink, and blasts of dagger-like ice shards sprang from the tips. They met the wave of water as it peaked, freezing it upon contact. A solid wall of ice formed from ceiling to floor. Jake turned quickly and shot another wave of water straight into the air. Seneca kept the timing perfect as she sent two more daggers of ice into the targeted water. Without relenting, they continued turning and repeating their movements. One by one, the conjured images of Brigara disappeared. Each wall of ice caused the evaporation of more illusions of Brigara. The crystal walls were completely obscured. They had created a full barrier of ice that encircled them. Shayna, Seneca, and Jake stood on one side. Brigara, now alone, stood on the other. She was stunned as she eyed the icy enclosure.
Shayna lunged and swiped her sword just inches from Brigara’s face. Brigara instinctively reacted by raising both hands to block the blade. The Book of Grimoire dropped to the floor. Brigara’s eyes narrowed as she became aware that she’d been caught off guard. She scanned the room quickly, and her lips tightened as she returned her glare to meet Shayna’s tear-filled eyes. Shayna’s hands trembled, and the sword felt heavier than usual. She teetered slightly and blinked hard. Her heart was beating double time and ached in her chest. She gulped and told herself to stay steady. She struggled against the impulse that beckoned her to end the despised druid’s life.