Alora: The Portal (16 page)

Wesley rolled his eyes. “Believe me, he lets me know how smart he is all the time.”

“What’s wrong with you?” Alora asked Kaevin, who sat with his arms crossed and a surly expression on his face.

Kaevin responded with a sharp shake of his head, pressing his lips together until they blanched.

“But touching metal or holding metal won’t prevent a person from transporting?” asked Steven.

“Not unless the metal tightly encircles a part of the body,” Graely explained. “Warriors will wear a belt of iron to prevent an enemy from transporting them against their will. And a prisoner in shackles cannot be freed by transport. Yet an iron ring will simply slip off the finger.”

“They have all kinds of magic over there,” Wesley added. “It’s kind of like Tolkien, with wizards and such. And some people can tell if you’re lying. And some people are strong like Hercules. And some people can open locks with their bare hands…”

“We didn’t call you home so you could study another realm.” Brian grabbed Steven’s arm, stopping him in midstride. “We want to solve the mystery about Daegreth and how the two of you look so much alike. We want to know if he could possibly be related to our family.”

“Well, I suppose we could send off a couple of DNA samples and see what we have in common.” Steven chewed on his lower lip.

“Rather than determine why you look alike, you should find a way to save his life.” Judging by the shocked looks on his audience’s faces, Kaevin’s emphatic words seemed to take everyone by surprise. “Can you not find a way to remove Daegreth’s bloodbond with Vindrake? Can some of your fancy things with lights and buttons do something to his blood? Something to take away Vindrake’s power over him?”

Alora’s sharp intake of breath coincided with a drink she’d been swallowing, causing a coughing fit.
Since when is Kaevin concerned with Daegreth’s wellbeing?

“A ‘bloodbond’ you say? Maybe it’s something circulating in his blood. I read about a blood filtering process… I think they called it plasmaphoresis.” Steven pursed his lips as his eyes narrowed. “It could be worth a try, right? But we’d have to find a doctor willing to do the filtering without asking questions.”

“Blood filtering… What is this blood thing you speak of?” Daegreth spoke up for the first time, appearing less than excited about the prospect of having something done to his blood.

“No worries, Daegreth.” Steven clapped him on the shoulder. “They just pump your blood out into this machine that filters the bad stuff out, and puts it back in. That’s all. No big deal.”

“You have done this thing to yourself before?” Daegreth asked him.

“No way. Not me; I’m afraid of needles.” Steven cackled with laughter as Daegreth furrowed his brows.

“You should call Doc Sanders, Charles. I bet he could help us,” Brian suggested.

Charles groaned as he pulled out his phone. “I’m sure the hospital will be
thrilled
to have Daegreth back again.”

“Why would the healing house be
thrilled
?” asked Graely.

“Sorry. A bit of sarcasm. They might not let him in at all. Not after he attacked the lab guy who came to take his blood.”

“He can use my ID and be me,” Steven suggested, pulling out his wallet to retrieve his driver’s license. “With a shave and a haircut, no one will recognize him from before.”

Charles stared at the picture on Steven’s card. “It just might work. Certainly worth a try.”

“Meanwhile, I have other news from the council meeting last night in Laegenshire.” Graely raised his voice and waited until the room grew silent once again.

“The council has decided locating and sealing the portal is even more important than removing the soulmate bond between Alora and Kaevin. Using the same logic as us, Vindrake must realize a portal exists near the place he kept Wendelle imprisoned. We must prevent him from traveling to this realm via the portal.”

Steven sat up straight, with a rather eager expression. “So there are two different ways to travel between our two worlds? You can hitch a ride with Alora or walk through some kind of warped opening, like a wormhole?”

Wesley buried his face in his hands, muttering something unintelligible including the words, “shut up” and “wormhole.”

Graely’s brows creased together as he scratched the back of his head. “We can pass between our realms with a bearer and, at present, Alora is the only active bearer. We could also utilize the portal if the Tenavae opening weren’t located in the heart of Vindrake’s territory. Its location is the issue at hand. Should Vindrake find and utilize the portal, he would have access to all of this realm’s magick, and he wouldn’t hesitate to utilize this magick against the other clans.”

“Are you saying he could bring guns and ammunition and bombs and such back through the portal to Tenavae?” asked Charles.

“I’m not certain of the meaning of your words,” said Graely, his expression grave. “But anything can be carried through a portal; iron isn’t excluded as with Alora’s gift. His warriors could come here and retrieve any type of weapon in existence.”

Brian and Charles exchanged a look of horror. “Guns and bombs are the least of it,” said Charles. “He could bring people back through the portal. Imagine if he joined with terrorists or people with access to nuclear or chemical weapons. He could destroy their entire world,” said Charles.

Alora’s mouth felt dry as cotton. At her side, Kaevin wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulder, and she melted against him.

“Finding and closing the portal is imperative,” said Graely. “The weapon you hold in your hand could go through the portal, Brian.”

He nodded, staring at the gun as if it might explode at any moment. “We’ll help any way we can. What do you need?”

As had become their habit after breakfast
, Alora washed the dishes while Kaevin attended to the outdoor chores that once were hers. Hanging the dishtowel to dry, she kissed Uncle Charles on the cheek, announcing her intent to take a shower. But from her bedroom, she transported to the stable for a few moments of alone-time with Kaevin. She cherished these tender moments, finding no enjoyment from holding hands or tender kisses with an audience, especially a hostile one such as her uncle. His suspicious and critical observation threw water on any spark that might have otherwise kindled.

“Good morning.” Kaevin leaned forward to press his lips to hers in a gentle kiss, tucking his chore-dirty hands behind him. Though his face wore a smile, Alora could sense something was wrong. And she suspected that “something” had to do with their heretofore-compulsory attendance at school.

“Are you ready for the science test today?”

His eyes narrowed as he turned away, retrieving the shovel and attacking the stall with vigor. “I’ve done what I can to prepare, but I doubt the results will be better than the last time.”

“So… I’ve been talking to Beth’s mom about the possibility of homeschooling.”

“Homeschooling? What’s homeschooling?” Kaevin continued to muck the stall, but she could tell his curiosity was piqued.

“I’d go to Beth’s house, and her mom would teach me there. Her mom—you know, her name is Janice—she used to teach high school before Beth’s dad died and she was stuck taking care of the ranch.”

“So you wouldn’t go to the high school any longer?”

“No, I’d just go to Beth’s house on the days I had classes and study from home the rest of the time.” Alora bit back a smile at his rapturous expression.

If only I had a camera to record the look on his face.

“And me? What would I do?”

“You’d go with me, of course. And you wouldn’t have to take any classes except for— Oh my gosh! Kaevin! What are you doing?”

Kaevin lifted her, spinning and laughing. “Yes! Yes! Yes! Homeschooling sounds perfect!”

Alora giggled. “Okay, but put me down.” She beat playfully on his shoulders, but he held her fast.

“When can we start? Today? I must say I’m surprised Charles agreed. Father knows, as well?”

“Well… that’s the thing. I haven’t actually talked to my uncle or your dad.”

“Oh.” He loosened his grip, and she slid to the floor, still encircled in his arms. His mouth drooped. “Charles will never approve, and Father will take Charles’ side.”

“I disagree. I think we have a good chance of convincing them. Janice is really excited about it, and she can use the extra money. It would free our schedule up a lot since I wouldn’t have to go to class every day. Even if I were in Tenavae, I could bring a book along and do my schoolwork. Janice says, if I work hard, I could finish high school in a year and a half, or maybe less. That way I’d be free to move to Tenavae permanently when I’m seventeen.”

“I don’t believe you should mention that to your uncle. He doesn’t seem excited about the prospect of you living in Tenavae with me.”

“True. I’ll leave that part out for now. And there’s another little problem. I have to convince Uncle Charles to spend the money to pay Janice. He’s pretty tight.”

“Tight?”

“That means he holds on tight to his money.”

“Ah, I see. He doesn’t like to spend his coin. Perhaps I could entreat Father to contribute some gold.”

“I was thinking you could take classes from Janice as well.”

Kaevin’s face contracted as if he’d bitten into a lemon. “I’d rather not.”

“Not the same as high school. Not science and history and stuff like that. But you’re really good at math, and you could learn physics.”

Although he’d never had any formal math training, Kaevin had breezed through all the elementary concepts and was tackling algebra and geometry concurrently.
Maybe that means our kids will have a chance at being good at math. Wait! I can’t be thinking about having kids with Kaevin.
She ducked her head as she felt the heat rising in her face.

“Perhaps Father might be more willing to contribute if I were taking lessons as well.” He seemed oblivious to her flushed cheeks, which heated more when she realized she was still standing against him.

“Uhmm… Kaevin? Maybe we should—”

“Alora! Kaevin!” Uncle Charles’ voice made her jump, stumbling backwards, away from Kaevin. “Have you forgotten our rules about being alone together? Kaevin, your father will hear about this.”

Kaevin’s arms dropped to his side. “I’m sorry, sir. We were…”

“I saw what you were doing.” Charles pointed an accusing finger. “There’s no excuse for it.”

“But nothing happened. We were just talking.” Alora felt her hackles rising.

“You were not
just talking
. I’m not an idiot. And the point is, this is against the rules.”

“The rules are stupid!” She was losing her temper, but she couldn’t stop herself. “I can’t believe you don’t trust me more than that, Uncle Charles. I’m not going to
do anything
with Kaevin. I’m not like that, and neither is he.”

Charles’ expression turned to stone, and she felt like throwing something at him. “This is not about trust, Alora. It’s about rules and boundaries and obedience. I think you know that.”

“All I know is you hid the truth from me for fifteen years, but you expect me to always be honest. You treat me like a child even though I have the duties and responsibilities of an adult.”

Charles’ red face looked as if it might explode. Before his angry retort left his lips, Alora transported to her room. She knew he’d be livid as she flaunted yet another rule—no transporting while in Montana—but she wanted to show him she couldn’t be controlled.

She regretted the act and her words the moment she arrived in her bedroom.
What’s wrong with me? Why do I act like a child when I’m trying to make him think of me as an adult?
Her tears flowed and kept coming, even while she showered and dressed for school.
I’ve blown any chance Uncles Charles would ever approve of homeschool, for sure.

Kaevin watched a myriad of emotions pass across Charles’ face—none of them seemed pleasant. Charles’ gaze was fixed on the spot where Alora had been standing as if he were waiting to yell at her when she reappeared.

“Charles, may I have permission to speak?”

The eyes that met his were angry and hurt. “Go ahead. Have your say.”

Kaevin shifted his feet to control his trembling knees.

“I’m sorry we broke your rules, but we would never do anything to bring shame upon your family or mine. You must know Alora didn’t mean the words she spoke. She has only the greatest respect for you.”

“Yeah, right.” His voice dripped sarcasm. “She certainly didn’t sound respectful.”

“May I be honest with you? Will you promise not to be angry?” Kaevin’s stomach lurched into his throat.

“I’ll try, Kaevin, but I make no promises.” Charles’ jaw muscles flexed. “Do you have a confession to make?”

“Only that we’ve been meeting here to hold hands and exchange a kiss each morning for quite some time.” Kaevin flinched, taking a step back.
I didn’t believe Charles’ face could get any redder.
“You know it’s necessary for us to have daily contact. We’ve never been inappropriate in any way, but Alora has been attempting to protect you because you appear so uncomfortable when we’re together. She’s also been working to balance her responsibilities at school with her duty to Stone Clan and her obligations to you.”

“You’ve only known her for… what… three months? And you claim to understand her so well you can lecture me?”

As sweat trickled down Kaevin’s neck, he hurried to explain himself.

“Oh no, sir! I don’t understand her at all. She’s a woman… a complete mystery to me. Sometimes she’s angry with me, and I’ve no idea why. One minute she’s laughing, and the next she’s crying. I have no special insight. On the contrary, I was hoping you could help me understand her.

“I’m only relating what she’s told me. She loves you very much, and I hate to see you angry at one another. Again, I apologize for my part and promise to do better in the future.”

Charles swiped his sleeve across his eyes. “If only Lena were still here, she’d know what to do. I don’t know how to raise a teenage girl by myself. I’m sorry, Kaevin, but your presence causes a lot more complications. Having a seventeen-year-old boy around all the time…”

“But I’ve passed another birthing-day. I have eighteen years now,” Kaevin clarified, hoping to sway Charles’ opinion.

“You’re Eighteen? Of course Alora didn’t mention that little fact.” He balled his hand into a fist then slowly relaxed it again. “Lena and I always had a rule that Alora couldn’t date a boy more than one year older than her, and she’s still fifteen. Now you’re living with us—a constant source of temptation—and I can’t watch you two all the time.”

Kaevin swallowed hard, acutely aware of Charles’ wide-eyed stare and his own flushing face. “If only I could convince you Alora and I will never do more than kiss. I know you don’t believe me, but I love her with my whole being. I would never take her unity gift from her before we’re legally married.” He dropped his eyes. “I’m prepared to wait as long as necessary to wed, even three more years, until I have twenty-one years.”

“What if you have to wait until Alora’s twenty-one? She’ll only be sixteen in a few weeks.”

Kaevin clenched his hands to stop their shaking, studying the floor around his boots.
Five years! That’s an eternity. But what else can I say?
A heavy sigh escaped his lips.

“Then I will wait five years if I must.” It was anguish to even say the words, but he spoke them as a promise.

He heard a snort. Then a chuckle. Charles’ laughter echoed in the stable, and Kaevin looked up to find him doubled over with mirth. It seemed he might continue his uncontrollable laughter forever. When he finally straightened and caught his breath, he clapped Kaevin on the shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Kaevin, but the pain on your face…” He chortled again.

“I’m afraid I don’t understand your amusement.”

“Don’t worry about it. You know what? I believe you. All this time I’ve been so worried about you because you were older and from a different world. I was so busy praying about what to do that I refused to recognize you were a blessing sent straight from God. I don’t imagine I’d find another young man of any age in Montana with better morals or more self-control. And since you two seem destined to be together some day, I’m not going to fight you anymore.”

Several breaths passed before Kaevin realized he was staring with his mouth agape. “Truly? We have your blessing? Your approval?”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but yes, you have my blessing. Don’t worry—I won’t expect you to wait five years if you stay together. I married Lena when we were both nineteen.” Charles puffed out his cheeks as he blew a slow breath. “But I can’t overlook Alora’s insolence. There’ll have to be consequences.”

“I’m certain she expects this.” Kaevin blinked twice.
Is this a dream? I’ve never seen him so equitable.

“You both have to promise me… no more sneaking around. I’ll try not to make a face if I see you kiss or hold hands, but you have to be upfront with me.”

“Yes. Up front.”
What does that mean?

“Okay. Is there anything else I should know?”

“Well… there is the small matter of homeschool…”

“Homeschool?”

Please, God, keep him in a reasonable state of mind while I make my plea.

Raelene loved traveling on horseback, especially with Forest, the mare she’d secretly named after her late husband’s clan. Her gifting with horses allowed her to sense the mare’s emotions and anticipate her movements. The seven-day journey to Glaenshire provided the perfect chance to savor the ride, while contemplating all the information concerning soulmates she hoped to glean from studying the scrolls at the Craedenza.

She loved the opportunity to be alone with her thoughts.
Only I’m not alone with my thoughts. Bardamen hasn’t stopped talking for a breath since we left Laegenshire. No wonder he’s not yet married, though he has almost thirty years.

“… Don’t you agree?”

“I’m sorry, Bardamen. What are you asking?”

“I asked if you agreed there aren’t any suitable mates for me in and around Laegenshire.”

“Yes, I would have to agree.”
There probably isn’t a girl anywhere in all of Tenavae who could put up with your incessant talking.

“This issue is the exact one I attempted to explain to Father, but he refuses to listen.”

He probably learned to lock your voice from his mind years ago. How else could he survive?

“So you’ll agree to help me search for a girl as we travel to Glaenshire?”

“Wait, I never agreed to be your intermediary.”

“An intermediary isn’t required. It’s not as if I’m unable to speak to a girl.”