The Bridge Between Worlds

When Regina woke, she noticed something different about the place where she was resting. She was on a bed, but it was not the bed back in her palace chambers. The bed, herself, and the thick curtains surrounding were moving. Was she in a litter?

“Have peace, my lady.”

Freydra appeared next to her, gently rubbing her shoulder.

“We are nearing the Eastern cities,” the girl explained, nodding. “The Council deemed you word truth. Xiphis has not had a Seer since the days of the founding families. Your grandmother, Queen Bethany, was a Seer. Gifted with the ability of foresight. If there were any further doubt of your birthright, this is the proof the Council need to truly believe it.”

Regina heart was pounding. She could feel the danger drawing near. Only she knew there was now more than one danger she had to worry about. But her highest priority was the safety of her kingdom and her people.

“Halt.”

The litter came to a stop. A strong voice outside was giving orders. And then the curtain-door opened. Eadward’s head poked in and he gave Regina a firm look.

“I am pleased to see you awake,” he said, nodding with a slight bow. “We have arrived in the nearest of the Eastern cities. If you will, your highness, please have a look and tell us if we are at the correct location.”

“Thank you, Lord Eadward,” Regina replied, nodding as she moved to exit the litter. She stepped out into the sunshine, letting Eadward assist her to the ground. One glance at the new surrounding, she knew this was the right place.

The city was beautiful. Tall, ancient looking building stood all around her, with a gentle, modern appearance. Streets of cobbled stones underfoot. Large trees in the alleys. It reminded her of New Orleans, from the few times she’d gone to visit. And behind all the buildings, houses and gated parks, there was a great mountain. The very mountain she had seen in her vision.

“This is the place,” she said, turning to Eadward. “The people must evacuate, immediately. Have the guards escort them to the palace. They may take refuge in the chapel for the time being. Is there an evacuation plan already set for the city?”

Eadward barked at one of the guards, sending him to seek the city watchman.

“Lord Eadward,” Regina went on, fixing him with a firm gaze. “I do not wish to create panic. Panic triggers fear. From fear comes chaos. Evacuating the people in an orderly fashion will allow us to do what we must with as little injury as possible. While I felt strong urgency to come here, immediately, it is the burden I must carry. My own fear is pushing me to defend the people. My people.”

Eadward’s eyebrows rose, completely disappearing into his hairline. She had come to recognize this look he was giving her. She didn’t know what she was saying. It was as if someone had taken control of her tongue. Granted, something similar had happened in Anerathia with the wave. But this time was different. This time was very different.

* * *

Regina watched as the people hurried away from their homes. Each married man accounting for his wife and children, if he had any to look after. The guards gently ushered the people to hurry with the growing crowd. So many people were being saved. The sight steadied the erratic beating of Regina’s heart.

“Inform me when the people are within safe distance,” she said as she knelt to the ground. She placed her palm to the wet dirt, closing her eyes. Inhale, exhale. Inhale. Exhale. The land was alive. Breathing. Labored, similar to a woman in childbirth. She tilted her head, training her ear to the gentle grinding of the earth.

“The mountain is volcanic, yes?” she asked, opening her eyes as she rose to her full height.

“Mount Horsrath has been dormant a hundred years,” replied Adis; he wore his usual ‘I know more than you’ smirk.

“Then she is reawakened, my lord. Can you not hear her groaning?”

Regina extended her hand, motioning to the mountain before them. The Council of Five exchanged glances among themselves.

“Horsrath is alive,” Regina went on, shaking her head. “Living and breathing; the same as you or I. Why does she mourn?”

She noticed Freydra, who had been standing behind the Council, staring up at the mountain. Her eyes wide in awe and fear. The remaining guards were no longer on full alert. They swayed with unease.

“The people have been given a chance to prepare and avoid destruction,” Regina explained, adjusting the hood of her cloak as she pulled it tighter around her. “But we must now think of how we can protect them further.”

The Council didn’t like how she’d taken liberty to the way she was. Until now, she had been their student. A scholar and apprentice, learning her trade. But now she was rising above them. Asserting her rank and proving she was worthy. With no one to step down and present her a ruler of Xiphis, she was taking matters into her own hands. Any knowledge she had absorbed in the past was coming together in her mind. She knew what had to be done and she was willing to take charge.

“Eadward,” said Regina, not even bothering to address his title. ’I wish to speak with the Anerathian king and queen. While there is yet a reprieve, I should like to tell them of our situation. Send a messenger. There is no reason you should delay.”

“Yes, your highness,” he replied, bowing and turning to the guard to his left.

“Galisa, Pritha,” Regina went on, addressing the two women. “I want you to tend to the women and children. Make sure they have food, water, and bedding. If any of them should have nursing babies, offer them additional supplies, according to their needs. And have every man prepared to help where needed.”

“Yes, your highness,” they said in unison.

They and Eadward left on their horses. Along with three of the seven guards who had been with them. Adis, Arthos, and Freydra remained with Regina, and the remaining four guards.

“Adis, Arthos,” she turned to the arrogant brothers. “Is there a path on which I can, safely, journey to the mountaintop?”

Arthos furrowed his brow. “Horsrath was never safe to begin with,” he said, shaking his head.

“I would advise against it, my lady,” Adis added with an expression telling her he was hoping she’d give it up.

Regina sighed and turned to face the mountain. She then remembered she didn’t need to hike or walk at all. She wondered if she could fly to the top.

“I must survey the mountaintop,” she explained, nodding as her courage began to grow. “If Horsrath is, as you say, dormant, I should be able to see signs if this is the case. I am going up there.”

“You never fail to impress us, princess,” she heard one of them say. Regina was not ignorant of the sarcasm. She knew they were still hoping she’d fail.

“I shall impress you further,” she muttered, folding her fingers together to crack her knuckles. “My lords.”

She turned to face them again, nodding to Freydra as she began removing her cloak.

“Yes, princess?” asked Adis, completely not amused as Freydra stepped away.

“When I arrived, did I have these ...”

Regina closed her eyes. She exhaled as she imagined the large tree from her dreams. Peace filled her being as she thought of the tranquility. Her sister entered her mind. Laughter and teasing. She remembered the unfolding of a delicate cloth. Gentle and soft. A gasp reached her ears and she smiled.

“What is this magic?”

She smiled as she opened her eyes and watched the expressions of Adis and Arthos. They were horrified. The guards were awestruck. Freydra remained unmoved, as if she had expected it all along.

“Why were we not told?” asked Arthos as he took a hesitant step forward.

“How can this be?” Adis gasped, shaking his head. “The only one to have-”

“My grandparents had wings,” Regina nodded, her feet lifting off the ground. “It says so in the chronicles. How can you assume I might not have them as well?”

She looked to the sky as her wings flapped and pushed her upward. She hadn’t actually used them at will yet. The only time they had been in action was when she had stopped the wave. Which had been completely unplanned. This was a different feeling. Regina was in control. She inhaled the fresh air and lurched toward the mountain. The gust created by the velocity of her glide forced her hair back. She surged onward and upward. She watched the treetops passing beneath her. Woodland creatures were racing downhill as she went in the opposite direction. They knew there was danger coming.

Regina slowed her pace as she neared the summit. Her wings continued in gentle rhythm as she came to touch the ground once more. The air was significantly thinner up here. The clouds surrounded the peaks and a thick, unnatural fog enveloped her. However, it seemed to disappear as she neared the edge. And when she saw it.

“Great blue skies,” she whispered as she neared the open mouth of the volcano.

* * *

The Anerathian king and queen agreed to speak with Regina. Of course they did. She knew they would. Queen Aleia had specifically told her to reach out if ever needed them. The present situation was dire. She needed advice, and not from the current people in her service.

“Their majesties, King Auro and Queen Aleia, of Anerathia.”

As Regina was taught, she rose from her sitting position and folded her hands in front of her body. She smiled as Queen Aleia and her husband walked forward. They bowed respectively before Regina hurried to embrace them both.

“What may we do for you?” asked King Auro; his eyes glanced to each of the guards which were not from his court.

“Mount Horsrath, a dormant volcano, is preparing to erupt,” Regina explained, pressing her lips in a thin line. “We have evacuated the surrounding cities. I have opened the palace chapel to the people, for the time being. But we have need for more supplies and I worry I am not strong enough to prevent this rising danger.”

“We have supplies and warlocks to spare,” said Queen Aleia, receiving a confirming nod from her husband. “Anything you need, we can offer everything we have.”

“Thank you . . .” Regina lowered her voice, leaning closer to whisper, “The Council of Five is not pleased with my growing success to learn Xiphis ways. I believe expected I would leave all matters to them and live a life of false leisure.”

The king and queen exchanged a glance. Regina could see the suspicion in their eyes.

“Do you have a personal guard?” the queen asked softly, touching her shoulder. “Shall we send one to you? Someone from Anerathia who can be your confidant.”

Regina was thoughtful a moment. The prospect of having an Anerathian guard at her side was a wise suggestion. Yes, she had her maid, Freydra. But she needed more people she could trust.

“Whom ever you choose to send to me, I shall be most grateful.”

* * *

Regina chose to make camp at the foot of Mount Horsrath. The volcano would erupt at any time and she wanted to be there when it did. The Anerathians were gathering supplies and would be sending them immediately. As for who they would send as her personal guard, she had said they would discuss it with her father.

“The mountain appears peaceful this morning,” whispered Freydra as she gently washed Regina’s feet.

“It is only a short reprieve,” she reminded her. “The mountain will soon be rumbling again . . . Freydra, if one might wish to visit the Tree of Wanderers, how would she or he accomplish the journey?”

The girl’s brow furrowed, pausing in her current task.

“The Tree of Wanderers,” she said, tilting her head to the side. “My lady, no one can really go to the Tree. It’s not a real place. Just a story parents tell their children.”

“Do these stories explain how those Manifesting sometimes go to the Tree because they are caught between dimensions?”

“Well, yes . . .”

Freydra trailed off. Her expression one of disbelief. Did she truly not believe in the Tree? Regina knew it was real because she had been there. She didn’t just see it with her own eyes. She smelled it. Felt it. It was as real as the girl before her.

“Your highness.”

Regina glanced up and found Eadward standing in the opening of her tent.

“What is it?” she asked, dismissing Freydra.

“A young man wishes an audience with you,” the Council member replied, shaking his head. “I do not know him or his family. He could be a spy or an assassin.”

“I am neither.”

Regina’s heart stopped. She knew that voice. Behind Eadward entered a tall, young man with white hair. His smile was kind and familiar.

“Hello, Kalib,” Regina stood to greet him. “Thank you, Eadward. You may go for now. He’s perfectly safe.”

The man grumbled under his breath as he slipped out of the tent. Regina her up a finger to Kalib and leaned toward the entryway. She listened for the fading footsteps. When they were far enough for her to use her hearing, she closed the tent curtain.

“I am so pleased you’re here,” she said, turning back to Kalib. “Please, forgive the Head Council. He is a strange sort and, yes, he is quick to judge.”

“I can believe it,” Kalib replied with an easy chuckle. “La-Princess Regina, I am here to serve as your personal guard. The king and queen were interviewing potential guards . . . I volunteered and I must admit I hoped they would send me.”

She smiled, “I’m glad its you here. I genuinely appreciate it. I know you’re leaving your life behind in Anerathia. I know what it feels like to leave everything behind.”

“I’m not leaving anything behind, Princess.”

He shook his head. Regina sighed, glancing over her shoulder. Freydra was scurrying about; Regina was not quite sure what the girl was doing. Her gaze returned to Kalib.

“How do I go to the Tree of Wanderers?” she asked, lowering her voice. “I’ve been to the Wandering Wood on several occasions, two of which I am conscience of. I know the place exists and I believe the Keeper can help me decide how to prevent this pending eruption.”

“Has the Council done anything to advise you in this matter?”

Kalib crossed his arms, glancing behind him at the closed curtain.

“That’s just it,” she whispered, shaking her head. “I don’t feel I can trust them. From the moment I arrived, I have not felt any trust toward them. Even after being around them these few months. They have had the seat of power for many years and they were certainly not happy to hear the Heartsword bloodline continues.”

Regina exhaled her frustration in a single breath. Kalib nodded thoughtfully.

“There is a way you can reach the Tree,” he whispered with a soft smile. “It is a real place, not just a fairy tale. Some may choose to believe the Tree is only a story, but the ones who have been there know the truth.”

“You’ve been to the Tree?”

“I have and I can bring you there.”