When Cecilia awoke, she felt a heavy weight on top of her. There was a mop of curly hair snoozing on her chest. After several blinks, she realized where she was and who it was drooling on her comforter. It had not been a dream. They were still here. Cecilia was sure when Brianna…where was Brianna?

The bed across the room was unoccupied with the covers all askew. Cecilia groaned and sat up, rousing young Glaraphim.

“What are you doing in here, squirt?,” Cecilia demanded, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

Glaraphim yawned, “I had nightmares so I came in here.”

“Aren’t you eleven?”

“So?” Glaraphim argued, nuzzling into her chest.

Cecilia chuckled, but needed to get up. She pushed Glaraphim off and set her feet on the ground. Reluctantly, Glaraphim followed after her.

At the bottom of the staircase she found Brianna, ready for the day and talking with Silvia.

“Well you see that’s my problem, I can’t pick between them all.”

“It should be very easy if you go back home.”

“That’s the problem, I was thinking last night if I really wanted to go home at all.”

“Oh, now what makes you think that?”

“Yes, do tell,” Cecilia announced her presence.

Brianna smiled and greeted them. Silvia glared at Glaraphim.

“He didn’t wake you up did he?”

“No, not at all. He managed to slip into our room and sleep with me unnoticed. Better keep an eye on him, he’ll be dangerous when he’s older,” Cecilia smirked.

Silvia laughed heartily and drew Glaraphim towards her.

“Breakfast is ready in the other room, dearie if you want a bite.”

“Thank you. I will. And Bree you have to tell us about what makes you want to stay,” Cecilia said, staring curiously at her friend.

Brianna grinned and nodded.

Cecilia ate quickly and rejoined the other women in the main room.

“So, what changed your mind?” Cecilia asked Brianna.

“It was a strange thought really and perhaps really stupid, but this is just like a book. This place I mean. Sort of like those Narnia books, you know. The characters were sent there for a purpose, maybe we were too,” Brianna explained trying not to look embarrassed.

Cecilia raised an eyebrow questioning if Brianna was serious.

Brianna smiled and shrugged, “I think we’re suppose to help Antoine and Sebastien. I really do.”

Cecilia bit back a rude comment and waited to see if Silvia would say anything more elegant.

“Usually there are prophecies foretelling the coming of such characters,” Silvia replied.

“Not in the Magician’s Nephew,” Cecilia blurted.

“I said “usually”. I don’t know if I would agree with your reasons Brianna, but it is at least something to motivate you. And it is somewhere to go,” Silvia said solemnly. “Although, as you learned last night, things here are not safe anymore. There has been tension ever since the boys of Pravignon returned with my husband that day.”

Cecilia nodded, “I am not sure seeing them would be the best thing right now either. Brianna, you have like two other boyfriends. Trying to hook up with Sebastien again would just make things worse. We will have to go back home.”

Brianna’s mouth hung open, appalled at Cecilia’s statement.

“I wasn’t thinking that! How dare you!”

Cecilia bit her lip and quickly apologized.

“Why don’t you get ready for the day? We will have to go to Iyad by this evening. It’s a long walk,” Silvia said, graciously easing the tension.

“Yeah…I’ll go do that,” Cecilia replied and scurried back upstairs.

For the remainder of the day, Cecilia and Brianna kept at a distance from each other as they helped Silvia prepare for the journey. They struck out onto the road shortly after mid-day meal. The four of them walked single file down an unpaved road that weaved around rolling green hills. It was a mild walk since it was spring and the weather was not severe.

“We are leaving Lucior and heading into Pravignon,” Silvia announced from the head of the column. “It’s in the Horen region which is controlled by the Baron Peregrine.”

“Isn’t that the guy who sent Lucifer after the princes?” Brianna asked.

“That is correct. He stole my husband from me several years ago. The leaders of Lucior and Valon have been meeting here in secret. They should give you two a point in the right direction.”

“Is it much farther?” Glaraphim complained from the rear.

“It will be dark by the time we get there,” Silvia replied. “I don’t travel as fast as I use to. Taking so many pit-stops really adds to the time.” She chuckled and rubbed her belly.

Cecilia was amazed that Silvia was traveling like this so late in her pregnancy.

It was indeed nightfall by the time they reached the town gates. The keeper did not even ask who they were, but opened the gates upon seeing them. Silvia must have been well known, Cecilia guessed.

They continued down the main road until they found the Green Rooster. Silvia pushed through the door and called out to the keeper.

“Still at the meeting, Madame Lux. Do you need a room?”

“Yes. A couple of rooms may suit us better. Any available?”

The innkeeper shook his head, “’Fraid not, had a couple of interesting customers check in.”

“Oh? Elven per chance?”

“Nay, Madame. Human. Appear to be fugitives but I have not seen wanted papers.”

“Interesting indeed. Do you fear them?”

“When the meeting elders return, I shall feel safer. Barmaids don’t seem to mind them though. Any pretty face turns their heads,” he chuckled dryly.

Silvia nodded with slight interest, “All right. Thank you for the information. What is for dinner? Lucius is starving.”

The innkeeper beamed at her and nodded, “Just the usual hearty stew and mutton chops. And plenty of easy drinks for the young ones.”

“Very well. Thank you, Arthur. Tell me immediately when my husband returns.”

“As you wish, Lady of Twynd.”

The two exchanged quick bows and she motioned for the girls to follow her.

“We will eat and then see about those rooms,” she said brightly.

“He said they were full,” Cecilia said, confused.

“He said they had some interesting customers he’s eager to be rid of,” Silvia winked. “Or perhaps the gentlemen will share.”

Cecilia made a face of disgust at the suggestion, causing Silvia to giggle more.

They sat at a long plank-wood table and rested their worn feet. The room was aglow with red glassed lanterns making it feel darker, yet warm. A crackling fireplace heated the room and filled it with the smell of burning wood. It just barely covered the heavy, drenched sent of old ale and tobacco smoke.

It was just what Cecilia would have pictured a typical medieval inn to look like or at least the few she had seen in movies. Except it was much quieter than she would have guessed. There were not many men about at this hour, perhaps they came later when it was very dark. The patrons that were there seemed timid and reserved. They avoided eye contact with them and avoided even glancing at them.

“What would you fancy tonight?” asked the barmaid.

It was just as Cecilia thought a barmaid would look like. Her bosom nearly falling out of her blouse and pushed up by a bodice. Her dark curls were tucked under a hat, but she was not as dirty as expected. She smelled like dried flowers instead of old food. Her teeth also seemed to be intact and in fairly decent condition. That was out of place. She was sure this girl was the head floozy.

“Four bowls of stew,” Silvia replied. “Citrus water to drink please.”

The barmaid nodded, “I shall bring it out to you. If you need anything, just holler for me. Rose is my name.”

“Thank you, Rose.”

Rose departed and Cecilia did not realize that she was staring at the barmaid the whole time.

“Fancy her?” Brianna teased.

Cecilia blinked and blushed as everyone chuckled.

“Sorry, it’s just that I did not think she’d be so…clean. If this were a medieval inn and all. Know what I’m saying?”

“They have to keep clean, they work with food all day,” Silvia said with a shrug. “Are things not so where you are from?”

“No, no. We take sanitation to the extreme. I just did not expect such a thing here, that’s all. I mean…this floor is made of dirt.”

Brianna chuckled, “I thought the same thing, Ceese. Don’t worry.”

Their food came out after a few moments. Cecilia felt it was safe to eat and avoided staring at Rose this time.

Silvia started guiding Glaraphim up the stairs to the room. Cecilia and Brianna remained in the dining area, waiting for the return of the other elves. They conversed quietly about the day and short term goals.

“I think we should head to Pravignon…where the princes are from,” Brianna suggested.

“I don’t think they’re in a position to help us get home. They’re about to go to war, Bree. It wouldn’t be a good idea to throw our problem into the mix.”

“Then, maybe we can help them with their war, you know. Tell them about the dragon and stuff.”

“I’m sure they’ll find out about the dragon before we find them. Bree, there’s nothing we can really do for them now. We’re just college students. We know nothing about their politics or this place. Maybe they started this war on their own, we don’t know. And I don’t know about you but, I really don’t want to risk getting killed. We were so close yesterday.”

“Yesterday? What do you mean?”

“That dragon could have killed us. The guys who woke up the dragon would have killed us if we were seen.”

“Guys. What guys? Cecilia, who did you see?”

Cecilia sighed and leaned against the plaster wall.

“I did not see them, I only heard. One was named Columbo, but he never said whom he was serving. He just called him “my liege”,” Cecilia explained dully.

“That may be important information, Ceese. Why didn’t you say anything about that before?”

Cecilia opened her mouth to say something, but she was distracting by a loud squeal of delight from across the room. One of the patrons was tickling Rose and nuzzling her cleavage. Cecilia felt her abdomen cramp up and she hissed through her teeth in pain.

“That normally happens at a bar,” Brianna scoffed.

“Not that…cramps. Fuck…I don’t think they have tampons here,” Cecilia gritted her teeth.

Brianna knitted her brows together sympathetically, “That sucks, dude. Silvia may have a solution.”

“I hope so…wait…is that?…oh my God…” Cecilia exclaimed softly. She recognized the annoying patron now that his hood had pushed back.

Antoine and Rose had locked lips, making the bile in Cecilia’s stomach rise. She convinced herself that she was not jealous. She never liked him much at all. No, she was angry. Furious beyond words. How dare he touch a woman like that! He was suppose to be a knight of chivalry. What was this?

Cecilia rose to her feet, clutching her belt. Brianna looked at her with a concerned expression.

“What’s wrong Cecilia? You look…haggard.”

“Just a second. I have a damsel to save,” Cecilia muttered, steeling herself and marching across the room.

Rose caught sight of her and detached herself from Antoine’s grabby arms.

“Sorry, little miss, did you need something?”

“No…no…I just need to serve some…punch!” Cecilia barked and threw her fist into Antoine’s jaw.

Rose squeaked in alarm and scuttled away quickly. Brianna flew across the room and held Cecilia back.

“Ceese, what are you doing? Calm down.”

“Let me go! I’m gonna go PMS on his ass! You perverted little creep! I thought you were a man of honor and courtesy!”

Antoine rubbed the side of his face and blinked his eyes back into focus.

“Cecilia? Wh-what…what have I been drinking?”

“Ceese, stop it. It’s An—“

Antoine covered Brianna’s mouth with his hand and shushed her. A few seconds later, Cecilia’s knee slammed into his gut.

“Ceese, seriously. Calm down. You’ll be fine. He’s not trying to hurt you or anyone else. Take a deep breath.”

“My brother is upstairs. We can talk more there,” Antoine muttered and ushered the both of them towards the stairway.

“Get your slimy hands off of me.”

“Nothing would make me happier. Just get up these stairs. It’s that door right there,” Antoine replied irritably.

Sebastien looked away from the window and drew his knife. He sighed and returned it to his sheath upon realizing they were not intruders or assassins.

“Brother, what is this? I told you no girls, this is a serious trip.”

“Don’t give me anymore of your shit, Seb. I’ve just been mule-kicked and put into a foul mood. I found some old friends and enemies downstairs,” Antoine replied gruffly.

Brianna could not keep herself from smiling. Sebastien had grown taller and broader since they last met. His hair was long again, but it suited him now. His face was unshaven giving him a scruffy rogue look. She sighed admirably and then caught herself.

He recognized those dimples, that face, those lips, those curves. It was Brianna. How could she be here? Sebastien strode across the room to her and peered into her eyes.

“How in heaven’s name did you get here?”

“We walked…with Silvia,” Brianna giggled. “She’s just down the hall. We’re waiting for Lucifer to come back.”

“Ah…good. So the elven lords are aware of the situation. We will need to speak with them soon. Rumor has it that the Ignians have been gathering their armies. Their eyes are upon Pravignon I’m afraid.”

“You are hiding then,” Brianna guessed.

“Yes,” Sebastien nodded. “My brother and I are traveling to stay safe and find allies.”

“Is there anything we can do to help you,” Brianna asked excitedly.

Sebastien smiled and brushed her hair behind her ear, “I would love to have you join us, but that is not possible. It is too dangerous for you and I would hate to see you killed or captured. Stay with Silvia and the elves. They will protect you.”

Brianna pouted playfully and nodded, “I understand. I just wish there was something I could do for you.”

Cecilia rolled her eyes and felt herself get sick. She glared at Antoine accusingly and he glared back with equal ferocity.

“Seb,” Antoine barked. “We’ll need to send them back. They don’t belong here.”

Sebastien tore his eyes away from Brianna. His expression was grim and he nodded in agreement.

“Right, but how? The only other Tempus I know of is Baron Peregrine and he’s been missing for several months.”

“The elves might know.”

“I doubt it. Elves can not use Tempus powers, only humans can. There is suppose to be a secret order or something that guards the Tempus Hall,” Sebastien lectured.

Brianna grinned at Cecilia, who smirked back for a moment.

“Tell me, Seb. Did you tell anyone about us?” Brianna asked, tickling his chin.

Sebastien became distracted again, “Of course. Most of the elven leaders know your names, thanks to Lucifer. He’s been boasting about you and Cecilia ever since.”

“And what about you?”

Sebastien blushed and shrugged, “The knights in my order claim I have made you up to compensate for the fact I have never been with a lady before.”

“So…you haven’t dated other women?”

“There hasn’t been much time. Things became heated the moment we returned.”

“Will two knock it off? Seriously. Brianna and I need to get back home as soon as we can. We don’t want any part of this war,” Cecilia cut in bluntly.

“Right, right,” Sebastien said, distancing himself from Brianna. “Perhaps you could speak with the Abbot Columbo. He may know a few more things than we do. The Abbey is not far from here. We could take you…”

“Columbo? No…no good. Don’t trust him,” Cecilia interrupted.

“Wh-what do you mean? You’ve never met him before. He used to be our tutor when we were younger.”

“Columbo was one of the names I heard when I first came here. Brianna and I crash landed near a pile of metal. This Columbo was speaking to another man about a pact elf-stone and Lucifer before the metal monster rose out of the ground.”

Sebastien’s eyes widened, “You can’t be serious? Columbo is a timid, meek man. He would never work with elf-stones.”

“The man sounded rather timid around his liege.”

“Well then…I don’t know who you could turn to,” Sebastien sighed apologetically.

“Great. Wonderful. Fan-fucking-tastic. I’m going to go now so you and Bree can do whatever you want now.”

“Ceese, wait…where are you going?”

“Outside…I need air. I’ll be back in a minute,” Cecilia growled as she slammed the door behind her.

“Something has upset the Viper,” Antoine grumped at Sebastien.

“It’s not my fault,” Sebastien snapped back. “Why don’t you follow her and make sure she doesn’t get hurt or something?”

“Because I’m sure that whoever tried to hurt her would end up mangled. She hit me…again! I’m not going to risk further injury. You follow her.”

Sebastien shook his head and looked at Brianna. Brianna was red in the face with fury.

“She’ll be just fine by herself,” she proclaimed and started marching out the door.

“Bree, where are you going?”

“I’m going to talk to Silvia. Maybe Lucifer’s back,” Brianna replied.

“I’ll come with you. We need to talk to Lucifer too,” Sebastien said eagerly.

Brianna sighed and shook her head, “You may want to wait a minute. I have to ask Silvia some feminine questions.”

Sebastien looked confused, but Antoine snickered.

“A-all right, I’ll be over in a few minutes then.”

Antoine giggled louder and Brianna smiled before leaving.

“What’s so funny, Antoine?”

“I know why Cecilia hit me…she has “lady problems”, Antoine smirked.

“What?”

“Oh god…don’t make me give you the talk!”

Next Chapter>>
<<Previous Chapter