Chapter Twelve
“Ishmael, are you implying that you can send the sword to me?”
No, Samantha. I cannot.
“Why not?”
The barriers surrounding this realm are designed to prevent escape. Unfortunately, they also prevent outside intervention.
“But it’s just magic.”
It’s more than magic; it’s established planetary law. Something in his tone makes me sit up straighter. The barriers have been repeatedly strengthened by their Dark One. Few things can pass through them now.
“Damn.”
Indeed.
I stare at the white feather floating atop the brook. “So I’m stuck here.”
For now.
I look up at the unfamiliar stars. “That’s not exactly reassuring.”
No, he says gently. But there may be another way.
Hope stirs. “What kind of way?”
For a moment, I hear nothing but rushing water. Then: The archangels are showing me something. One moment...
I wait.
The world is older than you realize, Samantha. Older than many worlds. Its arenas have existed for eons. Champions have come here from countless realms.
“Okay...”
Long ago, a weapon similar to the Devil Killer was brought there.
“Similar?”
The angels of that universe forged their own version.
I blink. “Wait. Another Devil Killer?”
Not the same blade. But a blade created for the same purpose.
“To kill demons?”
And their Dark One.
The brook seems suddenly louder. “What happened to it?”
It was confiscated.
“By who?”
The overseers of the games.
“Of course. Where is it now?”
I do not know. Only that it remains somewhere within that realm. Hidden. Guarded. Forgotten by most.
I rub my temples. “I need to find that sword.”
Yes, Sam. And kill their Dark One.
I laugh softly. “You make it sound easy.”
It will not be easy, as you well know. But it is likely your only way home.
“Last time I had a lot of help.”
When Ishmael finally speaks, there is genuine sadness in his voice.
You will figure it out.
And then the warmth around me begins to fade.
“Ishmael?”
You are not alone, Samantha.
“Easy for you to say.”
A pause. Then, with the faintest hint of amusement: You have never been alone.
Miraculously, in a feat that defies gravity, the feather suddenly lifts from the water... then vanishes before my eyes.
As does my connection with Ishmael.