Chapter 32
Long Distance
An hour later, after packing, Lisa and I walked to the Seven Birches, leaving Harry by the mansion to graze. It was a beautiful spring day, not a cloud in the sky. The sun was shining through the treetops, its rays bouncing off the tree trunks. But the two of us were in a somber mood.
“So, do you think we’ll survive the long distance?” Lisa asked once we were out of earshot.
“Long distance?”
“Yes, our relationship will be long distance once you leave for Zorya. Here, we call it that. When two people who love each other stay apart.”
“Oh, I didn’t know there was a term for that,” I responded, kissing Lisa on the cheek.
“It’s hard to do. And especially, well, without technology. I won’t even be able to call you.”
“Maybe we can communicate telepathically,” I said. “Like Martha does with Grayson?”
“I guess that’s the only option we’ve got. You know what? Why don’t we ask her? Maybe she’s got a solution for that, too. It seems like she’s planned everything in advance, doesn’t it?” Lisa noted bitterly.
“Is something wrong?”
“I just don’t know if we can trust her, Vanya. I feel like she’s got some secret agenda. And I’m worried. Maybe it’s because you’re about to leave, and you and I, our relationship is just so new.”
“It is, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t strong. We’re in love, that’s all that matters, right?”
“Yes,” Lisa sighed. “But then, we’ll be separated. You’ll be in a whole other universe. And who knows—that Baba Yaga witch, what does she want with you, anyway?”
“Baba Yaga? She just wants the Firebird. I’ll give it back to her, then I’ll visit my family, and then I’ll come right back. You won’t even notice I’m gone. And Grayson will be right by my side. There’s absolutely nothing to worry about.”
We’d made it to the bottom of the trail and were now standing in front of the round yoga retreat center.
The events of the day prior, Harry’s attempts to go up the steps, then his descent, Quinn’s attack—it all seemed like it had happened ages ago.
I noticed the place where Quinn had damaged the steps and realized I wouldn’t have time to repair them before our departure for Fernwood.
It would have to wait until after I came back from Zorya.
Lisa turned to me and said, “Vanya, doesn’t it seem like you and I have known each other forever? It’s been what, just a few weeks since we met, but it’s almost like every day we’re together counts for a year?”
“I feel like I’ve known you my whole life, my lovely Vasilisa.”
We embraced, and the closeness soothed me. Lisa, too, wasn’t as tense, and knowing she was at peace made me happy.
“Promise me you’ll be careful and that you won’t do anything dangerous,” she murmured into my ear.
“I promise,” I said solemnly, then, pausing, asked, “After I get back, will you marry me?”
Instead of answering, Lisa nuzzled into me.
I took it as a good sign.
* * *
As soon as Lisa and I got back to Martha’s mansion, we found Harry standing by the front entrance, our two backpacks laid out in front of him.
“I brought over the luggage,” he whinnied proudly, and I noticed he’d been saddled. Grayson sauntered toward us, appearing as if out of nowhere. I wondered if the wolf had some kind of invisibility cloak. It would come in handy back in Zorya, if that were the case.
“I was the one helping Harry with the saddle,” the wolf smirked. “You should have seen it. I fixed the second one with my teeth.”
“It’s lovely that the two of you are on good terms,” Lisa noted. “Where’s Martha? I wanted to say goodbye to her before leaving.”
“I’m right here,” the witch said, walking out of the house.
“Martha.” Lisa ran up to her. “Ivan and I were just thinking, could you please teach us to communicate telepathically? So that we can stay in touch when he’s away?”
“I can certainly do that, but I don’t know if it’ll work through a portal.” Martha furrowed her brow.
“And there’s no chance an iPhone will work, is there? Because I taught Ivan how to use one.”
“Don’t be silly, of course not. Those things are just pieces of metal. They’ve got no magical capabilities.”
“I’ve never had a long-distance relationship,” Lisa said regretfully. “I never wanted one, either. I know some people can handle them well and don’t even think twice, but I just don’t know how it’ll work for Ivan and me.”
“Lisa, we have almost a whole week to figure it out. We can find a solution,” I said.
“Hold on a second,” Martha said. “I think I can help you.” She turned on her heels and disappeared behind the front door. In the spot where she stood, I noticed a tiny lizard. It blinked twice, then slithered under the threshold, following her inside.
The witch returned a minute later, holding the silver mirror. The very same one she’d used to test me the day prior.
“Here, take this.” She handed it to me. “This mirror has the ability to reveal your true self and to connect you with the person you truly love.”
“I don’t know how to thank you,” Lisa said.
“Remember, this mirror will know if you’re lying. And if your feelings toward the person you love change, the channel of communication between you will break,” Martha cautioned.
“Lisa and I have nothing to worry about,” I noted with a proud smile. “Our love is strong and nothing can break it, right, Lisa?”
“Right,” my beautiful Vasilisa responded. I noted a slight hesitation in her voice, but wrote it off to her shyness.
“Thank you, Martha, I said, stuffing the mirror in my pocket right next to the feather. We’ll see you and Grayson soon.”
“See you in a few days,” Martha said.
“Safe travels,” Grayson barked, waving his paw in farewell.
Lisa and I mounted Harry, who grunted under our weight. He then shifted, moved his feet back and forth, and rose into the air.
“It’s true. He’s a flying horse!” Grayson howled in surprise. “Mistress, Mistress, they’re flying” was the last thing I heard as Harry moved his legs to get us higher in the air.
Within minutes, the three of us were well on our way back to Fernwood.