9. Chapter Nine Rhowyn
Chapter Nine: Rhowyn
It was still dark outside as I paced back and forth with my bag over my shoulder, my eyes darting around nervously. I was on edge as I waited on the dark sidewalk for them to arrive. My sleep-deprived state had me jumping at every sound and shadow. Despite my fear and anxiety, a part of me I didn't want to acknowledge was excited about leaving today. I was eager to explore a new world but still not fully sure if I believed it really existed. If nothing else, I was anxious to find out if I was crazy or not.
I caught sight of headlights approaching, and I paused, watching them. Instead of slowing down, they continued past me. Pulling my phone out, I checked the time 5:45 a.m. Since I hadn’t been able to sleep, I had left the apartment early, needing to move. Pacing again, I allowed my thoughts to wander to last night with my mom. Her warnings sat heavily on my shoulders, and I was grateful I hadn't let anything slip while talking with Baer yesterday. I knew that whatever happened in the next couple of hours or days, vigilance wasn't an option if I wanted to keep us both safe.
I was thankful I had years of training to rely on, knowing it wouldn’t be the last time I would be grateful for the unwanted skills I’d learned out of necessity. If I wanted to make it back, it would take all of those hard-won skills to make it happen. Not coming back wasn't an option because I absolutely refused to abandon my students without an explanation like so many had done to me. The guilt would consume me if I failed to keep my word. For many of them, I was their only constant, and while I couldn’t rescue them all from their lives, I could teach them how to rescue themselves. The only person they would ever need was themselves. But until they were ready to stand on their own, they needed my support, understanding, and strength to hold them up.
The sun was starting to make its presence known now, the sky lightening from black to gray. A quick glance at my phone told me it was six. They’d be here any minute. As soon as that thought crossed my mind, I saw another set of headlights turn the corner to head in my direction. The car slowed, and I walked closer to the curb, certain it was them. The engine stayed running as the car pulled over to park. Unable to see through the dark windows because of a glare from the streetlight, I kept on the balls of my feet, holding my ground until I was completely certain it was them.
The driver's side door opened, and Baer stood with one leg out and one still in the car, both elbows resting on the door and roof. “Well, Killer, are you ready?” he asked with obvious excitement on his smiling face.
I couldn't help myself from smiling back. “Pop the trunk, and I'll throw my bag in there.” The trunk clicked before it sprang open slightly. I caught sight of supple leather bags in the back, and I threw my own cheap one alongside them before I closed the trunk firmly .
Baer was still standing, watching me. “You can ride up front with me. We'll let Arryn and Lennox share the back seat.” He winked at me, his innuendo clear.
Laughing, I climbed into the front seat. Once we’d buckled up, I looked over my shoulder and at least acknowledged the two men squished into the back seat with a nod.
“So, how long is this drive going to be? I'm starving and would like to eat soon if that's okay?” I asked Baer as he pulled back onto the road.
His eyes flicked to mine quickly before turning back to the road. “It should only take us a couple of hours before we’re able to cross over. Wanna grab something to eat while we drive?”
“That sounds amazing. Thanks.”
He nodded. “Where would you like to stop?”
“A breakfast burrito sounds great.”
He laughed. “A woman who knows what she wants. How refreshing.” Again, he winked, but this time, I blushed slightly at the compliment. At least, I thought it had been. I chose to take it as one anyway.
The car settled into silence as Baer steered us towards our destination without any hesitation. As the silence grew, I started to feel the awkwardness increase as well. Finally, it became unbearable, so I asked, “Once we cross over, how long will it take us to get to the Tír Na Síoraí?”
Baer raised an eyebrow, and Lennox chimed in, “How'd you know about Tír Na Síoraí if you'd never heard of us before?”
Keeping the panic off my face, I racked my brain, trying to come up with an answer that didn't give me away. Way to start the trip by giving away too much within the first ten minutes, Rho . Obviously, Lennox was less trusting of me than Baer. I'd have to really watch my guard with him in the future. Unable to find any other valid reason, I settled for a partial truth. “I asked my mom some more questions last night. ”
“Why give you answers now if she's been so adamant about keeping you in the dark for so long? And who exactly is your mother?” His accusing tone cut through the silent car to sit heavily between us.
Getting angry, I turned in my seat to face him. “I don't know, asshole, except that now that I’m this supposed Chosen, I don't really have a choice about staying away, now do I? And she’s no one but a drug addict. We were never close, so she’s never had the chance to tell me anything before.” He had the decency at least to leave it at that. I continued to glare at him as he held my gaze, searching for the truth of my statement.
“How about Taco Hut?” Baer asked as he took an exit to go there, not really needing an answer but obviously trying to ease the tension.
I turned back around in my seat. “I'm good with that.” Softer, I spoke to him alone. “Thanks.”
He just shrugged it off and pulled into the drive-thru, placing our orders without further incident or comments from the peanut gallery. “You never did answer my question,” I prompted Baer again.
“Oh, ah, what was your question again?” he asked, his eyes widening while glued to the road.
“I was just curious how long it would take us to reach the capital?”
“Ah, well, that depends a little bit on you, but we're hoping no more than two days, one and a half if we push it,” Arryn finally answered me, his deep voice rumbling through me in a pleasant way.
“Okay, that doesn't sound too bad. That'll at least give me some time to adjust, I guess.” Though, I wished it would be sooner rather than later. For some reason, I felt that the more time I spent there, the less likely I would be to return .
The car fell into silence again as we ate our breakfast, but this one wasn't as tense as before. Deciding I had some time and not wanting to spend it pulling answers from them, I settled further into my seat. Putting my headphones in, I pulled up my playlist on my phone. For once, I'd try to go with the flow despite how much I despised that concept.
I gazed out the window as I listened to Three Doors Down, not really thinking about much but trying to keep my mind free. If I allowed myself to dwell on what was happening, I'd succumb to fear and doubts. Neither of those would help me now. Instead, I would treat this like a pre-fight routine. Half the battle fighters faced was in their minds before they ever stepped into the ring. If we allowed doubts to rule us, we were doomed to fail before we even started. So, I focused on preparing to cross into this new world as if I was going into the cage. No one else would stand up for me except me. It was imperative that I fought for myself and my ability to make it back to my students.
I jerked upright in my seat, my heart racing as I realized I had fallen asleep in the car, its declining speed startling me awake. I looked over and saw Baer trying to hold back a laugh at me, his smile pinched but still quite evident. In the rearview mirror, I could see Arryn and Lennox both with similar reactions, and I felt a rush of heat fill my face from embarrassment.
Then I noticed we were turning onto a country road; all the city buildings had been replaced with crops and animals. “Are we close to this portal?” I asked Baer, needing to distract myself.
“We're about five minutes out.”
“Where are we?” Glancing around, there wasn’t a building in sight, and a part of me started to think I’d been the biggest idiot ever. Usually, the only reason three strange men took a woman into the middle of nowhere was so they could do illegal things. One of those was murder. Good job, Rhowyn. You teach teens to avoid situations like this, and you willingly get into a car with these guys. Am I really that stupid? Crap!
“We're just outside of Weatherford, about thirty minutes from Fort Worth,” Baer answered interrupting my internal panic attack. He must have noticed something on my face or in my body language. After all, I was grasping the door handle and arm rest until my knuckles turned white. He quickly added, “We have to have our buildings in the middle of nowhere because all the technology and metal buildings interfere with our magic. It drains it from us faster than we can replenish it.”
“I guess that makes sense.” I only relaxed slightly, still fearing the worst.
“Relax, Princess. We're not going to kill you,” Lennox snarked. “If we wanted to do that, there are easier ways and easier targets.” He rolled his eyes and turned to look out the window. Surprisingly, this actually relaxed me more than Baer's gentle tone. I pulled my hands back to my lap and tried to forget about the panic, embarrassed again at my natural reaction and instinct.
“We need you to participate in the trials, and to do that, you must be whole and in good condition. Plus, if you succeed, you’ll be our new queen. There's no way we would ever risk the health of our queen, even a possible one,” Arryn chimed in, all cool logic and looking partly offended that I had doubted his honor.
“Well, I've already told you that I have no intention of participating in these trials, and there's no way I want to be a queen. So, forgive me for thinking that you guys might not want to deal with me further and might think it easier to get rid of me. I don't know you from Adam, so I don't really know what y'all would do.” I was starting to get a little upset at them because any sane person would feel the same as I did. Check that; any sane person wouldn't be here with them. I must really be crazy, after all.
“Who's Adam?” Arryn asked, glancing at Lennox, who was still staring out the window, clearly listening, and Baer, who was making sure we didn't crash.
Baer laughed at his question. “It's just a human phrase they use to say they have no idea who you are,” he explained patiently.
“Well, why didn't you just say that?” he asked me.
“Um, I don't know. I mean I did, but I guess I just assumed you would know what I was talking about.”
“Humans have a lot of sayings that don't really make much sense,” Baer explained further.
“That seems ridiculous,” Arryn replied matter-of-factly.
Lennox smirked in response. Feeling the need to defend myself and all humans who used colloquialisms, I replied, “They make plenty of sense if you know our history or society. Adam was considered to be the first man on Earth by many humans thousands of years ago. By saying I don't know you from Adam is to imply that even if you were standing right next to him, I'd have no possible way of knowing who either of you are.”
“That kind of makes sense now,” Arryn replied with a nod at the new information. “It still would have been much easier to say you just didn't know me.”
“Ugh!” I threw my hands up, slightly aggravated, and faced forward again, done with this conversation entirely, but not before catching Lennox’s smirk and Baer’s silent laughter.
Thankfully, Baer was pulling into a small parking area with a large wooden building that looked like a warehouse next to it. “This is it?” I kind of felt let down, partly hoping for some fancy portal like in the movies. Not really sure what I had been expecting, but a barn was apparently not on the list.
“We're here,” Baer stated, putting the car in park. Lennox threw the door open before he could even kill the engine, as if he couldn't wait to get away from me. I narrowed my eyes at his back, my hackles rising. I reminded myself that in a few days, I would never have to see him again. That thought made me feel better, and I followed Baer to the trunk to retrieve my bag.
Arryn towered behind me, waiting on me to grab my bag, and I felt tiny in comparison with Baer on my left. Both were easily over six feet tall against my 5' 3”. Suddenly aware of their closeness, heat gathered inside me, going straight to my core. Both would be any girls' clam jam.
I snatched my bag and headed to where Lennox had entered the barn, not even bothering to grab his bag, realizing I really needed to get laid. Either Baer or Arryn would do. Maybe one of them could scratch this itch. I'd never have to see them again, so it would be the perfect, no strings attached fling.
I heard the trunk shut behind me and their shoes crunching in the gravel parking lot. Slowing my pace, I allowed them to catch up since I wasn’t sure where to go. It didn't take them long for their long strides to eat up the short distance. Baer took the lead and opened the door to allow Arryn and I to pass by him. Inside, my eyes took a few moments to adjust to the darkness after being in the summer sun. I stood still next to Arryn as I waited, my vision clearing. His arm brushed my bare one, giving me goosebumps. I blamed the cooler air inside and not the contact, but he looked down at me briefly, making it harder for me to use that excuse. Our eyes met, and his green eyes were striking, his pupils dilated as he stared back at me.
“Oh good! You found her!” Another man broke the moment as he rushed up to us. Instinctively, I backed up as he charged toward me. He seemed harmless, but I had no idea who he was.
Arryn put a hand out to stop his momentum and I realized I had placed him between me and this strange man. “We did, and we wish to return as soon as possible with her.”
Baer stepped in again. “Here's the keys and what's left of the supplies, Pettit.” He handed over a bunch of items and money to the man before turning to Arryn. “Why don't you show Rhowyn to a bathroom so she can freshen up before we cross over and start the next leg of our journey. I'll sign us all back in and get us cleared to use the portal back.” It wasn’t until he mentioned the portal that I noticed a large archway made of silver in the back of the barn, which turned out to be much larger than I’d initially thought based on the outside dimensions.
“Of course,” Arryn replied as Baer and the man walked toward what looked like an office. Off to the side was a kitchen area, and I finally noticed several other people staring at us. There was no sign of Lennox anywhere.
My eyes slowly worked their way around the building before I registered that Arryn had been watching me patiently. Once he had my attention, he asked, “Do you need to freshen up?”
“That sounds good, thanks.” I nodded, and he smiled faintly back at me, leading the way to a door that was much closer to us than the kitchen and portal.
“Be patient with me. I've only been here once before when Lennox and I came with Baer to start our search for you, but I'm fairly certain I remember where the bathroom was.”
“That's okay. I’m quite easy to please.” I smiled at him before blushing at the inadvertent innuendo.
We entered a hall with several doors and another hall branching off. “So, have you ever been to Texas before?” I asked, curious about these fae that I’d be traveling with. Arryn seemed open, if a little quiet. “Baer made it seem like he was comfortable here, but you don't have the same sense of ease that he has. No offense.”
“No, I have never been to Earth before. My duties have never brought me here, but I did learn a little bit about it when I was younger. Although, I find that knowledge is now outdated. Baer was our guide. It's his job to travel here, to keep up with the humans, and to ensure our realm remains safe. ”
“Ah. So, are you all soldiers? You carry yourself like one, but Lennox doesn't give off that vibe to me.” We reached the end of the first hall and stopped in front of a nondescript tan door that looked just like all the others we had passed.
Arryn faced me, and his face said he was surprised by my conclusions. “You would be correct. I'm in the Royal Guard, and Baer is in the patrol. Lennox isn’t one of us. He's a High Fae who was assigned by the Queen to retrieve you for the trials.” His statement appeared simple enough, but I felt as if he wasn’t giving me the whole truth about Lennox.
I decided not to push, instead filing that information for later. Arryn turned the knob when I didn't question him further and opened the door to the bathroom. “I'll wait for you out here.”
“That's okay. I can find my way back out to the portal if you need to find another bathroom yourself.” I shut the door and locked it before he could respond. For some reason, despite his half-truths, I trusted Arryn, and Baer was an open book. So easygoing, easing a tense situation with such ease that it was hard not to relax around him. In fact, it was so easy that I found myself having to frequently make sure I didn't drop my guard and give too much away. His boyish good looks and natural charm didn't hurt either.
Arryn, on the other hand reminded me of a man from the fifties with a gentleman-like sense of honor that made me feel safe and secure. Though, he did have an air of danger about him, his body honed for battle, coiled to act when needed, it only enhanced the comfort his presence provided.
Flushing the toilet and heading to the sink to wash my hands, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I had dressed for travel, which meant leggings and a tank top, my go-to comfort clothes. My lean muscles flexed as I washed my hands, noting my eyeliner and mascara were still in place. Pulling my hair down, my green locks slid between my fingers easily as I combed it back into place after my nap had mussed it.
Finished, I unlocked the door to find Arryn standing in the hall still. “Do you need to use the bathroom?” I offered, gesturing at the room behind me.
“I'm good,” He replied simply. “Done?”
“Yeah. So, what now?” I asked.
He turned to lead me back down the hallway. “Now, we should be ready to cross over.”
“Oh, that's all?”
He glanced back at me, sensing my sarcasm. He turned back and opened the next door so we could enter the main room. “That's it. Were you expecting something else?”
“Not really. I don't really know what to expect. Honestly, you three haven't exactly been forthcoming about anything, so I'm kind of just winging it here.”
He stopped halfway to the portal, where I saw Baer with the man from before. Still no sign of Lennox. Arryn eyed me, and I shifted on my feet a little, uncomfortable under the weight of his gaze. “You're right. I'm sorry. It's hard to remember that this is all new to you, and I forget that you may need more information.” His tone was serious and apologetic.
“It's okay, Arryn. I'm used to learning on the fly. I'm a quick study.” I swatted his arm playfully, trying to lessen the feeling that was brewing between us.
He still didn't move, his brow furrowed slightly as if puzzled. “It's not okay. You are a Chosen, and it's our duty to not only ensure your safety but your comfort. That includes making sure you don't have any questions. I'll ensure that we do better.”
“Really, it's not a big deal. How about I promise to ask if I have any questions? I'm usually pretty good at figuring a lot out on my own, and I have no problem asking if I'm confused about something. Trust me, all my questions used to drive my foster parents nuts.” I laughed a little to try to lighten the moment.
He still seemed a little confused at my words but nodded. “Sounds like a deal. I vow to answer all your questions to the best of my ability.”
“Awesome. So, what about this portal? Anything I should know?” I gestured behind him as I asked.
He started walking again, and I followed. “It's quite simple. Baer will activate it, and all we’ll need to do is walk through it.”
“Okay. Will I need to hold my breath? What will it feel like?”
“No, you won't have to do anything except step through. It's hard to describe the feeling. To me, it feels as if my body is weightless for a split second as I make the crossing.”
“That doesn't sound too bad. I’ve gotta admit that I'm still a little bit nervous about the whole thing, but I trust you.”
“It'll be over before you know it,” he assured me.
“Kind of like sex with this one,” Baer butted in and grabbed Arryn's shoulder while patting him on the chest, laughing at himself.
I joined him before I caught sight of Arryn’s blush. He shoved Baer off of him and replied, “You must have me confused with your own performance.” I laughed with them both, enjoying the playful and relaxed moment.
“Well, from what I can tell, you both have performance issues,” Lennox said as he stepped up next to us. Arryn quickly composed himself, but Baer didn't seem fazed. Me, I was pissed off at his interruption. I couldn't wait to be done with this asshole.
Baer stepped back. “Are we all ready?”
“As I'll ever be I guess,” I replied, grabbing the strap of my gym bag which crossed over my torso with both hands, my nerves picking up.
At everyone’s acknowledgment, Baer led us to the portal, placing his hands on the frame. His brow drew down in concentration as the frame started to glow a white-blue color with unfamiliar symbols across it. As soon as the last symbol lit up, I saw a flicker in the middle similar to what a heat wave looked like. I could still see the far wall, but now there was a clear barrier inside the frame.
Looking back at us, Baer explained, “To cross from Earth to Avalon, it’s a little easier. This side of the portal is programmed to only let us out in one place, Karthas Outpost. Just walk through it, and it’ll take you straight there.” His eyes met each of ours before continuing, “See you on the other side.” Then, he stepped through and disappeared from my sight. I gasped in shock. I had known this was coming, but a part of me still doubted that anything would happen.
Lennox stepped through next, and I found myself suddenly afraid to step through. It had all been real. The veracity of that statement finally sank in and settled heavily on my shoulders. I knew I was supposed to step through, but my knees had locked, and I wasn’t sure if I could. I wasn’t ready for this.
A hand landed on my shoulder, and I jumped to find Arryn there. “It's your turn now. All you have to do is step through.”
My eyes widened as I started to panic. “I don't know if I can,” I admitted to him. My heart raced, and my palms turned sweaty.
He caught my eye before encouraging me. “You can do this. You've been brave so far. This is just another step.”
“I thought I was crazy. I didn't really think this was all so real.”
Understanding dawned on his face as he watched me panic. “It's okay. Do you want me to go through with you?”
I swallowed, knowing I needed to do this if I was going to free myself from the trials. Before I could return to my students, I’d need to deal with that. I nodded with relief. “Can you? Please? ”
I wasn’t proud of my begging, but I knew I needed his help. He took one of my hands in his, gently engulfing it in his grasp. “Of course. We'll step through together. You can close your eyes if you need to. I'll be right here with you the whole time.”
I squeezed his hand in mine tightly. “Thank you,” I whispered softly before letting my eyes shut.
“Anytime,” he said, just as softly, and then he gently pulled me forward. I knew the exact moment we had entered because it was just as he’d described. Losing all sense of my own body, I felt absolutely nothing but his hand grasped firmly in mine, and it was the only thing that kept me anchored.
A heartbeat later, my senses returned to me, and I felt firm earth beneath my feet. Arryn squeezed my hand, and I opened my eyes slowly, not sure what exactly I'd find.