THE MIRROR-SHORT STORY

Happy Fall everyone! Today is a short story about a special mirror. Hope you enjoy!

MIRROR

SHORT STORY

The mirror had been in the antique shop for some time I remembered. In fact it had been there so long that I remembered seeing it when I was little. Why it stayed there for so long I have no idea. I wondered why the owner had not gotten rid of it.

But I will never forget the day. I was walking by the shop and my eyes instantly caught it. The mirror that had been there since I was little was not in its spot. I stopped short in front of the old dusty window. I looked around and the only thing I could see was the outline of the mirror that it left against the wall.

For whatever reason it was, my feet took me to the front door and I went in. The little bell above rung in my ears. The air was stale and dust tickled my nose. I stood there alone looking around at all the old things that looked like they were all forgotten about as they laid resting under a blanket of dust.

The floor creaked under my feet as I made my way over to the empty spot where the mirror was. I stared at the outline it left behind and just as I was about to let my hand touch the wall a gentle voice stopped me.

“Can I help you?”

I whirled around with a thumping chest. A tall young man in a black suit stood quietly observing me. I wondered how I had not heard him come into the room. My mouth opened but no words formed. Finally I managed to sputter out about the mirror.

He raised an eyebrow. His dark blue eyes glanced over to the corner and mine followed. There was the mirror leaning against the wall.

“Would you like to see it?”

I only nodded.

I swear he made no noise on the creaky floor as he took me over to it. Staring down at it, it felt odd. This mirror that had hung here for so long felt ominous and almost surreal. I had never seen it up close. There was an intriguing pattern carved into the frame. It felt like it possessed something but what I don’t know.

“Would you like for to bring it out into the open so you can get a better look?”

“Sure,” I said.

With swift silent movement, he picked up the mirror that looked heavy but to him was nothing but feather weight. I was amazed.

He hung it on the wall right in front of me. I saw my reflection and his as he stepped back. A slight chill ran up my arm. The silver was a bit tarnished now and overall grey looking but I could still see us in reflection. We looked like a black and white photo.

“It feels like the mirror could take me anywhere.” I don’t know I said that.

He cleared his throat but did not respond to my odd statement. I felt a bit stupid but I couldn’t run out the door and look really stupid. So, I walked up to the mirror and let my fingers slide around the edging exploring this interesting looking carving.

As I was doing this I told him, “This mirror has been here since I was little. I wondered why it stayed so long.”

I looked into the mirror at him and his dark eyes were intense. I quickly looked away to avoid eye contact. When my fingers found the bottom of the mirror, there was words engraved into one of the carved swirls. It said Portals into dreams. My finger rested on the words.

When I looked up into the mirror, he was not there. I turned to see where he went. It appeared I was alone again. The thought of me leaving entered into my mind. I could slip out and no one but him would be the wiser.

But something kept me from leaving.

It was only a moment and he came out of the back with a small wooden box in his hand. It looked a bit beat up. He looked at me and this time he offered me a small smile. “If you would like the mirror, I can give you a deal. This little box goes with it.

“What is in it?”

He did not answer. He simply set it on the counter. “Would you like the mirror?”

I stood staring at it for a moment. I took a deep breath and sighed. “Okay.” It felt like this mirror had waited a long time for me to finally come in and take it home. Maybe I was meant to have it.

He smiled when I nodded.

Before I hung it up on the wall, I dusted it and polished up the mirror for what it was. I could see myself in the mirror a little better but I would have to look into getting it silvered again. I had forgot about the box until I turned around and saw it on the night stand where I had set it. I picked it up and sat at the edge of the bed and opened it. There was something wrapped up in old handkerchief. When I unwrapped it an old but heavy key fell into my lap. I picked it up and held it up and that is when I noticed something strange in the mirror.

I stood up and walked over to the mirror. There was a door and it was not the reflection of the door in my room. It was obvious what I was supposed to do but did not expect it to happen. I took the key and aimed it at the key hole of this special door.

The whole mirror shimmered as my hand went right through this liquid surface. The key fit perfectly. I quickly pulled my hand back and took a step back but as soon as I did, I realised I was not in my room anymore. I whirled around and I didn’t know where I was. That same smell from the antique shop tickled my nose. There was movement in the room so I knew I was sharing the same room with someone. When I looked in the direction that the movement took place, I saw him. It was the same young man that was at the shop.

“Who are you and how did I get here?”

His eyebrow went up. “You used the key.”

“Yes, but key opened a door that only showed itself in the mirror. How is that possible? What is that mirror?”

“First, my name is Julian and I come from a world not like yours. That mirror was a portal and the key you used got you here.”

“Why me?”

“That mirror waited a long time for you to show up. You were missing.”

 I looked for the door but it was not there. I was trapped. “I was not missing but now that I am here…I’m missing now.”

He shook his head. “As difficult as this is, you are now home.”

 “No, I’m not. You have to let me back.”

“Don’t panic, you can go back to your world anytime but give me a few moments of you time.”

So I stood still as he came closer to me. My chest was alive with fear.

“Please do not be afraid. I will not hurt you, I promise. I have waited for this day for a very long time. To finally find you and bring you home. It feels like what you say-surreal.”

I looked into his dark blue eyes. There was something a bit different with his eyes. “What are you,” I asked him.

“I’m an ethereal creature, just like you.”

I shook my head. “No, I’m not. I’m human like everybody else.”

He grinned. “I suppose that is to be expected since you were raised in that world. But trust me, you are not human.” He came closer and took my hand. This coolness raced up my arm at his touch. I couldn’t snatch my hand back. My hand was getting cold.

Finally, he let go and covered my cold hand with my warm one. I was not what he was.

“Stay with me for a while Anna and I will show you what you really are. Okay?”

Before I could answer I found myself standing outside the old antique shop looking in. Why was I out here? I looked around and a sense of relief washed over me. I was back but I knew what had happened. I thought about going inside the shop but instead I looked though the mirror. There he was at the counter. Our eyes met and he smiled at me.

I turned and started to walk home. I shoved my hand into my pockets and I felt something hard. I pulled it out and it was the key. I stared at it for a bit and then quickly put it back into my pocket and started back home.

I never went near the little box that I put the key back in and I never went down the street where the little antique shop was. The mirror got moved to a back room. It was hanging on the wall but when I did this, the silver on the mirror got even darker. Dark ugly ink like stains started to appear. I shut the door to that room.

It was in the middle of the night when I heard what sounded like something crashing to the floor. I was hoping it wasn’t the new TV I had bought and got hung on the wall. Very quickly I got out of bed and headed for the living room. But from the hallway, I could see the moon’s light reflecting on the screen. It had not fallen. The moon’s light through the window drew me closer. Everything outside was this white blue. I often liked nights like this and was tempted to unlock the garden doors and slip out but then I remembered the crash reminding me that something had fallen.

Walking down the hallway, I caught a light glowing from under the closed door where the mirror was. My hands prickled. Very cautiously I made my way to the door not knowing what to expect. I turned the knob ever so slowly and when I heard the click, I almost jumped.

Taking a peek inside, I could see the glow was coming from the mirror. My eyes widened as in the mirror I could see the door and it was swinging in a very breezy night. Even when I stepped into the room, I could feel the breeze whip at my hair. How was that possible? Even the curtains were moving in the room. I walked up to the mirror and didn’t know what to do with this thing. The inky dark stains were still there.

I made a mistake.

My hand went up to touch the mirror and it went right through as expected but something grabbed my hand and pulled me. I fought but I had nothing to grab onto and then I was on the ground. My heart leaped as now I could see black men’s shoes. I slowly looked up into Julian’s face.

He sighed. “Let me help you up.” He offered me his hand. I took it as I felt there was no choice. Now I was facing him and his dark eyes almost glowed like a cat in the night. “Don’t be afraid. I didn’t like it that you took the mirror and hid it in a back room. I had to do something to bring you here.”

“Why? I don’t’ belong here.”

“Yes, I know what you believe but I am here to convince you that you are wrong.”

I was stunned and bewildered at the same time. How was I going to get back and away from Julian?

“Come with me and I will show you what is your real home and maybe something will tickle your memory of this world.”

He held out his hand and when I took too long he took my hand and pulled me along down a dark path. I pulled back. “I’m not going down some dark path with you.”

“I said you were safe.” His voice sounded a bit flustered but I didn’t care, I wasn’t going to go anywhere with him. I whirled around and ran for the opening that went through the mirror but when I got to it, it was like hitting a wall. I fell back.

I looked back a Julian who was waiting with impatience for me to come back. He held out his hand again. I went back to him but I did not take his hand. We walked side by side as we entered down this dark path. The moon did at least light it up a bit through the trees that closed us in.

“What is this place?” I could hear my voice almost echo under the canopy of trees.

“This is an ethereal world that lives between human dreams and this that no one understands.”

I looked over at him with a rather confused look and he only grinned. “You will understand when memory comes back.”

“What happened to me then? How did I end up in the human world?”

“You wondered off and curiosity took you through a portal into the human world. You weren’t very old.”

“Who looked after me then and raised me?” I whipped my head over to him. He grinned. “You have no idea do you? Do you remember parents at all?” He shook his head. “Of course you don’t. There was no human parents to look out for you. Only our kind. The problem was getting you back here. Your curiosity always got a head of us.”

I was starting to shake. This can’t be true as I tried to remember someone with me when I was little. Who was I with when I went past the shop? My mind was reeling trying to find answers. But none would come.

I stopped and so did he. “If you have magic, then give me my memories back.”

He sighed. “You don’t think I tried that? You wouldn’t’ let me.”

“Well, try now.”

Julian stood in front of me and it so dark here now. The moons light was now blocked by the thick branches and leaves of the trees that towered over us.

But his eyes slightly shone. He took my hold of both of my hands and he started to chant. I did not know what he was saying and I could feel no change. Just as I was about to tell him so, he dropped my hands. He looked right at me locking me with those eyes of his.

Suddenly I felt this wave come over me and I could this little girl running down this moonlit path. I came up to a door in the forest and I pushed it open and on the other side was a street. I was standing on the street in front of this antique shop. I tried to run back but the door was not there anymore. I was frightened and suddenly this wash of fear took over me and my whole body shook. I clasped my hands to my ears. “Stop it, please.”

Julian placed his hands over my hands and said a few words and everything went away.

“It’s alright, you are safe now and there is no need to fell afraid like that ever again.”

His voice was calming and I felt safe for the first time in a long time. I fell into his arms almost of sheer exhaustion. He held me tightly and I felt his lips against my temple. It felt strange. I looked up at him and his eyes wre hapf closed as he whispered. “Welcome back my love. I have waited for a very long time to be with you. Now we can be together forever.” His lips were no on tip of mine and the world went into a crazy spin.

It was some time after that I soon realized that I was not in my own world but I was not yet ready to go back to it. I was too use to this one but Julian was patient. I helped him at the shop. I got rid of the dust and tidied up things. He didn’t’ know why as he said that we would be going home soon and I knew this world was most uncomfortable for him.

But the day came and Julian said he wanted to celebrate my return with our wedding. He had not asked me and I told him that. He just laughed and pulled me close kissing me.

It came to me the day I left the human world. Those memories I had of me as a little girl running down this path were true but the reason I was running came to me. I looked at Julian and he knew what had just come to me but it was too late.

I was running from him.

 

 

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MYSTIC RIDERS-flash fiction

Hello and hope everyone is fine. Today we have some magical mystics. Hope you enjoy!

MYSTIC RIDERS

Flash fiction

 

Deep within the woods lays magical spirits that have lived there forever.

Forever is a long time but that is how old these spirits are.

One day a year they ride through the woods and they sound like a thunder storm.

Wild horses are their choices and they are the only ones to ever ride such wild beasts.

What these riders look like, no one knows. Some think they are past warriors that have risen from their graves to ride once more.

Where they are going is a mystery. To some far off place to fight their enemies to reclaim what was theirs in their day is only a guess.

You know they are going to ride when the fog settles into the bones of the woods and the damp air sticks to everything.

The winnie of a horse echoes through the forest and a nervousness travels through the woods.

Even the foxes and coyotes don’t take their usual path and instead hide in the shadows.

Soon the thunderous sounds like a storm rolling in starts to rumble in the woods making even the still trees tremble.

A shout of sorts sends ravens into flight and the ground starts to vibrate. Horses snort and winnie.

Through the fog comes the first beast. The black as midnight mane bellows into the wind. Its dark eyes looking straight ahead. The beast knows the way.

The others follow and now the thunderous hooves are beating the ground as they rush through the woods with their invisible riders.

Some have seen the leader of the riders. He has hollow eyes and a dark mane of hair like the horse he rides.

The riders carry swords to fight their invisible enemies and once they are gone through, everything goes back to silence.

The wind gets up and sweeps the leaves covering up their hoof marks in the ground and the fog lifts leaving the woods as they were.

 

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SWEET AVA-flash fiction

Happy October! We had snow but I'm hoping by the end of the day it has gone. Too early for winter yet. Here is a flash fiction piece about a sweet little girl.

SWEET AVA

 

Flash fiction

 

She came from the forest and was as mysterious as the forest itself. Some thought she was a witch or sorceress but that was never confirmed.

They called her Ava of the dark. She only came out in the twilight hours from the forest.

A dark angel is what most labeled her as and those angels were to be avoided.

As the moon rose above a sweet song from the forest can be heard. If the song lures you into the forest, beware of Ava.

Now there are some who say that she is not dark and just wants a friend.

If you think she is lonely, and want to take your chances, then go cautiously.

The moon’s light and forest creatures won’t protect you.

Listen carefully to her song and the words. If there is no mention of staying with her or giving her something for your heart, then maybe it is safe.

Always listen and remind yourself that maybe


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ASSINA OF THE BLUE ISLES-CHAPTER 12

Well, this is the final chapter! I hope you enjoyed this little serialized story. I will be cleaning it up and will be publishing it later on or early next year. And if you want to support this story, you can leave a tip at the bottom. Thank you!! Enjoy!

 

Chapter 12

 

Silver Fox was suspicious but she couldn’t find the source and that made her very annoyed. Whenever she looked through her telescope, nothing could be found. She even looked up above then and below but there was nothing so she thought she was being paranoid.

However, the feeling wouldn’t leave her so she just stayed alert to any attacks. Kitt joined her on the deck. “Everything good up here?”

Silver Fox’s ears bent forward. “Well, I can’t shake that something is up but I can’t see anything.”

“Hmm,” said Kitt. “Maybe if there is someone out there, they are far behind at a safe or cloaking themselves.”

Silver Fox’s eyes went wide. “I never thought of that. The crew should be on alert.”

Kitt let out an uneasy breath. “I think that Karina knows that we have to stay alert with all the trouble we have had. Anything can happen. We are getting close to the Orox Mountains. We’ll send out word when we get close and they can meet us perhaps. Then we can make it safe into the port.”

“That would be a good idea. Maybe Simon could speed us up. The sooner we have delivered this load the better.”

Kitt laughed. “I don’t think that anyone will not agree with. This old ship needs repairs. That will make a big difference on our travels.”

A rumble took their attention to the skies. Kitt sighed. “Another thunder storm coming in. I’m going to get my rain hat. Can’t stand the rain on my cat ears.”

Silver Fox grinned. “I hear ya. I don’t like rain on mine either. Better get ready.”

Kitt scampered off as the first drops started to fall. Silver Fox quickly took herself to front bow where Karina was. She already had her gear on, ready for the storm to sail through it. Silver Fox came up beside her. “Looks like a heavy rain one coming though.”

“Yup, we’ll get through it. Soon as we make our way through the worst of it, Simon will send out word for the ship to greet us and escort us into the port safely without attack.”

“That is what Kitt suggested. I’m glad that we are doing that, makes me feel better.”

“Same with me,” quipped Karina.

A loud thunder shook the ship. They both looked up as the rain started to beat down on them. Another rumble followed. They both looked at one another. “That does not sound like thunder,” retorted Silver Fox.

Karina looked around like someone was going to land on the deck at any time. That made Silver Fox nervous. Suddenly a howl from the back of the ship startled them both. It was Karzan and it sounded like he had been confronted. Kitt yelled next. “We have trouble,” said Karina.

Silver Fox felt prickles run of her furry neck to her ears. Her early suspicions were coming to light. She ran to get her bow and arrow and see who had challenged her crew members. She stopped short in her tracks when she saw the large ship that was practically on top of the deck. She recognized it as The Dreamer with that mean looking captain. Another battle.

Simon was even out there fighting the crew off that was landing in front of them. Some of them were like Kitt, half cat, half elf and they were scampering around sniffing. Silver Fox knew what they were sniffing for too. She notched one of her arrows and started firing at them. But they were quick.

Like a storm cloud a big burly creature landed on the deck waving a sword. He was a bear like creature. When he roared everyone stilled. Karina stood not too far from him. “Get off my ship, you thief.”

“Give me the sapphire ice and we will be on our way.”

“That is not for you to steal. I’ll say it again, get off this ship before we start firing on your ship.”

The rain was starting to get heavier and fog was rolling in. It didn’t bother the captain as he almost seemed to relish in it. Karina had to stand her ground.

He roared out a laugh. “Do you think a little thing like you will stop me? My crew will take what they want.” The rain was dripping off his furry ears and hairy chin. Karina looked back and Silver Fox flew one flaming arrow at his ship. It stuck into his sails and despite the rain it caught fire. His crew scrambled to get back on the ship to put the fire and Silver Fox fired another one and soon all the sails had caught fire.

He roared at his crew. His ship was starting to sink and that was one thing Karina never thought of. He was parked slightly over top of the deck. He would crash and take them both down.

Simon was now below trying to steer them out from the large ship. They scraped the bottom a bit but managed to get out of the way.

Despite the burning sales, the ship was so far staying up and the bear of a captain was not giving up. He charged Karina who was ready for him. She dodged his sword and kicked him at the knee sending him flying face down. She leaped like a cat pouncing on a mouse, landing on his back with her sword stuck in his back. “I think now is the time for you to leave.”

Kalzan came up and picked him up and dragged him across to his burning ship that was starting to sink in the sky. A gust of wind helped him heave over the captain onto his own ship. The storm was getting stronger and angrier. Neither ship could sail in this weather.

The gust of wind and rain were now beating at them like fists. Simon was doing his best to work with the wind to get them away. It was working but the ship was creaking and the sails were almost lying flat. They had to seek refuge somewhere.

The Dreamer was off now in the distance almost on its side. For now the bear captain would be no threat but the biggest one was this storm. It was proving to be more challenging that what Karina thought it would have been.

The Orox Mountains were just the other side. They were almost there when another ship came into view, it was Captain Delphia’s ship. The way the ship was being turned, Karina knew that Simon had seen the captain’s ship. Now it was just to get away from him in time and hopefully he never noticed them. Maybe thought Karina, this storm might work to their advantage.

The ship was sailing through the air at quite a clip and that was dangerous but Karina knew that just a little bit father, they would be in the protection of the mountains.

The sky was lighting up with bright flashes from the storm and thunder was rolling along with the black clouds. The ship suddenly dropped and Karina fell and slid to the side of the ship catching on to one of the ropes, she hung on.

Now they had stopped and were floating calmly. Karina got herself up and went to the edge and looked over and around. It was eerie and quiet despite the rain falling. She half expected to see enemies in waiting but so far nothing.

They floated along and lights from the mountains cliffs glowed in the darkness. There were creatures that lived here. She just hoped that none of them were interested in her. One fight per day was enough.

Her ship coasted through and Kitt came up along and joined her. “The message has been sent out. We should hear back when we clear this storm on the other side of this mountain.”

“Good, it will be nice to see a ship that will not be attacking us.”

And sure enough the ship was there waiting. Karina recognized it as the Evergreen. The owner was the one who was making the purchase.

The crew were waiting for them and when they got close, a message came to them to follow them into port and to stay close.

Karina knew that meant trouble was waiting at the port for them. At least the ship ahead of them would be protecting them.

The port was a sorry sight for Karina’s eyes. “We made it,” she said out loud. It was a sprawling city in the Orox Mountains. It was the city of wonder as its bone colored towers hovered over the masses of rock and large trees. It was almost like that was what was holding them up. Underneath the city was large tangles roots and rocks that held everything together.

There was even water in the city that flowed through the middle.

The port where they were going to land was on the edge where the warehouses where situated. They started to descend into the port right behind the Evergreen ship. Men were waiting for them. Simon merged from the bottom and him and Kalzan greeted the men.

Karina went down the plank to the board walk. There she greeted the buyer. “Glad you made it. I was wondering what shape you would be in.”

“Well, as you can see, we are still one piece but this was not an easy journey. The sapphire ice caused many attacks on us. Almost lost our ship a few times but we made it. We need repairs and that new part we talked about?”

He nodded. “Of course, I will put it in myself and don’t worry, you will be paid well for your efforts.”

Karina nodded and off he went to see the men. Silver Fox and Kitt joined her. “Well, captain,” said Silver Fox, “I think the three of us could go for a bite to eat and celebrate ahead of the boys?”

Karina laughed. “We certainly can.”

 

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ASSINA OF THE BLUE ISLES

We are closing in on this story. Here is the next instalment. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 11

 

 

 

The one thing Karina noticed was that anyone she met on the street never made eye contact with you. They were either hooded with their face and eyes hid or looking down at their feet. Finding a thief to do the job was going to be more challenging than she thought. Kitt was also out scouting for someone to do the deed.

And so far she had not bumped into Captain Delphia and that was a bit worrying as she wondered if he had changed his mind on escorting her and decided to sale what he had. That made her teeth grind.

Karina slipped into a noisy pub. Suddenly sets of eyes flashed her way. That made her twitch and wonder if the captain put the word out about her. Karina sat down at a table where a skinny elf girl with a large ring in her nose came up to her. Her nose twitched as if she was sniffing for something on her.

“Get you something dear?”

Her voice was laced with distrust. “Give me a strong coffee and pastry…please.”

The elf girl smirked. “Sure.”

Cautiously she looked around the room. Everyone had turned back to their own conversations and forgot about her. A hooded individual sat in the dark corner she noticed. It was like he was trying to hide from everyone and that was a sign that maybe this one had potential. The elf girl brought her coffee and pastry. She saw where Karina was looking. She bent over to her. “Stay away from that one. He’s too dangerous for you and too expensive for whatever deed you want done dear.”

Karina was biting her tongue. She took a sip of her coffee instead. When the elf girl went off, the one in the corner got up and was coming her way. As he passed his eyes met hers. A cold shiver went through her. What the elf girl said was true, he was dangerous.

She quickly finished her pastry and coffee and paid the girl giving her a tip that she quickly shoved in her pocket. “Good luck miss.”

Karina slipped out the door and there he was as if waiting for her. He grinned at her. “I felt your eyes on me and word is out on the street that you want a certain bag of sapphire ice retrieved.”

“Where did you hear that?”

He sighed. “Do you or don’t you want the job done. I have no time for word games.”

Karina crossed her arms. “What’s your price? Apparently you’re out of budget.”

“I can make special deals.”

“I bet you can, especially when the prize is something like sapphire ice.”

He almost growled. “I know where your captain is and how many guards are around him. Do you know where he is? I didn’t think so.”

Karina huffed. “Okay thief boy, since you’re the genius here, what is your price to get the job done?”

“I like your sharp tongue but I would watch it if I were you. You’ll get it cut if you mouth off too much.”

“What is your price?” She was getting impatient and was ready to move on when he offered her a envelope.

“What is this?”

“This is where the sapphire ice is being kept safe and it’s on a boat called The Dreamer. Inside is the key to the fault.”

“So, I’m to do the stealing and you?”

“No, I will do the stealing and you will take the letter and deliver it for me.”

“To whom?”

“Captain Delphia.”

“Why would you be giving him a letter?”

“That’s not your concern. Just do it and I will meet you at your ship with the bag.”

Karina did not trust him. There was a bunch he was not telling her and she had dealt with her kind before. They always backstabbed you.

“Okay, I’ll do it. Meet me in two hours.”

He nodded and took the key and left. Karina had to act fast. She looked down on the letter and there was an address on it. Karina quickly picked up her pace. She had to get back to her ship to the others.

It was an old warehouse and something told her that the captain was not here. In fact she felt like maybe she was just had. The door was not locked and when she went in no one was around. However, what she saw on the table shocked her. It was the bag. How could that be? Then she knew. This was a set up. He was working for the captain. She gritted her teeth and grabbed the bag looking inside. Voices suddenly made her snatch the bag inside her coat and there was no other way out but the door she came into. She had to hide. The only place available was an old cupboard. It was tight but she fit and just in time as they came in. There were two males and one was the thief and the other was one of the captain’s crew.

“I meet her in two hours. I will give her the bag of what she thinks is the sapphire ice. I’ll sale it and split with you. Where is the bag?”

“I just put it here.”

“It’s not there, did you put it someplace else?”

“No, it was here.”

“Are you trying to pull one over on me?”
“No, it was here. Where did you send her?”

Karina could hear the thief take out a paper and he read out the address.

“That’s not to the Dreamer you idiot. That is here.”

“What? Damn, I don’t usually make mistakes. Do you think she has been here?” 

“If she has, she will be on her ship making a break for it.”

“We have no time then, let’s go.”

She waited for five minutes and then came out. She had to get to her boat before they did. Karina slipped out and down the back ally she went and out to the harbour going down every shortcut she could find.

Kitt met her at the ship. “Everyone on board?”

“Yes, they are.”

“Good, because we are leaving right now.”

Kitt scampered on board and gave orders to get the ship moving. Karina was ready to do battle but so far the two of them had not shown up yet. They started to rise and move toward the blue sky. The wind was strong today and that was a good sign. They could make good time away from the city.

She took out her telescope and looked down to see if she could find them. There was no sign of them anywhere. This was odd. What had happened?

Then she caught something. It was that ship they were talking about and Karina recognized one of the captains as Delphia and the other one she was guessing was the captain of the Dreamer. He was pointing up to the sky and Karina felt that they were going to make chase.

Karina went to Silver Fox and told her that they had to make good time as they might be chased.

Silver fox nodded and left her to guard.

The Dreamer was fast and soon was going to catch up to catch up to them. She had to think of something. She quickly looked ahead and new of one spot they would not follow her to and that was Skull Mountain. The worst of the worst occupied that region.  A ship of their size would be attacked. But not hers.

Simon did his best to coast into the mountains and hide without anyone paying attention.

Karina could hear the big ship coasting overtop. She thought that was brave or they were that stupid. She got her answer.

Firing erupted above them and shouts echoed in the valley they were hiding.

Now it was the challenge to wait for this to pass or…

Kitt came bounding over to her. “We have to leave. These barbarians are going to sweep through this area and take out whoever is hiding here. They mean business.”

“Okay let’s go but try to keep in the hiding.”

Simon did a good job and for the most part they slipped through the valley without notice. They had now risen to the sky and caught the strong draft. They were moving at a good speed. Karina could still hear the battles behind her and was relieved when they sounded far away.

Fog was heavy now but maybe she thought that was a good thing. It would hide them.

It was a couple of hours when the fog cleared out and finally in front of them in the distance was the Orox mountain range. She would make her delivery after all.

What she didn’t realize was that The Dreamer was following her at a safe distance.  

 

 

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ASINIA OF THE BLUE ISLES-CHAPTER 10

Our story continues. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 10

 

Karina shouted out to her crew. “Faster! We have to save that ship before the sapphire ice is burnt!”

She could see all of Naids crew racing around trying to put out the fire. Karina kept her eyes on Naid as she could see that around her belt swung the bag of sapphire ice. She was a bit relieved to know that she had it on her instead of hidden on the ship. She needed to get to her and grab that bag.

The flames were licking up one of the sails and the ship was losing steam for staying up in the air. Karina had to get there before another sail went down.

Finally they got close enough that she could yell over to Naid who saw her and ran to the rails. “Have you come to finish me off? You’ll have a fight on your hands.”

“I’m not here to fight you but I do want what you took from me.”

Naid looked down at her belt. “Nope. You will have to fight me for it.”

“Even if your ship drops out of the sky?”

Naid took out her knife as Karina got closer ready to jump on the fiery deck. “We’ll go down together then.”

Karina jumped on board with her own knife in hand. They danced around each other and the crew trying to put out the fire and stay out of their way. Karina’s crew were watching intently waiting for orders from Karina.

“You know this bag of sapphire ice is going to cost you your ship. Instead of fighting with me, I could help you save your ship for the return of my sapphire ice.”

Naid scowled. “How do I know that I can trust you?”

“You will have to find out. Hand it over.”

Suddenly, from above them a large shadow hovered over top of them. Captain Delphia was leaning over the rails smiling down at them. “Need some help?”

Karina could see that he had acquired another ship, a much larger air vessel. Naid looked up at him. “Mind your own business. We have things under control here.”

Karina knew he didn’t buy that. He got closer and then a quick as a cat slid down a rope and landed right in front of them.

Naid was stunned as he sauntered up to her and grabbed the bag of sapphire ice and with a quick slice of his knife, he cut lose the bag. Karina was ready to chase him down but instead he walked up to her and dangled the bag in front of her.

“Want this? This is the price you pay. I get a cut of the shipment and will accompany you to the Orox mountains. As you see.” He pointed up to his ship. “I have a much larger ship now with much more power. I can guarantee you will get there safely. So, accep?”

“And if I don’t you will keep it?”

“There is hardly enough in here to pond of in the market. No, I would simply dump it in front of your eyes.”

Naid walked off and started helping her crew get the fire out which they almost had. Smoke was stirring around them.

“Fine, ten percent cut.”

“What? I was thinking more like fifty percent.”

Karina almost choked. “I need most of it for this ship. There is an expensive part I need. I can’t do fifty percent.”

Captain Delphia smirked. “Then it looks like we might have to negotiate this as we go. “Let’s get off this ship and fly to the next port where we can share an evening together discussing our relationship.”

Karina tried to take the bag but he was quicker. “Nope, you and I have an evening together. I will see you then. Follow me and don’t try anything funny, we will be watching you.”

He grabbed the rope and up he went as easily as he came down.

The fire was now out. Naid sauntered up to with a look of contempt. “Get off my ship. Now I need to get where I can get repairs.”

“I won’t argue. I have my own stuff to take care of.”

Naid laughed. “He will never give you your sapphire ice. By the time you meet him tonight, he will have already sold the ice.”

Karina shrugged. “Then I will get more.” And before she could retort back to her, she leapt off the ship onto her own.

They sailed up and the large ship was right there waiting for them. They kept their distance but kept them in sight. The port where the captain was heading was not one of Karina’s favorite stops. It was a place where thieves liked to gather so Karina was not surprised that this was one of Delphia’s favorite hang outs.

This place had a reputation of being the worst. The air current carried them fast and soon the tall towers of the city came into view. They also had caught up closer to Captain Delphia’s ship. He came up to the railing and yelled over. “Glad you are up closer, there are a lot of ships here today. That could mean trouble. Stay close.”

Kitt came up to her. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing he going to protect us then.”

“Yeah, he will be good for that.”

“What are your plans for him?”

“Well, one thing, we never hand shake on the deal and when I meet up with him, I will steal the bag of ice back.”

“How are you going to do that?”

“We are in a town full of thieves are we not? There is always one looking to score. I will pay one of them to steal the bag and give it to me. He will never be the wiser that I had hired.”

Kitt smirked. “Well, I hope it works. Here is the city now.” She looked over at Karina. “Welcome to the city of deception.”

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