Jack left me alone to think while he finished the preparations for our departure. The more I absorbed what he’d told me, the more questions accumulated in my mind. I needed to know more about where we were. L’oana told me something far different and believable about our location. I’d been a student of metaphysics for some time now, so I knew full well that there were dimensions on earth; which was why L’oana’s explanation was so easy to accept. I also knew and understood that earth wasn’t the only planet with humanoid life on it. Humanoid, not lizard-like! It’s just that I didn’t expect to be told I was one of those humanoid alien species and I’d teleported back to my planet that was apparently overrun with the lizard-like Dragos.
When he returned, I let loose with a slew of questions. He was surprisingly patient with me and answered them as best he could. He didn’t deny the various dimension on earth, just L’oana’s story. He explained that L’oana read in my thought pattern my belief about dimensions and created a story around them. He also said she could take on whatever shape or persona she chose, but her favorite was the woman with the odd ears and feet. It amused her. He warned me to be very cautious whenever she was around. She was a trickster and I could only find misery in her company. When I asked him how he came to be so sure of this, he turned away and changed the subject. If my instincts served me correctly, I’d have to say he was talking from experience.
Having exhausted the topic of L’oana, I switched to myself and where I came from. He told me as much as he could. Interestingly, as he shared what he knew, I managed to fill in the gaps with inherent memories. If I’d doubted his claim to my origin before, there was no denying it now.
Aunt Jenny’s home was outside a small New York village near the Canadian border. With a population of less than one-thousand and no cable television, it was easy to keep me sheltered from the main world. I’d never really minded it. Aunt Jenny made life an interesting adventure whenever possible; taking us on camping trips, foraging excursions for wild herbs, mushrooms, and edible plants, and hunting with bow and arrow. To say I was a tomboy was an understatement, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It was what Mark and I had most in common.
A neighbor of ours and the son of my Aunt’s closest friend, Mark accompanied us more often than not. Looking at our relationship more closely, we were really more like brother and sister than a couple in love. Perhaps that was why Aunt Jenny had such a mild response to our engagement. She’d either expected it right along or knew in her heart of hearts it wouldn’t take. Whatever the reason, my generally animated aunt was surprisingly reserved with her congratulations.
I mentioned her cool response to my engagement to Jack and he told me Jenny had been laboring over how to tell me who I was. She knew that one day I would be expected to return to my native planet and assume the role of leader. She’d done her best to train me in various survival methods while camouflaging them as hunting, camping, and foraging excursions. I’d proven an adept student and she had no doubt in her mind that I’d be able to survive, should the need arise. If she’d reacted with less than expected delight it was probably because she knew there was no room in my future for Mark and she had no idea how to break it to us.
How do you tell someone she’s an alien princess who would soon have to go back home? Well, if you’re Jack you just blurt it out and hope for the best. I thought with amusement.
I think Aunt Jenny would have found humor in his choice of action.
I’d seen minimal of my surroundings and was eager to find out more about them. This is where Jack fell short. He’d learned a little by my father –who I now knew wasn’t my father- and did a bit of exploring while waiting for me to recover and regenerate my health, but he was fairly limited with his information.
He told me Kurr was one-hundred-fifty light years from earth. Its surface was similar to that of earth. In fact, it mirrored earth in many ways; which was why Aunt Jenny took such pains in teaching me as much as she could in the ways of survival. It was also why I didn’t realize I wasn’t on earth whenever I stepped outside the cave. The terrain looked familiar and the air was clean and crisp like what I was accustomed to in the wilds of Upstate New York. Although the plant life and terrain was very close to that of earth, the animal life had a more distinct variation.
He was just getting into describing a few of the unfamiliar animals that we might encounter when a tall figure filled the doorway. I craned my neck to take in the full height of the man standing with a presence that overpowered the cave. His chin jutted forward with an air that reeked of arrogance, yet there was something about him that I found familiar and likable. He was appealing to look at in his own sort of way. Oh, he certainly couldn’t compare with the god-like features Jack possessed, but he could be deemed handsome in his own right. His frame was large, yet he had minimal meat on his bones. Had I been as large as him in stature, I could have possibly been described as the same. His dark eyes were centered on his square face just below brows that grew thick and burley. His mouth fit perfectly below his nose. When he smiled, it was a smile of friendship that encompassed his entire face. I liked him immediately.
“Your highness,” he said with a slight bow in my direction, “Sergeant Org at your service.”
I was clearly confused as I looked at Jack.
“I don’t know how to get us out of here. Org will be our guide,” Jack explained.
“How did you get here?” I asked with surprise.
Jack nodded his head in Org’s direction.
“He’s been in contact with me since I took over watching you,” he explained. “When you were abducted, he brought me here to find you. I can’t teleport on my own.”
“It’s true, your grace. I learned of your abduction and immediately fetched Jack. It was a close call,” Org added eagerly.
“Yes, it was. In fact, if I’d had any meat on my bones I wouldn’t be here right now,” I said nervously.
It was the first time I’d spoken that fact out loud and I found it unsettling.
“Your lack of meat had nothing to do with it, your grace. We have allies in all nations that are eager to have you take the throne and bring Kurr back to a state of excellence. It was one of ours that had you tossed off the line,” Org assured me.
“You’re in co-hoots with lizard men?” I said, stunned.
“We work with who we have to in order to accomplish our mission. Fortunately, we had someone on the inside to get you tossed off that line,” Org explained.
“Where I waited to retrieve you,” Jack added.
“You never told me this,” I hissed at Jack. “It would have been nice to have known the truth.”
“There’s a time and place for all things. It was not the time,” Jack stated with a shrug. He stood and extended his hand to me, “Now it’s time to leave.”
I stood to join him and stopped in midstream when Org cleared his throat as loud as he could. Had I done something wrong? Was something amiss? People just didn’t clear their throat in that manner for no reason.
When he was sure he had Jack’s attention he whispered, “She’s waiting outside.”
“Damn!” Jack barked.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t convince her to stay behind. She promised not to be a bother,” Org said apologetically.
“It’ll be a cold day in hell when L’oana is anything but a bother,” Jack hissed.
“Do people still believe hell is a burning furnace?” L’oana chuckled as she rested her chin on Org’s shoulder. “I find that truly amazing. You don’t think that, do you princess?”
It was clear by the way she emphasized the word princess that she was resentful of the fact.
“You’re not welcome here,” Jack hissed.
“You should have told me who she was, Jack,” she said flatly. “Tell me Sergeant, what do you think of Jack as your future king? When he marries the princess that’s what he’ll be.”
Org’s eye flew open with surprise and he studied me carefully.
“Is this true, your grace? Are you planning to marry Lord Jack?” he asked.
“Is this how they think here?” I asked.
I was not only desperate to change the subject, but I was really curious about Org’s ability to believe such nonsense so easily.
“Yes,” Jack said flatly. He grabbed me by the elbow and pushed his way passed Org and L’oana. “No one’s marrying anyone. If you’re coming with us,” he said as we moved past my false friend, “you will behave. No trickery! Do I make myself clear?”
“Completely,” she cooed, “but if you don’t plan on marrying her, why all the coddling?”
I’d had little exposure to L’oana and her antics, but I somehow doubted she’d refrain from pulling something now and then on our journey home; however long or short it may be.
“Why is she coming?” I whispered to Jack. “She’s evil. What good will having her with us be?”
“Retract your claws,” he said to L’oana before turning to me, “She’s a trickster, but she also wants to see Kurr returned to its rightful state. She can prove useful if we run into any Dragos or Mannadors.”
“Mannadors?” I asked.
“They make the Dragos look like pet lizards,” Org growled.
“The Mannadors are from a dying planet. They are the reason you were exiled from here. They killed your parents and replaced the monarchy with their own,” L’oana explained. “They were not aware of your existence; which is why Captain Berger was able to get you to safety. I didn’t realize he’d taken you to earth and I especially didn’t realize I’d been hob knobbing with your guardian all this time.”
“I don’t hob knob,” Jack said.
“Whatever you want to call it, honey,” she drawled.
With his hand still on my elbow, I could feel the vibration of Jack’s body as it shuddered with revulsion. He’d obviously done something with L’oana that he seriously regretted and didn’t want reminding of. I decided not to ask him. Some things were better left unsaid. Plus, every man deserves some privacy.
“Don’t start,” Org snapped to L’oana. “Everyone, follow me. I have no desire to get caught on the way to the teleportation launch.”
“Is it far?” I asked.
“That depends,” L’oana replied.
“On what?” I asked, ignoring her jealous glares.
“On whether we run into anyone or anything along the way,” she said before darting off ahead of us.
“I don’t trust her,” Jack said softly.
Sergeant Org and I said nothing.
It felt fantastic to be out of the cave and using my lean muscles to walk along the hilly path that bordered the forest. Had I not known better, I would have sworn I was in the Adirondack Mountains enjoying a good excursion. The air was cool and crisp, as it should be for a mid-fall day. The sun seemed a little brighter than on earth. I questioned Sergeant Org about this and he explained that the sun emitted rays on Kurr that were slightly brighter because, unlike people on earth, the residents of Kurr refrained from using inventions that polluted the atmosphere. Earth would consider Kurr behind the times in many ways, but they were merely eco conscious beyond man’s comprehension.We walked along a well-worn path through a forest of tall pine trees mixed with oak and maple trees. We hadn’t gone more than a half-mile before Jack raised his hand to signal we stop while putting his finger to his lips for silence. I’d been so busy a
We may have been out in the wilderness, but it seemed as if the entire world obeyed Jack’s command to stand still and be quiet. From what I could tell, not one bird, not one rabbit, or rodent, or even an insect made a move or a sound. We all waited with anticipation for whatever it was he was warning us about to show itself.Jack, on the other hand, had no intention of waiting to see what was rapidly making its way through the trees in our direction. He scooped me up into his arms, like I was nothing more than a bag of laundry, and leapt into the air. I sucked in my gasp of shock as we rocketed into the tree tops. I could feel his flesh wrap around my nails as I clung to him for dear life while he perched on the top branch of an enormous sycamore tree.I buried my face into his chest and closed my eyes as tight as they’d allow. I’d always had a fear of heights. I couldn’t remember ever being on anything that b
To all of our relief L’oana grew tired of the pace we were forced to keep –partly because I wasn’t a superhuman and partly because the men were stopping often to listen and observe- and went on ahead. We walked in relative silence. I, for one, reveled in the break from her taunting, whining, and bitching. I still hadn’t figured out why she was even with us, but then there was a lot about what was going on that confused me.I used my time of silence to contemplate and absorb all that had been told to me. Both Jack and Sergeant Org were adamant that I was the heir to the throne of Kurr. I wasn’t sure what that entailed, but it sounded pretty important. In fact, it had to be somewhat important since my parents were killed and I was hidden in exile because of it.I’d been brought up to be comfortable hiking and hunting, but my body wasn’t prepared for the rigorous trek we were making. The terrain
Jack held vigil at my side until I’d finally regained control of my faculties and was able to stand. He held me close while I tested my legs for stability. I rested my cheek against his chest and closed my eyes while I listened to the steady beat of his heart. It beat at twice the rate of a human heart. I estimated two-hundred beats per minute. I slipped my hand through the front of his tunic and caressed his flesh. It was warm and supple. Pulling his tunic further from his flesh, I nuzzled my face like a kitten seeking comfort.“Where are the others?” I murmured.My lips tickled as they grazed his flesh.“They will take some time catching up with us. They both have about the same ability for speed, so I’m guessing they’ll reach us within an hour. We can take that time for you to rest a bit. I feel your exhaustion,” he said softly.“Is that all you feel?” I couldn&rs
I was forced to climb onto Jack’s back again so that we could all travel at a decent pace. Jack was actually going much slower than we’d traveled before in order to allow for our companions, but it was at a speed much faster than it would have been had I gone on foot. We traveled on ground instead of the tree tops until we reached the opening of a small cave that truly didn’t look like much. This unimpressive little opening in the hillside turned out to be a portal to the world beneath our feet.I learned from Sergeant Org that this was L’oana’s world. It was a world full of illusions, tricksters, and evil doers. This explained their reluctance to entering it. He warned me to be cautious about speaking to anyone other than the three of them and told me of the many species of life that lived in the world below the surface world, including some of my own who’d managed to escape the chaos when the Mannador arrived
We reached the inn none too soon for me. Jack put me down just outside its door and I fell back behind Sergeant Org. I wanted to put as much space between us as possible. I could be mistaken, but I think I saw a look of hurt in his beautiful green eyes before they clouded over into an emotionless void.Sergeant Org offered me his arm and escorted me into the large public room. There were wooden tables placed strategically around the floor with a small counter in front of beer kegs against the back wall for the barmaid.“Why it’s a tavern,” I murmured with surprise.“That it is, your grace,” the sergeant explained. “These little inns all have rooms like this that double as a dining room and tavern. We’ll grab a bite to eat and a pint of ale and then off to bed with you.”“That sounds good,” I replied with gratitude.The mention of food made me realize I hadn’t
Confusion took over as Jack’s body went limp and heavy, pinning me beneath him.“I’ve never met a vampire that had such a tough time keeping it in his pants like this one does,” L’oana complained to her companions. “Someone please tell me what it is about this creature that makes him do such foolish things.”I gasped in horror as I heard a strange male voice remark about what he’d like to do with my voluptuous body. Not only was it odd to hear anyone refer to my body as voluptuous, but it was shocking to hear someone claim desires to do to it the things he was claiming he wanted to do. I didn’t know if I should be horrified or mortified.I knew immediately which one of the two burly men pulling my unconscious lover off me made such an offensive statement of desire by the wicked lust displayed on his face. Interestingly, his companion was clearly embarrassed by my nakedness.
We were above ground and still no sign of Jack or Sergeant Org. I wondered if the sergeant was in on the ruse all along and simply pretending to be knocked out for my benefit. I was beginning to be suspicious of everyone around me. How sad that it had come to that.We were barely on the trail when we met up with a small troop of Mannadorian soldiers. The King was notified of my capture and had traveled to meet me. It seemed my time as a free woman would be shorter than expected.Although my legs were relieved when they placed me on a beautiful black gelding for the remainder of the journey, my heart was heavy. Every step that my steed took put my vampire guardian and lover further and further behind us. I questioned if it might be better to die. I didn’t know how I’d be able to live without Jack at my side.I closed my eyes and the memories flooded into my head. Making love with Jack must have broken down the