Camellia’s eyes opened a sliver. Her lashes obscured the room, and all she saw were shadows and soft light. The light dimmed, and Camellia’s eyes fell shut again. Footsteps approached, and Camellia felt Florian’s hand drift over her belly. She lay half asleep on a couch he’d moved into his office. Camellia had been surprised the piece of furniture even fit.

Florian’s footsteps retreated. By the door, he spoke, “I’m going to be another couple of hours. I’ve got to cross reference everything we found against what we currently know about the Volanter.”

“Inez said that they didn’t have too much trouble beating this group.” The voice belonged to Eder.

“I’m guessing they never expected us to get so much help from the Scaldin. It must have been a shock to see twenty ships.”

Camellia’s eyes were still closed, but she imagined that Florian had crossed his arms and leaned against his door frame.

“The Scaldin must really like us.”

Florian gave a half-hearted chuckle. “Some of them might, but I suspect the majority of them just don’t want this fight over Scaldigir. So, they think they’ll help us beat them here. Plus, they’ll be earning themselves an ally if they do, and from what I can read in their culture, they don’t have a lot of those.”

“Well, I like them,” Eder said. “They’re kind of reserved, but that makes them easier to talk to.”

“They’re not that reserved from Groazan standards, but from a Tagtrumian viewpoint, certainly. That’s why I think you fit better here.” Florian shifted, and his clothes rustled. “I don’t want to wake her.”

“Okay. I’ll stay here and finish my work on the binder for the statue. I’ll make sure no one wakes her,” Eder promised.

“Thank you. Do you want to come sleep in a guest room, tonight?”

“Yes. All my friends went home. I don’t want to be alone.”

“Alright. You finish up here. I’ll finish up in the library. Then, we’ll all go home.”

Footsteps began to cross paths.

Camellia opened her eyes. She propped herself up and stared at the door.

Florian froze, on his way out. “Damn.”

Eder froze, on his way in. “Sorry.”

Twilight had fallen, and Camellia noted its presence from the purplish light and her sudden wakefulness.

Camellia sat up, feeling not the least bit light-headed, though she moved fast. “We need to use the device in the basement. It can give us answers.”

Florian’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

Camellia took a deep breath and let it out. “I know it works. I’ve been…fiddling with it.”

“Camellia!”

Eder slouched. He pressed against the far wall and backed towards the door.

Florian focused on Camellia. He left the doorway and crossed the room.

Camellia rose from the couch. “It’s not the mirror. It’s nothing like that. It’s a telepathic communication device, and shielding my mind is very easy when I use it. Someone is on the other side, and he’s not a Volanter. We need to try it.”

Florian stared at her. She could see anger in his eyes, and heat in his skin. Over Florian’s shoulder, Camellia watched Eder slip out the door.

“Camellia, how could you? What happens when you see a Volanter object? Do you get an unresistable urge to play with it?”

Camellia didn’t want to tell a lie, so she said nothing.

Florian ran his hand over the back of his head. “How could you put our son at risk like this?”

“I’m putting him at risk no matter what I do.”

Florian raised his hands fast and almost grabbed Camellia’s shoulders. Instead, he balled his hands into fists and lowered them. “That is not one bit true.”

“Yes, it is. What’s going to happen to the three of us if we do nothing? Talking to the thing on the other side is a risk, but I can risk our son’s life by doing nothing too.” Camellia shook a little, partly from anger, partly because Florian was very mad.

Florian backed away.

“I’m going down there. I invite you to babysit me – if you want.” Camellia walked slow around Florian. She couldn’t help but remain just within in his reach. Though, she took all the space she could get.

Camellia watched the door. The hall beyond lay in darkness, until she drew close. She saw the details of a wall mural – a vampire walked out of his ship into a gathered group of Groazans.

Steps sounded behind Camellia. Florian followed.

She paused at the door, turned slow, and almost jumped to find Florian close beside her. Her heart beat fast, and she studied his face. He was still mad.

Camellia looked away, into the hall. Her mind grasped the air for telepathic whispers, and with her ears, she listened for steps, heart beats, and breaths. She and Florian remained alone. “I’m glad you’re coming.

“I don’t have much of a choice. You waited till night to let me know, so you’ll overpower me. You either do it alone, or I come with you.” Florian paused and growled, “Because of that statue, I’ll have to wait by the door.”

Camellia didn’t know if she could overpower Florian – especially in her current state. She could probably outpace him. She could run to the room, lock it behind her, and do her thing. Or, she could rely on the guardian of women to protect her – from her husband. She had no plans to do either.

Camellia walked the empty hall, and Florian followed. Everyone worked or hid in their homes. There would be no in-between. It was the first time she’d seen the AAH in a war, and the headquarters had become a ghost.

Come to think of it, it was probably one of the only times an organization like the AAH could participate in a war. For its opponent, Iruedim had a precursor to its history.

Why should I have to live through this? Since Camellia posed the question to herself, she had to answer as well. Because I wanted an answer about the space-age artifact…and Lurren…and Lurrien monsters…and the wormhole.

Ignorance would have been bliss if Camellia could ever reach a state of bliss. Married to Florian, she could come pretty close. But, little worries still cropped up, and little moments of despair would always be with her. Camellia had learned to live with them. Ignorance she could never abide.

Ignorance would have been okay for Iruedim in the short term but not in the long. Now, it seemed they had to work their way through this new trouble till they could reach the other side – the side where they could journey through the wormhole with their own might and that of Scaldigir to back them up.

Camellia placed a hand upon the stairwell wall and traced her way into the basement. She caught snatches of a voice or two.

One belonged to Eder. “Fighting…” was the only word she heard him say.

“Are they working in the room we need?” she whispered to Florian.

“No,” he whispered back with a touch of venom.

Camellia sighed and continued down. A light came from one room near the end of the hall, and more voices flowed out. The room that Eder fled to lay beyond the com device’s resting place.

Good.

Camellia walked the hall. Florian stayed behind her.

Eder’s voice came more clearly. “I want to stay…their house tonight.”

Another man answered. “…still can.”

As Camellia got closer, she heard more.

“I guess so, but if I don’t get my work done, maybe I shouldn’t.”

“Listen. It’ll be fine. You don’t want to stay with me. It’s not fit for the eyes of others, except for Cernunnos. I used to have him over a lot.” A soft chuckled followed. “Last time I saw him. He handed me that wedding envelope.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Camellia stopped. She whipped around to face Florian and found surprise a replacement for his anger.

“Luitpold,” Florian whispered. “Cernunnos gave the envelope to him.”

Camellia owed Luitpold her thanks. She and Florian locked eyes for another moment. On the tip of her tongue, she held the words that would initiate her thank you to her old library teacher. She had only to say them to Florian, to set a date and time for the act.

“Cold feet?” he whispered.

Camellia turned away. Her cheeks warmed, and she set her eyes on the com device’s door. “No. We’re doing this now. We’ll thank Luitpold later.” Camellia crept the last few steps.

Her footsteps made little sound. Florian’s made more. Camellia winced.

She reached the door and twisted the knob. It turned smoothly and she pushed the door open, only to bump an object. Shadows formed stacks in the room, and it looked much fuller than before.

“What?” She glanced at Florian.

“My attempt to keep you out.” He gestured. “Go on. You can still fit.”

Camellia scowled. She slipped in and made room for Florian to tuck himself into the leftover space. Once he squeezed in, she leaned the door to its frame. Her eyes adjusted to the low light, and she saw piles of stuff.

“I guess we have a lot of things to study.” Camellia picked her way around the first set of boxes.

“Actually, they’re old. They’re not Volanter.”

Camellia stopped and stared at Florian. She wobbled a bit, perched in a tight space between boxes. He grabbed her elbow.

“Well, that was very petty,” she accused.

Florian sucked in a sigh.

Camellia regained her balance and tugged her arm free. “You stay here. I love you, and I don’t want the statue to get you.” She worked her way between the stacks, touching the tops lightly. She reached the com device and glanced at the haunted statue.

She addressed the woman of stone, “This is my man. Please don’t harm him. He’ll stay over there anyway.”

Items crowded the stone woman, and she wore a look of misery in the shadowed room.

Florian said nothing, but his mind radiated distaste.

Camellia sighed. “I just want you to know that I was as careful as possible when I tried this again.”

“Noted.”

Camellia knew he was still mad. She didn’t expect his mood to change that quickly. But, he would see. It was a small rift. Thanks to Groazan custom, he also couldn’t do much about it. He’d married her and laid a second claim in the form of a son. Any breakup would be a scandal. Camellia could live with a scandal. She never had a good reputation to begin with. Florian could not.

Camellia placed her hand on the pad.

You have returned. I thought you were attacked or captured.

Do you now, or have you ever had, tentacles? Camellia asked.

I beg your pardon.

Camellia sighed telepathically. Please, just answer the question. Does any part of your body resemble a tentacle?

Amusement entered that deep voice of the mind. I do not, and have never had, tentacles. I assume you grow tired of the Volanter.

I’m not thinking of the Volanter. I have another question. How are you talking to me? Why would the Volanter give you a com if they’re keeping you in some kind of time bubble?

The pause that followed was but a moment. They did not give me a com. They merely left it here. I have reached it in my confinement. They know that I sometimes use it as I have accidentally called Volanter before, but they are too afraid to come in and take it back.

Camellia liked that answer. Not only for the image it painted of frightened Volanter but also for the wit and determination that the voice’s tone conveyed.

If I’m not careful, I could really believe you, she answered.

Please, believe me. I want to escape, and in return for my freedom, I will give you yours. I know a way that we can all be rid of the Volanter.

Camellia frowned. It was too good to be true. You’re going to have to give me details. I can’t bring this information to anyone of authority without details.

I can’t explain exactly what it is that I have. Just know that it would touch all the Volanter at once and cripple their attack ability – provided you use it well.

Camellia sighed audibly. If you are suggesting that you have that kind of power, then you’re a danger. It was right for them to lock you up. How do I know you won’t use such a thing on us too?

Camellia got an impression of weariness, but she didn’t back down from the question.

I am weak. I work only small spells. I’m no danger to you. Frankly, I’m no danger to the Volanter. I’m just lost to them, and they fear to approach me, whether that’s rational or not.

Camellia frowned. What would make a Volanter scared to approach? Anything that frightened a Volanter on sight qualified as powerful in Camellia’s little book of life.

How about a series of tests? The voice asked. Test my word. Test my loyalty. And, test my ability to help. If you give me information, locations, names, I can work magic for you – small things only.

Camellia glanced at the door and caught Florian’s concerned expression. Alright. I’ll test you. Three times?

Agreed. Three. What shall be the first?

Camellia didn’t know. She had to set up some parameters for small tests. Can you bring back the dead?

I’m sorry. The voice seemed to laugh with discomfort. That’s not a small ask.

To herself, Camellia agreed, but she still desired the irrational. What can you do?

Nothing physical. Whatever you ask of me has to deal solely with the mind. To those I have communicated, I have bestowed information, discoveries, ideas for inventions, emotional healing. I can affect the mind in subtle ways.

Camellia caught her breath and straightened. It sounds like you just talk to people. That’s not my idea of magic.

Think of a time that you could have used some information…or discovered something…maybe, a time you needed some help making sense of things.

Alright, I’ll give you a test. Regret bubbled in the back of Camellia’s mind. It’s impossible. Otherwise, I’ll think you’re just very persuasive.

How do you mean…impossible?

Camellia smiled a little as she wove the task. My father is a controlling man, holding the rest of my siblings in a kind of prison, where no one is allowed to have private thoughts. Can you make a change in him? Make him stay out of their minds? Make him start to realize how wrong it is? Maybe, make him come to a point that I could know him again?

I see. The voice paused. That is tough.

No one could change Camellia’s father. Not any woman he loved. Not his children.

The voice answered, It’s not impossible. On the edge of my abilities – yes. But, if you give me his name and his location, I will do what I can.

Camellia started. Her eyes shifted around the dark room. Confidence belonged to this creature.

Still, she told him. Viorel Zaris. He lives on a farm in Groaza…on Iruedim.

The voice held up a mental stop hand. I’m not familiar with that place. Just touch the button at the top left of the console. That will signal your location. From there, I can picture what you have around you and find your father. I can plant the idea while he dreams.

Camellia’s finger hovered over the button. Can you touch anything else around here? Without my permission?

Technically, yes, but just subtle things. I assure you. I don’t want to. It all means nothing to me when someone who understands it is not present to guide my actions. I will have to see it through your view of the situation – not literally, the voice was quick to add. In no way will I touch your mind.

If you break my trust…

No broken trust.

Camellia took a deep breath and hit the button.

A long silence followed. I see the man. I’ll plant this idea of privacy in his mind. You needn’t worry. When you feel the test has completed, come talk to me again.

Camellia agreed. Then, she took her hand from the pad. On shaky legs, Camellia turned to Florian.

“I’m guessing you talked to it.” Florian gestured to the screen, where all the words laid bare, just too far for him to read. “Not sure how.”

The words remained a moment longer. Then, they winked out.

Camellia pointed to the ring around the screen. “The circle for telepathy is broken. I can do it because I have telepathic ability, and yes, I talked to it. It’s promising help – if we free it.”

Florian shook his head slow. “I don’t see how we can.”

“Well, I want it to prove its ability and good will, so I gave it a test.”

Florian held his breath. He beckoned. “What kind of a test?”

Camellia started for him. She placed her hand atop a box and took her first shaky step. She glanced at the door. Voices moved by; one belonged to Eder.

“I told it to change my father into a good man.” Camellia stifled a nervous laugh. “So, I really don’t think you have anything to worry about. It’s an impossible test.”

The numbness clung to Pan’s limbs. Her dragon brought her back to Alban’s ship. It had to gnaw a hole in the lower hull, somewhere in a storage room. But the ship didn’t lose its supplies, and Pan got to safety.

Some crewman carried her to her quarters. He was not afraid of reapers. At least, not paralyzed ones. A healer visited Pan but declared Pan well. Finally, Sotir came to her side. Tired from the chaotic visions of battle, he sat on the bed, took her hand, and pronounced her sentence three hours long.

During those three hours, Pan slept. She woke to Sotir. He laid beside her and hugged her like a plush creature – his face tucked against hers.

Pan raised her hand and stroked his cheek. He didn’t stir but breathed deep and even.

“I can move again,” she whispered. “Too cocky. I got too cocky.” Pan drew a long breath. “Thank the Mother Tree for my familiar.”

Pan nudged Sotir’s arm from around her waist and rolled out of bed. She fell off the side and just managed to land on her knees.

With weak arms, she grabbed the bedside and pulled herself up. “Got to pee.”

It was her only mission.

Pan took one staggering step to the bathroom. Then, another. Slowly, she walked with smoother motions. She glanced at the clock and found she’d slept six hours, not just three.

Pan entered the bathroom and did her business. She came further awake as she noticed that Aria’s side of the suite drifted open. Aria’s bathroom door jiggled on quiet hinges. At least, Aria had left the door cracked and not flung wide. A light peeped through.

What time of day is it?

Pan flushed the toilet and creaked Aria’s door open.

Oh, no, Aria.

Aria lay on the floor, her hair a mess of curls.

Pan put a hand to her forehead. By instinct she cast her ghost sight circle. It sang in the bathroom, for a moment. Then, with cursed eyes, Pan searched Aria’s room. She saw no spirits. Aria had already fled.

No, Aria.

The time message went something like this: Don’t sleep while you lay paralyzed. Force yourself up. Hope it’s quick enough and get to Aria.

Pan lay awake those long three hours. She noted that Sotir sat by her side. He didn’t lay, and he didn’t drift off to sleep.

“Get some sleep, Pan.”

“Why don’t you?” she asked, hoarse and struggling to make words.

Sotir sighed and slumped on to the bed. “Move your finger, and I will.”

Pan wiggled her finger. Then, her hand. “I can move.”

“Oh.” Sotir put a hand over his face. “I’m so relieved.”

“You can tell the future. You knew I’d get better.”

“I barely saw that, and then, my powers went out on me.” Sotir rolled to his side and fell asleep. He wrapped Pan in his arms.

Pan rested a moment. Then, she slipped free. “I’m sorry. I’ll be right back.”

Pan slid off the bed and fell to the floor. This time, she didn’t land on her knees. She fell, with her full length extended. Every part of her made contact with the floor.

Pan groaned and pushed herself to a sitting position. It was hard, and her body tingled, especially in her left hand. Pan would need a round of healing. She had finally pushed herself beyond what her periodic bouts of healing could handle.

Pan got to her feet, staggered, and kept going. She dragged herself through the bathroom and opened Aria’s door to find her friend standing by her dresser.

Aria startled. She took her hand from inside the drawer.

“Hi. I’ve been awake in what felt like endless torture. I thought you might understand,” Pan said.

Aria closed the drawer. “I do.”

Pan sat up with Aria. They rested on the bed and said nothing. Pan forced herself to sit, until Aria lay. She forced herself to sit, until Aria fell asleep.

Then, Pan stepped off the bed, eased open the drawer, and took a bottle from the interior. She went back to her side of the room, found her bracelet of locations, and sent those pills onto the floor of her cargo bay.

Only then did Pan sleep.