Astray by J F Rogers

Author:J F Rogers [Rogers, J. F.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fantasy, fantasy, vampires, Shapeshifters, Gaelic Myth, Realm, another world, Christian
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

◊◊◊

“WHAT IN THE—” I’D been standing on the threshold. Now, without a step, I stood about twenty feet away on the grass, as though I’d been transported from one spot to another. And the sun—seconds before it hovered at our backs. Now, the tower blocked all but the lingering rays peeking out from behind.

Ryann held her hands out as though steadying herself. “What happened?”

“The sun.” Declan pointed to where it had hung in the sky. “It was over there. And I”—He turned back to the Tower door—“was standing there.”

Cahal’s head shifted back and forth from where we’d been standing to where we now stood.

“Oh, my.” An unfamiliar voice spoke behind me.

I jumped, and then looked down in its direction. My body jerked at the sight of the small man standing there.

“Who are you?” Ryann and I asked in high-pitched voices.

Cahal and Declan asked, “Where did you come from?”

“Oh, my,” the gnome-like creature repeated, shaking his head.

I stared, waiting for an explanation. He had appeared as if by magic. His features, accompanied by his magical appearance, reminded me of the Lucky Charms leprechaun.

“I’m Pepin, the pech who made the amulet you wear.” He motioned toward me.

Cahal unsheathed his battle-axe and bounded over to Pepin, shaking the ground as he went. He held the weapon low before Pepin’s face. “I will not ask again. Where did you come from?”

Cahal, scary in his natural, relaxed state, truly frightened me now. I tensed, fearful for this poor little man, Pepin, whoever he was. Cahal’s pants were longer than Pepin’s entire body.

He shook his head and sighed. “I wish they hadn’t given you a glemmestein.”

“Glemmestein?” Our voices echoed the unfamiliar word in unison.

“Yes.” The strange little man glanced at the tower. “To make you forget.” He spoke in a hush. “Please, not here.” He reached out a shaky hand to the axe before him and gently pushed it down. “I will tell you what I know, but not here. Where is Drochaid leading you now?”

“Wait.” Cahal held up his hand as I was about to speak. “Who erased our memories?” His eyes narrowed as if it would better enable him to discern the truth.

Pepin groaned. “The pech, but—”

“Your people just erased our memories, and now you want us to follow you?” Ryann stood, hands on her hips.

I threw Wolf a sideways glance. He sat and licked his paw. His lack of concern put me at ease.

Pepin threw his hands up as if under arrest. “It was the only way they would allow you passage. Please, I promise you. I am who I say. I’m a believer in the One True God. If you don’t believe me, check Drochaid. It pointed at the entrance before. It points another direction now. Am I right?”

“He’s right. It’s pointing that way.” I motioned to the left of the tower. “We never even went inside.”

“But you did,” Pepin said. “That is why the direction has changed. You have fulfilled your mission here. I am with you. Please…” His eyes darted back to the tower as he hunched over, cowering.

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