The Portals by Nathan Hystad

Author:Nathan Hystad [Hystad, Nathan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Woodbridge Press
Published: 2022-05-24T04:00:00+00:00

_________

“Good work, Jules,” I told her, holding the Communicator up so Regnig could hear. “The last thing we need is for Nix Benah to track you.”

“I wonder what his real goal is.” Jules sounded worried through the speaker.

Perhaps it’s as simple as what he suggested. Regnig sipped his tea while I relayed his message.

“I don’t think so. Papa, if the Arnap hear about our involvement in their people’s disappearance, they’ll bring a war to the Alliance.”

“Then don’t let them learn the truth. I’ve already spoken with Magnus, and they’re locking the portals down. No one in or out for the next two weeks. There were a lot of upset people, specifically the trade partners, but it’s for their own safety,” I said.

“I agree. If any of these teams show up at a partner’s portal, ensure they’re turned around and sent home,” Jules told me.

“Is there anything else?”

“We’ve joined forces,” she said softly.

“With who?”

“A man named Jaeke and his partner, Xandr. He was involved with Anlise, Nix’s daughter. We figured the more minds, the better. We’re all heavily motivated.” Jules’ voice whispered to someone else on the other end. “Trust me, Papa.”

And I did. If she saw value in making an ally, I wouldn’t stand in her way. “When are you leaving?”

“Now. As soon as we’re done here,” Jules said. “How are you, Regnig?”

I glanced at the bird man, and he coughed, his eyelid sealing tight. When he was finished, he licked his beak and nodded once. Tell her I am fine.

“But…”

Don’t tell her the truth. He coughed again, and a feather dropped from his wing. I watched it float to the floor.

“He’s feeling better,” I lied, hating myself for it.

“I’ll keep you posted. Love you, Papa.”

“I love you too.”

I closed the Communicator, setting it to the table. “You can be honest with her.”

Jules is an emotional person, and you know as well as I do that she is easily distracted. She needs to complete this task. I can see how vital it is.

“Why is it so important? What if she just found Hugo and brought him home? We could reach out to this Nix character and offer a deal,” I said, not sure if that was the best course of action.

No, Dean. Promise me you won’t do that.

There was something in his posture that demanded my agreement. “Okay.”

A knock on the door drew my gaze. “Are you expecting company?”

No.

I marched toward the entrance, meandering past piles of books we’d been scouring through. When I opened it, Karo stood on the other side, his eyes bright, his hair secured tightly behind his head. He gave me a grim smile and ducked to enter. “Where is he?”

“This way,” I said, knowing more words weren’t necessary. Of all our acquaintances, Karo and Regnig had grown the closest. Seeing the Theos man coming to visit his ancient Toquil friend somehow made the situation all the more real.

Karo bustled toward Regnig, knocking over a stack of texts. He left them, kneeling next to Regnig’s seat. “How are you, my old friend?”

I am better now that you are present.

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