Escape: The Seam Travelers Book One Read online

  “I do.”

  Samuel emptied his cup, went into the kitchen to refill it and sat back down. “A day,” he said as he settled in.

  “Excuse me?”

  “A day. Give me a day where I can show you this world and I’ll show you how to get back to ours.”

  Phetrix considered his request. “Fine. A day. Then I’d like to get back home.”

  “In the morning, we’ll go out and I’ll show you around. Then I’ll share how to get back. Tonight, you can sleep on the couch.”

  “The . . . couch?”

  Samuel smiled and pointed in the other room. “That over there. I’ll get you some clothes in the morning so you don’t stand out like you do now.”

  Phetrix barely slept that night, worried if he was being set up by Samuel.

  Three

  PHETRIX AWOKE WHEN Samuel dropped a pan in the kitchen.

  “Sorry about that! Just getting some breakfast before we go out. I’ve got pants and a t-shirt on the chair over there. I guessed your size, I hope they work.”

  The white haired older man busied himself with the pan, swirling eggs and frying bacon, a scent Phetrix knew all too well from home. He changed into the clothes provided and stared at himself in a mirror he noticed in the bathroom. He wore dark blue pants that were thick. The shirt had the sigil of some local lord.

  “What is this? What lord do you serve?” Phetrix asked pointing at his shirt. If he was going to be in public, he wanted to know what lord he was with. He couldn’t be too careful.

  Samuel laughed. “It’s not a lord, it’s a team. A baseball team to be exact. The Cubs.”

  “A . . . baseball team?”

  “It’s a sport in this world. In this city, the Cubs are one of their local teams.”

  “Oh.” Phetrix let it go, figuring wearing the sigil of a team wasn’t as bad as a rival lord.

  After breakfast and more of the coffee drink, Samuel took Phetrix out to explore their surroundings.

  Samuel tried his best to offer commentary as they walked. “Chicago is one of the largest cities in this country. It’s in the center of the nation and has a busy airport, which may come in handy if we ever have to escape.”

  “An airport?”

  “You see those,” Samuel pointed upwards at a slow moving bird with white smoke trailing behind, “those are airplanes. They’ve figured out how to put people in the air. Quite a remarkable achievement if you ask me.”

  Phetrix stared at the airplane above, oblivious to the throngs of people walking past them.

  “Come, we’ve got more to see.” Samuel nudged him and they joined the flow of people.

  “Just outside my apartment where I found you is one entry point to this world. There’s another by a parking garage on the southside. Beyond that, I don’t know of any other places where a seam can emerge.”

  “What’s a parking garage?”

  “Do you see where those cars are going over there, that’s a parking garage. Think of it like a . . .” he paused then lit up as the analogy occurred to him, “think of it like a stable for these wheeled chariots they call cars.”

  Phetrix nodded his understanding. To be honest, the sounds, sights, and the constant smell of something like the lavatories back home overwhelmed him.

  “Why are you here Samuel? Why not try to work back in Chevalon? Wouldn’t you be more helpful there?”

  The older mage turned to him. “There are too many who know me or about me back home. Mortas has been after me, hoping to force me into his service like he’s done with Rhoden. Since I refused, he wants me dead. Did you know Rhoden was a student of mine? He’s more powerful than you can imagine. Do not underestimate him. Ever!” Samuel punctuated his words with a finger to Phetrix’s chest.

  They walked around the busy city for hours, Samuel droning on about something called pizza and beers, though Phetrix never saw any. Finally, he’d had enough.

  “Samuel, I appreciate the tour, but this is all too much for me. How did this world exist without us ever knowing? What does this have to do with the King and his heirs?”

  Samuel stopped, his eyes darting back and forth, then he spoke in a quiet voice. “If Mortas ever comes for the heirs, they’ll be safe here. We can protect them within the confines of this city. They’d be anonymous here. No one knows how to travel the seam other than you and I. We need to keep it that way.”

  Phetrix wondered about the viability of leaving their world to remain in this one, but Samuel seemed convinced. He didn’t bother to try and change his mind. King Artus was in no real danger, no matter how much Mortas harassed his smaller lieges. Mortas was wicked, but he didn’t seem to have the resources to carry out his overthrow.

  “Say, where were you when you travelled the seam? There were only two places I knew of that opened to this world.”

  Phetrix closed his eyes and recalled where was the moment he opened the seam. “I was near Whispercross.”

  “Whispercross? That little village? I’d never have found that!”

  “I fled Mortas and his army, opening the seam right there. I had no idea it was dependent on a particular place. I just used the spell and found myself here.”

  Samuel’s eyes widened and he spoke in hushed tones. “The location has everything to do with where you go. This is the third world I visited.”

  “What? No. How does that make sense?”

  “Look around, Phetrix, none of this makes sense when you think about it. But yet, here we are. Remember Whispercross. That will get you back here. So will the King’s castle.”

  Phetrix was confused.

  “Don’t worry. I discovered it long ago. It’s quite handy if ever under attack.” He winked and slapped Phetrix on the arm. “Come now, I assume you’ll want to get back home.”

  They retraced their way, returning to the building where they started.

  Phetrix was exhausted and slowly slipped back into his robes, the familiar feel comforting him.

  Samuel led him to another room in the apartment. Inside it was dark. He lit several candles revealing walls covered in writing Phetrix recognized from spell books.

  “Stand there,” Samuel said pointing at a large X painted on the floor.

  Phetrix did as he was told.

  “When you return, visit the library in King Artus’s castle. Hidden behind the potions books is a trap door where you’ll find an exact copy of this spell. Learn it. If you ever return, you’ll need it to get back. I might not be here next time. I’ve also listed the other locations to enter the seam.”

  Phetrix nodded, still unsure if this was all a dream or something worse.

  Samuel opened a book and started reading the spell. Soon the room erupted in a brilliant white light that consumed Phetrix. He shielded his eyes to it and when he opened them, he stood outside the walls of the king’s castle.

  Before he’d sent Erthic to the realm, that was the only time he’d ever been there.

  Four

  SAMUEL WAITED, HIS impatience showing in the form of his muttering and pacing. The three men with him, all former guards of the now deposed king, stood calmly awaiting his orders. Each man wore a dark suit and sunglasses, giving the appearance of being professional bodyguards. In fact, once Samuel figured out the new world, he had them all trained for this very purpose. They stood positioned to observe anyone approaching from any direction.

  Samuel stopped his pacing and whirled on the eldest of the three guards, a one-time captain named Trenton. “Are you sure your source was reliable?” he asked for the fifth time since they’d taken up their vigil.

  “Yes. He is reliable. The castle is under attack and does look like it has fallen.”

  Samuel eyed him, ready to snap at the man for his insolent tone. Instead, he pivoted and began pacing once more.

  Samuel had also traded in his lavish robes for a tailored suit. The expensive wardrobe fitted his economic standing. He’d done well in this new world—well, not so new now. The discovery that his magic st
ill worked had a lot to do with his success.

  He reached the end of the unofficial path and pivoted for the return. Where was Phetrix? Had he died in the battle? He prayed not. If the mage fell, all was lost. If Phetrix was unable to get the King, Queen and the children out of danger then all hope of saving the kingdom was gone forever. Mortas Frost would rule until his death, which could never come soon enough for the people of the land. He was a brutal tyrant, who took pleasure in other’s agony. He would make the people suffer greatly.

  If the castle fell, the only chance they had of recovering it was if a member of the royal family survived the assault. However, even if they did, Mortas would hunt them endlessly until they were found, torturing and executing any he thought who might be harboring them. Oh, this was bad. So very bad.

  A sudden sound caught his attention, like that of an electrical current followed by a tearing of heavy fabric. He spun to face the noise. The three guards took defensive stances all now holding guns.

  A dark line appeared head high, stretching across the open air. The location of the seam was not ideal. When he’d first discovered the seam years before, it was in an alley that blocked the view of its strangeness. Since that time, one of the buildings had been demolished in a nuisance abatement sweep. Nothing had replaced the structure which left the seam open on one side. Though not many people walked this section of the city, a lot of cars passed. Anyone could see the seam, although not many would understand its purpose. However, if they spotted people appearing out of thin air, it might be another matter. Especially with the wide use of their communication devices.

  A hand reached through pulling on the fabric of the world and made it wider. Samuel and Trenton stepped closer as a toddler was lowered from the gap. Trenton took the terrified boy and handed him off to one of his men. Next came a young woman, equally as scared as the boy. Trenton took her around the waist and lowered her to the ground. The second guard came forward and ushered her to the side. Her face drained of all color as she scanned her new home. She fainted and the guard was forced to lift and carry her toward the waiting van.

  The last figure through was a hulk of a man. He stepped through, but no amount of assistance would help him to the ground without causing injury to the assister. The man jumped down. He carried a large warhammer on his back. His massive arms made him appear like something out of the comic books the men were always reading.

  “Quick, get them to the van,” Samuel commanded.

  The two guards took the new arrivals while Trenton and Samuel waited for others. When none came, Samuel levitated to the seam and peered through. The hallway was filled with smoke making it difficult to see. Then, a face came into focus. It was Phetrix. He felt his heart lighten, knowing the mage was still alive. They locked eyes for the briefest of moments. Samuels eyes asked the question, ‘What about the King, Queen and the girl?’ Phetrix shook his head and shrugged. The seam closed as if a zipper had been drawn. It winked out with an audible pop.

  Samuel hovered above the ground lost in thought and sorrow. Were they only able to save one of the four? “This is bad,” he said to himself.

  Trenton stepped forward and placed a hand on Samuel’s arm. “Whether we’re staying or leaving, you must not stand out to bystanders.”

  Samuel looked confused for a moment, then understood and lowered himself to the ground. he had to think. What needed to be done? He grabbed Trenton’s arm. “If the boy is the only survivor we must protect him. No harm can come to him or all is lost. Leave one of your men with me and take the others to the house we bought for them. Tell the big man to help guard the boy. Let the woman take care of the boy. You stay with them. Send the other guard back with the van, but only once you’re sure all is secure. Keep him safe, Trenton.”

  Trenton nodded and jogged to the van. One of the guards, Darden, he thought, he could never keep their names straight, shoved the side door shut and the van drove away. He then moved toward Samuel keeping his distance to better take in the surroundings.

  Samuel looked around. He had to find someplace to watch from. Standing here for hours would draw attention and that was the last thing he needed. He walked toward the street. he didn’t need to speak or motion to the guard. The man would follow. Protection was what he was trained to do and Darden was good at his job.

  They walked across the street and entered a three-story parking garage. There, Samuel took up his stakeout. He prayed his vigil would bear fruit and Phetrix would find and deliver the rest of the royal family. He had been happy to discover Phetrix was still alive. However, now that he knew he only managed to save one of the four he was charged with protecting, Samuel cursed him.

  How could he not have been prepared for this outcome? The man bungled the job. The only job he really had. He was happy his fellow mage was alive, but if the King, Queen and daughter were dead, the man had a lot to answer for.

  Five

  THE VAN RETURNED TWO hours later carrying Trenton and the other guard, Mathu. It stopped and Trenton got out.

  “Samuel, you should go. Get them set up. Explain what you need to and set the wards. I will stay here and keep watch. I’ll call you if anything happens.”

  Samuel wanted to object, but Trenton’s words made sense. Besides, if the boy was the only royal member to survive, it was important he got him secured as soon as possible. He nodded, got in the van and was lost in thought.

  The drive was a good thirty minutes to the old residential neighborhood. He had purchased the house days before, paying cash at a well below market price. He chose the location because it was an established neighborhood, with residents who, for the most part stayed out of other people’s business. He could have set them up in more luxurious quarters, but until they were familiar with their new world, he didn’t want to risk them coming under scrutiny.

  The house was a two-story, aluminum sided structure with a walk-up attic and full basement. It was within walking distance of stores, schools and a park. It was also less than a minute from an expressway in case the need for a quick escape arose.

  Mathu pulled up to the curb in front of the house.

  Samuel exited and climbed the stairs. Mathu followed eyeing the street as he went. Samuel knocked and after a bit of hesitation, the door was opened by the huge man. He held the heavy warhammer in one hand, ready to strike. Samuel had no doubt the man knew how to wield the weapon.

  The woman and child sat on a sofa. She looked more anxious than the boy did. A little color had returned to her cheeks since she’d stepped into the new world. He studied them each for a moment, then said, “I am Samuel. I will be your contact here. If ever there is an emergency of any sort I am the only one you contact.”

  Her voice frail and shaking, the woman said, “You mean, you’re going to leave us here alone?”

  “You’ll hardly be alone, dear girl. You will have each other. But, not to worry. I will not leave until I’m satisfied that you can survive and flourish here. You have so much to learn. There’s so much to tell you, I barely know where to begin. It will be overwhelming at first, but you’ll catch on.”

  “Are we to stay here, then, sir?”

  “That’s right. It wouldn’t be safe for you to go back now. It appears as though Mortas Frost has taken control of the castle. That may mean this little man’s family is no more. If that is the case, it is up to us to protect him until such a time as we can take our lands back.”

  Samuel sat in the rocking chair opposite the sofa. he would have asked the big man to sit as well, but he feared the sofa might not hold his weight.

  “First of all, tell me your names.”

  “I,” the big man put a fist to his chest in case Samuel didn’t understand which I he was referring to, “am Nordon. I was the castle’s blacksmith.”

  That explains the muscular arms, Samuel thought.

  “My name is Nadina. I worked in the kitchen.”

  “And this little man is Erthic.” He smiled at the lad, but the boy just stared at him
, not comprehending everything.

  “This is a modern world, full of all manner of people and strange ideas. This house alone has so many magical items as to be called a wizard’s keep. It will take time to explain them. Some you will need to know while others you can learn for yourself.

  “Let’s start with the names. From now on, you are Don and, uh, Dina. We’ll figure out a surname later. The boy will be known as Eric. You are to pose as husband and wife. Eric is your son. Your primary function is to protect Eric at all times and at all costs.

  “Nordon, you come with me. I need to show you the houses defenses. Mathu, why don’t you take Dina into the kitchen and show her how things work.”

  Samuel rose and started for the stairs. Nordon followed, Dina stood and went after Mathu.

  “Stop!” Samuel shouted. “You have already failed in your duty to the prince.” His angry eyes swept from Dina to Don. “One of you must be with the prince at all times.”

  Dina shuffled to the sofa and scooped the boy up in her arms.

  ”Don’t forget again,” Samuel warned.

  Over the next several hours and going deep into the night, Samuel gave explanations and lessons in the use of the various safeguards and features of the house. Most were modern technology, some were magical enhancements. All would take time for the two new residents to understand.

  Late into the early morning, they took a break. Eric had been asleep for hours. Dina had drifted off an hour ago. Samuel could see the exhaustion drooping Nordon’s face, but knew the big man would never complain. Samuel told him to catch some sleep and they would start again at sunrise.

  Tired as well, Samuel could not sleep until he checked once more with Trenton. Still no sighting of the royal family. He sent Mathu to relieve the other two and went to sleep. He was up early. Darden was busy in the kitchen showing Dina how to use the stove. Twenty minutes later the entire household was seated at the dining room table having breakfast.