Chapter 3

3

D isbelief fills my features.

Someone must be playing a prank on me.

Either that or…

I swallow hard.

"This can't be happening, PomPom," I whisper.

She looks up at me, her tongue out. She doesn't realize the panic that's forming in my chest or the fact that the impossible might have happened to us.

"This isn't funny!" I call out, looking around for any decor flaws.

Maybe I'm in a simulation. Or a highly modern Hollywood studio.

Yet even as I hope to explain my surroundings that way, the truth is staring me in the face.

This is real.

The village was real.

The dead people were real.

Somehow, I'm not home anymore.

"Okay," I take a deep breath. "If this is Akkaya by any chance, then it's not so bad, is it, PomPom? I know those books like the back of my hand. It shouldn't be too hard to figure out the rules and find a way out of here."

PomPom stares at me.

"Sometimes I forget you can't answer back." I sigh. "But I will get us out of here, PomPom. Even if this is just a bad dream, I'll get us back home safely. I promise you."

She releases a happy bark and settles nicely in my arms.

First, I need evidence that this is, in fact, the continent of Akkaya.

I continue walking as I think about my next steps. I can't deny that there is one part of me that wishes this were Akkaya. Haven't I always dreamed of living in that world? Of meeting my most beloved characters and telling them how much they mean to me?

Perhaps my love affair with the fantasy genre has made me go crazy. The rational side of me tells me that I need concrete evidence before I make any judgments. But the romantic, semi-delusional side of me is ready to embark on this adventure—sans plague and death, of course. Now that I think better, why did I have to be in this installment of the series? Why couldn't it be a previous book where the population of Akkaya was not on the brink of extinction?

But as that thought arises, I realize I have no idea what the rules are. If I catch the plague, will I die? And if I die here, will I die in the real world, too?

Lightning flashes across the sky, thunder making its appearance soon thereafter. And in a matter of seconds, cold, heavy rain pours down, drenching me.

I grumble something under my breath as I protect PomPom to the best of my ability.

It wasn't enough that I was already wet from before. Now I'm also chilled to the bone.

Starting in a sprint, I traverse yet another green field, wildly looking around for a shelter. PomPom whines in my arms, the terrifying sounds in the sky agitating her.

"Shh, baby," I try to comfort her, but it becomes harder to contain her as she moves wildly, letting out an agonizing sound that touches my heart.

The rain shows no signs of abating. I'm so wet, if the plague doesn't get to me first, pneumonia will.

A light shines in the distance, across a hill to my right. At first, it resembles a bolt of lightning. But as I get closer, I realize it's on the ground, not in the sky.

Hope blossoms in my chest. I change my direction, following the light. Mayhap I'll find a human establishment that can offer us shelter until the storm passes and more information about where the hell we are.

My lips tug up in a relieved smile as I see an inn, the windows blaring with light.

But my happiness is short-lived as I notice the horses tied around the barn, all of them garbed in military armor.

I stop in my tracks. Information from the fictional Akkaya is slowly coming to me. Only government officials or military personnel are allowed to use horses in full armor. That must mean they are sanctioned by the government.

Are these the same people who were looting and killing villagers? Now I am beating myself for not taking a good look at them.

I bite my lip in apprehension.

Do I risk it?

They could suspect me of being infected and kill me.

My feet move before I can come to a decision—seems like my self-preservation wins.

But just at that moment, a loud bang thunders across the sky.

PomPom releases a high-pitched screech that reaches the horses, making them even more restless than the storm.

The door to the inn is wrenched open, and two men with swords come into view.

"Damn it!" I curse, turning and running away from them.

"Catch her!" someone calls out.

It's a cacophony of noises. The rain splashes against my skin, the thunder a background melody meant to confuse my senses. The marauding steps behind me slam against the wet, slippery ground as they get closer. Horses neigh, the sound whispering past my ear and telling me I'm no match for armed riders.

PomPom struggles against me, my mood making her more agitated than the storm.

Tears stab at the corners of my eyes as my fate suddenly flashes before me.

"Get her!"

"Don't let her get away!"

Their voices are loud, but they are drowned by the beat of my heart drumming in my ears. Fear spurs me further. Fear also shows me another potential danger if they should catch me.

I get to the hill, but the ground is muddy and hard to maneuver. One glance behind me to check how far the men are is all it takes for me to lose my footing and fall, rolling down to the base of the hill.

And right at the feet of one of the soldiers.

"Kill her! We can't risk it!"

My eyes widen as I tighten my hold on PomPom, hiding her. I can't take any chances that they might harm her too.

"Please don't!" I shout. "I'm not infected, please."

"That's what they all say." He laughs, pushing a mask over his face.

The sky is downcast. But the sun, buried underneath a mountain of clouds, resurfaces enough to shine light upon the sword that is about to end me.

"Please! I just need to find Sir Damien and Lady Jocelyn," I say in hopes the names might be familiar to them. They're some of the most famous mages in Akkaya, and their names should carry some weight. I may still be conflicted about this being Akkaya, but at this point, I'd try anything as long as it saves my life.

The sword comes down with a swoosh. But it doesn't cut me. Instead, the soldier sheaths it, pulling his mask off his face and regarding me curiously.

"You know Sir Damien and Lady Jocelyn?" he asks as he narrows his eyes at me.

His other soldier buddies stop next to him, assessing me with skepticism.

"Uhm, yes." I nod, plastering a smile on my face. "We're old friends."

The soldier, I suppose he's the leader, tilts his head to the side.

"Good try. Everyone knows them." He guffaws, and his friends join him. "I doubt a nobody like you would be friends with our rulers."

My eyes widen. Rulers? When did that happen?

"No, no, I swear. I know them." I nod. "Ask me anything about them and I'll tell you."

The soldier frowns.

"Lady Jocelyn has a mole here." I point to the spot under my chin. "She also has one on her back, under her right shoulder blade. How could I know that if I hadn't seen her in person?"

"Lady Jocelyn does have a mole under her chin," one of the soldiers whispers from behind. "I've seen it. Swear I've seen it."

"When would you have seen that?" The boss rolls his eyes as he jabs his shoulder into the man's gut. He moans in pain.

"At the parade, sir. After the coronation. Her dog ran off and I caught it." He pushes his chin up, proud of his achievement.

A lightbulb goes on in my mind.

"Yes! Her dog! BonBon," I burst out, opening my arms to reveal PomPom. "If you've seen BonBon, then you should recognize my PomPom, too. They're the same breed." I hold up my pretty baby for his inspection.

Okay, so I may have gotten the same dog as Lady Jocelyn, in the same color. But BonBon is male, while my PomPom is female. I did intend to get a male and name it BonBon, too, but I fell in love with PomPom first, and she did not look like a BonBon.

He chews his lip as he assesses PomPom. She lets out a hiss before she bares her teeth at him.

"Oy, sir. It's the same!" he exclaims. "It even sounds the same." His eyes widen as he takes a step back. "He bit me, that dog. More than once," he mutters under his breath.

"Lady Jocelyn and I are the best of friends. Even our dogs are the same." I bat my lashes as I slowly get up, doing my best to assume a regal bearing. I can't very well look like a wet rat while I pretend to be pals with the queen.

"She might be telling the truth," the young soldier tells the leader in a not-so-low voice.

"She might also be infected." The leader grinds his teeth.

"But if Queen Jocelyn finds out we've killed her friend? She'll kill us too!" the young man exclaims, his face one of horror.

My brows go up in surprise at his vehemence and the pure expression of fear he's sporting. Lady Jocelyn isn't a killer. Even during her battles, she's never killed anyone, always offering them a way out. Why, she'd once declared that she would sooner kill herself than take another life. But this could all be part of some royal propaganda. After all, the continent is in a crisis if that newspaper clipping is to be believed—more than half the population has perished!

The leader studies me and PomPom, undecided.

"Sir!" the young one continues in a cajoling tone. "I have a feeling about this, sir. We're going to get in trouble with the Queen if we hurt her. Look, she's wearing the same colors as the Queen."

After another moment of deliberation, the leader finally speaks.

"Fine. We will take you to Kiya where the Queen will acknowledge you herself. But if I find that you've lied…" he trails off.

"And if you find that I didn't?" I retort with a huff. "Don't you worry. I'll make sure to tell Lady Jocelyn everything about your abysmal behavior," I tell him pointedly.

He stares at me. I stare back.

Okay, so maybe this small lie could technically get me in trouble. But it might also help me get back home. The Five, with their unparalleled magical knowledge, should be able to find a way to send me back home. After I get a tour of Akkaya, of course (the non-plague sites).

"Willy. Make sure she doesn't get away and she doesn't scratch anyone."

"I'm not infected," I interject.

"We will see," he adds skeptically, "if you make it alive to the capital."

With that, he turns and leaves me behind. The other soldiers follow the leader and go back to the inn.

Willy remains behind. He takes a step forward, wiping his clammy hands on his leather pants before offering me his hand.

I move past him. "I might be infected, remember? I should get my own horse."

"But…" Willy blinks.

"I am sure Lady Jocelyn will appreciate your contribution to my comfort, Willy."

"Yes, ma'am," he mumbles, confused. Poor lad.

"Call me Lady Barbi."

His mouth drops open in shock.

I hide a triumphant smile. Finally, I get to be my true self— Lady Barbi.

"Forgive me, your ladyship." He bends his head low. "Forgive all of us. We've been working all day and we couldn't recognize that you were a lady."

"It is fine. When are we leaving? I would like to bathe and change my clothes first. I also require some food for myself and for my dog."

He glances at PomPom in my arms. She barks at him.

"But… What is a lady like you doing here all alone? In a plague land, too?" he asks as he trails behind me.

I watch him from the corner of my eye. He's perhaps fifteen or sixteen, lanky and lean. He's also innocent enough to believe my lies. That should prove to be an advantage if I play my cards right.

"I was on my way to Kiya," I start in a dramatic tone. "But my entourage caught the plague and died. I was the only one who survived. Oh, Willy. It was horrible . They bled everywhere," I say, dabbing at my eyes for nonexistent tears. "PomPom and I were the only ones to survive."

"Oh, Lady Barbi. That's horrible!"

"Isn't it? Poor PomPom will be scarred for life. It was the first time she's seen a dead body, you know?"

"I can imagine." He nods sympathetically. "You are so lucky to be the only survivor."

I release a pointed sigh.

"Yes, the gods must be watching over me and PomPom. We have been praying daily and then you showed up," I continue. "I've made offerings to the Goddess and she has decided to take pity on me."

Invoking the Goddess should add to my convincing act, since she is one of the figures worshipped exclusively by the upper class of Akkaya. Those of lower ranks would not dare to utter her name, let alone pray to her.

As expected, Willy averts his gaze. Her name alone is too hallowed to acknowledge.

"You will have to excuse our leader, Lady Barbi. He did not mean to offend you in any way."

"It is all forgotten and forgiven."

"I cannot believe you did not catch the plague, Lady Barbi. We've been through tons of villages by now and we haven't found one person who wasn't infected. They were all either dead or dying," he explains, his expression sad.

Poor boy. He has a good heart, I can tell. So I take advantage of it some more.

"Do not tell anyone but"—I look right and left before I lean in to whisper—"I think I am immune to the plague."

His eyes widen.

I nod, my lips flattened.

"It is why I must reach Lady Jocelyn as soon as possible. She will help me make sense of this."

His eyes sparkle with hope after the shock wears off, and a small twinge of guilt stabs at my heart. Alas, the only way I can ensure that I survive until I reach Kiya is to make myself indispensable. With the way Willy is looking at me now, a mix of awe and adoration, I know he's not going to be able to keep this to himself, and the seed of the rumor will be officially planted. As long as they believe I might be useful, they aren't likely to hurt me, no?

A smile tips at my lips. Who needs Econ when I have my subterfuge skills and my doe-like eyes that work wonders on the unassuming—especially those of the male variety?

We head to the inn where all the soldiers are already back to their routine, eating, drinking, and being rowdy. It's then that I notice there is no staff around.

Of course there's no staff! They likely died from the plague.

The leader eyes me suspiciously as I enter, so I put on my best Lady Jocelyn act and push my chin up as I ignore him. I stop in the middle of the room as I address Willy.

"Is there a room where I may refresh myself?"

"Yes, of course. Come with me," he says, pointing me to the stairs in the back.

He shows me a small, unused room that is not the cleanest, but hey, I can't complain right now.

"I will bring you and your dog something to eat."

"Thank you, Willy."

He blushes and nods. I close the door in his face and put PomPom down, stretching my arms and body. She might not weigh much, but carrying her for the past few hours has caused my arms to go stiff.

True to his word, Willy comes back with a tray of food for me and PomPom. Not ten minutes after, he shows up again with a big bucket of hot water that almost slips from his hands.

"We shall leave tomorrow at first light. You have time to wash your clothes and take a nap. The door locks, but I will keep guard by the stairs so you don't have to worry about anything, Lady Barbi."

"You're a sweetheart, Willy." I smile at him.

His cheeks redden even more.

When he leaves, I lock the door and quickly undress, happy to be out of my soaked garments. I take my pajamas and my underwear off and use a rag to clean my body thoroughly and remove all the dirt. I use the same rag on PomPom, cleaning her paws and the tips of her coat that have become matted from mud.

When we're both clean, I let PomPom eat while I wash my clothes in the remaining water. There is some sparse furniture in the room aside from the single bed, and I manage to strew the clothes around to dry.

PomPom is satisfied with her modest meal, a bit of stew with some meat and bones.

I scowl.

As soon as we get back home, I'll have to brush her teeth and clean them properly, maybe schedule a visit to the vet to make sure this food didn't do any damage. Alas, beggars can't be choosers, and she needs to eat.

For me, Willy had added a chicken wing, a few slices of bread and cheese, and some of the same stew.

My stomach grumbles in hunger and as much as that food looks less than appetizing, I cannot say no either. I dig in, eating even the last crumb of bread.

I don't know when I fall asleep. But at some point, a banging noise startles me and I jump up. PomPom, too, starts barking, aggression rolling off her.

"Lady Barbi, it's me, Willy. We will be leaving soon."

"Oh." I sigh in relief. "I'll be right down."

The clothes are semi-dry, but I didn't expect anything better. I put my pajamas back on and, taking PomPom in my arms, I head downstairs.

All the soldiers are already outside, and as I get closer to the door, I hear the sound of conflict.

"She's a lady, sir," Willy whines.

"Are you ready to vouch for her with your life? You foolish kid…"

My eyes widen, and for some reason, Willy has endeared himself to me and I don't want to see him dead.

I open the door to the inn, step out, and meet the leader's gaze head-on.

"Willy is now my personal guard. You cannot speak to my guard like that."

"Personal guard?" The man laughs, the other soldiers joining in to mock Willy.

As I let my gaze roam around the crowd, I'm able to assess them better now that the sky is clear and the sun is shining brightly. They are all middle-aged, with the leader being somewhere in his forties. Willy is the youngest, and going by his subservient body language, it's something that the others hold against him.

"Yes. I assume you've heard of the Havilland family?" I ask in a haughty voice.

The leader's eyes widen.

I smile.

"I am the youngest child of the Marquis de Havilland. Should you mistreat me or Willy, it will not bode well for you."

PomPom barks, agreeing with me.

The de Havilland family is one of the wealthiest in Kiya. They were mentioned a few times in the books, and I vaguely recall them having ten or more daughters—the marquis could never get his much-desired male heir. With that many daughters, it's impossible that he would know all of them.

"If I remember correctly, the Marquis perished some ten years ago." The leader narrows his eyes.

"That does not take away my title, does it? Or the fact that my family owns half of Kiya." I stare him down. His nostrils flare in annoyance.

He doesn't trust me. Which, for good reason since I am spewing lie after lie. Luckily, his soldiers believe me as they one by one kneel in front of me and apologize for not giving me my due respect.

I smile.

God, my lies keep piling up. I don't want to imagine what will happen when I'm discovered. But I can't think about that. I just need to get to The Five and explain my situation to them. I'm sure they will forgive my small lies and help me get back home.

Willy gets me my own horse, and I thank the heavens I was inspired to take riding lessons when I was younger. But if Lady Jocelyn did something, I did it too.

Except magic.

Unfortunately, that is something I lack.

I easily slide into the saddle, ready to begin the journey to Kiya and hopefully see some plague-free sights on my way there. PomPom takes her place in front of me, and I hold on to her with one hand while gripping onto the reins with the other.

But just as we're about to leave, the sky blackens before it bleeds, drops of blood falling instead of rain.

I expect everyone to take shelter, but instead, they all rejoice, dancing up and down and hugging each other as if it's the most holy of events.

"What's happening?"

I look down at Willy. He's unmoving. His head is tipped back, his mouth open as he tastes the red blood drops on his tongue.

His eyes slowly open, for a moment shining a deep red.

"It is done," he says in a thick voice that echoes as the other soldiers repeat the same words, verbatim.

"What is done? What's happening?"

"The Dark One has been defeated," he states robotically, almost as if he were in a trance.

The other soldiers start chanting as they raise their swords to the sky.

"The Dark One has been defeated. The Dark One has been defeated."

In a matter of seconds, the sky clears.

Turning to me, Willy smiles brightly.

"Sir Damien has defeated the Dark One. It is done!"

I frown. This doesn't make sense.

"The plague will finally end," Willy gushes, tears of happiness falling down his cheeks.

"What do you mean?"

"You don't know?" he asks, surprised.

I shake my head.

"The Dark One caused the plague. And now Sir Damien will find a cure and save us all!"

But that is impossible. According to the books, Sir Damien defeated the Dark One long before the plague. That battle was in the sixth book, which we were supposed to enact for the convention.

The Dark One can't have caused the plague because he should already be dead.