Chapter 13

Stone knocked on the door to Persimmon's room the next morning, hearing her voice call out from within.

"Come in."

"Persimmon? Are you up?" He cracked the door and peeked inside, but didn't see her. "Sweetheart?" He entered the room fully, getting the air knocked out of him as Persimmon barreled into him, throwing her arms around him, kissing him hard on the mouth.

"Oomph!" He chuckled, taking her in his arms. "What was that for?"

"Come in and close the door. Quickly," she told him.

"What? Why? I was just going to leave to track down the thieves." He pointed out into the corridor.

"This is more important. And if it works, you won't need to look for the thieves because I will be able to tell you anything you want to know."

"What does that mean?" She was acting odd this morning and he wasn't sure what she had in mind.

"Close the door. Please."

"All right." With one arm still around her, he reached out for the door with his other hand and slammed it closed.

"I was thinking about it all night and I finally figured out the answer."

"You did? What answer? What was the question?" he asked, still very confused.

"Quickly, undress." Her hands went to his weapon belt to help him.

"Wait. What? Why?"

"Each time we were together, and especially when you kissed me, I was closer and closer to actually being able to scry."

"So?"

She stopped unbuckling his belt and looked up at him. "So, that means coupling is what will activate the orb and also my ability to scry." She pulled off the belt and weapons and laid them on a table.

"Persimmon, this is crazy. You are telling me that if we make love, somehow you will acquire the power to scry?"

"That is exactly what I mean. It has to be what unleashes my power. It all makes sense now. And I also think my mother was frightened for me and that is why she put me in the convent. She knew that being there I'd never acquire my scrying power." She started pulling his tunic over his head but he stopped her.

"I know men don't normally think this, but don't women usually want to be in love before coupling with a man?"

"We don't have time for us to fall in love, Stone." She gave up on him and started to remove her own clothing. "I can help you find the thieves and collect the king's gemstones, I know I can. All I have to do is unlock the orb's power and then gaze into it. I'll be able to see the future and know what any of us should do in any dire situation. Don't you see? This will help everyone. I'm sure this must be how it works. So we need to make love. Now."

"It'll help everyone," he repeated, trying to take it all in.

"Don't even try to talk me out of it because I've decided this is what I want to do to help you." She dropped her gown to the floor, standing there only in her shift.

"Do you even know for sure that this will really unlock your power? I mean, what if we make love and it does nothing at all to help you scry?"

"That won't happen," she said. "And even if it does, I won't regret trying. Will you?"

She removed the last of her clothing, standing there in front of him looking like a naked goddess. Suddenly, his mind was fuzzy and he couldn't think straight. Lust overtook him and his aroused form strained against his breeches. What he wanted more than anything right now was to make love with this beautiful, fantastic, lovely, but crazy woman.

"Well? Will you do it? Please?" she asked, batting her long lashes, looking even more seductive with a little pout on her lips.

"I've never been in such an odd situation before, but neither does it matter. Right now, I feel that if I don't make love with you, I am going to burst. My desire for you is so strong right now that I can think of nothing else."

He quickly pulled off the rest of his clothes, sweeping her off her feet, scooping her up into his arms. Her long hair trailed over one side, her long legs over the other. "I've never been seduced this way before by a woman." He headed toward the bed.

"Think of it as an awakening of power."

He gently laid her on the bed, straddling her, reaching down to kiss her. The taste of her honeyed lips sent hot chills up his spine. Her flowery essence filled his nostrils. His body burned for this beautiful woman. Her skin was like velvet, her hair long and shiny. Her kisses set him on fire. Stone ran his hands down her bare body, then leaned over and took one nipple into his mouth.

"Oh! Oh, my," she cried, and he felt her body trembling. When he slid a hand down and around the delicious curve of her thigh, he couldn't help thinking she was like a vibrant winding river. He was going along for a ride not even caring where the current took him. All he knew was that it was going to be a sweet and satisfying journey. He took her other nipple into his mouth and her back arched up off the bed.

"I never knew this could feel so good," she said through a breathy whisper.

"You'll find that you've missed out on a lot of pleasure and enjoyment being raised by nuns," he told her.

"Then I want you to help me experience it all!"

"Slow down," he told her with a chuckle. "There is a lot you haven't experienced and we cannot do it all at one time."

"Well, I am a fast learner. Show me more. I want to feel more pleasure."

"All right," he said, kissing her behind the ear and letting his tongue enter. She giggled and pushed him away.

"That was so loud," she told him.

"Then how about this?" He continued to kiss her, letting his kisses trail down her chest, past her breasts and down her taut stomach. He was trying to go slow to seduce her, but was only driving himself crazy. He kissed her belly button, swirling his tongue down around inside. She giggled again, pushing him away.

"That is an odd place to kiss me."

"If you think that is odd, then wait until you see where I plan to go next." He waggled his eyebrows and looked down at the juncture between her legs.

"Oh," she said, realizing what he meant. "Oooooh," she said again, seeming to be thinking about it. "Mayhap you're right. We shouldn't feel all the pleasure at once."

"Or, at least, not on your first time," he agreed. "I say we save that for next time."

"I am glad to hear you suggest there will be a next time." She surprised him by raising her legs around his waist, clamping them together tightly.

When he slipped his hand between her legs, he was surprised again to find her already wet and ready. He supposed his quick act of foreplay was more than enough to excite a girl of her age who was still a virgin.

"Hurry up, Stone. I can no longer wait."

"And neither can I." He didn't waste time slipping his weapon of love inside her, causing both of them to come to life now.

"Persimmon, if I am too rough, please tell me and I will stop," he said, hoping she wouldn't make him stop since he had no idea if he could anymore. Desire filled his being and passion spurred him on.

"I want you. All of you, Stone. Please, don't deny me."

Her words gave him the permission he needed. They did the dance of love, finding the perfect rhythm between them. He held back for as long as he could. And when he heard her coos of passion turn into a louder moan of ecstasy, he knew she had found her pent-up release. It didn't take any time to find his as well. Their lovemaking made him feel alive, hot, happy and fully sated.

Rolling off of her, he flipped onto his back, pulling her atop him, wrapping his arms around her and burying his nose in her sweet, silky hair.

It was a few minutes before either of them could find the breath to speak. Then he heard her soft, sweet voice while her cheek was pressed up against his chest.

"We did it, Stone. I finally did it. We made love."

"Yes. Yes, we did." He smoothed down her hair with one hand, feeling like he never wanted this moment to end.

"Did you like it?" he had to ask.

"I loved it. Did you?"

"You have no idea."

"So, do you think it worked? Do you think it awakened the gazing crystal and that I'll be able to scry now?"

"I don't know," he told her. "But if not, I won't stop you from trying again."

They both laughed and then she sat up, pushing her long hair out of her eyes.

"I'm sorry, but I am too excited and need to know the answer right now. I can't wait a moment longer." She slid off the bed and her bare feet pitter-pattered across the floor. She hurried over to a table, picking up the gazing orb, and then heading back to him.

"Are you really going to try it? Right now?" He chuckled because she was so cute and so excited to learn. Most women he'd made love with wanted him to just lay there and talk after coupling. They didn't want him to hurry away. But this woman was unique. She seemed to be all about business. Although it surprised him, it made his feelings for her even stronger. He sat up, scooching back on the bed.

"Well, yes, I was going to try it." Her bright blue eyes flashed upward. "Why? Do you think it is insensitive to do it right now since we just made love? I mean, I suppose I could wait a little longer if you think I should."

"Don't wait on my behalf," he answered with a chuckle. "I find your enthusiasm and your innocence refreshing."

"I don't think I'm innocent anymore after that!"

"Nay, I suppose that wasn't the best word to use. Go ahead, Persimmon. I want you to try it."

"All right, then." A wide smile crossed her face. She held up the gazing orb in two hands. "What should I ask? Or should I just look into it and not ask anything at all?"

"You're asking the wrong person, sweetheart. I don't know the first thing about magic or magical beings and neither do I pretend to know. Just do whatever you feel in your heart is the right thing to do."

"All right." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, seeming to think. Then she slowly released the air from her mouth. "I'll try both ways," she told him. First, she just looked into the orb, and when nothing happened, she moved her face closer, focusing hard on the ball. "I don't think this way is working."

"Then try asking a question," he prompted her.

"All right, I will. Where can we find the thieves?" she asked aloud, staring once again at the gazing ball. After a few minutes and a couple more questions, the excited smile on her face disappeared and was replaced by a frown.

"It didn't work?" he asked.

"Nay." She shook her head, looking like she was about to cry.

"I'm sorry, Persimmon." Stone stood up and walked over to get his clothes. "I really hoped that would work for you."

"I was sure it would. Mayhap I did something wrong. Mayhap we should try it again?"

Stone dressed as he spoke. "As much as I'd like to stay right here and try it over and over again for the rest of the day, I'm afraid I can't. Time is of the essence. I really need to hunt down Rancor and Filip before it is too late."

"I'm sorry," she said, looking at the ground and seeming like she hated herself right now. He didn't understand it. She threw the orb down on the bed and got up and started dressing.

"Sorry for what? We both enjoyed ourselves, didn't we? So it wasn't a waste of time if that's what you're thinking."

"Nay, that's not it, Stone."

"Then why do you sound as if you're being hard on yourself?" He pulled up his breeches and tied them.

"I'm sorry for failing. For letting you down."

"Stop it!" He stopped dressing and walked over and pulled her back into his arms. She buried her face against his bare chest. "You could never let me down and I don't want to hear you say that ever again. Do you understand?"

"I want to help you. Honest, I do. I want to be able to help my family and any of the people of Mura who need it as well. But it is just not working and I don't know why."

"You can't save the world, Persimmon, and neither is it your job. Remember that."

"But bad things are going to happen and I won't be able to stop them."

"Mayhap that is so. But did you ever think that it wasn't your destiny to stop anything from happening?"

"What do you mean?" She sniffled and pulled out of his embrace.

"I mean, I have a job to do, and I suppose I was just looking for a fast and easy way to get to where I'm going. I never should have asked you to scry for me. I don't mind hard work."

"And I don't mind going with you to help you attain your goal."

"Nay," he said firmly, stepping away and pulling a tunic over his head. The he pushed into his boots and ended by strapping on his weapon belt. "It is too dangerous and I don't want anything to happen to you."

"But I have magic," she told him. "I'll be protected by it. I've already used it to help us, and I won't hesitate to do it once again."

"I said no," he told her, picking up his sword and sliding it into the scabbard. "Now stay here where you'll be safe. I will see you later." He kissed her once more, giving her a quick hug and then walked over and pulled open the door.

"Will you? Will you really return?" she asked, sounding like she was looking for validation.

He turned to see her standing there, looking so forlorn.

"Of course, I will, sweetheart. I always carry out my promises."

"And what if you find the portal open? Then, what will you do? Will you go through it?"

"Yes, I'm counting on finding it again. I have to do so in order to return to Taelgonoth and warn my king about Sethor's plans."

"But if you go back to Taelgonoth…if you go back to your homeland, you will never return to Mura. Will you?"

"Well, I—" He really hadn't thought that far ahead. His focus had been on his job and getting back home. But now after coupling with Persimmon, everything had changed. He had feelings for her and really didn't want to leave her behind. Plus, he could see that if he left, Persimmon would think he was abandoning her like everyone else in her life had done. That is the last thing he wanted her to believe. "Persimmon, I can't answer that right now. No one knows how to open or close the portal. Even if I get through it again, I might never have the chance to return to Mura if it doesn't open once again. Do you understand?"

"Then I guess this is goodbye, isn't it?" Her words stabbed into his heart like a sharp knife.

"Nay. Don't say that." He squeezed his eyes closed, feeling the pressure of being torn. He wanted to stay here with Persimmon, but also felt a calling and obligation to carry out his mission and to get back home. "We have to remain optimistic, sweetheart." He walked back to her and kissed her on the nose. "Let's not make this a goodbye. We'll just say, see you later."

Without waiting for her to respond, he turned and walked out the door. Stone made it all the way to the courtyard when Gregor Lithum rode through the gates of Kasculbough with a sense of great urgency on his face.

"Gregor is back," Rhys called out to Stone.

"I thought he went back to Macada Castle," said Aithrod as he fastened a bag to a horse that Rhys had lent them.

"He did go back," said Rhys. "If he's returned so soon, he must have information for us. It must be important."

"Let's see what he has to say." Stone hurried over with the other men to greet Gregor. "Good morning," Stone called out. Fang trailed at his side.

"I have news." Gregor hopped off the horse. A stable boy took the reins of his horse for him.

"What is it?" asked Rhys. "Is King Sethor up to something?"

"Does it have something to do with Rancor Ruse?" asked Stone.

"Yes to both," said the man. "I was able to find out information and sneak in and back out of Macada Castle without the king seeing or suspecting me."

"Do tell." Stone was anxious to know where to find his thieves.

"It seems Sethor is preparing his army." Gregor shook his head in disgust.

"For what? He wants a war with us?" Rhys frowned. "I'll contact my brothers anon."

"Nay." Gregor held up his hand. "The thieves are taking Sethor and a good sized army to a cave for some reason."

"Damn," swore Stone. "He's taking his men to the Quamm Caves, hoping to be able to go through the portal to Taelgonoth. He's going to attack King Helix and take his throne as his own."

"All those men can't possibly get through the portal before it closes, can they?" asked Aithrod. "I mean, if it even opens again at all."

"I'm sure he is counting on it," said Gregor.

"Rancor either knows how to work the portal, or has convinced the king that they can figure it out together," said Stone.

"When are they leaving?" Rhys wanted to know.

"Tomorrow at dawn," the man reported.

"How long will it take for them to get there?" Stone asked, already weighing out the options in his head.

"It'll take a full day on horseback to get over the mountains and to the Quamm Caves," Rhys told them.

"Then we need to get there first," said Stone. "We leave at once."

"And do what?" asked Aithrod. "Stone, we can't fight against or stop an entire army."

"Mayhap not, but my brothers and I can certainly try, and at least slow them down," said Rhys. "I'll prepare my soldiers at once and send a missive to Zann to do the same."

"Won't that cause a war between you and Sethor?" asked Stone. "That is not what we want at all. I can't let you make that sacrifice, but thank you."

"Well, then what do you suggest we do to stop Sethor and his army from going through the portal and claiming Taelgonoth?" asked Rhys.

"I don't know, but I wish I did." Stone felt helpless and no longer hopeful.

"We have magic on our side. That should count for something," said a woman.

Stone turned to find Persimmon and Medea standing there listening. He hadn't even heard them approach.

"Aye, that's true." Rhys nodded. "Sethor has no defense against magic."

"No, ladies, I can't let you risk your lives this way," said Stone, wanting to protect them.

"We need to get there before Sethor," said Aithrod. "If luck is on our side and we can go back through the portal before them, we can warn King Helix. That way, he and his soldiers can be ready if Sethor and his men do get through."

"Good idea," agreed Rhys.

"I can get you to the caves quickly by transporting and taking you with me," offered Medea.

"I will come with you," said Persimmon. "Medea and I have powers to use against Sethor and the others if need be."

"I can contact Alaina and ask for her help as well," added Medea.

"Nay. Persimmon, I want you and the rest of the women to stay here where you're safe. Aithrod and I can do this alone. I don't want anyone from Mura getting hurt on my account. This is my mission and I will see it through to the end, no matter what the outcome."

"Well, what about you two? And Fang?" asked Persimmon, reaching down to pet the dog. "We don't want any harm to befall any of you either."

"That's right," said Medea. "Please, let us help."

Stone looked at Aithrod, not knowing what to do.

"I say, let them try," said Aithrod with a shrug.

"Medea does have some awesome powers," Rhys told him.

"And I haven't been able to use them lately, since I've been so busy just being a mother," said Medea.

"Nay. I will never forgive myself if anything happens to the women. Aithrod and I only will go. If we can get back through the portal and warn our king, no one but King Sethor and his army will be at risk." Stone knew the magical help of the women could come in handy, but the protector part of him wouldn't allow it. He didn't want women at risk, and he certainly didn't want little children to grow up without their mother if something would happen to them. "The question is, how do we even know if the portal is going to open again."

"Or where it will appear," added Rhys.

"And what about the gnomes? Don't forget about those pesky gnomes." Aithrod faked a shiver. "They are nasty and it's not going to be easy to get past them."

"Right. The gnomes," said Storm, sighing and shaking his head. "Why can't anything ever be easy?"

"Stone, you said my father was in the cave and helped you fight off the gnomes last time, right?" asked Persimmon.

"Aye. Why?"

"Mayhap he'll help again. Or, at least, he might know when and where the portal will reappear. I mean, he is a sage. He should know something."

Rhys let out a groan and Medea shot him a stern look.

"I don't even know where to find Elric," said Stone.

"That's easy." Medea stepped forward. "I can take you to his home atop the cliffs of Glint."

"Glint," repeated Stone, trying to remember what he'd heard this name before.

"Glint is the home of the elven queendom," Rhys explained. "If you are going there, you'd better take Lira with you."

"I'll get her at once." With a swish of her hand through the air, Medea transported, disappearing.

"I'm coming with you," said Gregor. "I want to help make those thieves who killed my parents pay for what they have done."

"I'm coming, too," said Rhys. "As a king of Mura, it is my job to protect all of you, and I will not let you change my mind."

"Then, I shall not even try," answered Stone. "All right. Let's get ready and hope for the best. But this mission will be with the men only, and that is my final decision." Stone turned to make his way back to load his horse.

"Stone, wait." Persimmon ran after him. "Please, let me help too."

"I appreciate the offer, but I can't let you risk your life," said Stone, stopping in his tracks and turning to take her hands in his. "Please, stay here. If you come along, I'll just be distracted, trying to look out for your safety."

"But I have powers that can help you."

"Can you look into your gazing orb and tell me when and where the portal will appear again?" he asked.

"Well, no." She shook her head and looked down at the ground. "Not yet, anyway."

"Then there is no reason for you to come with us. Stay here inside the castle walls where you will be safe." He continued to walk.

"Stone Nightstalker, you are acting recklessly. You need the help of magic and you know it. The more, the better. You will never be able to collect Rancor and Filip as well as hold off an entire army by yourself."

"I won't be alone." He fastened a bag of food to the horse as he spoke. "I'll have Aithrod and Fang with me. Fang barked as if he agreed. "And Rhys and Gregor will be there as well."

"What about the women?" she asked. "The ones with the true powers?"

He slowly looked back at her and ran his hand lovingly against her cheek. "Persimmon, if anything ever happened to you I could never forgive myself. You need to understand this."

"Nothing is going to happen to me. Now let me come along and help."

"You can accompany me to see your father, but after that, I proceed without you. Do you understand?"

"I understand that you are being foolish, Stone. Or perhaps proud. Either way, you are going to have to accept the help of women if you want to succeed."

"We'll see," he said, still not willing to let her or the other women risk their lives on his mission. "We'll see."

"Hold on tight." Persimmon grabbed one of Medea's hands, while Stone took the other, getting ready to transport.

"What about the horses?" asked Stone.

"I can only transport two at a time," explained Medea. "I will come back for them and also the others. But for now, we need to get the two of you to Elric. I will bring Lira next."

"All right. I'm ready." Persimmon closed her eyes, squeezing Medea's hand, not sure what to expect.

"I hope this won't be as terrifying as when Alaina whipped us through the air and—" Stone's words were cut off as a vibrating sound filled Persimmon's ears. Then her stomach became queasy and she felt a surge of energy bolt through her. With a sharp wind against her face, her body got lighter and lighter until she wasn't even sure she was on the ground anymore. Curious, she opened her eyes to peek out and screamed. A blur of mountains below her was so far down that she almost had the feeling she had left this earth. Then, as fast as it started, it all stopped with a thump. Her feet hit the ground and she stumbled, thrusting forward, but Stone reached out to catch her.

"Whoa, there," he said to her, almost sounding as if he were speaking to a horse.

"You'll get used to it after the first few times," said Medea with a big smile from ear to ear. "Do you want me to transport you all the way up the cliff to Elric's house as well?"

"No. No more," Persimmon answered with her hand on her stomach. She looked to where Medea pointed. Sure enough, a small cabin sat way up high, atop a pinnacle cliff. To the left of her was a big green castle that she was sure must be the Elven Queendom. To the right was a lake with a bridge leading to an area with a lot of quaint little colorful houses.

"Is that where the elves live?" she asked.

"Nay, that is the land of the Fae," explained Medea. To your left is Castle Glint, and behind you are the homes of the elves."

She slowly turned to see a bunch of cute little dwellings. Each one had a hedge of bushes surrounding it, as if it were done for protection of some sort or perhaps privacy.

"You look a little pale, and like you don't feel well," surmised Stone. "I think it's best if we hike up the mountain on foot to see Elric, but thank you for the offer, Medea."

"Yes. I agree." Persimmon wasn't up for another of Medea's transporting trips just yet.

"All right. I'll be back soon with Lira," Medea told them. "I will get your horses, too. Do you want me to bring Rhys and the others here or drop them off at the cave?"

"Mayhap at the cave will be better so they can keep an eye open for Rancor and Sethor," suggested Stone.

"And watch for the portal to open as well," Persimmon quickly added.

"All right. Good luck with Elric." With a wave of her hand, Medea disappeared.

"My, people come and go so quickly here on Mura," said Persimmon.

"Don't they do that on Lornoon too?" questioned Stone.

"I'm not sure. But in the convent, everyone moved slowly."

"I still can't believe you grew up in a convent." Stone shook his head. "So you never practiced your magic? I mean, moving things with your mind."

"Nay, not around anyone. It was forbidden. I only practiced in my room when no one was watching. Or on my trips home to see my mother."

"Your relationship with your mother seems odd," Stone continued. "I mean, my family was close when I was growing up. But yours seems so…I mean they seem to…"

"Shun me," she finished his sentence for him. "It's all right to say it aloud since it is the truth. And before you ask, I really don't know why my parents did that. I am also sorry that Elric stole your king's gemstones. I have always been told by my mother that the man is greedy."

"I'm not surprised," said Stone as they walked. "Taelgonoth is filled with greedy people, too."

"So your homeland sounds like a place with lots of bad people. Is your king like King Sethor? Bad, too?"

"Not necessarily bad, but greedy and demanding. Honestly, I can't seem to find anyone I trust on Taelgonoth anymore. Except for Aithrod and Fang."

"Really?" Persimmon held up the hem of her gown and took a step over a puddle. "Then why do you work for such a man?"

He shrugged. "I have no choice. I need to earn a living to survive. King Helix holds power and with that power comes my protection."

"Protection? I don't understand. From whom?"

"From everyone, sweetheart. I am telling you, my land is a dark place to be right now. I was hoping if I can catch and bring in more thieves and murderers for persecution, mayhap the king will set things right again. The way they used to be when my father was alive and helping out the king."

"And by bringing him back his jewels, you're going to create more of an alliance with him. Right?"

"It can't hurt."

"Plus, you'll marry his daughter," she said sadly. "That will give you the protection you crave as well."

Stone didn't answer.

"Are the gems really your king's? Or did he steal them from someone else? My father claims they belong to him."

"I don't know, and honestly, I don't care," Stone told her.

"You didn't even try to find out?" she asked in shock.

"In my line of work, you have to be careful what kind of questions you ask."

"I see." She didn't really see, but was hesitant to pursue this right now.

"We need to walk faster." He held out his hand and she took it.

Looking up the steep mountain it felt like they were never going to get to the top by Elric's house. "Are we really going to hike all the way up there?"

"You didn't want Medea's help, so yes, we have to walk. Don't worry, I'll help you. It'll be fine. Come on, let's go." Stone held her hand tightly and together they briskly followed the trail leading almost straight up, to Elric's home.

"Mayhap we should wait for Lira," suggested Persimmon, breathing heavier, the higher they got. "After all, she has a much better relationship with Elric than I do."

"Mayhap it is time you change that," Stone said as he moved in front of her and continued to climb.

"I cannot change something when I don't know why it even exists in the first place." She kept her eyes on the ground, not wanting to fall off the side of the mountain.

"Just ask him."

"What?"

Stone stopped and turned to face her. "Ask Elric why he acts like he hates you. He doesn't seem like the kind of man who bites his tongue, so I am sure he'll tell you what is on his mind if you inquire."

"I'm not certain I can do that."

"Of course, you can. And I'll be right there with you." He held out his hand again and she willingly took it. Mayhap with Stone at her side she would have the courage and strength to face Elric and finally find out the secrets of the past.

They finally made it up to Elric's dwelling. Stone made a fist and rapped upon the door.

"Who's bothering me?" came Elric's grumpy shout from within.

"You'd better say something," whispered Stone. "If he knows it's me, he's likely to push us down the mountain."

"Me?" Her hand went to her chest. "Are you forgetting he doesn't like me?"

"He called me a big oaf and a fool. You are of his blood so we have a better chance if it's you instead of me."

"Fine." She let out a deep sigh. "Father, it's me," she called out. "Please, let me in."

"Lira?" The door swung open and the elf's face appeared. "Oh, it's you and the big oaf. Go away, I'm busy." Elric tried to close the door on them, but Stone stuck his foot in the threshold and stopped him.

"Let us in, Elric." Stone wasn't going to back down.

"Nay! You are not getting the gemstones, so you might as well leave right now." He clutched the bag of gems to his chest

"Do you ever put them down?" mumbled Stone.

"Father, we just walked all the way up the mountain to see you. We want to talk. Please, don't turn us away." Persimmon tried her best to convince Elric to let them enter.

"If I let you in, the big oaf needs to promise he is not going to try again to take my gemstones away from me."

"You mean King Helix of Taelgonoth's gems," Stone corrected him. "Jewels that you stole."

"Stone, please." Persimmon laid a hand on his arm and willed him to be quiet. "If you put him on his defense, we are never going to get inside."

"You're right. I'm sorry," said Stone. "Can we please come in, Elric?"

"You promise me, first." The elf was a stubborn little thing. He was also so different from Persimmon's mother that Persimmon wondered how in the world the two of them ever got together in the first place and how she was even born.

"Stone. Please." Persimmon looked at him and raised a brow.

"Fine. I promise," he groaned, shaking his head as soon as Elric turned around.

"All right. Come in and close the door."

Persimmon entered her father's house, stopping to look around and take in her surroundings. It was tiny. All the furniture was small, like it was made for a child. She supposed it was because Elric himself wasn't taller than a child.

"Sit down, sit down." Elric zipped over to the open window, closing the shutter quickly. "Did Queen Sasha see you come here?" he asked, with one eye squinted. He darted over and climbed up on the table to be the same height as them. "She did, didn't she?" He acted as if it worried him that the elven queen might have even seen them.

"Who?" asked Persimmon, knowing the answer but stalling for time to work up her courage. She checked out each of the chairs and finally chose one to sit on.

"Lira's aunt," spat Elric. "She is queen of Glint now since your sister foolishly gave up the throne and the queendom to go rule with that shapeshifting husband of hers. What a waste, I swear."

"Father, that's not a nice thing to say," scolded Persimmon.

"Zann is a shapeshifter?" asked Stone in surprise, still standing.

"Yes. I'm surprised you even know what it means." Elric raised his chin and proceeded to look down his nose at Stone. "After all, you are naught but a helpless human since you have no magic in your land and hold no power in the least."

"Of course, I know what it means. And I'm sorry to have disappointed you with my mundane abilities. So, tell me. What does Zann shift into? And how often does it occur?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but Zann can turn into a man-eating white wolf at any moment. You'd better beware," snapped Elric, his arms flaying around above his head like a madman.

"Man-eating?" repeated Stone.

"Father! That is a lie. How can you even say that?" Lira stood in the open doorway. "My husband can shift into a wolf, that part is true. However, he has never eaten a human, I assure you." Lira entered the room.

"Lira? You're here, too? Who did you bring with you?" In a blur, the elf sped over to the door, looked out in both directions and then slammed the door.

"I'm by myself, Father." Lira walked over and sat down on a small chair. "Why are you so worried?"

"I don't want any of you bringing those thieves to my door." Elric zipped back to the window and paced the floor.

"Oh, you mean the thieves that you stole the gems from in the first place?" asked Stone. "Speaking of that, did you take them all from Rancor or does he have any left? Either way, I'll need you to hand them over to me now." Stone's hand shot out, his open palm waiting for the stones. He still stood instead of sitting in the chairs that were much too small for a normal sized man.

"I told you, I didn't steal anything," spat Elric, moving closer to Stone. "I found them on the floor of the cave. The stupid thieves were so busy fighting off the gnomes, they didn't even see me there." He clutched the bag at his side.

"Do they have some gemstones left?" asked Stone. "The king didn't tell me how many went missing."

"How should I know?" Elric bit at a hangnail. "They are so stupid, even if they did have more, they have probably lost them by now. Besides, these are of no use to humans."

"What do you mean, Father?" asked Persimmon.

"You know something about these gems that you aren't telling us," Stone accused him.

"Why do you think that?" asked Persimmon.

"I can read people and their reactions. Elric wouldn't look at me when I asked how many stones there were and he bit at his finger nervously," said Stone. "That proves to me he knows more than he is letting on."

"Do you, Father?" asked Lira. "Do you know something about these gemstones?"

"Never mind that," spat Elric. "Stone promised he wouldn't try to get them from me and he broke his promise. I can't trust you, Stonestealer." He stopped and folded his arms over his chest. One eyebrow raised in the air as he perused Stone.

"Me? You can't trust me?" asked Stone, slapping his chest with his opposite palm. "How about I can't trust you?"

"Stone, please," Persimmon said softly, not wanting trouble. "You did promise."

Stone shook his head, let out a sigh and slowly lowered his hand to his side. "They must still have some of King Helix's gems. They have to. If not, how did they manage to convince King Sethor into following them to a portal and taking over the kingdom of Taelgonoth?"

"I agree with Stone," said Lira. "King Sethor is a greedy man. He wouldn't believe Rancor if bait hadn't been dangled in front of his nose to lure him into doing anything."

"Why does this man Rancor and his counterpart want to take over Taelgonoth?" asked Persimmon, still trying to understand about Stone's land.

"There is only one king where I live," explained Stone. "And that king rules everyone and everything. I suppose Rancor thinks if he can lure another king and his army there to seize it, that he'll somehow be in a good position."

"Father, do you really think if this transpires that Sethor would give Rancor a position at court?" asked Lira.

"How should I know?" Elric ground out, climbing atop a chair and thumping his fingers against the table. "And why are all of you wasting my precious time? I told you I'm not turning over the stones, so get lost."

"He's holding back on us again," said Stone. "See the way he nervously raps his fingers on the table?"

Elric quickly folded his arms and stuck his hands under his armpits.

"We're here for another reason as well," Persimmon told him. "We had hoped since you're a sage, you would be able to tell us when the portal will open, or how to open or close it on our own."

"What?" Elric squinted, making a face and slowly turned toward Persimmon. "Why would you be asking me that when you have the ability to see the future in the gazing orb?"

"I don't have that ability, Father. I tried but haven't been able to achieve it."

"Ah, I see." His focus was on Stone next. "So, I'm guessing you coupled with the big oaf, telling him it would fire up the gazing crystal but it didn't, did it? It is the same thing your mother did to me all those years ago. She lured me to her bed just to use me."

"Hah!" spat Stone. "I hardly think you'd let anyone use you if you weren't getting something out of it."

Persimmon didn't like Elric referring to her mother in such a way. She also didn't like the fact her father called Stone an oaf or that he knew she made love to Stone. She wasn't sure if he had been listening at her door or if his abilities of being a sage led him on to their secret.

"Father, Stone and I didn't—" Persimmon heard Stone clear his throat and she stopped in midsentence. When she looked over at him, he nodded at her father. She realized the right thing to do was to be honest. "All right. Yes, we did make love but I thought it would work to unleash the powers of the gazing orb. After Stone kissed me I saw colors in the orb. I supposed coupling would give me the ability to scry since by kissing it brought about colors. I never meant to use him in the way that you are suggesting." She looked at Stone. "I mean, it was warranted by both of us. I think."

"Hah! So you did use him. And in his lustful manner he allowed it," said Elric.

"Don't speak for me, Elric," grunted Stone. "She did nothing wrong. She told me her suspicions and I went along with it by my own choice."

"Father, I only want to help others, but sadly, it seems that I still cannot scry."

"But you knew about the old couple on the road," said Lira. "Certainly you have some ability to see the future."

"I never saw the vision in the gazing orb. I just felt it, I guess. But I assure you, I never saw a thing in the gazing ball until I arrived in Mura and Stone entered my life. Now, I have seen swirling colors and I also saw Fang struggling in the water. I am so close to making it work." She looked over at her father. "So, was the reason I was born because Mother tried to access her powers to scry as well?"

"It was," Elric answered. "I am sorry to say I truly had feelings for your mother, but she had none for me. She knew I was an elf and a sage and thought she needed a magical mate in order to make it work."

"But Stone isn't magical." Persimmon looked over at him. "I suppose that's why it didn't work."

Lira cleared her throat. "Father, you tricked Zann and I into getting married, telling me that I'd regain my lost powers by making love to him. That didn't work either."

"I only did that to help you regain your confidence. I also knew you needed a father for your daughter to replace the husband you lost. Zann seemed like the most likely one to fill that position, even if he wasn't my first choice."

"If I wasn't happy about the outcome, I'd be furious at you right now," said Lira. "But Zann and I fell in love and I am happy with the way things turned out."

"Hmph!" grunted Elric. "Persimmon, didn't your mother ever explain anything to you?"

"About my powers?" asked Persimmon.

"Nay. About why she never married me, and why you had to grow up in a convent."

"No, she didn't," said Persimmon, wanting answers. "I would like to know why. I would also like to know why you seem so bitter toward me."

"Yes, Father, I would like to know that as well," chimed in Lira. "You've not been very kind to Persimmon since she's arrived."

"Luna put you in a convent to protect you from the evils that could befall you."

"What evils? From scrying if I was able to activate the orb? But it wasn't even mine at the time."

"Probably that, too, but it's not what I meant," said Elric. "You see, I wasn't the first man she made love to," he explained. "She was in love with a mere human who happened to come through a portal."

"Really? Mother never told me that."

"Wait a minute. What portal?" asked Stone. "And who was this man?"

"They made love and the man stole something from me and then disappeared. That's when your mother coupled with me, desperate to be able to use the orb to find her lover again."

"So just like Persimmon, she believed that coupling would bring her scrying power through the orb?" asked Lira.

"Yes. I don't know where witches get these silly ideas." Elric rolled his eyes.

"If that is not what activated the orb and gave her the power to scry, then what was?" asked Persimmon.

"Dang, if I know." Elric zipped around the room, picking up items and dusting with his sleeve.

"I thought you are a sage," said Stone. "Shouldn't you know things like that?"

Elric returned and jumped up to sit on the table in front of Persimmon. "When it comes to the gods and why they do things or how things work, I am at a loss. But ask me about elves or the fae and I can tell you anything you want to know."

"Who said anything about gods?" asked Stone.

"Huh?" Elric looked as if he'd slipped up and told them something he shouldn't. "I don't know what you mean."

"What I want to know, is who was the other man who made love with Mother?" asked Persimmon.

"Yes, I would like to know that, too," said Stone with interest.

"It was King Kapion," said Elric.

"Who?" asked Persimmon.

"Oh, nay. It was King Helix Kapion of Taelgonoth," said Stone. "My king, wasn't it? And you are saying he stole those gemstones from you? Now, why don't I believe that is the whole story?"

"It's true!" cried Elric. "I got those stones from the gods. They are magical. That is why he wanted them."

"Ah, now we're getting somewhere. So, we're back to the gods again, are we?" asked Stone.

"How did the king even know those rocks held magic?" asked Lira.

Elric shrugged and made a face. "Well, I might have bragged a little about them to Luna. Trying to attract your mother's interest," he said, looking at Persimmon. "You see, she must have either told him about it, or he overheard." Elric bit at his hangnail again.

"Father, did you steal those stones from the gods? Is that why they've frowned upon you lately?" asked Persimmon.

"I might have." Elric looked over at them and rolled his eyes again. "Oh, all right, so yes, I stole them. And the gods are going to take away my elven powers if I don't return all thirteen stones soon. I have managed to keep it a secret that the stones are gone for over twenty-five years but they finally noticed and now I am in serious trouble," admitted Elric.

"So, you're saying those stones really belong to the gods of Mura and King Helix stole them from you over twenty-five years ago?" asked Stone in disbelief.

"Yes, that is exactly what I'm saying." Elric sighed. "I kept distracting the gods every time they asked about the stones and was able to hold them off. I mean, it's not like they needed those stones and powers anyway. Then, luck finally came my way. I was near the Quamm Caves recently and I heard something happening inside. That's when I discovered the portal, the thieves, and my stolen gemstones."

"The gods' gemstones," Lira corrected him.

"Whatever."

So when the portal appeared in the cave and I found the stones, I was elated. There were thirteen stones in all, but I only found eleven. I need the last two before I can approach the gods to return them."

"And that's why you want the one I have," said Stone with a nod.

"So hand it over," demanded Elric. "You know now that the gemstones are not your king's so there is no need for you to bring them back to him."

"Not so fast," said Stone. "Even if I give you the one I have, you have one more to find. My guess is that Rancor has it. And you're going to need me to track him down to get it for you."

"Never mind the stones. Elric, are you really my father? Or is King Helix Kapion the man who sired me?" asked Persimmon, starting to understand her father's bitter attitude toward her now.

"I don't know," said Elric, shaking his head. "I'm not sure your mother really knew either."

"Then I need to find out on my own."

"No!" both Elric and Stone said together.

"It's too dangerous, Persimmon." Stone held concern in his voice.

"The man is evil. Why would you even want to know if he is the one who sired you?" asked Elric.

"Mayhap, because I have not had a real father my entire life and I would like to finally have one." Grief filled her heart. She didn't want to be the daughter of an evil man, but neither did she want an elven father who had ignored her and seemed to despise her for the last twenty-five years, even though it was no fault of hers. She was torn, but felt the burning desire to know the truth once and for all.

"Once I finally convinced Luna how bad King Kapion was, she decided she would have to hide you, Persimmon. Because if the portal ever opened again and he came back, she wasn't sure he wouldn't try to kidnap you, wanting to claim you as his daughter and take you away from her. It was only a matter of time before he figured out how powerful you would be."

"Oh," she answered. "Everything makes sense now. Mayhap that is why I don't look like you and have pointy ears."

"So she might not even be half-elf after all," Stone spoke up. "For all we know, she might be half-human."

"That's right," said Persimmon. "What if I am really the daughter of the King of Taelgonoth? Then what?"

"Don't say that! Ever!" spat Elric. "You are half elf. Everyone knows that."

"Do we?" asked Persimmon, seeming to upset her father.

When Elric got off the table quickly, one of the gemstones fell from his pouch. Persimmon was attracted to it. She slowly reached out to pick it up.

"Father, I don't understand," said Persimmon, closing her fingers around the gemstone. "Why didn't you or Mother ever tell me any of this?"

"Some things are better off left unsaid," replied Elric.

"Is that really true?" asked Persimmon, feeling her heart sink. She rubbed her thumb over the stone. "If only one of you would have told me all this years ago, I wouldn't have had to feel so abandoned my entire life."

"You weren't abandoned. It was done for your own protection." Elric slammed his hand down on the table.

Persimmon felt the stone become so hot in her hand that she had to throw it down in front of her. "Ow!" she cried, rubbing her fingers together, trying to stop the pain. She saw a ghostly figure at the far side of the room and knew immediately who it was. "Mother," she gasped. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Be careful, Persimmon. Now that you know these things, you are in more danger than you believe.

"Luna is here?" Elric spun around in a fast circle, looking in every direction. "Where is she? Why can't I see her? Luna, where are you and what do you want?"

"She's right there." Persimmon pointed to the ghost of her mother. "She's warning me to be careful."

"She's speaking? What is she saying? I need to know." Elric was visibly upset.

"Why do you need to know?" asked Persimmon. "Are you afraid she might tell me something else that you've been keeping from me?"

"Uh, excuse me," said Stone. His eyes were focused on the table and his jaw dropped. "Did anyone else see that? Persimmon touched a gemstone and it is glowing." Stone scooped up the stone.

"Be careful! It's hot," warned Persimmon.

"Nay, it's not. It's cold." Stone tossed it up and down in his palm. It no longer glowed.

"What?" Elric spun around. His hand slapped against the pouch at his side. "How did you get that? Give it to me." He sped over to Stone in a blur, but Stone was ready for him. He closed his fingers tightly over the gem.

"Not so fast, little man." Stone chuckled and held out his finger, pointing at him. "Tell us the truth. These gemstones hold great power. Power that you know is somehow connected to Persimmon. That is why you want to keep them from my king, and why King Kapion would have wanted to take Persimmon if he'd ever come back. And for some strange reason, you want to keep these stones away from Persimmon as well. You have ill intentions, admit it. I'll bet you were the one who used Luna for your own purposes. It wasn't the other way around at all, was it?"

"The gemstones are from the gods, I swear it," said Elric, sounding extremely agitated now.

"Yes, we know that part," said Stone. "You stole them and are trying not to be punished."

"It is true that they hold great power?" asked Lira.

"It's power that can only be used by a chosen one," said Elric.

"Chosen one?" asked Persimmon. "Are you saying I was chosen by your gods for something?"

Elric scrunched up his face, fastened the bag of gems to his waist and looked the other way.

Elric wanted to be chosen, said her mother. He wanted that power for himself, Luna told her. You weren't old enough to handle the power before so it didn't matter that you didn't have the stones. But you are of age now, daughter.

"Mother, who is my true father?" asked Persimmon, needing to know.

I can't tell you that. And now I must leave you. Forever.

"Nay, don't leave," Persimmon begged her. "I need you."

I am sorry I abandoned you, but you have Stone Nightstalker to look after you now. He will make you happy, Persimmon. You deserve it. Don't lose him.

"Wait, Mother. I need to know how to be able to use the gazing orb. How did you do it?"

That is something you will need to find out for yourself. Goodbye, my dear. I love you.

"Nay, Mother, don't leave."

"What's happening?" asked Elric. "Where is she going? What did she say?"

"She's gone," Persimmon answered with a deep sigh. Even though her mother's ghost had frightened her before, this time it seemed to calm her and make her feel better.

"Persimmon? Who did she say was your father?" asked Stone, reaching out and placing his hand over hers.

"She said she couldn't tell me. I am not sure if she knew or not, but I intend to find out that answer on my own."

"What are you saying?" snapped Elric. "How do you think you are going to get that answer when I don't even know?"

"I need to meet King Kapion and determine for myself if he or you are my true father."

"Don't be silly," said the elf. "You don't want to go anywhere near that evil man. And please don't even think of giving him the gemstones. He can't use the powers so they are no good to him."

"Nay, but I can use them," said Persimmon, feeling her heart beat faster. "And if King Kapion is my father, he needs to know that I am a chosen one of your gods."

"This is a bad idea. Really bad." Elric paced back and forth and rubbed his hands through his hair.

"Elric," said Stone. "What I don't understand, is how did you even get an opportunity to steal the stones from the gods in the first place?"

"My father is a messenger of the gods and goddesses of Mura," explained Lira.

"What? Nay. That's a jest, right?" Stone chuckled.

"It's true," said the elf. "The gods are also the ones who made me a sage."

"You're a messenger of the gods?" Stone shook his head, still unable to believe it.

"Sometimes, they give my father gifts," said Lira.

"They gave me that gazing ball, Persimmon." Elric nodded to her pouch.

"Not much of a gift if they knew he couldn't use it," Stone snorted.

"Did you give the gazing orb to Mother?" asked Persimmon.

"I did," the elf admitted. "I had hoped to win her over."

"You sound as if you really cared for her." This surprised Persimmon. I think Mother cared for you as well."

"I doubt it," snapped the elf.

"She never said she hated you or anything. She just called you greedy and selfish and said you can't be trusted," continued Persimmon.

"That's nothing that the rest of us don't already know," mumbled Stone.

"She even told me once that she had wished you'd stayed with us and not left us." Persimmon waited for her father's reaction.

"Too late now, isn't it?" Elric was a real grouch and it was so hard to read him.

"The gods often get angry or aggravated with my father," explained Lira.

"Gee, I can't imagine why," said Stone flippantly.

"The gifts are not always what he hopes they will be," Lira continued.

"They aggravate me just as much at times." Elric hurried over to an iron stove and put a kettle of water on the grate and lit a fire underneath it. "I just needed to know the future, and the gods wouldn't tell me. I persisted to know, and they gave me a scrying orb that only a magical witch woman could use. I didn't appreciate that gesture at all."

"Mother's ghost just told me you wanted to be the chosen one," Persimmon told Elric. "Why?"

"Why not?" he answered. "I'm a sage and people expect me to know things all the time. It is exhausting."

"Father, is something going to happen to Persimmon now that all of this is out in the open?" asked Lira, reaching out and taking hold of Persimmon's hand. "I just met my sister. I don't want to lose her."

"I don't know," said Elric, jumping in surprise when the kettle on the stove started to whistle. He sped around the room, placing a cup and saucer in front of each of them. Then he hurried over to the kettle and dropped some leaves inside and closed the lid. "If I had someone to scry for me, then I'd know these blasted things," mumbled the elf.

"Locking me away for an entire lifetime isn't going to change the future," said Persimmon. "And it still doesn't explain why you hate me so much."

"I don't hate you!" shouted the elf. "It's just been hard for me because I'm not sure…I don't know if…"

"If you're my father," Persimmon finished the sentence for him.

"Well, now you know." Elric zipped over to the stove and returned and poured them all a cup of tea.

Persimmon felt more confused and also lonelier than ever now. She cradled her cup, feeling as if she didn't really know either of her parents. "How would you use the stones if you had the power, Father?"

Elric let out a sigh. "Well, I'm not sure. First, I'd have to find out what each stone could do."

"Interesting," said Persimmon. Her gaze traveled over to Stone who now held two of the gems.

There came a knock at the door and the elf zipped over and held his hand on the door, speaking through it. "Who is it and what do you want?"

"Father, open the door and you'll find out." Lira got up and walked over to do it.

"Nay! I don't open my door unless I know who it is."

"Too bad you can't scry or you'd know," said Stone with a chuckle, picking up the small tea cup, trying to balance it on the saucer in his other hand.

"Father, I've never seen you act like this before. You are usually so fearless. Now, stop it." Lira opened the door.

"I was told Stone was here?" Aithrod stood in the doorway, breathing heavily from having climbed the path of the mountain leading to Elric's door. Fang was with him. The dog saw Stone and barked happily, knocking down Elric as he bounded into the room to be with his master. Fang jumped on Stone and Stone dropped the tea cup, sending it shattering to the floor.

"Get that monster out of here!" Elric pointed to the door, while he lie prone on the floor.

"Get down, boy." Stone petted the dog and it calmed right down. "What is it, Aithrod?"

"King Sethor and his army are on the move," Aithrod reported. "They are already nearing the Quamm Caves."

"They're not getting my gemstones," said Elric, standing up, brushing off the bag attached to his waist.

"Father, we need you," said Persimmon, hurrying to the door. "Can you tell us when the portal will appear again?"

"I don't know," said Elric with a shrug. "Portals are funny things. It's hard to control them." He zipped over to the table, clearing the tea cups, and in a blur had the broken cup from the floor cleaned up as well.

Fang's head shot back and forth and he whimpered, not able to keep an eye on the man's quick movements.

"Yes, he's right," said Lira. "We've only seen three portals here on Mura so far, but each of them has caused us many problems and heartaches."

"Who would know how to open the portal?" Stone asked Elric. "We need to access it before Sethor gets to the caves. We have to warn King Helix that they're coming before it's too late."

"King Kapion isn't going to like this," said Aithrod. "It could be the end for him."

"He's a thief. He deserves to die." Elric crossed his arms over his chest yet again.

"Then do you deserve to die, too?" asked Stone. "Because as I see it, you are nothing but a thief as well."

"I don't know how to open the portal, but I think I might be able to direct you to someone who can do it," Elric told them.

"Who?" asked Stone.

"Before I tell you, I want to know something. Are you going to give me those two stones back and also help me get the last stone from that thief, Rancor or not?"

"I have my orders from our king," said Stone.

"Stone, please." Persimmon put her hand on his arm. "Now that we know the truth about the stones, you're not really going to give them back to your king, are you? You heard my father. Only the Chosen One can use them."

"Those gemstones are worth a lot of money," said Aithrod. "Stone, what's going on here?"

"The gemstones, I found out, were stolen by our king from Elric," Stone explained. "Elric took them from the gods of Mura first. I guess only the Chosen One by the gods can use them."

"Chosen One? Who is that?" asked Aithrod.

"The Chosen One is the same person who can open that portal," Elric explained. "It is you, Persimmon."