Page 28 of Unbound By Shadows
“I guess so. But I loved my siblings, and it was harder to see themstruggle than to just take care of things. They really needed someone in their lives to do that.”
Apopstartled Selene as the switch pouch bulged with food. Sam pulled out a covered dish for each of them, and the aroma of roasted meat and spices filled the air. They ate in silence until Selene said, “Sam, I really appreciate you taking me on this journey. It kills me to think about how my family is coping. They must think I’ve been abducted or murdered and are completely losing it right now. I’ll be so glad to get back to them.”
Sam shifted his weight on the ground from one hip to the other. “I’m sorry that Queen Thema could not send you home directly.”
“Me too. What do you know about this Zaybris person we’re trying to find?”
Sam looked at her sharply. “What did Queen Thema tell you about him?”
“Not much. Just that he’s a vampire who owes her a favor. She said she would send him a message to say we are coming, but then she hurried off. We didn’t have much time to talk.”
Gruffly, Sam said, “He is a vampire who lives in Goblyn lands, and he has a stone that can send you back to Gaia.”
“Is it a magic stone?”
“It is enchanted, yes.”
“Why does a vampire have something like that instead of one of the queens?”
“I don’t know.”
“Do you think we’ll run into any vampires on our trip? I’d love to see one. They’re believed to be a myth where I come from.”
“Not if I can help it.”
“Should I be scared of them?”
“No, they are all feeble and powerless. Nothing to worry about.” Sam began to eat more quickly. “Finish your meal. It’s getting late.”
Selene took another bite of the stew that tasted like Thanksgiving dinner in a bowl. “How long have vampires been in Aurelia?”
“Many, many years.” He cleared his throat. “Do you work a trade in your world? What occupations are common for humans?”
Selene thought it was odd that Sam was changing the subject so abruptly but didn’t comment. “I work in an office. We sell medical supplies to healthcare providers. My job is to… ” She tried to think of how to explain Human Resources to someone completely unfamiliar with the term. “I deal with a lot of paperwork, and people come to me hoping I can solve their problems. The office is probably such a mess right now. They can barely use the coffee maker without my help.”
There was a rustle in the grass behind them. Sam quickly turned and let out a growl that gave Selene chills. A little creature that looked like a rabbit with deer antlers peeked up at them before nibbling on a blade of grass. Sam relaxed. Selene strained her eyes to see in the dark then said, “Is that a jackalope?”
“It is called a brisby in Aurelia,” Sam said.
Selene watched the animal hop around for a moment before disappearing behind a tree. “Another thing that’s just a legend in my world. I so wish Evan could see this, he’d be absolutely thrilled.” A fresh wave of anxiety washed over her, and she rubbed her forehead. “I hope he remembered that his license plate expires this month. He always seems to forget and then gets a ticket he can’t afford to pay.”
Sam gave her a pointed look. “You don’t need to concern yourself with the needs of others right now,” he said quietly. “Enjoy the time you have in this realm.”
Selene sighed and took the last bite of her stew.
Easier said than done.
Chapter 12
On their sixth day of traveling together Sam had to admit to himself that Selene was nothing like he had originally expected. Although she was human, she wasn’t fragile. He knew their journey’s exertions made her weary, but she never complained. She was conscientious with her gear, and prompt if he gave her a morning departure time. Their unexpected moments of close contact when Selene lost her balance or stumbled only fueled his fascination with her. He found himself reaching out to steady her more often than he should.
Each night, he set up the campsite and built a fire while she prepared what came through the switch pouch for serving. It had been easy for them to fall into a routine. So far, everything had gone according to plan. Besides the rainstorm, their trek had been without dangers, until now.
The Padu.
Apprehension slithered down Sam’s spine as faint strains of music, and the aroma of smoked meat drifted through the valley. His legs became heavy with dread.
“Is that a carnival or something?" Selene asked, pointing to the cluster of brightly colored tents ahead.
