| SORCEROUS SIGNALS |
| Written by Joy V. Smith / Artwork by Holly Eddy |
| Make a donation to this writer |
| THE TREES OF HOME |
Later, when they were almost finished eating, she asked her husband the question haunting her. "Randolph, the kids told
me that my father told you I was crazy. Do you believe that?"
Startled, he looked at his children. "What? I think I would have remembered that." He smiled fondly at her before
addressing the kids. "What happened?"
Russ tensed. "I didn’t say anything."
"Actually you did," Lainie said. "Though not that. Do you want to tell your father what you said and then, Elise, you can
tell him what you said."
A few minutes later, everyone was staring at the table as Randolph finished. "I thought there was a good chance your
father’s friend wasn’t such a good friend -- not to you, but no one would ever know, and your father was obviously in
denial so I didn’t push it."
"What about what I told you -- how I ran to the tree -- and no one will ever know how scared I was after struggling free
from Max’s hands -- I will always remember those hands…" She stopped, gasping a little. "But I ran to the tree, where I’d
played with the little kids who lived in it, and screamed and screamed for help, and the tree opened, and the lady was
there. I’d met her once before because the other kids had to get permission to play with me. And then he came running
up, and she pushed me in and told me I was safe, and the tree closed behind me, and she was outside with him, and I was
so scared for her, but she came in pretty soon; and we went downstairs and I stayed there till morning. We had a really
good breakfast, I remember."
She looked at her family then, who were staring at her. Her husband, after a moment, said, "You were really scared. I see
that." He looked at her with compassion and regret.
Lainie stood up. "You think he hurt me, don’t you, and that I created a memory to cover it up. Well, I can understand that,
I guess. But do you really think I’d have married someone whose nickname was Randy, even so?"
She retreated to the kitchen, the brief smile fading. A minute later, they heard the kitchen door close and the sound of her
car starting. Randolph sighed and said, "If we’re done, we’ll all clear the table and do the dishes."
Lainie came back before daylight and stayed up. She was scrubbing the laundry room floor when the family came down
for breakfast. They each made their own breakfast and packed their lunches, told her they loved her, kissed her good-bye,
and left for work and school. She noticed during the next few weeks that they treated her and each other with great care.
She smiled to herself and thought, Another week or two, and they won’t ever suspect.
#
Five weeks to the day, Lainie had brochures and camping catalogs lying casually on the coffee table. After supper, she laid
her plan and the catalogs before them. "Vacation is the beginning of August. Our old camping gear is airing out back, and
we can order whatever else we need. We have over a month now till we leave. And I want to do something as a family
while we’re still all together. Russ and Elise will be even busier with school and their own plans soon." As she had
expected, no one mentioned the beach or any other places.
#
It was a hot August night when Lainie roused the family. "It’s still dark," Russ complained before turning over to look at
the clock. "It’s almost midnight! We just went to bed!"
"I know," Lainie said calmly, "but I told you we were leaving early. I didn’t think we’d be up so late packing; you can
sleep in the car." She made sure he was brushing his teeth before she tackled Elise.
In less than a half hour she had herded her family into their Suburu Outback and was driving north. Randolph studied her
for long minutes before he ventured a question. "If you’re driving, shouldn’t I be navigating? Do you have a map?"
"Don’t need one."
Later, "We’re going to your parents?"
"Nope."
Two hours later, "Are we almost there yet?"
She flicked him a smile. "I love you," she said. "Not many men are as patient and gentle as you are. I noticed that from the
first."
He sighed. "So it wasn’t my looks."
"Your looks are fine. Women will always turn to look at you as you walk by, I think, and drool."
A half hour later they left the road, and it wasn’t long after that Russ and Elise woke up. "What happened?" Elise asked
after Russ careened off her shoulder.
"Nothing." Her mother’s voice was as calm as always. "The place we’re staying at is off the beaten track so to speak. It’s
rustic -- very rustic."
"How can you see where we’re going? There’s not even a moon. Funny, it wasn’t supposed to be cloudy tonight."
"I know the way."
Lainie was driving slower and slower and finally drove the car into a clump of scattered trees and parked. "We walk from
here," she said firmly. The rest of the family put on their backpacks in stunned silence.
She led the way with the flashlight. "It’s sort of cottages," she said finally. "We go down in an elevator. Don’t be
frightened. I hope you’ll enjoy it. Be careful. Stay behind me now."
When she stopped, the flashlight lit up part of a huge tree. "Don’t move," she warned them. They stood there for long
minutes that lengthened into fifteen, twenty, thirty.
Her husband asked quietly then, "How long do we have to wait?"
"Is this the tree?" Elise asked in a hushed voice.
"We could have seen it better during the day, Mom," Russ added.
Lainie felt their worry and concern. I am not crazy, she said to herself. Moon Singer told me we were all welcome; but if
we’re still standing here at sunrise, I will be more embarrassed than I have ever been in my life. And it will not make life
as a parent easier.
She was considering whether a fervent prayer or yelling and pounding on the tree would be her best course when a pale
green light shown from the tree trunk she faced, and the smell of flowers wafted over them.
"I’m sorry to have arrived so late," a voice said. The man who stepped out of the tree was shorter than Russ and
compact. "I am Guardian today, and I had to deal with a problem. Come."
He stood by the tree and pointed inside. Lainie stepped forward instantly. Randolph’s hand brushed empty air when he
tried to stop her. The Guardian followed her.
"Mom," Elise said in alarm and followed.
"Wait, Russ," Randolph said and went inside.
"I don’t think so," Russ said. The trunk slid silently shut behind them.
After dropping weightlessly for long seconds, they walked out of the tree into green twilight. "I will show you to your
tree," the Guardian told them. They followed him. Lainie was first in line because the others walked more slowly, staring
around them as they went.
"Thank you," she told him fervently. "What is your name? Where is Moon Singer?"
"A family matter," he told her after a brief, considering pause. "My name is Mokk. Call it if you need me."
He led them to a towering tree, which was bigger around than any tree they’d ever seen, and they’d seen the sequoias in
California. "Your tree is Warm Branches. The washing room is the one with the stream; the children will like the rooms
above, I think. I must leave now."
They shed their backpacks inside the tree. Lainie led the way to the bathroom and pointed to the wooden circle that was
the toilet. "It flushes itself," she said. "Here’s the sink." A waterfall fell into a wooden bowl and flowed out the bottom.
The shower was a bigger waterfall.
The rest of the family was quiet as they followed Lainie into the other rooms. The kitchen contained a table, stools, and
shelves. The bedrooms were above and looked out into the greenness where trees of varying sizes stretched into the
distance. Russ was first to choose his room. It was almost to the top. Narrow steps curved the entire way up along the
inside of the trunk.
"It’s nifty, Mom," he said as he spread his sleeping bag on the floor. Lainie smiled and resisted the urge to tuck him in.
Elise did not adapt as well. "Where are we? How long do we have to stay here? This is so weird, Mom."
"Good-night, Elise. We’ll be just downstairs, if you need anything."
Randolph got ready for bed again quietly. After sliding into their double sleeping bag, he leaned over and kissed her. "I
could never bring myself to call your father a fool," he said, "but I thank you for bringing me here. I can hardly believe it,
and yet I’m not surprised because it seems so natural just because it’s you. And I know they, whoever they are, wouldn’t
do this for just anyone."
Lainie hugged him. "I was so angry and bereft. I never thought I’d be able to prove it."
He laughed. "You sure showed us. Did you ever bring your parents here?"
"No. It didn’t seem right somehow. But you all. I couldn’t not try." They fell asleep in each other’s arms.
#
"What’s for breakfast, Mom?" Russ was the first one up. Lainie dug out bananas, cereal, and boxed milk from the
contents of the backpacks, and he was ready to explore.
"Come back for supper. Here’s lunch." Lainie had her own plans. "You two will find something to amuse yourselves with
if you try," she told her husband and daughter.
#
Russ walked for a while among trees that seemed to vary only by size. If there were different kinds, he couldn’t tell. Then
he heard the sound of water and traced it to a rapidly flowing river that spread at least forty to fifty feet from bank to bank
and eddied around an occasional rock. And on one wide flat rock close to the side he was on sat a mermaid.
For the first time he wondered if he were dreaming. Probably. He hadn’t doubted until now, but a mermaid… However, if
he wasn’t awake, he’d enjoy it. "Hi," he said. "I’m Russ. I’m new in town, uh, here." Wow, great opening line -- Not.
The mermaid was pink and white with a seaweed colored tail. She smiled and continued combing her seaweed colored
hair. Russ soon stood on the bank; almost close enough to touch her. If he slid down the side, he’d be able to stand on the
little rocks running into the water. The mermaid stopped combing and slid off the rock on the side nearest Russ. Smiling
up at him she reached out a pink, taloned hand.
"No." The command was sharp and unexpected. The Guardian was a short distance away, but he held a tube-like
instrument. "Back away from her now."
Russ flushed. "I wasn’t going to hurt her," he said.
Mokk glanced at him and smiled. "I wouldn’t expect that of one of Lainie’s children." He faced the mermaid. "Show
yourself," he said.
The smile on the beautiful face changed to a snarl on a large scaled creature. Its arms were tentacles. Its color was a
muddy brown green. Its eyes were red. The snarl was nasty and hungry.
"It’s a quoll down from the mountain streams. You’re far from home, girl," he said. "What are you doing here?"
"I hunt," she hissed. "And I would have had this fool for my meat."
At least it is a girl, Russ thought. "Can it come out of the water?" he asked.
"No, it must stay wet or it dies quickly. Come. I’ll take you home."
"Uh, no thanks. You can point me in the right direction though. I’d appreciate that. The trees all look the same. How do
you tell them apart?"
"Color, size, shape of leaves and bark." Mokk took him on a brief lecture tour, and Russ learned to tell a branched trunk
from a ferny springer and fissured, flaky bark from smooth red bark with lichens before Mokk excused himself to attend
to matters elsewhere.
Russ debated with himself a few minutes before returning to the river. The creature was sprawled over the rock this time.
It studied him, but stayed on the rock even though he came closer.
"You are forbidden, the Guardian says, but you would be wise not to tempt me." Her voice was not so much a hiss now,
and Russ realized the hissing was in his mind, along with her speech.
"I thought if you were hungry, we could have lunch together. You sound starved. Is that why you’re down from the
mountains? Uh, what do you usually eat? What’s your name? "
"What do you have to eat?" He could feel the interest in what he offered and a little in him.
"Uh, some trail food -- nuts and stuff, chips, an apple. Mom packed a lot of food when we came here. Now I see why.
Otherwise, I’d have to hunt too." Russ put a little bit of everything he had on the bank and backed away.
The creature came to the bank and stretched out to sniff at it. Her tail swung in the water. She snuffled a bit and then ate it
all. "It’s good," she told him. "I am Summer Nights. Call me Summer. Is there more?"
Russ was pleased. "Sure. So you don’t just eat meat.
"Nah. I eat what I find and what I can catch." She backed off as Russ stayed where he was.
Russ placed most of the rest of his food on the bank and moved away, sitting down to eat what he’d kept. "So, is the
hunting bad in the mountains?"
"No. Things were bad in other ways." Russ felt anger and fear in her response.
"Oh. I’m sorry. So the hunting’s been bad here?"
"The prey is different. I will learn. But…"
She didn’t project a plea, but Russ thought it was there. "Maybe we can have lunch together tomorrow? I’d like to learn
about you and the mountains and what you do." He was curious about what drove her here, and he liked what he felt in
her thoughts.
"Yes." He saw that it was mostly hunger that fed her response, but he had hooked her, so to speak, and was content.
#
Lainie wandered and looked and hoped for hours; she couldn’t stop thinking about the old fairy tales, but finally she sat
down, unhooked her water bottle, drank, and finally spoke. "Mokk?"
"What do you need, my Lady?" It wasn’t Mokk; it was he whom she sought. It took her a second to catch her breath.
"Snow Moon " She stood and moved next to him. "I hoped I’d see you, but I was afraid…"
"Of what?" She sensed amusement.
"I’m not a virgin anymore," she said, flushing.
"You speak of old tales from your world. I have heard them. Forgive me for laughing. As if a pure heart wasn’t what is
important."
"Can I touch you? I’m not a child anymore, and I remember I was constantly petting and hugging you as if you were a
pet. Though I knew you were more than that even then."
"Hug me, child, for I have missed you too." The unicorn lay down, and she sat beside him and hugged him for a long time.
"I think I came to see you as much as anything."
"Tell me of your family, your travels. Life is quiet for me here. I have not traveled for centuries of your time."
"I have not traveled far from my parents’ home. But that’s because The Trees of Home are near their home. My husband,
Randolph, whom I dearly love and appreciate, gave up two promotions for me, and those are only the ones I know about."
#
Randolph stopped in a clearing. They were few and far between, and though he was enjoying the coolness and quiet of
this place, he missed the sun. He ate his lunch there and then lay down on his back and studied the sweeping branches
above him. Above everyone and everything and so quiet.
"You trespass!"
Not a tree, surely. He’d thought they were gentle, hospitable creatures or whatever they were. No, not a tree. He’d been
almost dozing; now he mentally flogged himself awake and prepared to meet the towering giant who approached.
"You must fight to earn your right to venture here," the giant roared.
Randolph remembered Mokk’s words before he left, but he didn’t like the thought of calling for help before at least trying
to understand the situation. "I did not mean to intrude," he said -- not shouting, but thinking that whispering wasn’t called
for here.
"You must prove your worthiness."
"How?"
"Fight me. A man must fight to prove himself worthy."
Randolph cocked his head to one side. "I’m not sure it would be a fair fight."
The giant sneered.
Randolph stiffened. "I am Randolph of the Tower of Cubicles. I come from a place where most men fear to tread. There
is lying and trickery there and back-stabbing, and you spend the day in a walled room not much bigger than a man’s length
in all directions. You, who know only this world and its open skies, would not last a minute there." And Randolph shook
his head and sighed.
The giant was silent. "How do you bear it?" he demanded finally.
"At the end of the day I can go home to my family. It is for that reason that I go to the Cubicles and for that reason that I
can endure it. More than that, I have earned a larger cubicle than anyone else -- on my floor anyway."
"I am Skorr," said the giant. "And surely the father who taught me would agree that you are worthy."
"Your father taught you to go around challenging people?" Randolph asked. "Is he a mighty warrior then?"
"Yes. You must have heard of the mighty Skarak." He sounded doubtful.
"The world is wide and full of worthy men. I am glad to meet one such as yourself. I imagine there are many more here.
You have many friends among them, I’m sure."
Skorr shook his head so that his black mane covered his face briefly. "None were worthy."
"Beat them all to bloody pulp, did you?" Randolph queried. "Pity. You know, it is possible your father was wrong. There is
more than one way to be worthy"
Skorr suddenly smiled. "So I see," he said and slapped a mighty thigh.
#
Elise walked with Moon Singer. "There’s not much to do here, is there?"
Singer looked at her for a second before replying. "Come with me. I must take care of family matters. Perhaps you can
help."
It was a long walk to the mountains. They stood and looked down upon a castle far below. "I cannot send a Guardian
there, nor is it possible for me to go there any more, yet I must bring my family to safety."
"Where is your family? What’s wrong?"
Singer sighed. "I loved a prince. He became a king. I bore him a prince, and then I came back to The Trees of Home. I
could not abide it there. He has not been a good king, I fear. Now his own brother seeks to unthrone him. I admit that
Dasse would be a better king than Howald has been. Howald would never agree, of course, so Dasse will have to kill him
and probably Elrick. We’re not supposed to interfere with other realms, but I have been known to ignore the rules." A
smile hovered on her lips until she looked down at the castle again.
Elise thought that over. "Most mothers tell their children fairy tales," she said at last. "They don’t take them to live in them.
What can I do to help?"
"You will go to Howald and tell him I offer Elrick sanctuary here. Elrick will not leave without his father, so Howald must
accompany him over the border. You will tell Howald I will keep Elrick safe and he can return to his kingdom if he
wishes."
"You can’t save Howald too? How will you keep Elrick here then?"
"I have kept the border unsealed for a long time. The Guardians will be glad that I will seal it now."
"You’re planning to trick them. They’ll be upset, I would think."
Singer said softly, "I was upset when I left my son, but I could not take a prince from his kingdom. Now the kingdom will
go to another. I did not foresee this, but I will take advantage of it."
"That’s a long way down," Elise said. "I’d better start."
"Your steed is almost here. Mokk had to get him away from his clan."
The clatter of hooves on stone preceded a dappled white unicorn. Elise caught her breath. "I never thought I’d see one,"
she whispered, "but, uh, I’m not sure this will work."
"His name is Drizzle. He is swift and ready for adventure, like his sire before him -- Snow Moon, your mother’s friend."
Drizzle nuzzled her shoulder. "I’m ready, " he announced, prancing.
"Don’t be a show-off," Singer admonished him. "And be careful."
Elise was boosted onto his back by Mokk before she could protest further. "How come I can touch you?" But Drizzle was
off, and Elise couldn’t talk any longer because her face was buried in his mane, and she clung for dear life as he dropped
down the mountain’s face.
Elise still clung to Drizzle’s mane, even though now she stood beside him trying to catch her breath and waiting for her
stomach to settle. She didn’t think they’d flown down, but she wasn’t sure. They’d gotten to the castle in a hurry. Now
they hid in a garden maze.
"I’ll wait here," Drizzle promised her.
Elise nodded. "I’ll just go find a king and a prince and be right back."
#
"Dasse and his army will be at the castle gate soon, Sire."
Howald scowled. "I will not give in, Frisse. I will not give my brother my castle."
Frisse was tempted to scowl too, but he was only a counselor; and he served a king who tolerated no disagreement. "What
about Elrick? How will it serve the kingdom if he dies with you?" He braced himself.
Howald scowled, quivered, snarled, but there was no answer to that.
"Perhaps I can help," Elise said. The two men turned to stare at her. "Moon Singer sent me to offer you sanctuary if you
need it. And from the size of the army camped on your front stoop, I think you do. Uh, where is your army?"
Howald scowled. Elise was suddenly grateful for her own father. "I need no sanctuary," he snapped.
"We have no army. They all transferred their allegiance for some reason. Even the castle guard…" Frisse shrugged, not
looking at the king.
"What about Prince Elrick," Elise wondered. "Perhaps he could use sanctuary."
"He will not leave me." Elise considered that. Howald ground his teeth. "I commanded him. Do not think I don’t want him
safe.
"Perhaps if you escorted him to safety and told him you had decided it was better that there be no more blood shed. And
then you could come back and leave him. His mother surely could keep him from returning." Frisse paused to watch Elise
nodding her head violently in encouragement behind the king’s back. "I think that would work," he finished.
"Call the prince," the king commanded.
Later, as horses were saddled and loaded with supplies, Elise found a moment to whisper to Frisse. "Thanks. I couldn’t
have done it without you. I don’t think any of us are coming back. Will you be all right? Shouldn’t you come with us? Will
the new king kill you?"
Frisse shook his head. "I think not. I serve the kingdom, not a king. Dasse knows that. I believe he will serve the kingdom
too. Howald knew not how."
Elise nodded slowly. "That’s the impression I got. Well, take care of yourself and the kingdom, and don’t forget to have
fun."
Frisse glanced sideways at her. "Ah, thank you. I hope I haven’t forgotten how." He looked at the men leading the horses
towards them and opened the door that led to a tunnel. "Pleasant journey to you all," he said as they passed inside. He
locked the door behind them.
The tunnel opened onto a foothill, and Elise whistled as soon as they were outside. It was only a minute before Drizzle
cantered up to meet them. "I was pretty sure you’d find us," she told him, "but it’s good to see you."
#
The journey up took a lot longer than the trip down. There was no path. The climb was often more of a scramble, and it
took two days. Elise had expected it to take longer, but unexpectedly there was a path and it was smooth, and at the end
of it, Moon Singer waited.
She and Howald looked at each other, and he shuffled his feet and looked away. "Elrick, this is your mother. You’ll stay
with her. I’m going back."
"My mother? What do you mean you’re going back? You promised…"
Elise felt sorry for him. He sounded lost. Getting a new mother and losing a father didn’t usually happen so quickly here,
she was sure. She wondered what Moon Singer would do with him and her husband. She supposed they were still married
or whatever. Divorce didn’t seem right for this culture.
Moon Singer spoke softly. "You don’t remember me because I left you before you could even walk. I am sorry. And I’m
sorry, Howald, but you aren’t going back either. The border is now sealed." She pointed down the mountain, and it wasn’t
there -- only drifting, sparkling snowflakes.
It was a dreadful look on Howald’s face -- snarling, scowling, gnashing teeth. He didn’t like being thwarted. Elise slipped
behind Drizzle, where she felt safer. She’d seen a movie once where someone who looked a lot like that had exploded.
"Welcome, Howald. Remember the old cottage? I’ve been fixing it up in case you decided to stay. The fishing’s as good
as ever. Why don’t we go unpack and fix some of those fish for supper? I bet Elrick’s never seen fishing like that."
"I’ve never fished. Kings don’t fish, Father said."
"He would," remarked Moon Singer in a regretful tone. She shook her head and turned away. "Come on, Elise. Your
mother’s been asking for you. I told her not to worry, but she won’t be happy till she sees you."
Elise found a rock and climbed on Drizzle. Moon Singer mounted a silvery white unicorn. "I thought you two might get
back together," Elise said as they rode away. "But…"
Moon Singer smiled. "I outgrew him such a long time ago. It was Elrick I wanted out of that castle, though I think Mokk
will be good for both of them. This is Foggy, by the way. She’s Drizzle’s older sister."
"I can run faster than her," Drizzle said and took off.
#
The days passed leisurely. Russ hardly noticed that Elise was gone for longer than two of them. He’d met his dad’s new
friend, Skorr, and knew his mother was usually off visiting with an old friend, who happened to be a unicorn. He spent his
days by the river with Summer. She loved his stories only a little less than the junk food he brought her. Then one day she
was uneasy, looking upstream often. "I must go," she told him at last. "Don’t come back here. It won’t be safe."
"Do you really have to go? I’ll miss you. Here, take the food I brought you. Can we have lunch before you go?" Russ sat
down on the bank and handed her a bag of Ruffles chips, a hunk of cheddar, and two packages of astronaut ice cream.
Summer smiled and coiled her tail beneath her, sitting on it. They broke the last piece of the freeze-dried ice cream and
shared it. She touched his hand with a taloned tentacle. "I’ll miss you too. I was happy here -- with you." The gill flaps
under her ears fluttered. "Go now. Quickly," she said and slid beneath the water and was gone.
Russ felt the urgency and fear, and he ran to the cover of the nearest tree before looking back. There was nothing to be
seen. He took a roundabout way back to Warm Branches, but there was nothing that interested him. He barely noticed the
frolicking unicorn foals or the small scampering figures that ran away and then peered out at him from behind trees and
shrubs.
Back at their tree he rummaged through the food packs and found canned deviled ham and made a sandwich with
crackers. As he munched, he dug out an apple for dessert. Summer liked apples. He wished he’d taken one to the river
today. He wished she hadn’t gone. He wished… And then he heard her scream. It was in his head. She wanted him. No
she didn’t.
"Don’t come," she shrieked, but she was afraid. Something had her, and he knew he was going to kill it -- whatever it
was. He took the strap from a backpack, the pepper spray from Elise’s purse, and the sharp rock he’d collected before he
trusted Summer completely.
He slowed down before he reached the river. He didn’t want to be out of breath when he reached her. He moved parallel
downstream inside the trees’ shade and examined the flowing river for ripples. He walked at least two miles down the
river, he was sure, and wondered if he should retrace his steps. Had he missed her or was she miles ahead of him. It
wouldn’t be wise to call her. He stood a minute trying to decide, and then he moved on -- running.
He paused further on to catch his breath. He’d alternate running and walking. He’d read somewhere that was the way to
travel on foot. And then he heard splashing and squealing. He waited a second, dropping his weapons on the ground to rub
his hands on his jeans before picking them up again and moving cautiously forward.
He was close now, and he dropped to the ground and crawled to the bank. Summer was struggling and biting another
water creature. He was bigger than she was and was trying to force her onto her back. Russ snarled and leaped. The
pepper spray was between his teeth, the strap in both hands, and the rock in his belt. He landed on the attacker’s back and
had the strap around his throat and was immediately on his back in the water with the creature on top of him, but he hung
on to the strap.
They both sank to the bottom. In a somersault move by the attacker, Russ lost his grip and the strap. Now his throat was
the target. He had to grab hold of the tentacles to protect himself. The pepper spray was long gone; it wouldn’t work
under water anyway. He couldn’t reach the rock, which was cutting into his flesh. He couldn’t hold his breath for much
longer. And then he was free and struggling to the surface.
Summer had the attacker by the throat now, using the strap, but he was fighting like a maniac. Russ pulled out the stone,
steadied himself in the water, treading with his feet and one hand, waited for an opening and smashed the stone down on
the creature’s head with all his strength.
Struggling free of the tangled bodies, Russ headed for shore. Summer swam beside him. He lay down on the sand and
looked up at Summer who was examining the strap and the can of pepper spray, reclining beside him, tail in the water.
She handed the strap and can to him. "This is useful," she said, touching the strap. "What is the little thing?"
"It sprays a bad substance. It belongs to my sister. The strap is yours, if you want it." He’d been sorry earlier that he had
never given her a gift to remember him by. She seemed intrigued by the strap. She might find a backpack useful for
storage and catching things, and it was waterproof. And then a looming creature blocked the sun.
"Son of a …!" Russ scrambled to his feet and further from the water.
"It’s only Winter Cloud."
Winter Cloud was not as big as the other male, but Russ knew now that Summer Nights must be considered attractive
among her kind. He stood up. "Hello," he said firmly, standing as tall as he could. Summer was amused, and both males
felt it.
"I followed Burning Rock down from the mountains. He boasted he would find you and ah… bring you back, and you
would have many fine children."
"Bastard," said Russ.
"I would have killed him for you," said Winter Cloud. He whacked the water with his tail. Russ felt his disappointment. He
didn’t sense any resentment
"I didn’t need your help!"
"I know. You refused it and me. You refused him too." Cloud considered Russ, and his tail swished back and forth just
under the water.
Russ was reminded of a cat on the prowl, but he stood his ground and changed the direction the pepper spray can pointed.
Summer laughed. Her tail lashed too, but more leisurely. "This is my friend, Russ. He is a far journeyer. His visit ends
soon."
Cloud’s tail stood straight out. "I see. Well, I will not stay and mar your visit then. I can take Burning Rock’s body down
and away for you, if you wish."
"That is well done of you," Summer said. "Our thanks. You’ll be staying nearby? Or will you return now?" She paused.
"There is much of interest here, and I have found good hunting."
Cloud leaped straight in the air and landed far enough away so the splash didn’t reach them. "I will return here in a few
days?"
Summer splashed her tail. "It is pleasing," she told him.
Cloud grabbed the bobbing body with his tail and took off downstream in a series of leaps.
Russ smiled. "You sure made him happy." The smile went away. "Mom hasn’t said when we go, but she’s been looking
wistful lately and packing now and then. She doesn’t want to go. I don’t think any of us do, but I’ll miss you more than
anything I can think of."
"Me too," and Summer looked wistful, something she’d never thought of doing until Russ mentioned it. "You’ll come back
before you go, so we can have a picnic?" She no longer looked wistful because she’d realized that she was not only losing
a friend, but the only source of junk food in this world. Now she looked miserable.
"Oh, Summer, I’d send you care packages if I could, and I’d like to come and visit, but Elise said something about Moon
Singer sealing the borders forever."
Summer made an anguished squealing sound. Russ stepped into the water and hugged her. "You’re my best friend ever,"
he said, "and I will never forget you." He left a little later, still stunned by the ease with which Summer had picked him up
and hugged him back.
#
"You can’t stay long, Russ," Lainie told her son as she finished packing. He’d stuffed the remaining food in a backpack
and was giving the whole thing to Summer as a present.
At the river Summer sat in the water, clutching the backpack. She snuffled as she held it tight to her. Russ sat in the water
beside her. "At least you’ll be safe with Winter Cloud. He’s still around, isn’t he?" He didn’t want her to be alone.
"Yes, I told him to go away till tomorrow."
"Well, take care of yourself. Uh, I love you. You’re my best friend. I want you to remember that."
"I’ll remember," she promised. She was partway on the bank when he looked back and waved before he disappeared into
the shade of the trees.
#
"Welcome back, Randolph. Have a good vacation?" Jack Henderson, who was two cubicles down from him, waited at the
outside door of the WeGotIt.com building.
"Sure did. Hated to come back. Any important changes?"
"Nah. Chris Pearson tried to get your cubicle. He sure lusts after that window, but your secretary hacked into his
computer and sent ccs of some of his e-mail to the whole building, including the big guys on top. He hasn’t been seen
since, though word is that he has a broom closet in one of the sub-basements."
"Bless Trish. I’m glad I found her when she was paroled after the Party expose."
#
"Hi, Lainie. You ever think of going back to teaching now that the kids are older? I know you’ve been subbing, but I’m
trolling for teachers for the Teen Parent classes, and we sure could use you."
Lainie thought a minute. "Those kids need education, for sure. I’d like to help them. I’m glad you asked."
#
"Elise. I’ve been looking for you. How've you been?"
"Hi, Jennie. I had a great vacation -- really out of this world."
"Hey, girl. I can tell you had a good time, but you should know what Doyle Dickson’s been saying."
"My brother told me. If anyone asks, just say that my pepper spray jammed."
"Oh, that’s not what he’s saying."
"Yeah, I was a fool. I disappointed my brother, my parents, myself, but I’m over flogging myself."
The two girls paused when a blonde in a burgundy and black cheerleader’s outfit swished deliberately in front of them.
"Elise. I see you’ve crawled back. You should know that Doyle and I are back together again." She showed her teeth.
"You know, Francie, I bet I can catch more unicorns than you can." Elise smiled then giggled, before circling and heading
for her locker. She was still smiling when she reached it.
"You handled that well," Jennie said, smiling too while Elise gathered her books and slipped them into the sturdy backpack.
A tiny branch stuck out of a pocket.
#
Russ paused by the swimming pool in the gym. He’d made a detour just to stop and smell it, and it made him late for his
first class. The hall was empty as he headed for the stairs to the second floor. He had one foot on the first step when he
heard the sound of scuffling. He traced it to an empty classroom.
Doyle was on top -- briefly. Russ hauled him off and slammed him all the way to the blackboard. Oh, this is a great
opportunity, he though. But Doyle caught the look on his face and fled, stumbling once as a black and shapely leg
stretched out and tripped him. He redoubled his speed though and fled through the door, slamming it behind him.
"I could have handled him myself," she said.
"You’re the exchange student from England -- Liz Hammer. Love that accent. Yeah, probably, though it didn’t look that
way from my position -- standing."
She hissed.
He looked at her. "I had a friend who told a guy she didn’t need his help, but he followed her around anyway," he said. "It
turned out she didn’t need his help, though she did need someone else’s help. It made her more appreciative. I won’t hold
my breath waiting, however." He shrugged and turned away.
"I’m sorry. I’m still shook. He said he’d show me where the lift was. I never thought. I mean -- I’m a guest in your
country."
"I’ll show you around -- to your class, I mean. I’m already late, and you’re a good excuse. After school, would you like to
go somewhere for a bite? Schlotzky's has some great junk food, if you like that."
"I’d kill for some American junk food and some meat," she said. "I’m staying with these vegetarians -- nice people and all,
but here I am starving."
He’d have to be careful not to call her Summer and not to hug her -- at least not yet.
me that my father told you I was crazy. Do you believe that?"
Startled, he looked at his children. "What? I think I would have remembered that." He smiled fondly at her before
addressing the kids. "What happened?"
Russ tensed. "I didn’t say anything."
"Actually you did," Lainie said. "Though not that. Do you want to tell your father what you said and then, Elise, you can
tell him what you said."
A few minutes later, everyone was staring at the table as Randolph finished. "I thought there was a good chance your
father’s friend wasn’t such a good friend -- not to you, but no one would ever know, and your father was obviously in
denial so I didn’t push it."
"What about what I told you -- how I ran to the tree -- and no one will ever know how scared I was after struggling free
from Max’s hands -- I will always remember those hands…" She stopped, gasping a little. "But I ran to the tree, where I’d
played with the little kids who lived in it, and screamed and screamed for help, and the tree opened, and the lady was
there. I’d met her once before because the other kids had to get permission to play with me. And then he came running
up, and she pushed me in and told me I was safe, and the tree closed behind me, and she was outside with him, and I was
so scared for her, but she came in pretty soon; and we went downstairs and I stayed there till morning. We had a really
good breakfast, I remember."
She looked at her family then, who were staring at her. Her husband, after a moment, said, "You were really scared. I see
that." He looked at her with compassion and regret.
Lainie stood up. "You think he hurt me, don’t you, and that I created a memory to cover it up. Well, I can understand that,
I guess. But do you really think I’d have married someone whose nickname was Randy, even so?"
She retreated to the kitchen, the brief smile fading. A minute later, they heard the kitchen door close and the sound of her
car starting. Randolph sighed and said, "If we’re done, we’ll all clear the table and do the dishes."
Lainie came back before daylight and stayed up. She was scrubbing the laundry room floor when the family came down
for breakfast. They each made their own breakfast and packed their lunches, told her they loved her, kissed her good-bye,
and left for work and school. She noticed during the next few weeks that they treated her and each other with great care.
She smiled to herself and thought, Another week or two, and they won’t ever suspect.
#
Five weeks to the day, Lainie had brochures and camping catalogs lying casually on the coffee table. After supper, she laid
her plan and the catalogs before them. "Vacation is the beginning of August. Our old camping gear is airing out back, and
we can order whatever else we need. We have over a month now till we leave. And I want to do something as a family
while we’re still all together. Russ and Elise will be even busier with school and their own plans soon." As she had
expected, no one mentioned the beach or any other places.
#
It was a hot August night when Lainie roused the family. "It’s still dark," Russ complained before turning over to look at
the clock. "It’s almost midnight! We just went to bed!"
"I know," Lainie said calmly, "but I told you we were leaving early. I didn’t think we’d be up so late packing; you can
sleep in the car." She made sure he was brushing his teeth before she tackled Elise.
In less than a half hour she had herded her family into their Suburu Outback and was driving north. Randolph studied her
for long minutes before he ventured a question. "If you’re driving, shouldn’t I be navigating? Do you have a map?"
"Don’t need one."
Later, "We’re going to your parents?"
"Nope."
Two hours later, "Are we almost there yet?"
She flicked him a smile. "I love you," she said. "Not many men are as patient and gentle as you are. I noticed that from the
first."
He sighed. "So it wasn’t my looks."
"Your looks are fine. Women will always turn to look at you as you walk by, I think, and drool."
A half hour later they left the road, and it wasn’t long after that Russ and Elise woke up. "What happened?" Elise asked
after Russ careened off her shoulder.
"Nothing." Her mother’s voice was as calm as always. "The place we’re staying at is off the beaten track so to speak. It’s
rustic -- very rustic."
"How can you see where we’re going? There’s not even a moon. Funny, it wasn’t supposed to be cloudy tonight."
"I know the way."
Lainie was driving slower and slower and finally drove the car into a clump of scattered trees and parked. "We walk from
here," she said firmly. The rest of the family put on their backpacks in stunned silence.
She led the way with the flashlight. "It’s sort of cottages," she said finally. "We go down in an elevator. Don’t be
frightened. I hope you’ll enjoy it. Be careful. Stay behind me now."
When she stopped, the flashlight lit up part of a huge tree. "Don’t move," she warned them. They stood there for long
minutes that lengthened into fifteen, twenty, thirty.
Her husband asked quietly then, "How long do we have to wait?"
"Is this the tree?" Elise asked in a hushed voice.
"We could have seen it better during the day, Mom," Russ added.
Lainie felt their worry and concern. I am not crazy, she said to herself. Moon Singer told me we were all welcome; but if
we’re still standing here at sunrise, I will be more embarrassed than I have ever been in my life. And it will not make life
as a parent easier.
She was considering whether a fervent prayer or yelling and pounding on the tree would be her best course when a pale
green light shown from the tree trunk she faced, and the smell of flowers wafted over them.
"I’m sorry to have arrived so late," a voice said. The man who stepped out of the tree was shorter than Russ and
compact. "I am Guardian today, and I had to deal with a problem. Come."
He stood by the tree and pointed inside. Lainie stepped forward instantly. Randolph’s hand brushed empty air when he
tried to stop her. The Guardian followed her.
"Mom," Elise said in alarm and followed.
"Wait, Russ," Randolph said and went inside.
"I don’t think so," Russ said. The trunk slid silently shut behind them.
After dropping weightlessly for long seconds, they walked out of the tree into green twilight. "I will show you to your
tree," the Guardian told them. They followed him. Lainie was first in line because the others walked more slowly, staring
around them as they went.
"Thank you," she told him fervently. "What is your name? Where is Moon Singer?"
"A family matter," he told her after a brief, considering pause. "My name is Mokk. Call it if you need me."
He led them to a towering tree, which was bigger around than any tree they’d ever seen, and they’d seen the sequoias in
California. "Your tree is Warm Branches. The washing room is the one with the stream; the children will like the rooms
above, I think. I must leave now."
They shed their backpacks inside the tree. Lainie led the way to the bathroom and pointed to the wooden circle that was
the toilet. "It flushes itself," she said. "Here’s the sink." A waterfall fell into a wooden bowl and flowed out the bottom.
The shower was a bigger waterfall.
The rest of the family was quiet as they followed Lainie into the other rooms. The kitchen contained a table, stools, and
shelves. The bedrooms were above and looked out into the greenness where trees of varying sizes stretched into the
distance. Russ was first to choose his room. It was almost to the top. Narrow steps curved the entire way up along the
inside of the trunk.
"It’s nifty, Mom," he said as he spread his sleeping bag on the floor. Lainie smiled and resisted the urge to tuck him in.
Elise did not adapt as well. "Where are we? How long do we have to stay here? This is so weird, Mom."
"Good-night, Elise. We’ll be just downstairs, if you need anything."
Randolph got ready for bed again quietly. After sliding into their double sleeping bag, he leaned over and kissed her. "I
could never bring myself to call your father a fool," he said, "but I thank you for bringing me here. I can hardly believe it,
and yet I’m not surprised because it seems so natural just because it’s you. And I know they, whoever they are, wouldn’t
do this for just anyone."
Lainie hugged him. "I was so angry and bereft. I never thought I’d be able to prove it."
He laughed. "You sure showed us. Did you ever bring your parents here?"
"No. It didn’t seem right somehow. But you all. I couldn’t not try." They fell asleep in each other’s arms.
#
"What’s for breakfast, Mom?" Russ was the first one up. Lainie dug out bananas, cereal, and boxed milk from the
contents of the backpacks, and he was ready to explore.
"Come back for supper. Here’s lunch." Lainie had her own plans. "You two will find something to amuse yourselves with
if you try," she told her husband and daughter.
#
Russ walked for a while among trees that seemed to vary only by size. If there were different kinds, he couldn’t tell. Then
he heard the sound of water and traced it to a rapidly flowing river that spread at least forty to fifty feet from bank to bank
and eddied around an occasional rock. And on one wide flat rock close to the side he was on sat a mermaid.
For the first time he wondered if he were dreaming. Probably. He hadn’t doubted until now, but a mermaid… However, if
he wasn’t awake, he’d enjoy it. "Hi," he said. "I’m Russ. I’m new in town, uh, here." Wow, great opening line -- Not.
The mermaid was pink and white with a seaweed colored tail. She smiled and continued combing her seaweed colored
hair. Russ soon stood on the bank; almost close enough to touch her. If he slid down the side, he’d be able to stand on the
little rocks running into the water. The mermaid stopped combing and slid off the rock on the side nearest Russ. Smiling
up at him she reached out a pink, taloned hand.
"No." The command was sharp and unexpected. The Guardian was a short distance away, but he held a tube-like
instrument. "Back away from her now."
Russ flushed. "I wasn’t going to hurt her," he said.
Mokk glanced at him and smiled. "I wouldn’t expect that of one of Lainie’s children." He faced the mermaid. "Show
yourself," he said.
The smile on the beautiful face changed to a snarl on a large scaled creature. Its arms were tentacles. Its color was a
muddy brown green. Its eyes were red. The snarl was nasty and hungry.
"It’s a quoll down from the mountain streams. You’re far from home, girl," he said. "What are you doing here?"
"I hunt," she hissed. "And I would have had this fool for my meat."
At least it is a girl, Russ thought. "Can it come out of the water?" he asked.
"No, it must stay wet or it dies quickly. Come. I’ll take you home."
"Uh, no thanks. You can point me in the right direction though. I’d appreciate that. The trees all look the same. How do
you tell them apart?"
"Color, size, shape of leaves and bark." Mokk took him on a brief lecture tour, and Russ learned to tell a branched trunk
from a ferny springer and fissured, flaky bark from smooth red bark with lichens before Mokk excused himself to attend
to matters elsewhere.
Russ debated with himself a few minutes before returning to the river. The creature was sprawled over the rock this time.
It studied him, but stayed on the rock even though he came closer.
"You are forbidden, the Guardian says, but you would be wise not to tempt me." Her voice was not so much a hiss now,
and Russ realized the hissing was in his mind, along with her speech.
"I thought if you were hungry, we could have lunch together. You sound starved. Is that why you’re down from the
mountains? Uh, what do you usually eat? What’s your name? "
"What do you have to eat?" He could feel the interest in what he offered and a little in him.
"Uh, some trail food -- nuts and stuff, chips, an apple. Mom packed a lot of food when we came here. Now I see why.
Otherwise, I’d have to hunt too." Russ put a little bit of everything he had on the bank and backed away.
The creature came to the bank and stretched out to sniff at it. Her tail swung in the water. She snuffled a bit and then ate it
all. "It’s good," she told him. "I am Summer Nights. Call me Summer. Is there more?"
Russ was pleased. "Sure. So you don’t just eat meat.
"Nah. I eat what I find and what I can catch." She backed off as Russ stayed where he was.
Russ placed most of the rest of his food on the bank and moved away, sitting down to eat what he’d kept. "So, is the
hunting bad in the mountains?"
"No. Things were bad in other ways." Russ felt anger and fear in her response.
"Oh. I’m sorry. So the hunting’s been bad here?"
"The prey is different. I will learn. But…"
She didn’t project a plea, but Russ thought it was there. "Maybe we can have lunch together tomorrow? I’d like to learn
about you and the mountains and what you do." He was curious about what drove her here, and he liked what he felt in
her thoughts.
"Yes." He saw that it was mostly hunger that fed her response, but he had hooked her, so to speak, and was content.
#
Lainie wandered and looked and hoped for hours; she couldn’t stop thinking about the old fairy tales, but finally she sat
down, unhooked her water bottle, drank, and finally spoke. "Mokk?"
"What do you need, my Lady?" It wasn’t Mokk; it was he whom she sought. It took her a second to catch her breath.
"Snow Moon " She stood and moved next to him. "I hoped I’d see you, but I was afraid…"
"Of what?" She sensed amusement.
"I’m not a virgin anymore," she said, flushing.
"You speak of old tales from your world. I have heard them. Forgive me for laughing. As if a pure heart wasn’t what is
important."
"Can I touch you? I’m not a child anymore, and I remember I was constantly petting and hugging you as if you were a
pet. Though I knew you were more than that even then."
"Hug me, child, for I have missed you too." The unicorn lay down, and she sat beside him and hugged him for a long time.
"I think I came to see you as much as anything."
"Tell me of your family, your travels. Life is quiet for me here. I have not traveled for centuries of your time."
"I have not traveled far from my parents’ home. But that’s because The Trees of Home are near their home. My husband,
Randolph, whom I dearly love and appreciate, gave up two promotions for me, and those are only the ones I know about."
#
Randolph stopped in a clearing. They were few and far between, and though he was enjoying the coolness and quiet of
this place, he missed the sun. He ate his lunch there and then lay down on his back and studied the sweeping branches
above him. Above everyone and everything and so quiet.
"You trespass!"
Not a tree, surely. He’d thought they were gentle, hospitable creatures or whatever they were. No, not a tree. He’d been
almost dozing; now he mentally flogged himself awake and prepared to meet the towering giant who approached.
"You must fight to earn your right to venture here," the giant roared.
Randolph remembered Mokk’s words before he left, but he didn’t like the thought of calling for help before at least trying
to understand the situation. "I did not mean to intrude," he said -- not shouting, but thinking that whispering wasn’t called
for here.
"You must prove your worthiness."
"How?"
"Fight me. A man must fight to prove himself worthy."
Randolph cocked his head to one side. "I’m not sure it would be a fair fight."
The giant sneered.
Randolph stiffened. "I am Randolph of the Tower of Cubicles. I come from a place where most men fear to tread. There
is lying and trickery there and back-stabbing, and you spend the day in a walled room not much bigger than a man’s length
in all directions. You, who know only this world and its open skies, would not last a minute there." And Randolph shook
his head and sighed.
The giant was silent. "How do you bear it?" he demanded finally.
"At the end of the day I can go home to my family. It is for that reason that I go to the Cubicles and for that reason that I
can endure it. More than that, I have earned a larger cubicle than anyone else -- on my floor anyway."
"I am Skorr," said the giant. "And surely the father who taught me would agree that you are worthy."
"Your father taught you to go around challenging people?" Randolph asked. "Is he a mighty warrior then?"
"Yes. You must have heard of the mighty Skarak." He sounded doubtful.
"The world is wide and full of worthy men. I am glad to meet one such as yourself. I imagine there are many more here.
You have many friends among them, I’m sure."
Skorr shook his head so that his black mane covered his face briefly. "None were worthy."
"Beat them all to bloody pulp, did you?" Randolph queried. "Pity. You know, it is possible your father was wrong. There is
more than one way to be worthy"
Skorr suddenly smiled. "So I see," he said and slapped a mighty thigh.
#
Elise walked with Moon Singer. "There’s not much to do here, is there?"
Singer looked at her for a second before replying. "Come with me. I must take care of family matters. Perhaps you can
help."
It was a long walk to the mountains. They stood and looked down upon a castle far below. "I cannot send a Guardian
there, nor is it possible for me to go there any more, yet I must bring my family to safety."
"Where is your family? What’s wrong?"
Singer sighed. "I loved a prince. He became a king. I bore him a prince, and then I came back to The Trees of Home. I
could not abide it there. He has not been a good king, I fear. Now his own brother seeks to unthrone him. I admit that
Dasse would be a better king than Howald has been. Howald would never agree, of course, so Dasse will have to kill him
and probably Elrick. We’re not supposed to interfere with other realms, but I have been known to ignore the rules." A
smile hovered on her lips until she looked down at the castle again.
Elise thought that over. "Most mothers tell their children fairy tales," she said at last. "They don’t take them to live in them.
What can I do to help?"
"You will go to Howald and tell him I offer Elrick sanctuary here. Elrick will not leave without his father, so Howald must
accompany him over the border. You will tell Howald I will keep Elrick safe and he can return to his kingdom if he
wishes."
"You can’t save Howald too? How will you keep Elrick here then?"
"I have kept the border unsealed for a long time. The Guardians will be glad that I will seal it now."
"You’re planning to trick them. They’ll be upset, I would think."
Singer said softly, "I was upset when I left my son, but I could not take a prince from his kingdom. Now the kingdom will
go to another. I did not foresee this, but I will take advantage of it."
"That’s a long way down," Elise said. "I’d better start."
"Your steed is almost here. Mokk had to get him away from his clan."
The clatter of hooves on stone preceded a dappled white unicorn. Elise caught her breath. "I never thought I’d see one,"
she whispered, "but, uh, I’m not sure this will work."
"His name is Drizzle. He is swift and ready for adventure, like his sire before him -- Snow Moon, your mother’s friend."
Drizzle nuzzled her shoulder. "I’m ready, " he announced, prancing.
"Don’t be a show-off," Singer admonished him. "And be careful."
Elise was boosted onto his back by Mokk before she could protest further. "How come I can touch you?" But Drizzle was
off, and Elise couldn’t talk any longer because her face was buried in his mane, and she clung for dear life as he dropped
down the mountain’s face.
Elise still clung to Drizzle’s mane, even though now she stood beside him trying to catch her breath and waiting for her
stomach to settle. She didn’t think they’d flown down, but she wasn’t sure. They’d gotten to the castle in a hurry. Now
they hid in a garden maze.
"I’ll wait here," Drizzle promised her.
Elise nodded. "I’ll just go find a king and a prince and be right back."
#
"Dasse and his army will be at the castle gate soon, Sire."
Howald scowled. "I will not give in, Frisse. I will not give my brother my castle."
Frisse was tempted to scowl too, but he was only a counselor; and he served a king who tolerated no disagreement. "What
about Elrick? How will it serve the kingdom if he dies with you?" He braced himself.
Howald scowled, quivered, snarled, but there was no answer to that.
"Perhaps I can help," Elise said. The two men turned to stare at her. "Moon Singer sent me to offer you sanctuary if you
need it. And from the size of the army camped on your front stoop, I think you do. Uh, where is your army?"
Howald scowled. Elise was suddenly grateful for her own father. "I need no sanctuary," he snapped.
"We have no army. They all transferred their allegiance for some reason. Even the castle guard…" Frisse shrugged, not
looking at the king.
"What about Prince Elrick," Elise wondered. "Perhaps he could use sanctuary."
"He will not leave me." Elise considered that. Howald ground his teeth. "I commanded him. Do not think I don’t want him
safe.
"Perhaps if you escorted him to safety and told him you had decided it was better that there be no more blood shed. And
then you could come back and leave him. His mother surely could keep him from returning." Frisse paused to watch Elise
nodding her head violently in encouragement behind the king’s back. "I think that would work," he finished.
"Call the prince," the king commanded.
Later, as horses were saddled and loaded with supplies, Elise found a moment to whisper to Frisse. "Thanks. I couldn’t
have done it without you. I don’t think any of us are coming back. Will you be all right? Shouldn’t you come with us? Will
the new king kill you?"
Frisse shook his head. "I think not. I serve the kingdom, not a king. Dasse knows that. I believe he will serve the kingdom
too. Howald knew not how."
Elise nodded slowly. "That’s the impression I got. Well, take care of yourself and the kingdom, and don’t forget to have
fun."
Frisse glanced sideways at her. "Ah, thank you. I hope I haven’t forgotten how." He looked at the men leading the horses
towards them and opened the door that led to a tunnel. "Pleasant journey to you all," he said as they passed inside. He
locked the door behind them.
The tunnel opened onto a foothill, and Elise whistled as soon as they were outside. It was only a minute before Drizzle
cantered up to meet them. "I was pretty sure you’d find us," she told him, "but it’s good to see you."
#
The journey up took a lot longer than the trip down. There was no path. The climb was often more of a scramble, and it
took two days. Elise had expected it to take longer, but unexpectedly there was a path and it was smooth, and at the end
of it, Moon Singer waited.
She and Howald looked at each other, and he shuffled his feet and looked away. "Elrick, this is your mother. You’ll stay
with her. I’m going back."
"My mother? What do you mean you’re going back? You promised…"
Elise felt sorry for him. He sounded lost. Getting a new mother and losing a father didn’t usually happen so quickly here,
she was sure. She wondered what Moon Singer would do with him and her husband. She supposed they were still married
or whatever. Divorce didn’t seem right for this culture.
Moon Singer spoke softly. "You don’t remember me because I left you before you could even walk. I am sorry. And I’m
sorry, Howald, but you aren’t going back either. The border is now sealed." She pointed down the mountain, and it wasn’t
there -- only drifting, sparkling snowflakes.
It was a dreadful look on Howald’s face -- snarling, scowling, gnashing teeth. He didn’t like being thwarted. Elise slipped
behind Drizzle, where she felt safer. She’d seen a movie once where someone who looked a lot like that had exploded.
"Welcome, Howald. Remember the old cottage? I’ve been fixing it up in case you decided to stay. The fishing’s as good
as ever. Why don’t we go unpack and fix some of those fish for supper? I bet Elrick’s never seen fishing like that."
"I’ve never fished. Kings don’t fish, Father said."
"He would," remarked Moon Singer in a regretful tone. She shook her head and turned away. "Come on, Elise. Your
mother’s been asking for you. I told her not to worry, but she won’t be happy till she sees you."
Elise found a rock and climbed on Drizzle. Moon Singer mounted a silvery white unicorn. "I thought you two might get
back together," Elise said as they rode away. "But…"
Moon Singer smiled. "I outgrew him such a long time ago. It was Elrick I wanted out of that castle, though I think Mokk
will be good for both of them. This is Foggy, by the way. She’s Drizzle’s older sister."
"I can run faster than her," Drizzle said and took off.
#
The days passed leisurely. Russ hardly noticed that Elise was gone for longer than two of them. He’d met his dad’s new
friend, Skorr, and knew his mother was usually off visiting with an old friend, who happened to be a unicorn. He spent his
days by the river with Summer. She loved his stories only a little less than the junk food he brought her. Then one day she
was uneasy, looking upstream often. "I must go," she told him at last. "Don’t come back here. It won’t be safe."
"Do you really have to go? I’ll miss you. Here, take the food I brought you. Can we have lunch before you go?" Russ sat
down on the bank and handed her a bag of Ruffles chips, a hunk of cheddar, and two packages of astronaut ice cream.
Summer smiled and coiled her tail beneath her, sitting on it. They broke the last piece of the freeze-dried ice cream and
shared it. She touched his hand with a taloned tentacle. "I’ll miss you too. I was happy here -- with you." The gill flaps
under her ears fluttered. "Go now. Quickly," she said and slid beneath the water and was gone.
Russ felt the urgency and fear, and he ran to the cover of the nearest tree before looking back. There was nothing to be
seen. He took a roundabout way back to Warm Branches, but there was nothing that interested him. He barely noticed the
frolicking unicorn foals or the small scampering figures that ran away and then peered out at him from behind trees and
shrubs.
Back at their tree he rummaged through the food packs and found canned deviled ham and made a sandwich with
crackers. As he munched, he dug out an apple for dessert. Summer liked apples. He wished he’d taken one to the river
today. He wished she hadn’t gone. He wished… And then he heard her scream. It was in his head. She wanted him. No
she didn’t.
"Don’t come," she shrieked, but she was afraid. Something had her, and he knew he was going to kill it -- whatever it
was. He took the strap from a backpack, the pepper spray from Elise’s purse, and the sharp rock he’d collected before he
trusted Summer completely.
He slowed down before he reached the river. He didn’t want to be out of breath when he reached her. He moved parallel
downstream inside the trees’ shade and examined the flowing river for ripples. He walked at least two miles down the
river, he was sure, and wondered if he should retrace his steps. Had he missed her or was she miles ahead of him. It
wouldn’t be wise to call her. He stood a minute trying to decide, and then he moved on -- running.
He paused further on to catch his breath. He’d alternate running and walking. He’d read somewhere that was the way to
travel on foot. And then he heard splashing and squealing. He waited a second, dropping his weapons on the ground to rub
his hands on his jeans before picking them up again and moving cautiously forward.
He was close now, and he dropped to the ground and crawled to the bank. Summer was struggling and biting another
water creature. He was bigger than she was and was trying to force her onto her back. Russ snarled and leaped. The
pepper spray was between his teeth, the strap in both hands, and the rock in his belt. He landed on the attacker’s back and
had the strap around his throat and was immediately on his back in the water with the creature on top of him, but he hung
on to the strap.
They both sank to the bottom. In a somersault move by the attacker, Russ lost his grip and the strap. Now his throat was
the target. He had to grab hold of the tentacles to protect himself. The pepper spray was long gone; it wouldn’t work
under water anyway. He couldn’t reach the rock, which was cutting into his flesh. He couldn’t hold his breath for much
longer. And then he was free and struggling to the surface.
Summer had the attacker by the throat now, using the strap, but he was fighting like a maniac. Russ pulled out the stone,
steadied himself in the water, treading with his feet and one hand, waited for an opening and smashed the stone down on
the creature’s head with all his strength.
Struggling free of the tangled bodies, Russ headed for shore. Summer swam beside him. He lay down on the sand and
looked up at Summer who was examining the strap and the can of pepper spray, reclining beside him, tail in the water.
She handed the strap and can to him. "This is useful," she said, touching the strap. "What is the little thing?"
"It sprays a bad substance. It belongs to my sister. The strap is yours, if you want it." He’d been sorry earlier that he had
never given her a gift to remember him by. She seemed intrigued by the strap. She might find a backpack useful for
storage and catching things, and it was waterproof. And then a looming creature blocked the sun.
"Son of a …!" Russ scrambled to his feet and further from the water.
"It’s only Winter Cloud."
Winter Cloud was not as big as the other male, but Russ knew now that Summer Nights must be considered attractive
among her kind. He stood up. "Hello," he said firmly, standing as tall as he could. Summer was amused, and both males
felt it.
"I followed Burning Rock down from the mountains. He boasted he would find you and ah… bring you back, and you
would have many fine children."
"Bastard," said Russ.
"I would have killed him for you," said Winter Cloud. He whacked the water with his tail. Russ felt his disappointment. He
didn’t sense any resentment
"I didn’t need your help!"
"I know. You refused it and me. You refused him too." Cloud considered Russ, and his tail swished back and forth just
under the water.
Russ was reminded of a cat on the prowl, but he stood his ground and changed the direction the pepper spray can pointed.
Summer laughed. Her tail lashed too, but more leisurely. "This is my friend, Russ. He is a far journeyer. His visit ends
soon."
Cloud’s tail stood straight out. "I see. Well, I will not stay and mar your visit then. I can take Burning Rock’s body down
and away for you, if you wish."
"That is well done of you," Summer said. "Our thanks. You’ll be staying nearby? Or will you return now?" She paused.
"There is much of interest here, and I have found good hunting."
Cloud leaped straight in the air and landed far enough away so the splash didn’t reach them. "I will return here in a few
days?"
Summer splashed her tail. "It is pleasing," she told him.
Cloud grabbed the bobbing body with his tail and took off downstream in a series of leaps.
Russ smiled. "You sure made him happy." The smile went away. "Mom hasn’t said when we go, but she’s been looking
wistful lately and packing now and then. She doesn’t want to go. I don’t think any of us do, but I’ll miss you more than
anything I can think of."
"Me too," and Summer looked wistful, something she’d never thought of doing until Russ mentioned it. "You’ll come back
before you go, so we can have a picnic?" She no longer looked wistful because she’d realized that she was not only losing
a friend, but the only source of junk food in this world. Now she looked miserable.
"Oh, Summer, I’d send you care packages if I could, and I’d like to come and visit, but Elise said something about Moon
Singer sealing the borders forever."
Summer made an anguished squealing sound. Russ stepped into the water and hugged her. "You’re my best friend ever,"
he said, "and I will never forget you." He left a little later, still stunned by the ease with which Summer had picked him up
and hugged him back.
#
"You can’t stay long, Russ," Lainie told her son as she finished packing. He’d stuffed the remaining food in a backpack
and was giving the whole thing to Summer as a present.
At the river Summer sat in the water, clutching the backpack. She snuffled as she held it tight to her. Russ sat in the water
beside her. "At least you’ll be safe with Winter Cloud. He’s still around, isn’t he?" He didn’t want her to be alone.
"Yes, I told him to go away till tomorrow."
"Well, take care of yourself. Uh, I love you. You’re my best friend. I want you to remember that."
"I’ll remember," she promised. She was partway on the bank when he looked back and waved before he disappeared into
the shade of the trees.
#
"Welcome back, Randolph. Have a good vacation?" Jack Henderson, who was two cubicles down from him, waited at the
outside door of the WeGotIt.com building.
"Sure did. Hated to come back. Any important changes?"
"Nah. Chris Pearson tried to get your cubicle. He sure lusts after that window, but your secretary hacked into his
computer and sent ccs of some of his e-mail to the whole building, including the big guys on top. He hasn’t been seen
since, though word is that he has a broom closet in one of the sub-basements."
"Bless Trish. I’m glad I found her when she was paroled after the Party expose."
#
"Hi, Lainie. You ever think of going back to teaching now that the kids are older? I know you’ve been subbing, but I’m
trolling for teachers for the Teen Parent classes, and we sure could use you."
Lainie thought a minute. "Those kids need education, for sure. I’d like to help them. I’m glad you asked."
#
"Elise. I’ve been looking for you. How've you been?"
"Hi, Jennie. I had a great vacation -- really out of this world."
"Hey, girl. I can tell you had a good time, but you should know what Doyle Dickson’s been saying."
"My brother told me. If anyone asks, just say that my pepper spray jammed."
"Oh, that’s not what he’s saying."
"Yeah, I was a fool. I disappointed my brother, my parents, myself, but I’m over flogging myself."
The two girls paused when a blonde in a burgundy and black cheerleader’s outfit swished deliberately in front of them.
"Elise. I see you’ve crawled back. You should know that Doyle and I are back together again." She showed her teeth.
"You know, Francie, I bet I can catch more unicorns than you can." Elise smiled then giggled, before circling and heading
for her locker. She was still smiling when she reached it.
"You handled that well," Jennie said, smiling too while Elise gathered her books and slipped them into the sturdy backpack.
A tiny branch stuck out of a pocket.
#
Russ paused by the swimming pool in the gym. He’d made a detour just to stop and smell it, and it made him late for his
first class. The hall was empty as he headed for the stairs to the second floor. He had one foot on the first step when he
heard the sound of scuffling. He traced it to an empty classroom.
Doyle was on top -- briefly. Russ hauled him off and slammed him all the way to the blackboard. Oh, this is a great
opportunity, he though. But Doyle caught the look on his face and fled, stumbling once as a black and shapely leg
stretched out and tripped him. He redoubled his speed though and fled through the door, slamming it behind him.
"I could have handled him myself," she said.
"You’re the exchange student from England -- Liz Hammer. Love that accent. Yeah, probably, though it didn’t look that
way from my position -- standing."
She hissed.
He looked at her. "I had a friend who told a guy she didn’t need his help, but he followed her around anyway," he said. "It
turned out she didn’t need his help, though she did need someone else’s help. It made her more appreciative. I won’t hold
my breath waiting, however." He shrugged and turned away.
"I’m sorry. I’m still shook. He said he’d show me where the lift was. I never thought. I mean -- I’m a guest in your
country."
"I’ll show you around -- to your class, I mean. I’m already late, and you’re a good excuse. After school, would you like to
go somewhere for a bite? Schlotzky's has some great junk food, if you like that."
"I’d kill for some American junk food and some meat," she said. "I’m staying with these vegetarians -- nice people and all,
but here I am starving."
He’d have to be careful not to call her Summer and not to hug her -- at least not yet.
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"How about the beach?" Lainie asked in desperation. "We have
to make a decision soon, and I want us all to be happy."
Elise frowned. "I don’t want to spend my time laying on the
beach.
"I can understand that. She’s been laid enough." Russ’ tone was
bitter as he glared at his sister before turning his back on her.
Lainie stared at him blankly before looking at her daughter. The
look on Elise’s face stunned her. "You didn’t…" she said, before
trailing off. "I told you to be careful. I warned you."
Elise stiffened. "You were frightened when you were a kid,
Mom. Grandfather told us you panicked for no reason and made
up a bizarre story about his friend and no one believed you."
Lainie felt faint; she backed to the sofa and lowered herself as if
afraid of breaking something. "When did he say that? Why? To
you kids?"
Elise looked uneasy, as if afraid of more being said that could
never be taken back. "He told Dad and us when we were at their
house a few Christmases ago. You had gone for a walk -- to
visit a tree you said -- and that’s when he told us about the night
you got lost when you were little. His friend, Max, told him he’d
tried to take you home, but you’d screamed and run away. He
apologized for frightening you and then went out to look some
more with the rest of the neighbors. He never came back. They
found him a week later at the bottom of a cliff." Elise stopped,
looking sideways at her mother.
Lainie spoke carefully. "So, all this time you’ve been thinking I
was what -- paranoid, crazy? That the story I told you when I
told you to be careful wasn’t true?" She looked at Russ, but that
hope died too when he looked away.
She rose slowly and went to the kitchen and started supper.
to make a decision soon, and I want us all to be happy."
Elise frowned. "I don’t want to spend my time laying on the
beach.
"I can understand that. She’s been laid enough." Russ’ tone was
bitter as he glared at his sister before turning his back on her.
Lainie stared at him blankly before looking at her daughter. The
look on Elise’s face stunned her. "You didn’t…" she said, before
trailing off. "I told you to be careful. I warned you."
Elise stiffened. "You were frightened when you were a kid,
Mom. Grandfather told us you panicked for no reason and made
up a bizarre story about his friend and no one believed you."
Lainie felt faint; she backed to the sofa and lowered herself as if
afraid of breaking something. "When did he say that? Why? To
you kids?"
Elise looked uneasy, as if afraid of more being said that could
never be taken back. "He told Dad and us when we were at their
house a few Christmases ago. You had gone for a walk -- to
visit a tree you said -- and that’s when he told us about the night
you got lost when you were little. His friend, Max, told him he’d
tried to take you home, but you’d screamed and run away. He
apologized for frightening you and then went out to look some
more with the rest of the neighbors. He never came back. They
found him a week later at the bottom of a cliff." Elise stopped,
looking sideways at her mother.
Lainie spoke carefully. "So, all this time you’ve been thinking I
was what -- paranoid, crazy? That the story I told you when I
told you to be careful wasn’t true?" She looked at Russ, but that
hope died too when he looked away.
She rose slowly and went to the kitchen and started supper.