The Quest for Normania #1: The Door of Andrios

44. Ripple Effect of the Fire

Chi was not one to poke her nose in matters that did not directly affect her, but even she didn't like the darkness concentrated on the far southwest in the sky.

She wasn't too far from the borders of Normania, where she imagined the dark were gathered. Here in Borea, nothing dramatic like that happened – in fact, none but the really daring ever entered the quiet peaceful kingdom. Nobody really knew anything about it, save for those who inhabited there. Unlike other countries, Borea wasn't one with a whole lot of magicians; such powers were restricted to outsiders who invariably came to settle... and Chi herself.

Chi wasn't the only one with magical powers in Borea, of course, but she was definitely the only one to regularly use them and practice her spells. She offered to teach Dai back when he had been courting her and now, he, too, could throw a few good spells.

Now, as she stood in the garden of her home with her husband, about to enter after a search for a new house for themselves, she couldn't imagine the horrors that the world outside her beloved land was facing. It definitely couldn't be good, if not entirely horrifying.

"I know what you're thinking," whispered Dai with a grim set to his mouth; "I think we ought to do something about it, too."

She took a deep breath and let it out. "Yes, we must. But what do you think they're up against?"

"Definitely some form of Dark Magic."

"I'd wager. But my father wouldn't want to interfere in the affairs outside of Borea. We must seek someone else."

His mouth turned to a grim smile. "Why must we, when we ourselves have so much help to offer?"

She narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "What exactly are you proposing?"

"We have to go there and see for ourselves."

Chi was dumb-struck for a moment, unable to believe her own ears.

"What?—you think we're all that capable?!"

Her husband shrugged. "If you think we are, we do."

"And what do you think my father will say to that?!"

"I'm sure he'll be cross. But who ever said we had to tell him our plans?" When she narrowed her eyes at him, he gave a triumphant smile, sensing his victory. "We don't have a home, anyway; we might as well cross the land and see the world." He took her in his arms and brought her closer to his chest. "Come now, didn't you always tell me you wanted to see the world beyond your home? – this country? Now is your chance!"

Chi swallowed, unable to resist the temptation at heart, but her mind warring against the very idea. At last, she managed to whisper, "I don't... know."

"That's perfectly all right. Tell me something, Chi: Do you trust me?" – even though he already knew the answer through their kham bond.

Almost immediately, she nodded her head. "That I do."

"Then, you will come with me." He took her wrist. "Will you? – follow me wherever I go?"

She let him touch her, stared into his eyes. 'Is what he says really possible? Can he really take me – and I follow him – out of this home that I had always known? Am I dreaming this or is this for real?'

Dai tilted his head, with his other hand titled hers upwards gently, and brought their lips together in a kiss. "You can take your pick. Whatever you choose, know that I will always love you and put you above everything in my life."

She swallowed, her mind clouding. "Will... will you?"

"Will I what?"

She blinked, trying to clear her foggy head. "Will you... really take me out of here and show me the world?"