A Blood Heir

Chapter 10- Finding A Way Home

“I’m going to die if I have to spend one more day here,” Tavish commented as he eased beside her on the long stretch of the dock.

Maya let out a sigh. As much as she’d been looking forward to exploring this planet and as much as she loved anything medieval, she needed to go back to Earth.

On Earth. It was still unbelievable that they were on a different planet which up until days ago was a journal theory. Her thoughts went to her parents, how worried and devastated they probably were… It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. Not this sudden. Not without her father. Not without GAA.

“We have to go back home,” she said, her gaze fixated on the lake water lapping against the wood as her feet created tiny waves with each movement. “Except, after what the king said in the dungeons, I don’t think we’ll be allowed anywhere near a crystal.”

“You think he will never let us leave?” Tavish asked, a hint of worry evident in his voice.

“All we need to do is get our hands on a crystal and it won’t matter if he doesn’t…” Maya cut her statement short at the sound of approaching footsteps. She looked over her shoulder to find Lockie approaching.

“What are you two talking about?” With his stuffed mouth, the words were barely audible. Her brother had made it his leisure to frequent Dallan’s kitchen. The Krystanian was a talented cook, that was no secret. But at this rate, Lockie would have gained weight when they finally got back home. Maya found herself at this spot often, enjoying the cool breeze and smell of the countryside, watching tiny fishes jump in and out of the lake and craving a dip into the water.

“Going home,” Tavish answered. “How do you suppose we can come into possession of a crystal?”

“Steal one of course,” Maya said casually.

“Do you think we can easily get a crystal off their necks without them noticing?” Lockie commented sarcastically.

“We’ll have to do it when they are asleep then.”

“And who’s going to do it?” Lockie stared at Tavish who didn’t seem eager to volunteer.

“Fine, I will. Looks like you boys are too chicken to do it.”

“No, I’ll do it.” Lockie blurted out. His eyes shifted to his back, in front of the log cabin at the side of the house where Dallan stood chopping wood like it was the easiest task on Krystan. Evera tasked herself with collecting the pieces and carrying them inside. As if coming to a decision, he said, “I’ll steal Evera’s.”

Maya’s brows furrowed. “Are you sure you’ll manage to take the ice queen’s? Dallan seems like the easier target. With how barely she has taken her eyes off me, I bet the lady sleeps with one eye open.”

“It feels wrong to steal from Dallan. He has been nothing but welcoming to us.”

“It’s not like we’ll escape with the crystal. Will toss it once the portal opens.”

“Fine. Dallan it is.” He got up. “I’ll go chop some wood as I strategize the best way to get the chain off of him.” Tavish followed behind and once again, Maya was left alone at the edge of the dock.

The lake beckoned and the urge to go for a swim became more irresistible. Darting her eyes around, she found a good spot, a bend where several trees provided privacy.

She followed the dock back to the shore and found the path towards the tree. Once at her destination, Maya stripped down her pants. What was these people’s obsession with leather, hadn’t they ever heard about cotton pants? That off, she worked the numerous strings of the corset she was wearing above the collar lace-up long-sleeved shirt. By the time she was done, she was breathless.