Turning around, glancing toward the dock closest to the water, sparks ignited in bright bursts, moving along the dock away far from the water, closer to the warehouse within the fenced area, there was an abrupt force of energy erupting like a blast wave that pushed the Guardians backwards. Emerging from the center, expanding the size of the portal, was van driving quickly; it immediately hit the brakes, screeching loudly before coming to an abrupt stop, parking outside the privately owned, massive warehouse. Once the portal sizzled out like firework-sparklers, its embers lingered before vanishing completely.
“I’ll never get used to that.” one of the Guardians complained as he helped his comrades from the ground.
The van doors opened and the passengers inside, who never portal jumped, rushed out vomiting nearby and out of sight. Even the massive wolf jumped out, rolling around the ground as if something crawled all over him, before he too, up-heaved. Marxus, Erik and Jonathan were the only ones unaffected by the magical transportation and as they climbed out, Erik and Jonathan still felt a little uneasy for they had never portal jumped such a long distance. Greeting the Guardians nearby, Marxus glanced back, after hearing their observations of the passengers in his company.
“Will they be all right?” one of the Guardians inquired.
“This is their first time, and perhaps it should have been done in a smaller party, but yes they’ll be fine.” Marxus answered, “Just give me a little while to gather their nerves, they’re all first timers, you know.” he rubbed his hands together, “Now, are the shuttles ready?”
“Yes, Sir.” one of the other Guardians nodded quickly.
“Excellent.”
My ears were ringing, I could barely hear Erik or Anthony’s voices as they approached. Turning to them, reading their lips, I nodded quickly giving a thumb’s up then turned to my poor Zanzabarr, worrying about how he reacted to the portal jump. Approaching him slowly, he had just finished vomiting, and leaning down, I removed his muzzle and a tissue from my backpack, quickly wiping his nose and snout before offering a few sips of water he drank from a portable bowl. Stroking his fur, I listened as my hearing slowly came back; the sounds of the sea crashing against the rocks and nearby dock were the first to attract my attention, aside from Sarah’s complaints.
“All right everyone, let’s get going!” Marxus’ voice boomed as he stood near the van, instructing everyone to climb inside. He watched as everyone turned him, widening their eyes in surprise, “What’s the matter?” he looked around.
“The v…” Sarah pointed at the vehicle, “it’s…it’s changed!”
“Yes.” Marxus nodded as if it were normal, “Yes, it has.”
“But how?” Thomas questioned softly.
“Does it matter?” Marxus stepped aside, examining the craft, keeping its sleek black body paint, it had touches of newer brass details here and there along the doors and windows; its helicopter-like feet raised it off the ground. Even the bumper and nose had changed its shape, accommodating its new make and design, “Come on, I won’t say it again, get inside please!” Marxus announced, climbing into the driver’s seat.
Retreating inside, the interior leather remained the same.
As Marxus powered the engine boosters hidden beneath the underbelly of the van-hovercraft, the Immortal revealed there would be a brief turbulence-jerk downward before the booster pushed the craft upward, and he wasn’t kissing, for when he pushed the red button on the intricate dashboard, the whole vehicle dropped downward, leveling out before the boosters raised the hovercraft inches from the ground.
Being tucked between both Erik and Anthony, I gripped their hands quickly then realizing I was in a man-sandwich, I gave a brief smile, pulling my hands away. Closing my eyes, I felt it couldn’t have any more awkward than in that moment. And it wasn’t just the portal jumping that left me feeling unsettled, but it all of the jerking up and down.
The Guardians waved, hearing the horn beep in farewell, and watching as the hovercraft followed the road, raising higher off the ground, so dirt and mud didn’t splash upward into the engine boosters, the men parted; the Heysham Guardians had remained at their posts, while those that came from the Isle, quickly returned to their posts in RP&V.
The two hours passed slowly and Marxus listened to an eerie silence of the passengers. Looking at Thomas who sat next to him in the front seat, the Italian shrugged, offering a smile, so clearing his throat, Marxus announced over his shoulder,
“In case you’re wondering, we still have an hour and a half til we reach the border of Scotland.” he waited, then nodded, as he listened to the passenger pester him with questions.
“Scotland?!” Sarah asked, “What could be in Scotland?!”
“All of you will see, just be patient.” Marxus cryptically said, “Why give you all the details, ruining the experience for you?”
“Helpful Marxus, very helpful.” I joked, rolling my eyes, then I asked Anthony if he wouldn’t rolling down the window just a bit for Zanzabarr who pawed at the glass behind his seat.
“Mm.” the Immortal answered, then turned, pulling the craft off the road onto a pullover lane, “We’ll rest here for a bit, and give the boosters a rest. They’re long distance yes, but I don’t want to blow them out in one long ride. Especially if we are in the air.” he gently parked the craft on the pavement; its metal feet kept it off the ground. Waiting until everyone had climbed out to return the van to its original wheeled design, it just a matter of pressing buttons.
Standing on the side of the road, all of us watched as wheels slowly emerged from beneath the vans’ underbelly, pushing it off the ground, while its metal feet raised, disappearing into their hidden compartment along the body of the van.
“Wow.” a chorus of voices admired.
“Cool.” Nathan nodded then turned, lighting a cigarette.
Marxus and Thomas inspected the engine while the rest of his party stretched their legs.
That included Zanzabarr who enjoyed running around the surrounding area near the van, jumping and leaping a puppy. I smiled, watching as he caught and fetched his favorite toy, but after while he grew tired, returning to the craft, climbing into the seat behind me, while I sat on the edge, listening to his heavy panting. Removing a meaty treat from my bag, he took it gently then growled as Marxus approached, leaning in alongside me.
Watching as the young woman loved her wolf, that accepted her gentle touch while eating the meaty treat he asked softly,
“So, Yzavela…how are you?”
“Um, fine. Thank you.” I looked at him, “Why?”
“No reason, just asking.” he leaned against the van.
“Mm-hmm, you always have a reason, for everything you do, so why are we going to Scotland, couldn’t we just take this…” I felt a shiver from the climate, “yacht Jonathan mentioned? I am sure you have resources and boat docks in Scotland too.”
Glancing over his shoulder, seeing everyone was preoccupied, Marxus leaned in whispering humorously, that he was taking her to a half-breed Demon convention, then he placed a finger to his lips.
“You’re joking, right? Please tell me you’re joking.” I teased.
Looking at her, he raised an eyebrow growing a faint smirk.
“Yes, Little One, I’m joking.”
“Good, because that really wasn’t funny.” I mumbled.
“As far as taking the yacht into Scotland, unfortunately, that is one place that I do not have many connections to. From the reports I have received about it though, it’s belongs to an, uh, well, an independent party that I’ve never met.” he revealed.
“So you don’t have resources everywhere.” I leaned in.
“No, I do not.” he grinned, “Now, I have something for you.” he whispered, then turned, approaching the passenger side of the craft. Opening the door, reaching into the cramped glove compartment, he removed a rolled parchment and round box.
Peeking my head between the front seats, I wondered.
“I want to show you something while everyone is occupied.” he announced softly, glancing around, “And it’s for your eyes only, I’m afraid so come with me please.” he gestured with his head, for her to follow him.
“Why does this sound familiar?” I hopped off the seat.
Flashing her a mischievous grin, he laid the parchment on the front seat, unrolling it quickly, laying it flat. To an untrained eye, it was completely blank, but handing her the small box, he told her to open it.
“Tell me this isn’t another orb stone, choosing me for another task?” I teased, looking at the box then over at him.
“Just open it.” he urged.
Sighing softly, and with hesitation, I opened the box. In my hands, fell an antique compass with highly polished shine.
“A compass?” I asked, laying the box, “You shouldn’t have.”
“Yes, it’s a compass…of sorts.” Marxus nodded briefly, “It’s only used once, just for this purpose so what I want you to do, is turn the pin twice clockwise, then once it begins spinning, I want you to wave it over the blank parchment.” he instructed, holding down the outer corners of the right side of the blank parchment, “Once you do, let me know what you see, all right? And once you activate it, not even my eyes will be allowed to read what’s written, only you since you possess its directional compass.”
Nodding, I followed his instructions. Turning the pin of the compass twice, it began spinning rapidly, making faint clicks as it spun in its casing. Quickly waving it over the parchment in a singular inward then outward motion, the compass had began slowing down until it stopped. Laying it aside, images scratched themselves on the parchment, revealing a detailed, but magical, map of the area that were currently in.
“What’s that?” Sarah’s voice erupted, peeking between them.
“Something for Yzavela’s eye only.” Marxus turned, placing his hands on her shoulder, allowing the young half-breed to quickly roll the parchment and hide the compass back inside its box, “I am sorry.”
Jonathan, standing behind her, understood, then walked away with her, trying to console her but he knew she felt left out, yet again. He grinned, watching as she scrunched her mouth into a slight pout.
“BLOODY KEEPER STUFF.” she thought her complaints, then held onto Jonathan for warmth, wrapping her arms his waist.
Nathan, however, paced nearby, lighting another cigarette.
“Pfft…” he scoffed, blowing the smoke in the direction ahead of him. He watched the private moment taking between the young and Marxus, then loudly, and smugly, hollered out in their direction, “Another private moment, huh? Wow, isn’t that just sweet! You’re all seeing this right, how he’s handing her all of these little gifts…” he chuckled flicking the ashes off his cigarette, “just an old man with crush, good luck!” he glanced at his feet, then took a long, deep inhale from what was left of his cigarette.
“Watch it, Nathan!” Thomas stepped forward.
“Or what, hmm?” Nathan leered at the Italian, expressing a hateful expression, blowing the last breath of smoke in his direction, “Or what?”
“Fottuto licantropo.” Thomas cursed, than spat near Nathan’s feet, before turning away, hearing Anthony’s pleas, coughing from the smoke.
Marxus and I both ignored Nathan, but we heard his words.
“Why did he have to be here?” I complained.
“Because, Yzavela…I didn’t trust leaving him on the Isle, and I trust him less being here but at least we can all keep an eye on him.” Marxus frowned, then changed the subject, “Now, I need to know, can you see our current location?” he wanted to push Nathan’s interruption aside.
Unrolling the parchment once more, studying the surface, all I saw was a glowing red dot with a line trailing behind the route we left behind, while up ahead was a black glowing X with the word BORDER written next to the text. Looking at him, telling him what I saw, I received an affirmative nod as if that’s what he expected to hear.
“What kind of map is this?”
“This is a Traveler’s Map. It shows the user, which is you, a glimpse into the past and future destinations of any journey. It doesn’t matter where you are, whatever country you’re in, it will mark everything you need. And it’s never wrong.” the Immortal announced, “It was given to me by an acquaintance I met on one of my many travels in the past, and it’s proven to be very useful. Especially when there is no one around who knows where you’re going.” he grinned, “Just tell it the place you wish to go, and it will do the rest so while we’re driving, keep an eye on it.” he nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder, then he turned, calling out to the others, “I think we’ve rested enough, let’s get going!”
Gathering the map and compass, I climbed inside the shuttle for my two pieces of man bread, making me feel like the meat in the middle. Offering both Erik and Anthony a friendly, and awkward smile, I looked ahead, removing my earbuds to have a moment of listening to my music. Looking at Erik, he was playing with Jonathan’s Rubik’s toy and glancing at Anthony, he was in the beginning stages of sketching someone, but I couldn’t see exactly who. Maybe one of his lovers. It didn’t take long until we arrived at the border of Scotland.
Marxus frowned, taking noticed of the change that lay ahead. It had been years since he traveled in these parts so the new obstructions were confusing for him. Approaching the border of England and Scotland, the classic massive border stone labeled with both countries on either side, was off to the side of the road, where a thick brick wall standing 8 foot tall, had stretched across the two lane road and pullover parking lanes. There were heavy iron gates blocking access down the center of the roads and pullover lanes; two guards booths had been positioned near the two lanes, where four guards stood and waited for the van’s approach. Heavily armed with guns, even tasers of futuristic design hanging from their belts, beckoned the van closer to the booth where signs welcomed tourists or refugees, but with its smudged ink, it could barely be read:
SCOTLAND WELCOMES YOU
Turning off my iPod, removing the earbuds, I gazed out the windows with Erik and Jonathan, watching as Marxus pull the craft to a slow stop, allowing one of the guards to inspect the vehicle while other approached the window with a stern, unpleasant frown.
Hearing soft complaints from the seats behind him, Marxus reassured everyone that it would be all right and that they all needed to relax. Once the voices silenced, he rolled down the window.
“Greetings, Sir.” the man spoke in a strong Scottish accent.
“Good afternoon.” Marxus offered a brief nod with his reply, then quickly scanned the man’s name tag pinned on his coat, “Scotty, I see things have changed since I’ve last visited.” his Hazel eyes looked forward, referring to the wall, gates, and posted guards, “Is there a problem crossing the border?”
“Many things have changed, yes.” Scotty turned, studying the protection barrier, “This beauty has been standing’ here for the last fifteen years, and countin’ Sir, and she hasn’t let any of us down yet.” he grinned, admiring his country behind the wall and gates, “Now, before you cross, I do need the business that brings into Scotland.” he folded his arms, “Surely, you do not mind answerin’ hmm?”
“Not at all.” Marxus grinned, “I’m taking my students on the annual geographical expedition to study rocks and mountains of the Ben Nevis Mountains.” he gestured behind him toward the backseats where his passengers were shadowed from the mans’ line of sight, “That is, if it’s allowed?”
“Aye, yes, it’s permitted, however, before I allow you through, I must see proof of your license and identification. That will go for your students as well. Precautionary measure, you can understand, yes?” Scotty affirmed, tucking his thumbs in his belt that squeezed his hefty waist too tight.
“Of course, of course.” Marxus nodded. Turning to Thomas, he asked him to retrieve the paperwork hidden away inside the glove compartment.
Thomas reached inside, removing an envelope filled with all of the appropriate papers, licenses, and I.D. cards that weren’t there before. The Italian never recalled Marxus ever placing anything of the sort or envelopes in the compartment, so he knew it must have been one of Marxus’ illusions. Handing it to Marxus, they shared a brief grin before Marxus turned to Scotty.
“Thank you.” Scotty grasped the envelope, quickly beginning to glimpse through the licenses and paperwork, “May I walk around and identify your students?”
“Not at all.” Marxus agreed, “Please…”
Scotty nodded, walking the van’s length, removing the I.D. cards, and growing closer along the passenger side of the van, the figures inside rolled down the windows.
Quickly tossing my earbuds and iPod into my bag, I leaned in close to Anthony, with Erik behind me; the three of us peeked our heads closer to the window so the guard could study our faces closely. Sarah, Jonathan and Nathan in the row of seats in front of us, also squeezed themselves toward the window.
Scotty scanned each of their faces, then glanced at the I.D’s.
“Behave.” Marxus’ voice spoke to all of them telepathically.
Scotty grew an enormous, and jolly smile, tucking the cards back into the envelope. Nodding in approval, he tipped his hat then turned, beginning to walk away then paused.
Anthony and Jonathan quickly rolled up the windows, but the inspection wasn’t done yet, for just as the glass panel closed, Scotty turned back around approaching the last row of seats.
“What’s this?” Anthony whispered, looking at Marxus.
“I don’t know.” the Immortal frowned, “Yzavela?”
“Don’t look at me, I didn’t say, or do anything.” I hissed.
Scotty removed his flashlight from his belt, gently tapping on the glass.
“Lower the window.” Marxus instructed.
Anthony slowly rolled it down, allowing Scotty to look inside the vehicle.
“Oh great…” I complained telepathically, seeing the name tag, “first, I’m at Hogwarts, and now I’m in Stark Trek.” I made sure I hid everything in my bag, including both the compass and map. Looking at Erik and Jonathan, knowing they heard my telepathic complaint, they turned their heads, snorting a laugh.
“Relax, Little One…” Marxus whispered, seeing nervousness in her mannerisms, “it’ll be fine, just relax.”
“I am relaxed!” I snapped, leering at his reflection. Turning, I leaned in close to Anthony, peeking around him to get closer to the window, “Sorry.” I looked at him.
“Don’t mind if you do.” he grinned.
“Can I help you, Sir?” I asked in a friendly tone, ignoring the Italian’s charming smile.
Scotty remained silent, worrying her, then his voice boomed humorously as he pointed toward the large black wolf in the backseat that tried peeking his head over the seat, letting out deep growls.
“Does that dog have I.D?” Scotty released a hardy laugh that everyone in the craft went along with, then he continued after catching his breath, “No, I’m serious.” he cleared his throat, “Does he have tags?”
“Yes, hold on.” I replied, searching my bag.
Scotty watched as the young woman skimmed through the bag in her lap, placing a cautious hand on the hilt of his gun.
“Sorry…” my voice rasped, removing an envelope with all of the paperwork, licenses, vaccines and such, handing them to Scotty.
“It’s all right, love.” Scotty quickly skimmed through all of the documents then raising his gaze toward the window, the wolf barged between the seats, peeking his head out, sniffing the air through his muzzle. Scotty backed away, taking great caution seeing the size of the canine that released a series of deep guttural growls, “Bloody hell…” he slurred.
“Excuse me, Sir…please take your hand off your weapon, he gets nervous and when that happens, he’s difficult to control. Especially at 120 pounds.” I warned respectfully, and softly, “Please… he won’t harm you otherwise.”
Respectfully, Scotty held his hands up, speaking softly to the wolf, reassuring him he wasn’t a threat.
“Forgive me, I think I’ll just…toss these back, hmm?” his left hand quickly tossed the envelope through the window, then he backed away, “Everything is in order, thank you, Miss.” he offered a smile, “I’ve seen his breed ’round here, you take care of him, hmm?”
“Thank you, and I most definitely will!” my voice cracked, as I struggled to pull Zanzabarr away from the window.
“Your documents say you’re from the Great City.”
“Yes, why?” I feared, once commanding the Zanzabarr to heel. Turning in my seat, looking at the Scotsman, I hoped maybe he wasn’t one of the spies working for Lord Drakuul, or his General Matrx, that had finally tracked me down, but after I listened in on their thoughts, I sighed in relief for all that ran through his mind, were images of his wife and children, and all of the poems he had written for them.
Turning in his seat, Marxus worried, watching the encounter, and how she would handle the situation on her own.
“No reason, I just find it curious because I’ve heard things are taking place there, and it’s just good to see some survived and escaped the chaos, that’s all. Anyway…” he patted his belt, “have a good day, take care, all of ye!”
“Thank you, and Scotty?” I called out after the man before he walked away, “I’m sorry if this sounds impersonal, but when you get home, or have the chance, read your poems to your wife and children.” I smiled, “They’ll love them, because they are lovely.”
Staring at the young woman, wondering how she could have known, he glanced at the others peeking through the glass, realizing the passengers were Demons. He wasn’t sure if they were all purebloods, half-breeds or Shayds, but her words made him feel good, growing a sparkle in his blue eyes as he smiled cheerfully.
“Thank you, little Miss.” he muttered, nodding toward her. Offering her, and those in her company a quick wave, he turned, walking around the craft, returning to the front windows.
“May the force be with us all.” I joked.
“Good movies.” Erik added.
“Si, very good.” Anthony offered a charming smile and wink.
“Hush now!” Marxus hissed over his shoulder as Scotty stood at the window.
“Everything seems to be in order, Sir. I hope you and your…” he paused looking the driver directly in the eye, “students do enjoy the beauty that our country has to offer. Especially the Scottish Moors and fairy glens up at the Isle of Skye. That is, if you’re traveling anywhere near there.” Scotty announced. Backing away, he whistled toward the other guards standing by the gates, “Open the gates!” he ordered loudly, then looked at the driver, “It was a pleasure meetin’ you, Sir.” he tipped his hat once more then backed away, allowing the van to pass.
Marxus smiled, rolling up the window, then glanced ahead, watching as the gates opened automatically, sliding over one another to the right, allowing the craft across the border, and once they entered Scotland, leaving England behind them, all of the passengers, including Thomas, turned in their seats, taking noticed the sign on this side, welcomed Scottish folk into England.
Sᴇarch the FindNovel.net website on G𝘰𝘰gle to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
If you find any errors (non-standard content, ads redirect, broken links, etc..), Please let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible.
Report
