Page 27 of Whispered Warnings: Part One

“Flin said that time worked differently, and not as much time had passed here,” I explain and then continue my previous explanation because I know that they are about to ask me anyway, “then I got chased, well hunted by this creature that was really fucking disturbing,” I quickly describe the long-limbed, backward knee, all mouth and teeth thing to the guys.

“I have never heard of a creature like that,” Evander frowns.

“Something about the description jogs a memory, but I can't quite place it, leave it with me and I’ll see what I can find,” Raiden says thoughtfully.

“That’s what bit you?” Doc asks.

I shake my head, “No. That was chasing me and I thought that it was the end. It was too fast, and I had no weapons on me. It knocked me over, and I spent ages rolling around, missing its claws as it tried to pierce me, and then I saw my sword just lying there. I grabbed it and sliced off one of its arms, hence this mess because I was still underneath it,” I gesture to the yuk all over me, “then I managed to stand, but it was only momentarily distracted. I took its head and kicked it as far away from thebody, just in case, and then I had to run to the door because I wasn’t going to make it in time.”

“I’m going to start healing you now,” Doc says.

I nod and carry on my story as the warmth of Doc’s magic spreads throughout me, “I was nearly there when this giant beast like a giant dog, dark purple and black fur covered it entirely, huge pointed ears, built like a tank, really muscled, and easily as tall as my shoulder, it’s muzzle must have been as long as my arm and it was pissed. It bit me just as I threw myself through the gate.

I don’t mention the guy that I saw because he doesn’t seem relevant to the story and I kind of want to keep him to myself, although I am unsure why I feel that way. The voices, that have been easily ignorable, suddenly get louder and become a buzz in my brain. I have no idea if that means that they agree with my decision or not, but it only lasts for a moment before they quiet back down again.

My shoulder must be healed because I feel River relax slightly underneath me, although he doesn’t let go and holds me just as tightly.

“All done,” Doc says with a smile.

I gingerly test my arm, smiling in relief, and then reach for him, pulling him in for a hug and kissing his cheek.

“Thank you. You are awesome,” I tell him, and he nods, an emotion swirling in his eyes that I’m not entirely sure I can identify.

“Here you go, Neith,” Raiden says as he hands me one of my dessert choices and a spoon. “When you want one of the others, just yell.”

“Thank you,” I say again, but this time to Raiden.

He just smiles, and takes a seat next to River, who doesn’t growl and didn’t when I hugged Doc so he must be calming down.

The conversation turns back to my little adventure.

“I don’t recognize that creature either,” Doc frowns. “Definitely not an earth realm creature, not even one that was brought over after the war.”

“I will have a look for it when I look for the other creature,” Raiden says and then looks back at me, “do you know what realm you were in? That would help narrow it down a lot. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of different realms, and the creatures in the realms that are occupied are all different. Outside of the official portals, realm travel is rare now, but it’s not unheard of.”

“Official portals?” I ask curiously.

Raiden nods, his eyes lighting up, “Yes. It’s not something that the humans are aware of because of the issues that it could cause if they went through, wanted to use them, or tried to control them like they have the propensity to want to do. Quite a few supes travel to different realms to gather things that they can’t get here, some even go for vacations, or move completely. The majority of the other realms are harsher than here, with their laws and way of life. Some are worse than others.”

“Wow,” I say. “That’s really interesting. Can you tell me about them?”

Raiden’s smile is wide and full of happiness, “Yeah. I would love to . . .”

“Raid, I’m sorry, man, but we should probably try to work out Neith’s situation,” Evander interrupts.

Raiden’s face falls, and he starts to look slightly embarrassed.

“Later?” I ask, trying to let the genuine curiosity I have leak into my voice so that he knows that I am just as interested in it as he is. I add, “I absolutely love knowledge, all knowledge, and I know it’s probably really lame, but I love research too, looking through a stack of books to find that one piece of information that makes everything click into place and make sense.”

Raiden looks surprised, and Evander nudges him, “I told you she was like you when it comes to research.”

“I know, I just didn’t believe you,” Raiden replies, clearing his throat, and looking back at me, “do you want to help me figure out what these creatures are? We should have the books in the library here, but if not, we can go and find some more.”

My eyes widen, “You have a library, and it took you this fucking long to tell me!”

Raiden’s eyes widen, “Er, sorry. I didn’t realize that you would be interested.”

“I am very much interested,” I reply, “and I would love to help, tomorrow though. You asked me a question?”

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