The Knight of Her Dreams

chapter Thirteen



As the Westbrooke brothers sat side-by-side at the bar counter, Zantarl eyed them both with what looked like parental disapproval. Now several days since their dispute regarding Julianna, the bartender had agreed to mediate a civil meeting between the pair. Barely civil so far, since neither spoke, only shooting constant glares at one another.

After a long pause, Riff spoke. “For the millionth time, Phase, I said I was sorry for the other night. How was I supposed to know that you were so in love with the girl that you’d planned on proposing to her that evening?”

Dominick continued to glare at him. “Even if I hadn’t, it doesn’t excuse your trying to force your attentions on her.”

“I would have let her go in another minute,” he sneered. “Hellions are more interesting when they’re willing, not when they’ll claw you otherwise.”

“That hasn’t always stopped you from persisting,” Dominick replied acidly. “Especially when you’ve derived extra pleasure from seducing the women I’ve known.”

Riff’s eyes narrowed, and he replied quietly, “For your information, regardless of what stories you’ve heard, I may be persistent, but I have never ever been intimate with a woman that didn’t wish it. And although I don’t want this getting about, there are those women who refused whom I did walk away from honorably.” His brother looked genuinely surprised. “And as far as my seducing some of your former paramours, maybe I shouldn’t have, but the fact is I wouldn’t have been able to if they’d really loved you as Julianna does. You should be glad, in that I indirectly did you a favor.”

Dominick’s surprised look returned to irritation. “You would see it that way,” he retorted. “Not that you’d ever understand the meaning of the word love, since you only regard the bedroom aspects of a relationship.”

As Riff loudly protested, Dominick countered back, their voices raising to a din. Zantarl, however, wasn’t about to put up with another verbal escalation. Slamming a bottle on the counter, he distracted the brothers, earning their undivided attention.

“That’s better,” he growled. “Now look, you two. Either settle this problem of yours, or I’ll ban you both from Lost Limbo until further notice.” Turning to Dominick, he began, “Riff’s apologized several times, of which even once is a rare feat, as we all know.” Hearing the stirrings of protest from the other man, he flashed his angry eyes upon him. “And as for you, Riff, I’m sure that you’ll think twice before interfering with your brother’s fiancée anymore, let alone question the validity of their relationship. So if we’re all in agreement, why don’t you settle this with a handshake?”

The pair eyed each other with scowls, but gradually, they reached forward to clasp hands, their features softening. Riff spoke first. “I’m sorry I doubted your feelings for Julianna, and for the incident the other night. It won’t happen again.”

Dominick nodded once. “All right then, I accept your apology,” he said quietly. “And for what it’s worth, I’m sure you’ll find love someday.”

“Julianna indicated as much when things calmed down,” sighed Riff, “though I find it hard to believe that day will ever come.”

Dominick smiled slightly. “I once thought the same thing, remember?”

Riff nodded slowly.

“And…” Dominick continued, brightening, “if you can stick to your words, maybe you’d consider being my best man at our future wedding.

Riff’s face lit up considerably. “Are you sure about that, Phase?” he asked, half expecting a hidden jest.

“Very sure, unless you go to great lengths to change my mind.”

“Then I accept,” Riff replied with a grin, exchanging a rare hug with him. “It ought to be the wedding of the decade, since Chaos will no doubt have a hand in it. Which reminds me, where did I put that number for the dancing girls...?”

As he started rummaging around a small book, Dominick gave a low groan. Leave it to Riff to cast aside any semblance of a serious subject, let alone to send the wheels of chaos turning. Reading his thoughts, Zantarl chuckled quietly, whispering to him, “Maybe you and Julianna would be better off eloping instead.”

“Believe me, it’s tempting,” Dominick whispered back, even as Riff’s expression suddenly darkened.

“Look what the guardian devil dragged in,” he said in a low voice, gesturing towards the door. All three men focused on the new arrival, and all shared looks of unmasked loathing.

Grinning as if he owned the world, a confident Dual strode into Lost Limbo, waving boisterous greetings to his friends, while remaining impervious to many cold stares. But then, nothing seemed to bother him on this world or in the dream-state.

Ever a renegade, the dark-haired man bore a most striking resemblance to Buddy. Thanks to his shared looks to the guardian angel, Dual often took great amusement in attempting to fool Jarissa into mistaking one for the other. Not to mention the fact that he’d made many attempts to seduce her away from Buddy, although she’d once claimed she’d rather return to the Guardian realm permanently than do that.

Not very flattering to say the least!

One of the most apt and notorious dreamphasers on Chavernos, Dual easily used his powers to gain access to the party the night before. His trait for granting nightmares to his enemies, his persuasive ability for corrupting innocents, not to mention his assassin missions, had earned him a dark reputation among all but the baser inhabitants of Barokka. So it wasn’t surprising why his presence affected many in Lost Limbo quite negatively.

Not only in Buddy’s case, but especially Dominick’s. Many times, the latter had avenged those that Dual had wronged, usually amongst the females, also disrupting many of his other dark plans over the years. One time, he’d even rescued Jarissa from Dual’s dark intentions, his constant opposition only fueling their bitter enmity.

And now there was the added incident of the map.

Just thinking of the truth he’d learned from Alarius, Dual was determined to get back at his longstanding enemy yet again, but only when he deemed it a suitable time.

Turning to catch sight of the trio at the bar, a slow smile spread across his face. Sitting down at an adjacent table, he then turned his back to them in order to converse with his own friends. Dominick and the others realized full well that he could easily eavesdrop, but all silently recognized that Dual was a difficult slime to get rid of.

“It’s been months since he last came here,” Zantarl quietly told the pair. “I wonder why he’s decided to foist his presence upon us this time.”

“Let’s hope it’s a very short visit,” murmured Dominick. “Of all the times when I don’t want to deal with him, it’s now, with word of my engagement circulating about.”

“I wish I could have been there last night to hear it firsthand, son,” Zantarl replied with a sad smile. “But alas, a dreamphaser I’m not. The best I can hope for is that one day you’ll find a way to bring your bride here, so I can meet her at your wedding.”

“A hope we share, believe me.”

“Any word from the folks yet?” asked Riff.

“No,” sighed Dominick. “But unfortunately, there has been word from Julianna’s ex-boyfriend. His name’s Roger Collins, and she used to have strong feelings for him since they met as teenagers.”

“Really? Well then, are you sure she wouldn’t go back to…”

“No,” Dominick interrupted adamantly. “He’s hurt her badly emotionally, fooling around with another woman as retaliation when she didn’t want to sleep with him, and she wants nothing more to do with him. The problem is, now that Julianna and I are happy together, that bastard’s decided that he’s sorry for the way he treated her and wants another chance. She doesn’t want to give him one, but it seems he refuses to leave her alone. He keeps calling her.”

“And you’re sure she harbors no old feelings for him?”

Dominick considered this silently, his mind playing back the memories of their time together. Over the past few weeks, Julianna had only mentioned Roger in passing, regarding his bothering her. Dominick had asked her how she felt about this, and she firmly stated that she’d sooner become a nun than have Roger so much as touch her now. The conjured image had been so amusing to both, considering their nightly encounters lately, that they were soon overcome with mutual laughter. After that, they’d used the remaining hours of the night to remove any notions of her setting down the celibate road.

“After all the time we’ve spent together, I’d swear that she doesn’t.” The unfocused, nearly absent look in Dominick’s eyes confirmed that he was once more lost to those memories, earning a knowing smirk from Riff.

“Considering your probable notions of a never-ending honeymoon with Julianna, if you bring her to our world, Chaos should have no problem getting those great-grandkids he wants so badly. If not for the impossibility of having kids in the dream-state, I’m sure I and everyone else would wonder if you didn’t have to marry her by now...”

Dominick elbowed him sharply in the ribs, only bringing forth soft laughter from his endlessly joking brother. Inwardly he knew that this side of Riff’s humor was harmless, and that he only did it to annoy him, but it was often difficult to remember this all the time.

From where he sat, Dual grinned at what he’d just overheard. So that tempting morsel Julianna had another admirer on her homeworld, did she? And someone she’d known for years. Dominick must surely be thrilled by that knowledge! he thought. It certainly brought him no little amusement to hear of his enemy’s problems, to provide for what might otherwise be a rather uneventful visit.

Come to think of it, why not add to the amusement? he decided, getting up to walk over to the bar counter. The three men looked up at him suspiciously, but said nothing.

“Zantarl, get me something with a little kick in it,” he said nonchalantly.

“I’d like to give him a kick...” murmured Dominick, quickly calmed by his attentive brother.

Feigning surprise, Dual turned to his frowning adversary and grinned again. “Ah, by the dreams of night, if it isn’t Dominick of the Westbrooke brothers. It would seem those nightmare beasts I sent after you a few months ago haven’t roughed you up any worse for the wear.”

“Nor has one managed to rearrange your sick attitude,” hissed Riff, locking angry gazes with him for a moment before Dual gave his annoying smile again. If nothing else, both brothers shared the same hatred of him.

As if he’d disappeared, Dual returned his attention to Dominick, who was doing his best to ignore him. “So how has your sweet betrothed Julianna been lately? Still as lovely as she was at the announcement of your engagement the other night?” As expected, Dominick’s head spun around to face him.

“Keep your filthy thoughts from my fiancée,” he growled in warning. “She’s done nothing to you, so leave her alone.”

“And why would I wish to harm her?” he laughed. “I found her to be a most enjoyable companion that evening.”

Dominick nearly jumped out of his chair, stopped only by Riff and Zantarl on either side of him. “Liar. She was with me that night!”

“Not when she ran away from you, remember? A most remarkably beautiful woman when one sees her in the proper light. Long auburn hair that curls most enticingly around her, brown eyes that sparkle in the light, soft skin just made to be touched...”

Not a dreamphaser to be held back when provoked, Dominick pulled free of the rest to connect a direct hit on Dual’s jaw, knocking him into another table. Giving a lopsided malicious grin, Dual was up in moments, scoring a few punches against his enemy. About evenly matched, Dominick’s anger gave him a slight edge though, and with a sharp jab to the stomach, Dual was finally downed.

Glancing up with a bleeding mouth, his eyes shot fire as he pointed a menacing finger towards Dominick. “You’ve just made a big mistake, Westbrooke,” he hissed. “Up until now, I only chatted with your precious Julianna. But no more... because now I finally know how to strike where you’ll feel it in your guts forever. You’d just better watch your back, my not-so-wise enemy... and hers!”

Dominick’s own expression darkened warningly. “If you touch her, Dual, there won’t be a grave deep enough to hold all the pieces I’ll break you into!”

Before he could step forward again, Zantarl gripped his shoulders, turning an ominous look to Dual. “You’ve been warned. Now you’d better leave, lest I decide to press charges for your brawling in here like a madman.”

Dual was about to protest, but then thought better of it. “Clever, Zantarl, considering he was the instigator. But I have other sport to plan, so I’ll let it go this time.” Shooting a last meaningful glance at his enemy, Dual added, “By demon’s teeth, it’s not over yet between us, Westbrooke. Not to mention, your supposed bride-to-be. Enjoy having her all to yourself while you can, because it won’t be for long.” In moments, he’d departed.

“I should kill him,” hissed Dominick.

“And be forced behind iron bars where you’ll have even less chance of spending your life with Julianna?” Zantarl asked firmly. “No, son, I think not. Better you forget this meeting with that black-tongued demon and simply look forward to your wedding. His barbs will probably lose their poison by the end of this day.”

Slowly, Dominick shook his head. “I’m afraid Dual doesn’t operate that way, Zan,” he said knowingly. “But so help me, he’d better think twice about bothering Julianna. Because if he ever touches her, then threats of jail will be a minor penalty for bringing his miserable life to an end.”

He never noticed the pair who appeared behind him, faces grim.

*****

Last night’s bridal shower in the dream-state—due to Dominick’s thoughtful friends—had been quite a surprise to Julianna. Having expected to be with her fiancé, she’d instead found herself in another location with Kiri and the gals, who quickly explained that although they couldn’t give her the typical bridal shower presents until she came to Chavernos, they could certainly get a head-start on the party itself. In the meantime, they mentioned that Dominick was being similarly thrown a bachelor party by the guys.

That last met with some concern from her, knowing all too well what could go on at those parties on Earth, and what was no doubt the same regarding dreamphasers in the dream-state!

“You’re absolutely right,” agreed Kiri, folding her arms. “Men and their bachelor parties... why, if I ever decided to get married—especially if it was to Riff—I’d show up as a dancing girl at his bachelor party and really give him something to stare at!”

“No doubt wielding an axe,” murmured Psych.

“Or a spiked mace,” added Jarissa.

“Gals, gals, hold on,” interrupted Kiri, resting a sisterly arm around Julianna’s shoulder. “Now I think we’re all unanimous on our opinions about the men and their bachelor party, but we’re not going to let our little bride-to-be spend the night worrying about it, are we?” There was a chorus of negation from the pair, earning a broad smile from Kiri. “Good!” she said, turning to Julianna cheerfully. “We’ll show those men that they don’t bother us with their shenanigans.”

“Fine by me,” she decided with a smile. Inwardly, their soothing words were nothing less than Julianna expected from her newfound friends.

What she hadn’t expected was their plans for her bridal shower.

Moments later, the lights dimmed around them, earning her curiosity. No doubt a show of some sort, she thought, just before realizing what kind it was. As stage lights came on, several very handsome—very stripping—men appeared who won the cheers and applause of the many other observing women.

For long minutes, Julianna could only gape, eyes wide, until she suddenly heard Jarissa shout, “Over here, honey! This one’s planning on getting married soon!”

Whirling to face her, she said in a piercing whisper, “Jarissa, what are you doing?”

The latter merely grinned conspiratorially as one of the men jumped from the newly lit stage to stride over to their table. Julianna turned towards him slowly, feeling her face blush crimson. He looked very much like any other handsome brown-haired, blue-eyed muscle man, differing only by the aspect of his being garbed in minimal attire.

“So you’re the gal Westbrooke’s marrying, are you?” he said jovially, earning a silent nod from her. “He chose well, ma’am. You’re a beauty indeed.”

“Th-thank you,” she gasped out, trying hard to keep her eyes strictly on his face.

“And since the groom seems to be elsewhere at the moment, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to get in a little dance time with the bride.” Before she could say a word in negation, he swept her up in his arms as lightly as a feather, carrying her towards the stage. “Come on, sweetie, smile,” he encouraged. “This is your night.”

“N-no, really,” she protested futilely. “I-I’m not used to this sort of thing. One of the others...”

He shushed her quickly, whispering in her ear, “Don’t worry, my lady. Your future husband understands the gals you’re with, and being a good friend of his, I’ll make sure these guys stay in line.” At her hesitancy, he added, “If it’ll cheer your mood any, he’s sent a message that he loves you alone, and that he has no desire to seek the company of the females brought to his bachelor party.”

Julianna glanced up at his eyes. “You wouldn’t deceive a bride-to-be, would you?” she whispered back.

The man laughed with a shake of his head. “No, fair maiden, and certainly not in your case. In fact, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if you’re removed from this party a few hours early, if your future husband has any say in the matter.” That did brighten her mood, and she smiled warmly. “Feel like dancing now?”

“With stars at my feet,” she replied, earning the pleased cheers of her friends.

All in all, it proved to be a most enjoyable evening. The men, while boisterous, turned out to be much like the first man, making her laugh as they danced. Jarissa and the girls—not to be left out, of course—fairly leaped from their table to join her at the invitation of one of the men, and thus, Julianna learned a whole new definition of what bridal showers could be like.

Not that Dominick didn’t indeed show up to rescue her halfway through it, cleverly sneaking them both out to find time alone...

Unknown to her, this action —when realized by the guys and the gals—incited a major ruckus among the separate groups who then sought each other out, arguing that the groom and bride-to-be weren’t supposed to disappear from their own celebration parties.

It was a pointless argument though, since the groom and bride-to-be had cleverly gone to a place other than their dream castle, and were nowhere to be found.

As to what they’d done in their seclusion...

Julianna smiled at the memory as she went about her work, feeling that nothing could remove her from the wave of happiness she was floating on.

At first she thought she was imagining Roger’s voice behind her, now talking with Almira, but as the voices grew louder, her face drained of color and she stopped typing.

“Our company has always admired the way you do business,” he said. “Which is why they’ve sent me as a representative to settle the details of the account you’re proposing. I hope we can come to a mutual compromise.”

“Oh, I’m sure we will,” Almira replied with enthusiasm. “Mr. Collins... or may I call you Roger?”

“Roger would be fine,” he agreed, folding his arms with a smile.

“You’re kidding me…” whispered Julianna, shutting her eyes in frustration as her suspicions were confirmed. Roger had business ties here now? Maybe she could arrange for a transfer.

Wait a second! her angry thoughts interrupted. If Roger is working with this company, he’ll be dealing with Almira alone. I have nothing to worry about, so what do I care what he does?

Not one damn bit, she decided, typing more briskly.

As if sensing her agitation, Roger glanced in Julianna’s direction, a smile curling across his mouth. Ah, so she knew he was here, he surmised. Good. Then maybe she wasn’t as immune to him as she seemed to think.

He strode towards her, while Almira kept pace with him, looking ahead curiously to follow his stare. Miss Sherborne? she thought, surprised. What would he want with the likes of her? Now if he wanted a real businesswoman... she herself was more than available.

“And who is this enterprising lady?” he asked, surprised when Julianna refused to turn towards him.

“That’s Miss Sherborne,” Almira fairly hissed.

“Rather efficient I see,” said Roger, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Are all your workers too busy to speak for a brief moment?”

“Busy doesn’t describe this one most of the time,” murmured Almira. Too busy daydreaming, if anything! she thought. “Miss Sherborne, if you can interrupt what you’re doing, we have a visitor from...” Noting the girl’s ignorance as she continued typing, seeming unusually preoccupied, Almira’s eyebrows sharpened. In a much louder tone, she continued, “Miss Sherborne, would you mind paying attention to a prospective client of our firm?”

Julianna sighed once, ceasing her typing, and prayed for inner strength. Replacing her dismayed look with a plastic smile, she lifted her head to turn towards the pair. “I’m listening,” she said quietly.

Clearly forcing a smile, Almira gestured towards Roger, who was now grinning knowingly. “This is Mr. Collins, who’s going to be working with us for the next several months, as soon as a contract can be worked out and signed...”

“Ah,” interrupted Roger, raising one finger. “That’s only if we can come to a final agreement on terms,” he reminded her. Julianna was surprised to see Almira displaying a cowed look. No one ever cowed that woman! Either she really wanted this deal... or perhaps Roger?

That thought almost had her laughing. Roger and Almira? In some ways, it certainly seemed fitting.

Somehow though, she doubted that match was on Roger’s agenda.

“Yes, of course,” murmured Almira. “If we could return to my office, perhaps we can work out the details.”

Ignoring her, Roger turned towards Julianna again with a broad smile. Extending his hand, he said gently, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sherborne.” Unable to refuse in front of Almira, she shook his hand, finding it difficult to get him to release hers afterward.

“And most interesting to meet you here too, Mr. Collins,” she replied, aiming thinly veiled sarcasm at him. “Now if you’ll excuse me, this is an office, and I have work to finish.”

Before she could turn again, he moved to stand in front of her. “You seem quite efficient already, Miss Sherborne. “Perhaps a little change of scenery over lunch could provide a break from this workload you seem to have.”

“Knowing Miss Sherborne, she’ll be too busy spending lunch with her co-worker Ms. O’Neill,” protested Almira. “You see, she always meets with her, and I’m sure they wouldn’t like a sudden change from the norm.”

“Well then, in this case they can make an exception,” replied Roger, almost icily. Almira nodded mutely, catching sight of an odd pleading look in Julianna’s eyes. It seemed almost as if she didn’t want to go to lunch with Roger any more than Almira wanted her to.

A moment of rare agreement between the pair.

“Mr. Collins, we’ve made it a policy that our workers don’t associate in the dealings with our clients.”

“Not even when some constructive feedback would be appreciated from the secretaries in this division?” he asked. Before she could reply, he continued, “After all, Almira... I can call you Almira, can’t I?” She nodded. “If we’re to be doing business, it would be in the interest of my company to know whom we’ll be working with. Less than that, and I’d think we should be looking elsewhere, and advise our other business clients similarly.”

Almira’s eyes widened at the negative possibility, while knowing where this was leading, Julianna instantly spoke up. “Mr. Collins, my job description doesn’t say anything about owing my lunch hour to the company. What I do with that time is of my own choosing. If you need assistance, one of the other secretaries can help you.”

Roger smiled at her, but she didn’t miss the underlying challenge in it. Turning from her, he started to walk away, nodding once to Almira. “It’s been a pleasure meeting with you. Perhaps some other time our two companies can be more agreeable with each other.”

Going beyond the niceties, Almira grabbed his arm, flashing an angry look at Julianna. “Miss Sherborne, considering your questionable job performance lately, I’d say this business lunch would only begin to make up for it. If you value your job, you’d best reconsider your decision.”

Julianna frowned silently at the implication.

There’sno justice in the work world these days.

*****

Still less justice existed in Dark Haven, a bar on the opposite coast of Barokka, equally known, but more often avoided. While Lost Limbo had scattered patrons from the whole spectrum, Dark Haven catered to the darker and shadier inhabitants of the island. If an innocent unfortunate wanderer came here—not knowing its reputation—that wanderer could find himself subject to much more than trouble, and might never be able to leave.

Dual merely smiled when he entered the building. Ah yes, Dark Haven was just like a second home to him.

In moments, he’d found the one he sought, beckoning towards a cloaked man across the room. Like the shadows he was named for, the man Shade slithered towards him, his black cape swishing along his equally black boots. Somewhat older and rail thin, though strong, Shade had the highest agility and dexterity, and the special boots and cape he wore masked all sound of his movement. While one might first cast him off as insignificant, in truth, he was one of the most deadly assassins in Barokka, although he often roamed in outer Chavernos as well.

An assassin who used his knife to pry secrets from people’s minds.

Not that he always did the actual killing. More often, he waited amidst the shadows to collect information that his clients would need to finish the job themselves. His most deadly ability was akin to Kiri’s ability to mind-read. Except, he could also delve beyond a person’s mere surface thoughts to pick out a person’s fears, or seek out information that was thought to be carefully hidden from all others.

Under different circumstances, this ability could have brought him great renown and done great services for the wronged individuals of the world to see justice done, but Shade chose to serve darker purposes instead, as mercenary as anything else.

“Dual,” his sharp voice hissed, reaching out a slender hand to clasp the other’s. “Been awhile since you’ve graced us with your presence. How did your search for the map go?”

“We recovered it, of course,” Dual replied offhandedly, toying with his dagger, “and I was hoping I could pay you a small sum of the treasures to carry out a favor for me.”

Shade smiled eerily. “For an ally, a small sum is all I’d require. What information do you seek?”

“Something simple really,” he replied, leaning forward. “I need for you to search Dominick Westbrooke’s thoughts for the location of a certain woman’s residence. You see, due to the dreamphasing bond we all share, I was able to meet this woman in the dream-state the same as everyone else the other night, when he used the bond to draw his friends together. But unfortunately, in order to find her myself, I need to know exactly where she resides.”

“I see,” agreed Shade, with a nod. “Give me the woman’s name, and I’ll get the information before nightfall.”

“Her name is Julianna Sherborne, and she’s currently Dominick’s betrothed. Is this enough to go on?”

“I would imagine so, since his thoughts must be with her often.” Leaning back in his chair, he smiled thoughtfully. “So tell me, what do you have planned for this woman when you find her, as if I need to ask?”

Dual laughed slightly. “Very astute. Tonight, I have a plan to separate them, since a threesome is out of the question. After that, I intend to use this Julianna to prove to that idiot Westbrooke once and for all just what I’ll do in reality if he keeps meddling in my affairs. I imagine afterwards, he’ll steer clear of me for her sake... if, of course, he still wants her after I’m through with her.” Taking a deep draught of ale, he slammed it to the table. “It’s about time he feels the same pain of love shattered with the woman he’s betrothed to.”

Shade’s eyes glittered, remembering the incident with Dual’s late fiancée Caralei well. Nothing could fuel an assassin’s wrath more than to lose what was most important to him, and Dual’s dark future was solidified that evening.

“Ah, yes,” Shade said knowingly through a short laugh, raising his drinking glass. “To the sweet taste of revenge.”

“Something my former, trusted friend earned years ago,” hissed Dual, staring ahead blankly while taking another long drink. Shade stared at him coolly, keeping his glass where it was until Dual finally noticed. “To revenge,” he agreed, lifting his own glass to clink against the other man’s with finality.

*****

“Since when have you become a murderer?” barked a sharp voice, causing Dominick to whirl about in shocked surprise. “Dragons got your tongue, son, or would you care to answer me?”

“Dad... Mother... what are you doing here?” he asked.

The man known as Discord turned to his wife with a slight sneer. “He’s been living with Riff too long obviously, since he can’t seem to answer a question without silence or another question.”

His wife Warp seemed to agree, casting a worried smile at their son. Some argued that she didn’t look old enough to be Dominick’s mother, since her fair hair was still gold with no hints of gray, and her striking deep blue eyes—similar to her son’s—were still warm and youthful as ever.

Her light appearance was almost a total contrast to her husband’s dark hair and features—which both their sons possessed—and his often grim expression that followed him everywhere. Discord bore no gray hairs yet either, the trace of a five-o’clock shadow grazing his chin, but since the mystical magic area surrounding Chavernos aged all people somewhat slower than planets like Earth, this wasn’t too surprising. His brown eyes fairly blazed as they gazed upon his youngest son now, and his eyebrows tightened.

“Chaos informed us that you’ve gotten yourself into another of your famous predicaments, and insisted we get the information from you,” continued Discord. “I thought given your age, he must be exaggerating, but apparently if your words bear any truth regarding talk of murdering someone, it would seem he was absolutely right.”

“I was speaking hypothetically, and I have no intention of killing anyone,” Dominick replied finally, his eyes slowly narrowing. “But I’m sure I’m not the only one to hold the opinion that Chavernos wouldn’t regard Dual Arrovill’s death as a great loss.”

His father sighed knowingly, as Dominick’s enmity with Dual had gone on for many years. Not to mention, he’d heard plenty of stories regarding the assassin’s other dark dealings as well. In this, he could understand his son’s vehemence. “Fair enough,” he agreed, resting one hand on his shoulder. “But the last place I want you is rotting away in some prison for the better years of your life. Now, you mentioned some woman before, which I can only assume is part of this new anger towards Dual. Care to explain?”

It took less than ten minutes for Dominick to appraise his parents of the situation.

And less than ten seconds for Discord’s explosive response.

“Another dream-state woman?” he growled. “No, don’t stop me. I want to make sure I’m hearing this right. You intend to marry a woman who exists millions of miles away on Earth?” Not letting Dominick reply, he continued, “How many times have I told you and Riff to stop abusing your powers this way... a million at least? Yet you just wouldn’t listen, so now this impossible situation is the result!”

Warp touched his shoulder gently. “Dear, don’t you think...”

He flashed an angry stare upon her. “Don’t you dare tell me you’re going to condone our son’s recklessness in this supposed engagement of his!” he growled.

Not one to cower, and certainly not to her husband, Warp set her chin to return his expression twofold. “Now see here, Discord,” she said coldly, “Dominick is my son as well, and just because he doesn’t have the ultimate role models for a father and grandfather doesn’t mean I’m going to hold that against him now. Now pipe down and keep that angry lid on your head for five seconds!”

Folding his arms with another grumble, he turned away from both, and especially his wife’s icy stare. Warp was never an easy woman to facedown when angry.

Softening her expression towards Dominick, she smiled slightly. “I agree with your father that I’ve never been too happy with what you’ve used your powers for in the dream-state either, but despite this, I hoped you might find a woman to love. Even if you met her in a dream, I assumed you’d then seek her out on Chavernos in reality. I suppose after all these years, I never gave much consideration to the notion that you might find her on Earth.”

“The possibility wouldn’t have seemed real to me once either,” agreed Dominick. “But despite our challenging beginning, I can safely say that I love Julianna more than life itself, and I’d go through the demonworld and back to be with her always. I’m sure she means as much to me as Dad does to you.”

Warp cast a quizzical eye at her husband, whose responding gaze challenged her to voice a sarcastic reply. Instead, she smiled understandingly. “Yes, then I imagine this love you feel is strong. And since even Chaos approves of her, I’m sure she’s more than worthy.” Gesturing her open hands toward him, she continued, “Now, how can we help?”

“Chaos seems to think that the dragon sorcerer Lendric might be able to bring us together. I need to get in touch with him immediately, if he can be reached.”

“Lendric?” Discord jumped in. “Oh, Chavernos... Son, something tells me you might be better off remaining engaged to this Julianna across a distance, lest you accidentally end up in the real Limbo...” Warp’s meaningful jab to his stomach winded him into silence. “Ever the violent type,” he said with a grimace.

“Only when called for,” she replied sweetly, turning back to Dominick. “That isn’t a difficult request. I can use my powers to send us to his residence.”

“That must have been Chaos’s assumption,” Dominick said through a smile. “I’m glad I can count on him now.”

“Was there ever any doubt?” asked Discord. His son cleverly avoided mentioning the incident of the other night, not wanting to start further trouble, merely shaking his head once without answering. “I just hope Lendric can be counted on. After all, despite his best intentions, his magic doesn’t always do what it’s supposed to. I’ll never forget the time he opened the annual Barokka Festival many years ago, planning on conjuring up rainbows in the background. Instead, he only delivered the rain part... complete with thunder, and lightning, and high winds, and a hurricane...”

“And stop calling for trouble!” snapped Warp.

“Hmmm... if I recall, Trouble’s on your side of the family,” he laughed, turning towards the sky innocently.

Unfortunately true, she thought sullenly, struggling to stick to the issue at hand. “You realize of course that my powers are limited, and I can only teleport us as far as the cavern’s entrance to Lendric’s domicile. To actually get to him, we’ll have to ascend the pathway through the cave, dealing with whatever bars our way to the inner door.”

“I understand,” Dominick replied with determination. “If it comes down to fighting whatever creatures are in there, I’m willing to take them on alone.”

“No,” whispered Warp, shaking her head, resting her hand on his shoulder. “This time, you won’t be alone.” Giving him a quick smile, she added evenly, “Your father’s going with you.”

“What?” exclaimed Discord.

Warp gave a short laugh, before turning to him. “I’m just kidding, dear. You’re not obligated to see Lendric as well. But as for me, I will go too, since I wish to see our son safely to his destination.”

“The creatures in that place can’t be that bad,” he mumbled in reply.

“Why, Discord, do you mean to say you’d consider...”

“Oh, hell, stop making a fuss about it, and get us to outer Chavernos! At least Lendric might be able to stifle our son’s headstrong nature and your sharp tongue for a while.”

Clasping his mother’s hand, as she likewise took hold of Discord’s, Dominick whispered in her ear, “Thanks, Mom.”

She merely squeezed his hand with a smile, as glittering lights surrounded them, moments before she sent them on their way.

*****

“Now then, Miss Sherborne,” began Roger, lifting his menu, “The sky’s the limit today. What would you like for lunch?”

Having said little while he’d driven them to this restaurant, Julianna glared at him now. He had an inflated ego if he believed an expensive meal would erase the anger she felt at his placing her job in jeopardy, let alone the past humiliations he’d subjected her to.

“I’m not hungry,” she growled, folding her arms and turning away. Less than an hour and she’d be free to return to the comfort of her desk.

“A pity,” he sighed, clicking his tongue. “Almira will not be pleased, Miss Sherborne.”

“Knock it off with the phony business act, Roger!” she exclaimed. “You had no right to interfere with my job today, so back off in the future.”

Roger sighed once, resting his head on one arm as he glanced at the menu. “You wouldn’t meet with me otherwise, Julie. I felt I had little choice.”

“You brought that on yourself,” she hissed, pulling her chair back to stand. Roger grabbed her arm before she could do so, his eyes boring into hers.

“You know, you always were stubborn, even when we were teenagers,” he said, shaking his head. “Whenever we had the slightest argument where you felt you were in the right, you made it practically impossible for me to get back in your life. Like that time when you put me on ice after hearing a rumor I’d kissed another girl during study hall.”

Julianna shrugged once. “Why not? It was true.”

“No it wasn’t,” he protested. “Which is exactly what I’m talking about. Even now, you’re still holding grudges for ancient arguments that weren’t even justified!”

“Justified?” she hissed. “Was it justified when I caught you with your precious Marilyn, and then she moved in with you afterwards? No, Roger. Maybe I made some errors in judgment when younger, but that’s not why I don’t want to see you now. It’s your recent deceptions that locked you out of my life.”

“I see,” he said icily. “And are you saying you’re so perfect, you’ve never made a mistake you wished to change?”

She sighed, feeling very much as she had around Chaos. “No, I’m not,” she replied. “But that doesn’t mean I should be subjected to forced meetings with you, when I happen to be seeing someone else. So why don’t we forget all this, go back to the office, and…”

“Just a second!” he growled, his eyes dark. “Backtrack to this mention of someone else. Who is he?”

Julianna bit her lip. She hadn’t meant for that to come out the way it did, since she had no proof to back up Dominick’s existence. Still... maybe she could tell him part of the truth. It might get him to stop bothering her.

“I met him a few months ago, and we’ve been seeing each other for a while now. His name is Dominick.”

“Dominick... Dominick what?”

“Westbrooke,” she supplied hesitantly. “Now do you see why I’ve been reluctant to get together with you again?”

“Hold it,” he interrupted, raising one hand to silence her. “Westbrooke. That name doesn’t ring a bell. Is he from this neighborhood?”

“Not exactly,” Julianna said carefully. “Look, Roger, I don’t see how this is any business of yours.”

“If it concerns you, it is.”

Great, she thought. As if I want your concern anymore. Spying a flash of movement, her eyes widened upon seeing Marybeth standing several feet away. Answering the silent question in her eyes, her friend gestured towards the back, earning a nod from Julianna before she disappeared.

“I find it very coincidental that you mention this new guy all of a sudden, when until today, you’ve made no mention of him,” Roger told her. Wary of his new hostility, Julianna slowly began pushing her chair back again. “Where are you going now?” he demanded.

“To the ladies room,” she said through a forced smile. “Do I have his majesty’s permission?”

Growling once more, he waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “We’ll continue this discussion when you get back,” he decided.

Sure... in your dreams, she thought, as she strode to the back. Shutting the bathroom door behind her, Julianna turned to Marybeth thankfully.

“I’m certainly glad you’re here,” she sighed. “Roger’s beginning to get on my nerves with his third-degree questions. How did you find us here?”

“It wasn’t difficult, since Almira began ranting about your leaving with her prospective client.” She grinned slowly. “Or should I say, prospective male companion.” Even Julianna couldn’t withhold a smile at the thoughts conjured up by that again. “As soon as I overheard the name of the restaurant, I raced here on my lunch break to get you away from that egotistical excuse for a man.”

“It’s appreciated, but what about Almira? She won’t like it if I stand up a business client.”

“Roger’s business has nothing do with actual business, and if Almira needs an excuse, just say you were food poisoned and had to leave without paying your respects.”

“Food poisoned?” laughed Julianna. “I haven’t even eaten yet.”

“Then just tell her you started to feel sick.”

“Well... Roger does tend to inspire that in me these days.” She smiled conspiratorially. “All right, I’m convinced. Let’s go.”

Fortunately, at the time the pair decided to sneak out, Roger was busy discussing his order with the waiter, allowing them to escape his notice. When a more than reasonable time passed though, he suspiciously called the waiter back again.

“I was dining with a red-haired woman in a velour top, about five-foot-five, with a beige handbag.” The waiter nodded in recognition. “Good, you remember. Did you happen to see where she went?”

He shook his head, just before another waiter walked up to the table. “I believe she and another woman left a short while ago, sir.”

“Damn!” shouted Roger, slamming his hand against the table, causing several others to stare his way.

He ignored them, rubbing his chin angrily. With Julianna, he should have expected something like this, but she was living in a dreamworld if she believed he was simply going to accept her brush-off. No, right now he had only one goal on his mind. To find out just who this Dominick Westbrooke was, and to see just what competition he was dealing with.