The Twins by Gary Alan Wassner

cortege as well. The barracks are more than comfortable in our domains and they are far enough away from the din of the city to allow the guards their well-deserved rest. Stable the horses and see that both humans and animals are well fed. Make haste. My noble friend has ridden long and hard, and we have been remiss in our hospitality by obliging him to stand here for so long.”
    “Yes my Lord, at once,” Cristian responded and leapt to the task.
    A good man, that Cristian is. He will understand my meaning , Baladar thought. The farther away from the castle that he leads these armed guards, the better.
    Kettin bowed to Baladar then turned and followed the aide, as Baladar seized upon the moment and headed out the archway toward the stables.
    Baladar drew his cloak closely around his shoulders, concealing his attire as much as possible. The last thing that he wanted now was someone to notice his brocade glinting in the moonlight. He needed to travel undetected and unimpeded, and he wished nothing more than to slip quietly into the darkness and be off. Baladar entered the stables through one of the stableboy’s back doors, slipping by the reposing guards at the front entrance. He made a mental note to chastise the guards for being so lax, though he was thankful for it now. Greater vigilance would have to be the rule in the days ahead.
    He quietly saddled his stallion Porta, and without bit and bridle, coaxed him out the side doors. Upon clearing the corrals, he headed toward the castle gates. Once outside the castle grounds, he leapt upon Porta’s back, headed for the Noban gate, and then north in the direction of lake Everclear. The night air was crisp and fragrant and the wind blew steadily but calmly across his brow. Porta was excited at having been aroused at this uncommonly late hour, and without the benefit of reins, Baladar exerted quite some strength in directing him properly. He was a good and noble horse, and although instinct led him to press onward unguided, loyalty and training kept him on the path that was expected of him.
    Through the woods surrounding the city they cantered, weaving in and out amongst the low slung branches, avoiding being unseated by a hair’s breadth many times. As they neared the lake, the trees grew denser and the underbrush thickened, slowing their pace considerably. The moon shone through the canopy of brush brightly enough to illuminate their destination. It reflected off of the waters of the lake as if the liquid was a mirror in the sunlight. Yet, the path to it was not clear, and the closer Baladar seemed to get to his goal, the farther he realized he was. This was not unexpected and he ignored the appearance of distance, knowing that the illusion would pass. The lake was protecting itself from intruders, and although he was considered to be a friend, he was not of the same making and he would have to struggle with this confusion if he was to arrive at all.
    After coaxing Porta through a particularly odious tangle of brambles, a clear pathway opened up before him, beckoning with the scent and appearance of comfort and warmth. He knew at that point that he had been admitted and that the test would only now be beginning. Baladar summoned what strength he could from deep within himself, preparing his mind for the onslaught that he knew would soon overwhelm it.
    As the path narrowed, a portal appeared glimmering in the near distance. He headed straight for it, slipping slowly off the saddle. Porta shied away from the light only slightly, and proceeded to drop his head and search calmly for some moist grass to chew. Baladar knew that he would remain there until his return. He walked up to the shimmering area of ambient emptiness, drew a deep breath, and proceeded to step inside.

Chapter Eight

    Cairn and Trevor walked side by side, with Calyx trailing cautiously a few feet behind. The walk to his humble home was short and refreshing. Trevor was certainly a good man. Cairn could tell,