Chapter 33: Chapter 33

Chapter 7

‘What’s that smell?’ a thought came into mind as I struggled to open my eyes.

‘Sweet. It smells sweet.’ again the thought came. ‘Karin, are you there? Did we die and go to bakery heaven?’

‘Yeah I’m here Timber. How long were we sleeping for?’ I felt her stretch herself out and yawn loudly. ‘If we are dead… then they have some really good smelling treats!’ she spoke back moving around in small circles like she was trying to wake herself up more.

‘Why do I feel so tired?’ my body didn’t want to work. My arms and legs felt like a burdensome of heaviness pushing upon me as I tried to move them. I felt like a paperweight lying here.

‘Try to wiggle a finger,’ Karin suggested. But nothing would happen.

‘Try shifting’ I suggested back.. But nothing happened. ‘I can’t. Something is blocking me Timber. I don’t like this.’ she whimpered. Ears popped up with caution. ‘Ok. let’s just stay alert. I don’t feel danger but you never know.’

‘Maybe we found the portal!’ Karin said nonchalantly as she stretches her legs out in my mind again. ‘I hope so, cause I can’t get my eyes to open fully yet.’

My breathing was calm and even as I just laid there on the ground numb to the world. Unable to move. Unable to fully open my eyes. The smells though… Oh Goddess! Those smells that are filling my nostrils! They flare with the heavenly sweetness of them.

I can feel my mouth watering in longing for a taste.

Just. One. Little taste.

I can hear someone off in the distance. What are they doing? Are they in a kitchen? Yes. Must be. That’s where all those intoxicating scents are coming from. My mouth waters more, leaking from my lips as I cannot keep it in.

I start to feel my body loosen as I start to move some fingers. My forehead furrows as I wince in concentration to open my ever so heavy eyelids. One by one they start to open slightly but the light blinds them for a brief moment.

‘We’re here Timber! We’re here! We made it to Tairon!’ Karin getting more excited as we wake up. I can feel her jumping and bouncing about with excitement. She was actually causing me to feel dizzy from all the movement.

As my eyes adjust I notice it is not too terribly bright in here… but, how long have I been asleep? I try to keep my heart from racing but it picks up a little speed with the uncertainty. My breathing gets a little more persistent as well then I hear a change in the sounds.

“Hello Timber. I’ve been expecting you.” the voice says in a calm and motherly way. Even though I can barely get a good view of what she looks like, I can tell she is ancient by her smell.

I found her. ‘We found her’ Karin corrects in a huff.

I found Selene. ‘You mean… WE found Selene!’ she corrects again impatiently.

“Selene?! How did you know I was coming?” I croaked out from a dry and very sore throat. It sounded like a soft frog whisper to my ears. I tried to sit up, but winced again with discomfort of the still heaviness resting in my body. I am thankful I can move now though.

“Timber my dear child. I am of Royal and Ancient blood like you. I can sense my own when they come looking for me.” she said so sweetly and with love in her voice. Her very presence made me feel warm and welcomed. Her voice sounded like the calmest breeze on a summer's day.

My whole being relaxed with just the sound of her words. Karin is even purring with the sound she emanates.

“You are like me? Marked?” I asked not really knowing any better.

“Timber, you and I are of the same blood. We are connected through the marks that bind all of us together that have them.” she paused ever so briefly. “Like your boys, Marcus and Myles.” she smiled as my eyes widened and jaw went agape, shocked she not only knew of them but their names as well.

“H-how do you know my b-boys? And how do you know their names?” I questioned still not believing everything I was hearing.

“Because they told me when I asked them.” smiling like it was no big secret. “Telepathically, of course.” she stated rather plainly as she nodded. She stood up and reached for my hand smiling in approval.

‘Karin? Do we trust her or is this a trick?’ needing reassurance from her.

I just stared at her in complete and utter shock, unable to speak or move. She was indeed an Ancient as her hair was a beautiful silvery blue that when looked at just the right way one could almost see a hint of red, or was it purple? No… both? Her eyes held a gentleness in them. I couldn't even describe the feeling they emanated. Like looking into a perfect multicolored glass sparkling with every smile hiding their carefully kept secrets from the world.

‘It’s not a trick. Go on Timber. Take her hand.’ I heard Karin say in the back of my mind. ‘We can trust her.’ now sitting on her hind legs waiting for Selene to speak again.

I finally reached out my hand and placed it in her delicate one. It was strong, yet gentle. She smiled at me as I was lifted slowly from the seat I was in. I watched her face. Studying every inch of it as if I was waiting for it to change for some reason.

“Timber, come and tell me what it is I can do for you child.” she said as I walked with her to the kitchen table. She placed a plate of delectable sweet choices in front of me. Cookies,and brownies with and without nuts. Banana nut bread. Many different miniature cakes, all decorated with such great precision. Absolutely flawless in every detail.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. My mouth watered again without permission and she laughed. Not a hard, make fun of me, laugh, but a gentle I think we are going to be friends kind of laugh. It sounded like symbols in my ears. Sweet lulling music.

Taking a cookie I put it in my mouth. Oh My Goodness! I thought my eyes were going to roll to the back of my head at its heavenly taste. ‘Oh my Goddess Karin! You’ve gotta try this! These are amazing!’ She just laughed at me and laid down on her paws waiting to hear more. I didn’t hear anything as my mind consumed the delicatableness of the cookie.