Clara

The girl did not have the courage to open her eyes for a while even after the apparent all-bio and eco - friendly improvised rocket stop. She feared that once they were opened she would realize that she had ended up at the Creator. However, it seemed the time had not yet come. Still clinging to that kind of seat, she was shaken by someone's hand. Unfortunately, she instantly recognized the touch of that obnoxious and seductive tree woman!

«Hey, look we're here, so you might as well let go. I know you appreciate the incredible work of my genius since you could never go that far, but don't worry these are not things for everyone.» She provoked her, successfully!

«But listen to her, for once you put those three wheels in motion in your brain. By now the hamster on the caster will be long dead. Besides, is it any coincidence that my side of this organic rocket crap was the most rickety, while your side was soft and comfortable complete with decorative peonies!» The girl rebutted, imbalanced at the treatment she had had to endure.

«Oh for all the dragons, I don't know anyone as self-centered as you. Does it seem to you that a woman of my class would stoop to use such little means. I've made sure you travel just as comfortably but, unfortunately, I'm dealing with an ungrateful little girl who doesn't know the meaning of the word 'education.' How sad.» The other continued with this amusing slapstick, for which Clara was already preparing the next joke, except to be interrupted by Amos. Perhaps, the two women were forgetting the fact that a whole army of winged, armed and battling dragons were on their trail. Well, yes, although they had done nothing wrong, the four heroes had officially become wanted, and they had better get out of their tents as soon as possible if they didn't want to go back to keeping various rats and disgusting spiders company.

«This is all the fault of that damn bastard, ah, but he just has to pray it doesn't get into my hands, because in that case, I'd be glad to return the arrow to him with interest.» Amos railed.

After all, how could one not understand him, because of that wretch he had had to do a century in prison. None of them could really claim to understand his state of mind, however, they could still support him and fight this war by his side. The guy really deserved an exemplary punishment.

Unfortunately, however, before him there was still a long list of problems to be solved. The list was quite thick: Needed to prevent the Dark leader from starting a war with the sole purpose of destroying everything, to re-found a single kingdom founded on terror, subjecting all peoples to his will; Finding a way to get the parents of the two dragons out of wherever they were imprisoned; Going back to talk to Lillybeth to figure out how to deal with the first point and maybe the second. That woman seems to know a lot about everything, go figure maybe she doesn't know the way to get them out of there. It had to be some kind of dimensional breach where time did not flow. Maybe that could have been helpful in tracking them down, I mean, at least he hoped so. On Earth, as far as he knows, people don't get imprisoned in dimensional spaces for a hundred years or more! Just in case, they could try turning to the temple sages as well, after all, there must be a reason they are called that!

As the girl's brain continued to be a hothouse of possible plans for solving the barrage of messes they were embroiled in, the handsome Moor pulled her down with him with the grace of a hippo.

In fact, to fully enjoy the scene she turned in her opponent's direction, but to her immense amazement she realized that she did not seem too displeased with the proximity of the handsome blond man in shining armor! She wasn't sure Elijah appreciated as much, but she was curious to find out. Perhaps, however, she would have to deal with it separately.

«Hey, but may I know why you threw us into the grass like we were sacks of potatoes. Don't get me wrong, you do well with her, but I'd appreciate a little more gallantry, you animal.» The girl replicated, trying not to eat the blades of grass in the middle of the speech.

"The sexiest animal I've ever seen but still an animal!" She meditated, waiting for an answer to her legitimate question.

«To have the pleasure of your closeness and to hear your lovely rebukes.» He answered her with an expression so calm that Clara thought it was true. Well, she was wrong.

«I would like to remind you that we are being hunted on sight and they are already starting to fly over the area. We need to get out of here as soon as possible. Do you think you can open a portal?» He asked, looking her straight in the eye. Every time he looked at her like that Clara feared she would melt like ice cream under the scorching August Sun.

«C-Cer-Certainly, but didn't you say they can sense when portals are opened near the border? Aren't we in danger of being discovered and blocked?»

"There was ever a time he was the least bit gentler with me." She thought a little stymied, although that did not prevent her from enjoying his closeness and the fact that that other biological barbie was dying of jealousy.

«That's exactly what I said, but we have to try or this time a flight from a window or a climbing plant will not be enough. You are our hope.» He confessed.

Apparently, there was no other solution and there was only one person he could go to.

«All right, let's do it. I'm going to open the portal and close it as fast as I can, so get ready.» And without further tergiversation, he opened it and within moments they all found themselves at the temple of Lillybeth, although they never expected to be faced with such a scene.

The people in the temple were in critical condition. The floor was covered with scratches and blood. The water on the walls was flowing unevenly, and everything else had been heavily damaged. Clara immediately ran next to Lillybeth's body, followed by Amos, while the other two took care of the others present. They were all wounded, however, they were beginning to regain their senses, unlike the elderly priestess. The four were in confusion, not understanding what had happened.

Fortunately, Elon, one of the priests and the woman's companion, with what little strength he had left clarified things for them. Apparently, someone had entered the temple assuming Clara's guise so as not to arouse suspicion. Lillybeth had greeted her as usual and taken her to the room where the magical items they had recovered during their travels were kept.

From Elon's accounts, this being appeared to be the very leader of the Dark Ones. He had decided to make the first move.

«How can we help her? She is losing too much blood. Is there a doctor here? Of course, you all need treatment as well.» The girl asked, continuing to put pressure on the woman's wound and trying to use her healing powers to try to buy time, but the situation was really critical.

«Yes, there is a healer, he will take care of us, but please take her to a safe place.» Said the man with a look full of love toward his lifelong companion.

Apparently the damned infamous man was aware of more things than they thought, including their aspects, but they would have to deal with that later. Now, the priority was Lillybeth.

«Despite our efforts, he managed to take possession of the items you recovered.» He confessed, contrite with anger and frustration.

«Not all of them it seems.» This time it was Amos who intervened, noticing the head of the statuette protruding from the priestess's robe.

«This old fox is too smart not to have an ace up his sleeve.» Said Amos sarcastically. He was trying to ease the tension in his own way.

«Don't worry, we won't let anything happen to your wife. I already know where to take her. Are you sure you will be safe?» The man asserted.

«Amos, please lift her gently.» He did as requested.

«But what on earth are you up to?» Eliza asked, putting into words the doubt of all present.

«For once, just trust me.» Once she said that, she opened the portal. The four chose to trust the young woman without delay and, thus, went through it.