Oceanborne (22 page)
“Thank you,” Elena said. “You've all been very kind.”
After her bath, Elena was escorted to a room high in the trees where trays of fruit and vegetables, bowls of honey and cheese, and a wonderful braided loaf of bread were waiting. There was a bed piled high with pillows, a silken coverlet, and a gown of forest green embroidered in silver thread that fit her perfectly. “How did you find clothes big enough for me?” she asked between bites of bread and honey.
“We had it made while you were bathing,” Scota explained. “Is it to your liking?”
“It is,” Elena said. The stitching was so fine that she could barely see the thread, and the material was so soft and light that it seemed spun of spider's web. “It's beautiful.” The garment was laced up the front with silver cord. One shoulder was bare, and the skirt fell to mid-thigh. There were high leather boots in a paler green, a necklace of green stones, and dangling earrings of silver fashioned into the likeness of acorns. “You've all been very kind, but I'd like to see Orion. I need to talk to him.”
“After you've rested,” her hostess said. “Please, drink and eat as much as you like. When you wake, I'll take you to him.”
“Thank you.”
“And do have the nectar,” Scota said, indicating a crystal pitcher. “It will restore your strength and ease your aches. Rest now. You're safe here.”
Elena picked at a slice of melon and some fat strawberries glistening with dew. She sipped at the nectar and found the drink fantastic. A bit of cheese, another slice of bread and honey, and she found her eyes growing heavy. She would lie down on the bed for just a few minutes, but she wouldn't sleep. She really did want to see Orion. She would just â¦
Almost at once, Elena fell into a deep sleep. How long she slept, she didn't know, but when she woke, it was night and the stardusti fluttered around her bed. She sat upright, rubbed her eyes, and saw that Scota was sitting cross-legged on a silken cushion watching her.
“I didn't mean to sleep so long,” Elena said. She felt wonderful. No drowsiness clouded her thoughts. She rose and drew on the silk stockings and the soft leather boots. “I'm ready now, if you would please take me to Orion.”
“Of course,” the little woman agreed. “You are the nicest human I've ever met.” She laughed, a merry bubbling burst of sound. “Of course, you're the only human I've ever met. If more were like you, I think we might still be living in our old homelands.”
“I like you, too,” Elena said, rising to go to her new friend. “I don't think I've ever met anyone like you either ⦠a ⦔
Scota giggled. “You can say it. Fairy. I'm a fairy. We're all fairies.”
Elena laughed. “You're a dream is what you are. Fairies don't exist.”
“Keep telling yourself that.” Scota opened a gate at the outer rim of the room. “It's a long way down,” she warned.
“Should I have put on the boots?”
“Oh, you don't have to walk. Follow me.” And before Elena could question her, Scota sat down, gave herself a push, and disappeared. Elena came to the gate and looked. A bright silvery slide lay beneath her.
“In for a penny,” Elena said. “It's no stranger than the rest of this dream.” And she sat on the edge of the slide, caught her breath, and let go. The ride to the bottom of the tree was exhilarating, not frightening at all. When she arrived breathless at the bottom, she was squealing with delight. She popped out of the tunnel or tube or whatever it was and landed in a heap of what looked like over-sized cotton puffs.
Again, Scota was waiting, this time with the ponies. Elena mounted Peaches again, and the two rode away from the city of gilded birdcages and the fluttering lights of the stardusti. They rode out of the forest and into the field of sunflowers, lit now by moonlight. They didn't speak, and the only sound was that of the little ponies' hoof beats on the road.
Orion stood with Brigantia and several other women that Elena didn't know on the far side of the bridge. “Orion,” she called as the pony approached.
Orion's features were in shadow, but she could sense his tension.
“Elena? Are you well?” he asked stiffly.
“Yes, I'm well. What's wrong?” She glanced at Brigantia, but the woman's face was impossible to read.
“We have to leave this place,” Orion said. “The fairies have denied you sanctuary. I have to take you back.”
“Take me back where?” Elena asked. “I don't understand.”
“You may not remain here,” Brigantia said. “The two of you must leave, at once.”
“You realize that you're putting her life in danger.” Orion stared at Brigantia. “You may be sending Elena to her death.”
“Then you must do all you can to prevent it, Prince of Atlantis,” Brigantia replied. “And if she is lost, the fault will be yours, not ours.”
CHAPTER 20
“
I
don't understand what's happening,” Elena said as Orion took her hand and led her back into the pond. “I've got new leather boots on. The water will ruin them. At least give me time to take them off.”
I
don't understand what's happening,” Elena said as Orion took her hand and led her back into the pond. “I've got new leather boots on. The water will ruin them. At least give me time to take them off.”
“The water won't hurt your boots or your dress,” he said. “They are virtually indestructible. And I can't take the time to explain now. If I did, you still wouldn't understand. The fairies have given us only a few minutes to leave, and we have to go.”
“But why?” she asked. “I like it here. You're not getting me back in that wind tunnel thing.”
“I'm afraid that's exactly where we're going.”
“No.” She dug her heels into the sand and tried to pull away. “You have to give me answers. I won't be dragged away likeâ” She yelled in protest as Orion grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder. “Put me down, you big oaf! Don't think you can bully me!”
She might as well have tried to pit her strength against that of a bull. Orion, usually so gentle with her, so sweet and reasonable, was an immovable object. “Stop it!” she cried. “You can't just drag me away like a cave man!” But he couldâand did. In seconds they were in water that rose to his shoulders, and then closed over her head.
The next thing she knew, they were back in the tunnel, only this time, Orion held her tightly against him. She tucked her head into his shoulder, held on with all her might, and closed her eyes. Eventually, the tornado spit them out, and she found herself standing alone on a street corner in Rethymo in the gathering dusk.
Shaken, Elena leaned against the wall of a restaurant. She was lightheaded. Her thoughts tumbled in her head, her eyes couldn't seem to focus. Her mind was a total blank. For the life of her, she couldn't recall her own name or where she was going.
“Are you ill, mademoiselle?” A young man in a waiter's apron stared into her face. “Please, come in. Sit.”
“Maybe I should,” she managed. He took her arm and led her to a table just inside the doorway.
“Perhaps some wine,” he suggested.
“No.” Elena shook her head. “Water, please.” The older couple at the next table stared at her. “If I could just sit here for a moment,” Elena murmured.
“Certainly. Take all the time you want. I'll get your water.” He returned in less than a minute with a bottle of spring water, which he deftly opened and poured into a squat, heavy glass. “I am Guillaume, mademoiselle. My aunt owns this restaurant.”
Elena looked at him. He was young, perhaps eighteen, and blond. English was not his first language, but he didn't sound as if he were a native of Crete. “You aren't Greek, are you?”
He laughed. “No. I am French, but I'm still the best waiter on the island.”
“Perhaps in Rethymo. You still have much to learn.” A plump, gray-haired woman appeared beside him. Her expression was concerned but pleasant. “Welcome, mademoiselle, to the Three Fishermen. I am Mama Thea. I hope my nephew is not too forward in snatching you off the street. He takes any excuse to practice his English.”
Elena took a sip of the water. She was feeling much better, well enough to feel embarrassment at causing a scene. Her momentary amnesia had passed, and with relief, she remembered who and where she was. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ⦔ She took a deep breath and offered her hand to the woman. “I'm Elena Carter. I'm here with an archeological team excavating a shipwreck off the coast. I've been out on a boat all day. I think I must have gotten too much sun.”
Her memories came flooding back. They'd searched for the shipwreck, and despite the captain's protests that his GPS was working correctly, they hadn't been able to locate the site. Nothing had gone right this week. First the unpleasantness with Greg when he'd shown up with an engagement ring she wasn't sure she wanted, and then more delays on the project. She'd come to Greece with such high hopes, and nothing was working out as she'd planned.
“Exactly so. Our sun is very hot for those not born to it. You are English, perhaps?”
“American,” Elena corrected her, “but my father was English. I'm afraid that I'm not hungry, and the last thing I need is wine. I don't want to seem rude after your kindness, but I ⦔ She searched in her jacket pocket for her cell. “I seem to have misplaced my phone. If I could just call someone from my team? We're renting a house in the old section of town, and ⦔
“Of course, we will call your friends. I have a daughter not much older than you. What kind of mama would I be if I could not offer a little help to a young woman in distress? If you feel well enough to walk home, my friend Orion would be happy to see you get there safely.”
A man moved from the shadows. Elena looked at him. There was something vaguely familiar about him, but she couldn't place what. She should have remembered him. It was rare to see such a handsome man with such broad shoulders and an engaging smile.
“I would be glad to see the lady home,” he said. “If she's willing to allow me.”
“You'll be as safe as a nun in church,” Mama Thea assured her. “We've known Orion for years. He's one of our best customers.”
Guillaume gave his aunt a questioning look.
Orion slapped the young man on the back heartily. “Long enough to see this one learn to carry a tray without spilling
skordalia
into the customers' laps.” He extended his hand to Elena. “Orion Xenos at your service.”
skordalia
into the customers' laps.” He extended his hand to Elena. “Orion Xenos at your service.”
“Have we already met somewhere before, Mr. Xenos?” she asked. He really did look familiar. How could she have forgotten such a hunk? His eyes were an amazing green, stunning. She stared up into them, wondering if the extraordinary color might be from contacts, but it appeared not. He really had beautiful eyes. She felt a flush of interest that she was afraid might show in her face. Not only dropdead good looking, but sexy as hell.
“I think not,” he said smoothly. “I could never have forgotten you.”
She studied him. He was well dressed, trendy. High-end leather sandals, expensive button-up shirt with short sleeves, no jewelry. He had a five o'clock shadow, but his yellow-blond hair was freshly cut and styled. Orion Xenos, whatever he did for a living, did well for himself. She liked his face. It was the kind of face that a woman instinctively trustedâwhile she lusted after his body. She decided this Orion was all right. Apparently, Mama Thea thought so as well.
Elena remembered walking out of the restaurant on Orion's arm, strolling down to the water's edge, laughing, talking, and skimming stones across the tops of the waves. There was a period that went all blurry in her mind, and when she was next fully aware of herself and her surroundings, they were a good thirty feet below the surface and swimming out to sea.
More than that, she remembered Orion. This was the man with whom she'd just spent the most vivid days and nights of her life. The fight with the giant squid, the terrifying ride down the wind tunnel, and the out-of-body experiences in the fairy world suddenly surrounded her. She stopped swimming and stared at him.
“What's going on?” she demanded. “What kind of mind games are you playing with me? And what was all that in the restaurant about
we've never met before because I'd remember?”
we've never met before because I'd remember?”
He pulled her into his arms, not roughly this time, but tenderly. He leaned down and kissed her, and the sweet sensation of his mouth against hers took her breath away. Heart thudding, she clung to him, as memories of their intense lovemaking swept over her. Desire flared in her and she wanted more, but he gently kissed her again, and then held her at arm's length.
“I'm taking you home to meet my mother,” he said. “I know this is a lot to swallow all at once, but I think I love you. No ⦔ He took a deep breath. “I do love you, Elena. I want you to know exactly who and what I am, but most important, I want you to be safe.”
“Safe from what?” He'd said something similar once before as they'd waded into that strange pond where the two of them had encountered the exquisite little people who claimed to be fairies. It hadn't made sense then, and it made less now. “Why is my life in danger?”
“Because the Phoenician shipwreck you're excavating is cursed.” His solemn green gaze captured hers, and her heart skipped a beat. “You found something at the site, a single artifact buried in the sand.”
“Yes, a gold coin.”
“The owner wants it back.”
“What owner? That ship is thousands of years old. Do you mean the coin doesn't date to the same time period? It definitely could have been Phoenician. Unless it was a forgery. Is that what you're trying to tell me, that the gold was planted there?”
“No, it wasn't planted. And it's authentic.” He pulled her against him and hugged her tightly. “Elena, I know this is a lot to take on faith. And telling you the truth isn't easy.”
“The truth? You've lied to me? So I do know you?”
“I've lied to you, deceived you, and seduced you. When I want to, I'm a sexy guy. You might say I'm irresistible. But, all that was before. Now, it's different. I want to be honest with you, but there's much that you'll find difficult to accept. You humansâ”
“What do you mean?
You humans
? I suppose you're ⦔ Suddenly, what the fairy woman had told her made perfect sense. Which meant she had been dreaming ⦠was still dreaming. “You ⦠you're not human,” she stammered. “You're something else?” She felt giddy. It was a lot easier when she simply thought she was in a coma. “You think you're from Atlantis?”
You humans
? I suppose you're ⦔ Suddenly, what the fairy woman had told her made perfect sense. Which meant she had been dreaming ⦠was still dreaming. “You ⦠you're not human,” she stammered. “You're something else?” She felt giddy. It was a lot easier when she simply thought she was in a coma. “You think you're from Atlantis?”
“Not think, Elena. I am from Atlantis. And, I'll prove it to you. I'm taking you there.”
“You're taking me to Atlantis,” she repeated. “You're telling me this isn't a dream, that everything that has happened in the last few days has been real.”
“Not quite everything. I'm not certain what you remember. On land, you shouldn't remember anything of what happens when you're with me under the sea. And neither should you remember me.”
“I'm surprised you're admitting that you're a fish,” she flung back at him. “Why not a fairy?” Her bewilderment was fast turning to anger. “You lied to me? You made love to me? We made love, and it was goodâdamned good. And all the time you were lying about everything?”
“Just hear me out.”
“Why should I? How do I tell the lies from the truth?” She jerked free of him.
“I won't lie to you again. I promise you that.”
“And why is this different from before? Why was it all right then, but not now?” This made even less sense than when she thought she was crazy, yet eerily, there was a solid thread of reason through it all. “What makes you think I want to meet your mother? How do I know that she won't lie to me, as well?”
He ignored her verbal jab. “Elena. What do you think you know about Atlantis?”
“It's a myth that got my father killed.”
“And what if I told you that Atlantis is just as real as London, or Paris, or New York City? Just a lot older.”
She shook her head. “It's not possible. If it was real, peopleâhuman peopleâwould have discovered it. The Mediterranean isn't uninhabited. Archeologists, divers, fishermen, various militaries, they all scan the sea floor. My boyfriend, I should say my ex-boyfriend, because that's what he'll be when I see him next. Gregâhis name is Greg Hamilton. He's part of a team investigating natural gas sites. If Atlantis is there, why haven't they found it?”
“It's complicated.”
“That's always your answer when you don't want to explain something, isn't it?”
“I'll try to simplify things. We met the day you took the Zodiac out by yourself to check on your wreck site.”
“Then why don't I remember that?” she demanded. Oddly, she found herself wanting to believe him. It was impossible, of course. It went right along with fairies and a giant wind tunnel that sucked you along at the speed of light like some revved-up subway system, but deep inside, she wanted to believe that he was more than a liar.
And she didn't want either of them to be a fugitive from a mental asylum. Because, despite everything, she cared for him. A lot. Fish or man with a big imagination, Orion was someone special.
“We can play mind games,” he said. “We have the ability to cast illusions, to make humans believe they see what we want them to see. If you thought I'd appeared out of the ocean and that I wasn't human, what would be your reaction?”
“I'd believe you escaped from a mental ward.”
“Or you have,” he suggested.
She frowned.
“Seriously. If you really thought that I was an extraterrestrial who'd just popped up out of the water into your inflatable raft, what would you do?”
She considered. “I'd be terrified. Probably my first instinct would be to use a spear gun on you.”
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