Jim’s sister had red hair, but it wasn’t red-orange like Danny’s hair. Barb Taylor had hair like a summer sunset. Leaning on her brother’s arm, she didn’t seem dangerous, but Malaka and Goran had both described her as violent.
Udasi. Bad tempered.
But judging by the blood on her face and her arm and the way she held her left shoulder, she’d been injured. Pain could make someone unreasonable.
But even in pain, Jim hadn’t been aggressive. He might have been much taller than anyone at Prism Castle, but he wasn’t a threat in any physical capacity.
Even now, from a distance, Meg could see the shape of Barb Taylor’s arms and shoulders. She held herself differently than her brother. Her gaze never stopped in one place, and her head constantly shifted to listen and hear.
Barb Taylor could fight.
That made her dangerous.
“And she swatted my hand away like a crazy person, but I told her she was nuts and insisted that she take the salve because she was obviously bleeding to death on Vesma’s floor.”
Jenny’s rapid-fire explanation broke into Meg’s focus.
“Wait.” Meg set her hands on her little sister’s shoulders. “She swatted your hand away?”
“Yeah.”
“She hit you?”
“She swatted me, Meg. Pay attention.”
“She touched you.” Meg gripped her shoulders.
“Yeah.” Jenny scoffed. “I was coming at her with stinky paste after a village full of fox people showed her their teeth, Meg. I think she’s allowed to be a little on edge.”
Meg threw a glare at the red-headed woman. Jenny was far too forgiving. What had she even been thinking, rushing into the hut with a violent stranger? She could have been hurt.
“You’re making the face.” Jenny scowled at her.
“What face?”
“The face.”
“What face?”
“The how-dare-you face.”
“I don’t know what that is, Jenny.”
“It’s your face, Meg.” Jenny patted her cheeks. “We need to work on that because as long as your face says ‘how-dare-you’ nobody will want to be friends with you.”
Meg grabbed her hands and pulled them away, staring into her little sister’s eyes. “Did she hurt you?”
Jenny huffed loudly and rolled her eyes. “No. I told you, Meg, she was scared and bleeding all over the place. I’d swat at stinky-paste-people too.”
The rustle of fabric behind them made Meg glance over her shoulder. Velanna and Tzaitel had come near to the wagon and stood quietly talking in low tones.
Meg focused on Jenny. “Stay away from her.”
“Meg.”
“No, Jenny.” Meg took her shoulders. “I want you to stay away from her until I know what kind of a threat she is.”
Jenny pouted. “You think everything is a threat.”
“Usually everything is.” Meg released her. “Go back to the orchard and finish your work.”
“But Meg.”
“Finish your work. I’ll see you back at the castle, and we’ll talk more about this.” Meg turned toward Velanna and Tzaitel, ignoring Jenny grumbling irritably.
The girl work up every morning with more words than seven dictionaries, so the opportunity to talk a new person’s ear off was irresistible. A captive audience would be exactly the sort of thing Jenny would adore.
But these newcomers weren’t what they seemed. Meg was sure of it. For one, Jim was too smart to be only seventeen. He understood things on the same level as Velanna did. As far as Meg was concerned, that was a problem. A human with the knowledge of a Celtican? The world had never seen anything like that before.
Jim Taylor was a threat.
And his sister? Meg didn’t even need to talk to her to know she was dangerous. Velanna had taught her long ago to read people in the way they carried their own weight, how they shifted from foot to foot, how they stood when they were hurt.
Even bloodied and wounded, Barb Taylor looked ready to fight to the death. The sharp strength in her arms and shoulders told the story of long training sessions, and the grace in her legs and hips indicated that it wasn’t just fist-fighting she was good at.
Barb Taylor was a threat.
They both needed to leave as soon as possible.
Tzaitel reached out an arm to Meg as she approached, and Meg took her hand. Both Tzaitel and Velanna shared the same concerned expression.
“Share your thoughts, Margaret,” Velanna said.
“She’s dangerous,” Meg said. “Not like her brother.”
“Have you spoken to her?” Velanna arched an eyebrow.
“Not yet, but she’s a fighter.” Meg released Tzaitel’s hand and folded her arms. “I don’t want them here, Velanna.”
“I believe Jennifer will disagree.” Tzaitel tucked her hands into her bell sleeves.
“Jenny never knows what’s dangerous and what isn’t,” Meg said. “Velanna, can we send them back?”
The older Celtican woman lifted her chin and looked toward where the two Terran siblings were leaning on each other.
“Perhaps.”
That didn’t sound promising.
Velanna’s gaze moved to the churning portal overhead. “I am less concerned about the threat they pose, Margaret, and more concerned about ensuring these rogue rips are completely shut.”
“I know. Me too.” Meg moved her hands to her hips. “But you heard what Jim said. He doesn’t know how to fix it.”
“Yes,” Tzaitel chimed in. “It is his colleague we must locate.”
Velanna breathed a heavy sigh. “Yes. His colleague.” She shook her head and adjusted her hijab. “Here is my proposal: I shall take measurements of this rip and ride to Aushadha Village to do the same.”
“What good will that do?”
“It is my hope that one or both of them is transmitting some sort of electromagnetic signal,” Velanna said. “If that is the case, I may be able to locate any other rips around the valley.”
“Other rips.” Meg lowered her eyebrows.
“There have now been two,” Tzaitel said. “It is logical to assume there may be more.”
“How many more?” Meg grabbed her elbow.
“That is the question, Margaret.” Tzaitel covered Meg’s hand with her own. “We know very little about what these Terrans have done, and this technology is so far beyond them that they may have done irreparable damage to the barrier itself.”
“We know little.” Velanna touched Tzaitel’s shoulder. “Do not make assumptions, daughter. Therein lies the route the panic and strife. We must seek the logical answer and remain calm.”
“Yes, Mother.” Tzaitel glanced down, her cheeks coloring slightly.
“The two of you should escort the Terrans back to the castle,” Velanna said, stepping back. “I would prefer they not be loose to pursue their own agendas here. And the female seems injured and in need of more suitable medical care, much like James was.”
Meg and Tzaitel exchanged a look.
So it’s James now, is it?
Velanna and Jim had been deep in conversation the whole journey to Baari Village, and while he’d introduced himself as Jim, he’d explained that it was a nickname. His real first name was James, which Velanna immediately began using.
Nicknames were always scandalous to her for some reason.
“What do you think about Jim?” Meg pinned her mother with a hard look.
“Clarify your question, Margaret.”
“Do you think he’s a threat?” Meg shifted toward her.
Velanna held her gaze and didn’t speak for a long time. She set her jaw and looked back at where Jim and his sister stood.
“I am curious, Margaret,” Velanna started slowly, “what threat you feel they pose.”
“Pretty sure that’s not what I asked.” Meg huffed.
Velanna took Meg’s elbows in her cold hands and turned her until they faced each other.
“Margaret.”
“What?”
“I shall endeavor to be clear.” Velanna’s grip on Meg’s elbows tightened. “While your stalwart desire to safeguard our family is commendable, we face a far greater threat to our home than a few stray humans wandering about.”
Meg looked up into her face. “The rips.”
“Yes.” Velanna glanced from Meg to Tzaitel and back again. “I cannot overemphasize the danger they pose. It is too complex to explain.”
“You explained it to James.”
One of Velanna’s eyebrows twitched. “He was capable of comprehending it.” She released Meg’s elbows. “You are not. Any attempt to make it clearer to you will be an inefficient use of the little time we have, Margaret.”
Meg lifted her chin further.
She likes him. Meg chewed the inside of her cheek as the hollow feeling in her stomach chilled her. That’s the answer to her question. She likes him.
So much for Velanna’s estimation of the danger Jim and his sister posed to them.
“I think they’re dangerous,” Meg said.
“So you have said. Repeatedly.” Velanna’s mouth curled in a small smile. “It is your nature, Margaret, to suspect others. And you may not be wrong, but at the moment shutting these rips must take priority. Whatever mistrust you may feel toward the Terrans must be set aside.”
Tzaitel set her hands on Meg’s shoulders. “We will get them back to the castle safely, Mother, and await your return.”
Velanna nodded and stepped back. With one parting glance at Jim and his sister, she turned toward her horse, mounted, and rode down the forest path.
Meg blew out her breath and crossed her arms again.
“You are pouting.”
“I am not.”
Tzaitel flicked the center of her forehead. “You are.”
Meg rubbed the spot Tzaitel had snapped. “Okay, fine. Maybe I am.” She glared at the two humans. “I just don’t see why Velanna isn’t taking them seriously.”
Tzaitel straightened her hijab. “You know Mother. She takes everything seriously, but she can only focus on one problem at a time.”
“I know, I know, and the rips are a more immediate threat.” Meg shoved her hands into the pockets of her trousers. “It’s just—”
“Just what?”
Slowly, Meg turned her gaze to the treetops and watched a few clouds as they changed shape and slipped across the sky.
“It’s been ten years, Tzaitel,” Meg said. “What if people in Terran are still looking for us?”
“After ten years?” Tzaitel frowned. “Would that be normal?”
“I have no idea.” Meg shrugged. “But what if we let them go back, and they tell everyone where we are? Now that they know how to walk between the worlds, they could bring anyone here. They could wreck everything.”
“Margaret.” Tzaitel smiled, touching her arm. “These are the things you worry about?”
“These are a few of the things I worry about, Tzaitel.”
Tzaitel chuckled. “You shall make yourself old before you time, silly human.”
Meg gazed up into her sister’s face and leaned toward her, resting her cheek against Tzaitel’s shoulder.
She couldn’t understand. Tzaitel had never lost a home. Rainbow Valley and Prism Castle had always been there for her. The Josharons had always been there for her.
Meg remembered what it was like to have a home and lose it. Overnight. Everything changed. The entire world turned upside down, and the constant fear of Danny and Jenny being taken away consumed her. Keeping them safe became the prayer she prayed every night.
Keep the family. That’s what her father had whispered to her with his last breath, as he bled out in the ditch on a foggy San Francisco night. Keep the family. And that’s what she’d done, though everyone and everything had been set against her.
From the children’s home to the streets, from falling into an alternate world full of danger to now, Meg had kept her brother and sister safe.
They’d finally found a safe place in this world, a new home, a new family. But if the Terrans figured it out, if they knew who Meg and her siblings were, would they try to bring them back? Would they try to split them apart?
No. I won’t allow it. Meg clenched her fists. No one will take Danny and Jenny away from me. I’ll always keep them safe.
“Margaret.” Tzaitel shook her gently.
Meg looked up at her.
“You are worrying me, sister.” Tzaitel smiled. “You only grow this quiet when you are brooding.”
“I don’t brood.”
“Oh, Margaret, you are an exceptional brooder. It is a skill you have perfected.” Tzaitel set her hands on Meg’s shoulders. “Come. Let us speak to the Terrans and explain how we shall proceed. Perhaps the sister is not as menacing as you seem to think.”
“How much you want to bet?” Meg rolled her eyes.
Tzaitel led the way to where Jim and his sister were waiting. Jim flashed a dazzling smile, the one that made his blue eyes sparkle. Meg did her best to ignore the funny feeling she got in her belly when he smiled like that.
Instead, she focused on his sister.
Unsmiling. Green eyes furious. Standing rigidly beside Jim, poised to strike if anyone so much as said the wrong word.
“Meg.” Jim nodded at her. “Tzaitel. This is my sister Barb.”
The red-head only narrowed her eyes.
“Barb.” Jim spoke slowly. “This is Meg. And that’s Tzaitel Ittai, her sister.” He cleared his throat. “Velanna, their mom, dashed off somewhere.”
Barb smiled thinly. “You don’t look much alike.”
Meg returned the same smile. “I was going to say the same thing about you and your brother.”
“I met your other sister,” Barb continued, her tone too pleasant, too casual. “Jenny.”
Meg bristled. “Yes, Jenny likes making friends.”
Barb’s expression didn’t change. “I understand you have a brother too?”
Meg’s stomach clenched. Why was Barb asking all these questions about her family? What was she trying to accomplish? Was this a way of getting information from her?
“You’re hurt.” Meg nodded at the blood on her arms and legs. “We’re going to escort you back to the castle for more comprehensive care.”
“The castle is amazing,” Jim said, eyes shining. “It’s almost an exact replica of Neuschwanstein.”
Barb kept her eyes glued on Meg’s face. “I have a different suggestion.”
“Oh?”
“I suggest you find a way to help us return home.” Barb’s smile finally shifted into something more like a grin, but it wasn’t a happy expression. It showed too many teeth to be friendly.
“Barb,” Jim said under his breath, touching the back of her arm. “I already told you—”
Meg folded her arms. “That won’t be possible. Apparently we need your help before you can return home.”
“So we’re captives.” Barb’s too-happy expression stayed in place like a plastic mask.
Tzaitel’s hand on Meg’s shoulder felt warm. “Not at all, Miss Taylor.” She moved to stand at Meg’s side. “As you are injured, it would be best that we care for you in adequate medical facilities.”
“They’re right, Barb,” Jim said. “You’re still bleeding. You might have internal injuries.”
“Fine.” Barb kept glaring at Meg. “And then, after you’ve cleaned me up, you’ll send us home.”
Tzaitel shifted. “We must ask you to remain.”
“Oh,” Barb glanced at her, “then you’ll understand why I say you’re holding us captive.”
Tzaitel’s expression hardened. “Miss Taylor, the fact remains that the event that brought you here must be halted before it causes more damage. The only way that is possible is with your assistance.”
“Jim doesn’t know how to fix it,” Barb snapped. “He’s been up front about that. So since he doesn’t know how to fix it, there’s nothing more we can do for you. So you might as well send us home.”
Meg took a step toward her. “And if we don’t?”
“Margaret,” Tzaitel warned.
Barb slipped out of Jim’s hold and stepped toward Meg, standing much taller than she’d seemed moments earlier. Meg had to lift her chin to keep looking in her eyes.
“If you don’t send us back, then I’ll assume we’re prisoners,” Barb said sweetly. “Miss Mitchell.”
Meg’s stomach flipped.
Had she told Jim her last name? No, she was sure she hadn’t.
The cold gleam in Barb’s eye set her teeth on edge.
She knows. Meg felt the certainty of it in her bones. She knows who we are.
“You shouldn’t assume anything, Miss Taylor.” Meg forced a cold smile. “It might not be true.”
“I have a pretty good instinct for these things,” Barb spoke in a near whisper that only made her sound more dangerous.
It didn’t matter how Barb knew. She knew.
“Come.” Tzaitel interrupted. “Into the wagon. We shall return to Prism Castle and speak more of this.”
She reached for Barb’s arm, and Barb pulled back.
“I don’t need your help,” Barb said, even as she clutched Jim’s shoulder for balance.
Jim shut his eyes and lowered his head with a sigh. “Barb, why are you like this?”
“Shut up, Jim.” She hobbled around his side. “Walk.”
Tzaitel watched the brother and sister move toward the wagon and paused for a moment to look at Meg.
“I am glad I did not take your bet, Margaret.”
Meg nodded shortly.
Good.
Tzaitel saw it too.
Jim was one problem. He was smart, and he could understand their language. So there was no keeping secrets from him.
But Barb? Even injured, her entire attitude reeked of violence. Meg had been expecting the woman to start swinging as they’d been staring each other down.
Barb Taylor was more than a fighter. She was a protector. What was more, she felt threatened, and she felt like Jim was threatened.
Meg scowled.
There was nothing more dangerous than a protective older sister. She could say that from experience.
Tzaitel climbed into the driver’s bench on the wagon. Meg waited at the back, watching Jim help his sister climb into the bed. Once they were settled, Meg moved to the front and joined Tzaitel on the bench.
Tzaitel snapped the reins, and the horse team surged forward. Tzaitel pointed them toward the castle, its beautiful stately turrets visible on the horizon.
Her stomach churned.
Barb had put the pieces together in an instant with nothing but their names. Maybe Jenny had told her. It didn’t matter. She still knew enough to understand who they were.
After ten years, that could only mean one thing: The people of the Terran Dimension were still looking for the lost Mitchell orphans.
It meant that Terran would never be safe for them, and it meant that no matter what happened—no matter what dangers these two humans brought upon her family—Meg couldn’t allow Barb and Jim to go back.

The content of this page is distributed to members of the Heirs of the Mazzaroth Patreon Group ONLY. This content should not be shared outside this group in any form, whether in screenshots or printed media.