The Bridge Between Worlds
Chapter Seven

Beth gave Regina Ms. Vanderbell’s address. She decided to visit the woman alone. Victoria wasn’t too pleased, but she remained with Beth who was more comfortable knowing and calling her, her niece.

When Regina arrived at the front door, she curled her fingers around the cold metal knocker. She took a step back and waited. Similar to what had happened at Beth’s door, she heard footsteps approaching from inside. Only this time, it didn’t feel like she was being physically attacked by the enhanced hearing.

“Can I help you?”

Regina wasn’t expecting a middle-aged woman to answer the door. Though her hazel eyes had seen better days. Her hair was light brown and curled around her face. Minor wrinkles had taken residence at the corners of her eyes. This was a woman who smiled and laughed often.

“Ms. Vanderbell?” said Regina, hoping she portrayed enough friendliness for entry.

“Who’s asking?” the woman countered, folding her arms.

“My name is Regina Bortælus,” she extended her right hand. “I believe you were once acquainted with my grandparents, the Heartswords. I was given your address from their daughter, Beth. I was hoping you might be able to tell me about the Xiphis continent.”

Ms. Vanderbell’s expression softened into one of curiosity and something else, but Regina couldn’t place it.

“I’ve not heard either of those names in years,” she said, placing her hand in Regina’s. “Please, do come in.”

“Thank you,” said Regina as she walked passed her.

“Can I offer you some cold lemonade? I was just about to pour myself a glass.”

“That would be lovely, thank you.”

Regina waited for her to close the door, and followed her through the short hallway into the kitchen. It was a wide and very open room. There were windows everywhere, letting in the late afternoon sunlight. The floors had marbled tiling. And on the wall, next to the refrigerator, was a white board with the words Long live Xiphis written upon it.

Ms. Vanderbell listened to Regina with a shocked expression. She explained who her mother was and her reason for asking Beth Heartsword for the address.

“I heard Bridgette had been killed,” said Ms. Vanderbell, shaking her head. “I’m so sorry you never had the chance to meet her. I was good friends with Beth’s parents. When they first went missing, I did everything I could to replace them. But nothing could be done and the police declared them dead . . . You were right to come to me. Because what I am about to tell you was told to me in strict confidence. I believe Bridgette had this knowledge, but Beth was kept in the dark to protect her.”

“You have my word that I will not reveal anything you say to anyone,” Regina nodded.

“I know . . . Because Derek and Bethany Heartsword were on the run and the only way they could afford to keep there daughters in a single, safe location was because they kept them in the dark.”

“What did they reveal to Bridgette . . . My mother?”

“The Heartsword bloodline is Xiphis royalty.”

“Xiphis royalty?” asked Regina as the hairs on her arms stood on end. “Meaning . . . They were king and queen? Why would this need to be kept from their daughters?”

“It was the only way,” Ms. Vanderbell replied, shrugging. “They were on the run. Perhaps what they were running from finally caught up to them. The girls were already old enough to live on their own.”

“But then, this would mean I . . .”

“Yes, you and your sister are in line for the Xiphis throne. You would be next, above your sister. And above Beth, because she was the younger daughter and, as far as I am aware, she never had children.”

Regina thought back to what Beth had said about not being able to have children. She then thought of how the woman might feel if she knew she was a princess.

“Mine and my sister’s names make sense then,” she said, sighing.

“Yes, Regina means ‘queen’, doesn’t it?”

Regina nodded, “Yes . . . They never told you what they were running from? I mean, Beth said they were always traveling, so I guess it was their cover story.”

“They had to keep their pursuers guessing where they truly were,” Ms. Vanderbell explained with a sigh. “I remember they had tried to call for the aid of the Anerathian kingdom. But they were dealing with troubles of their own. As far as I know, the pursuers were of pure evil. It hoped to wipe out the entire Heartsword bloodline.”

“Victoria said her parents died because they were protecting her. And . . . Ms. Vanderbell, I must confide in you. I have not told anyone about this, but from a young age I’ve been tormented in my dreams. I could always distinguish the darkness of sleep from the darkness of evil. Ancient evil always trying to consume me.”

Regina’s voice trembled as she spoke. Her hands began to shake. She closed her fingers around the glass she’d been holding, hoping to make them stop. Ms. Vanderbell reached over and took her hand in her own.

“Listen to me,” she said, using her other hand to lift Regina’s chin. “I know a lot is happening and changing very suddenly. But I sense a strength in you I have not seen in years. I am sure you have more questions the need answers. Starting with your name. The Brothers Bortælus currently reside in the Æmienix dimension. If you wish to replace out which of them could be your father, You must go to them. I can point you in the right direction. It is possible they will see you.”

The woman stared into her eyes.

“Oh. You’ve already met one of them.”

Regina furrowed her brow. “Have I?” she asked as Ms. Vanderbell placed two fingers from each hand on her temples.

“Let me into you mind, Regina,” she said, closing her eyes.

Regina was about to ask what she was doing when she was forced to close her eyes as well. She gasped as a bright light filled her mind. But she wasn’t afraid, not like other times. Suddenly, she saw herself in what seemed to be a long hallway with doors on either side. Shana Vanderbell appeared and walked to the door nearest to her. She peered inside and everything went black.

Regina opened her eyes as the woman removed her hands.

“What was that?” she asked, watching Ms. Vanderbell fold her hands on the table. “What did you do? What did you see?”

“I was looking into your memories,” she replied, reaching over and patting her shoulder gently. “You’ve seen many things in your young age, Regina. The most recent memory I saw was the young man in your apartment. I know his face.”

“He thought I was Bridgette.”

“Yes, you have a variation of her features . . .”

“Everyone keeps telling me that. You knew the guy’s face. Do you know who he was?”

“I’m afraid I cannot answer that. He must answer himself.”

Ms. Vanderbell rose from the table and went to one of the many kitchen drawers. She brought out a pad of note paper and a pen, writing something down.

“You must go to this address,” she went on, tearing the page from the pad and bringing it to Regina. “Ask for Xander; he is one of the portal keepers. Tell him Shana Vanderbell sent you and who you wish to see. He will take care of the rest.”

“What about Victoria?” asked Regina, stuffing the paper into the back pocket of her black jeans. “I can’t just leave and not tell her.”

“In this case, you must. This cannot be delayed. You will see her again, you needn’t worry.”

Tears welled in Regina’s eyes. She didn’t want to leave her sister in the dark. She didn’t want to leave her and not let her know she’d be back. But Shana was correct. She needed to go immediately. She needed to meet the Brothers Bortælus and get more answers.

* * *

Regina took a cab to the outskirts of town. Shana said she’d call ahead and make sure there was someone to expect her. And upon arriving at an old movie theater, she was met by a young woman with a very messy, blue-haired bun.

“Regina?” she asked, extending her hand.

“Yes,” Regina shook it. “I’m looking for Xander.”

“He’s expecting you. I will bring you to him.”

She let the way through the theater entrance and Regina held her breath. The interior was not what she expected. The outside had been completely rundown. But the front room seemed to have been renovated in recent months.

“Please have a seat,” the girl said, motioning to an area with empty chairs. “I will alert Xander of your arrival.”

“Thank you,” Regina replied, but she was already gone. She sighed and moved to claim one of the chairs. It was going to be quite an evening.

She waited for hours. She knew the urgency in replaceing the Brothers. Perhaps Shana had forgotten to mention this tiny detail to whomever Regina would seen meet. She entertained herself by going over what she hoped to say when she met the Brothers. Or rather, when she met her father. She was hoping one of them would be her father, or at least know of him. True, she had people she called “parents”, but deep down she felt it wasn’t the same. Bridgette was gone. There was no turning back time to meet with her. But Regina’s father was alive, she felt it in her heart, and she still had time to meet him.

“I am so sorry to keep you waiting.”

Regina had begun to rest her eyes, using the back of her chair as a headrest. She was surprised to replace a young man, about her age, coming toward her. His hair was dark, but not quite as black as hers, and his eyes were an interesting shade of gray.

“Are you Xander?” asked Regina, standing to shake his hand.

“I am,” he replied, nodding with a smile. “How can I be of service?”

She glanced around. There wasn’t really anyone around. The waiting room, lobby, seemed utterly vacant.

“I must meet with the Brothers Bortælus at earliest convenience,” she said, clasping her hands together. “Or perhaps you can point me to a portal that can take me to them.”

“You’ve couldn’t have arrived at a better time. One of the brothers has just arrive, on business. I can take you to him now.”

Xander led the way toward the back lobby area. He opened the first door and held it open for her. Regina heard voices as she entered the new hallway. And stopped in her tracks.

“You.”

Regina stared at the man with dark eyes. How was he here? Did he seem older? Or was she imagining the sprinkles of gray in his black hair.

“You,” he replied with a strange expression of relief.

“Lord Bortælus,” Xander said as he dipped his head in a bow; this surprised Regina. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I caught your name, Miss?”

“Regina,” she said, never looking away from the middle-aged man. “My name is Regina.”

“Right. This is Regina. I was just bringing her to see you. She was asking to see you and your brother.”

“Thank you, Xander. I shall handle things from here.”

He waited until they were alone before speaking again.

“Regina, I am truly glad you’re here.”

“Why is that?” she asked, following him into what appeared to be a private conference room.

“Because when I last saw you,” replied Inanis, motioning to a chair. “You revealed information I did not have and it opened new doorways. I believe you have the answers I have been searching for. And perhaps, I might have answers for you, in return.”

“Yes . . .” She took one of the chairs and faced him. “You can start by answering my most pressing of questions. Are you my f-”

“Father,” he cut in, nodding. “Yes, I believe I am.”

Regina stilled as shock came over her. All her thoughts from before, her plans of what she would say and ask. They were gone. She was speechless. But he was alive. Her father was sitting before her.

Inanis Bortælus. The boy Beth had mentioned in the Heartsword journal. One of two brothers in a place called the Æmienix. This man was her father. Not only had he confirmed it with his words, but his appearance was also confirmation. Regina then understood why his eyes had felt so familiar to her. His eyes were also hers.

“I don’t mean any offense,” she said, frozen to her chair. “But how are you so much older than when you appeared in my apartment four months ago?”

His expression was somber and hopeful as he replied, “I needed to age. When I came to you last, I was hardly twenty-five. I thought I would replace Bridgette a few years after I had last left her. My wish was to make things right. But something must have went wrong with the portal device and I was brought here too late. I never knew she might have a daughter.”

“I was given up,” Regina whispered, looking away. “The only person to know I was ever born was her sister. And from what I gather, she’s not very keen on either of us.”

She looked back to Inanis. His was resolved, but saddened.

“If I were in my right mind, I would not have left her. Especially if I were aware you were conceived.”

“Why did you leave her in the first place?” Regina sat forward as he moved his chair slightly closer.

“I was not myself,” he replied, shaking his head. “There was . . . Something had control of my mind. All the memories I made while I was here . . . The most intimate moments I spent with her . . . They were stolen from me and the only memory remaining is when I left the following morning and wishing I could tell her why I would be leaving.”

Hesitant, Regina reached forward and placed her hand on his forearm. The yearning she’d had after his first meeting had returned. Now she understood.

“I do not hold any fault towards you,” she said, swallowing back the lump in her throat. “I am certain there were things and reasons for what you did. In all truth, we would not be in this room, right now, if those events had never happened.”

“Yes, but your mother was not the only person I wronged. Granted, at the time the other girl hadn’t wanted anything to do with me. But I hurt her by running away. It led me to Bridgette. She is the reason I came back here in the first place.”

“You’ve reconciled with her?”

“I’ve done more than reconcile with her. We married shortly after I returned from here the last time.”

Regina noticed he spoke of his wife strongly with respect. Not to say he spoke of Bridgette differently. He had respect for her as well.

“I have other questions,” she said, hoping to change the subject for the sake of avoiding the waterworks. “All involving what I am becoming.”

An unknown emotion passed through Inanis’ eyes.

“You’re changing,” he said, not quite sounding like a question. “Is this why I found you unconscious?”

Regina explained everything she had experienced, from her youngest age. The nightmares and visions. The Tree of Wanderers. He listened and nodded. She could tell he was thinking over every possibility. He had her answers.

“I believe Bridgette was a Celestial,” he said thoughtfully. “Or at least, that is what she had first told me. I, on the other hand, am not angelic of any kind. For a long time, I believed I was the opposite . . .” He glanced around. “Would you please pass me that plant?”

He pointed to a small table in the corner, behind her chair. She nodded and reached for it.

“Please,” he begged with a shuddering sigh. “Do not fear me. I am not the boy I once was, but it is still difficult to swallow.”

Regina handed him the pot. It was in this moment she noticed he was wearing a pair of thick, black leather gloves. He placed the pot between his thighs as he removed his left glove.

“I’ve long come to terms with what I am,” he went on, inhaling a deep breath as he met her and held her gaze. “But I still have difficulty taking . . . Life.”

He touched a single leave with the tip of his finger. Hardly touching at all. Before Regina’s eyes, the vibrant green turned brown. Then gray and black. And then it turned to dust. A gasped escaped her as the pot was placed on the table. A large portion of the stem, thought the top remained mostly green, was left like ash.

* * *

Fear. Regina should have felt it through her entire being. She should have been wary of the man before her. The man explaining everything happening to her. But she couldn’t see beyond what she saw before her. He wasn’t a monster. He wasn’t even the enemy Beth Heartsword claimed him to be.

“Am I becoming like you?” she asked, her gaze still on the partially dead plant.

“I must assume so,” her father replied, his tone apologetic. “As far as I understand, only I and my sister are the ones to possess such an ability. Granted, my sister is not entirely like me. Her abilities surpass my capacity. I can only take life, whereas she can also return it.”

Regina nodded, absorbing each word. A strange sense of calm came over her as she met his gaze.

“Will you take me with you?” she asked. “If all you’ve said is true, then I need to go where I can learn to control it. The Keeper of the Tree said I am Manifesting. Does it normally take so long for the occurrence?”

“It’s different for each person,” he explained, reaching over and squeezing her hand with his gloved one. “But I’ve only know of people of the Æmienix to Manifest within a matter of minutes. Their abilities are known instantly. I know of only one case where the Manifestation was frozen. The Anerathian queen did not Manifest until she had been within the Æmienix atmosphere. She is born of Anerathia but she lived here, on Earth, until her eighteenth year.”

Regina nodded again, briefly thinking of her sister. Poor Victoria, she was probably so worried. Or she wasn’t; Regina wouldn’t know until she saw her again.

“Regina,” said her father as she returned to the present. “I know you hardly know me. But if you are willing, I will help you through this. I have the resources, as well as the rank and position to give you everything would should need and want. You can be taught by the greatest of tutors. Masters in their craft. If you do not wish to be known as . . . As my daughter, this information can remain just between us.”

She tilted her head as a smile crept its way to her face. Why would he think this way?

“I do not think I could want anything more,” she said as tears willed her eyes. “If you will call me your daughter, I found what I’ve been searching for. It was the main reason I was searching for you. I would like it very much. Bridgette . . . My mother, she gave me your name. My name is Regina Bortælus.”