The Aurora Stone by G.S Tucker

portals the, links to other realms. The master was extremely proud of this network, and it allowed his minions to slip between the realms without being detected.
    Grimmer, being a high-ranking demon, carried a crystal around his neck made from a point of hematite; this allowed him to open a portal back to his master’s fortress without the need of potions or spells, unlike the unfortunate underling Chashoc who would never again transverse Orea. He approached the portal directly to his right and stood before it. Gloria, the land of the Fae was at the other side of this one, the fuchsia swirls of this cosmic cyclone were nauseating to the demon. Knowing that he could not stay long in this realm, the light alone would burn his skin and the pureness of their magic would weaken him.
    Taking one last look at the vortex at his feet, Grimmer felt for the potion vial his master had given him. Finding it secure, the demon stepped into the portal and vanished.

Chapter Ten
     
    Passing through the portal was both exciting and a little disturbing. The journey was quick and no harm had come to her. However, Eve felt like someone had poured cold water all over her. Rubbing her arms vigorously to rid herself of the phantom chills, Eve glanced around quickly, making sure no threat was near. Once she was sure of her safety, she waited for Caleb and Jericho to join her.
    Can you hear me, Sapphire? Eve thought, projecting her question skywards. She had no idea whether their telepathic bond would hold now she was in a different realm. After no answer was received, Eve realised that until Sapphire found another entrance into Gloria they were on their own.
    Jericho and Caleb appeared moments later, both wide-eyed and ready it seemed to do battle with any unsuspecting creature that happened to cross their path.
    “Stand down gentlemen, there is, as far as I am able to tell, no immediate threat to us here,” she said trying hard to keep the smirk from her lips. Caleb walked over to the edge of the tree line. It seemed that in some sense, the mirror was just that, this forest looked Identical to the once they had just left. He peered through the thick shrubbery, not expecting to come across a thriving village that couldn’t have been more than a mile away.
    “Look! We can make it to that village by tea time, which I have to say is mighty good news for my tummy, it hasn’t shut up complaining in hours!” Caleb grumbled while rubbing his abdomen, which let out a thunderous rumble in protest. Jericho and Eve both had a look at the short distance and agreed that a warm meal, the possibility of a wash and a clean, comfortable bed would be most welcome indeed.
    The village was quaint, with single story cottages snuggled up together, their grey shingle roofs shimmering in the last of the afternoon’s muted sunlight. The trio entered the village and headed towards the first fae they saw. Deciding that Evangeline would do all the talking, the two men hung back and kept watch in case of sudden attack. After having a short chat with a lovely fae by the name of Olga, the companions made their way through the village’s winding streets until they came to the address Olga had given Eve.
    The owner of the home was a rotund female fae with wisps of grey hair, that looked as though it was trying to fly away, cheerfully rosy cheeks and dancing brown eyes. On seeing the odd group at her door, the woman did a double take and then called back into the house.
    “Albert! Get yourself to the door, we have visitors!” turning back to the now concerned trio, she smiled sweetly at them, while they all awaited the arrival of Albert. Once he appeared at the door looking a bit crumpled and rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he addressed them.
    “Good af’noon and what can we be doing for you?” he inquired peering at each of them in turn. Looking to Eve to answer once again, Jericho and Caleb hung back and kept quiet.
    “Good afternoon Sir, Madam. My friends and I am