"We must move to middle ground to complete the transfer. Fintan, open the doorway. My messenger is collecting the Viking and the body. Come child, hold my arm I will guide you through."
As I got my bearings after stepping through the doorway with the Pythoness, I couldn't help but say "Oh you are fucking kidding me. TWO extra books in one day! Or should I say series! His Dark Materials AND The Chronicles of Narnia! Fuck me..."
Of course, I found myself in the forest with pools all over the place that led to other worlds. I couldn't help but wonder which led to the Witch's dead world, or to Narnia.
"Why do you swear so much?" The Pythoness asked me, a little irritated.
"Sorry, usually I mind my language, but honestly can you blame me today? It's not even been a whole week since I woke up as Sookie Stackhouse and now all this?"
"Fair enough child. Come, Fintan said you wanted to see your family." She led me over to a pool where I could see my family carrying on as hurt think I had so little impact, but it was also good to see them okay. I didn't like to leave my Granma, she never really got over losing my dad, but as long as I could write to her, we would be okay. I also didn't like to leave my cousin, she'd always been quiet, and I worried about people mistreating her, she was so important to me I was very protective, but I had to remember she's my older cousin and perfectly capable of protecting herself, and had more than enough brains to know when to ask for help.
"Your sister?" Came a deep voice from behind me. I had to smile, I'd always considered her my sister, no matter what the family tree said.
"No, not really. She's my cousin, but I do think of her as my sister. She kept me balanced for a long time when we were young." He crouched next to me and handed me a handkerchief. I hadn't realised I was crying, but I wasn't surprised.
"The Lady sent me to come and get you. It's time."
"I hadn't even realised she was gone."
"You've been sat here for hours apparently." He helped me get up and walk. Evidently I had been there a while, my legs were asleep. As we walked up I could see two bodies lying on the floor and the Pythoness next to them. The blonde body was reverting from the 25-year-old to 12, and it was fast.
"Sook's okay?" I asked.
"Yes child. Her transfer is quick and quite painless. Yours on the other hand will not be."
"Why not?" Eric asked.
"Because I'm not normal. I should never have gotten that scratch. That's why the urgency, Fintan is worried me being injured will affect Sookie, but Pythia here knows there's more to it."
Eric hissed at me and covered my mouth with his hand. "Have some respect! She is the Ancient Pythoness, the Pythoness or the Lady!"
"Let her go Eric." He immediately complied. I rolled my eyes.
"No wonder you live in isolation most of the time." I said. "They must make you feel so OLD with all that formality!"
"Maya!"
"What Eric? Just because she looks old and infirm and is physically older than you doesn't make her old! Old age is a state of mind. My grandmothers are both over 60, and have the energy of women half their age! Yes, be polite, but for fuck sake don't make a woman feel old!" By this point Eric was frozen, either in shock or anger I wasn't sure, and Pythia was laughing. "Eric, look at her. Really look. Is anyone holding her up? Has she needed anyone to stop her falling in a pool? It's all an act Eric. A ruse to make people underestimate her. You should know all about that after Appius' little stunt a thousand or so years ago." Eric flinched a little at that.
"Do not talk about my maker. He is not a kind or patient man. He would destroy you."
"He can try. Look Eric, I know you have mixed feelings about the sadistic bastard, but I'm telling you now, if he becomes a threat I will kill him. No second chances."
"You realise I would have to stop you."
"You wouldn't be able to. Anyway, let's get the show on the road. Just step into the body Pythia?"
"Oh child, you are such fun, I'll be seeing you often I think! Yes, just step into the body, the rest will be automatic."
I stepped in and like a fool thought this isn't so bad. Moron. Famous last words those. As soon as I finished the thought I was frozen into the body and felt indescribable pain. I could only hope it worked faster than expected.
