Chapter 14 – To the Rescue
"What do you mean 'Evil calls evil", Doc?" Eomer asked.
"It's actually very simple. The warg that came through the portal with you was evil, as you know firsthand. The only way that it could come back to life is if something of greater evil came through the same portal."
"You mean Dale!" said Eomer. "But you said that the portal was closed and that was why I was trapped here."
"The portal is closed for those wishing to return home," said Doc. "But not for those who wish to come to this world. I'm not exactly sure on all the details but…" he stopped as he saw Eomer walking out the door.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"To rescue Maggie!"
Maggie sat on the couch next to Dale as he told her his story.
"It was the most amazing thing," he said. "One minute I was standing on the edge of the cliff and the next thing I knew I was surrounded by this bright light. When I could see again, I found myself in this forest. I must have walked for days without food and water before I passed out. I was nearly dead when Shannon found me and nursed me back to health. When I began to explore the surrounding forest, I wasn't sure if I was alive or dead. Shannon told me that I was in someplace called Middle Earth, that it was another world alongside ours. She called herself a witch and she began to teach me some of her magic." Maggie was startled at this. Dale was usually so sensible, who was this Shannon that she had so influenced him.
"I know this sounds really unbelievable," Dale said. "But you have to believe me Maggie." Maggie simply nodded and he continued.
"She taught me so much and I learned that I had…. powers. We grew together in our power until she told me that I was ready for the final test. She took me out of the woods to a nearby village. Shannon said that I had to destroy them all in order to access the full extent of my powers. Maggie… I destroyed the entire village and reduced it to rubble….not because she told me to but because… I wanted to!" Maggie looked at him in shock. What was he talking about!
"Dale, how could you possibly want to do something so awful?"
"Love Maggie, love. That's what made me do it." Dale then grabbed her hand and pulled her closer. "But unlike what you think, it's wasn't for your pathetic love or even for that unborn whelp of yours. I have changed since I discovered the power within me. I have finally found a love worthy of me and my new position. Let me introduce you to Shannon." Maggie looked around, waiting to see the women walk through the door. Instead Dale closed his eyes and seemed to concentrate. The air next to him began to shimmer and take the shape of a tall, elegant woman. Her hair was a deep red, almost the color of blood, and made a sharp contrast with her pale white skin. Her green eyes glared at Maggie but softened considerably when she saw Dale.
"This is Shannon," said Dale.
"Why can't I see her completely," said Maggie.
"Because," said Dale. "She isn't completely here. She's still stuck in Middle Earth and she is missing just one thing to bring her back. Unlike your precious Eomer, she has not been sent here by the higher powers so she is trapped." Maggie sat back in shock. Eomer was also from this Middle Earth! How could that be? Why had he lied to her?
"What exactly is Shannon missing?" asked Maggie, scared to know the answer.
"Well, and this is rather awkward, she appears to be missing a body. Now," he moved closer to her and grabbed her other arm, "you wouldn't mind dying would you, darling?" he gave the last word a sarcastic twist.
"Not if I have anything to say about it," Maggie turned her head towards the door.
"Eomer!" Maggie cried.
"Ah yes, dear Eomer," said Dale. "You have finally come, I was wondering when you would connect the dots. But I assume that you had help from the doddering old doctor."
"Let her go Dale," Eomer growled.
"I'd love to but you see I can't. I have need of her still." With that Dale raised his hand and the whole room was plunged into darkness. Seconds later it lifted but Dale and Maggie were gone!
Happy New Years Everyone!