PART TWO

Chapter 5

"I would like it very much if we could get this moving a little faster….who knows what she is going through there and if I can get her out of there sooner rather than later, that would be great." the anger and annoyance in his voice was certainly not directed towards the wiccan and she didn't take it as being so. She detected also, the worry and fear that was also in his voice was enough to break her heart, knowing the traumas they had endured as a couple thus far.

"I think I have the magic I need….and it will need to be put into a object….a object that will be the only means of traveling through time, lose it and you are stuck in the past. I found something I thought would be sturdy and less likely to be lost or ruined but keep in mind that it is still something that needs to be cared for greatly." Holly pulled out something that apparently fit in her small palm and as she opened it, she had to laugh at the irony. "Been floating around the shop in some of the other antiquities gathered there from before I took over the place. And as limited as my history knowledge may be, even I recognized this." she watched as he took it from her hand, examining it closely.

"A Viking bracelet…I never was one to wear them myself but most of the others where I lived….." he looked at it closer. "It is certainly no fake."

She took it back. "I will spell it to grant you access to time itself….but there are things you need to know…..you should avoid meeting your other self or those you know-besides Sookie-at all costs. It could cause a tear in time and space and unravel the universe. That's the worst case scenario…..best case scenario…..you only take out a planet or two. And I only say that from some movies I have seen, I ain't no scientist. But I am certain no good can come of you running into familiar faces, especially your own." and several long, agonizing minutes later she had cast the magic in a circle she had created in the area where her friend had vanished, drawing from the remnants of the magic and forging her own with it.. It took a great deal of effort but she was left with a glowing bauble in her hands, the glow fading away after a moment. "there…..All you have to do is to put it on-keep it on, don't risk losing it by putting it in a pocket or something-and think of the destination. And if everything pans out, you should wind up in the vicinity of her. But please…be careful and don't act brazen or foolish….going after with guns a blazing, so to speak."

"Who, me?" he said with a smirk. But the smirk faded as he thanked the wiccan, impressed with her skills. "It is nice to see a witch using her magic for something useful rather than turning vampires into puppets….."

Holly was touched by the kind words and watched as he used the bauble as she had explained and he too vanished into time and she hoped she had done the magic perfectly. If by chance she had hiccupped somewhere, it was far too late not to undo it.

Chapter 6

She gaped as she watched the battle, seeing him fight like he had the strength of a dozen men. She watched him save the necks of several of his friends and she saw night was falling, after hours of fighting. Night had fallen and under the light of the moon and with her enhanced sight, she saw it all. And it was then she saw some of the last of the enemy being executed but not before a violent stab from a sword rendered through Eric as if he were butter. He had sustained other cuts and scrapes but this fatal one, he sustained by knocking aside one of his friends. Still on his feet, he slaughtered the last three of the enemies, including the one what had landed him with the final blow.

She hopped out of the tree and raced to where he staggered on his feet, the four remaining warriors with him ignoring her, more concerned over the looming fate of their leader. Everything turned to a blur as she followed the four as they held him up, taking a break for a few moments to get some water from a nearby stream. Kneeling at his side, she did her best to comfort the dying Eric. "I am so sorry this happened to you…..I….I wish I knew what to say except that things will be better…that this isn't the end."

He was losing blood slowly but the injuries were taking their toll. "I never expected to have a woman at my side before I prepared for Valhalla…..though I may see others when I arrive, you have bewitched me and my mind…I wish I could learn more about you…."

She was trying to keep her composure. "You will….I can't explain it but in a day you will see the world again, through new eyes and I hope to explain things to you. That I could convince you I never meant you any harm…"

"I believed you a threat at first." he admitted, drawing a deep breath. "But I see the compassion and love in your eyes…reminds me of my recently departed mother…." he closed his eyes as the others returned, two taking him into their arms while the other two started their work at building a pyre. And she knew it was only a matter of hours before more blood was shed. She knew he had once told her that his men had met a swift demise by Godric and she herself didn't want to be amongst the fatalities. Hiding in some deep brush fifty feet away, she couldn't help but ache at the sight before her, at the pyre about to be lit, she hurried over and was unable to stop herself from making a final gesture. The kiss was quick but he hadn't before felt anything like it before and was moved, though was barely conscious. The timing was not perfect, as she heard the sounds of throats being cut, blood splattering as she knew she had company. And though she knew this person from her current life, this one was as much a stranger to her now as was the one on the pyre. She heard him speak to Eric, understanding the language perfectly as if it were English. And then the moment came when it happened. It was then she saw the finishing blow, the long, slow bite that would change everything. Still, she remained as well hidden as she could possibly, using a subtle amount of her magic to conceal herself, remembering that she certainly gave off that intoxicating scent. For a moment, she swore she had been scented out as Godric looked in her direction as if something had gotten his attention. Sensing no threat, he took the now still body from the pyre and set to work digging a hole and with vamp speed it was in a matter of a few minutes at most. Fascinated and yet horrified by what she was seeing, she watched the body be placed in first and then the vampire followed suit, covering them up with dirt at breakneck speed. It was all she could do to rush over but she dared not and so curling up, she was glad for a warm weather. It would be a long night and day before she saw anything else occur. As strong and as powerful as she was, she felt drained by the events of the day and thought a nap could do her some good. But then she heard something not too far off. A rustling in the brush nearby. Darting to her feet, her head met a thick branch, knocking her out cold.

Chapter 7

He had seen her even in such poor light and saw a bizarre scene before him. Clearly that magic had worked and making certain the bracelet was secure on his wrist, he started for her, making certain that no one was around. He saw her looking startled, her movements jerky and she struck her head on a branch. He had meant to head over to her, to help her…..but it was then he wasn't alone…..that there was wolves nearby and wolves he was all too familiar with. Was this what had been planned for him? Was this mystery figure who had caused all this to happen the one to set this trap so cleverly, hoping to not only trap the girl in this time but to eliminate him as well? It seemed to Eric that the wolves had come looking for him-the other him that was in the ground. Disturbing the grave at this time would mean the dead Viking in the grave would not be turned and therefore destroyed and as such, the current version of him…..well, he would fade from existence as well. And so here he was, forced to defend himself from the wolves that he knew were working for someone he had killed in the present. And yet there was no sign of Edgington. Perhaps he sent them here and he was off to plunder whatever else was left in the castle. Most likely everyone back there was slaughtered. He Hadn't ever gone back to his home, not until centuries later and hadn't known what had befallen those left behind. A twinge of shame flittered through him as he cursed himself for abandoning his people as he had done. And yet, he had never anticipated ending up on a pyre, never imagined the turns his life would take that night. This night.

The dozen wolves were jumped up on vamp blood, from Russell of course and as daunting a challenge as it was, Eric managed to kill most of them, several running back in retreat. But he himself was gravely wounded and by now, daytime was coming and he had to go to ground. But he dared not go far from where she lay. Ha barely had gotten under the ground before the sun started coming up, managing to run a hand through her hair all too briefly before he vanished under the dirt. He now had time to heal…and without some blood it would take a great deal longer than he had time for. Broken bones and a gaping hold in his side were some of his lesser injured sustained from the were attack. There was now way, he surmised, he could heal fast enough without a little help. Trouble was, she was out cold herself and daylight was coming soon yet again. And yet, he knew she would feel something the moment she awoke. At least, he hoped she would, lest someone or something befall her before she had the chance to do anything.

TO BE CONTINUED