Chapter 26

Anna carried the sacks of food while Artemis carried the water as they walked towards the sail boat she had pointed out earlier. She wasn't sure what time it was but it was pitch dark and she was worried that she wouldn't be able to see well enough to sail the boat. The channel was notoriously rough and sailing would be difficult. Thankfully it wasn't raining.

Artemis motioned for her to stop as the docks came into view. He scanned the area before starting towards the sailboat. Anna walked beside him trying to look as though they belonged there. As they neared the boat she whispered, "I don't see Jarlaxle."

"A drow is only seen when he wants to be," Artemis answered. Anna wondered how Jarlaxle could possibly hide dressing as he did. That ridiculous hat of his would be impossible to miss. Still as they drew closer there was no sign of him, although the sail was up.

Artemis had just set the water jugs in the boat when one of the men working nearby started walking over. "Get in," Artemis said getting in behind her and untying the boat. The man, realizing they were stealing the boat, started running towards them yelling. Anna's eyes widened as Jarlaxle appeared out of what seemed to be thin air directly beside her. With a quick flick of his hand he dropped a knife into his magical bracer and threw it at the man. Anna's head whipped around as the knife left the drow's hand to lodge in the man's throat. She stared in shock at Jarlaxle. "You killed him!" she gasped as the man fell face first to the ground.

"I couldn't very well let him live," the drow said as Artemis pushed them away from the dock. Still in shock Anna sat in the back of sailboat and grabbed the tiller that she would use to steer the boat. As they drifted away from the dock more people started running towards them. Balancing on edge of the boat Jarlaxle dropped knifes into both bracers. It happened so fast that Anna didn't even see the knives leave the drow's hands. In one swift movement he drew his hands back and threw the knives. All Anna saw the moonlight glinting off the blades as they flew towards the men. In the blink of an eye four more men lay dead in a pool of their own blood. Anna stared at the dark elf in horror.

Seeing her expression, "There was no choice. They would not have let us leave," Jarlaxle explained as he sat down opposite of her. The ease with which the elf had killed the men was frightening. She had never seen Jarlaxle kill anyone before and it deeply disturbed her.

Picking up the ropes Anna adjusted the sail so that it caught the winds as she tried not to dwell on Artemis' warning about the drow. The wind pushed them further out and Anna squinted trying to judge which direction to steer the boat. It was so dark she was all but blind. A heavy fog lay over the water making the visibility was even worse. They couldn't risk lighting a lantern.

"Where are you going to land?" Jarlaxle asked from the opposite bench. Artemis sat beside him watching her work the tiller.

"Dover, though we need to figure out a way around the cliffs," Anna said squinting into the fog. Jarlaxle watched her in amusement and then pointed to her left, "Then you may want to actually head towards the cliffs," he grinned. Anna looked at him in surprise, "Can you see them?" she asked.

"Of course," Jarlaxle laughed, "Did you forget that I am a drow?" he asked.

Anna corrected their course and looked at him in confusion. "What does being a drow have to do with seeing in the dark?" she asked.

"The drow live underground in complete darkness," Artemis told her.

"Ah, I had forgotten. You had never heard of us," Jarlaxle said leaning forward to rest his arms on his knees. Taking off his hat, he sat it on the bench between him. Artemis looked down in distaste as the feather brushed his arm. A sudden wave made the boat tilt sharply to the left prompting the dark elf to grab his hat as Anna struggled to right the boat.

"Steer to the left," Jarlaxle said looking towards the cliffs in the distance. Anna adjusted the sail.

"How did you see if you lived in darkness?" Anna asked pulling on the ropes to control the sail as another wave broke over the side of the boat spraying them with water.

"A drow can see heat," Jarlaxle told her curious to see what she would think. Anna shot him baffled look as she compensated for the rough water. How could he see heat? "You mean like when metal glows red," she hazarded a guess. The dark elf nodded in approval, "Yes, though we can see heat in everything," he explained.

"Amazing," Anna breathed staring at him wide eyed. "Then even the darkest night would be like day light to you."

Jarlaxle inclined his head. She grasped the concept far quicker than he had expected.

The trip across the channel went far smoother than Anna had anticipated, though they were drenched by the time the cliffs became visible. Even though the sun had risen the fog was so thick she could barely see the hand she held up in front of her face. With Jarlaxle's help they navigated the cliffs until they found a place they could land. Anna was glad to feel dry land beneath her feet again. She grabbed the food while Artemis picked up the water containers.

"We should eat before we continue," Jarlaxle said taking the sack from Anna to see what they had stolen from Calais. Pulling out an apple he took a bite and then handed the sack back. Sitting on a rock Anna set the bag beside her and rubbed her arms as the wind bit through her wet dress. Artemis sat down beside her holding a jug of water. He took a drink and then passed it to her. She was shivering so bad she had trouble holding the jug to her lips. "Aren't you cold?" she asked through chattering teeth. Artemis shrugged as he took the jug from her. He had been though a lot worse than this.

Jarlaxle sat down on her other side. Reaching into his cloak he pulled out the small orb he had used when she was operating on Jacques. Setting it on a rock in front of them he said a word of command. The orb began to glow. It was like sitting next to small campfire. Anna held out her hands gratefully towards the warmth.

Reaching into his cloak Jarlaxle pulled out the journal that Anna had brought back with her. Originally she had thought that it had been written by Artemis. It surprised all of them that Jarlaxle had not only written the journal but had placed an enchantment on it as well. Thanks to the drow's enchantment they couldn't read any entries past the present day. "Perhaps we will find some answers within these pages," Jarlaxle said opening the diary and beginning to read.

Entry 10

Imagine my surprise to find that the artifact had the power to allow its user to travel through time. Unfortunately our young companion was grievously injured by a weapon of such power it defies explanation. The method used to treat her wound was perhaps more painful than the injury itself.

Entry 11

I met some of Anna's friends today. Though I fear I gave the poor woman called Jour quite a fright considering she fainted as soon as she saw me. Apparently the people of Anna's world have never seen a drow. I find it difficult to believe yet Jour's reaction was not the only one I have encountered. Except for Jour everyone that I have encountered looks at me more in confusion than fear. Of course considering what a charming soul I am it is understandable. Now if only I could teach Artemis the art of charm though I am beginning to doubt that even I will be able to accomplish such a thing.

Entry12

A most unfortunate event occurred today. The doctor that attended to Anna's wound has been mortally wounded. My young friend Anna was most distressed. I fear that her efforts to aid the man will be in vain.

Entry 13

My fears concerning Jacques were correct and the wound was indeed mortal. It would appear that we will be traveling without him. I wonder what we will find beyond this land called France.

Entry14

Do not despair, the answers you seek are closer than you might imagine. Seek them in the home of the brave and the land of the free. Be sure to guard the artifact and the key my younger self. Ah yes, I nearly forgot. There is a second key, when the time is right use the second key.

Jarlaxle closed the journal, "That is the last entry," he said putting it back into his cloak. The drow's white brows drew together as he considered what the journal had told them. "The home of the brave and the land of the free, do you know of such a place?" Jarlaxle asked Anna.

Anna smiled widely, "America is called the home of the brave and the land of the free," she answered.

"Indeed," Jarlaxle said softly staring across the channel, and odd expression on his face. Freedom. It was the one thing that had always eluded the dark elf. The one thing that he longed for most yet had been unable to find. As his lieutenant Kimmuriel had once told him 'In Menzoberranzan there is no freedom only survival'. To be free. Was such a thing even possible?

"The journal mentioned a second key," Artemis said, "perhaps it is this second key which will take us home." He couldn't leave this place fast enough.

"That would be my guess," the drow answered. In truth he was in no hurry to return. He very much wanted to see this place called the land of the free.

"Where do we go from here?" Jarlaxle asked finishing his apple.

"To London, we can board a hospital ship there," Anna answered setting her feet on the rock so that she could warm her toes. "How far is London?" Artemis asked. "It's too far to walk we will have to find something to take us there," she said watching steam rise from her shoes.

"Ah, then it is fortunate we already have transportation," Jarlaxle remarked. Anna looked at him curiously. In answer the drow reached into his cloak pulling out a small figurine in the shape of a horse. She was about to object but ended up just shaking her head and laughing. She could only imagine the stories that would be told by those that saw the demonic steeds. After a while Jarlaxle reached out and felt her sleeve, "I believe your uniform has dried sufficiently," he told her. Anna blinked in surprise. She wouldn't have expected the drow to be concerned. She really wished he would decide if he was going to be Seelie or Unseelie. Just when she thought she had him figured out he confused her again.

Without waiting for her to answer Jarlaxle stood up, set the figurine on the ground and called its name. Jumping onto the demonic horse, he held out his hand. Anna handed him the sack of food while Artemis called up his steed and vaulted into the saddle.

"Hand me the water," Artemis told her. Anna grabbed the jug and handed it to him before moving back to Jarlaxle. Taking his hand she settled in front of him. The nightmarish horse snorted impatiently flames shooting from its nostrils as it pawed the ground. Digging his heels into the demonic horse's side the drow's arm snaked around Anna's waist as they took off. She was immediately aware of the drow's hard body as he tightened his grip. Glancing over Anna saw Artemis pull alongside them. She had forgotten how frightening the fiery steeds looked. Straight from a nightmare, they were black as night with eyes of fire. Fire licked along dark plates of armor that covered the steeds as their flaming hooves ate up the ground.

Jarlaxle reined in his steed his eyes widening in surprise as the Tower of London came into view. Indicating the tower he said, "That was the tower that we saw being built."

"Yes, though the bridge is different from the one in your time," Anna said smiling up at him. "Much has changed over the years," she said.

"Indeed," the drow answered looking at the city, "It is much changed from the last time I saw it."

"The moat is gone," Artemis remarked from beside them. They were at war. Why would they fill in the moat?

"It was filled in long ago," Anna confirmed.

Jarlaxle dismounted and then reached for her. Turning sideways in the saddle Anna leaned down to rest her hands on his shoulders as she slid to the ground. No sooner had her feet touched the ground than the steed vanished. The drow pocketed the figurine and then turned to look at the city again. Busy watching as Artemis' steed disappeared she didn't notice when the drow dropped his huge hat into a magical pocket and pulled the cowl over his head.

"Shall we," Jarlaxle said sweeping his hand toward the city drawing Anna's gaze.

"Where is your hat?" She asked trying to figure out where he had hidden the purple monstrosity. From behind the hood the drow flashed her a smile, not answering. Anna shook her head and headed toward the city.

Artemis looked at the city surprised that there were areas he could recognize. It was strange seeing what the city looked like in the future, the same yet so different. He was faintly amused to see that the crowded conditions were about the same. The city had obviously felt the effects of war. He wondered what kind of weapons had caused the amount of destruction that surrounded them. There were entire buildings that had been reduced to nothing more than rubble while others remained untouched.

Seeing an aid station Anna said, "Wait here, I am going to see when the hospital ship is leaving." Without waiting for an answer she headed into the crowded building.

"It's hard to believe this is the same city we visited just a short time ago," Jarlaxle said tilting his head to study the tall building next to them. When Artemis didn't answer the drow looked towards him curious to see what had his friend's attention. Artemis was staring into the sky. Following the assassin's line of sight Jarlaxle studied the strange dark cloud the Artemis was looking at. The drow frowned. It didn't look like any cloud he had ever seen. The cloud was so dense it looked solid. Even as his mind rejected the realization, he knew whatever they were looking at was not a cloud. It was nothing natural, of that he was certain. As the black lumbering beast neared them he could make out an image on the underside of the bloated oval. It looked similar to the red cross he had seen on Jacques uniform except that instead of red it was black and outlined in white.

"What is that?" Jarlaxle whispered as the slow moving black beasts began till fill the sky. He didn't have long to wonder as Anna ran towards them screaming.

Anna watched in horror as her friends stood in the middle of the street staring up at a Zeppelin as it flew overhead. They were directly underneath it. She raced over shoving them out of the way as the bombs began to fall. The force of the nearest explosion knocked them off their feet. Ignoring the shock in their faces Anna hauled them to their feet, "We have to find shelter!" she shouted as another bomb exploded.

Recovering quicker than she would have expected Artemis and Jarlaxle raced after Anna as she weaved through the panicked crowds. Deafening explosions went off all around them. Screams of terror filled the air as people tried to escape the burning buildings. A man yelled and waved them towards a shelter. Following the man they rushed into the building's basement. A small group of people huddled against the basement wall. Anna motioned for Artemis and Jarlaxle to do the same.

Crouching beside Anna, Artemis shot her a confused look. Close beside them Jarlaxle whispered, "What in the nine hells just happened?"

"They are dropping bombs. We have to wait until the Zeppelins are gone," she whispered back too low for the others to hear. "Zeppelins?" the drow asked. Anna nodded, "What you saw in the sky," she said quietly. Seeing his confused look she explained, "They are machines that can fly. The enemy drops the bombs from them." Jarlaxle stared at her in disbelief.

"You mean to tell me that thing we saw was a machine?" Artemis asked. His doubt was obvious. Anna nodded, "It is made from a type of fabric and then filled with a gas that is lighter than air," she explained. Artemis stared at her. He didn't want to believe her. "You mean to tell me that black beast we saw is so light that it floats in the air?" he demanded. "There is more to it than that, but yes," Anna answered. Artemis just shook his head wondering if this world could get any stranger.

Once the explosions stopped they cautiously peered outside. The city was on fire. Anna sighed sadly looking at the extent of the damage. Motioning them to follow her, she slowly headed in the direction of the hospital ship. Despite the fires a thick fog hung over the city.

What manner of world was this that Anna called home? Artemis wondered how she could remain so calm in the face of such chaos. War here was so different. How do you fight an enemy you couldn't touch? All his life he had dealt in death, but it had always been with an enemy you could touch. Even the drow who could strike without being seen were incapable of such a thing. He never though he would miss Faerun.

"There it is!" Anna cried in relief.

"What?" Jarlaxle asked. "The hospital ship," She answered. The drow frowned looking around, "I don't see it," he said turning towards her.

The thick fog concealed much of the hospital ship. Amusement crept into Anna's eyes as they walked towards to the dock.

"There are no ships here," Artemis told her staring at the wall of metal in front of him. He scowled when Anna began to smile, "Look up," she told him. Artemis scowled but did as she said. His mouth dropped open.

Author's Note: During WW1 luxury liners were converted into hospital ships. There were several that were the size of the Titanic. If you are curious the one I am basing this ship on it is the Aquitania. Also I wanted mention that Zeppelins were used for most of the war instead of planes.

The next chapter will take place on the ship and may wind up being longer than usual, so it may take a little longer for me to post it.

Please review, nothing makes me happier!

General zarcon: Jarlaxle has a fish in hand and is ready to take you up on the fish slapping contest. Hmmm…didn't realize I screwed a dialog. Thanks I'll watch more carefully.