Free Portals by Maer Wilson Page B

I said. “I have to tell you I really wasn't expecting that.”
    “I do enjoy being unpredictable,” he said smugly, with one eyebrow raised.
    Reo snorted. “So where do we come in, Jones?”
    “I spent some time speaking to Aurelia and Belus. They have confirmed that the only way into the Light Ones' world is through our portal. They have agreed to help organize an expedition to the world of the Light Ones via my home world.
    “I think if I bring other races, it will be safer for the Light Ones. Under the theory that there will be interest in meeting other races to dilute the presence of the Light Ones. I also want to back up my own testimony against Satorah with those who have less reason to be biased.
    “That is where you come in. I would like the four of you to go with me. I also intend to invite Aela and a few of her warriors, and Romeo and Juliet. My people will respect outside testimony and having so many diverse viewpoints will give them a fuller understanding of the events of the last month.” He looked at us over the rim of his wine glass.
    Thulu and I looked at each other, excitement at the thought of going off-world bright in both of our eyes. Then I remembered we had a new responsibility. We couldn't simply go wandering off to other worlds when we had a child. Thulu's expression grew thoughtful.
    Jones had carefully watched the two of us and nodded.
    “You are concerned about Carter,” said Jones.
    “Well, of course, we are,” said Thulu mildly. “Just how long do you think we would be gone? And is there any danger to us?”
    “As to time, that is difficult to say. I am not quite sure how long the trial will last, but certainly not long. I would imagine part of a day at most. Getting to the Light Ones' portal on my world will take minimal time. I will simply open a portal near that one.”
    “Why not just open a portal right next to the one to the Light Ones’ world to begin with? Let the Light Ones go right through to their own world. That would be a lot faster wouldn’t it?” I asked.
    “And deadly, as that portal is very closely guarded, as I am sure you can imagine. Going to it without permission would certainly result in many deaths. Besides, since I must take Satorah before the Court, I can hopefully kill two birds with one stone.”
    “In any case, the Light Ones will not only need to get to the portal, but they will need assistance once they are through.  According to Belus, the valley where the spell is being cast is some distance from the connecting portal to our world. And their terrain varies from desert to low, but very rocky, mountains. I do not have the option to use a portal on their world.”
    “Two questions: One, why can't you make a portal while there, and two, why don't they just fly?” asked Reo.
    “The elves have already begun the spells to quarantine them from the rest of us.  Portals will no longer be able to be opened either to their world or on their world until they have succeeded in curing them.
    “And absolutely they can fly. They will most certainly have to get as much energy as they can before they leave. However, the children will not be able to fly as far as the adults and will need rest periods that the adults do not need, slowing them down. That could result in depleted energy if the time becomes too long.”
    “What about teleportation?” Thulu asked.
    Sloane answered, “That is not a talent that is readily available. Most of those who teleport cannot teleport others.  Of those who can, most of those are limited by only being able to port to a place they have already been or have someone there who can act as a beacon. The elves there are healers for the most part, not teleporters. Those who can teleport have not been to the area where the portal is. We need to move sooner, rather than later. I’m not sure we can find people with these talents as soon as we need to. I also do not think it is wise to widely advertise that we are going.” He shook