Free I Can Hear You by Hannah Davenport

pulled into the driveway of a nice brick ranch home with neighbors bordering on each side.  It was nice, but crowded.  Clutching my overnight bag to my chest, I followed Brian to the front door.  An older looking lady with a kind face met us.  As Brian explained that I would be staying in the apartment, she turned and smiled at me.  I felt uncomfortable in my short party dress as she led me inside.
    “It’s nice to meet you, dear.  Can I get you something to drink?”
    I thought about telling her any kind of alcohol would work, even though I didn’t drink.  Instead, I asked for water.  When she handed me a glass, I replied, “Thank you.”
    “Let me get the key and I’ll show you to the apartment,” Brian said.
    “Thank You.”
     

Chapter Eight
    Mikal
     
    “Commander,” Avis said as he bowed his head.
    I turned so I could address him.  “Yes Avis, what do you need.”
    “Commander, I ah…I ah”
    “Avis!  I don’t have all day, spit it out,” I said in a stern voice.
    “Yes sir.  I lost the transport crystal.  I must have dropped it when I engaged the two Santiarns.  I returned to the alley, but it wasn’t there.  I’m sorry sir.”  He bowed his head waiting for punishment.
    The transport crystal allowed us to move from one realm to another.  It looked like a smooth white stone that contained magic, which opened the portal.  The stone would turn into a clear crystal while it’s magic was being accessed.   Only my people could use the transport crystals. They had to have Cusasleon blood flowing in their veins.  Still, this transgression could not go unpunished.  I didn’t need my men to think I was weak, even if I was known for being fair.
    “You are forbidden to return to the human realm until further notice.  You are to report to Damien at the training fields first thing in the morning.  Understand?”
    “Yes, Commander, thank you, sir.”  I turned and headed toward the castle.  I needed to speak with the Elders.
     
    “Come in Mikal.”  Risya called before I could even lift my hand to knock.
    She was one of the oldest remaining elders and the one I would seek out first.  She was easy to talk with, but sometimes I was left with riddles.  As I entered the chambers, I found her standing near a window wearing a white toga styled dress.  Her hair had long since faded to gray and was piled on top of her head.  Her actions and dress made her appear regal even with the deep wrinkles set in her face.
    “Thank you, Risya.”  I closed the door as I entered.
    “You’re troubled,” she stated.
    “Yes.”
    She turned and gazed at me before finally speaking.  “What would you like to know?”
    I couldn’t help the smile that briefly made an appearance before my face turned expressionless once again.  “I worry that we’re losing the war with the Santiarns.  I’m afraid we can’t keep the Humans safe much longer.  They are increasing their forces and the last few times I’ve tracked them, they’ve led me to the same girl.”
    “I see.”  She turned and looked out the window while I patiently waited for her to say more.  When she finally turned back to me, she said, “Around 1000 years ago, one of the seers foretold the future, a prophecy of sorts.  It was told that a human would determine the outcome of the war, depending on which side she took.  Although, this human is actually no human at all.”
    “What does that mean?”  I asked as I scrunched my nose and my brows drew together in concentration.
    “That’s all I know, Mikal.  We have been waiting for someone to make themselves known.”
    “But the law states that no Human is allowed here, nor are we allowed to interact with them.” 
    “This is true.”  She hesitated, “There is one here that you could talk with.”
    That got my attention.  “Who is that?”
    “Desambriel.”
    Desambriel, also known as Des, is the once great warrior who was forbidden from entering the human realm