Chapter Five: Explaining the Situation

Lisa figured that Erik hadn’t even realized they’d become linked until her enhanced senses hit him. It was lucky that, currently, there weren’t that many sounds to overwhelm him with. Although, he could actually hear each snowflake as they hit the ground, followed by the echoing beats of their hearts.

The sounds caused him to break the kiss and look at Lisa questioningly.

On her end of the link, she could feel the slight discrepancy of the synapses firing in his brain. It explained a lot, she decided, as to why he acted the way he did. Also, she found and was surprised to realize that he had been speaking English and it wasn’t her imagination.

“What is happening?” he asked, snapping her concentration.

“We’re linked, Erik,” she said. “It happens when I fall in love with someone who loves me in return. It probably would’ve happened when we first met, had our feelings been mutual.”

“But…”

“I don’t know how it works,” she admitted. “I just know it does, and it has. You’ll be able to feel everything I do and vice-versa.” She locked eyes with him. We’ll also be able to speak telepathically. Mind-to-mind.

Erik’s eyes widened.

Try it. Think something and send it to me. Go on.

He blinked, but shut his eyes in concentration. She could sense him trying to communicate with her, but it wasn’t getting through properly.

Think at me. Direct the thought to my mind.

Lisa… The thought was scratchy at best, but it was something.

“Not bad. You’ll get it, with practice. You never told me you were English.”

He blinked. “I’m not…”

She nodded. “You’re right. I’d recognize that accent anywhere. You’re Scottish.”

He looked down. “I was born in Scotland. When my mother gave me to the fair, we traveled all over. Paris was our stop when Mme. Giry helped me escape.”

“Yeah, I remember. But you were speaking French when I first met you.”

“De même que vous.” He’d switched to French.

She shook her head. “I don’t know the language. I had a translator of sorts when we first met. I’d have to use your mind if I were going to speak it again.” She cast a glance to the window. “Well, maybe.”

He looked at her curiously, but she shook her head again. “Never mind.” A sound of hooves on snow reached her ears. “Hear that? The Healer is coming. His name is Medicus.” She paused. “Huh…I don’t hear his cart. Maybe he couldn’t get it through the snow.” For his benefit, she pictured the stallion in her mind.

“He’s a…”

“Unicorn, yeah. Mistral’s one, too. Or, well, a winged unicorn. They’re the dominant species, here.”

It then occurred to her that he hadn’t realized he was on another planet, yet. Whoops. Well, she’d better tell him.

“Uh, Erik? You probably didn’t realize this through the snow, but you’ve not only come into the future, but you traveled between planets. You’re on Alnilam, my home.”

“What…?”

She took his hands. “Shh, don’t worry. I’m going to take care of you, I promise. And Medicus’ll take care of you, too. Relax.”

Lisa went to the window, but she couldn’t see clearly through the snow. Eventually, she could see a shape through the flakes, solidifying into the stallion she knew so well. Behind him was Mistral, galloping a few lengths behind him.

Both their coats were soaked through, making them look darker than they really were. Only the inner lights of their horns broke through the gloom.

Once the two equines were near the window, Mistral stood near the wall, her shield melting the ice and snow accumulated on the side of the house.

“Brace yourself,” said Lisa, sitting beside Erik. “The wall is going to lift up.” Despite her warning, he started anyway.

Medicus walked inside while Mistral stood at the opening, using her shield to keep the elements out.

“Erik, this is Medicus. And you already know Mistral.”

“Hello,” said the stallion, making Erik start again. “Please relax. I won’t harm you. I just need to examine you.”

Erik coughed and Lisa put her arms around him.

“You don’t have your cart.” Lisa observed.

“Yes, I know. I couldn’t pull it through the storm properly, even with Mistral’s help.”

My shield isn’t big enough, she said a little sheepishly.

“No matter,” said Medicus. He stepped closer to the bed and Erik backed away a little. “Please relax,” he said and pressed his horn gently onto Erik’s chest, throat and forehead. He frowned.

“It’s nothing serious, is it?” asked Lisa worriedly.

The stallion lifted his head and cleared his throat. “Not…that I can tell. It’s mostly a viral infection due to a weakened immune system and being out in this storm. Careful monitoring will ensure it doesn’t escalate into something worse, like pneumonia.” He made a unicorn smile, but it looked strained to Lisa’s eyes. “Don’t worry. I will return to my cart and make a remedy for you. In the meantime, I believe, Lisa, you have some cold and flu remedies I left here?” At her nod, he said, “Give him some of those until I get back.”

“That’s great,” said Lisa. “Thanks.”

“Of course,” he replied. Lisa, may I speak to you privately?

He was giving her an odd look, so she nodded. “Erik, I’ll be right back, I promise.” She got up and followed Medicus outside, into Mistral’s weather shield so she wasn’t cold.

“His brain functions aren’t normal, and his face – ”

“I know about his face,” she said in a whisper, “and I thought there was something odd with his mind when we linked.”

“Very well. Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do about his mind. It’s a birth defect.”

“It’s fine. I don’t mind the way he looks.”

“Oh, neither do I. I just thought I’d tell you.”

“Yeah.”

“All right, then. We’ll be going.”

Bye! said Mistral.

“Good luck.”

End chapter five.

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