Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Time seemed to halt as the small group gathered beneath the ancient tree just beyond the Gate of Time. The air was heavy with anticipation as if it carried the weight of the world on its shoulders. The scent of moss and earth mingled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, creating a heady aroma that filled the atmosphere. The sound of rustling leaves and distant chirping birds provided a backdrop of nature's symphony.

The two boys, Jeff and EJ, stood at the precipice of a life-altering decision. Their heartbeats echoed in their ears, a rhythmic drumming that drowned out all other sounds. The ancient tree's branches swayed gently in the breeze, whispering secrets of forgotten times. As they spoke, their words hung in the air, charged with an electric energy that sent shivers down their spines. Above them, the watchful Gods of Light held their breath, their presence emanating a divine aura. Their gaze, intense and piercing, bore into the souls of the boys. The weight of their decision was so thick you could cut it with a knife, a heavy burden that threatened to crush their spirits.

In this moment, the fate of all realms and mankind hung in the balance. The choice between sacrifice and oblivion was a daunting one, like standing on the edge of a precipice, one step away from eternal darkness. The Gods watched, their collective breath suspended, waiting for the outcome that would shape the course of history.

As the last words were spoken, the air grew still, as if holding its breath along with the Gods. The silence was deafening, an eerie stillness that settled over the scene. Time stood frozen, as if the entire universe held its breath, waiting to see which path the boys would choose.

* * * * *

Jeff placed his hand on EJ’s shoulder and looked up at the bright blue sky, knowing that the gods were listening. “I will give my life to make sure that he lives and does not die alone and forgotten.” Hearing the gods answer his prayer, he smiled and felt his heart fill with so much light that he nearly wept with joy. “So let it be done. Go in peace, my son.” 

“I, too, am willing, my friend,” EJ said, answered the question before him.

 

·       * * * * *

 

Jayden took EJ’s hand, looked into his eyes, and smiled. “Your brothers and family look just like you do, EJ. Another reason Jeff could not see you. Because Morgan uses your memories against you and has lied to you, Jeff’s mind had to be clear of all things of you now and the present, but there is a thing that is still tied to him and you, which is called the bond that you share with him. We must sever that bond for a time, so Morgan cannot use it against you or him.”

Jayden could tell he was confusing EJ by the look on his face. “EJ watch.” Jayden, taking his finger, drew a line in the dirt. “The line is the bond you share (feelings, memories) when you are in trouble. Jeff knows about it depending on the kind of trouble you get into as a kid; he acts or does not act.” Jayden laughs.

“But feelings and memories can be the source that can hurt the most or help, depending on the kind. Now, back to the line, they are constant. Making a bond like this line is what we need to do.” Jayden takes his finger and “cuts the line, putting a large knot in it.” EJ nods his head and thinks he understands. “Morgan will use those against Jeff, and you will feel and see everything Jeff does. Jeff can withstand that kind of pain, whereas you cannot. You are still very much alive, whereas he is not anymore. So, we need to sever the bond for now.”

“This bond we share?” EJ asked, redrawing the line. “You said it works both ways.”

“Yes, EJ, that is true. That is how Jeff found out you were in trouble and needed help.” Jayden replies.

“Then, if I am supposed to help him, how will I know he needs help if we cut the bond?”

Jayden and Derrick pondered the question and looked down at the small boy staring back at them, awaiting an answer. Derrick kneeled beside EJ on the ground, asked him, “What do you suppose we do, EJ?”

EJ looked at the lines on the ground. “Jeff is my friend … how can I find him if I feel nothing?”

Derrick could see the hurt in the boy’s eyes as he looked at the gate where his friend had gone. As Derrick brushed the hair off the boy’s face, he said, “EJ, remember, you can’t remove one thing.” Some say it is a feeling, memories lost long ago. If you wish hard enough and believe it is possible, like this place, you see around you. Anything is possible. If you need more convincing, take a hard look at yourself in the water and look at your reflection. You will not find the boy of EJ anymore, for he is gone for a time, and we are ready to take you home. That is, if you are ready, of course?

EJ turned around and looked up at Derrick and Jayden with the biggest smile he could give. “Oh yes! Please! I want to go home more than ever.” Jayden and EJ walked alone towards the gate. Derrick smiled, giving EJ a hug, and whispering in his ear, “I’ll see you soon, my dear boy.” Derrick gave Jayden a nod and patted him on the back with a thanks. He slipped the old map back into Derrick’s pocket and the second key Lenny gave Jeff and, most importantly, the book Jeff used to free EJ and himself.

Jayden tapped his staff at the gate, making a gateway a few miles from camp, where he had a tent and a few belongings, and EJ’s pony Jackson was waiting. The closing of the gateway amazed EJ as he watched. “Never thought that this was possible, but then again, after seeing what Morgan can do, anything is possible,” he said.

EJ stared at the surroundings and looked at Jayden with puzzlement and disappointment. EJ takes one step as he falls to the ground, his new body too weak to go much further. Jayden catches him, picks the boy up in his arms, and carries him into the tent. Placing a warm blanket over him. “EJ things are different here than when you were in that world with me, Derrick, Bowden, and Jeff. Your body was in a dream state, allowing you to be free from your body for a time.” Jayden props EJ’s head up, giving him some more nourishment.

EJ tries to spit it out because it tasted sour, unlike the stuff he had earlier, “Oh, that tastes nasty. What is it?” He asked.

“Apples and plums with cinnamon, the same stuff I gave you earlier, mostly. Quite good for this time of year,” EJ said, taking a small taste with his finger. Your pony likes it, too; he is having that for supper tonight. You, my friend, are having rabbits cooked on a nice open fire, apples, more plums, and some potatoes. EJ’s mouth was watering as the rabbit was being cooked.

“Jayden, there is something I just cannot figure out. I realize that there are two different worlds. According to Bowden, there are several.” EJ said, looking at the sky through the tent. “The question is, if I was in this so-called dream state, where was my body, and how did I get here?”

“EJ, your body never left Morgan’s dungeon. Jeff could not take it with him, just you when you are in a sleeping state, which still does not explain how you still have a body here and one over there in Morgan’s cell. The best way I can explain it is.” Jayden takes an apple and cuts it in half … Place one half in EJ’s right hand and the other in his left hand. “How many apples do you have, EJ?” he asked.

“Is this one of those trick questions?” EJ asked, not liking it one bit.

Jayden laughed, “No.”

“None. I have two halves,” EJ replies.

“But if you put them back together.” Bringing his hands together. “You have one apple. So, your answer was incorrect. So basically, through the bond of the apple, we made it possible for you to share each of the halves. A body of flesh and bones; you needed to be with your family and friends, and the same for them. The only difference is you do not look like EJ, and he does not look like Jeff, and you look like somebody else entirely. Speaking of which of somebody else, EJ, I really hate to do this to you, my friend, and I hope you will forgive me.” Jayden said set the mixture of the bonding tonic next to him, “EJ, when you wake up, you won’t remember any of this night or Derrick, Bowden, or Jeff coming to save you…”

“But why?”

We must do it this way for your own good and for the lives of thousands out there. When you wake, you will be home with your Ma and Pa and all your brothers and sisters. You will not be EJ anymore, I am afraid. Do you trust me enough to get you home, EJ? I brought you here because we were being followed.

They are about a two-hour ride from here. My main camp is just over that hill. You see that man over there leaning against the tree? He is one of my Captains. He has been watching us, making sure we are safe from everyone. We had a battle here the night before with some of Morgan’s men. They badly want this place for their stronghold.

As Jayden poured the tonic into a small glass, a faint aroma of herbs and spices filled the air. EJ’s curiosity grew, his eyes fixed on the mixture. He could feel the weight of their shared memories, the pain and sadness that lingered within both. Jayden handed the glass to EJ, his grip gentle yet firm. EJ hesitated for a moment, unsure of what was to come. But there was a glimmer of hope in Jayden’s eyes, a silent reassurance that everything would be alright.

With a deep breath, EJ took a sip of the tonic. Its taste was bitter, yet strangely familiar. As the liquid flowed down his throat, he felt a tingling sensation spreading throughout his body, like a soothing wave washing away his troubles. The room seemed to blur, the world around them fading into a hazy mist. EJ’s mind drifted, as if floating in an ethereal realm. The weight of his burdens lifted, replaced by a tranquil stillness.

Images flashed before EJ’s eyes; fragments of memories long forgotten. Laughter echoed in his mind as scenes from their childhood played out like a movie. The bond between him and Jayden grew stronger with each passing moment, their connection rekindled amidst the chaos of life.

EJ’s body relaxed, muscles unclenching as the tonic worked its magic. It was as if time stood still, allowing him to fully immerse himself in the healing process. The pain and sorrow that had plagued him faded, replaced by a renewed sense of peace and clarity.

Jayden fixated on EJ, a mixture of excitement and relief clear on his face. They could heal, to rebuild what they had broken. Their plan, once a distant memory, now felt tangible and within reach.

As the effects of the tonic soon faded, EJ’s senses returned to the present. The room came back into focus, their surroundings solidifying once more. He looked at Jayden, gratitude and determination shining in his eyes.

“This wasn’t part of our plan,” EJ whispers, his voice filled with awe and realization. “But maybe, just maybe, it’s exactly what we needed.”

Jayden chuckles, a warmth radiating from him. “Life has a funny way of steering us in unexpected directions, doesn’t it? But if we have each other, we’ll navigate through it all.” And with that, they shared a knowing smile, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with the strength of their renewed bond and the memories that would guide them forward.

EJ looks surprised. “You knew about that?”

“Knew about it? That is all Will and Robert talked about for days. No, we planned to sneak all of us in somehow, give you first the stuff that makes you a wood elf, which you and your whole family are, by the way. That’s it. Drink it nice and slow― and pour this down you, sneak you out the back before Morgan finds out,” he replied, laughs.

EJ yawns, “Glad you didn’t. He would have killed you all before you got out the door.” And with that, he was out like a light.

“Me too, my boy, me too,” Jayden said. Dousing out the fire, he picked up EJ, put his arms around his neck, and took one last look at the old campsite before opening the gateway. “Alright, fella, let’s take this boy back to his Ma.” Taking the reins of EJ’s Pony, Jayden walked through the gate.

Jayden was not stupid, considering the recent events of Lenny and Queen of the Pixies. Unless accompanied by an armed guard, no one in their right mind ventured onto the streets nowadays. The sound of doors clicking shut and windows being secured echoed throughout the neighborhood of Springfield, creating an atmosphere of fear and urgency. The fear of the encroaching Shadow of Darkness kept even the boldest of magical mice from venturing out alone in these days. Derrick was pacing the floor of the house of the Tweeds. “They should have been here by now,” he intoned.

Everyone was uptight, ready to spring at the door at the slightest sound. The time came at last as Jayden knocked on the door carrying a large laundry basket with clothes. Two guards helped with it inside the house, with two others as decoys and some supplies for the household.

Jayden and Derrick waited until the men left the house, taking the horse back to the stable. “That will be all, Captain,” Jayden said, dismissing the men and quickly locking the door. Jayden smiled at everyone in the room and removed the clothes from the one basket.

Underneath the clothing was a sleeping boy that brought tears to a mother’s eyes as she fell near the basket, touching his little face. His body all curled up so small he barely even weighed anything as Pa picked him up in his arms as the tears rolled down his cheek.

The boy did not know he was home as his Ma and Pa held him close to them yet so gently as if he would break. Looking at Derrick and Jayden that day, they couldn’t put into words the gratitude they felt. They had their little boy back, and that was enough; it was the world to them.

Derrick’s face grew long with worry as he looked outside down the road. He knew what was out there; they did not. This was just a Band-Aid, not a solution to a greater problem, as he looked at the sleeping boy. Yet they had waited a long time for this moment. There is not a lot he could do but wait. The question is, can he afford to wait? Could the realms of all the worlds wait?

Derrick watched the boy, and his parents, hold the sleeping boy in their arms, hoping, looking down the road, that we had done all this for nothing. These two halves are the key not just for their world, but for many worlds like them. Derrick gathers his strength, watching the love this family has for the boy, realizing the brotherhood is right; the boy needs time to heal and find his way again, and so does Jeff, for that matter. They have severed the bonds enough between them, allowing them the time they need to be set upon their journey.

Derrick paced a couple more times in front of the fireplace, clasping his hands together, waiting for Drealin to come back down the stairs.

“Everything is ready as you asked, sir,” he said, making his way back down to the living room, bowing to Derrick.

Derrick straddles the chair the wrong way so he can see everyone eye to eye in the room. “I realize this might not be a good time right now,” he said, pointing to the boy his Ma and Pa were holding so tightly in their arms. “Which has put you in greater danger by being here with you, yet his chances of survival were even less?

 “Morgan is still out there and is hard bent in finding you all and destroying you, which is very real. If you need a reminder, just look outside and at your son. This boy you are holding is Sylen, your son; nothing has changed except for your appearance, name, and way of life. When he wakes, he will not remember, just like you did at first, how he got here or his other name. He is very weak, as you can tell just by his looks. I am sure he will need lots of rest and love.” Derrick smiles. “Without a doubt, I know he will get plenty of it.”

Derrick gets very serious. “Then the hard part will come, affecting all of you. He may have to hide in secret for a time as the danger increases for him and his counterpart, but this is a joyous time, so why spoil it? Right?” Derrick lets out a laugh that shakes the floor.

Sir Drealin came down the stairs and said, “The boy’s room is ready. If you like to take him up, put him to bed.”

Lily looked at her husband. “Not in these old rags, and not after I washed him good and clean.” Watching his parents, Jayden couldn't help but laugh as they marched their little boy in her arms, with his Pa following closely behind. With a casual toss, his Ma let go of the old nightgown, its frayed material holding echoes of the haunting events that had unfolded in Morgan's dungeon.

Laughter erupted from him, filling the room with its infectious sound, as she took in the boy's sight and his brothers Danny, Sam and Ted, standing boldly in their complete nudity. All his siblings eagerly joined in the popular pastime of skinny dipping with the local children in Springfield, their bodies feeling refreshed as they swam under the warm summer sun.

The boys, Robert Will and the three younger brothers Danny, Sam, and Ted, along with their two sisters Julie and Anna, had a distinct feature: beautifully bronzed skin that they had earned from countless hours basking in the sun. The sound of their cheers echoed through the air as they fearlessly leaped off the three waterfalls, filling the popular spot of the large nearby lake with excitement. Barefoot was the preferred choice for both the children and locals in this area, as shoes seemed unnecessary.

However, the wizards' families separated themselves from the rest, maintaining their dignity by wearing shoes and refraining from skinny dipping, unless they could do it discreetly, away from prying eyes. However, it is important to mention that only a small fraction of them felt the same way. Their fathers and the boys, with their bare backs exposed, acquired a bronzed complexion from the unyielding summer days spent laboring in the fields.

Jayden and Derrick, who had been residents since the town's inception, were unsurprised by this turn of events, as they cherished the town's enduring legacy. As they took in a breath, the palpable love and tranquility immediately embraced them in the air, fostering a treasured atmosphere of peace. Jayden eagerly anticipated the moment he could step outside and head towards the tranquil lake, embracing the liberating feeling of being completely naked where judgment was nonexistent.

The lake's irresistible charm, blessed by the King of all Living Water, enticed him with the tantalizing prospect of its invigorating depths embracing his unclothed form. After forming it, they immediately expected and enacted the law that prohibited clothing in the waters. For over twenty-five centuries, that law had been unquestioned and unbroken. Despite occasional attempts to challenge it, the moment the King of Living water and his two Daughters created the magical waters, they immediately expected and enacted the law.

As soon as the water touched any garment, it would vanish without a trace, leaving the person standing there, completely unclothed. So, there was no point in hiding the fact that it was part of the norm here - the cheerful greetings and friendly banter echoed through the kingdom of the south. In the northern and western regions of the kingdom, Sly and his queen Lorna, the moon goddess, made their home, while Rolen and his family governed the other half. Serving as a bridge, Springfield linked the two locations together from its central position. The same enchanting magic blessed all the lakes and ponds.

As he arrived home after his long journey, he relished the feeling of being able to take a breath and soak in the comforting atmosphere that surrounded him. Many months of searching for the boy EJ and enduring the hardships of battle had made him homesick and seeing his wife Lizzy only intensified that feeling. As soon as he could break free from his responsibilities, he knew she would be patiently waiting for him at the lake. He had sent a Dragon Wing informing her he would be home today.

With no hesitation, he confidently undressed, seamlessly blending in with the family and friends as if he had been a part of their circle forever. It made perfect sense because he had just married Lizzy a few months ago and was eagerly preparing for the arrival of their first child, a son, a significant milestone that hadn't been seen in his family for centuries.

With their freedom on the horizon and the arrival of their brother EJ, Robert and Will relished the feeling of the sun's warm embrace and the gentle summer breeze that filtered in through the opened windows and curtains, caressing their sun-kissed skin. The room filled with warmth as their faces brightened with joy, exchanging a meaningful smile. Without batting an eye, they watched as boys and men, devoid of clothing, energetically readied themselves for their upcoming adventure, knowing EJ would join them and would celebrate his return at the lake. With a picnic basket bursting with treats, they knew that another naked man or boy wouldn't change the outcome - they had accomplished their mission. Before the chaos descended, there was a brief moment to unwind and find peace. Jayden wasted no time and immediately kicked off his boots and peeled off his socks, tossing them onto the pile in the corner. His shirt came off with a swift flick of his fingers, joining the pile of boots as he continued to undress, adding his pants and boxers to the mix.

Derrick let out a sigh of longing, torn between wanting to join them and the responsibilities that awaited him. However, he promised to join them later, waving goodbye to everyone with a smile before he left. “You've got a handle on things here, Drealin, so I'll take my leave.” With a sigh, he picked up his boots from the pile, the rough texture of the soles brushing against his fingertips. He slung them over his shoulders, the straps digging into his skin, but then hesitated, ultimately opting to drop them back into the pile. Then, he shrugged off his shirt, the fabric sliding smoothly off his body, as he confidently headed towards the door, deciding to leave both behind. No one paid any attention as he placed his pants and boxers on the railing of the porch and left them there.

“Yes, sir,” Drealin replied, swiftly collecting Derrick's abandoned clothes and effortlessly incorporating them into the accumulating household pile.

Jayden walks over to the boys, acknowledging them with a nod before indicating the direction of the basement cellar. Their complete lack of concern about their nakedness was clear to everyone around them. What was the point? They were all excitedly planning their trip to the lake, eager to jump into the cool, refreshing water. In that situation, clothing had no purpose and was useless. The town's people were fully aware of and at peace with the fact that the lake played a significant role in their lives.

With a careful hand, he opened the private room, creating a safe space where they could speak openly without fear. Casting a warding spell for those listening ears. “As you have guessed, boys, our plans have changed slightly?”

“Heck, I would call it a success. EJ’s home.” Robert nearly shouted.

Jayden gives Robert a hard glance. “Sylen is home. You must be more careful, Robert; Morgan has gotten craftier lately. He uses our own thoughts and minds against us to bend to his will. You may have your brother back, but part of him is still missing. Morgan has the other part. It is up to you three and the rest of us to get it back.”

Jayden breaks down all that has happened to Jeff that he can, that Jeff told Bowden, and he told him. “So, you see, Morgan is holding Jeff and EJ, and we have the same here, except they are not really hostages. They are our friend and your brother. They both have the same memories and feelings, except now, for a time, I think they cannot feel each other.” He wondered if they had severed that bond enough. “Time will tell,” he sighed.

“This bonding thing sure gets complicated, Jayden,” Robert replies.

“It does.” That is why we do not do it very often unless there is an excellent reason behind it. Now then, I have not seen Lizzy for almost two weeks, boys, and I know you are aching to spend some time with your brother and go to the lake and celebrate why we can. Just remember what I said: We still haven’t found him.”

Robert and Will sprinted up the stairs, their hearts pounding as Pa gently placed him into bed while they gather the rest of the supplies for the outing at the lake. “Easy now,” Ma whispers, her voice trembling with worry as she carefully arranged pillows behind his little head.

“I know, I know, Ma,” he smiled, with everyone in the room watching him.

“I brought up the knitting you asked for, my lady,” Drealin said, as the scent of freshly spun yarn wafted through the air. The scent of freshly spun yarn filled the air, infusing the room with an intoxicating fragrance of lavender. “And have I taken precautions to ensure that the boy's departure from the house goes unnoticed? While we meet everyone at the lake to celebrate his return.

“That is fine, Drealin," she responded, her tone carrying a hint of reassurance. Can you kindly leave it there by the chair? I believe that will complete our tasks for today. We will see you and your wife at the lake and your four daughters and son,” Martha said, the anticipation clear in her tone.

“I’ll do that.” Drealin took another look at the boy in the bed, and everyone was pleased as a punch on a hot Sunday afternoon. “If you need anything―?”

“I know.” Lily, not looking away for an instant, “You will be the first one I call after my dear sweet husband. Who has all his men posted right outside my flower bed tearing up my roses?”

“I’ll get you some more, dear, I promise,” he said, taking her hand, not looking away from his sleeping son.

“I know you will," she whispered, her eyes sparkling with hope, “a rose for each day I longed for him to be back in my embrace.”

Drealin wiped a tear from his eye as he watched his mother kiss the boy’s cheek, a sense of relief washing over him. He knew that the world was right again. But as he backed out of the room downstairs, a sudden chill ran down his spine, freezing him in his tracks. The distant sound of people yelling in the streets grew louder, echoing with a sense of impending danger.

Drealin sprinted up the stairs as fast as his legs could carry him. Arken and Lily were already lifting their son off the bed. “Quick, this way!” He exclaimed, leading them into the hiding spot. Drealin urgently opened the concealed door of the house, his voice filled with urgency.

He handed each of the boys a robe, but as he looked up, he saw Jayden and Richard already disappearing down the road completely naked. The whirlwind of events during the chaos swept them up, causing them to forget about their worries about modesty, yet they weren’t the only ones. One by one, they hurried through the door, their bare feet echoing in the empty hallway, until he closed it tightly behind them, the sound of the lock clicking into place. Pa, with their sleeping son over his shoulders, Grayson, and Jasper, are carrying each of the little boys. Ma is holding little Jess, Analy is carrying Vanen, and Brandy is ensuring nobody is following behind them.