1.6 - You Can't Predict the Future

Illdrid’s belly started expanding, so she stopped taking jobs. She didn’t think random men would really be interested in sharing a bed with her while she was literally sharing her body with someone else. Her phone didn’t stop ringing, though. Sometimes, she recognized James’ number, but she felt too embarrassed to answer it. He had mentioned wanting to find a nice girl. She didn’t feel as though she currently fit that description.

But her reputation didn’t have to prevent her from being a good mother. Being unprepared, however, would. So she started by playing guitar and singing softly to the baby, songs about emerald trees and sapphire lakes, a place of magic and excitement.

Music could only go so far to prepare her for motherhood, so Illdrid decided to take a trip to the local library. The librarian directed her to the parenting books. Illdrid grabbed one and curled up into a comfortable chair to read it.

When she had absorbed all she could have from the book, the librarian showed her how to use the Internet. Illdrid was fascinated by it, especially when she learned that people would pay her to merely describe sexual acts. It meant she would be able to keep earning money without the men knowing about her current condition.

Just as she was about to go home, a strange message popped up on the screen, “Hello, Halfling. I can help you on your quest to get back to the Realm. For a price.”

Illdrid looked around wondering who could possibly be saying these things. It must be a joke. “Who is this?” she replied.

“The who is of no consequence.  All that matters that I can get you what you want if you just give me what I want.”

“Well, what do you want?”

“The child you are carrying. It doesn’t have the blood you need. And I need an apprentice.”

Illdrid shot back in horror and furiously typed back, “Absolutely not! What a wretched trick this is!”

“Have it your way. I gave you a chance to make a deal. Your babe will be mine one way or the other.”

Illdrid quickly shut off the computer and ran out of the library. She felt like she was going to be sick. She couldn’t understand who would possibly want to scare her like that. She hoped Shae would know what to do, if there was anything for her to do. After all, it was probably just some jerk around town who didn’t approve of what she did for a living. But how…how could they possibly know about her heritage? About the realm?

Illdrid burst into the door to find Shae in the arms of a strange man. Shae blushed as she jumped out of his embrace. “Uhh, hey sis. This is Derek. He’s my coworker.”

Illdrid nodded her hello and grabbed Shae by the wrist, dragging her to the nearest bedroom. “We need to talk.”

Shae put her hands on her hips. Couldn’t you see that I was a little busy?”

Illdrid placed her hands on Shae’s shoulders and shook her. “This is more serious than that! Someone knows who we are. They threatened to take my baby away!” Illdrid recounted the odd library encounter to her sister, trying not to burst in tears.

Shae fiercely hugged her sister, “Don’t worry. No one is going to get your baby.” She turned her head toward the doorway and shouted, “Derek!”

Illdrid started to panic, “Shae! What are you doing?! We don’t even know him!”

Shae smiled, “I told you not to worry. I know him just fine. He knows my secret and I know his.”

Derek walked into the room, preventing Illdrid from protesting further. “Yes, dear?” he asked with a wolfish grin. “Shall we have a party in here, the three of us?”

Shae frowned and smacked his shoulder. “Stop it, you perv. This is serious. Someone is threating my sister. It’s probably nothing, but well, I was hoping you’d agree to stay a while and protect us?”

Derek, who had grown serious after being chided, responded, “Absolutely, love. The house I inherited is cold and lonely, anyway. I’d be thrilled to have somewhere warm and inviting to stay.”

Illdrid felt incredibly uneasy about this plan. But she trusted Shae’s instincts. She just hoped that her trust wasn’t misplaced.