The Deer Prince's Murder: Book Two of 'Fantasy & Forensics' (Fantasy & Forensics 2) by Michael Angel Read Free Book Online Page B

about face! ”
    As one, the three swung around to look in the opposite direction.
    “Goodness, I think we offended her,” Galen remarked.
    “That, and someone got up on the wrong side of the meadow this morning,” Liam whispered.
    “Thou speakest true!” Shaw whispered back.
    The golden light engulfed me with a soundless flash. A moment of disorientation, the crawling feel of my flesh reshaping itself, and it was over. I got up from my hands and knees, reeled for a moment as I rejoined the ranks of bipeds. The forest and the sights around had shifted back to a monochromatic shade of green, and the sounds were duller, fainter.
    But the biggest change?
    It was damned cold in the forest again.
    Shivering, I grabbed my undergarments first, pulling on the panties first and then slipping the bra hooks into place with trembling fingers. I went for my dark blue Eileen Fisher pants and blouse next. Not the most stylish, I know. But they were comfortable, and I knew for a fact that they’d keep me from losing a pinkie toe or something to frostbite. Luckily, my trio of oh-so-understanding male friends had begun discussing Liam’s situation again. That would hopefully prevent them from asking why my teeth were chattering.
    “–and just because I am the Heir, there is no guarantee that I will become the Protector,” Liam was saying. “There is a foe to the Fayleene to be vanquished first. An ancient stone dragon by the name of ‘Sirrahon’ threatens my people. And since I am sworn to handle any challenger to my people…”
    “You have placed yourself between a rock and a rather hard spot,” Galen concluded. He folded his arms in thought for a moment and then added, “There is nothing that remains but to help you in this quest. Dayna, by chance have you concluded this as well?”
    “Thou must say ‘aye’, Dayna!” Shaw urged. “For this is great news!”
    “Great news?” I said skeptically, as I zipped up my pants and shrugged into my blouse.
    “Of course! We may all yet perish gloriously in battle against yon Fayleene’s dragon!”
    Liam gave Shaw a sour look. “There are times that I think you need to seek help, friend.”
    “Nay, we have all the chances to die right here, no further aid is needed.”
    “Galen, Shaw…” I began, “I offered to help Liam as soon as I learned what his people asked of him. As for you two…since we solved the murder of King Benedict, you’re no longer beholden to me in any way. You don’t have to do this.”
    “I think I speak for Shaw when I say that ‘honor demands that we assist’,” Galen said, and Shaw nodded agreement. “And even if you do not formally command us, I accept your leadership without question. We all owe you for restoring our purpose, bringing us back to our kin, and binding us together as such.”
    A swell of emotion caught me right then. Made it hard for me to swallow. Maybe it was the shy little girl in me, but I was moved. It had always been a little hard for me to connect with people. And just knowing that the three creatures I’d met had truly become my friends and confidants…it touched me. I slipped my socks and shoes on and walked back over to them.
    “Guys, I’m proud of all of you.” I couldn’t help but beam at them as I went on. “I need to return to my world for the afternoon, but with Galen’s help, I could return by early evening.”
    “You shall have no problem,” the wizard agreed, as he half-turned to reach into one of his saddlebags. He rummaged around for a moment and then pulled out a small circular amulet on a silver chain. Galen pressed it into my hands as he went on. “I have enchanted this medallion with a quartet of magical charges. These power the spell that allows you to cross between our worlds. Simply envision the spot you wish to travel to, and it shall enable your crossing. Once you have used its four charges, bring it to me and I shall make the spell anew.”
    “Thank you, Galen. I only wish that you