Naturally, Edwyrd had no idea how to extend protection to either himself or Rupert. However, given that he intended to be returning to his own home, and that Rupert also being a demon wouldn’t need any protection either, he felt it a fairly safe claim. In fact, last time, he’d forgotten completely about how hot the Abyss was. Apparently, this cool spell thing was what Jenn had been afraid of running out of power for last time. Also, he was pretty sure Jenn had never done the cool spell on Rupert either, the kid had made a beeline for the outside as soon as they’d arrived. He only hoped she didn’t remember that fact.
As the time for departure arrived, Edwyrd had everyone gather around the fire. As they did so he began to concentrate on the fire. He melded his mind with the fire, just as he had done with the last gateway. He didn’t go all the way and become flame, rather he held back, holding the Edwyrd form intact. He imagined the flame burning a hole in reality, charring a small opening between the veil between the Abyss and Astlan. It was a hole in the flame, a hole that opened up into his cave. Wider and wider, he imagined it, spreading his hands apart to force it wide enough. When he’d done so, he closed his eyes, concentrating all his will on making the hole real.
Whoosh! Went the fire before them. He heard Jenn take an indrawn breath, and knew he must have what he needed. Opening his eyes he beheld the hole in the flames, opening up to his cave. “Who’s first?” he asked.
Rupert didn’t need to be asked twice. He dove through the hole in the flame, hearing Jenn sigh his name in frustration. He didn’t care though, he was going home again! Going back to where he belonged. He emerged into the dark cave; he willed his eyes to adjust even as he had the first time. Tom’s cave was just as they’d left it.
Not that there was much to change. The place was just a tad bit on the barren side. He suspected, however, that it was really just a stopping point of Tom’s. Hunting cabin sort of thing. He’d probably brought them there the first time because it was up in the mountains and thus cooler so Jenn’s and Gastropé’s spells could work.
As Rupert was looking around, Gastropé stepped through the hole. The young wizard groped blindly in the dark for a second and then produced a small ball of Were Light. Gastropé’ had put his cooling spell on before entering, but even so Rupert could see him sweating. Maybe he should think of sweating, too?
Following Gastropé through the hole was Maelen leading the donkey. Apparently, the healer had put the animal into some sort of trance to get it to walk through fire. The donkey stared straight ahead, oblivious to its surroundings. Jenn had to step sideways to get around the donkey who was temporarily blocking her way. She was muttering to herself, convinced that she’d let them talk her into something really stupid. As she hurried out of the way, Edwyrd stepped through.
As Edwyrd stepped through, he turned to face the hole and concentrated on it. As Rupert watched, he saw the light in the clearing fade as Edwyrd quenched the fire in the fire pit. The hole growing ever smaller as he did so. At last he shook his head as if exiting a trance, and smiled, “There, that should do it, and I’ve put the fire out so we won’t be responsible for any forest fires. Smokey would be proud.” Rupert wondered who Smokey was. Some demon with a fear of fire? It seemed unlikely.
Jenn had been staring around, tapping her foot. “Smart, real smart.”
“What?” Edwyrd asked her.
“You’ve brought us to the same place the big demon did.”
“So?” Edwyrd asked, clearly puzzled.
“So? What if it shows up? I doubt it’s going to be too thrilled with uninvited house guests.” Jenn said as if speaking to a small child.
“Uhm.” Edwyrd was at a bit of a loss here. “Well, it’s the only place Rupert knew.” He looked apologetically at Rupert for laying the blame on him.
“You could have asked Gastropé. He’s had the grand tour.” Gastropé looked rather embarrassed.
Edwyrd simply said, “You could have suggested that.” That caused Jenn to stop what she’d been about to say. Edwyrd was right and even though she wasn’t in a good mood, she had to admit it, Rupert thought.
“Hmm, well, what do we do if it comes by?”
“Say, sorry to bother you, but do you have a cup of sugar?” Edwyrd suggested.
Jenn smiled grimly and shook her head. “I don’t think so. You’ve never dealt with this demon. I suspect he’d simply bite your head off and then after he’d digested your brains, might think to ask.”
This time it was Edwyrd who shook his head. “Why do you hate this demon so much? From what I’ve heard, all he’s done is try to help you.”
Jenn looked at him skeptically. “You have all this incredible power, and yet you know so little about demons?”
“Apparently,” Edwyrd replied sarcastically.
“Demons are evil. E—V—I—L in all capital letters. Anyone stupid enough to trust one deserves to have their soul eaten.”
“Do you really think demons eat souls?” Edwyrd asked incredulously.
