“Look,” Sheeba called, pointing to the eastern side of the sea. In her close vigil, something stirred out of the endless waters “It’s Olya. She’s come back to us.”

Sheeba stepped into the shallow waters eager to see her sister. She called to her repeatedly. Dersko followed close behind, astonished by the odd display of affection.

Olya sprung out of the water, staggering. Sheeba briskly charged to her side. “Sister, are you all right?” Olya was unable to form words because of the content of salt water in her throat. “Come, sister. I’ll take care of you.”

Olya leaned on Sheeba just to stay upright. Dersko came to help, scooping Olya into his arms and carrying her to shore. The staff that had hung from her belt fell into the water. Sheeba quickly retrieved the wooden rod before the under toe took it into the sea.

Olya was barely breathing when Dersko laid her on the soft sands. He gave her a tonic to dissolve the poison in her system. “Lie still,” he said. “You need rest.”

“Yes, Oli, Dersko’s right.”

Olya eyed the staff in the hands of her sister, and screeched out one word. “Home.” Trying to lift herself off the ground, she repeated to word, this time more clearly.

“What does she mean?” Dersko asked, checking Olya’s temperature. “Almost normal.”

“Something to do with the staff?”

“Yes,” Olya whispered, forcing the words out. Now sitting with the help of Dersko, she continued,” The staff, only way home. Bloss tricked me, Sister. Be weary, do… same to… you.”

“Don’t worry, Oli. He won’t find us.”

“Must… get… home.”

Olya raised her hands to touch the sacred staff. Dersko supported her upper body, fearing she might further injure herself if she tried to sit up alone. As she touched the staff along with Sheeba, a drastic change came about her. Olya’s strength returned tenfold. Sheeba felt the power, too.

“The staff will take us home,” Olya announced. “Only through our combined power can the Staff of Eternia be utilized. Open the door, oh great staff. Return us home to the land of Poe, to Eternia.”

Suddenly a door formed. The three travelers entered. In seconds they found themselves inside the lighthouse, but something odd overcame them. The place was abandoned. Cobwebs consumed the interior, while darkness ruled the land.

“This is not home,” Sheeba cried.

“No,” Olya said, taking in the surroundings. “The staff sent us here for a reason. This world is in danger. We were called to save it. For now, we are home.”

Olya wasn’t sure what they could do, or even how much. Damage was in need of repair, but one thing Olya realized. They were completely on their own. Pike could no longer help her. The wizard’s apprentice must now take those shoes and utilize all she knew. This task being hers alone.

“What do you ladies suggest?” Dersko questioned.

“I know,” Sheeba broke in. “Let’s see what the natives do for fun.”

“Watch out world. Here comes Sheeba.” With Olya’s last words, the small band went into the night. The dusty old lighthouse remained, but not all was silent. Time would only bring forth what these shallow walls already knew.

Here’s a link to the next story.

Eternity’s Quest: 3 Into Darkness