The building took a hit and part of the wall began to lean in. Blaze looked down at the older male he had carried. He was still alive. “Can you help him? He can’t shift.”
The mage came over to look at the male’s wounds. Both elder males looked into each other’s eyes with knowledge, but no one spoke.
“I’m sorry,” the mage finally said.
The older man coughed blood. “It’s not your fault. Save our prince.”
Blaze looked at them in surprise.
The mage looked up at him. “Did you think we didn’t know who you were? You look like Zocor when he was younger. All except for…”
“My hair. I have my mother’s hair.”
The mage stood up, walked over to Blaze, and placed his hands on his shoulders. “You are our prince and with the king gone, our people will need you.”
“But the portal is closed.”
“I think I can reopen it for just a brief moment. The problem is, I can’t guarantee if you will end up in the same region or the same time.” He took the chain off and placed it over Blaze’s head. “Take the talisman. It will help guide you to find our people.”
“We should all go,” Blaze said, motioning to the mage and the old male.
“I cannot hold the portal open for more than one to enter. Once you enter the portal, it will close because of your blood. I must do it now or our time will run out.”
He felt guilty for leaving the two males behind, but his people and his queen were out there somewhere. “Let’s do this,” Blaze said.
The mage moved toward the portal and waved his hand in front of him, forming symbols in the air. He uttered words in a language that Blaze knew came from the elders, but only the mages could speak it. The portal, a tall oval framed mirror covered with swirling smoke and liquid glass, appeared.
“Hurry, my prince!” the mage motioned for him to enter the portal.
He looked at the old male who gave him a nod. He stepped up next to the mage. “Thank you.”
“Safe travels.”
“Until we meet again, in this world or the next,” Blaze responded.
He took a deep breath before stepping through the swirling mass. He had no idea where this would lead, but he prayed it would take him to her… his queen.
