Lost to Earth: Book Three

Damn! What a quick death! "The thought barely penetrates my brain as I was swirled around in hot blackness. Mylungs are burning from the lack of oxygen, while heat eats away my skin and bones. Thepyroclastic cloud from Vesuvius wrenched my soul from my body, and everything went silent."You don't believe in fairies!" A sing-song voice repeats from somewhere in the darkness.A chill of foreboding runs through my incorporeal spine. Shit, not again!My name's Jessa, and fairies tossed me to the past when I told my younger sister Meena,"I don't believe in fairies."Granted, I shouldn't have said those fated words on top of an Irish fairy hill during a solareclipse -but hey! How was I supposed to know magic and fairies did exist when we hadtechnology? Perhaps the solar eclipse was the extra added oomph for the over-sensitive pixies tochuck my ass through time?First, I landed in Ancient Troy, was married to a Trojan Prince, and then killed by thelegendary Achilles. Next, I fell in

I followed Bryce through the broad portico; a heavy wooden door kept open to air out thecastle. My eyes took a moment to adjust from the brightness outside to the dimness inside.Floral scents assail my nose, making me glance around the room for the source. Strewnacross the stone floor were fresh flowers and hay. I remember from research and reading aboutthe flora on the floor, and these were called "rushes."In Medieval Times, there were no factory looms, making carpets too expensive topurchase. To keep the castle smelling sweet and warm, the people placed rushes down on thefloor; however, this did not help with the fleas, rodents, and the many other undesirable creaturesinfiltrating inside the castle walls. It must be springtime because the flowers and hay were fresh.I was standing in a vast hall. At the end of the room, on a small dais, were two woodenchairs carved to imitate thrones. Lining the walls, leading up to the thrones were rich tapestries.On one side of the hall

After court, the Duke holds, "Study Hall," with the knights and their pages in theextensive gallery. Long wooden tables and benches used during supper seated the considerableretinue. A pulpit was placed in the middle of the room with a bible already opened to a passage.This bible was translated into the vernacular since no one could decipher Latin.One by one, the men read a passage in English, sharing our interpretation to the crowdand waiting for the Duke to agree or disagree like a teacher at school.My passage was simple, and the meaning behind the words was clear. Others hadproblems with reading and comprehending the verses, making the lecture last longer when Brycehad to explain and simplify things.With the current speaker droning on about "turning the other cheek," I sneak behind thewall of men, laying down on the bench, closing my eyes. The words spoken in the backgroundwas like a Valium, and my tiredness takes over.My mind drifts with the images of Braxius and Brixt

The banquet lasted into the night; my body is jittery when everyone around me wasrelaxed and enjoying the King's entertainment. Morality plays depicting poignant scenes fromthe Bible, jesters juggling, and bards singing, I should have been enthralled, but I wasn't. Howcan I make Bryce lose the jousts?Bryce dismissed to eat my servant's meal in the kitchens, but it was nothing like home.Home? What the fuck was wrong with me?The kitchen staff completely ignored me as they went on their business. I missedspeaking with Martin. He was my constant when I had my mealtime breaks. I quickly atewhatever was served and reported back at Bryce's room. I feel like I joined the fucking Army!I was very liberal, but after I was sucked through time, I became comfortable in aregimental life. Consistency meant normal in the worlds I've visited.46But now? This world I've grown accustomed to is about to go to shit. I've read and satthrough lectures on what is about to happen. Two years of hell

The bandage needed to be changed every few hours while I monitor Bryce's temperature.Sir Hubert visited, inquiring about the Duke's health. There wasn't much I could say except toshow the older man Bryce's condition."You seem to be quite competent in nursing the Duke, lad. Please send for meimmediately if you need assistance with anything. ""There's one thing, Sir Hubert," and I explain to him about the King's physicians visit inthe morning."Say nothing more, boy," Sir Hubert grins, understanding my reluctance to allow the so-called doctors access to Bryce. "I'll have two guards here at the entrance in the morning."I return the smile, thanking him, and once again, I'm left alone with my charge. Today'sevents have exhausted me, and the night has only recently fallen. I check on my patient, thewound is seeping through the bandage, and Bryce's forehead is clammy.60I change the cloth, washing the wound, and applying a new layer of honey. After I forceanother cup of Willow Ba