Ch.45 Time Keeper

Chapter 45

"Tell her it's a stupid idea," Heyder pushed as he looked at Exton across the table. Maya rolled her eyes as she threw down the pen she was holding and leaned back on her table.

"You're not your father," Heyder said, looking at the witch frowning next to Exton. "You travel in the same timeline, you will mess things up."

"Hold on a second," Exton held up a finger as he thought long and hard.

"There are rules!" Maya snapped. "I'm not going to mess anything up. I just go in and bring the aphros back."

"Ever heard of the butterfly effect?" Heyder shook his head. His dark eyes narrowed as Maya waved her hand and dismissed him. "Exton, tell her she's being dumb. She can't go back in time. It's a rid-"

"What are you so afraid of?" Maya leaned forward.

"Of everything messing up!" Heyder's voice raised slightly. "I am not going to risk us. You have no idea what you getting the aphros can do to the present."

"Heyder," Exton held up his hand.

"We have to try something!" Maya cut in.

"Maya," Exton looked at his daughter. "Both of you. Shut up."

"Tell her it's stupid and I will," Heyder looked at the man.

"I won't tell her that," Exton said calmly.

"Ha!" Maya hollered with satisfaction.

"What the fuck man?" Heyder looked at Exton once more.

"I understand your concern," Exton started slowly. "But your understanding of time is very wrong."

"And this is coming from the man who can time travel and has studied with the Vikings for years," Maya pointed out to drive home the point that her plan was not reckless.

"Well go ahead and explain then," Heyder said.

"Time is like a stream," Exton said, slowly. He waited until he captured the jinn's dark eyes to continue. "If Maya goes back in time, her present will not change. She will just create an alternative timeline."

"What do you mean?" Heyder asked.

"Let's say Maya goes back and takes the aphros from you. When she comes back, nothing in our time will change. But from the point where she will leave with the aphros, a new alternative reality will start."

"Are you sure?" Heyder asked with great concern.

"Yes, I'm sure," Exton nodded. "There are millions upon trillions of alternative timelines. Some are almost identical to our very own but with minor changes. For example, there can be two parallel timelines going in the same direction. But the only thing making them different is that the events of one timeline are two days behind the other."

"Or in one you had on a red shirt instead of a black one," Maya added on.

"Exactly," Exton confirmed. "Everything could be identical except just one minor detail."

"What are the chances of Maya getting hurt?" Heyder rubbed his jawline. "I mean she can't even control where she travels too or how to get out. How will she even go back to the correct time and place?"

"There is nothing in life that can't be controlled," Exton said. "Maya's ability to travel is not different from her ability to do magic. We have to make sure she can control it and bend it to her will."

Heyder remained silent. He thought about Exton's words carefully as Maya watched him with her blue eyes. The irritation and frustration was clear as day in his dark eyes. He did not try to hide at all how annoyed he was with the plan for Maya to go back in time.

"You're positive nothing will change when she comes back?" He asked Exton again.

"99%," Exton nodded.

"99%?" Heyder's eyes grew wide.

"Well there's always a slight possibility something can go wrong."

"Shit, don't tell me that!" Heyder hit the table in front of him.

"Honestly, Heyder. I thought you were much less emotional than this," Exton said. "You used to be so calculated and guarded."

"We're talking about sending my wife back in time where there's a 1% chance she might not come back to me," Heyder snapped. "Pardon me for not liking the idea and not giving a damn about my control on things."

"My daughter can time travel," Exton reminded him. "And if you think I will let her do this without checking every minor detail and going over the list twice, then you do not know me at all."

"This is my decision," Maya spoke up. "I am choosing to do this. Why are you two pretending as if you have to give me your permission?"

Heyder looked away from Exton and landed his eyes on Maya, "Your safety is not a joke to me."

"I am so touched," Maya rolled her eyes.

"He's right," Exton agreed. "You are not going to just run off into the past before we speak to the Vikings."

"Did we just agree on something?" Heyder laughed.

"Believe it or not, our end goal is the same," Exon said. "Keeping Maya safe."

"Why do we have to speak to the Vikings?" Maya asked.

"Because they are the master timekeepers," Exton sighed. "They know more about time and time traveling than anyone. Our best shot at this plan working is to speak to them."

"Let's go right now," Maya pushed her chair back.

"Maya, we can't ju-"

"Dad," Maya stood up and looked down at her father. "I don't have much time on my hand. It's already been a week since the curse started. Three months will fly by and I can't afford to lose a single second."

From the corner of her eyes, Maya saw Heyder shift uncomfortably from her words. Even her father's face fell as he was reminded of the looming curse over her head.

"She's right," Heyder said. "Every single day is numbered."

"Fine," Exton said, defeated and exhausted. "But let me call Caspian. He might have some insight."

"I'll wait for you in the hall," Maya said. She looked over at Heyder as he rose to his feet and walked around the table in the study. She waited until he was by her side to walk out of the room.

"Was that so bad?" She asked as Heyder shut the door behind himself. "I think you and my dad are both pretty similar."

"You have daddy issues, birdie?" Heyder chuckled. "That's kinda hot."

"Be serious," Maya smacked his chest.

"I'm being very serious," Heyder said.

"Heyder," Maya shook her head and frowned. "This plan will work, right?"

The jinn took a step forward. He reached out and rubbed her soft cheek with his thumb.

"I wish I could say yes without a fear in the world," he whispered.

"But?" Maya took in a deep breath.

"But when it comes to you, I can never be let go of all my fears."

Maya felt her heart swell up and grow warm. She took a step forward and placed her cheek over the jinn's heart. Heyder wrapped his arms around her tightly and kissed the top of her head.

"I will always be yours," Maya spoke into this chest.

"Always," Heyder sighed. "You will never know just how much I love you."

"Nothing will change between us," Maya assured him.

"It better not," Heyder tried to lighten the mood by trying to laugh, but it only made his chest feel tighter. "I will tear this word and the next one apart to get you back."

"Oh goddess."

Maya and Heyder both turned in the direction of the voice. They watched as a purple portal opened and Caspian walked out. His dark hair which had grown silver was neatly pushed out of his face. His handsome face was ever so charming with his aged smile and warm wrinkles by the corner of his eyes.

"Talk about a great love," the mermaid said as he approached the couple.

"Hello," Maya smiled, leaning her head against Heyder's shoulder.

"Hello, my darling girl," Caspian picked up her hand and placed a kiss upon it. "Hello, Heyder."

"Hey," Heyder gave him a nod.

"Thank you for coming," Maya said.

"Well you dad called and I th-"

"Cass?" Exton's voice came from inside the study. The three standing outside looked over their shoulder as the door opened. "You're here already?"

"Do you want me to go back and show up an hour later?" Caspain raised a brow. "You said it was urgent, no?"

"I didn't expect you so soon," Exton confessed.

"You caught me at a good time."

"Right," Exton nodded. "Are we all ready?"

"Lead the way," Heyder said, taking Maya's hand.

"Oh I love a great quest!" Caspian clapped his hands together. "Remember our great quest, Eggs?"

"Yes," Exton said as he spun the pixie ring around his finger.

"Heyder, I have to tell you all about it one day," Caspain said. "We went to hell and stole a soul."

"Damn," Heyder looked at Exton with concern.

"We also fought a horde of zombies," Caspian added.

"I fought a horde of zombies," Exton corrected him. "You were screaming."

"It was his battle cry," Maya said from where she was tucked under the jinn's arm.

"Exactly!" Caspian nodded. "Only you understand me, my darling girl."

"Shall we?" Exton pointed over his shoulder.

"Where are we even going?" Caspian asked.

"To visit the Vikings," Maya said.

"Exton!" Caspian suddenly shrieked. "Why didn't you tell me this before? I would have sore a better suit."

"You look fine," Exton said, stepping into the portal.

"I didn't even bring a hat," Caspian mumbled, following his old friend.

"Allow me," Heyder snapped his finger as he stepped through the portal with Maya. Caspian smiled with astonishment as a beautiful wide brim black hat appeared on his head.

"Eggs, he's so nice!" The merman exclaimed. "I thought you said he was a thug."

"Dad!" Maya gasped.

"No!" Exton turned to look at the group behind him. "I did not say that."

"Right," Caspian nodded. "You said something much worse. But I won't say it out of respect to my new friend."

"We have met before, you know?" Heyder reminded the man. "I worked with you and your son, Adam."

"Yes, but back then you were trying to steal Mavi and drain Gemma's powers......." Caspian picked off a piece of int from his sharp suit. "I didn't like you very much back then."

"What was he like?" Maya asked curiously. She felt Heyder shift uncomfortably beside her.

"Annoying," Caspian snorted. "He was driving Adam crazy with all the new binding spell rules he kept making up."

"I thought jinns couldn't lie," Maya raised a brow.

"I didn't lie," Heyder said quietly. "The things I had them do didn't hurt the spell. It added a little extra something."

"So kind of you," Caspian said.

"Hey!" Exton snapped his finger a few yards ahead. "Focus."

"Alright, alright," Caspian picked up his speed. He marched up the lush green pathway to the grand stone structure. He held his hat to keep it from blowing away with the ocean air.

"Don't just stand there!" Caspian snapped as he joined Exton by the doors. "Knock."

"I did," Exton turned back to the little doorbell hidden in between the stones and pressed again.

Maya and Heyder took their time walking up to the wooden doorway. Heyder draped his arm around Maya's shoulder as she huddled near him to shield herself from the cold. The jinn looked down with a deep frown before snapping his fingers.

A small smile appeared on Maya's lips as a warm jacket appeared around her body. She felt the soft wool of a scarf form around her neck as Heyder reached out and buttoned her up.

"Thank you," Maya said as she looked down at his long fingers.

"My pleasure, birdie," Heyder smiled.

A few moments later, as they all waited patiently, the large wooden doors opened with a groan. A tall figure with copper hair and a full beard walked out.

"Ivar," Exton greeted the man.

"Exton," the man, Ivar, looked stunned. "This is a surprise."

"We have another traveler in the family," Exton said, taking in a deep breath. "My daughter."

_______________________________

Ivar scratched his forehead with his thumb. His furry brows were knit together as he sat concentrating on what Exton had just explained to him.

The group sat around the extremely chic office of the Vikings. Inside their stone fortress, a futuristic hub hummed with life. Maya figured they had plenty of inspiration to take from the future seeing how the Vikings had been dealing with time travelers way before her father ever made his first trip.

"I wish you had given me a head up, Exton," Caspian said quietly from where he sat. "Sending Maya back in time? That seems very unsafe."

"It's not what I want," Exton expressed. "It's her idea. I just need all of your help to make sure she doesn't mess up or get stuck."

"Is that possible?" Heyder's ears picked up. "Can she get stuck?"

"Anything is possible when you are dealing with time," Ivar said, with a sigh. "But do not worry. What exton says is true. Maya going back in time will not change our present."

"What about her bringing back the aphros?" Caspian drummed his finger on the table. "Can that cause any friction in time?"

"No," Ivar shook his head. "Other travelers have done it in the past."

"So it's safe?" Maya asked.

"Not completely," Ivar ran his fingers through his thick beard like a comb. "They were skilled. They practiced for years."

"We don't have years," Maya frowned.

"Three months," Exton said, grimly.

"That's not enough time," Ivar shook his head. "To travel back in time you must get your body adjusted first. The change can cause you to b-"

"I have done it before," Maya reminded everyone. "Plenty of time. Heyder even saw me. My body is perfectly suited for it."

"Maya-" Heyder reached for her hand.

"But have you ever brought anything back?" Ivar asked.

"No," Maya said.

"Can you control where you go?"

"No."

Ivar nodded slowly. He turned to Exton and then to Caspian.

"Allow me two months," he said.

"No," Caspian spoke before either Heyder or Exton could say anything. "That's too long. The girl has a time limit."

"Two months is the minimum," Ivar explained. "I can't teach her everything if you do-"

"One month," Caspian stopped the man. "You get one month."

"That's not enough time," Ivar shook his head. "There's too much to learn. One month is not enough ti-"

"Just teach her two things," Caspian said. "How to decide where to go and how to bring something back. That's it."

"No," Ivar shook his head. "She won't be ready and I will not allow h-"

"I'm the daughter of time. I can do this with or without your help," Maya suddenly said. "It's your job to protect the veil of time. It makes no difference to me how I mess it up."

"She's right," Heyder said. He let go of the breath he was holding and stretched his long legs out. "She can try as many times as she has to now that we know it's possible. But you are the one that will have to deal with each of her failed attempts."

Ivar's eyes shifted from the jinn to the witch. Exton sat quietly watching the man, waiting for the decision to shift in their favor.

"I'm telling you now it won't be enough time," Ivar said after a while.

Exton nodded his head. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly before rising to his feet.

"When does she start her training?" He asked.

____________________________

Heyder spun his ring around his finger as he stared at the high ceiling for Maya's room. Beside him Maya slept peacefully as the garden lights from outside casted a dim glow over the room. The shadows shifted and moved as the wind blew the trees outside.

Suddenly, the jinn felt his mind- link open up like a window.

Whenever you're ready.

Heyder let go of the breath he was holding. He turned to look at Maya as he removed the covers and silently climbed out of bed. Leaning over, he placed a kiss on her forehead before stepping back and snapping his fingers.

In a blink of an eye, the jinn disappeared out of the dark warm room and into the moonless night. He looked around and found himself on the rooftop of the palace. The garden's lights below danced as the trees continued to wave in front of them.

Far off in the corner, away from the front facing ledge, a small figure sat with her legs dangling over the railing. Her dark hair blew in the cold wind and she stared down at the five story drop.

"You wanted to talk?" Clare asked as Heyder approached her from behind.

"Get down from there," Heyder said with concern.

A small smile appeared on the young girl's face, "I'm not going to fall."

"You dad will have a heart attack if he saw you right now," Heyder said with disapproval.

"Why did you have to bring him into all this?" Clare rolled her eyes as she swung her legs over and got off the ledge.

"So you do have a kryptonite," Heyder observed. "Owen."

"Why did you call me here, Heyder?" Clare asked impatiently.

"You planted the idea in Maya's head, didn't you?"

Clare smiled.

"You realize it's a risky plan?" Heyder narrowed his eyes. "You're willing to risk her life?"

"Heyder," Clare sighed. "Honestly, you would have done the same if your mind wasn't clouded by your love for her. She's not in any danger. I would neve allow anything to happen to her."

"Then break the curse!" Heyder snapped.

"Then what happens?" Clare asked. "I break the curse and you get a few years of happiness with her. That's it."

"Break the curse," Heyder begged. "Break it and give us time to get to the ophiotaurus."

"I wish I could trust you," Clare frowned. "I really wish I could."

"You can!"

"No," Clare shook her head. "If I break the curse now, you won't bring me the ophiotaurus."

"I will," Heyder pushed. "I promise you I will."

"Heyder, please," Clare turned away. "There's a process to everything. Just.....trust it."

Do you think this will work?