Liamterra 3

Liamterra by Jo B

purplefox@usfamily.net

Rating: NC-17

Spoilers: none

Keywords: M/Sk SLASH WIP

Disclaimer: The X-Files characters are the property Chris Carter,
1013 productions and Fox Broadcasting. No money is being made
from their use.

Summary: AU. Mulder is abducted and carried through a gateway to
another dimension, where magic is real and mythical creatures
exist. Skinner follows, and the two men must make a new life for
themselves while they search for a way back home.

Authors Notes: This is a sequel to my story North Woods.

Special thanks to my beta-readers Nicole and Laurie for the
excellent job of beta-reading.

Feedback is always welcome. Any constructive suggestions are
appreciated.

WARNING! This story contains explicit Sex/Romance between two
men. Turn back now, if the subject matter offends you.

Okay to Archive: MTA, DitB, Slashing Mulder, all others please
ask first.

Web site: http://www.slashingmuld er.com/JoB/

Chapter 3 Death From Above and Below by Jo B

University of Maryland

Professor Charles Burk moved back and forth excitedly as he tried
to explain the concept of the gateway and how it worked. He had
spent the past week pouring over the data that the gunmen had
provided him. They had failed in their attempts to figure out how
the gateway worked. Much less how to activate it. Scully sat next
to Byers as they tried to understand just what the enthusiastic
professor was telling them.

"Chuck! My man, cut to the chase!" Frohike growled. This was way
over his and everyone else's heads.

"The chase is, my dearest Melvin, that I can create a similar
gateway here in my lab, by using the figures from the military's
equipment! It will open in to this other dimension." Chuck beamed
happily, rubbing his hands eagerly together.

Scully perked up. "Really? How long will it take?"

"Not long. One or two weeks. I'll need a few days to test it to
make sure it's safe."

Krycek sat in his car listening to their conversation. Three
weeks ago, he had placed a high-powered listening device inside
of Scully's FBI badge and had been following her progress on
rescuing Mulder and Skinner closely. Professor Burk appeared to
be the break they had all been searching for. Krycek decided that
he'd wait until dark and bug the professor's office. If the
professor was successful in creating this gateway then Krycek was
going to be the first to go through it!

He started his car and pulled away from the curb, heading for
Walter Skinner's apartment. It had become his home away from
home. Although he felt more comfortable crashing at Mulder's
place. It had been thoroughly trashed by Henderson's men that the
place wasn't inhabitable. Even the leather sofa had been cut to
shreds. So he was stuck staying at Skinner's place.

***

Kallen

Mulder slid out of his saddle and tied the horse to a nearby
tree. The ground was still damp from the spring thaw and his
boots sank a little into the wet soil. He took a deep breath of
the fresh mountain air as he looked around the pristine
landscape. It was hard to believe that he and Walter had been
here for nearly two months. The time had flown by. He kneeled
beside a stream coming down from the mountain and cupped his hand
into the cold water and drank his fill. Mulder froze as a deer
came out of the woods on the other side of the stream. It started
drinking directly across from him. He watched its pink tongue lap
up the water. The deer took no notice of him. Suddenly an arrow
pierced its neck, and another its side, and the animal toppled
over dead.

Mulder cautiously stood looking around for the shooter. The
colored feathers on the arrows were not from his hunting party.

A troll crept out of the forest on the other side of the stream.
It looked Mulder over, keeping a firm grip on its bow. Sensing
the human was not a threat, it went to retrieve the deer carcass.
At that moment the King and several other members from the royal
hunting party rode into the clearing.

King Pyralis looked at the stocky troll with the dead deer slung
over its broad shoulders, then down at Mulder. "Fox, you
shouldn't stray too far from the hunting party. These woods are
not safe." The King directed his attention back to the troll.
"Why are you on my lands, Troll? Hunting my deer?"

"My King, I needed meat to feed my family. The game on our land
is scarce."

The King raised a trimmed eyebrow. "Why is that, Troll?"

"A tribe of harpies have made their home in our mountains. They
have scared off all the game."

The King nodded his head in understanding. "Very well, Troll,
take your kill and go in peace with your King's blessing."

"Thank you, My King," the troll said then started in the
direction of his home.

"Well, Fox, would you like to put some of that warrior training
to use?" the King asked as Mulder remounted his horse.

"How, Your Majesty?"

"On a harpy hunt. They are vile creatures and extremely
dangerous."

Mulder's eyes lit up at the prospect of encountering another
mythical creature. "Harpies? Okay, when do we go?"

"Tomorrow at first light. We'll need to don our armor," the King
said. "The troll's valley is a three day journey on horseback."

***

Skinner parried then thrust as he struck another deathblow
against his opponent. Although, Skinner wasn't as agile and
graceful as Mulder was with a sword and shield, he made up for
what he lacked in size and strength. He'd have to challenge his
lover to a match.

The sun had given his skin a healthy looking tan, and Skinner
felt better than he had in years. This land and life agreed with
him. If it weren't for the threat on Fox's life, he'd be half-
tempted to stay here. He smiled as Mulder came galloping past the
training grounds on his way to the stables. Mulder gave him a big
grin before he disappeared from sight.

"Pay attention, Sir Skinner!" Tor barked.

"Sorry, Master Tor."

Skinner focused his attention on his new opponent, a much taller
and muscular goblin. He held the shield angled up slightly to
protect his head against his larger opponent. They danced around
each other until Skinner saw an opening and attacked. His
opponent easily deflected his sword and countered thrust.
Skinner's shield blocked it as he danced back out of the way.
This went on for forty minutes. Both man and goblin became
exhausted. Holding the heavy five-foot swords and sixty-pound
shields under the hot afternoon sun was taxing. Their blows
became less forceful.

Master Tor finally called the match a draw as the sun hung low in
the evening sky.

Skinner and the goblin warrior saluted each other out of respect
for the other's skill.

Then Skinner walked tiredly over to the wooden fence and leaned
heavily against it as he lowered his sword to the ground. Jahr
rushed over and took the sword from the big human. The young
troll was acting as the squire for both his lords now.

"You were magnificent, Walter," Mulder said, stepping out onto
the training grounds. He had watched the fight for the past hour
from outside the fence. He took the heavy shield from Skinner's
arm and handed it to Jahr. His lover smiled at him
appreciatively.

"Thanks, Fox. How was the hunt?"

"I bagged a goose and a rabbit. Prince Kedar said they have wild
turkeys here like back home. So I've been keeping my eyes open. A
turkey dinner will be a nice change," he said, as they walked
into the palace heading for their room.

Skinner smiled tiredly, as he limped beside his lover. "Mm, with
all the fixings. We'll have to show the palace cooks how to
prepare it. My mother used to make a meat stuffing with ground
hamburger, shredded turkey neck meat and cashews. I think she
added cinnamon to it," Skinner said as he walked through the door
to their room. He raised his foot so Jahr could help him off with
his boot.

"We've never really discussed your family, Walter. You know all
about mine. Tell me something about yours?" Mulder asked, as he
stripped out of his hunting garb.

Jahr had started their bath as his lords finished removing their
clothes. He then picked up the garments and hung them in the
wardrobe. Next he went about cleaning their boots, and polishing
their armor as his two lords sank into the hot scented water. He
was fascinated by their conversations about their previous life
before coming to Kallen, so he always tried to stay within
earshot of his lords.

Skinner sank up to his neck, allowing the water to soothe his
aching muscles. Bathing together before the evening meal had
become a daily ritual for the two men. They discovered that
goblins were a fastidiously clean race, while the trolls on the
other hand were not. Trolls by nature hated and feared water. The
ones in the palace were forced to groom and bathe on a regular
basis in order to maintain their position. Jahr and his father
would bathe after the evening meal in the troll's communal bathes
located in the lowest level of the palace.

"My father was a cop in Chicago. Mom was a homemaker. They're
both dead. They died in an auto accident fourteen years ago. I
have an older brother and three younger sisters left," Skinner
said, trying to keep the pain from showing on his face.

"I'm sorry about you parents, Walter," Mulder said softly.

"Thanks, Fox, but it was a long time ago. My dad had been
drinking and my mom wasn't wearing her seatbelt. I'm only glad no
one else was killed or injured," Skinner said bitterly. He had
never gotten over his parents senseless deaths.

Seeing the pain in his lover's eyes, Mulder pulled Skinner into
his arms and hugged him closer. "They were your parents, Walter.
I'm still sorry for your loss."

Skinner sighed and closed his eyes, resting his head on Mulder's
shoulder. "My mom would have liked you, Fox."

"Walter, would either of your parent have accepted our
relationship?" Mulder asked.

"My mom would have. My older brother West came out of the closet
years before they died. Dad disowned him, but mom stood by West
and eventually got my dad and brother to reconcile their
differences. They never were as close as they once had been, but
Dad tolerated West's life style as long as it wasn't thrown in
his face. Meaning, no boyfriends were ever brought over to meet
the family, and my dad never went over to West's home. Mom
however, did meet all of West's boyfriends including Guy who has
been with West for the past sixteen years."

"What about your sisters and you? And does West know that you are
bisexual?" Mulder was fascinated finding out this aspect of his
lover's private life.

"We all love West. My sisters' kids always look forward to seeing
him and Guy. West is easy going and a joy to be around. I think
all families have someone like West in them. His life style
wasn't an issue with any of us. To answer your second question.
No. For some reason I never talked with West about my attraction
to men. I'm not sure why. He would have been the perfect person
to go to for advice. I don't know if he ever suspected, since I
was married to Sharon for seventeen years. If he didn't, he's in
for quite a surprise," Skinner said, chuckling. Imagining
bringing his drop dead gorgeous lover with him to the next family
event.

Mulder smiled and kissed the top of his bald head, then leaned
back and closed his eyes. "I'd like to meet your brother and
sisters, Walter."

"If we ever get back, I'll have a party and introduce you to all
of them. Or maybe we'll just invite them to our wedding."

Mulder sighed, chuckling a little at his lover's joking mention
of a wedding. As if Walter would seriously consider marrying him.

Skinner gently soaped Mulder's tanned flesh, not taking any
further liberties. They were usually too tired to have sex after
the strenuous day of training and hunting. Instead, they'd just
relax in each other arms. Saving their pleasure for bedtime or
just before the dawn.

"How was the mage training today?" Mulder asked, peering at
Skinner through hooded lashes.

"Good. King Pyralis says I'm a natural. I already have twenty
pages filled in my spell book," Skinner said proudly.

"How much more training do you think you'll need before we can
leave for Frye?"

"Fox, we could leave any time, I think we're both ready." Skinner
pushed Mulder forward and poured some water over his head, then
started washing his lover's hair. He enjoyed the silky feel of it
beneath his fingertips. "It will be hard to leave Anlon. The King
and his subjects have gone out of their way to make us welcome
here."

Mulder sighed, enjoying Skinner's fingers massaging his scalp. He
was hesitant to tell his lover that their secret plan to leave,
wasn't a secret any longer. Mulder closed his eyes to keep the
soap out of them as Skinner poured water over his head. He
grabbed a towel and dried his face, and said hesitantly, "I've
talked to Jonathan about us leaving Anlon."

"Fox! How could you!"

"For the reason you just mentioned. They have taken us in, fed
us, trained us, and given us a roof over our heads. It seems
wrong to just sneak out without at least letting Jonathan know
that we appreciate everything he and King Pyralis have done for
us," Mulder said.

"Pyralis isn't going to let us go. We're going to have a hard
time getting away now."

"Jonathan agrees. That is why he isn't going to tell Pyralis
until after we're gone."

Jahr crept closer and kneeled next to the bathtub. "May Jahr come
with you?"

Mulder smiled. "I'd always planned for you to come along. We
could use a guide...that is, if you don't think your father would
object?" The last thing Mulder wanted was to have the powerful
Master Tor out for their hides.

"No. Jahr's your squire. It would disgrace Father, if you didn't
take Jahr along," the troll said earnestly.

Skinner looked sternly at the ugly young troll. "Jahr, no one is
to know about us leaving. Not even your father."

"Jahr won't tell." The happy troll attempted a smile.

Skinner grimaced. Jahr's mouth was huge, and his teeth sharp.
Jahr might be short, but he was powerfully built and quite
capable of killing either him or Fox. He could understand why the
humans on this world would be afraid of them. "C'mon, Fox, let's
get out. I'm turning into a prune."

"Okay, big guy."

***

Kallen

Mulder slowly woke from the blissful comforts of sleep. Walter's
reassuring scent and his lover's muscular arms holding him
pressed lovingly against his broad chest were familiar comforts.
However, the hard coldness of their bed and the sweet crispness
of the air momentarily had Mulder wondering where they were. Then
awareness seeped into his sleep-muddled brain as he heard the
snap, crackle, and pop of a nearby campfire and the whinnying of
their horses tied just beyond where they slept. They were less
than a day's journey from the Troll's valley, where a tribe of
harpies had taken up residence in the nearby mountains. The
valley was a three day ride on horseback from the palace at
Anlon.

Mulder opened his eyes and peered around. It was still dark. The
only light came from the campfire. Prince Kedar sat in front of
it, looking dreamily into the flames. The young goblin glanced up
and met Mulder's eyes. It was obvious to Mulder that Kedar had a
crush on him. He eased out of Walter's arms and sat up, reaching
for his boots. It would be dawn soon.

"Prince Kedar," Mulder said as he stood and walked over to the
campfire.

Kedar gave him an uneasy smile. "I think we can do away with the
titles. Kedar is fine. Please have a seat."

"Thanks." Mulder sat next to him. "You look rather sad, Kedar. If
I am not over stepping my place, may I ask what is bothering
you?"

Kedar looked sadly at Mulder. "You. Sir Skinner. My life in
Kallen."

"What do you mean?" Mulder asked softly, looking into the
beautiful goblin's blue eyes.

"I've never traveled beyond Kallen. This land is all I've known
for my entire life." He sighed, poking a stick into the embers.
"You and Sir Skinner have traveled beyond the realm. Since
meeting you, I've realized how much I am missing. I can never
find true love and companionship among my own people. I'm not
attracted to goblins or elves. I want to find a human mate, like
you or my father Jonathan."

"How do you plan on finding a human mate?" Mulder asked.

"I don't know. Maybe I'll travel to the human kingdoms and search
among their people. If my mage powers were stronger, I would
travel to your world, but alas I am still only a first level
mage," Kedar said, dropping the stick into the flames.

"Kedar, do all goblins have mage powers?"

"No. Only one in a thousand goblins have mage powers. Usually it
is an inherited trait. None of my brother's have mage powers,
which is fortunate, because it is how the next ruler is chosen
from among the royal princes. It will be me, unless my fathers
have another child with mage abilities that are greater than my
own."

"What about the other races? Elves, trolls, humans, centaurs and
rennys? Do they all have mages among their people?" Mulder
glanced up as Jahr stepped into the firelight and came to sit at
his feet. The agent crinkled his nose at the smell. Three days of
hard travel without being able to bathe except for a quick wash
in a cold stream had the young troll smelling incredibly bad. It
brought back painful memories of the trolls that had attacked
him, Walter, and Eric back at Long Lake, Minnesota. He shook the
memory away. This was Jahr not some warrior troll. Mulder reached
out and ruffled the troll's thick hair and Jahr grinned up at him
with a face only a mother could love.

Kedar watched them, silently envying Jahr. He went on to explain
about mages to Mulder. "Trolls don't have mages among their
people. Elves have a larger percentage than any of the other
races. Humans, centaurs and rennys only have a handful of mages.
However, human mages tend to be the most powerful of all the
races." The prince only provided information on the races Mulder
had asked about, there were several other intelligent races
within the realm.

"Really? Is that why Walter is so good?"

"I'm sure it is one of the reasons," Kedar answered.

The rest of the camp slowly stirred as the sun rose on the
horizon. King Pyralis came out of his large tent. It was the only
tent within the camp. He was impeccably groomed and looking
incredibly beautiful. After getting over his initial fears of
goblins, Mulder had been amazed at how androgynous the entire
race was. He had not seen one Goblin with a beard or facial
stubble. Even the few muscular Goblins he had seen still had the
unique beauty that came from being both male and female.

Several servants scurried to prepare breakfast as their King took
a seat by the fire next to his son. "You did not come to bed last
night, my son. I do not wish you to be injured in the coming
battle. Your mind and body must be prepared, maybe you should
remain behind."

"Father, do not worry, I was meditating and am more than prepared
for the coming fight with the harpies."

Mulder watched the love pass between father and son. He thought
sadly, that it was something he would never experience.

"Hey, beautiful, a penny for your thoughts," Skinner said, coming
to kneel beside him. They shared a deep good morning kiss, then
Skinner sat next to him on the log.

"Have you ever wanted children, Walter?"

"Yeah. Sharon and I tried for years with no luck." Skinner rested
a hand on Mulder's leather clad knee and looked him in the eye.
"Why the sudden interest in children?"

"No interest really. I was just thinking."

"If it ever becomes a real interest to you, we could always
adopt."

Mulder frowned. "Walter, neither one of us has time to look after
a child."

"Not now, but maybe someday." Skinner leaned in and kissed him
again. "Other families make time for what's important in life. We
could make adjustments."

"Other families?" Mulder looked at his lover in confusion. "What
are you saying? Do you want to make this a committed
relationship?"

"Fox, we already have a committed relationship."

"You know what I mean," Mulder whispered, as the rest of the
King's warriors gathered around the fire.

"Do you want to get married?"

Mulder shrugged his shoulders as he accepted the slice of bread
topped with grilled meat Jahr brought to him. "Thanks, Jahr." The
troll went back to retrieve food for his other lord.

"Is that a yes or a no?" Skinner asked.

"It's not necessary. Like you said. We already have a committed
relationship." Mulder took a bite of the sandwich, glancing
around at the other warriors. They usually had an hour after
rising to eat and wash up before they were back on the trail.

"I want to," Skinner said firmly, taking the sandwich Jahr
offered him.

"Want to-- What? Get married?" Mulder looked over at his lover.

"Yep." Skinner took a bite of the sandwich while watching his
lover's expressive face.

Mulder's lip curled up in a slight shy smile. "You sure?"

"When we get back, we'll go to Vermont and apply for a license.
We can switch all of our accounts to joint accounts, and change
our employee records at the FBI. I don't want to hide our
relationship, Fox. Even if it means that I'll no longer be your
direct supervisor," Skinner said softly, aware that the King was
listening to them.

"Walter, it might also mean we'll get our asses drummed out of
the FBI. That is if we even get back," Mulder replied.

"We will, eventually. Fox, this isn't the military with a don't
ask, don't tell policy. The FBI has policies against
discrimination. They couldn't fire us, without us suing their
pants off!" Skinner growled.

"They could make it difficult for us..."

"Fox, we'll worry about that when we get back." Skinner finished
his breakfast in two swallows and stood. I'm going to get cleaned
up," he said, stretching, breathing in the fresh mountain air. He
retrieved toiletry kit from his saddlebag.

Mulder watched his lover head down to the pond as he continued to
munch on his sandwich. They were both dressed in black leather
warrior garments. His chain mail and Skinner's plated armor lay
over a rock nearby, where they had discarded it, before crawling
into their bedroll. From his place by the fire Mulder had a good
view of Walter's powerful body as his lover stripped off his
tunic and knelt beside the pond. Due to intense workouts they
both had received at the hands of Master Tor, there was no longer
an ounce of fat on either of their bodies, and their muscle
definition was more pronounced. Mulder never felt healthier or
more fit. He'd taking up jogging again to the amusement of the
goblins and elves around Anlon. Often, the Centaur Eachann would
join him and they would run a full circle around Anlon and the
nearby village.

By the time, Mulder finished breakfast and walked down to the
pond to join his lover in bathing. Jahr was already packing their
gear onto the horses.

Skinner was just cleaning off his razor as Mulder kneeled beside
him.

"Fox, be careful today. Don't take any foolish chances."

"Walter, you should know me better by now. I never take foolish
chances." Mulder grinned, rummaging through his kit for a bar of
soap. He had decided against shaving.

"Just promise me you'll be careful."

"Walter, if you promise me the same thing. King Pyralis said
Harpies are immune to magic, so you'll only have your sword and
shield to defend yourself."

"I promise, Fox." Skinner sat back on his hunches watching his
lover wash. Fox was in incredible shape, his body sinewy and fit.
Skinner had a heaviness in his groin as he watched his love
bathe. They hadn't made love since Anlon. He should have insisted
on it last night. Skinner was worried that something might happen
to one of them today and he would not have had the chance to show
Fox just how much he meant to him. He was determined to stay
close to Fox during the coming battle. From what Pyralis and the
other goblins said, harpies were vicious and deadly. Their talons
could pierce a man's torso clean through.

"We're ready to move out," Kedar said, coming to stand beside the
two humans at the pond.

Mulder was just pulling back on his tunic. "Okay, we still need
to don our armor. C'mon, Walter, we don't want to keep everyone
waiting."

It took a few minutes for them to complete dressing and mount
their horses. The rest of the camp was packed and waiting. Jahr,
his father Tor, and several Troll warriors rode hellhounds. The
large hounds had been bedded away from the horses at night.
Although the horses were used to the beasts, there had been past
incidents where a hound had gotten hungry during the night and
killed one of the horses.

The morning passed quietly into afternoon as they finally rode
into the troll's valley. Mulder glanced up at the mountains
looming in front of them. The hairs on the back of his neck stood
on end. He unhooked his bow from the saddle then pulled an arrow
from the sheath. The other warriors glanced at him wondering if
the human was overly nervous. Then a shadow passed overhead as
Mulder fitted the arrow on the bowstring and in on fluid motion
he aimed and shot the harpy swooping down at the King.

Pyralis raised his shield in stunned surprise, but hadn't had
time to draw his sword as the wounded harpy glanced off the heavy
shield hitting the ground. The harpy hissed in anger and yanked
the arrow from its side.

The King quickly drew his sword and hacked off the large
creature's head as it regained its feet.

Mulder swallowed as he got a good look at the harpy. It was
hideous and over eight feet tall. The talons on its feet were at
least two feet long and thick. Mulder realized his quick actions
had just saved the King's life. The harpy had a bald head with
beady eyes set wide apart. Its face and the sagging breasts that
protruded from its feathered chest were the only things about it
that bore the slightest resemblance to a woman. It took only a
few seconds for these thoughts to pass through his mind. As he
pulled another arrow from the sheath, the skies turned dark with
dozens of harpies.

All the warriors had their swords drawn and shields up as the
harpies dropped down on them from the skies.

Mulder let fly a quick succession of arrows, killing two harpies
and wounding five more. He had to drop the bow and free his
shield from its straps as several harpies directed their attacks
at him. Skinner was at his side instantly, cleanly hacking the
clawed leg off one of the harpies as it dove at his lover's back.
Mulder received a shoulder wound as the other clawed foot made
contact and sliced clean through his chain mail. An enraged
Skinner swung his sword high and hacked through the creature's
breastbone, killing it.

Mulder ignored the pain in his shoulder as he wielded his sword
and fought off two more harpies. He gasped as he witnessed
several of the goblin and troll warriors' deaths. The harpies
impaled them with their talons and carried them up in the air
only to drop their bodies from several hundred feet. If they
hadn't been dead from the creatures claws the fall would have
assured it. He caught sight of Tor wielding his battle-ax. Mulder
had never seen the champion troll in battle. He was an impressive
sight as he rode his hound and hacked apart the attacking harpies
with undisguised glee.

Battle madness claimed Skinner and he soon lost sight of his
lover as they were forced apart and his attention was focused on
the death from the skies. He soon lost track of how many harpies
he killed, his bright armor and clothes were drenched in the
creatures' blood.

Mulder moved over to protect Jahr and several other squires and
servants who had sought shelter in a nearby grove of trees.
However, a harpy had located them and killed two of the squires.
Mulder swiftly killed her and turned back to the battlefield. He
couldn't leave the squires and servants unprotected, so he
watched the battle from his new vantage point. The field was
covered with blood, bodies, and severed limbs. Only a half dozen
harpies remained. Mulder was feeling light-headed from blood
loss. The wound to his shoulder was deep and still bleeding. He
spied his lover in the midst of two dozen remaining trolls and
goblins. Walter fought fearlessly; his eyes were devoid of any
emotion. The harpies stayed out of reach of their swords.

Mulder turned back to the servants and squires. "Does anyone have
a bow?"

A young goblin rushed forward and handed Mulder a bow.

"Do you have any arrows?" Mulder asked.

The goblin shook his head no. Mulder only had six arrows left, he
needed to make them count. He pulled the bowstring back and
waited for a harpy to come into range. His hands trembled
slightly. The pain in shoulder was great. It was through sheer
will that he kept his focus, and let the arrow fly as soon as a
harpy was close enough. It pierced the creature's wing sending
her falling from the sky. Several goblin warriors fell on her,
hacking her to pieces.

Mulder's heart almost stopped as Walter dropped his shield. What
was his lover doing? Two harpies noticed the human armed only
with a sword and swooped down on him. Walter sprung to life. The
only word Mulder could think of to describe his lover's actions
was berserk. The two harpies didn't stand a chance as they were
hewed to pieces. The remaining harpies decided that the odds were
too great and started to flee. Mulder was able to shoot another
one from the sky before falling from his horse in a dead faint,
darkness closing around him.

When Mulder regained consciousness it was nighttime. He was naked
under a blanket of furs inside the King's tent. The King smiled
down at him. "Young Fox, it is good to see you are still among
the living."

"Where's Walter?" Mulder asked huskily.

The King motioned for some water. "He is well, but we had to tie
him to a tree until sanity returns to him. Sir Skinner suffers
from battle madness."

"Battle madness?" Mulder questioned, trying to rise. He gasped at
the pain in his shoulder.

"Only the most blessed warrior is prone to it. Your mate is such
a man," the King said.

"Walter didn't even know where he was or what he was doing! How
can you call that a blessing!" Mulder growled, trying again to
rise only to be held down by several servants.

The King remained calm. "Fox, for many warriors not remembering
the horrors of war is a blessing. Your mate, even in the midst of
madness was still able to differentiate friend from foe, but he
will remember very little of the carnage he wrought or what
befell his comrades at the hands of our enemies. So yes. It is a
blessing."

Mulder calmed. "I need to go to him."

The King smiled and motioned for his servants to bring a robe for
Mulder to wear. He helped the young human up, careful of his
injured shoulder and wrapped the robe around his body. Mulder was
still weak and dizzy from blood loss and gratefully accepted the
help. The King led him out of the tent and across the campsite to
where his lover sat tied to a tree.

Mulder gasped aloud at the vacant look in Walter's eye as he sank
to his knees beside him.

"It took six of my warriors to wrestle the sword out of his
hand," Pyralis said.

"Did you have to tie him to a tree?" Mulder asked, touching
Walter's face. His lover was covered with dried blood, but Mulder
could tell that none of it was Walter's.

"Yes. For the safety of the people in our party. Although he did
not try to hurt any of us, he is still not cognizant of his
actions."

Mulder cupped Walter's face between his hands and looked into his
eyes. "Walter? Hey, sweetheart. Come on, I'm the only space cadet
in this relationship. So I suggest you snap out of it!" He
lightly slapped Walter's face.

Skinner blinked, and then his vision started to clear. He met his
lover's concerned green eyes. "Fox? What? What happened?
Where..." He tried to move and realized he was bound to an
immovable object. "Are you okay?"

Mulder smiled at his lover's concern for his well-being over
Walter's own life. "Yeah, I think so, thanks to you."

Pyralis kneeled beside them and started cutting the ropes holding
Skinner to the tree. "You were both invaluable in today's
battle," he said, standing back up as Skinner rose, and they both
helped Mulder to his feet. Pyralis looked into Skinner's clear
brown eyes. "Fox should be resting, his wound needs to heal. Your
squire has prepared a place for him and yourself beside the fire.
Get him settled in, then go clean yourself at the river."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Skinner said, supporting Mulder.

The other warriors turned and looked admiringly at the two humans
as they made their way across the campsite.

"Lord Fox, are you all right?" Jahr asked, helping Skinner lower
Mulder down onto the bedroll.

"I'm fine. Jahr, can you fill us in on what happened today?"
Mulder asked tiredly. His shoulder was throbbing and he felt
flushed, feverish.

"It was a magnificent battle. It will be told for generations to
come," Jahr said.

"Jahr, how many of our friends and fellow warriors died?"

"Ten goblins and five trolls were killed. It might have been
worse, if you and Lord Skinner weren't there."

Skinner pulled the blankets over Mulder's body. "Fox, we can talk
about this later. Why don't you try to get some sleep? I'm going
to take the King's advice and wash, down at the river," Skinner
said, tenderly kissing his lover on the forehead.

Jahr had already started helping Skinner out of his bloody plated
armor as the large man kneeled beside Mulder. The young troll had
his work cut out for him; both his lords' clothes and armor were
bloody and torn.

"I am rather tired," Mulder yawned, closing his eyes. He could
relax now that he knew his lover was all right.

Skinner was a bit disturbed that he had no clear memory of the
battle. The last thing he remembered was chopping off a harpy's
leg as she tried to kill Fox. After that everything else was a
blur. He stepped a little further out into the cold waters of the
river, careful that he didn't step off a drop off. He was unsure
how deep the water was but knew the current was strong. Jahr
stood on the bank holding a torch as Skinner washed off the blood
and gore still clinging to his flesh.

Skinner finished bathing and walked out of the water, picking up
a cloth to dry his skin. When done, he took the clothes Jahr
handed him, smiling at the soft fabric so much lighter in weight
than the leathers and armor he had been wearing the past four
days. He knew that he and Fox hadn't thought to pack them so that
left Jahr. The young troll was proving to be very astute to their
needs. "Thanks, Jahr," Skinner said.

Jahr smiled as he followed Skinner back to the campsite.

Skinner stood looking down at Fox who was soundly asleep. The
flames from the nearby campfire cast shadows on his sweet face,
so boyish and innocent in slumber. He kneeled beside him and
pulled the blankets back, climbing under the covers. Skinner was
careful of the bandages covering his lover's injured shoulder as
he wrapped his arms protectively around Fox's warm body. They
both could have easily died today. It made their commitment to
each other all that much more important. His life would be
meaningless without Fox at his side. Skinner closed his eyes with
the scent and feel of his lover under his hands -- he fell
asleep.

***

University of Maryland

Professor Charles Burk made a final adjustment to his
instruments. Through a video monitor he looked into the small
sealed chamber; the room was completely empty. Chuck didn't take
his eyes off the monitor as he switched on the machine. A low hum
sounded throughout the lab then a bright light flashed, filling
the small room. As the light dimmed the chamber now held a wooden
chair and on top of it sat a cage with a rabbit inside, hovering
next to the cage was a winged serpent with glowing blue eyes and
a glowing blue tail.

"Oh WOW! It worked!" Chuck excitedly picked up the telephone and
called Scully telling her the news. Then he dialed the Lone
Gunmen.

***

Kallen

After King Pyralis' party had built a large wooden pyre and burnt
the bodies of their fallen comrades, the war party headed back
for Anlon. The three-day journey was difficult on Mulder as his
shoulder wound became infected. He soon developed a fever and as
his illness became progressively worse, he could no longer remain
in his saddle. He now rode in front of Skinner on his lover's
horse. Mulder closed his eyes and moaned as dizziness made his
head spin, he kept fading in and out. His heart was racing far
too quickly. Something was seriously wrong, this wasn't a normal
fever. He slumped back against Skinner's chest.

Skinner held him protectively and murmured, "Fox, hang on we're
almost there. Pyralis has sent a rider ahead to alert the
palace's healers." Skinner reined in his horse as he felt his
lover stop moving.

The rest of the party stopped their horses and turn around
watching as Skinner quickly dismounted and hauled Mulder's limp
body off the horse and onto the ground. He proceeded to
administer CPR as the King and several other members of the party
dismounted and rushed to his side.

"Sir Skinner, give me Fox. I will keep him alive until we can
reach the palace," Pyralis said.

Skinner continued to breathe life into Mulder's mouth, and only
paused briefly to ask, "How?" Tears of despair were running down
his cheeks.

"By sharing my life force with him."

"Show me how and I'll do it," Skinner said, brushing the bangs
off his lover's sweaty forehead. Mulder was breathing very weakly
on his own again.

"No. You are not strong enough. It is too dangerous for a mere
second level mage to perform. Only mages of the fifth level can
cast this spell." Pyralis scooped Mulder up in his arms and a
blue glow soon surrounded both of their bodies. He carried Mulder
back to his horse with Skinner following protectively behind.

Skinner did not want to let his lover out of his sight. He
watched in amazement as Pyralis suddenly floated into the air and
settled on top of his saddle with Mulder cradled in his arms.

"Take your mount, Sir Skinner," the King said and started his
horse at a brisk gallop.

Skinner hurried and climbed into his saddle and raced after the
King.

***

Scully stood with the gunmen staring through a reinforced window
into the chamber, in which a winged snake was zipping around. It
would stop in front of the window and stare back at them, then
continue to fly around the small space.

"Do you think it's poisonous?" Frohike asked.

"We won't know until I examine it," Chuck said as he hooked up a
canister to a hose going into the room. "Hopefully, this will put
it to sleep without killing it." He turned on the gas and waited.

Scully nervously watched as the flying serpent fell to the floor.
"I'll need to pack additional medical supplies to take with us,"
she said.

"Yeah, G-woman, and we need additional firepower," Langly said,
nodding his head up and down.

"No kidding," Frohike muttered.

Byers turned to the professor who was putting on a gas mask.
"Chuck, when will the gateway be ready for us to go through?"

"It's ready now. But the question is, are you?" The professor
pulled on a pair leather gloves then he opened the door to the
chamber. He carried the snake out and placed it in a glass
aquarium.

"We should be ready by tomorrow night, Chuck," Scully said,
making a list in her head of all the supplies they were going to
need.

Outside, Krycek started his car, and headed off to the hunting
and camping store. "You're about to have plenty of additional
firepower, guys, whether you want it or not!" he hissed under his
breath.

***

Skinner stood nervously by Mulder's bedside as the goblin healers
worked franticly cleaning his wound and bathing him. Skinner
cringed as he got a good look at Mulder's shoulder wound. It was
a strange bright green color and seeping yellow puss.

Siarra the healer spoke softly, "The harpy who attacked your mate
succeeded in infecting him with a virus. It is extremely deadly
if left untreated. Hopefully we've caught it in time, but we will
not know for several hours." He packed a poultice into the wound.
"This contains special herbs that will help pull the poison from
Lord Fox's body."

Skinner nodded and started to sit on the bed, but the goblin
healer stopped him.

"Don't! You're filthy! Go at once and bathe yourself, then you
may come back! The same goes for your troll!" Siarra scolded,
nodding toward Jahr who stood anxiously in the doorway.

Skinner frowned, looking down at Mulder's ashen face he asked,
"You'll stay by his bedside until I return?"

"Yes."

"I want to know immediately if his condition changes!" Skinner
ordered as he walked down the steps then across the room toward
the alcove with the sunken bathtub.

While Skinner was bathing, Prince Kedar entered their bedchamber
and walked up the steps to the bed. He stared at Mulder's still
form.

"How is he, Siarra?" the prince asked.

"It's too early to tell. However, he's no longer shaking and his
breathing is easier." The elder healer gazed into the beautiful
Prince's sapphire eyes. "Prince Kedar, is it true that Lord Fox
saved your father's life?"

"Yes...praise the God of fortune. If it weren't for Fox, I'd be
saddled with my father's throne," Kedar said, relief showing on
his face. He wanted to be king, but he didn't want to lose both
his fathers. Besides, he also wanted to explore the realm and
find a mate before becoming king, which he planned to do with Sir
Skinner and Fox.

"Prince Kedar," Skinner said, coming back into the room wearing a
silken robe. He immediately climbed the steps to the bed, and
rested his hand over Mulder's brow. "He's not as hot as he was."

The healer motioned for his colleagues to leave then turned to
Skinner. "I will be back in six hours to change the poultice. If
he should awaken before then, have him drink plenty of water and
add a pinch of this spice to each goblet." He placed a wooden box
in Skinner's hand. Siarra turned to face Kedar. "Your Highness,"
he said, bowing to the prince as he took his leave.

Prince Kedar stepped closer to the bed. "Fox looks better
already. It shouldn't be long before he's ready to travel to
Frye."

Skinner nodded his head in agreement. "I hope you're rig..." He
started and looked across the bed at the Prince. "What do you
mean ready to travel to Frye?" he asked cautiously.

"I know that you and Fox had planned to leave Anlon the moment we
returned from the Harpy hunt," he said.

"How did you find out?" Skinner questioned.

"My father, King Pyralis told me." Kedar smiled at Skinner's
stunned expression. "You didn't seriously think he wouldn't
discover what you were planning, did you?"

"Is your father upset?"

"No. He figured that eventually you'd both grow restless. Plus,
he thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me to travel
and see the realm. My father wants me to learn diplomacy by
meeting the other races that populate our world and learning
about their cultures. I heard that Frye is beautiful this time of
year," Kedar offered excitedly.

"You're going with us?"

"Well, yes. I thought that was obvious."

"Does your father know why we're going to Frye?" Skinner sat down
on the bed his hand moving down to hold his lover's.

"You seek the Renny Queen's help in getting back to your world."

Skinner's eyes narrowed. "King Pyralis doesn't have a problem
with that?"

"My father would, if she is able to help you, but he is certain
she wouldn't be."

"Walter," Mulder soft voice pulled Skinner's eyes off the goblin
prince.

Skinner smiled lovingly down at Mulder. "Hey, Fox. You gave me
quite a scare. How are you feeling?" He gently caressed Mulder's
smooth cheek. The goblin healers had shaved Mulder at the same
time that they bathed him.

"Thirsty." Mulder swallowed dryly, he tried to raise his hand,
but if fell heavily back onto the mattress.

"I'll get you some water." Skinner carried the wooden box down
the steps and placed it on the table next to the water pitcher.
He opened it and pinched some of the burgundy spice between his
fingers and dropped it into a goblet, he then filled it with
water. He paused and sniffed his fingers. Then tentatively tasted
the spice. It reminded him of a cross between ginger and
anisette. He carried the goblet back up the steps and listened to
the prince softly talking to his lover in soothing words. Skinner
sat on the bed and wrapped an arm around Mulder's shoulder and
eased his lover up enough so he could drink the water. He felt
the trembles racing through Mulder's body from the mere effort of
raising his head to drink.

After only a few swallows, Mulder turned his face and muttered,
"'nough."

"Fox, try to finish it. The healer said you should drink plenty
of water."

"Tastes funny."

"It has a spice in it that's suppose to help you recover."

Mulder sighed and allowed Walter to give him the rest of the
drink. His whole body ached and if this awful tasting stuff made
him better, he'd drink a bathtub full of it.

"Would you like another cup?"

Well, maybe not. "No...tired," Mulder said. And Skinner laid him
back down on the mattress.

Skinner watched as Mulder closed his eyes and drifted back to
sleep.

"When Fox is better, we will discuss our coming journey," Prince
Kedar said. "I will return tomorrow to see how he's feeling."

Skinner sat watching his lover sleep and thinking about what
Prince Kedar had just revealed. At least now they wouldn't have
to sneak out of Anlon. It had bothered him and Fox greatly that
they would have betrayed their hosts hospitality in such a
manner. Maybe now they'd be able to bring a trained guide along
with them.

***

University of Maryland

Chuck fed the winged snake some more raw hamburger. He was amazed
at how the little creature ate out of his hand. The Professor had
done a toxicity test on the snake but didn't find any venom. He
did however discover that the creature conducted electricity and
used that to stun it's prey and also in self defense. It purred
as it took another piece of the raw meat from his bandaged hand.

"Hey, Chuck, we're ready!" Langly called as they came into his
laboratory carrying backpacks and rifle cases. He stopped dead in
his tracks when he saw the winged snake.

Frohike ran into him from behind and swore. "Dang it, Langly! You
almost made me drop my pack!" He stopped talking when he got a
good look at the professor and the winged snake, which hissed at
them then flew to the far side of the room.

"Don't worry, guys and Agent Scully, it's perfectly harmless. The
worse you'll receive is a third-degree burn. It's painful, but
not lethal," Chuck said, holding up his bandaged hand.

"We'll take your word for it, Chuck. Just, can you put it back in
a cage?" Frohike asked. While Byers and Scully hung back in the
safety of the doorway.

Chuck rolled his eyes and whistled. The snake flew back over to
him and allowed the professor to pet him on the head. It started
purring again. "C'mon, Sparky, it's back in the aquarium until
after our guests leave."

After the snake was safely back in the cage, the gang came all
the way into the room.

"John, did you remember to pack the collection jars?" the
professor asked.

"Yes, Chuck. We're each carrying three jars a piece, along with
some plastic bags."

"Chuck, are you ready?" Scully asked. She was dressed in jeans, a
T-shirt, a canvas parka, and hiking boots. She was carrying her
large backpack, which she set down next to the chamber.

"Yep. The chamber is all set up to send you all to the other
dimension. Once there you'll be on your own. I won't be able to
keep the link open because there is no telling what could step
through it. I will however activate it once a week at four
o'clock p.m. for two minutes, so set your watches. You'll know
when the gateway is activated by the bright white light. Just
step into it and you'll be home. Now once you have crossed over
be sure to mark where you came through. This gateway is
stationary..."

"We'll be sure to mark it, Professor Burk," Krycek said, stepping
into the lab. He was dressed to kill in a long black duster,
black jeans, and a black T-shirt. He wore a backpack and had a
deadly looking automatic carbine riding in a holster against his
muscular thigh, the gun belt was buckled around his trim hips.
The carbine was at least twenty-four inches in length from barrel
to grip.

"Krycek!" Scully growled, drawing her gun, only to have it kicked
out of her hand. She dove at Krycek, but he easily side-stepped
the petite agent and struck her in the small of the back, sending
her crashing to the floor in pain. As she tried to rise, she
hissed through clenched teeth, "I'll kill you!"

Krycek gave a deep throaty laugh as he leveled the menacing
carbine on the three gunmen who were about to come to her aid.
"Don't tempt me, Scully. I'd love to kill you and your geeky
friends, but it wouldn't serve my long range plans!"

It took a while for Scully to regain her breath. Her back hurt
where Krycek had hit her. "And what are your plans?" she snapped,
using the wall to pull herself back up.

"To find Mulder and bring him back," Krycek answered simply.

"Why?" Scully asked.

"That really isn't any of your business!" Krycek glared at her.
He never liked her. Ever since that first day he had met her and
she looked at him like he was a low life scum competing for her
lover's affection. Maybe the competing part was somewhat true.
However, he didn't like the way she automatically looked down on
him as if he wasn't worthy to be in her presence.

"You can't come with us!" Scully growled.

He laughed again, finding her defiance amusing. "You need me,
Scully, more than I need you! Or do you think the three stooges
will be able to cover your back?" When Scully continued to shoot
daggers at him, Krycek decided to appeal to her logical side.
"You have no idea what other dangers might be in this other
dimension. Bigfoots, trolls, and winged beasts, might be the
least of your worries! You do want to rescue Mulder and Skinner
don't you? You won't be able do so if you get yourselves eaten by
some monster."

The gunmen exchanged worried glances and a silent agreement
passed between them. Byers spoke softly, "Dana, he has a
point...we could use the extra firepower."

Scully sighed. It was obvious that Krycek was going with them
whether she wanted him to or not. "Okay, Krycek, but I'm in
charge! You do what I tell you, when I tell you!"

Krycek smirked, strapping his carbine back into the hip holster.
"Sure, Scully, you're in charge."

Professor Burk clapped his hands together excitedly. "I'm glad
you've worked that out. Now shall we begin?" he asked as he
opened the door to the chamber.

"Okay, Chuck," Scully said, picking up her backpack and pulling
it on, she winced slightly as it rubbed against her bruised back.
She then stepped into the chamber followed by the other four men.

The professor sealed the door then adjusted his controls. A low
hum filled the lab then a blinding flash of light lit up the
chamber. When the light dimmed the chamber was empty.

***

Feronia

"We're not in Kansas anymore that's for damn sure," Frohike
muttered, stepping closer to Krycek who had his carbine drawn and
was listening intently as he looked around them for any immediate
danger.

A heavy fog blanketed the area, they couldn't see more than
thirty feet in any direction. Strange cries and squeaks echoed
around them along with the occasional splash. They had landed in
the middle of some sort of a bog or swamp. It was hard to tell
the size of the piece of dry land they were standing on. Blue
flashes of light blinked on and off around them like so many
fireflies on a hot summer's eve.

"Snakes," Langly said shuddering, as a blue glow lit just twenty
feet from him and he could make out the shape of the winged
serpent it was attached to.

"We need to stick close together," Scully said. "Krycek, you take
the lead and I'll cover the rear. We need to find a way out of
this swamp."

"For all we know, this dimension is one giant swamp!" Frohike
grumbled. The dampness had fogged his glasses and was already
seeping through his clothing.

Krycek shook his head no. "I think we should make camp here until
the sun comes up and burns off some of this fog."

"For all we know, it is already high noon in this dimension!"
Frohike muttered.

"Shut up," Krycek growled. Thinking, maybe he should leave them
here and find Mulder on his own.

"I don't think it is safe to stay here," Scully said, feeling as
if they were being watched.

Byers slipped his backpack off and took out a round reflective
disc. He walked over to an old tree and nailed it high on the
tree's trunk.

Krycek eyed him curiously. "What's that?"

"A tracking device. So we can find this spot again," Byers
replied.

"Good thinking, but the dampness will probably disable it within
a week," Krycek said.

Byers was already aware of that possibility. "It will still help
us to pinpoint this spot. All we need to do is find this tree
again, and the reflective disc should be easy to spot, more so
than spray painting an X on it." He rummaged in his pack again
and pulled out several glow sticks. "These are the most advanced
phosphorescent sticks in existence, they aren't even on the
market yet. Once activated it will provide light for five hours,
and illuminate an area up to fifty feet."

Krycek took the stick and snapped it, then he shook it to active
the chemicals. He was suitably impressed by the light it gave
off. His new team members were proving to be more useful than
he'd thought they would be.

"Shall we get moving?" Scully asked, holding her own glowing
stick.

"It's your party, Scully," Krycek said, pulling a small black box
from his pocket he turned it on. He did a 360 degree turn looking
at its screen.

"What's that?" Scully asked.

"Henderson placed a tracking device on Mulder. If Mulder still
has the device on him, and is within a hundred miles, this
instrument will be able to pick up the signal." Krycek shut off
the device, and put it back inside his coat pocket. "Nothing." He
drew his large carbine, holding it poised and ready as he held
the glowing stick with his artificial hand and started walking
beside the edge of the water. The others followed him with Scully
covering their backs.

Once they were out of sight of the tree that Byers had nailed the
reflected disc to -- the tree moved. The dendroid looked down at
the item the puny human had nailed to its trunk. It reached down
with a limb and removed the offending object. Letting it fall to
the ground. Then the hundred foot tall dendroid headed off in the
opposite direction from the five humans. Moving quietly for
something of its immense size and shape.

Sixty feet out in the swamp directly behind the group, three
mammoth heads broke the surface of the water. The creature
continued to rise until it towered forty feet above the swamp's
surface. Three pairs of hungry eyes watched its prey moving along
the edge of the swamp.

***

End of Chapter 3 - Death from Above and Below.

Chapter 4 - The Quest