‘True . . . I don’t think any of us should leave our land without House until we find out what it means.’
‘What? Even to the other world?’
Alex watched the fields go by through the window. ‘The elf world will be fine. I don’t believe whatever it is will be able to get there.’
‘Does this mean we’re searching again?’ said Claire.
Alex shrugged. ‘Could be, but I don’t know what we’ll be looking for.’
Paige sighed. ‘Do we have to search now, when some of us have work to do?’
‘No, not until after the festival,’ said Alex, and glanced around at them. ‘I think we should keep it to ourselves until then.’
‘We don’t like keeping things from our friends,’ said Claire.
‘I meant from the elves. I think Torgon’s stressed enough at the moment with the festival.’
‘We don’t need to worry the others either,’ said Paige.
Claire raised an eyebrow. ‘You would keep it from them?’
‘Yes, the festival is tomorrow, we can tell them afterwards.’
‘It does make sense,’ Jodie added.
‘They would walk over hot coals to help Alex,’ Claire insisted.
‘That’s nice,’ said Alex, ‘but they’re all looking forward to tomorrow, and I don’t want to ruin it for them.’
‘And you wouldn’t do anything for them.’
Alex glanced across at her. ‘I would die for each and every one of them.’
Claire’s eyes went wide. ‘OK, I didn’t expect that.’
‘Is that the answer?’ said James. ‘Someone’s meant to die?’
Alex looked down the coach at him. ‘How did you come to that conclusion?’
‘Like those films where people were about to die, but were saved only to die afterwards.’
Paige grimaced. ‘That’s a horrible thought.’
Claire’s eyes grew big. ‘I really don’t think we should tell anyone about what happened.’
Alex smiled. ‘I’m with you on that, but I don’t think it’s about someone dying. The Final Destiny will be a lot more terrible.’
Claire shook her head. ‘That’s a comforting thought.’
‘Tell me about it.’
‘I think we’re safe when you’re not with us,’ said James.
‘That’s a bit harsh,’ Paige snapped.
‘No, James is right. Look how often he and Michelle go out taking George to his office. Whatever this thing is, had never challenged me before today, and it’s the only time I’ve been out without House since I moved into the mansion,’ said Alex, and lowered his voice. ‘We know this is about me, and I’m putting you in danger.’
Paige gave him a hard stare. ‘Don’t even think about it mister, we are in this together.’
Claire huffed and folded her arms. ‘You’re not getting rid of me . . . I’ve just bought a load of stuff to trade at the festival.’
Alex laughed. ‘No one is going anywhere. I meant you’re in danger when you come out with me and House is not here.’
Paige scratched her head. ‘What about the times you visited the forests before House went with you?’
‘Whatever has been possessing those people wouldn’t have had time to get anyone who would be a threat to us. Even with the Order, House was always there.’
‘House is not there with them now.’
‘No, but we would know if anyone there started acting strange, and House would soon put a stop to that.’
‘So it looks like there’s a dark spirit after you,’ said Jodie. ‘Is there any way we could search for it?’
‘That might be difficult and I wouldn’t know where to start. I mean, what chance would there be of finding House if he didn’t want finding.’
I have the advantage of using the vase, said the spirit.
‘Well I’m not going to worry about it for a few days as none of us will be leaving the mansion until then.’
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
A Quiet Night Out
James pulled up outside the mansion where trucks carrying wood in all shapes and sizes were parked. Ron stood in normal clothes talking to the drivers who unloaded it for him. His son, Simon, picked up a roll of material to carry into the mansion.
Alex stood in front of him. ‘Shouldn’t you be wearing a helmet?’
Simon grinned. ‘No, my lord, I’m on holiday.’
Alex picked up a roll of leather. ‘Tell me, are you enjoying all this now?’
‘My life has been amazing since I found out I could talk to the wolves. I’m now a member of the Order, and even visited the castle many times.’
‘Your sister’s been there a lot longer.’
‘Yes, she went straight up to father when she heard him talking to the wolves as I should have done, but I guess things work out for the best.’
‘What makes you say that?’
‘I met the most beautiful woman there, and would you believe I have known her father a long time, but I only met her at the castle,’ he said, very happy with himself.
Alex put his free hand on Simon’s shoulder. ‘That’s good, do I know her?’
‘Her name is Victoria Mizar,’ he said, now sounding not so sure.
Alex remembered the woman when he first walked in the solicitor’s office. ‘George’s daughter?’
‘Yes, I’ve come to ask him for her hand in marriage.’
‘He’s inside, and if you need some privacy you only have to ask.’
‘No, my lord, I’m happy and I want the whole world to know,’ he said, and walked into the mansion.
‘Did you do that?’ said Sammy.
‘No, they did, they love each other.’
‘Do you think George will accept?’
Alex gave her a smile. ‘If he believes his daughter will be happy, then yes.’
Sammy beamed. ‘It’s so romantic, you must love it.’
‘Yes, it’s wonderful,’ said Alex, thinking of Carrie.
Alex glanced around the party room, full of people and elves, when Paige gave him a new outfit. ‘Is this for tomorrow?’
‘No, it’s for general wear . . . you’ve got to change now and then.’
‘Only now and then, not three times a day?’
‘You know what I mean, now will you try it on so I can see what it looks like?’
‘Yes, boss,’ said Alex, and climbed the stairs to his room.
He put on a pair of brown trousers followed by a white tunic which he tucked into the trousers as it looked too long to have out. Alex added a brown waistcoat but not the belt Paige had given him. He liked the clothes but wasn’t sure if he would buy them in a shop. He walked back downstairs.
Paige rubbed her chin and shook her head. ‘It doesn’t look right.’
‘It looks fine to me.’
‘No, you’ve tucked the tunic into your trousers . . . it should be out with the belt around it.’
‘I wondered what the belt was for.’
‘Can you try it the other way please?’
‘If it makes you happy,’ said Alex, and pulled out the tunic and attached the belt.
She shook her head again. ‘No it looks better the other way. I’ll make it shorter for your outfit tomorrow so you don’t have to tuck it in.’
Alex tucked the tunic back into his trousers. ‘I’m impressed. Would it embarrass you to go shopping with me if I wore this?’
‘No, I don’t think people would take much notice.’
‘This is what I hoped would be more our own style.’
Carrie poked him in the chest. ‘I’m getting worried about you, mister.’
‘It’s nice that he wants to look good,’ said Paige, ‘and I do like the idea of our own style.’
‘He always looks good, but he doesn’t have to go into detail about how fashionable it is.’
Ron Stevens walked down the stairs after changing into his robes. ‘For some reason I was envying you with all your money and huge house, but now I�
��m not so sure.’
Alex nodded. ‘It’s like having an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. One wants me to be sweet and caring, while the other wants me to get my weapon out.’
Ron smiled and turned a little red. ‘That might not have been the best terminology.’
‘How do you mean?’ said Alex, as he noticed the women laughing
‘Get ya weapon out,’ said Carrie, nearly doubled up.
Alex felt his cheeks burn. ‘You know what I mean.’
‘But you’re so good with it,’ said Carrie, as she howled with laughter.
‘I might just take you to the gym and show you how good,’ said Alex, which was too much for Carrie as she collapsed on a sofa.
‘I would stop there, honey,’ said Paige, still giggling as she put her arm around him.
Alex sighed. ‘I’m just glad James and Claire are not here.’
Carrie tried to compose herself. ‘You’ve just missed them, but don’t worry I’ll take great pleasure in telling them.’
‘Shall we go to the village now?’ Alex asked Ron. ‘I won’t be able to use a weapon over there, and I’m so tempted right now.’
‘Yes, I was just waiting for Simon, but he’s here now,’ said Ron, as his happy son, and George also smiling, came out of the party room.
‘I take it that went well,’ said Alex.
‘Yes, indeed it did,’ said Simon, and shook Alex’s hand. ‘I just have to ask Victoria now.’
Paige raised an eyebrow. ‘You haven’t asked her yet?’
‘We’ve talked about it, but I told her I wanted to do it right, even if it’s a little old fashioned.’
Ron clasped his son on both shoulders. ‘OK, let’s go and you can ask her when we get back.’
‘I’ll come with you,’ said Carrie, as she grabbed Alex’s arm.
‘Oh joy,’ he said.
‘I thought you’d be pleased.’
House took them to the village where the repairs had already started. The elves took no time in repairing the fire damaged buildings with the new wood they had received less than an hour ago.
Alex stopped in front of a building. ‘Did you know they had already started?’
Ron nodded. ‘Yes, I’m not here to work but to learn.’
‘They’re going to teach you,’ said Alex, a little surprised.
Ron watched the elves work with great skill. ‘Yes, they’ve been builders for thousands of years, and I can learn a lot from them.’
‘I must have sounded arrogant, just because they don’t have the materials I assumed they were not able to do the work.’
‘I thought I would be coming here as master builder until I spoke to them.’
‘At least it wasn’t just me then.’
‘You saved them so I think you’re forgiven for your thoughts.’
‘My lord, I’ve acquired a horse for you,’ said Carrie, as she sat astride another.
Alex glanced up at her. ‘I thought you’d gone to the city.’
‘I’m sitting with you tomorrow, and it might look strange if I rode in on my own.’
‘We’re nearly always together,’ said Alex, giving her an accusing look.
Carrie huffed. ‘You don’t have to say it as if it’s some horrible chore.’
‘You know I didn’t mean it like that.’
She shot him a sharp look. ‘Do you want the horse or not?’
‘I miss the demons,’ he said, and climbed onto the horse.
‘That’s the spirit,’ said Carrie, now smiling.
‘People keep saying that lately.’
They made their way to the city, and left the horses by the gates. The clothes maker’s shops were full of new outfits. They passed many elves who all seemed pleased and greeted them.
‘Are you taking me to lunch or what?’ said Carrie.
‘I was thinking of finding the children to make sure they’ve eaten.’
‘They have.’
‘How do you know?’ said Alex.
‘I asked House, he’s very helpful, you should try it.’
‘I find it more enjoyable looking for them.’
‘House also told me where they are.’
‘I know where they are,’ he said, and they made their way to the wooded side of the city.
The children were high up in the trees where Sally and Millie watched over them. Alex jumped up effortlessly as did Carrie. She spotted James, Asima, Jodie, Claire, and made her way over to them.
‘What’s up, Papa?’ said Alhena.
Alex picked her up. ‘Nothing, honey, I just wanted to see you before I have something to eat.’
‘We’ve already eaten, and why are they laughing?’ Alhena pointed at the others where James nearly fell out of the tree.
‘It was something I said.’
‘You told a joke,’ said Sarin.
‘Not quite, they’re laughing at me, not with me.’
Adhara glared at them. ‘That’s mean.’
‘Very mean,’ said Kaeya, jumping on his shoulder. ‘You want me to have a word with them?’
‘No, but thank you for offering,’ said Alex, and was suddenly covered in fairies and sparkling dust, the others stopped laughing and stood staring.
‘What’s all this?’ said Alex.
‘We wanted to thank you for saving our friends and our world,’ said a fairy.
‘It wasn’t just me . . . there are others who helped.’
‘We know, but your power brought them back from the dark world, and that makes you special to us.’ The fairies flew through the trees sprinkling the others in dust.
Alex looked at his sparkly arms. ‘That was nice of them.’
Kaeya hugged his neck. ‘It’s very rare they do that to people, it’s special dust, but you deserve it.’
‘That was different,’ said James, covered in tiny sparkling dust.
Alex held up a hand which also glittered. ‘Yeah, and not to unpleasant, I see you got over your fear of heights.’
‘Not quite,’ said Asima, ‘he still has to climb down.’
James shrugged. ‘Only half way, but it’s getting easier.’
‘Well I’m going for something to eat,’ said Alex, and put Alhena down who jumped over to another branch to the others.
‘About time . . . I’m starving,’ said Carrie.
Alex raised an eyebrow. ‘I thought you were busy gossiping.’
‘Are you upset with me or something?’
Alex smiled. ‘Not after James nearly fell out of the tree.’
‘That’s a bit harsh,’ said James.
‘Funny though,’ said Alex, and jumped out of the tree followed by Carrie and Jodie as they glided down slowly.
Torgon stood near the bar in the tavern they chose with two of his councillors. They bowed slightly and welcomed them.
‘My lord and ladies, have you met Rasmus and Soren?’
Alex greeted the elder looking elves. ‘Yeah, they have both been to the mansion.’
‘You have been greatly honoured I see,’ said Soren.
‘I have never seen so much dust on one person,’ Rasmus added.
‘There were a lot of fairies,’ said Alex, as they all sat down.
Torgon clasped his hands together. ‘Are you all prepared for tomorrow?’
‘Yeah, I believe so, we have the gifts and the clothes are nearly finished.’
‘I don’t think our gifts will match what you have given us.’
Alex leant back in his seat. ‘Our gifts were easy for us to get, and there wasn’t much thought put into them.’
‘You didn’t have much time for that, but you have given us something we have needed for a long time.’
‘There will be gifts from our other friends who will be at the table.’
Rasmus clasped his hands together. ‘They were not expected to bring any.’
‘I know, but they wanted to.’
‘I guess it was hard to say no to them,’ said Torgon.
Alex
nodded. ‘I doubt if I could, so do we place the gifts on the table before the festival?’
‘No,’ said Soren. ‘One from each of our kind will place the gifts on the table after the introductions and before the meal when we are all seated.’
‘I think James will enjoy doing that.’
‘No he wouldn’t,’ said Jodie. ‘Joseph would think it an honour.’
Alex nodded as their lunch was put in front of them. ‘You might be right, but I appear to have lost him.’
‘Alas,’ said Soren, ‘I believe he is writing down the history of elves and fairies, in great detail.’
‘That would be about right, as he loves learning about anything mythological.’
Torgon gave a wry smile. ‘It feels strange to be thought of as myths.’
‘I would like to keep it that way,’ said Alex. ‘When do the traders set up their tables?’
‘Anytime now,’ said Rasmus. ‘Some already have.’
‘Claire and Paige might, but Summer will want hers on the table fresh,’ said Alex. ‘I’ll get all my friends back home tonight and get us organised.’
‘That makes sense,’ said Torgon, ‘but will you come and meet some of the others with us when they arrive?’
‘What about the gnomes, pixies or pucas, should I bring any of them?’
‘No,’ said Torgon, now smiling. ‘Let us not tell them of our other friends, as they only know humans and the wolves are here, and a few guests I haven’t told them about. I would like to surprise them with the others.’
Carrie sighed. ‘You’re as bad as each other.’
Torgon winked. ‘We will get along just fine then.’
At seven on the evening, Alex, Carrie, and Adair met Torgon and Ellinor, with the same two councillors from earlier, to meet the other elves.
Alex glanced around as they walked through the camps. ‘Adair tells me you picked up your old magic very quickly.’
Torgon nodded. ‘Yes and the others are coming along quite well.’
‘Do you all have the power?’
‘No, Ellinor, I, and members of the council. The other leaders also have power.’
A sudden realisation came to Alex. ‘Would you have defeated the witches and demons if you’re magic were at full strength?’
Torgon nodded. ‘Yes, it would have been no problem, why do you ask?’
Other Worlds: Vesta Mansion Trilogy - Book Two - Fantasy Page 31