“So we will stop them before they attempt to open the gate,” comforted Alex as she put her arm around my shoulders. It didn’t help , I was so far into my shocked state that their voices were a murmur and their faces a blur.
“How Alex they have the crystals,” I whispered. The words were quiet and barely heard.
“They don’t have the diamond, and they don’t have you,” She sighed laying her head on my numb shoulder. She was right they didn’t have the diamond or me. Then again one month ago they didn’t have the crystals and with their newly formed vampire Megan. They were invincible at the moment. It wouldn’t be long until they had the diamond and then came for me.
“Thanks Gair. I think I need to go home and maybe sleep this confusion off,” I sighed.
“That’s fine your highness…”
“Don’t forget to take a pie your highness,” Berta interrupted Gair again and handed me a normal size pie. Thanking her, I took Josh and Alex’s hand and orbed into the Roots and Wings dining room.
The first thing I want to do is strap down that little elf, that seems to be causing a number of problems. No wonder he was wanted by demons. But if he was planning an event for them, surely he would be in contact with them twenty four seven. So why was he hiding out in our castle? Pulling out my phone I dialled Leo’s number, he answered on the first ring.
“Leo bring Cedric to the Roots and Wings room Pronto,” I exclaimed. He agreed and hung up the phone. He appeared in front of us as soon as I’d put the phone back into my jean pocket.
“Cedric sit!” I exclaimed as Leo let go of him.
“Not with that animal in the room,” He yelled pointing rudely at Josh.
“SIT DOWN NOW!” I yelled. The room shook as Cedric jumped back with shock. Containing my own shock I controlled my stare, following him with my eyes as he took a seat in the arm chair.
“Now listen to me! You have some explaining to do, and you are going to sit there and talk…”
“What about?” He interrupted making the anger inside me grow to a lethal stage.
“Did I sound like I was finished talking,” I shouted. The room shook again, causing chairs to scrape against the floor. The chandelier shook, throwing light sparks over the room. A pain in my eyes began to grow, as the room shook more vigorously as I held my head in pain. Breathing in and out shallow breaths, the pain slowly died down, and my vision cleared to see Cedric huddled up in a corner of the chair in fright.
“What the hell was that!” Yelled Josh. Placing his hand on my shoulder, he stared into my eyes. Blinking my vision became completely clear. The expression on Josh’s face made me turn away. He was scared, and that couldn’t be a good sign. If what I had done scared him, I had petrified myself.
“That is a good question,” I breathed.
“I don’t know anything,” Cedric mumbled crawling from the corner of the chair.
“Don’t Lie to me Cedric,” I exclaimed. Stepping towards him, he cowered back into the corner. I must of really gone psycho Elle on him, for him to be this afraid of me. That had to wait till later, I had to get this information out of him now. It wouldn’t matter if I was going insane if I was going to die in less than five weeks.
“They made me do it Ok. They didn’t tell me why. They just told me that I had to create a huge circus on New Year’s Eve. We normally have a big celebration so I didn’t think anyone would notice, or that it would be a big deal. I didn’t know they were going to bring back him!” He cried. It sounded muffled as his mouth was close to the lining on the chair.
“What exactly did they ask you to do?” I asked.
“Just to arrange a big show for all the residents of Icarus…”
“He wants to turn them all of them!?” Leo gasped stepping towards Cedric with force. I held out my arm to stop him from going any closer towards Cedric. He had enough to be scared of with me causing mini earthquakes. He didn’t need a twenty two year old solider beating him down.
“It’s not his fault Leo, he was just a messenger. What I don’t understand is why are they hunting you down now?” I asked.
“They wanted me to help them find the crystals. They knew that someone at the government knew where they were hidden. I told them it was secret, and I didn’t know anything about it. They threatened to kill me unless...”
“Unless what?” I asked.
“Unless I gave them the names of other government officials.”
“You got them killed!” Josh shouted. Holding out my other arm I stopped Josh from attacking Cedric. This elf wasn’t having a very good day and making friends was not his strong point.
“They were your colleagues, and you fed them to the wolves! How could you do that? Do you have no morals?” I asked. His face screwed up as he came out from his safety corner. He looked as if he was about to cry as he began to stare at his small feet.
“I had no choice. It was my life on the line,” He sniffed.
“You make me sick,” Spat Josh as he walked back over to the table that Alex was perched upon. She had been quiet through this whole event, and her eyes were fixed upon me. I’m guessing she wants to ask me a few questions about my power surge earlier.
“You can go now Cedric. Unless there is anything else you need to tell us.,
“No, your highness well maybe. From what I have heard he has a plan to force you into opening the gate on New Year’s eve. Just before the clock chimes twelve.”
“Thank you Cedric.”
Nodding his head, he slowly crawled off the arm chair and slid past Leo heading towards the door. He stood at the half opened door and turned towards me.
“I wish you luck your highness, and I am truly sorry for my actions,” He sighed and left closing the door behind him.
“I hate that Elf!” Josh growled throwing his fists towards the closed door. I know that Cedric has done a horrid thing and sent his friends and colleagues to their deaths, but I truly felt that he was sorry. I was in no way going to hold his mistakes against him. I can’t be a hypocrite now can I. I make plenty of mistakes of my own.
“I think we need to inform your father Elle. This is a serious matter, and you are in very real danger,” Leo Explained. I knew he was right, but I didn’t want to go and worry him over something that was out of his control.
Sitting in my father’s room, the seriousness of the next month was starting to hit home. The others were making plans on how to protect me and keep me away from any opportunities for Lorias to kidnap me. Personally I didn’t think keeping me on house arrest was going to work. Lorias’s men had came into the castle and taken Cedric easily enough. If we hadn’t of been in the right place at the right time, it would have been easy for them. I wasn’t going to be a prisoner in my own home. Besides I had to attend college up in till the Christmas holidays in two weeks. Then there was Beth’s annual Christmas party. I couldn't attend that. I promised her I would go and even though she isn’t my real mother, I didn’t want to let her down.
“I refuse to stay here until this blows over,” I ranted.
“You have no say in the matter Adabelle. This is out of your hands now,” My father replied sitting behind his desk in his black leather chair, thinking he controlled me.
“No, actually this is out of your hands. I’m the one he wants…”
“We can have two guards protecting her all hours of the day Sir. We can have an alarm system that alerts the other soldiers,” Leo interrupted. It was like I didn’t have a say in my own life.
“I just said I didn’t want to have guards protecting me every day all day,” I exclaimed rising from the seat in front of the desk.
“That sounds like a good plan of action Leo. Can you draw me up a solider schedule and have it on my desk by noon.”
“Yes your highness of course,” Leo replied with a bow.
“Am I invisible or something? Listen to me!” I yelled slamming my fist down on the table. Why was no one taking in to account what I wanted. It was my head on the chopping block,
not theirs. Surely I should be involved in any plans that were going on that involved my own wellbeing.
“Adabelle sit down we are trying to plan your safety,” My father commanded rising from his chair and giving me a stern look.
“Yes My safety! I don’t want to be protected like a little child. I can handle myself. I’ve been doing it on my own for the past eight years. What do you think I do when you send me hunting all types of creatures. Sit around in a plastic bubble. No! I fight, and I take care of myself, this is no different to that. So for the love of all that is Holy sit down and listen to what I have to say. Otherwise I am out of here, and you can worry about my protection then,” I ranted. They all stopped talking and gawk at me. Alex stood by the fireplace with a proud smirk on her face that made me feel a little better about my outburst.
“I don’t think you understand the seriousness of the situation Adabelle.” Taking his seat again he poured himself a glass of water.
“I don’t think you know how much you under estimate me father. I know what I’m doing, and I know I’m at risk. I also know that if this goes wrong. If Lorias manages to bring back Demetri then I am going to die. I’m not stupid.” I sighed.
“This protection is needed Adabelle, and I don’t care how much you wish to have your freedom. You will be guarded. You can attend your human college like normal, but there will be guards protecting you at a safe distance.”
“Well I’m glad you can take my feelings in consideration father.” If he thought for one minute that I was living on house arrest unable to go anywhere, but college and home, He was naïve. I’m not the type of girl that can be caged in.
“Don’t make this hard Adabelle. You may go to college and the Bales house and the castle. Other than them places you are banned. Understand?” He asked glaring at me to answer. I understand perfectly. I understand that I now had to orb in and out of places more frequently so that you didn’t know I’d been out. I understand that going to the party on Friday and Josh’s basket ball game is going to be like the great escape. In my eyes that made them a hell of a lot more exciting.
“I understand that you’re not listening to me,” I smiled a fake smile and sat back down in my seat forcefully.
“Well at least you understand something,” He smiled back before turning to Leo.
“I want Rory and Gary to be first on watch tonight…”
“TONIGHT!” I exclaimed.“You are starting tonight. Oh come one New Year’s Eve is ages away. Why do you have to start tonight!”
“Yes Sir,” Leo bowed disappearing. The office door opened and closed it seemed by itself as he left.
“Fuck this!” I yelled walking toward the door.
“Where are you going young lady?” He called loudly from behind me.
“Out of here! This meeting is pointless. You won’t listen to me, so why should I stay here and listen to you! Don’t worry I won’t go out of the zones that you have marked out for me. Bloody prisoner.” I mumbled walking out the door slamming it closed behind me.
“URGH!” I screamed stomping down the corridor towards the open window that stood at the end. Climbing onto the window, I perched on the wooden ledge. Looking out I could see the kingdom spread out beneath my dangling feet. How could I be cooped up in here? When they are worlds out there that needed to be saved. I couldn’t just sit around waiting to see if I could be protected, when the time came for me to be used against my will. I had to be out there finding ways to stop Lorias, instead of finding ways to kill time.
“So what’s the plan of action. Jump out of the window in a bid to escape?” Alex asked scaring me. My hand clutched the window frame as the fright made me stumble half out of the window.
“Right like that would happen with pinkie and perky over there watching my every move,” I sighed pointing at the two soldiers that were already in my father’s words protecting me.
“Yeah that sucks,” She whispered.
“Want to go to a party Friday night?” I asked trying not to catch the attention of my new security guys.
“Sure but only if you ditch the men in black to come to Josh’s basket ball game Friday afternoon. They need a mascot, and I hear you are a very good one,” She laughed helping me down from the ledge and back onto the stone floor. That matched the stone and brick walls that were going to keeping me in for the next four weeks. Bring on the New Year that’s all I can say.
“I’m sure I can do that,” I giggled. Glancing at the smartly dressed muscular guys who were leaning against the stone walls, I let out a sigh of defeat. These guys were going to be hard to shake off, but if anyone could do it I could. I’ve been lying to people most of my life. So lying to these men about where I was going or what I was doing would be easy. Well I hope so, anyway I’m not missing out on a party at Blake Robinson’s house because of something that was going to happen in a month’s time. I’m a teenager, and I need a social life without any complications or demonic plans of destruction.
Chapter nineteen
Escaping a room that was on lock down with two heavily muscular guys guarding the only entrance, was not as easy as I thought it was going to be. Having the room being turned into a non orbing zone was my father’s idea of keeping me prisoner. I’m betting that was Katelyn’s idea, the crystals that now surrounded my room were of her making. No one else would have the idea to create crystals that could stop someone from orbing in and out of a room. However, living in a mortal word with humans did have its advantages at teaching me how teenagers with no powers escape their rooms, when they are grounded. I would of never of thought of climbing out of a three story window and climbing down a drain pipe. Who knew that it would be that easy but on the other hand, having my powers did help me to. I would have never been able to jump my window to the drain pipe, two meters across from my bedroom without having a little help from my extra abilities.
Having sneaked out to Josh’s basketball game, it made the event a lot more thrilling. It’s funny how being told you weren’t allowed to do something, made it more exciting. Sitting in the stalls of the gym in Josh and Alex’s magic college, my heart was racing.
“Chill, no one will know you’re here,” Alex reassured me whilst waving a small blue and white banner with the college’s name on. Winderal College of Magic, the place where I had asked my dad on numerous occasions over the last eight years if I could attend. The answer was always the same learn from human’s speech. Well that’s bit you in the arse there father. If I didn’t learn from humans, then I wouldn’t be here disrespecting your orders now would I.
“Sure they don’t, with the heavy duty protection that is going on around me. I wouldn’t be surprised if they planted a tracking device on me,” I moaned searching the filled up stands to see if I recognised any solider of my fathers. It was clear for now, but I give it another half hour before someone comes in my room to check on me and finds that I’m not there.
“It’s starting,” Standing up, Alex cheered as Josh’s basket ball team entered the court. Cheering with her I stood up and clapped my hands along with everyone else.
I loved magical basket ball games. The only two rules where no materialising the ball in your hands and no attacking, which meant for a very hands on game. The players were able to do anything from shape shifting to turning invisible to win a basket. Not knowing a thing about basket ball, besides knowing that the ball in the net is a good thing. Was not going to help me keep my mind focused on the game.
“There he is,” Alex exclaimed. Excitedly jumping up and down.
“I see that Alex,” I giggled as Josh made his way to the centre of the court. His team were assembled around him. Their white and blue uniform made them look very professional. The whistle blew as Josh took the ball from his opponent and headed towards their scoring basket. He was half way towards scoring, when the ball jumped from his hands and floated as if by its self to the other side of the court. Turning back to visible, a tall African boy wearing the opposite teams red and gold colours,
threw the ball at an awaiting pale faced Cyclops. He stared in shock as the ball hurtled towards him. Missing his chance to catch it, the ball was taken by another member of Josh’s team.
It’s a wonder why Cyclops are allowed to play basket ball, with their one eye they are not very good at seeing things heading their way. Their vision was seriously appalling compared to two eyed people. Not to discriminate or anything.
“I have fifty pounds on this game. So your brother best be a sure thing,” Leo whispered as he sat next to Alex.
Before we had a chance to answer, Josh scored a basket in the form of an eagle. We stood and cheered with the rest of the crowd.
“Ok well, I’m feeling a little better now,” Leo chuckled whistling with his fingers. Laughing at him I continued to cheer as Josh’s team took the ball again. They scored another basket less than a minute after the first.
“You aren’t here to keep a check on me are you?” I asked leaning forward to look at Leo. I’m good at telling when someone is lying to me, especially when I can see their facial expressions.
“No, I am off duty, but Rory and Gary are looking for you.”
“Awesome. So you going to tell on me then?” I asked leaning back into the blue plastic seat. If he had sent the word out, the men in black wouldn’t be too far away.
“No, actually. Personally I think your father is being a little too strict,” He whispered. Maybe he feared he would be heard and fired or worse.
“Wasn’t it your idea?” Alex asked not taking her eyes from the game, jumping slightly when Josh had the ball.
“Yes...”
“Cheers for that Leo,” I groaned interrupting him.
“Listen I was just doing my job and now I’m off duty. So I don’t have to answer to anyone and besides, if anything happens to you. I’m here to protect you,” He continued to whispered. Even if, he thought, he was brave enough to be a rebel, his voice wasn’t showing it.
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