Chosen One

by Katie Holland

  “Uh … well … honey I’m sorry. I know this is hard for you and I wish I could change it.”

  “Thanks dad. Me too but it is what it is. They only thing we can do is keep up what we’re doing and be vigilant I guess. At least we now know that the Grynn are looking for me, so we can try to prepare for that. I’m actually hoping the Council can give us some advice. And speaking of the Council, is everyone ready for tomorrow?”

  Alix successfully managed to change the topic as they started talking about the flight and what to expect. She didn’t want to talk about the Grynn anymore. She wanted her happy mood back. The more everyone talked the more excited the group became.

  Shay and Alix were both nervous and excited about the flight. Neither of them had been on a plane before. They had taken plenty of vacations, but they had always driven to their destination. They talked to each other about what they thought the plane would be like.

  “Don’t get too excited girls,” Ben said interrupting their conversation. “Flying usually consists of being squished together in a cramped seat. The most exciting thing is getting a drink, maybe a snack.”

  “Quit ruining our fun,” Shay told him. “And maybe the Council got us first class tickets.”

  “I doubt it,” he said. “Flying seven people first class all the way to London would cost a fortune. We’ll be lucky if any of us even get to sit next to each other.”

  “I know I’m going to sit next to Alix,” Shay said.

  “And how do you know that?” Ben asked her.

  “I can be very persuasive. And if that doesn’t work I’ll just talk until they get tired of listening to me and give me what I want.”

  Ben laughed, “Now that I believe.”

  The rest of the day was spent doing last minute things for the trip, dinner and just hanging out. Eventually it was time for everyone to go to bed. Natalie took Alix’s parents to one of the guest rooms and Alix and Shay used the same one they did after they rescued the hikers.

  They climbed into bed but were too excited to sleep. They talked about what they might see, what they wanted to do and even where they Council might meet. It was midnight before they realized it and decided they’d better try and sleep. It was going to be a long day tomorrow.

  Chapter 8

  The next morning was a flurry of activity. Breakfast was being made and eaten. People were showering and getting ready. Luggage was being arranged in vehicles and everyone was making sure they had what they needed. By 9:00 they were on their way. After a quick stop so Shay could say goodbye to her mom, they were on the road to Bozeman.

  Ted and Rick parked in long term parking and the enormous amount of luggage was hauled into the terminal. They still had no clue what airline they were flying so they weren’t sure what ticket counter to go to. Natalie and Heather took their tickets and went to find an information desk or someone to talk to. They had arrived just over two hours early so they had plenty of time to go through security and do whatever else was needed.

  About ten minutes later the ladies came back with a man in a suit. He approached the group and stopped in front of Alix.

  “It is a pleasure to assist you Kaelneth,” he said in a very English accent.

  “Um, okay,” Alix said. “Who are you?”

  “My apologies. My name is Gordon Coast and I work for the Council. I’m here to escort you to London.”

  “Oh, okay. We didn’t know we’d have an escort,” Alix said to him.

  “Of course, the Kaelneth would have an escort,” he said as if this was an everyday occurrence.

  Ben was watching the exchange and felt he needed to step in. “Excuse me Mr. Coast.”

  “Yes?”

  “I think it’s important to remember that Alix is an American teenager that is new to the world of Nykara. She’s not used to formal protocol and unfamiliar with the ways of the Council.”

  “Oh yes, I see,” he said turning back to Alix. “Miss Dracon it’s customary for the members of the Almati Council to be escorted to and from Council activities. Even though you are not quite officially a council member yet, your status as the Kaelneth requires the same treatment as a full Council member.”

  “O-kay, good to know. A little strange, but good to know. And please call me Alix, we don’t do formal here.”

  Gordon stuttered a bit before he could form a sentence. “But you’re the Chosen One?”

  “That doesn’t matter around here. I’m just Alix, that’s just Ben, and you’re just Gordon. You look a little tense, you need to relax a little.”

  Gordon looked a little stunned but recovered quickly and actually smiled at Alix. “Well Miss Alix, I’m not sure what the Council is going to think of you, but I bet it will be entertaining.”

  “So, what do we do now?” she asked him. “We aren’t sure what airline we’re flying.”

  “Actually, you’re a bit early. We need to wait for the rest of your party to arrive.”

  “What do you mean the rest of our party?”

  “Oh, I thought you were aware that others are going to be joining us.”

  “No, we aren’t. Who is it?”

  “Ah, here they come now,” Gordon said.

  Alix turned around and saw Kris, Karin, and Mike walking toward them. All three of them had big smiles on their faces.

  “Surprise!” Karin said, as she reached them.

  “What are you guys doing here?” Alix asked returning her smile.

  “The Council wanted us to join you at the ceremony so we’re coming to London with you,” she told Alix.

  “Why do they want you there? That sounded rude, I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just curious.”

  It was Mike who answered. “We’re not one hundred-percent sure, but who’s going to pass up a free trip to London?”

  They all had to agree with that.

  “So, Gordon,” Ben said, “is this all of us or are there any more surprises?”

  “It appears that we’re all here. If you could all follow me, I’ll show you to the gate.”

  So, the ten people and mounds of luggage followed Gordon. He walked by all of the ticket counters and into a lounge. There were no other passengers waiting there.

  “Okay Gordon,” Alix said, “what’s the deal? Where is everyone else? Are we really that early? Where are the security stations?”

  He held up his hand for Alix to stop. “Miss Alix, if I may interrupt, the Council has supplied a private plane for your journey to London. This is the waiting area for private and corporate jets.”

  “Wow,” was all she could say.

  “That’s so awesome,” Shay said.

  “Oh my,” were the words out of Heather’s mouth.

  “Cool,” was from Ben.

  “Have any of you flown on a private jet before?” Gordon asked them. Everyone shook their heads no. “Then you’re in for a treat. The plane is currently on its way here and should arrive within the hour. Feel free to roam or relax in the lounge until then. Someone should be bringing refreshments out shortly. I’m going to call them to get your luggage and I’ll be back should you need anything from me.” Gordon stepped away from the group to make a call.

  A few minutes later two very muscular looking men appeared from a door and started taking the suitcases away. After the enormous pile of luggage was gone a lovely older lady came through the same door with a tray full of goodies. She introduced herself as Leanne and told them to help themselves to anything they wanted.

  Alix grabbed a bottle of water and a bag of chips and went to sit in one of the very comfortable looking chairs. Ben and Shay joined her a moment later.

  “Ahh, this is the life,” Shay said, as she opened up her bottle of juice and put her feet up. Alix just laughed at her and Ben just shook his head.

  “I wouldn’t get too used to this Shay,” Ben told her. “I’ve flown a few times and usually you have to wait in line to board, hope you can fit your carry-on into the
overhead bin, and end up squished into your seat. This is going to spoil you for real life.”

  “That’s ok,” she said. “I have no problem at all being spoiled.”

  Alix had to giggle at that. She hadn’t known what to expect with the flight, but never in a million years did she think they would be flying on a private plane. She was super excited. She wondered if it would look like the ones she saw on TV or if it was just kind of a smaller plane. Her thoughts were interrupted as her parents came to join them.

  “This is something else isn’t it Alix,” her mom said, as she sat down next to her. “I can’t believe we get to fly on something as fancy as a private jet. This will be a first for all of us. Everyone is excited.

  “I know. I’m so excited about it all. Except for maybe meeting the Council. They still seem a little scary.”

  “I can understand that. But maybe they’re not scary at all. Look at Gordon, he works for them and he seems nice enough.”

  “I guess so,” Alix replied, but in her mind, she was still a little doubtful.

  For the next hour and a half, they enjoyed themselves in the waiting lounge. When Gordon announced it was time to board the plane Alix’s excitement reached a whole new level. She was the first one through the door and down the walkway that led to the plane. As soon as she stepped onto the private jet she was greeted by the pilot and the flight attendant. They both addressed her as the Kaelneth. She still didn’t know how to react to that. As she entered the cabin she stopped and stared. Everything was done in cream and beige with shiny wood accents. Fancy was the first word that came to mind.

  “Uh, hey Alix,” Shay said from behind her, “do you think the rest of us can get on the plane?” Shay was laughing at her.

  “Oh, yeah, sorry,” Alix said, and moved further into the plane.

  “Wow,” was all Shay was able to say.

  The main cabin of the plane looked like something you would see in an upscale hotel room. There was a couch that could seat at least three people with a coffee table in front of it. There was another smaller couch at the back of the plane. And scattered throughout the rest of the cabin were chairs that looked like recliners. Some faced each other, and some had a table in front of them that was attached to the wall. Alix guessed that fifteen people could easily sit comfortably on the jet. She was amazed.

  She carried her bag over to the couch and sat down. Shay was right behind her.

  “This is amazing isn’t it?” Shay said.

  “It’s almost beyond words,” Alix replied. “It’s hard to believe that we’re actually sitting here on a private plane.”

  “I know. At least there are some perks to you being the Chosen One. Well, besides the obvious magical ones.” Shay grinned.

  “I agree, a girl could get used to this,” Alix said, grinning back at Shay.

  “I see you two are making yourselves at home,” Ben said as he joined them on the couch. “This thing is awesome.”

  “It sure is,” Alix replied. “Do you know what we do with our bags? There doesn’t seem to be anywhere to put them.”

  “I can help you with that,” Gordon said. He then pushed a button and a compartment slid open from the side of the couch. “The other side has one as well. Please feel free to store your things in them.” Then he was off assisting anyone else that needed it.

  “He sure seems handy,” Shay said.

  They watched as Gordon showed the others where to put their bags. There were hidden compartments all over the cabin. After everyone was settled and seated Gordon went to the cockpit to talk to the pilot. A minute later he was back and seated with them.

  “Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for takeoff.” a voice announced over the speakers. “We’ll be headed to the runway momentarily.”

  Alix heard a bunch of clicks as seatbelts were fastened. She was excited and nervous all at the same time. The plane started moving. That wasn’t so bad she thought. They taxied to the runway and the engines got louder. Alix wished she would have sat next to the window, so that she could look out at the scenery. She could kind of see out the window across from her, but it wasn’t the same.

  The plane picked up speed and Alix felt when they left the ground. She wasn’t sure she really liked that feeling. They climbed and climbed until they finally leveled out.

  “Good afternoon, this is your pilot speaking. I’m Captain Gregory and joining you in the cabin is your flight attendant Mary. We’ll be cruising at an altitude of approximately forty-one thousand feet and should reach New York about 6:00 pm local time. Sit back and enjoy the flight. Please feel free to remove your seatbelts.”

  “New York!” Alix and Shay said at the same time.

  “Yes,” Gordon said. “We’ll be stopping there to refuel the jet and continue on to London.”

  Alix and Shay looked at each other and smiled.

  “How long are we going to be in New York?” Alix asked Gordon. “Are we getting off the plane?”

  “Unfortunately, we’ll only be there long enough to land, refuel, and take off again, so maybe only an hour. We’ll all be deplaning while the plane gets fuel, but we’ll just be in the waiting lounge.”

  Alix was a little disappointed, but she was excited to be able to at least fly over New York. She was definitely going to sit by the window when they landed and took off.

  “Hey Ben,” she said, “it’ll be like stopping and visiting an old friend for a few minutes. When did you live there again?”

  “I was in ninth grade,” he replied.

  Everyone spent the remainder of the flight checking out the plane and talking to each other. Every so often Mary would come through the cabin and ask if they needed anything. The time seemed to go quickly. Before they knew it the pilot announced they were getting ready to land in New York. Alix found a seat in one of the chairs that had a window to look out.

  As the plane was descending Alix had her face in the window. She was amazed at what she saw. New York City was huge to her. Buildings and lights everywhere. At one point she could even see Central Park. She was glad that it was still light out and she could see so much. They flew over a downtown area and she couldn’t believe how much traffic there was. She could practically hear the horns honking from the plane. It was one hundred percent different from Sunset Creek.

  After they landed she turned to Ben. “I think I can understand why you didn’t like living here. It seems so busy and I can see what you mean about not being enough nature.”

  “Yes,” he agreed. “I know you’ve always thought that living in a small town was boring but I’d rather live in somewhere like Sunset Creek than a big city like this.”

  Alix had to agree. She would like to see some of the things New York City had to offer but she could see how it would be hard for Nykara live there.

  The plane taxied to a gate. Everyone got off the plane and they were shown to a private waiting lounge. Alix had thought that the one they waited in in Bozeman was fancy but this one was even nicer. Alix figured there were a lot more private jets coming and going from New York City than there was in a tiny airport like Bozeman.

  Once again, they were supplied refreshments and before too long they were back on the plane. Alix took the same seat as when they were landing. She wanted to see as much of the city as she could.

  They took off and within minutes they were over the ocean. Alix and Shay were fascinated by the miles and miles of blue water and the setting sun. The pilot announced that they would be arriving in London at approximately 7:30 am local time. Alix hadn’t even thought about the time difference. She wondered if she was going to be able to sleep on the plane or if she would be too excited.

  Once they were told they could remove their seatbelts Mary announced that it was time for dinner. In Alix’s excitement she hadn’t realized how hungry she was.

  After dinner everyone just did their own thing. Ben was sketching, and Shay was reading one of her magazines. Alix decided to write
in her journal as it had been a while since she last wrote anything.

  Oct 31 – Trip to London – Day 1

  A lot has happened since my last entry. I fought a Grynn and saved the hikers. It was a very scary thing to do but worth it once I got the hikers to safety. I couldn’t have done it without the help of everyone though. I didn’t tell anyone, but I was terrified of Victor and I’m even more scared that when he gets free from the cave that he’ll find a way to come after me. He had so much power that it made him scary. I certainly don’t want to face a Grynn with more power that Victor.

  I’m going to be part of the Almati Council, crazy huh. I’m really nervous to meet them. I don’t have any idea what to expect. Will they be nice? Or stuffy? Will they speak English? I have so many questions. I’m still shy around new people and from the sound of it have to meet a whole bunch of people. I’m not really looking forward to that.

  Yesterday Shay and I were followed by the Grynn. I was so scared for Shay but I didn’t want to freak her out so I didn’t say anything, but she handled everything like a pro. I don’t know how they knew to follow us and no one else seemed to have a good answer for that either. We’ll all have to be more careful in the future. I still don’t know to feel about the fact that the Council is going to kill the Grynn. I’ve never really had to deal with anything like that before.

  But with the bad always comes the good. Right now, I’m sitting on a fancy private plane headed for London!!! Ahhh! A private plane! This thing is nice than any hotel I’ve ever been in. I think I could live here.

  Alix closed her journal and picked up her eReader. She was close to finishing her book and wanted to know how it ended. It was only the first book in the series, so she was anxious to see what happened.

  About an hour after Alix started reading the lights dimmed in the cabin. Mary went around and started handing out blankets and pillows. Alix wasn’t sure how much of the flight was left, but thought it was a good idea to try to get some rest. Everyone found a place to sleep. She was in one of the chairs and wasn’t sure how well she would sleep in it. She was struggling to get comfortable when Mary came over to her.