by Emmy Oakes
Chapter Seven.
Lacier Sian stood before a trio of hooded women. They sat in a semi circle on floating rugs that hovered just above the watery ground. “Is this important?” One of hooded women asked sceptically.
“Of course. I wouldn’t bother you if it weren’t.”
“Very well. Proceed.”
“I need to know if there is anything happening on Earth. I have reason to believe that Temorvick has captured a number of human beings and is keeping them hostage.”
“Earth? That planet is being guarded by you.”
“It was. I was promoted to commander. Satrius was supposed to take over watching Earth. I trust this did occur.”
The hooded women raised their heads slightly and peered at each other. Glowing purple eyes were visible for a brief second. Then they placed their heads back down. “We haven’t received a report from Satrius.”
“So you don’t know if she even arrived on Earth?”
“Of course she did,” one of the women said quickly.
“How do you know? Did you check up on her?”
“I seem to remember us ordering you to do that, Lacier.”
“I’ve had a bit on my mind.” Lacier looked ashamed, suddenly remembering that she was supposed to show Satrius around Earth.
“Letting personal problems interfere again.”
“My apologies, Watchers.” Lacier lowered her head.
“I cannot get any messages through to Satrius. She is either past a magical barrier or…”
“Dead,” Lacier finished the Watcher’s sentence.
The watcher nodded and said, “Dead. This creates a problem. If Earth is unguarded we better send troupes there right away. Lacier, tell Polly to organize a battle group.”
“Polly? Shouldn’t I do it?”
“You will remain here until we decide whether you need to be punished.”
“What? No, you cannot do that! My daughter is on that planet!” Lacier’s blood was boiling.
“You should have thought about that before you left a planet vulnerable. We trusted you.”
Lacier clenched her teeth and fought back tears that threatened to flood from her eyes in anger.
“Your transportation powers have been disabled. Leave now.” The Watchers disappeared.
“No!” Lacier screamed. She desperately tried to travel to Earth. She balled up her hand and released it. The purple mist did not appear and she did not disappear. She miserably headed toward Polly’s palace.
Polly awaited her with a stern look on her face. Straight away, Lacier knew that the Watchers had contacted her and informed her of the situation. “Lacier, I thought you had everything under control.” Polly approached her and placed a motherly hand on her shoulder. Lacier shook it off.
“You should have been able to see that I didn’t. I was completely thrown when Amosa let it slip that I was Alexia’s mother. I’m not trained to handle that sort of conflict.” Lacier strode across the watery floor, watching a school of fish scatter under her feet.
“I’ll sort everything out, Lacy. You just relax.”
“I can’t just sit here and do nothing. You have to get me to Earth,” Lacier pleaded.
“Do you know what would happen if I disobeyed the Watchers?”
Lacier nodded and said, “They wouldn’t have to know.”
“They aren’t called the Watchers for nothing, Lacy. If we were caught we would both be sent to Flameia and stripped of our powers. We’d be dead in no time.”
Lacier sighed. Polly was right. The last person who had gone against orders had ended up powerless on a barren planet with no defense. Lacier hadn’t heard from them since.
“Okay, I’ll stay here. But you had better look after Alexia.” Lacier felt hopeless. She hated not being in control.
“I will. I’ll sort everything okay. When I get back I’ll talk to the Watchers and convince them to go easy on you.”
“Thank you, mother.”
“Are you going to send Amosa to Earth with the troupes?” Polly said.
“No, she’s been through enough. I don’t want to send my other daughter into the same sort of trouble that Alexia may be in.”
“She might not be too happy about that. She likes to be involved.”
“I would prefer her to stay here so I can talk to her. I’ve disappointed her and I think the time alone together would do us good.”
Polly nodded and said, “come on, I’ll need your help to select a good group of girls to send to Earth.”