shadows

an unexpected discovery (2)

“The Fyodor documents were discovered forty nine years ago. That was quickly heralded as the greatest discovery of the last century. It remains the same even today. So much of the recent history can be credited to the Fyodor documents.”

Krom spoke while he drove, doing both with equal perfection. Anton was listening carefully.

Milan leaned over and whispered just loud enough so both heard. “He’s like that. Way into history and long tales. Long winded is what he is. Don’t be afraid.” She patted Anton on his shoulder, with a sigh.

Krom frowned. It looked a lot more like a scowl. And spat at Milan. “Shut up. He’s got no reason to be afraid. He’s not retarded like you.”

“What did you say?” Milan growled. Her claws grabbed Krom’s hair and pulled. So hard that a few strands were pulled out with their roots.

And Krom screamed in agony. “Stop it, retard,” he screamed.

Milan grabbed more hair and pulled harder.

And, of course, the car swerved violently while the two inside played mindlessly. Anton grabbed the seatbelt and wore a nervous smile. This was anything but a comfortable ride.

They drove on main roads for a couple of hours, before turning off onto a dirt road hidden between the trees. They were literally driving into the woods. Moments after they entered the woods, the noises from the outside disappeared. It was as if they left the outside world behind, and entered a different world. Krom was the same. Milan was curious, looking around in every direction. Anton was calm on the outside, but that was because he wasn’t sure what to make of any of this, what to feel.

Krom continued from where he left. “The Fyodor documents led us to the site in the north, where we dug up an ancient book. That started off another race. Everyone wanted to be the first to translate the book. The one to decipher to key. I was no different. Only, I took a slightly different approach. We, the elementals I mean, do not specialise in reading. We are all about feeling. And who do we know who specialises in exactly that? Reading? The witches, of course. And, despite how it seems from the outside, everyone has friends on all sides. I reached out to an old friend. Eustace. An elder in the witches’ council. She quickly agreed that it was a great idea to work together. And she was inspired by my choice too, my ambition. She invited a princess of the witches to our party. Emerald. You know her, Milan. That was quite the meeting, if I remember. Anyway, the three of us have been working on it for months. And we’ve made headway. Which essentially puts a target on us. Everyone will be coming for us. They will all want to get us before the councils come out with their decision. We had submitted our progress, of course. Me to the council of elders of the elementals. Emerald to the witches’ council. The council will announce their decisions next week. Until then, I want the two of you to stay with us.”

“An additional layer of security,” Milan said expressionlessly. “That’s what you mean, isn’t it? That’s what you want of us.That’s mighty nice of you. Dragging Anton into the thick of the battle. How is that you keeping your promise?”

“No,” Krom said, having waited patiently for Milan to finish. “Eustace and I will be responsible for the security. We have others too. You two will be inside. With Emerald. Accompanying her. That’s the safest place.”

Milan fell silent as she understood what he meant. They wouldn’t be able to get to Krom and Eustace, and so they would come for her and Anton, to get at Krom a different way. That’s why he was taking them away. “I’m sorry.” She apologised readily. She wasn’t really angry. And even if she was, there was nothing to hesitate over an apology. Krom was all she had as family, until Anton walked into her life. She truly cared for him.

They crossed the woods. And drove into a clearing. It was like a vast plain. With a lake. And a small castle. It was a picture picked right out of a fairy tale. Anton had never seen anything like it. He gushed loudly. His eyes sparkled. The blacks reflecting the clear blue of the lake’s water even from so far away. And his lips parted in a grin that conquered his face.

Milan was looking at Anton, with a smile, radiating happiness.

Krom was looking at the both of them. Smiling too. Happy too. And also, worried. Along with something else. This was what he wanted to protect. This was what he needed to keep out of the battle. This was who he needed to keep safe.

All of the clearing and the woods were the grounds of the castle. But the actual walls stood much closer around the building. And a huge iron gate marked the entrance. It swung open soundlessly and smoothly as the car neared. And closed just as soundlessly and smoothly after the car drove in. A small group walked over as the car rolled to a stop. The welcome party. It was mostly the elementals. Krom’s team, here to welcome their commander.

No introductions were made. No greetings exchanged outside of those between Krom and his team. The team returned to their posts. Krom led Milan and Anton inside. An old woman was waiting by the door with a smile. Only, she was smiling at Krom and the others too.

“You must be Milan,” the old woman said, offering her hand for a shake. “Krom told me so much about you. I would have liked to meet you earlier. But now that we finally are, I can stop complaining.” She then looked at Anton. “And you must be Anton. Krom’s brother in law. This wonderful woman’s soon to be lover. Welcome to the blue castle. I’m Eustace. The madam of the castle, if you will.” She gave them a light bow.

Milan and Anton returned the bow. Milan thanked Eustace for the both of them. And then, Eustace showed them in.

Emerald was waiting for them inside. This was a very different meeting. Emerald was closer to their age. And her eyes were glued to Anton.

Milan realised in that moment that she was wrong. She thought Krom had a thing with Emerald. But that clearly wasn’t the case. Emerald was more interested in Anton. And that wasn’t something she could allow. She stepped between Emerald and Anton, offering her hand in greeting.

Emerald was surprised. And blushed as she realised the meaning behind Milan’s actions. She desperately wanted to explain herself. But she couldn’t find the words. And she wasn’t sure she would be honest if she did. Silence was all she could offer.

Sparks flew. And everyone but Anton saw them. Krom frowned. He wasn’t exactly fond of such conflicts. Eustace, however, grinned. As if she was terribly excited. The old woman clearly had a very different taste.