Chapter 24. Only doing 1 chapter per day now. :P

Chapter twenty-four- Alia, Matthew, and the Order

         

I woke up to a sudden burst of heat, even hotter than yesterday. My hair was plastered to my forehead, and a white robe hung over by my bedside.

          Why was it so hot? I looked over to Sierra’s side of the room, and she was writing at her desk frantically. Sitting up in bed, she turned her head towards me at the sound. She then turned back and continued writing. “We’ve crossed the portal to Krokotopia.”

          I gaped at her. “You mean we are here?”

          She nodded. “I suggest you get dressed- the clothes you wear are going to be way too hot. I also point out that you should wear a hood, to keep your face from the sun.”

          “I don’t understand. I didn’t feel anything.” I put my hair in a pony tail, and picked up the white robes I was given.

          Sierra put her quill down. “There is a Spiral Door in the heart of the Northern Tides. It’s a silent trip to it, but it transports us to the world of Krokotopia.”

          “That’s… Brilliant.”

          “I know.” She continued writing.

          I began pulling off my pajamas, and putting on the new robes. “What are you writing about?” I asked sweetly.

          “It’s called the Legend of the Seekers.” She replied, vaguely interested in me. “It’s about seven chosen wizards trying to fight against evil.”

          I shuddered. It sounded slightly similar to the Seraphina-Alleyen.

          “Sierra?”

          “Yeah?”

          “Do you think I’m wise?” I asked.

          I heard her chuckle under her breath. “I barely know you.”

          I stared at my feet. “Just guess.”

          She locked eyes with me, then. “As the daughter of Sylvia Drake, I would think yes.”

          I nodded. She made a frown. “Why ask such a thing?”

          Just then, before I could answer, the cabin door opened. Ronan stood there, sweating from the heat. “Its time to get off the ship.”

          I gaped. “But I haven’t packed yet!”

          He smiled at me. “Its okay, we are going to take the stuff off the ship for you.”

          “Oh.”

          We walked outside, and I was amazed by what I saw. Brilliant blue sky and a very big desert. From the ship I could see a Market, a large Pyramid, and a bridge that led to somewhere. In the middle of the land, however, was a pond. “What a beautiful Oasis.”

          I looked to my right, and saw a large building surrounded by tents. People scurried around it, going in and out of the building. It looked like a Library.

          “That’s where we are staying. In the tents.” Sierra said, recognizing where I was looking at.

          Walking to the tents, I loved how the sand felt on my feet. I loved the warm breeze and the beautiful sky staring down at me. “I love Krokotopia.”

          “Mmm.” Sierra looked around in wonder. “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

          We ducked into a large tent, our tent, to see a girl sitting in it. She had long wavy black hair, tan skin, and blue eyes. She wore robes of white and green, and held a radiating staff of wood, leaves, and magic. I immediately recognized her as life.

           “Alia, you’re early.” Sierra examined cheerfully.

          “Hey! Nice to see you. How is your Seeker story going?” Her voice was mellow and smooth and curious.

          “Serious writers block, as always.” Sierra smiled. “How’s your biography?”

          “Doing just fine as life is.” She replied.

          “I wouldn’t say that if I were you.” I sighed. They both turned their heads to me. “I’ve seen some messed up crap.”

          The girl named Alia eyed me, and then her eyes widened. “You’re Mary Ravengem!”

          “In the flesh and bones.” I grimaced.

          Sierra threw her bag on the ground. “Mary, meet Alia Lotuspetal, whose is about as famous a writer as me.”

          “Nice to meet you.” I shook hands with her.

          “You too.” Was all she said.

          Sierra cleared her throat. “Mary isn’t evil, Alia.”

          Alia nodded more belief in her eyes by listening to her best friend. However, she wouldn’t look me in the eye.

          “The Headmaster sent a letter to Alhazred. He wants Mary to learn balance magic in the school on the Krokospinx.” Sierra explained to Alia. However, I knew nothing of what she was talking about.

          Alia raised an eyebrow. “But that’s really close to-“

          “I know. However, apparently the Headmaster means business. I think he wants her to be in-“

          “No way.” Alia interrupted.

          “Could you talk to Matthew at the least?”

          “You guys do realize that I’m standing right here, right?” I exploded.

          They ignored me. “I’ll do it, but he’s probably going to have the same answer.” Alia sighed.

          “Can somebody tell me whats going on?” I asked, irritated.

          Alia fixed her eyes on her hands as Sierra spoke up. “It’s complicated to explain when you don’t know any history to Krokotopia. It’s better if Matthew explains it all.”

          “Okay, first of all… Who are these Alhazred and Matthew people?”

          “Alhazred is a very wise teacher. He teaches Balance to people here. The Headmaster sent him a letter, because apparently he wants you to learn there. However, Alhazred is also a member of an Order.” Sierra explained.

          “An Order of what?”

          “It’s called the Order of the Fang. I think the Headmaster wishes you to join.” She frowned. “But I don’t know why… Matthew can probably explain more to you when he arrives. He’s the Order’s assistant and messenger, and a scholar.”

          “What is the Order of the Fang?” I asked, still not understanding.

          “I can’t tell.” Sierra shook her head. “Only Matthew can.”

          “I will go to him now.” Alia stood up and I noticed how tiny and fragile she was. “I will talk to you later, Sierra.” Then she disappeared from the tent.

          I looked at Sierra. “When do you think he will arrive?”

          She looked at her wristwatch. “Tonight.”

          I stared. “Why didn’t you tell me about this earlier?”

          Sierra smiled a crooked smile. “I’d rather explain it with Alia firsthand. Plus, its closer to Matthew.”

          “This Matthew guy must be the boss, or something.”

          “Ha!” She laughed. “Just a messenger, but he knows a lot.”

          Just then, a shadow passed over the tent. It was a slender shadow, with a flash of red. I sat up. “Did you see that?”

          Sierra blinked. “No. What did you see?”

          I squinted. “I thought a saw a shadow… I don’t know.”

          “Probably some scholar or adventurer.” She took out her journal, and began to write. She put a strand of snow white hair behind her elfish ears.

          “Hey Sierra?” Looking back at her. “Why are your ears so elfish?”

          She smiled a dazzling sugar-sweet smile. “I’m half elf.”

          “Oh?” I looked up, surprised.

          “Yeah. My mother is elfin. Pretty cool, huh?”

          “Yeah.” I sat back down. The shadow must have been my imagination.

          We stayed in the tent throughout the day, snacking on sandwiches and chatting. Sierra spent most her time writing, while I studied books from Wizard City. I adored reading “Traps and Transformations,” a book about boosting your damaging spells and shielding yourself from upcoming opponent spells: it was written by Mariana Hallowell. It was an interesting process of types of Traps and Transformations.

          In the end, dusk turned to night, and I was still not sleepy. Anxious to meet this Matthew, I stayed up and stared at the tent’s wall while Sierra slept.

          Suddenly, I heard voices and footsteps. When I recognized one of the voices as Alia’s, I rushed over and began to wake Sierra up.

          “Sierra, they’re coming!” I hissed. She opened her eyes suddenly, and shook off the blanket. 

          She walked out of the tent, leaving me alone. I heard a conversation, but not enough to hear the words.

          The tent door opened, and instead of a dainty black haired girl or a half-elf writer, a man with straight black hair pulled into a pony tail and hazel eyes walked in. He fixed me with a stare, and locked eyes with my moonstone color. “Hello Mary, my name is Matthew. Matthew Goldstone; but you may call me Matt.”

          “Hi Matt.” I uttered weakly.

           He sat down on the bench in front of me, the lantern above our heads giving us a serious glow over our faces. “Do you know why I’m here?”

          “They told me that you’re from an Order called the Order of the Fang and that there is a teacher…” Suddenly I couldn’t remember anything.

          Matt shook his head. “So you know little. Do you know anything about Krokotopian history?”

          “No, but everybody keeps telling me that I should know it!” I bunched up my eyebrows. “Whats its history?”

          Matt put his fingers on his chin. “There’s a lot to explain, for you to fully understand the Order.”

          I ran my hands through my hair. “Why does the Headmaster want me to join it?”

          Matt perked up. “So you know why I’m here?”

          “Well, it’s rather obvious.”

          He gazed at me. “You’re in serious business, I can tell. Whatever you’re doing, the Headmaster is accepting and helping. Could you tell me what it is?”

          I shook my head. “Everything I’m doing is top secret. All I can tell you are that I’m looking for things that can help me finish a conflict, once and for all.”

          Matt nodded, but I could tell he did not fully understand. “Then I shall help you as much as I can. But first, you must know the history.”

          Then he started off. “Kroks, as we call them, are the ancient race of Krokotopia. In fact, they are an ancient race from the time the Titans still roamed freely. Yes, the Titans.”

          “They knew much of the elementals magics and were set on the expansion of their empire. They found the Manders, a different race then them, and that they had created a new kind of magic that was a combination of all other magic. The Kroks invaded and enslaved Manders to steal their magic. The Kroks knew first hand of destructive power that the elemental Titans wielded and so no need to learn about the spirit triangle- Life, Myth, and Death. This is why they only built temples to Fire, Ice, and Storm.”

          “Oh?” Surprised at the violent story. “Whats the new magic?”

          He raised an eyebrow. “It’s not quite new anymore… I’m sure you know what it is.”

          Even though confused as I was, he continued the story. “A small group of Kroks saw that this was wrong and not what balance magic was.”

          At the word of balance, I perked up. “They are talking about my element?”

          He nodded. “This small group of Kroks became the Order of the Fang. In understanding that their knowledge of balance was incomplete, they also began to understand that their Krok brothers and the war-ing ways of their people were wrong. The Order found a great balance artifact called the Golden Fang and studied it, they used the knowledge of the Golden Fang to write something called the Krokonomicon, which was to be a bridge between the elemental magic they understood and the spirit magic they lacked. With the help of the Golden Fang, they were able to bridge the gap between the two triangles of magic and use the elemental power source of the Titans to fuel the spirit magic they needed.”

          “So the Order of the Fang was a powerful group, who understood balance magic more than the others.” I nodded, finally understanding. “Were the Manders ever freed?”

          Matt shook his head. “The Kroks still rule today, in the Pyramids. Did you see the large pyramid when you got off the boat?”

          I nodded. “It was rather huge, and it looked like it was made out of sandstone.”

          Matt smiled. “You need to study your stones and gems. However, we can do so in the school of the Order.” He rubbed his temple. “The large pyramid is called the Pyramid of Fire. Its one of the elemental temples the Kroks built.”

          “That makes sense.”

          “Now that you understand the Order, you can go into the school and learn; most likely tomorrow, considering that the Headmaster of Ravenwood wants you to start immediately. However, I won’t allow you to join the Order itself.” He stared at me. “I don’t quite trust you yet, daughter of Malistaire.” 

          I winced, and he left the tent.

          Soon after that, exhausted, I fell asleep. I didn’t hear Sierra walk in later.

          In my little dream land, everything is so fragile… It’s like a play of my deepest wantings and fears…. Of beloved faces, of my mother, of my sister, of my father… Of death.

          I cannot control my nightmares, so dream I do.

Chapter 23

Chapter twenty-three- The travel to Krokotopia

         

          Sierra didn’t seem extremely pleased to have me along the ride. I could tell, even when I hadn’t boarded the boats along Ravenwood. She had a priceless scowl upon her face, matching her freezing skin and looks. Why did Ice students have to be so cold?

          I didn’t know if I was going to have a chance to do anything before I am to be swept up by the boats. Could I say goodbye to Abigail? Or even Richard, despite not having such wanting to talk to him?

          Will I ever see my burned home again?

          Will I ever have the ability to do so in the first place, after all the pain?

          I never got an answer, as suitcases filled with not-much things from my dorm, which I had spent one simple night in, shuffled upon the boats by heavy set men. The one night I spent in the Dorms happened to be the worst night of my life, so at least I was happy about that. I was also pleased with myself, for doing what my mother had asked.

          But I was still on the verge of sobbing.

          I had few clothes left over from the fire, and no furniture. The only thing I had left from the life I had once obtained was my precious amulet from my mother. Oh, how I wish I could end the suffering…

          The worst part was the hate. It felt gathered up inside me, like anger, and I couldn’t let it out. It was like an itch in the back of my mind, and I wanted to destroy something. I wanted to make somebody pay.

          However, nobody noticed. Nobody could hear my screams in my mind. I realized I have never experienced silence so loud.

          Evening turned to dusk, and Sierra and I, along with a sailor to sail the boat, were off into the sea, never saying one goodbye to anybody who would love to have a last look at the horrid Mary Ravengem.

          Which, I believe, aren’t many.

          I was escorted to a cabin room, shared by Sierra. Since I had nothing to unpack, unlike Sierra, I again failed to sleep, even with the humming of Sierra’s voice, and the sway of the musical sea outside the ship.

         

          I awoke by somebody calling my name.

          The voice was petite and pretty, and I knew it was Sierra.

          “Mary, wake up! Its breakfast! I need to tell you my rules, and about crossing to Krokotopia- wait, are you awake?”

          “I’ve been awake…” I sighed, glaring at the harsh sun in the window.

          “Really? I can’t wake up early. It’s too hard for me. Well, since your up already, get moving so we can attend breakfast, and I can start my article!” Her voice was slightly annoyed, and her hands were on her hips like some concerned teacher.

          I did not tell her that I had not wakened up early, for I did not fall asleep at all.

          I stood up, and the sway of the ship almost knocked me over. I reached for my bed in support, and Sierra looked at me in confusion. “Boy, you look tired…”

          “Really, I didn’t know.”

          “You can seriously go back to sleep if you want it… You look like you seriously need a nap.” She looked scared to anger me, despite her sassiness. I scowled. Can’t I just be normal for once? My head throbbed.

          “No,” I shook my head. “I won’t have the ability to do so anyways.” I would know, I haven’t slept in two days.

          “Are you sure?” Her voice cautious.

          I scrunched up my nose in annoyance, trying not to be testy with her. I changed the subject, while walking out of our cabin room. “So, you’re a writer?”

          This did the trick. I noticed she lifted her head up slightly in a proud position, while walking with me to the eating area. “Yes, actually. I’ve gotten all A’s in writing, and have published many essays and articles. I have actually done a few books, but they are not famous… Yet, of course…”

         

          I smiled kindly. “I’ll be sure to read them.”

She began to talk more, and I followed along, not listening to one word. I did the: “Oohs” and “Aahs”, as though I was listening.

          The ship lurched, and sent me rushing out of the cabin room faster than expected. The sun’s glare caught me by surprise, and it hurt my eyes and stabbed my head. There was probably not a cloud in the sky.

          The one sailor who was left behind was at the wheel, stirring it, and he did not pay attention to Sierra’s rambling or my “hangover” from pain. He had brown hair, with a purple suit on. He was a gangly thing, but apparently strong enough to handle the wheel of the ship. He looked about twenty-five, nine years older than I.

          “Hey Sierra,” Interrupting her talk. “Whats the Sailor’s name?”

          Sierra glanced at him and smiled, rather ignoring me. “Hi Ronan! How are you today?”

          Ronan turned his head, revealing light, comforting brown eyes. He smiled back, and waved. “I’m quite fine, Sierra! How are you this fine morn’?

          “I’m well, just working on writing, as I always am.”

          I sighed. Since Sierra was now concentrated on talking to Ronan, I sat down on a bench and tried to block the light of the sun. Where was the breakfast room?

          Ronan seemed very kind, and quite social. However, I could tell Sierra was as bored as I was hungry, so I decided to speak up. “Sierra, I’m quite starved. Could we go to breakfast now?”

          She minded Ronan, and waved to me to follow. Together, we walked into the dining room of the ship. It was a small room, with a wizened table and wooden chairs. On the table were eggs and biscuits, already made and ready. Their aroma was hard to resist.

          We sat down and began to eat. In the middle of the meal, I noticed Sierra studying me. As I tried to ignore it, she then stopped eating just to look at me. Slightly irritated, I put down my fork and focused my eyes on hers. She glanced away.

          “What is it?” I asked.

          “Nothing.”

          “It’s obviously something. Just tell me.”

          “I’m just thinking, that’s all.” She coughed, and took a swig of apple cider.

          “Uh huh.” I contemplated her. “What are you thinking?”

          She glared at me, unable to escape. “I was thinking that you’re a lot different then people are saying about you.”

          My eyes widened, slightly surprised. “How is that?”

          “Well,” She put a final bite in her mouth, chewing softly. “You’re definitely not some little girl looking for attention.”

          “And?”

          “You’re also not evil.”

          I winced. Did people really think me evil?

          She smiled a little, and spoke lightly. “Most people are forgetting that you are also the daughter of Sylvia Drake, and not just the production of a mad man.”

          I stared. “Do you see him in me?”

          She looked me in the eye. “I don’t think it would that be easy.”

          Then she left the room, leaving me to a half full plate of food that I wasn’t hungry for anymore.

          That night, they reached Krokotopia, land of the Ancients.

Chapter 22

Chapter twenty-two-The Box, the Questure, and the Letter

          It was early morning of Saturday, the white light of the windows on the top most parts of the tower shone through the darkness I felt. I held the music box in my hand. Was this really my father’s wedding present to my mother?

          I don’t understand why my father told me I could open it. I didn’t even have a key. I shook the box, and something rattled inside it. Could the key be inside the box?

          “Ugh, why won’t you open?”

          Suddenly, something hard fell into my lap. I looked down, and saw a brass gold key. “What the he-“

          Then I noticed a little opening at the bottom of Music box. They key must have fallen out.

          When I picked up the key with my hand, it seemed to glow. It was a rather beautiful glow, its colors of deep red to orange, to a bright emerald green, to silver. However, only one color stood out and stayed through the process of colors- gold.

          Watching this beautiful key, I felt something heat up against my chest. I reached up, and touched my amulet. It, always icy cold, was now glowing with the same revolving colors and almost too hot to bear.

          I put the key into the lock of the music box, trying see underneath the beauty. This could not have been the work of my father- it was the work of my mother. Obviously, she bewitched it to only open with the amulet as worn.

          I put my hands on both sides of the box. This was the moment. This box was one of the last things of her that I had.

          Whatever is in this box, Malistaire wants.

          I opened it.

          Sick, tinkled music filled my Dorm, and in desire I searched for the thing that Malistaire wanted so badly. But there was only a letter.

          Why would Malistaire want a letter?

          It was crammed into the box, as though in a hurry. I wondered if my mother wrote this letter right before she was-

          Right before my father found her.

          I opened it up, and flattened it clearly on my desk. It was indeed my mother’s handwriting. I began to read:

          Dear my Daughter,

If you are reading this, I am most likely gone. I couldn’t tell you anything in this letter before, since you were not near ready. However, since you had the ability to open this music box, I know you are ready to read the things that will forever change your life, as it did mine.

By now, you must know that I am not Amber Dreamhunter, as I was Sylvia Drake. And yes, you knew me as an Amber Ravengem as well. That was my maiden last name.

But whom did I get Dreamhunter from? My second husband’s mother. Yes, second husband! Malistaire was not the only one, but he was indeed the one I loved the most.

I did not love my second husband, and yet I bore a child with him, Sabrina, but I did not love him. I married him to help disguise my past life, and to protect you. When he left, I was not heartbroken, but betrayed. He had a feeling of who I was, and yet, he did not stay to protect us! Such a coward, that man was…

Now, you must know what I am, and what you are. You, Mary, are a Witch, but not just that. As you are fuming over these newfound words you are hearing from my pen, let me explain.  

There are powerful things called the Fates. The Fates decide your destiny, where you go, and what you do. They are very dangerous. The only thing they can’t do, is control what you think. Only a few creatures get to have that advantage, and you are one of them.

You may notice I called you a “creature.” This type of creature is pure, beautiful, and like me, for I am one too. Mary, do you understand what I’m talking about?

I’m talking about Angels.

          My eyes widened. Could this be? Could my mother really be a… Angel? Could I be one?

If you do not believe me, then think back when you were learning how to Port. The process of the Porting triggered your Angelic growth, which knocked you out. You could have killed somebody if your powers had actually shown; which is why I gave you that amulet. That amulet protects yourself and others from your powers, and gave you access to this music box.

However, you are not a normal Angel. You were asleep when I put that amulet on you for the first time, and I saw your aura. You, in fact, also know what your aura is. It was the colors of the key, and it glowed from your amulet. An Angel’s aura is supposed to be all, purely white. Yours, however, were many colors. Only one caught my interest, and that was the pure Gold color. Do you know what that color of an aura means? It means the color of enlightenment and divine protection. When seen within the aura, it speaks that the person is being guided by their highest good. It is a divine guidance! Protection, wisdom, inner knowledge, spiritual mind, and intuitive thinker.

And I think I know who that higher power is. Mary, the Fates have chosen you- you are one of the true race. Hidden away, there is a legend inside the story of Angels. Six girls are chosen by the Fates, and named as one of the Seraphina-Alleyen, which means God’s Beautiful Enchantresses or messengers on earth. In the Spiral of magic, it means Fate’s Enchantresses.

I know your one of them; I have been having dreams about it. Mary, I believe you may be the Angel of Wisdom and Spirituality-but only you can prove it; and you might find it in the quest I must give you, since I failed at doing so myself.

          The letter wasn’t even close to ending. Could this be true? Am I really one of the “Seraphina-Alleyen?” Was I really chosen by the Fates?

          My mother thought so.

          My father doesn’t know anything about this, considering that my mother didn’t want him to know. If he did, I knew exactly what he would do.

          He would try to steal my powers.

          What about the five other girls?

          I read on:

You must find the five other girls, for you share the same blood as them. The Fates made you all sisters, in the way Sabrina and you would never be. Sabrina was not one of the chosen- she was a normal witch.

The Seraphina-Alleyen has five genres. One Angel has the power of Love and Beauty, another of the Hunt and Battle Strategy, another of Nature, another of Angel of Knowledge and Remembrance, and last: Wisdom and Spirit.

When you father figures this out, he is going to seek them all out, and kill them for their powers. You must find them before he does. All of you together, will be as powerful as the Fates themselves.

If you are to follow your destiny, then become a Questure, find your Seraphina-Alleyen sisters, and defeat your father before he overpowers the whole Spiral. Your father cannot open this box, and you have a head start to begin the search. Trust me; you are more than powerful enough.

I love you with all my heart and I will be watching! I must go now; I think someone is in the house…

Love, your trusting mother.

“Oh my-“I sobbed. She had just finished this letter, when Malistaire had entered the household. Little did she know- I choked back.

          I thought the surprises were done. Everything was becoming uncalled for, and I didn’t know if I had the ability to think straight. How could I plan, if such things like these keep occurring? However, it’s not just that… I thought I was just a witch, but I really was an Angel. A Seraphina-Alleyen. Angel of Wisdom and Spirituality, and she knew this because of my aura.

          I didn’t know who I was, but I did know who I am not.

          I was no longer Mary, the girl whose father killed her family and ruined her life.

          I am Mary, the Angel who fought back.

          Nobody whispered behind my back anymore, or gave me suspicious looks. Now, it was just stares and glares. Mothers were afraid to have their children near me. Students avoided me at all cost. Teachers would make glares, and the Life teacher made a sad frown whenever she looked at me.

          But that wasn’t even close to the worst part. I had no friends, besides Abby. Richard and I had separated, and he hasn’t been near me since. Now, it’s only Abby. At least she was loyal. 

          Choosing not to remember my mother’s chilling words as long as possible (which, apparently, is not), I reached the gates of the Headmaster’s Estate. Just two days ago, I had been forcefully dragged here, sobbing from my family’s death. I still felt that way when I walked up the steps to the front door.

          I will never recover, forever doomed to have a bleeding heart, after it being shot with the black fire that killed the life I loved most. My heart certainly cannot heal, because everything is different.  I felt like if I could experience, or at least see, the life I used to have. I felt like it was the only thing that could heal me- or the only thing I could think of. Nothing will ever be the same.

          I never knew that I would take the saying “Never know what you have until you lose it” would ever appear important to me. I should have known better; I should have realized that just because people say it all the time, doesn’t make it any less stupid or true. Before this tragedy, the saying was pure normality, and nobody expected it to come to life. Nobody would expect to lose their family or anything else as such.

          It’s just too different…

          And yet, nothing was different from entering the Headmaster’s office, save nobody was there. Usually, it was a crowded room, but I suppose nobody felt like talking to the Headmaster at the moment.

          I walked in. By his desk, he was looking out the window, watching the snow fall, as if in thought. “I thought you might come.”

          He turned around, and took in my bloodshot eyes, messy hair in a pony tail, and red cheeks from walking fast. I straightened up. “I wan-need to become a Questure.”

          He raised an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, that cannot do. I won’t allow that you go around fighting beasts, risking your life when you’re this valuable, not to mention- vulnerable.”

          “I may be valuable, but I’m never vulnerable.” I took out the letter. “I need you to read this. It was inside the music box my father gave me, and it was written by my mother right before she was murdered. You need to read it now, please.”

          The Headmaster nodded, alert from my urgency. He shifted his spectacles on his nose, and took the letter cautiously. I waited for him as he read it, his face expressionless. I kept my face the same as well. I wondered if he would be scared of me, after he realized what I was.

          I saw the Headmaster’s eyes shift from the middle of the letter to the end, and just when I thought he was done-

          Somebody opened the door.

          A pretty girl with snow white skin, fluffy white hair, and crystal eyes burst through the door. I recognized her from the Library two days ago, with the pointy ears and Ice book. It half surprised me she opened the door with such force, for she was very petite and thin.

          “Excuse me, sir.” She looked at me and her eyes widened a little bit, her lips forming an “o”.

          “It’s alright.” I smiled a little, and she smiled back weakly. I wondered if she was scared of me. She looked back at the Headmaster.

          “Yes, Sierra?” He did not look at her; he was still staring at the letter. What was he thinking?

          “Err, Headmaster… The KQF field left me behind on the trip to Krokotopia. Is there any way to get there? I’ve been looking forward to writing about the world, there!”

          The Headmaster sighed. “I can alert them to send an extra boat to come back for you.”

          “What does KQF stand for?” I asked, curious, trying to take my mind off the Headmaster’s hidden thoughts.

          “Krokotopia Questure Field.” She answered, avoiding looking at me.

          Questure.

          “Headmaster!” I gasped, whirling around. “You read the letter, right? Can I go with? I need to do this! It’s my mother’s last wish!”

          The Headmaster frowned. Evidently, this was everything going against on what he was thinking in the first place. He looked at Sierra. “Will you be fine taking Mary Ravengem along the trip?”

          I saw Sierra swallow nervously, but then she looked at my face and sighed. “I’ll be alright, as long as she doesn’t interfere with my writing.”

          The Headmaster nodded, not as pleased, but still accepting. He turned to me. “You will be going with young Sierra Winterbreeze here, while she is on a studying trip with many Questures. Sierra will take you to the school, where the Bartebly tree stands. There, she will know what to do. I will fetch people to pack up your stuff, and you will find your things when you set off.”

          For the first time in a couple days, I smiled. But only for a second. “Thank you, Headmaster. I will make you, my mother and sister proud.”

          Then Sierra told me to come with her, and we began walking out the door.

          “Mary, wait!” The Headmaster gave me back the letter, almost forgetting. He looked at my face for the last time. “Mary, be careful.”

          “I will.”

          “And Mary.” He added. “Remember when I told you about something powerful, something that controls everything, and that you were too young to understand?”

          I nodded. “Yes.” I knew what he meant.

          “I was wrong.” He looked truly sincere. “And your mother knew about it, too. Little that I knew that you-“

           I looked around, not wanting to be late. “I know, I understand. You and I both know what I am, and I have to find my sisters.”

          Then I left him, at the door, following Sierra to the school.

          I did not hear him whisper: “Seraphina-Alleyen… I never knew.”