Kaila’s lips twitched with words but nothing came out. What did they want me to say, that I was at fault? It wasn’t! For once in my life, I wasn’t going to be blamed for something I didn’t do.
‘It wasn’t me Master.’ I wanted to add on and say I would never hurt my friends but held my tongue. Just stick to the facts girl. I could almost imagine a lengthy lecture on what I did do prior to all of this.
He stared at me for awhile, judging my responses perhaps. When it seemed the night breeze was going to freeze our bones and turn us all into icicles, he spoke.
‘Then go stand with Edde and await orders.’
I acknowledged his orders with a nod and started toward her.
‘Neven – don’t let me hear that you’ve used any form of magic again,’ the Master threw out over his shoulder. I turned and frowned at the wise magician’s robes, which had been riling up more dust clouds. He honestly believed it was my fault then?
I opened my mouth, which had being itching to respond then closed it. Fine – I’ll stick with Edde.
I gave Master Dago a wide berth as he made his way to his colleague but it wasn’t wide enough for the scowl he threw my way. I hurried to Edde’s side.
‘You alright?’
I nodded my head.
She sighed and gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder along with a thin smile.
The masters soon returned with orders. We were to make our way toward the front entrance, which was still intact, and to the utility room that was located toward the right of the entrance foyer. This was where the Porter resided along with provisions we needed for a journey. We were to ask the Porter for packed bags and a way through the Darkseed Lanes.
Kalia was none to pleased when she saw the awkward spaces we had to squeeze through because of the fallen chunks of cliff that had blocked off parts of the side walkway. She kept her thoughts to herself most of the way even when we passed through the front courtyard.
‘Such a pain in the ass,’ she cursed as we neared the front door.
I faced her. Did she mean I was a pain in the ass? It was obvious, from the moment we left the temple, she wasn’t happy.
‘You hate being here don’t you?’
Her eyes flinched at my question then narrowed. ‘Of course I do! I have had to walk sick – run from giant, icky, spiders and stress over what’s going to happen to me next! I just want to be back at the temple.’
‘You didn’t have to come you know!’
Kalia screwed up her face as if she was in pain.
‘You have no idea Neven.’ She stepped nearer so she could whisper her words. ‘You think I wanted to come? The choice wasn’t mine. I begged to stay but the Master kept saying I had to come for your sake.’
She spat out the last words as if she was spitting out the most horrid piece of meat she had ever tasted. My heart froze. Something terribly heavy and horrible sunk low in my gut; dragging my stomach down to my knees.
‘You’re lying.’
Her expression smoothed into one cold and heart-breaking. ‘I’m not. You forced me here with that magic of yours. I’d rather be some where else.’
‘Neven – Kalia stop lagging!’ Edde called out, seemingly unaware of Kalia’s revelation.
I felt Kalia’s body trail away from me like an unforgiving chill slapping against my skin. My head throbbed with raw pain and crushed memories. The tears I held back stormed to my cheeks. Memories of the river came to mind. I wanted the currents to drown me.
Now yousee see yousee ‘ave no friends. Yousee a plague, an unwanted spot – a killer!
‘Neven!’ Edde called out. I felt her hand on my shoulder, about to pull me around.
I pulled it off and faced her. Edde’s concern was obvious. I couldn’t face her and give her the reassurance she wanted. I glanced over her shoulder and saw Kalia before the door as still as a statue.
‘I’m sorry I put you through this. Follow the Master’s orders, I must follow mine.’
I turned and ran up a ruined path toward obscurity.
