Chapter 49 Chapter Forty-Nine
Chapter Forty-Nine
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Zeke
“You aren't actually considering-”
“Yes, that's what I'm considering.” I affirmed.
“But seeing or having any contact with them is forbidden.” Qyle reminded me.
I faced him, irritation pricking at my skin. Not at him, but at the stupid rules that the Circle set down.
“We've broken many rules, Qyle. And this one is for the sake of our kingdom. We can't count on the Circle to save Weasels. You know that.”
I waited for his response. His brows furrowed together, like they always did whenever he was deep in thoughts.
“When shall we set out?” He asked, rising to his feet as well. I smiled inwardly. Qyle always chose logic.
I turned towards the starry night, visible through my open window.
“Tonight.” I muttered.
…
“This tastes awful,” Qyle winced, as he took another gulp of the modified blood. We were flying in the night air, and since he hadn't tapped into his vampire powers for years, he needed to drink blood to remain stable.
“I agree.” I said with a chuckle.
We finally arrived at the archway that led to Weasels. I threw him a glance, and we carefully landed on our feet.
Gavemorth wasn't actually a secret place, but just like Qyle said, it was forbidden. Located in an alternate direction from Weasels, it was almost like taking the left path on a two-way road.
“Ready?” I asked Qyle in a half-whisper.
“Not at all, but let's do this.” He nodded firmly.
We trod into the slim path that got even narrower as we ventured in. The road to Gavemorth was flanked with dangerous looking plants at the edges. Correction, bloodsucking plants.
“Careful, these plants haven't been fed in years.” I called out to Qyle whose footsteps had died down. I couldn't turn in case the plants took advantage and sank their sharp stems into my skin.
We had barely made it to the lake that led fully into Gavemorth, when a blood-freezing voice halted us in our tracks.
“Halt, and raise your hands up. An introduction can save you, if it's worth it.”
I complied, just as I knew Qyle would too. It was very unwise to provoke a see-brid.
“We come in peace!” I called out loudly, as I heard ruffles in the shrubs. Even though I couldn't actually see anyone.
A young and pretty lady stepped out of the dark, moments later, her arched bow lowered by her side. She was dressed like an Amazon princess, and had the youthfulness of a twenty year old, even though she was more than a millennium years old.
“Zeke, Qyle?” She finally smiled.
“Natasha, what a warm welcome.” I gave a tight smile.
Her lips twitched. “Sorry about that.”
She raised a hand, and gave a short command. “Retreat!”
True enough, more ruffles sounded, and soon everything was quiet again. Natasha turned to me.
“You bring good tidings, I presume?” Her eyes twinkled, which suggested she had an idea of why we were here.
“We wish.” I replied, grimly.
She nodded slowly, and turned. Waving her hand, a bright swirling purple-blue portal formed. See-brids sure loved to show off.
She threw us a glance behind her head. “Follow me.”
We needed no second invitation. Power thrummed in my veins, as I stepped through the portal. When I opened my eyes again, the beautiful lake was in sight. Adorned by crystals which hovered over its surface, the powerful lake of Gavemorth shone in all its beauty.
Rumored not to allow anyone who harbored bad intentions through it, the lake had been there for generations.
We followed Natasha to the edge, where she halted and bowed slowly. “Allow us through.” She ordered.
The lake parted, giving us access. Immediately we stepped in, the lake closed over us. Gavemorth wasn't actually on land. It was under water.
Lights and beauty shone at every corner, as we finally arrived at Gavemorth. Ladies thronged the streets, and they barely spared us glances.
“How many years has it been since you last visited, Zeke? Finally decided to quit delinquency and focus on your kingdom?” Natasha teased.
“You wish. I was busy.” I simply replied.
“Hear that, Qyle? He was busy. What do you guys say about visiting the club later? I promise you a time of your lives.” She winked.
Yeah, in addition to showing off, See-brids loved partying.
“We might consider that later.” I brushed off her invitation.
We soon arrived at the palace, where several female guards manned its gates. They allowed us in, with Natasha leading.
“I've forgotten how this place used to look like.” I sighed in brief reminiscence.
“Because you haven't visited in a long time.” She scoffed.
She led us into the beautiful dome-like palace, and stopped at a cream colored door. Gavemorth was the contrast of Weasels in every way. In the place where our kingdom thrived in darkness, Gavemorth loved lights and beauty. And it showed in every sense.
An elegant woman was sitting on a white throne, as we walked into the large hall. Like Natasha, she was dressed like an Amazon princess.
“Natasha, you're back. And I see you've brought guests.” The woman called out.
“Mother,” Natasha bowed, and moved to the side.
Qyle and I bowed simultaneously. “Queen Belinda.” I smiled, which she reciprocated.
“I knew you'd come.” She said, and my heart skipped a beat. She'd probably seen the future.
Natasha took that as a cue to leave. But she didn't forget to remind us that her offer to party later was still open.
As the door clicked shut, Queen Belinda's face turned grim.
“Trouble, and ancient secrets.” She paused, her irises swirling with power.
“There'll be a war soon.” She continued, and I nodded.
That I knew so well.
“He's powerful, and he's already taking action. He-” She looked directly into my eyes. “-is in her mind already. You have to be careful, else you'd lose everything.”
I sighed. See-brids were also known for being cryptic.
“Who is this ‘he’ you're talking about?” I asked.
She was silent for a while. “Someone very powerful.” She said, snapping out of her trance.
When she looked at me again, her eyes were back to normal.
“Thank you, Queen Belinda.” I bowed and turned to Qyle.
“Let's go.”
It might be safe to say we were more confused than before. Fucking See-brids.
We barely made it to the door, when her voice stopped us.
“Prince Zeke?”
I turned.
“Trust. You need to trust those around you, for together you can hope to defeat him.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
Natasha was waiting for us, when we stepped outside. She pushed off the white wall, and came over to meet us.
“How did it go?” She asked, with twinkling eyes.
“It went well.” Qyle volunteered.
“Great. Can we go to the club now?” She winked.
I grimaced. “The clubs in the human realm are just as good as the ones here.”
I just wanted to get to my apartment in Vermont, and strategize.
Surprisingly, Natasha agreed. “Let's go.”
I heard Qyle utter strings of curses under his breath, behind me, and I chuckled.
“And the queen?” I asked.
She made a face. “Are you ever bothered about what your father thinks, whenever you sneak out?”
I laughed. “You haven't changed. Let's go.”
Well, I could use some noise. Distraction was what I needed to clear my head a bit.
Distraction from the impending war. Distraction from Mirah.