= Wands High =

Chapter 54 - 23 May 1998, Saturday

- Are you sure you're okay? Seems like you took a pretty bad hit – Jessie asked as they were walking towards lodge 12.

- I'm fine, sis, I just landed heavily on my shoulder when that spell hit me, but I think I'll get away with just a bruise. However I'm not in the mood to talk, so let's get inside through the back door. Seems like there are people in the main room – Orianna pointed out and nodded towards the well-lit windows in the front part of the cabin.

- I hear you, I think I'll even skip second dessert and head straight to bed – Jessie muttered as they were walking around the small wooden building to get to the back entrance.

In a few moments they found out that they weren't the only ones making use of the solitude in the back yard. As the two girls were nearing the back porch, they noticed someone sitting on it, his back leaning against one of the wooden pillars supporting the roof, one foot swinging in the air.

- Oh, hey, fellas – they heard Zadie's quiet voice before they could make out his features in the star-lit night. – Didn't know you weren't back with the others.

- We took a little walk and ran into some shit at the square – Orianna said.

- Really? What kind of shit?

- There was something crazy weird going on at the Midsummer Festival celebration but I'm too tired for details. Long story short, thank goodness we didn't all end up going there – Orianna waved her hand. – How's Ty?

- He'll be fine. The nurse said that he had a mild concussion, nothing serious. That head of his is thick enough to withstand one stupid flying tray I suppose.

- What about the other two? – Jessie asked. – They seemed sorta tense after we got out of "The Plucked Broom".

- Tell me about it – Zadie laughed out, very little humor in his tone. – They had a shouting match a little earlier. No idea what's going on exactly but Chris was super edgy, I can hardly remember ever seeing him like that. Aaron was in no mood for bullshit after he almost had to drag him out so Chris wouldn't get into some stupid fight with those wackos in the tavern.

- Shit. That really doesn't sound like him – Orianna mumbled worriedly. – I missed that part while we were trying to get out.

- Yeah, you know how it is – usually Ty's the one with the short fuse. Maybe you'll have better chances of talking to Chris tomorrow and figuring out what that was.

- Maybe... I'll give it a try. Sorry, Zadie, we had way too much excitement for one night, we'll be heading upstairs to try and get some rest.

- Yeah, no worries, goodnight, girls.

- Night.

* * *

24 May 1998 - Sunday

- Good morning, gentlemen – Jessie greeted as she entered the kitchen looking as if she had just had a morning run, cheeks flaring, her hair tied in a ponytail, almost empty water bottle in her hand. – Are you the only people around that are awake?

- Seems so – James responded putting down a newspaper next to a mug of black tea on the table in front of him. Zadie waved at her with one hand while stirring something in a bowl with the other.

- Morning, Jess. It's still kinda early, no? For a Sunday morning, I mean.

- I guess so, I lost track of time. Does anyone have a watch?

- It's 9:24 – James took out a pocket watch. – I suppose normal people consider this as "too early".

- Doesn't speak very flattering of us now, does it? – Zadie laughed. – Yet, the day is twice as...