Axel Light Trilogy: Wands and Shield

Chapter 09

'Did you come alone, Commissioner Linden?'

Linden took his steps consciously and he stopped right in front of the person who had just spoken to him in a mocking voice. His green eyes flashed on his square chiselled, flamboyant face, his light brown hair cropped smartly and combed neatly. His lips pursed as he gave Linden a sarcastic smile.

Cyrus Veldor.

'Well, I am here to have a chat with you, not for an arrest. Otherwise, I will be here with a team, handcuffs and all,' said Linden honestly, as he looked around, 'I don't think I will be offered a cup of tea, would I?'

Cyrus Veldor nodded with the same smile stuck on his face.

'Obviously, you are not welcomed in Veldor's Mansion,' said Cyrus honestly, 'But you still walk in even though everyone knows how busy you are with the most intriguing case in the Magical world right now. So, I presume, this is something worthwhile for you?'

'Why do you want Axel Light?' asked Linden directly.

Cyrus laughed heartily, 'I don't want him, Commissioner Linden,' Cyrus took a step towards Linden, close enough to smell his breath and muttered, 'He wants me.'

Linden took a step back – he did not want to be near Cyrus Veldor at all.

He did not expect to be attacked. Even though he came alone, there were MaxPol just outside the mansion and many people in MaxPol Headquarters knew he was in the house. If he did not walk out alive, they would know where he was last. Cyrus Veldor was smart enough to know that as well.

'Why does he want you?' asked Linden unperturbed.

'You got to ask him, don't you?' said Cyrus incredulous.

'How do you know he is a Magical? Even before the Ministry does?' Linden continued to press.

'What makes you think that I know?' gasped Cyrus dramatically, 'I am as surprised as everyone is! Why do you in the first place, think that I have something to do with all these... weird happenings? I would think that the Ministry will know far better than a civilian like me. The Ministry is always hiding something from everyone, MaxPol included...'

'The Ministry and MaxPol are two separate organisations. We do not take any order from the Ministry of Magical and vice versa. Be careful of your words, Cyrus Veldor,' said Linden warningly.

'You should be the one to be careful, Commissioner Linden, baseless accusations that I am a suspect for the murders of the Lights. If you have evidence, you would have come with your team, 'handcuffs and all'. Not you alone or your Sergeant Monsford who came to take my statement. I can report you to MaxPol, anytime,' said Cyrus casually.

'I just want you to know that we are watching you,' said Linden calmly, 'We are watching your every move.'

'So am I, Commissioner Linden,' smirked Cyrus, 'So am I.'

*

Axel had arrived at the gates of the Green's residence through Translocation – the Magical way of teleportation. In a Maxon city like Stirling, there were designated spots to Translocate, because sudden appearances could give anyone a shock or worse, a heart attack. It would be rude to appear inside a shop or someone's house unexpectedly as well.

Stanley had Translocated with Axel as the rider – which meant that Stanley was the one deciding the location and it was Stanley's Magical Quotient and wand that had triggered the teleportation. Axel had yet to learn how to Translocate. Moreover, MaxPol was not taking any chances.

They had appeared at the junction of Flora Road and Ribbon Street. They walked up Ribbon Street and soon, the familiar, red-tiled roofs, white bricks, brown window frames and brown wooden door were right in front of Axel.