Axel Light Trilogy: Wands and Shield

Chapter 22-A

Cyrus Veldor closed his eyes to savour the moment.

One of his trusted assistant had come back with excellent news:

Axel Light was spotted in Xeliq.

Within grasp.

Axel Light came to him. He did not need to go to Stirling.

Cyrus smirked.

'Where is he?' asked Cyrus excitedly.

'He was last spotted at the Old Quarters, but he had Translocated before MaxPol caught him and his friend,' said Xavier quickly, 'We have people spread everywhere now, looking for him. I am sure we can get to him before MaxPol does.'

'Are you?' asked Cyrus drawlingly, 'Why are you so certain?'

Xavier looked at his master, eyes unblinking.

'I had already placed a spell, which we will know immediately when he enters... the place,' said Xavier.

Cyrus raised an eyebrow and frowned at Xavier.

'MaxPol can do the same as well,' said Cyrus, unconvinced.

Xavier shook his head, 'Our eyes had placed a delaying spell. MaxPol will know eventually, but not before we do. We will have five to ten minutes to get him.'

'Impressive!' cried Cyrus as he thumped his hand on the arm of his chair, 'We got an excellent eye this time!'

Xavier bowed lowly, 'All thanks to Carter's hard work.'

'Yes! Of course! Carter's contribution will not be forgotten! He will be rewarded, definitely! But you...' said Cyrus, as he eyed Xavier attentively, 'Your instincts are exceptional. We could not have achieved so much without you.'

'I only give ideas and plans. I was never with you in the operations,' said Xavier.

'That's because I need someone trustworthy to hold fort, Xavier,' said Cyrus, 'I trust you the most. I want you to be here, to look after everything here.'

Xavier looked at Cyrus, his eyes wide.

Master trusted me the most, thought Xavier surprised, he thought that it was the opposite.

He had been bitter that he had been left out in the most important operation – the capture of the Lights at Stirling. He was the one who had found their location at Stirling. If they had included him in the operation, they might even had timed it precisely and would have managed to capture Axel Light as well. Now, they were left with the unfinished business of seizing Axel Light.

'Yes, Xavier, I watched you grew up, I know your character very well,' smiled Cyrus, 'I know that you are loyal to me. And I can read your mind very well because you have nothing to hide.'

Xavier stared at Cyrus squarely on his face, 'Of course, Master Cyrus. My life is indebted to you. I would not be alive if you did not save me from the fire.'

'I was just at the right place at the right time,' said Cyrus smugly, 'Or I should say, the stars were aligned for us, Xavier.'

Xavier nodded agreeably. He knew that his master trusted no one but the alignment of the stars, just like with Axel Light. Nobody knew why his master desired Axel Light. Nobody dared to ask. He would only say that the stars were aligned and that the Lights had betrayed him.

Whoever had betrayed his master should get what they deserved.

'When the stars are aligned, nothing in the world can change that,' smirked Cyrus, 'Nothing.'