Intertwined

Chapter 3: Misunderstandings and Misgivings

The cup I'd been holding dropped onto the saucer with a clatter. "Is that really true?" I asked my parents, eyes widening in horror.

"Unfortunately, it is," my mother continued where the thread of conversation had left off, after reprimanding me for being reckless. "That's why we felt that you shouldn't remain at the Academy." She wiped away a bit of the spilled chamomile tea on the table.

I looked down at the remaining tea swirling in my glass teacup. If what my mother had said was indeed true, then....then.... I shuddered, and a drop of warm tea sloshed onto my wrist. "But...why would anyone do that? Why would they....kill people randomly?"

My father spoke for the first time, his usual cheerful demeanour stern and abstracted. "It may not be random." He looked intently out the window, as though the morning sun streaming in had an answer. I looked at him, then at my mother, perplexed and a little bit frightened. His eyes, which were like mine, only a shade deeper, appeared full of several troubled thoughts.

"But why?"

"That's what the investigators are trying to find out."

"Also," my mother interrupted, "It doesn't seem to be an ordinary murder. There appears to have been magic used on the bodies. The exact details are not known, but it's been definitely confirmed that this is no normal crime."

(If other crimes can be called 'normal,' Father interposed wryly).

"How many people have been killed so far?

"Three, but the pattern is odd. They don't have any physical wounds, as far as the court doctors have been able to ascertain. Not a single drop of blood was found, which is why we think magic is involved. That's the only thing connecting the crimes, since they took place in different districts of Glassgalia." Father looked grim after he had made that pronouncement, and I felt a shiver travel up my spine. If it was magic, then no one knew what could happen. An ordinary crime is difficult enough to deal with, but a crime involving magic- I didn't want to think about it.

"Anyway, enough about this. I'm sure the court detectives will look into the matter thoroughly. So why don't you go get changed, dear?" Mother looked at me expectantly, and I gulped inwardly. It's now or never.

"Well, umm, the thing is, I think that-that I should go back to the Academy." I faltered. "Because! I interrupted, as their faces turned towards me in sharp disbelief. "The Academy doesn't seem to have anything to do with this, right?"

"We don't know who the killer- or killers- are targeting, and their motive!" Father remonstrated, pacing around the room uneasily. "Until we know at least that much, it's not safe for you to be so near the scene of the crimes."

"But you said yourself that those people were from different districts of Glassgalia!" I protested. "I'll be much more safer within the Academy, which is protected by a magic barrier!" Unconsciously, I pulled my ponytail free, twisting a long strand of hair around my fingers. It was frightening, I admit. Glassgalia was a peaceful kingdom, low even on non-violent crimes like theft or shoplifting. For three unexplained and mysterious killings to take place, then, was terrifying in the light of our kingdom's mild history. But I still didn't want to stay cooped up at home.

Father stood still behind the couch mother was sitting on across from me, and they looked at each other in silence, weighing the alternatives. I watched them expectantly, hoping for the best. "What if someone from the Academy is involved?" Mother finally spoke.

"That's right, since it involves magic, it could be someone from the Academy- a teacher, or a student even." Father said triumphantly.

Uh-oh. I didn't think that far, and the point he made did need consideration. "I'll take care to be in the company of my friends at all times, then," I said finally. That was the only option I had, really. It would be a lie to say I wasn't disturbed by the situation, but with the endless optimism of youth, I was sure it would be solved soon. And I really didn't want to be away from my friends or miss my classes! I placed the empty teacup on the saucer, looking earnestly at their hesitant faces. "Mother, father, you know that I can defend myself. Those people who were attacked unfortunately didn't have magic, but I do." I clenched my fist, feeling the glow of magic burn within me. That's right, I would be fine.