Hold Me Down (The Badlands Series) Book 2

Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Running Out Of Time

The group returned to the Castle and Emlyn took the lead only taking Stella in with her. "Horrace I need your help, and I have a lot of questions." Emlyn planned on starting about Harriet she was highly suspicious and wasn't going to let it go.

"I'm aware you not only need my help but have many questions," he took a sip of his wine and motioned to two chairs he had put in front of him anticipating their arrival, "have a seat."

"You do always know, interesting just like Harriet seemed to know things. Do you know her?" Emlyn questioned him, and Horrace felt mildly attacked.

"Relax Emlyn, yes I know Harriet. She's my twin sister. However as many similarities as we have, we can be very different people. Other mother came from Winter Wonderland, while other father was the previous king. They met fell in love and Harriet was much like our mother very much wanting the wintery life. So she went there and I became king after my father passed."

Horrace explained the story to Emlyn who nodded along, "why did she lie about knowing you then?" She asked him and Horrace sighed.

"Harriet is very humble, she doesn't wish for people to know she originates from royal roots. So she just pretends to be a normal person, she likes to be referred to as an herbal witch." Horrace explained and Emlyn smiled feeling glad she got those answers.

"I understand now, it was very confusing I'm apologize if I came off rude." She replied and Horrace smiled.

"It's quite alright, now as for the spell she told you about. I'm aware of it, however I am also unable to decipher Morse code I'm not sure if anyone here will be able to." He said scratching his chin but nothing was coming to him. For once even Horrace was at a loss.

"What would you suggest? We need to get Camilla under temporary control until we can figure it out." Stella finally piped up and Horrace nodded slowly.

"Yes I agree..." He thought for a long moment before replying. "Emlyn you need to lead your group onward and continue to cut Camilla off where you can. Stella take someone with you to investigate the spell further." He said and Stella and Emlyn agreed silently before Stella replied again.

"Emlyn who are you okay with loosing?" She asked her and Emlyn didn't wait to reply.

"Please take Bob, he's an amazing friend and comedic relief but it's time to be serious. I'm sure I can risk loosing him." She said and Horrace chuckled.

"Bob may be quite a character but sometimes oddly he knows things. He might be a real asset to you Stella so don't be discouraged. He may act goofy but he's very smart." Horrace followed up on Emlyn's words.

Stella smiled, "don't worry I can handle Bob he's not to bad."

"Great let's go discuss with everyone." Emlyn stood up as did Stella and they headed off to speak to the team they had assembled. Horrace watched them go and looked at the locket in his hand.

Harriet knew Horrace would tell them, but she also knew her time was almost up and sent Horrace her locket with pictures of the two of them. Horrace missed his sister very much but knew she wouldn't want him to fret. He sighed hoping there was someone who could decipher that code.

***

"Alright team here's what's up. Bob and Stella are going to stay behind and investigate the spell Harriet gave us and the rest of you are going to continue with me to keep Camilla at Bay." Emlyn said and everyone nodded and Bob looked sad.

"Man I got to miss all the action, although it's probably for the best I'm not sure if I can handle another insult to my beautiful wardrobe." He brushed off his Santa sweater and they all rolled their eyes.

"Right, Stella before you go anything I need to know?" Emlyn said as she turned towards her.

"Well I can tell you your next stop will be Spring Valley. I'll spend a few days here in the library and meet you there. The trip should take you about a day considering you have to travel from the beginning again." Stella replied and Emlyn nodded.

"Alright we can talk about a good plan for the fight we will probably get in Spring Valley, and update you when you reach us." Emlyn said hoping Stella wouldn't have to run in without any notice.

"We can get hummingbirds to send letters you know." Mystic said all of a sudden and Stella looked like she remembered the same thing.

"That's right we can send letters through hummingbirds it's easy don't worry. I'm sure Mystic can help you." Stella said and Emlyn felt better.

"Perfect let's do this."