ROSE

Chapter Fifteen - Two Faces

Kimberly sat down on a mat, lost in shallow thoughts. She envisioned a reason behind Elizabeth's sudden reaction. Not so long, Nicholas sat down in front of Kimberly.
 
"What's on your mind?" probed Nicholas.
 
"Oh. Sorry," she smiled innocently. "I was just thinking. Moments ago, I asked Elizabeth a question about the ancient salt, then she reacted weirdly." She paused for a while. "Is she hiding something from me?"
 
He gazed deep into her eyes. "You see that woman is a strange woman. What I mean to say is that she is difficult to understand. That is to say that there are some things that even I am not aware of, such as; why are there only three amulets. One thing is certain, though, that Elizabeth can keep you in the dark for as long as she desires. For instance, I came to know recently that Harriet is actually her sister."
 
She frowned, "Are you kidding me?"
 
"No." He shook his head. "You are lucky that you got to know this information within 24 hours of your arrival. Furthermore, if her reaction is important that you need to know about it, then trust me that you will soon find out; otherwise you'll be kept curious for who knows how."
 
He snapped, "Right… Let us get to your lessons. We don't have much time. For you to defeat Rose, you need to know her both inside and out. She is a hex in possession of great power.  Fear not because even the greatest powers can be weakened. Rose has two strengths and one weakness. As you have already learned that your fear and your weaknesses are her strengths. Her weakness is none other than the ancient salt sprinkled around this community." Kimberly leaned forward, paying much attention to the lessons.
 
Nicholas continued, "Your mind is a portal to access the power inside the music box. I will accompany you back to the hotel where Rose has your friend caged waiting for your intervention. Once we get there, I will tell you when to begin a meditation that will grant you access to the powers inside the music box."
 
 
Kimberly was impatient. "How will I do that?" She asked.
 
 
He smirked, "Be patient. I will come to that. Before you begin to meditate, we must weaken Rose by using her weakness against her. Believe me when I say that this will be the easiest task of them all. Then begins the more challenging task: relaxing your body."
 
"I can do that-," interrupted Kimberly.
 
"Not when evil spirits are distracting you."
 
Kimberly was quiet, regretting that she spoke too soon.
 
"You will not relax your body as you do normally, but as you did when you saw the vision. Your body will be in a trance as you bridge your soul to the powers of the music box. Of course, there will be strange and disturbing distractions attempting to break the bridge and blur your concentration. It will be Rose controlling these distractions." Kimberly was about to speak when Nicholas spoke quickly, "Yes, I know you would have made her weak but, you would have made her body weak but not her spirit. Be careful not to let the slightest fear to creep into your head as you experience the strange things."
 
Kimberly interrupted, "Will I survive? That all sounds terrifying."
 
He chucked, "Now you know why Harriet did not explain any of these things to you."
 
Kimberly nodded. "And how will she be trapped?"
 
He replied, "Once you succeed in bridging your body and opening a portal with your mind. You will gain conscious, furthermore, you will need to recite the following phrases a few times before they can be effective:
 
“With the music box in my hand;
I manifest all that which I command;
In my presence, I declare evil powerless;
Hear my command and return to your world." 
 
He paused and gazed into her eyes. "Forget a single line, and you'll have to repeat the whole process until you get it right."
 
"What will happen after I get it right?" She asked curiously.
 
"You will have to wait and see. I assure you that you will have freed your friend and the entire North Community."
 
She probed, "Will I get all my friends back?"
 
He shock his head slowly. "Take some time to digest what I have told you. And one more thing." He stood up and stretched himself.
 
"What?" she asked.
 
"Trust me." He said and walked out of the room leaving Kimberly wondering to herself what he meant.
 
She stood up and stretched herself: bending down touching her toes.
 
Several moments later, Nicholas returned with two amulets in his hand. He handed one to Kimberly. "Elizabeth wants to have a word with you before we go."
 
"Right now?"
 
"Yes."
 
Kimberly walked out of Nicholas's house into Elizabeth's house. She walked through the hallway and entered Elizabeth's bedroom.
 
Elizabeth was gazing out of the window. She heard the door open but did not turn around,  she spoke softly, "I guess you are about to go now."
 
"Yes," Kimberly mumbled.
 
"Have you seen those clouds above us?"
 
Kimberly walked to Elizabeth and peeked out of the window, dark clouds were slowly forming in the sky. It was like a storm was approaching. Kimberly was perplexed by the sudden change in weather.
 
Elizabeth spoke, "Those clouds are an indication of the salt wearing off." She picked up a mini glass bottle. "This is the last bottle of salt we have." She handed it to Kimberly.
 
"But you said the salt was wearing off. Aren't you going to sprinkle it around the fence?"
 
"If I do sprinkle it around the fence, then there won't be any left for you to carry. Eventually, it will wear off once again, and we'll all perish."
 
"Is that what you didn't want me to find out earlier?" She probed.
 
"Yes. I was worried that you'll worry about us and-"
 
"How much time do I have?" She interrupted.
 
"That's the unfortunate fact," she replied. "I don't know how much time until it wears off completely. But don't worry about us, do what you need to do and save the future. We are all counting on you, child."
 
Kimberly felt dejected, she hugged Elizabeth tightly and spoke under her breath, "Do me a favour."
 
"Tell me," replied Elizabeth.
 
"Don't call me child, call me Kimberly or Kim if you please."
 
Elizabeth laughed.
 
The time had come for Kimberly and Nicholas to leave the North Community. They both wore the amulets around her necks. The music box and the mini glass bottle were secured in the bag pack.
 
Everyone watched as Elizabeth opened the gate for Kimberly and Nicholas. They hoped in their hearts that Kimberly would succeed in trapping Rose before their shield dwindled.

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Authors Note: Cheers for making it to Chapter 15. I hope you are enjoying the story so far. Please don't hesitate to drop a comment and let me know your view, or you can give it a vote; otherwise I appreciate your support.