Abel Magia & The Two Apprentices

Chapter 24 - The reclusive elves

There was for the first time since the company entered the forest a certain calmness, no longer did any of them feel under threat. Phokios and his kin had led them to the right track and signs of daylight could be seen overhead. For once, these ancient trees allowed sunlight to pass onto the forest floor. Mary was lying up against a mighty tree, her ankle was to sore for her to stand, Jane was sitting beside her, the two were talking about there father and better times. Nikita was with Abel further down, lying against another tree Raziel was standing wandering what to do.

"How long will Abel be like this" inquired Nikita who since the Centaurs had left them, had laid beside him not leaving his side, stroking his hair, hoping he would snap out of this paralyzed state he was in. 

"Hopefully not for much longer dear" replied Raziel who was pacing up and down not knowing what to do next.

"Raziel, might I ask, what was the war Phokios mentioned?" asked Nikita

"I'd rather not go into that" replied Raziel rather hesitant to tell her anything about the war. 

"Well I would like to know." said a stubborn Nikita "Does it have something to do with you watching over Abel?" Nikita like Abel had had a certain determination to get answers to her questions.

"To an extent" said Raziel who had stopped pacing and now sat down beside Nikita.

"To an extent" replied Nikita "what does that mean?"  

Raziel knew Nikita would be persistent to find out what she needed to know so he decided to give in to her constant bombardment of questions "Well" he said pausing for a moment "I suppose Abel would have eventually told you everything. Your two are close are you not"

"We have always been close" said Nikita "and I don't want you to change the subject Raziel"

"Well I will tell you what you need to know." said Raziel "The war Phokios so subtly refereed to was for the rule of heaven which is to be fought here on earth."

"Oh my" said Nikita rather stunned. "So that is why there are so many angels about like yourself."

"Yes. We have been about since the evolution of mankind. Abel is wanted by the Ordo Ob Chao hence why I am watching over him." Nikita seemed rather taken back by what Raziel was saying.

Mary and Jane had stopped talking among themselves and now seemed to be eavesdropping in Raziel and Nikita's conversation. Raziel looked over at them and then looked at Nikita. "Perhaps we might postpone our conversation" 

Nikita twitched her nose and tutted "that will not do" she said rather simply. 

"Well why don't we go for a walk, you and me, and I will tell you what I know ".

"Very well" Nikita said she brushed Abels hair once more and stood up and walked over to where Mary and Jane  were sitting. "How is your ankle" Nikita asked Mary. 

"Sore" said Mary "It swollen up pretty bad"

"What are you and Raziel discussing?" asked an observant Jane.

"Nothing that concerns you," Nikita said her voice went slightly softer "might i ask a favour?" 

"sure" replied the twins

"Will you two stay here and keep watch over Abel whilst me and Raziel go for a wander"

"Sure we will" said the twins. Mary turned to look at Jane and said "will we will play I spy" 

"Many thanks" said Nikita

"Ok" said Mary, "ill start, I spy with my little eyes something beginning with L."