Late one evening, the streets are deserted. All of England seems to be asleep. The soft and slow sound of footsteps is the only noise to be heard tonight. Out from the woods emerges Hermenegindus Derderos. He walks down the street, when he passes the streetlights go off. It's amazing, just like Magic. From the cross streets Celeste Caluo appears. She doesn't not look thrilled. As the two pass each other, the air is suddenly thick with magic. It is palpable in the air, hanging around them like a blanket of fog. Their footsteps echo as they pass each other without a word. Celeste has a distant, almost angry look on her face. Hermenegindus tries to smile, but it looks more like a grimace. Just under two hours before Lord Hodges had made his final move. Victor and Aleah Scarlett are dead, and their two infant children are left orphaned. Though the practical choice is giving the twins to their cousins, but Caluo is not happy at all with this decision. The fact written all over her wrinkled face. Celeste's anger is palpable as she makes her way through the quiet streets. No one is around to see her anger, or perhaps they do not wish to face it. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She cannot help but think the worst of Hermenegindus, the fact that he is leaving these children makes her blood boil. Merrick Matthenuson appears on his motorbike. Both the bike and Matthenuson come down from the sky. The motorbike stops in front of a small two floored house.
"Headmaster Derderos, Professor Caluo." Matthenuson says. Celeste doesn't bother answering, still fuming. She crosses her arms, glaring up at Matthenuson. Hermenegindus just nods politely, his face remaining expressionless. He seems more focused on the present moment than anything else.
"Good evening Professor Matthenuson. How was the trip?" Derderos asks.
"Wonderful, they hardly made a sound. Mathias fell asleep on the drive over." Caluo takes the tiny baby boy in her arms and rocks him gently. The other baby, a little girl. She is wide awake and isn't making any noise. She is just looking around.
"She's so calm," Hermenegindus observes,
"I can't say the same for her older brother." Celeste huffs and rolls her eyes.
"They are lovely kids, regardless," Derderos says to try and ease the tension in the air.
"Please Hermenegindus reconsider. These people are the worst kind of Inaris imaginable!" Caluo whispers to Hermenegindus. "We can't trust them with these children. There must be another way."
"I'm sure you are aware that there is no other way. The decision has been made." Derderos replies quietly, his voice low. Celeste glares at both of them, not believing a word. She holds the boy tightly to her, the only thing keeping her from lashing out. Hermenegindus gives her a knowing smile, full of sympathy. "They are the only family the twins have, Celeste. We can't just abandon them now." Though Caluo is persistent.
"These children will be known around the world for everything that has happened tonight, they can not stay with these non-magical folk. They are special Hermenegindus. They deserve better than this." Caluo pleads, as they approach the cousin's house. Celeste's worries seem to grow stronger. The house is normal like the others on the street, but it looks dark and foreboding like she can sense the malevolent presents looking within. She makes another pleading look at Hermenegindus, but he only shakes his head.
"They will be fine, Celeste," Hermenegindus says firmly, "Their cousins will be perfect caregivers." Celeste rolls her eyes again and keeps glaring at him. She holds the boy close to her, trying to reassure herself that everything will be fine. She can't help but notice the way the streetlights dim as they pass by the house, and she shivers. "We're here," Hermenegindus says, his tone firm but kind. Reluctantly Celeste follows Hermenegindus. Derderos takes the little girl and sits her down on the doormat. Then he places her brother beside her. Matthenuson takes a letter and places it on the two children. Celeste watches from a distance, still not convinced this is the right decision. "The letter explains everything," Hermenegindus says to Celeste, noticing that she's not yet convinced. "I know it's all happening so quickly, but the twins are in good hands, I assure you." Celeste can barely meet Hermenegindus's eyes, instead choosing to look at the children on the doorstep. They are both sound asleep and unbothered by recent events. She stares at them for a few moments, wishing she could scoop them up and take them away from here. The three adults walk back into the night, the street lights flickering back on when they move past. Illuminating their path with a warm yellow light.
YOU ARE READING
The Scarlett Story: How it all started
FantasyWelcome to the world of humans and magic. For two twins who have been left for 14 years are now being told of their real identities. They must learn a new way of life and understand how they became the most important people in their world. Now they...
