The Golden Key

12.CENDRICK PATTERSON (1)

"While searching for Laura, Klein asked, 'If the fairies are trying to create a problem, why did she give you the location of the warlock book?'

'I don't know,' Linder replied. 'All I know is that the fairies are dangerous. They showed me a vision of the warlock book, and that's when they planted the love spell in my head. I'm glad Laura stopped us immediately."

'Meaning what?' Klein asked curiously.

'If we had kissed, you would forever be mine,' Linder explained. 'It's a love spell."

'Wow!' Klein exclaimed.

'The fairies planned this all along, and we don't know what games they're playing. But whatever it is, we have to stop them,' Linder declared, determination in his voice."

********************
"Laura France!" Ana exclaimed, spotting Laura walking aimlessly, tears streaming down her face.

"You, I know you," Laura said, recognizing Ana. "You're from the Shire, right?"

"I'm here to help you," Ana replied.

"I don't need your help," Laura snapped. "I lost my friend because of you all."

"Meddy Klass, we can bring her back to life. Trust me," Ana reassured.

"Trust you? Never!" Laura spat angrily.

Ana persisted, "Listen, I'm not your enemy. Don't trust Linder Silver; she's dangerous."

Laura quickened her pace. "Leave me alone."

Ana produced a magical mirror. "See for yourself. Linder and Klein are romantically involved."

Laura's eyes widened in shock. "I don't believe this."

"The mirror is magical," Ana explained. "Linder may have cast a spell on Klein."

Just then, Klein shouted, "Laura!"

Ana Cindine, you're still manipulating people," Linder accused. "For Cendrick Patterson's gain."

"Enough!" Ana retorted.

"Laura, come with us. We'll resolve this," Klein urged.

But Laura hesitated, "Klein, Ana might be right. Linder might not be trustworthy."

"Laura, you're making a mistake trusting the People of Shire," Klein warned.

"No, you're mistaken by trusting her," Laura countered, pointing at Linder.

"Let's go, Laura," Ana said, and they departed.

Linder turned to Klein. "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have summoned those fairies."

Klein consoled her. "It's not your fault. The fairies might be collaborating with the People of Shire."

Linder's eyes narrowed. " We must retrieve the warlock book before they do."

"But what if it's a trap?" Klein asked.

"We must protect that book at all costs," Linder resolved.

"Okay, let's go," Klein agreed.

********************

"Sire, Laura France has arrived," Ana announced.

"Laura France, welcome. You must be exhausted. Amelia, please escort her to a comfortable room and serve her our finest dessert," Cendrick ordered.

"Thank you," Laura replied, following Amelia.

"Well done, Ana," Cendrick said, smirking. "With Laura on our side, we'll achieve our goals."

"Certainly, she's aligned with us," Ana confirmed.

Just then, fairies materialized, their anger palpable.

"How dare you!" they exclaimed.

"What are these tiny insects doing here?" Cendrick sneered.

"Cendrick, we had an agreement. Return the moonstone and cease controlling us," a fairy demanded.

"Ah, the moonstone," Cendrick said, his eyes glinting.

"It belongs to us! You stole it, and we've played your games long enough. Hand it over; a deal is a deal," the fairy pressed.

"The moonstone holds immense power, too great for insignificant creatures like you to possess," Cendrick retorted.

"You have no claim to it, Cendrick," the fairy asserted.

"The moonstone is mine now," Cendrick declared, producing it. The blue and green light reflected ominously.

"Cendrick, please. It's crucial. In the wrong hands, it can destroy us," the fairy pleaded.

"I've reconsidered sparing your kind. It's best you don't exist at all," Cendrick said, aiming the moonstone.

"What are you doing?" the fairies cried, feeling their energy and powers being drained.

"Goodbye," Cendrick said, killing them. Their lifeless bodies fell, wings useless.

"Guards, remove these insects and burn them to ashes," Cendrick commanded.

Witnessing the carnage, Ana's eyes widened in horror. "Could it be that Cendrick only cares about himself? Will he kill me too when I'm no longer useful?" she thought.

***************

As Klein and Linder journeyed to find the warlock book, Linder's eyes widened with a sudden flash of insight. "The book is close," she exclaimed.

They hastened their pace, and Linder began digging frantically with her hands. But as the dirt yielded nothing, panic crept into her voice. "I don't understand. The book has to be here. The vision was clear."

Klein's brow furrowed. "Could Cendrick already have it?"

Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows. "It's with me," the figure said.