Emerald (The Protector) - undergoing editing

Chapter 18

Dinner was a quiet affair. Sarah was so exhausted she could hardly keep her eyes open. She managed a few spoonfuls of her soup before excusing herself and heading back upstairs. She threw herself on her bed without changing and fell fast asleep. She was vaguely aware of Emerald returning, but just rolled over and went back to sleep.

She woke with a start and then realized she must still be asleep as she was back in Jacinta's cottage. Yawning because she was still so tired, even in her dream, she peered around the room and saw Jacinta sitting by the window.

"Hello child - you've had a long day."

Sarah nodded.

"It's good that Emerald is showing you how to use a sword."

"Wait! What?" Sarah looked at her, "How do you know?"

"I have my ways dear."

"Right, okay." Sarah scratched her head, "This is still a dream isn't it?"

"Yes dear. I realize you are extremely tired and I would not have brought you here if it wasn't extremely important; but hopefully our little chat won't disturb your sleep too much."

"I see...what's so important - wait, I'm not holding the crystal, so you shouldn't have been able to contact me."

"I only needed to use the crystal once dear; now I can bring you here if I ever need too."

"Okay," Sarah thought for a moment "do I still need the crystal to contact you?"

"Yes, you do. Your powers are not strong enough yet."

"Wait! What? Powers, I don't have any powers."

"Dearest child, how do you think we are talking. If you had no magic, this," she gestured to the room, "would not be possible."

"But, I'm from my world. We don't have powers. There is no such thing as magic there."

"Oh but there is child; people just aren't aware of it."

"But I can't have powers," Sarah ran a hand through her hair, "that's silly. Wait, if I have powers, that would mean my parents do too."

Jacinta nodded.

"And Emerald, does she?"

"Yes, she does."

"What can she do?'

"You must let her tell you."

"Wow. So what can I do?"

"Only time will tell dear. You managed to zap yourself in the bath didn't you?"

"Is that what that was? I got pins and needles in my hands."

Jacinta laughed.

Sarah stood up and began to pace the room "This is too weird. Is that why you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, I thought you should know. As I said, your powers are only just emerging. We need to monitor and train you."

"How?"

"Well I thought you could visit me each night in your dreams, just for an hour or two. I don't want to make you any more tired that you already are."

"Fair enough - so what will I be able to do?"

"That, my dear, is a very good question and one I cannot answer at this time. Now I suggest you leave here and return to your dreams; I've kept you too long already."

"But, when will I come back?"

"Tomorrow night child. We will begin then."

Sarah yawned and sat back down.