Eterna

~Chapter 6~ Going Places

"You summoned me, My Lord?"

"Yes, Scarlet."

"What is it? Have I done something not in accordance to your will?"

"No, Scarlet."

"Excuse me?"

"I said no, Scarlet. I wanted it that way."

"You wanted the wench to live?"

"Yes."

"But, but why?"

"Because she is the one."

"..."

"Scarlet, watch her. Make sure she's getting close enough to the Hume girl. I'll give you further action when the time is right."

"My Lord, I—"

"Scarlet. Did I not speak? Is not your sole reason for existence to serve me?"

"Yes, my Lord. I apologize for questioning you."

"Yes, Scarlet. Now go. You know I can't do this without your unrelenting loyalty."

"Yes, my Lord."

 I awoke with a pounding headache the next morning. I was hoping to be able to meditate but the pain in my head was too intense. I rose from the bed, walked into the living room, and was greeted with somber faces. Payne, Roxy, Devon, and the little girl, sat on the sofas looking at me with straight faces. The little girl's eyes were bloodshot and her cheeks stained a rosy red.

"Morning." I said to the dreary guests.

Devon nodded at me and proceeded to stand up; which meant he had something to say.

"Lady Evelyn, we have to bring her to King Julius."

"You're kidding, right?" I replied.

"No." Devon sighed. "She has to be sent back to the human world. It's my job as a guardian."

"Okay." I said, frustrated. "Then you bring her back. My business is with the Archsage of Darkness."

The room fell silent.

"Milady." Roxy started. "We understand how you feel. We were there. But—"

"No, Roxy!" I interrupted. "You don't know how I feel at all!"

I felt the emotions as they welled up inside me, but I did nothing to stop them. It felt good; too good.

"You just run around doing whatever you like, going where the wind tells you. Some of us had responsibilities and a future set for them! The world is not carefree. You don't understand anything! My husband, Roxy, my husband is dead! You heard me? DEAD!"

The room fell silent once more.

"Well." said a faint voice from the background. "If you don't want to help me find my way home, I'll do it myself."

The little girl stood up and started to walk past me. I gently grabbed her by her shoulder and knelt down face to face with her. An overwhelming feeling of guilt swept over me and I lost my anger in almost an instant.

"Listen to me." I whispered. "Out of everyone here, you have it the hardest. I'm so sorry for neglecting you but you must understand I just lost my husband. It's hard for me too. But I can only imagine how your mother feels. I promise you, no matter what happens I will get you home."