Guardians of the Sword (on-hold)

Chapter 10: Spells Against Spells

Zedina and Yume joined the huge crowd of people in Crimson Village. Holding on to their small bag of jewels and gold coins, they headed for the merchants who sell food and other supplies for the kitchen. They also dealt with merchants who sell soap, cloaks and robes.

“We need to find you a weapon,” Zedina said.

“Do we have to?” Yume asked, a little uneasy at the thought of holding a weapon. She hasn’t held a real weapon since her father died when she was fifteen. It was he who taught her how to fight, to defend herself from people who mean her harm.

“There will come a time when you’ll be on your own and no one will fight for you but yourself,” Zedina replied. “You are part of our group now and that means Everett and Raven will seek you out.”

Yume looked at Zedina with a sincere smile. “I just want you to know that I am not regretting coming with you. If anything happens to me, I will not blame any of you.”

Zedina smiled. “We will not let anything happen to you.”

“I am glad to hear that but I will really try my best not to cause you trouble.”

“You do not have to worry about that,” Zedina said. “That position has been filled by Sarfie and Aika. And Cloud.”

Yume laughed softly. She suddenly swayed and felt faint. Zedina held on to her.

“Are you okay?”

“I… I think so,” Yume replied, pressing her palm to her forehead.

“What happened?” Zedina said, leading Yume out of the crowd to an empty bench outside the tavern.

“I…” Yume started then looked back frantically to where they were awhile ago. “I accidentally looked at someone else’s subconscious.”

“Whose? There were many people in the crowd.”

“I don’t know whose. I just felt someone caress my arm with a finger in passing,” she explained, her head bowed as if it weighed too much.

“What did you see?” she asked, rubbing Yume’s cold hands. “Was it terrible?”

“The memories went by so fast but Lady Zedina,” she said grasping Zedina’s arms strongly so sudden, “I saw Rei in that person’s subconscious.”

“The prince?”

“Yes, while most of the memories were fleeting by, those that included Rei were clear and vivid, like looking at a painting in front of you,” she continued. “Rei was in pain. He was crying for help. Everett got him. He was holding him by the neck, tightening his hold. It was terrible. And there was blood on Rei’s face. Too much blood.”

The thought frightened Zedina but she didn’t show it on her face as she looked back at the crowd. “Are you sure?”

“I am,” Yume said, staring at the crowd. “I saw him. I cannot be mistaken. The sword of Gaia was there too… without the orb.”

Zedina was even more alarmed with what Yume said but still didn’t show any sign. She sat there quietly, looking at nothing in particular.

“Okay, let’s keep our thoughts together,” she said a few moments later. “If that person knew us and saw us, then we have been found.”

“Will Rei be safe?”

“Garr, Anyo, and Cloud are with him. The protective spell I cast in that place is five times stronger than the one I cast in your house,” she replied. “They will be fine.”

“Of all places and time, my power had to go uncontrollable on someone whose mind is full of nightmare?” Yume said, kneading a knot at the back of her neck.