In My True Element

Chapter 22

After days of research and debates it's been agreed that Ilana might be right. It's very possible that the talisman is trying to lead us to Antarctica.

I'm in a room with Brackwick, Brat, Ilana and some other soldiers. Just as they did before our trip to Croatia, everyone is busy deciding what equipment to take, how to get there, what to do once we get there. And just like the last time, I sit quietly in my corner, not caring enough to participate. All I can think about is Ilana and all the possible lies she must have been told. There can be no other explanation as to why she shot me. Taking a deep breath in I force myself to stop staring at her, otherwise everyone will get suspicion.

"You are certain it's the coldest place?" I hear Brackwick ask Dowsy, a short balding man with slightly oversized glasses.

"Yes." He is vigorously nodding his head. "Here," he points somewhere at the map, "is a place some people say is colder, but this data can't be trusted because it's located a bit higher and their measurements are different."

Dowsy opens his mouth ready to explain the differences in the measurement and how important it is, but Brackwick dismisses him with an annoyed grunt.

"Okay, okay. Then that's where we'll start." His voice sounds a bit edgy. He must also be tired of these endless talks. "What's the temperature there today?"
"Minus seventy two," Browsy answers in his mousy voice. "But it's summer. It gets much colder in the winter."

"How will we get there?" Ilana asks, her fingers are threaded as if she is praying.

"Of course you'll get a plane that will fly you to the Southern Pole of Inaccessibility. There is an abandoned station there where you will be able to settle in, and you can start your expedition from there."

"Are you sure it's abandoned?" Drowsy's words don't invite too much confidence, so Ilana has no other option but to ask.

"Yes. It was built some time ago, but since it's really difficult to get there and the place is not the most convenient for the year-round research station, it's been left empty. Sometimes it's used for sport expeditions."

"But are you sure it's empty now?" Brackwick pushes the balding researcher.

"It won't be difficult to check it out." Dowsy coughs and dries his sweating palms on his white shirt.

"Then it's decided; you'll go there and you'll see if your talisman reacts to the place." Brackwick turns to me and so does everyone else. "If it doesn't, then you'll just walk around Antarctica looking for the right place."

"You want us to walk five million square miles?" He must be a complete idiot... or a very desperate man.

"Five point four." Dowsy chimes in, but everyone ignores him.

"If you have to, you'll go over it with a fine-tooth comb twice, but let's hope it won't come to that." I look at Brackwick's tired face. He isn't as chirpy as he was about two months ago. Being so close to the jewel but still not actually having it makes him very cranky.

"Whatever." I say and slump against the chair.

Brat takes a step forward and lights another cigarette. "Then we'll get all the necessary equipment and clothing. Dowsy," he barks, and the little man jumps from his seat. "Make a list of everything they'll need there." Brat turns to Ilana and plants his hand on her shoulder. "How is your leg?"

"It's been four and a half weeks, so by the time we are ready to leave it'll be completely healed." Which can be roughly translated as, it's not healed yet. Oblivious to everything, Brat smiles, squeezing her shoulder, which makes my blood boil, then he turns to me.

"I guess you're about to see penguins. Behave yourself there." His eyes quickly slide to my left hand. Then he quickly winks at me as if we are best friends and leaves the room. It's obvious that he hasn't heard my conversation with Ilana, which I am grateful for, but I still hate the man. I hate the way he smiles and they way he looks at everything as if he's the king of this freaking world. I hate the way he touches Ilana. It's not a sweet, loving touch. No, it's a claim that she belongs to him, like a dog owner would pat his prized possession. With my fists balled up at my sides I walk back to my comfortable cell, not noticing the grand halls of the castle or the soldiers' disgusted looks.

"Let's talk now," I say to Ilana when I take my usual place on the plane. The waiting makes me anxious.

"Talk to Amelia." Ilana pats her hair to make sure every little strand is in place.

"The flight attendant? Why would I do that?"

"It looks like you like her. And the girl melts each time she sees you."

"You do know you aren't allowed to be jealous, right? I mean with you marrying the creep of the year."

Ilana arches one of her thin eyebrows and snorts. "Me? Jealous? You wish." She looks so beautiful right now that I have to remind myself not to stare.

"Actually I do." Our eyes meet for a second, but the she quickly casts hers down.

"I told you earlier that there is nothing to be jealous of."

"And I don't think I believe you." I smile; my family's warning to be careful with her is forgotten. "You don't have to worry. I like her, but only because she's a sweet child, and I'm not used to being treated nicely. There's nothing sexual about it."

"I told you I'm not jealous." Ilana has to whisper since Davidson and his men have boarded the plane and are going to their seats now.

"Well, I am," I whisper back. "Even if you don't love him, I hate it when Brat touches you."

Ilana tilts her head to the left, trying to X-ray my head and read my thoughts. "And since we're talking honestly, I hate how tight your hair is. You need to let it loose. You look so much more beautiful when it's down."

Ilana clears her throat and casts another look filled with doubts and suspicion.

"Now it's your turn."

"My turn what?" Her voice is rough and she needs to clear her throat once again.

"To be honest."

"About what?" Her body has become rigid, her fingers entwined in an unnatural position.

"You can start with how much you liked the kiss and that you'd like a repeat of it. Because I know I would."

With her cheeks flushed, she looks unbelievably cute. I have to work hard not to smile or she'll think that I'm making fun of her.

"You'll never hear that." She says as she regains her self-control.

"Never say never, I wink at her and lean back in my chair enjoying the steady hum of the engine.