Cealania

Chapter Five

I followed him through a series of paths, passing treehouse after treehouse. Until he finally came to an abrupt stop. So suddenly that I almost bumped into him. At first I was confused. From where I was standing it looked like we were still in the middle of the forest. It was when I walked around him that I noticed what was displayed before us. We were standing at the top of an arena. Not as large as a sports arena, but it's quite large nonetheless. Surrounding the walls are bleacher like seats, only these were made of stone. And in the center of the field below was a huge tennis court. Only there was no net and the court was neatly paved dirt.

I follow Ceaser down the stone bleachers which leads us into the cluster of teenage Centaurs. When they notice Ceaser they almost immediately stopped what they were doing and turned toward him. By the looks of confusion on their faces, I guessed it wasn't a normal for Ceaser to join them. At first they didn't notice me. But when they did I expected some smiles, some smug looks, maybe some showing off. But what I didn't expect was the look of horror displayed on all their faces. I think they all would have taken off in fear if Ceaser hadn't begun speaking.

"No need to fear. This is Blake McKnight." He says putting emphasis on my last name. Which for some reason it seemed to relax them. "She is a Witch, she is here visiting along with her mother, Kayla McKnight and her Uncle, Jeffrey McKnight." Their expressions quickly shift to excitement at the mention of my parents. All their different expressions is just making me curious, and anxious to ask about it. Ceaser, with nothing left to add, walks back up the stone bleachers and disappears behind the trees above us.

Clearly no one wanted to be the first to introduce themselves. So instead of just standing around to see who would, they ignore me and go back to what they were doing. The majority of them surrounded the court, others dispersed into groups around the field.  Not wanting to be the odd one out anymore than I already was, I made my way to the court. These Centaurs aren't as tall as Ceaser, but their tall enough for me walk underneath them. Easily making my way to the front of the crowd.

There were two male Centaurs standing on opposite ends of the court. I assumed they were about to play leaf blade. Eager to see the game, I made my way to the center so I could see the entire court from where I stood. The Centaurs all began to cheer as the game began.

Once the game started I was hooked. The Centaur to my left who's name I got from all the cheering, was Zander. Zander was throwing rock after rock with such precision and speed at Barkley. Who's name I also got from the crowd. At the rate Zander was throwing, I thought those rocks were going to pass right through Barkley. But Barkley was ready for them. He began throwing something as well. I couldn't quite make out what it was, but whatever it was, it's sharp. Because as soon as it made contact with the rock, the rock shattered. The debris falling to the ground. This went on for what felt like hours, the intensity and fear that the other may be hit, seem to make time slow down. But in reality it only lasted about a minute, until Barkley couldn't throw fast enough. A rock came hurdling towards him hitting him hard in the chest. Barkley staggered back, taking in quick breaths. The crowds cheers quickly turn to gasps, then to a moment of silence allowing the game to end. Then everyone began chanting Zander's name, making him the clear winner.

Now that the game is over I make my way out of the crowd. The outcasts are still dispersed into their groups. And me being me I start marching my way over to the nearest group. The group of two, a male and female, notice me coming towards them and move to get away. But I wasn't going to let that happen.

"Hey!" I call out. Stopping them dead in their tracks. And allowing me to catch up to them. "What's the deal? Why doesn't anyone want to be anywhere near me? Because in my opinion it should be the other way around. Because I don't know if you know this, but your quite intimidating."