Dreamwalker

The Council

I sit up in bed and gasp, my arms trembling slightly from the memory of the dream.

I glance towards my door, hoping I didn't wake my parents. I wait for a few moments, and am met by only silence. I take a few deep breaths and lay back down, forcing myself to relax and imagine Jeremy's sanctuary.

Falling back asleep is harder than I thought, but eventually I can feel myself drifting off, and the next thing I know I'm standing on a beach, the sound of the ocean mingling with the swish of the breeze through the palm fronds.

"There you are!" I just hear the shout when I feel Jeremy's arms lock around my waist and pull me into a tight hug. I rest my head on his shoulder and smile.

"It's been less than five minutes." He has his face buried in my hair and his voice is slightly muffled as he replies.

"Sometimes it takes less than five seconds. I was worried about you." I plant a light kiss on his temple and say reassuringly.

"Well, I'm fine. Now what are we going to do?" He finally releases me, and runs a hand through his hair, making it stick up slightly. He begins to pace back and forth in front of me, hands in his pockets and his brow furrowed in thought.

He is muttering under his breath, more to himself than to me.

"This Wraith is different, stronger, there's something not right about her. But what? I haven't had all that much experience with Wraiths, not like this. The Elite are in charge of dealing with them. Does the Council know about this?" He suddenly stops, and if this were a cartoon, I have no doubt that a light bulb would appear above his head with a small 'ding' sound.

"What?" I ask, unable to contain my curiosity any longer. He slowly turns and faces me, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.

"I...I think we should go see the Council."

My eyes open wide and I stare at him.

"Are you serious?" He nods slowly, and then shrugs.

"Honestly Penny...I'm out of my depth. This is bigger than just the normal Wraith activity. Something is happening, and frankly I want to know what." I nod slowly.

"So do I." He gives me a small smile and scratches the back of his head.

"It's going to be a little awkward dropping in with you unannounced. I'm not sure if they know that you're awake yet. And they're sticklers for schedule and appointments. This is important enough though, I'm sure they'd rather us drop in then delay in telling them."

He takes a deep breath and straightens up. Taking my hand, he gives it a gentle squeeze and looks at me.

"Ready?" I nod, and he closes his eyes.

I give in and let him take control, I close my eyes and feel a gust of wind blow my hair back. When I open my eyes, I'm facing a large room, the space dominated by a large circular table.

The table is occupied by around a dozen men and women, younger than I imagined, but all very serious.

The oldest person at the table is a man who looks around fifty with white hair but a strong, dominate air about him, his eyes seeming to stare straight through me.

"Richard, you know who this is." I start slightly at Jeremy's voice, and then turn my attention back to the older man who I assume is Richard.

He nods slowly, and then stands up.

"You told her?" Jeremy nods. A moment of silence, and then Richard's eyes light up with understanding."She's awake." Another nod from Jeremy.

"We need to talk." Richard nodded.