Jane and the Guardians: Sword of the Lady

Chapter 11

"Are you sure about this?" Marie asks.

"If you have a better idea, I would have liked to hear it ten minutes ago." Albert replies as the two drive toward John's seaside mansion.

He stops the car by the front gate and waves to the guards. The tension on the guards' faces is immediate. One picks up a phone and speaks in forceful whispers into the receiver reporting who are at the gate. The guard apprehensively opens the gate to let Albert and Marie through after he hangs up the phone. Albert drives slowly down the long driveway to the main building where more guards are waiting for their arrival. Unlike those at the gate, these are Guardians and show no signs of being intimidated by their guests. Two walk up to the car and open the doors for Albert and Marie.

The Guardian who opened the door for Albert asks, "Are you sure about this?"

Albert chuckles as he gets out of the car. "Thank you for your concern brother. Perhaps if you asked me ten minutes ago, I might have reconsidered." He pats the guard on the shoulder and walks toward the house.

The doors open as they approached to reveal a palatial interior. Guardians line the long hallway where, at the other end, sits John on an elevated throne. Instead of the usual gray suit, he is in white emblazed in a golden aura. He looks intently at the twosome as they walk cautiously toward him and stop at the foot of the steps that lead up to the throne.

"Bow before my Lord," shouts one of the new Palace Guardians.

Albert keeps his gaze on John and smirks at the demand. "Is this what you were after, to take the place of the Lady? What happened to 'for the betterment of the human race?' Nothing but an excuse for your desire for power."

John smiles and says, "Albert, it is good to see you brother. Coming out of hiding after all these years, why blow your cover for a little girl?"

"She should be the one sitting on that throne, not you." Knowing this visit will not end in hugs and kisses, Albert gets straight to the point and does not shy away from stating what is on his mind.

"Why? Nobody ever saw the passing of the Lady's energy, there is no clear mandate, and the little girl can't even prevent herself from being captured, twice. Just because two lowly level three Guardians were ordered to protect her, that doesn't prove anything," John tries to convince Albert as if he is trying to convince himself.

"You can sense her energy, that's proof enough."

"You're right, but besides that, she knows nothing. Would you have a child determine the fate of the world?" Not intimidated, John remains calm well aware of the fact that Albert has no chance of defeating any of his Palace Guardians. It is also obvious Albert knows that fact, so John is being cautious just in case Albert has something up his sleeve.

"She knows more than you give her credit for. At least she knows not to listen to you."

John's smile grows wider. "Well, that's not entirely true. Now all she does is listen to me. You want to see her? That's why you came here isn't it?" John turns to one of the Palace Guardians and says, "Bring her."

A short moment later, Jane and Donnie walk into the room. Their eyes stare vacantly straight ahead and their walking controlled by the Palace Guardians escorting them. They stop at the foot of the throne, still and without any indication of recognition of anyone around them.

"Jane, Albert is here to see you. Please say 'hello,'" John commands.

"Hello," Jane says in a flat and lifeless tone without looking at anyone in particular.