Scales

Fly away

Back in Gedonelune, Klaus went directly to see Randolph.

"Missing, you say?" The Headmaster stared at Klaus full of concern.

"Yes. The villagers thought she was still here."

"What did you tell them?"

"I explained her situation, but they insisted she got back here. I couldn't convince them."

"I see. Well, I am sure she is not here anymore."

"And I haven't had news from her ever since she left. Her former roommate hasn't received any letters either."

"She never got back at you, Klaus?"

"...No."

"I understand." Headmaster Randolph stood there for a moment, trying to find a solution to the puzzle. "Klaus, tell me...has she ever mentioned interest on going abroad? Or maybe another school?"

"No."

Randolph sighed. He was worried.

"Listen Klaus. Maybe she doesn't want to be found. But I understand your concern, so I'll report this to the Ministry, and they will do everything they can to track her. I'll let you know as soon as I get back from them. As for now, I need you to focus in your studies and your duties as prefect. You are a top rank student, don't let this get you down or else your grades will decay." Randolph put a hand on Klaus' shoulder, smiling at him. "You are not alone, Klaus."

"Thank you, sir."

Some time went by. Klaus went back to normal. He never forgot about Liz, but he knew he couldn't allow himself to be overwhelmed by this. His graduation was close, so he had to do his best now more than ever.

As he was walking down the hallways, he encountered professor Schuyler.

"Go to see the Headmaster, Klaus. It's important."

The first thing that he thought was Liz. They had finally found her. He thanked professor Schuyler and went right away to see the Headmaster, filled with joy.

"Klaus. I called you today because the Ministry has news." The tone on the Headmaster's voice scared him to the core.

"Did they find her?" Klaus asked, in desperation.

"No. They didn't find her exact location, but they are sure she is not in Gedonelune nor any other proximate region. Our tracking spells can no longer reach her. She is far away."

Klaus' heart shattered. A million possibilities went through his head.

"Is there...is there any way to know if she is...alive?" His voice was broken, barely audible. He couldn't help but lower his head to hide the tears that were coming off his eyes.

"She is alive, Klaus." Randolph said, making Klaus automatically raise his head.

"How can you possibly know that!?"

"The ministry informed that her magic power is still active. They sense it, but they can't track it. She is still alive, Klaus. I'm sorry I can't give you better news."

"Thank you, sir. Thank you very much."

Klaus was disappointed because they hadn't found her, but she was alive. And that relieved Klaus enormously. He pictured his Liz traveling the world, learning all about animals and magical creatures, fulfilling her dreams at last. And he smiled. He was glad she could carry on, even if he wasn't by her side. But he knew it was for the best. So he decided to let her go.