The Curse of Windsor Castle

Chapter Fourteen

After the girls were picked up by Melinda and Charles was dropped of at his home, they discussed their next plan of action over lunch.

"I think I finally figured out what the pattern is," Tamara said, between mouthfuls of her sandwich.

"Which is?" Amy prompted Tara to go on.

"Each town we visited was the birthplace of a writer from that country. Hanau was the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, Como was the birthplace of Pliny the younger. And Gyula was the birthplace of some Hungarian bloke."

Rose nodded in amazement. She had never thought of that. "Okay, so, what are some famous Spanish writers?"

Amy quickly went up to Rose's room and brought down her computer. "Password?"

After typing in the password, Rose handed the computer to Amy who did a quick google search. "Okay, so it says here that Miguel de Cervantes was a notable author in Spain. His most popular novel is considered to be the first modern novel."

"Okay, but where was he from?" Rose asked.

"Alcalá de Henares," Amy read from the computer.

"Give me the computer." Amy handed the computer to Rose who searched up maps.

"Alcalá de Henares is about 40 minutes away from Madrid. That's a nice change," Tamara said, while looking over Rose's shoulder.

"You girls can leave tomorrow," Melinda said.

"Aren't you going to stop us?" Rose asked.

Melinda shook her head. "I know you girls are determined to, and capable of saving your classmates. I and know that no matter what I say, you will go anyway. So why should I waste my energy discouraging you, instead of helping you?"

Tamara finished her sandwich. "Good point."

While Tamara took a nap, Rose unpacked her suitcase. After she took out her clothes and toiletries, Rose noticed a small necklace, the pendant no bigger than the width of her thumb. "What the..." She shrugged. Her mum had probably it in her suitcase; maybe for good luck.

Rose then frowned. Her mother was the least superstitious person she knew. She wouldn't have put the necklace. Rose took the necklace over to her desk to examine it. She ran her finger over the silver metal that surrounded the crown jewel, a blue stone that matched the color of her eyes. As her finger touched the blue stone, the necklace turned into a sword, which was putting it quite calmly compared to how Rose reacted.

"MUM! Mummy!" Rose shrieked and dropped the sword.

"What is it? Rose, darling?" Melinda rushed to Rose's room, followed by a dazed Tara.

"Mum, m-my necklace t-turned into a s-sword!" Rose whimpered.

"Okay Rose." Melinda spoke in gentle tone. "I know you must have gone through a lot this week. But—oh." Melinda's eyes landed on the sword that Rose had referred to.

The sword was made of steel with a metallic hilt that was tinted blue. The hilt was decorated with diamonds of various colors. The entire weapon glowed with a dark blue aura.

"Personally," Tamara began. "I don't see what the fuss is about. Yes, it's a sword. Yes, it just appeared. But I -and I know you'd agree with me Rose- have seen weirder things. What?" She asked Melinda who raised her eyebrows.

"Try to be a little sensitive, Tamara. She's only thirteen."

"She's almost fourteen, Mum," Tamara muttered.

Meanwhile, Rose had another problem. "How am I supposed to turn this stupid thing back into a necklace?" She threw her hands up in frustration. "Really, Mortis? Everything is a game with you!"