Story of my life

Chapter Eight

The morning came faster than I would've liked. Slowly, I swung my legs over the side of my bed. Holding my breath, I gently stood up. When my legs held, I took a step and then another and another. Satisfied that my strength had returned, I got a back pack and put some water, dried jerky, and fruit in it. I picked up a knife that was laying on the cabinet, a note attached was from Stevie, use it well.

I shouldered the pack and walked out.

I didn't make it far before I heard footsteps behind me. I spun around, staff in one hand, knife in the other.

Cato. He raised his hands to his shoulders, palms out. "Easy there, Bella. I'm just following orders."

I lowered my knife and staff, irritated.

"You'll have to move quieter than that if we want to escape Anubis' notice."

I swiftly turned around and strode off.

We walked in silence for an hour or so, as we made our way through the thick forest. Then Cato started trying to talk to me,

"So where are we going?" he asked, struggling through a particularly thick part of the woods.

I sighed, forget Anubis sending demons after us, Cato would just attract them to us.

"Keep your voice down," I hissed. I should've stood my ground about coming alone.

Cato hurried to catch up to me, "Where are we going?" He whispered.

I turned and glared at him. "Be quiet. I can't concentrate with you talking all the time."

He hung his head, looking like a whipped puppy. I sighed.

"Sorry." I muttered, "It's just... you shouldn't be here."

I winced as a look of hurt flashed across his face. "Stevie said you would need my help."

I snorted, "Of course she did. Cato, she sent you here to keep an eye on me."

"What?"

I raised an incredulous eyebrow at his ignorance, "Did she not tell you to keep her posted on our progress?"

"Yes, but-"

"And to contact her immediately when we found something of significance?"

"Yes, but-"

"And to bring me back no matter what it took?"

Silence. I surveyed him, before turning and proceding forward. A moment later I heard him hurrying to catch up to me.

"She is just concerned for your safety." he argued.

I shot him a glare, and he lowered his voice. "She doesn't want you to get hurt."

I shook my head, "Cato, you don't get it do you? She is in charge now and she has to keep everyone safe. Not necessarily a good thing."

He gasped as realization dawned on him, "You don't think she can do it!"

I motioned for him to keep quiet, straining my ears. I put a finger to my lips and pulled him behind a tree. Footsteps approached.

There was a moment of silence, and then booming laughter.

"You really thought you could hide from me, young magician?"

I twirled my staff, disguising mine and Cato's faces.

Cautiously, I crept from behind the tree, Cato following close behind. We faced the ogre, who was leaning against another tree, arms crossed.

I tilted my head courteously, "My apologies, sir. We were unaware that we were not alone."

The ogre, who was rather short, only standing a hands height taller than me, snorted.

"Oh, I bet. Slippery tongue, I hate slippery tongues."

I slid my hand in Cato's, reaching out with my power and touching his mind- play along- I whispered to his thoughts.

I turned back to the ogre, blushing.

"Please, kind sir, I- we were otherwise occupied." Beside me, Cato stiffened. Idiot, I thought to myself, careful or you will give us away.

The ogre threw back his head and laughed, "Oh? What poor young lad have you caught in your traps today, young magician?"

I smirked, "A simple enough one, who knows not to fight back"

The ogre regarded us thoughtfully, "Well... in that case, I guess I will leave you to it. It's not in my nature to interrupt a brand of torture."

I inclined my head, silently thanking the gods we had encountered only a dumb ogre.

The ogre leered at Cato, "Make him writhe in pain, young magician."

I nodded, breathing a silent sigh of relief when the ogre turned and left.

"Torture?"

I turned to Cato, eyebrow raised high. "Yes, torture. Young magicians are notorious for their methods of torture when trying to test their magic. And you, by the way, are a terrible actor."

Cato merely shrugged, "How did you do that? Talking to my thoughts, I mean."

"Do you forget I am a powerful magician, Cato? Stronger even than Luke or Stevie?"

Cato nodded, briskly I tugged him along.

"It will be dark soon, we need to find a place to camp for the night."

A few minutes later, I found a spot I was somewhat satisfied with. We laid out our bedding and ate supper, huddling close to the fire.

"Cato, I must tell you something, since it is very likely Anubis will catch up to us."

I waited until I was sure I had his complete attention before I continued.

"Do you see this necklace? It binds me to Anubis in a very... dangerous way. If he is close enough, then he can control my emotions. When we meet him, I will not be able to resist going with him or doing whatever he wishes me to."

I looked into Cato's eyes, acknowledging his horrified expression.

"Cato, you cannot allow me to go back with him. Nor can you fight Anubis yourself."

He cleared his throat nervously, "So what do you want me to do?"

I stared into his eyes, drawing a steady breath.

"If Anubis finds us... you must kill me."