The Jem

~17~

Crimson was out of that door as soon as Hunter told her what the Queen had proclaimed. She was bolting her way through the halls, Hunter on her heels but she didn't stop. "Crimson. Crimson!" He shouted, his breath becoming ragged like hers. "I'm going to talk to her!" She ground out not even looking over her shoulder at him.

"And say what? 'Oh sorry to interrupt your majesty but I don't think you should make Hunter use his soul sucking magic also I think you should let me leave'!" He mocked still keeping pace behind her. Suddenly, she paused mid-step, and finally after holding it in for so long today, after still trying to process all the information that had been flung at her non-stop, she let a tear slither down her face.

Crimson turned to him, her olive-colored face becoming paler, her scar became bolder and a few bruises were now a little more visible. "I don't know." She admitted with a heartbroken, strained voice. "I really don't know." She repeated. Then burst into more tears. Hunter rapped his strong arms around her but she didn't retreat from his touch, instead she placed her head on his chest and cried even more, her shoulders shaking rapidly. "It's going to be ok, we'll work around her commands." He whispered in her hair.

~

They had gone back to her room and planned a way to get out, he told her about the tunnels under the castle but they were protected. And Cassava had probably already sold her out to the Queen. Which means Crimson couldn't lie about going to the nearby markets or taking a walk outside. All her plans had fails in them, but that didn't stop Hunter from looking at every square inch of the palace grounds. Which surprised Crimson, he was a guard who had to follow every single rule the Queen threw at him yet he was still keen on helping her. On the other hand, Deeja who didn't even need to obey the Queens orders turned her down without even thinking twice.

Maybe Hunter wanted his freedom as much as she did.

~
The next day Crimson went to see the Mage in their garden. The weather was beautiful and warm, the sun enveloped all the trees and grass and flowers and the birds chirped sweet tunes that made Crimson smile just a little. But she wasn't here to practice her magic or admire the nature, she was here to ask questions.

"Please, tell me everything thing you know about the other element holders."

He sighed, "I don't know who they are but I know that they are not in your realm, they are spread out in three other realms. But only the Gods know where they are exactly and who they are." The Mage Explained with not much enthusiasm.

"I already know all of that, I was hoping you could tell me how I could maybe find them."

"I knew you would ask that." He said, she rose her brow.

"So is there something or some way that could help me find them?" She asked again. And to her surprise he nodded. Then took out a tiny little purple crystal.

"This came from the Jem, I took it because I knew one day I would meet one of the 4 destined holders and they would begin looking for the others." Cecil held it tightly with his thumb and forefinger. Crimson stared at it with amazement.

"How does this help me find them?" She said as she closed one eye and came closer to it.

"Remember when I told you how the Queen found out you were the one from the prophecy?"

"Yes you said she shone it on me and it said Crimson on my forehead." She recalled.

"Yes well it will glow when you get near one of the others."

"Ok but that could be anywhere." Crimson frowned.

"I know but it is more powerful then you think, as long as your in the same realm they are in, it will glow and it glows even brighter as you get closer. When you find them it will start to spin around them." The Mage placed the Jem in her palm and smiled at her encouragingly.

"Cecil?" She said his name with innocence in her tone and her crimson eyes widened and twinkled.

"Yes dear." His old wrinkled face lightened.

"Do you think I should escape and go find the others?"

He said nothing for a while as he thought about the question then he smiled again. "I know I'm not allowed to give you straight forward answers but this time, Yes! I think you should go find the others, it will help us all tremendously."

"But everyone thinks it's a bad idea and it's a waste of time, Well except for Hunter." She mumbled then analysed the Jem thoroughly.

"I don't think it will be a waste of time dear, I think it's a fine idea." He tapped her hand softly.

"Thank you." She smiled back.