The Quest of The Sword

Chapter 6

A week had passed since Chase and Zara had been living at the manor. Chase's parents had called to check upon him and told him that they would not be back home for the next month. They had asked about Zara and her family but he'd dodged the topic. Also, Nathaniel and his wife Alice hadn't come back from Melbourne.

Chase being the spontaneous athlete that he was, had spent most of his time practicing sword fighting with Ethan. Zara had become great friends the Hollyvale twins. They'd spend time together telling Zara about Sorcerers and elemental magic. Their kind had a secret government call the Circle of Elements. She'd learned about the infamous Shadowsteel's history. It said that once when the world was at the brink of destruction, five Sorcerers made a sword that gave the wielder the power to control and manipulate everything in the universe.

In addition to this, Zara had also come know about the different elements that Sorcerers could control. Amiyah could control fire; she could will to do anything and most of it didn't even make sense. Her fire could destroy, create or repair, the choice was upto her. At their first meeting, Nathaniel had told her that she was a Sorceress too but she was still to find her ability.

It was 4 in the afternoon and Zara was strolling along the beach. She just wanted to be out and feel the wind in her hair. The strong wind made her coppery locks fly out of her ponytail and her pink t-shirt flap rapidly. The blowing sand picked her lower calves which were left bare because of her Capri jeans. The waves crashed softly against the sand and the sun shone brightly above. Zara held the silver chain given by her mother during her final moments. As she stared at the dainty sword- shaped pendant, memories of her parents ran through her mind.

They'd always brought her and Chase to the beach on weekends. She and Chase would make sandcastles and Diane would make up wonderful stories that had amazing magical creatures. Melvin would always make her strawberry milkshakes to cheer her whenever she felt forlorn. She missed the swing set in her backyard terribly. She could give up anything and everything just to be back on the swings with Chase, have her parents hug her everyday before leaving for school. A tear trickled down her cheek but with it came the thirst for vengeance.

As Zara walked along the shore, she saw a familiar figure standing at a distance. Her raven hair was left loose and she was dressed in a yellow and white plaid shirt paired with light blue jeans and sneakers. She had her arms folded over her chest and her gaze staring intensely at the waves.

"Rowena!" Zara called out, running over to her. Rowena's blue-green eyes looked slightly bloodshot like she had been crying. Her pale skin looked paler than ususal. Rowena managed a small smile.

"I didn't see you coming", Rowena said.

"It's ­­­- alright", Zara panted.

"What are you doing here?"

"Nothing. Just having a walk. What's wrong? You look upset."

Rowena seemed to be having an inner debate but she sighed shaking her head, "My mum called me this morning. Said it was serious. She told me...". Rowena's voice quavered. "She told me my dad - my dad's dead. He was murdered"

Zara knew exactly how Rowena was feeling. Finding your parents dead was a horrendous shock. She'd been trying not to let it out but a single tear escaped Rowena eyes. Zara couldn't resist the urge and she hugged Rowena. Rowena stiffened probably surprised by Zara's sudden affectionate action. She soon relaxed and hugged her back.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Zara soothed, pulling back from the hug.

"Thanks"

"Did you tell everyone about it?" Zara asked and Rowena shook her head. "Not even Ethan?".