Thorns & Roses

7.

More sounds of explosions and things falling apart were followed by very strong tremors, making dust coming out of cracks in the ceiling and walls. But the girls stayed, froze in fear. They didn't move a single muscle, they didn't blink a single time, their breathing so soft that was almost non-existent, unlike their heartbeat that was thumping heavily against their chest. Then, it stopped, just like nothing happened before. The child version of Briar Rose dared to move, not for the door to search for Granny, but next to the golden eyed fairy to calm her, hugging her, both staring at the wooden door hopping to see the woman who raised them come back safe and sound.

- I remember having a bad feeling at this very moment - she said to him with a neutral voice, like a narrator out of the story - It was like I knew my happy days where my life was easy and I innocent would be gone forever.

Some seconds passed. Then, a full minute. Suddenly, the door opened with a bang, entering in the compartment three figures dressed like soldiers, with golden armor and long spears, and a forth one that looked like the person in charge right behind them. This one was a female Elf wearing a long dark purple robe with silver details. A diadem with a black gem, a polished onyx which contrasted with her bleached blonde hair, was placed on her head. She had angular features, a sharp nose and her irises were of an extremely pale blue they looked transparent. Chills of discomfort and terror climbed up Edric's spine, the same feeling Briar had so many centuries ago. The creepy lady reached down, holding out her hand to the girls and saying:

- No need to be afraid, darlings, we're not going to hurt you - she made a crooked smile, worsening the situation - Everything is going to be alright. You need to come with me.

They stood paralyzed, afraid of the woman, but she was patient. Everyone ends up giving in and those girls were no exception. Briar Rose's child self took a deep breath, grabbed her friend harder and, with an angry face of defiance, she dared to ask:

- Who are you? Where's Granny? What did you do to her?

The woman couldn't hide a crooked smile of disdain. But she made an effort to continue to be as friendly as possible to the girls. They would be taken anyway, either the easy or hard way. Everything was depending on the girls' behavior.

- I'm Agrona, one of the High Priestesses of The Goddess and the responsible for taking you to the Avalon Academy.

- So, you are an errand girl? Not much for a High Priestess.

- DO NOT defy me, girl - the bleached blonde woman pointed a finger to the child, anger flaming on her eyes - You DON'T want to see me angry.

- Rose, where's Granny? - the black-haired girl asked between tears to the other one. She was still inside her own mind to where fear had made her flee to, conscious only of the presence of her friend - What's happening?

- Shush... Everything's fine... - Child Briar said, petting Fay to comfort her. Then, she looked Agrona straight in the eye - I don't know anything, or want to, about Avalon Academy or whatever. I just want to know where's Granny and what did you do to her!

- Julith is fine - she sighed. That woman was touching a nerve, with her arrogance and scorn - That old hag is tougher than she looks. The thing is... you girls must go to the Academy. There, you will learn to control your powers. Until then, you are a threat to everyone, including yourselves. You must go.

- And if we don't?

- I'm sorry, I think I wasn't clear enough. You, darlings, WILL go, either you like it or not. You don't have a choice in the matter.

She signaled the soldiers and one of them he reached forward, grabbing the arm of the black-haired child. Still defenseless because of the shock, she began to obey the guards, unconscious of everything that was happening around her. On the other hand, the other one didn't want to let go, competing with the guard for the little girl. The guard pulled harder and something happened, an explosion of power manifested by a circle of fire surrounded the two girls, not harming them. The guard, unlike them, got a pretty bad burn on his hand and part of his arm. The woman in dark purple, clearly angry with the situation, summoned water from nowhere and dumped on the children. The fire was extinguished.

- ENOUGH! - she shouted, to both grown-ups and children alike, and then looked the fire-haired girl in her eyes, trying to be nice to her - Do you understand now why you must come with us? You're dangerous. You could have hurt your precious friend with that trick of yours. You need to learn how to control your power and so does she.

Briar Rose younger self didn't want to, but she had to agree with her. If she had hurt Fay, she could never forgive herself. The black-haired girl had fainted during the confusion, not having endured what was happening around her. Nodding in agreement, the child permitted the woman to lift her friend with magic and hand it over to one of the guards. She left the kitchen, followed by the burnt guard and the one who was carrying Fay, leaving Briar Rose with the remaining guard alone. He approached her and took off the golden helmet that covered his face. He had dark blonde hair, his eyes were a fusion of green and grey and, unlike everyone she had seen until now, his ears weren't pointy, but round like the human ones. He smiled softly, sympathizing with the girl. She strained her arms to him and he caught her on his lap.

- Avalon Academy will be your new home, but your family will remain - he told her while she was whining in silence - You two will continue together for as long as you wish.

She didn't stop, but now she was feeling much better just because of his words. The guard putted the helmet back and made his way back to the others in a hurry. Afterwards, all the scenery began to become blurry and Edric felt Briar Rose's hand on his. The tunnel of swift memories returned, and, like the other time, it disappeared as fast as it showed up. One minute, they were under water, the next one, they were emerging from the lake, dry as if they had always been on land. She was returning to the clearing and the mist was starting to move, but he stopped her.

- I'm sorry.

- For what? - she was a bit confused.

- For making you relive something painful. I didn't know.

- It's fine. I wanted to you to know. I hope next time you show me something about you - Briar landed her hand on his chest, felling his heartbeat, but it didn't last - You must go now.

She turned around and he obeyed her, entering the haze and leaving the forest. It was already pitch-black night, so he ran home, thinking how worried his host must be for him. A dead silent was inside the house, but when he got in, chairs were move, and Lillian was the first one he encounter. She threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly to make sure he was there. Then both got in the kitchen.

- Where were you, boy? We were sick worried about you - said Eda, with the wooden spoon resting on the hip as if giving a lecture.

- I'm sorry, I kind of got lost - Edric lied - I went to deep in the forest.

- You're back and that's all that matters.

The dinner went smoothly, but Lillian wasn't convinced. Her intuitionwas telling her that there was something more to it, something he was hiding toeveryone. But she would find out, because she didn't like to be deceived.