Claimed By Zodiacs

Chapter 20

# Lillian Summerfield
*Training Grounds, Flamecaster Fortress*

The feel of string vibrating on my sore fingertips was painful. Yet it was a pain I welcome, just to chase my mind off things, like where my brother run off to for instance.

"Are you sure you don't know where they've gone?" I asked the shapeshifter circling above me as a kite.

He landed on my strained shoulder, unable to detect my murderous mood.
*** I have no idea. They've disappeared at the same time. It's very curious, don't you think so? **

I think so too.. Sam's not the kind of person that leaves without a trace. He's responsible like that.

Gordon clicked his beak.
*** Sir Aiden promised us that everything is fine. They're on a mission, that's what he said. **

"Bollocks! I'm not stupid. I know something's amiss. I just need to find an evidence."

*** Yes. You shouldn't go around accusing a demigod of being a liar. His words would be more credible than yours. **

I dropped my hands in surrender. He  landed on the ground, ruffling his wings. I feel stupid talking to a bird.
"This is stupid. Everyone is stupid. No one's doing anything. AT ALL. Even Firedrake is shrugging this off. I just can't sit here and wait for sh*t to happen."

Gordon squawked loudly.

*** Ssssshhhhhh! **

"Excuse me?" I put my empty hand on my waist. "How dare you! I have the right to get mad! I wo--"

He shook with an intensity that made me step back. Gordon the bird expanded rapidly, turning himself into a cheetah.

"Holy--" My hand hovered over my knife sheaths, just in case. "What the fudge?!"

Gordon growled menacingly. He wasn't looking at me though. He's staring far out the gate, teeth bared for everyone to see.

"What is it?" I asked, body tense and ready to bolt.

***  Intruders. They're almost out the woods.  **

That was all he said before he dashed away.

"Wait! Gordon!" I watched as sentinels jumped out of the way. Others raised their spears, ready to strike him down.

* Oh man. *

"Don't shoot!" I ran towards the group of sentinels. "He's with me."

They stared at me like I've grown two heads...but at least they'd let him pass. Gordon continued running out  the gates. I let out a whispered string of curses. * Darn it. I can't keep up with that speed. * A stream of knights arrived inside the fortress atop their steeds.

* Steeds! Of course! *

"Excuse me?" I rushed towards one knight, pulling his leg. "I need your steed. Could you please move aside?"

He blushed and immediately jumped off his horse. "Of course milady. Let me help you--" He offered his hand to help me up but I beat him to it, mounting the saddled horse faster than he expected a lady could. "--up."

I took the reigns from his hands, smiling sheepishly.
"Does your horse know the way home?" I asked, just in case.

* If I'm going to get myself into trouble, I'd rather not involve an innocent horse. That would be insensitive of me. *

"It is trained to return in emergencies milady."

"Great. Now listen, if this horse returns without me, call for backup."