The Orb And The Onslaught {COMPLETE}

snotelekS rO sterceS

     They were soon speeding out of the parking zone and heading down a busy road, presumably in the direction of Quentin's parents' house. Florence and Skyrah were on one side of the vehicle and were able to watch the capital city of Highhall rushing by outside.

    They passed flashy stores and shopping centres, houses with huge white marble columns, looking like they belonged in history books. They were all large and gated off, Florence thought it was a bit much but given what she knew about Othon and the way its rich and poor were divided, it didn't actually surprise her. 

    The level of technology wasn't nearly as advanced as Swynmead but it wasn't as antiquated as Nuplax. Florence could see large television screens in some of the windows and people walking around with various telephones and gadgets in their hands. Of course, Highhall would be the fanciest and most ostentatious of Othon's cities.

    It was home to Greydale's Governor and its richest inhabitants, they had to show that factor in everything they did. Florence hoped to leave just as fast as they arrived; perhaps help a few of the poor while they searched for their next clue or idea on where to go next. 

     She didn't have time to ponder that thought however, they'd barely been in the vehicle ten minutes when the driver began to slow down. They were pulling up to an even larger house than the ones they'd passed, columns lined its marble walls and silk banners draped the gaps between. They appeared to be seeing it from the back however, just as Quentin's father had instructed. They passed through a set of steel gates, which seemed to open and close of their own accord, and drove down a patterned stone path. 

     The garden was as big as a farmer's field and full of flowers, all uniform in size and shape like they'd been forced to stay in order. The neighbours that Quentin said his father was so worried about, must have great eyesight because the nearest house was at least fifty feet away. Nevertheless, they drove quickly into the waiting garage and the doors closed behind them, also seemingly of their own accord. The engine shut off and the driver got out, running around to open the door for them.  

     Florence climbed out first and she helped Quentin pull Colin out while Skyrah and the cats followed. Quentin supported Colin with one arm, carrying his bag in the other. Stephen tried to take the bag but Quentin pulled it away. 

"Thank you, Stephen, but I can handle carrying my own bag." 

"Very well, your father requests that you wait here for him." 

    "To keep us hidden, don't worry, I get it."       

Stephen looked almost apologetic but he said nothing and left them, walking through a door at the other side of the garage. 

The cats sniffed after him and turned to Florence with a meow. 

     She shook her head, "No exploring, apparently we're waiting here. and why are we doing what your father says exactly?" Florence asked of Quentin, curious as to why they weren't just taking Colin somewhere comfortable. 

"Because it's not worth the earache, believe me. He won't make us wait long, he'll have some other supposedly more important business to attend to with other superficial, self-centred people." 

     Quentin's voice dripped with anger and Florence knew old wounds were opening. She didn't like to see him suffer, but bringing Colin home was important to him, he'd suffer for the sake of his brother. 

She leaned over and patted his shoulder, "We'll stay only as long as we need to, you can make sure Colin is okay and then we'll leave to try and decipher the clue out there instead."