The Gods' War

Chapter 9

             “WE HAVE A new addition!” Laura announced to the group of friends as she entered the Dining Hall, “Well not so much new but – oh well just look!”

             She stepped aside and behind her was a girl Lucas recognized vaguely but could not place where he had seen her before. The group of friends gasped and excited cheers sounded from all except Harris.

             “Carla! I almost forgot about you! What happened? You were just gone one day and we couldn’t find you!” Bianca exclaimed.

            “I’ve been on probation – guard duty. Not that there’s much to guard, I just welcome new initiates and take them to Mistress Colitz.”

            “That’s where I know you from!” Lucas remembered as understanding came into his mind.

             Carla turned towards him, “Who’s he? He’s new .  .  . I don’t remember him from before. You know me from where?”

             “You took me and my friend to Mistress Colitz after the Shambi found us and led us here.”

             Carla turned to Laura, ignoring Lucas, “Who replaced me? What’s the new one good at?”

            “The new one,” Laura was getting annoyed with Carla talking about Lucas like that, “is my boyfriend and has succeeded – replaced – all of us. You are no longer chess master, no longer is Harris chess master and now, no longer am I for I succeeded Harris but Lucas succeeded me. And if you don’t mind I’d like to talk with you in my room.”

             Laura stood and led Carla out of the Dining Hall and into her room. She closed her door once Carla had stepped in and placed a sound-proof cantrip on the door and walls.

             “Why were you on probation?”

            “That stupid Colitz-woman suspected me of being a Corruptive wizard – she was right of course.”

             “Carla! You’re going to expose us! Do you really want the Master torturing you?!”

             “Don’t worry I made real sure that she wouldn’t suspect me again. I made the new initiates pray before they could eat, I spoke real nice with the Shambi – even though they’re on our side – and I acted like a perfect little wizard. So, who is he? Boyfriend – like you think I’ll believe that. You’re not capable of love. I know, I grew up with you.”

             “How dare you! I love him! And the master thinks he is the one of the prophecies – he’s already found the library.”

             “WHAT?! But we searched everywhere! How could he have found it! Wait, you’ll have to kill him – how can you be in love with him?”

             “I know I’ll be protecting him from the war, from all the losses and sadness – that’s why I know I can do it and still love him. Besides, maybe once the war’s over the Master can return him to me...”

             Carla studied her. “I pity you,” was all Carla said.

             Then Carla walked out of the room leaving Laura alone in her room. Laura started to cry.

                                                                         *   *   *

 Lucas didn’t like Carla, she was too... he couldn’t decide why he didn’t like her, but some part of him didn’t – a large part it was too.  Lucas and Carla had the same timetable, so they were together in every class. She was smart but also strong – he had learnt the latter during combat practice – but she had her own sword that she had made, Lucas still used his temporary one.