The Quest of The Sword

Chapter 9

Chase was greeted by two beautiful faces- one young and one old. Alice was tending to the plants in the backyard with Amiyah right behind her. The yard was nicely set up with nine chairs out of which one was occupied by Blake. Blake was a tall Asian boy of 17 years of age. Though Chase wasn't short as such but Blake could easily tower over him. Blake wasn't one with a muscular body but he wasn't weak either. Chase thought that he looked rather mean because of his eyebrows.

The tall boy hadn't really ignored Chase's presence at first. He had just acknowledged him with a nod and kept to himself. Chase was usually a loud person and quite cheery. The type to approach people first, but he did not want to disturb the boy's calm. Something told him not to. Chase took a seat besides Blake as the others tagged along. Everyone seemed surprised to see Blake except for Logan and Amelia guessing that they'd already met earlier. Meanwhile Zara just took a seat besides Chase. Everyone had seated themselves on the bushy (literally) chairs. Ethan was the last to enter. He had an ice pack nursing his abdomen. Chase snorted at him. 

"Mum, we have normal chairs. Why can't w- ," Ethan started before his eyes fell on Blake. Then he bellowed, "What is this punk doing here?!" 

Blake did not even make an attempt to retort back. He simply rolled his eyes before flashing Ethan a broad smile. Chase had to bite back a laugh at the fake smile which had managed to irritate Ethan more. Chase didn't hate Ethan but he didn't like him either. And his injured leg added to the fire. Plus Chase could mention all the times he'd been roasted by Ethan. 

Before Ethan could say anything else, Alice ordered him to sit down. Ethan mumbled something incoherently under his breath and took his seat. Alice cleared her throat, "Zara, I'm sorry for your loss. I didn't know your father much but your mother was an exceptional woman." Chase could feel Zara's uneasiness. Before he could speak, someone already spoke up.

"Get to the point, Mum", Ethan said. Chase was surprised because he'd least expected Ethan to speak up for Zara. And judging by Zara's expression, she was surprised too. Zara's lips slightly curved upwards, relaxing her features. 

"The point is that the Circle has prepared a special team to investigate this matter. A team of highly trained Sorcerers  to find the Shadowsteel. It has been in the Circle's custody for too long. The sword is to be put to its ancient resting place, for its utmost protection. Once the sword was in her hands, Diane had sworn to protect it. With her gone, the responsibility has been passed on to Zara.

"The Scarletwounds were somewhat like outcasts. Eccentric and attention seeking, the Circle said.The Circle never wanted such an important thing to fall in the hands of the Scarletwounds. Nevertheless, there were many capable of protecting it but only Diane was worthy of the job.  That doesn't matter now. But what really does is the safety of the Shadowsteel. Naturally, the views of the Circle cannot be trusted. "

The information just bounced over Chase's head. Zara on the other hand place a hand over her as if to calm herself down. Chase knew all this information had shaken her to the core. He wondered, who wouldn't be shocked after learning that they come from a long line of crazy maniacs.

"What was he doing in the Library?," Amelia asked.

"Well, honestly that story died with Nate."

"But it still doesn't explain why this rat is here", Ethan complained pointing at Blake.

"One more word against me and I'll make sure that your life sucks", Blake warned.

These two boys were sitting at opposite poles but still had a very strong wave of hatred washing over them. Chase couldn't help but face-palm himself. 

"By the way, the Scarletwounds held a family secret. It was passed down from generation to generation but no one knows what it is", Blake added.

Now all heads turned to Zara. 

"My mom didn't tell me anything besides how to make a perfect strawberry milkshake", Zara blurted out. She always did that when she'd become the center of attraction. Alice looked disappointed, though Chase had a strong feeling that it wasn't towards Zara. It was towards Diane. something like, Come on, Diane. How could you not tell your daughter anything!

"Never mind that", Blake said. "We have to start with the basic steps-"

"And what would those be?," Ethan asked.

"Let me finish!," Blake shouted then continued normally. "Find leads. Alice says that you and Logan should that work."

"We'll do it," Ethan said. 

Chase wasn't expecting it. Blake made him stand from his chair and dragged him along with him. Chase wanted to refuse but he didn't. Seems like Blake didn't want to be in company of anyone. Maybe he just wanted some friends and Chase seemed like a good choice. 

*****

Hey people!

 Sorry for the short chapter. I lost inspiration but I really wanted to update. So here is the chapter.  Also sorry if there are any mistakes. This chapter is not proofread. 

Bye~