Dreamwalker

31- Paper Prisons

The plan was set. Bell left Soutine's room with a spring in her step. Almost as soon as she turned the corner down the hall, she was approached by Devon, who looked a little distressed. "What's the matter?" Bell asked her at once.

"Oh, it's nothing. Don't worry, Bell."

Bell couldn't help but wonder if Devon was listening to hers and Soutine's conversation. She decided not to press the subject, and instead remarked, "Soutine told me it was a good idea if I worked for Laurier like you said."

Devon's expression brightened. "Did he now? How surprising."

"He said that Laurier's cause was noble and that I should help him in any way I can. So I will. I want to talk to Laurier alone about it. Would you mind waiting for me?"

"No, not at all! Ah, Bell, I am so proud of you! I knew you would see the light, I just knew it! Laurier will be so pleased!" Devon gave her daughter a little hug.

"Pleased about what?" a high, cool voice said from behind her.

Bell whirled around. She was staring up into the haughty face of Laurier, vain little scowl and all. "Oh-- I was going to speak to you," she replied quietly, voice trailing off into oblivion. She hadn't really planned on talking to Laurier himself.

"You should be proud, Devon. Bell has proved herself as an extraordinary witch, don't you agree?"

"Yes, of course, my Lord."

"Now, Bell, what did you want to speak to me about?" Laurier stooped down a little so his eyes were level with Bell's. She glared defiantly back.

"I wanted to talk to you about staying in Solancee," she said. "In private, if you don't mind."

"Really? Your rebellious father didn't talk you out of it, hmm?"

Bell shook her head. "Something changed his mind about Solancee," she replied slyly. "I don't know. He's had a complete change of heart. Something in Solancee must have changed his mind."

"Is that so..." Laurier gave Bell a genuine smile and even patted her head. "That's wonderful to hear. Yes, I'll speak to you about anything you'd like. Devon? Would you mind going back to your home and leaving us for the rest of the day?"

Devon bowed to him, flashing Bell a quick excited grin, before turning around and leaving the hall to Laurier and Bell.

Bell wasn't sure what to say. She hadn't planned for this instance. Soutine was only in the next room, if only she could signal to him somehow... "So," she said awkwardly, not sure where to begin.

"Yes?"

"I-- I wanted to--" Bell shifted her weight on both feet and glanced at the door again. "Er, why are you here? I was going to come find you."

"I came here to speak to Soutine as you did. As you know very well, last night was rather more turbulent than I expected. I wanted to apologize."

"Apologize for what?"

Laurier cast a shifty glance at the door to Soutine's room. "I don't think someone of your age should... I don't think you would understand."

"Try me, Judicael."

He glared down his nose at her. "I want to know how you know my name and how you spoke to me from across the mountains. Not just anybody could do that. How could you, a witch with no magical training whatsoever, somehow communicate with me of all people and-- and read my mind?"

"I can't read your mind. I only saw some of your memories in my dreams."

"Which memories?"

Bell counted each of them on her fingers. "One where you were crying in a church. One where you drank blood. A few with Soutine."