EMBER

THE BLOOD FAE

Artemis is a sucker for rules.

If only she had just created a portal, we'd already be in the Amazon by now. But miss goody two shoes wants to report to the council first. And use their universal portal too. Her portaling powers almost seem useless.

I sigh leaning deeper on to the marble column. She says using her powers is dangerous.

I don't see how. And the lesser anyone knew she created portals the better. Seems like a weak excuse to me though.

No person ever known has had that ability in this realm.

But I have to hand it to her, she's smart. She figured we need to go to the heart of the Amazon, seek the Fae Queen.

Supposedly the Fae Queen has our memories that also hold the key to the survival of this entire realm.

I think this is utter nonsense though.

Now this a burden to me. I am venturing further into unknown territory the more time I spend here. It's becoming more complicated.

I am willingly following and throwing myself deeper. I seriously have no idea why.

Mother must be worried sick.

We are waiting for the Elders to give us a go sign on the portal. I need my memories back.

I impatiently tap my foot on the marble floor. It's been too long already. We have all been standing a while now.

We are all dressed in that tough brown leather stuff and combat boots. I still don't know what to call the outfits but they are comfortable and warm despite their toughness.

Thoren, Jake, Emmeline and Artemis are talking to the Elders, I am waiting outside with Karim.

We stand side by side in silence. My kiss dilemma seems so far away and unimportant now.

I adjust the straps of my bag pack to make myself more comfortable. I cradle my sword more. It makes me feel complete somehow. Karim is picking lazily at the string of his blue bow.

"There she is. She's the thief who has stolen the sword from The Gard." Someone points in my direction. There? Where? I look around.

Guards start filing out towards me. It takes me a moment to realise they are pointing at me and sword am cradling.

I didn't steal it, this is a misunderstanding. I will explain.

"It's a misunderstanding."
I shout trying to explain as I secure the strap of it's sheath on my shoulder. I move to the advancing guards, they would surely understand.

"Be careful, She's dangerous. Adnace and attack wisely."
One of the guards says as he advances slowly with a short sword his black eyes unwavering from me. He has a mop of black hair and he doesn't look that older than twenty three.

Apparently, explaining is overrated. I take a step back as they come closer.

Footsteps approach us. I don't turn around. Somehow I know it is her.

"What's going on here?"
Artemis strategically places herself between the advancing guards and me without making it so obvious she is shielding me.

"She stole the Sword of light from The Gard Archive room."
The black haired youth declares angrily as he stops advancing.

"How could she have when I was with her the entire time?"
Artemis counters. Is she actually defending me? He gives Artemis a doubtious look.

"But she still has it. We are required to take her in for questioning."
His voice is flat. It's so wrong.