Talented (On Hold)

Chapter Sixteen

Sorry if this chapter’s a bit short. I’m still working on my NaNoWriMo writing, and I thought that you would probably want to have a short chapter instead of none at all.

Chapter Sixteen

Mr. Manus examined the feather that Gage found “This is a striges feather. It is not good that you found this. It means that they, well, some of them at least, are taking sides against us.”

Connor was confused. “What’s a striges?”

“A striges is a sort of Roman vampire, an Angorian creature. They have vulture feet and wings. They are also very smart and can pass themselves off as humans. “ Gage said. The rest of her friends looked at her. She blushed. “What? I pay attention in class, especially to things with wings!”

Mr. Manus smiled. “Good job. Striges also are very strong and tough, with thick skin and strong, though hollow, bones. They also have an unfortunate tendency to eat people. The Romans used them as bedtime stories to scare naughty children into behaving.”

“Eat people?” Kaolin said, gulping. “So, is…Alina…?”

Mr. Manus smiled reassuringly. “No, don’t worry. This one seems to have suppressed its natural tendencies in order to help the Resistance. I dread what they must have promised it in return for its help.”

“So, what are we going to do?” Zack asked.

Mr. Manus looked surprised. “You? Nothing, of course! If you four are who we think you are, you must not leave school grounds until it becomes safe again.” He noticed the unhappy look on their faces. “I know you want to help your friend, but you will do more good if you stay here and keep training. Don’t worry, we’ll send a rescue team to find Alina as soon as possible.”

“When?” Zack asked.

“As soon as they arrive. The nearest team is still in Florida, but they will come as soon as they can.”

The four looked at each other, and a silent message passed between them. “May we go now?” Zack asked. Mr. Manus nodded. “Stay safe.” He told them firmly.

As soon as they were all I the hall, out of Mr. Manus’s earshot, Kaolin ran over to Zack, Gage following. “So, what’s the plan?” She whispered.

Zack was surprised. “Plan?”

“To find Alina, of course!” Kaolin raised her eyebrows. “You do want to find her don’t you?” She tapped her foot impatiently as she tucked a strand of black hair that had escaped from her ponytail behind her ear. 

Zack grinned. His eyes lit up mischievously.  “Are you suggesting that we directly disobey the principal? Because if you are, then I’m in.”

Connor walked quickly to catch up to them. “I want to help too!”

Kaolin glared at him. “Don’t you think you’ve done enough?”

 “Yes, I realized that I screwed up -” Connor said before Kaolin interrupted him.

“You think?” Kaolin muttered sarcastically. She was really angry with him.

Connor sighed. “As I was saying; I know I made a mistake when I taunted Alina. But I want to make up for it! I want to help you find her. And before you turn me down, I want to remind you that you need all the help that you can get. You don’t even know where Alina is!”

Kaolin paused for a moment. Then her face lit up. “Actually, I might!”

“How?” Gage asked.