Kansnubra Island: (HARRY POTTER) Inspired

CHAPTER 11

The driver, instead of climbing into his seat, got into the carriage and sat beside Jorge. The fortalles always seemed to know exactly where to go without direction.

"If it wasn't for Johnny's croptiu jar, we would never have left alive," Jorge said under his breath, as he nervously cracked his knuckles.

"That jar was in my survival kit," said Johnny, breathing heavily. "It's a perfect mix of rare chemicals."

"It's been ages since anything like that happened," the driver said, widening his eyes. "The last time, the thieves took many precious artworks. They didn't damaged the Carolinda Museum as they did this time, though. I'm surprised the building is still standing."

"Judging by their armor, most of them were Lugans," commented Aldrich.

Suddenly, the carriage skidded and Garley hit his head on the window.

"These roads are horrible," said the driver, yelling a command to the animals. "Slow down!" The fortalles obeyed and slowed their pace. "Well, thanks for the talk! I apologize for taking so much of your time."

The driver left and entered the other compartment. As they recovered themselves from the bumping road, they saw a figure of a strange man dressed in a black overcoat.

That sight sent a chill down Garley's spine. He had a feeling that they were being watched. The images of the museum raid wouldn't leave his mind.

"What are we going to do now, when everyone is after me?" asked Garley in a low voice. "We must leave as soon as possible."

The carriage slowed to a stop. They had arrived at the Walters' mansion. They climbed out from the carriage and Aldrich handed a few coins to the driver.

"Until next time, gentlemen," he said, nodding his head, and fixed his gaze on Garley for few seconds. Then he clapped his hands and the fortalles began to draw the carriage away.

Everything was quiet. They could only hear a few sounds—birds chirping and leaves shaking in the light wind.

They headed towards the great gate, apprehensive, looking over their shoulders. Johnny opened the gate.

When they walked into the garden, the dragon arose. Alastor walked from side to side; he seemed frightened. Alix ran towards her pet and caressed his long neck, making him let out a snort of contentment.

Alastor's great round eyes seemed sad and restless. Alix looked around nervously, holding her bow, a little suspicious.

Reaching the front door, Laura noticed its security locks weren't engaged. Something wasn't right.

"I don't remember leaving the door unlocked," she said to Johnny and Aldrich, visibly frightened.

They all drew their swords, and Aldrich set an arrow on his bow. The others also drew their weapons. Even Laura armed herself with an empty flowerpot, holding it over her chest. Johnny laughed.

Aldrich raised his hand, asking for silence. Johnny activated his shield, which grew larger, emitting a slight glow. He entered the house first, followed by Aldrich and then the others.

The lights came on automatically and nothing seemed out of place. There was no one waiting for them in the living room. All was quiet and normal. The only sound they heard was their own footsteps echoing through the room, and Alastor howling in the yard.