Kansnubra Island: (HARRY POTTER) Inspired

CHAPTER 14

"Aldrich, are you really going to destroy her staff?" Jorge asked. 

"Obviously. But it isn't that simple."

"Can I try?" Jorge asked, drawing his sword. "I want to let off some of my anger."

Aldrich extended the staff in one of his hands.

"Can I trust you won't hit me?" Aldrich asked, raising his eyebrow. 

"I've been a sword-fighter for years. I think I can destroy it without hitting you," Jorge laughed, then struck the staff right in the middle. However, he only produced sparks.

"What are you doing?" Johnny intervened. "This staff is one of the best I've ever seen! You can't just destroy it."

"We didn't take it so you can make a profit out of it, Dad," Alix replied, crossing her arms. "Aldrich is going to destroy it."

"My intention is not making a profit... I mean to keep it as an item in my shop. It's a precious relic."

"That's not right!" said Alix, outraged.

Johnny gazed fixedly at Alix. He gave a sigh as if beaten and replied, "Alright, fine."

Alix grew tired of walking and climbed on Alastor's back in between the bags, balancing herself with some difficulty. She almost hit her head on a low tree branch.

"What about the other staff, dad? The one you took from Rorgana?"

He gave a shy smile that was immediately reprimanded by Laura with just one look. "I still have to destroy it as well, okay? It's no easy task. We'll talk about that later."

As they continued on their way, the forest became darker and darker, until only very few rays of sunlight were able to penetrate through the vegetation. Garley kept his sword ready for any unexpected attack. After all his recent unpleasant experiences, he had to be alert for anything that might cross their path.

"Do you guys think what that witch said about Zallezeres is true?" asked Alix, breaking the silence.

"Maybe she was bluffing, or imagining things," said Jorge.

"Edana said that Zallezeres is in the forest. If that's true, who would send Rorgana after Garley?" asked Alix. "Zallezeres is evil. He's the one who killed the Golden Knight."

"Yeah, but the Golden Knight had many enemies. Any of them would want to eliminate his heir," Jorge argued.

Jorge looked at Garley.

"I don't think anyone would send wizards after me unless they had reasons to eliminate me. Whoever it is must know about the prophecy," said Garley.

"That's impossible, Garley. The scroll of the prophecy looks blank to the naked eye and was very well hidden, remember?" replied Alix, looking worriedly at him. "My great-grandmother kept it under lock and key."

In a brief moment of silence, they were able to hear some strange noises coming from afar.

"This place is getting creepier and creepier by the minute," said Alix, gripping her bow tighter and setting an arrow on it.

"Yeah, that noise is giving me goosebumps," said Garley, one hand tightly clasped around the hilt of his sword.

It was cold and the noises from the leaves sounded like senseless whispers. Maybe it was just their imaginations. There was a strange scent in the air, something nauseating. It made Jorge cover his nose.

"I hate this place! In fact, this smell is making me sick."

"It's not just you, Jorge," replied Alix. "None of us are here for the fun of it."