The Calling

Chapter 19

The room was chaotic with each Tammy and Ann running in and out trying to keep Christian’s body temperature leveled. He was going into shock and breaking down into cold sweats while Kyle tried to stich back his large wound. Alex stood by the door chewing on her thumbnail, a sure sign she was nervous.

Kevin patted her on the shoulder with a sigh “He would want to know that you’re okay. Go talk to him, I’m sure he can hear you.” He coaxed with a gentle push.

Alex nodded hesitantly but she approached him slowly. Tammy was tending to his forehead “He’s very cold, guys.” She said unsurely.

“Just keep doing what you’re doing.” Kyle advised while concentrating on the stitching.

Ann handed Tammy a warm towel “Don’t give up now.”

She nodded while wiping the tears from her eyes. Alex stepped closer but froze when Christian’s body began to convulse “What’s happening?” she asked hurriedly.

Kyle held down his body “He’s going into shock.”

“You might want to work faster, his wound is opening.” Mila pointed casually to the bleeding that began from Kyle’s perfect stitches.

Alex stepped back, she felt sick to her stomach “See, you guys should just let me die. Who’s going to be next? Tammy? Kyle? Mila?”

“Hey! Don’t give me high hopes.” Mila argued, “I don’t have that kind of luck.”

Ann felt Christian’s head “He’s freezing.” She knelt down on one knee “Christian, if you can hear me, you need to stay strong. We’re not going to let you die.” She pressed her hand on the wound to keep it from bleeding “Continue Kyle.” She urged with a nod.

He nodded and turned his attention to the wound when his eyes began to widen “Kyle?” Tammy asked.

He turned to Kevin “Come look.” He motioned.

Kevin walked over and he too had the same reaction “Oh my God.”

“Cool!” Mila pointed at Ann “How did you do that?”

“Do what?” her eyes traveled to her hands which was somehow healing the wound. It began to magically heal itself. Ann moved away after witnessing a miracle. She stumbled away “How…how did that happen?”

“Now do you believe why we are the chosen ones?” Jerry spoke up. He stood quietly in the corner, picturing everything in his mind “Each one of us plays a careful part in this destiny we live in. Each one has their own significance. The clear sign that Ann has a healing power means we are approaching a fierce battle.”

Mila jabbed Alex in the rib “What did he just say?”

“You want ME to repeat that?” Alex snickered with a laugh.

“Yeah, what was I thinking of?” Mila laughed, she turned to Kevin “Do you want to explain?”

“According to the books, an unnatural force will overcome each one of us. We will be blessed once with a power that is to be used once and only once. We do not know what it will be but once the power passes through each and every one of us, we would become a target to the Akrones, they will find us and kill us. They will stop at nothing and we cannot hide anywhere.” Kevin said.

Alex wiped a tear that escaped her eyes “There is one way to stop this. Let me die.”

Kevin turned and gripped her arm “Alex, I will not let you die. Not yet at least, we have to gather the articles to make the spell to revive the dead. Trust me, I will do it.”

She nodded slowly “Okay. I’m tired guys, I’m going to go rest first.” She turned but Kevin’s hand on her shoulder stopped her. Alex turned her head “What?”

“I’ll go with you.” He said firmly and walked her to her room.

“You can go now.” Alex advised. Kevin looked around and found one of her open luggages. He dug through them and pulled out the scarves that she brought “What are you doing? Kevin, that’s not your color. I don’t care what Ann says, cyan is not a good color for you.”

He didn’t respond only tied the ends together in a double-not “Wanna see a magic trick?” he asked with a large grin.

Alex shrugged carelessly “I guess.”

“Put your hands out.” He nodded and she did as he said. He found the center of the now long scarf and began wrapping her hands together. She didn’t comprehend what he was doing until he began pulling the tightly tied scarf around her neck and shoulders and finished it with another double-not behind her back.

She began to struggle when she realized the knots were too tight “Okay, so what now? You open it with your magic? This isn’t funny Kevin.”

He smiled “It’s not suppose to be.” He used the last scarf to tie her feet together when she was too busy shifting her hands to try to get loose when she tried to step back, her tied legs didn’t respond and she fell back onto the bed “Here’s the trick, you stay here until I find a spell.” She whipped her hands up and down trying to get loose of the careful knots “Don’t, you’ll just hurt yourself. Five years in the boyscouts and learning how to tie twenty four kinds of knots finally came in handy.”

“Kevin!” Alex looked at him in shock “You can’t be serious. Untie me!! I mean it!”

“And so do I.” Kevin looked at her sadly “You’ll forgive me once I find that spell. But in the meantime, I don’t want you to go anywhere.” He walked to the door and before he closed it, he stared at her “You’ll thank me one day.”

“Kevin!! Kevin!!” Alex cried but it was useless, he wasn’t returning.

He returned to the room and found they hand shifted Christian on the bed, he had healed externally but internally would take much more care “How is he?”

Ann smiled “He’ll be just fine, just a little more time to heal.” She reached her arm around his waist as natural as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder “I’m just glad we figured out this power of mine before it was too late.”

“I have a question.” Mila raised her hand as she looked at Jerry and Kevin “How long does this power last?”

“I don’t know.” Jerry said “One week? One day? Or maybe one hour.”

“So if I like jump out of this castle and break all the bones in my body, Ann could just touch the wound and I’ll be back to normal?” she asked eagerly.

Kevin looked at the strange girl with caution “We don’t know if Ann can heal death.”

“Why not?” Tammy asked, “If she could heal Christian, who only had half a life, why couldn’t she heal the dead? Maybe there is another way to save Alex instead of a spell?”

“Would you want to take a chance that my power hasn’t passed over?” Ann asked logically.

“Speaking of which, are we going to let Alex be alone? What if she pulls a stunt like that again?” Kyle asked worriedly.

Kevin smiled crookedly “Don’t worry, she won’t move.” The group looked at him strangely “Let’s just say, she’s a little tied up.”

“Oh my God, you strangled her.” Mila gasped.

“No, I think he means, he tied her and locked her in the room.” Ann stood up for him.

“I knew that.” Mila shrugged casually.

“Guys, he’s coming to.” Tammy sat next to Christian, her hand automatically reached out for his “Christian.” She whispered while the others gathered around the bed.

His eyes opened slowly “Am I dead?” his voice was hoarse.

“I wish.” Mila snorted, “Then I would know what hell looks like.” The group turned to her with widened eyes “Or heaven…cause we all know what an angel I could be.”

Christian smiled despite the throbbing pain in his chest “Where’s Alex?”

“She’s safe.” Kevin replied shortly. His eyes told everyone not to say anything.

He nodded with relief “Thank God. Who should I thank for saving my life?” he looked around tiredly.

“Everyone.” Ann smiled.

“You should thank Ann, she’s got the power of healing.” Mila nodded with intrigued eyes “I wonder what my power is going to be? Maybe something cool like the power to destroy everything I touch.” she giggled dreamily.

“How long was I out?” Christian frowned “I can’t understand a thing she just said.” He looked around for help.

“You mean you actually understood Mila all this time?” Kyle asked making the others stifle a laugh.

“True…” Christian nodded.

Ann smiled “You don’t have to thank me. Thank destiny.”

“Let’s let him rest guys. We’ve got a plan to come up with.” Jerry nodded as he was the first to leave the room.

Later that night during dinner, Kevin gathered a few different food on a dish for Alex. He entered her room with her biting at the knot around her wrist. When she saw him come in, she dropped her hand “What do you want?”

“You’re probably starving by now.” He began as he sat next to her on the bed “Eat this.” He picked up a chicken leg and held it over her lips.

She pushed her face away “I refuse to be treated like a prisoner.”

He knew his friend well “Fine.” He dropped the chicken on the plate and licked his fingers “Mila was craving for a drumstick but I wanted to give it to you, she’ll be very grateful.” He started to get up when she cleared her throat.

“Maybe just a bite.” She reached out her tied hands as he smiled and placed the stick carefully between her fingers. She ate hungrily while he watched with a smile “What?”

“You haven’t asked about Christian.” He said curiously.

Alex dropped her hand on her lap as she pushed the food into her cheeks “I don’t want him to be mad at me. I can’t face him. Anyways, Ann came in earlier to tell me that he woke up and he’s fine.”

“He’s not mad at you Alex.” Kevin assured her “Trust me, that’s the last thing he feels. You out of all the people should know what he feels. He’s in love with you.”

“Stop.” She said, “Don’t say it again. I can’t Kevin, without knowing the future, I have no right to love anyone.”

He shook his head sadly “If I thought like you, I wouldn’t be around Ann. Love isn’t about right or wrong timing, it’s about two people who care deeply about each other enough to take a chance.”

“Chances are not always meant to be taken. Someone could seriously be wounded from love.” She continued with the negative thinking.

“What happened Alex?” Kevin asked sympathetically “This is not the best friend that I grew up with. You defied death once, you can do it again. When the doctors said you would not live past your childhood and you did…remember that?”

“Things change. Things get in the way…in this case, destiny.” Alex replied, she put the almost finished drumstick on the plate “Take it down, give it to Mila…I don’t have an appetite anymore.”

Kevin sighed “I’m not going to starve you and I know you’re still hungry.” He got up and turned to her. A smile crossed his face when he saw her pick up another drumstick and began eating.

“Kev, can I get a drink?” she stopped him before he exited. He nodded and closed the door behind him.

Chapter 20

That night while Kevin and Ann were looking for ways to gather the articles, the rest were in their rooms resting for what would come next. Tammy was responsible for tending to Christian “You don’t have to feed me, Tammy. My hands are not crippled.” He smiled while taking the bowl of congee from her hand.

“If I was Alex, you would let me.” She teased.

He smiled “Such a shame…she doesn’t want to see me.” He sighed sadly while sipping on the hot soup.

Tammy shook her head “I’m sure she wants to see you. Maybe she feels responsible for your injuries so she has no face to see you?”

“Perhaps…” he had no appetite and didn’t care about the food as he began circling the spoon around the edges.

“Christian?”

“Yeah?” he turned to her questioningly.

She began fidgeting with her fingers “I…I’ve always wanted to ask you something.”

He set the bowl on his lap and gave her his full attention “Shoot away.”

“Why did you break up with me? I mean, we were happy and I could have sworn that you were ready to propose but I was shocked when you told me you wanted to see other people. At that time I was so angry that I didn’t think about asking.” The question lingered in her heart for years and for a long time she figured she’d never know.

“I had joined the FBI and was told that I was not to be involved with anyone. If not, their lives would be in danger. At that time, I knew I couldn’t take you with me to Malaysia. I’d rather you be mad at me for life than to risk your life following me.” He reached for her hand “I’m sorry Tammy, I know you deserved better than that. I only hoped that you were able to continued on with your life.”

She smiled with content “I did. I’m happy for you and Alex.” Leaning in, the two embraced finally lifting the awkward questions that hung over their heads.

Suddenly the door burst open “I got my radio to work!!” Mila exclaimed brightly and slammed the door shut.

Christian and Tammy pulled away as they laughed, “She’s so strange.” Christian sighed.

“I heard that!” Mila opened the door and blurted “Come on, you want to hear this or what?”

Tammy shrugged as she helped Christian from the bed and followed Mila to the library where she had gathered the others “What’s the big news?” Kyle yawned tiredly.

“This stupid place doesn’t give me any signals only static. But finally, I found a place where it picked up. Follow me.” She beckoned and walked out to the living room and into the kitchen.

“Does anyone feel like their playing ‘Follow the Leader’?” Kyle snickered.

Mila stepped closer to the door that led to the kitchen, the same one Howard wouldn’t let them enter. The signal began to work as a male voice spoke urgently into the speaker “Formal news just arrived from the Royal Family. A mandatory evacuation of the country has been announced. The city of London is being attacked by large bird like beasts. We advised that everyone leave at once. There have been over 300…wait, I’m getting another message…over 400 fatalities. I repeat over 400 fatalities. Please…everyone… What is that?” they heard the announcer cry as a sharp familiar shriek of the Akrones escaped and ripped through the station killing everyone in sight.

“London, that’s over 40 miles from here…the barrier is moving quicker than the book said.” Kyle turned to Jerry for an answer.

“I don’t know why…” Jerry shook his head in awe. “The book did say that it would move a mile radius when night falls.”

Kevin narrowed his eyes “But when the mother Akrone was born, the radius of the barrier sped up to 10 times its original growth.”

“What do we do then?” Christian spoke up.

Mila raised her hand “Let me get this straight. So when our special power is given, it moves on to another person, when it stops at the final person, the Akrones are going to go after us. So what is keeping them from coming now?”

“Alex. She’s the key to the mother Akrone, it will protect her until the end.” Jerry spoke up.

“I wish there was a way to find out when the power has stopped.” Ann sighed.

Mila smiled “That’s easy.” She pulled a pocketknife from her pocket and twisted it out in a flick of a wrist. The group didn’t comprehend until she pressed the sharp edge against her hand and sliced it through.

“Mila!” Ann cried while Tammy covered a gasp. The guys widened their eyes in shock.

“Try it.” Mila nodded while gritting her teeth to hold the pain in.

Ann pressed a hand over her arm and concentrated. She opened her eyes and looked down “It didn’t work.”

“Crap.” Kyle uttered while Tammy rushed away to find a cloth to stop the wound from getting infected “Only a few hours.”

“Who’s next?” Kevin wondered out loud.

Jerry shook his head “There’s no use in wondering, we’ll know when it happens.”

“Does this apply to Alex?” Ann asked curiously “Or is her role taken away because she’s the traitor?”

“I’m not sure…I am her replacement only when she dies. As long as she is still alive, maybe she is still within the circle?” Kevin guessed.

“Maybe the books will mention it?” Jerry raised his brows.

Mila eyes began to widen as she looked around “I see dark circles…maybe my power is coming?”

“Honey, you’re just feeling faint, you lost some blood.” Tammy smiled at the dramatic girl.

“Darn!” she cursed.

Christian headed to his room when he crossed Alex’s door. He turned to Tammy “I’m going to bed.” She smiled knowingly.

“Thanks.” He was grateful for her understanding. He opened the door and found her on the bed biting on the knot “You know you could lose your tooth like that.”

She froze from the voice and slowly looked up “Hey you.” Alex pressed her lips into a smile “Ann said you were doing good.”

He nodded while slightly limping over to her “Better than this morning.” He smiled as he joined her on the bed “Alex, can you promise me something?”

Her eyes wandered away “My mother always taught me not to promise anything that I couldn’t keep.”

Christian lowered his head “I see.” He got up to leave. She turned up, wanting to call him back but at the same time she didn’t know what to say “You know what my mother always taught me?” he asked from the door. Alex shook her head, her eyes welling up “Chances are meant to be taken. If you don’t, how will you ever know what you want? How ironic that for once in my life, I know what I want.”

She bit her lip to keep from crying out his name. She knew it was best to keep their relationship platonic. He would only hurt when she died. She would eventually die, whether Kevin could help it or not. She wasn’t about to risk the rest of their lives for her own safety. They would all die trying to save her. She looked down at the knot and began biting on it again. Teeth aching, she didn't want to stop gnawing at the material.

Suddenly there was a short knock. She quickly placed her hand on her lap “Come in.”

“Hi.” Tammy greeted awkwardly. She smiled “You look colorful.”

“Thanks. But I personally hate having ten different colors on me at the same time. It’s a fashion no-no.” Alex joked, “What’s new?”

“Nothing, I was down the hall when I ran into Christian. He seemed a bit…down.” She chose her words carefully “Anything wrong with you two?”

Alex shook her head “No…there’s nothing between us.”

“That’s not what I asked.” Tammy replied. But she still refused to answer her “Alex…” she began with a pause “You know Christian and I dated years ago.”

“So I heard.” She snickered sarcastically “I don’t need to know the personal details.”

“No, I wanted to tell you that when Christian falls in love, he doesn’t give up.” Tammy notice the softening look on her face “When I dated him, his love was the police force. He chose the FBI, not me. He gave it his all and my heart was broken. But I got over it, I had to. He’s very sorry for the past but I was sadder to know that I didn’t understand him. I can tell he loves you.”

Alex shook her head “When you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, it’s a little hard to concentrate on love. Don’t you see Tammy? I’m going to die. Whether or not you or anyone doesn’t want it to happen. You cannot stop destiny from happening.”

“Have you been talking to Mila? Did she tell you about London?” Tammy narrowed her eyes “Sometimes that girl can get under your skin.”

“Tell me about it! You know, I think she just acts crazy to hide this really serious side of her.” Alex said her theory with a whisper.

Tammy let out a chuckle “Maybe. But Alex, think about what I said…please?”

“Okay, just because I like you!” Alex laughed while Tammy grinned. After the petite girl left the room, Alex’s smile faded “London…” she could only imagine the worse.

She was popular that night after Tammy it was Mila who came next “Wow, who would have thought Kevin was so smart to knot these together?” she looked at Alex in awe.

Alex found her savior as she laughed “Yeah, who would have guessed. Have a seat.” She noticed her arm bandaged “What happened?”

“Oh.” Mila shrugged “I was a guinea pig. Hey, someone had to step up.” She laughed humorously, Alex joined in pretending to understand “What's so funny?”

“You made a joke.” Alex looked at her strangely.

“Oh, right. I forget easily.” She grinned “So, is that tight?” she nodded to the knots.

Alex shook her head “You wouldn’t know.”

“Yeah, what a shame. You know I always wanted to tie myself down and see if I could get out. But it’s a challenge alone trying to tie yourself.” Mila was convinced.

“I’m sure if anyone can get out of a knot you can.” Alex replied with much confidence “Hey, here’s a crazy idea…untie me and I’ll tie you down. Then you can try to get out.”

Mila’s face brightened “That sounds fun!” Alex nodded as she got up and pushed her hand towards Mila’s face. The girl began to untie the first knot when she stopped “Wait… what if Kevin finds out I untied you?”

Alex rolled her eyes “This is just to prove a point, you can tie me back once you test your abilities.”

“True…” Mila nodded as she began to until Alex “Okay, now don’t be gentle, I want it really tight, enough to cut off my circulation.” She advised.

“Okay.” Alex nodded with a small smile as she began to wrap the scarf around Mila’s neck to her arms and then hands, which was locked behind her back “Tight enough?” She asked when she was done with the legs.

“It’s good but I can still feel my hands.” Mila grinned, “It’s alright. Okay, now time me…”

“You can time yourself.” Alex peeled off her Movado watch and threw it on the bed next to Mila “Thanks Mila. Tell the others goodbye for me.” She raced to the door and peeked out.

“Wait, you tricked me?” Mila struggled to get on her feet but the tie was too tight. Alex spun around and blew her a kiss before closing the door behind her “She’s good.” Mila muttered with envy.

Chapter 21

Alex snuck down the hall, careful to not make any noises. She could hear audible voices coming from a bedroom on her left. It was Christian and Tammy talking about her. She paused to eavesdrop “You need to tell her.” Tammy said.

“I already did, she gave me no reaction. Maybe she never had feelings for me to begin with? I’m just kidding myself, Tammy. She’s never liked me, I’m just a thief in her eyes.” Christian sounded disappointed and hurt.

Alex leaned her head on the door “I’m sorry.” She whispered. Her eyes moved up and at the corner of her eyes she saw the familiar twin eyes of the Akrone. How it got inside was still a mystery to them. She backed away slowly “Nice birdy…” she coaxed gently. It let out a loud shriek “Shh!!” Alex hushed “You’ll wake the others. If you can take me to your leader, I’ll let you do whatever you want.”

She continued to back away and soon found the stairs. She turned and raced down with the beast following her. The others heard the cry and rushed out to see what was going on “Alex!” Kevin called from stairwell “Stay calm!”

“That’s a little hard!” She replied, eyes widening. She backed away, keeping her eyes on the beast. Soon, she realized she was standing in the kitchen. For some reason the Akrone didn’t bother to attack her, it seemed to be leading her there purposely. It shrieked again, this time its head seemed to be nodding at the door behind her “What? You want me to open it?” she asked and reached for the knob.

“Dear God!!” Kyle stood by the door looking fearful “I just want to get a glass of water.” He raised his hands in defense when the beast turned to him with a sharp cry.

Alex turned to Kyle and soon the rest were by the door “Guys, get away before it attacks.”

Tammy shook her head “No, it doesn’t want to kill. Look at its eyes, no evil force. It wants you to open that door, Alex.”

“I’m trying to!” she twisted the knob but it would not give.

Suddenly Howard appeared on her left “Try this key.” He tossed her a gold key.

She caught it and stared at the old artifact “Hey, how…” by the time she looked up, he had disappeared “Creepy.” The bird grew restless as he began to flap its metal wings “Okay, okay…I’ll open it.” She turned to the door and unlocked it. She pushed the heavy wooden door open.

A freezing gust of wind blew over her face as she shivered naturally “What is it?” Kevin asked.

She was looking at an Iceland. Blocks of clear ice filled the stadium-like room. There were pools of water to her left and right, only an ice walkway that led to an endless dark room. She could see the Akrones inside the pool swimming blankly. They seemed to be trapped “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.” She muttered, the group had followed her and they too were facing the Iceland.

“What is this place?” Tammy wondered out loud.

The Akrone turned to her and made a few different tones of cries “Is it talking to you?” Ann asked.

Tammy’s eyes widened “Guys…I think I’m next. I understood everything it just said.” She turned to the group “It somehow translated in my mind.”

“That’s so cool!” Mila exclaimed with pure jealousy “Ask it what it does when it has to pee.”

“Mila, I don’t think that’s making use of our powers.” Kyle snarled sarcastically “Tammy, ask him what it wants.”

She nodded and turned to the giant bird, whose eyes had turned blue “What do you want from us?” Soon they were having a full conversation. The group looked at each other confused and waited until Tammy was done. She turned to them “I hope I remember it all. But it seems, they claimed to be the cursed. Thousands of years ago when an evil wizard cast a spell over this part of the country due to his exile punishment from the King of Akrinoma. Every 5000 years a cursed would be brought up upon this land and spread unless someone could stop them. The first curse devastated thousands until 7 known heroes came to stop the curse. They accomplished and after they passed away on the same day and same night but in different parts of the world. Their spirits were believed to have gone into the next seven people. It had become a pattern for destiny to find these seven people.”

“Wow…He said all that from chirp, chirp, chirp?” Mila asked in awe.

The Akrone began to speak again and nodded towards the end of the ice bridge “He wants us to walk down there.” Tammy pointed

“Yeah, we may look stupid but we’re not.” Alex groaned as she pushed the wing aside and began walking towards the warm kitchen. Suddenly the bird began to shriek causing the group to freeze.

“I think he wants us to stop.” Ann wrinkled her brows.

Tammy turned to them “He said once we see the king, we’ll understand.”

“The King?” Kevin asked “You mean, the wizard had turned him into an Akrone?”

Tammy smiled “Nothing gets by you does it?”

“The entire kingdom was cursed into beasts.” Jerry finished.

“Okay, you two are really scaring me and you know nothing scares me.” Mila pointed out with a laugh.

The group continued on with the Akrone leading them inside. Alex turned to Mila “How did you get out of the knots?”

“Would you believe magic?” Mila asked with a twinkle in her eye.

“No. Who untied you?” Alex asked knowingly.

“Me.” Ann laughed.

Mila pouted while the group laughed “Well, I could have gotten out on my own.”

The end of the path led to a large crystal dome, which was closed out to the rest of the ice room. It was barely lit but the group could easily see the large Akrone sitting on an ice throne, his head tilted and he looked dreary and lack of energy “Wow, I think he’s dying.” Alex noticed.

The Akrone, which led them inside suddenly arched its back and cried out. The group turned to Tammy for translation “He wants us to kneel in front of the King of Akrinoma.”

“Okay…” Alex said hesitantly. She was at the end of the row as she turned to her group, the only person that kneeled was Mila, who was now bowing in respect “Follow the crazy woman.” She shrugged and knelt down.

One by one they all kneeled in front of the giant bird, soon a spectacle ray of lights shown through the stone wall and hit each of them in a circle shaped. Each ray of color represented a power each had. Kevin and Alex shared a pale olive green color. The old Akrone sat up as it began to speak. Tammy nodded as she began explaining “He says the other beasts that are trying to kill us are their arch rivals. When he was still a Prince and ready to take over, his father wanted to make peace with the neighboring country called Giodeon, he asked for the Princess’s hand in marriage for his son. The exchange was made and the country was ruled by one, Prince of Akrinoma who was to take over the thrown once he was married.” She paused so the King could catch his breath “He had suspected his wife was having an affair with Melaor, the wizard that his father trusted for decades. When he caught them in bed together, he demanded for the wizard to be exiled, this fury his wife’s anger and instead of apologizing she returned to her land but by that time, the King already owned everything. She had nowhere to go but to be a peasant. In a angered moment Melaor conjured a spell that cursed this land for all eternity and turned the entire kingdom and those that lived there to live like animals, beasts that would never be looked at the same way again. Feeding off of human life. But what he forgot was that his beloved too was part of Akrinoma, so she became cursed too.”

“What an idiot!” Mila laughed.

The King turned to the daring girl with crystal clear blue bead like eyes. After he finished, Tammy giggled, “What he say?” Alex asked eagerly.

“He said she reminded him of the court jester.” Tammy couldn’t contain her giggles.

“Well you look like a bird.” Mila grumbled as she stuck her tongue out at him "Your highness." she added.

“Guys, could we focus?” Kevin asked. He turned to Tammy “Ask him if he knows how to lift the curse?”

Tammy nodded and they enveloped in a short conversation “He says there’s only one way, kill the traitor.”

“Did you tell him that it only works if the Queen kills the traitor?” Jerry asked.

“I did.” Tammy replied, “He knows and says he can help us.”

“Did you tell him the traitor is me?” Alex snickered. The King seemed to comprehend as he turned to Alex and stood up, he stepped closer until his beak was pointed to the top of her head “Is he going to eat me?” she asked with a shaky voice.

“No.” Tammy was sure “He has a plan to get the Queen to kill the traitor, but the chances of it working is slim. He wants to know if you will take the chance.”

Alex turned to the rest “Chances are meant to be taken.” Her eyes landed on Christian as she nodded “I’ll take it.”

“Alex!” Christian stood up and the bright blue light disappeared as he moved himself in front of Alex “You can’t be serious! I can’t let you do this.”

“Chris, we’ve been through this.” It was the first time she’s called him by his nickname that he never told anyone about.

“Then I’ll go with you.” He said firmly.

Tammy shook her head “The King says he can only take one person inside him.”

“What?” Alex turned to her with widened eyes “I have to be inside of him?”

“Cool, darn it! I want to be the traitor.” Mila grumbled.

“The plan is for you to sit inside of him. He will leave the castle and face the Queen, she hates him with a vengeance and wants nothing more than to kill him. The King will actually be sacrificing his life for the goodness of his own people, so that they may rest in peace. In return, the world will be free from the curse forever.”

Ann was still confused “But in another 5000 years, the curse will be brought up again.”

“Not if the book is destroyed the same time the traitor is killed. For the past curses, the book was returned to its origin before they realized they should have destroyed the book too. If we can do it, then the world is safe forever.” Tammy finished.

Kevin shook his head in dismay “There’s no other way? The spell, ask him if the spell to revive the dead will work!” He urged Tammy.

After the King spoke, she shook her head “That book of spells was written by Melaor, he very well could have made it all up. There is no way of knowing the truth.”

“Great!” Alex muttered. She smiled at them despite her mood “It’s okay guys. I’ve been ready for this. Ask him when the plan has to be done.”

“He said five days from now is the anniversary of Melaor’s death. The Queen will surely try to kill him again. That is why he remains in this cavern to stay alive until he finds the right moment to fight back. They have been here for over centuries of decades, they hope that the plan will work and are grateful for Alex to give up her life.” She turned to Alex “Are you scared?”

“No.” she replied and stood up “Let’s get it over with.”

“NO!” Christian cried as he turned to the King “There has to be another way to save her! Please, I beg you.” He knelt down and lowered his head.

Tammy shook her head after the King spoke “He said there isn’t.”

“Five days…that’s not too long. We better get ready.” Alex nodded firmly at her team.

“Wait, ask him what his favorite color is before your power runs out.” Mila pressed with a giant grin.

Tammy turned to the King of Akrinoma. After he spoke, she turned to Mila “Sorry, my power just faded.”

“Your highness, we will return on the fifth day.” Alex bowed. The King returned to his thrown and nodded while he spoke to the guard, who was responsible for taking them there. Its voice was sharp and it’s head whipped towards the exit “Wild guess, he wants us out.”

“Human presence makes them weak.” Tammy explained.

Mila narrowed her eyes at the young girl “Liar.”

“He told me this when we were first walking in here.” Tammy covered with a laugh.

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004