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Chapter 25 Katrina sat quietly at her table at the very back of the eating hall, surveying the other students. Normally she sat with her back to them all, but this once she sat facing them all. They, or at least some of them, had information that she wanted. What Katrina first had to do was figure out who to ask. “Looky here, the freak has decided to watch rather than just be watched,” a large, dark-haired girl followed by three cronies sauntered forward. “Like what you see, freak?” “Of course not,” Katrina answered smugly. “All I can see right now is you and the two morons following you.” “You’ll pay for that,” the large girl threatened as both of the others nodded their agreement and scowled. “Hmmm. Original. I see you’re certainly one of the brightest here,” Katrina said dryly. Infuriated, the girl swung at Katrina but her fist met only air. Katrina had ducked away and moved to the side as the face of all other students in the hall turned to watch the scene. The girl let out a low growl and tried again to strike Katrina but found only empty space. Her two companions came to life as one and dived for Katrina, catching handfuls of her clothing in their hands and pulling her to the ground. Katrina rolled quickly and pulled herself to her feet, dragging one of the girls across the floor in the process. With a soft kick to the ribs she dislodged the leech and turned back to the leader who was again moving forward in attack. When confronted previously she had scared bullies away with a quick use of the Force, but that was not an option in a roomful of gawking teenagers looking for excitement. Use of her powers to beat the three girls would make herself a spectacle and bring a great deal of unwanted attention. To use the Force to manipulate their minds would mean that she would need to use it on all in attendance, and that was just too much. She would jeopardize herself and her hiding place, and that was assuming she could even do it. One of the cronies, still laying on the floor grabbed for Katrina’s feet and latched on, digging her long fingernails into the fabric and Katrina’s skin. Surprised because her attention had been on the larger bully, Katrina looked down at her and tried unsuccessfully to shake the girl off. At that moment the leader struck her elbow against Katrina’s head, sending her backwards, tripping over the girl attached to her leg, and to the ground. The largest of the girls looked down at Katrina, grinning evilly. Katrina’s mind flashed suddenly with the image of a similar smile and shivered at the memory. In that brief moment the girl knelt down besides Katrina and raised her fist. “That will be quite enough,” Madame Zinkrey’s voice said dully over a sudden room-wide gasp. “You four will come with me, now.” Several sets of hands uncurled from around two of Katrina’s appendages. She allowed herself two deep breaths and just a moment of relief at the end of the battle before pushing herself into a sitting position then to her feet. Over one hundred faces stared at her. She suddenly felt embarrassed and felt herself blush before turning to exit the eating area, following the other three girls and Madame Zinkrey. “I was cursed the day you were brought here,” Madame Zinkrey sighed as she looked at Katrina and sat behind her desk. “Don’t try to argue with me about it either, I think you do it on purpose.” “She attacked us!” One of the followers spoke at last, her voice a loud shrill sound that made Katrina want to hit her. “Yea, sure she did,” Madame Zinkrey said doubtfully. “Just as all the others did.” “My father will not be happy when he hears of your accusations,” the leader said, straightening herself regally. Madame Zinkrey barked with laughter before catching herself and replying, just as regally, “Your fathers knows exactly how you are. He will not be surprised at your behavior. Had you been able to act any other way he wouldn’t have sent you here in the first place.” The girl looked momentarily deflated, which raised Katrina’s spirits greatly. “Regardless of who is at fault here, I am punishing all four of you. You were all involved and acting to continue the fight. You will remain in your bedchambers, alone, without meals, for the rest of the day.” Katrina admitted to herself that it wasn’t a completely unfair punishment and trudged quietly back to her room. As she turned began to open the door a soft hissing noise caught her attention. She looked up and down the hall wondering at the source but saw nothing. Again she began to enter her room but was stopped by the same sound, only slightly louder. “Over here.” Katrina looked again up and down the hall and this time noticed at one door a few down from her own was opened slightly. She walked cautiously towards it. She stopped as she reached it, gazing into the semi-dark room. A hand reached out and grasped her arm. Katrina was surprised but reacted quickly and caught hold of the wrist and twisted sharply. “Ow. Okay, bad move. Sorry.” Katrina let go, realizing that the voice speaking sounded very young. “What do you want?” “I liked how you fought back. Most of us don’t bother because we know we can’t beat those three. They’re all from rich, powerful families and raised to do whatever they want and know that there are no consequences. Maybe you haven’t changed them really, but at least you tried.” “Yeah, lot of good it did.” “Everyone’s really edgy about being stuck in here for so long,” the girl said slowly. “Some snuck out a few days ago but no one has been able to get out since. Madame Zinkrey has been on the prowl every night. I think she may have found out that they got out. She’ll be getting tired of it soon, since she hasn’t caught anyone trying. Soon it will be safe again. Then everyone will go.” “How do you get out? Do you know?” Katrina’s voice conveyed the anxiousness that she felt but she ignored it and hoped the other girl did also. “I know, but I haven’t done it yet. I will show you, when it’s safe, if you like.” Katrina didn’t need to think about it. She knew her answer before the offer was even made. |
