Chapter 1 – 23 May 2008
It wasn’t until later that Gemma understood why the portal had opened. She had been lying on her bed, merely reading a book, when the bed seemed to disappear from beneath her. She fell momentarily before hitting an expanse cover of grass.
‘Ouch!’
Gemma ached slightly from the impact but was alright otherwise. She slowly climbed to her feet to see a magnitude of poor looking people all staring at her. They must have realised something for they quickly looked away with an aura of intense anxiety. What they were afraid of Gemma found out only seconds later.
Suddenly, silently, a small group of people, dressed in black cloaks with hoods and masks that covered their faces, materialised out of nowhere and the original folks’ anxiety increased ten-fold.
‘Go!’ shrieked a peasant woman, dressed in rags and shaking with fear. ‘Do not bring trouble upon us!’
‘As you wish,’ one of the black cloaked men growled and, grabbing Gemma, the black cloaks vanished.
As it turned out, it was lucky they had taken Gemma when they did.
Barely seconds after the black cloaks had left with Gemma, other cloaked people appeared out of thin air, just as the black cloaks had. But these were not black cloaks. They wore blood red cloaks that didn’t bother to hide their sharp, cruel faces. The simple original folk fell to their knees in fear and despair. The foremost of the red cloaks signalled to another and the signalled man raised his hand slowly. The woman closest to him rose into the air, her feet no longer reaching the ground. She screamed.
‘Silence, you ignorant fool,’ the foremost red cloak said icily. ‘You will answer our questions rapidly if you wish to live.’
The woman nodded.
‘Where did the Prophesied One go?’
‘The B-black Knights took her.’
The red cloaks hissed.
‘Her?’ The foremost red cloak did not seem surprised about the appearance of the Black Knights, only slightly annoyed that they had reached the Prophesised One first. The news of a woman was unexpected though.
‘Y-yes. A young’un. She looked scarcely sixteen.’
‘A child?’ Now that was surprising. The red cloaks had long feared the coming of the Prophesised One, the one that would supposedly end their and their master’s reign, but there seemed naught to worry about if the one come to defeat them was merely a child.
The woman nodded, then fell to the ground as the red cloaks disappeared.
Chapter 2
Gemma and the Black Knights reappeared in a small camp in a forest. There were a few other Black Knights there that had remained to watch the camp. Each moved forward when they glimpsed Gemma. The man who had grabbed her let her go and she swiftly backed away, glancing around and noting positions. Gemma was scared but she wasn’t going to let them know that. She had seen things this day that she had only dreamed of.
‘You are safe, my dear,’ one said softly. ‘The Blood Seekers cannot harm you here.’
‘The Blood Seekers?’ Gemma’s voice didn’t shake but the fear bubbling inside her threatened to burst forth.
‘The red cloaked rulers of this land. It has been a rule of terror.’
‘Which land is this land? Why would they want to harm me? I have done naught to displease them.’
‘Ay, so you think. Your coming displeases them.’ He paused. ‘As to which land this is, this is Arideepi.’
‘Arideepi? What an interesting name. But why are you not surprised by my lack of knowledge? It is as though you know more about me than I do myself.’
‘Indeed, that may be so. We have been waiting for you for many a year.’
Gemma frowned. ‘Well, that’s odd. What is your name?’
He laughed. ‘It is my job to ask you the questions but in your case you must in turn ask of us. There is much for you to know. My name is Sacuma and I am a Black Knight.’
‘Black Knight? Let me guess, the Black Knights are the resistance against the Blood Seekers.’
‘You catch on quickly.’
‘In truth, it wasn’t difficult to work out. It was the obvious answer.’ Gemma frowned momentarily. ‘Then again, the obvious isn’t always the correct answer.’
‘You have knowledge, it is true. Come sit.’
Sacuma led her to a large log near the fire and they both sat.
‘Is there anything you wish to say before we commence?’ Sacuma said.
‘Only that, I wish to be told everything. You are no doubt skilled in bending the truth, and I probably wouldn’t ever notice, but it’s important that I know. I am not as young and insolent as you may think.’
Sacuma smiled. ‘I doubt any here will think you a child. The Blood Seekers might but it shall be their downfall. Besides, half the men here are already infatuated by your presence.’
Gemma blushed. Lust and love was something that she had had no experience with.
Sacuma began his recount. ‘It was not always like this. There was a time when all was well. Unfortunately, when King Owen died unexpectedly, the kingdom went to his nephew. His wife, son and daughter had been killed tragically the year before. Lition, the nephew, took over the throne immediately and thus begun the reign of terror. We believe that he killed the King’s family before disposing of the King himself. Lition’s father, the King’s brother, had already died in a battle and Lition’s mother disappeared when the King fell. He formed his personal guard of magicians and they wear the colour of his rule. They were christened the Blood Seekers by the Black Knights and have adopted the nickname with pleasure.’ He paused to look at Gemma who was successfully keeping her face entirely blank. ‘Lition called upon a renowned seer and asked foolishly of how his reign would progress. The prophecy didn’t tell him what he wanted to know. The woman said:
“From through the portal the One will come
To end the reign of fear.
It will be blind to the life of us
But we must hold it dear.”
The woman was thrown into the dungeons and none have seen her since.’
Gemma stared at him, her face still blank. ‘And you think that I’m the person from the prophecy?’
‘No. We don’t think that – we know it. You must be the Prophesised One because none have come before you.’
‘But how did you know I had arrived?’
‘That is a secret I shall keep to myself. But you’re lucky that we did know else you’d be prisoner of the Blood Seekers.’
‘I see.’
‘You keep your emotions in well but you don’t need defences here.’
‘I know that not. I know naught of this land besides what you have told me and I know even less of you yourself. I don’t usually trust that easy.’
‘True, but this isn’t a usual occurrence is it?’
Gemma dropped her defences and all the Black Knights could see her confusion and fear. ‘Unusual occurrence is right. I fell through a portal!’
Sacuma sat forward. ‘May I ask you some questions?’
‘Go ahead. I’m likely to bug you later too.’
He smiled. ‘Okay then. What is your name?’
‘Oops. Sorry, I should have already told you that. I’m Gemma Mathews.’
‘How old are you?’
‘I was sixteen a couple of months ago. Yikes, it feels like I’m being questioned by cops.’
‘Cops?’ Sacuma was sidetracked.
‘Yeah cops. You know, policeman. They make sure everyone upholds the law.’
‘We don’t have them.’
Gemma was surprised. ‘Okay...’
Sacuma returned to the questioning. ‘Where were you when you came through the portal? What were you doing?’
‘I was at home. I was lying on my bed, reading a book. I just suddenly fell through.’
‘Hmm. Can I ask more personal questions?’
‘I suppose.’
‘Are you betrothed?’
Gemma laughed. ‘I’m sixteen.’
‘So?’
‘We can’t get married until we’re eighteen unless it is a special circumstance.’
‘Why not?’
Gemma shrugged. ‘I don’t know. I don’t make the rules.’
‘Do you bleed?’
‘You mean if I cut myself?’
Sacuma looked uncomfortable. ‘No. I didn’t mean that.’
Gemma took in his expression, realised what he meant and blushed. ‘Oh... yeah.’
‘Are you with child?’
Gemma blushed harder. ‘No, I’m a virgin.’ She stared at the ground.
‘I have embarrassed you?’
‘A bit. I’ve never had a man ask me those questions. And anyway, I’m not with anyone!’
‘Oh. Why not?’
‘I’m not crazy enough for most guys. I’m not the kind of girl they want.’
‘I don’t understand.’
‘Well...uh, never mind. Why do you need to know this stuff anyway? Can’t we change the subject?’
‘We need to understand.’
‘Okay. What are you going to do with me?’
‘Do with you?’
‘Won’t I be a bit of a liability? Won’t I annoy you?’
‘Uh, we’ll take you to the main camp.’
‘How? I’m not magic. There is no magic where I come from.’
There were gasps from the Black Knights.
‘No magic?’ one of the others asked incredulously.
Gemma turned to stare him eye to eye. ‘Have you got a problem with that? Not everyone is as lucky as you, you know. The only magic we know is in books.’
The man gulped. ‘No. No problem, miss.’
‘Good.’
‘But I do wonder how you shall defeat the Blood Seekers with no magic.’
Gemma growled. ‘You doubt me?’
‘Of course not.’
‘You do! Would you prefer that I leave now?’
‘N-no! I swear!’
‘I can do naught if everyone always doubts me. I’ll need help and I need to know that you’ll listen. I didn’t choose to come here but now that I am here, you’re just going to have to put up with me.’
‘Y-yes. Of course.’
‘Well, thank the Lord that we worked that out!’
‘Iriem,’ Sacuma said,’ and anyone else for that matter, if Gemma leaves us because of something one of you does, I will curse you to eternal life in a fiery pit. Then my superiors will do so again and again till there is no hope for you.’
Gemma didn’t doubt that he meant it. She suddenly realised it was dark.
Sacuma had apparently noticed too. ‘We shall sleep now. Iriem will take first watch. Gemma shall take my tent.’
Gemma was horrified. ‘No! I’ll be fine. I would never do such a thing.’
‘It’s fine. I want you to. You are so important to us. We can’t risk you.’
‘If you insist. But where will you sleep?’
‘I will find space somewhere.’
Sacuma helped her up and led her toward his tent. ‘The others will give Iriem heaps because a woman has bested him.’
‘I’m so sorry about that,’ said Gemma, ashamed. ‘It’s just that this is all so surreal. I need to know where I stand.’
‘Worry not. It is fine. It was necessary and will have done them good.’
They entered the tent. There weren’t many things in it and it was rather modest but Sacuma had given it to her and for that Gemma was grateful.
‘Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.’
‘It’s okay. I’ll wager that you don’t really want to sleep with company.’
‘Not really, no. But I can, if you wish. I don’t want to be a hindrance.’
‘Never. I’ll see you in the morning.’
‘Sure.’
Only when she was almost asleep did she think of her family back home.
Chapter 3 – 24 May 2008
The next morning after breakfast, they packed everything and vanished as they had before. They reappeared in more forest.
‘We must walk to the camp from here,’ Sacuma said to her. ‘There are special charms protecting our main camp so that none but Black Knights can enter. You would be thrown back. But you can walk in if you are holding on to one of us.’
‘Okay.’
The Black Knights began walking, grumbling at the delay to themselves, with Gemma at the rear. They stopped momentarily for a drink and Gemma leaned back against a tree.
Moments later Sacuma said, ‘Where is Gemma?’
Gemma expected someone to point her out but nobody did. They began to panic.
‘I’m right here,’ she said, confused.
‘Where?’ Sacuma replied quickly.
‘I’m leaning against the tree, right in front of your nose.’
Sacuma stared right at her. ‘I don’t see anything.’
‘You’ve got to be joking.’ She stepped away from the tree and the Black Knights jumped in surprise as she seemingly materialised out of thin air. She frowned. ‘I didn’t know I was that scary.’
‘Where did you come from?!’
‘I was leaning against the tree, like I said.’
‘But I didn’t see you. None of us did.’
‘That’s impossible. I was never more visible in my life.’
‘I swear I didn’t see you.’
‘Well, I don’t know what happened then.’
‘Invisibility, Sacuma?’ a Black Knight said.
‘Well, that would explain it. But why now? This is a power. Perhaps she is receiving magic?’ Sacuma said.
‘Impossible,’ Gemma said.
‘Why?’
‘It just is. Me with magic is as likely as seeing a big purple flying elephant.’
‘If that is how you wish to view it. But you can’t deny that you have a useful talent.’
‘Indeed. Is the main camp far away?’
‘A few minutes. Why?’
‘I want to surprise them.’ And she disappeared before their eyes. Sacuma felt her grab his arm. ‘Lead on.’
When they reached the main camp a Black Knight scurried forward. Gemma moved away.
‘Why did you walk?’ he asked.
‘We have brought the Prophesised One,’ Sacuma replied. ‘If Maliaan would like to come out.’
The Black Knight ran towards a nearby tent and returned with numerous other Black Knights. The word spread like wildfire and soon all the Black Knights were assembled.
‘Well,’ said Maliaan. ‘Where is the Prophesised One?’
‘Somewhere here. She has a rather extraordinary talent,’ said Sacuma. ‘Gemma? Would you like to make yourself visible?’
‘Of course.’ The voice came from beside Maliaan and all the Black Knights jumped in shock. Gemma materialised beside Sacuma. Everyone gasped.
‘Hello. I’m Gemma,’ she said softly. ‘And I take it that you are Maliaan?’
‘How did you know?’ Maliaan said, stunned.
‘Oh, Sacuma asked for you and you just spoke. It was a lucky guess, I suppose.’
‘Lucky guess?’
‘Do not make the mistake that the Blood Seekers will make. No doubt they will think “She is just a girl, a mere child. What is there to fear from her?” I have been assured that the Black Knights shall not make that mistake. But neither should you expect too much from me for I am new to this land and at this time I cannot see how I can help you. To be hated for defeat would be the end of me.’
Maliaan gaped. ‘You speak...uh, wisely, my dear.’
‘I only hope that you don’t have many questions for I have already been subjected to that.’
Maliaan turned to look sternly at Sacuma. ‘I hope you haven’t been rude to her.’
‘No, Maliaan. It was only that a few of my questions embarrassed Gemma,’ Sacuma said with a small smile.
‘Such as?’
‘Could we take this elsewhere?’ Gemma interrupted apologetically. ‘It’s just that those questions were embarrassing in front of a small group but in front of a group this size...’
‘Oh. Right. Come this way. But I’m afraid a small party shall have to come too.’
Gemma nodded. ‘Sacuma should come.’
‘Sacuma, Jeremi, Darni and Napili. Come.’
The six walked into Maliaan’s tent and Maliaan sat down. A chair was offered to Gemma and she accepted.
‘So,’ said Maliaan. ‘May I question you?’
‘Well, you were going to anyway but thank you for asking. I give my consent but I think it would be wise for Sacuma to summarise what he learnt before you do.’
Maliaan nodded and Sacuma spoke.
‘This is Gemma Mathews. Gemma turned sixteen a few months ago. She was reading a book whilst lying on her bed when she fell through the portal. She isn’t betrothed because in her land you cannot marry until eighteen. She bleeds. She isn’t with child. She is a virgin. She isn’t with anyone because, according to her, she is not crazy enough for the guys.’
Gemma cringed. ‘I can’t believe I told you all that. And that you remembered.’
Sacuma smiled. ‘I can be persuasive. Oh, and I thought of something else. Gemma told me my questioning reminded her of being questioned by cops. Cops are people who make sure others uphold the law. She thought it odd that I did not know.’
Gemma laughed softly and everyone stared at her.
‘When did your talent appear?’ It was one of the others that spoke.
‘And you are?’
Maliaan butted in. ‘This is Jeremi. He is one of the best Black Knights we have.’
Gemma examined Jeremi curiously. He was rather young, maybe about twenty. He looked important though and was stiff and proper. All five Black Knights had lowered their hoods and removed their masks and Gemma could see Jeremi’s blue eyes and short brown hair, slightly darker than her own.
‘I see,’ she said slowly. ‘I received my talent about fifteen minutes ago.’
‘Fifteen minutes?’ another said incredulously. ‘My name is Napili by the way.’
‘Nice to meet you. And yes it was only fifteen minutes ago. I gave Sacuma quite a fright.’
The remaining Black Knight that was obviously Darni said, ‘How so?’
‘We had a break not long before we arrived. I leaned against a tree. Suddenly Sacuma was asking where I was and everyone was looking for me. I spoke to Sacuma, told him where I was but he couldn’t see me. I stepped away from the tree and the look on their faces I’ll never forget.’
‘I stared straight at her but saw nothing. It was the oddest thing to see her materialise in front of me,’ Sacuma put in.
‘But how would you be able to control such a power in so little time?’ Jeremi asked quietly.
Gemma looked him in the eye. ‘That is what you are meant to tell me. There is no magic in my world. How am I supposed to know the answer to that?’
‘No magic?’ Napili whispered.
Gemma groaned loudly. ‘Not again!’
‘What?’ Maliaan asked.
‘Iriem asked her that yesterday,’ Sacuma laughed. ‘Boy did he get told.’
‘Told by who?’
‘By me of course,’ Gemma interjected.
‘Why?’
Gemma sighed. ‘Because I can do nothing if everyone doubts me.’
‘She is right of course,’ said Jeremi.
‘Huh?’ Maliaan was surprised. ‘We let her make all our decisions?’
‘Of course not. Nor do I think that Gemma wants that. There is nothing to stop Gemma from refusing to help us. She has no obligation to us. But she is willing and so we must take into account what she says. We must all trust her, like she must learn to trust us. We will only have to trust one person but she will have to trust many. It is much harder for her than it is for us.’
‘Thank you,’ Gemma said to Jeremi gratefully. ‘I’m glad someone understands.’
Jeremi nodded.
‘I think I will go get a drink.’ And before anyone could say anything she was gone. But she didn’t go get a drink. Turning invisible she slipped back into the tent.
‘What is your impression of her, Sacuma?’ Jeremi was asking.
‘She’s impressive,’ Sacuma said.
‘Impressive?! She’s more than impressive! Did you see what she looks like?!’ Darni half shouted.
‘You’re too old for her, Darni,’ Maliaan snapped.
‘And you’re not?’ asked Napili slyly.
‘She’s a virgin too,’ Darni continued.
‘That’s exactly the attitude she doesn’t need. Defeating the Blood Seekers will be hard enough without all the Black Knights singing love ballads after her,’ Jeremi interrupted. ‘Not even we have defeated them yet. We need new blood and we need to be there for her. She was right. She isn’t a child. She is a young woman and knows more than many here.’
Gemma swept to Jeremi’s side then whispered in his ear. He jumped slightly then composed himself. ‘Rather loud they are, aren’t they? And very sentimental. Not very smart either. They know of my talent.’
‘Imagine marrying her and then giving her children,’ Darni said. ‘You’d be famous for being with the Prophesised One.’
‘Enough!’ Jeremi bellowed, and then Gemma materialised in the middle of the small group. Her face was burning with anger.
‘Hello gentlemen,’ she said softly, her anger radiating throughout the tent. ‘Having a nice little chat?’
She raised her hand then threw it to the left and the tent uprooted, flew into the air and hit the ground twenty metres away. All the Black Knights in the camp watched as she strode towards Darni, who was looking as shocked as the other men, and slapped him hard across the cheek.
‘How dare you!’ She yelled. ‘How dare you say such a thing?! How could you forget that I can be invisible? At first your little conversation was amusing – the silly infatuations that men have. Only Jeremi stood up for me. He at least has sense! But Darni, to suggest that I could be used for social gain – I have never heard anything so despicable! You don’t seem to understand that I come from a different land, that I have family and friends. My parents will already be worried sick about where I am and yet you seem to think that I am someone that you can treat like dirt. I am not some play toy!’
Gemma stormed off out of the camp, Black Knights scurrying out of her way.
‘You mustn’t leave!’ called Maliaan. ‘The Blood Seekers will get you.’ When she didn’t stop he cried, ‘Bring her to me!’
Black Knights closed in on her but she knocked them out of her way with her new-found magic.
When she had disappeared from their sight Sacuma said, ‘I guess she got her magic.’
‘I did warn you,’ Jeremi said.
‘Jeremi,’ Maliaan said sharply, ‘go after her. It seems that you are the only one she trusts now.’
Jeremi nodded and walked after Gemma.
Chapter 4
Gemma sat against the trunk of a tree and wove an impenetrable protective charm around the vicinity so none could reach her. She was glad that she now had magic like the others. She sighed.
‘Gemma!’ Jeremi called. ‘Gemma, I want to talk to you.’
‘Go away,’ she whispered to herself.
Jeremi spotted her but couldn’t get past the protective charm. He studied it with interest.
‘Whoa. You made this yourself?’
‘Of course. Why?’
‘None of us can make a protective bubble as well as this – not without two people helping.’
‘Hmm...’
‘I came alone Gemma. I won’t hurt you. I just want to talk to you.’
‘Promise?’
Jeremi nodded. The protective bubble lapsed while Jeremi stepped inside then reappeared seconds later. He came and sat next to her.
There was silence for a while then Jeremi said, ‘Are you alright?’
‘As good as I can be.’
‘I’m sorry this happened.’
‘There was naught more that you could have done. I’m just sorry that I lost my temper. I haven’t exploded like that in a very long time.’
‘It was understandable. I’ve never really liked Darni all that much – that just makes my dislike even more.’
‘I will be thought of as a stuck-up little pampered princess. I have spoilt everything.’
‘I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone agreed with your response. Darni was way out of line.’
‘I think I will return and apologise.’
Gemma stood up and pulled Jeremi up too. ‘Thank you for everything.’ She pecked him on the cheek and, after removing the protective bubble, she walked slowly back toward the camp. Realising that Jeremi wasn’t following, she turned. He was still where she’d left him, touching the cheek that she had kissed. Seeing that Gemma was watching him he shook his head as if to clear his mind then scurried up to her.
Gemma re-entered the camp with Jeremi striding by her side. The Black Knights watched her progress as she approached Maliaan again. Maliaan stared at her when as she reached him she curtsied.
‘Forgive me Maliaan for being so rude. I took momentary leave of my senses,’ she apologised softly.
‘It matters not, my dear. You were right. We behaved childishly but I never expected Darni to...well, let’s just forget this incident, shall we? Darni and Napili won’t be in the meetings anymore.’
‘Of course.’
‘Rise, my dear. You need not bow to me.’
Gemma rose. ‘I know. But it is polite, anyway.’
Maliaan chuckled. ‘The Blood Seekers are deluded indeed. You surprised even us and we had already promised no doubt.’
‘I do not wish to be a hindrance nor seem to be pampered but there are a few things I shall require.’
‘Sure. Name them.’
‘I will need more clothes; even just one set more to wear alternatively. I will also need a tent of my own for I cannot kick anyone out of their own lodgings but it wouldn’t be right for me to share. A book would be nice too. Or a couple.’
Maliaan raised an eyebrow. ‘You do have magic, do you not?’
Gemma blushed. ‘I had forgotten. But even so, doesn’t magic have limitations?’
Maliaan smiled apologetically. ‘If it did we cannot tell you. Your magic outstrips our own it seems.’
‘Oh...okay then. I’ll see if I can summon them from back home. If not, I’ll have to find it elsewhere.’
‘If all else fails, we can go into a town to look for you.’
‘Thank you.’
‘If you don’t mind I wish to ask you something.’
‘Of course.’
‘Why did you ask for books?’
‘Oh...that,’ Gemma laughed. ‘I enjoy reading very much. I usually read a couple of books a week. If I abstain from reading I can become irritable.’
Maliaan laughed loudly and Jeremi smiled slightly. Personally, Gemma thought that Jeremi was a bit too stiff and upright and was glad that he seemed to be loosening up a little.
‘Sir,’ said Sacuma, hurrying up to them, ‘I’m guessing that Gemma will be hungry and I was wondering if there is anything she wants.’
Maliaan turned to Gemma. ‘Well my dear?’
‘You can summon food I suppose?’ she asked casually.
‘Naturally,’ Sacuma replied.
‘So if I wanted...hmm, let me think...if I wanted white chocolate, it would appear for me?’
Sacuma nodded.
‘Handy,’ Gemma murmured and, as she raised her hand, a plate of white chocolate appeared upon it. She took a bite. ‘That’s rather nice.’
The Black Knights stared at her.
‘Is there anything that you’d like Maliaan?’ she asked sweetly.
‘I...uh, chicken schnitzel please,’ he stuttered.
The dish appeared and she handed it to him. ‘Jeremi?’
‘Beef stroganoff please,’ Jeremi replied softly, almost in awe.
‘Good taste,’ she said as she passed the bowl to him.
She ended up feeding all the Black Knights. Then she walked down to the creek and sat on the bank, eating her white chocolate.
Later that evening, Gemma chose a spot in which to pitch her tent and conjured it. Then she summoned some clothes, toiletries, a sleeping bag and a few books from her room back home. She was surprised that the items actually came.
Chapter 5 – 7 June 2008
The next two weeks passed slowly. All she did was read, eat, sleep, talk and practise her magic. She also watched Jeremi quite a lot. She was surprised to admit to herself that she thought he was pretty good. He wasn’t as stiff and proper as she had first thought. He was rather nice. Then it was time for a meeting – they were going to discuss what to do next. The meeting didn’t last long.
‘May I speak?’ Gemma asked as they sat in Maliaan’s tent, which Gemma had set up again. Jeremi had just described what they knew of the Blood Seekers castle – not that they knew much.
Maliaan nodded.
‘Here’s what I think we should do,’ she began. ‘I think we should leave it a bit longer. Let them think that it’s too hard for me. I am, after all, only a child in their minds and I am also a woman. Clearly everybody expected a man. Let them relax. They don’t know of my magic and believe I am not a threat. If we can get them to lower any defences that they might have raised, it will be much easier. In the meantime, we should try to locate someone that lived in the castle before Lition’s reign and talk to them. We’ll see if we can gleam any information that might help us when we do attack. Simple things like the positioning of stairs can be important when you lay siege to a fortress.’
‘I don’t know,’ Maliaan said. ‘I favour immediate action.’
‘That would be unwise.’
‘What Gemma proposes is sensible,’ Jeremi said quietly.
‘And there will be a higher success rate.’
Maliaan gave in.
‘Oh, and another thing,’ said Gemma. ‘We must hide the existence of my magic at all costs. The entire operation depends on it.’
‘I will tell everyone to hold their tongues,’ he sighed.
‘Thank you.’
Chapter 6 – 10 June 2008
It wasn’t until a few days later that it really started. Gemma, Jeremi, Sacuma and four other Black Knights had just stepped outside the camp’s protection vicinity when they were surrounded by a group of Blood Seekers. Gemma had never seen them before but there was no mistaking them. She was pulled magically to the leader and a knife was held to her throat. They could’ve left immediately but they wanted to brag to the Black Knights.
Gemma began shaking and called out, ‘Help me!’ The Black Knights cautiously stepped towards her.
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