Valerian Empire

Lord Norman had associated himself with the witches. If only the council could see this everything would be solved. The south Lord knew if he would keep things like these open, in reach of people someone would find out about his truce with the witches. Therefore he had locked it down, thought Katie while looking at the books.

Suddenly she heard a noise making her jump in the dark. Something moved in the corner, and she stood still holding her breath. One of the book lying on the floor moved slowly to reveal a big, fat, grey rat which disappeared under the stack of books lying on the ground.

Taking that as her cue she dropped the books and peaked outside before stepping out of the room cautiously. The librarian had her back turned towards and Katie slipped out before she was inspected by the guardsmen like any other.

“Doesn’t it sound fishy though. Lord Norman helping the witches and getting his own people killed. What do you think his motive might be?” Ralph asked after Katie explained what she saw.

“Something dangerous,” said Katie. Malphus laughed making both the siblings give questionable looks to the man, “What are you laughing at?” asked Ralph.

“Oh nothing. Sometimes I just loose a nut here,” he answered pointing his finger to his head and then cleared his throat, “Making truce with the witches is no less than the devil himself. You never make deals with the witches because they will flip you upside down once they get what they want.”

“Malphus, can you let Lord Alexander know on what we found here,” Katie asked him.

“The last time I sent a letter it didn’t get delivered and was found near the trash can.”

“I know that,” Katie said looking down at the ground and then looked up at him, “You are the only one who can travel across the human and vampire land. If we could only-”

“I am sorry but I can’t do that,” Malphus said firmly, “Looking after you is my first priority.”

“But we don’t know how long the trial is going to be. If Lord Norman has made a move to divide the humans from the vampires we don’t know what other strings he’s pulled,” Katie was worried, “I know Lord Alexander said he would visit in the time of the trial but we don’t know when.”

“I agree with her,” Ralph piped in, “Lord Norman might have another whole village ready as a sacrifice. We…have lost family, friends…people whom we have cared. We don’t want the same fate to befall on others.”

“The journey will take only one night. I promise to stay put here. Please Malphy,” she pleaded picking up his hand, “Innocent lives are in line of sacrifice.”

“I’ll be here with her,” Ralph assured him.

After a lot of thought Malphus replied, “I will go after four days. I want to stay here before the full moon takes place,” and Katie smiled.

“Thank you!” she hugged him.

“Yeah sure,” the man replied awkwardly.

When she stepped back he saw the kind smile still hanging on her face and his face softened looking at her. The young woman had grown on him. She was too nice to ignore any of her plea. At times he would see her smile and it would erase his past memories.

His past was something he didn’t like thinking or talking about but memories were like demons, haunting until one succumbed to it.

Next day, Malphus made Katie carry a box with her as they walked away from the town into the forest. He had made her walk until he decided no one was around, taking his human form.

“What are we doing here?” Katie asked him raising her hand to look up at the sky.

“Open the box,” he instructed her with his hands folded across his chest.

Suspiciously, Katie sat down on the ground and unlocked the case, to see two girthy looking sticks inside it, “What is with men collecting sticks?” she mumbled.

“There might be times when you will have to protect yourself and we all know how good you are in doing the job,” he said looking at them, “Pick it up, little lady. It is time we turn you to a suitable defender. Better to prepare for the worse.”

“Oh dear God,” she responded looking at the smirk on the man’s face. This wasn’t going to go well, she thought to herself dryly.