“Actually, I don't remember very well what you said in class.”
“When a child is murdered in your dimension, the moon here cries blood in the face of a horrible tragedy. This briefly destroys the force dome between Lumen and Leike. Elof knows this, so he sends the death jackals to invade the village taking whoever is in front. This lasts a few moments, but it is enough to take many of us. It had been so long since it last happened. When the moon brightens, the force dome is restored and if any of them get stuck here in Lumen, they turn into dust. If one of ours goes to Leike, they don’t come back anymore. I failed ... Now, go. Go upstairs and try to get some rest. You leave early tomorrow, after the first sunrise. Good night, dearest.”
The weight of this guilt curved Nefarious's shoulders. He who always had a concave smile on his face, today was convex. Wiky tried to comfort him by lightly pecking his shoulder, but that didn't work either.
I went up to my room, tried to rest and get ready to go on this suicidal mission that began the next day. But the taste of that kiss wouldn't let me close my eyes. Before I could sleep in that fluffy bed, four issues were going to keep me awake the rest of the night. First, because it could be the last night of my life. Tomorrow my head might be on a tray on this Elof's desk. Second, my father’s life was threatened, it was up to me save him. Third, the Village was invaded by death jackals that took four prisms, one only a child! Fourth and last, that kiss. I've waited for all my life, my heart pounding remembering that touch. Everything would have been perfect if he hadn't gone after Gyda in the end. He found me in the middle of the horror and protected me with his body. His smell, the way he held my hair. I could imagine how far we would have gone if the kiss had continued. I wonder if that was an accident or fate. I was getting more and more involved with Viggo, even though I knew it was wrong. My heart said he was the one who kissed you! He held you with desire, feel something too!! And my head said, Don’t be pathetic, Lola! The boy just took the opportunity. He has a girlfriend. He went after her as soon as he could! Put yourself in your place and forget it!
Two sides of a coin. I was in the eye of a hurricane of feelings (That eye is only a short pause between chaos). So much going on together that it would take me a lifetime to digest. My teenage heart loved and suffered too much, all so intense. But it was evident that his commitment to Gyda was serious, he liked her. The bad thing about being observant is that sometimes you see what you don't want to see. Even a deluded heart like mine saw it. I felt even more alone. I was a true collector of disappointments.
Since I couldn't sleep, I went to the window where I could see the Village entrance gates and training field, where guardians were still searching. Nefarious was back there, following the work closely. The moon shone again in golden color, but now nobody cared anymore. The Village did not sleep that night, everyone was hugging each other locked up at home after escaping this. The families of the four captured, however, would take much longer to recover from this luau.
Nights that precede major events are torturous for a person like me. I would never be the same after what was to come.
Chapter Eleven
Towards Leike’s Land
After many hours, I was overcome by tiredness.
Next morning, at 5:30 on the first sunrise, the time had come. There was no room for breakfast in my convulsing stomach. I didn't need it, nor did I need to take my thrombosis medicine (here by the way I was healed already). I put on my boots, put all my fear in my pocket, and went to meet the others. I joined Zyba, Dakota, and Kenzo who were ready at the castle gate for the journey.
Dakota was surrounded by her family. Her mother, Astrid, cried copiously over having to send her daughter to Leike's Land. She was making many warnings to the stubborn Red who was embarrassed to look like a baby next to the others. Her father and brother watched the scene beside her.
Zyba's family conveyed a different feeling. His mother was proud of her son for doing something so grand. Such a noble mission with the princess, in this case, me. Still, I saw in her eyes the fear of the risk her son was taking. His father, Magnus, was looking at him with confidence, as if to say, in that look, everything will be fine. His siblings, Anna and Erick, watched their older brother leave for adulthood.
Kenzo was being held by his mother, while his middle brother Keoma held the smaller one, and sent a wink at Dakota.
Me, who had only Nefarious for support, stood beside him watching the families say goodbye and wishing their children ‘good luck.’
Professors who had helped us prepare during these days waited in line a few steps further away. Professor Leea Coccinea, Cyperus Okry, Paspalum Potato, and now Nefarious. They were all lined up to give us the latest instructions. Professor Olga Frey also joined them.
After the kisses and hugs of family members, the four of us formed a line in front of the professors. We were ready. Professor Leea Cocinea stepped forward for her last advice.
“My dears, despite the tragedy at our luau last night, we hope you will come back victorious! Take this dragon fruit, at least two in each bag,” said the teacher, putting a strange fruit (which by name we already know who eats them) in our bags. “And do not forget, never eat something without knowing if it is poisonous or not. Sometimes the poison is beautiful and fragrant. If you are in doubt do not try it, agreed?” she finished, giving each one of us a tight hug.
Professor Leea stepped back and returned to her place. Professor Cyperus, with his strong presence, approached and instructed us about the weapon.
“You're ready, believe that. As a warrior, you will show your worth in battle. I want everyone to keep their weapon at hand, you must be fast. Lola, your grandfather's ax is powerful, you handled it very well in the last demo. Have confidence in yourself and use it without fear. Zyba, the Royal shield will be as part of your arm, do not release it in danger. Dakota, hold your bow and arrow on your back within reach, have wisdom using it. Kenzo, you will go with the professional sword. You know how to handle it accurately, defend your fellows. Remember strikes, and focus the main one, how to defend yourself. I will await you here, sure that you will return with Lola's father saved. Wear the guard cape, this will help protect yourselves,” he put one on each one of us, the dark leather cape covered our shoulders until the knee. I was the last one.
Kenzo carried the original Keeper’s sword, the one with which I almost tore Zyba's hand off in the first class. It was safer for me to have this ax from my grandfather. It was easier to handle, was a very beautiful piece studded with an amethyst stone. I put it in my belt.
All four of us had our belts and purses loaded and our hearts racing with a mixture of fear and anxiety. Professor Cyperus put his hand on each one’s shoulders in support, nodded, and returned to the formation of teachers in front of us.
Professor Paspalum, who smelled like shaving lotion, also wanted to give his last details. He was next to step forward.
“The time has come, dear future Keepers of Lumen’s Kingdom!! I have prepared brief words for this memorable moment.” He pulled out of his vest a papyrus with his message, it stretched from his hands to Dakota's feet in front of him. As he took a breath to begin the endless speech, he was interrupted by a throat clearing coming from Nefarious behind him. He glanced over his shoulder and saw the dean with no patience making a gesture like ‘come on my son, we don't have all day!!”. Message taken. Professor wrinkled his nose and put away the huge papyrus and ended up restricting his speech to a few decorated words from his potato head.