In Her Element
Chapter 19

Samuel tightened his grip on Almyra’s hand, while Frederick held his out to her. Samuel nearly groaned out loud and thought loud and hard What is that fool playing at? sending this question to Frederick along with a poisoning glare.

Frederick’s hand and mouth dropped at the hostile tone that laced the thought. He stiffened and glared back. And what do you think you are playing at, bringing her out here and into this whole mess? To charm her and then drag her away with no explanation?

Actually that was your job. You were supposed to gain her trust so she would follow you blindly. I just gave you the opportunity. Samuel’s gaze was cool and calculating as he replied to Frederick’s accusation.

Frederick laughed harshly, his breath visible in the cool air, and said out loud, “She doesn’t trust me.”

Samuel narrowed his eyes in aversion. “Well that was your problem. You failed at your task. Now it is my turn. Almyra, if you would.” He tugged at the hand that was still in his. “Let us leave this boy alone and go for a walk, shall we?” He said the word boy with contempt to convey exactly what he thought about Frederick.

He started walking off but the girl had pulled her hand away and was not following. He turned back to see her looking at Frederick, to himself, and back at Frederick. She seemed to be torn between confusion and, for some reason unknown to Samuel, anger. The reason became clear when she faced Samuel and said, “You know Frederick.” It was not a question and Samuel had no idea how he was to respond; obviously he could not have been further from gaining her trust by associating himself with Frederick—she hated Frederick, held him in contempt. Samuel was left with no time to respond for she threw up her hands in exasperation and forced a laugh that was without mirth.

“I don’t know what you are playing at, Frederick, but dragging your friends into it is not going to get you any further. Give. It. Up. And Samuel,” her voice became soft, which relieved him until he realized it was out of pity for him. “Samuel, you need not follow what he says for whatever empty promises he made or false tales he may have filled your head with. Take a stand.”

Her hands fell as she spoke to Samuel and Frederick once again attempted to take hold of one. She pulled away with a disgusted look thrown at him and stalked back inside. The swish of her gown faded as she moved away, the two young men watching her go, frozen in place from surprise.

They may have remained so and perhaps held a somewhat civilized conversation about their missions had a voice not then spoken.

Go, boy! it said. Go after her now! And use Force, for she’ll not follow otherwise.

Samuel and Frederick looked at each other and Samuel understood that Frederick had also heard the message. Then—oh, and get rid of Styvent. He’s too far gone in his feelings for the girl. He will try to stop you.

They both heard this message as well, and obviously meant to, but Samuel acted first. His forehead creased in concentration, he threw his arm out in front of him. A blast of energy was released; it rippled through the air and hit Frederick silently and solidly to the chest.

One moment Frederick stood there with his eyes wide open and the next moment he was flying through the air, landing with a sickly thump against the wall at the other end of the garden. He slid down and off and collapsed to the floor, moaning pitifully.

Samuel’s grin was evil and complacent as he spun in his heel and swept back inside, tracing Almyra’s footsteps.

Frederick stood slowly, swallowing his groans. His shoulder was on fire and felt out of place. He gritted his teeth and with difficulty, yet with a practiced hand, pushed it back into its socket. He gasped from the pain and swiped at his brow that now had beads of nervous and pained sweat forming. He quickly checked over the rest of his body for any other injuries that were obvious and not superficial. Satisfied that there were none, he kicked up his heels and ran after Samuel.

Questions raced through his mind as his feet pounded against the floor. He could not comprehend all that was happening here; nothing made sense. All such thoughts flew to the back as he spotted Samuel ahead of him and picked up his pace. But his shoulder was still burning, his body was sore, and blisters were making home on his feet as he chased after the other man. His heavy breathing and heavy footfalls alerted Samuel, who jogged the last few steps and burst through the doors and into the ballroom and to the safety of a public area.

Samuel turned around to slam the doors shut, albeit with a little difficulty due to their large size in proportion to his human size, and the last thing Frederick saw was a purple glow encased in Samuel’s hands as he touched the doorknobs; and then Frederick saw nothing but the huge brown doors that stood in his way.

Frederick skidded to a halt and leaned forward with his hands on his knees to catch his breath for a fleeting moment. He tugged at the door knobs, which resulted in scorched palms added to the list of his surface injuries.

This cannot be happening! he thought wildly. This doesn’t make sense!

Someone laughed behind him and Frederick’s head swung up so fast that he nearly suffered from a whiplash. The person chuckled cruelly, and the rest of Frederick’s body followed; he now faced the length of the dark path he had just run. A shadow darted across and his apprehension kicked up a notch, and the laughter grew louder and more menacing. This happened repeatedly until growing fear and frustration caused Frederick to lash out, his own ball of purple energy spinning into the dark. It lit up the shadow, revealing the figure of someone that Frederick had never thought he would see here.

The Master, in the flesh.

The man sighed disappointedly at his pupil, the one he had first entrusted with this undertaking, and had failed him. And now his other disciple had let him down. Lucky for you, my boy, it seems the Goddess has plans for you, or you would not still be alive.

Even as he thought this, the Master opened his arms—his cloak giving the pretense of wings—and engulfed the ball before opening his arms once more, this time the ball hurtling back on Frederick. Stunned, Frederick could do nothing but brace himself for the impact.

You! What—? I don’t understand.... He saw his adversary’s mouth curled up with malice, as he once again fell to the floor. He struggled to stay awake and alert, but he felt his consciousness slipping, and his last thought was Almyra.

And then screaming…

And then…

Nothing.