Hawthorn Realm Chapter Six

Hawthorn Realm Chapter 6
Word Count 818

"Arianwyn,” Professor Maudlin gently clasped her arm. “I realize you've been through a lot in a little, but we must be going. It’s no longer safe for you here."

Arianwyn allowed herself to be turned and started walking. The professor inclined his head at Efa who stepped back, walking behind them.

They walked in silence until they reached the garden’s fenced enclosure. The professor placed his hand on the locked gate, which clicked open.

The great Hawthorn tree was bathed in the golden red and yellow hues marked by days end. Its branches reflecting the colors off its many leaves. Arianwyn gasped. "It’s beautiful."

The professor smiled but that quickly changed to a look of forced calm as the sound of metal hitting metal and angry shouts echoed around them.

"What's going on? Sounds like a sword fight.” Arianwyn asked.

"Very astute observation Miss Synan. That is precisely what's going on."

The professor looked towards the great tree, where numerous small pinpoints of golden light were
dancing through its branches. He waved his arm and the lights immediately coalesced into a swarm of hundreds, the great humming noise as they joined together near
deafening. He pointed and the great swarm swept by them at break neck
speed.

Arianwyn opened her mouth to speak, but the professor was faster.

"Before you ask the inevitable Miss Synan, yes, those were fairies, I've sent them to assist Peter."

Now, he knelt down on one knee in front of her, placing one hand lightly on her shoulder, “Miss Synan this is very important. Look at the Sidhe, the tree. Look hard,
concentrate, clear your mind. Tell me what you see."

Arianwyn stared but saw nothing. The amulet under her top glowed warmly, then, "Lights!”
she said excitedly. “I see lights, Will of the Wisps I believe."

"That's a start Miss Synan. Now, look beyond the lights, concentrate, what do you see?"

Arianwyn stood stock still. Her eyes glazed. Efa waved her hand in front of her face.

"Is she going to be okay?"

"Yes,” came the professor’s reply, “the talisman has begun to bond with her. It’s drawing out and enhancing her latent abilities, which up to now have been suppressed. It must be very taxing. She is absorbing volumes of information. I suspect the Amulet was no doubt Grania's, her Grandmother's doing."

"But why, and why now?”

"I would think that was obvious my sweet Efa. To protect her. She is after all the child of great change...”

"Or great destruction."

“Correct. The pendulum can swing either way. Even I cannot foresee her future."

"Now, if you will allow me to continue without further interruption. Grania is nothing if
not cautious. She also needed time to commission the creation of the Amulet. From the looks of the craftsmanship and the power contained within, I imagine it took centuries,and hundreds of specialized artisans. As to why now? I would venture to say its
finished, and the time of change is upon us. Therefore Grania sent it along. However,” he looked at Arianwyn, “with that being said, for the moment she'll be fine."

"What about Kyndeym?"

"Peter, for now if you please, Efa. The enemy brought 50 men and..."

Efa interrupted, “and Kyn...Peter has five, counting himself six, that's 8.3 to one. Too bad."

"Yes for them."

Efa laughed "What about the Fey you sent?"

"They won't get into the fray, but they'll provide a shield, in case our friends decide to use Dark Magic."

The professor rubbed his forehead "Efa, if I'm gone when Peter returns, instruct him to have his men sweep the school and grounds, take out any stragglers left over from the battle. Then I want him and his men to join me."

"Where?"

“I'm not sure. I have a pretty good idea. But then again it’s up to Arianwyn.”

Arianwyn chose that moment to stir.

This time it was Efa who knelt down in front of her. She placed her hand lightly on her shoulder and shook her gently. From underneath her top Arianwyn's Amulet glowed
yellow.

"Careful Efa,” the professor warned. “It’s protecting her even though she's not aware."

Efa nodded and continued "I'm aware she tried to bean me earlier with a throw pillow that turned into a cannon ball.”

"What?"

"Never mind, not important. Arianwyn, Ari, its Efa, can you hear me?"

As Arianwyn continued staring straight ahead, she mumbled "Efa, its stunning, can you see?"

"No, “Efa replied, “For this moment in time, only you can see through the veil."

She moved her hand from Arianwyn's shoulder, and clasped her hand. “This is important Ari, what is it you’re seeing?'

Arianwyn was again unresponsive. Efa let her hand drop to her side, then stood.

She looked off to the left where the clatter of swords, and men yelling could still be heard.

"This could take awhile."