Chapter Nineteen - Carla’s Dream
Carla needed to keep an eye on Gina. If Gina no longer trusted her, that would be a problem. She had a handle on both Toby and Mark and could control them as much as she needed to. That night Carla dreamed….
The Kingdom was at peace. Although Carla did not know it then, that peace would soon be shattered. She was a servant in the castle. She did not do things for herself, she did things for others. Her life wasn’t meant for personal satisfaction or accomplishment, it was meant to provide luxury to others. She hated it but she also knew there were worse fates. So, she had to be grateful. Every so often she would be in the presence of the princess. The princess was beautiful. Carla often thought about what it must be like to have that kind of privilege. To have people wait on you hand and foot and to never say anything that would displease you for fear of punishment.
She didn’t hate the princess, but she envied her position. This was her life day after day.
Carla had no hope of escape.
There was nothing that she could do to improve her position but sometimes fate does those things for you. Carla was in her small chamber, getting ready to rest her tired body when a man appears before her. If he meant to do her harm, he could have easily accomplished that task, and no one would have known about it, but this man presented an opportunity. The man was dressed in a cloak and was wearing a royal ring. Carla fell to her knees.
“Don’t be afraid.” The man started, “I am not here to hurt you, I’m here to offer you a way out.”
“I don’t understand.” Carla responded.
“I am the King’s magician.” The man announced, “I am a powerful wizard. I have seen into your heart. You have potential. Potential that is wasted here. How would you like to go to a place that you can live for yourself, instead of slaving for others?” Carla didn’t know what to think. Is this man really offering her freedom or is it just a trick to get her to do something.
“What must I do?” Carla asked.
“In three days, the kingdom will be attacked and overrun. Nothing can be done to prevent it. When that attack begins, I need you to lead the princess to a cavern near the sea. There I will send both you and the princess away to this place I told you about.” The wizard explains.
“The princess won’t follow me.” Carla declares.
“She will if her life depends on it. There will be chaos and she will be confused. She won’t know what to do. You show up and lead her to me.” The wizard continues.
“Did you tell the King?” Carla asks.
“The King is a fool. He deserves his fate. We can still save the princess.” The Wizard goes on.
“If everything happens as you say. I don’t want to stay here and die. I will do whatever you tell me.” Carla promises.
“Good. Once you are in this new land, the Princess will not remember who she is, but you will. You can befriend the princess and look after her. If she ever gets her memories back, she will want to try and return but if she does, she will die.” The wizard warns, “You must prevent her from doing that.”
“If you give me freedom, I promise I will do it.” Carla replies.
Carla wakes up. She can’t lose her grip on Gina. It could ruin everything. Her life here is a thousand percent better than life back in the kingdom. Carla gets to school and meets up with Toby and Mark.
“Gina doesn’t trust me.” Carla announces.
“That’s not good.” Mark remarks, “What are you gonna do about it?”
“I don’t know yet, did either of you find out anything?” Carla asks.
“I googled as many different ways as I could think of and came up with nothing.” Toby reported.
“Some nerd in the ‘Wizards and Warlocks’ club say he knows a guy that can get Gina back her memory, but it’s gonna cost me.” Mark announces.
“Okay, let me know how that turns out.” Carla orders.
Carla spent the rest of the day giving Gina some space. Toby on the other hand was done giving Gina space. Toby sees Gina walking in the courtyard and approaches her.
“Hey,” Toby starts off, “can we talk?” Gina ignores him and continues walking. Toby steps in front of her to block her path. When Gina tries to step around Toby, he refuses to let her pass.
“Okay, if you don’t want to talk, at least listen.” Toby demands. Gina stops trying to get away from Toby and just stands there with her arms folded across her chest and an irritated look on her face.
“I’m not sorry I kissed you. I’ve been wanting to kiss you since the moment I first laid eyes on you.” Toby explained, “It sucks the way Mark broke up with you, but Mark just wants you to be happy.”
“You’re not sorry?” Gina answered.
“How could I be sorry for kissing the most beautiful girl in existence?” Toby answered. Gina could feel her heart melt but only slightly, very slightly.
“It was a horrible thing to do.” Gina shot back.
“I know.” Toby affirmed,” Maybe some time you’ll let me make it up to you.”
“I have a lot to think about.” Gina said as she was leaving.
“Carla also wants you to be happy.” Toby added. Gina walked away without answering.
After school Mark meets up with the student promising magic. “Did you get the money?” The student asks.
“Did you get the potion?” Mark shoots back.
“I told my guy about your situation, and he said he wanted to meet you.” The student answered.
“Why does he want to meet me?” Mark asked.
“There aren’t a lot of people who want memory potions. So, he wants to talk to you first.” The student explained.
Mark got a lump in his throat. Anyone who could make potions could easily get rid of him if they wanted to.
“Okay, when do I get to meet this guy?” Mark asked.
“You get to meet him right now.” The student answers. The student leads Mark to a car
that is parked nearby. When Mark gets close enough, the window in the back rolls down revealing an old man’s face.
“I didn’t expect to see you again.” Mark exclaims.