Chapter 9: The Next Step

     “So, I see you’ve been quite occupied lately.” Ser Brownwell replied with his face displaying no sentiment. He wore his exotic robe this time a bright red to match his scarf. He walked into the house without being invited, going straight for the couch and settling in.

“Elsa, you know this man?” 

My dad asked, bringing his arm down, he almost struck Mr. Brownwell but stopped mid swing. It seemed like he felt no killing intent from him.

“Yes dad, I know him. He came by last week…”

“How about I introduce myself, Mr. Oppenheimer. The name is Ser Brownwell Samson, I'm a recruiter from Sheffield Academy.”

“What do you mean by Sheffield Academy? Is this some kind of sick joke.?” My dad asked, his anger surged through every syllable. Ser Brownwell still seemed quite calm and collected, taking in everything gently.

“Please, how about we all take a seat and continue this discussion.” 

My dad looked at me then at Ser Brownwell. Shaking his head, he walked over and sank into the couch opposite Brownwell.

“Now I'm going to go straight to the point. Elsa is no ordinary girl. Her destiny lies beyond the corners of Bulgaria and I know you are aware of this now. The gods have picked her and marked her for something big that even I am not aware of. But you shouldn’t stop her, no one should, for it could bring the wrath of the gods.” 

He paused looking at my dad who happened to be staring at a picture of his late wife on the wall but still very attentive. 

“You have seen a lot last week to know that your daughter isn't like any normal werewolf. She is amicable and filled with so much potential. Sheffield Academy has, for the first time ever, accepted a student from Bulgaria.”

There was a long silence for a minute as my father and I thought about what Brownwell just said. He seemed very good with words, I’ll give him that. The last time I rejected it, not believing it was even possible.

“So right now, you’re telling us that Sheffield Academy isn’t a fairy tale, it’s actually real?

“Yes. That’s precisely what I’m saying.”

“And my daughter has been granted admission to this place? A Bulgarian citizen?”

“At Sheffield, we prioritize real talent, we look beyond just nationality but potential.”

“How do you expect me to believe this?” My dad asked his eyes fixed on Brownwell now.

“You don’t. You see, there is a reason why Sheffield Academy sounds like a myth to the majority, we hardly see it on the internet or talk about it. It’s because we function with secrecy. But it’s real and most of the greatest werewolves in history attended Sheffield.”

“Look, the truth is I'm breaking protocol for you Elsa, I shouldn’t be here again after you already declined by not showing up. But I couldn’t, I felt like I needed to come back. I knew I had to. Even in my dreams I see you Elsa, the signs were clear. The board might be upset to hear this but I had to give it one last try.” I could see the worry etched on his face as he explained further.

“Elsa, is in a dire position as you all are aware, the public is infuriated with her for the killing she did, don’t worry I know you’re wondering how I know this, but, you would be surprised to know how strong our influence on the world is.” 

My dad was looking at me now, he had a look that said he wanted to do something to help but he couldn’t. 

“Elsa has to come with me now to the institution, she is endangered here.”

I had already made up my mind. I needed the strength this place could provide me, how else will I get stronger. I had to rise. Vengeance was not just a desire, to me, it was my purpose now. The army would pay. My mothers death would not be in vain. Her name must be cleared.

It was clear they were waiting for my reply, for this was my life and I had a choice to make.

“I will go. I've to, there’s nothing for me here anymore.” I answered plainly.

“Elsa, are you sure about this.” Dad asked.

“I’ve never been more certain dad. Besides, they’ll probably come after me soon.”

“Alright then. It is settled. We don’t have much time though, we,ve to get to the portal before it gets dark.” 

“Did you just say a portal?” I asked in confusion.

“Yes Elsa, this is no fairy tale, there are ancient portals that exist on our plane.” 

I still had a lot of questions to ask but I decided to let it be for now.

“What about my dad won’t he get attacked?” 

“He won’t.” Ser Brownwell replied, handing my dad an item that looked like a bell. It had ancient writings written all over it.

“Your dad won’t be staying here for long. Someone will come by this time tomorrow and take him to his new stead.” Brownwell said, turning to me reassuringly.

I had already packed a few of my things and we were at the door. I looked at my dad, the whole incident seemed to have made my one's jovial dad look older. It broke my heart greatly, I wanted to give him all the happiness in the world that he deserved. 

“Dad take care of yourself.” 

I said rushing to him and hugging him. He held me tight and whispered;

“Never forget where you came from. You’re destined for great things. My lovely girl, always remember how proud I am to be your father whenever you doubt yourself or feel down, I’m always with you.

I felt fresh tears roll down my skin as I nodded in response and let go of him.

I looked at him once more and smiled. I turned back and left the house with Brownwell closing the door.

“You know Brownwell, I still don’t trust you.” I said as we walked down the street.”

“It’s a complex concept, how can such a small word cause wars, destroy packs and bonds.”

“Why do you have to be so vague all the time?” I was confused.

“It's a skill you must master, Lady Elsa, for you'll find it quite useful in dealing with people.” He said smiling.

We had been walking for two hours now and it was already 9:30pm at night. 

“So Night Angel you would be usually active by now wouldn’t you? It’s sad Bulgaria would lose a brave nights watch, a Redeemer and an Anchor of justice.”

“Why do you patronize me Ser Brownwell? Not that I am appreciated here at all.” I said, releasing my pent up breath.

“Thats what makes you really noble Elsa, you knew almost no one really cared, yet, you stood and fought for what is right.”

“And still, I couldn’t protect her.” I wanted Salvatore to say something to make me feel better. All I could hear was the night's loud silence.

We had left the city entirely and had reached a Savannah garden.

“You mentioned earlier about being quick before it gets dark, why? What happens when it gets dark?”

Brownwell didn’t answer, he kept walking, this time faster. That’s strange he didn’t even glance at me. I wasn’t recognizing where we were for awhile now but it seemed we were reaching the country border.

“Brownwell, we have to be careful. I've heard many rumors about werewolves guarding the border. They are said to be deadly strong and aggressive.

We had passed the Savannah field and were now walking on a vast empty land. Looking far ahead I could see a tower now with werewolves patrolling around. A long line of werewolves and very few with vehicles stretched toward the border, packed with civilians and deportees hoping to cross or enter Bulgaria . Each one waited intensely as a fellow werewolf clad in official gear, thoroughly inspecting their documents. His sharp eyes missed nothing, and no vehicle or werewolf moved in or out till he gave the nod.

The air buzzed with impatience, but none dared to break the formation, not with border enforcers prowling the line. We were still far away from the border but since the events that occurred and my strength increased, my sight also got a whole lot better. I could see things much better than werewolves my age.

“Elsa, can you see the portal?” 

For the first time in what felt like ages, Brownwell was talking, but he asked me if I could see a certain portal. I looked, I stared hard, but there was nothing on sight.

“What do you mean Brownwell, there’s nothing here.” I said, still darting my eyes around.

“Elsa, after everything you’ve gone through you still don’t believe?” He said almost unbelievably.

“Im trying I don’t understand why I can’t.”

“We can’t leave here if you don’t, you have to believe Elsa, or else we won’t be able to use the portal.” 

“Arrhhh I’m trying okay.” I even widened my eyes as much as I could to no avail. 

“Elsa, some guards are coming this way, it seems we’ve been noticed. We’ve to leave now.”

I looked at the empty space where Brownwell faced. I thought about what the shadowy figure told me. These things were real, they actually happened to me. I could fight against trained werewolves, I’ve killed rogue wolves. This isn’t ordinarily possible of course i believe.

My eyes couldn't believe what it was seeing as I stood there amazed by the sight. It felt so mystical… the presence of the portal. Two towering pillars stood at both ends, they had green vines wrapped around them, a testament of the thousands of years it has existed. In the middle was where the flowing green energy dwelled, pulsing with power.

“Now you believe Elsa, you believe in something beyond what you’ve known all your life. When we step into that portal, what you’ll encounter would be chaos, death, strength, love, friendship and many more. You will see things beyond your wildest imagination. It won’t be easy Elsa, but nothing good ever comes easy now does it? You’ll face beings that can bend the world with a whisper, and others who will tremble at your name. Remember, pain will find you, grief will test you. But always know this, only you can define who you are.” 

I had never seen Brownwell so serious, but I took in every word he said. The guards were already upon us.

“Stop there!”

We both jumped into the portal drowning in violet and nothingness.