The Temporal Stone (The Morgan Sisters) (24 page)

She read it and rushed back into the computer room. Sitting down, she typed a few letters in and then pressed enter.

'Well, Eleanor?' Declan asked. 'Don't you think you should at least tell them all. They've been working so hard to find that sheet of paper.'

'Yes, yes of course. Sorry, I'm just a little preoccupied,' she said as she handed him the sheet of A4 paper.

Looking down at it, he quickly read it and sighed.

'I'll go and tell them. Shall I give them a break?'

Eleanor nodded.

'Yes, yes please do. Tell them to take the rest of the day off,' she said as Declan chuckled.

'Rest of the day? This is one seriously long day.'

Eleanor turned and smiled at him, 'It is, isn't it? Sorry Declan. My mind is all over the place.'

'Don't worry. I'll sort them out. I'll be back shortly to give you a hand.'

Closing the door behind him, Declan turned to look at the students who were all sitting, waiting anxiously for the news.

'You've all been working so hard, go and take some time to yourselves, but please don't leave Praxos. I'll ask Wilbur to organise a snack for you all.'

'Declan?' asked Lana.

'Yes Lana?'

'Who is the Skull?'

'Oh, sorry...' he said as he looked across at Cassie who still hadn't said a word.

'His name is Sthenelaus Sophokles and he's been around for thousands of years.'

'But how come you and Eleanor didn't know who he was?' asked a voice from the back of the room.

Declan shrugged, 'He was believed to have been killed in the Byzantine Civil War, well before my time and Eleanor has never come across him before. He must have been keeping a low profile. But that's enough questions for now. Go and take some time for yourselves, guys and gals,' he said as he held his chest and took another deep breath.

The students made their exit but Emma approached him.

'You okay, Declan?'

'I'll be fine, Emma. Don't worry about me,' he winked. 'Can you do me a favour?'

She nodded.

'Can you ask Wilbur to organise some food for you all?'

'Sure,' she said before turning on her heel and leaving him in the empty room.

Declan sat down for a moment, breathing deeply and holding his chest before he stood up and headed back into the computer room.

CHAPTER 32

'Lana,' said a voice behind her as she walked through the hall towards the dining room.

Turning, her heart beat increased tenfold when she spotted Barber striding towards her.

'Oh... hi,' she said, her cheeks burning.

'Hi.'

'I... I thought you'd gone.'

He shook his head, his wavy hair rippling over his shoulders.

'I didn't want to leave before... seeing you.'

Lana gasped and looked from his muscular torso up to his face. He was smiling down at her and she felt her knees weaken.

Lana. Get over it, you're acting like your sister, for goodness’ sake.

But she couldn't. There was something so appealing and incredibly attractive about him that she couldn't tear her eyes away from him.

'Well... here I am,' she whispered.

He put his hand on her face for a moment, then tucked her hair behind her ear.

She could barely breathe.

'Ahem.'

Barber dropped his hand quickly and turned to face Emma who scowled at him. He took it as a cue to disappear and walked away.

'Emma,' Lana gasped as she turned towards her sister and pulled her to one side. 'What the hell are you doing?'

'Lana, for goodness’ sake. He's a vampire. He's dangerous. He's probably got you under some kind of weird spell or something.'

'Don't be ridiculous, Sis. I like him and I think he... likes me,' she whispered under her breath before she turned back to see where he'd gone. Spotting him, she rushed to his side and hooked arms as they walked away, leaving Emma shaking her head with her hands on her hips.

'Hey, what's up?' asked a voice behind her.

'That's what's up,' she said, pointing to her sister and the vampire.

'Oh. I doubt there's much you can do about them, Em,' Diarmuid said.

'I'm just worried he's going to hurt her.'

'Well don't. Eleanor wouldn't allow him to be here if he was dangerous. They look cute together.'

Emma threw her hands up, 'Really? C'mon Diarmuid. He's a vampire. I bet he's got some kind of ulterior motive.'

'Maybe he just likes your sister. Maybe it's as simple as that?'

Emma looked at him like she didn't know him, tutted and walked into the dining room alone.

Diarmuid sighed, 'What did I do?'

oOo

'I must tell you about a creature known as the Krakor. A creature which is believed to reside in the Amazonian Rainforest... until now. The Krakor is one of only several creatures in the world that has the ability to kill Watchers with the venom found in the tip of its tail. We do not understand why its venom is so lethal to half angels and angels alike, yet is harmless to humans. From research carried out by a human who lived in the rainforest for several decades until his recent demise, we were able to deduce that the Krakor resembles a large lizard. His head, however, looks like that of a man. The reason I'm telling you this is because I am now led to believe that this creature has been brought to London.'

Gasps filled the hall.

'By the Skull we spent so long trying to find, Sthenelaus Sophokles.'

'Sthene... what?'

'Sthenelaus. Sthenaylayus,' Eleanor added slowly.

'But why? Why would he bring the beast here?' asked a voice in the crowd.

'I'm not entirely sure yet, although I do have a theory. I think he might be preparing to wage a war against us.'

More gasps filled the room as everyone began whispering to each other.

Eleanor waited a moment before lifting her arms and quietening everyone down.

'Please, quiet please. We need to put a stop to his plans now, which is why I am going to need all of your help,' she said quietly.

'I will be coming to each of you individually to explain how you can help, so please stay close by until I have spoken to you. Thank you.'

'It sounds terrifying,' Emma said to Diarmuid and Lana, who stood by her side. Barber had sensed Emma's dislike of him and was keeping his distance.

'I know,' Lana said as she kept an eye on the gorgeous hunk from across the room.

'Lana, I'd like to start with you,' Eleanor said as she approached her and led the three of them into the living room. Turning, she looked across to Barber and motioned for him to follow.

Emma gave him the evil eye as he entered the room.

'Yes, Eleanor?' he asked.

'Barber, Lana's vision happened when you were close by earlier on. I'm hoping that your being here might help her to return to that vision and try and obtain further clues as to the whereabouts of Sthenelaus.'

Emma glanced at her sister and sighed. No matter how hard she tried to keep him away, things were constantly acting against her. She shrugged her shoulders and went to sit on the opposite side of the room with Diarmuid. He chuckled and pulled her down beside him.

'Don't worry. Like I said before, if Eleanor thinks he's cool, then he's cool.'

He held her tight for a moment and then let her relax back into the sofa.

'How do I do it, Eleanor? I've never willingly entered a vision before. It always happens by accident.'

'Just hold Barber's hand and close your eyes. Perhaps if you both think of Sthenelaus, it might help you focus more. Please, Lana, just try.'

She nodded and Barber took her hand in both of his. He smiled.

'I'm right here,' he whispered.

Emma nearly barfed. Diarmuid chuckled again.

Lana relaxed her head back onto the sofa and closed her eyes.

Eleanor sat beside her and gently coaxed her into relaxing further while Barber stroked her hand with his thumb. Lana sighed and fell into a strange sleep.

'I guess we just have to sit and wait,' Eleanor whispered.

Sighing, Emma flopped her head onto Diarmuid's shoulder. She wished she could do something to help.

Soon, Lana's eyes began to flutter beneath her eyelids and Emma sat up. Lana murmured something barely comprehensible, making Emma rush to her, leaving Diarmuid alone on the sofa.

Emma sat by Lana's feet and looked up eagerly waiting for news.

But when Lana suddenly opened her eyes, she looked around at her surroundings and shook her head.

'It's not working, I didn't go back to where he is, I went somewhere else,' she tutted.

'Where?' asked Emma.

Shrugging, Lana said, 'I dunno really, it was in this cave out in the middle of nowhere. I just caught sight of someone running off into the distance through some woods. There was someone else in the cave though, a woman with long wavy blonde hair.'

Barber gasped.

'Is it something you recognise, Barber?' asked Eleanor.

'I think so. It sounds like the time Sthenelaus left me to rot and that woman came and set me free.'

'Well, that's something, Lana. You're getting closer. Try again. Oh, and if you do return to the cave, try and get a better look at the woman. We could do with finding out who she is.'

Lana nodded before smiling at Barber and closing her eyes.

Minutes later, she was in the woods walking towards a hidden cave. The hoot of an owl made her jump and she shivered beneath the dark sky where just a sliver of moon was visible beyond the trees. Tiptoeing closer, she heard voices and then a deep scream.

As she approached, Lana gasped at the sight of Barber, covered in blood, writhing in agony. He was surrounded by several Skulls. The ugliest one stood back and gave instructions as they tortured the poor young vampire, who was tied to a tall tree stump.

Tears rolled down Lana's cheeks and she tried not to look as his cries echoed throughout the cave. She held onto her stomach and covered her mouth as the stench of burning flesh filled the air.

When Barber eventually gave in and told them what they wanted to know, Sthenelaus smiled, his evil eyes glinting in the candle-lit space.

He nodded to the largest and most cruel looking Skull, who picked up a wooden stake and plunged it deep into Barber's chest.

Lana's hands flew back to her mouth and she retched in the corner of the cave, turning to see just as the Skulls began to exit, leaving Barber's near dead body tied up and alone.

She rushed to his side and tried to pull the stake out, but this was just a vision and her hands went straight through it.

'Barber,' she sobbed, 'Oh Barber.'

Just as she was about to try and will herself out of the vision, something caught her eye. There was someone coming. She peered out of the cave's entrance and watched as the most exquisite young woman crept stealthily through the trees. Her long wavy blonde hair bounced behind her as she moved quickly from tree to tree, hiding from any potential enemies. But the Skulls were long gone. Approaching the cave, the woman gasped at the sight of Barber and rushed towards him, expertly removing the stake from his chest.

She placed her ear next to his torso and listened for a moment before taking the bag from her back and removing a large piece of fabric which she ripped and wrapped around him.

Then she took out a dagger and began to cut through the rope which bound him to the tree stump. As it loosened, his body slumped forward. She rearranged her body so he leant on her while she continued to cut at the rope. Soon, his full weight fell forward and she caught him as if he weighed less than a feather.

Placing him gently on the ground, she stroked his face and whispered his name, waiting patiently until his eyes flickered open.

'It's quite alright. Don't panic. They've gone. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get here before they did this to you. Now listen to me. Here's what you must do...'

'But... but...' he murmured.

'Shhhh, just listen. You must get away from here and lie low for as long as you can. I know all about the stone and I've dealt with it. But they'll think you had something to do with it, so you need to disappear. Change your appearance too. You must not be recognisable. I would strongly suggest you leave the country if possible. If you stay and do nothing, your life will be in danger. Do you understand? Barber? Do you understand me?'

Barber shook his head, 'I...I... how do you know? Who are you? Why are you helping me? What happened to the stone?'

The stranger smiled and placed her hand on his cheek, 'It doesn't matter who I am. I'm helping because that's what I do. And the stone? Well, it's been delivered to the British Museum. It's very safe there. Just do not mention it to a soul, do you understand?'

Barber nodded.

'Good,' she whispered. 'Now, you were lucky that Skull didn't know how to stake a vampire's heart,' she smiled. 'You will recover in no time at all. You are a good man, Barber, you have a good heart. Use it well.'

And then she turned and ran towards the exit. Lana barely blinked and the woman had vanished.

'What?' she whispered as her eyes flew open and she looked around to see Barber and Eleanor sitting next to her with Emma by her feet.

'What happened?' asked Emma.

Lana looked at Barber and squeezed his hand.

'I saw what happened to you,' she cried. 'It was horrendous. I can't believe what they did to you.'

CHAPTER 33

To give them some space, Eleanor left to continue speaking to the other Watchers.

Emma and Diarmuid slipped out of the room too, leaving Lana and Barber alone for a while. They hoped the silence might help.

As much as Emma believed a vampire wasn't good boyfriend material for her sister, how could she deny them when everyone else seemed to think he was so good? She sighed as they walked through the hall to the white room.

'What's up?' asked Diarmuid.

'Oh you know, the whole Barber and Lana thing. I just don't know what to think any more. I mean, he's a vampire right? And vampires are all scary, I'm going to eat your blood freakiness kind of thing, but that vision she's just had? And he does seem kinda nice. Oh, I'm just so confused right now. And I feel so totally useless. Eleanor didn't even ask us for help yet she's asking just about everyone else,' she said with a pout.

Diarmuid's smile helped her to feel better. Although maybe that was down to the long delicious kiss he planted on her lips when she'd finally stopped complaining. When they finally pulled apart, she asked, 'What was that for?'

'Just because.'

She laughed as they plonked themselves down on one of the large beanbags. Emma leant back and closed her eyes while he traced his finger down the side of her face and across her lips.

She giggled, 'That tickles.'

He stopped and leant forward to kiss them instead.

So caught up in the moment were they that they didn't even notice they were no longer alone.

But after a couple of minutes, Emma had the distinct feeling someone was watching them so she opened one eye and nearly fell to the floor.

'Jimble?'

The pixie troll was standing right beside them, watching their every move.

'What are you doing?' she asked as she straightened her hair with her fingers.

'Just watching watching.'

Emma's face turned every shade of red as Diarmuid started to laugh.

'Why?' she said.

Jimble shrugged, 'I've never, never seen the human human mating process process before before.'

With her eyes wide open, Emma jumped up.

'Jimble, we weren't mating,' Diarmuid laughed. 'We were just kissing, that's all.'

'If you say so, say so.'

'Was there something you wanted, Jimble?' asked Diarmuid.

The pixie troll waddled away and nodded his head.

'What?' Emma sighed.

'Eleanor Eleanor wants to see you, you in her office office.'

Emma held out her hand and pulled her boyfriend up before he casually placed his arm across her shoulder. He was still sniggering. They followed the pixie troll across the hall and down the corridor.

'Hey, you two,' Eleanor said as Jimble tapped on the door and they walked in.

'Hi Eleanor. You wanted to see us?'

She nodded while she thanked Jimble and ushered him back out the door.

'Yes. Come in and sit down,' she motioned towards the two chairs at the other side of her desk.

'I'd like you to join us when we go and try and find Sthenelaus and the Krakor.'

Emma's and Diarmuid's eyes lit up, 'You do?'

'I don't want to, of course. I hate to put any of my students in danger, but this is a life or death situation for all Watchers throughout the country. Which means I need to ask for everyone's help.'

'We understand,' Emma said. 'What can we do?'

'From the vision Lana had before, I believe Sthenelaus has taken up residence in some of the tunnels on the other side of the city. Tunnels that Watchers never use. I do believe that some of these tunnels go further underground than ours do. And, unlike ours, it is unlikely they have their own illuminations. We will need you to be our lights, so to speak.'