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Still wondering about the little man's word- I don't believe the amulet is here, Feverfew hurried up the second row of steps. At the top she could see another row. By the time she reached the fifth row of steps, the Lady and the others were swinging around to see three old men and a young woman watching them.
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The Lady gripped Ferol's arm as he was about to take a step towards the strangers. She studied them. The young woman wore a white garment that covered her body completely. She had blonde hair. The Lady could see the men with her were really ancient. They all had their black teeth filed to sharp points. She estimated each of them would have had to be at least a thousand years old. She didn't detect any danger from the strangers, yet, but she knew they were here for a reason. What it was, she knew they would find out soon.
“Let me introduce ourselves,” said the young woman, smiling. “I am Alicia.”
Indicating one of the men who had thick gray eyebrows she said, “My great, great, grandfather is Tomas.” The man bowed. Alicia introduced the other two men. “These are his brothers, Tomask and Tomesk.” The men bowed as Alicia spoke their names.
The Lady gave a start. The Brothers, Warlocks, she thought. What are they doing here? She studied Alicia, whom she knew now to be the most dangerous witch in the Land.
“I know of you,” said the Lady, trying to stay calm. “This is Ferol, a Special and Prince Salter. You know why we are here?”
“We do,” said Tomas. “But where is, she?”
“She?” said the Lady.
“You know who we mean,” snapped Alicia. “The elf girl... Feverfew.”
“She... she is not here. She didn't come with us.”
Salter was about to say something, when Ferol nudged him hard in the ribs.
“Lying,” said Tomask.
“Yes,” said Tomesk.
“What do you want with, Feverfew?” asked the Lady, glaring at Alicia.
“We want her to join our coven. You know we have the most powerful coven in this land. With an ally like Feverfew, we will be able to command respect from other covens.”
“Some of them have been thinking of challenging us for a long time,” hissed Tomas, his face twisted with hatred. “We can't allow that.”
“Feverfew's magic has not shown itself yet,” said the Lady.
“We will help her bring it forth,” said Alicia. “We will teach her how to control it.”
The Lady shook her head. “I have heard about the cruel things you have done, you brothers, and you most of all Alicia. I will be the one to teach Feverfew. I...”
It was then the brothers parted. Magic flashed at the Lady, throwing her back against the door.
Instantly one of the brothers was behind Ferol. A ball of fizzing magic surrounded the Special's head. He gave a cry and fell in a faint to the ground.
When the Lady was distracted by Ferol's cry, Alicia was suddenly beside Salter. Pressing her hands on his shoulders she grabbed him and shot towards the door. Before disappearing, she screamed, “When you bring Feverfew to us, I will return the boy, Prince!”
“Ladyyyyyyy...” Salter's terrified cry faded.
The three brothers stood together smiling.
“We will wait near the edge of the city for another half day,” said Tomas. “By then, if you don't bring, Feverfew to us, the boy will die. Then we will seek you out.”
Laughing, the Warlocks disappeared, one by one, leaving the distraught Lady staring down at Ferol, who lay as if dead on the floor.