He was part of the medical staff, and had no idea where he was meant to go. Jack looked around for another Medic and quickly followed in as inconspicuous a fashion as he could muster.
Those unable to defend themselves, such as Jack, were taken inside the Realm Headquarters for protection, Medics included. It was the first time Jack had stepped into the halls since he and Avalon had come here all those months ago. The marble gleamed, and Mages, cloaked in red, bustled about as the sirens continued to blare. Behind the receptionist counter stood Xara. Their eyes met, and they shared a nod of understanding.
If Jack could slip away from the other Medics unnoticed, he would be able to free Xara from her stasis chamber, though he knew many of her projections would vanish once she was disturbed from her trans. Concentrating on hundreds of things at once required complete serenity, which is why her body had to remain in stasis during work hours. To Jack’s understanding, she could only project herself a few times when outside of the chamber.
He knew what he had to do.
Jack backed away from the other Medics, his expression vacant. Everyone was talking amongst themselves, preparing for the inevitable battle. They brought supplies into the entrance hall of the headquarters; everyone bustling about setting up cots and healing stations.
Jack ducked over to the reception desk where Xara stood, watching and waiting.
‘Hey,’ Jack muttered, looking around quickly to make sure no one was paying them any attention.
‘Hello, Jack Greenwood,’ she said in her robotic voice. Xara’s white hair was tucked into her robes, and her red eyes were wide.
‘H-how did they know?’ he asked at once. ‘About Avalon.’
‘She was spotted on the outskirts of town by a child,’ said Xara.
‘So she’s … she’s really here?’ said Jack, breathlessly.
Xara nodded. ‘With a group of followers.’
Shit. Frankie had been right.
‘Where is the stasis chamber?’ Jack asked her quickly.
‘I am currently located on the fifth floor,’ she said. ‘You will require a pass code to enter the chamber. My projection on the fifth floor will help you.’
‘Can't a projection release you from the chamber?’
Xara shook her head. ‘My body cannot come in contact with a projection. Please hurry, or they will become suspicious.’
‘Is the chamber being guarded?’ asked Jack.
Xara nodded. ‘It is guarded by a man called Victor, who is a Paralysis-Mage. You shouldn’t have much trouble getting past him as you will be able to heal your way through the paralysis. He won’t be able to hear the sirens from inside – these rooms are sound-proof.’
‘How do I get rid of him?’
‘Knock him out,’ said Xara, without a change in expression.
‘What? Club him over the head?’ asked Jack, already feeling uncomfortable.
Xara stared at him, unblinking. ‘Is that a problem?’
Jack frowned. ‘Erm … no, I guess not.’
‘Go, Jack Greenwood,’ said Xara.
He nodded, leaving her without another word. No one seemed to notice his absence over the confusion of the sirens.
Jack raced up the flight of stairs, taking two at a time. People passed him on the way up, panicked expressions on their faces. Employees of the Realm who were not willing, or able, to defend the Headquarters were being evacuated by other guards.
Jack ran, passing the second and third floor within seconds. He was out of breath by the time he reached the fifth and final floor, which was home to those with great Power within the Realm. Lucky for Jack, no one took much notice of him. After all, he was a guard, and an army medic.
Jack spotted another of Xara’s projections waiting for him. He quickly walked to her side, and without speaking, she led him down a marble corridor. Jack followed; looking around to make sure no one was watching them. Xara led him further inside the Realm, past unfamiliar rooms and Mages, until they reached a steel door.
Xara pushed it open, revealing a dark, cement corridor beyond, lit by white flames.
‘I am down here,’ she said, her projection flickering. It was strange to hear Xara talk about her body as though it were another person.
Jack followed, their footsteps echoing down the hall eerily. Xara’s projection flickered more.
They ran down the hall, until they came to another steel door.
‘Victor is on the other side,’ she said. ‘You will need to disable him quickly.’
‘With what?’ Jack asked urgently, rather intimidated by the idea of knocking someone out. He’d never done it before. After all, the only person Jack had ever hit was his own father.
‘Your fists will suffice,’ said Xara, matter-of-factly.
‘My fists?’ Jack scoffed. ‘Are you kidding me?’
‘I don’t kid,’ Xara replied, her face impassive.
Jack closed his eyes and prayed for patience. Pressing his lips together and taking a deep breath, he nodded at Xara, who opened the door.