I ignored Jack’s remark. I did not think my Power was interesting, useful, or fun in any way.
I followed Charles from his little office. Jack announced that he had work to do and left me with the stranger. I followed as closely as I could, trying to memorise everything around me. Tapestries hung on every wall as did candles. The carpet beneath our feet was an emerald green. As we walked through the Manor I noticed that the theme of emerald seemed to be constant. Every hall was lined with green draperies and carpet, and I caught glimpses of rooms beyond open doorways that were the same.
I kept silent, not quite sure if Charles was the talkative type. I wondered vaguely wether the master of this manor would indeed agree to let me work here. What if he didn’t like the look of me? Couldn’t he trust Charles to make the staffing arrangements?
I thought myself very lucky. What were the odds of finding a great opportunity like this? A live-in job that required someone of my … talent. It was almost as though I was meant to be here all along. I had even made a friend already.
Charles led me up a beautiful wooden staircase, which had a running of emerald carpet down it. I was careful not to put my hand on the railing. I wasn’t quite ready for a disaster yet. I nervously flattened my hair as we passed a suit of armour, and I caught a glimpse of my distorted reflection. Charles noticed this, “You’ve been travelling.” It wasn’t really a question.
“Yes.” My answer was short and boring. I racked my brains for a conversation starter to fill the awkward silence. “Um, so what do you do? I mean … Your Power.”
Charles continued leading me down the hall and did not answer. I thought maybe he hadn’t heard me, but after several seconds of silence he replied.
“I know it seems pointless to have my particular Power, and live in Frost Arch … but never the less-” He broke off, but I wasn’t particularly sure what he was talking about. He, however, showed me.
He slowed his walk and came to a stop, his hand outstretched. Staring, I waited for something to happen. Why was his skin rippling like that? I looked closer. No … Something was growing from the palm of his hand. Something green.
I gasped. Long, entwining vines were growing from Charles’ hand, growing up his arm. It was an odd sight, watching a plant grow in fast-motion.
Before the vines had reached his elbow, they began to tinge brown, and soon after they were dead. I looked at him curiously and he answered my unspoken question.
“Greenery doesn’t really last long in Frost Arch. I used to be able to grow, control and maintain beautiful gardens in my old town. But of course … Mistress Frost prefers-” He fell silent.
Elvira Frost. That was the name I had read in the Power Seer’s office.
“What?” I persisted.
“Let’s just say that being here doesn’t do my Power justice. The environment, the atmosphere, it’s almost as if coming here has repressed my ability. It’s like nature knows it’s not meant to thrive here, so it doesn’t even bother trying.”
“Where did you live before you came to Frost Arch?” I asked.
Charles looked sad for a moment. “Phoenix Arch.”
“That sounds awfully similar.” I thought out loud.
I was confused, and I was quite sure that Charles knew more than he was letting on, though it sounded as if he didn’t want to talk about it further for he fell silent and continued walking.
We stopped outside a large oak door. Charles knocked before a voice announced that we could enter. He opened the door and bowed me through it before closing it behind us. Charles then turned to a man standing before us.
This man had a head of thick, grey hair, a moustache and goatee that came up in a little curl. His eyes were small, black and beady, and his forehead had a permanent crease in it from frowning so often during his life. He was tall and lanky, with a slightly protruding stomach that suggested too much vintage wine and cheese. Overall he gave of an air of great intimidation and importance. I soon found myself extremely scared. This was clearly Master Forsythe, the man Lester Elwood had mentioned to me.
“Master.” Charles bowed deeply.
“What is it Charles?” The man said walking to the window and pouring himself a drink from a table that stood beneath it.
The room we were in was very handsome indeed. Books lined the walls. In the middle of the large area was an enormous desk with an assortment of quills, parchment, and other objects all spread out evenly and orderly across the surface. Behind this desk was a beautiful spiral staircase that lead upwards to another level of the study. From here I could see even more books as well as a giant telescope which pointed up towards the entirely glass dome ceiling. I gawked at the beautiful room, wishing I could explore, perhaps have a go of the telescope.
“This is Miss Avalon Redding of Mortlock, Master Forsythe.” Charles indicated to me.