“This is Phoenix Arch? No wonder it wasn’t on the map. So why the name change?”
Jack shrugged, “When the line of males died out so did the Fire powers it seemed. As the line went on, the women in the family married and the name changed a few times. So now the last living descendant is Elvira Frost. Everyone noticed that as the line went along, the weather became colder and colder as Ice Mages were married into the family a few times.”
I frowned, “That’s no reason to change to name of Phoenix Arch though.”
Jack shrugged, “This happened before I was born, so it’s always been Frost Arch to me. Dad said the name change happened when Elvira Frost took over reign from her father. Her father died very suddenly when she turned sixteen or something. Heart attack.”
I clucked my tongue, “That doesn’t seem right.”
Jack made a face of indifference and stood from his stool, “History.” He waved it aside, “It doesn’t really matter anymore.”
“Does it snow all the time because of her?” I wondered.
Jack grimaced, “Who knows, Avalon? Does it really matter?”
I considered the question thoughtfully, before deciding it did matter. Something didn’t feel right about this place.
Chapter Thirteen
The Stalker Seth Swaggart
When Camryn entered the stables and hung the manure bucket upon a hook in the doorway she turned to face Jack and I with a sombre expression.
“Guess who I just saw?” She said reaching forwards and petting Midnight, the black Pegasus gently.
“No one coming in here, I hope.” I said, still petting Hawthorne who lay beside me. He seemed very sleepy today.
“No, don’t worry about him getting caught.” Camryn reassured, “I thought I caught a glimpse of Swaggart hiding in the trees behind the stables while I was throwing out the manure.”
Jack leapt from his stool and it clattered to the floor, “Swaggart?” He said; his body tense.
“Yes, I think-” Camryn began but Jack was already halfway towards the door.
“Woah, wait.” She said catching him by the coat and dragging him back, “He ran off when I saw him.”
“Yeah,” Jack scowled, “Doesn’t like hanging around, that one.”
I felt a shiver of fear run down my spine. Was Seth Swaggart really lurking around the stables because he knew I came here so often? Was he really after me? Or did he know I was hiding something here? Whatever the reason, that boy frightened me. Perhaps he was lurking for an entirely different reason, I wasn’t sure. Whatever the case was I didn’t want to run into him. I still remembered how I had felt the first time I had seen him. Scared, and frozen like ice, as though a big metal clamp was around my lungs, choking me. And that was just from looking into his eyes.
“Do you really think he is waiting for Avalon to be alone?” Camryn said doubtfully.
“Who knows what that psycho is up to?” Jack glowered, “But I don’t want him anywhere near her. She’ll be with someone at all times when she’s crossing the grounds to the stables from now on.”
I was rather touched by Jack’s anger and protective nature. I smiled at him and he averted his eyes quickly, huffing.
“I’m sure we’re over reacting. He’s probably a thief.”
Hawthorne raised his large, fluffy head and peered at me with his crystal blue eyes. He clearly conveyed his emotions through his eyes. He couldn’t have been clearer unless he could talk. His eyes threatened me to stay safe, or he would be quite mad if harm should befall me.
I smirked, “Don’t you worry about me” I said ruffling the fur atop his head.
Camryn frowned, “You talk to him as though he is a person, as though you can understand him.”
I shrugged, “Well we all know how smart he is.”
“But how can you be sure of what he is thinking?”
“I’m not.” I said, rather confused by the direction Camryn was taking, “But isn’t it obvious what he’s got on his mind? You can see his emotions through his eyes.”
Camryn raised an eyebrow, “If you say so.” She muttered.
Jack had preoccupied himself with a rather long hair he had discovered on his chin and ignored the conversation. Plucking it with his fingers he mused, “I wonder if R?ven would go on a date with me.”
“Conversation would be very interesting.” Camryn mocked.
“I bet I can get her to talk.” Jack said defensively.
“Because you’ve done very well so far.” Camryn smirked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Jack got her to nod last time he spoke to her.” I pointed out.
“Exactly.” Jack nodded eagerly, “Already halfway there.”
I chuckled and Camryn sighed impatiently.
“No harm in trying.” I reasoned.
“Don’t you two have work to do?” Camryn snapped.
“Now that you mention it.” Jack said pulling out his Time-Keeper, “I’m going to go and help in the kitchens.”
“By help you mean-” I began.