8 August 2012
I walk to the end of an elaborate hall, then open a door at the very end. A loud creak screeches throughout, hurting my ears. I step into the cool, cavernous room, the coldness smacking me in the face. I notice that there was no furniture, or for that matter, any adornments at all. Totally weird, and downright creepy. Why would my dad not have any furniture in this room?
"violet, if you will please press ur hand on this panel?" I walk over and place my right hand on a circular wooden panel, and the reason for the no furniture becomes clear: the floor sinks down, And we are in another white, highly decorated room. Relics were literally everywhere. On shevles, on desks, some mounted on walls. The floor around me was covered with ancient looking rugs and carpets. I mean, I knew dad was a collector of sorts, but I didn't know to THIS extent.
"what...is this!" I ask, shock ringing richly throughout my voice. I run a finger along a nearby blade of an ancient Japanese katana. Dads face stiffens as I near the point. My skin splits open and blood pours down, ruby and thick. I suck my finger, and it heals instantly.
"These are my collectibles from past conquests of mine, when I used to be a sorcerer." dad had given up his magic around the same time he lost Mom, and I never understood why.
"why are they here?" luckily, the answer is right in front of me: this is the second half of my inheritance. All there is to see here is mine. Only one spot lies naked: a long, slender tubular hole with a huge spherical hole on top.
"why did you need me?" I repeat, expectant fear ringing in the question. I had a sneaky feeling that this wasn't going to be a good reason. Dad always had a way of putting a request on every visit.
" I am old, violet. Very old. When I gave up my magic, I inadvertently also sacrificed my immortality. I am going to die soon, and i need your help to complete your inheritance. You need not worry. The Council says I have at least one year until i die. Unless I retrieve the last artifact, then I can be saved. The artifact in question is known as The Staff of Elders. It's located in the Burmese jungle. You'll have to travel there and retrieve it by no later than three weeks from tomorrow, or I die. I know you can do it honey."
That last word was new. He hadn't used it since mom died. That had been six years ago, when I was ten. I'm sixteen now, and a senior at Seattle senior high.
"You just called me honey. You haven't done that since mom died. Are you growing soft?" disbelief spreads across my face, as well as sorrow. How can dad die? He's immortal. It's not possible. He'll be gone by the time I turn seventeen. Why?
"I know. I'm scares, violet. Very, very scared. I don't know what else to do! It's maddening! Dad buries his head in his hands, trying hard not to cry. Tears spring open in my own eyes, and I blink them away.
With stone firm resolution, I say loud and clear,
"I'll do it. I'll go to the jungle and I'll find that staff. Don't worry, dad. You'll be okay!" Dad looks up and smiles. He walks up and hugs me. I hug him back, hoping this wouldn't be the last one.
Chapter Three: The Staff Of Elders • Opuss № I