This is Part Two of the Prophecy Series


Chapter 1 There's no place like home

Isabella found Jasper's meagre belongs outside his door as she left. She placed them in his room and quickly made her way back to her own chamber. She opened the door and sighed in relief. This had been her room for ten years and she loved it. She opened her windows, with the same immensely beautiful view as Jasper. She looked around her, drinking in the familiar sight of her belongings. Mason leapt up on the bed, and Ty lay on the mat set out for her. Isabella stripped off and quickly washed the grime of travelling from her tired limbs and hair. Once clean she dressed in clean black breeches, her boots with the strangely heavy steel caps in the toe, a clean white cotton shirt with short sleeves, a leather jerkin and a pair of gauntlets. She brushed her hair and strapped on her sword. Isabella threw a clean cloak over her clothes.

She turned around and smiled at Mason. "How do I look?" she joked.

"Thou look fine Princess," he replied.

"I will return soon," she said, and she left the room. She would have loved to lie down and sleep but she had made a promise to Alice and she would keep it, making her way quickly to the stables. The man who had taken the horses from them before was grooming Edward's stallion, he looked up at her with a grin.

"Welcome back Princess Isabella," he said with a pronounced accent. She smiled.

"Thank you Amun," she said, "I shall be needing two fresh horses."

"Thou are leaving us again so soon?" he asked.

"Nay," she replied, shaking her head. "I need to bring someone home," Amun looked at her confused, but said nothing.

"Take those two, they need a good run," he said pointing two a sturdy little bay mare and a tall white stallion. Isabella saddled the stallion whilst Amun saddled the mare. Isabella stroked the stallion's nose.

"Hey there, handsome boy," she whispered, "Thank yea Amun," she said as she led the horses down to the hidden path to the beach, mounting the stallion she wrapped the mare's reins around her pommel and kicked the horse into a gallop as she turned back into the forest. She rode steadily for about half an hour until she reached a small grotto, dismounting she tied the stallion's reins to a tree. Standing in the centre of the grotto, Isabella concentrated, drawing up her power. In front of her a swirling orb or blue and silver light appeared. She stepped into it and disappeared.

Isabella hit the ground with a thud. She stood up and brushed herself off. Looking around her she realised she was in the same car park she had been in when she had first arrived on Earth. It looked very different that the last time she had seen, before it had been deserted, now was full of cars. She closed her eyes, concentrating on Alice, like a homing beacon Isabella felt a pull in a certain direction. Without bothering to remove her sword she set off in a jog in that direction. After about fifteen to twenty minutes and numerous strange looks and comments she stopped in front of a rundown house. As she had ran the neighbourhood changed from office buildings and apartment blocks to high-rise flats and rundown houses. She looked curiously at the house Alice lived in, the fly screen door was hanging by one hinge, there was the stench of garbage in the air and several rusted out wrecks of cars were parked on the browned remnants of the grass. Isabella stood on the rickety porch and knocked on the door. There was an outbreak of swearing and a half naked woman came to the door, she was dressed in an old faded slip that was hanging off one shoulder, her make up was smudged and she smelt to Isabella like strange smoke.

"Who the fuck are you?" she slurred in a raspy voice, flicking her cigarette at Isabella.

"Where be Alice?" Isabella asked, disgusted and saddened by the sight in front of her, the woman sniffed and turned away from the door.

"Alice! Alice! Get your fat ugly ass out to the front yard. You got a visitor. You'd better not fucking owe anyone any money or I swear I'll kick the shit out of you," the woman screamed. Isabella stepped off the porch and back onto the dead grass. Alice nearly fell through the front door, flying off the steps into Isabella's arms. She stepped back and stared in shock. Her hair flew wildly around her eyes and her face was a mass of bruises. Isabella also saw, angrily, that her nose was bleeding. When Alice recognised Isabella she hugged her fiercely, crying almost hysterically.

Then she stepped back, her eyes flashing angrily. "Where the hell were you?" she cried, tears streaming down her cheeks, "You promised me, you promised you would help me. You promised! You said you would take me with you but you left me. You left me here like everyone else," Alice fell into Isabella's arms, sobbing. "You promised you would take me away from here," she whispered sobbing. Isabella held her tightly, doing her best to soothe her.

"Hush Alice," Isabella said softly. "I am sorry, I had no other choice. I came for thee as soon as I could."

The woman came out on the porch. "Alice!" she shrieked. "Get your lazy, fat ass inside now. I'm fucking hungry," Alice raised her tear stained face to look at Isabella.

"Will you keep your promise?" she whispered. Isabella smiled at her and nodded. Alice drew herself upright, wiping the tears from her face. "Beth, you can go fuck yourself. I'm leaving. I refuse to be your slave anymore," she said.

The woman's face went red with rage. "You fucking little slut," she bellowed. "You dirty, pathetic little whore. Bill!" A huge, beefy man, wearing dirty stained shorts, appeared on the porch.

"What Bethie?" he growled.

"That little bitch thinks she can speak to me any fucking way she pleases. Teach her to respect her betters," Beth said. Alice paled even more and stepped back towards the footpath. The huge man stepped off the porch and swaggered towards them. Isabella placed herself in front of Alice.

"Move bitch," the man slurred. "I'm taking that little slut back inside to teach her how to show some respect," Isabella could have laughed at that ridiculous statement but she didn't, her face serious. The man lumbered towards her and took a clumsy swing. Isabella dodged it easily and spun, her heel connecting with the side of his head. Beth gave a cry as the man fell to the ground, semi conscious.

Isabella simply turned to Alice and asked, "Be there anything thou needs from inside?" Alice nodded and rushed inside. Beth ran out onto the grass trying to get her man to his feet, all the while hurling abuse at Alice and Isabella. Isabella simply stood calmly between her and the door, preventing her from getting to Alice. The door swung open and Alice ran out, a small backpack in her hands. Isabella grabbed her wrist and led her away. Beth stumbled out onto the cracked footpath.

"Fine, leave you stupid ugly bitch. Do you think I give a shit about you? Die in a fucking gutter. Your own father didn't even give a fuck about you. Worthless dumb bitch," she screamed, regardless of the neighbours. Alice and Isabella walked quickly, Alice head held high but helpless tears spilled down her cheeks. She wiped them away, smearing the drying blood from her nose across her cheek. Isabella stopped her.

"Alice," she said, turning her to face her. "Thou are free."

Alice smiled. "Thank you so much," she said. "I thought you had just left, and forgotten about me." Isabella shook her head. She placed a hand over Alice's face.

"I made thee a promise," Isabella said. She took her hand away, and Alice nose was undamaged, and the blood was gone. Alice raised a hand and touched her face.

"Wow, you have to teach me how to do that," she asked giving Isabella a watery smile.

"Thou shall learn much in Forks," Isabella commented, she looked around them, not far away she saw an alley. She led Alice down there.

"Where are we going?" Alice asked.

"Home," Isabella closed her eyes, concentrating. A huge ball of glowing light appeared. Alice's eyes widened with shock. Isabella smiled at her, and led her into the light.

They hit the ground rolling several times. Alice lay on her side, and suddenly she giggled.

"That is by far the strangest way I've ever travelled," she said. Isabella laughed and helped Alice to her feet.

"Can thou ride?" Isabella asked. Alice nodded.

"Sort of, but I haven't ridden in years," she said.

"It be not too far. We need not ride fast," Isabella said. She untied the mare from the stallion's pommel and shortened the reins. Alice mounted whilst Isabella untied the stallion and mounted. They set, riding side by side, through the forest.

"So what happened with you and Jasper?" Alice asked. "His parents called the police. They found his car and your picnic, but both of you were gone."

"Jasper and I were ambushed that night. My Aunt, Victoria, she came to kill Jasper and I. We barely escaped into Forks. I had to get Jasper to the safety of Eric before I could return for thee. I am sorry," Isabella said. Alice grinned.

"Don't be. You came back for me. So thank you," she said. As they rode Alice began to look around her. "Bella, I can never repay you for this." Isabella went to speak but Alice silenced her. "No, you don't understand. It feels like I'm home." Isabella looked at Alice, and saw the tears of joy shining in her eyes. She smiled.

"I am glad thou shall be happy here," it was nearly dark when they neared the beach. Isabella heard the sound of a horse and rider, and drew her sword. Alice looked around her, worried. Edward suddenly appeared and rode down the dunes towards them. Isabella grinned.

"Edward, why are thou not resting?" she asked.

He grinned crookedly at her. "Eric told me thou had returned to Earth. I wished to join thee on the ride but I missed thee. I wanted to make sure thee returned safely," he said honestly. Isabella smiled. Her friends never ceased to amaze her.

"Edward that was not necessary. I would like thee to meet a dear friend of mine. This be Alice," she said, gesturing to Alice. Edward pulled his horse in line with Isabella's as they made their way along the beach. He looked at Alice with interest.

"Welcome," he said, smiling. Then he saw the bruises marring her face. "Whoever struck thee should be gutted," he said, angered by the thought of someone beating a woman. Alice smiled and blushed.

"It doesn't matter now," she said. "I'm free." Edward grinned. When they reached the cliff, they dismounted. Edward led the way up the darkened pathway to the stables. Alice followed Isabella up the cliff. Amun was still in the stables when they entered. He grinned at Isabella.

"So thou have come back," he said. "And thee have brought us another beautiful woman," Alice blushed.

"Leave the horses Bells," Edward said. "Eric wishes to meet thy friend." Isabella nodded.

"Come Alice," she said and they made their way up to the library. Before they entered Isabella stopped Alice. "There be something thou should know about Eric. He be not like us," she said.

"How so?" Alice asked.

"He be a Centaur," Isabella said. Alice's eyes widened.

"Really? Wow," she said. Isabella smiled and opened the door. Eric was standing near a window, engrossed in one of the tomes Isabella had brought back from the Temple. He looked up as they entered.

"So this be the girl that be so important," he said, walking over to Alice, his hooves quiet on the carpeted stone. She gave him a smile.

"She is," Isabella said. She and Alice both sat in two armchairs. Eric moved behind a screen and came out in a normal man shape, dressed in a plain pair of breeches. He grinned at Alice's surprise and sat across from them.

"It be a pleasure to meet thee," Eric said in English. This time it was Alice's turn to grin.

"Not nearly as honoured as I am to meet you," she said. Eric held out a hand, which Alice took trustingly. He held on to it for several moments before he raised an eyebrow.

"I believe I understand now, why thou thought she belonged here," he said. "So tell me about the past few days. How was thou injured?" he looked at Isabella. She ran her hand lightly across the bruises on her neck. She remembered the fear she had felt, staring into the single, beautiful deceptive eye of the Manticore. Isabella went through all that had happened since she left for Earth. Finding Jasper, the ambush by Victoria and the journey back to the sea. "We have new allies," she said. "Jacob and Eleazar from the Castle Baliee, have offered their aid. They are prepared to spy for us."

"Eleazar is Emmett's brother?" Eric said. "And Jacob Black is thy friend from when thee was a child," Isabella nodded, and Eric gestured for her to continue.

"Jacob found us, the information was not good. Victoria found away into the caves in the mist, between Earth and Olympia. I do not know how, but she was able to free Jane. She has been given immortality and great strength. We were attacked by Manticores sent by the Dark One a few nights ago. I was injured. The bruises on my neck came when the Manticore tried to crush my throat," Eric looked concerned. Isabella showed him the healing scratches on her arm.

"I be alright now." She said seeing the look in his eyes. Alice spoke up.

"Who is Jane?" she asked.

"On Earth she was known as Carman," Eric said, not expecting Alice to have heard of her, however Alice nodded in recognition.

"I've heard of Carman. She's a minor Goddess from Celtic mythology," Eric nodded.

"Aye, now she be a minor Goddess in mythology, yet in her time she was a terrible plague. The Goddess of Dark Magick, during her time, she caused great evils on the island of Eriu," he said.

"That's Ireland right?" Alice asked. Isabella nodded. "I thought she died of grief? Although God's have a way of returning don't they," Eric and Isabella both nodded. "What about the Sorceress who helped the Pantheon defeat her and her sons? Her name was, um, Bechuille, that's right," Alice said. "What happened to her? The myths say nothing except that she was a powerful witch."

"Bechuille left Earth, after Carman/Jane was imprisoned. She reached Forks, and became beloved by the people. They called her Marie. She became the first of Empress of Forks. She be my ancestor," Isabella said. Eric looked over to Alice.

"Thou are very well educated for a Earthling. Tell me about thyself," he asked. As Alice told Eric about her life and her family, Isabella began to feel sleepy. She tried to pay attention to her friend, but the overstuffed armchairs were soft and comfortable. The exhaustion from the past days swept over her. She curled up a little and before she knew it she was asleep. Eric looked over at her and smiled fondly, gently he shook her. She woke with a start, the stress of the past days making her reach for her dagger. Eric raised his hands in peace, and she released the hilt.

"Alice and I have much to talk about," Eric said. "We will take dinner together. Thou should go and rest little one. We can talk on the morrow," Isabella nodded.

"Alice, I will see thee later. Welcome home," she said. Alice smiled at her. Isabella left the two of them talking earnestly, and instead of returning to her chamber she went down the kitchens. There was a bustle of activity down there, her friends and companions preparing to eat. She was cheered as she entered the room, she blushed crimson then gestured for them to continue.

"Will thou eat with us Bells?" several young men asked. Nianva grinned.

"Yes Bells join us," she said. "I simply cannot entertain all the handsome males in Haven on my own," Isabella grinned wickedly and sat down. Someone handed her a mug of ale.

"If thou are sure thou can handle the competion," she shot back at Nianva, raising laughs from the crowded benches. "I cannot stay long. I should take some food to Jasper," Edward frowned from where he sat next to Nianva.

"Where be thy pretty new friend?" he asked. Isabella grinned.

"When I left them Eric and Alice were discussing the different points in mythology. By the sound of them, they shall be talking all night," she finished her mug of ale. "I must leave thee all now," she said, standing. The others at the table groaned and booed.

"I shall see thee all at training on the morrow," she went into the kitchens and piled up a tray of fresh fruit, bread, meat, stew and ale. She took it and made her way up to Jasper's chamber. Leaving the tray floating behind her she opened the door and entered the darkened chamber. With a wave of her hand several candles lit up and filled the room with a dim glow. She looked over at Jasper and smiled. He was asleep, sprawled on the huge bed. He had found a loose pair of soft woollen breeches and his feet and upper body were bare, his untidy hair fell across his forehead. She sat at the edge of the bed and lowered the tray down in front of her with ease.

"Jasper," she said softly, shaking his leg gently.

"Huh, what?" he said, sitting up. He rubbed his eyes, pushing his honey curls off his face. "Bells. What's wrong?" Jasper asked. She stood beside the bed.

"Naught. I just came to bring thee food," she said. She turned to go. "I shall leave thee now." Jasper reached out and gripped her wrist.

"Wait," he said, Isabella turned and looked at him. He pulled her down until she was sitting on the bed. He grinned at her.

"I understand why you lied to me. I wouldn't have stayed in Forks had you told me the truth. I would never have seen the forests, or met the people. I forgive you. From now on though, can you just be honest with me?" Isabella nodded.

"I am not sorry I lied, yet I am sorry that I hurt thee," she said. Jasper slid closer to her, careful not to disturb the loaded tray of food. He placed his hand on her cheek.

"It's alright. I understand why you did. I'm sorry I was so angry at you before," he said. Isabella shook her head.

"Nay, thou had every right to be angry Jasper, I-" Jasper kissed her, soft and slow, silencing her protest.

"Sush," he said, smiling. "Or I'll keep kissing you until you can't speak," Isabella gave him a strange look.

"Do not," she said. Jasper gave a guilty grin.

"Couldn't help myself," he said. Isabella flushed and turned to the tray.

"Are thou hungry?" she asked. Jasper smiled at her embarrassment and nodded.

"Oh, baby, this looks great," he said. "I'm starved. Why don't you join me?" they began to eat. Isabella gave a quick yawn then an embarrassed grin.

"Have you slept yet?" Jasper asked. Isabella shook her head.

"Naught but a few minutes in the library," she said. He placed a hand on her cheek.

"Go, sleep." he said. She nodded.

"I will soon enough," she said. They finished eating, and Jasper lay back down, the candlelight glowing of his bare, tanned torso.

"So did you find Alice?" he asked. Isabella removed her sword belt, unlaced her jerkin, slipping it off and stretching out at the end of the bed.

She nodded. "Aye, her home life was terrible. I am glad she be here," she said. Jasper grinned at her.

"You care so much about others," he said. Isabella coloured and said nothing. She sat up suddenly.

"I should go. Thou need thy rest. I shall come for thee in the morning," she said. As she stood up, Jasper pulled her back onto the bed.

"Night Isabella," he said softly. "I'll see you in the morning," he pulled her head forwards and went to kiss her but Isabella pulled away, Jasper winding up kissing the air above her head.

"Good night Jasper," she said firmly before leaving. Jasper lay back down his arms crossed under his head, a smile gracing his handsome face. Soon he was fast asleep again.

Isabella made her way back to her chamber. With a wave of her hand the room was filled with candlelight. She opened the windows to allow the cool ocean breeze to fill her room. She stripped off her clothes and slipped on a soft shirt. After braiding her hair she curled up on her huge soft bed. Giving a long sigh of relief at being home, she lazily raised a hand, dousing the candles. The cool, clean ocean breeze slid over her warm bare skin. Mason curled up near the end of the bed and Ty licked her hand before returning to her mat.

Exhaustion washed over her, and she quickly fell asleep.