CHAPTER FOUR
As soon as Sydney turned off the phone she turned around and grabbed Jacob's by the T-shirt and pushed him back against the wall, people gaped at the pair as they walked past but they wisely chose to ignore what was going on.
"Why did they take her!" she demanded of the man in front of her.
"They want the book".
"Why? What is so important about this relic…It doesn't exist…Or that's what we've been led to believe".
"It disappeared long ago in the village that Ryanatu had made for his family and friends; when the village was destroyed we believe he left the book while he went after the killers…The only person that knew of the books existence was Prince Martin of Kelar. He was the evil Kings brother but was Ryanatu's friend…He found the book and hid it. One year ago Martin's diary was found in it was a map showing where the book was hidden".
"So these people what claim do they have on the book?"
"I am a descendant of Ryanatu the man who has kidnapped Mr Bailey's sister is a descendant of the King, he believes his ancestor to be a good man and Ryanatu to be the evil one…To put it simply he doesn't want to be proved wrong; he will burn the book and pretend nothing ever happened".
"Nigel's walking right into a family war…I have to go there".
"No!"
"You listen to me, the only way they will let Nigel's sister go is if he finds the relic they'll be watching him to make sure he does what they say. I'll find his sister then help Nigel in any way that I can".
"It's too dangerous Miss Fox".
"I'm not asking for your permission Mr Jacobs I'm telling you I am going to New Zealand to help my friend".
Something in her voice told Jacobs that he didn't want to get on the wrong side of Sydney Fox; Sydney stood back and let go of Jacobs. He straightened his T-Shirt and looked around as if someone was watching them there and then, there was an uncomfortable silence between them then finally Jacobs made his decision.
"Okay…I'll help you".
* * *
As soon as Nigel exited the airport someone came along side him and took hold of him by the arm.
"Come with me Mr Bailey no harm will come to you or Karen if you do as I say; there's a navy van outside go to it and get in".
He left Nigel and when he turned around the man was gone he saw the said van pull up no far from where he stood; he did as he was told and made his way towards it. The stranger in the drivers seat nodded to the back of the van where the doors were thrown open and another man beckoned him inside.
"You don't want to stand around outside for too long you don't know whose watching".
Nigel was pulled into the van the door slammed shut and the van sped away.
* * *
"Now listen to me show me that she's alright", Nigel said forcefully. "Please, he spoke politely this time after seeing there angry expressions when he'd ordered them around.
The man who'd given him his instructions at the airport nodded to the driver of the van; he left the room and returned with Siobhan.
"Nigel?" she asked as if her eyes where deceiving her.
He nodded, "Yes Karen you'll be out of here soon.
The driver grabbed her roughly pulling her back into the other room Nigel stepped forward.
"Wait –"
"Let's get down to business Mr Bailey".
"If you want this done properly Sydney should be here".
"Of course bring the world-renowned relic hunter to us so she can trick us and then take the book for herself I don't think so".
Nigel laughed, "Well can't say I didn't try eh!"
* * *
Karen listened carefully as she took in what Sydney was telling her. She'd come back and found Siobhan missing but she'd assumed the woman had got sick of waiting and left.
"Karen go home and stay there I don't want to chance these people going back there and realising their mistake".
"Okay I'll go straight away…Is Nigel all right?" she asked in a worried tone of voice.
"He knows what he's doing I trust him to do what he thinks is right" she was admitting it to herself as well as Karen.
Her assistant hung up the phone within five minutes she was out of the university and on her way home.
* * *
Nigel listened quietly as Adam; the Kings descendant told the story of his people and Ryanatu's. He spoke about his own family with the uttermost respect but when he spoke Ryan or Owens name he mouth practically spat with venom.
"They were evil beings Mr Bailey and they must not be allowed to see this book, it will not be easy the changelings were devious people and left traps everywhere I will show you the entrance but you must find you're way through".
Nigel nodded "Of course can't wait" he said sarcastically "Just one question though".
Adam waited for him to continue.
"You don't have anything to eat before I go, do you?
He could have been mistaken but Nigel didn't think Adam found his comment very amusing.
TBC…