This is it! The lucky seventh chapter of the seventh story! That's gotta be some sort of sign, don't y'all think? Anyway, thanx to everyone who's readin' my stories! Y'all make this old man happy! I especially wanna give shout outs to:
chyp: Thanx for your review…"thrilling" indeed.
Raya X: I'm assuming you're gonna review this one, since you've never let me down, or because I've kinda cajoled you into it…but thanx anyway! I can always count on you!
"Here he is," James said, pointing out Miles' picture in the Book of Light. "Selim, a Trickster. It says that 'Tricksters are warlocks who exploit sideshow magic and use it as a method of offense. Although they are low-level demons, they are still considered powerful. However, they are often consumed with performing their tricks.' Good, there's a vanquishing spell here. It's a Complete Spell, so the three of us need to read it."
"A Complete Spell for a low-level demon?" Matthew asked. "That's strange."
"It's probably just to make sure," Wesley speculated.
"He goes by Miles," Lina said from a distance. "He says it's easier on the tongue."
"Oh," Wesley said unemphatically.
"So I guess that explains why we walked in on a circus act," Matthew said.
"What I don't get is why we have to protect her," Wesley said, pointing at Lina.
"Because unlike you two," James said, "I'd rather her not die at the hands of a warlock. Like it or not, she's our innocent. Besides, she's been telling the truth so far about Selim…I mean, Miles."
"What's with the change of heart all of a sudden?" Matthew asked. "Yesterday you didn't want anything to do with her. Now you wanna protect her. Make up your mind."
"Let's just focus on the task at hand," James said. "Better yet, why don't the two of you do something useful in your own room."
"No way!" Wesley said. "I'm not gonna leave you with that crazy b…"
"Bye," Matthew said, dragging Wesley out of the room.
James closed the door behind them and locked it. He turned to Lina, who had a deer-caught-in-headlights expression on her face. He motioned for her to sit down in his chair while he sat on his bed.
"Why are you still hanging around here?" James asked. "What's the real reason?"
"I can't go back to my 'home,'" Lina said. "They know about me. I know too much."
"Who are 'they?'" James asked.
"The Council," Lina answered. "You know about them, right?"
"Vaguely," James said. "It's really uncomfortable for you to be here, you know. Matt and Wes aren't too thrilled about it. We've got other issues to deal with besides this. I think that it's better that you find somewhere else to go. You can take care of yourself, I know that much."
"You don't understand," Lina said. "That's not…that's not the only reason I'm still here. I was hoping that you and I…we…could have another chance. I mean, now that you know the truth about me and all…"
James and Lina heard a quiet, but audible gasp right outside the door. It was quickly followed by a shushing sound and a small thump on the door. James rolled his eyes and turned back to Lina. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. This, the same woman who tried to kill him and his brothers, wanted to forget about the past and move on. Was he capable of that?
"I can't do that," James said after a short silence. "It's too weird."
"Can't you just think about it for a while?" Lina pleaded.
"I'm sorry, but no," James replied firmly.
"Fine," Lina said, suddenly changing her tune. "I tried to be nice, but you're just not getting the picture. I'll give you some time to think about it anyway, but don't waste it."
Lina disappeared in a flame, leaving James alone. Usually, her fiery method of travel was harmless, but this time, she left a large scorch mark on his chair, where she had been sitting. Wesley and Matthew walked back inside, as if on cue. Wesley was shaking his head.
"I told you," Wesley said. "The girl is a nut, you know."
"It sounds like she's turning back to her evil side," Matthew guessed. "We need to do something about it before she goes too far."
Ugh! I guess I should've seen it comin'! Lina should never have been trusted in the first place! She's so sometimey that I can't stand it! What will the brothers do about it? And what will this Selim/Miles character get himself into next?
