Читать книгу Chosen (Book #4 of the Vampire Legends) - Emma Knight - Страница 11

Chapter 5

Rachel flew through the air at lightning speed to get to the place she thought would have some answers for her. She landed, then looked up at the castle as if it she didn’t recognize it. It was completely different. There was scaffolding up over the entire outside with bright blue tarps hanging over the roof. She could see the cracks in the façade and instantly knew what had happened. The Greslins. They invaded during the great war. She couldn’t help but worry if everyone was all right. She hoped that Matilda and Uncle Drew were OK and that they were still living there.

She quickly walked up the cracked marble staircase and into the grand foyer of the castle. She ran into the library to find Uncle Drew, but he wasn’t there.

“Uncle Drew, Uncle Drew!” Rachel called. “Where are you?”

She waited a few seconds and called his name again. Then, as if from thin air, Uncle Drew stood before her.

“Yes, my dear, what can I do for you?” Uncle Drew asked.

“Uncle Drew, you have to help me. It’s Benji, there’s something wrong,” she said, worried.

“You’ve been gone for almost a year. I heard you took the leap of faith with him,” Uncle Drew said. “I’m proud of you, Rachel. I knew you had it in you.”

“Never mind that,” Rachel said, “Benji’s in trouble, he’s hurt and I don’t know what to do.”

“What do you mean he’s hurt?” Uncle Drew asked, sounding alarmed.

In walked Matilda, who’d overheard their conversation.

“Benji’s hurt?” she asked.

“Yeah! He’s bleeding from his neck, and he’s unconscious. I need help. Fast!” Rachel yelled.

“Where is he?” Matilda asked.

“He’s in the cave, where I left him. He was too heavy for me to carry but he’s tucked away safely in the cave,” she said, hoping that it was true. She assumed he’d be safe there for a few more days. After all, they’d been there for almost a year and they were OK. She didn’t think he’d be in any danger from the Greslin Coven there; he seemed protected.

“You need to get back there,” Matilda said. “You can’t just assume he will be safe.”

“I can’t go until I find the Red Amulet,” Rachel said. “He woke for only a moment and uttered those words.”

“The Red Amulet?” Uncle Drew asked. “I haven’t heard those words in thousands of years.”

“What is it?” Rachel asked.

“The Red Amulet is an ancient healing pendant. It’s said to be able to cure any illness or injury known to the vampire people,” Uncle Drew said.

“I’ve never seen the Red Amulet,” Matilda said, questioning him.

“That’s because it has been hidden for many years, since your great grandfather used it to save his wife, Gertrude from imminent death,” Uncle Drew replied. “It hasn’t been seen since.”

“Where’s our great grandfather now?” Matilda asked. “I don’t think I’ve met him.”

“No, you haven’t met him. He lives in Europe now, with Gertrude. They live in Palpana Castle with her family. After the incident they grew into solitude and didn’t talk to the family anymore,” Uncle Drew explained.

“So, how can I find it?” Rachel asked.

“That’s a good question. I think the only one who still talks to your great grandfather is Hunter. I don’t know if he would know, but it’s worth a shot,” Uncle Drew said.

“Where’s Hunter?” Rachel asked. “I haven’t seen him in over a year!”

“Last I heard, he was back at his prep school,” Matilda said.

“Then I have to go there. I must go find him now,” Rachel said in a hurry.

“But wait! I want to come, too,” Matilda said, looking around and grabbing her coat.

“No, Matilda. This is something I must do on my own. I must be brave and strong,” Rachel said. “Goodbye!”