Page 59 of An Unlikely Knight

Chapter Nineteen

The spell book remained open on the coffee table, notebooks next to it as well as crystals, pouches and other paraphernalia that they hoped would be useful. The main question besides how the dagger that was the key to breaking the enchantment was to be used, was how they would get it to the alter-world.

Erin eyed the small blade once again and let out a weary sigh. The sun was setting, marking the end of a long day.

John was on the floor, on his stomach, leafing through pages of an old book. Gwen sat in a chair holding a crystal on a chain and softly chanting. Sabrina and Tammie were at the kitchen table, speaking softly and scribbling notes.

The most Erin had contributed was ordering take out and finding the dagger. She had no idea what else to do as she didn’t have even a speck of imagination when it came to the mystic arts.

She glanced around her flat noting the weariness on everyone’s faces. Understandable because it was unthinkable to give up. There was too much at stake.

Knocks on the door announced the food delivery and she opened the door to find not only a young man holding two large bags, but Aubrey as well. Her cousin took the food from the young man and walked past Erin, who held out a generous trip.

“Take a break people,” Aubrey announced as she walked into the flat. “I have an idea, but I need you all fed and refreshed before I share it.”

Everyone exchanged startled looks, even Erin, who’d not told Aubrey about her visitors.

Plates piled high with all sorts of Chinese dishes, the group sat down, eating and exchanging thoughts. Erin leaned over to Aubrey.

“How did you know we were here?”

Aubrey shrugged. “I tried to call you, and when you didn’t answer, I called your Mum. She did the location thing and told me you were here.”

“She can do that?” Erin asked incredulous since her mother barely knew how to use her own phone.

“I helped her set it up when you were dating that creepy guy, Dan. In case he took you or something.”

“I shouldn’t be on their plan. I’m an adult, but Dad insists on paying for it. It makes him happy.” Erin smiled despite finding out her mother had the ability to track her every move. “Dan was different, but he wasn’t creepy.”

“I disagree,” Aubrey insisted. “He had serial killer vibes.”

John cleared his throat. “What is this idea of yours Aubrey?”

Her cousin took a long drink from her tumbler which was probably filled with her favorite Scottish soda, Irn-Bru.

“This may be farfetched, but what if you summon the scary blond man and ask him what is happening over there?” Aubrey suggested.

The room was silent. Although the idea had merit, they didn’t trust the man, Gunther.

“I am not sure we can summon him,” Sabrina said.

Tammie shook her head. “And not to mention he is enslaved by Meliot, one of his minions.”

“Can’t trust him,” John said. “If he talks about us to the wizard, it will hinder everything we are doing.”

Erin was torn. She believed Aubrey’s assessment that Gunther seemed to genuinely want to help, but at the same time, it was true he worked for Meliot.

“When I was taken to the alter-world, Gunther was there. He stood between me and those horrible creatures when I was taken to the room. I am not sure what they meant to do to me, but they turned away and left when he wouldn’t budge,” Erin said then shrugged. “Unlike everyone else, he never threatened me.”

“But he did take you there, both you and Tammie. It was he who came here and followed Meliot’s orders,” Gwen reasoned. “I am not sure we should trust him.”

Tammie held her hands up. “I admit, he was reluctant to turn me over to those ugly creatures, but in the end he didn’t put up much of a fight and let them take me.”

Standing, Sabrina went to the kitchen and returned with another serving of food. “What if we summon him and ask him questions? We can cast a truth spell and see what happens.”

John became animated, rubbing his hands together. “That is not a bad idea,”

Everyone turned to look at Aubrey, who slid a glance toward Erin. “What?”