Madeline's Warning

---Katherine---

I rolled my eyes. Of course we're in terrible danger. We've nearly died a hundred times by now. A crazy lord who wants to take over the world and who is leading an army of nearly-invincible monsters is coming after us. Of course we're in danger. We didn't need to be told of this.

"I know you all already know this, but I need to tell you one last time," Madeline continued, choosing to ignore my eye roll. "Lord Victor is a ruthless, evil man. He would stop at nothing to find you seven and kill you all. He would stop at nothing to achieve his goal of world domination. You need to be careful."

"But we don't even have a detailed plan. Our plan right now is to reach his stronghold by winter and destroy his source of power, which is the only thing keeping the Evils alive. Is there anything useful that you know that might help us?" Indigo asked.

"Mmmm." Madeline tapped a finger against her chin. "Nothing that you all already don't know…Oh! I can tell you for sure, that his source of power is a magic orb."

"A magic orb?" I exchanged surprised glances with Aaron.

"It's big enough to fit snugly in one cupped hand. It glows red and contains an ancient magic. To destroy it, you have to shatter the orb and release the magic trapped inside. Once released, Lord Victor will lose all of his power, and we will have won." Madeline explained.

"So all we do is get the ball and drop it on the floor?" Lucian asked incredulously. "Seems kinda easy."

"Well, considering how the orb contains all of his magic, Lord Victor will keep it close. It will be extremely difficult to reach him and even to get near the magic orb. Also, since the orb has been possessed by evil for so long, it will tempt you as Lord Victor would. It contains immense power, and it will try to corrupt your soul." Madeline's green eyes shone with warning. "You will be shown illusions, and your mind will be twisted. You must be careful. If you can, don't touch the orb at all."

"What happens after the orb is destroyed?" Rachel asked. "Will all the Evils combust and die?"

Madeline shook her head. "I'm not sure. There's no telling what will happen after the orb is destroyed. No one has seen this orb in person, but we know it contains magic as old as Crystallea itself. For all I know, releasing the magic could lead to a tear in time and space. The Evils were never meant to be, but how the destruction of the orb will affect them is a different story. I'm sorry I am unable to offer you more information."

"That's alright," Jason said solemnly. "Thank you for the information."

"One more thing: Lord Victor is very, very dangerous. You children have no idea." A flash of emotion passed through her face. Was it fear? "He will turn you guys against each other. He will have traps to kill you before you even get near his stronghold, which will have death waiting around every corner and behind every door. It's rumored to be impenetrable. Many valiant warriors have tried to enter, and none, has never, ever returned. Be careful, and keep your wits about you, my children."

We all nodded, dead serious. This mission was sounding more and more like suicide. But apparently we're the only ones who actually have a chance at succeeding, so we have to try.

"So this brings me to my mission. You all know that the Destined Three each wield a special weapon, right?" Madeline's gaze swept over us.

"Yeah. Three shall stand before the enemy:/The first holds the sword of destiny, The second dons the cloak of great might,/The last one wields the spear of light.," I recited from memory. Madeline looked at me with something like pride. The others looked at me with awe.

"You memorized the prophecy?" Aaron asked. "Wow."

I shrugged. "I was always fascinated by it."

"Good, good. Nice job, Katherine." Madeline praised me. "So there's a spear, a cloak, and a sword. Unfortunately, no one knows where they are or what they look like. But hopefully, since they are magical items prophesied to be with three of you, you won't have to go much out of your way to get them."

"I don't see how this relates to your mission…" Indigo said quizzically.

"Well, I have something for one of you," Madeline said mysteriously. "It was passed on to me by my mentor decades ago, and it's been with me for decades more. I heard that the Rosewood Seven have been revealed, so I brought it here. You should have more use for it than I do."

"What is it? Who is it for?" I leaned forward, anticipating. I wanted to see what cool object Madeline brought for us, and so did everyone else. We all stepped closer.

Without any warning, Madeline's arm was out and a ring of something flew towards us. She moved so fast; it was only a blur.

"Duck!" I yelled. My training kicked in, and I flattened myself against the wooden floor. Something flew past my ear, ruffling my hair. I heard a few oofs from those who weren't fast enough. What did Madeline throw at us?

"What was that?" Aaron shouted in alarm.

"Madeline, why did you do that? Aren't you on our side?" Indigo was shocked as well.

Ignoring everyone's surprise, Madeline thrust one arm up in the air. Something flew up. As we watched in shock, it came spiraling down towards earth, gaining speed. A memory suddenly flashed by in my mind: when my sword was about to impale me back at Old Henry's mill. I can't let that happen again. Without seeing exactly what the thing was or where it would land, I leapt up from the floor and twisted my body up to grab it.