Stella was shocked to see swords pointed at her the instant the Great Sage returned her as promised. She found herself in the front garden of their castle. And Zafir and Hendrick were both still unconscious. The two horses that she had tried to save were also there as the sage had said.
She was sure she had heard her mother's voice but she could not see her since Francis and the rest were hiding the duchess behind them like Stella was some kind of dangerous criminal that may harm the duchess.
'What's going on? This is our castle. And that's Francis. Why are they pointing their swords at me?' She looked behind her to check if the Great Sage was behind her and they didn't recognize him so they were wary. But no one was there. They were indeed pointing their swords at her.
She gawked at the person holding what looked like a magic staff when he asked her if she was really Stella. She looked around in shock and everyone was looking at her suspiciously.
