I knew I couldn't face it but in foolish bravado, I chose to.
Just then, an idea hit me hard...
JANE POV:
Drekov dragged me to the other side of the portal. I watched as the beast hit him across the face, just before the portal closed.
"What did we just do? We left him to die".
"He won't die, at least, not yet. But he will if we don't get help now".
I looked around at the place. It was very strange but royal.
I looked at the corner to see Drekov's picture.
"Are we in...?".
"Yes. It was the only place I could think of at that time".
I looked for words to chide him but I couldn't find any.
"At least, you saved us". It was Xiao. He was listening to the conversation.
"Let's get help first".
We looked at Lucas. He was still out cold.
We ran across the vast room and went through the door. We only entered an even bigger terrace.
We had no choice, we took the stairs.
"You didn't tell me you are a prince".
Well you didn't ask".
We arrived downstairs. We met a woman tending to the flowers.
"Aunt Aggie".
She turned around in surprise.
"Prince Drekov, when did you get back?".
"All that isn't important now. Where's Dad?".
"He's in a meeting in the throne room".
"Shit".
"Ahem" I coughed.
"Sorry guys. Aunt Aggie, these are my friends, Xiao and Jane".
"...and Aurella". She came downstairs.
We looked at her.
"Hello ma'am. Pleased to meet you".
"And you too".
"Let's go then" I said. I was obviously in a hurry.
"Don't you understand? He can't go in now". It was Xiao.
I was beginning to feel chided myself.
"It involves Ace's life" I countered.
"What's going on?".
FEW MOMENTS LATER
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?".
"It doesn't matter now".
"Can't we just go in?"
"We can't. He'll scold me, just like...".
"He won't scold you. You have to let go of the past, Dre."
"Thanks Aunt Aggie".
As touching as the sight was, every second reminded me that Ace was in danger.
"Can we go now?".
"This way to the throne room".
We went straight ahead. She led us to a door.
"This is how far I can go. Go save your friend".
We entered via the door. It led us into another passageway.
"A passageway leading to another passageway?".
"Guess someone's got privacy problems".
We ran to the other side of the room. We got to a door guarded by two men.
We wanted to enter, but the guards crossed their spears in majestic fashion.
"The Council's in session. Nobody's allowed to enter" one said.
"But he's your prince. Plus it's urgent".
"Sorry, nobody's allowed to enter".
"Arrgh".
Just then, an idea popped into my head.
I looked at them. They shook their heads in disagreement.
"Sorry. This is gonna hurt".
I rammed my fists into his stomach. Unwittingly, I literally rammed my hand into a quarter of pure steel. He didn't budge either.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch".
My hand went numb with pain. I turned back. They looked at me like "I told you so".
"Schwartz, look. Meena's over there".
"Huh...?".
"Quick, enter".
We ducked and dived into the room. The door seemed to announce our presence.
Everyone looked back at us in surprise.
"The prince...?".
We ran towards the end of the room, to the throne.
"Son, what is this?".
"Sorry Dad. We need your help now".
"I'm sorry I can't help you. You know the law".
"Please it's urgent".
"Guards!".
Schwartz and his comrade rushed inside the room.
"What is the meaning of this?".
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. They deceived us".
"Take them out".
The guards prodded us outside. We tried to speak to the King, but he won't have any of it.
Out of desperation, I yelled "My friend's life is in danger. With a bloody cauldez".
"Stop!".
He raised his hand. The guards left us and went out of the room.
He suddenly seemed genuinely interested in what we had to say.
"Did you say, a cauldez?".
"Yes".
He reached out for his staff. He stomped it on the floor twice.
Suddenly, the setting of the room changed, like that of the Council of Druids.
"You're before the Council of Druids. You may speak".
"A cauldez attacked us at the Academy. The pure-blood descendant saved us and chose to battle it alone".
"Suicide!" one yelled.
"Isn't he but a boy?" said another.
Whispers soon filled the air again.
"Silence!".
"You may continue".
"We require your assistance to save him".
"I'm afraid I can't help you. Where you speak of is outside my jurisdiction".
"Your jurisdiction? I don't understand".
"You are before the Russian Council of Druids. Where you speak of is under the American Council of Druids".
My imagination went bizarre with the amount of information about the Wizarding world I was getting.
"Can't you just contact the American Council?".
"No, you'll have to take it up at the European Council of Druids".
My thoughts went numb at the intricate web of bureaucracy.
I tried to fathom the protocols involved.
'We'll meet with the European Council of Druids. Then, we'll get to the North American Council of Druids. Then to the American Council of Druids. Before then, Ace is probably toast".
"I think there might be a way" one of the members offered.
A ray of hope glittered in me.
'Hold on, Ace. We're coming for you' I thought.