CHAPTER 2
Cole stared after Arlana as she quickly brushed past him holding Kellam’s hand. Well, that couldn't have been any worse if I'd planned it, he thought. He knew he should follow them to make sure she really did get there ok but found himself needing more time to pull himself together. Kellam was really beginning to get under his skin. He was trying so hard to protect Arlana and Avalynn physically and now he felt like he would also have to look after their hearts. He had often seen Kellam with his arms around Avalynn and he had a feeling Marika was very happy about this. But seeing Kellam’s arms around Arlana was very disquieting on more than one level. For one thing Marika wouldn't like it, and Arlana already had enough problems in that relationship. Secondly, he's constantly flirting with her sister. He also thought of how Avalynn was her closest family member and friend, if anything was to drive a wedge between them, he didn't know how Arlana would take it. And there was also something even deeper; it was almost painful to see her in Kellam’s arms. He thought maybe it was because he was her protector, maybe it was just a protective instinct. As he was busy pondering through his thoughts he realized more than a few minutes had passed and he swiftly headed towards the tailor’s cabin.
When he arrived he decided to keep watch across the road. He stood in front of the baker’s cabin across from the tailor and tried to make out what was going on. Through the window he saw Kellam smiling and noticed him kiss Avalynn’s cheek. Avalynn was wearing her ball gown and looked very beautiful. There he goes again, Cole thought. He was wishing someone would make him leave; he doesn't need to be in there. At just that moment the tailor was practically pushing Kellam out the door and Kellam was still looking back ogling after Avalynn.
"Kellam you better watch where you're going, we wouldn't want you to trip and hurt yourself," Cole said with a smile.
"I'm sure you would be devastated if something happened to me Cole, who would help you look after the twins when you are slacking off," Kellam replied sarcastically.
Cole’s blood boiled. That really hit him where it hurt. That is something he promised himself he would never do, and yet twice today he had lost track of Arlana.
"Kellam, your job is not a protector, that is my job, and I would appreciate it if you could keep your hands to yourself where the twins are concerned."
"Like that would ever happen. They are my friends, and contrary to whatever you're thinking, me being in there life is a good thing. Ask either one of them. You saw the way Arlana picked me over you; it's going to happen every time."
"Speaking of picking, you can't seem to make up your mind which twin you are dating, I say you pick one quick before I inform Diokles and neither of them are available to you."
“Ooh I’m really scared; you have to go tell Daddy. It’s not my fault I’m better looking than you.”
"Very funny Kellam, you won’t look so attractive when I'm through with you if you don't stop playing your games. I can't believe I am going to have to spend an eternity with you."
"Well get used to it. And maybe after I've married into the family I will have you reassigned to looking after someone else, I'm sick of you lurking around every corner everywhere I go."
With that Kellam kept walking and Cole let him go. Cole couldn't wrap his head around the fact that Avalynn even liked that guy. Everyone at camp seemed to be in love with him. Even Arlana seemed fooled."Arrrrrghh," he let out an exasperated sigh. If that is the person Avalynn truly wanted he couldn't stand in her way. But Kellam just better not mess with Arlana, he thought.
Cole’s eyes gazed down the street and then he returned his eyes to the tailor’s shop. He tried to focus once again on his job. With that thought he looked in through the window of the shop. He saw Arlana leaning against the window sill. Good, he thought, she's safe. He wondered why she wasn't in her gown. She was still in what she was wearing at the park. He had heard that Kellam would be taking Avalynn to the celebration the next weekend. If he even thinks about taking Arlana as his second date I am going to kill him before he ever gets a chance to drink that elixir, Cole thought. The sunlight was shining down on the window sill and her hair was a beautiful golden red. He was staring intensely at her when she turned. He felt as though she could almost hear his thoughts, calling to her. Her amber eyes looked out across the street. As she turned them on him he felt as though everything would be ok. She smiled at him and her eyes softened. Good, he thought, forgiven.
As she stepped out of the shop Cole walked towards her keeping pace with her. He decided not to bring up what happened at the garden and he hoped she wouldn’t. Moments later she did.
"Cole, I'm sorry I got so upset with you earlier, I didn't mean to hurt you."
"That's ok, I'm not hurt. I just want you to be safe, that's all it is." Cole replied stoically.
Arlana sighed and moved a step away from Cole as they walked. "I was fine Cole, you need to stop seeing us as little kids, we are perfectly capable of watching out for ourselves, and Kellam would never hurt me."
Cole bristled." I want you to be careful around Kellam; you do know he is bringing Avalynn to the celebration, don't you?"
Cole wasn't sure why that came out.
"Yes, I know, isn’t it wonderful! Wait, what does that have to do with anything?!"
Cole sensed Arlana was getting upset with him. "Arlana, just be careful, and make sure you're not alone with Kellam anymore!"
"Why are you upset?" Arlana took a step closer to Cole.
Cole composed himself. "I'm not upset, I am just doing my job, protecting you, and it would help if you cooperated."
With that Arlana walked purposefully away from Cole towards her cabin.
"Where are you going? Aren't you supposed to be going to the hairdressers with Avalynn?" Cole shouted after Arlana picking up his pace to keep up with her.
He couldn’t understand why she was so upset with him. He was looking out for her best interest. Perhaps he should not vocalize his concerns regarding Kellam. After all it seemed as though she was happy for her sister.
When they reached Arlana’s cabin she abruptly turned around, “Cole please go find someone else to bother. You are such an overbearing brute! I would appreciate it if in the future you kept your opinions about my friends to yourself. I know you take your job seriously but I am not a child and can think for myself! Please stop treating me as one!” Arlana said in an increasingly loud and agitated voice. Before he had a chance to reply she turned, walked into her cabin and slammed the door in his face.
Cole was speechless. Arlana had never spoken to him like this. Albeit she was not supposed to converse with him at all but as the years progressed it was quite clear that Diokles and Marika wanted nothing to do with her. Her loneliness was profound and he took it upon himself to protect her from that. It is harder to keep emotions out of your job if you interact with your charge. He learned that the day he began his training and he had never wavered in that belief.
He was torn. He wanted to apologize to Arlana but perhaps he needed her to be upset with him. It would make it easier to be impartial when he protected her. However, Arlana being angry with him and ignoring him was something he couldn’t live with. He couldn’t leave things like this with her. He raised his hand to knock on her door to apologize. Right before his hand hit the door he heard someone calling his name. Irritated by the interruption he turned and glared at the man running towards him.
It was his second in command, Marco, who was extremely out of breath and had to pause a moment before he could speak. “Where on earth did you come from? Perhaps you have been neglecting your weekly drills. How do you expect to protect our lord if you can’t even manage a jog?” Cole asked Marco in a clipped tone.
“Sorry sir. I came from the other side of the camp and then had to run around all the cabins to find you. You turned off your cell phone again. Diokles is looking for you.” Marco said in an exhausted voice.
“Very well. Stay here and keep an eye on Arlana. Do not let her out of your sig
ht!” Cole commanded Marco.
What now, Cole thought. “How can I be expected to do my job if I am being summoned by that annoying device? Why Diokles ever allowed cell phones here is beyond my understanding.” Cole responded. He paused and looked at Marco. “Sorry Marco. Bad timing. Thank you. I will go there right away. Any ideas why I am being summoned?” He asked.
“I am not fully clear on why but my assumption would be something regarding the ball, sir.” Marco responded in a respectful tone.
Cole turned and began walking towards Diokles’ cabin. He had gone over the security for the ball a hundred times. The camp is so tightly protected what could possibly go wrong.
Cole entered Diokles cabin and headed towards the main room. Diokles spent much of his time in this room prepping for his various travels through the mangroves. The walls were hidden behind several bookcases which were filled with a great variety of books. In the center of the room was a vast collection of various mementos Diokles couldn’t bear to part with. He was sitting at the desk at the far end of the room. Cole walked to the desk “How may I be of service my lord?” He asked.
Diokles looked up from the book he was studying. At first he appeared agitated by the interruption but when he saw that it was Cole he smiled. “Ah, there you are. We have had a devil of a time getting a hold of you which is extremely unacceptable Cole! Never ignore your cell phone!”
“Yes my lord, I apologize for my error. I will ensure that this never happens again. ….Was there anything else I could be of assistance with?” Cole asked hesitantly. Normally Diokles was warm and friendly. He always treated Cole with the greatest respect. What on earth was going on?
“Very well, I would like you to have two protectors watching Avalynn at all times. Nothing must happen to her before the ball. We have a surprise for her and I fear for her safety.” Diokles said.
“I will have Marco join Sven. May I ask what is planned for her? Should we re-address our security measures?” Cole asked hesitantly.
“No it is a surprise and the less people that know the better. I would prefer you to be on the second guard. Her safety is the upmost importance.” Diokles said demandingly.
“My lord if I were to be on protector duty for Avalynn who would you have protect Arlana? Will she not be at risk too?” Cole asked trying to hide his irritation. He did not trust his men to protect Arlana properly. He feared that Marika tainted their thoughts about her.
“Arlana? What does she have to do with it? She will be fine.”
“Yes my lord I will see to the shift adjustments. Is there anything else you needed?”
Diokles waived Cole off. Cole walked outside the cabin and turned towards the garden. He was feeling agitated and needed to walk it off. So far he was having a terrible day and he knew the garden would bring him some peace.
What was Diokles planning? Why was it only for Avalynn? Cole’s mind was full of unanswered questions. Why was Arlana being left out? It was not fair that she was ignored so much he thought.
He reached the garden and sat by the rose bushes. This part of the garden smelled wonderful. It was peaceful here. As Cole calmed down he tried to understand why he was so bothered by his interaction with Arlana. Perhaps protecting Avalynn and putting some distance from Arlana would be best. He needed to be at his best and these thoughts pulled him from his duties.
Cole stood up and headed towards the protector’s cabins. It was time to issue new orders. Marco would keep an eye on Arlana and Cole would join Sven in protecting Avalynn. The only drawback to this plan was that Kellam would be around more often.