Chapter 49Where More is Uncertain

The streets seemed much calmer tonight as I made my way to the safe-house and I wondered if that was common for a simple week-night. I tended to avoid the going-out area by walking around it but it didn't take me long to walk to the safe-house. I guess there was a spring in my step that made me walk quicker then usual.

I stood in front of the door and suddenly I realised something important. Something vital if I wanted to speak to Isabel.

A key.

How could I have been so stupid! Walking all this way without thinking about the locks. This was exactly what I meant with being too dependant on Valerie and Khuna, I mean I should have known...

I looked around as I heard the lock opening. Isabel stepped into the light of the street and smiled. It was odd. Her smile was playful, as if she just proved she was one step ahead of me and enjoyed it. It didn't bother me as such but I wondered how intelligent she was with all her knowledge. She seemed so in control, so untouchable. Yet... her body was that of a frail child.

"Janus is the key." Her voice clear in this silent street.

"Who is he?" I wondered how Isabel knew all this, but it occurred to me that a young mind would be more open to dreams.

"Your mother will know of him, ask her."

"Will she be alright?" I wanted to know more.

Isabel stayed silent, I kind of already knew it was all she would say. I wondered if she said only that which would make the future happen. She did steer us as subtle as she could with the exception of saving Khuna yesterday. I wondered if that was something that wasn't meant to happen.

What was I talking about? There wasn't a grand scheme or anything. Although... Sometimes it did feel as if others steered my life to their plans. This Afentis, Isabel... Sometimes I even felt dragged along by Valerie and Khuna. Probably even Kai would try to if he wasn't so preoccupied.

It was childish.

And I knew it. I was just so confused. I wanted to see my mother but there was so much more going on that I wanted to find out. I sighed.

"Afentis plays his part. Focus on Janus for now." Isabel's voice surprised me, I hadn't expected her to talk anymore.

"Thank you." For all the confusion in my head, I felt happy for each puzzle piece I could find, even if they were confusing. I leaned down to kiss Isabel on her cheek.

"AAAaaaieeeeeh!" She suddenly clamped her hands on her head, screaming out in pain, her bright voice echoing on the houses I looked around wondering if anyone heard us. It was still relatively early so I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people were still awake. There was light here and some open windows but no one looked out yet.

Isabel fell down on the curb and kept her hands over her ears, her eyes and mouth firmly shut. Something was horribly wrong.

"What's happening?"

She slowly got up. "It's nothing."

Of course I didn't believe her but what was I to do? I supported her as she got up. "You sure?"

"I'm alright." She sounded so small and fragile that time. For the first time since I'd met her she looked... human.

"It's time to go" She looked at me and smiled. She walked to the front door, opened it and closed it behind her. I could even hear the click of the lock as it was being closed again. I sighed.

Strange evening.

I slowly started to walk back to town again. It was still too early, and Isabel knew it too but it was good to be there soon.

I set off to the Broken Path.