Circle Quartet: Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Our horse cart stops in front of a cave. The coach opens the door for us. As I step out from the cart, I know that we’re now in a country side. The place is surrounded by shady trees and I can hear the sound of birds chirping and the river flowing. I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. How I love the smell of nature! Jeff thanks the coach before he disappears. I know that the coach is one of Grandma Zelda’s henchmen.

“A cave?” whines Sable after he stretches his tired body. “I thought we’re going to the Main House of Circle.”

“Can you please stop whining? I have enough with are-we-there-yet questions back then,” I glare at him. Sable always complains and whines whenever he boards any vehicle except for the aeroplane. He doesn’t like to ride something that is slow.

“This is the right place, guys. Welcome to the 5^th Stop, Calore Cave,” Jeff gives a warm welcome smile. “It looks like a cave on the outside because the House is heavily guarded by special binding spell. Did you have your invitation cards?” We nod in unison.

The first rule to enter the Main House is to have the invitation card. Nobody can enter without the invitation card. I printed the invitation card last night and fold it neatly and put it inside the cloak. We hold the invitation cards and step in.

In a blink, the cave turns into buildings like an ancient China palace. Palm trees line up beside the walkway. Bonzais are mushrooming everywhere. The green mown lawn paved the ground. We walk in a slow pace and look around with awe. This place is so amazing! The Main House stands proudly in front of us. The steps are covered with the finest marble and I can hear the clacking sound of my black leather shoes.

Strong, tall pillars standing at each corner of the House and there’s another huge stairs waiting for us. We climb the stairs that are coated with gold and reach at the hallway where rows of rooms stand both left and right. Each door has its number. Jeff tells us to look at the number in the invitation cards. The numbers represent the rooms and we must wait in that room before we’re being called by the Elders of Circle.

My room is number 17. That’s the sweet number because I’m now 17 (but I don’t think I act like one, though). I slowly twist the golden door knob and enter the room which is not too big. It has a sofa, a small cupboard, a mini fridge, a stand mirror, and an LCD TV pasted on the wall, facing the sofa. The room is air-conditioned and perfumed with citrus. I look around the room and stop in front of the mirror. I am wearing a tuxedo wrapped in a cloak – the dress code for vampires.

Suddenly the TV switches on by itself and Grandma Zelda appears. She makes me jump because I can see the reflection from the mirror. She ties her greyish hair into bun and she looks happy.

“Good morning, children. I hope that all of you are here by now. The meeting will start in 10 minutes. You may enter the Hall on the third floor. Bring your invitation card and no talking. Thank you.” The TV switches off. The time has come. I check the invitation card before leaving the room. I meet Beatrice and Raven but I just smile and nod at them. Rules number two: you can’t make any conversation in the hallway unless you are allowed to do so.

The Hall is like a parliament house. The seats arranged in U-shape, facing the two rows of seats; the Eldest of Circle and First-Rank Commanders. Each seat for Representatives has our names written on the desk. My seat is in the middle. Rule number three: You can sit down when your name being called. So, I have to remain standing and waiting for my name to be mention.

The Elders are already here and they are having whispering chit-chat. The Commanders, on the other hand, are just arrived and they are taking their seats. One of them is Jeff, sitting next to Uncle Anders, Mom’s eldest brother. There are four Commanders from each clan. The other two are Uncle Azure, Stefan’s father and Madison, Raven’s cousin from her mother’s side.

“Calling upon the Representative of the Amber clan,” Grandma Maegan, who is wearing the golden high-neck cloak, announces.

I bow and sit down. At last, after being tired of standing up, I can rest myself on the comfortable chair.

“Calling upon the Representatives of the Black clan,” Grandma Zelda announces. She looks magnificent in her golden satin robes.

The Blacks bow and take their seats. They are wearing black satin cloak with hood. As they sit down, they uncover their hoods and look around. I can see my cousins; Dafne, Andrew and Harold, sitting next to each other.

“Calling upon the Representatives of the Primrose clan,” Grandma Tanya announces. She looks rather young than my other two grandmothers because she’s wearing golden turtle neck jumper with a scarf curls to her neck.

Raven and Armand, her brother bow and sit down. Both of them wear cream sleeveless turtle neck jumper. Raven wears knee-length skirts while Armand wears khaki shorts. Our eyes are eyeing Armand for he’s the youngest among us all. I guess that he’s the rare type just like Jeff. If he’s not then he won’t be promoted to be part of the Circle.

“Calling upon the Representatives of the Silver clan,” Mr. Saba, who has long silver hair, announces. He’s Stefan’s grandfather and he looks handsome in his golden armour-like suit.

Stefan and his brothers take their seats. They are wearing grey leather jacket and gloves. Stefan looks cool but I don’t really like his unruly hair. He looks like he never combs his hair.

“Welcome to the Main House of Circle,” greets Grandma Zelda as she’s the Head of the Elders for this year. “Congratulations to all of you. You have made one good step ahead just like your parents. You have been chosen to be part of the Circle not only because of your bloodline but also your strengths, discipline and good skills. And this year we have another rare type just like Commander Amber-Black.” Jeff glances at Grandma Zelda and smiles. “May you come in front, Armand Primrose.”

Armand stands up and walks up to the front, between our seats and the Main seats. Then he bows to the Elders with honour. “Raise your head, young man,” says Mr. Saba. Armand slowly raises his head.

“Armand, you’ll be carrying two family names which are Primrose-Black. You are the youngest to carry this name. You have shown that you have great talents in shape-shifting and casting the spells,” Grandma Zelda smiles at him. Then Armand goes back to his seat.

And now, the main agenda begins. A sheet of agreement letter magically appears on our desk. Grandma Zelda explains briefly about the agreements. Our names have been written to each letter so all do we need is to read carefully before signing it. Back then, during Grandma Zelda’s era, they had to swear the oath by standing and read the oath loudly. Then they used blood as the signature of the agreement.

But in modern world like we are living in right now, we don’t need to swear loudly. All we need is to read the agreement letter and sign it by using a red pen in exchange of using blood. I read the letter carefully, word by word. The letter says:

I, Alice Amber, from the Vampire clan, swore to:

1. Strictly adhere to the tasks and orders from the Elders.
2. Complete all the tasks and missions that will be given.
3. Join forces from other clan in certain missions.
4. Take all the jobs with responsible and honour.
5. Never betray the clan and the Circle.
6. Keep secret of the clan from any other ordinary creature – especially humans.
7. Not kill humans for pleasure or without explainable reasons.
8. Be willing to sacrifice and die with honour.

I agree with all the rules stated above.

I read rules number eight few times. The missions must be harder than I thought. I confidently take the red pen and sign my name at the bottom of the letter. I put the pen back to its case at right top of the desk. When everyone signs theirs, Grandma Zelda clicks her fingers and the letters fly to her.

“You have signed the agreement. Before we adjourn our meeting, is there any questions would you like to ask?” asks Grandma Zelda.

Oh, please! Don’t ask questions. It’s kind of cold here even though I’m wearing tuxedo and a cloak. Raina raises up her hand. Everybody stares to her. Now what kind of question the she wants to ask? I hope that she won’t ask something ridiculous.

“Yes, Raina,” Grandma Maegan gestures her hand to Raina.

Raina stands up and clears her throat. Everyone can’t wait to what she’ll ask. “Is there any allowance for the complete mission?” she smiles sheepishly.

We moan in annoyance and roll our eyes. How dare she ask for the allowance?

Mr. Saba laughs out loud. Grandma Zelda clears her throat and makes Mr. Saba to shut his mouth but he still wants to laugh.

“Raina, I want to see you after this.” Raina gulps. “All off you may leave the Hall and have your lunch in the Dining Hall,” Grandma Zelda announces and she stands up.

All of us hurry to the Dining Hall, leaving Raina behind. I hope that Grandma Zelda won’t punish her like any other days.