to continue. “I feel like I’ve had to explain to everyone I've met here that all of this was just sprung on me a couple days ago. My dad chose to keep all of this information to himself. I didn’t know I had this incredibly rich history. I get the impression that many people here think I should have been studying or training, somehow, to break this curse.”
“Are you upset with your father for not sharing any of this with you until recently?”
“I’ve gone back and forth about it. When I feel anxious about what I’m about to do, then yes, a little. When somebody asks me ‘you really didn’t know?’ then yes, a lot. I wish he could be here to experience this with me and help me. But I know that’s not possible.”
“I’ve spoken with your father recently.”
I’m taken aback by her words. “You have?”
“Yes. I’ve also spoken with the Carvers. The three of them have been preparing a very long time for this. They’ve equipped you with everything you will need. I don’t think you have any reason to doubt your preparedness.”
“Everything I need?”
“Your father explained what was written in the journals to me. He also explained your pendant. I know last night you were unable to learn anything new with the pendant, but it will continue to guide you on your journey.”
Some of the tension that this conversation has caused slips away. “I guess that helps me feel a little better.”
“Emma, I see no cause for concern with you. You are a very intelligent, levelheaded young lady. You have a lot of information to guide you. You have a very powerful family of conjurers on your side. I see no reason why you can’t embark on this journey under our care.”
“That’s it?”
“Do you think I should ask you more?”
“I was expecting worse, I guess.”
“Like I said, you’re a smart girl. I have total confidence in you. I believe you will be able to find your sister. And when you decide to believe in yourself, you’ll be able to break the curse.”
I thank Dr. Quill for her time and vote of confidence as she leads me out into the hall toward the security guards. One of the armed men presses a small button on his earpiece and calls Dr. Milton.
“Miss Owens is done with Dr. Quill. How would you like us to proceed?” He pauses, obviously to listen to Dr. Milton’s response. “Yes, sir.”
“Miss Owens, I have instructions to take you to Dr. Milton’s office now.”
I nod and follow him as he leads me there, one guard on each side of me, and another behind me.
Now that the physical and psychological exams are completed, I am unsure what to expect. I haven't looked at today’s itinerary. I remember Dr. Edwards mentioning something about us being able to start today, after our exams, but it feels so soon. There should be more time to plan, to figure out a strategy. But even if I had the time to plan, there would be no way to predict exactly what would happen.
We reach Dr. Milton’s office just a few seconds after Zoë and her team of security guards does. One guard does a quick check inside the office and gives an ‘all clear’ nod to the other. “Ladies, please go in and take a seat. Dr. Milton will be with you in a few moments.”
Dr. Milton’s office is nearly identical to Dr. Nolan’s with the full-wall bookshelves and heavy wooden furniture, but it does not have the warm and comforting feel. It’s intimidating. I get the impression that’s exactly what he was going for.
A futuristic looking stereo behind his desk plays soft classical music. Large pieces of artwork decorate the walls. As I look at each one, I notice they all are themes of war. Zoë and I stand in front of one of the paintings that has caught our attention. At the center of the image is a fallen white horse. Weeping soldiers surround it. Smears of blood cover the horse’s hair. A pool of deep red rests under its neck. With closer inspection, it becomes evident that there is a wound on the horse underneath the hand of one of the soldiers. What isn’t obvious is why so many men are surrounding and mourning one animal.
“Well that’s bizarre,” Zoë whispers to me.
“I don’t think bizarre covers it.”
A low chatter is audible in the hallway signaling the arrival of Dr. Milton. “Ladies,” he announces as he enters the room,