Page 45 of Searching for the Prince
Nurse Helm led him away without questioning. The next few were once again uneventful, the crushing disappointment on the attendee’s face too real to be an act.
Mettle worked his way around the room, a mix of nothing and then jubilation, the crowd excitable and Gwil thought Mettle an excellent showman.
Then it was their turn.
Nurse Helm whispered something in Mettle’s ear before Mettle addressed them. “I think it best I do you two together.”
The plan had been for them to be treated as a couple, and Gwil was relieved the ruse appeared to be working. Gwil braced himself as Mettle’s hand descended on his head. A gentle trickle of exploratory magic weaved through him and then it was gone. Mettle looked perturbed, almost stricken, but there was a light in his eyes that made Gwil think they’d caught themselves a fishy.
“Oh my, gentlemen there is something greatly disturbing. I cannot fix it now, in fact, it may take some time, but I do believe that I can help you. If you want me to.”
Gwil nodded. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but it’s why we’re here.”
“Then if you can put your trust in me, I will do everything in my power to ensure the best outcome. Go with Nurse Helm, he will give you instructions on what to do next.”
Robin took hold of Gwil’s hand. They followed Nurse Helm out of the main village hall and into one of the side storage rooms.
“We have accommodation for this evening and can transfer you to the residential facility in the morning,” Nurse Helm explained. “The vehicles will be prepared with UV blockers, so completely safe for you to travel during the day, and when we reach the facility, you will be delivered directly into the building so you won’t have to go outside.”
“Looks like you’ve thought of everything,” Gwil said, this was a slick operation where nothing would be left to chance. “We need to return our hire car.”
“Get what you need out of the vehicle, and give me the keys, I’ll arrange for its safe return first thing.”
“Won’t we get in trouble?” Robin asked. “With the rental company?”
“Do not worry, I will take care of it all. There is a minibus in the carpark, those who Dr Mettle thinks he can help at the facility will be transported to a nearby hotel for the night.”
“We’ll get our stuff,” Gwil said.
“Perfect. And I’ll call ahead to the hotel and make sure you have a double.”
They went back to the car. “You’d better let your dad know what happened,” Gwil said.
Robin sent a message to a contact calledDad, who was really Sebastian, and he showed Gwil what he had written. The reply was instantaneous.
Rob:We saw the doc, but he needs us to stay at his facility. Not so surprising. Will be in touch soon.
Dad:Little steps, son. I’m sure you’ll get everything you need at the doc’s place.
Their phones were programmed with their backstories and an electronic failsafe, ensuring nothing would trip them up, everything else hidden. Gwil had another fake contact calledMalwho was Hyax, and he would contact him once they were at the hotel.
“You ready?” Robin asked him as they grabbed their bags.
“Yeah. This needs doing… there are some things that can’t be allowed to linger.”
They would spend the night at the hotel, then tomorrow they’d be at the facility, and they would need to locate Simon as soon as possible. Somehow Robin would have to convince him of who he really was and send word to Sebastian to get them out. Gwil couldn’t wait to get home.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Hyax tapped the surface of a scrying mirror to see where the mark was—they had been lucky that a new member of staff was due to start. Solivatus had the reach to identify them and where they lived. Jack, already wearing the other guy’s face, crowded behind him, and stared over his shoulder.
“He’s about to leave, we’d better go. Your portal or mine?”
Hyax laughed. “That sounds like a dodgy pick-up line, but let’s use mine, you be ready to stun our friend.”
“Did I read correctly that he’s part dryad?” Hyax asked.
“Yeah, no magic, but aware of the paranormal world. Sounds like he got a bit of a rubbish deal out of life.”
