“I expect you already know by now but…”

Faye finished Mr Haan’s sentence on cue. “The rest of the day’s lessons have been cancelled and students are being sent home,” she said, “Although you are uncertain as to why this is,”

Mr Haan nodded. “It will not help them. Only by recalling these events can they learn to deal with them in future,”

“But maybe it’s better not to keep them around here if there’s the chance we might be attacked again?“ said Ms Clarke.

“It would be better if they could deal with the attackers themselves,” said Mr Haan, “Burying them underground while we deal with the problem does little to help them to grow stronger. It teaches them to rely on others to protect them,”

“It’s not like we could deal with the problem ourselves anyway,” said Ms James, “We were as reliant on other people are those kids were on us,”

“I would be intrigued to hear about what imprisoned you during the attack,” said Faye. The teachers didn’t have a chance to answer before she replied. “That is interesting.”

“What’s going on?” asked Phantasia. If there was one thing she didn’t like about being around Faye, it was how it often felt like she was only hearing half of a conversation.

“Once secured in their underground shelter, both students and teachers were sealed there by a user of transmutational magic,” the Water faerie explained, “My conclusion based on the available evidence is that this golem targeted you, Princess Phantasia. I will need further information before I am able to ascertain the identity of the perpetrator,”

Phantasia frowned and cast her eyes down to the wet concrete path surrounding the pool. Maybe this was all happening because she’d uncovered the ruins beneath the church? If that were the case, it was another strike against her self-given mission to protect her friends, another black mark on her resume, another event Faye could use to justify the continuation of the illusions.

“Until we have further evidence, it is unwise to dwell on the possibilities,” said Faye. She placed a reassuring hand on Phantasia’s shoulder, then turned to the three teachers “Perhaps I might inquire as to whether any of you are aware who is behind the illusion affecting your students?” she asked. They didn’t have a chance to answer. “That is intriguing. Do not concern yourselves, as I shall keep this information secret as you desire. I am aware that Princess Phantasia may take matters into her own hands if told, and that this could compromise your own positions,”

“Nothing gets past you!” said Ms Clarke; “You’re going to have fun with your fellow students!”

“It will be an interesting situation,” said Mr Haan, “However, now we must deal with this situation.”

The two faeries left the three teachers examining the golem’s remains and the surrounding area. Standing near the entrance to the gymnasium’s changing rooms, Faye turned to Phantasia with her usual blank expression.

“Our presence here is no longer required,” she said, “I would suggest we leave the premises and conduct a further investigation into the area.”

“Don’t you want to take a look around first?” asked Phantasia, “You know, get to know the place a little? Maybe meet some new friends?”

“Now is not the time,” said Faye, “We must make efficient use of the opportunities presented to us. Also, you must rest and recover your full strength,”

Chapter 42
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