Chapter 372 - The Snallygaster (1/2)

Chris stared at the flawless golden scabbard holding the diamond-encrusted golden hilt of Rosaline's personal Dagger. Chris recognized it instantly, it was the same dagger Rosaline fought with when they were dueling.

”Princess Rosaline, I—” Chris was speechless.

”I hope you are not planning to refuse, Lady Christina. It will be a great insult if you refuse my request and the dagger,” Rosaline said with a smile, showing that she wasn't serious about the insult thing.

However, Chris didn't refuse. She wasn't going to, she was just surprised.

”Thank you,” Chris took the dagger and felt the warm buzzing energy and magic under her fingertips. It was truly fused with Rosaline's power and considering how powerful she was, Chris knew the dagger will help her.

”Good luck, Lady Christina. I will be waiting for your return,” Rosaline patted on Chris's arm and with a respectful nod, she strode out of the room.

For a moment, Chris stood in the middle of her room, then she hooked the dagger on her belt and checked herself on the mirror last time. With the Sword, Dagger, and Wand she looked like a warrior. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She knew she was ready. Everyone believed in her. She just needed to believe in herself. Whatever was at the Southeast fort, she will discover it, no matter how many obstacles were there.

She was going to get answers tonight.

Chris pulled out the talisman she left with her friends before leaving Hogwarts. She wore the talisman and it dangled on her c.h.e.s.t.

”Ginny, Luna, Colin, meet me at the South Gate of the Castle.”

⁂

Eight horses were waiting at the South Gate of the Vampire Castle when Chris reached there. The coolness of the night washed over her and the clear sky allowed the full moon to give enough light. Oziyat, Gweneth, and two more Vampire guards were already there. Oziyat didn't want to take many people in this task, considering he couldn't disclose much of the secrets to them, but Gweneth insisted that she will accompany him with two more trusted guards.

”Good evening, Christina,” Oziyat smiled seeing Chris. ”You look remarkable.”

Looking at Oziyat's smile, Chris remembered what Rosaline said. For a moment, she thought of talking to Oziyat and plainly explaining, that she didn't see him as more than a friend, but then she changed her mind. Everyone needed to be focused, right now. This was not the time.

”Yeah, you do,” Colin said behind Chris.

”Thanks,” Chris smiled at her friends. ”You all look nice too.”

Colin and Luna were also looking great. Colin wore a white shirt and black pants, while Luna wore a pale yellow knee-length dress, both made of the same enchanted material.

”If we are done gawking at everyone's dress then we should leave,” Gweneth said loudly as she mounted a horse.

Oziyat glared at Gweneth but she ignored him.

”What's up with her?” Ginny said through her talisman.

Chris shrugged at her and climbed on a black horse. After they all had mounted their horses, Gweneth led them out of the castle walls.

”Don't mind her,” Oziyat said steering his horse beside Chris. ”She is just on the edge with everything.”

”Did you tell her everything?” Chris asked.

”I can not, even if I want to,” Oziyat sighed. ”It a closely guarded secret among the monarchs for a reason. I hoped she would understand but she is really mad at me.”

”But she still came,” Ginny said riding beside them.

”Yeah, no matter what, she is loyal. She always has been my friend. I knew she would join me,” Oziyat explained.

They increased their riding speed as the forest started to get thicker and the light got blocked by the big trees. The cold wind swatted on their faces and Chris felt her heartbeat increase. Though her memory was foggy of that night, she knew they were getting closer to the fort. And then they were there.

The fort didn't look much different than the last time but Chris knew this time it was different. This time she wasn't alone and distracted.

No one will die today.

”It's going to be hard to fight the Snallygaster in this b.a.r.e minimum light,” said Ginny as they started to dismount the horses.

”We will manage,” Colin reassured.

”How about this?” Oziyat smiled at Ginny, holding out his palm, and a big bright fire orb danced above his fingers.

”Still —” Ginny was about to complain but stopped.

Following Oziyat's lead, Gweneth and the other two guardians also made fire orbs and their surroundings significantly got brighter.

”Better,” Ginny mumbled.

”Okay, let's go,” Chris said stepping forward. She held her wand tightly and her posture was tense.

”Christina,” Oziyat rested his hand on Chris's shoulder. ”We are with you. It's going to be fine.”