Emerald's Trap (2)

Unawares of the situation at home, Stanley wandered in the market looking for a craftsman whom he could borrow his tools.

Sir, could I borrow your tools? He asked a craftsman working on an item.

If you wish, the craftsman replied.

Thank you.

Stanley sat down on a seat opposite the man, brought out some jewelry materials wrapped in a handkerchief. He started making a piece of jewelry. As he made it, the craftsman was astonished.

You are very skilled in this, if you were in the market with me doing the same business, I would lose to you.

Stanley smiled. You flatter me, he said.

They both continued their work. When Stanley finished, the result became a very beautiful piece of ring. He made it for Linda and was to give it to her when he comes back. 

 In the mortal world, Linda went into the prison yard and was searching through the cells if she could see her mother and brother. As she searched for a while, one of her classmates in the academy ran to her wearing a prison guard's uniform.

Linda! Linda! He called out to her.

Pam? What are you doing here?

I was assigned by lady Emerald to help you. Your mother and brother have been sent to the execution ground, once it's noon they will be beheaded.

Fear gripped Linda, she was afraid she will be late. She didn't reply him and disappeared immediately on her way to the execution ground. Pam her classmate immediately went outside the prison yard and shot a signal flare into the sky.

 In the imperial advisor's mansion he and the emperor's concubine whom he has an affair with were playing chess when they saw the signal from the flare.

The phoenix has taken the bait, the concubine said. How sure are you to catch the phoenix? She asked having an upper hand in the chest game.

Fully, the imperial advisor said. Some people do things right when they are in the right place. And just then he placed a chess piece were he checkmated the game, leaving her shocked.

So what are you going to do with the phoenix after catching her this time?

That depends on her.

So you mean you could persuade her to work for us? That means you will not let her know you are behind the death of Robb's father.

Even if she knows, she doesn't have a choice if she still wants to have the position of the phoenix, he said with certainty.

Stanley finished making the ring, put it in a beautiful box and left for home after thanking the craftsman. He opened the door and came into the house, brought out the box and placed it on a neat handkerchief as a gift and kept on the table, then went to call Linda as he heard some noise in the kitchen.

Linda! He called her but was surprised by who he saw.

Teacher, Emerald looked at him smiling. You must be tired, the food is almost ready, sit down and wait for me to serve you. 

Emerald, what are you doing here? He asked with a serious expression. Where is Linda?

Uh! She said she had something to do, she will be back soon.

Where did she go?

She said she went to celebrate her mother's birthday, you shouldn't worry about her.

You mean she is in the mortal world?

Yes, Emerald replied.

No! It's too dangerous for her, there are many enemies looking for her, he thought to himself and immediately turned to go and look for her.

Teacher, Emerald called him and ran to him, wrapped her arms around his waist. Stanley was alarmed. He immediately removed her hands from his waist.

You don't have to go, Emerald told him.

Why, he asked.

She told me to take good care of you and you shouldn't worry about her. She said teacher was injured in the fight at the academy and should be recovering before she returns.

How could I need you to take care of me? He asked and tried to leave again without waiting for her reply.

There is no point in going! She isn't returning! Emerald belted out.

What do you mean?

She said she doesn't want to stay here anymore because it's killing her. She wants to return to the mortal world and be the phoenix admired by everyone, Emerald Stated. 

Stanley became heartbroken, the effects of the formula immediately kicked in again and drew dark coloured veins on his hands and neck.

The formula? Emerald mumbled. Do you know that the formula is the most insidious thing in the universe? If someone is hit and he doesn't cut off his love, he will die after seven days, a high immortal has only forty nine days to live! Forget her and be free. Emerald tried so hard to persuade him and win his love but to no avail.

If I stop loving someone who has shown me the beautiful side of life all because of the formula, isn't that worse than death? He asked and was about to leave again when Emerald taunted him.

It seems like I can't get your love no matter what I do. Now let me tell you, your lover has been tricked by us to the execution ground. A trap has been set, even if she is the phoenix, she won't be able to escape. She will be dead by noon.

Stanley's heartbeat thumped heavily that one could hear it and the formula's effect hit harder that Stanley couldn't stand properly. He started swaying from side to side.

Are you heartbroken? Emerald asked him. I should pity you but the pain you are feeling now was the same for me in the past when you both took everything that was supposed to be mine, my fame and love! It's a pity you came back too late or if you could go now you may be able to see her for the last time.

Stanley couldn't stand the effects of the formula anymore and fainted.

Emerald just looked at him for a while before leaving for the mortal world, leaving him lying on the floor unconscious.