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they?’
    ‘Stomen are one of the three races in Bellania,’ explained Jensen.
    ‘They live mainly in the mountains.
    Big fellas too. Trust me, ya won’t mistake one for a Treman or a Human when ya sees them. Bellania used to be a pretty peaceful place … Sure, ya would get an occasional rumble or bicker between peoples, but just over little things. Now things are different and Bane has got a lot ta do with that.’

    ‘Um, any idea why he’s chasing me?’ asked Charlie.
    ‘I’ve got a couple of good ideas,’ said Jensen. ‘But I’ve taken a vow of secrecy ta the Jade Circle and certain matters take precedence. Although I must admit I wasn’t expecting ta see ya here in Bellania. But, never fear, yer safe here. We’ll get ya to Sylvaris andthere the Jade Circle will take ya under their wing and sort matters out.’
    ‘But if you know something surely you can tell me? For heaven’s sake, I’ve had a giant tearing around my house, threatening to feed me to his sidekicks, and now I’m in a strange place that I know nothing about. I’ve got no idea what’s going on! Jensen, come on, you’ve got to tell me something!’ implored Charlie.
    ‘Blossom, he would if he could, but a vow ta the Jade Circle is unbreakable,’ said Kelko, coming over and placing a calming hand on Charlie’s shoulder. ‘If he were ta speak he would be banished from Sylvaris and he’d spend his life as an outcast. Listen, we’ll take ya ta Sylvaris and there all yer questions will be answered.’
    ‘But my gran – is she safe back at home on her own? How can I leave and not know for sure if she’s OK?’ asked Charlie.
    ‘Me little Hippotomi, matters have been taken outta our hands.’ Jensen shrugged apologetically. ‘Bane is too dangerous ta face – ya can’t go back ta yer house. Even if ya had us by yer side it wouldn’t be enough ta ensure yer safety, not from Bane. But I’m sure yer gran will be fine. I can’t see an old lady having a part in Bane’s plans. For now the only way forward lies with the Jade Circle. They know wot the deal is with ya and yer family. They’ll help ya for sure.’
    ‘What’s the Jade Circle?’ asked Charlie. ‘Hang on a sec. How come they know about me? I’ve never been here before and I only met you for the first time last week!’
    Jensen rubbed at his forehead and sighed. ‘Charlie, there’s something I gotta tell ya.’ He cleared his throat.‘The thing is … I know yer parents. The Jade Circle know yer parents –’
    ‘You know my parents?’ squawked Charlie, jumping to her feet. ‘Where are they?’ she half demanded, half pleaded.
    Jensen looked uncomfortable. ‘I can’t tell ya where they are, Hippotomi. In truth, yer parents have worked hand in hand with the Circle like, well … like all yer family have done for generations.’ He smiled at Charlie, trying to reassure her. ‘Little lass, yer family are the Keepers. Gate keepers, that is. They protect one of the few paths between Bellania and Earth.’
    But Charlie wasn’t concerned with being a Keeper, whatever that meant. ‘But you know where they are, right? Where are they, Jensen?’
    ‘Charlie, I took an oath ta the Jade Circle not ta talk about the whereabouts of yer parents.’
    ‘But they’re my parents . You’ve got to tell me. At least tell me why they haven’t got in touch with me. Why haven’t I heard from them? They’ve been gone for almost seven years! YOU’VE GOT TO TELL ME!’
    Charlie wanted to kick something, hard. To actually find someone who might know where her parents were but refused to tell her was enough to have her spitting with rage.
    ‘Charlie, I can’t tell ya, I’m sorry. I know the vow don’t mean much ta ya right now, but I promise ya it’s important. Please, for now, just trust me like yer parents have always trusted me.’
    Charlie had a sudden urge to kick Jensen in the shin. Fortunately he turned away before she could act. ‘How longwill it take us to get