The Prophecy of the Gems Read Online Free PDF Page A

…”
    Just one thing roused Amber from her thoughts. She made an effort to rise for an instant above the misery that weighed her down, and she recalled her mother’s last words: “Be strong. Be strong!” She had to struggle against this suffering, to return to the present moment. Then she wiped away her tears and broke the silence.
    “The black velvet purse! What time is it?”
    Astonished that Amber had mentioned the mysterious purse, Jade and Opal looked at her with curiosity — and even though they would never have admitted it, they were pleased that someone had finally spoken up.
    “What time is it?” repeated Amber.
    Jade looked at her watch, proudly showing off its diamond-studded band.
    “It’s ten minutes past midnight,” she announced haughtily.
    Amber looked at Jade. She did not envy the girl her fine clothes, precious jewels and flashing eyes, but in spite of herself she admired the strength she seemed to radiate. Then Amber considered Opal. Motionless, emotionless, Opal possessed a coolness that Amber found impressive, considering the circumstances.
    “My name is Amber. If I asked you what time it was, it’s because my mother gave me a black velvet purse that I wasn’t supposed to open before midnight.”
    “Me too!” exclaimed Jade. “Except in my case, it was my father who gave one to me — at least, the man I’ve believed to be my father for fourteen years … but … isn’t any more.”
    “Really?” marvelled Amber. “My mother wasn’t my real mother, either. Except that for me, she’s still my mother, and … she just died …”
    Overcome once more by grief, she stopped. Opal, who had been silent until then, now spoke with unusual gentleness.
    “Amber, I’m so sorry for you. It’s terrible to have to go through all that in one day.”
    Amber nodded, comforted to hear a kind word. “And you — did you receive a purse too?”
    Opal nodded.
    “We have that in common, all three of us. By the way, I’m Opal.”Then she added, in a harsh voice,”And apparently we are enemies — although I don’t know why”
    “Too right,” agreed Jade sternly, looking at Opal.
    “I don’t believe that,” said Amber. “How could we be enemies when we don’t even know one another? After all, nothing’s forcing us!”
    “That’s not true,” insisted Jade. “My so-called father, the Duke of Divulyon, never lies. He said we’re enemies, so we are.”
    “Your adoptive father is the Duke of Divulyon?” asked Amber.
    “Yes. Until this evening, I was Jade of Divulyon. Now, I don’t know any more. Not only do I know nothing about my family, but it seems I mustn’t tell anyone my name because I have enemies everywhere, and blah blah blah.”
    “I was told the same thing,” confessed Amber.
    “Me, too,” chimed in Opal.
    “So what? Where does that get me?” Jade said huffily.”I don’t know where I’m supposed to go, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do! And why am I here with you? Does anyone know what we’re doing here?”
    “No,” replied Amber and Opal in chorus.
    “What a mess we’re in!” remarked Jade. “And why am I saying ‘we’? You’re my enemies, so there isn’t any ‘we’! Why should we stay together?”
    “The three of us are stronger together than alone, especially if we have enemies in common,” replied Amber. “Obviously,
they
are our greatest danger, right? As for me, I don’t mean you any harm, I don’t even know who you are.”
    “What if we opened these black purses?” said Jade firmly. “Perhaps there’s something important inside.”
    “Good idea,” agreed Amber.
    “We’re still enemies!” Opal reminded them.
    Busily opening their velvet purses, the other girls didn’t reply. Opal opened hers as well, unable to resist the desire to see the stone again.
    Amber stifled a cry when she found a stone the colour of autumn, a dark, translucent orange with tints of red or chestnut: she felt as if she were watching a sunset. She felt a