“Of course I am,” sniffed Eric, not even looking up from his plate as he pushed vegetables around in circles with his fork. “Even if we find these...crytons,” just the word made him shiver a bit as he took pause, “what am I supposed to say to them? That they should just follow me because I told them to do so? That I’m here to make all their problems go away? That I’m—”
“Maybe you need to stop thinking so much and listen to me for a minute,” Jacob said as he cut him off with a raised hand. “I’m scared too, believe me. But really, what is dwelling on it going to solve? Does it seem like I ever plan anything!?” Eric and Jade both chuckled at the same time. As usual, Jacob provided the tension relief they all needed. “You see what I mean?” he said mockingly with his arms spread out wide. “But things just seem to work out well for me. I didn’t plan to sneak into Averan’s house last week to surprise her like that. When her dad woke up, I hid behind the chair. I wasn’t depending on any plan, I just reacted!” Eric and Jade were holding their sides now as tears of laughter started to flow. “When I jumped from the window in the other room, I got away, no problem. All of that started because I walked past her house and got a bright idea right at that moment. But I knew whatever came up, I would find some way to deal with it. I always do!” As light-hearted as all this was, the message was well accepted.
The ear-to-ear smile Jacob was wearing began to fade as he looked at his friends with a more serious expression. Putting his hand on Eric’s shoulder, he said, “If you try to hammer out every single detail of the problem at hand, you’ll make yourself go insane. Sometimes you just need some blind faith—faith that things will work out.” His smile returned. “We’re going to the dead forest tomorrow. I don’t know what’s going to happen and neither does anyone else, but I know everything is going to work out fine. I’m going to be with you guys every step of the way. Just have a little faith,” he said as he placed his other hand on Jade’s shoulder, giving both his friends a light shake. “Besides, you guys wouldn’t survive a minute without me!” he blurted out as he tried desperately to dodge the sudden assault of flying peas.
Ilirra showed up just in the nick of time to save Jacob from the vegetable attack. They all bent their heads low in embarrassment as Ilirra put her hands on Jade’s shoulders, taking the time to look each one in the eye as she scanned around the table. But her lips, pressed tightly together, gave away her failing attempt not to laugh. As the Queen composed herself with great effort, she beckoned Jade to go for a walk.
Jade didn’t bother asking why as she rose from her seat to join her. She enjoyed Ilirra’s company and liked spending time with her. She often found herself wondering if that was strange or inappropriate. After all, Ilirra was a queen, and who was she to consider a queen as a friend? Of the few friends Jade now had in her life, Ilirra was the first girl she had gotten close to. That seemed like the most probable reason.
They only walked a short distance before stopping at one of the many doors in the hall. “Go on inside, child,” said Ilirra as she flashed her eyes toward the door. “The guards inside have been instructed to take your commands as if they came directly from me. I’ll see you in the morning.” With that, Ilirra turned to walk away without a second glance.
Jade watched her go, looking quite confused. Although she was sure Ilirra would never lead her to any harm, her instincts forced her to be wary. She slowly opened the door, revealing a sight she had somehow half expected. Morcel sat before her, leaning back in the fine wooden chair provided for him. He was not bound in any way, but at the same time five guards surrounded the warrior to make sure he didn’t get any ideas. An acceptable precaution, Jade thought to herself. After all, all they knew for sure about the man was that he was very deadly. They were all armed and awaiting her instruction.
“Leave us,” Jade ordered with surprising authority as she sidestepped the doorway to allow them space to pass. After hesitating a second, they filed out as an organized unit. The big man seemed content enough as he sat back in his chair, eyeing Jade with heavy eyelids. He had also been given a decent outfit he was no doubt grateful for. Black leather shoes with brown pants and a decent white button-down shirt made him appear quite noble as he sat back with his head held high.
“Well met, young lady,” he said as he leaned even further back into the chair, clasping his hands behind his head. “You’re quite brave to dismiss the guards like that. Although I’m grateful you freed me from that life in the arena, you ought to be a little more carefu—” his eyes grew wide with recognition as he seemed to see her for the first time. Those crystal-blue eyes. It can’t be!