Everglade: The Underaged

Chapter 27

It took several minutes to convince Eclipse that he was going to be fine. When she finally got off of him, Luke packed up his bags and tried to strap them to her back. She was not having it.

Don't want. She said.

You have to.

Don't want.

Have to.

Don't. Want.

Have. to. I will have one of the ridgebacks hold you.

No!

Then cooperate with me. Eclipse reluctantly let him strap the bags to her.

Never forget this. She said with a sniff. This horrible. Not pack mule. Luke shook his head.

We all need to do our part. He told her.

You not carry bags. Luke carefully tightened one of the straps.

I have to pack the bags, fight you and save my home. Luke told her. It's your home too. She turned her head to look at him.

Sorry. She headbutted him. He rubbed the eclipsed moon on her forehead. He wouldn't be here if Fate hadn't given him Eclipse's egg. He would still be orphaned, he knew that. He'd be stuck in an orphanage being treated badly. He wouldn't have ever been able to see Korman again. He was grateful for Eclipse. He finished putting the bags on her back with no more complaining from her.

"Are we ready?" Luke asked. He checked the straps on Eclipse, making sure they were all secure. Then he mounted her. Korman got up behind him. They took off. They were going to a new campsite to plan their next move. Ailwin knew one. It took them an hour. When they finally arrived, Luke was sore.

"What's our next move?" Ailwin asked "We know that The Head Crow is after Luke."

"We need more help than what we've got. We can't take on The Head Crow by ourselves." Forwin said.

"What options do we have? We can't go free more Underaged if The Head Crow is following us." Isabella said. Luke thought of their options. He'd seen what The Head Crow could do. They'd need a powerful being to help them. They needed an Elf. Would the Elves help them? Were The Crows a threat to them? Elves didn't get Partnered. They were powerful enough without being Partnered.

"Do you think the Elves will help us?" Luke asked.

"If they would, no one knows where they live." Ailwin answered. Luke's heart sank. The Elves were their last hope. No one else could help. What were they supposed to do? Luke felt someone enter his mind. He flinched away. The mind felt strange, inhuman. Luke cautiously investigated.

Hello. The person said.

Hello? Luke cautiously said.

Is that a greeting or a question?

A greeting, I guess. Who are you?

Someone who can help you.

How do I know I can trust you? How do I know that you're not The Head Crow?

I know why you're so different. I know why you're stronger than a normal Telepath. I could cure all your doubts.

How is that supposed to help me know that I can trust you?

I know what you are.

How can you say that? I already know what I am. I'm human!

No, you're a special breed of Elf.