The Rising Pheonix

Chapter 20

Jacobe POV

As I waited for the nurse to retrieve the doctor, Commander Derrick informed me about the men who will accompany us.

"Now I know that you only requested two men, however, four men volunteered. I pulled them aside and asked them why they wanted to go, and their response was 'Nothing happens in this town. They are correct, I assume the chance of battle is enough for them to want to travel. Of course, the last choice is yours and everyone will accept and respect it." Commander Derrick finished with a deep bow.

"Thank you for the update. Out of the volunteers, who do you think recognized me if any?" I asked, curious about the true motive.

"Maybe a spy was planted outside the capital to see which way I would go." I started thinking of ways to test them when Commander Derrick spoke.

"Well, I have them right outside. I will tell them to come in." He went to the door and made a hand motion. 4 guards came in the room with their helmets off so their faces could be seen.

"Grant? Is that you? What are you doing here?" I was shocked to see my friend here in Heartreach. The last time I remember talking to him he was going to visit his grandparents.

When Grant saw my face recognition lit in his eyes and as he was about to speak he was silenced by a look from Commander Dmitry.

"I'm sorry Everett. We did not know you knew him, if we did he would have been denied right away." Commander Dmitry spoke with true sincerity and I could tell they were taking my secret seriously.

"Thank you for your consideration, Commander Dmitry. I would love for Grant to accompany me. I would like to talk to the other three to see why they wanted to come. I want you each to step forward, say your name, and why you want to come on this journey with me. I don't care what order you go in. Just know, I really only want two people to come with me. If you want to come, you must show me," I said and sat down in my chair.

It was silent for one minute before the first one stepped forward. She was a little taller than average with hair cut to her neck. She had fair skin and eyes as blue as the sky. When she spoke she stood tall and looked me directly in my eyes.

"Thank you for the chance, Sir Everett. My name is Nancee and  I am the third daughter from House Crestfall. My whole life was spent here in Heartreach, and as you can see, nothing happens here. If I want to be a great guard I need to experience combat, whether it's actual fighting or just the threat of it. Training cannot give you the real experience because you are not under the real threat of losing your life. Most guards here know that and don't train seriously. Not me, I train like my enemy will kill me if I mess up, but I can only do so much with limited experience.  I hope I am afforded the chance to go with you." After she finished, she stepped back in line.

What impressed me the most, was how she kept eye contact. While she was talking, I studied her body language and I knew she was sincere in her words. Then almost immediately after she stepped in line the fourth in line stepped forward.

After everyone except Grant stated who they are and why they want to come, I stood up and addressed them all.

"Thank you for your interest in joining me. As I mentioned, I originally wanted only two people however I will be taking three. You all made strong points and I know you all will be helpful, but I want to travel with as few people as possible. Before I tell you who I choose, I have one question. Who has experience caring for a baby? That also includes changing diapers." Before I could finish my sentence Nancee stepped forward.

"Sir I have experience caring for babies and toddlers. I babysit for my eldest sister on occasion." Nancee stated then stepped back.

"Thank you, Nancee. Honestly, you were the one I was going to leave behind. The reason is because of your lack of experience, as you stated. These other candidates had at least one real combat experience and you do not. However, I need to account for everything on this trip. My Nanny is sick, so she needs to rest. I have never taken care of a baby before. The first time I changed a diaper was today, under the guidance of a nurse. My attempt was laughable. Therefore you will be granted the chance to come on this journey with me." I wasn't finished speaking but I had to stop when I saw her face. She looked dejected, I needed some way to tell her that her talents are needed. Not just for helping with Elnora. "Before I announce the next two people I want to say that everyone I picked had something crucial to my journey. I want you to be proud that you were chosen. With that being said would you please step forward Jericho?"