The Outskirts: The Sky Raiders (Jace x OC) BOOK 1

The Sky Raiders: 19

"So," I said. "What should we pick?"
"I always use a jumping sword." Said Mira.
"You've scouted?" Asked Cole.
"The scouts aren't the only ones that get to bring something," Mira said. "I did some scouting when I first came here, but that was before I showed potential as a shaper."
"You're a shaper?" I said.
She gave an embarrassed smile. "Barely. Not a good one. But since I've learned a few tricks they don't want to waste me as a scout."
"Like how I'm going to get wasted." Cole said.
"Don't think that way." Mira said. "You need to get cocky about it. The cocky ones last longer. Kendal will do fine, but not because she's cocky. Shes confident and has fast reflexes. That will keep you alive."
I clapped Cole on the back. "Yeah Cole, take notes."
Mira rolled her eyes but she was smiling. "I swear, you and Jace are like the same person."
Cole thought about it for a moment, then said. "Yeah actually, they seem like they have a lot in common."
"Oh shut up." I said, but I wasn't mad. I liked Jace, and honestly, I couldn't wait to talk to him again.
"I'll aim for a hundred missions." Cole said.
"That's the spirit."
"What does the jumping sword do?" I asked Mira.
Mira grabbed a short sword of a shelf. "Well, it's a weapon, obviously. But when you point it at something, and shout 'away' it will pull you in the direction. Hard. You can jump really far with it, but you have to be careful, because there's no guarantee of a soft landing."
"Jumping far is important?" Cole asked.
"Escape is important." Mira corrected. "You can jump into a life boat from a distance in an emergency. These are a specialty of Durnys. He makes more of them than any other item. They're the most popular choice."
"Does it always let you jump the same distance?" I asked her.
She shook her head. "It depends what you point it at. You don't have to point perfectly, the sword will get what you mean. But it has limits. Point it at a tall tower, you'll only go partway up, and fall to your death."
"Sounds like just what I need." Said Cole.
She gave him annoyed look, and I rolled my eyes. "It isn't very safe but neither is exploring the castles. The swords are powerful, and useful."
"Does Jace use it?" Cole asked.
She shook her head. "He has this golden rope. It can do everything the other ropes do, and more."
"Uh," I said. "Where can I get one of those?"
"You can't," she said smiling. "Jace found it himself in a castle. You can keep anything you find if you claim it as your one special item."
"What if I find a massive diamond?" Cole said.
I rolled my eyes. Leave it to him to ask the dumb questions.
"You could claim it instead of a jumping sword." Mira said.
"Personally, I'd rather survive than have a sparkly rock." I said to Cole.
"Good point." Said Cole.
Mira snorted. "Are you sure your not Jace?" She asked.
"Positive." I said with a smirk.
"I'll take a jumping sword." Said Cole.
"Me too." I said.
"Smart choice." Mira said.
Mira grabbed two of the shelf and handed them to us. She helped us strap them to our waists so we didn't have to carry them.
"Are you tired?" We nodded.
"We'll track you down some food, then get you a bunk. Do you mind taking Fiddlers?" She asked Cole.
"Sure." Cole said.
"Kendal, you'll bunk with me in my room because we don't have any open girls bunks."
I smiled. "Works for me."
"Cole, your bunking with Jace, Twitch and Slider." Mira said.
"Okay." He said.
"Hey, Mira," I said. "Before we head back, do you have any tips?"
She considered the question. "Things tend to go bad right once you step foot on castle grounds, or after you enter a building. Always have an escape plan. Fighting is a last resort."
"Should we practice with the swords?" I asked her.
"You could, I wouldn't. Every time you jump it's dangerous, so I would save it for emergency's."
"Alright." Cole said.
"Thanks Mira."
Her eyes softened. "Don't thank me. This might feel like good treatment after the slave caravan, but tomorrow, you'll know your place. Come on Kendal."