Jovari the Blue

Chapter 18: The Caves

Kastali Dun

Jeanine stepped into the giant cavern, arms laden with supplies. Tess had packed two baskets brimming with food and other critical necessities. The space was a flurry of activity. Cots were set along the perimeter, scattered around the stalagmites jutting up from the floor, makeshift dining tables had been erected out of crates and boxes, even a latrine area was cordoned off, with curtains to offer a bit of privacy.

The central command area was located near the southern end of the cavern. Her eyes darted there, immediately finding Prince Feowen. Her prince. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her fluttering heart. He stood over a map outlining all known tunnels and passageways beneath the great keep. Several sprites stood beside him, along with a handful of castle guards.

There were a few servants wandering about, helping others get settled in. She spotted Desaree laboring over a cook fire, spoon in hand. She rushed towards her, setting down the supplies. "It hardly looks the same as when I left it," she admitted, impressed.

"Welcome to the resistance," Des said, doing an admirable job of hiding her emotions.

Des had cried herself to sleep these past few nights. She'd done a good job at hiding it, but Jeanine had heard her. Had crept over and wrapped Desaree in her arms, holding her, rocking her. The first few nights, there'd only been a few cots, left over from the time spent brewing poison for the fight against the dragons.

They'd made do until it was safe to speak with Tess. While the head woman had been forced to swear allegiance to Kane—it was that, or death—she'd risked her life by helping them in secret. The keep was crawling with Oshean guards. Anyone caught showing disloyalty was punished. Brutally.

"What news?" Desaree asked, looking hopeful.

"I'd rather not repeat myself, so finish up here and we'll go report to command. Where's Jocelyn?"

"I'm here." Jocelyn appeared, bowl in hand. She dumped the contents into the simmering pot of stew. They were now forced to do their own cooking.

Desaree set her spoon into its holder and together they walked across the cavern. Feowen glanced up, did a double take, then smiled. Her stomach flipped. Even with everything going on, he could still fluster her with his attention.

"Jeanine," he said, straightening. "You're back."

Aithlin Naeris, Filvro Holowyn, and Rahlif Dorvyre stood with him. The other sprites were unaccounted for, probably mapping out more of the passages. The castle guards at Feowen's side were Eloi Ruybal, Fio Lima, and Lucas Cirvino. She'd only met them two days ago.

"How did it go?" Feowen asked, striding around the table. He leaned in to brush a gentle kiss over her forehead. His gesture made her flush. She glanced at the others. If the sprites disapproved of their prince's decision to love a human, they made no sign of it.

"Better and worse than expected," she answered. "No one spotted me, so there's that. Tess said that everyone she's spoken to in secret is still loyal to King Talon and Queen Claire. No surprise there. They're all hiding it as best they can, to stay alive. Those who aren't..."

Her mind flashed to what she'd seen earlier. The bodies. She pushed the image away.

"What happened?" Feowen sensed her discomfort. He'd grown better at reading her. It wasn't as surprise, given how close they were. What they shared.

"There was another uprising," she explained. "A group of commoners who acted out against Kane in the name of Queen Claire."

Feowen swore under his breath. "We already warned everyone in the city. They must pretend to be loyal. Their lives depend on it."