Jade the Starr Within

Chapter 10

     "Jade!" She yells and hugs me awkwardly.

"You. And an elf?" I look over at Khay'rat.

"I see now why you went traitor."

"You may want to say that quieter, Kazimir." Hannah says.

"I, uh... I'm Khay'rat. Hannah's, uh... What is it called?"

"Boyfriend." Hannah smirks and rolls her eyes.

"Right. Boyfriend. That." Khay'rat says.

"Trouble in paradise?" I ask with a laugh.

"No. Yes? I'm not sure what you mean." Khay'rat replies.

"Let me try to interpret this crazy phrase." Kazimir says.

"Go ahead." Luke says with a smirk. He likes these men.

"Trouble in their relationship?"

"Way to go." I say with a laugh. He smiles brightly.

"No. No trouble. I just struggle with the words. In elven culture, we take mates. By force. Kazimir and me never did that." "Kazimir and I." I correct.

"Right. That."

"If I can learn elvish, you can learn English." Hannah says to Khay'rat. "Don't give up."

"Come with me, all of you. We need more rebel fighters and two men familiar with elves will bring a serious advantage." I say. I replace my helmet and mount my horse. I pull Hannah up and she rides with me. We start our way back, Kazimir and Khay'rat behind us.

"Does he know?" I ask Hannah.

"That I'm human? Yes. That I could die?" Hannah sighs. "No."

"Why? Don't you have your medicine? How did you end up in Woodbine?" I pause. "Have you heard anything from Aunt Cammy?"

"I'm afraid. No. Long story. What?"

"Aunt Cammy. She was taken prisoner by Abaddon. Right before she told me where mom is."

"What about my parents? Have you seen them." Hannah asks.

"No. I've been on my own since the war started. Other than Luke and Jack."

"Oh, who's Jack?" Hannah asks with a slight smirk.

I laugh. "A good friend. Helped me when I needed it most. Same with Luke here."

We talk on our way back to base. For a moment, it's almost like old times. But as with all good things, they must come to an end.