Chapter Ten
The next few days passed in a blur, growing steadily colder. Within three days of having left the Ser mountains and beginning to travel south, they had had to start wearing gloves and scarves, even extra socks.
Jean still forced Joshua to practice with a lance while Karaugh and the others set up camp, but gave up after a few days, seeing the condition the boy was in.
Markl supposed it was just exhaustion getting to his four-eyed friend, but if he had known what was plaguing his friend, he would have been afraid to leave him alone to wallow in his thoughts.
Karaugh began avoiding Joshua at all costs, bringing up some questions that were never voiced. In hindsight, it may have been better if they had been asked.
At nighttime, Joshua kept hearing Alice’s voice, and swore he was going mad. He slowly began to distance himself from the rest, barely exchanging a word with anyone.
The one particular evening that stood out of his blurred memories was the night Alice told him she had a surprise.
Hey Joshua, you know what I absolutely adore, besides cats and my rabbit Mimi?
What? Joshua asked, finally giving in after a half hour of the same question.
Guess,” Alice urged, giggling.
I dunno, family? Sweets? Dogs? he named random things off the top of his head.
I do like sweets and my doggy, Alice ignored the part of family completely. Silly, I was talking about surprises! What else did you think I mean?
How should I know? You tell me what I was thinking.
But that would be no fun, he heard her sigh.
Remember the game I told you about before?
How could I forget? Joshua asked. What are you implying?
I’m saying, I’ve found somebody else to join you in playing this game. Now, the game will really pick up when you run into Wystan, all you must do is mention my name and tell him about the game you’ve been assigned and he’ll get you started.
Oh, well what do you know, I think I spoiled the surprise, Alice gasped, giggling a little. I guess it isn’t a surprise any more....
What do you mean surprise? Joshua asked.
About you getting a visitor soon, now don’t you go telling anyone, or else you’ll spoil everything! You spoil this surprise for everyone else and I’ll kill you! Now tell me Joshua, what are you going to do? Alice cackled.
I’m going to keep my mouth shut, Joshua swallowed audibly from his cocoon of blankets in the tent. His bowl of soup was on his lap and he had been staring at it for the past ten minutes, barely moving at all.
His gulp earned him a frown from Karaugh, who, luckily for Joshua, did not point anything out.
And then?
YOU ARE READING
Falling Up
Mystery / Thriller*sequel to Ashes* Sharon has remembered her name, but is still no closer than she was to finding out what happened to her friends, Joshua and Markl, who think they finally have a lead on what Alice wanted them to get for her... but Alice has other t...
