Loving the Dead

Chapter 9

I would never had thought Zahara had such a troubling past. I sat on the overlook, letting myself sink into my thoughts.

I realized it was probably already late afternoon, and I was starving. I needed to get back to the dining hall for that meeting. I walked back peacefully to the castle, ready for the first step of the infiltration.

I walked in through the big doors, and saw everyone gathering around. I came and saw Calypso setting food on the table, and walked over to her.

"Calypso, where do I sit?" I asked. I had no idea where to go and I didn't even see Jacob anywhere to ask him where I should sit.

"I'm not sure, just stand back and wait for the King or the Prince." She said, finishing up setting the food on the table, wiping her hands on her apron.

I looked around and still didn't see Jacob. I went over to a pillar and just stood by until I saw someone.

I waited and waited. Was I early?

I started getting impatient when Jacob finally arrived. I saw everyone rise from their seats and bow. He saw me and waved, and I waved back. A few women caught this and gave me a ugly look. What was the matter with them?

The King then entered behind Jacob and took a seat. I saw there was one seat left next to Jacob. Of course he saved me a seat right next to him.

I went and sat down, and he gave me a smile, and not wanting to be rude, smiled back.

The King stood up, and said "Greetings everyone. Today is our first meeting to try and come up with a plan to get rid of those nasty pirates and get that land back. We plan to invade in two months, and they will be caught totally off guard. First of all though, we need to divise a plan on how to attack. Oh, I almost forgot. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce Annora of Hilan, a warrior from a small island here to be informed on the issues of Britian." He said and gestured me to stand. I stood up and bowed, then sat back down. Everyone was giving me funny faces and I still couldn't figure out why.

Then it hit me.

I was wearing pants. I guess no ladies around here do that. The look of disgust was actually very amusing on their faces. They've never seen a real lady before because they're took busy with their powdered faces up their asses.

Once I sat back down, the Kind proceeded. "As I was saying, the attack will be in two months. Any ideas of a surprise attack?"

A man with a tall curly white wig stood up. I stiffled a laugh when it slightly moved when he stood up.

"Your highness, what if attacked in the middle of the night? We could come in the dark and shoot cannons at them, then go on land and attack them with our rifles?" He said.

That was the most stupid idea ever, but I wasn't going to say anything. I can't believe they think they're so smart and would actually think they could get away a surprise attack on us.

"That is an excellent idea General. I will need someone to organize all the ships and make sure that we have 3/4 of our army on those ships to attack. I don't want those pesky pirates to stop us this time." He said.

My heart dropped. He was going to send in that many soldiers? We only had about 2,000 pirates.

I cleared my throat and stood up. "You're majesty, about how many soldiers is 3/4 of your army?" I asked.

"Around 30,000 soldiers Ms. Annora." He said. I nodded and sat back down.

30,000 soldiers! That didn't sound good.

I needed to contact my parents immediately.

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Once the meeting was over, I ran to my room. I locked the door behind me and ran out to the balcony. My breathing started picking and I was in a panicked state. I know we have a strong army but 2,000 against 30,000? Those odds were not good. I slowed down my breathing and thought of Zahara. I needed to be strong for her.

I closed my eyes and conjured Zahara. I opened them and say her in front of me.

"Annora what is wrong?" She asked.

I told her all about the meeting and she stayed silent for a few moments after I told her. Her face was cold and calculating.

"Zahara!" I said,"I have an idea!" I said bouncing up and down.

"What is it love?"

"Can you somehow travel to get to my parents? You could tell them all about this and they could get alliances!" I said with a smile.

Zahara met my gaze and slowly broke into a smile. " Annora you are brilliant! Doing this will take up a lot of up my energy, but I can be back within a week." She said happily.

We still had a chance.

"Annora I am going to leave right now, but before I leave I want to tell you a few things. I want you everyday to go out and practice your shooting skills and strengthen your connection with the Dead. You have a telepathic connection with me, but only contact me for emergencies. This is something you need to learn to do on your own. I love you. " She said and with that, she was gone

I took in a deep breath. It was dark outside so it was too late for me to go practice. I took one look at the bed, and I all I remember was being enveloped in blankets.

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Days passed by in a blur, and it was all the same. For four days in a row, I would run, hang around the gardens, and train. I could feel myself getting stronger and stronger with the spirits. I was getting lonely without Zahara though. I didn't want to talk to Jacob, so I tried to avoid him. One day though I was walking down a corridor when he saw me.

"Annora! I've been looking for you." He said.

"Hello Jacob. Is something going on?" I asked.

He chuckled, my heart fluttering slightly. I can't stand when it does that. "No no, I just wanted to talk to you more. Get to know you. You fascinate me." He said.

I was craving human contact, so I gave in. "Ok, I would love to." I said with a smile.

"Lovely. Let's take a walk down to the beach." He said, and we headed out to the beach.

We talked for an hour, laughing and talking about each other. Jacob was actually very funny, but I still felt bad for hanging out with him, but I decided to let that go and enjoy myself while I was here.

I talked about my parents and Zahara, not mentioning the ghost part of course. He talked about his Mother, and she sounded like an amazing women.

"Annora, I need to tell you something that I've never told anyone before. I've never had any friends growing up on this miserable island, and you're my first real friend and you're just so easy to talk to. I wish I could escape and become a warrior like you. Maybe even a pirate." He said with a twinkle in his eye.

I laughed. "That surprises me Jacob. I don't see you as the pirate type. Also I'm happy to say you're my friend too." I said with smile. I turned around and breathed in the ocean air, missing my pirate family.

I turned back around to be met with something I did not expect.

A kiss.