Games [The Electro Cosmos Book 2]

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

She sat silently at the dining room table. Mila sat across from her, with Marni, Dimitri, Liza, Ben, Tim and Kyle. For the first time, the entire table was full. For the first time, everyone sat in a still silence. Heidi was so use to being beaten or having things thrown at her verbally by her uncle and Brent, and physically by Bart. Heidi shuffled uncomfortably at the jumbled memories playing in her head. She was suddenly awoken from them as Kyle belched loudly.

"You need some manners," Tim shoved him, laughing. Kyle gave him a crossed look before bursting out in laughter. "But seriously though. I learned to have good manners despite the fact I have two older brothers."

"That reminds me, where are they? Why weren't they with you in the game?"

"I left the temple before they did. At the time I was with Kyle. He was the only one I saw when I woke up from that strange trance thing. They were glad to see me when everyone woke up. This is the first time I've been away from them since. Thank you for inviting me to dinner! It's really great food. The best I've tasted in years."

"You're only nine Timmy," Kyle jabbed him in the side." Besides, we wanted to see them too remember? I want to know where you guys are in the game. Have you found anything new?"

"We just left a town in the north. We met with two centaurs who are escorting us to a series of underground caverns north of Radcliffe," Mila stated. Heidi still sat in silence, poking the food on her plate without appetite. As Mila looked at her, she shoved a glob of potatoes into her mouth. "I'm hoping by the time we get back we will nearly be there. I want to see these caverns myself."

"Can you show us sometime?" Kyle asked with excitement.

"If it is safe enough. For now you two should stay on the base. Ask Avery, Elise and the rest of them to give you some training with a sword."

"I already have some," Tim stated.

"The old games hardly count anymore. They will help with advancing because the images that help you learn, but physically doing it is much more difficult. You may have the tactics and the smarts, but not the stamina, balance, speed and strength necessary to wield a sword."

"Will we get our own direwolves soon?" Kyle looked up at Mila. "I think it would be so cool to have one!"

"Our direwolves are all siblings and not of age yet," she shoved some corn into her mouth and swallowed before speaking again. "We need to find another pack willing to sacrifice a few pups. For now you can ask for a puppy and train him. It'll he your first and easiest lesson in taming and teaching a beast.

"Albert said they are looking to buy pit bulls," Tim stated. "He said they are good guard dogs, and lately it is necessary in town. The small section on the east side of the river before the gates is having issues with people walking through and stealing what they can find. They tried the other dogs, but they haven't been sufficient enough to keep them out. The only one who has attacked a thief was Xavier's dog."

"It would probably be a good idea." Mila shrugged. "I'm hoping to be back soon. I'm sure no one will declare war or create any problems while I'm gone." The more she thought about it the harder it was to believe her own words. Hopefully Avery would stay for the time being. With Levi, they could protect, serve and lead the guild and the people of this new town they created."

Mila looked over at Heidi, who had not spoken once during the dinner. Mila looked at her with concern. She looked sad, and uninterested in her company. Liza showed the same concern for her, wondering what was on her mind. As Mila shifted to ask her what was wrong, Heidi stood and excused herself from the table. "I'm sorry but I think I'll be going to bed. Thank you Ben and Liza for dinner, and I will see all of you tomorrow." She slipped away, returning to the kitchen to clean up and walked up the stairs in silence.