Inescapable

Chapter Five

{I lied. One more chapter before it starts getting crazy. I'll make no promises outside of that.}

~-~

It was a beautiful day; it really was. But Varian was really tired. He had been awake for several long hours. The last few times he had slept, it had only been for an hour or so.

Even Cassandra looked a little worse for wear. Not as sleep-deprived as Varian, but still, she looked tired.

"Let's rest for a little while," Varian decided, "we're pretty far from Corona, and we both need some rest."

Cass didn't argue. "Your quest, your call."

Varian stood up, starting to make his way off the path, into a patch of woods that was familiar to the both of them.

The Lost Lagoon was near.

~-~

The water shimmered a beautiful, clear blue in the early-morning sunlight. Each of the rocks at the bottom of the lagoon shimmered like precious jewels. It was just as Varian had left it.

"It's been years," Cass breathed, "it's been years, but it looks exactly the same..."

Looking at her, Varian could see that she was longing for a different time.

"Hey, I can take first watch," he volunteered.

"There's no need for that, kid," she smiled, "I've got a feeling we'll be safe. But, just in case..."

She let out a loud whistle. The very next second, Owl was there, perching himself on Cassandra's forearm. He fixed Varian with a judgemental glare worthy of Cassandra herself.

"Yeah, um... Cassie?" Varian stuttered, "I'd- I'd feel a little safer if anything or anyone but Owl guarded our camp."

"Why?"

"Have you seen how much judgment he looks at me with?"

Cassandra laughed. "Owl judges everyone. Believe it or not, he likes you almost as much as anyone else- well, except for me."

"Oh-kay... But, still, I'd much rather have backup."

Again, Cass didn't argue. Instead, she whispered something to Owl- probably instructions- and sent him off. He nestled into a bare tree, hooting softly.

Just then, Varian heard a familiar chittering sound. He smiled.

Ruddiger.

"Looks like my choice is here," he said, "Ruddy- wake me or Cassie if something happens, okay?"