Jeneria: Defenders of Ausmik

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN - APHONIC FLAMES

Jenn decided she needed to find the gloved-man. She explained to Jesse that they needed his help if they hoped to help the soldiers escape. Jesse didn't argue against it.

After making a through the feasting hall and garden, they carried their search into the city. The roads were filled with people, most discussing the death of the king, the new prince, or the execution that would be carried out the following morning.

Trying to ignore the talk, Jenn led Jesse to the archery field where she'd first met the gloved-man.

"Do you have a plan?" said Jesse.

"Not yet," said Jenn. "But I might have an idea."

As they neared the tavern, Jesse tapped Jenn on the shoulder. "Hey," she said, pointing to the patio tables. "Isn't that him?

The man was sitting by himself, drinking from a large mug.

"Yeah," said Jenn. "Good eye, Jesse."

Jenn knew the gloved-stranger could hear them approaching, but he refused to turn them.

"We need your help," said Jenn, skipping a formal introduction.

The man drank from his mug before turning to her. "If this has anything to do with your friends," he said, "I won't hear it."

"We can help them," said Jenn.

He slurped his drink until it was empty. "Alright," he said. "How're we gonna do it?"

"Well," said Jenn, now being forced to think about it, "we need to get the keys."

"Brilliant, girl. So how do we accomplish that?"

"We need to get the prince alone—he's holding the keys."

"Shouldn't be a problem. It only makes sense that after the death of the king, the knights would soften their protection of his son. How do we distract him?—do we set the manor ablaze?"

Jenn's eyes narrowed; she realized he was mocking her. "Their lives are at stake," she said. "It's not a joke."

He thought for a bit. "Fine," he said. "But we'll do it my way—understand?"

"Yes, absolutely. Thank you."

"Sit." He waited for them to join him at the table. "What're your names?"

"I'm Jenn, and this is Jesse. And you're—Joshua, right?"

"How'd you know that?" he said, defensively.

"The archery tournament, remember? I was shooting with you."

"I don't remember a Jenn," he said, "but I remember your face."

"I was under a false name."

"Why would you need a false name? Not just for joys, I'm certain."

Jenn thought for a bit, considering how much she should reveal. "I'm taking the Xomenclature to Denethgilne," she said. Right now, nothing was more important than saving her friends—and they needed Joshua's help to do it.

His face became even more serious. "You're taking the Xomenclature to Denethgilne..."

Jenn nodded.

He leaned in towards her, his eyes piercing into hers. "What side do you fight for?"

Jenn was caught off guard. "I fight for my side," she said.

"What's your full name?" His eyes were still intense.

"I won't tell you."

"You'll tell me if you want my help."