Jeneria: Defenders of Ausmik

CHAPTER TWENTY - REUNION OF THE DEFENDERS

The Xomenclature looked healthier than ever. Their coughing had become infrequent and less severe, and after being fed, they seemed to be almost fully recovered.

Jenn was glad to see their spirit return, but she still couldn't get Jesse out of her mind. Each time she replayed the events in her head, she became increasingly angry with herself. She stood frozen while Jesse made a single-handed effort to save Thomas. It was Jesse's good nature that had caused her demise, while the councilman, so hedonistic and ruthless, were rewarded. It sickened her.

Back in the main chamber, Jenn stood in the corner of the cove while DuBois guided the Xomenclature to the upper level. As Jenn, now alone, stared ahead, she sensed someone approaching.

"You've done a remarkable thing, I hope you know."

When she turned, she met Elad's kind eyes.

"Yeah, well, it doesn't feel that way," said Jenn. "Half those people died on the way here. And before that, three of my friends were burned alive. It's my fault. If I hadn't visited them in the Outskirts, they'd all still be alive."

Elad chuckled, but it led to him coughing. He pulled a tissue from his pocket and coughed into it while Jenn rubbed his back.

"I don't think it was much of a life for them," said Elad, once he recovered. "Removed from the rest of the world, and banished to a remote place. It would have continued that way—maybe forever—if you hadn't led them out."

"But at least they'd still be alive."

Elad sighed, and rubbed his reddened nose. "That may be. But that was a risk they chose to take. And I promise, they wouldn't have taken that risk if they didn't think it was worth it."

"But I led them poorly. I wasn't sure if I was ready, but I ignored my doubts and led them anyway. They trusted me, and I got them killed."

Elad chuckled again, this time cutting it short to avoid another coughing fit. "You can keep telling yourself that, but it doesn't make it true—and it certainly doesn't do anything for your state of mind. You're wiser than that, girl, I know it." He smiled. "You're a Eudamonia."

Jenn smiled until she spotted Joshua approaching. Elad turned at the sound of his steps.

"Where's my brother?" said Joshua.
"Joseph?" said Elad. "He's in Denethgilne serving as a Guardian."

"He's still in Denethgilne?"

"Well, yes. That was the purpose of his infiltration—to serve as a Guardian until we rebelled."

Joshua snickered.

"What you do find so humorous?" said Elad.

"You and the Defenders—the way Charles has manipulated by brother into devoting his life to him."

"You know better than that. Your brother makes his own decisions."

"Does he? Well, that's good for him, because I can recall you and Charles always making decision for me when I was a Defender."

"We only advised you," said Elad. "Your habits were reckless—they were dangerous to the Defenders."

"You can keep telling yourself that, but I never mixed my personal life with my role as a Defender. I took every action with care. I never drew attention to the Defenders. It was the lack of control that scared you, Charles and Faunus."

"You were a thief, Joshua. Your values didn't reflect those of the Defenders."

Joshua stepped towards Elad. "You can't thieve from a thief. And I was always generous with my wealth. There wasn't a time I didn't share my earnings with the poorer citizens. Sometimes, I gave it all to them—I only kept what I needed to survive."