The Snake Warriors

Chapter Eleven

I slowly open my eyes. The last day of training before we set off. The last day I have to really try and get this right. I slowly sit myself up. I glance around the tent. Spring must have already left for the garden. I get up off the cot. I reach for my pouch of herbs and attach it to my belt. I grab a nearby hairbrush and take it through my tangled mess a few times. I'm not going to be able to do it, am I? How can I save Cace or Mallor if I can't even cause the crystal to react? I have the magic, but what good is it? I set the brush back down. I have to try. We leave today, after all. This is all the time I have.

I sigh and exit the tent. The Remnants are breaking camp at the moment. Lotus and Foxtail are arguing at the central fire, probably over what to cook for breakfast. Zadimus is sitting back and rolling his eyes. Spring is definitely out in the garden. I should probably help with taking down the tents. Lotus seems to see me and waves. I guess I should walk over to her instead. I proceed to do just that.

"Lotus, Foxtail, Zadimus. Good morning," I say. That was awkward, but there weren't many other ways I could phrase it.

"Hey Sorcha! Since you're up, can you help me convince this idiot that the only way to go for breakfast the day before a big journey is boiled eggs?" Lotus glares at Foxtail.

"Lotus, boiled eggs are the meal for the day of the journey."

"No, they're for both days!"

"Will you two shut up and pick a meal!?" Zadimus suddenly yells. The bickering pair stops and turn to stare at Zadimus. I can only assume they both look somewhat terrified.

"Seriously you two, you've been at this for a good while now. At least half an hour. So cook something, or so help me I'll cook you!" Zadimus finishes by glaring at Foxtail.

"On second thought, let's go help Spring out with the garden, grab some potatoes, and mix those with the eggs," Lotus says.

Foxtail nods. Him and Lotus walk off.

"Are things always like this?" I ask Zadimus.

"You've been here a week, and you haven't picked up on the pattern yet?"

"A fair point I suppose. But arguing over breakfast? That's a new one, even for them."

"Maybe from your perspective."

"Hey Zaddy, where are Lotus and Foxy?" a new voice calls. I smile at her nickname for Zadimus as I turn my head. It's a woman wearing all brown with white hair.

"I thought I told you to stop calling be that," Zadimus grumbles. That somehow makes his nickname funnier. I hold in a giggle.

"Yeah, you did. Didn't stick. Now answer the damn question!"

Zadimus rolls his eyes and sighs. "They went to the garden, if you must know."

"What? Why? I thought they were cooking breakfast."

"It's Lotus and Foxtail. They can't get anything simple done without arguing."

"Or eyeing each other like they want to make out but don't think the other is okay with it."

"That sounds about right," I chime in. The woman looks at me and seems to notice my presence for the first time.

"Who the diagowt are you?"

"She's been here for a week, how have you not noticed her!?" Zadimus yellsd, waving his arms. Some passerby give him an odd look as they continue with their morning routine. This has to be one of the most entertaining conversations I've ever had the pleasure to listen too.

"Been busy," the new woman shrugs.

Zadimus covers his face with his hands. "Words cannot express the shame I feel for you since you obviously cannot feel it yourself."

"Yeah yeah, bookkeep. Anyways, who are you?" The woman looks at me pointedly.

"Sorcha Vedaldi of Hazelhill. And you?"

"Name's Mazelina Okami."

Silence strikes us.

"Of?" I ask.

"Of what?"

"Where are you from?"

"What's it to you?"

"I'm just curious."

"Well, Miss Curious, I'm a Mallorian, same as most people 'round here. Thought that would've been obvious."

"For Gatera's sake Mazelina, will you stop being so flippant?" Zadimus glares daggers at Mazelina.

"Nah, I'm good."

"Foxtail, we need to bake the potatoes first!" Lotus yells as she walks back over to our campfire.

"Lotus, it was your idea to mix them with the eggs!"

I giggle slightly.

"Well I changed my mind!"

"Let me guess. You wanna boil the eggs too?"

"No! It'll be a compromise! We'll have baked potatoes and eggs."

"Shut up!" Zadimus and Mazelina roar.

I can't take it anymore! I start laughing loudly. I feel the others turning to stare at me. Wait, now Lotus and Foxtail are arguing again. I didn't think I could laugh harder, but I am.

"Why are you laughing?" Zadimus asks. I can't answer! I'm laughing too hard.

"I don't think she can speak right now. Laughter does that, but back to the issue at hand..." Lotus glares at Foxtail, who rolls his eyes. They start their argument back up. Now Zadimus is yelling at them, and Mazelina is cooking something else. I can't see what it is from here. Wait... is that steak? I didn't think I could be laughing any harder, but I am! Maybe today won't be so bad after all.