Ember Gods

Chapter 32

Jacob slumped into a chair. The operation hadn't been nearly as long as he'd expected, but it definitely hadn't been easy. Akeno had screamed through most of it, and everyone in the room had needed a break at one point or another. Jacob felt like pulling his hair out or crying for the Makalo. Luckily, he'd been able to control his emotions and be the support Akeno needed.

He pushed his fists into his eyes, trying to wipe away the exhaustion he felt. Akeno had been put in his room to continue the healing process, with Ebony and the Fat Lady taking turns watching over him. Frequent cries of pain came from him. The Fat Lady said this was normal and would last a few hours.

Brojan returned to see how things had gone. After he visited with Akeno for a moment, he approached Kenji, Matt, the Fat Lady, Sweet Pea—who'd also come back—and Jacob. They were seated at the table, which had been cleaned and sterilized.

Brojan turned to the Fat Lady. "How many potions did you say you'd be able to make?"

"Which potion?"

"Malono. The one to help get Aloren."

"Five. I didn't think you'd be using them all, though."

Brojan shook his head. "We still haven't decided who will be going. He looked at Jacob. "We'll be taking the key from you as punishment for what happened last night."

Jacob nodded. He pulled the key from his pocket and put it on the table in front of the patriarch. He'd expected this. "The box is in my room."

"We don't need it." Brojan put the key in his pocket.

"Get going—both of you," Kenji said.

Jacob dragged himself from his chair, motioned to the door with his head, and he and Matt left the room. No goodbyes were exchanged—everyone was far too exhausted.

He shut the door behind them, not looking forward to the long walk ahead. Jacob had gotten accustomed to keying himself all over the place. Discouragement flowed over him. He wished he'd followed his feelings last night.

"Man, I'm sorry I got us in so much trouble," Matt said.

Jacob shrugged in response. He was glad Matt's leg had healed. But still, he was upset with himself over what had happened—and not just because the consequences stank. He'd put his brother and Taga Village in danger. What would've happened if the Ember God had followed him through the door?

They were silent almost the entire way home—past the tree, through the forest. Once home, Jacob stayed in his room for several hours, working on odd projects and homework. Mom excused him from dinner—Dad was working late again. He had been a lot lately, trying to get caught up. Jacob felt bad for the man. He wanted to be back on Eklaron, but couldn't afford to lose his job and not have a way to provide for his family before he took over his kingdom again.

The Makalos had offered to let the Clarks stay in Taga Village, but Dad refused. The Makalos had enough mouths to feed, what with all the people from the scented air living there now. For the time being, it was decided that Jacob would continue representing the family on Eklaron, and Dad would focus on not losing his job.

A rapping at his window let him know a Minya was there. He opened it, letting Early in.

"Akeno is improving," she said, staring at Hazel. "Who's she?" Early folded her arms and glared at the other Minya, bright purple swirling around her.

"Don't be jealous. She's not mine—she's Aloren's Minya."

"Oh, good." Early relaxed, her purple changing to light blue. "He says hi."

"Tell Akeno I said hi back. Thanks for bringing the message."

Early flitted away, and Jacob returned to his homework.