Legend of Jaluga

Chapter 2

Everyone stared at her, dumbfounded that she interrupted the argument. Durkin was the one to step in while she encouraged arguments, hoping they would end in a brawl.

"Well!" she snapped.

Cedric joined her side and explained, "We were discussing whether or not we should leave the village. These two fools," he pointed to Xavier and Varinia, "believe that we should stay."

"They will expect us to leave. So if we stay they won't think to search here again," Varinia stated calmly as she glared daggers at Cedric.

"I agree with Varinia," Xavier chimed in. "Leaving would not only mean starting over but also give the Badure another chance to find us."

"They will expect us to stay," he argued. "In fact, I'm sure they hope we stay! Just so they can come back and collect more slaves."

Collective gasps were heard from the crowd. Children hid behind their mothers and lovers gripped each other tight, fearing they might pop out at any moment.

"Enough!" Adeline commanded. The ground shook at the power in her voice and the room fell silent. She crossed her arms over her chest as she pondered the possible outcomes of staying.

She sighed and announced, "Cedric's right. We can't stay."

The crowd erupted in an uproar. Everyone had an opinion on her decision, or just an opinion on her.

Among those opinions one stuck out. Does she really think she can be a leader now?

She closed her eyes tight, wishing the voices of doubt would cease. Cedric, as if hearing her wish, shouted, "Silence!"

The room went quiet once more and Cedric continued, "Let her speak!" He glanced down and gave her a reassuring smile. She returned his smile and turned to the crowd.

"I understand why you are all skeptical of my decision. We had just been attacked. Even I'm reeling from it. But we have to face the facts." She turned to Varinia. "Staying here is suicide. No matter how you look at it. So leaving is our only chance. Because if we stay, the Badure will come back. We have no other choice."

Varinia peared at the ground, deep in thought. Xavier looked Adeline up and down and scoffed.

"You have no idea what you're talking about. How about you let the adults decide?" he crossed his arms over his chest. "In fact, go grab your uncle and let him decide what to do. He actually knows what he's doing."

Cedric hissed at his disrespectful tone, taking a threatening step forward only to be stopped by Adeline.

"He's not worth it," she whispered in his ear.

Varinia finally snapped out of her trance and looked at Adeline.

"You make a valid point. But I say we wait for your uncle to come and make his decision. He knows more about this than even I do."

Adeline glanced to the floor, guilt and shaming washing over her.

"My uncle is not coming," she replied in a mere whisper.

The three looked at her quizzically.

"And why not?" Xavier sneered.

When she finally gazed up at them, tears were gathered in her eyes. "Because he has been taken by the Badure."

The room erupted. Everyone was surprised and afraid. If Durkin, the greatest warrior to ever live, was captured, what hope did they have?

She turned to Cedric, tears slipping down here face, and whispered for only him to here, "As was your son."

His face fell. Those monsters took his wife from him and now his son. His world came crashing down.

"No." he shook his head in denial. "He can't be."

She turned away, hating the tears that fell from her eyes. "I'm sorry."

She pushed her way through the crowd and ran from the building, not wanting everyone to see her in such a weak state.

The village needed her to be strong, and she would be strong. After she had a moment to grieve.

⤐

Cedric clumped down to the lake, knowing it was where Adeline was. He walked past the treeline and found her sitting at the edge of the lake.

She appeared tired and... broken. Losing the only family you have left does that. Cedric would know.

He slowly approached, not wanting to scare the poor girl. Once he reached her side, he plopped down, and stared at the lake. The sun was setting, turning the water a deep yellow as the wind blew, rippling the surface of the peaceful water. It was a beautiful sight.

"Do..." Adeline hesitated, fear evident in her voice. "Do you think they're alive?"

Cedric sat there a moment, thinking it through. After sometime he sighed and shook his head. "I don't know."

She only nodded in reply.

A few minutes later she spoke. "I don't think I can do this. Be a leader."

He waited for her to continue, knowing she needed time.

"I'm- I'm not... I-I can't..." she sighed. "I'm scared."
He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and saw tears streaming down her face. He pulled her to his chest and hugged her. She sobbed into him, unable to hold back the storm within. The sky darkened, as if sensing her pain.

He whispered sweet nothings as he rubbed her back soothingly.

She soon ran out of tears and her sobbing ceased, but the pain in her heart did not disappear. She breathed out a sigh as she composed herself to the best of her abilities.

"I'm sorry-" she tried apologizing but he interrupted her.

"You have no reason to apologize. You just lost your uncle. It's perfectly fine to be this way."

Adeline shook her head. "No. A strong leader doesn't show emotions."

Cedric huffed out a laugh. "As I recall, when Durkin first arrived, he was an emotional wreck. He was worried over your safety, not to mention grieving over the loss of your mother."

"I never knew that."

"The point is, everyone has moments of vulnerability, even leaders."

She gave him a small smile. "Thank you. I needed that."

He kissed her forehead. "Anytime sweetie."

They sat there for a few minutes, Adeline leaning on his side as he draped his arm around her, and watched the sun sink further in the sky. As the sun finally disappeared, Cedric stood, dragging her with him.

"We need to head back. We'll be leaving soon."

"Do... do you think I made the right call?"

He pulled her in for another hug. "Durkin would have made the same decision."

"The only reason you're saying that is because you wanted this."

He placed his hand over his heart in mock hurt. "I would never."

She giggled softly and he smiled, grateful he could make her laugh. Before they entered the village, Adeline hugged Cedric one last time, pecking him on the cheek. "Thank you. For everything."

He kissed her forehead and replied, "Anytime, sweetheart."

They strolled through the village, finding everyone in the town hall. Everyone had a small bag, containing valuables and food. The children clung to their parents sides, tears streaming down their face.

The people turned to them, hope and fear in their eyes, and waited.

Adeline glanced back at Cedric, fear pouring off her in waves. He gave her a small smile and nodded his head slightly, encouraging her to take the lead.

She turned back to her people and shouted, "Let's move out!"