The Silver Isles Kingdom

Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

Uthlia was in view sooner than Jacque had expected, but it took them longer to reach the shores than he had anticipated. Within two hours of first seeing the island they finally reached the shore. Jacque was even more surprised to see that there was no one guarding the shores to keep a look out for intruders or anyone who would dare defy the enemy from ruling the island. Despite this, Jacque was relieved to know that it wouldn't be too bad if he left Alexis on the boat while he left to go help the people become free of their bondage. As he pulled the boat ashore he realized that it would still be best if he brought Alexis with him and have her hide in the forest while he freed the people.

"Okay, I've been thinking-" Jacque began.

"You never stop thinking," Alexis replied humorously.

"I know, but if you'll just let me finish, you should go with me as far as the forest outside the city. Then you should find a large shrubbery or something to hide behind, or in, until I come back for you."

"Wait, you want me to be that close?"

"Yes."

"Right outside the door of the enemy."

"At least I'm not asking you to stand at death's door."

"You might as well be," Alexis said, frightened at the thought of being so close to the enemy. She expected to stay on the boat.

"Hey, I'll be done before you know it," Jacque said, trying his best to reassure her, "With my abilities as a mage-warrior, it shouldn't be more than an hour to an hour and a half, maybe even less."

"Then you'll be back for me?" Alexis asked, hoping he would be back soon.

"Alexis, as your friend and protector it is my duty to make sure you're safe. Should anybody find you... well, I'll know about it and be by your side to help as soon as I can. Otherwise I'll be back for you, I promise."

"If you say so Jacque." Alexis was very unsure about his true abilities. She knew how powerful he was but at the same time doubted that his claims were true. So, she decided to go on faith and let him do the planning for this one. I know he wants me to be protected and safe, but I also know that if something should happen to him, how would I know? I will discuss this with him later. No doubt he knew her thoughts about this but she still wished to speak with him.

They followed a trail that lead to the wall that blocked the entrance to the city of Uthlia, but when they were no more than seventy yards from where they started Jacque led her into the forest and made a path of his own through it. He moved the branches and the palms that were in the way and allowed Alexis to pass through safely. She wondered why he decided to go off the trail but after a short while in the forest, Jacque stopped and waved his hand to get her to crouch down. As they crouched, she could hear movement on the trail of someone that was walking.

"So why are we going to the beach? I mean, we've been doing this ever since we got to the island. We've already taken six islands and soon the people are going to have to surrender anyways," one of the men from the trail asked.

"Because, the emperor has asked us to just in case someone tries to send in a spy. It doesn't take long because no one ever comes. We just go look at the beach, then come back. It's not that hard," said a second man.

"I don't care about the difficulty," replied the first, "I care just how ineffective and how boring it is."

"Just do your job moron! It doesn't matter how boring it is, just do as your told!" the second man scolded the first.