Valadel

Chapter XXVI

"Agh!" Tytus whimpered in pain.

"I'm sorry, but it won't heal unless you let me do this." Jazmyn said, wringing out the water from a blood stained cloth.

"Do you even know what you're doing?" Tytus asked her.

"Well...I've picked up some techniques along the way. I've been apart of many expeditions to many different places long before this one, Sir Tytus." She said, dabbing his wound. "Just not places so...well, sinister, I guess."

"I bet. We wouldn't have traveled all the way to Valdor if Irving didn't think you'd be necessary."

Jazmyn had stopped pressing the cold cloth on Tytus' wound. She had nearly forgotten about the elder scholar. How could she have? The man had taught her everything she knew. She knew him when he had hair, which is not something everyone can say.

Tytus struck a nerve that he should've known had been there. He instantly wish he didn't bring up the old man. He was to her what Gallador had been to him. He only wish he got the chance to tell Gallador that.

"I'm very sorry." Tytus said apologetically.

"No, it's fine. I needed to cope anyway. It's not good to hold these feelings in."

"I understand. Do you wish to talk about it?"

"I suppose...do you wish to talk about Gallador."

Tytus hesitated to answer. He wasn't much one to express his feelings, always being a closed off individual. But if Jazmyn was willing to open up to him, he would open up to her.

"The only thing I wish to do is go home." He said.

Jazmyn nodded in agreement. "It's only been three days that we've been here...but it seems like much longer."

Tytus nodded. "Three days here is three days too long."

From across the room, he heard movement and conversing. Danticus and Gabrielen were up, walking and talking. They stopped next to the bookcase.

"Where are you two going? Tytus asked.

"To search for Aryanne. We have to find her." Said Danticus.

"Indeed."

"Hows Cristomir?" Danticus inquired.

"He's still sleeping. I'm more concerned about you, Danticus...how are you holding up?" Tutus asked.

Danticus kept the remorseful expression that settled his face since the incident. "I'm...I'd be lying if I said I'm fine."

"Aye...I'm so sorry I wasn't there to help you...I should've been up and ready to stop them. Instead, that...that godforsaken beast got the best of me...I promise it won't happen again, Danticus."

Danticus nodded. "Does that put you in charge now?"

Tytus shook his head. "I don't care what my rank or position is. No ones in charge. We all are getting out of this together."

"Where's Miles?" Asked Gabrielen.

"He's keeping an eye out for a boat. Hopefully, one comes." Tytus said.

"Yes...hopefully." Said Danticus. "Well, we need to find Aryanne. We'll be back soon."

"Danticus..." Said Tytus.

"Yes?" He responded.

"You make damn sure you come back."

"I can't promise anything, Tytus. I'll just try my best." Danticus said.