Hey people. I thought that you have waited long enough, and I've been bad, so I wrote another chapter. Rejoice. And please note that chapter three will be on the way soon. It'll come faster if you leave reviews...
CP owns all. JessieLightyear, NationalWonder, and I own anyone who is unrecognizable
A few days later, I decided to take my mother's advice and talk to Logan. It had been weird to ask him to see me without telling him the reason, but he just went along with it. We walked along and found ourselves at the field. This is where we found ourselves most times, considering it was the best place for target practice, and a little privacy.
"Look, Logan," I started as I sat on a rock. Logan sat beside me and stared at the sky, wondering what was happening. "I wanted to see you today so we could, you know, talk."
"Well get to chatting, then, or I'll think we're here for no reason." We grinned at each other and I was filled with butterflies. Mom said this would be easy; how wrong she was. I let out a breath and began.
"I think it's time we started to look at things seriously from now on. We're not children anymore, and things are changing." My subtle start at the subject was going smoothly. I couldn't tell if Logan was following along, however, he seemed deep in thought. I continued.
"If you haven't noticed, the war isn't getting any better, or worse, for that matter, as far as I know. But I want to ask you something." Logan searched my eyes so deeply I had to look away. As I gathered my knees into my chest, he started.
"Listen here. We both know this isn't going to be easy, but I think it's for the best. I mean, who knows what might happen if it were anyone else." Was I hearing correctly? Did he seriously say that? I was swimming in my thoughts when he said, "But I promised my father that we would go to war together. We only have each other left in the family, not that you aren't close enough."
I was boggled. I was talking about our relationship, but he was talking about actually leaving! When did the subject change? I couldn't sit there any longer. I hopped off our rock and paced around, not going too far off, but not really having any direction either. Logan watched me with frightened eyes, as he should. If this was the start of another "worry rant" of mine, he knew it.
"Why must we talk about the war," I questioned, trying to get a lighter subject. "I wasn't under the impression that we would be discussing this today." I was getting red in the face and my feet began to shuffle faster with each second.
"Why not? Didn't you get the letter this morning? I thought everyone would have known by now." He pulled a folded square of paper from his pocket and handed it to me. The first thing I noticed was the hand-writing—this was no ordinary letter. This was from the Varden, from Father. "I thought you might have read it already," he said, "considering you had enough time before you came to get me." I opened the square until I could see the whole page. It read:
Dear Sir or Madam,
It has come to the attention of the Varden that we are in greater need than we thought. That being said, we wish you will please consider joining us in our fight against Galbatorix and his forces. Take note that we are accepting as much help as possible from whoever is willing to give it. The legal age is sixteen years to join, and we hope to recruit some young warriors. The veterans of wars past are also allowed to join us.
Please take note that we shall be here within two weeks of receiving the letter as we know what preparations are like. Take consideration of the task that is here before you. We wish you all the best of luck in these next fourteen days. Thank you for your time.
I read the letter three times over. I couldn't believe it. The war was really here this time, and Logan was going into it, to fight. I knew this day was coming, didn't I? It was going to happen sooner or later that the Varden would be asking for more help. Father had gone several times before, and he always came back. But this was getting serious, and Logan was taking it head on. Mother had always been strong when this happened, and here I was, being selfish. Logan had stood up, prepared for whatever was coming his way. All I could do was barrel into his chest, squeeze him close, and bawl.
"Why must I be so selfish," I finally said aloud as my breathing became easier. Logan stroked my golden waves and held me up.
"You aren't the only one. What mother wants to watch her son leave for battle? What bride wants to help her husband pack his armor," We sat against the rock, tears spilling from my eyes. Then he wrapped his arms around my waist and whispered, "What beautiful girl wants to give her boyfriend target practice before he goes in two weeks?" I nearly died right there. My stomach was all a flutter, and he had beaten me to my point. Oh well, at least he said it.
The next fourteen days were very busy. Mother needed all the help she could get preparing spices, remedies, and tonics for the soldiers. I was her go-to-girl, and was running things all over the hillside to the customers. All my free time, or what was left of it, was now used to help Logan practice in the field. Now that we were open about everything, I could breathe easier, and I was unafraid. Not even a trick from stupid Colbey could bring me down.
Before we knew it, it was the night before the Varden would be passing through to seek out the remaining soldiers. Logan and I were sitting on the branch in our pajamas like we were children again. It was a tense day, knowing that each second had to last. Who knew when I would see him again? I couldn't bear it if he died…
Logan took my hand. "I'm surprised you aren't coming with us, Jaiden. I thought you would have wanted to fight alongside us." I glanced up at him and giggled.
"You know perfectly why I'm not going. Mother would have a fit if I was gone, as if Father isn't enough. I can't just leave her behind." But at the same time, I did. I wanted to march bravely into battle like any other person. But Mother would not allow it.
"You also have no experience. Don't get me wrong, your archery skills are fantastic, but what would happen if you were handed a sword, or an axe? I can only think of the terrors." We laughed as I imagined myself trying to wield a sword like a professional. It wasn't a pretty image, and I doubted it would ever happen.
"It wouldn't be so bad if I had help, or some kind of training. Then I could join you and Father, but let's not waste our time on dreams. You're leaving tomorrow." My spirits faded again, and Logan's did as well.
"I've been thinking about that, and I wanted to make the process easier on us all. So I'm going to give you this." He reached into his shirt and pulled out a heart shaped pendant on a long black chain. The middle of the heart was a glass chamber that had a thick lavender smoke residing within it. There were markings around the heart, and I was surprised when I realized what it was.
"Oh, Logan, I can't! You need this more than I do! I'm not taking this now that you're going off to battle!"
"Well who else is going to protect it when I can't? I trust you with this. And she does too." Logan placed the pendant around my neck, taking great care with it. He was mumbling words as he did it. I was about to interrupt him, but thought better. When he finally finished, he put his hands on my shoulders. "You, Jaiden Disérasdaughter, are now the Keeper of Lesiana Evrrellswife's Spirit. May you both be protected and keep each other strong." I looked at the lavender smoke, and knew that this is what I had to do. Logan was right. How could I go into battle now?
"It's getting late. You should go," I told him. I made my way back into my room and felt the weight of my emotions crashing down on me. This is really it. I hope you know what you're doing. Logan followed and sat on my windowsill. We embraced for what seemed like eons, and I let my silent tears fall.
"I know I can count on you to stay strong. Please, if you won't do this for anyone else, do this for me." Then, unexpectedly, he grabbed my shoulders and brought me in for a searing kiss. It was short, but it said all that was not spoken. I flushed, and he grinned. Who knew that he could kiss, eh? Well certainly not us.
He hopped out of the window and landed on the ground. He looked up at my window for the last time, memorizing my face once again. "Farewell, my Jaiden." And he slowly walked off towards the path.
I fell into my bed, feelings crashing around in my head, and succumbed to slumber.
The next morning, I woke up groggily. It was a gray and cloudy sky, just like my head. I couldn't even make myself get out of bed. Mother came in at nine and said to hurry up or we would be late to see them off. I dressed groggily and touched the pendant with a heavy heart. I could tell the spirit inside felt as I did, tired and sad. I vowed never to take it off my body, and tucked it in my clothes for good measure.
Mother and I walked quietly along the path to the field and watched the assembly. Everyone was saying their last goodbyes, checking their equipment one last time, and listening to the small group in charge. I could see Logan and Evrrell in the distance, but I knew I couldn't go up to them. Mother and I watched from a distance as they set off. Logan looked nervous, being he was the youngest one in the group. I knew he would be in good hands, but I still worried. They all set off towards an unmarked path and I stayed hidden while they disappeared into the distance. I was rooted to the spot, and realized I was alone. Mother must have gone back home to grieve alone. That was fine by me. I didn't want to burden her with my tears all day.
I finally stood and turned to go when I felt the presence of an intruder. I grabbed my dagger, ready to attack, when I caught his eyes.
"Colbey! What are you doing here? Aren't you going off to the battle?"I sheathed my weapon and stared dumbly at him. Why on earth would someone as egotistic as him miss this opportunity? He should have left hours ago.
"For your information, I'm not leaving until tomorrow. I don't need to be recognized as a hero to make my own decisions." He stepped closer, and leaned on his left leg. "Besides, who are you to tell me when I should go to battle? You aren't going."
"You know why I can't go, Colbey. I have someone here to take care of." I felt the pendant press against my stomach, hidden by my tunic.
"Your mom can take care of herself." Like he knew anything about my mother. But then I was reminded of her friendship with Vione, and kept my mouth shut. "I'm more worried about how you're going to hold up. This is the first time that Logan's gone off. He may never-"
"Stop! Don't say that! You have no clue if he'll die as much as I do." My chest was heaving and I almost shed a tear, but the pendant kept me going. "Why do you care so much? It was my impression that we were sworn enemies."
"Fine then. If you want to stay a friendless, lonely person, good luck." I was so fed up with Colbey that I let my emotions wash over me completely, revealing the anger inside. I stalked towards him, pushing him as hard as I could out of my way, and headed towards home. Colbey was in hot pursuit as always. I turned around to see him only a few feet behind me, remorse in his eyes. Wait a minute, did I seriously see that? Or is it a trick of the light? Nope, that's real.
"What's your problem?" I spat to his face.
"Are you the only one allowed to feel sad today? Is it a new law? I hadn't heard of it." He looked down at his hand, which I could see was covered by a white cloth.
"What happened to you," I said, pointing to the fabric. He looked at it with shame, shook his head, and pushed past me. "What? Are you sworn to secrecy? Or do I have to play the guessing game all day?" He just continued on, but not before I saw him hesitate to tell me. I saw him change his mind and he left me in the dust.
I returned home fuming. If anybody could have made this day any worse, it was Colbey. He had done his job, and now I was left alone, just like he said I would be. I hated how he was the one who was in the right when it was usually me. I felt so stupid, but it was better than depression.
The house was empty when I arrived, and I went to my room. It was eerie to be on my own, but I remembered about the pendant, and realized that I was never truly alone anymore. I always had a companion. I was thankful for Logan's thoughtfulness and entered my room.
As I opened the door, I couldn't believe my eyes. The room was completely spotless, and I felt eerie again. I wanted to scream and had the sensation that someone was watching me. I looked at my side table, and found a small note. I opened it and it read:
Your mother is being held against her will. If you come to the field at nightfall, she may still have a chance. You are allowed to bring your bow and arrows, your dagger, and a few supplies. You will be going on a little journey. If you don't come, we shall take you by force and there will be no hope left for Diséra.
Don't be late.
Bum bum bum! What's gonna happen to Jaiden's mom? Review, and wait for chapter 3.