Chapter-4 Captured

"How much farther?" Lucille asked.

"We have to cross this forest and we will be there," Sandra said.

"I can't wait," Lucille replied sarcastically.

James just nodded and went on. He was getting this strong feeling that something was wrong with Jade, as if she was in trouble.

Jade was wide awake. She couldn't sleep; so many thoughts were running through her mind. She had to go. She had to find him and tell him she was sorry, that she hadn't meant all that. She had to defeat the wizard herself and prove that she still loved them all. She had to make up for her mistake. But she didn't want to worry Steven and Zacharius, so she decided to sneak out. At first she stumbled but soon regained her balance. She walked towards the forest and away from the tent. She didn't know how, but she just seemed to know where they or rather he was. Everything was dark, apart from the little light that the moon was providing; the shadows forming ghastly shapes on the forest floor. She could hear the howling of wolves. All of a sudden everything became cold, just like winter nights, dark clouds blocked the light of the moon and a biting wind began to blow. She looked down and to her horror, saw that everything was turning to ice. "What's happening here?" she muttered.

You will meet your fate, a cold whisper came.

"Who are you?!" she shouted back. Her voice echoed in the dark.

He hates you, despises you. You are nothing but another common girl to him, the voice came again.

"No! That's not true!"

He doesn't love you.

"It can't be," she whispered, tears making their way down her cheeks.

There was silence. Then a voice came again, but it was not the dark one that came before. It was his voice but in a very cold tone. She could see them. They were all standing in front of her.

You broke your word, you broke your friendship; you've destroyed everything, Jade. You have hurt your friends. You've hurt me. You do not love me.

What have you done? Lucille's voice came next. You have made her feel so miserable.

"I am sorry, I am so sorry. Please forgive me. Please!" she was sobbing now, the voices were becoming fainter and fainter, and her vision became blurry, the figures fading into the darkness. She couldn't bear it. She suddenly felt all her strength leave her and she fell to the ground against the cold ice. "I love you, James," was all she could whisper, and darkness overwhelmed her.

An evil laugh echoed through the forest, and the ice suddenly disappeared.

"Jade!" James woke up to find Lucille and Sandra looking at him worriedly.

"You were having a nightmare," Lucille stated.

"I saw her, the wizard, he had her. And he was - he was torturing her, threatening to kill her if she didn't tell him where I was," James said.

"Relax! Breathe!" Lucille said putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Now, tell me, do you think it was a vision or just a dream?" Sandra asked.

"It was real. She's in trouble and she's hurt," he said.

"We need a plan. We have to find Steven and Zacharius," Lucille said.

"Steven! Come here!" Zach called.

"What is it Zach? You know I don't like to be disturbed in the mornings! It better be a good reason!" he said menacingly.

"What is that?" he asked.

"I found this on the tree," Zach said pressing a small piece of paper into his hands.

Dear Steve and Zach,

I know that by the time you will read this I will have reached the Dark Tower. I just couldn't live myself out of the fact that I am responsible for this mess and so I have decided to set things right. I will defeat the Dark Wizard myself, to make up for my mistake. I hope you will find it someday in you to forgive me for everything.

I don't know if I will be seeing you all ever again but it doesn't matter. You will be better off without me. Go back to Lucille, Sandra and James, they will need you. Do not come after me, as it will only lead to trouble. I know I will probably die as I don't know magic, but don't worry, I won't die before I see his destruction. Whatever fate awaits me I know that I deserve it. The next few lines are for James, (please pass it on to him):

I know I have caused you a lot of trouble. I have hurt you deeply and I cannot forgive myself for that. I will go to whatever extent it takes to make it up for you, even if it requires my death. I am sure you will find someone better than me, who is worthy of you. I am deeply ashamed of my behavior that night. My apologies to Lucille and Sandra too. You, James, have stood by my side through everything, when I have done nothing but troubled you. Please forgive me. I love you, now and forever.

Jade

"Is she trying to kill herself! Come on we have to hurry and find the others," Steven said as he and Zach picked up their swords and started off. After walking through the forest for about an hour they heard some footsteps. "Who's there?" Steven cried out, unsheathing he sword.

The footsteps got nearer and nearer.