Chapter 9

Lief and Barda were too shocked to move, but Mark took action. He jumped behind Jasmine and stabbed the Ol. Mark looked around for more enemies, but seeing none, he sat down next to Jasmine who was shivering uncontrollably. He grabbed the nectar and made Jasmine swallow some. Even though she was not completely healed, they had to continue on. Mark and Lief took up the lead with Barda holding Jasmine's shoulders while she trembled.

Mark had his bow out, and Lief had his sword out. Mark had been thinking so he asked Lief, "There have been no Grey Guards or Ols until we reached here." Lief nodded so Mark continued, "That must mean we are close to the Lake and whatever is there." Lief considered then nodded in agreement and said, "We have covered a great distance." They were jerked out of their conversation when they heard a loud sneeze. They turned and saw Barda shaking his head, "We cannot continue. Jasmine needs rest. Lief nodded, "We will. We cannot stop until we find a closed area though." They kept on going until Jasmine started coughing and sneezing and couldn't stop.

Barda and Lief then started to make a fire while Mark held Jasmine. While Barda and Lief struggled to make a fire Jasmine started talking, "Maybe I judged you too soon." Mark told her she had a right to be suspicious, but she kept saying she was wrong. Mark stopped arguing and listened, "You saw the Ols through their disguise," she said. Mark started to tell her he had just seen the mark, but she kept talking before he could tell her, "You saved my life." Then she did the oddest thing. She kissed him lightly on the cheek. Mark was stunned then saw Lief give a single glance.

Before he could do anything, he saw a person coming toward him. Mark was about to bring out his bow when he saw he knew the person. What his eyes saw he could not believe.

The man coming toward them did not exist anymore.

The man coming toward them was dead.

The man coming toward them was John.

A/N: I know that was expected but tell me if you didn't and remember to review. Sorry this one wasn't up so fast but the next one will.