Jedediah POV

Chapter 21: A sadistic plan

9 years later

I sat relaxing on a fence, while I thought about the conversation I had with Octavius yesterday. Octavius told me he still had some problems with Agrippa. You would think that somebody would solve his problems with his friends after 42 years, because we're already live that long in this museum. I told him more than once that he should talk with Agrippa. I don't know Agrippa very well, but to me he doesn't seem like somebody who would betray or poison his general. But I understand it's hard to talk to someone when you certain that person wants you death.

"Jedediah?" a familiar voice suddenly said. I looked up and looked straight in Jacob's eyes. "Girl gets a little impatient in her stable," Jacob continued. I nodded one time and jumped of the fence.

"I should go for a ride then," I said. "You're coming with me?" Immediately a huge smile appeared on Jacob's face.

"Of course," he said still smiling. "At least if I'm not a burden to you," he said softly after it. His smile disappeared and his eyes looked sad.

It always went this way. Why did Jacob always think he would be a burden to me? Yesterday during the training I told Octavius how fortunate I am with a friend like Jacob. That boy always has my back, I can always talk to him without him judging me and he would always stay at my side, no matter how bad it will get. I meant what I said yesterday, when I said that if I had only one friend left I know it should be Jacob. I want it to be Jacob.

If Jacob just heard what I said yesterday about him, he would know he isn't a burden to me. If I would repeat to him what I said yesterday, he will know how things are. But even though I really want this problem between me and Jacob to be solved, I just can't seem to make the first step. Oh yes, you would think that somebody would solve his problems with his friends after 42 years. Maybe Octavius and I do have something in common.

"You're not a burden to me, Jacob," I said strict. A little smile appeared on his face again.

"Well, than I would like coming with you," Jacob said and together we walked towards the stables.

~Jedie and Ockie~

It was a long time ago since I rode so carefree. For a moment I didn't think about the giants or the problems with the Romans. But like always that feeling didn't last long. Even before I had removed the saddle form Girl's back I heard Cecil outside yelling my name.

"Crying out loud," I said softly.

"You can go and see what he wants," Jacob said behind me. "I will take care of Girl for you." Jacob laid his own saddle on the flour and took my bridle and saddle from me. After that I ran out of the stable and I thanked Jacob again, just for being there.

Before I knew it, I was thrown on the table with Octavius again.

"Good evening, Jedediah," Octavius said while he stood up.

"Hi Octavius," I greeted back. "You're here too, I see."

"Of course, I wouldn't miss this pleasure," he answered me again.

"Enough," Cecil interrupted our conversation. "This is important, so if you're going to run away again, I will bind you to each other." He spoke very calm and softly, a sign that he meant what he said. When the boy became older, he also became more patient and calmer, but also much more sadistic.

"Take a look," Cecil said and he rolled up his sleeve. His arm was wrapped in a bandage what was already red of the blood. "I've been attacked by a lion tonight," Cecil said and his sleeve went down again.

"So?" I asked. "I've been once attacked by a bear. My head was almost in two pieces." I could hear Octavius laughing besides me. He already knew the story of my long hair. I let my hair grow, so it would hide the big scare the bear had left.

"And after twelve days he just rode on his horse again," Octavius said and still couldn't believe it.

"I was recovered," I said back. "I felt fine after those twelve days."

"And that's exactly the problem, Cecil," Reginald, who suddenly stood behind Cecil, said. Octavius and I went silent immediately.

How easier the giants talked, how more dangerous they are. Reginald never yells, but he always has a sadistic plan in mind, just like then. And Gus, the smallest giant of the three, always yells some weird nicknames to everyone, but he is very bad at hurting us.

"You just let them talk," Reginald continued. "They just laugh at you. Take them to the cage and tell them the plan." Cecil nodded one time, while Octavius and I looked astonished at each other.

We got grabbed and manhandled again. After we walked throw the museum for a while we got dumped on a title table again.

"You apple thieves," Gus yelled from a distant. "You claim they don't have feelings, but still you try to strike their feelings."

"They are miniatures," Cecil replied.

"Don't try to be wise, owl pellet," Gus said before he walked away again. On one hand I really wanted to know what was going on, but on the other hand I thought it would be better if I didn't know.

"Jedediah," Octavius suddenly said and tapped on my shoulder. "Can you hear that? Lions." I could clearly hear the roaring and I didn't trust it for a little bit.

"Okay, that's enough," I yelled to Cecil. "I want to know what you're planning to do."

A dirty smile appeared on his face and he waited a few seconds before he answered: "You'll get the choice: or you two will promise to help us henceforth, or Agrippa and Jacob will be putted in the lion cage tonight."

Chapter 21 is finished.

Ow, I don't know why, but I really love Jacob! :D

And by the way, for the persons who are interested, the story about Jedediah and the bear attack is a true story. The real Jedediah was attacked by a bear and it was a miracle he survived, but in less then two weeks he leaded his group around again. (And that's why I respect him so much! ;) )

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Reviews are always appreciated.