What If?

Chapter 48

Joyce and Merek rounded up a team of guards and left the castle immediately. They needed to get Jeana away from the castle, so she wouldn't take over Dungannon. Merek had saddled Lilly and he and Joyce were riding her across the castle grounds towards the forest. They had a squad of guards following them and Joyce felt confident that they would be safe. She had put on Mirabelle's special magic cloak, to hide her dress. Merek was also wearing a cloak to hide his appearance. They led the guards into the forest on their journey to defeat Jeana.

***

Hours passed by as they traveled through the forest. They had to be getting close to Shadowmouth. Joyce thought this would be the most likely place where Jeana would be. The sun set and it began to become dark. Joyce decided that once they reached Shadowmouth, she would go incognito and look for Jeana. If she found her, she'd sneak back and tell the others. Everyone was on board with this idea, except for Merek.

Merek had become super protective of Joyce. Joyce enjoyed having a man in her life to protect her, but the reality of the situation was that Merek wasn't capable of protecting her. He had no magic, no knowledge of the villages, and was in danger of being cursed by Jeana himself.

However...

Joyce thought that Merek's protests were because he cared about her deeply.

No matter how annoying it felt at the time, she was grateful for his feelings towards her.

"Merek," Joyce said, "I'm the only one here who's been to Shadowmouth. I know the village and I know where Jeana was."

Merek thought for a second and said, "Joyce, at least take someone with you in case something happens."

Joyce nodded and a guard was chosen to accompany Joyce on her sneaking about.

The guard was one of the most experienced girls there. Her name was Octavia and she had long brown hair. Joyce had her tie it up and found an extra cloak for her to wear. 

They started towards the dark village, trying to blend in with the Essence. They walked cautiously and quickly came to the pub where Joyce had met Jeana. They entered the room and found several women there. But no Jeana. Joyce quickly led Octavia up the stairs to Jeana's room. Joyce put her ear against the door and listened. There was no noise.

Joyce wasn't sure if it was empty.

"Octavia, will you ask the bartender if Jeana is here? And if she isn't where she is?" Joyce asked.

Octavia dashed downstairs to the bartender. Joyce crept away from the door and waited for the guard to return.

A few minutes passed and Octavia rushed back to Joyce.

"The bartender says that she left weeks ago. She's not here." Octavia said.

"Then where is she?" Joyce asked.

"She said Jeana was heading toward Wedgemore."

"Wedgemore?"

That was the complete opposite of what Joyce thought Jeana would do. Wouldn't she have stayed close to the castle and waited for the mist to disappear?

"You're sure?" Joyce asked.

Octavia nodded.

Joyce wasn't sure what was happening, but they needed to go to Wedgemore.