Otherworld: A Son of Two Realms

Chapter 29: "Midnight Confessions"

The sun set behind the far horizon and, once more, a maelstrom of color and light washed over the sky. This far up, the highest peaks seemed to brush the blue and red nebulae that swirled colorfully and the moon shone so clear and bright, Jack could make out individual cliffs and valleys on its surface.

But after reveling in the majesty of the night, Jack found it nearly impossible to sleep. Shards of color slipped through his eyelids, making him yearn for Earth's empty black sky. Moving as close as possible to the cave wall, he shut his eyes tight and tried to relax, an action that his body had no trouble obeying. His mind was less willing.

At the cave's rim, Archer took the first watch, scanning the horizon and occasionally walking around the cliff. Sometime after they had laid down under the pelts, Jack heard Alba stir, then walk toward the entrance.

"You know you have a few more hours before your watch," Archer whispered. "The moon's barely a quarter in the sky."

"I can't sleep," she whispered back, her voice empty of the hopeful exuberance Jack had heard earlier.

"What is it, sis?"

"I don't want to say," Alba whispered, her voice barely audible.

"That's what you say when you're about to tell me something. Out with it."

"What are we doing here?"

"We're bringing Marcus's son to Talon, so they can save the realm."

"Archer, be honest. The boy knows nothing of our land or our cause. How can he save Guildron when he wouldn't last a minute in battle. He's more a spoiled nobleman's son than a hero."

"Talon said he would be confused. He said the journey across worlds is not easy to undertake. When we deliver him, all will be understood."

"I wish I had your certainty."

Archer chuckled. "We came from the same womb. We were raised together. We fight for each other. Whatever I have, you have as well."

"You don't have magic."

"That's true, I suppose." They sat in silence for a moment before Archer spoke again. "When we were children, if I had told you that one day, you and I would be rebel agents, saving the realm, fighting to earn a high name, would you have believed me?"

"I would have called you a stupid, naïve boy. But I would have been wrong."

"Talon gave us everything we have. He saved us from poverty. He taught you how to use your magic. And he told us that this boy can save Guildron. I have no reason to doubt him. Do you?"

"No. I just have a hard time understanding."

"You're far too curious for your own good," Archer said. "You'd make an terrible soldier."

They were quiet for another moment, then Archer whispered, "Is he as handsome as you hoped?"

Jack heard the unmistakable sound of Alba punching him in the arm. "Shut up."

"No really," Archer laughed. "Why go through all this to earn a name when you could just get his. I saw the way he looked at you."

"Don't make me cut you. You know how many knives I have."

Archer stood and walked back toward the fire, still laughing quietly. "Sheath your knives, sis! I'll leave you be. Wake me at midnight."

Archer covered himself in Alba's pelt and was soon snoring softly. He heard Alba sigh and walk outside. Jack couldn't help but feel guilty about disappointing Alba. Though it was all just a big misunderstanding and no one's fault, part of him still wished he was the hero they were all expecting.

*     *     *

"Get up!"

At first, Jack thought the shouting was just part of his dreams but a swift kick in the thigh brought him out of sleep. Morning sunlight crept through the cave opening and Archer and Alba were both flying around the campsite, stuffing supplies into their sacks.

"Get up!" Archer shouted again. "It's the Kingsmen! They've found us!"