by M J Webb
Princess Zephany thought on it for a little while before replying.
“Jake, when you analyse things, it is hard not to come to that conclusion. We no longer have an army worthy of the title, given the losses we have sustained here and at Erriard. Those warriors we do have are tired and in desperate need of a rest. We are on the run, heading for who knows where, being hunted and pursued by the greatest army ever seen. We have lost the finest fortification and city in the land. Our leader, our King, is gravely wounded and missing. He is alone amid the enemy and if he survives, he will probably never hold a sword again. Add to that the fact that we have left far too many of our valiant dead on the battlefield, the best of our warriors, seasoned troops who cannot be easily replaced... Oh, and that our only allies seem to have deserted us, that their sphere, the only weapon of any note we have until the box is restored, is gone, never to return. Yes, and finally, the fact that the stones are more or less useless unless you complete the collection and find the last two gems, one of which now lies in the arms of my uncle, a wizard with great powers who you will probably have to go through Sawdon to get to…
Have I missed anything? Considering all these facts, I have to admit to you that I am struggling to see how our situation could be much worse?”
Zephany looked him for a few seconds in deadly earnest. Then, her face broke into a warm smile and she began chuckling slightly.
“What? For Pete’s sake, Princess, things are as bad as they can get! Why are you laughing?” asked Jake.
The young royal slowly calmed herself. Then she answered the Keeper’s question.
“Because... As bad as things are for us at present, I can not help but feel in my heart of hearts, that while we have you with us, there will always be hope. I do not know why or how I feel that way, but it is a feeling as strong as anything I have ever known before. And it will carry me through whatever we have to face, I know it. All is not lost while you protect us. We will rise again! And Jake, do not underestimate the power of a little hope. It is all I need to survive, my people too.”
Jake began welling up with emotion. He managed to control himself before he began to cry. ‘These people are unreal!’ he thought. ‘They’re amazing! They are more resilient than any I know or have heard of. In my world, if we had to face what they’ve gone through, we would have…’
He suddenly realised something. He stopped himself and smiled. ‘…What am I saying? This is my world! At least for now.’
He looked at Zephany once more. “I’m really glad you feel that way, Princess. Because at present, hope is all we have.”
