Thoran nodded. “Yes, one month and the entirety of the army set to destroy us has been defeated. Much to be grateful for.”
Jaden scoffed. Ikovos just drew his mouth into a firmer line.
I understand how you feel boys,” began Cornelius, clearing his throat. “I miss her too. Though I’m sure . . . not as much.”
Both of them cringed at the words, removing their eyes from the man.
“I don’t expect you to get past it quickly. But for the sake of the younger boys, you could try to be around at least a bit more.”
Jaden’s mouth drew coldly. “I think that there’s enough people here watching out for their interests.” His eyes shifted to Thoran.
Thoran’s jaw tightened.
“It was no one’s fault, Jaden,” said Cornelius, rising firmly. “She made the choice that, if you remember, saved us all.
Ikovos looked down grimacing.
Jaden sneered. “Oh, yeah, the Gaeln. They were a big help for all of the three weeks that they were here. What is it? One life gets you twenty days? Maybe next time we can get a special in bulk. There’s plenty here to trade with.”
“Jaden,” reprimanded Thoran, he held the boy’s eyes hard. “You belittle her sacrifice with your words.
The boy kept his gaze hard and cold for a long second, then he broke, eyes hitting the floor and wandering about. No contention remained in the room. Only sorrow.
Cornelius was especially narrowed. He took a breath. “Take the extra shift for now. We’ll talk about the dinner when you get back.”
Thoran also sucked in and the boys nodded darkly. Then they walked out.
The short and tall man just looked up at each other uncertainly as the door clicked shut. Outside of it Jaden and Ikovos walked a fast pace down the hall, quiet for a very long time. Eventually Ikovos spoke.
“They’re right, you know.”
Jaden looked over at him derisively, then back. “I don’t care.” He continued walking.
Ikovos contemplated, then sighed lifting back ahead. “Me neither . . .” It was barely a whisper, probably even Jaden didn’t catch it.
The next hall they hit stopped them. A young boy was blocking the path down the hallway almost as if he were waiting for them. He had dark hair and chocolate brown eyes.
The older boys looked him over then Jaden started to push by. “Watch out, Nathan.”
The small boy put a hand up. “Wait.” Jaden sighed and looked down again. “You . . . you guys know Evelyn . . . ?”
Jaden’s jaw clenched, features hardened, he gave Nathan an irritated look.
Ikovos eyed the darker boy reprovingly then bent down on his feet, expression sympathetic. “You miss her?”
Nathan shook his head, “No,” then adjusted. “Well, yes, very much, but that’s not what I wanted to say.” They waited. Nathan gave somewhat of a wince. “I know we shouldn’t have been eavesdropping, but me and Trevor sort of heard the Gaeln talking a few times, or a lot maybe . . . actually we were pretty much just spying on them all the time . . .”
Ikovos smirked and Jaden patter the top of his head. ‘That’s great, kid. You—”
“I wasn’t telling you so you could congratulate me,” said Nathan, pushing his hand off and eyeing up at him.
Jaden looked a bit surprised.
Nathan shook his head. “I’ll be in trouble as it is. Trevor told me not to tell you guys because you’d disobey the Masters again, but I don’t care, I’d rather get Evelyn back even if it is disobedient, and I know that’s wrong, but—”
Jaden interrupted him, dropping down beside Ikovos with an intense look. “Nate, what are you talking about?”
Nathan paused, looking into the severe faces of both older boys in turn, then he took a breath.
“I think I know how we can find Evelyn.”
End of Book One
Ember Page 47
