The Silent Soldiers

felt the way I did for her. I loved just being around her. She made me feel important and special like no one ever had. Not important because of who or what I was, but important as a person. She made me feel like I actually meant something to her. I was nervous beyond comprehension when I was alone with Ava. I could only hope that she felt the same way about me. We walked in silence for a while, enjoying each others company. I got the feeling that she didn’t really know what to say about what happened earlier so I started the conversation.

  “Grandma is leaving for England in the morning,” I said.

  “Really?” She asked.

  “She talked to my father’s family on the phone earlier and they told her they would only speak in person. I’m guessing they are taking every precaution to keep my parents' whereabouts a secret.

  “Grandpa says if Nhados were to find out they were still alive he would use them to get to me. I guess it makes sense,” I told her.

  “Yes it does. I’m very happy for you, Luke. I never met my father, but there is nothing like having your mom around.“

  “So, I have to sit around and wait to hear from Grandma with any news,” I said, changing the subject a little. It was a little too uncomfortable talking about my Mom that way.

  “I just want you to know that I am here for you anytime you need me.”

  “Thanks, Ava. That means a lot,” I said as we made it out into the garden and sat down on the bench. It was a cloudless night and stars filled the sky. Ava and I looked at each other for a few seconds before I decided to make my move. I put my hand gently to her cheek, and slowly moved it down to rest in the bend of her neck. I let my fingers wrap around touching the back of her neck as I pulled her close to me.

  We stared into each others eyes as our lips met. I had never kissed a girl, but I caught on pretty quickly. I could feel her mouth open slightly, and I followed her lead as our tongues found each other and moved slowly together. I could have kissed her forever, but of course we were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. We both snapped apart and looked in the direction of the sound.

  “Get a room!” Matt exclaimed. Jenna let out a little giggle at what Matt said. I had never been more embarrassed in my life than I was at that moment. I guess we should have gone somewhere a little more private.

  “What are you guys up to?” I asked trying to change the focus off of me a little bit.

  “Well, we were hoping to be alone out here just like you,” said Matt with a grin.

  “It’s definitely a beautiful night,” said Ava. I could tell she was just as embarrassed as I was about being caught.

  “It definitely is,” said Jenna. I decided to change the subject completely, so I told Matt and Jenna about my discussion with my grandparents.

  “What can we do to help?” Matt asked.

  “I guess we have to wait and see what we hear. There really is no way to find her on our own. She could be anywhere,” I said. It was getting pretty late by this time, so we all decided to go to bed and talk about it the next day.

  Ava and I walked hand in hand following Matt and Jenna who were doing the same. I walked Ava to her door and she gave me a peck on the lips before hurrying into her room. I stood there looking at her door for a few seconds thinking about the amazing kiss from earlier. I wondered what this meant between us. Were we a couple now? I assumed she had feelings for me since she had kissed me back. I snapped out of the day dream world I was in and headed for my room.

  I kicked off my shoes and was just about to climb into bed when I heard a voice that completely startled me. Before I knew it my instincts kicked in. I had the sword out from under my bed where I hid it and out of its sheath in the blink of an eye. I stared at the very wide eyed Jack who was sitting in a chair beside the fireplace.

  “I’m sorry, Luke. I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said as I put the sword away.

  “You scared the crap out of me!” I exclaimed.

  “Please forgive me.”

  “What are you doing here in my room?” I asked suddenly very confused by his presence.

  “I needed to talk to you,” he said. I walked over and sat in the chair across from him.

  “I’m listening.”

  “First, I wanted to apologize for the faeries actions yesterday. I had no idea they would put you into such danger. Had I known they would take you to the underworld, I would have been there with you.”

  “I am just glad that we made it out of there in one piece. Did you know that they just left us down there alone?” I asked becoming irritated at remembering what they had done.

  “I can assure you they didn’t leave you on purpose,” he said.

  “What do you mean?” I asked, suddenly very confused.

  “Well, one of the protection spells on the sword caused anyone wishing to obtain the sword from its rightful owner to flee from its presence. Whenever you took possession of it the faeries were cast completely out of the underworld,” He explained.

  “So, if I understand you correctly, the faeries were not helping me get the sword. They wanted it for themselves?”

  “That is correct.”

  “Oh,” I replied.

  “If it means anything at all, the Queen asked that I send you her apologies. She didn’t know that Ralah and her son were conspiring together to get the sword. She was only attempting to repay some of the debt that she owes the pack. She asked that I let you know they will definitely be punished.”

  “I do have one other thing to tell you,” Jack started again.

  “What’s that?”

  “I hear you have learned your mother is still alive?”

  “Well, we don’t really know for sure, but Grandma and I are having visions about her.”

  “Please, tell me about them,” he pleaded. I started with Grandma’s vision and finished with the dream I had that night. Agony washed over Jack’s expression as I told him of the attack.

  “This is definitely not good!” he exclaimed, “I should not have left her side.” I was completely speechless at what I had just heard.

  “What?” I finally managed to ask. I watched as Jack looked down at his tiny little feet trying to find the right words.

  “Luke, I have worked for your mother since long before you were even born. She saved me from a member of a pack that was visiting from another city. Before that night I was nothing more than a petty thief. I stole a gold chain from this shifter and he found out I did it. He caught me, and was just about to take my life for it. Your mother, being the pack leaders’ daughter, forced him to turn me over to her. She changed my life that night. I have been in her service ever since,” Jack explained.

  “You know where my mother is!” I exclaimed.

  “No, Luke, I did know where she was, but I was pulled back here when you disappeared to the underworld with the faeries.

  “What do you mean?” I asked confused. “When you were born, Luke, your mother asked that I watch over you. She asked that I keep you safe no matter what. I have been with you since the night you were born. You couldn’t always see me, but I was there. It has definitely been an honor watching you grow into a fine young man,” I stared at Jack not knowing what to say to him. Suddenly I remembered something.

  “You said you did know where she was?” I asked.

  “When I returned to her location, after I was pulled back to you, she was gone. I haven’t been able to locate her since.”

  “Why would she have left where she was?” I asked.

  “I don’t know. The only thing I can imagine is that someone found her and she is hiding. I have spent every second possible looking for her, and I will continue to do so,” said Jack.

  “Then what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be out looking for my mother?”

  “I wanted to tell you the truth about me,” he replied.

  “Find my mother! Please!” I yelled. I watched as jack magically pulled a piece of paper out of mid air and handed it t
o me. Written on the paper was a phone number.

  “What is this?” That is my cell phone number. Feel free to call me anytime, Luke.”

  “Elves have cell phones?” I asked as an uncontrollable giggle escaped at the thought.

  “Of course we do. Why wouldn’t we?” I blushed with embarrassment. He looked at me as though it was the craziest thing he had ever heard.

  I looked down again at the phone number written on the paper, and when I looked back up at him he was gone. I had so many other questions to ask him, but they would have to wait. I stored his number in my cell and climbed into bed. I didn’t think I would ever be able to sleep, but before I knew it I was doing just that.