The hall was filled with rows of seated men in uniform eating breakfast. They turned to look at Chev and Jacob as they moved towards a table; some smiled but most stared. Sitting down, Chev lowered her gaze. Her mind was jumbled from all the new sights and her senses were overwhelmed. Loud laughter at a nearby table startled Chev and she watched as Jacob stood and greeted a big man who smiled to reveal two missing front teeth.
‘Chev, this is Wilfred. He is a friend.’
Chev smiled meekly at the man.
‘Well, it is good to see you, young lady. You had this ones in a state,’ Wilfred said as he slapped Jacob hard on the shoulder. ‘So, the usual?’ Jacob eagerly nodded.
‘Coming right up, sir.’ Wilfred attempted an awkward bow.
Jacob moved to the seat opposite Chev and sat down. He looked at her reassuringly. He wanted so much to ask her questions, but she still looked weak and her posture showed that she carried a heavy burden. He decided he would let her be for the moment. Wilfred returned shortly carrying two plates, piled high with green mash. He smiled up at Wilfred who winked then lovingly looked at Chev.
‘Let me knows if there be anything else.’ Jacob smiled appreciatively and urged Chev to start. He watched her tentatively lift the spoon, sniffing the green mash then took a careful mouthful. She paused and then hurriedly began devouring her meal. ‘Good, isn’t it?’
Chev looked up at him and nodded. Jacob had known Chev most of his life – she was as close to a sister as he could have. She had always been the one caught for getting into trouble, usually with Teanne’s prompting. She always had a cheeky sparkle in her blue eyes. That sparkle was now gone, her eyes seemed distant, distracted and empty, filled with only sadness and fear. He wanted to know what those eyes had seen.
Halfway through the meal, Chev pushed the plate away. She looked around uncomfortably.
‘Do you feel like going for that walk?’ Jacob asked softly. She nodded.
After thanking Wilfred and promising to catch up later in the day, Jacob led Chev across the courtyard, past the armoury, towards the archway leading to the stairs. After a little prompting, Chev finally followed Jacob down the staircase. He occasionally turned to make sure she was all right. Her eyes were wide and showed a glimpse of the mischievousness he knew once again. He was glad the stairs brought her as much joy as they did him.
‘Where are we going Jacob?’
‘I’m going to take you to my favourite spot in Aelia.’