“Where should we take the Rog?” Akeno asked Kenji.
“Far away—to the other side of the farm. Knock it out again so it doesn’t struggle while being transported.”
Akeno put his left hand on the nearest tree. “Plug your ears, Jacob. We don’t want you to experience too much hearing damage.”
“Huh?”
Akeno waved at him to hurry. Jacob did as he was asked, noting that the others had already covered theirs. A loud crack, similar to the one he had heard earlier, pierced the air, and the Rog slumped inside the cage. Jacob shook his head. He felt like he’d just been in a blender—he couldn’t keep his thoughts straight.
“Akeno, help them carry the Rog,” Kenji said. “We’ll get Jacob up to Brojan’s place—join us there once the Rog has been deposited.”
Akeno nodded and ran to join the others. On the count of three, the group heaved the cage onto their shoulders and lumbered down the trail.
Ebony reached for Jacob, motioning for him to follow her and Kenji.
Jacob stared at her. Her eyes were more circular than they should be, the irises too large, and she had no eyelashes. How did she keep stuff from falling into her eyes? “Uh . . . it’s time for me to go home.” He looked at Kenji. “I told you only five minutes, remember?”
“Jacob, you can’t leave,” Kenji said. “Not yet. Everyone is so excited that you’re here.”
Jacob paused. “How do you all know my name?”
Ebony and Kenji glanced at each other. “We need to take you to meet Brojan now. He’ll explain everything.”
Jacob nodded and followed reluctantly.