by Willan Ellis
Teanne dropped a bunch of wood into the circle of stones and called the power to light the wood; the fire grew strong quickly,
'That was amazing!' Teanne looked over her shoulder at Hazel who was standing looking on in awe. Teanne ignored her and moved to the other-side and sat down looking into the flames.
'I had heard of Luia being masters of the flame. It is quite amazing seeing it first hand.'
'Where did you hear about this?' Lin asked as she approached dropping another load of wood onto a pile.
'In the temple on.... the island' Teanne glared at Hazel and then returned to looking at the flames.
'Island?' Lin was being the diplomat Teanne thought, but knew that this was her trying to get as much information as possible so she could assess the situation, 'I thought you were from Mesi?'
'Mesi is the mainland, but the Ord... the ruling faction live on an island off the coast.'
'Interesting, I did not know that.' Lin replied purposefully softening her voice,
'No, not many people do, the Order Lord does not mix with the local population and...'
'You are rather free with your information.' Teanne said interrupting Hazel, who sighed,
'I am trying to show you that you can trust me.'
'Trust you? Really?' Teanne spat back’ Teanne stood up and walked away,
‘Where are you going?’Lin asked,
'I'm going for a walk' Teanne said over her shoulder, glaring at Lin.
'Teanne doesn't like me very much does she?' Hazel asked looking at Lin, who smirked,
'No, I don't think she does very much, but you understand why don't you?'
Hazel nodded, 'I don't agree with what happened in Luia. I actually didn’t believe it happened until I saw it for myself.'
Lin studied Hazel's face and softly smiled, 'are you hungry?' Hazel shook her head and returned the smile,
'I am fine. Thank you.' Lin caught the look of sadness that crossed Hazel’s face and wondered what this girl was really doing in these mountains on her own,
'This acquaintance you are seeking, what is their name?'
'Jacob.'
'Jacob?' Lin asked quickly and Hazel nodded, 'do you mean Jacob Lee, the Commander of Luia?'
Hazel looked at Lin excitedly, 'he is the Commander?' Lin nodded, and glanced over her shoulder to make sure Teanne was out of earshot.
'Why are you looking for him?' Hazel smiled brightly but then noting Lin's facial expression continued slowly,
'I have a message to give him.'
'What message?' Lin pressed on,
'I cannot tell that to you Lin, I'm sorry. The message is for him only.'
'I thought you wanted us to trust you?'
'I do. Believe me I do, but I cannot break my promise to my mother.'
Why in Mothers name would this girl be seeking out the Commander of Luia, this has to be a trap of some sort – maybe she was sent to assassinate Jacob?
Lin pushed these concerns aside, Hazel was an innocent, she was a child, there was no way she would kill anyone. But maybe that is why she would be perfect?Lin waited a moment before replying,
'Do not mention that name to Teanne, do you hear me?'
'Why?'
'Let's just say, it is in your best interest not to.'
The Aelia Border