Chapter 5

A few minutes later... 

Jack was sitting by the fireplace and watching the flames dancing. He was lost in his thoughts and lost in memory. Memories of the first time he met Sammy and his brothers when he still believed in the world's goodness and innocence. The first time Cyroz, Sammy, Analokias son and Analokia had gone to the forest together to hunt rabbits for dinner and had ended up fighting an army of giant spiders. He recalled Sammy's screams and how he was unable to help him, although he wanted to.

"You should be nicer. They've done nothing to you," said a familiar, yet unfamiliar voice.

Jack looked at Cyroz with surprise.

"How-how can you be here?! Where's Sammy?!" he yelled.

Cyroz sighed sadly.

"He left. He ran away. We tried to stop him. But he wouldn't listen."

Jack frowned.

"What do you mean, 'tried'? Why wouldn't he run away?!"

Cyroz let out an exasperated sigh.

"Because he believes that if we don't fight the monsters that are taking over the whole village, innocent people will get hurt, like he did. Like Analokiah did. Like everyone did. You, Sammy, Cyroz and I included," answered Cyroz. "But none of us will ever forgive ourselves if we don't fight for what's best for everyone, especially when we're scared and scared people often make stupid decisions. We shouldn't give up, though. Not even you."

Cyroz gazed deep into Jack's eyes.

Jack remained silent, feeling uncomfortable under her gaze. He hated how Cyroz always knew the things that bothered him. She was good at reading people's mind. She was the first who was able to do that since their parents died.

"But you don't understand," mumbled Jack quietly. "That's why Sammy and the others left me. Because they couldn't believe in me. Because I can't fight. Because my powers are useless now. They'll be better off without me. I'm worthless now..."

Cyroz shook her head.

"You are not worthless, Jack."

Her tone softened.

"You don't know. Just wait. One day I won't doubt your abilities again. I promise."

Jack bit his lip. His heart sank as he remembered how he himself had doubted her faithfulness, despite having seen it first-hand. How he had once told his brother that Cyroz was just a little kid who didn't have much knowledge about being a soldier, a knight, etc.

"Please tell Sammy to go back," begged Jack weakly. "Tell him that I'll take care of myself now..."

"And why would I do that? Don't forget Jack; you're the only one who knows about the portal now. Besides, Sammi and the others need your help in order to defeat Lord Zarkon."

Cyroz paused before continuing.

"Besides, I promised to bring the princess here. If you want your friends to have peace, and Sammy's family to have freedom, then you must join the quest too."

Jack looked down with sad eyes. He was still wondering if he was the right choice for what they wanted him to do. In fact, he wondered whether it was a good decision at all.

"Alright, alright!" declared Cyroz after noticing the boy's expression. "I'll see what I can find for you."

With that she walked out of the room. Jack stayed sitting at the window seat and continued looking outside. When Cyroz stepped outside, the three boys watched her with surprised expressions.

Sammy smiled nervously and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Well, we were afraid that you'd refuse to accept our offer and leave us," said Sammy. "So we took a risk and decided to ask you to join us."

"Yeah, you didn't say anything.