The Quest, or perhaps The Task Set Before Her Part 14

Frieda glared back at the woman with more defiance than she intended. The staring match lasted a few minutes, neither one flinching. Frieda knew she needed a plan. She had one. Not a good plan, but a plan nonetheless.

Slowly, she said, "It's in my pack." She pointed to the bag lying on the floor.

"Don't be ridiculous," the woman said with irritation. "Do you think I'm an idiot? I've already searched it. There's nothing remotely valuable inside, long less a First Book. I'm going to ask one more time and if you don't tell me exactly where it's at, you're going to meet my friend." She pulled out a stiletto from behind her. The hilt was a dull silver and the blade had two notches lined parallel on the left side. Though clearly old and used, the dagger was still a wonderful work of craftsmanship. "I just swiped this beauty from a beggar in Lamendron. Haven't had the chance to try it out yet. If you'd like me to wait longer, tell me where the First Book is."

Frieda saw all options of escape float out the window like driftwood caught in a whirlpool. She could only justify her following actions in the hopes that Jeddi was far enough away.

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Abaddon¹ and Chanh were standing outside the main cabin waiting for their leader. The sun was beginning to set by now. If either of these men had any good in them, they might've enjoyed the sunset, but unfortunately both of them rejected the light and embraced the darkness many years ago. Even though they gave no second thought to the colors dancing in the sky, there was still an almost sacred silence hanging about them. That silence was soon broken by a shrill voice coming from the cabin.

"WHAT?! You cannot be serious!"

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The door closed behind him and Jeddi was surprised at the sight in front of him. Peleg sat on the far side of a long table filled with decadent food. Three cakes sat on one end and three pies on the other. In between were platters piled with toothy cow steaks, quill-diggle jerky, henmeat legs, and daggerfish jam on toast. Jeddi's stomach growled at the sight of all that food. Thinking he wasn't there to eat, he shifted his feet uncomfortably.

Peleg, looking up, noticed him standing there awkwardly. Laughing a boisterous and infectious laugh, he waved his hand at Jeddi. "Come. Take a seat. Have some grub. There's aplenty of it."

The moment was indeed confusing. Jeddi didn't trust the pirate, but he would be a fool to pass up this offer. Gradually, he made his way to the feast. He made sure to keep a watchful eye on the servants seated in the back of the room. Anything could happen. He needed to be prepared for the unexpected. Drawing a chair up to the table, Jeddi sat down. Grabbing a slice of toast, he took a bite and his tastebuds exploded in ecstasy.

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¹Abaddon is the man from parts 1 and 12 who spoke to Frieda. I only just now named him 😅