The Quest, or perhaps The Task Set Before Her Part 24

Battle sounds filtered through the morning air reaching Jeddi's ears. He turned his head and looked behind him. He could see the rays of the sun reflect off metal in the distance. The plan had been set in motion. He had to hurry. The next step lay on his shoulders. Sighing, Jeddi turned his attention back to the oars in his hands.

According to Andy, the bay lay directly ahead. Jeddi hoped he'd see it soon. His arms were starting to ache from the constant back and forth movement of rowing. Any minute now, and he'd get to use his legs. As his arms were about to give up, the inlet suddenly appeared on his right. Jeddi breathed a sigh of relief as he rowed into the bay.

Like Andy had said, the bay was much smaller than a typical bay. High cliff walls closed in on the left and right. Tall trees stood atop the cliffs, their branches and leaves creating a canopy that blocked out most of the sun. Even with the rising sun at his back, Jeddi could barely see the narrow strip of sand that lay directly in front of him.

Soon, the rowboat bumped softly against the shore. Doing his best to be quiet, Jeddi crawled out of the boat. He looked around for a safe place to hide the boat. For the plan to work, the rowboat needed to still be here in a couple hours' time. Spotting an overgrown tree resting near the shore, Jeddi pulled the boat under the covering provided by the low hanging branches. Reaching into the boat, he pulled out his baldric and strapped it in place. Jeddi rested his hand on the pommel of his sword hilt. It was now or never.

After checking one last time that the rowboat was safely hidden, he left the bay following the trail, if it could even be called that. The grass grew so thick and tall it reached Jeddi's waist. He had to take each step carefully and deliberately. It wouldn't do him any good to step in a hole or disturb an animal's peace.

Thankfully, he soon reached a fork in the road. The thick grass grew in a curved line to the left, while the right was clear of any obstacles. Keep to the right, Andy had said. Always keep to the right.

After taking a deep breath, Jeddi took off running down the right lane, making sure to stay on the trail. As the trees flew by his gaze, Jeddi couldn't help but break into a grin. He hadn't run so freely in ages. Nostalgia grew in him as he remembered the afternoons running through Rangers Forest dodging arrows from Drefan and his Dacoits. Oh, how simple life was then. Just a boy and his imagination without a care in the world. How life does change.

Gathering a second wind, Jeddi shot through the air at a pace far beyond his natural ability. The colors flying by took on no discernible shape. Jeddi's heart swelled with gratefulness. He knew this speed came from the Maker and the Maker alone. It wasn't long before he reached the outskirts of the forest.

Slowing down to a walk, Jeddi took in his surroundings. Directly in front of him lay Seassa's camp. Beyond the tent peaks, Jeddi could see that the battle was still dragging on. Shifting his gaze, he noticed that there were no sentries standing between himself and Seassa's tent. Perfect. The diversion worked.

Creeping out from the edge of the forest, Jeddi sprinted towards the largest tent. After double checking that there was no one around, he lifted the tent's flap and entered in. The sight that met his eyes shocked him.

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