into the King’s eyes. “He hopes to meet you in battle. He grows weary of this never-ending chase, he desires an end to this conflict, and he means to destroy you all.”
Artrex fell silent for a moment, digesting the information he had just been given and considering his alternatives. After a short while, he glanced at Knesh.
“Take him away!” ordered Knesh suddenly, to the soldiers who had brought Nytig to the camp. They hoisted him up onto his feet and whisked him away sharply to another area of the forest, still bound and groaning loudly from all his aches and pains. Everyone remained silent, they were all looking to the King for direction, but he was still thinking.
“Forgive me for saying so, sire... But you should continue with your plans and go south.” stated Verastus, eventually breaking the silence. “This news changes nothing. Except that it may hasten the journey we must take. The Northern Army is strong. Too strong...”
“Yes. But they will have marched all night, Verastus. They will be tired. We have good ground for ambush, and… Forgive me father, we will finally have the chance to kill my uncle! We cannot miss the opportunity, now that he is away from his protective fortress. We have to fight!” interrupted Princess Zephany enthusiastically.
Once again, Artrex didn’t respond straight away, he rubbed his chin with his right hand as he thought. Finally he spoke.
“Thank you daughter. I have listened to all you have said. And my new friend, Verastus, your opinion is noted also. Though I did not ask for it, and I do not believe I ever agreed to go south. I believe in fact, that I agreed to nothing at all. And you, Keeper? What do you and Ben say? Would you fight?” asked Artrex, eager to hear all the opinions on offer before finally deciding on a course of action.
“King Artrex, I can’t speak for Ben, but my priority has to be the stones. We have to restore them, or we’ll never get home. I know that’s selfish, but I’m trying my best to be honest with you. My grandfather is probably dead I know, but if there’s any chance at all to save him, no matter how small, I have to try. I have to know!” replied Jake emotionally. He glanced briefly at Ben before continuing to speak. “But then… I know that he would want me to do the right thing by you and your people. I’m more convinced than ever, that our destinies are linked. I know we’ll need your help and guidance if we’re ever going to get home. And therefore, whatever you decide, I promise I’ll follow you. Because I believe with all my heart that it’s the right thing to do. Even though it may delay our return. For better or worse King Artrex, and I’m really not sure I fully understand why, I am with you!”
All eyes now turned to Ben. He was still looking at Jake, trying to decide how he felt, so he didn’t notice that the others were all staring at him. Jake’s eyes shifted to the side several times to tell Ben that he was being watched and finally, it dawned on him.
“What? Oh yes, well… What he said!” Ben shouted, pointing directly at Jake.
The entire group laughed out loud at his instinctive response to the life-changing, momentous decision put before him. “Ha ha... Then that just leaves you, my old friend.” stated Artrex, as he placed his hand up on Knesh’ shoulder. “Please, tell me your thoughts.”
Knesh looked his King in the eye. “As always, I am yours to command sire. You know I follow you my liege, to whatever end. But, if you ask for my counsel, then I give it freely, here and now. It is a trap! Vantrax wants to entice you to fight. That is why he sends his servant here, he offers himself as bait, to make you fight. He expects that you will not be able to resist the temptation to meet him, and he is praying that you will be drawn out, so that he may destroy our army. However… If we know all of this, then we can prepare accordingly. Make plans based around the knowledge we have, give ourselves options, should a trap be sprung.” he stated, with an impressive air of confidence.
The Gerada crouched down onto his knees, he began drawing shapes into the dirt with a stick. “Here! See? We send the slowest of