“I need to return the buggie, so you can either ride with me or trace your way across.” Quarn was already striding to the vehicle.
I looked sideways at Brace. He gave me a grin.
“Buggie,” we both said together.
It was probably anti-Walker but we loved travelling in the speedy little car.
I gave my parents, Lucy and Talina quick hugs. Brace had just taken my hand, leading me toward Quarn, when Colton dashed in and engulfed us both.
“It’s alright, Colt, we’re going to see you later today.” Brace gave his friend a slap on the back as we separated.
“You know better than most that the best laid plans can be derailed. We must never take our loved ones for granted. One minute they’re there and the next gone.” Sadness shadowed Colton’s eyes.
Brace had told me a long ago that with their extended lives they faced a lot of death and loss. The friends exchanged one last look before going their separate ways.
Brace squished himself into the back bench seat, pulling me in next to him. He took up three quarters of the space and his legs were practically around his ears.
“You can sit in the front with Quarn,” I offered, which was pretty generous, I thought, since I was rather enjoying our close proximity.
He brushed his fingers gently along the mark on my cheek. Tingling warmth followed their path.
“And let you sit back here alone? I don’t think so. I’ve never been more comfortable, Red.”
Quarn kicked over the engine, a whirring noise starting in the front panels which stored sun energy to power the buggie. With a wave to our friends we settled in for the ride. We were travelling in the same jungle that Brace had escorted us through so many months before. Quarn gave me a running commentary on the trees, animals and First-World inhabitants we passed. Mostly they were patrolling guards, since we were entering the off-limits area of the royal forest.
“Abby knows that animal.” Brace interrupted Quarn to point out a pair of burbers. The large bear cross moose creatures were eating berries off some low-lying shrubs.
I shivered, thinking back, before closing my fist and punching Brace solidly. He grinned, picking up my annoyance.
“That’s for pretending you were a First Worlder and letting me think we were going to be eaten by that animal.” I narrowed my eyes. “I was scared enough to pee myself.”
Brace and Quarn both laughed.
“I’d say you deserved that.” Quarn shifted his head to grin at me.
“That little girly punch. I’d have thought you were more annoyed than that.” Brace shrugged. “Guess that’s the best you have.”
He laughed, capturing my leg as I lifted it to stomp his foot hard. “I’m just kidding. You’re one of the toughest people I know, regardless of sex. You’re fearless.”
“She always has been, since she was a small child.” Quarn’s tone was warm. “Aribella was the one who’d fight the bullies, chase the Gangers and stand up to her horrible matron.”
Leaning forward, Brace immediately encouraged Quarn to describe these events in my life. As he spoke, I realized that my guardian had been there for so much more than I’d ever known.
He faced me, his hard features softening. “Despite the fact she drove me crazy with her recklessness, Aribella is one of the most courageous people I’ve ever known. She’s faced down more danger than I’d have liked in her eighteen years.”
I tried to protest, needing them to know how afraid and confused I often was.
Quarn shot me a strange look, before turning back to the road. “I think you misunderstand what true courage is; it is not being unafraid. It’s knowing heart-wrenching and debilitating fear and not letting that stop you from doing what needs to be done. From living your life despite the hardships you face. That was what you always did, Aribella, what made me the most proud of you. You faced your fears and the unknown on Earth every day, and lived as much as you could.”
Tears pricked at my eyes. I swallowed down the lump which had formed in my throat. Quarn had spoken in his usual rough style but his words warmed my heart and I knew I would cherish this moment forever. Brace pulled me closer; I rested my head against his hard chest. We all stayed silent for the rest of the journey.
There were several check points to make it through. Quarn’s presence limited the interrogations but we were still delayed each time. Finally we reached the massive stone walls that surrounded the castle. I was wide eyed trying to take in everything that was inside them. The castle could be seen in the far distance, at the end of the road we were on. The land inside the walls was massive, containing landscaped green grass, scattered trees, a pond, stables and riding paths. There were smaller buildings strewn around the monstrosity that was the castle. Everything was made with a combination of wood and stone.