Chapter 6
384 Words
5
“I HOPE YOU’RE WELL,” Xeku said to his son.
“I’m fine, thanks. I’m actually on my way somewhere. Did you need something?” Jak rolled his shoulders back. He glanced over and saw Ebere leaning in and saying something to Rasha.
Xeku cleared his throat. “There is a problem in the palace.”
Jak looked at him quizzically.
“I hesitate to bring it up here, because there are so many ears,” Xeku said, watching a servant with a tray passing nearby.
“Bring up what?” Jak asked impatiently.
“I believe the attacks on the Bolaji kingdoms were in fact orchestrated from inside the palace.”
“Are you sure?”
“There’s no physical evidence. Only after analyzing the battles did it become apparent. Someone from the palace is relaying our every move to them.”
Jak didn’t respond right away. He was deep in his own thoughts. If someone within the palace was giving their strategies to the beasts, they had to have access to their plans. The only people outside himself and Rasha with access were Ladi, Ebere, the council, and the military leaders. Jak noted Rasha’s posture had changed. She looked ready to pounce on someone. She must have felt him looking at her; she looked up and nodded toward the gym. He nodded and turned back to Xeku.
“She still doesn’t know? The real reason you left that night?” Xeku asked.
Jak tilted his head and gave Xeku what he hoped was a bored smirk. “I’ll tell her in good time. Don’t worry about that.”
“You shouldn’t wait too long. She’ll discover the truth on her own, or someone else will tell her. It should come from you.”
“Are you speaking from personal experience?”.
“In fact, I am. You may not want to hear this, but I regret leaving your mother.”
“She doesn’t regret your leaving. After having met you, I can’t say I’m sorry either. You’re a coward.” Jak spat out the words.
“I gave up everything to do my duty and serve the ten kingdoms.”
“You sit around the palace instead of fighting for what’s right. You send a girl to do the work for you. How long have you known there’s a spy on the council?” He held up a hand when Xeku started to speak. “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it like we always do.” Jak spun on his heel and went to catch up with Rasha in the gymnasium.
- Writer
