TBC: Chapter Fifty-Three

Gyan felt heavy as if he had been practicing Lumanthrú all day. He revisited Aderes, and after repeated cajoling from his team, he finally joined them in exploring the eastern part of Ceiabré Forest until past midday. Although he didn't voice it, he was secretly grateful for the distraction.

For several hours, it felt like old times as the warriors raced each other through the woods as they used to as children after their training sessions. The exotic sights and smells of the forest accompanied by the laughter and joking of his friends helped to lift Gyan's spirit, temporarily relieving the ache in his chest that seemed to have intensified since that morning.

"They're here!" Hoshi exclaimed to the others.

Gyan ran to the main forest path where Hoshi and the other warriors had gathered.

The driver of a large two-compartment transport carrier slowed to a stop along the forest path. With a look of irritation, he gazed at the eight warriors blocking his way. He leaned out his window and raised a fist in the air. "Get out of the way!"

Gyan jogged with the others up to the carrier and slid through the open compartment door with a look of eagerness. He did not break stride as he spotted his parents and crossed the length of the carrier to where they sat.

"Why are we stopped, dear?" Sahdika asked her husband as she continued to stare at the book she held in her hands.

Eamonn stood just in time to catch the embrace of his son.

"What?" Sahdika said. She looked up in surprise at Gyan. "Oh!" She laughed as Gyan released his father and scooped her up.

The driver looked back in annoyance as the warriors overtook his carrier to greet their parents. "I've got a schedule to keep!" he growled.

Smiling faces turned his way.

"Carry on to Aikon, good sir," Brogan called. "We'll ride the rest of the way."

The driver rolled his eyes and continued to the city, grumbling under his breath.

"Where's Mili?" Gyan asked.

"Too fat to ride," Eamonn said.

Gyan burst out laughing as Sahdika hit Eamonn in the shoulder.

Eamonn smiled and shrugged. "Well, it's true."

"The baby is getting too big for her to travel much," Sahdika corrected. "She sends her love."

"With a scowl and an eye-roll," Eamonn added.

Gyan smiled as his mother hit his father in the shoulder again.

The carrier soon reached Aikon. Gyan and his parents walked around the city marketplace and talked nonstop the rest of the day.

"I always hate leaving you," Sahdika stated as the two boarded the night carrier to return to Yevani with the other families.

Gyan stepped onto the carrier for one last hug from her. "Correction, nán," he whispered. "I never leave you."

He stepped off the carrier and waved goodbye to the two until they were out of sight.

Beside him, Valora sighed.

Gyan put a hand on her shoulder. "Let's go visit, Aderes. It will cheer us up," he stated sarcastically.

Valora and Brogan laughed loudly as the group made their way to the inn.

To Gyan's surprise, Aderes was awake when they entered his room. Relief flooded through him when he saw Aderes sitting up and reading.

Aderes put his book down as the entire team filed into the room.

"Aderes!" said Hoshi as she hurried to embrace him.

"Careful, Master Hoshi!" Asia exclaimed. "He is still weak."

Aderes smiled as Asia looked around at everyone in irritation. "You are all overwhelming with excitable energy! It's like you've been running through the forest all day!"

The entire group burst out laughing.

"Only two at a time!" she said loudly as she shooed everyone out the door.

Gyan remained in the room with Hoshi.

"How are you feeling?" Hoshi asked.

"Just tired," Aderes said. "Other than that, I'm okay."

"Did they tell you what happened?" Gyan asked.

"Yes," Aderes said. He shrugged. "I don't remember much though."

Gyan gazed intensely at Aderes's face. "You do realize that it was a spell to make us believe that the girl was Lesiana, don't you? It wasn't really her."

A pained look flashed through Aderes's eyes. His gaze dropped to the book on his lap. When he looked up again, his expression was unreadable. "Of course."

"Master Jabari told us this morning that the spies saw her on the palace grounds with a friend of hers and that she is safe," Hoshi said.

Aderes's smile did not reach his eyes. "That's good to know."

Asia entered the room again. "Time's up."

Gyan placed a hand on Aderes's shoulder. "We will see you soon, friend."

With his gaze still lowered, Aderes suddenly grabbed Gyan's hand and squeezed tightly. He swallowed hard and nodded.

"Gyan," he called out as Gyan reached the inn door. "I know they are sending another ship to fly all of you back to headquarters tonight, but I'm not returning until the morning. They said I have to stay in the medical unit for a night when I get back tomorrow for them to make sure my energy has stabilized. On my desk in our room, there are notebooks filled with my writings. I want… I want you to read them when you get time. I have meant to tell you about them for some time."

Gyan nodded, happy that Aderes was trying to connect again. "You got it. See you soon, Master Rebel." He glimpsed a smile reach Aderes's eyes before the door shut behind him.

***