Everett: Revised edition

Chapter 17- Edited

Greg read over the letters one last time before putting them in the fire of the officer's quarter with all the leaders from the unit watching. It was risky getting letters from Annabeth. She kept the letters few and far between, but within their text held important information for the Shadow Fighters.

"Is there any more we need to relay to the Shadow Council?" [Rhetta/Zosia] asked.

"That's all that Annabeth has sent," Greg said.

"I don't think the Council will send us much. In the end, our resources will need to be spread out, Julian said.

"I don't know. Do you think the Council will think spreading the units out will be the best recourse?" An older leader from the SchoolYard branch of the Shadow Council said.

"We'll have to trust whatever they tell us to do. Annabeth hears the gossip about war spreading among the Community," Greg added. "If it's being gossiped about, the military surely knows and is planning how to smother our attempts. We may have no choice but to rush into a half-baked plan."

The reality of impending war was setting in with the group.

"I'll go with Everett again to the Shadow Council and personally deliver the information from my wife. When I return, we'll have information to organize our unit.

Rhetta, the Elder leader spoke, "No you won't." Her voice was calm but stern like the power of the ocean on a balmy day. There was a beauty to her voice that made Greg listen in his restless state. He shifted back and forth on his feet with his arms crossed looking at his superior.

"They'll be more inclined to hear it from the source."

"You're not fooling me." Rhetta looked at him with gentle eyes. "The Head Elder Council Leaders aren't too happy with you. And I'm sure you know that already. Why do you really want to go?"

Greg shifted his weight quietly back and forth as he hesitated to answer. "I can use this information to trade for resources to get Alis back."

"Sometimes I forget how young some of you are. It's endearing to worry about your friend."

Greg's face flushed, brushing his cheeks with a light pink. The other leaders looked at Rhetta to get her cue. She was one to always show compassion. How would she show it this time?

"I can take you, and perhaps you won't run into trouble this time."

                                                                              **************************

I was walking back to my quarters from the training yard. My eyes, downcast. My hands, feeling too light like they were missing something.

"Everett," Greg said almost breathlessly, an uncharacteristically light spring in his step. "We have to go back" He lightly grabbed my forearm guiding me as we walked in a new direction.

"Go back?" I inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, to the Council."

"We were just there," I said.

"Annabeth's sent news. She thinks someone's in the Community's security system. We have an in."

"This could help us get Alis back!" I said. 

Greg nodded his head as he tried to contain the grin forming on his face. 

I slapped him on the arm excitedly, "Let's go!"

Giddy grins grew as a new skip showed in our step.

Do you like the name Rhetta or Zosia better for a Shadow Council Elder? 

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