Chapter 26: Sleep Cycles

~ Jaden paced the dark room as quietly as he possibly could. Not that it mattered all that much; he could tell from their breathing that both Takyle and Andrew were fast asleep. He checked his watch for what seemed like the hundredth time. 12:39. In just a little while he could wake up Takyle and sleep more himself. He wondered just how long they had. The wizard had made that comment about "sleeping while they could". He yawned. He had no problems with the sleeping part.

Jaden's head whipped around when there was a deafening crash behind him. The door was still swinging on its hinges when Jaden had his dagger in his hand. In the doorway he could see a tall silhouette, visible against the night only because of the subtle differences in the shades of black. Jaden moved immediately to the center of the room, and was greatly relieved to feel Andrew and Takyle silently rise on either side of him. The bang must have woken them and, thankfully, they had their wits about them right away.

The silhouette moved forward and a ball of light exploded from it and tore through the air, separating and flying to the four walls and into the lights, surprisingly, without a sound. Väinämöinen stood for a moment staring at the three. Jaden took that opportunity to glance to his left and right. Takyle and Andrew were in poses similar to his; tense, half crouching, weapons at the ready.

"Oh good," said Väinämöinen. "You're already up then. Come along."

Andrew actually gaped.

"What the hell!" Takyle grabbed his arm.

"Just get your stuff Andrew," she advised.

"No need," threw in Väinämöinen. "You'll be coming back here. Or not. Either way you'll not be needing to carry your gear with you right now." Andrew shared a doubtful look with Jaden. Takyle spoke up.

"Just what are we going to do exactly, if I may be so bold as to ask?" Väinämöinen raised an eyebrow.

"Apparently you may. Now come along be fore I lose what little patience you've left me with!" With that the wizard spun around and marched out the door. Jaden look at Takyle and then silently followed, pausing only to replace his dagger in its sheath. He heard Andrew mutter behind him.

"Well that was the single most awful and effective wake-up call I've ever been a party too." ~