Snippet #2636885

Sylvana's offer to take him to the Gatekeeper stirred something in Jacob. She got under his mask again and his eyes lit up. Of course there were strings attached. He slumped his shoulders and replaced the hard mask. "If they all got out alive..." Jacob couldn't promise that, because he needed to kill Wyatt to be allowed back home. She would know he did it and would never offer him anything again.

His brother actually sat up straighter. The healer was also impressed with the offer, and he did indeed want more knowledge, but it troubled him that he may have to fight the beast. He could barely handle his own magic. What chance did he stand against an ancient guardian? Those thoughts weighed heavier on his heart, and he couldn't wrap himself any tighter in his cloak.

Further warnings about Shadow Sage didn't phase him any more, as Jasper already understood them as a threat, and never wanted anything to do with them. He, at least, didn't expect to be surprised at the depths of evil they could reach. Jacob he knew wouldn't take it well, and expected a new battle over the criminal agency he loved. He feared he would need to work as a mediator if it came to that, since all three of his present companions were fighters in personality and position. The healer rarely needed to fight, but... he looked to his brother. That may be changing soon.

Amidst it all though, Wyatt's statement about the Witches' Fortress gave him hope, a weak hope, but hope nonetheless. If they could rebuild the original witch training school, Shadow Sage's power would wane with the competition. Good witches could gather together and grow stronger to overcome! Perhaps, the growing numbers of resistance to Shadow Sage could end this worthless war and no longer require witches to hide and run. A brief smile flitted over his face, and his growing fatigue at the lengthening hours lifted slightly. With new energy, he started on boiling water for that tea he thought about earlier to help everyone sleep. Still he tried not to be a distraction, and listened more to the story, which it seemed would be ended soon. Sylvana and Wyatt said that the next section would catch up to the present and finally answer whatever questions Jacob asked earlier.

Jacob muttered, "It's about time!" at that promise to finally answer his original questions. He shook his head at the comment that he won't like what they're going to say. "I haven't really liked anything you've said until now, anyway, so I have no reason to expect anything I will like."

The healer groaned at his brother's rebuilding his walls against them. He only knew the other grey user for a few days, but he already recognized his moods and quirks. He perked up at the mysterious healing balm. "Angel's Dust?" He repeated in a whisper, but added a little louder, "Is that another thing we aren't allowed to know about?"