Kamber vaguely noticed the astonishment in Jovlin’s expression. Personally, he had ceased to be amazed by the number of books several years back, and he had grown up around the light bulbs. He turned away from her and walked over to the only darkened bulb in the room. Reaching into a hatch at the top of the bulb, Kamber pulled out a book. The cover was made of an old green leather and was fairly plain.

He opened it, revealing to Jovlin, who was now watching him curiously, that the book was actually a journal. He flipped through the pages until he reached the first blank page, and then he pulled a pen from the bulb and began to write.

While he wrote in his journal, Kamber became aware that Jovlin was slowly moving closer to him, in an attempt to read his journal. He knew it was only natural for her to be curious, but he also knew that the things he knew should not yet be revealed to anyone.

He filled three whole pages with words. When she was close enough to see over his shoulder, Kamber slammed the journal shut. He knew she had probably read what was on the last page he had been writing on, but it didn’t matter. That page only held three words- Must Save Kaisten.

Fortunately, Jovlin remained silent.

Silence is golden, He thought.

He stuffed the book into a bag nearby and began to add other books to his bag. Then, he picked up a worn book, and reverently turned it over in his hands. The Holy Bible, the greatest book ever written. Kamber carefully placed it in the bag and added some scraps of food wrapped in a cloth.

Kamber directed Jovlin to his store of extra food, and added that as well to his bag. Then he added another mask, some extra clothes, and a knife. He was aware that Jovlin watched with extreme curiosity.
Finally, she spoke.

“I take it you are going after her?” Jovlin asked.

“Yes,” was all he said in reply.

“So, who is Kaisten?” she pressed, “Is she some lady-friend of yours? Funny name, sounds something like the Princess’s name. You know, that pompous princess Kaisten?”

“Yes, that would be because it is princess Kaisten.”

Kamber assumed that she must have been shocked into silence, because that was the last Jovlin spoke for some time. She simply followed him around as he grabbed food, weapons, books, matches, and other supplies. It was some minutes later when she finally spoke.

“So, why are you going after the princess?” she hesitated for a moment, “I mean, no one really likes her.”

Kamber paused what he was doing, but did not fully turn around as he considered his answer. “My reasons are my own, and you have no right to pry into them. As to your assumption that no one likes her…” he paused again, “For one, I obviously must like her to some degree if I am going to risk my life for her, and for another, Kaisten’s lack of popularity is not due to anything she has done. Her public appearance is based on a common opinion of her father.”

“Well, whatever your reasons, I want to go with you.”

“You…” Kamber was completely shocked, “You want to go with me?”

“Yeah, I mean, I don’t really have any other place to go, and I like a little adventure.” She spoke quickly.

“No.”

“What?” She was obviously surprised, “You need all the help you can get, which is pretty much only me, so why wouldn’t you want my help?”

“Let me put it simply for you, Jovlin. This is my quest, for my reasons. It will be very dangerous and very long. In fact, I doubt I will come back alive. Because of this, it is my decision as to whom, if anyone, I bring with me. I do not choose you.”

“But you just admitted yourself that it is likely you won’t be coming back, so if I help out you might have a better chance.”

Kamber was tired of arguing this. “Yes, perhaps I would have a better chance, but you would have less of a chance surviving there than you would here. Also, I don’t even know you well enough to trust you with my life, which I’m sure I would need to know if I would be guaranteed to live past tomorrow. So it is that my answer remains, no.”

Jovlin scowled at Kamber and stormed away in the direction of the entrance to the library. Kamber simply grunted and turned back to his work. Having finished, he set his pack down for a moment and collapsed onto the floor.

Closing his eyes, he let his head drop as he began to pray.

“Lord, if it is your will, please allow me to rescue Kaisten. Please allow her to be safe and please allow her kidnappers be brought to justice. Help me to survive this without harming anyone. Also, Lord, I pray that you would help Jovlin to find your will for her. Amen.”

He secured the bag to his back and walked through the lines of books and away from the entrance. Kamber stopped at the end of a long line of books, and turned around towards a mirror at the end.

Kamber took the pack off of his back once more and, taking his second mask out of the bag, removed his mask. He sighed as he ran his fingers through his long blonde hair, and then securely tied it back so that it was out of his face. He glanced once more at his true reflection before putting his mask against his face, and tightly securing it to his head.

Sighing once more, he slung the pack over his shoulder and turned. He simply stood there, faced towards the only exit from the underground library, and then smiled. Kamber’s smile was not one of happiness, but one of resolve.

Resolved, to find Kaisten and never stop until she was safe.

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LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. :) FEEL FREE TO POINT OUT ANY GRAMMER, SPELLING, OR OTHER ERRORS.

ALSO, WHO DO YOU LIKE BETTER, JOVLIN OR KAMBER? WHY?
DO YOU THINK KAMBER AND JOVLIN SHOULD DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP? IF SO, WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP (enemies, friends, best friends, or something else)?

ANY OTHER COMMENTS?

:)